Tai took in a deep breath as he emerged from the depths of the pool. The cool splash of air chilled him through his fur coat and sent goosebumps across his body. It was refreshing and energizing.

Tai looked to his friend and said "This place is great! How did you find it?".

Swimming next to him was a blue eyed puma with long blond hair.

" I found a listing online." Marten replied. " my old gym got too crowded. But this place has a well equipped gym, a sauna, olympic pool, and personal trainers."

The puma then gave a sly smirk. " The personal trainers are pretty good looking too".

Tai laughed " of course".

"Like him up there."

Marten pointed and Tai followed it. Sitting on a lifeguard tower was another puma but with darker brown fur with a cream colored chest, arms and feet. He wore a black hat with yellow trim and speedos that matched. His body was well muscled and toned with a pronounced chest. His face held a neutral and alert expression as he scanned the pool over and over.

Tai's heart skipped a beat.

"Who is that?"

" that's Andre. He's one of the personal trainers here. Kinda serious but everyone seems to like him."

Marten looked at Tai and grinned.

"Ooh. See someone you like?"

Tai went red.

" well...i mean...ah...if he's so popular he probably has a girlfriend or a wife or something."

" oh no he's single"

Tai's eyes went wide.

Suddenly there was movement. The panger whipped around to see Andre scale down the tower, collect his bag and towel, and head towards the lockers.

" oh and he gets off early today. Better hurry if you wanna ask him..."

Tai shot through the water to the other side of the pool as fast as he could. Tai emerged from the pool, his fur and green swim trunks dripping. He persued Andre, moving quick to close the distance but slow enough the new lifeguard didn't flag him.

" um, excuse me." Tai said as he came upon Andre.

Andre glanced ti his side, but kept walking.

"Yes? You need something?" He said, the dulcet tones of his french accent making Tai's heart flutter.

Stay calm! Stay calm! Tai thought to himself.

" H...hi!" He said. " I'm...I'm Tai. I'm new to this gym"

The puma regarded him and nodded.

"Andre. I'm one of the trainers here. Its nice to meet you."

Tai smiled warmly. " it's nice to meet you too. So...um...ah...."

Andre tilted his head as Tai stammerd. The feline couldn't seem to cobble together the words he wanted to say. So it all came out at once.

"Wow you look so fit! What's your routine? Are you doing anything friday night?"

Andre was slightly taken aback by the deluge of words, particularly the last bit.

" Well I..."

" Yep. French-boy here’s got a nice, sexy bod."

Tai almost jumped when Marten spoke, having come up from behind. The puma regarded Andre's physique, taking on his toned back and legs. But as his eyes scanned, his Express turned awkward.

" but.." he started "... his ass; it ain’t round and bubbly."

Tai's jaw dropped at this. He couldn't believe it. At the same time, a deep growl rumbled in Andre's throat.

Marten, why? Tai thought.

Awesome collab & story between me and  TKTigerKat done by the awesome  chirenbo_36 of our OCs with his puma, Andre. X3