Part 1

"YAHH!"

"What the fu.... Iolaus!"

I grinned as Hercules spun round at my shriek, a look of first - consternation, then annoyance on his face. "What in Hades are you doing?"

Laughing at the look on his face I swung myself up onto the table and shrugged. Perhaps I shouldn’t have snuck up on him like that, but the urge to frighten him out of his wits had been too strong to resist.

"Just as well I wasn’t a bandit," I told him. "You’d be dead meat."

"Bandits are usually noisier than you... and don’t usually just wander into my house in broad daylight. Where did you learn to sneak up on a guy like that?"

"Old hunter’s trick," I told him loftily, helping myself to an apple from his fruit bowl.

He rolled his eyes at me and turned to continue with his task. I craned over his shoulder, purposely chomping noisily on the apple right in his ear.

"Whatcha doing, Herc?"

Hercules sighed and pushed me away slightly. "Writing a letter, if you really must know."

"Who to?"

"The god of nosy hunters. There’s a certain person I want him to turn into a cabbage."

"No such thing!" I grabbed him round the neck and knuckled his hair into a fuzzy mess. Herc could be so.... humourless sometimes. I was in a playful mood and his lack of desire to join in just wasn’t on my agenda.

"Iolaus. What’s got into you?" Hercules fought me off with a single swipe of his hand, then rearranged his hair so it lay smooth once more.

"I’m bored. Bored! Bored!" I finished the apple and had limited fun throwing the core into an empty basket.

"Oh gods, and we know what happens when Iolaus of Thebes gets bored," Hercules' voice held a tone of long suffering.

I pouted and folded my arms over my chest. "So entertain me."

"I’m busy, buddy. Go and find some woman to annoy. I’m sure you can find something to do with her."

I waggled my eyebrows. Now that was an idea. Not like Herc to suggest something quite so risqué, but then, if he was busy and didn’t want to be interrupted, then.... well... he knew me well enough to assume he’d be left alone for a few hours.

But... I didn’t want a woman. I was in the mood for something slightly.... different. I wondered if he would pick up on it.... Ha! Fat chance. The guy could be dim as a candle with no wick.

Herc had turned back to his letter writing in the time I took to consider all this. I let my gaze wander down his broad muscular back, the way his dark blond hair fell in straight locks over his shoulders, the glint of the light on his slightly sweaty skin.

My body reacted to the sight of all that naked flesh, and I felt my cock rise, straining at my pants. Gods. Why did the guy have this effect on me? Every time he touched me, I almost swooned with lust.

Do you know how difficult it is to try and keep a nice platonic friendship going when your best friend is as thick as two short planks when it comes to feelings? I was of the opinion that being the son of Zeus meant his human emotions were up there on mount Olympus. They sure weren’t down here on Terra. How could the guy not get my hints and innuendo laden comments? Those times I touched him... always slightly longer than necessary, the barely concealed lust whenever I met his eyes. The guy must be made of stone.

I decided to be blatant.

"Hey, Herc. How about a quick fuck?"

"Later. I’m busy writing this letter to....."

Hercules broke off what he had been saying and slowly turned to face me. The expression on his face was priceless. I had a hard time concealing the giggle that was bubbling up inside me.

"Uh.... What did you say?"

I put on my most innocent expression. "Nothing," I said.

His eyes narrowed. "Iolaus!"

I looked down at the fruit bowl, avoiding his glare. "Ooh! Peaches!"

Herc made a grab for my hand as I reached out to snag my favourite fruit. I dropped the peach and looked at the large strong hand on my wrist guard, then up at him.

My eyes met his - those wonderful blue eyes that just made me want to fall in a puddle of goo at his feet. I leaned forward, needing him to kiss me, then overbalanced as he moved away, turning his back to me.

Oh Fuck!

There was a long silence. I fixed my gaze on the letter he had been writing... a letter to Iphicles, his brother.

"Dear Iphicles,

I hope this letter finds you well. How are things in Corinth? Blah, blah, blah..."

Herc wrote letters like he was about 80 or something.... then something caught my eye.

"Everything here is fine. Well... would be fine if it wasn’t for how I feel about...."

?

Felt about what?

My thoughts were interrupted as Herc turned to face me. I hastily took my eyes off his letter and met his look. His face was unreadable. Did that mean I was in trouble, or he felt the same way I did, or....

"I think you’d better leave," He said quietly. "I really need to get this letter finished.

Oh gods. He hated me. You blew it that time, Iolaus, you dick. I bowed my head and nodded. Perhaps he just wanted to write his letter and I was annoying him. Perhaps he hadn’t heard me.

Yeah right - and Ares is the god of love.

I got off the table and left the cottage without another word.

**********************************

I watched my friend leave, wondering what the hell had gotten into him. I knew the guy could sometimes be a pain in the butt, but that was ridiculous. I snorted and sat back down to write my letter.

I picked up the quill, then put it back down, the echo of his laughing comment in my ears.

Hey, Herc. How about a quick fuck?

Those words just resounded in my brain and I got up, pacing around the room like a trapped lion. Gods, didn’t the guy know what he was doing, teasing me like that? What he thought of as a huge joke was no laughing matter to me.

My eyes fell on the peach I’d stopped him from eating.

Smooth velvet skin, the warm cleft, the blush of the twin mounds, mounds that you want to part and fuck....

"Stop that!" I muttered. Now I was having fantasies about fruit for gods sakes.

I shut my eyes, but all I had in my head was that beautiful bronzed body, those sun bleached waves of hair, the cheeky grin and - gods how I wanted to grab him, push him down to the floor and suck on the silk smooth hardness of his cock.

Stopping the pacing, I realised that I had hurt him with my abrupt dismissal. But how else could I have reacted? I was sure he wouldn’t want me. I had forced myself to be nothing but a friend to him, but after the unthinking teasing words he'd said, the need I felt for him had been brought to the fore, and there was no way I could let it go.

"Be cool, Herc." I whispered. "He was just teasing you. He didn’t know."

I sat back down at the table and once more picked up the quill. I had to write this letter to my brother. He'd understand surely? I had no one else to turn to. The only other person in my life I could tell everything to - was the cause of this problem.

Sitting down was painful. I had the hard on from Tartarus and there was only one thing I could do about it. I unlaced my pants and let my aching cock spring free of its confines.

That was only slightly better.

I took my own length in hand and moved on it slowly, feeling the warm fuzziness that overtook my body as I milked myself. I shut my eyes and thought of Iolaus.... Iolaus kneeling at my feet, those blue eyes looking into my own, small skilled hands caressing my thighs, then taking my cock in his mouth and sucking slowly on the head, twirling his tongue round it and gently biting, then finally moving his warm wet mouth up and down on me.... My hand moved faster and I worked myself up to a fast and unsatisfying completion.

Oh gods!

With a whimper I climaxed all over my hand and pants and slumped, head on arms, at the table. My breathing was loud and harsh in my own ears and I could smell my own sex on my fingers. I shook my head to get rid of the slight disorientation and, after a moment of recovery, rose from the table to clean myself up.

Once that was done, I sat back down at the table to continue with my letter.

"Everything here is fine. Well... would be fine if it wasn’t for how I feel about Iolaus. You will probably be either disgusted with me, or laughing your boots off right now, but you are the only person I can tell. He is driving me crazy and I have no idea how to tell him how I feel.

I love him. I want to take him as a man takes a woman. I want to hold him, and protect him and never let him leave my side. Is that so bad?"

I paused, re-read what I had written, then screwed up the letter, threw it across the room and started again.

"Dear Iphy..."

Hades!

I screwed up the clean parchment and sat chewing on the end of the end of the quill. There was nothing for it. I would have to go visit my brother. It was about time I went to see him, anyway. This was not something that could be written in a letter – not where just anyone could see it.

I remembered that Iolaus had peeked a look at the letter. Thank all the gods that I hadn’t already poured my heart out onto the page.

Getting up, I turned and looked around the cottage, my mind blank for a moment. Would Iphicles want me hanging around his palace mooning about a scruffy little hunter with a bad giggle?

It’s a beautiful giggle!

"Not when he’s laughing at you." I admonished myself sternly, then wandered around tidying up and grabbing some things I would need for the walk to Corinth. Unlike Iolaus, I wasn’t a hunter and preferred to carry my food with me. I’d be alone, so couldn’t rely on his skills so I threw some food into a carry-sack, took one last look round my home and made sure everything was in order.

Pausing at the threshold, I had a quick think about which way I would go. I decided on going across country... less chance of being caught up in trouble. I turned, shut the door and set off on my journey.

I paused and pulled off my helmet, ran my fingers through sweaty hair, then wiped my forehead with an equally sweaty hand. Gods, I was a mess. I hoped Hercules had a bath. How stupid was I - riding all this way to see him in full armour? I looked around me, making sure the bandits I had protected myself against on the way hadn’t come up behind me.

I frowned as I put my helm back on and squinted in the sun at a small figure topping the hill. There was something familiar about that cheerful loping walk. I smiled to myself in recognition and turning the horse, spurred him a little to go back to meet Hercules' friend, Iolaus.

"Iphicles!" Iolaus saw through the armour immediately and sped up a little to meet me. "Hey! What you doing here?"

"Visiting Hercules. What else?" I dismounted from my horse and held my arm out to the smaller man. He ignored the proffered arm and threw both of his own around me. I got a hard hug from him before he released his hold and stepped back.

I smiled into his blue eyes, and they twinkled back at me in obvious pleasure. Didn’t Hercules know what he had here? This gorgeous man held so many luscious promises, and my big lug of a brother just didn’t see it.

"I’m just on my way to see him myself. Wanna walk with me? Or is that too kingly for you now?"

I could see he was teasing me. I grinned back at him and got back on my horse. "I’m too hot for walking. How about we double up? I need to get to Hercules’ place and find a bath."

I could see the momentary frown on his face as he eyed my transport. "Haven’t ridden in a while," he muttered.

"Well, now you can. Come on. I need a drink." I offered my arm to him.

With a sigh he caught hold and pulled himself up in front of me. "If I fall off, you’ll have to answer to Herc.

"I won’t let you fall," I promised him.

I was just about to nudge the horse into a canter when the scent of his hair caught my senses and I had to contain the urge to bury my face in those golden locks. He smelt of cinnamon and sweat, a heady combination that made me shiver. I caught hold of the reins, putting my arms around him to do it and I felt his back press against my chest and his small ass settle between my open legs, rubbing slightly against my crotch.

Now what do I do? Get the horse galloping the mile or so to Herc’s home and get this torture over with... or ride slowly to enjoy the experience? I decided on fast, and kicked the horses’ ribs to get him moving.

After a few moments I realised this wasn’t going to work. Iolaus was moving his body slightly in time with the horses stride and the friction against my thighs and cock was making me horny as a bitch in heat. I slowed down, and Iolaus turned to me slightly.

"Desperate for a drink, huh? You’re panting bad enough. We’d better speed it up before you faint of thirst."

I bit my lip and let out a silent groan. Thirst? Hunger was more likely, and I didn’t mean my stomach.

"Grab on," I instructed him and made the horse gallop as fast as possible to Hercules' home.

Once at the small neatly kept cottage, I dismounted and eased my throbbing hard on so Iolaus couldn’t see it. He too slid off gingerly and went to the door.

"Herc?" He opened it, and called again, disappearing inside for a moment. I watched as he re-appeared, a perplexed look on his face.

"He’s not here," he frowned. "His carry-sack’s gone. I guess he’s gone off somewhere without me."

There was a strange look in his eyes, something slightly sad, as if he missed my brother already. It was then I realised he felt for Hercules the same way I was feeling for him.... but something more.... gods, he was in love with him? The blinding realisation came to me like one of Zeus’ bolts of lightning.

I let out a soft moan and went to the well to pull up a bucket of water. I drank deeply and sluiced my head in the cold water, while Iolaus watched, a hand on his hip, a grin on his face.

"So what you wanna do, Iph? I think he’s probably gone for a while if he took food with him. How about you stay here the night, then go back tomorrow?"

I pushed my long wet hair out of my face and looked up at him from my position bent over the well. "How about we have a few drinks, catch up on each other?" I asked.

He considered. "Well, if it’s wine you’re after, there isn’t any at Herc’ place. He rarely drinks so doesn’t keep it... it goes off before he can...." he caught my eye and smiled, blushing a little. "Yeah... I know.. I’m babbling."

"Like a brook," I told him.

He gave me a flamboyant bow. "I’m so sorry, O my king."

I gazed at his bowed head, letting myself play along for a moment. This little hunter brought out a childlike side I didn’t know I had.

"You have our permission to rise," I told him in my most majestic voice. He stood up, a small grin playing over his lips. He let out a small giggle and clapped me on the back.

"Herc says you’re a miserable guy, but what does he know?" he said and we walked back to my patiently waiting steed. "We’ll go back to my place and get drunk and I’ll tell you a few tales. No servants, but I have a bath, and I’m willing to share it with you."

That sounded fine to me.

We rode to his small farm about 3 miles away, but this time I told him to get on the horse behind me. I didn’t explain why and he didn’t ask. We reached his home in good time and I turned to him. He was holding onto me in a death-grip, which felt nice, but I’m sure it wasn’t because he was fond of me.

"Are you all right?"

Iolaus let out a low groan. "Now I remember why I stay off horses."

I dismounted once more and looked at him with some concern. His face was full of pain. I reached out and helped him down. He landed awkwardly and I steadied him.

"My ass is so sore," he complained. I helped him limp to his cottage and we went inside.

"I’ll make a fire and start heating up water," he said and walked painfully over to the fire. I joined him as he bent to pick up some firewood and put my hands on his, stopping him.

"Let me do that."

"But.. you’re the king of Corinth"

I laughed at him. "Since when did that bother you? Come on... lay down. You’re obviously hurting."

Giving me a grateful look, he hobbled over to his bed set in an alcove to the side of the room. I smiled as I heard his moan of relief as he carefully lay down. I looked at him. He was laying on his stomach with his head pillowed on his arms.

"I’ve changed my mind," I told him. "This is going to take too long. How about we have a swim in the river?"

"You go ahead. I’ll just lay here and suffer," Iolaus said, his voice muffled slightly.

I walked over to him. "I’ll go have a swim then come back and give you a massage," I told him.

"Sure."

I undressed and wandered out to the nearby river. It looked cool and inviting. I could hardly wait to get in and wash the days sweat from my body. I waded into the water and ducked my head under, sighing as I resurfaced. That felt better. I spent a little more time swimming about and getting the grime out of my hair and body, then got out and went to see how Iolaus was.

He seemed like he was asleep, totally still, in the same position that I had left him in. I shook him slightly and he looked up, his eyes blank for a moment.

"Oh. Hi, Did you bathe?"

"Yes. Feel much better. How do you feel?"

"Sore."

I had never known anyone to get a sore butt from only riding three miles, but he had been in an awkward position on the back of my saddle. I looked down at him as he lay oblivious to my admiration – the shaggy blond hair falling around his shoulders, the slight swell of his small ass underneath his leather pants, the way his vest rode up a little and exposed a tiny bit of smooth tanned hip. I bottled down the rising excitement rising in my loins. This was one man I meant to have – if only for a little while. I could see his heart belonged to my brother and I would only have this one chance.

"Ok, Iolaus," I said putting a cheerful tone into my voice. "Got any oil? I’ll give you that massage I promised."

He raised his head and pointed with his chin at a collection of bottles on the table. "Should be some over there," he said, then dropped his head.

I went over, opened bottles and sniffed until I found one to my liking, then went over to him, sitting down on the bed.

"You’ll have to take your pants and vest off," I told him.

There was a small groan. "Do I have to move?"

I started shaking a little as I offered to undress him. He took me up on my offer and I helped him pull his vest off. He rolled over a little way to unbuckle his belts and untie his pants, then worked them down his hips. I helped to pull the heavy leather off his legs and swallowed. The guy was dressed in nothing but his breechclout. I suddenly wondered if I could control myself.

"Be cool, Iphicles," I told myself. "Don’t want to scare him." I poured some of the sweet smelling oil into my hands, rubbed them together for a moment to warm it, then placed them on his warm silky back. I felt him tense for a second, then relax into my touch and as I started to rub lightly over his skin, he let out a soft sigh.

"Gods, that’s nice."

I moved closer, my whole groin tightening as Iolaus let out a low, almost sexual moan. I could feel my breathing become a little heavier and I daringly straddled his legs, and moved my hips forward a little. Iolaus either didn't notice, or didn't care that I was becoming aroused.

I dug my fingers into the knots of fire in Iolaus' shoulders and worked on making them soft and relaxed. He let out another groan, and shifted beneath my straddling body. I ran my hands gently down his waist and then to his hips, then back up again, loving the feel of this silky oiled flesh beneath my hands.

My body was aching all over now, my cock hard and filled with desire and the need for release. I tried desperately to ignore it, and moved down a little, letting my hands move to the small of Iolaus' back and the top of his tight creamy buttocks, pulling at his breechclout until it came loose. I saw him fumble at the restrictive piece of cloth and pull it away. I gazed down at his perfect little ass and wondered if he knew what I had in mind, and if he was willing.

I lingered there a little longer, pressing down hard with the flats of my palms, working the kinks out of his lower back, then daringly let my fingers run softly over Iolaus' ass cheeks, squeezing slightly, wanting to open them up and plunge my bursting cock into that tight virgin hole between. Iolaus hissed softly and turned his head so he could look at me.

"Sorry," I said. Perhaps he wasn’t as willing as I thought.

Iolaus just smiled. I took this as liberty to touch him as intimately again. He shut his eyes and lay his head back down on his arms.

"Do what you want," he said, his voice dreamy and drunk sounding, even though no wine had touched his lips.

I felt my heart leap. Was Iolaus giving me permission to touch? I was unsure. I continued to massage his buttocks and ran a single finger lightly down the crack between, taking note of the slight shiver this evoked.

Feeling braver I moved my hips forward, leaning over his back, letting the tip of my cock brush his skin. Iolaus opened his eyes and turned to gaze up at me

"That wasn't your finger was it?" he asked, his voice very soft.

I shook my head. Iolaus turned over, taking hold of my hips and keeping me place while he turned. I was gratified to see his own answering erection. I altered my position so I was leaning atop the man I hoped to make love to, and a shudder wracked my body as the hot flesh of our twin erections met and rubbed lightly together.

Iolaus leaned forward and kissed me gently. "You wanna?" he asked, his voice velvet smooth.

"W… Wanna what?" I answered hoarsely. Suddenly my voice wouldn’t work properly.

"You wanna fuck me?"

I shut my eyes and was mesmerised by the sensation of his finger stroking feather light down my chest and to the tip of my cock. I nodded quickly, before I chickened out. Iolaus caught hold of my head and kissed me once more, his teeth nibbling lightly at my lips, his aroused tongue seeking entrance to my mouth. I opened up to him and moaned quietly as the longed for sweetness of his kiss burned into my soul.

There I was thinking I was seducing him, but now it was the other way round.

When Iphicles started massaging my body, I had nothing in mind at all but to enjoy the experience. I was tired and hurting and if the truth be known I felt abandoned. Where had Herc gone? Was he so mad at me that he had gone away? What was he doing right now? How could I find him and tell him I was sorry? I sure couldn’t tell him how I felt about him.

I was jerked out of my thoughts by a distinctly sexual touch. Iphicles was stroking my body all over, not in the detached way a man who was massaging a friends body should touch, but with the caress of a lover.

I wondered what he was had in mind, and the more I thought about it, the more I didn’t really care what he wanted to do. I was frustrated and upset; and getting a good fucking might make me feel a little better... even if it was with Herc’s brother.

Yeah, yeah. I know... morals? What morals?

Right then I couldn’t give a flying fuck who took me. I just.... needed to know it wasn’t my fault... that I was desirable to another guy, and - yeah - to forget about the man who ruled my heart – just for a while. He was unobtainable. Iphicles would do... at least I could shut my eyes and fantasise.

When I turned over and asked him if he wanted to fuck me, the look on his face surprised me. He looked sorta shy, but also like his greatest wish had come true. He licked his lips a little, and only then did I notice how bad he was trembling.

I grabbed hold of his head and kissed him, pulling him down on top of me, taking over, letting him know what I wanted. I could feel his hands all over me, touching my nipples, my stomach, then my cock, exploring me all over. Gods, this was nice, feeling his tongue on my own, flicking lightly at my lips, his teeth catching the skin and pulling slightly, then moving to my ear lobe and tonguing the gold rings that pierced it.

He had a great body, I ran my hands over the curves of his muscles, pulling slightly at the hair that covered his chest, gently squeezing the twin nubs of darker flesh and felt him shiver above me. He captured my lips once more and we kissed long and passionately, our breathing got heavier as we got more and more inflamed and suddenly I just couldn’t wait any more. I wanted him.

He was still straddling me, so I just moved down between his legs and licked at his heavy balls, taking in the smell of him, wanting to taste his cock. He groaned softly as I raised my head and took the helmet into my mouth, the angle not quite right to take it all, but he got the idea of what I wanted to do and moved, pulling me onto my side, as he too fell onto his.

I adjusted my position once more and teased at him with my tongue, licking the weeping tip, then going down on him as far as I could without choking, and slowly pulled my mouth off him, listening to the low moan that came from him. He had a great cock, and I just wanted to suck on it all night without letting him come. I liked having him willing to do anything I wanted.

"Please...." he whispered. "Please. Let me have you?"

I took my mouth away from his cock and looked up at him. His long copper hair was spread messily over the pillow and he licked his desire swollen lips. He was a beautiful creature, and he was all mine.

"Yeah. You can. You can have me," I told him, and moved up to kiss him again. He pushed me down to the bed and kissed me again and again, his hands gently squeezing my balls, and then moving further down, pulling my legs open. I felt the touch of an oily finger at my ass and shut my eyes, then opened them again, startled, as his mouth enclosed my cock and began sucking on it. The finger probed deeper and I winced, tensing a little, but his gentle mouth soothed me, and I heard him whimper slightly as if unable to wait for me.

He moved his fingers inside me, working his way deeper and deeper in, until a sudden shock of pleasure ripped through my body and I let out an incoherent cry, arching upward, wanting more of his mouth on me - more of what he was doing to me. I was vaguely aware of him moving on top of me and pulling my legs up, then agony lanced through my whole body, starting at my ass, and I screamed.

"Get off me! Get the fuck off me!!!" I yelled, pushing him away.

"Iolaus!" I was only just cognisant of his concerned voice, but the pain continued and I wanted no more of it. I hit out blindly, my fist connecting with his jaw. I felt him roll off me and I curled up into a ball of pain, sobs of fear tearing at my throat.

"Iolaus.... I’m sorry." I heard his deep voice from across the room, and finally got myself under control, wiped at my eyes and sat up.

"Shit!" I mumbled. "What did you do?"

"Nothing. I just.... got inside you, and you panicked."

I looked at him. He was stood across the room, obviously trying not to look threatening. He seemed to decide I was myself again and came forward slowly, holding a hand out in a placating manner.

"Are you all right?"

I just nodded. "It hurt," I told him finally.

He sat on the bed beside me and reached out, gently stroking my hand. It was only then as I felt his soothing touch that I realised I was shaking like a leaf.

"I’m sorry I hurt you. I... guess I was a bit rougher than I should have been. You... you haven’t done this before have you?"

I shook my head. Gods, I was useless. Perhaps it was just as well Herc hadn’t taken me up on the offer I had given him. He would probably be laughing his boots off right now. Thankfully it was his serious-minded brother who was here. At least I hadn’t disgraced myself in front of the man I loved.

"Oh, Iolaus... Why didn’t you tell me?"

I shrugged. "I don’t know. I just... needed to feel wanted for a while, and you wanted me... He... doesn’t."

Iphicles stroked my cheek, then rubbed at my shoulder comfortingly. "He’s a bloody fool," he said quietly. "He’s always been given everything he wanted, always had anyone he wanted for the asking, and can’t see the best thing that ever happened to him is right in front of him. If you... loved me like you love him... I’d..."

He broke off. "Gods. Listen to me. I’ve just half raped you and now I’m complaining about my brother. I’m the fucking fool. Not him."

"You didn't rape me," I told him. "You stopped when I said no. Don’t feel bad. I’m ok now."

He gave me a searching look, his eyes meeting mine and holding my gaze. "Are you sure?"

"I’m sure." I smiled at him. "Look. I’ve got some wine. How about we get drunk and complain about Herc together?"

He rewarded me with his own slow grin. "Sounds like a good idea."

I got up and went to find cups and wine skin, then rejoined him back on the bed, still naked. My earlier fear was gone and I once more felt comfortable in his presence. I trusted him and knew he wouldn’t try anything else.

We spent the rest of the night getting drunk, at first just talking and laughing, then telling each other our deepest secrets, then complaining about what it was like to be forever in the shadow of the demigod that was my friend and his brother, then at last we were too drunk to make any sense, and fell asleep beside each other.

My last memory was of him taking the pillow, so I pulled the sheet over us both, cushioned my head on his shoulder, and passed out for the night.

It was a beautiful day, and as I walked along the road, I looked about me, feeling full of the joys of spring. I took in the sights and sounds of nature, for once not having to listen to the constant bad jokes and stories of my partner. This was nice. It was... quiet.

Too quiet.

I missed him. I hated just leaving after we had had that small misunderstanding, especially as my journey had been in vain. Once getting to Corinth, I had been told that Iphicles was in fact on his way to visit me. I had turned round and gone back, stopping at night at small campsites and continuing my journey at first light.

As I crested the hill that looked down onto my cottage, I noticed that the place was deserted. Iphicles had obviously not stayed. I guessed he would feel uncomfortable making free with my home, even though he knew he was welcome anytime. As I approached the cottage, I noticed hoof prints in the dust and nodded. Yes. He had been here all right.

I smiled. Iolaus would have no problems reading the marks in the dirt, but it was beyond me. I went inside wondering if my brother had left me a note. Everything was untouched.

Hmm. Now what do I do? I wandered aimlessly around for a while, not starting a fire or any of the homely things I would normally get on with. I wanted to see Iolaus, hope he had forgiven me my moody outburst, and apologise to him.

Could I tell him how I felt?

Making a sudden decision I turned around and walked out of my house. I would go see him. I would explain everything to him. I’d had enough of pretending.

Iolaus' house was quiet too, but then I remembered he wasn’t a morning person, and the sun had hardly crested the ridge yet. I grinned to myself. Perhaps I would pay him back for the stunt he had pulled on me the other day, sneak up on him and frighten him out of several years growth.

Perhaps he got a lot of frights as a kid?

I ignored my conscience and walked down to the small farm, opened his door quietly and sneaked in.

The room was quiet, but I could hear a slight snore from the bed. I headed towards his bed alcove and crept up on him and Iphicles laying asleep in each others....

Iphicles?

Iphicles!!

I stood there in shock, staring at my brother who slept deeply, his arms curled protectively around the small body of my friend. Iolaus had his head pillowed on Iphicles’ shoulder and as I watched, he stirred slightly, snuggling deeper into his armpit then settled back into sleep.

I must have stood there for a long time, not knowing what to do, what to think. Were they lovers? I noticed the oil bottle on the table. Were they just drunk? I could see the empty wine skin and cups.

But they’re naked! I told my reasonable half - the half that refused to see the guilt in anyone.

I ran my gaze over the sleeping forms, searching for clues, desperately wanting to believe that this was an innocent drunken sleep.

It was just then that Iolaus turned over, moving away from Iphicles, and settled on his stomach. Iphicles too turned over and took most of the sheet with him, leaving Iolaus totally exposed to my scrutiny.

That was when I saw the dried blood that covered the inside of his thighs and buttocks.

Fuck! Fuck!

I saw red for a moment, strode over to my brother and grabbed his hair. He awoke immediately, letting out a yell. Iolaus jumped up like a cat, startled out of his sleep.

"Herc!" I heard him cry, but I didn’t care. I hauled my brother out of bed and dragged him by his hair out of the cottage. I didn’t want to ruin Iolaus' home when I kicked my brother’s kingly ass from here back to Corinth.

"What the fuck are you doing?" Iphicles yelled, kicking out at me.

"You bastard. What did you do to him?" I roared at him, punching him hard. He went flying, and hit a tree, crashing hard into the trunk.

"Hercules!"

I was suddenly frozen by a hard slap, which hurt more than an actually punch would, and had the effect of bringing me to my senses. I looked down at Iolaus who stood there wrapped in his sheet, his face pale, and his eyes full of anger.

"Just what in Tartarus’ name are you doing?" he asked.

Iphicles climbed to his feet, and staggered over to us, shaking his head dizzily. Iolaus went to him, touched the slow trickle of blood that ran from his nose, then ripped a strip from his sheet to dab at the injury.

I had never seen so much concern and gentleness in Iolaus' touch, or the way he bent so close to do his task. I could see my brother tilt his head up slightly as he sat on the edge of the well to let Iolaus clean him up, and a slight smile curved his lips.

I watched in silence, not trusting myself to say anything. They were lovers! Iolaus and my half brother were lovers.

"I’m still waiting," Iolaus said, tuning to me.

I shrugged, unable to explain my jealousy. How could I tell him how I felt about him – especially now? Iphicles would do the usual trick of resenting me for trying to get another of his possessions from him. We had only just become friends after years of antagonism. I didn’t want to turn those rediscovered feelings of brotherhood into hatred because of a man I couldn’t have.

"I’m sorry. I’m really sorry," I said finally. "I came in intending to sneak up on you to pay you back for you doing it to me, and I saw the blood, and I thought...."

"Blood?" Iolaus looked puzzled for a moment, then his face went an interesting shade of crimson. "You didn’t tell me I was bleeding," he accused Iphicles.

Iphicles glared at him. "You expect me to notice?" he asked. "I’m hardly a healer."

Iolaus let out a curse. "Now I’ll have to go wash my bedding!" he complained and stalked into the cottage, leaving me and Iphicles staring at him.

Why worry about bedding at this moment?

I realised he had retreated to give me and Iphicles some time to talk.

I sat down beside my brother, and watched him as he pushed his wild curls out of his face and smoothed them, dabbing once more at his nose.

"Look, I’m really sorry. I didn’t realise that you two were lovers. I’m sorry for interfering," I said at last.

"We’re not... well... we are, but not..." Iphicles had never been good at explaining himself. He stammered for a few moments then gave up and sat in brooding silence.

At last he got his thoughts together and spoke. "I could never be what he wants me to be. Once again you take something from me, without even trying. Anyway, you’re right. I hurt him. I got too excited and took him before he was ready. You wouldn’t have done that to him," his voice was bitter. "I couldn’t give him what he needed. He needs you."

But I hardly heard him.

Iolaus wants me? Had he told Iphicles this or was it just my brothers resentment, thinking non-existent rivalry? Did he hate the way me and Iolaus were so close?

I didn't know what to say to Iphicles. Should I tell him how I felt about my friend? After all, that was what I had gone to Corinth for in the first place, but I realised now, there was no way I could tell either of them. It would make my brother hate me, and by the way Iolaus touched his lover, it seemed that he too wouldn’t want to be stuck in the middle of our argument.

I touched Iphicles on the shoulder. "I’m really sorry, Iphicles. I wasn’t thinking. I just saw the blood. I thought you had raped him or something, but I realise now that if you had, you wouldn’t be lying there with him. I... hope it works out for you both. I’m happy for you... really. He... needs someone strong beside him."

I got up and gave him another pat on the shoulder, then left Iolaus' home.

I watched my brother leave with mixed feelings. He didn’t seem like he cared that I had told him Iolaus loved him. He just wished us both well and walked off. Did this mean he was letting me have something of his, just this once? How would Iolaus take it? Could he learn to love me?

I got up and walked back inside the house. Iolaus was just sitting on the bed, the soiled sheet bundled up beside him, a lost and tearful expression on his face.

"He doesn’t care, does he?" he asked at last.

"Not the way you want, no. He... told me he was... happy for us."

Iolaus looked up at me, his eyes bright with tears. "That’s nice of him," he said softly, though I could hear the sarcasm in his voice.

I went to him and squatted down at his feet, placing my hands on his smooth warm thighs. "What do you want, Iolaus?"

"You know what I want."

"And if he doesn’t want you?" I prompted.

Iolaus reached forward and kissed me. I shut my eyes, holding him closer, wanting to make him mine, but he pulled away.

"Don’t."

"Iolaus...."

"I’m not... I’ll always love him. You want a lover who will always be thinking of someone else?"

I stroked his lips with a finger. "I’ll take you any way I can have you, Iolaus. You’re very special to me. I never thought I could feel like this after... Rena," I broke off.

He nodded, understanding. He too had gone through the pain of losing a wife. He knew what it was like... the loneliness, the waking in the night, hoping to find her near.

He let out a heavy sigh. "I suppose we should get on with the business of becoming lovers," he said, his eyes regaining a little of their sparkle.

"I’m not going to rush you, not after what happened last night. If it’s ok, I’d like to stay with you... just for a few days. Corinth can do without me for a while. I’ve earned a vacation."

Iolaus smiled and his face lit up. "As long as you don’t expect me to ride that fucking horse everywhere with you," he said.

I laughed and pulled him close, kissing the top of his head. "I promise I won’t."

"I need a swim and then something to eat. Join me?"

I nodded and he went to re-light the fire.

Once that was done we went out to the river and plunged in. The water was quite cold, and I shivered. A bath in a chilly river wasn’t something I was used to anymore. Two in two days was more than enough, but Iolaus teased and splashed me, trying to get me into the spirit of things. I dunked him under the water a few times just to get him back, then pulled him up and kissed his cold wet mouth, putting my arms around his slippery body and holding him close. He seemed to join in with enthusiasm, but when I get him go, I could see the shadow in his eyes. I knew what it was. I saw it every time I looked in a mirror.

Damn you, Hercules. Must you always be there – even when you’re not?

After bathing, Iolaus decided that fish would be good for breakfast, and went to get his pole. I lay on the bank in the long sweet-smelling grass, letting the sun warm my body. This was nice. No courtiers vying for my attention, no petitioners, no petty squabbles for me to deal with and no servants hanging on my every word and command.

I sleepily opened my eyes as I heard Iolaus settle beside me and begin baiting his hook with bread. He was still naked and his skin shone softly in the sunlight. He really was so beautiful - not the classic girlish beauty of the city boy-prostitutes, but his smile, the way his eyes crinkled when he laughed, his love of fun, and his strength of body and spirit, they all attracted me, and always had.

I smiled at the look of concentration on his face. He was perspiring slightly in the sun and a bead of sweat gathered at his throat, then trickled slowly down his chest and veered off slightly as he shifted sideways, finding his dark nipple and hanging tantalisingly off the nub of flesh. That small droplet of sweat fascinated me and I wanted to lick it away.

It was no good. I couldn’t control myself any longer. I reached for him, pulled him onto me, and kissed him, before he could object. He dropped the pole and responded to me, his tongue finding my own and twining with it, before thoroughly exploring my mouth. I wrapped my arms around him, feeling his erection hard against my thigh as I pushed my own hips against him.

"Please..." I whimpered. This was getting too much... the frustration of the night before, my need for him... Gods. I wanted him so bad.

He started to stroke my body, his hands leaving me trembling and wanting more as he touched me all over, finding those places which made me moan and quiver in desire. I felt his soft mouth at each of my nipples in turn, then go down, his tongue leaving trails of fire down my skin as he worked his way toward my aching cock.

I felt the velvet of his tongue lapping over the head and sucking slowly up and down the length. Gods, this was great. I shut my eyes and moaned, running my hands through his wheaten locks and encouraging him.

I could tell he had never done this before by the unsure way he moved, but he learned fast and within a few minutes had me gasping out his name and urging him on faster. I rocked my hips forward into his mouth, groaning that I was going to come, just in case he wanted to pull away. I was amazed that he didn’t, and as I let my climax go, he went deeper onto me and took all I had to give him.

Pleasure washed over me and I writhed in his grasp, crying out his name over and over until at last, the feelings centred on my cock faded and I started to relax. I lay there, breathing heavily, my body and mind blown away by the best sucking I’d ever had in my life.

Ok, perhaps not the best, technique-wise - but it was Iolaus, and that made it the best.

He pulled his mouth away from my fading erection and looked at me, his blue eyes aroused.

"My turn," he said, his voice husky.

I pushed him to the grass and started kissing and caressing him. He made little sounds of pleasure in his throat as I licked and nibbled at his ears and neck, loving the taste and smell of his warm skin.

I decided now was a good time to try penetrating him again. It wouldn't be quite so urgent this time - as it’d been the night before. I didn't feel the demanding need to come now that he had stopped my frustration, and I knew I could afford to be gentler with my smaller lover.

I knelt between his legs, taking his cock in my hands and sucked on him rhythmically. Iolaus moaned and gasped, thrusting up as I took long slow tastes of his cock, making a deep sighing noise in his throat. I licked at the head then used my tongue over the whole length of him, savouring the hot silky taste of him in my mouth.

Iolaus writhed in pleasure, his face screwing up in anticipation of his impending climax. He suddenly stiffened and let out a long moan, his whole body taut with ecstasy. I felt his dick throb and swell and then the hot spurting as he came deep in my mouth. I lapped up the salty liquid, then pulled his legs up, so he was totally exposed to me and dived down to explore his ass with my tongue.

Iolaus gasped, still wrapped up in the pleasure of his orgasm. This new sensation seemed to excite him further and he cried out, grabbing hold of my hair and tugging it, his hips arching upward.

"Take me," he said quietly, his voice hardly more than a deep recovering breath.

"I don’t want to hurt you," I told him.

"I don’t care. Just do it."

I nodded and rubbed the tip of his still weeping cock with a finger, feeling the slick wetness of his juices on my skin. I reached deeper between his parted legs and found his tight asshole, rubbing the moisture all around, then very gently, using my index finger, probed inside. My other hand moved back to Iolaus' cock and began to milk him once more.

He started to moan, his breath coming in short pants, his hips straining down onto my finger as I brought him nearer and nearer to another climax. I carefully slipped another finger in to join the first, and continued to move them in and out of his body, encouraged by the fact that he hadn't started panicking yet. He tightened on me, but didn't move away.

I badly wanted to try entering him with my cock but dare not - not just yet. I kissed his neck then his lips, my tongue searching and exploring. He kissed me back eagerly, his body trembling. He was so near. I groaned with want, trying desperately not to be rough with my nervous lover.

Suddenly Iolaus pulled away from my lips, nuzzling his face in my hair.

"Now. Do it now," he demanded into my ear.

I moved above him, holding his thighs supported on my arms and slowly started to push my swollen and needing cock inside him. He gasped in pain, but made no complaint. I finally got all the way in and gently started to thrust, making long slow movements with my hips, trying to hold off on the urge to fuck him hard.

His hands clamped down and tightened on my wrists, and his nails dug in painfully. I grunted, wanting to stop the discomfort, but let him hurt me. The pain forced me to focus totally on the long slow impending climb to pleasure without blowing my load too soon or too fast and hard.

I wanted Iolaus to enjoy this in the end.

I pulled him closer, soothing him, knowing that he was tense. He was so tight on me, it was hard for me to thrust, but I continued - gentling my movement slightly and the merciless grip on my wrists eased a little.

I stopped thrusting and looked down at him. He slowly opened eyes, turned almost luminous with the tears that filled them.

"This is hurting you isn't it?" I said finally.

He bit his lip. "I want you to do this, Iphicles. I don't mind you hurting me, really."

I carefully pulled out of him, noticing the blood around my cock and the slow trickle staining the grass.

"Fuck. You're bleeding again," I whispered.

Iolaus painfully curled into a little ball, and stared miserably at nothing while I got him a towel.

"You ok?" I asked, stroking his face. He nodded and used the towel to wipe the blood away, while I went to the river side to wash my still hard cock. I had so wanted to fuck him, but I knew it would just take a little more time. I climbed up the bank and sat down beside Iolaus who still hadn’t moved much, his eyes shut, face disconsolate.

I kissed him, and pulled him into a sitting position. "Come on, Iolaus. Please... I won’t try any more. I don’t want to hurt you."

He nodded and reached for his forgotten fishing pole. "Why don’t you see if the fire needs more wood?" he asked me. I realised he wanted to be alone for a while and went without protest back to the cottage.

Once I had done as he had asked and put more wood on the fire, I went to the door and watched him. He was sitting with his back to me, but I could see his head was bowed, his shoulders were shaking and he was weeping quietly. I wanted to go to him, but knew he would be embarrassed, so I went back inside, wondering why the act that should give him pleasure, was hurting him so badly.

Perhaps he would be better off with Hercules after all. My brother wouldn’t force sex on him like I had done. I felt guilty as hell. I had told him I wouldn’t hurt him and I had. I could see he wanted to please me, but it just wasn’t working out the way we planned.

With a heavy heart I sat by the fire and waited for him to return from the river.

I was almost tempted to go ask my brother Ares to go get violent some place just so I could lend a hand.

Ares.

Hmm. Come to think of it, I hadn’t heard from the godly pain in the butt for a while. I spent a moment wondering what he had been planning, then dismissed the thought. Just because I hadn’t heard from him didn’t mean...

Damn. I really shouldn’t go round thinking of my family. They seemed to know just when to appear. I felt the tell-tale tingling that heralded a visitation. It was a matter of waiting to see the style of arrival to see who was going to bug me this time.

Rose petals and love hearts. Dearest sister, Aphrodite, the goddess of love.

That just made me sick. Love was a four letter word to me right now.

I turned on her as she popped out of the ether and folded my arms across my chest. She looked stunning as always in pink gauze, and not a lot else. I resisted the urge to avert my eyes. I should be used to this.

"What do you want?" I asked her.

"Just because I come to see my gorgeous baby bro, doesn’t mean I want anything." She said with a scowl.

I sighed. "Come on. Spill it."

She smoothed the scowl away. "Must remember not to do that," she said. "Or at least cultivate a pretty one."

I wondered what she was babbling about. No wonder her and Iolaus got on so well. Both of them were a pair of airheads. I pondered briefly on what they said about blondes, and if it were true. If she was anything to go by...

I shook my head. I was getting distracted.

"What were you saying?" I asked, aware that she had been talking to me and I hadn’t heard a word.

"I said... Oh why do I bother." She stamped a foot. "You never listen to me anyhow."

"No... Really. I’m listening."

"Do you know why Sweet Cheeks is resisting your bro?"

"Resisting?" I frowned, then cast my mind back to the blood I had seen on Iolaus' body.

"He won’t let darling Iphy fuck him, which is really sad. Iphy loves him so much."

"Good. I’m glad for ‘darling Iphy,’" I said with heavy sarcasm. Why was she tormenting me like this?

"It’s a real bummer - uh, pardon the expression – because he’s such a wonderful fuck. Curly doesn’t know what he’s missing." Aphrodite seemed to suddenly realise what she’d said, because she blushed.

I glared. "How do you know he’s a... never mind. I don’t think I want to know. What’s your point ‘Dite?"

"He loves you. You’ve gotta go to him. He’s so unhappy without you."

"Iphicles? Iphicles is in love with me?" I asked, confused.

"No. No.... Curly, Sweet Cheeks, little Iolaus. You have to tell him how you feel about him. I could always just..." she waggled a finger meaningfully.

"Don’t you even think about it." I warned her. "If I tell him, it’ll be on my own terms." I took a long pause. "Does he really love me?"

"Sweetie. I’m the goddess of love and love is my..."

"Business... yes I know. You’d better be right about this, ‘Dite."

She shot me a decidedly frosty look.

"Bro. You really need to get it into you head that when it comes to love - I’m right."

"’Dite. Leave me alone."

She waved at me cheerfully and disappeared in a sprinkle of petals and confetti.

I sat down heavily. "Now what do I do? Iolaus is with Iphicles. I love Iolaus, and Iolaus – according to Aphrodite – loves me. How do I let Iolaus know without incurring the wrath of my brother who would just get the wrong end of the stick as usual and think I was trying to get something of his?

This was a tricky one.

Part 8

I had avoided touching Iphicles all day, pulling away from his attempts to hold me - to apologise. I knew it wasn’t his fault that I couldn’t take him inside me, but I felt guilty all the same that I was unable to respond to his obvious need.

Why in Tartarus do I get myself into these fucking awkward situations?

He doesn’t care. I answered myself. He’s glad he doesn’t have me tagging along with him. Look at the way he went away without letting me know.

I had to tell Iphicles that it’s best we stop this... before I hurt him – before he fell too deeply in love with me.

I snapped my mind out of its self-loathing and pity. It was time to get myself out of this situation.

The sun was nearly up, and I got tired of just laying in bed wallowing in my depression. I carefully got up so as not to disturb the sleeping king, and went outside.

I sat down at the riverbank and gazed over the gently rippling water. How could I tell Iphicles how I was feeling without hurting him? I had been stupid responding to his advances in the first place, but the way I had been feeling when Herc had left me alone... I needed someone with me. He had been nearest. He had made me feel good, and wanted – loved, even.

Now I was regretting it with every fibre of my being.

I would have to make him finish with me. I would have to do something to kill his feelings. My mind mulled over the possibilities as I threw small pebbles into the water.

I could become a nagging, whining pain in the ass.

No. that wouldn’t work. He’d think he’d found a soul-mate.

Mass murderer?

Not a good idea. The penalty for that was death. I had no desire to lose my life... just my unwanted lover.

I sighed and got up. This would require more thought. In the mean time I’d have to get something to eat for us both and put up with his presence.

When I got back to the cottage, Iph was just crawling out of bed, yawning and looking like a bird had built a nest in his hair.

Still, he looked desirable. I should count myself lucky to have such a beautiful man for a lover - a king, no less. I stood for a moment feasting my eyes upon his muscled body, the beautiful dark eyes and sensual pout.

Damn. My treacherous body began to respond to my thoughts, just as he looked up and saw me.

He smiled at me, and beckoned me closer. "Hey. I wondered where you’d gone."

I ignored his gesture and turned to the fire, giving it a poke and adding more wood, blowing it back into brightly glowing embers from its nights banking.

I felt his arms snake around my chest, and froze as he kissed my neck.

"Can’t we try again?" he asked, his deep voice sending shivers down my spine.

"Iph... I’m really not in the mood."

He withdrew his arms. "I’m sorry, Iolaus. I guess it is too soon, but you just drive me crazy. I want you."

It was then that I hit upon the idea.

"No," I said.

Iphicles shrugged. "Ok. Take your time."

I glanced at him. He was looking a little sulky, but as he got dressed, he seemed to forget about my firm rejection.

"How about we go hunt today?" he asked me. "I’m getting a little tired of fish."

"I like fish!" I replied.

He frowned. "Well... Do you mind if I go hunt?"

"Do what you want," I said carelessly.

He nodded, his face looking confused at my sudden hostility. He finished dressing and leaned over to kiss me. I pulled away from his grasp and got up from my position on the floor, causing him to over balance a little. I affected not to notice and went to pull on my own pants and vest.

"See you later," I said, not looking at him.

"Uh... yeah. Ok. I’ll be back this afternoon."

I heard him leave the house, slamming the door, and then a few minutes later I heard the sound of his horse galloping away.

I collapsed with relief. Perhaps he wouldn’t come back. Hercules always said I could be a pain in the ass if I put my mind to it. It seemed to be a special talent I have. Now at last I could put it to good use. I would refuse to touch him, refuse to be nice to him, and with a bit of luck he would get so sick of me, he would just leave.

"Good idea, Iolaus," I congratulated myself. "You’re a super-genius."

I grinned and got on with making something to eat. All I could find was trout caught the day before and dry bread.

Gods. I was sick of fish!

"Stupid Cupid was the god of love,
and so it came to pass,
when he shot me with an arrow,
I stuck it up his...

Oh... uh.. Hi Herc."

"You’d better not let ‘Dite hear you singing songs like that about her son," I told him, leaning against the door, and watching him. He was covered with dust and seemed to be cleaning house.

Iolaus, cleaning?

He stood up, still holding a feather duster. He looked at it, as if not seeing it before, and hid it behind his back.

"What’re you doing here?" he asked.

"Came to see how you were. Do my eyes deceive me, or do I see you cleaning?"

"Me? Cleaning? No. I’m uh... I uh..." he fumbled for a moment, then shamefacedly put down the feather duster. "Yeah. I’m cleaning." He said at last.

"And what brought this on? Iphicles not impressed with your housekeeping?"

I was unprepared for the strange look that came over his face. He looked sad and pained for a moment, then he seemed to collect his sunny nature, and smiled at me.

"I was bored, if you must know."

"You have to be really bored to clean. I don’t think I ever saw you lift a finger in the house."

"Hey! I clean up. You just don’t... notice."

"I notice, all right. I notice you never do it."

He glared at me.

I grinned back at him. He looked wonderful stood there with cobwebs in his hair and an endearing smudge of dirt on his cheek. I just wanted to take him in my arms and kiss him.

Iolaus looked awkward suddenly. "So why did you want to see me? Do we have to go save someone from a tyrant? Or is it a monster... I could really go for killing a monster right now. Beats killing bugs." He sounded hopeful.

I chuckled. "No, Iolaus. No monsters or tyrants. Just cobwebs and spiders.... and you seem to be.. uh.. coping with those quite well yourself - O great Iolaus – Arachnid-Bane.."

"Damn." He suddenly seemed to realise what a mess he was in and scraped his hands through his wild hair, then scrubbed at his cheek, trying to get the dirt off his face, and missed totally.

"Here, let me get that." I told him, and went to him, licking my finger and rubbing at his skin until the dirt was gone. His beautiful blue eyes came up to meet mine and I couldn’t help myself. I bent my head and kissed him gently.

I had dreamed of this moment for so long, and just drowned in the sensation of his soft lips on mine. I deepened the kiss and moved closer, capturing his chin in one hand, the other holding his waist. He didn’t respond for a moment, then suddenly his own arms went around me and he pulled me fiercely to him and returned my kiss with a desperate passion of his own.

At last we broke apart, gasping for breath. I just gazed at him, wanting to take him to the bed and make love to him, but restrained myself. He would have to make the next move. I could never be too sure of Aphrodite’s judgement, and wanted to be certain that what she’d told me was true.

"H... Herc?" his voice was soft, trembling slightly, and held a question.

"Iolaus... I... I love you." I said simply.

"Me? You love... me?" his voice came out in a squeak.

"Yes, you. You infuriating, trouble-making, teasing pain in the ass. I love you, and I want you."

"Oh... Gods!" Iolaus grabbed me again and kissed me once more. "You have no idea how long I’ve wanted you to say those words to me," he moaned against my lips.

YES!

I nearly cheered.

I started to pull him to the bed, wanting to take him there and then, but he resisted and pulled from my grasp.

"Uh... What about Iphicles?" he asked.

Damn. I’d forgotten about him.

"Where is he?"

"Hunting. He’ll be back soon." Iolaus stroked my face, and I kissed his fingers.

"Do you... love him too?" The question begged to be asked.

He paused, then shook his head. "I only wanted you. I didn’t think you cared about me... so... I... let him have me," he shrugged.

"Oh, Iolaus... my Iolaus. I’m sorry." I held him once more and stroked his hair, feeling how soft it was under my fingers. "I should have risked telling you. Gods. We’ve wasted so much time."

"Never mind that now." Iolaus said. he kissed me quickly and then raised his head as the sound of hooves came to our ears. "Fuck! He’s back. Herc. Don’t worry about this. I already want to finish with him, but I’ve gotta get him to do it. I’m working on it, ok."

I frowned. Iolaus was right. If this relationship was to end, it would have to be up to my brother, but I knew what a temper he had. I hoped Iolaus knew what he was doing.

I moved away from my friend and sat down on the bench. Iolaus tried to look busy fussing around with the feather duster. He looked up as Iphicles entered the house, a small deer slung across his shoulders.

"Iolaus. I got a..." he broke off as he saw me sitting there. "Oh. Hercules. What are you doing here?"

"Visiting with Iolaus." I replied, trying to sound non-committal.

He nodded and threw the deer down on the table. Iolaus stared at the blood that pooled gently from the deer’s slit throat, then looked up at his lover.

"Take that outside. I just cleaned that table," he said in a cross tone.

I stared as my brother picked the deer up without a word and took it outside. Iolaus winked at me then followed Iphicles out.

"You can clean it too. I’ve got better things to do." I heard him say, doing a good impression of a harassed housewife.

Gods. Iolaus could be such a nagging harridan if he put his mind to it... and worst of all, Iphicles was just taking it meekly. He must be in love. I began to have misgivings. Had Iolaus bitten off more than he could chew?

He came back into the house and I stood up. "Well, I’ll let you get back to your cleaning," I said.

He nodded. "See you about," he said, his voice casual, but I could see the love in his eyes as he gazed at me.

I hurriedly left before I did something I’d regret. I would have to let Iolaus do as he saw fit.

I waved at Iphicles, who was deep into skinning the deer, and strode down the path.

I really hoped he knew what he was doing. I would have to come by in a few days and see how they were. I knew that Iolaus had a knack of getting himself into trouble, but also knew he was capable of getting himself out of it. This time I would have to leave this to him. I couldn’t interfere. It would incur the wrath of Iphicles and that was the last thing I wanted.

I took a last look at the cottage, then walked back to my own, trying not to think of the man I loved with my brother.

What the fuck is wrong with him?

Iolaus had been distant all day. No... not distant, downright nasty. Take earlier for instance. All I had wanted to do was give him a kiss and he had nearly bitten my head off. I wondered if Hercules' visit had had anything to do with this sudden change of heart, then as I thought about it more, realised he had been cold towards me since that time by the river bank.

Damn! I was frustrated as hell, just wanting to take him in my arms, kiss him into submission and make love to him, but he wasn’t letting me near him. How could I tell him how sorry I was? Surely he knew I didn’t mean to hurt him. I only wanted to show him I loved him.

I finally admitted it to myself. I was in love with him. His presence alone made me sweat with longing. I just had to have him, finally get inside him and make him mine. The need was all encompassing.

I grit my teeth and continued to skin the deer as these thoughts raged inside my head. I was starting to get angry, and that just wouldn’t do. The last thing I needed was to lose my temper with him. I tried to calm down my churning stomach and try to act like a king. I would just have to button down my lust for him, and be gentle with him. It was obvious there was a problem there, and I would have to get to the bottom of it.

I snickered as I thought of the pun, then fought the laughter down. This was not funny. Iolaus needed my understanding, not my mockery.

I finished with the deer and hung it outside to drain of blood. Going back in, I saw Iolaus sat by the fire, looking thoughtful.

"Hey," I said. "Dinar for your thoughts."

He grunted at me and shook his head.

I stifled the deep sigh that threatened and sat down beside him. "I’ve been thinking. I have to go back in a few days. Why don’t you come with me... get a taste of palace life. We can go out hunting bigger game than the deer I got today, and you can even have a proper bath, prepared by servants rather than having to bathe in the river."

"I like bathing in the river, and stop trying to humour me. I’m not a child," he snapped.

Oops. Wrong thing to say.

I sidled closer. "Please, Iolaus. Tell me what’s wrong?"

Iolaus got up, still not looking at me. "Want some wine?" he asked, going to get cups and wineskin. "I need some wine," he added.

I nodded and watched him as he poured the deep red liquid and gave me a cup, quaffing his own, fast. I had barely sipped my drink when he poured another for himself and gulped it down.

"Slow down," I told him. "This stuff is pretty strong. We’ve got all night. You look like you’re trying too hard."

He finally looked at me, then sighed, put the cup down and sat beside – but not touching me

"A few days ago you couldn't get enough of me, then that stuff happened when I tried to get inside you... It's like you're drawing away. I'm not enough for you," I said to him.

He was silent, but I felt him start to shake, and then bow his head.

Gods. He was crying again. All I had had from him over the last few days were tears. The guy was a grown warrior for fucks sake. He shouldn’t be bawling like a baby. This wasn’t what I wanted from him.

I could feel my temper rising. What was wrong with him? Couldn’t he see how much I wanted him? I caught hold of his amulet and pulled him forward to me and kissed him. He tried pulling away but I held him closer, really starting to lose it with his tears, teasing and coldness.

I knew in a small part of my brain that I was being stupid and irrational, but the main part really didn't give a shit and told the little caring part of me to go fuck itself. I kissed him again, then went to sit away from him, drinking the rest of my wine.

You aren't enough for me, Iolaus," I said softly. "Yeah. You can suck cock, but that isn't what I want. I've spent a long time not doing the things I want, and now it's time I did, and I like to fuck."

He sat still for a moment then slowly got up. He came over to me and deliberately slapped me as hard as he possibly could manage.

I rocked in my chair and stared in shock at the violently trembling hunter.

Iolaus then slowly - staring at me the whole time - took off his vest.

I didn't know what to do or say. My eyes were locked on Iolaus' own, hardly noticing what he was doing. My face smarted where he had hit me, but I didn't want to move to wipe away the pain.

Iolaus undid his pants, pushed them down and stepped out of them, kicking off his clout along with them.

At last he stood naked before me. He lifted his chin proudly, still shaking - I didn't know whether with anger, excitement, or just plain fright. He dropped his eyes at last, took my hand, and led me to the bed.

I stood there as if in a trance as Iolaus turned to me and unlaced my pants and pulled them down.

I could feel my cock starting to respond to this strange treatment. It was making me hot, not knowing what Iolaus had in mind. The way Iolaus had hit me, then just undressed himself was possibly the biggest turn on I had ever witnessed.

Iolaus pulled me to the bed, ripping off my jerkin, not caring that he damaged it. I hissed in pain as the leather caught the earring in my ear, and I put a hand to my lobe to check it was still there. It was gone, and my fingers came away bloody.

"You little…" I smashed my hand into Iolaus' cheek.

Iolaus crashed backwards onto the bed, but didn't cry out loud. I was now truly furious. I hit him again wanting to hear him yell in pain. I wanted to hear him beg for me to stop, but although those damn tears fell, Iolaus made no other sound.

However, I knew what would make him cry out, and pulled him over onto his stomach.

Iolaus, at last began to sob softly as I spat on my hand, massaged the head of my cock and entered him in one vicious thrust.

He screamed in agony. I held his arm bent up his back, almost breaking it, the other hand I crammed over his mouth. He bit me hard and started struggling. I roared in anger, and once more used my fist on him.

I fucked him hard and fast, ramming into him with all my strength. He went limp after a while and moaned dizzily, blood pouring from his nose.

I finally came, not really getting much pleasure from my climax, but at least I had finally come inside his ass. That was what I really wanted.

Iolaus lay under me, crying with pain and anger, but not daring to struggle. He knew I was capable of breaking him in two, even without the godly strength of my brother.

I finally pulled out of the hunter and shut my eyes, feeling sick. There was blood everywhere, and I couldn't believe I had just raped the man I loved.

I backed off in horror, and ran out to the river to puke my guts up.

After a long time laying beside the river, I raised my head. I felt hot and fevered and I shivered, not wanting to get up and face Iolaus.

How could I have done that? What sort of animal am I?

I got slowly to my feet, then washed off the blood that covered my loins. I had to make sure Iolaus was all right, and facing him covered with the product of what I had just done to him, was not a good idea.

Iolaus still lay where I had left him, but when I sat beside him he opened his eyes and cowered away as I reached out to gently stroke the mess of blond hair away from his face.

I didn't know what to do or say. I just tenderly caressed his face, wanting to take away the pain in his eyes.

"I was nine the first time that happened to me." Iolaus said quietly and calmly. "You aren't the first."

I stared at Iolaus in utter horror.

"What?" I said stupidly.

Iolaus sat up, wincing as he cradled his bruised arm.

"A teacher… at school. It started when I was 9 and went on until I was 12. I told my parents, hoping they would do something, but my father was ashamed of me. He thought I was stirring up trouble. Everyone thinks he was cruel to me because I was too small to be the warrior son he wanted, but that’s a lie."

Iolaus got up and went to the river, leaving me stunned with repugnance and self-loathing for what I had just done.

I shut my eyes, hot tears spilling onto my cheeks.

Why the fuck hadn’t I see the reason why Iolaus was so afraid of penetration? Why hadn’t it occurred to my stupid selfish mind?

I wanted to go to him and beg forgiveness, but, also, dreaded doing it, knowing he would be revolted by my touch. I saw in my minds eye the way he had shrank from my caress, and buried my head in my hands.

Iolaus came back from the river a little while later, and got himself dressed. He didn't say a single word and I just couldn't look at him - had no way to say all the things I badly wanted to say. How could I just tell him I was sorry? There were no words adequate enough.

I looked up slightly as Iolaus approached me, pressed something into my hand and left the cottage quietly. I opened my fist and found the gold ring that I had lost during the rape.

I threw it across the room, dressed properly, gathered my things together then went to get my horse.

I rode away from my lover’s cottage as fast as I could, not knowing how I should - or even if I could deal with what I had become.