Swappz - Ch.3 - Admin Approval
Before we begin: Thank you so much for any support and attention you guys have given the story so far, and thank you for being patient! I am SUPER excited for this chapter, since we're RAPIDLY approaching our swaps. I'll be sure to reiterate it occasionally throughout the chapters, but I want to make it clear that Derek (Protagonist) and Ryan (his Boyfriend) are very open in their relationship! We can have all sorts of fun while still knowing that they are deeply in love. :D
Alright enough yapping, please enjoy!
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My anxiety must have been plastered all over my face, because Ryan was extra comforting this morning. Checking my phone upon waking up, the first thing I noticed was a notification from Swappz that said my account was authorised. This meant that I'm finally allowed to accept swap requests once I set my profile to public, but I would still have to touch base with my boss to see how that would affect my job - and this is where the anxiety starts.
My boss Markus is a great guy, or I guess a great wolf? He's very easygoing and sweet, always smiling, super kind - basically the kind of boss that you actually feel bad for letting down when you screw up. Sadly, no amount of positive characters traits could quell this gnawing feeling in my chest like I'm going to be executed, or worse, yelled at. Even giving Ryan a belly rub on the couch only had a marginal effect on my rampant overthinking, which he noticed, and proceeded to address me by the pet name he used whenever I was down.
"Aw Der-Bear, I'm sure things will be fine. Every time I've met your boss he has been such a nice guy, and I'm not just saying that because he's super hot. But being hot does make you seem nicer," while it maybe wasn't exactly what I needed to hear right now, it was the thought that counted. And he was right, Markus is a very kind and understanding guy, and super hot. I continued to trace hearts and other shapes with my finger on to Ryan's tummy fur.
"I appreciate it babe, I know I have nothing to worry about, but still it doesn't hurt to be prepared for the worst right?" I said, and I partially believed it. Ryan's face however, said otherwise.
"You can prepare for things to not go your way, sure. But letting the idea of the worst possible outcome eat away at you just isn't healthy." Ryan started to sit up so he could meet my gaze properly. I sulked a little bit because I knew he was right, but anxiety doesn't always care what you know.
"That's it! Dr. Ryan is prescribing you an Anti-Anxiety-Hug-Attack, also known as AAHA!" He was already reaching over before I could even prepare to defend myself, and I was totally enveloped in his soft furry embrace. Ryan's hugs are always dangerous - so warm and inviting that you never want to leave. His hugs also seemed to be doing just what they were advertised to do, which was melt away a little bit of my anxiety - maybe he really is a doctor.
With the support of my boyfriend, the rest of the morning was no issue. I prepared protein shakes for the both of us, with Ryan's being probably twice as large as mine, while he toasted a bagel for us to split. Finally, the most important part of a balanced breakfast, a quick goodbye peck and some gross lovey dovey chatter was exchanged before I was out the door and headed to the gym.
Ryan is right, I'll go in to work, have a casual chat with Markus about Swappz, and happily spend the rest of my shift working with clients. Just a normal day and a laid back meeting.
...
Sometimes I forget how lucky I am to have such a convenient commute to work. A light jog is all it takes for me to get from my apartment building to the building where the gym is. I'm not really sure what other companies or firms operate on the other floors of the place, but the first floor is owned by Wolflex Fitness - an independant gym owned and operated by my boss Markus. Wolflex wasn't as grand and commercial as other gyms that are a part of a chain or conglomerate, but I honestly think that adds to the charm.
Just outside the front entrance to Wolflex, I took a breather to gather my resolve. The sign plastered to the inside of the front window served as both a welcome and barrier of privacy for the clients within; the silhouette of a wolf flexing, their curled arm mid flex making up the L in 'WOLFLEX'. I cautiously opened the front door and let myself in, the classic 80's rock that played from the speakers sounding as underbearing as ever. There were already some of the usual early morning regulars working out on their machines of choice, some of them stretching, and even a couple of personal training sessions already underway. Normally Markus would be manning our little front desk station, greeting anyone who comes in with a warm welcome or offering to show newbies around, but at first glance I didn't spot him. He was probably already showing someone around, or chatting with the regulars like he usually does. Sometimes I wonder if Markus gets tired of doing managerial clerical work, but he's always so optimistic and confident that I doubt he lets anything get him down in the dumps.
I was so zoned out thinking about about Markus that I might as well have actually summoned him to appear right in front of me, which took me completely by surprise.
There he was, my boss. Markus. I have never asked him, but I'm sure he must be almost 7ft tall. Right now under the overhead lights his fur took on the appearance of it's natural deep navy blue tone, but it wasn't uncommon to mistaken his fur for being as black as midnight under more modest lighting. Others have gotten on Markus's case in the past for his choice of a shirt - a tight polo that usually looks like it's just one flex away from bursting entirely; but it made sense to use his incredibly thick muscles as a sort of way to advertise the gym. I think the word Markus always used was 'Fitspiration'. Today Markus's polo was also a dark shade of blue, which to be honest at a first glance I almost thought he was topless, which would have definitely been a sight. Once again winding up totally lost in thought, I almost missed Markus's greeting, but I just couldn't help and stare at his confident smile.
"Hey Derek! I'm glad to see that you're as punctual as ever!" Markus's low rumbling voice was enough to snap me out of my foggy haze.
"Oh, yeah, good morning. You know me haha, I'm worried that if I didn't show up on time, you would work yourself to the bone to make up for my absence." I tried to come off as joking by adding some finger guns to the end of that statement, but I was being sincere.
"Oh please, I could never replace you, and if I could have it my way I'd prefer to never have to!" He beamed while his tail swished behind him, which was a dead giveaway that a wolfman was being sincere. I tried to hide whatever blush was starting to creep up my face by continuing the conversation.
"Actually Markus I was hoping we could maybe have a quick chat, er, rather a meeting to talk about something. It's nothing to worry too much about."
"Is this about the email I received that has your name in the subject preview? Sure, I can have Kenny keep an eye on the front desk while we have our quick chat in my office." Oh shit so Swappz already sent the email to him, that was quick. Maybe it'll make things easier to go over it with him.
Following Markus towards the hallway that was just behind the front desk, I did my best not to stare too hard at the view I was presented with... But I would be lying if I said I didn't sneak any peeks.
His tail swished absentmindedly behind him, almost as if it were protecting the absolutely bakery of a backside that it sat just above. With every step, Markus's back muscles threatened to tear apart the seams of his poor polo shirt; and I swear I could hear the screams of his athletic pants as they tried to contain the tree-trunk legs inside them. At this point I was no longer just peeking, but rather shamefully gawking at Markus for the entire short walk to his office. I must have forgotten how to breath at some point because by the time he had opened his office door and sat us down I felt like I was out of breath.
"Alright just give me a moment here Derek, I'll pull up the email and we can talk about it. Although I never confirmed that it is what you wanted to discuss," he tip tapped away on his laptop's keyboard with a shocking dexterity for someone with hands as large as his.
"Actually yeah, you were spot on. No rush or anything, feel free to read the whole thing." Hopefully I didn't sound as nervous as I felt. I tried to distract myself by looking around Markus's office. It certainly isn't the first time I have been here - this was where I interviewed, did some training, filed reports on damaged equipment. But this time as I sat here with nothing but my thoughts, I started to notice that it was a pretty simple office. Markus's is desk on one side of the room, facing the dark fake-leather couch I'm currently seated on. There were a couple of bookshelves lined with various texts and a couple trophies, along with some picture frames with Markus at what looks like sporting events.
"Alrighty I got it right here," I kept my eyes glued to Markus's expression as he read through the email from Swappz, waiting for it to change from his usual cheery demeanor to something more sternly upset or disappointed... Instead, his expression only changed ever so slightly to surprise.
"Oh wow! You've signed up to be a host on the Swappz app? That must be so exciting!" I was dumbfounded to say the least.
"Wait, Markus, you know about Swappz?" I asked trying to hide how shocking this revelation was.
"Absolutely! I've been a user on the app for a little while now, it can be quite thrilling to take a break from being yourself. I assume if you're going to be a host body, you were wondering if there was any way I'd still let you work while swapped with someone?" relief flooded over me when Markus asked that question.
"Actually yes! I was worried you might think I was unhappy with my pay here but to be honest I love this job, and just wanted to make a little extra cash on the side. If you'd prefer I stay looking like myself while I'm at work I totally understand since I can still swap when I'm off the clock."
"Derek if anyone can perform their duties while swapped, I bet it would be you." Markus never failed to get me to blush, even with such simple compliments.
"Thank you so much Markus, I promise I won't let you down." As I stood up to leave, Markus stopped me, and I swear I could see a gleam in his eye that wasn't there before.
"Actually, Derek, before you go. . ."
. . .
Thanks for reading!
I originally was going to keep going with this chapter, but it has been soooo long since I posted anything and I'm started to feel bad. SO to make it up to you guys, here's another poll! I have had a few ideas on where this could go but kept getting hung up on which one to choose and it was delaying me.
Also don't worry about choosing one choice over the other! They will both likely happen, but I just couldn't decide which one to explore FIRST.
Which way should Chapter 4 go?
Markus wants to swap with Derek
Markus wants Derek to swap with clients, starting today.
Voting ended onSep 24, 2025
Feel free to ask questions or point out any mistakes/continuity errors I made, I'm constantly going back to correct stuff in past chapters so I really don't mind! I'm also not the best writer and really hoping to get better by forcing myself to commit to a story like this. Also feel free to tell me if you like the story so far :')
Cheers! - D&B