THE POWER OF LOVE
by Arianna

(violence, nonconsensual, rape)

*********

It was getting worse, and Iolaus didn't know what to do about it...he didn't even know why Herc was acting this way. Iolaus stood, arms akimbo, staring at Herc's back...wondering what he could say...or if he should say anything at all. It was very early morning, and he had just returned from the delectable arms of the very accommodating barmaid he had met last night. It had been a good night...a very good night, in fact...but, now, Herc was furious with him, and he didn't know why. When he'd gotten back to the inn, Herc was already up and waiting for him. When Iolaus had bounced in, with his trademark grin on his face, Hercules had hardly even looked at him...just pitched Iolaus' pack at him, and headed out the door, mumbling something about it being time to go.

Iolaus, surprised, concerned, had followed Hercules out of the inn, and found he almost had to run to keep up with his partner, who was striding down the narrow, deserted village street, heading to the countryside beyond. Iolaus had finally caught up with his friend, and warily touched his arm, only to have Herc pull away, without breaking stride.

"Herc, what's wrong? What did I do?" Iolaus asked in a plaintive voice.

Hercules didn't respond...just kept striding along the roadway. Iolaus looked after him for a minute, feeling his own temper begin to heat up. Instead of running to keep up with the demigod, Iolaus hitched his pack over his shoulder and followed along at his own pace. He wasn't worried about losing Herc... Iolaus could track a shadow on a moonless night. Maybe if he gave Hercules some space, his friend would calm down and tell him what had made him so mad. As they walked through the day, Hercules getting further and further ahead, not making any sign that he cared that he was travelling alone, or that he intended to slow down anytime soon, Iolaus let his mind drift over the past few weeks...and realized that Herc's mood had been deteriorating for some time...but, it had been a long, long time since Herc had last just walked away from him.

That had been a terrible time. Iolaus hadn't been sure either of them would ever get past the grief, anger and hatred which had consumed them after Hera had killed Herc's family. Hercules had been inconsolable... lost in his fury and unwilling to let anyone help him. He'd gone off alone, wouldn't let Iolaus go with him...and Iolaus had gone after the SheDemon. Herc had showed up and saved him...again...but, then had wanted to go away on his own...needing to find his own space...needing to find some purpose for his life after the devastation of losing his family. Iolaus had watched him go, his own heart breaking, grieving for the loss of a family he had loved as his own...and for a friend who was closer than a brother.

Turning away, heading back home, Iolaus had reflected that he, too, had needed to head off alone after he'd lost his family. In his case, he'd headed East...and had been gone for more than a year. As the days, weeks, then months went by, Iolaus had begun to wonder if Herc would ever come back home. Every once in a while, he'd hear a story about what his friend was up to...saving a friend from a crazy centaur, while blind no less, intervening in a war between siblings, running away from King Theseus' fifty daughters....it seemed Herc could scarcely keep out of trouble, but, mostly, he was helping people without getting too badly hurt himself...so Iolaus tried not to worry about him.

Finally, Herc had come home...tired, a little remote, quieter even than he had been before...but, he was home. And, after that, when calls came for help, he sought out Iolaus and they went together, until finally, it seemed they were never home, always on the road. After considerable time had passed, more than a year, they had found themselves back in Thebes, just in time to save the village from fire...fire sent by Hera. Later that day, Iolaus had been killed by one of Hera's Enforcers...and Herc had made a deal with Hades to get him back.

Frowning, Iolaus realized that that was when Herc had begun to get impatient with him...not often, but always after Iolaus had spent the night in the arms of a generous woman. Lately, it had been more and more common for Herc to make some smart or cutting remark about Iolaus' appetites, his apparent inability to turn down a woman, or to fail to chase after one who had caught his eye. Iolaus had not thought much about it at first, thinking that Herc was just being his usual upright self...you'd never see Hercules accept any of the unspoken invitations he had received from women over the years...Herc held himself apart. When Iolaus would tease him, he'd just shrug, get a faraway look and turn away...and Iolaus would end up feeling guilty, knowing Herc must still be mourning for Deianaera.

But, now, Iolaus wondered if something else was going on. There could be no denying Hercules had gotten more and more tense over the last few weeks...maybe even the past year. Iolaus picked up his pace...the day was fading and he hoped he'd given Herc enough time to calm down. Jogging, he finally caught up with Hercules who affected not to notice he was there...or that he hadn't been there for most of the day. Seeing that it was getting dark, Iolaus suggested they stop for the night, and shrugging, Herc followed him off the road, into the forest until they reached a small clearing. Iolaus gathered up wood and started a fire, then set out to trap their dinner. It took him less than an hour to be back with a couple of quail and to have them spitted over the fire.

Sitting back, he gazed across the flames at his silent friend. "Feel like telling me what's going on, yet?" he enquired, his voice mild.

Herc jerked his gaze from the fire, caught Iolaus' eyes, then looked away. He shrugged, sighed, shrugged again, pushed his hand through his hair, then finally looked back. "Nothing's going on," he replied.

Iolaus snorted as he turned the roasting birds, browning them evenly over the open flame. "Yeah, right...you always pitch my sack at me and storm off so fast I can't keep up with you...and you always flinch away when I touch you....Herc, talk to me...I can't make anything right if I don't know what's wrong."

Herc's eyes slid away. Iolaus shrugged, muttered, "Fine, have it your way," as he finished cooking their meal and handed one spitted bird to Herc, then began to munch on his own, while he continued to study his silent friend in the flickering light of the flames.

Herc picked at his dinner while he wondered what he could say to Iolaus...gods knew, he couldn't tell Iolaus the truth....and, if he only told part of it, Iolaus would never let him hear the end of it. But, the simple truth was, Hercules had only touched, or been touched, with the gentle caress of love twice since his wife had died, once with Nemesis and once with Xena...and, he ached to share love, ached to feel loving hands on his body. He could ignore it most of the time, but the nights Iolaus spent away only made his need more urgent, more difficult to bear...to the point, lately, where he didn't trust himself to speak, to even acknowledge Iolaus' presence...in case he said or did something which could never be undone. But, he couldn't succumb to the need...couldn't take the risk.

Iolaus finished the spare meal, wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, and took a swig from his waterbag. Something was niggling at his mind...how Herc seemed most upset after he'd been away for a night...how Herc had flinched away when he'd touched him earlier that day. And, he thought, just maybe, he understood.

"Herc," he began, a little tentatively, certain Hercules wouldn't want to discuss this, "I know you miss her...but you can't stay celibate for the rest of your life...and she wouldn't want that...."

Herc flinched as if Iolaus had struck him. So, he was right...Herc's frustration was physical, stemming from the most basic of human needs...and godly needs, if the Greek Pantheon was anything to go by. "Herc," Iolaus continued, only to be cut off.

"I don't want to talk about it, Iolaus," Herc said with a flat finality.

"No? Gosh, I'd never have picked that up if you hadn't told me, Herc...thanks for making it so clear," Iolaus responded, with more than a slight edge of sarcasm. When Hercules didn't respond, Iolaus continued, "Look, I wouldn't normally pry into this part of your life, or how you live it...but, it's starting to affect us, Herc...you've been increasingly irritated for the last few months...and today, you acted like you'd rather never see me again...."

When Hercules still didn't respond, Iolaus felt a hollowness deep inside. Oh gods...was that it? "Herc...are you tired of me?" he asked in a small voice. "Would you...would you prefer to be on your own again?"

Iolaus held his breath, waiting for Herc's reply, watching his friend closely. Hercules looked back across the flames at Iolaus and wondered if, after all, it might not be easier if they did go their separate ways. But, the thought made his heart clench...no, that wasn't the answer. Sighing, he said, "No, Iolaus, I...I don't want to be alone....."

That wasn't really an answer. Iolaus felt his throat tighten. "Well, you wouldn't have to be alone...I mean, if I'm getting on your nerves, I'm sure there'd be any number of other people who would be glad to spend time with you...Jason, Xena....Iphicles...."

Herc shook his head, "Sorry, Iolaus, no...that's not what I meant...." Hercules sighed. "I don't want us to split up....it's just...." Herc stumbled to a halt, knowing he couldn't continue.

"Just what?" Iolaus persisted.

"Iolaus, please, I can't talk about this...." Herc replied softly, looking away into the night.

"Herc, it's as plain as the nose on your face...you need to be with someone. You're tense and irritable every time I come back after a night with a woman....You're a passionate man, Hercules...you...you need to touch, be touched....you need....

Herc almost jumped to his feet, turning away from the fire. "I...can't....."

"I don't understand, Herc...why not? It can't be because of Deianeara...she, more than anyone, would want you to be happy....."

Hercules made an impatient gesture, his shoulders tense. Turning back to face Iolaus, he said, his voice rough with emotion, "It's...not Deianeara...though, gods know, I miss her more than I can ever say.... Iolaus, I can't just...just be with someone, anyone...."

"Why not? What's stopping you?" asked Iolaus, honestly mystified.

"Think about it...what would happen? The stories would spread about how I can't keep my hands off women...how I have insatiable appetites...I'd have no privacy....Iolaus I never asked to be famous...but I am...and I can't just have an anonymous relationship, a one night stand....."

Iolaus paused, thought about what his friend had said...and had to agree with him. He sighed, "I never thought about it like that, but, yeah...I guess you're right. But, Herc," Iolaus looked up at his friend, his sincere gaze reflecting the firelight, his eyes the colour of the sea after rain, "you can't go on like this...you have to let yourself be open to another relationship...Herc, you were never meant to be alone...."

Hercules's eyes darkened, an almost desperate look on his face, "How can I ever do that, Iolaus? How can I ever let someone else face that kind of danger...the threat of Hera's vengence, or Ares' maliciousness...or the thoughtless viciousness of Discord or Strife....how can I ever place someone I care about at such risk?" Hercules' shoulders slumped as he again turned from the fire, to stare off into the dark...as if he was staring into a dark, barren future.

Iolaus' eyes reflected the sadness, the grief he felt for his friend. He understood Herc's fear. His mother, Alcmene, lived under Zeus' protection, and others, like Jason, while friends, were never close enough to be targets...Herc had never let them get close enough. Only Iolaus shared the risks of his life...and, it had almost cost him his life...had cost him his life. He'd be on the Other Side, if Herc hadn't won him back. Suddenly, Iolaus understood why Herc's irritation seemed to start after the encounter with the Fire Enforcer. He'd almost lost Iolaus...the only human being he still allowed close enough to share his life. Without Iolaus, Herc would be alone, truly alone.

Iolaus sighed unhappily, wondering what he could do to help his friend. 'Maybe,' he thought...he could only offer. Standing, Iolaus walked around the fire to stand by Herc's side, then to move in front of him. With Herc's back to the fire, Iolaus couldn't read his expression...and, maybe, given what he was about to say, that was just as well. Lightly, Iolaus grasped his friend's arm as he looked up into his face. "Herc... there's one person who you could be with, who wouldn't ever tell anyone...someone you know you can trust with your life." Iolaus paused, took a breath, then continued, "Maybe I can help....you could use my body....."

Herc's arm stiffened like iron under his grasp, as he gasped at Iolaus' words, "Use you?" Hercules choked, "Use you? Gods, Iolaus...no....I couldn't...."

"Honestly, Herc...I wouldn't mind....I...."

But, Hercules had pulled away from him, almost violently, and turned away.

"I guess that's a 'no'," Iolaus mumbled to himself, embarrassed now to have said anything. Clearly, the idea revolted Hercules. Iolaus swallowed the lump in his throat. He thought he'd finally found a reason to make the offer he carried in his heart...had carried for years now. Finally, a rational, normal offer, from one friend to another, to ease the needs of both. But, it had clearly been a mistake. Herc would never, ever think of him like that....never.

Hercules stared into the fire, trying to bring his breathing back into control. Gods, when Iolaus had touched him....made such an incredible offer...it had been all Hercules could do to keep himself from....he forced his thoughts away from that image, that desire. He could never 'use Iolaus', could never take such advantage of their friendship. He heard Iolaus say softly, a catch in his voice, "I'm sorry, Herc...I...I didn't mean to offend you...."

Hercules shook his head, bit his lip. "You didn't offend me, Iolaus," he replied, just as softly.

Iolaus stared at his friend's rigid back. Herc was clearly very upset.... "Maybe...maybe I should give you a little space, Herc...gods know, I just seem to upset you these days...."

Herc heard the lost sound of defeat in Iolaus' voice and knew his friend meant it...Iolaus would leave him, not understanding what was wrong, believing he was somehow to blame for Hercules' inexplicable behaviour. Believing he had offended, insulted his friend. Iolaus was heading around the other side of the fire, intending to put his gear together and head off into the night, when Herc reached out and stopped him.

"Iolaus, no...please...I don't want you to go...I...need you," Herc said, his voice hoarse, as if he was holding back tears. Iolaus could feel the slight tremble in Herc's hand, as his fingers touched his arm, then fell away.

"Herc, I'm sorry...I should never have suggested...I know better...you've never shown the slightest interest in...men," Iolaus had been about to say 'me', but recovered in time.

Herc smiled slightly, almost sadly. It was true, he wasn't interested in 'men'. "Iolaus, it's not that... I'm ...grateful that you'd offer...but...you're too important to me...I respect you too much...I couldn't just 'use' you, as if what you felt didn't matter...." Herc stopped himself, wondering if even in saying this much, he had gone too far...knew he had when he saw Iolaus' eyes flash to his, saw an amazed question growing there.

Iolaus felt as if something was squeezing his chest, as if he couldn't breathe. What was Herc saying? Did he mean....but, no...Herc was just being himself...kind...letting Iolaus feel some semblance of dignity in this very awkward situation. Gods, why had he started this conversation...it was hopeless. He couldn't read Herc's eyes, and he looked away, embarrassed for having wanted so much to see...but, no, he'd never see what he longed for in Herc's eyes. Swallowing, Iolaus looked away, then sat down by the fire, unable to completely hide the dejection, the feeling of rejection he felt, but striving to move past it. "It's okay, Herc...I understand," he murmured.

Hercules had seen the light of something like hope, had seen it fade, in Iolaus' eyes. He'd known this man almost all his life and Herc could read Iolaus like a book. He could see the inutterable sadness Iolaus felt, just before he masked it, pretending everything was just fine. Damn, Iolaus didn't really want to have that kind of relationship, had just offered out of his deep, abiding friendship...there wasn't anything Iolaus wouldn't do for him, and he knew it...but, now, Iolaus felt rejected somehow...believing Herc didn't want him, and was just being kind.

Hercules sighed. He'd hoped never to have this conversation...was afraid their friendship could not stand this kind of strain...but, he owed Iolaus the truth...gods, he owed Iolaus everything. Silently, Herc went down on one knee beside Iolaus, gently touched his shoulder, then brushed Iolaus' hair away from his face, drawing Iolaus' head back up, drawing his eyes away from the fire. Confusion filled his eyes.

"No, Iolaus, I don't think you do understand...." Herc began, in response to his friend's last comment. "It was after I almost lost you to the Enforcer...in the moment when I returned to the Other Side and didn't see you.... I thought I'd been too late, that I'd never see you again...and, then, you were there, pounding me on the back, laughing, telling me you'd never doubted me for a moment, that you knew I'd save you....it was then, Iolaus...I knew then...." His voice faltered, faded.

"Knew what, Herc?" Iolaus asked, honestly mystified. What was Hercules talking about?

"Knew that I could never live without you...that I wouldn't want to. Knew that I loved you more than I have ever loved anyone in my life...more than I will ever love anyone again. Knew that I need you, more than air or food or water....that I would rather die than not have you in my life. Knew that I wanted to touch you...hold you...but, knew that I couldn't...that I couldn't let you know how I felt....That's why I didn't want to see Deianaera...couldn't bear to see her at that moment...I knew then that I would always love her...but, I loved you more....."

Iolaus shivered under Herc's hand, scarcely able to believe what he was hearing. "Why...why did you think you couldn't tell me?" he asked softly, almost breathlessly.

Herc smiled again, "Because I knew, regardless of how you felt, you would give yourself to me...Iolaus you have always put me, my needs, ahead of your own....I....couldn't take advantage of that...of you...."

"Herc, I...."

But, Hercules cut him off. "That's why I reacted like I did a few minutes ago...it was just exactly what I've always been afraid of...that you'd let me use you to satisfy my needs....and, gods, it was hard to refuse you...harder than you will ever know...but, it wouldn't be right...not when you don't feel the same way."

"But, I do," Iolaus finally managed to interject, a smile dancing on his lips.

Herc grinned, shook his head, "See...that's exactly how I knew you'd react...I'm grateful, Iolaus, more than I can say...but, I know you don't mean it...that your feelings are different....."

Herc dropped his hand from Iolaus' shoulder, started to stand, but was stopped when Iolaus reached out, clutching his leather vest, holding him in place. Puzzled, Herc's eyes sought Iolaus', then he shook his head in denial of what he saw there....Iolaus was just letting him believe....he didn't really feel....

"Maybe this will convince you," Iolaus murmured as, in one fluid movement, he was up on one knee, leaning into Herc, brushing his lips against the demigod's, with a touch as light as a butterfly, as transient as a sigh. But, it was enough to rock Herc's world. He shuddered, feeling as if the earth had shifted beneath him. Iolaus spared him a glance, a searing naked look of need, of want, and of love, then bent his head to take Herc's lips more firmly with his own, the hand on Herc's vest pulling him closer, Iolaus' other hand moving around to clasp the back of his head.

Hercules lips opened in amazement...and it was all the encouragement Iolaus needed. His tongue snaked into Herc's mouth, teasing Herc's tongue, licking beneath it, twirling tip to tip, darting away then back again, a searing, delicate, demanding touch which utterly demolished the wall Herc had built to dam back his emotions, to hold back the tide of his love.

Herc's arms came up to encircle Iolaus, to draw him tight against his chest, as he returned the kiss with a hot, desperate passion. He moaned as he finally allowed his hands to slip under Iolaus' vest, allowed them to roam his back, feeling the warmth of his satin skin, let his hands cup Iolaus' firm, muscular buttocks, pulling their groins together...so they could feel one another's need.

"Oh, gods, Iolaus...." Herc murmured, as he drew his lips away to trace a line of delicate kisses along Iolaus' neck and down to the hollow at the base of his throat as Iolaus arced his neck back, allowing Hercules access to his body. Then, Iolaus brought his head forward, while one hand pushed Herc's hair aside, allowing him to kiss the spot where Herc's neck met his shoulders. As his lips moved slowly up the line of Herc's neck, Iolaus was pushing Herc's vest and shirt back off his shoulders...then, his lips were nuzzling Herc's ear, his tongue snaking inside, just before he whispered, "Love me, Herc....please....love me...."

Herc's breath caught in his chest at the words....he pushed back, holding Iolaus by his arms, searching his friend's eyes in the uncertain light of the flickering flames. "Are you sure, Iolaus? You really want....?" Herc's voice was tight as he fought for some vestige of control...he could not, would not, take advantage of Iolaus' love and loyalty towards him...no matter how much he needed this, needed to touch, feel...taste....

Iolaus laughed softly with delight. "Gods, yes, Hercules.....I've never been more certain of anything in my life! C'mon, big guy...take me....."

Hercules gazed at Iolaus with wonder...the dancing eyes, the smile that could light the world, the wind tossed, unruly curls. His desire a low growl in his throat, Herc pushed Iolaus' vest off his shoulders, and Iolaus shrugged it to the ground behind him...then, he loosened his belt, pushing his leather pants down off his hips as Hercules, still holding his shoulders, eased Iolaus back onto the soft summer grass. Hercules brought his head down to lick, then nip gently at one nipple, while his hand delicately traced lines of love along Iolaus' body.

His hands tangled in Herc's silken mane, Iolaus moaned in response to his friend's touch as he arced his body up to Herc's mouth...feeling one infinitely strong arm around his back, supporting him. Gods, he'd dreamed of this, but had never believed it could ever be....He'd loved Herc for as long as he could remember...had wanted to make love to him ever since he'd known what that meant. He loved the feel of Herc's large, strong hands on his body, loved the touch of his lips...Iolaus' hands wandered down to Herc's powerful shoulders, caressing, stroking....as Herc's hand wandered lower, across his abdomen. His fingers clutched Herc's shoulders spasmodically when Herc's fingers brushed along the underside of his penis, lightly stroking his length until his hand found and cupped his balls, squeezing gently.

Iolaus moaned as Herc's lips followed his fingers down along the length of Iolaus' golden body, licking, kissing, teasing with his tongue....then stopping, Hercules leaned back on his haunches. Iolaus groaned, "No...please...don't stop...."

Hercules smiled brilliantly at his friend as he drank in Iolaus' beauty...and saw the evidence of Iolaus' passion for him. "Shh," he said softly, "we have all night...." Then, his hands were pushing Iolaus' pants down off his legs, tossing them, and his boots, aside. "I want to look at you," Herc murmured in grateful awe. The firelight played along Iolaus' body, drawing lines and shadows on his golden skin, highlighting his incredible musculature...so strong...so beautiful. Iolaus gazed back up at Hercules, marvelling at the love and longing he saw in his friend's eyes...how could they not have known this about one another...how had they hidden this from each other for so many years? The lines of Herc's face had softened as he gazed upon Iolaus...aching with his love, and with his gratitude that Iolaus would give him this...would lie here completely vulnerable under his eyes and hands...trusting him completely with his body, with his heart and with his soul.

Iolaus sat up slowly, languidly, to place a light kiss on the corner of Herc's mouth, as he pulled Herc's vest and shirt from his belt, and pushed them off the massive shoulders. Moving his lips along Herc's throat, to lick the hollow there, his hands loosened Herc's belt and codpiece, then pushed the heavy leather pants off the sculpted, muscular hips. Iolaus drew one hand lightly along Herc's back, as his lips found first one nipple, then the other, while a hand moved down along Herc's ribs, along his hip, his other hand slipping down to cup Herc's buttocks. Hercules groaned at Iolaus' touch, felt as if Iolaus was leaving a trail of fire along his body.

"Stand up, Herc...I want to get these pants off you...." Iolaus commanded softly.

Steadying himself with a hand on Iolaus' shoulder, Hercules rose to his feet, and felt Iolaus push his pants down his legs to pool around his feet...and then gasped with surprise when he felt Iolaus's lips touch him...Iolaus' tongue licking slowly around the tip of his engorged penis, then slowly, so slowly, down along it's length to it's base. Iolaus had heard the gasp and chuckled low in his throat. Herc was gripping both his shoulders, swaying as if unsteady...but he couldn't really move, his feet were trapped in the leather bunched around his feet. "Mmmm....you taste good, Herc," Iolaus murmured as he again drew his tongue back up Herc's erection, licking lightly at the slit, capturing the drop of moisture there.

Hercules moaned as he tangled the fingers of one hand in Iolaus' hair...he felt as if he was aflame with desire. Then he gasped again, and almost staggered to his knees, when he felt Iolaus' mouth encircle him, swallow him...licking and sucking, delicately, then with more desire. Iolaus steadied himself, his hands gripping Herc's hips, as he moved his mouth up and down the massive erection. He moved one hand to touch himself, to wet his fingers on the moisture beginning to drip in desire from the slit of his own penis, then moved his hand around Herc's hips, his fingers seeking the tight orifice, seeking entry to Herc's body.

As one small finger penetrated, Herc started in unconscious resistance. Iolaus's mouth stopped it's ministrations as he looked up into Herc's eyes, darkened now with desire. "Easy, Herc...I won't hurt you...let me do this for you....." Hercules nodded slightly, unable to speak, hardly able to breathe. Iolaus smiled up at him softly, then turned to again lick his penis, tracing his tongue along it's length and back again, before his lips again consumed him. As his lips covered Herc's erection, Iolaus slipped his finger into Herc's body....slowly, letting Hercules get used to the feel of the intrusion. Then, he moved his finger in the same rhythm as his mouth moved upon Herc's erection, slowly at first, then with an increasing demand, his finger moving ever deeper...searching for the spot that....Herc threw back his head, a wordless shout of passion escaping his lips as his hands captured Iolaus' head, holding him steady while Hercules bucked into him, unable to contain or control the mounting desire, the demand for union.

Iolaus felt warmth spread in his own chest, knowing the pleasure he was giving, knowing he was driving Hercules crazy with desire...knowing he'd pushed Herc past consciousness, into the realm of pure feeling and emotion...Iolaus exulted in his capacity to love Hercules to utter distraction, and would have laughed with unbrindled joy, if his mouth had not been so well occupied. His finger moved in time with Herc's thrusts, brushing again and again over that spot which brought an immensity of pleasure beyond imagining.

Herc's head was back, his body arched, as he pumped himself into the warm, wet tightness of Iolaus' mouth and throat...waves of pleasure which were almost pain washing through him, consuming him.... "Iolaus," he moaned through a throat clogged with passion.... "IOLAUS!!!!" he screamed out then, as all control fled and he surrendered to the mounting demand for release, shuddering with the force of it...barely able to stay on his feet.

Iolaus swallowed the semen which burst hotly into his throat, loving the salty taste of it...wanting it all. Gently, he pulled his mouth away from Herc, as his finger slipped from Herc's body, then he drew his tongue again lightly over his buddy's penis as his hands stroked Herc's buttocks and legs. Herc was panting hard, trying to regain his breath, trying to steady the world which had spun around him as he held himself up, his hands braced on Iolaus' shoulders.

"By the gods," he finally gasped, "I never thought it could be like that....." and he allowed himself, finally, to collapse onto his knees, taking Iolaus into his arms as his lips hungrily plundered his lover's mouth., while he kicked off his boots and pants. Hercules tasted himself on Iolaus' tongue, then he was kissing Iolaus' eyes, his ears, his throat, licking, nipping....as he carefully pushed Iolaus back onto the grass, intent upon consuming Iolaus' body. Gods, he loved this man....was overcome with wonder and gratitude that the Fates had allowed him this joy. Iolaus surrendered himself to Hercules' attentions, revelling in the love which was being showered upon him.

Herc's tongue traced along the muscles of Iolaus' chest, circling one tight round bud, and then the other, teasing, then sucking....while his hands played along Iolaus' ribs and hips. Then, his mouth was moving again, down to the hollow of Iolaus' belly, then further to dip into his navel, while his hands moved down along Iolaus' hips to his thighs, caressing, stroking the amazingly soft skin. One hand came back to encircle Iolaus' scrotum, caressing, stroking, squeezing lightly, while his lips found Iolaus' erection, his tongue delicately circling its head. Iolaus gasped and his hips arched as he tangled his hands in Herc's hair. "Gods, Herc," he gasped, "don't stop now....."

Hercules smiled softly, then licked the tip, his tongue sliding along the slit, tasting Iolaus for the first time...and was surprised at the sweetness that burst upon his tongue. He moaned with his own pleasure as he licked along Iolaus' length, down and then back up, pressing firmly with the strength of his tongue. Iolaus' hands twisted in his hair as he moaned under Herc's touch and tongue. "Please, Herc," he moaned, "take me...."

Hercules heard the almost desperate passion in Iolaus' voice, and covered his penis with his mouth, swallowing as he took Iolaus fully, then flicked with his tongue as he sucked upon Iolaus' engorged shaft. Iolaus bucked up, wanting more, wanting to be consumed. "Harder," he murmured.... "faster...."

Herc moved his mouth up and down, his teeth lightly grazing Iolaus' penis, his tongue demanding... increasing his speed as his hands moved to support Iolaus' hips which arched again, and again, then again, more forcefully, more demanding, wanting Hercules to take all that he was, wanting to lose himself in Herc's warmth. Frenzied now, desperate with his need, he pumped into Herc's sucking mouth, feeling the tightness, the moist warmth.... "Oh gods," he whispered hoarsely, "Oh gods, Herc...don't stop....don't stop....HERCULES!" he cried, his voice breaking as tears filled his eyes. He felt his essence fill Herc's mouth, felt Herc's tongue and throat tighten around him as Hercules swallowed, taking all Iolaus could give him. "Hercules...." he whispered again, spent, his hands quiessant now on Herc's head, just holding him. "I love you so much," he gasped....

Herc looked up, his hand gently caressing Iolaus' spent organ, the light of his soul blazing in his eyes, "No more than I love you, Iolaus...than I have always loved you....."

Iolaus smiled, happiness lighting his eyes, until they glinted with something more when he noticed that Hercules had recovered his erection, his penis full and strong. Iolaus' hand reached out to reverently touch his lover, stroking him gently, lovingly as he looked up into Herc's eyes. "I want you, Herc...." he whispered. "I want you inside of me...I want us to be united...."

Hercules frowned slightly, "No..." he protested, shaking his head, "I'd hurt you...."

"No...I want you, Herc...I need to feel you...please...."

Hercules felt his chest constrict, as if it was too small to hold his heart, a heart bursting with love for this man who looked up at him with such trust and longing. He found it hard to swallow around the lump in his throat as his eyes burned. Holding Herc's eyes with his own, Iolaus reached out and fumbled for the pack not far from his side. His fingers probed within it, then came back clasping the small, stoppered vial of olive oil he carried along with herbs for seasoning their food. He pulled the stopper out with his teeth, his eyes never leaving Herc's, touched by the tears of love he saw in Herc's eyes. He poured oil over his fingers, then moved his hand to coat Herc's penis, stroking softly at first, then more firmly, more demandingly. He felt Herc's erection grow even larger in his hand, swelling in response to his touch, weeping with desire for him.

Then, he took Herc's right hand, and poured oil into his palm. Setting aside the vial, Iolaus massaged Herc's hand, drawing the oil over his fingers until they were all covered, glistening in the firelight. Shifting, spreading his legs, Iolaus whispered, "Touch me, Herc...take it slow...one finger at a time, until I'm open for you....."

Iolaus had gone back to caressing Herc's penis, long, slow languid strokes which inflamed him. Hercules shifted, putting one knee between Iolaus', never taking his eyes from those of his lover, Hercules let his fingers touch, caress, Iolaus' body, seeking his entrance. Finding it, he paused. Impatient, wanting him, Iolaus pushed his hips down toward him. Relenting, Hercules eased his finger into Iolaus' tight body...stopping, alarmed, when Iolaus gasped. "It's okay, Herc," Iolaus reassured him, wanting more, "keep going....just slowly...."

Hercules continued his exploration, his own breathing quickening in response to Iolaus' touch, in response to touching Iolaus...feeling his warmth, his tightness. He searched for the spot Iolaus had found in him, and smiled when Iolaus bucked and cried out, "Gods, YES!" Iolaus pushed back against his hand, wanting more. Hercules eased in a second finger, then a third, gently widening Iolaus, relaxing him....stroking slowly across the spot that was driving Iolaus mad with desire. Iolaus' eyes were blind with passion, his breath coming in gasps as he panted with his need, his hand moving along Herc's shaft, pumping him in time to the rhythm of Herc's fingers...then pumping harder, more demanding...inflaming Hercules with his need for fulfillment.

"Take me, Herc," Iolaus gasped, "fill me....please...now!" as he pushed hard against Herc's fingers, showing his readiness, his eagerness for more. Hercules withdrew his fingers, then positioned himself, the tip of his penis against Iolaus' body. Iolaus pushed against him, then raised his legs to rest his ankles on Herc's shoulders, opening himself wide for Hercules. "Take me," he pleaded.

Hercules grasped Iolaus hips and eased into him...in his urgency, Iolaus pushed hard back against him, wanting all of him, wanting him now...but, it was too much, too fast, and Iolaus stiffened, cried out in pain. Hercules froze...gods, he didn't want to hurt Iolaus....he never wanted that. Iolaus forced himself to relax, his fingers digging into the earth beside him. "More Herc," he gasped, "Please...."

"Iolaus, I don't think...." Hercules began, his voice hesitant, reluctant, but Iolaus cut him off.

"I want you, Herc!" his lover rasped hoarsely, his voice thick with passion. "I need you....deep, inside...."

When Hercules still hesitated, Iolaus moved against him, grinding his hips, pushing down, demanding all of him. Unable to resist, his own passion flaring, Hercules pushed in further, then pulled back, angling to find that spot, wanting to stroke himself against it. Iolaus arched his back, crying out with pleasure, and Hercules knew he'd found it. Holding Iolaus' hips firmly, not allowing him to move, Hercules slowly, gently, pumped in and out, rocking his hips, increasing his momentum as he pulled his length almost from Iolaus' body, then plunged back in again, excited by the tight muscles which gripped him, the warmth which surrounded him, Iolaus' moans of pleasure in his ears, Iolaus' golden body arcing to meet his thrusts, the strength of Iolaus' passion warring with the strength of Herc's hands gripping his hips.

Again, and again, Hercules thrust over the spot which brought Iolaus to ever greater heights, until he was oblivious to everything but the pleasure Hercules was giving him....filled with it, consumed by Herc's love, on fire with passion and desire. "Oh gods, Herc...oh gods...yes....yes....YES!" he cried, feeling as if he would burst with the sheer agonizing joy of it. "Fill me, Herc," Iolaus begged, "I want all of you....fill me!"

Long smooth strokes increased with tempo as Hercules drove himself into Iolaus' body, losing himself, his own head flung back, his back arched as he pounded himself into the warm tightness surrounding him, holding him, wanting him. He felt exalted, ennobled, alive, bursting with passion, wanting this union with every fibre of his being....desperate to be one with Iolaus, to meld their bodies as their souls had melded long years ago. Wanting fulfillment, but not wanting it to end...wanting to keep pleasuring his lover, he fought his desire to let go, to lose himself completely. Supporting Iolaus' hips with one huge hand, he moved the other to cover and stroke Iolaus' penis, which had risen again in passion. Iolaus cried out inarticulately, overwhelmed by the sensuousness of the sensations which cascaded through him, wave after wave. Hercules pumped Iolaus' engorged penis to the rhythm of his thrusts into Iolaus' body. Faster and faster, Iolaus pressing his hips up against him, meeting him, wanting to be filled by him...Iolaus braced himself with his arms, his fingers gripping the earth, to allow himself to pump against Hercules with an ever escalating demand for completion.

"GODS, HERC!" he cried out, "FILL ME, TAKE ME, GODS, POSSESS ME!!!" Iolaus' body arced, spasming with a pleasure he had never before known, lost in it, enflamed with his passion, enraptured by Herc's love...and then he felt the warmth as Hercules ejaculated into him, shouting his name, and Iolaus felt himself burst in Herc's hand, coming with him, his muscles encircling Hercules, just as Herc tightly gripped his throbbing, bursting erection...until he was spent. Hercules panted, bringing his breathing back under control as he gazed with love upon Iolaus, who sprawled beneath him...so vulnerable, so precious.

Herc eased himself out of Iolaus, then lowered his lovers' legs to the ground, before covering Iolaus' body with his own, tenderly drowning Iolaus with a last, passionate kiss. Then, he eased himself over onto the ground, and slipped an arm under Iolaus' shoulders, drawing him up to lay across his chest, Herc's fingers lightly playing across his back as he gazed up at the stars in the clear night sky. Iolaus listened to the steady beat of Herc's heart...and thanked the Fates for the grace of his hero's love.

Secure in their love, at peace within themselves for the first time, their passions sated, they fell asleep in each other's arms....unaware that they had been observed.

"Hmmm," Ares mused thoughtfully, "I didn't think it was possible for that little blond runt to become even more important to Hercules than he already was...but, this definitely ups the stakes." Then, he smiled, licking his lips in anticipation of how he could turn this to his advantage.

*********

The sun was well up when they woke, stirring in one another's arms, confused at first, wondering at their nakedness, then remembering...and smiling with the memories, they made love again, slowly this time, tenderly. Later, they swam, then dressed, gathered up their gear, and headed further into the forest, away from the main road, united in their desire and determination to find a space for themselves, where no one could find them. Miles away from anywhere, they found a clearing beside a gurgling stream, sheltered and shaded by ancient oaks. They fished for their dinner, Iolaus sitting against Herc, leaning on his chest, his lover's arm around him. For two days and nights, they found new ways to pleasure one another, eager to share a love which had been denied for too long.

On the third morning, they decided it was time to head back into the world. On the way, they talked about whether or not to reveal their new relationship.

"Iolaus," Herc started, with some hesitation, "please don't misunderstand...but, I don't want anyone to know...."

Iolaus looked up at Hercules as he ambled by the larger man's side. He frowned a little, not really understanding, but, as always, he was ready to follow Herc's lead. "Okay...if that's what you want."

Herc heard the confusion, the slight trace of hurt, and stopped to face his partner, reaching out to place a hand on his shoulder. "Iolaus, you don't understand...if I could, if I thought it was safe....I'd shout my love for you from the top of a mountain and carry you through the streets of every village and city so that everyone would know that you're mine, and that I'm your's...."

Iolaus saw the worry in Herc's eyes, the tension along his jaw, and waited for his partner to continue. "Safe?" he repeated.

"Yeah," Herc said, looking away to the horizon, then back into Iolaus' eyes. "Iolaus...you are already at terrible risk because everyone knows you're my partner and my best friend...at risk of jealous, malicious gods, at risk of warlords seeking revenge....if any of them knew....gods...I don't want to even think about what they might do to you......" Herc swallowed, closed his eyes against the unwanted visions in his mind.

"Oh," Iolaus responded quietly, thoughtfully. "Alright....we'll keep it our secret...I wouldn't want anyone using me against you....."

Hercules marvelled again at Iolaus' capacity to forget himself, to think only of Herc's needs...gods, what their enemies would do to Iolaus didn't bear thinking about. Herc looped an arm around Iolaus' shoulders to draw him close as they once again headed through the forest toward the road to Thrace. Then, he drew his arm from Iolaus' shoulder, placing his hand around the back of Iolaus' neck in a new, possessive gesture. When Iolaus looked up at him with a knowing grin, Herc leaned down to brush Iolaus' lips with his own. "I love you, Iolaus," he whispered, his lips against Iolaus curls, "never doubt that...I will always love you...no matter what...."

Iolaus felt tears sting his eyes at the almost wistful, tender tone in Herc's voice. He leaned into Hercules, standing in the circle of his arms, hugging him tightly, as if afraid to let him go...as if afraid that such happiness could not last. "I love you, too, Herc," he murmured in return, 'more than life itself,' he thought, but didn't say, knowing it would only worry Herc more.

Moments later, they turned, heading again through the forest, no longer touching...not needing to when their hearts and souls were already irrevocably and forever entwined.

*********

It was in a tavern, late that night, in a dusty hill town, when Iolaus realized how much had changed. True to form, the locals having imbibed too much, felt a false courage, and a need to prove themselves against the legendary hero and his pitiful little sidekick. Iolaus bristled at the insults, ready to take whatever they might care to throw at him. He'd dealt with worse before....these guys were a joke.

However, when the fight exploded, he found himself picked up and set unceremoniously aside, behind Herc's broad back, while Hercules took them all on, tossing them like flotsam against walls, over the bar and through the thatched roof. Iolaus was incensed, beyond fury...Herc had never, ever done this to him, demeaned him like this, before...and he wasn't about to accept it now. He stood rigidly, with his arms crossed tightly across his chest, as if trying to hold in his rage. When Herc finished and turned to face him, Hercules knew instantly that he was in a lot more trouble than the town rowdies had threatened. Iolaus' eyes flashed at him, his face pale, lips thinned in anger...then, wordlessly, he grabbed up his pack and pushed past Hercules to head into the night.

"What...? Iolaus, wait!" Herc called after him, turning to follow, honestly unaware of what he had done...it had been instinctive, thoughtless, unconscious...a simple, uncomplicated, unconsidered move to protect the one he loved best. It was so natural, so unaffected, that he had no idea why Iolaus was so angry...no idea what he had done to cause such cold fury.

When Iolaus hit the street, he took in a quick breath of the cold night air, then turned to stomp down the dusty lane, heading out of town, heading anywhere but here. He needed to yell at Hercules...and he couldn't do it where anyone would hear him. Gods, how could Herc have done that!

Hercules dashed out of the bar, looking to see which direction Iolaus had gone, then took off after him, jogging until he caught up. He reached out to grab Iolaus's arm, only to have Iolaus snarl at him, "Don't you touch me! Don't you dare touch me, Hercules, or I swear I'll tear you apart."

Herc fell back as if Iolaus had slammed a fist into him, staggered by the venom. Then, he just followed Iolaus into the night. Once Iolaus had calmed down, he had no doubt he would hear, in very simple words, what had upset his partner.

Finally, about a mile out of town, Iolaus stopped and turned to face him, his angry eyes glittering in the moonlight. Hands on his hips, he looked up at Hercules, and rasped tightly, "I thought you didn't want anyone to know about us!"

Herc wasn't sure if he should say anything, or if he should just keep quiet.

"Well?" Iolaus demanded, waiting for his comment.

Hesitantly, Herc tried to defuse Iolaus' anger, "Iolaus, I don't know why you're so angry....."

"You don't know?" Iolaus grated. "You push me out of the way like some simpering, wilting, helpless virgin, stand between me and the big mean bad men to protect me, beat them senseless to be sure they won't harm a hair on my head....AND YOU DON'T KNOW WHY I'M SO ANGRY!!!!"

Herc felt a sinking feeling, as his unconscious actions began to register. "Iolaus, I..."

But, Iolaus was in a towering rage and cut him off. Iolaus lashed out, pointing a finger at him for emphasis, "Hercules, if you ever do that to me again...demean me in that way, show such contempt for me, I swear I will walk away and you will never see me again! Dammit, Herc, we're supposed to be partners! Where do you get off treating me like a piece of fragile porcelain?"

"I didn't mean...I didn't think...." Herc stammered, terrified by Iolaus' words, knowing he meant them. He'd hurt Iolaus badly...he hadn't meant to...but, he had.

"'Didn't think', is right," Iolaus stormed, still smarting at the insult of having been set aside, protected, as if he was incapable of taking care of himself. "Herc, when you treat me like that, you make me a bigger joke than I already am....I know what people think...that you just keep me around 'cause I'm amusing...and some think we've been lovers forever...that I'm your catamite. I don't care if people know we're lovers, Herc, but I'll be damned if I'll let you take my dignity away....You might be a demigod, the strongest man who ever lived, but I do not need, or want, your protection...certainly not from oafs like them."

"I'm sorry, Iolaus," Hercules murmured quietly, "You know I respect you...I wasn't even aware of what I did...." Herc sighed, head down, his shoulders slumped, the picture of dejection, "I just..."

"wanted to protect me. Yeah, I know," Iolaus said bitterly, then turned to walk along the road. "Just... don't do it again."

"Iolaus?" Hercules called after him, "Can I ask you a question?"

Iolaus stopped walking and impatiently turned to face his partner. "What?" he asked tersely.

Herc walked over to stand before him, paused a moment, then asked, "Iolaus, if you could forever protect me from any harm, stand between me and any danger, any threat....wouldn't you choose to that...not because you didn't respect me...but, because you love me? Don't you do that now, every chance you get...even when it puts your own life at risk?"

Iolaus staggered back a halfstep, one hand unconsciously coming up to rest against his heart. All the fury went out of him and he felt his heart twist in his breast, as he thought about the kind of dangers Herc faced every day, just by being alive. "Gods, yes," he murmured, "but...that's different...."

"How, Iolaus? How is that different from what I did back there?"

"Well," Iolaus blustered, "it's different because you're Hercules...people need you...your life is worth more...."

"Bullshit!" Hercules responded. "Iolaus, you've died for me, more times that I ever want to remember... you hold your life so cheaply, you terrify me. I don't care what other people want or need...I need you. I would do anything for you....I'd rather be dead than lose you...and, when you're hurt, it tears me apart.... So, yeah, I reacted unconsciously tonight, to protect you....I'm sorry, I meant no insult, and I understand why you're angry...and I promise to be less protective, if that's what you want. I do respect you...and I know you can handle yourself ...I don't want anyone ever believing I consider you less than an equal. By the gods, Iolaus, I consider you to be better than I am...in every way. But, please, understand, I acted that way because I love you...I never meant to hurt you."

Iolaus swallowed hard against the lump which had formed in his throat as he listened to Herc's words, heard the ache in his voice. He looked away, then nodded. "Okay....I guess I understand...you just took me by surprise....the last time you pushed me out of the way of some thugs, Nemesis ended up coming after me." Hercules muffled a groan as he murmured, "Gods...don't remind me...."

Iolaus grinned a litte at that, and Herc finally relaxed, knowing Iolaus had forgiven him...did understand. "Okay," Iolaus said again, "I guess I overreacted...maybe I'm a little too sensitive now that...." his voice tapered off.

"Iolaus...." Herc wanted to touch Iolaus, but knew this wasn't the time.

His partner nodded, then hitched his pack securely over his shoulder, "Well, I guess we can't stand around here all night apologizing to one another for caring so much...we'd better find a place to camp." Iolaus turned to head down the road, and Hercules fell into pace beside him, glad the storm had passed.

*******

It was late afternoon the next day, and they had just made camp beside a fastmoving river, when Ares manifested himself in front of them, announcing his presence by lancing a bolt of energy at Iolaus...just enough to throw him across the clearing to land, breathless and stunned, on the ground.

"ARES!" Hercules shouted, as he moved to put himself between Iolaus and the God of War, moving backward towards Iolaus, until he was standing over his partner. "What in Tarturus do you think you're doing?"

Ares blew on his nails, as he replied in an offhand way, "Getting your attention...that's what I'm doing."

Herc spared Iolaus a quick glance, and could see his partner was alright, just winded. Iolaus was already struggling to rise. Reaching down a hand to assist, Hercules helped his partner regain his feet...but never took his eyes off his brother. "Well, you've succeeded. What do you want?"

Ares smiled speculatively at Hercules, before turning his glance toward Iolaus, letting his eyes wander up and down the Hunter's body, the lascivious message clear. As he gazed at Iolaus, Ares responded, "Hercules, I want you...on your knees...in front of me," then, he turned his eyes back to Hercules, as he finished his statement "now."

"Like that's ever going to happen," Iolaus returned, the contempt clear in his voice.

Ares just grinned, like a cat enjoying cream, "Oh, it will happen," Ares turned his glance back to Iolaus, "or I'll take you with me...and do whatever I want to you...whatever makes me feel good, and Hercules knows it," Ares looked back at Hercules, triumph clear in his eyes, "don't you, brother?"

Iolaus felt cold as he realized Ares knew how things had changed....understood what he was threatening. Being whipped was one thing... they were both used to that...being raped was something else. He felt Hercules stiffen beside him...whether in rage, or fear, or both, he didn't know. Being held hostage, to be used as a pawn in Ares' ongoing battle against Hercules was the worst pain of all. Putting a hand on Herc's arm, Iolaus said quietly, "Herc, no...you can't give in to him....he'll kill you...."

Hercules shook his head, his eyes still boring into his brother's. "No...he won't dare kill me, but," Hercules turned his head to look back at Iolaus, "he'd kill you...when he was finished with you....."

"Herc, I...."

The look in Herc's eyes almost destroyed him...it was all there...the love, the fear for him, the willingness to sacrifice himself...the plea for understanding and forgiveness for giving up...for letting Ares win.... "I don't have any choice...." Hercules whispered. "I can't let him hurt you...."

"NO!" Iolaus cried back, "You can't let him win....he wouldn't kill me...he enjoys tormenting us too much for that....Herc...even if you do this...he'll just come back again....it'll never end....Herc....." But, he could see his words weren't enough. Hercules pulled away from the hand that held him back, and turned to face his brother. Slowly, deliberately, he closed the distance between them, and when he reached Ares' side, Ares murmured, "On your knees....."

Herc bent his head, then fell to his knees, silently, every muscle rigid with his impotent anger. Ares grinned down at him, then looked back at Iolaus, as he slowly undid his belt, and loosened his codpiece, letting his erection spring forth. "Pleasure me," he commanded, contempt and satisfaction blended in his voice. Iolaus' eyes widened, appalled...he couldn't watch this...wouldn't give Ares the satisfaction. He turned his head away, lowering his eyes to the ground, wishing with all his heart that he had the power to destroy this god.

Hercules hesitated, swallowing the bile which had risen in his throat. Impatient, Ares grabbed the back of his head, pulling his face, his mouth, closer to Ares' erection. "Now, Hercules," he growled, "or I'll put this somewhere you'd regret!"

Iolaus' eyes snapped back to Ares...his rage boiling over. He would not just stand there, a pawn being used against Hercules, both of them being made victims because they loved one another. "Why you miserable, ugly, obscene excuse for a god," he snarled as he began to run toward Ares, intending to do his best to tear the god apart.

"No, Iolaus!" Herc's voice grated. Ares just laughed....this was wonderful... "I love it," he purred, "you'll both throw yourselves at me, do anything I want, to protect the other one...." and, with his words, Ares confirmed that Iolaus was right...there would be no end to this...he'd enslave them both.

Hercules opened his mouth, enclosed his brother's swollen penis...then bit down with every ounce of strength in his body. He tasted blood, even as he heard Ares howl like a demon...and then he was flying through the air, to land with a crash against the hard, ungiving earth. Rolling to his feet, he spit the blood out of his mouth, as he said with cold deliberation, "If you ever touch Iolaus, I'll kill you...I swear it."

Hatred burned in Ares' eyes, deep abiding hatred. "As if you could," the immortal responded with a deadly quiet...Ares knew it was an empty threat. He shifted his eyes from Hercules to Iolaus, raised his hand...whether to hurl a killing bolt of energy, or to take his friend away with him, Herc didn't know...he just knew he was too far away to intervene, too far away to save the man he loved. Nevertheless, he launched himself forward, he had to try....and then Iolaus was moving, too. Diving forward, he rolled under the blast Ares threw at him, coming to his feet, intending to spin and kick hard, exactly where it would do the most good. But, Ares was waiting for him, and lashed out, backhanding Iolaus viciously with the unbridled power of an enraged god, and Iolaus crashed to the ground, sprawled on his back, unmoving.

Hercules screamed, "NO!" as he tore across the distance which separated them. Ares looked up at him, his eyes blazing as he snarled, "I've had it with you....and this runt!" Ares threw out his hand...and Hercules dived, rolling away from the killing burst of energy. But, as he came to his feet, he found himself caught, vines growing up around his ankles and legs, travelling with unholy speed until they had surrounded him...he tried to wrench them away, tearing at them in desperation, but more encircled him, trapping his arms, holding him tight, unable to move.

Ares smiled grimly as he stroked himself...his body already healed, the erection, if possible, even larger than before. "I told you what I'd do if you refused me, Hercules," he purred, "so now you can watch...."

Ares went down on one knee, and flipped Iolaus over onto his stomach. Iolaus tried to fight back, but he was still only half conscious, and his resistance was feeble. Ares just cuffed him lightly, then grabbed Iolaus' waistband with both hands and ripped his leather pants apart, as if they were parchment. Ares pulled Iolaus' belt from around his waist, using it to tie Iolaus' hands behind his back. Iolaus began to struggle in earnest, kicking back at Ares, trying to twist away from him, but Ares only laughed and held him as if he was no more than a child, his hands gripping Iolaus' hips, raising them. "Are you watching, Hercules?" he called as he slammed himself into Iolaus, at the same time pulling Iolaus' hips back toward him, until he was impaled upon Ares' shaft, which was now buried deeply within him.

Iolaus hadn't wanted to scream, knew what it would do to Hercules, but his body arced against the unbelievable agony of the rape, and a gutteral, animal like scream forced it's way past his closed throat, rising into the air, merging with Hercules despairing cry, "Noooooooo!"

Ares grinned in evil satisfaction. "Fight me, Iolaus...struggle...I want you to resist...it just makes you tighter," he snarled as he pulled himself out, then impaled Iolaus again cruelly, tearing his way into the small mortal's body. Iolaus bit his lip to keep from screaming again, pressed his forehead into the ground, determined to simply endure...but the pain...gods...the pain was searing within him, burning its' way through his gut, forcing the air from his lungs. It was worse than anything he had ever known, anything he could have ever imagined. He struggled, tried to get away, but Ares' grip was relentless, and the god just pounded into him, harder, faster...without mercy. Iolaus felt tears of agony on his cheeks...could hear Hercules shouting with horror and grief...helpless to stop this obscenity.

"Oh yeah," Ares rumbled in pleasure. "This is sweet...so tight...so hot....are you enjoying this Hercules?" he called, knowing Hercules could see everything he was doing, knowing he was torturing them both. Ares felt his satisfaction build, and he rammed himself ever deeper, harder, faster....loving the tightness, revelling in the warmth that surrounded him, Iolaus' struggles only serving to bring him more pleasure. His shaft tore across Iolaus' prostate, tearing another scream from his victim's throat. Enjoying it, enjoying the sound...evidence of the torture he was inflicting, he angled Iolaus' hips so that he could ravage Iolaus, hitting the same spot with every thrust, dragging back across it, then thrusting in against it...again...and again. Iolaus choked back his screams, but couldn't help keening like an animal which was dying in remorseless agony.

Ares was a god...he could keep this up forever, thrusting himself to the hilt into Iolaus...but, he knew Iolaus was a mere mortal...a mortal who was about to pass out from the pain which passed every threshold he had ever known. And Ares wanted Iolaus to feel the end of this...wanted Iolaus to feel his seed burn inside of him. Arcing his back, pulling Iolaus tight against him, he thrust in once, twice more, then let himself come, his seed pumping from his body into the warm depths of the man he held between his hands.

Iolaus felt him come, felt Ares' semen burst into his body...and he sobbed in frustration, hating the victimization...hating his inability to stop this from happening...hating the fact that Hercules was watching this, knowing what Hercules must be feeling. Iolaus gagged, choking on gorge that rose in his throat, and, as Ares finally released him, pulling himself without ceremony from Iolaus' body, Iolaus doubled over, the agony and humiliation complete. He felt as if he had been torn apart...and he knew he was powerless to stop Ares from doing this again...anytime he wanted. Iolaus moaned, as he sagged to the ground, curled tightly on his side....wishing for the mercy of oblivion.

Ares stood and arranged his clothing. "Next time, Hercules....maybe you'll do what I ask of you...." Then, Ares was gone...and, as he disappeared, so too did the vines which had held Hercules prisoner, binding him to the earth.

Hercules stood, looking across the clearing at Iolaus, sick with his anger...with his grief...and with his burning self loathing. This was his fault...he'd brought this on...first, by succumbing to the love he felt, and then by fighting Ares. Slowly, he moved to Iolaus' side, falling to his knees beside his partner, loosened Iolaus' belt to free his hands, then tenderly pulled Iolaus into his arms. "I'm sorry," he whispered, blinded by his tears. "Gods, Iolaus...I'm so sorry..."

Iolaus tried to resist him, pushed feebly against Herc's greater strength...he felt dirty...he didn't want Herc to touch him. But, Hercules wouldn't release him...just cradled him gently against his chest, where Iolaus finally let himself slip into a darkness he had hoped would claim him long before. Dusk fell, then night closed in around them....and Hercules continued to hold Iolaus, wondering what they were going to do now...wondering how he could protect his partner from Ares' brutality...because he knew, surrendering himself would never be enough to satisfy his brother's twisted appetites.

********

The golden rose of the dawn was swelling in the eastern sky, banishing the night, when Iolaus stirred in Herc's arms. Coming fully awake, the memory of what had happened crashing in on him, Iolaus shuddered. Pulling himself away from Hercules, he was frustrated when Herc wouldn't let him go. Gods, he was tired of feeling helpless. "Dirty," he mumbled, "need to bathe...."

Understanding, Hercules released him...helped him stand shakily, helped him strip the ruined leather from his legs, easing his boots off his feet. Iolaus shrugged out of his vest, heading wordlessly for the rushing river, and, walking into it, oblivious to it's biting cold, he sank down into the water...wishing it could carry away the pain and humiliation as easily as it carried away the dried blood....

Hercules watched him...then stood stiffly, carrying Iolaus' pants with him, as he moved to rummage in his partner's pack, finding the bone needle and thread. Hercules mended the tear, wishing he could so easily repair the damage done to his friend. Finished, he set the leather aside, then walked to the edge of the river. Hercules just watched Iolaus for a few minutes, wishing he could turn back time, wishing he could take all the pain away. Herc felt a great emptiness, a sorrow beyond words, a grief so deep it lacerated his heart. His love had done this...had caused Iolaus to be...his mind stumbled over the words...violated... raped. And, Hercules knew, what they'd had was over, done...Iolaus would never want to be touched again, not after what had happened. Gods, he thought, blinking against the burning in his eyes, they'd been so happy....and, now, they'd paid the price....Iolaus had paid the price, in pain and blood. Why was it was always Iolaus who paid? Why did the love Iolaus so freely gave have to always cost him so much?

Gods, Hercules felt his heart twist when he thought about what had happened...and he closed his eyes against the images, wanting to block them out. Herc swallowed against the lump in his throat. This wasn't about him...it was about Iolaus...and what he needed right now. Hercules would have ended everything right there, turned and walked away from Iolaus forever, if he'd thought that would keep his friend safe...spare him from this ever happening again. But...it wouldn't, and Hercules knew it. Ares would just come after Iolaus again, maybe kill him next time, and then find Hercules to torment him with what he'd done. No...they had to stay together...Herc had to try to protect Iolaus. Bitterly, he looked away for a moment reflecting he hadn't been much good at protecting his friend the night before.

Hopeless, helpless, he looked back across the water at his friend....Iolaus had been in there too long...the water was too cold...he'd make himself sick if he stayed in any longer. Struggling to keep his voice calm, steady...knowing Iolaus was trying to wash away the memories as much as the blood, he called quietly, "Come out, Iolaus...before you freeze to death."

Iolaus wanted to ignore him, but could feel his body shudder with the cold. Herc was right...all the water in the world would never make him feel clean again...not today...maybe not ever. But, making himself sick wouldn't help anything...it would only reinforce his sense of helplessness. He dunked his head, then swam back to the shore, climbing out, water streaming from his body. Hercules wanted to hold him, comfort him, but Iolaus didn't look at him...just silently brushed by, bending to pick up his vest, using it to dry himself. Iolaus shrugged into the vest, then pulled on his pants, muttering a quiet thanks when he saw Herc had repaired them. Gods, it hurt just to move.

He stood with his back to Hercules...but, he could feel Herc's gaze bore into him...could feel Herc's guilt between them...along with his own sense of violation, of self revulsion. Remembering what Ares had done to him, remembering the pain, the helplessness, and, worst of all, knowing Hercules had had to watch it all, Iolaus felt devastated...as if his soul had been shredded, left in pitiful tatters. Tears burned his eyes, and bile rose in his throat...he had to breathe carefully, slowly, to keep from gagging. Blinking back the tears, Iolaus told himself he had to get hold of himself...wallowing in misery wouldn't change anything...it had happened...he had to live with it. Repressing a shudder, he knew he had to do more than just live with it...he had to be ready for the next time Ares came after him...because, there could be little doubt, Ares had had too good a time to resist having more fun.

Sighing, Iolaus wondered if Hercules would ever be able to bring himself to touch him again...if he'd even want to. At that thought, Iolaus felt a different kind of pain, a deeper pain of anguish mingled with fear that he was going to lose everything that meant anything to him in his life. He knew Herc would try to push him away in a desperate attempt to protect him from this ever happening again. No matter what had happened, what would likely happen again, Iolaus couldn't allow that...he couldn't let Hercules let this kill what they had. They had to talk about this...had to find a way past it, or they'd never survive.

Straightening, Iolaus turned back to Hercules. He looked into Herc's eyes as he said, "This wasn't your fault, Hercules...."

Herc jerked his head away, half turned, his arms crossed tightly against his body, rejecting his friend's absolution...and fighting his need to crush Iolaus to him, to bury his face in those wet curls...Iolaus wouldn't want that...not now. Iolaus sighed, then moved to stand in front of Hercules. "Don't Herc, don't do this..." he said quietly...but, there was steel in his voice.

Herc turned to look back at him, saw the clear, open gaze...saw the love...saw the determination. "Iolaus...I couldn't stop him...." he whispered, tears glistening in his eyes.

"I know," Iolaus responded, compassion in his voice. He honestly didn't know who Ares had hurt more yesterday. His physical hurts would heal...he had to make sure Herc's emotional injuries would also heal. Holding his eyes, Iolaus continued, "Hercules...Ares is a god...when he fights fair, you can take him...but, when he fights dirty, and entangles you in vines which even your strength can't rip apart....there isn't anything you, or anyone, can do to stop him. He's crazy Herc...crazy with jealousy and fear."

Hercules shook his head. "Iolaus, he's not afraid of me...."

"Yes, Herc, he is....he's afraid of the fact that, no matter what he does, he cannot defeat you...he cannot defeat us. It's what drives him to such extremes, as he tries to find new ways to break us...but, he can't. What we have isn't breakable."

"Iolaus, when he...." Herc choked on the memories.

Gripping his friend's arm, as hard as he could, Iolaus interrupted, "Stop it, Herc! It's done...it's over. Ares has beaten me before...he's whipped me until I've been half dead...and he's even stabbed me with my own knife, determined, finally, to kill me...this was no worse than that. This was just...another beating. I'll survive."

"You shouldn't have to endure his abuse....."

Iolaus grinned sadly, "There're lots of things in this world no one should ever have to endure, Herc...but, if you let this get to you, he wins...and, I'll be damned if I'll let him win. I love you, Hercules....you hear me! And, there's nothing he can ever do that'll ever change that...that will ever come between us. I won't let him."

Iolaus tugged at Herc's crossed arms, pulling them apart. Moving closer to Hercules, he pulled Herc's arms around him, murmuring quietly, with an almost haunted note of pleading in his voice, "Hold me, Herc...show me you won't let him win...you won't let him destroy what we have....You told me you'd always love me...no matter what...."

His heart in his throat, overwhelmed by Iolaus' strength...by his love...Hercules tightened his arms around Iolaus, drawing him tight against his body. Iolaus felt him shudder, saw the tears spill from his eyes. Reaching up, he brushed the tears from Herc's cheeks, then, cupping Herc's face with his hands, he drew the demigod's head down to him, kissed him softy...and then with passion.

Hercules moaned as he pulled his lips away, and hugged Iolaus tight against him, resting his cheek on his partner's damp curls. "Gods, Iolaus...I love you....I love you so much it hurts...."

Iolaus hugged him back. "Then, we win...we'll always win...."

Herc dragged in a breath, pushed Iolaus a little away, so that he could look down into his eyes. "But...the next time...."

Iolaus shook his head, not letting Herc continue with his self flagellation about not being able to protect him. "Next time...don't watch. If we don't resist, if he can't hurt us, not really, in any way that matters, then he'll stop....Ares has a short attention span, Herc, you know that....when he's not having fun tormenting us, he loses interest...at least until he dreams up something new to try."

Hercules gazed in awe at Iolaus, at the open, guileless eyes, sparkling with love and supreme confidence... and the smile that lit his face, warming Herc's heart...and he'd heard the humour, the trace of ragged, resigned laughter in Iolaus' voice.

"Gods, Iolaus...how do you do it...how do you keep yourself intact?"

Iolaus grinned, shrugged. "It's just physical pain, Herc...I learned how to take that a long, long time ago...it's transient...it goes away...it doesn't matter. And, I can't be hurt emotionally...no one can bruise my heart or touch my soul, not so long as I know you love me...Just...just don't ever stop loving me, Herc" he murmured, his voice dropping away, "...that really would kill me...."

Hercules crushed Iolaus to him. "Never, Iolaus...nothing, not even death, could ever stop me from loving you...." Herc whispered hoarsely, overcome with the depth of his feeling for this man.

"Good," Iolaus mumbled against his chest, "now...would you let me breathe a little...not a lot...just enough to get by....." Iolaus giggled, teasing gently.

Hercules loosened his grip, but was loathe to let him go. Iolaus rested against Hercules for a long moment, quietly letting Herc's love ease his hurts, relax the tension of his bruised body, melt away the sense of personal revulsion he felt for having been violated, for having been a victim. "Okay," Iolaus finally said, pulling away, determined to make things as normal as possible, "now that we've got that settled, I'm hungry!" He went to his pack and stiffly bent to pick it up, rummaging in it until he found his fishing gear.

Hercules watched him...he was no fool...he knew how badly Ares had hurt Iolaus....knew the cost had not only been physical, no matter what Iolaus might tell him. But, he also knew part of Iolaus' incredible strength was drawn from his belief that he could fool Hercules, that he could hide the pain...and so, he set it aside, let it go...until, eventually, it was only a memory. He'd seen Iolaus do it time and time again...and, although he'd resisted it at first, when they were younger, he'd come to understand that even if Iolaus couldn't be strong for himself, he could always be strong for Hercules...and that strength was his shield against whatever the world...or the gods...could throw at him. So, Herc went along with the pretense...even when it hurt, even when Iolaus' selfless gallantry broke his heart.

When Iolaus came back, and handed him a hook and fishing line, Hercules smiled down into his partner's eyes. "I love you, Iolaus," he said. It was the simple, overwhelming truth, which eclipsed everything else.

Iolaus grinned up at him, "I know...I love you, too...now, let's fish!"

Hercules chuckled as he looped an arm around Iolaus' shoulders and walked with him to the bank of the river. Iolaus was right...nothing could ever touch what they had...nothing could ever come between them... so long as they loved one another...nothing else really mattered.

Ares looked down upon them, grimacing with disgust. Gods, these two were sickening. His head jerked away from the imaging pool beside his throne when he heard the cool voice, like a clear chime in the winter air. "Give it up, Ares...you can't touch them... 'not in any way that matters'." Aphrodite had deliberately echoed Iolaus' words....underscoring them, to be sure Ares understood his malice was futile.

Ares gazed at his sister, shrugging as he accepted the truth of her words, then grinned feebly. "Yeah, I know...but, I have to try...."

"Not anymore, Ares...not like yesterday. What you did to them went beyond the line. I won't allow it to happen again."

Ares narrowed his eyes...nobody told him what he could or couldn't do...but then he felt a chill when he looked past the goddess, realized Aphrodite wasn't alone...that the cold warning in her eyes was backed by the arrow Artemis had aimed at his heart.

"Touch them again, either of them, like you did yesterday...and you'll have to deal with us...both of us," Artemis promised in a low, quiet tone, her eyes unblinking as she stared at Ares. "Do you understand?"

Ares swallowed...he hated to back down, but he knew when he was facing a losing proposition. "Yeah," he muttered, "I understand."

"Good!" the sisters chimed together, then vanished.

Ares looked down again into the still pool of water in the urn beside his throne, saw the heroes fishing quietly on the shore, Iolaus leaning into Hercules, Herc's arm around him, holding him close, supporting him with his strength...with his love.

Iolaus had been right...Ares was jealous of what Herc had...and he was afraid of it. Love always has the power to conquer War....and so, the God of War understood this puny, vulnerable, courageous mortal would always have the power to defeat him. He could kill Iolaus...that was easy...but he could never defeat him...and Ares knew it. Ares slumped back against his throne...wondered what love like that felt like...somehow, he doubted he'd ever know.

In the distance, he could hear Iolaus' rich laugh of delighted triumph as he landed a big one.....

Finis