Second Thoughts

By Sandman

Iolaus sat up with a start. Another of "THOSE" dreams, the unfulfilled, ever wanting, never to be attained ones that plagued him almost every night now. He breathed heavily, rubbing his hands across his rough unshaven face and trying to regain his control. Push those thoughts right out, he thought, sighing deeply in frustration. Never going to happen buddy. He stretched his legs and tipped his head back, assessing the position of the stars.

The night was in its deepest hour, and over head the sky was black, thick with stars. Persephone was visiting her mother Demeter, so the late winter had slipped into an extremely early spring, causing warmer than usual days, pleasant nights. It was already warm enough to cause Iolaus to sweat with even the light exertion of running next to Herc--or was it the "next to Herc" part that caused the sweating?

Iolaus stood silently and glanced over to the sleeping Hercules. He stared down at his friend, sleeping like a king with his arms crossed against his chest, his head turned to the side, away from Iolaus, hair streaming behind him and over his shoulders. He never seemed to age, never seemed to weaken. His muscles were taut and gleaming in the light of a thousand stars, showing his strength even in relaxation. He was so solid in his belief of right and wrong, so steady in following his duty. Iolaus wished that in some ways he could be more like his friend, but knew that he was what he was, just as Hercules was what he was, and that would never change. There were too many things he wanted to change, especially lately, and probably never would.

Iolaus turned and walked silently to the edge of the lake they'd chosen to camp near the last few days, ostensibly to let Hercules finish the recovery process from his unfortunate incident of eating hallucinatory mushrooms, but just as much for the privacy. Herc initially hadn't remember how he'd acted, how he'd seen Iolaus as a woman and fallen in love with him, but there were sure to be many people who did. Iolaus had told him, as gently as possible, playing down the worst parts, but Herc had been embarrassed, too much so for Iolaus's liking. And Herc would need his privacy until he could come to grips with it. Now, they had slipped away unnoticed, or so they hoped, for a simple vacation of hunting, fishing and friendship.

The water lapped at the edge of the shore with the soft eagerness of a puppy's tongue and Iolaus shucked off his boots and clothes, tossing them carelessly behind him, and plunked himself down, knees drawn up. He was cooler here and peaceful. He supposed that soon enough he'd go in for a swim. He didn't want to wake Herc though. He sat, staring into the clear water and watched his reflection change with the ripple of the small waves.

It struck him instantly how tired he looked, careworn and aging. His skin was no longer smooth, but lined and scarred. His hands were rough and he hadn't shaved in days, for that matter hadn't bathed in days. It was a wonder Herc could stand sleeping next to him, he mused. He was not a young man any more; he realized suddenly, the revelation like a blow to the midsection from a well aimed fist.

Maybe he should be glad he wasn't young any more, he thought sadly. No more of that perpetual angst of adolescence. No more worrying about if he measured up to others. No more counting how many women he'd slept with. When had he stopped that he wondered? And when had he stopped really wanting women?

In the Academy he and Hercules had a brief stint as lovers, glorious and fierce and all encompassing. But the all encompassing part had sort of been the problem. Iolaus wanted to try more, learn more, but Herc had wanted him exclusively. Bad timing on Herc's part, as Iolaus had to break off the relationship pretty early to keep their friendship close. Herc had been too young for this distraction, too needy, and let his grades slip. Iolaus had meant to pick the relationship back up after they'd graduated, but one thing after another interfered.

Iolaus reflected on the years that ensued, they'd married, had children, lost families and traveled extensively. Their lives had paralleled in so many ways it was clear to Iolaus that the gods meant for them to be together. Iolaus tossed a pebble lazily into the shimmering water before him, listened to the quiet plop as it broke the surface, sending rings racing toward the shore. He would love to take this friendship to the next level but Herc seemed to have no interest. And why should he? Iolaus was an aging mortal with limited good years ahead. But Herc, his future was endless and glorious.

Iolaus let himself fall back into the sand and flung an arm angrily over his eyes. Every night the same dream.Herc on mushrooms, chasing him around trying to kiss him and him falling into Herc's arms with a hard on! And then he woke; sweating and tired, never restful, his heart pounding and his mind fogged with desire.and he always had that darn hard on. How many nights could he sneak off and relieve himself, he wondered?

Sometimes he turned over onto his side and stared at Herc, sleeping soundly with that peaceful look on his face, wanting to do himself right there. . What if Herc woke? He'd surely think Iolaus had lost it. Not that this sort of activity was unusual for Iolaus, in fact it was a pleasure he often partook of, but rarely in plain view of his friend.

Iolaus sighed, pushing himself back up and grabbing a handful of sand, which he then tossed angrily at the lake. Even now he was hard, just thinking of Hercules. If truth be told, he really hadn't minded the whole mushroom episode.except that he wasn't keen on being called Iola. He kind of liked the feeling of Herc's arms around him, his strong embrace, the feeling of his cock pressed hard against him. He liked the way the big guy looped his arm over his shoulders and instead of leaving it loosely there, drew Iolaus closer, so he could feel their hearts beating together.

What he couldn't tell Herc, and had only just admitted to himself, was that he had "feelings" for him. There was that WORD, the one that sheltered the heart and mind and let the thinker believe that it could be anything but the truth. Iolaus dropped his face into his sand coated hands. He thought he'd buried the "feeling" all those years ago, after the academy, gotten on with his life, but here it was again, raising its persistent head like his unrelieved cock. And he was getting tired of bedding every woman who looked at him more than once looking for love that just didn't exist.

But Hercules.he was friend who truly accepted him, even knowing all his good and bad points. Iolaus had come to realize through the whole darn mushroom episode how much he still wanted Hercules to care for him and have that "feeling" for him too, like back in academy days. Iolaus was ready for it now. Problem was Hercules didn't seem to be.

Iolaus stared down at the sizable erection pushing urgently skyward. "Just another night," he muttered in disgust. "Another hard on, another hand job with only half the satisfaction of the real thing..." another night without Hercules, he thought.

He stalked angrily into the cold lake seeking relief.

Hercules woke with a start, suddenly aware that Iolaus wasn't next to him. He sat up silently, listening to the sounds of the night; crickets, early because of the warm night, leaves rustling in the breeze, small scurrying footsteps of a rodent. There it was, the plop of a pebble hitting the water. Iolaus was by the lake. Herc knew Iolaus hadn't been sleeping much lately. He'd noticed how exhausted and haggard he looked, saw how he had a little trouble keeping up the pace they'd set to get here, even his voice sounded discouraged. Hercules was worried about his friend.

He lay quietly wondering what to do. Sometimes Iolaus snuck off to seek a little "relief" and if that was the case he didn't want to intrude. In truth he often used this time himself to relive those "major frustrations" when Iolaus wasn't around. He doubted that this was the case tonight. It would be tough to be tossing pebbles in the water and taking care of business at the same time.

No, Iolaus was sitting by the water brooding about something. Hercules propped himself on an elbow. What to do?

Ever since that mushroom incident things had been different between them. Hercules couldn't remember much of it, but he did recall seeing Iolaus as a woman, and a lovely one at that. And he remembered pursuing him in what he thought was a most charming fashion. Other than that, all he had was "feelings". He wondered if this was an aftereffect of the mushroom, about which his mother had warned him. He sort of wanted to get close to Iolaus, found himself resting his arm around the compact blonde's shoulders more often and inexplicably pulling him closer.

But Iolaus felt stiff to him, muscles hard and unyielding. What was happening, he wondered? He needed some of the blanks filled in. Maybe it was time to get Iolaus talking. That was usually easy, but since "the incident" the blonde hunter had been unusually quiet.

Hercules stood stiffly, wondering how long until dawn and stretched, rolling his shoulders. The night was cool but comfortable, good sleeping weather. He hoped the two of them would be able to sort this out and go back to sleep soon. Silently as possible he headed toward the lake, hoping to glimpse his friend unseen.

The sliver of moon shone over the rippling water, and Hercules could see clearly the spot where Iolaus had just dipped beneath the surface. Little cool for swimming Herc thought as he turned his glance to Iolaus's shed clothes laying in a heap on the sand. He sat down next to the wrinkled bundle, idly fingering the worn purple vest, pulling it close to his face to smell Iolaus on it.

He watched as the blonde mop of curls broke the mirrored surface, sending droplets like shards of glass sparkling back into the lake. Iolaus stood, wiping the water from his face and Hercules noticed the play of the muscles across his back and shoulders. The crescent moon shone across his strong arms, glinted off the droplets caught on his unshaven jaw. Hercules took in a deep breath as he suddenly realized just how beautiful Iolaus really was. Iolaus was built like a small bull, all shoulders and chest, slimmer hips, no fat to spare. He was easily the equal of any bigger man and even Herc, with his half god blood had a tough time wrestling Iolaus down for a win. Iolaus
was unique as both a man and a mortal, and Hercules realized how fortunate he was to call him friend.

He saw Iolaus shiver as the cool air caressed his skin, put his arms around his chest and then duck back under to his neck again. Iolaus tested the water with a few strokes out toward the center of the lake then turned back. Hercules watched as Iolaus moved with ease back to the edge of the water, wading out to his knees before he spotted Hercules.

Must have a lot on his mind, Hercules thought, to be so unaware of my presence.

Iolaus stopped, wet golden and shimmering, his muscles rippling across his belly, hips and thighs as he waded ashore staring across the moonlight at Hercules. Hercules felt his breath catch in his chest, a stirring in his groin which pressed urgently against his cod piece. This was ridiculous! He was looking at Iolaus, not Deineira or Serena. . .or even Iola! This was his friend, why was this happening? He crossed his legs to conceal the bulge in his woven pants as Iolaus waded out of the water and over to him.

"Hey Herc, having trouble sleeping too?"

The clear blue eyes stared assessingly down at him and Hercules looked up holding his gaze. "Some." His heart pounded in his chest. What was going on?

Iolaus plopped down on the sand next to Hercules and stretched his legs out. ercules could see the goose bumps on his friend's bronzed skin and started to reach out to draw him close. Thought better of it and tugged off his top shirt tossing it at Iolaus.

"Thanks," Iolaus answered. He shrugged it around his shoulders without bothering to slip his arms through it, just curling into it. He drew up his legs, pulling the length around his knees. "Kind of cold in there."

"So why did you go swimming?"

Iolaus shot him a "don't ask" glance and turned his face away.

"Oh." Hercules stared silently across the lake. "Looked like water took care of that."

"Herc," Iolaus sighed heavily.

"What?" Hercules used his innocent voice, knowing he probably shouldn't have admitted he was "looking". He scooted over closer to Iolaus, his hips touching Iolaus's, his arm against his friend's shoulder.

Iolaus stared down at the sand instead of his friend, then closed his eyes and sighed heavily. If Herc kept touching him like this the raging hard on would be back, and then what would his friend think? He had to do something, see if Herc was having the "feeling" too.

"Uh Herc, uh about the mushroom incident." His voice trailed off as he searched for the right words. It wasn't as if he'd never had these feelings for Herc before, he'd just never had Herc reciprocate them, never let him know they arose. Nah, Herc didn't have any feelings for him. Bringing this up would only make the big man embarrassed and self conscious. And what if it damaged their friendship? Not worth the risk.

"Yeah?"

"Nothing."

"Come on Iolaus, something has been bothering you for days now. Did I embarrass you that badly, are you angry with me or something?" Herc leaned heavily against his friend, knowing that Iolaus had always liked the contact. Maybe it would help him open up.

It's the 'or something' part Iolaus thought sadly, instead saying, "Really, Herc, it's nothing. You didn't embarrass me, at least not too much." He paused. Could Herc feel how hard his heart was pounding, how warm his skin was where they touched?

"Should I be prepared for what's going to happen when we go back into town?" Hercules sounded tentative. He glanced over at Iolaus.

Iolaus drew his knees up tighter, thankful that Herc's shirt covered him so well. Not just his heart was throbbing. Again.

"I don't think that too many people will tease the great Hercules," he answered with assurance. "But I'll probably get a few comments when you're not around."

Hercules sat silently and stared out at the lake. He suspected that he'd caused Iolaus more trouble and embarrassment than he'd ever know. This was probably what Iolaus's mood was about.

"I'm sorry about everything," he finally said.

"Ah, don't worry about it," Iolaus offered. "We've been through worse together. It'll blow over and life will be back to normal before we know it." Maybe that would be the best way; he thought to himself, even though his heart shouted no!

"Want to go into town tonight and we can get it over with?" Herc offered, slipping an arm comfortingly over the hunter's shoulders, enjoying the contact. The smaller man felt cooler in his arms.

"Up to you Herc." Iolaus closed his eyes. This was more painful than any physical injury.letting go, stepping back when he so desperately wanted to go forward. He was going to need another swim.

Hercules stared over at Iolaus with concern. His friend seemed so distressed, so internalized. He watched the moon play across Iolaus's rugged face, enjoyed the way two days of scruffy beard looked on him. His hair glittered where the water droplets clung to his curls. For almost a moment he thought he saw Iola again, had the feeling, but pushed it back. His mother had warned him about this, flashbacks she called it. Memories, he thought to himself. . .or desire?

Iolaus opened his eyes and caught Herc's stare. "Why don't you go back to sleep, you look tired and I have a little more swimming to do."

Hercules nodded, eyebrows raised and stood to leave. "You look tired yourself, Iolaus. Will you be coming back soon?"

"I hope so," Iolaus mumbled and tossing off Herc's shirt, dashed into the lake once again.



Hercules couldn't sleep. He sat at the campsite and listened to Iolaus splashing rhythmically as he swam. Herc had seen the hunter's arousal, felt his distress and this was bothering him. He couldn't shake the feeling that somehow he was responsible for it. There was so much he didn't remember, and Iolaus sure wasn't talking about it. Well, time had a way of evening things out he thought. I'll just wait for him to come back, pretend to be sleeping.

His thoughts were interrupted by a fiery flash and an evil laugh.

"Oh brother, this time you've really set Olympus on its toes!" Ares arched his eyebrows, eyes twinkling and cackled out a mean laugh. He stood, hands on black leather clad hips and stepped forward to the now rising Hercules, taking him in with darkly possessive eyes.

"Oh Yeah! You couldn't keep you hands off that pretty little mortal of yours, or your lips for that matter."

"Ares!" Hercules growled.

"Oh you gave us some show," Ares clapped appreciatively, and then sneered as he stepped close to Hercules. He jabbed a finger into Hercules's chest and tried to assume a brotherly voice. "You know, you don't wear frustration well. Every time the sniveling mortal rejected you, you came on harder. Oh Bro, you were NOT subtle."

"Ares go away. Just zap yourself back to your little rat hole. I don't want your take on things."

"Maybe not, but since I'm here..."

"Ares," Herc growled.

"Ahh.maybe you HAVE some feelings for the puny mortal," Ares cocked his head,
raised his eyebrows. "They say the mushrooms won't make you do anything completely out of character you know. And Zeus and Ganymede."

"Enough!" Hercules roared lunging at Ares.

"OOOH! Talk about your dysfunctional families," Ares sniped with an evil grin as he disappeared, leaving Hercules stumbling into the air.



Iolaus swam for what seemed like forever. The water was so cold his whole body was numb. He barely felt his extremities, even less his now limp cock. But he couldn't take the chance of its reoccurrence. He had to keep going on with Herc as if nothing of importance had ever happened.

All these years.never had he revealed his feelings for Herc. And never had Herc ever showed anything more than close friendship for him. He'd rather his feelings were never reciprocated than lose Herc. Herc in any way was better than no Herc.



He swam on, for what seemed forever, until he could no longer feel his traitorous body at all and felt he would surely slip under the cold enveloping water. He would go back, sleep and NOT get another hard on. He would never EVER do anything that would alienate Herc. Even if he had to remain celibate, even if he had to act as if everything was unchanged. Even if he had to take care of himself every night for the rest of his life.

Iolaus let himself sink under the water and swam toward shore, dreading the moment when he stepped out into the air. Would he be tired enough to finally sleep? Iolaus tolerated the icy water slipping against his cold bare skin for only a few more seconds before bursting through the surface like a small eruption and wading quickly to shore. He reached for Herc's soft shirt and wrapped it tightly around his compact frame, shivering convulsively. This would warm and dry him better than his old leather vest and leather pants. Besides, he liked the smell of Hercules, the thought that it was as close to being wrapped in Hercules as he was ever likely to get. A small pleasure, but
one he was NOT going to give up.

He sat down on the cold sand and curled tightly under Herc's shirt waiting to dry. Closing his eyes he felt himself slide down onto his side and thought about Herc, about their parallel lives and about wishes unfulfilled as he let sleep fall softly on him and slipped to the land of Morpheus.



Hercules paced restlessly about the campsite. Ares' visit had troubled him more than he would ever want his half-brother to know. Had he really been such an embarrassment to Iolaus? No wonder Iolaus seemed so stiff when he touched him, had become so quiet. Were things as bad as Ares said or was this just another ploy of his to break up their friendship? If a trip into town would clarify things then a trip into town would be taken.and he'd restore any of Iolaus' lost honor if need be as well.

Where was Iolaus anyway, Herc wondered? The splashing from the lake had stopped a while ago, but still no sign of Iolaus at the campsite. Hercules rubbed a hand wearily over his face. He was certainly tired, but he wanted, no truly desired Iolaus at his side before he fell back to sleep. He turned, heading back to the lake.

Hercules came quietly up to the sand marking the edge of the lake, scanning for any sign of Iolaus. A light breeze rippled through the tree branches, causing them to scratch together softly, like the sound of a small bird hopping through leaves. Hercules stopped and gazed first at the lake, still and mirroring the moon and stars, and followed the tiny ripples in towards the shore again. He gazed off first to his right. . .no Iolaus, then to his left. There on the sand, almost at the edge of the woods lay a small huddled figure, wrapped in Herc's soft yellow shirt.

Hercules's first thought was that something had happened to Iolaus, but as he started over toward the small bundle, he noticed another figure sitting beside it, a female and a beautiful one at that.

"Aphrodite?" Herc whispered in surprise as he approached.

"Yo, bro," Aphrodite answered back. "Curly here didn't see me; I thought it best to stay invisible to him. He's kind of stressed right now, huh?"

"Aphrodite," Hercules seemed puzzled. "What's going on?"

"Curly couldn't sleep. He was torturing himself in the ice cold water. Ouch! He's just not letting me do my work and he's too tired to think straight. So I dragged him in and I put him to sleep with some REALLY nice thoughts."

Hercules raised his eyebrows. His sister could be obtuse on a good day, but tonight she was simply mystifying. "Meaning?"

"Duh!" Aphrodite flipped her curls at him. "Frustration, bro. He's not the kind of guy who can go for long without..."

Hercules cut her off. "Yeah Yeah Yeah, I've got the picture." He ran his hands through his hair, tossing his head back and staring up at the stars and then back down at the small form of his friend. He was puzzled. It wasn't like Iolaus to 'go without'; he could pretty much have his pick of women. If Iolaus was going without, it was because of his own choice.

"He's not going to want you to toss someone his way, he likes to find his own entertainment, sis."

"I know," she sighed. "He makes it hard on himself. . .and me." She ran a hand lightly over the sleeping hunter's body. "He has someone special in mind, Hercules, someone he thinks is unobtainable. That's what he's waiting for"

"Unobtainable? To Iolaus? Impossible. He irresistible, I've seen it over and over again." Hercules shook his head stunned, staring down at his friend.

"I can help him, but he won't let me," Aphrodite pouted. "I really like my job and I'm good at it."

"The best," Hercules agreed. "Maybe I can help," he offered. "It bothers me to see him like this too. What can I do?"

"You can carry him back where it's warm for the night and let him sleep for one."

"And the other?"

"Figure it out bro." Aphrodite sparkled away in a shimmer of hearts.



Hercules stood quietly staring down at the shivering form of his sleeping friend. "Come on Iolaus," he thought, as he leaned over and scooped the precious bundle up in his arms. Even through the soft shirt Hercules could feel the chill of Iolaus' skin. He hugged him close and carried him back to camp, laying him gently down on a soft blanket. Curling his own warm body tightly around the hunter's he closed his eyes, feeling complete and ready for sleep.



Iolaus awoke feeling disoriented. The sun was high in the sky and he wasn't at the lakefront. In fact, he was back at camp and pinned effectively on his side with Herc's strong arms around him. He glanced down to see a leg like a tree trunk tossed over his thigh and knew he wasn't going anywhere until Hercules woke. He lay his head back down, considering the situation.

Sleeping together like this wasn't unusual, in fact when they were outside and it was cold, keeping close was the rule. But it wasn't cold. And Hercules was holding him pretty tightly. Was that an erection he felt against his ass? Was Herc having one of those dreams too? Iolaus closed his eyes frustrated. He, too, was hard, but being restrained by Herc would certainly hamper getting himself relieved. What to do. Well, if Herc was asleep and pinning him here, he might as well enjoy this.

He let himself think, feel Hercules muscles pressed against his back, arms tight across his chest. He closed his eyes and felt Herc's hard shaft against his ass, and carefully pressed back against him. That was good. He felt his own erection grow even more as he realized that he was wearing only Herc's shirt under the cover of the warm blanket.

Reaching carefully lower he caressed himself. Herc wanted him he imagined, desired him. The erection he felt was for him, Iolaus, and Herc was excited. He stroked his own cock, stifling a groan. Every muscle fiber was hard, skin taut and silky under his calloused hand. He felt Herc's breath against his hair, warm and welcoming. He wanted so much to turn and reach into the honeyed brown hair, soft as silk, pull his friend into a searing kiss. He wanted to thrust his tongue into Herc's mouth, taste him, excite and arouse him. He wanted Herc's hand on his cock, Herc's voice in his ear."I love you Iolaus."

"Herc," he whispered as he slid a finger over the head of his cock, feeling the wetness already there as the purpling head throbbed almost painfully. He stroked back down slowly and quietly, careful not to awaken Hercules. He wished he could free his other hand up to help out, but Herc's arm was quite effectively pinning it in place on his chest. 'Have to make do with one hand," he thought.

Iolaus continued stroking his shaft, first slow and languidly, teasing the tip, then harder, more aggressively. 'Not long,' he thought as he tried to steady his breathing. He concentrated on the feeling of Herc tucked up so tight against him, the warmth of the arm that held him, the strength of the leg that pinned his, Herc's warmly furred chest, the beating of his heart, the press of his cock.

"Ah..." he groaned softly in completion, trying not to soil Herc's shirt.

"Iolaus," a sleepy voice grunted. "Are you having a bad dream?"

"No Herc, a good one actually." Iolaus wished he could slow the beating of his heart, the panting of his breath, but it wouldn't happen any more than he could stop spilling his seed at this moment.

Hercules kept his eyes closed. He had a darn good idea what his friend was doing, and if it helped put him in a better mood, so be it. He kept his arms and leg around Iolaus while the smaller man finished. In truth, the movement felt good against his own hard cock.

Hard cock? Hercules opened his eyes suddenly. Why was he erect and pressed against Iolaus' ass? Had he been dreaming again? Was it the mushrooms? And why was he wrapped around Iolaus like this? No wonder Iolaus was busy! Hercules rolled back as if burned, pulling the blanket with him.

"Hey!" Iolaus called out exposed, Herc's shirt flung open and his erection starting to fade. He turned toward Hercules. "What is your problem?" He pushed himself to his feet and angrily shrugged off the shirt, flinging it to the ground. "I'm going back to the lake and get my clothes." He turned and called over his shoulder, "and I'll hunt us up some breakfast too."

Hercules stood up, stunned by Iolaus' reaction and embarrassed by his own, and called out to his friend.

"Iolaus, wait!"

Iolaus kept walking though, the mid morning sun shining on his naked backside and casting a shadow at his feet. The budding branches framed Iolaus' receding figure. He didn't turn back, instead trudging forward along the path to the lake, head hanging and silent.

"Iolaus!" Hercules called out again, but Iolaus was at the bend in the path and disappeared from view.

"Great," Hercules said to himself. He pounded the grassy soil with a fist, leaving a dent like a small meteor strike. "What IS his problem, he mumbled to himself, although in truth he was thinking more along the lines of 'what is my problem'.

"My problem is a hard on and that damn dream of Iolaus again. This is ridiculous," he thought! "How can I think of him like this? Yeah, we had a little fling in the Academy, and there have been a few times it seemed like he might be feeling "that way", but Iolaus likes women." Hercules shook his head. "I haven't looked at him in any way other than friendship since then, but since those mushrooms of Sal's. . . well, all I think about is Iolaus."

Hercules stood, and stared in dismay at his still erect cock. That wasn't going anywhere without help. Usually if he thought of something else the raging hard on would subside, but today he was too distracted, couldn't think of anything but Iolaus. He settled back on the grass and loosed his belt, opening his codpiece. Okay, time to take this matter in hand, he thought, reaching for his erection.

He closed his eyes and began stroking. He tried to think about Serena or Deineira, but only Iolaus popped into his head. His erection grew harder, weeping almost at the very thought of the well muscled blond. Hercules continued stroking, surprised at how quickly he could feel completion coming. His shaft was throbbing at just the thought of Iolaus's departing figure, sun glinting off tight, well muscled ass and shoulders, golden curls lifting on the morning breeze.

There! Hercules shot his load so quickly even he was stunned. He felt his heart pounding in his chest, his hand squeezing his cock, milking the last drops.

"Bravo!" The silky voice called out with clapping of his hands. "Well done and SO quick! Bet the ladies LOVE that. . . or is it your little blonde mortal you were thinking about?"

Hercules's eyes shot open. "Ares!" he growled, removing his hand from his rapidly softening member as if it burned him. Reddening, he slapped his codpiece into place and buckled his belt in one quick motion, jumping up to face the god of war. "Why do you keep pestering me?" Trying to regain at least a little dignity, he stepped forward to face his half brother jabbing a finger into Ares' chest. "Would you stop peeping through that scrying glass at me?

"Oh no, brother. This is much more entertaining than anything going on on Olympus right now. In fact, Zeus would be proud of you, or he would if you'd only admit that you LUST after the puny mortal."

"Ares!" Hercules roared. "I do NOT lust after Iolaus!"

"Really? That's not the way the scrying glass saw it."

"It's the mushrooms; mother said there would be an after effect." Hercules drew himself up face to face, meeting Ares sneer with a knowing look.

Ares slapped a hand to his mouth in mock surprise. "Oh Hercules, even YOU are not that stupid. You share the blood of Zeus! Do you really think that a VEGETABLE could make you do this? You're only fooling yourself bro," Ares laughed. "Those mushrooms are LONG out of your system. Oh this is SO rich!" He laughed heartily.

Hercules grabbed Ares by the black leather vest. Raising his powerful right arm, he drew back and landed a massive fist in the god of Wars face, sending him hurtling backward.

Ares landed on his feet, still laughing at the infuriated demigod. "Oh little bro, this is even more entertaining than a war!"

Hercules charged at Ares, head down and arm cocked for a punch, intent on demolishing him. But he saw Ares shimmer, disappearing with laughter as he called out. "Keep up the show little bro. Olympus enjoys your frustration and ignorance."

Hercules dropped to his knees, skidding to a halt just in front of the path Iolaus had taken. He dropped his head, resting it against the cool earth and moaned in frustration. He thought about Ares and his words, and slowly calmed himself. He did NOT lust after Iolaus. Lust was animal and any feelings he had simply weren't of that nature. Definitely not lust, he decided, but COULD there be anything else there?

Hercules sat back, head tilted up to the sun. He had to straighten this out. Tonight.he and Iolaus would go into town, then maybe to his mother's for the night. It would become clear then. He'd find out what happened and straighten things out.

Iolaus took ANOTHER swim in the cold lake. Was he that disgusting to Herc? Did Herc have to jump back like that just because he realized that Iolaus had.well, he probably shouldn't have done that, but never the less, Herc's actions had hurt him. He grabbed a soap root, broke it and worked it into a lather. He started scrubbing himself then tossed the root in disgust. Why bother? Herc didn't care, he didn't care and he was only hunting anyway. He rubbed his belly and chest to get off the sticky ejaculate, than waded out of the water, shivering.

He stood on the shore for a minute letting the breeze dry him, and then headed over to get the clothing he had left last night. He was just slipping a leg into the black leather trousers when Aphrodite arrived in a shimmer of golden hearts.

Iolaus jumped back startled. He stood on one leg, pants dangling and mouth agape as the goddess of love put her hand on his shoulder to steady him.

"Oh Sweetcheeks, you look great just the way you are. Do yourself a favor, lose the pants."

"Ha ha." He proceeded to pull his pants up, slipping the other leg in and buckling the codpiece and belt. "Not that it isn't nice to see you, but what's up?"

Aphrodite pouted. "Curly, you need my help. You know I can give you what you want."

"Don't go there Dite. I've been a long time without what I want and I can last a lifetime if I have to. Nope, no help; end of discussion."

"But Curly," she stomped her foot then stared down. "Oh, now you made me get dirty!" she whined. She cocked her head to the side. "Let me help you. OOOH that would be so good."

"No!" Iolaus turned his back on the beautiful goddess and put his hands over his face. He took a deep breath, struggling for control. If only Herc's damn relatives could keep out of their business everything just might work itself out. It wouldn't do to piss off the goddess of love though. He turned back to her and rubbed his mouth with his hand, considering carefully what he was going to say.

"Aphrodite, Herc and I have been together for a long time now. If he wants to take the next step it has to be his decision, not based on your influence or any other outside interference.like mushrooms. Our friendship has always been based on honesty and trust, and I'd rather go on just being his best friend than have him love me because of something other than myself. Do you understand?"

Aphrodite nodded, teary eyed "That's so romantic. And you two are so perfect. I just wish he wasn't so thick." She sniffed and rubbed her eyes.

"Me too."

"He's a typical man," Aphrodite exclaimed angrily. "But I'll abide by your wishes. But you'd better hope I don't get any wrinkles because of this," she warned.

"Aphrodite, you'd be beautiful anyway," Iolaus answered honestly.

"Oh Curly," Dite squealed, hugging him close and giving him a peck on the cheek. "See ya Sweetcheeks.and I do mean SEE ya. Oh yeah!" Aphrodite giggled and shimmered away.

Iolaus shrugged on his vest and boots and headed into the forest to get a couple rabbits for breakfast.



Iolaus couldn't even clear his mind with hunting. Thoughts plagued him, robbing him of the peace he desired. The deep woods were full of mushrooms, pulling his thoughts constantly back to Herc. If Herc had just not eaten those mushrooms, Iolaus thought angrily, none of this would be happening. He could have kept those feelings buried and things would have been just perfect.

But Herc did eat the mushrooms. And if Iolaus was being honest with himself, he had to admit that he did enjoy it when Herc kissed him. Sure he struggled the first time, but by the time they'd gotten to Alcmene's house he was darn right into it. And when Herc kept rubbing his thigh under the table at the Inn while they were supposed to be eating supper.well it's a good thing no one could see how his codpiece was filling. And all of those butt slaps and shoulder rubs and the way Herc kept pressing his body against Iolaus' on the long trek to Alcmene's.

Gods, this was going to be difficult. Why did Herc have to keep touching him? Funny, it never bothered him before, but now.those damn mushrooms! Iolaus stopped, leaned heavily against a tree, listening carefully for the scurry of rabbit feet. He drew his bow, sighted the brown fur hopping tentatively through the last of the fall leaves and let his arrow hit true. Breakfast for one, he thought, which is all I need if I ever let Herc know I have feelings for him.

He walked over to where the rabbit lay still and limp and picked it up to examine it. It's got no more life than my cock for the next eternity. He shook his head and stepped stealthily off to get another rabbit, for Herc this time.

Hercules and Iolaus headed back to town after eating a silent and very late breakfast. Iolaus was obviously tired, feet dragging as he tried to keep up with Hercules. Hercules had tried to apologize for his morning behavior but the words wouldn't come and he ended up simply walking companionably with his golden haired friend.

Iolaus, for his part was preoccupied. His mind was running like a hunted deer even if his exhausted body couldn't keep up. He couldn't take too many more nights like this. He'd never been good about hiding his emotions and not telling Herc was taking its toll on him. He continued silently berating himself for allowing "those" feelings to have surfaced. What had he been thinking? And why couldn't he push those feelings back down into the deep recesses of his soul, where he wouldn't have to deal with them?

Hercules was worried about Iolaus. The walk was long and they were just arriving at the edge of town as the sun sank low in the sky.

"Let's stop at the Inn for ale," Hercules suggested. "Then we can go the rest of the way to mother's house. It will be nice to see her and Jason again." Iolaus simply nodded his assent, following Hercules through the heavy oak doors of the tavern.

They chose a seat at the back of the tavern, exactly the same one they'd sat at last time they were here, during the dreaded "mushroom incident". Unconscious choice, Iolaus wondered, or deliberate? Didn't matter, the results would be the same. He sighed and waited for the barmaid to bring the two mugs.

Hercules sat quietly assessing the situation. He watched as two burly men at the bar turned, stared first at Iolaus, then him and snickered, turning back to talk quietly to each other. He saw the Inn keeper's eyes widen and a smirk come to his lips as he spotted Hercules with Iolaus. And he heard the laughter start as the barmaid asked, "What can I get you two?"

"Two mugs of ale, that's it," Hercules answered watching Iolaus carefully for signs of stress. Iolaus kept his eyes down on the table.

The ale arrived quickly and the two friends had just started drinking it when the burly man and his smaller friend approached the table.

"If you're done with your little buddy, we'd like a piece of him," the bigger man laughed, pushing his face close to Hercules'.

"Yeah, you were having so much fun with him last time, we thought maybe you'd
share this time," one of the smaller men chimed in.

"Iolaus is a fun guy," Hercules answered warily, leaning in towards the men, readying himself for a fight. "But he's not mine to share, he's his own person."

"Nah, Hercules, he's yours," The big man laughed meanly, a sneer curling his lips. "You claimed him right here in front of us. At least that's the way it looked with your hands all over him and him enjoying it so."

Iolaus downed the ale in one swallow. He stood quickly, almost knocking the chair over.

"Come on Herc, let's go." He jerked his head toward the door. "I'm ready to leave."

Hercules stood, rising to his full height and placing himself directly in front of the men. "We're going to ignore your rudeness," He told them, steely eyed. He placed a hand on Iolaus' shoulder, causing the blonde to cringe slightly.

"Let's go Iolaus," he spoke, never taking his eyes off the men. He stiff armed the biggest of the duo, pushing open a passage.

As they left the Inn Iolaus could hear the cat calls and laughter that followed them, and he found himself wishing that Herc would either take his hand off him or pull him closer and make it worth both their whiles. But neither happened.

Iolaus turned to Hercules trying to keep the pain out of his voice. "I think I'd better go check the forge, I'll see you tomorrow, okay?"

"But Iolaus, you were going to eat supper at mother's. And Jason always enjoys our company. Please come."

Iolaus shook his head. "I need some time, and maybe you do too." He pulled away from his friend. I'll see you when I get things sorted out." He turned at the fork in the road and left Hercules standing in stunned silence.



Alcmene opened the door to see her son standing alone and trying to put on a brave face. But she was his mother and Hercules couldn't fool her. He was hurting, and he'd come to her to talk about it.

"Hercules!" she cried out, rushing to him and enveloping him in a hug. "Welcome home! Where's Iolaus?"

"At the forge," Hercules answered simply.

Alcmene noted how Hercules's eyes dropped, shoulders stooped a little and body went soft in her hug.

She stepped back and examined her son. "Is something wrong?"

"No.well maybe.I don't know," Hercules answered hesitantly. "He's not talking much since. . . the mushroom incident."

"Come on in. Well talk about it." Alcmene slipped her arm around Hercules' waist and led him into the main room of the lovely cottage.

"Hercules," Jason welcomed his friend with a warrior's clasp and a pat on the back. "Iolaus is at the forge?"

"That's where he said he was going," Hercules answered, answering Jason's questioning glance without lifting his downcast eyes.

"Perhaps I'd better go talk to him." Jason shot an "uh oh" look at Alcmene as she ushered Hercules into the cottage.

He heard his wife soothing her son with a "Tell me about it" as he headed out the door going back into Thebes.

Iolaus was setting up the forge, cleaning around it and stocking it with kindling. He'd inventoried his metal supplies and assessed the orders that had been left at his door. He'd stripped to the waist and placed needed supplies with in reach. This, he thought would keep his mind off things.

Iolaus loved to work in the forge. He liked the way it exercised his body and cleansed his mind. He liked the physical exertion. But most of all he liked the satisfaction that came with seeing the finished product. He was proud of his skill, and had been told by many that his craftsmanship warranted many more dinars than he customarily charged. But Iolaus didn't really need the dinars. He'd rather make friends and trade off for services, like watching his place and tidying up when he was gone with Herc.

Herc! Damn, there was that thought again. He couldn't get it out of his head even here! He slapped his hands to his forehead and let his body slide down the side of the forge, sitting with his knees bent and leaned his head down.

How would he reconcile these feelings? He wanted desperately to go on with Hercules, but sleeping in the same house, the same bed.it would never do. He needed time alone if he was ever going to get himself under the rigid control he'd had previously.

The sound of the heavy forge door opening caused Iolaus to raise his head, make an effort to stand, but not before Jason had seen the defeated posture, followed by the stoic lines appearing around his eyes and jaw.

"Iolaus." Jason greeted him, clapping the smaller man on the shoulder and pushing him back down. "Stay sitting, we'll be more comfortable. He reached behind himself and locked the door to the forge. "Let's talk, no business, okay?"

Iolaus nodded. Jason had been his friend for almost as long as Hercules, and for a long time had been his idol. They'd fought side by side, shared secrets and even had sex when the mood hit. But never the love part, not like with Herc. Jason was the only person who he'd ever told of his feelings for Herc. He knew what Jason wanted to talk about now.

Jason slipped down on the dirt floor next to Iolaus, sitting shoulder to shoulder with him. The two men sat in silence, both thinking about how and what to say, both knowing the topic would be Hercules. Iolaus broke the silence first.

"My guess is that Herc was upset when he got home, or you wouldn't be here."

"Good guess. But confused too, and hurting. He does love you Iolaus."

Iolaus blew out a hard breath. "Yeah, yeah. But not the way I want."

"I'm not so sure about that now,' Jason cautioned.

Iolaus turned to stare at Jason. Jason met the azure blue eyes with his own steely stare. "I think he does love you that way, he just won't let himself believe it yet."

Iolaus drew his head back startled. "And you know this how?" He couldn't keep the sarcasm out of his voice.

"Iolaus," the former King of Corinth sighed. "When have you ever known Hercules to have acted out of character?"

Iolaus thought silently for a few moments. "Never," he finally answered.

"So when you two arrived at Alcmene's door locked in heavy embrace and both obviously enjoying it, what would you conclude?"

"Mushrooms."

"No, not entirely. Think Iolaus. Was Hercules out of character with anyone at the Inn?"

A moment of thoughtful hesitation ensued. "No."

"And was he out of character with me or his mother?"

"Didn't seem to be..." Iolaus furrowed his brow, following Jason's line of thought.

"Then don't you suppose that the mushrooms simply allowed Hercules to release some of his inhibitions, let down his guard around you?"

Iolaus sat silent. "Maybe," he conceded. "But why is he acting so strange now?"

"How so?" Jason questioned gently.

Iolaus tipped his head back and closed his eyes, visualizing Herc. "Well, he touches me, pulling me close, then jumps away like I'm burning him. He acts as if he wants to talk to me, and then doesn't have anything to say. And this morning he had a hard on pressed against my ass and when he realized it was me, well he couldn't get away fast enough."

Iolaus sighed."You know Jason, I'd pushed those feelings so deeply inside that I could easily ignore them. But when Herc came on to me.kissed me and seemed to want me so. . .well it just let those 'feelings' rise to the surface. Now I can't push them back. It's torture." Iolaus rested his face in his hands.

"So you came here to push all that you felt away again."

"Yes."

"Well, my friend, I think you are wrong to do so. I'm sure Hercules has those feelings too. If you push them away now and he actually comes to you what will you lose.your soul?"

Iolaus fell silent. Time seemed to pass slowly. "Perhaps," he finally answered. "But better that than losing my best friend."

"Give it time. If I'm right, Hercules will come to you," Jason counseled. "If I'm wrong, you've lost nothing but a few days of your time, and then you can push it back again."

"No promises, Jason. But I'll stay here in the forge until things are clear."

"Good enough, my friend."



"Hercules," Alcmene ventured. "Why do YOU think Iolaus is acting like this?" She reached out to touch her son's forearm.

Hercules sighed, not meeting his mother's eyes. His eyes roamed the room, the ceiling, the floor, anywhere but his mother's face. Revealing his feelings wasn't easy, even to her. He hesitated, shifting uncomfortably on his seat then answered, "I think it's the mushrooms'

Alcmene sensed her son's discomfort, but knew she needed to press him harder. "What exactly about the mushrooms?"

"I don't know!" Hercules answered angrily, slapping his hands noisily onto his thighs. "I wish I did."

Alcmene chose her words carefully. She needed to get Hercules to come to his own conclusion, hopefully the right one. "Well, besides not talking as much, what's different about Iolaus?"

Hercules thought hard and long, his brow furrowed. He hadn't exactly been able to put his finger on it. There seemed to be a constellation of things.not all of which he wanted to tell his mother.

"Well, he's been generally remote."

"And?"

"He hasn't shown any interest in women.but that's been going on for a while now that I think about it." Hercules looked suddenly puzzled at this revelation.

"How long?"

"You know, mother, I'm not sure. But he's flirting less and I don't think he's spent a night away from my side by his own accord for months." Hercules' eyes opened wide. "And he's been.um.having some problems with. . .um. . .desires."

Alcmene raised her eyebrows. Best not to let Hercules know she'd figured out the problem when they last arrived on her doorstep, locked in heavy embrace.

"So Iolaus is quiet around you, tongue tied?"

"Maybe."

"And he doesn't want women, but is having trouble with controlling his desires?"

Hercules's eyes widened. "Mom, you don't think. . .you're not implying.?!"

Alcmene cocked her head and raised an eyebrow. "Think what?"

"He has feelings for me?" Hercules looked aghast.

"I think that since you two were little you were both infatuated with each other. I never saw two closer boys. I wasn't born yesterday Hercules. I know what you two did in the barn hayloft on a number of nights when you asked for Iolaus to stay over."

"But we were kids."

"Kids who cared tremendously for each other. And you grew up to be men that care tremendously about each other. Who would you rather be with, Hercules?"

Hercules stared blankly, falling inside his memories. There was never a time when he didn't love Iolaus and want to be with him. Even when they had both been married, that link had been there. Deineira had spoken of it many times, but Hercules brushed her comments off. How wise she'd been! And how stupid he'd been!

"What would you be looking for if you were to meet someone you wanted to spend
your life with?" Alcemene asked gently.

Although Hercules had thought about that subject many times, maybe even talked to Iolaus about it, he'd never really verbalized it to his mother. "The person should be loyal and true. The person would have to respect me and what I do, let me continue to be the person I am.not try to change me." He paused, thinking harder. The person would have to submit to me, yet be able to take the lead too. And mostly this person would have to love me more than anyone else."

"All good ideals Hercules. Can you think of anyone who fits that description?"

Hercules knew instantly without saying it, but he did anyway. "Iolaus," he whispered.

Alcmene broke into his thoughts. "And how do you honestly feel about him? Was the kiss you gave him on my front stoop, the one he so seemingly enjoyed, a lie? Did the mushroom release you, or imprison you?"

Hercules stared at his mother, stunned. "You saw all that?"

"Hercules, I've always seen that. Never were there two more perfect people for each other. And Hercules, Iolaus has loved you for years, but you my son have been too blind to see that."

Hercules hung his face into his hands, breathing hard to control the surge of emotions he felt at his mother's words. Suddenly everything was clear. And Hades if Ares wasn't right. He may have been teasing, but it wasn't the mushrooms that made him love Iolaus, it was everything that Iolaus was, everything the man stood for. Hercules felt his mother's arm around his shoulders.

"So?"

Hercules raised his head and met her eyes. "You're right, mother. How could I have been so blind?"

"I honestly don't know Hercules, but you didn't get that from me." She smiled, squeezing him. "Maybe you and Iolaus have something to talk about?"

"You. . .uh. . .wouldn't mind if I went to the forge tonight, would you?" Hercules
stood, determination and humility shining in his steely blue eyes.

"I would be failing you as mother now, if I held you back," she answered, smiling softly at her son.



Iolaus was closing the forge, stacking the orders that had been left for him and making sure that every thing was in its place for the work ahead when the sun rose. He wanted to work, pound the glowing metal, shape to his own pleasure. Hammering released his tension, working in the fire of the forge made him focus on simply the job to be done, cleared his mind. This was heat he didn't mind. And finishing the project gave him a satisfaction that warmed his heart, raised his self esteem to new heights.

But tonight Iolaus was tired and depressed. Work tomorrow would help that, in fact if he was less tired he'd have started tonight. But Iolaus was cautious around his forge. Being tired and trying to work with fire and hot metal simply didn't mix. So for tonight, he would rest, clear his mind and start new in his forge in the morning.

He wiped a hand wearily across his brow, noting that it returned sweaty and dirt smeared. He rubbed a hand across his chin. How many days had it been since he'd shaved? He couldn't remember, but he'd have to shave tomorrow or he'd be even hotter. No matter tonight. His muscles felt like brick and his soft bed would be a pleasure for once.

Iolaus had just reached for the door when he felt it thrust roughly back in at him, with force so great that he stumbled back against the hard edge of the forge. With lightening fast reaction time Iolaus bounced back, using the forge itself for leverage and launched himself at the intruder.

Hercules expected anything except this. He was so caught up in his own thoughts he'd never considered that perhaps his entrance at this hour might be a surprise to Iolaus. In a matter of a split second he found himself knocked almost on his back by a small blond tornado, which proceeded to pummel him thoroughly. He pushed up against the hard muscles of his best friend's torso, feeling for the first time how sensuous the smaller man's strength really was, the rippling of his well honed muscles, the power packed into the compact frame.

Hercules instinctively wanted to push Iolaus off, but instead let the smaller man hit him, wrestle him into submission, never raising a hand to him. He chose to simply feel Iolaus's power, watch his muscles tense and relax, smell the sweat, the scent of Iolaus. He laid back and took the beating as a penitent one takes the action of the gods as just, a cleansing action for himself and Iolaus.

Iolaus pounded into Hercules, first unknowingly then as realization hit, as a simple release. All the pain Hercules had caused him, the sleepless nights and unrelieved tension, the years of wanting and unrequited love, the anger and heartache rained down on the godly physique, until at last Iolaus tired. His eyes brimmed with tears he fought against, cry caught in his throat.

But Hercules knew. He snaked a hand into the dirty blond curls and pulled Iolaus tighter against his chest. He leaned up to the finally open and pain racked face of the man he loved and pulled him down, pressing his lips firmly against Iolaus'.

At first Iolaus resisted vigorously, but Hercules's strength subdued him. Iolaus was tired, tired of fighting this urgency for Herc, tired of sleepless nights and tired of barely relieved hard ons. A kiss this passionate from Hercules, even it was still some after effect of the mushrooms was certainly better than nothing.

He leaned into Hercules, pressing his lips against Herc's, finding the mouth opening readily to his tongue, the hand on his head pressing him closer. He put his small rough hands to Hercules face, positioning him, pressing his tongue into the welcoming mouth and engaging Herc's own tongue in a tentative celebratory dance.

Iolaus finally broke the kiss for lack of air, moving to free himself from Hercules' grasp.

But Hercules would have nothing of it. He pulled the golden hunter back to him, refusing to release him. "Iolaus, I love you!" he choked softly, never taking his eyes off his friend's.

"Hercules?" Iolaus was puzzled. Herc had said Iolaus, not Iola. Could this mean something more? "I'm afraid this is the mushrooms talking."

"No Iolaus. The mushrooms are long out of my system. This is me finally realizing the mushrooms only opened my mind to what my heart has always felt." He locked Iolaus's clear blue eyes into his own piercing gaze. "I was afraid to let myself feel this, afraid of losing you." He stopped, words no longer needed.

"Herc." No hesitation in the strong voice. Unwavering stare of the cool blue eyes. Fists relaxing and fingers twining into the honeyed brown hair of his partner. Iolaus felt his shaft filling, rising as it had done so many times these last few days, and pressed it into his partner's abdomen, watching his face for a reaction.

Hercules groaned, answering with a press of his own erection against the seat of Iolaus' leather pants. "This feels so right," he spoke hoarsely, challenging Iolaus with his stare.

Iolaus met his stare. "We've waited way too long." He slipped his agile hands out of Herc's hair, down his shoulders and slipped the two shirts off together in one swift motion, then shrugged off his own.

Hercules couldn't take his eyes off Iolaus. Even covered in dirt, with trails of tears and sweat streaking down his unshaven face he made Herc's heart sing. "I'm not waiting any longer," he whispered, reaching for the golden curls and pulling the hunter down on top on of him. He pressed his lips to Iolaus' welcoming mouth, pleased with the press of passion that met his own.

Iolaus shifted his weight forward, stretching so that his full codpiece pressed firmly against Hercules's abdomen. He rocked gently against the bigger man, matching his rhythm to the insistent thrust of his tongue.

Hercules answered by removing one hand from Iolaus's hair and reaching down to unbuckle his own belt. Iolaus lifted, bridging above Herc, anticipating his next move. Hercules shifted carefully so as to not dislodge his partner and slid down the heavy braided leather trousers. Then with a quick and unexpected move, he rolled ending astride the hips of the blond hunter.

Iolaus grinned up at him, assessing the nude form of the demigod appreciatively. "It's good to be able to look at you like that without guilt," he commented dryly.

"How about you return the favor?" Hercules growled as he roughly released Iolaus' two belts. Iolaus moved to help him, but Hercules gave him a warning glare. "You're right where I want you. Stay there." He rose slightly and tugged the smooth black leather pants down over Iolaus's hips, freeing the straining erection to rise.

Hercules left the pants around Iolaus' thighs and bent back down to the hunter's ear. "Just a little restraint, should you be thinking about moving." He slipped his tongue into the hunter's golden earring and toyed with it, breathing softly into the ear to which it was attached. "Too long"

Iolaus writhed beneath him, finally getting into a position that let his engorged cock just barely touch Hercules muscled ass.

"That's good," Hercules moaned into the earring, warm breath blowing softly against Iolaus' neck. "Keep yourself like that." He answered Iolaus' wriggling by pushing back, so the head of the smaller man's cock was barely between his butt cheeks. He joined Iolaus' rocking, never letting him enter always just far enough to let the teasing last.

Iolaus tipped his neck back. "Bite me Hercules. Leave a mark." He pressed up urgently.

Hercules answered without words, sliding his questing mouth away from the golden earring and down to the strong corded neck. He let his tongue trail along through the sweat and tears, tasting the salt, feeling the velvet skin beneath his lips. Reaching the base of Iolaus' throat he bit down, hard and forceful, teeth clamping on the soft flesh and sucked the warm skin into his wanting mouth.

Iolaus moaned and tipped his head back further to facilitate Hercules'ministrations. "Harder!"

Hercules obliged. He forgot his strength, forgot his restraint, and succumbed simply to desire with someone who could stand up to all he could give. He bit down on Iolaus' neck forcefully enough to draw blood, holding the tender flesh between his teeth, and then slowly releasing it, lapping at the trickle of blood seeping from the tooth marks.

Iolaus groaned, snaking out a small hand and entwining the fingers into Hercules' hair, He roughly pulled the big man's face down to his own, slipping out his tongue as his mouth met Herc's, tasting his own blood on Herc's lips.

Hercules'hands slid down to Iolaus' hips, gripping tightly and stopping the rhythmic thrusting movements. He pulled roughly away from the blonde's mouth and began nipping his way down the satin smooth chest. He let his tongue slip out between his teeth, feeling it ripple over the muscles and latched on firmly to a golden nipple, teasing and torturing it.

Iolaus could barely hold still. His body was on fire, racked with desire. Hercules' rough caresses excited him in a way totally different from any other lover he'd taken, as if old territory had suddenly become new, or as if a dream had come suddenly to life. His leather pants, pulled barely off his cock and balls, effectively restrained his legs, or he would have wrapped them around Hercules long ago. His cock strained wetly against his partners torso, longing for something firmer than the light brush of Herc's abs against its heat.

Iolaus reached down, slipping a hand around his shaft with a moan, but Hercules brushed the offending hand away.

"Mine." He released Iolaus' nipple and stared commandingly into Iolaus' azure eyes. "Don't deny me."

Iolaus simply nodded, miserable and desirous at the same time. His cock ached for release. His body felt as if it was drawn tight, every muscle at maximum potential with no release in sight. Pain and pleasure, equal companions, dueling for control. He placed his hand instead on Hercules' chest, and roughly twisted a bronzed nipple.

"Yes!" Hercules grunted, straining back against the small hand that pleasured him. He pressed his cock against Iolaus' thigh, sack sliding against Iolaus' as he pressed upwards.

Iolaus released the nipple and Hercules went down on him. In one quick swoop Iolaus felt the head of his cock sucked roughly into Herc's mouth. A flick of the tongue across the slit, a hard suck against the tip, tongue sliding down the shaft and Iolaus was no longer in the forge. The smell of burnt wood dissipated, the heat of the dying flames curled into nothing more than embers. The hard dirt floor was nothing more than a cloud which would carry him to ecstasy. His fingers tangled hard into Hercules' hair urging him on.

Hercules couldn't believe the desire he felt. His tongue stroked Iolaus' shaft as his mouth caressed the very tip of the impressive erection. What had seemed large before was now almost bigger than life. Iolaus' cock felt both hard and soft on his tongue, firm musculature, and skin silken. The slit on the tip leaked salty liquid tear by tear into Hercules' welcoming tongue. He let his teeth bit down on the head as his tongue teased the slit, and then released it, sliding down the hot shaft.

Iolaus groaned a pleasured sound that echoed from his depths and filled Hercules with desire. He thrust up strongly into Hercules mouth and as much as Hercules wanted this to last, he too felt the urgency. His own erection strained for release and he longed to grab at it, stroke it, and place where Iolaus could help it, but Iolaus was lost to the sensations of his body and Hercules knew how much he owed his friend.

Hercules felt Iolaus's small hard hands digging into his hair, forcing his head down harder, faster and deeper as he thrust upward, groaning.

"Suck it!" Iolaus hissed. His breathing was hard and fast, ragged and seemed torn right from his chest.

Hercules slipped his own big hands under Iolaus, grasping the well muscled ass cheeks and feeling the insistent thrusting of Iolaus's cock deep into his mouth. He felt the chafing of the barely off leather trousers against his chest, and knew the restraint of the pants on Iolaus' thighs was all that was keeping the smaller man from wrapping his legs around Hercules, pulling him into a deeper oneness.

But for now that would have to wait.

As much as Hercules wanted this to last, wanted to taste Iolaus, feel him, caress him, suck his cock, lick the heavy sack and nestle his face in the golden cloud of curls that nested his manhood he also wanted Iolaus on him, doing the same. And he wanted to please Iolaus. He wanted it all, simply put. His mind was on overdrive. The taste, the smell, the feel of Iolaus beneath him was overwhelming. The hard and insistent thrusting of the thick shaft called him to perform, demanding attention and release.

Hercules swallowed.

"Herc!" Iolaus breathed out as he felt his shaft slip down Hercules' throat. He pressed in harder, feeling Hercules' hands slide around from his hips to his buttocks. Damn those leather pants, he thought! How he wanted to wrap himself around the big man, take control. But the leather pants restrained him as effectively as if Hercules had tied his legs.

No matter. Iolaus was lost, lost to lust, lost to love, and lost to the sensation of warm wetness, of Hercules mouth pulling against his cock, of the strong hands kneading his butt, the thick finger against his tight entrance. Every muscle burned, every nerve ending tingled. His skin was cold and hot at the same time. And all these sensations centered on Hercules and what he was doing, on his engorged cock and the feather light touch at his anus.

Too much too fast. Iolaus felt out of control for the first time since he was a teenager. His cock throbbed as Hercules took it all in. He felt Herc's hot breath against his balls and his lips tight against his shaft. Better than anything he'd ever felt. He no longer had a body. He was simply a mind attached to a throbbing cock attached to Hercules. His body pushed against Herc as if he was simply a puppet on a string. Too much too fast.

Hercules felt the powerful muscles of Iolaus' buttocks thrust against his hands then back up, pushing the long thick cock deep down his throat. He buried his nose in the Iolaus's golden curls, swallowing hard to contract his throat muscles around the throbbing cock. The leather pants rubbed insistently against his chest, finally pressing hard against him and staying tightly there.

Iolaus was breathing hard, and the single word "Herc" was emitted each time he exhaled. He could hold back no longer. His body seemed almost to convulse as he came hot and hard into Hercules' throat, pushing deeper and more insistently as he throbbed against Herc's tongue, his palette, his throat. He shot his seed hot and thick as his balls contracted, pulling to Hercules' chin.

Hercules swallowed, his own erection was hard and needy, hot and almost painful, needing release just as much. He let Iolaus finish and fall back with a gasp against the hard packed dirt of the forge's floor. He felt the tight ass muscles relax, the cock start to soften and he let it slide out of his mouth.

Iolaus wasn't done however. His fingers were still entwined in Herc's hair and he used his tight grip to pull his partner up to him.

"Gods Herc," was all he whispered as he pulled the big man down into a firm embrace, tongue seeking out the taste of himself joined with Herc.

Hercules pressed firmly against him, making his need known by an insistent pushing of his swollen cock against Iolaus's thigh.

"I want you," Hercules growled.

"I've wanted you forever," Iolaus answered, holding Herc's powerful stare with the strength of a love finally realized. He glanced at the near wall of the forge, where a shelf of equipment stood. "There's oil over there."

Hercules stood and retrieved the fine oil Iolaus used to polish the finished metal. He turned and pouring a generous amount in his hand began stroking his cock and balls, coating them and turning himself for display to Iolaus.

"Take off your pants," he commanded.

Iolaus watched Hercules stroke himself, coating the massive shaft with oil until it glistened, watched as the tip wept small milky drops in anticipation of the pleasure of release. He slid his pants down eagerly, feeling his own erection surging anew at the site of Hercules' desire for him. Naked, he stretched out, letting the shaft rise, stroking himself and writhing in pleasure and anticipation.

Hercules could barely keep himself under control as Iolaus murmured, "I'll take all you've got."

He was over Iolaus in two strides, legs pushing apart the strong thighs and hands pulling Iolaus' legs up to his shoulders.

Iolaus continued to stroke himself as Hercules watched and inserted an oiled finger into Iolaus's tight anus, starting slowly and pushing with gentle determination deeper.

Iolaus groaned, arching back his head. His body shone in the firelight of the forge's torch, defining and accentuating the muscles of his torso, raised in mock bas relief by the streaks of dirt and sweat that trickled across the compact frame.

Hercules gasped at the sight and inserted a second finger, deeper and more probing, questing the sweet spot with an urgency that signaled his own desperate need. He pressed forward, causing Iolaus to groan in pleasure, thrusting back against him.

"Go in!" The blond dropped his own cock and reached for Herc's, curling to reach it and grasping the oily length in his small hands.

Hercules slipped his fingers out and let Iolaus guide him to the stretched entrance, felt the grip release him as the hot wet tip of his shaft entered the tightness of Iolaus. He could barely keep from plunging in hard and fast, as Iolaus had done in the cold lake only yesterday night. Instead he took things slowly, prolonging the pleasant agony. He watched as his length slipped into the deepness of his friend, his partner, lover and disappeared into a oneness that held him so tight he could barely pull back.

Iolaus watched Hercules as the light flickered around him, the plumes of smoke from the oiled torch curled sensuously around the forge. He saw Herc staring at his shaft as it disappeared into him, then gasp as Iolaus, feeling Herc hit the spot, tightened around him. Herc's head tipped back and his glorious physique displayed its might as the big man arched deeper into him.

"Iolaus," he groaned as he reached for Iolaus's hips to hold him firmly in place.

Iolaus tightened his legs around Herc's shoulders, pulling Herc deeper until the forge disappeared in a twinkle and the torch no longer flickered, the smoke dissipated and there was nothing but Hercules and himself joined as one. The pleasure shared, deeper than any known by either of them separately found urgency. Iolaus pumped unknowingly at his own cock in rhythm to Hercules, as life sustaining as twin heartbeats in a womb. And in the forge that night there was only the sweat, and moans and oneness of two souls joined that had been kept apart for far too long.

It seemed like a minute, it seemed like an hour, it seemed like an eternity in Elysium. Time simply stood still as if the gods themselves had placed the two men into an endless fire of pain and pleasure, of heat and sweat and power.

Iolaus felt nothing but the insistent thrusting of Hercules huge cock into his depths and a pleasure as if he had sucked Hercules into his very soul.

Hercules was lost in a world simply out of his control. He couldn't have stopped if he wanted to, which he didn't. He couldn't hold back much longer. He wouldn't have heard an enemy if one stood growling over his head so lost was he in the beauty, love and acceptance that was Iolaus.

"Iolaus!" he cried out, barely aware of anything other than Iolaus calling out his own name, of the tightening around his cock, pulling him deeper in and holding him fast, of the throbbing of his own cock as he shot his load and the hot wet spurting of Iolaus, and of the sweet release of all that had ever held him back from this destiny more precious than even his vengeance against Hera.

Exhausted, he slumped down on the sturdy body of Iolaus, feeling the wet stickiness of their shared passion. Iolaus's body felt soft and relaxed, no longer resistant, and he welcomed the strong small arms that embraced him.

"Herc, that was incredible." Lips trembled soft against the big man's ear, words blowing in like spring in May.

"Iolaus, I'm sorry I waited so long."

"S'okay Herc. Made it all that much better."

Hercules rolled off Iolaus, disengaging slowly and carefully, leaving Iolaus feeling empty and sore. He slipped his arms around him, pulling the hunter close to his side, pushing the damp ringlets and kissing the dirty sweat streaked forehead.

"I'm glad I ate the mushrooms now," He whispered against Iolaus's forehead.

"Me too." He shifted as Hercules pulled him closer. "But Herc?"

"What Iolaus?"

"This floor is awful hard and dirty. Think we can head inside to my bed?"

"I thought you liked dirty?"

"Well dirty is ok, but the hard is pretty uncomfortable. No wait, sometimes hard is good, aw Herc, lets just resume the hard and dirty someplace soft and clean, inside. He rose to his feet and reached down to give Hercules a hand up.

Hercules rose carefully and slipped an arm across the golden hunter's shoulders. "You know Iolaus, you're right. Hard is good." He pressed a kiss against the hunter's bruised lips. "Let's finish this inside."


THE END