Work Text:
The sun was setting, bathing the city in its last bit of light for the day. It was a different evening than the ones usually spent curled up on the couch watching movies. Anthony had suggested trying something new, a hobby to share, just to diversify the routine, and with a little persuasion and puppy dog eyes, he had convinced Henry to join him.
“I’m not opposed to the idea of doing something different together, but…yoga? Really?” Henry said skeptically. The thought of twisting his body into unlikely poses made him sweat even before he began.
“It’s a great opportunity, the first class is free, and I think you’ll enjoy it,” Anthony replied. “Maybe you’ll discover a hidden talent that you didn’t know you had.”
“Talent for yoga? I’m as flexible as a log.”
The place that greeted them was warm and inviting. The space was large, with wooden floors and mirrors along one wall. Colorful mats were laid out on the floor, with neatly folded towels and a small bottle of water. A great pitch to convince someone to sign up.
The instructor smiled at the participants, reassuring them that they would be starting with an easy program that would be suitable even for those with no experience, her energy put Henry at ease, and for a moment he dared to hope that things wouldn't go too badly.
Anthony was not a complete yoga novice and moved fluidly, moving from one pose to another with grace. Elegant and flexible by nature, he seemed to make no effort or even sweat much. Henry, on the other hand, struggled a lot. He felt as if his limbs were made of stone, and in the silence occupied only by the teacher's explanations, he felt as if his grunts echoed as he attempted to bend and stretch echoed.
The instructor was patient, constantly encouraging breathing, listening to the body. She offered modifications for each pose, making sure everyone could move along at their own pace. At times Henry actually felt relaxed, but looking around he realized how awkward and far from harmonious he must have appeared.
As the class progressed, he became embarrassed. Everyone seemed to move so easily, while he didn’t even understand how his limbs were twisting together. Every now and then he would catch Anthony’s eye, who would smile encouragingly at him.
When it was over, Henry lay down, his heart racing and his muscles screaming in protest. It had been one of the most bizarre experiences of his life. He was all set to run away, but Anthony lingered to chat with the instructor.
“So, what do you think?” Anthony asked as they walked out.
Henry sighed, he didn’t like to dampen Anthony’s enthusiasm, but unfortunately there were no big revelations. “I don’t think it’s for me. Sorry, no hidden talent” but quickly added, “but I’m willing to try something else”
Anthony brightened. “Of course! Give me a moment and I’ll be full of ideas.”
Henry wasn’t sure if that was a good thing, but few things made him happier than Anthony’s smile lighting up his entire face, so he shrugged, nodded, and they went home, still having time to huddle on the couch and watch something silly stuff on TV.