Chapter 8 - Gabriel

I sat there at the Guild meeting in anxious anticipation. The plan was for me to swap into Gabriel. A man who is the complete opposite of Daniel. And after swapping into two women and a gay man, I will be swapping into what from my point of view is the epitome of masculinity.

The current Gabriel, reached into the pocket of his cargo shorts and pulled out the stone. “Morgan, are you ready?”

“Yeah,” I said in anticipation. I placed my small, manicured hand on top of the stone and into the palm of his large hand.

I closed my eyes as I felt the swirl of the body swap.

When I opened them, I was much taller and staring down at the new Morgan. I was just as tall as Antonio, but I was the width of two of him.

The first thing I noticed? My dick twinged looking at the sexy redhead who only moments ago I was. Yup, I’m a guy again.

Morgan and I took our seats and the Guild continued with more swaps.

Daniel, who didn’t swap last week, was eager to move on. Since whomever Sydney was hadn’t yet been Daniel, she volunteered to swap with him.

Then Jasmine, who no longer had me as a roommate, and was likely fed up being herself for a week, decided to swap with Antonio.

And just like that, the six of us were all now in different bodies than the ones we occupied when we walked into the library.

* * *

The football team is assigned to its own set of dorms across the street from Daniel’s. On my walk home, I noticed the looks people would give me. Those who recognized me smiled, complimented me on a great game, and wished me luck next week. Those who didn’t know me, silently gave me a wide berth. After all, I was an imposing, if not intimidating, figure. Being Antonio for a week gave me a taste at being an on-campus celebrity. Being a sports star felt similar, yet different. I was larger than life, and people treated me as such.

I walked into my dorm and my apparent roommate was there, lying on his bed in a nest of disheveled sheets and blankets, watching TV.

“Hey, Turbo, how was the library?” He asked, looking up at me.

Turbo? “Good books,” I awkwardly replied.

“What is it you read there every week?”

I had no response, and I didn’t know what explanation previous Gabriels had said. So I shrugged and walked to my desk.

Gabriel keeps his journal on a tablet that’s facelocked. I opened it and started reading.

Gabriel Rameriz is a 20-year-old, 3rd-year student on a football scholarship. This year he is one of two starting running backs for the football team. He’s got a large family of brothers and sisters who come to all the home games, and even some of the away games.

His roommate is Derek, a 21-year-old who is looking to be drafted in the spring. Derek was actually taller than me.

In order to go to Sunday Guild meetings, Gabe typically sneaks out or claims he has to go to the library to read comic books. On Wednesdays, he pretends the Guild study session is a class. I’ll remember that for next time Derek asks.

Two weeks ago he met a girl at a post-game party. I remember this was brought up for a vote during a meeting when I was Antonio. They had one date last week. They haven’t had a second date yet because of Gabriel’s busy practice and game schedule.

There wasn’t much else in his journals. His time is mostly all eat, sleep, gym, football. This made me wonder how he even met the members of the Guild.

“Yo, let’s grab dinner,” Derek suggested.

My stomach growled in agreement. “Yeah, I’m starving.”

I followed Derek to the dining hall. We got in line and I grabbed one of each food. 

Derek, who was in front of me, looked at my tray. “Not hungry today?

I looked down at my tray. Here I was thinking that I got a lot. How much does Gabriel usually eat? “I’m watching my weight,” I chuckled.

“Yo, don’t let Coach hear you say that.”

I was speechless. Only an hour in, and I realized I was leading a very different lifestyle than I was used to.

I followed Derek and we sat down at a table with other football players. Actually, there was more than one table. They spent as much time horsing around as they did eating. 

There was one guy at the other table who was catcalling girls who walked by. “Hey honey,” he said as a girl walked past their table and then ours.

I hate that shit. As Daniel I just ignored it because I had no ability to stand up to those people. What made matters worse is I had to deal with that future sexual predator, Aiden, when I was Jasmine and Antonio, and had to grin and bear it. But now that I’m Gabriel, I bet I can finally say what I’ve always wanted to. “Leave her alone,” I said, my tone dead serious.

“Yo, T, what are you doing?” Derek whispered to me.

Catcaller looked at me, confused as to why I was calling him out. “You know her, Turbo?” He stood up. He was about my height. Maybe not my width, but he was certainly well-built.

“No, I don’t. Does that matter?”

“Maybe you want to take her place? Maybe you have a nice and willing pussy.”

I stood up.

Catcaller stood up as well and puffed up his chest and looked like he was ready to come say that directly to my face.

Derek grabbed my shirt and pulled me back down to the chair. “T, what are you doing? If Coach catches us fighting, we won't play Saturday.”

“Someone has to stand up to that jerk,” I grumbled.

“Do it on the field. Meanwhile, don't let Jenkins get to you.”

I saw Jenkins sit back down and turn his attention back to the people at his table.

It was then I realized I ate everything off my tray and was still hungry.

* * *

The rest of the evening was uneventful. I played some video games with Derek, and listened to music. Studying didn't seem to be a priority. But in the morning, I was awoken by my alarm. In a groggy haze, I thought to myself that this has to be a mistake right? It’s still dark outside. I should go back to bed.

But then I realized I’m Gabriel. And it was time to hit the gym before classes.

The football team has their own private training center, so the only people in the gym were football players. It was a far cry from when I went to the regular gym with Sydney. You could smell the sweaty stench of masculinity in the air, and there was a distinct lack of femininity. I mean, after yesterday’s demonstration during dinner, that was likely a good thing.

I brought a scrap of paper that listed the exercises I was supposed to do. So, I spent the next hour doing squats, deadlifts, and bench presses. What surprised me was how strong I was. Daniel wouldn’t have been able to lift a tenth of this.

After an hour, I headed back to my dorm, took a shower, and headed to class.

Class was easy - very easy. I didn’t bother taking notes at first. But then I realized I likely needed to take notes for G’s sake, not mine.

Then it was off to football practice.

I hated being in men’s locker rooms as Daniel. It was no different here, except I at least looked like everyone else. It’s a shame neither Jasmine or Morgan played sports. Maybe Sydney does. It would be nice to balance this with something else.

At practice I started to learn everyone’s name and position. I learned that the table I sat at yesterday was essentially for the offense. Jenkins was on defense.

Speaking of Jenkins, the first play during scrimmage, he cut my legs out from under me and I fell hard to the ground.

I definitely preferred getting tackled by Jasmine.

The next play, the same thing. The son of a bitch was gunning for me. I pulled my helmet off.

“Turbo, don’t lose your cool,” Leach, the quarterback, warned.

I turned to the lineman who was responsible to block Jenkins. “You gonna block him, or what?” I fumed.

“Sorry, Turbo,” he replied.

I put my helmet back on. The next play was a long shotgun pass so I was to be extra protection for the quarterback. I lined up in the backfield and scanned the defense for Jenkins. Screw the play, it was payback time. I set myself in a blocking stance. As soon as the center hiked the ball the defense blitzed. With a roar I took off running and as Jenkins burst through the line I hit him like a runaway train. The sound of our helmets colliding was like thunder echoing around the practice field. The other players stopped to watch me slam him into the turf, knocking the wind out of him. As the coaches were blowing whistles I grabbed the stunned and wheezing Jenkins by the arm and pulled him up, facemask-to-facemask. “Who’s the pussy, now?” I growled, a ‘don’t fuck with me’ look on my face.

He shoved my arm away and slowly walked back to his side of the line. The offensive coach ran up to me screaming, “What the fuck was that, Rameriz?”

“I-I dunno, Coach,” I lied. “I guess I got carried away. Won’t happen again,” I promised him. I meant it, I didn’t want to cost Gabriel his scholarship.

“It better not, or you’ll sit out Saturday’s game,” he warned. Then he headed into the huddle to talk to the quarterback. That was a close one.

Fortunately, I think Jenkins got the message because the next time I got the ball, I ran through the line like it was Swiss cheese. Jenkins didn’t even try to stop me. 

Was that immature of me? Absolutely. But it at least made me feel better, and maybe Jenkins will think twice next time about catcalling women.

Once I was clear of the defense, I poured on a sudden burst of speed and took off for the end zone. I think I suddenly realized how Gabriel got his nickname. Wow, this athletic body was a real rush. I couldn’t wait for Saturday.

* * *

And this is how it went all week. Eat, sleep, gym, football.

Wednesday afternoon was my old return to my new reality. My mood brightened upon seeing the smiling faces of the Guild. Naturally they all asked how it was going.

“It’s hard and tiring work,” I admitted. “I mean, when I was Antonio I was emotionally exhausted from trying to be an extrovert. But being Gabriel is physically exhausting.”

“Do you want to go back to being me?” Daniel asked.

“No,” I said. “I put over a week’s worth of work into this. I want to see it through.”

When everyone took their seats, Antonio spoke up, “Anyone need any extra help?”

No one said anything.

“Alright - let’s study.”

I got my notes out and Jasmine sat right next to me. I could smell her perfume. It was a flowery scent I wore a couple of times as her. “Hey, big guy,” she purred. She was dressed in a fall sweater, denim skirt, and tights. I recognized her outfit. She was sucking on a lollipop and had the paper stick pursed between her luscious pink lips. She smiled at me. God, I missed that smile. Has it really only been a few days?

“Hey, Jasmine,” I smiled back.

“What do you got for me?”

I leaned back and looked at her with a raised eyebrow. “G, I presume?”

“Hmm,” she acknowledged through her lollipop.

“Sorry. I don’t know why I didn’t expect you in one of the girl’s bodies.”

She giggled, “It’s fun being a girl.” She then grabbed her breasts and started fondling them. “Do you miss these?” she teased. Yes. Yes, I do. And judging by the squirming in my pants, so did ‘Turbo Junior’.

“Yo, Jasmine,” Antonio said with a stern look. “Not here. Do that at home.”

“Sorry,” Jasmine giggled.

Antonio shook his head. It was then I remembered that Antonio is really J. That’s gotta be embarrassing.

I looked at Jasmine again. G’s version of Jasmine was so feminine. I couldn’t see any trace of who I thought G would be. I took my notes out for us to review.

“Are you looking forward to the big game?” she asked me.

“Yeah, I’m excited for the experience.”

“There’s really nothing else like it when you run out there for the first time.”

I tried to imagine running onto the field between the rows of cheerleaders and hearing all those screaming fans. The closest I ever came to that was running out for pregame in my high school marching band. “I’m looking forward to it,” I said, grinning.

“How about the plays?” she asked. “There’s a lot to memorize in a short time.”

“Well, I’m pretty good with the running plays-”

“Yeah,” she chuckled, “you’re so big you basically flatten anyone who gets in your way.”

“But the pass plays are confusing,” I continued. “It’s hard to remember which way to run sometimes. Or even knowing if Leach is going to throw the ball to me.”

“Well, first, keep studying the playbook,” she urged. “If I can learn the routes I know you can. And second,” she leaned in like she had a big secret to reveal, “watch Leach when he is calling out the cadence. He’s studying the defense to determine his receiver. Right before the snap, he will tilt his helmet in your direction if he plans to throw your way. It’s subtle, so pay attention.”

“Thanks,” I responded, “I’ll keep my eyes open.”

“Anything else?”

After being Gabe for four days I was curious about something. “G, you seem to have everything going for you,” I began. “Sports, scholarship money, fans, fame, girls, popularity. So, what are you getting out of the swaps?” 

“Me? You’ve met my teammates. All testosterone, all the time. Sometimes you just need a break from all of that.”

I nodded, thinking about my daily routine this week. “I can see that.” I gestured at Jasmine’s clothing and face. “Is that why you go so girly when you’re in a female body?”

“Exactly,” she said, batting her long, dark lashes. “It gives me balance. And to be honest…it’s fun.”

I smiled, thinking about how much fun I’d had as well in Jasmine’s and Morgan’s bodies.

“D, I know you’re an introvert,” she said. “But if you want to survive Saturday’s game, you’re going to need to tap into your primal urge to kick ass.”

I thought about body-slamming Jenkins earlier. “I’ll see what I can do.” 

“All right then - teach me what I missed in class.”

* * *

Nobody could say I didn’t put in the effort. All week I lived and breathed Gabriel’s life and thus football was life. Aside from calls from Gabriel’s parents to wish him luck on Saturday and the Guild’s group texts, I had no other contact outside of the football team.

As I sat in the locker room at the stadium dressed in my jersey and pads I contemplated all of this. Part of me was excited. Part of me wished I was currently any of the other five Guild members. Being them - including Daniel - would be much easier.

Before turning off my phone, there was a group message. “Good luck, Gabe! We’re all at the game today.”

I had an audience. Never mind the twenty thousand spectators in the stands, including Gabriel’s family. Those strangers I could handle. The fact that I had friends in the stands made me much more nervous. Not only were they counting on me, each of them have been right here in these cleats and pads. How would my performance today measure up to theirs?

“You OK, Turbo?” Derek asked.

“Yeah,” I replied. “I'm just visualizing the plays and getting psyched up.”

“Let’s go show the other team whose house this is.” He then slammed his fists on my shoulder pads and let out a primal grunt before running out of the locker room.

* * *

I stood in the tunnel leading out to the field and watched as each offensive star got their name called and they ran out to the field.

Then it was my turn.

“Number 27,” the announcer said, “Gabriel ‘Turbo’ Rameriz.”

I ran out, and the crowd cheered. I raised my arms up as I took in the applause. The crowd was deafening with their cheering. I even heard my name shouted from places all over the stadium. The noise was like adrenalin, giving me a high like I’ve never felt before. I can see why Gabe thrived on the emotions of the crowd. I felt so pumped. What a rush! I was ready to take on the world. And the game hadn’t even started.

After warmups, we all gathered around Coach for any last-minute instructions. He stressed staying focused, but I was too busy looking around at the people in the stands, soaking up as much of their positive energy as I could.

Before I knew it, the game had started. We were on defense first, so I sat on the bench and studied my counterpart in action. How he stood, where he looked, when he moved.

Their drive stalled, which elicited the stadium to erupt in cheers. Now it was the offense’s turn. It was my turn. I didn't want to let anyone down. 

Our first play had me running up the middle, with our line opening up a hole for me. As soon as I had the ball, I charged forward and looked for the gap. It was tiny, and collapsing fast, but I managed to barrel through for five yards before being thrown to the ground. That was the first time in my life I’ve really been tackled. Aside from Jenkins, everyone else was going easy on me in practice. Having several 300 pound defenders crash into - and on top of - me was not a pleasant experience.

I still got five yards though. It was good, but it wasn’t Turbo good. I wanted, no I needed, to do better.

The next play was about the same, but the other back carried the ball while I helped block. He got within a yard of a first down. My turn again. 

This time I ran at the line, then turned sideways and ran toward the outside. I saw a defender coming at me and I instinctively spun around to avoid him. Muscle memory. When I saw an opening I darted forward, picking up eight yards. First down.

I got subbed out for a couple of plays to catch my breath and then right back in.

As soon as the ball was snapped I took off toward the sideline. Then I stopped and turned around. Leach threw a soft lateral to me. I caught it and held on for one agonizing second to draw the defense to me. Then I threw it back to Leach and he heaved a bomb downfield. Derek was wide open. He caught the pass and ran into the end zone. And just like that, we were up 7-0.

As I ran to the sideline, I could feel the adrenaline pumping through me. I felt like a gladiator, putting his body on the line to entertain the crowd.

With the lead, we settled down into a running game, which meant more plays for me. I was getting more comfortable in my role, and was able to carry the ball further. Thanks to our blocking, I was able to pull off runs of 33 and 48 yards.

Disaster struck just before halftime. It was a simple passing play. I was supposed to run out 15 yards and then run across the field where Leach would throw me the ball. I ran out OK, but then turned towards the wrong sideline. Which meant Leach threw the ball to the other team. Five plays later, the game was tied, while I watched from the bench.

I was so mad at myself for letting everyone down. To my teammates' credit, they encouraged me to shake it off. I vowed not to make that mistake again.

We did run that play again in the third quarter, and I made sure to get it right. I caught the pass, then held on as two defenders hit me from opposite sides. That hurt, but I managed to get 19 yards on that play. I felt somewhat redeemed for my earlier mistake.

My next chance for a big play came in the final minutes of the game. Our coaches had spotted a weakness in their defense, and we had a play just waiting to exploit it.

I couldn't wait. As soon as the ball was hiked I ran over like before, and Leach lateralled the ball to me.

As expected, their defense anticipated the same play from earlier and went after Leach. But it was a fake. I just tucked in the ball and took off down the field like a runaway train.

The fans saw what was happening and cheered me on. I turned on ‘Turbo’ mode and was running as fast as I could toward the end zone, but it felt like I was in slow motion. All of a sudden, someone grabbed my legs and pulled me down at the 2-yard-line. Damn! So close.

As I picked myself up my sub checked in and I headed to our sideline for a breather. With a third and goal from the one yard line I went back in.

“Alright, Turbo,” Leach told me before the huddle, “finish what you started. I’ll hand off and you go over the top.”

We broke huddle and lined up tight. I was behind Leach. As soon as the ball was snapped he turned and handed it off to me. I put everything I had into a running leap and hurdled over the tangle of bodies, breaking the plane of the endzone for my first touchdown.

As my teammates pulled me up from the ground, I had a shit-eating grin on my face. The crowd was on their feet, and teammates celebrated with me. What a rush! 

We held them off while time ran out and made our way to the locker room. 

* * *

The locker room was full of laughter and shouting after our win. Coach had a few words to say, but I was so far onto Cloud Nine I didn't hear a thing. I was still in a daze, when we launched into the chorus of our fight song.

I was congratulated on my game play by coaches and players. 

Derek had no words, just a smile as he grabbed my hand and pulled me into a hug.

Even Jenkins came over. “Good game, Turbo,” he simply said.

“Thanks,” I replied with a nod.

I showered and got dressed and walked out of the locker room where someone was waiting for me. Someone who I didn’t expect to actually know me.

“Hey, Gabe,” Ella purred seductively.

Ella? Lauren’s Delta Pi Theta big sister. What is she doing here?

“That was a great game.”

“Thank you,” I replied.

She changed the subject. “I couldn’t stop thinking about you after our date,” she gushed.

Date? Wait - that was her? If I would have known she was the one Gabriel was dating, I would’ve voted ‘No’.

She grabbed my hand. “Do you want to do something? Go out?”

“Well,” I said timidly, “the team is having a victory party.”

“Cool,” she said. “Is it at the Psi house like last time?”

“I think it’s in front of the student union tonight.”

I heard Derek make a comment down the hall. “Uh oh! Turbo, the Ladies Man, is gonna teach all you neanderthals how it's done!”

Ella blushed in embarrassment at the attention. Actually, she’s kinda cute when she’s being modest.

“Don’t worry about my roommate,” I apologized. “He doesn’t get beautiful visitors.” Maybe I should be careful not to overinflate her ego. Then again, she seems to thrive on compliments.

We walked hand in hand from the stadium to the Student Union. It was a pleasant walk. She did all of the talking. Events Delta Pi Theta were putting on. Who’s being a bitch in the Delta house. No mention of Lauren or Jasmine. She certainly liked to hear herself talk. 

“I can’t wait until after football season when you’ll have more time for me,” she finally said.

I didn’t know what to say to that, so I simply responded, “I’m looking forward to it.”

That response at least gave her a smile.

We eventually arrived at the Student Union where a crowd was already starting to form around a DJ.

It was loud there and we kept getting strangers coming up to talk to me.

Ella sighed, seemingly bored with not being the center of attention.

“It’s kinda loud out here, want to go inside?” I said over the music and crowd.

“Sure,” she said, eager to escape the noisy chaos.

I led her into the lobby of the Student Union which was much quieter than outside.

She looked around and whispered to me, “I know where we can be alone.” 

“Oh?” I replied.

Ella pulled me across the lobby and towards a dark stairwell. When we got in, it was dark and only illuminated by emergency exit lighting. That’s when she stood up on her toes to give me a kiss.

I leaned over to make it easier to stand and we started making out. I was still weirded out by making out with this girl who acted so cold to me when I was Jasmine. However, Little Turbo in my pants wasn’t complaining at all. Maybe she’s a different person outside of Delta Pi Theta.

Minutes went by, making me wonder if I should take her home. I have a roommate though. Or would she take me home? To Delta House? That would be interesting.

While I was contemplating that, she broke off the kiss and knelt down in front of me. She unzipped my shorts and pulled out my erect member in one fell swoop. Looks like the question of ‘where’ was settled.

Before I could tell her to stop, she took my dick into her mouth. Did I even want her to stop?

I never got oral before, and the warm wet sensation of her tongue and lips on my dick sent a shockwave of pleasure throughout my body.

She removed it from her mouth and stroked it some more, then teased the tip with her tongue and took the whole thing into her mouth again.

I was starting to see stars, and my legs were getting weak. I leaned up against the wall behind me and cradled her head as it bobbed up and down my shaft.

“I’m going to cum,” I whispered.

That only spurred her on, and she kept sucking as I ejaculated into her mouth. She licked my dick clean.

“I should get going,” she said to me. “The girls are expecting me at the house.”

“I um,” I stammered, putting my dick back into my pants. “See you next week?”

“Maybe,” she smiled. “I’ll text you.” She then blew me a kiss and walked out of the stairwell.

I wasn’t sure what Ella's game was. Was she really into Gabe? It’s not like their two worlds were very compatible. Their schedules certainly weren’t. I couldn't put the idea that she had an ulterior motive out of my head.

* * *

When I finally got back to my dorm, well after the ‘official’ team curfew, I checked my phone. There were a number of unread group messages from QuikChat.

“Great game, D!” wrote Jasmine. “Couldn't have done any better myself!”

“I think D’s ready to take the training wheels off,” Daniel said.

“Yes!” replied Sydney. “Time for the randomizer!”

What were they talking about? Randomizer? I fell asleep with a smile on my face, satisfied at how my week went, and excited for what tomorrow would bring.