WHY WE SHOULD NEVER GO INTO CAVES

by Sandman

The roar of the pounding rain slapping at the heavy canopy of tree tops was deafening. Below, the sullen and persistent gush of a torrent too great to be supported on the broad backs of the leaves and too quickly falling to be absorbed by the forest floor was leaving the deep woods no more than an unnavigable quagmire.

Hercules had thought Iolaus would be happy to find a dry spot after much too long searching, but no, the golden hunter wasn't satisfied. In fact ,he was down right ungrateful.

"Herc, why do we always have to go into caves?" Iolaus' voice had an edgy tone to it.

"Because it rains, Iolaus." Hercules sighed heavily. He was saturated; his leather pants heavy with rain and his shirt clung to his godly physique like an extra layer of skin. He was wet and tired and his patience was short. He didn't want to have to cajole Iolaus to get into shelter.

"Why can't we just make shelter under a tree or something?" He grabbed at Herc's dripping arm. "I mean, animals do it that way all the time."

"Iolaus. you know the leaves can't even hold up the water. Look," he gestured broadly, "we're the main ingredients of this mud soup right now."."

"Well we could cut some branches down, make a shelter that way." Iolaus stood mule like in his stubbornness a short distance from the cave, hands on his hips and challenge in his eyes.

"Iolaus, come on! We went over this miles ago! You know that by the time we got finished we'd be soaked anyway. Just go into the cave." Hercules stopped dead in his soggy tracks and stared incredulously at his friend.

"Yeah, we're already soaked, but you know Herc, every time we go into a cave something bad happens." The side of Iolaus' mouth quirked up in a rueful half smile.

"Every time? You may be exaggerating ,my friend." Hercules glared at Iolaus, not even trying to hide his exasperation and trudged onward toward the cave ahead.

Iolaus wouldn't be deterred. Tired of Hercules' condescension he danced backwards, sending a spray of mud onto Hercules boots. He jabbed animatedly at the big man's chest to make his point.

"Remember Echidna? You were shot by the arrow; your mother was kidnapped. That was a cave adventure. And then there was that nasty cave with the Hydra in it on the road to the festival, but you weren't there for that. And then the She Demon killed me in a cave. And the cave of echoes. You were trapped in a rock slide. There was the minotaur's cave and Arachne, who almost sent me to visit Hades yet again. Should I go on?"

"Point well made, Iolaus," Hercules conceded. "But never the less I am taking shelter in this cave and you're welcome to join me." He turned away from his friend and strode with determination into the welcoming maw of the cave.

Iolaus stared assessingly as Hercules disappeared behind the lips of the cave. Standing out side tentatively he thought, "I AM getting wet here, and the soggy leather of my pants is sticking to my skin and chafing," He reasoned quickly. "Maybe I'll dry out a little if we start a fire. Hey Herc," he called, "not too far in, okay?

"Where's your adventurous spirit, Iolaus?" a disembodied voice called out from the unlit opening.

"You mean like do I want to die again?" Iolaus stepped warily into the cave, letting his eyes grow accustomed to the dark. He held his sword defensively in his right hand ,upright and ready, while entering slowly.

Hercules stifled a laugh as he caught sight of his compact blond companion dripping, his leather boots and pants squeaking with moisture as he stepped cautiously in, his stance wide and waiting for attack.

"Come on Iolaus. Let's get you dry. You smell like a small wet dog." Hercules took pity on Iolaus' plight.

"Aw thanks, big guy I didn't know you cared." Iolaus laughed, shaking his golden mop and letting the droplets fly.

Hercules and Iolaus entered deeper into the cave, ducking their heads and finding that the cave was actually larger inside than the opening led them to believe. It had apparently been used for shelter before as the men found several pieces of dry wood and kindling, along with evidence of an old fire, long since cold. The hunter, although wet and shivering found his fingers nimble enough to quickly strike the flint and start the dry wood burning. He bent over the embers, puffing carefully on the tiny flame and hoping that it would grow to adequate size before his wet leather trousers froze his legs into a kneeling position. Hercules sat back and watched his best friend work diligently at the growing campfire and smiled appreciatively.

"Wow, this fire is nice and warm and it really illuminates the cave. I don't hear any nasty sounds, grunting or monster roars," Hercules teased.

"Hey, there could be a sneaky monster though, one that doesn't actually announce its presence, don't you think?" Iolaus answered as he lounged in front of the campfire.

"It's possible," he conceded. "Take your pants off and dry them by the fire. I'll give you the blanket from my pack," Hercules offered, secretly hoping his friend would take him up on the offer. A wet Iolaus was a cranky Iolaus and besides, the demigod reasoned to himself, he LIKED to look at Iolaus naked. "Why don't you carry your own blanket, Iolaus?" he asked curiously.

"Hey, I'm not half god. The more weight I carry, the slower I go. And anyway I'm tougher than you; I can brave the elements...Heheheh." Iolaus giggled, enjoying digging his bigger friend.

He enjoyed Hercules discomfort, his lack of humor. Besides, he'd seen the way the big man tried to pretend he wasn't looking when Iolaus appeared sans clothing. Pretending. That was the word, because Herc had never been shy around Iolaus and the sudden newness of Herc's reaction piqued the smaller man's interest.

"Stop poking me, Iolaus. As I recall, it was you who complained about wet pants and chafing. So take the offer or leave it." Hercules tried to sound miffed, but he wasn't fooling Iolaus. Hercules wanted to see him naked. And maybe, just maybe Iolaus would comply.

"Don't get all testy, Herc. Just having fun with you." Iolaus was seriously considering the offer. In truth, the pants were pretty uncomfortable. Besides, to be honest, he liked when Hercules stared at him, but pretended not to be. And he liked the way Hercules blushed when Iolaus made sure the bigger man was aware that he knew exactly what was being stared at. He wondered whether Hercules felt as horny when he looked at him as Iolaus did when he saw Herc naked. This was untried territory, but hey, they were heroes and what was untried territory but an adventure waiting to happen, a new chapter in their lives? Maybe he'd try to find out finally. Iolaus scanned the cave, still wondering if they were in fact alone, not yet ready to leave himself vulnerable.

"Look! Over there where I'm pointing, where the fire stops casting its light. See where the shadows are dancing? What is that?" Iolaus frowned, staring through the ghostly wisps of smoke the fire cast and the wind blew deeper from the mouth of the cave.

"Oooooooh Iolaus, it's a monster!" Hercules smirked a bit, but peered over in the direction his friend pointed.

"No I'm serious. It looks like a large amphora!" Iolaus stood with a creak of leather and moved in closer, cautious and stealthy.

"Keep your pants on, Iolaus," Herc whispered. "Let's go take a look." He stood beside his friend with an even louder protesting of wet leather.

"We should try to be stealthy, you never know."

"Please, they could tell you're coming with only a sniff. There's definitely a down wind in this cave," Hercules scoffed, but he reached protectively out to make sure his friend was with in his reach.

"Yeah, well you're no rose either, buddy!" Iolaus giggled again, this time softer, never taking his eyes off the object.

Hercules pushed ahead. If there was danger Iolaus' instincts were right, it was always a bigger problem in a confined space like a cave. He didn't look forward to encountering a problem. This however looked to be more of a gift.

"Iolaus, I think your secret monster, lurking just out of sight really is actually a very large amphora, old too. Looks like some one was partying. There are other amphoras that are empty, bright ribbons and paper."

Iolaus approached, surveying the scene. "I see some flower petals, dried now but quite a number of different types, maybe from a bouquet. Herc, I bet someone had a birthday party in here!"

"Looks like it, Iolaus." Their eyes met, twinkling azure with cool steel, the same idea crackling between them like static electricity.

"What do you say we bring the unopened amphora back over by the fire and enjoy it together? If it has what I think in it I'm sure I'll eventually lose the wet clothes and hunker down under your blanket for a well deserved nap." This time it was Iolaus' turn to tease.

"I'm sure you will, but I think I'd be more inclined to call it a period of unconscious slumber," Herc answered dryly.

"Yeah, well that too. Come on Herc. It'll warm us up inside. Just think a warm fire, an amphora of wine, a cave without monsters.what could be better?" Iolaus's mouth turned up in a smile that tugged at Hercules' heart, an invitation that shouldn't be refused.

"A warm bed, a real roof over our heads, a nice meal." Hercules tried to see if he could refocus Iolaus.

"A couple of women." Iolaus tested the waters.

"Iolaus, I'm warning you here. I'm going to open the amphora, but only under the condition we don't talk about your conquests again." Unless I'm going to be one, Hercules mentally added.

"Oh, hard bargain here, but okay, only if you omit the stories of that Amazon you, uh, hung with for a while." Iolaus watched Herc's face for a reaction.

"Deal. I'll lug the amphora over." Hercules raised an eyebrow, wondering if Iolaus was thinking what he was. "You settle near the fire and get warm."

There was something about the cool musty scent of the cave mingling with the comfort of the smoky wood fire that was extra relaxing to the two men. And the amphora of wine helped to sooth tight muscles and the deep ache of a long trek in the cold rain. Iolaus reclined, clothes off drying with Herc's near the fire with his back to the mossy wall and the warmth of some wine in his belly.

"Herc, I gotta tell ya, this is far and away the best wine I've had in ages." He leaned his head back, closed his eyes and let the wine roll across his tongue, dancing along the taste buds and exciting them.

It's the only wine you've had in ages." Hercules stared over at Iolaus heavy lidded.

"That too." (Giggle) "And Herc?"

"What Iolaus?"

"I can't think of anyone else I'd rather be stuck in a cave with. . .with or without monsters." Iolaus stared boldly at Herc's eyes, fixing them with a warm smile that crinkled the edges of his own eyes into fine lines.

"I feel the same way too, Iolaus." Hercules stared back and watched Iolaus' eyes drop lower unabashed, down the strongly muscled chest, lingering over the abs then stopping briefly lower where the blanket was draped delicately over the spot Hercules' soaked breechclout used to be.

Hercules blushed and turned away from Iolaus.

"Herc?" Iolaus couldn't help but smile. "Don't be embarrassed. Viewing a fine body can be a pleasure. Look." He flung off the bit of blanket that had been covering him, leaving himself fully exposed to the flickering amber light of the fire.

He arched his neck back, sliding down the mossy rock wall a bit and propping himself up with well muscled arms. "Look at me, Hercules." His voice was as smooth as fine wine, as smoky as the windy night fire, inviting pleasure and warmth yet demanding Hercules' attention. Outside, the rain poured down beating a primitive rhythm like a celebratory dance.

Hercules wanted to look, Gods knew. He always wanted to look, and Iolaus had never been shy. Hercules had seen him naked countless times, but lately he was seeing him through different eyes. Eyes of desire. And Hercules was nervous about that. Because what he felt went deeper than simple lust.

He turned and stared at Iolaus, eyes closed, neck arched, back strong and corded, golden curls hanging loose and untamed, still damp in the back where his head had rested against the wall. His tanned body was compact yet lithe, rippling and well defined. Herc watched the muscles bunch and relax beneath the tight sheathing of skin as the smaller man shifted, letting the firelight dance and play on his torso, across his abs, slipping down to catch the soft nest of curls and rising shaft, play down the strong legs and small calloused feet.

"I know you want me, Hercules." Iolaus kept his eyes closed instinctively knowing that Hercules needed this, an adjustment such as a person must make when stepping from a dark room into the bright sun.

Hercules drew in a tight breath as he let his eyes freely wander. Since childhood, Iolaus had always known when to make the first move, what was right and how Hercules wanted things. Iolaus had seen his partner's desire and matched it, upped the stakes. He was daring Hercules. Would Hercules be man enough to match him?

Hercules let out his breath, tossed off the confining blanket and moved towards Iolaus, accepting the challenge.

"I DO want you Iolaus."

Iolaus kept his eyes closed, shifted slowly over towards Hercules until he felt the warmth of the big man's hand behind his neck. "This isn't the wine speaking?" he asked softly, seeking the truth before letting his heart be shown.

"No, Iolaus. This isn't the wine asking?"

Iolaus felt Hercules trembling warmly against him. "Definitely not." He pressed his shoulder against the soft carpet of fur on Hercules chest, eyes still closed, arching his body seductively. "And you know that." The air seemed heavy and still as the two sat silently together. Finally Iolaus spoke. "Perhaps it's time to take what you want."

Hercules stared at the peaceful knowing smile on Iolaus' careworn face, the scar above his right eyebrow, the earring hanging loosely from the left lobe, an errant damp curl tangled in the loop. Who could not desire this man? He moved tentatively closer to Iolaus, hopes and desires mingled with hesitation, touching Iolaus's cheek and turning his face towards his own.

Iolaus moved decisively, unable to wait any longer. He reached around, slipping his small fingers into Hercules' silken hair and pulled the trembling mouth down to his own waiting lips.

Hercules moved willingly, finding Iolaus' lips parting, tongue pushing at and opening his own lips as they met, insistent, not to be denied. He leaned into the hunter, pulling him up on a strong forearm and pressing him close as the heat and talent of Iolaus' tongue caressed his own, slipped against his teeth caressing like flint against metal, finding every spot which ignited a spark. He felt the power of Iolaus' muscular arm across his shoulder blade and up behind his neck, pressing him in tighter. Pulling him into a warmth and oneness he'd needed so much, yet denied himself for so long.

Iolaus turned his body to face Hercules, letting the other small hand dance across Hercules chest, lightly touch an already erect nipple, feather through the hair to its twin and linger there for barely a second. He felt Hercules slide a huge hand down his back, stopping to rest at his hips then slide slowly up and down over the concavity where his back met his buttocks.

Iolaus moaned his pleasure into Hercules' mouth, sliding his hand down the tight abs to the firmness of the hard shaft waiting there for him.

Hercules gasped, pulling his mouth away from Iolaus' lips. "Iolaus," he groaned, pushing back against the small hand. Iolaus' love making was ledgendary, he knew, and the heat and raw power of the small calloused hand sent an involuntary shiver up his spine. Why hadn't tried this before?

Iolaus reached up, placing a finger against Hercules' lips. "Actions speak louder than words." He dropped his head, trailing moist lips and hot velvet tongue along the big man's neck, down to the soft spot at the joint of Herc's neck and shoulder which was begging for attention. He closed his lips over it, nipping first lightly, then harder, sucking down and pulling the flesh ravenously into his mouth, marking his territory.

Hercules tipped his head back and to the side to allow Iolaus better access to the spot. He gripped his left hand tighter into the mop of blonde curls, tangling his fingers into them, encouraging Iolaus, enjoying the heat of Iolaus's mouth as it sent shocks of pain and pleasure to the few parts of his body left unstirred. His other hand pushed Iolaus's hand down further, onto the painfully engorged shaft.

Iolaus stroked lightly, not wanting to get Hercules too hot too soon. He pulled roughly away from the neck area and let his tongue trail like burning lava down, across the pectoral muscles and latched onto an erect bronze nipple, nipping lightly, pulling at it much as he had with Herc's neck. He took his time, never rushing the sensations he wanted Hercules to experience. He kept his teeth on the nub and opened his mouth slightly, breathing hot and moist on the captured nipple, feeling Hercules writhe captive beneath him.

Iolaus continued his gently slide along the hard cock that dwarfed his hand. He knew the smithing calluses on his palms only increased the friction, however light, and that Herc could now appreciate the benefits of hard work for more than an end to a task. He slipped a questing thumb up to the slit on the head of Hercules' cock, heard the moan, a soft gasp and felt a tremor up the shaft. Quickly he removed his hand.

"Iolaus!" Hercules pleaded, opening his eyes to meet Iolaus'.

"Too soon. There's much more than this. I can set every inch of your body on fire. Let me show you." He heard the soft sigh of capitulation, felt the tight muscles of Hercules back trying to relax. "Lay down."

That Hercules had not made love to a male since they were in academy was obvious, Iolaus thought. He's nervous as a virgin. Well, I'm going to show him what I am to him, what I can do.

Hercules lay flat on the hard packed dirt and stone floor of the cave, warmed by the closeness of Iolaus' sturdy body. He stared up at the clear blue eyes which held his own steely blue in rapturous commitment.

"Give yourself to me, Hercules."

"I will."

Hercules never lied; Iolaus couldn't ever recall when his friend had outright lied, especially to him. His breath caught in his throat as he watched Hercules' eyes blaze with a fire as hot as he felt in his own heart. His eyes met Iolaus' with commitment.

"Then I offer all that I am, that I ever can be, to you." Iolaus swallowed as he spoke the words. The pledge was as one would make to a god. But this was his friend, the only one he'd ever spoken these words to, other than Anya.

Hercules understood. He saw the love and even the fear that went with the power of these words. To love until one of them died. His arms went around Iolaus, pulling him down against his chest, letting the strong blonde bury his face into his corded neck momentarily.

Iolaus let Hercules melt against him as he molded to the big man's torso, smelled his sweat, tasted him, felt the muscle, skin and dried dirt from their muddy hike here. Then he rose up, hands on Hercules' shoulders, pressing him deeper into the cave floor.

Hercules started up in wonder at Iolaus' unshaven face, streaked with dirt and stained at the corner of his mouth by the wine. He noticed how the golden curls seemed to float around his head like a halo, backlit by the flickering fire behind him. He noticed the bulge of the shoulders, the taper of the waist and the steady questing stare of Iolaus' eyes on him.

"I offer myself to you, Iolaus." The words were soft, but the meaning strong.

"I accept." Iolaus leaned down to capture Hercules's mouth with his own. He held the big man down by the shoulders pressing him into the dirt floor of the damp cave. He released the passion held inside for so many years unanswered. He pressed his lips into Hercules so forcefully he knew he would bruise himself, still he didn't stop. This was not the time for tender love, as one would make to a flirtatious bar maid. This was the culmination of years of desire and both men knew that tonight they would give full voice to their desire.

Iolaus pulled his lips away from Hercules', drawing his eyes into a sultry stare that brooked no argument. Hercules lay back, awaiting Iolaus' ministrations, knowing that Iolaus wouldn't fail him. In truth, Hercules wanted this more than Iolaus would ever know. He wanted to be dominated even if it was only this once. He wanted to be loved, to be taken care of, to feel the dynamic power that was Iolaus, as he once had so many years ago at the Academy.

Iolaus sensed this, and responded by rising up naked and glorious and taking Hercules' hands in his own, placing them on the ground above the bigger man's head.

"Keep them here," He whispered the command holding Hercules' gaze. Hercules obeyed.

Iolaus straddled the big man's hips low down near the thighs with his legs splayed, leaning back enough to make sure that Hercules could see his shaft pressed firmly against Herc's own.

"You want this." He didn't ask.

Hercules opened his mouth to speak but stopped, instead simply nodding.

"It's yours." He slid up a bit so his butt rested lightly on Hercules tight abs, the huge cock against his backside. He slid his hands slowly from Hercules' face, down the neck and onto the chest. He ran a calloused finger over an erect nipple, and then grabbed it, pinching until Hercules moaned, thrusting his chest up at Iolaus.

"I'm going to take you, Hercules."

"What are you waiting for?" The need coursed up from Hercules' feet, through his belly and chest, found escape through his words. His hips bucked up, pressing against Iolaus' buttocks, his own cock so hot and weeping he thought it would soon burst.

Iolaus leaned over pressing his lips warm and welcoming onto Hercules' own, lingering there only briefly, burning with promise as yet unfulfilled. He slid down the strong tanned body feeling the definition of each muscle beneath his own. His cock, hard and damp with desire slid down Hercules' abdomen, seeking the heat of its twin and nesting there against it as Iolaus breathed against Herc's neck.

He slid down further, letting his tongue lead the way through the forest of light furring on Hercules chest and abdomen, seeking the heat of the giant redwood quivering in anticipation of Iolaus's mouth. Iolaus breathed heavily, taking in the scent of his best friend's passion, the musk of sweat and desire letting his mind and heart soar in the pleasure that this was for him. He let his crown of golden curls fall lightly against Hercules' skin as he placed his lips slowly and sensuously around the rubied head of Hercules' waiting cock.

Hercules gasped, arching forward and reached for Iolaus, but Iolaus drew away.

"Let me." He met Hercules' hot needy stare with controlled desire.

Hercules took a deep breath and moved his hands away, lying back with his neck arched and pelvis thrust forward.

"All yours, Iolaus."

Iolaus moved without word back down, a hunter through the forest on his quest for the ultimate prize. Wordlessly he let his tongue seek out the trail, scenting his quarry and capturing it in the snare of his lips.

"Hercules!" he murmured against the hot wetness of its length, causing a shiver of excitement and anticipation to course through his lover's frame. The vibration of his voice, his lips, caused Hercules to let a moan of excitement escape his lips.

"Iolaus." As simply as a prayer. Hercules wanted to start thrusting, to feel all that Iolaus would give him, to seek relief and pleasure so long denied but he knew he couldn't, wouldn't. What ever he wanted wouldn't be as good as what Iolaus was about to give him.

Iolaus sucked down hard and slow on his lover's cock, letting one hand slip down under Hercules's heavy sac and gently lifted it, massaging lightly and letting a finger slip back against the tender skin behind it. He felt Hercules lift his hips, and let the cock slide further into his mouth, running his tongue along its length. Oh, for a vial of oil, he thought, but there was none. He'd have to improvise.

Iolaus let Hercules's balls drop carefully from his hand, hearing the big man moan, feeling him thrust deeper. He bit down gently, controlling the slide of the cock in his mouth. Reaching to his own cock he stroked gently but firmly. His shaft was as hard as steel and even needier than Herc's. Just a few strokes and he knew he would come.

One, two, three. He felt the throbbing and tried not to gasp as he spilled his seed into his own hand. Lubrication and relief in one package, he thought, letting his fingers glide through the sticky seed, coating both his shaft and fingers. He released his cock and reached once again for Hercules' sac, letting the now wet fingers quest behind and tease at the tight opening he wanted to plunder.

Hercules gasped as Iolaus inserted a finger into the tightness, but Iolaus didn't stop. He sucked harder at the cock, letting his mouth slide up and down the shaft in perfect rhythm to his finger. Hercules moaned as Iolaus inserted a second finger, circling and invading, setting up the plunder. He pushed his cock deeper into Iolaus' mouth and Iolaus swallowed it as he slipped a third finger into the loosening tightness.

Iolaus felt his cock rising again as Hercules thrust down his throat moaning, hands tangled into his curls, and holding him tightly in place. He reached in deeply and found the spot, the secret pleasure that too few knew about.

"Iolaus" Herc thundered as he thrust hard and deep, every muscle taut, yet trembling as he pushed against Iolaus' finger. Iolaus let his finger stroke, caress the spot, as Hercules could hold back no longer. He felt the hot spurting of Herc's seed in his throat, the pumping of the muscles and tasted the salty stream of ejaculate as Herc attained full release.

"Iolaus!" he cried over and over until Iolaus thought the walls would crumble in, the fire would blow out and all the gods of Olympus would descend upon them to see what the noise was about. He felt the hands on his head clench and release, the muscles beneath him grow slack as Hercules finally rested, wet and sweaty, sliding carefully out of Iolaus' throat.

Hercules pulled his friend to him, pressed his lips against the hunter's and slipped his tongue softly into Iolaus' mouth, tasting the mingling of himself with Iolaus. "What do you do for an encore?" He whispered.

Iolaus pulled away, needy again, and displayed his engorged and slippery cock.

"This."

"I was hoping you'd say that." Hercules eyes slid up from the splendor of Iolaus' erection, slowly rising up the glistening belly and heaving sweat streaked chest, coming to rest on the demanding azure eyes that could communicate without words.

Iolaus raised his eyebrows and twitched his head in indication of what Hercules needed to do.

With silent assent Hercules rolled over, slipping his knees beneath himself and raising his firmly muscles buttocks while resting his head on one arm.

Outside the wind blew heavy and the tree branches rustled and roared in protest. The rain pounded against the muddy earth, against the leathery bark. The wind whistled at the mouth of cave like a young man looking for attention. And the scent of dampness, of moss, of mud filled the air like a heady perfume, neither welcome nor unwelcome, instead all encompassing.

Inside the fire was warm and flickering, dancing patterns of shadow and light upon the walls. The amphora was tipped precariously on its side with the wine left inside balanced on the inside of the amphora's hips, awaiting only the lips which would seek its release. Wet clothing dangled from outcroppings on the rock walls like the tapestries which decorated castles, the subtle drip from them after a day in the rain dashing against the hard packed dirt floor like the beating of a small drum in a primal rhythm, calling the innermost core of a being to respond to the urgent need inside.

Iolaus gripped Hercules' hips and carefully placed his slick cock against Hercules' tight entrance, teasing at the opening, letting Hercules feel the heat and wetness of the offering. He watched the muscles of the bigger man's back bunch as he pushed against Iolaus' shaft.

Hercules groaned, a quiet accompaniment to the pounding rain, as Iolaus pushed forward slowly but steadily stifling a gasp of appreciation as he entered Hercules' tightness. He closed his eyes, arching back and with a thrust sent his shaft fully in to Hercules.

Hercules cried out, pushing back against Iolaus, angling himself to receive the full impact of Iolaus' thrusts past his prostate. Iolaus gripped Hercules' hips with a vengeance, as if riding a rogue steed into a battle of glory. He let his head drop back, the golden curls falling loosely against his shoulders, feathering against him in rhythm to his movements.

Iolaus was lost, lost in the oneness of this union, of tightness of the fit, the shiver that went up his spine and down his loins as Hercules met his thrusts with contractions to hold him ever deeper. It was as if for this one moment in time, no evil existed, no gods interfered, no rain fell upon weary travelers and in fact time, the seasons and even the calendar had ceased to exist. There was only Hercules and himself, cocooned in a warmth and oneness of pleasure to which no one else was privy.

Iolaus reached around the big man's hips, letting his small calloused hand envelope the base of Hercules's shaft. Then in unison with his own thrusts he coaxed Hercules to an ever higher level of pleasure.

Always before they had known what the other's next move would be, so in tune with each other were they. And even now no words had to be spoken, no movement was awkward. They moved as perfectly as one two headed being joined in all ways, from the magnificent muscles to the single pure heart.

"Hercules!" Iolaus choked out in a guttural moan as he felt the hero throb to completion in his hand, shooting the sticky seed in hot pulsating bursts. The tight ring of muscles that sheathed his own shaft contracted and released in rhythm to the member in his palm and Iolaus could stand it no longer.

His own release was sweet and hard and felt never ending. His body was hot in spite of the chill of the damp air, his muscles burned and every nerve felt as if it was on fire. He shot his warmth into Hercules like the sun up far above the horizon beating down on a sandy beach. Suddenly there was no rain; there were no more pounding leaves, splashing puddles or cold wet floor. There was only Hercules and he in a circle of warmth protected from the outside world by their love for each other.

Iolaus dropped against Hercules' back in exhaustion, letting his arms encircle his lover's chest as he breathed heavily against his neck, eyes closed and chest heaving. He could feel the beating of Herc's heart, the tug of his breathing and the quiver of his suddenly relaxing muscles. He let himself slip gently out of Herc's tightness and felt the connection lessen ever so slightly. He squeezed his eyes shut tighter as if that would hold everything in.

"Hercules." It was nothing more than a whispered incantation, a desire to seal in the magic of the night and Iolaus didn't even care if Herc heard him. The word was a prayer, a thanks, an exaltation. The culmination of his long held desire was better than he had ever imagined it to be those many times.

Hercules let himself down prone, as soft and relaxed as a king's down pillow, with Iolaus on his back. The weight of the smaller man was like a warm covering, not heavy but every bit as welcome. Hercules felt a wonder deep inside at what he'd denied himself for so long. This had seemed so natural, so welcome, simply an extension of a relationship that was already nearly perfect. Why hadn't he allowed himself this simple pleasure before, he wondered?

Iolaus rolled carefully off of Herc's back and snuggled in close to him on a bedding of fur. He reached a strong arm out and snagged his own discarded covering and tossed it over the two of them. Curling in for warmth, he felt Hercules rest his chin on the top of his wet golden curls. He could feel the rise and fall of Hercules chest with each life sustaining breath and thought that for this one moment in time he was lost in place he didn't want to find his way out of.

In the dark of the night, the steady rain was nothing other than a lullaby and Iolaus found his eyelids growing heavy as he listened to Hercules' breathing growing shallower and more steady. With Herc's arms wrapped possessively around him Iolaus knew that sleep would find him quickly now and in the morning they would deal with whatever feelings the morning brought. But the first step had been taken and Iolaus hoped they wouldn't go backwards.

"Sleep now," he thought, "and dream well." He tipped his head up to Hercules and placed a gentle kiss on the unshaven chin which presented itself.

"Good night, Herc."

"Good night, Iolaus."

The End