Summer Bros

You used to make fun of the typical "bro" guys all the time, with their snapback hats, beards, and lack of care for anything other than their ripped bodies. You and your friend would laugh at their excessive tattoos and the fact that they didn't even bother wearing deodorant, embracing their body hair and letting it grow wild. You couldn't understand how anyone could live with such little concern for their appearance.

At least, until you saw your friend again during a beach vacay after college. You hadn't seen him for four years, picking him up from the airport when you saw him. He was wearing the same snapback hat that you used to make fun of, his bearded face having a dumb vacant expression that you couldn't help but chuckle at. He barely looked anything like you remembered, and you felt cautious watching him get in the car.

His dialect was much simpler. You could barely make conversation about anything that required deeper thought, noticing how he seemed more interested in making dumb jokes rather than catching up. You were taken aback when he lifted his arm and took a sniff before making a disgusted face. "I don't smell dude, do I?" He said, turning to you. He did.

He saw your expression and only laughed, his attention back on the road watching you pull up to the parking lot.

His shirt came off once you got on the beach. His attitude to self care had definitely changed, his body absolutely covered in hair. You both had been clean-shaved and trying to stay skinny back then, but it was clear he was in the gym now trying to bulk up. That wasn't to mention the tattoos that plagued his skin. You were lost for a moment looking at his body in shock when his voice caught your attention.

"I got you somethin'" He said, handing over a snapback hat similar to the one he was wearing. You looked at him with a mix of humor and confusion, not understanding why he thought you'd want something you had despised so much. You couldn't escape his gaze however as he looked at you expectantly, wanting you to put it on. You couldn't deny him.

You felt weird slipping it on, but once it was over your head, a strange warmth settled over your mind. All the animosity you had previously had just vanished, a dumb smile forming on your face. You couldn't remember why you had cared so much about appearance before. Now all you wanted to do was relax and enjoy the moment, feeling a sense of contentment washing over you.

"Thanks bro" You said, nodding up to your friend.

"Don't mention it" He smiled dumbly back, pushing you both out toward the waves ready for the summer.