"M-Murphy, I... I don't think I c-can do this..." the scrawny man stuttered. He felt absolutely embarrassed to have his shirt off. The exposure of his chest to others was not a situation that he was used to.

"You'll be alright, Henry," Murphy mumbled, hovering over the other man. "I promise to take it easy."

Henry gave a hesitated nod, and so it had begun. At first, it was not exactly bad, since the ex-con was guiding him along the way. Even so, Henry was completely tense.

"Henry, you need to relax your muscles," Murphy instructed coolly.

"I-I can't," Henry declared, gulping as his struggle became apparent. "It's too much..."

"You just need a little push; that's all," Murphy said. As they continued, Henry tried to muffle himself as he groaned softly. His irregular breaths collided with Murphy's face. His body was covered in sweat, and that only made him feel even more discomposed. Henry knew that it was good for him, but even so, he endeavored to keep a good grip.

"You're doing good," Murphy encouraged the other man. Despite the commendation, Henry almost panicked as Murphy slipped his hands away.

"W-what are you-?"

"Calm down. See? You're doing fine."

The praise was no longer working. The hermit froze, unable to continue. As the pressure continued to build up, he stuttered, "I-I can't do this a-anymore...!"

"Come on Henry, you're almost there," Murphy stated, but it was of no use.

Losing all of his will, all of the air in Henry was knocked out of him as the barbell fell on his bare chest.

Struggling to get it off, Henry eyed the older man as he motioned for help. Sighing, Murphy picked up the barbell and placed it back in its holding spot.

"Jesus, Henry, you were almost there," Murphy grumbled. "You only had to push it three more times."

Panting as he laid motionless, Henry breathed, "It was... too... too heavy..." Murphy could not believe this man. The barbell only weighed a little over ten pounds.

Tossing a towel to the other man, Murphy said, "Come on, let's go grab something to eat." He turned to go check them out at the counter. As he returned, he noticed how disappointed Henry looked as he buttoned his shirt back on. Rolling his eyes, Murphy approached Henry and took his hand before pulling him along.

Please, don't ask. ._.'

This is one of those "completely misunderstood" situations. I just want to put more Henry/Murphy stuff out there. For now, I'll leave you with this.