This above all: to thine own self be true, And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man. Shakespeare (Hamlet)
Thanks to Chael for assistance in editing and proofing the story. This is wholly fictional with no reference intended to persons alive or dead.
Please do not distribute to other sites without permission of the author. Comments can be sent to firehosejoe@yahoo.com
From the previous chapter:
Zach noticed the momentary hesitation in Alejandro's words. He knew he would miss Alejandro when he left. Was he feeling something else? Deciding to risk it he asked, "Just not done with the night or," he paused, "not done with me for the night?"
Zach was met with a raised eyebrow and a smile.
"Both." Alejandro answered.
Grabbing Zach by the elbow, Alejandro teasingly dragged him into the lobby and elevator for their quick trip to the condo.
Chapter 36
The paneled, brass-trimmed doors hissed shut. Alejandro pulled Zach into him. Their lips met for a fiery, albeit brief, kiss. They both pulled apart at the faint tone announcing they had arrived at their destination.
Their eyes locked momentarily. Promises and challenges filled the air with sexual tension as they looked at each other. Turning quickly, Alejandro found his key and made a bee-line for the condo door. With a wry smile, he looked down and could see his sex swelling, pushing against his tux pant leg.
Pushing open the door he strode in, turned and waited for Zach. He didn't have to wait long. Zach kicked the door shut with his heel as he reached with both hands for Alejandro's head. Lips searched for lips. Tongues sought to devour the other. Alejandro's hands grabbed Zach's muscular buttocks and pulled their bodies together, grinding their growing erections against each other.
Zach pushed away. "These clothes have got to go," he murmured with a husky voice as much to himself as to Alejandro. Grabbing the end of his bow tie, he pulled it and tossed it aside. Beginning to struggle with the studs in his shirt he muttered, "Fuck it!" as he grabbed the barely opened collar and roughly pulled the shirt apart.
A couple of studs flew across the room. As Alejandro watched, time seemed to stop as he traced the arc of one of the gold and lapis lazuli gemstone studs as it flew across the room, as if in slow motion. As Alejandro watched, he saw Zach rip off his white tee shirt and push down his pants and briefs as he stepped out of his patent leather loafers.
Alejandro quickly began to strip off his clothes. Zach's feverish hands worked the tab of Alejandro's trousers. Alejandro removed his shirt and his own tee shirt quickly.
Soon both men stood naked and hard, wearing only black socks. Zach looked down and the sight struck him as funny. Trying to hold it in, he made funny noises in his throat and nose. Alejandro looked up questioningly. Zach simply pointed down. Soon they were both laughing out loud.
Grabbing Zach's hand, Alejandro, still laughing, pulled him along until they were at the foot of the bed. Pushing Zach back, Alejandro grabbed one foot, then the other as he pulled off Zach's socks. Falling between Zach's legs, Alejandro began his assault on his friend's abs, pecs and finally devouring his mouth.
Their shared sex was rough, hurried, fevered and mutually satisfying. Still lying atop Zach, his head hanging slightly as he caught his breath, Alejandro muttered mostly to himself, "Well that will sure take the edge off the wrestling match this evening."
"Serves you right you, horny Minotaur," Zach retorted. Pausing for a moment, he continued, "So you ready for some nightlife? Planning to head back to the Grapple Grotto and challenge Trevor?"
Raising his head, Alejandro smiled at Zach. "Would you mind if we did?"
Noting the 'we'", Zach replied with a challenging smile and wink, "Can only think of one or two ways to better end the evening and we can work those in after you get your ass whipped." Zach laughed lasciviously.
"Don't think I missed that 'Work those in'. And you call me horny!" laughed Alejandro. "First I've got to get some real food in me. You hungry?"
Sitting across from each other at the small kitchen table they ate lasagna and sipped some red wine.
"This too much for you?" Zach asked with some concern. "I mean I know the food at the reception was not much but don't get stuffed."
"You kidding?" Alejandro responded in surprise. "I could eat the entire pan. But I know what you mean. No, this will be okay. I should have left off the wine but hey, I'm not looking for a gold medal here, just a good match."
Wrinkling his forehead and looking closely at Zach he said, "You've got something just below your chin." Keeping a straight face, Alejandro watched as Zach rubbed his skin. "You got it. I think it was just a little dried cum that was trying to find your mouth." Alejandro laughed.
Zach cuffed Alejandro on the shoulder and joined in the laugh. "When do you think we should show up at Grapple Grotto?"
"You think eight-thirty would be too soon?" Alejandro asked.
"No, there will probably be people there by then, maybe even some wrestling going on," Zach replied.
They moved to the living room with their wine, still dressed only in their briefs they'd gathered from the pool of clothes near the door. Spying a glitter on the carpet, Alejandro leaned over and rescued a shirt stud. Fingering it, he let the light play across the surface of the royal blue stone.
"We'd better collect our clothes and make sure we find all the shirt studs. This is handsome. What kind of stone is it?" Alejandro asked.
Zach told Alejandro the name along with a brief history of the stone. "Legend has it that it was part of the Magi's gift to the Christ. These were a gift from my Father one Christmas the first time I was included at one of the formal social events of the season. I hope I haven't lost one."
As they looked, locating all the studs, Alejandro asked Zach about Winston Meed. Zach filled him in, giving him what information he remembered.
"I don't think he works, the way most people think of work. He's been a fixture around town since I started being aware of who the players were. Pretty sure he's old money. I do know he's active on lots of committees and boards. Mom has spoken of him – primarily of his generosity to causes he loves. He obviously got along great with your grandparents. You going to look him up and talk to him?" Zach asked.
"Yeah, definitely," Alejandro replied.
They continued talking about Winston and Zach's speculations based on comments overheard from his mother. They collected their clothes dropped earlier, and hung them up as Zach asked about their upcoming visit to the Grotto.
With a glint in his eye, Zach looked at Alejandro and asked, "So how do you think the match with Trev will go? You think you can take him. You know he's not going to be the `walk in the park' that I was. You may just get your ass whipped." Zach's hand found his thickening shaft and gave it a squeeze as he grinned his challenge.
Alejandro noticed, smiling. "Getting a boner thinking about that, aren't you? You know if I get my ass whipped, which is altogether possible, I'm not sure you're going to be getting any action except nursing my sore body." Alejandro watched Zach's expressions change.
"Hey, I'm not encouraging you or anything. Do you think it's safe? I mean you don't know anything about him except Rex vouched for him." Gone was some of the eagerness. Zach's face began to reflect concern.
"It'll be okay. Hey, you've got my back if things so south," Alejandro assured.
"Fat lot of good I'd do," laughed Zach in reaction.
"Come on, if Trev started to injure me, you'd jump in, I'm sure." Alejandro kept up his teasing.
"Enough of your sarcasm. I know I'm not very good but, yes, if you got in a real jam, I'd be on Trev like white on rice," Zach said with a touch of tender earnestness that seemed to contradict the teasing Alejandro intended.
Alejandro wondered at the tone and expression. `What is going on here? Time to change the subject' he thought.
"Good. As long as I know I'm not alone out there, it'll be fun. Let's get dressed and I'll grab some gear. It would be fun to see some action before I'm incapacitated." Alejandro added the last with a smile.
"Uh, don't think a business suit will be appropriate for this gathering of Frisco's finest. Do you?" Zach asked with arched sarcasm and a smile, reminding Alejandro that they'd need to swing by Zach's for a change.
"Sorry. Let me get a move on. I'll be ready to go in a minute," Alejandro said.
The guys went to the bedroom to gather clothes and dress for the rest of their evening.
"You want to go clubbing after we leave the Grotto, assuming I don't have to carry you out?" Zach asked with a chuckle. "I've got a leather vest and a flannel that would fit you; maybe a bit long but it would do. We could hit some of the leather bars. You think you'd enjoy that experience?"
"That might be fun. I'm not on a tight schedule tomorrow just so long as I get back to Chicago by six o'clock. Let's have some fun," Alejandro answered deciding to wait until later to say anything about his previous bar experience with Charles.
Back at his own condo, Zach quickly changed out of his suit and grabbed a pair of jeans, a couple of flannels and leather vests for both of them.
"The shirt will likely be a bit long, but tucked in with sleeves rolled up it will do fine. You're a bit thicker in the chest than I so the vest will fit. Try it on for me," Zach suggested. "Yeah, that'll work great."
Soon they were heading to the club. Arriving when they did, they had no problem parking. As they walked in, they were greeted by Rex. "Great to see you guys again. Set you up with the same?"
Alejandro looked at Zach. "I'm not drinking beer till after the match. You go ahead if you want." Zach went over and got his beer and some water for Alejandro. Turning, he found that Alejandro had taken the same table they'd used the night before.
They sat and enjoyed the matches in progress. The action was fast-paced and filled with expletives of frustration and strain. Alejandro watched the varying skill levels with interest. Zach's attention seemed to focus on the eye-candy. Two wrestlers near the rear were wearing low-cut Speedos and nothing else. The contours of their cockheads were clearly visible. Smooth and well-muscled, they put on quite a show. Alejandro could tell it was mostly play for both of them, but Zach was rapt with attention.
The Grotto was filling up with the Friday crowd and the decibel level was rising, so they didn't notice Trevor and Will come in. Alejandro was startled when he felt a hand on his shoulder and turned just in time to hear Trevor ask, "Mind if we join you guys?"
Standing to greet Trevor and Will, Alejandro extended his hand in welcome. "Sure, pull up a couple of chairs."
"Thanks," Will said in appreciation for the offered seat. The guys shifted the table away from the low wall that separated the wrestlers from the bar area.
The three men fell into easy conversation talking generally about work, the neighborhood, and clubs that Will and Trevor frequented. When Trevor returned, gently twisting his way through the crowd, he pulled up his chair and took a long sip of his beer. The camaraderie was easy and grew more natural as they chatted.
Finally Trevor turned to the subject of their coming together. "You interested in a workout, Big Guy?"
Alejandro met Trevor's smile with his own, "I'm here, aren't I? You didn't think I'd bail on you now, did you? `Course if you want to just sit and watch the action, I'll understand."
"Hmm, can't disappoint a guest now can I, Will?" Trevor looked at his buddy, grinning. "Guess we'll have to beat up on each other in a few minutes," he said looking at Alejandro, trying to take a measure of the man. Grinning he continued, "Have you guys, by chance, been talking about this?" he said looking at Alejandro and Zach.
"Yeah." Grinning at Zach, Alejandro continued, "Zach's been razzing me about how bad I'm going to get my ass whipped – his exact words."
"Did not!" Zach said immediately as his face flushed. All three men laughed at the childish-sounding denial.
"Well I won't say, "Did too!" but I distinctly remember something about my ass and wrestling," chided Alejandro.
Will snorted his laugh, spewing a small spray of beer in the process. Wiping the back of his hand across his mouth, he apologized mid his laughter. "Sorry, but that was so damned funny."
Conversation resumed, each man comfortable with and liking each other more as the minutes ticked by. Glancing at his watch, Trevor looked at Alejandro and nodded that it was time to change.
"I like to do some stretching before a match. We've got just enough time to change and do that if you're ready," Trevor said.
"Lead the way," Alejandro replied.
As they walked along the edge of the wrestling area Trevor smirked as he yelled over the general din of the room, "You don't think they're betting on us do you?" Laughing he continued, "Regarding our matchup, Will has talked of little else. He was nearly holding his breath `til he saw you sitting at the table. Let me tell you, he enjoys this."
"Why so?" Alejandro asked loudly.
Trevor laughed and shouted, "Let me tell you when we get out of this noise."
Walking through a curtain, the men entered a changing area with lockers on two walls. There were two doors on another wall and a shower area with toilet nearby. Trevor gestured to the bench and checked some unlocked locker doors finding adjacent empty space for each of them. He grabbed some towels from a stack near the wet area and tossed one to Alejandro.
"I can't guarantee the sanitation in here. I seldom use the showers. I always towel down and shower at home." Seeing Alejandro's eyes widen he added, "There's no real risk, simply precaution on my part."
Alejandro was curious about Will and Trevor. "Why was Will looking forward to this so much?"
Trevor looked at Alejandro and smiled, pausing for a moment before he answered. "He's hoping you work me over and pin me."
"What?!" Alejandro asked in surprise.
"Yeah. It's kind of a game with us. Gee, you sure you want the gory details?" Trevor wrinkled his face in mock disgust.
Alejandro decided to press on. He had a hunch there was a good story here. "Spill it, Trev. I want all the dirt," he said with a grin.
"Will just loves to rag on me when I lose a match. He makes sure I'm okay when it's been rough. When he's sure I'm fine, the teasing begins and ratchets up until we get in bed. After all the teasing, I pretend I'm pissed, wrestle him down, work him over and put him through some moves. Don't get me wrong. He fights back and really enjoys it but that's usually the only time we horse around like that. When we're done we're both ready. I give him a hard, long ride." Trevor blushed and turned away momentarily, thinking he'd said too much.
When he looked up Alejandro was dressing. Without making eye contact Alejandro said, "It's been a turn on for me since I first started wrestling. The tussle with Zach was fun and certainly served its purpose later." Pausing a moment, Alejandro looked at Trevor.
Trevor met his gaze, guessing the question playing in Alejandro's mind. "No I don't want to throw the match. Let the better man win. This is one night I imagine Will is of two minds, one wanting to have bragging rights with Zach, the other to enjoy our wrestling. You know we've not discussed our relative skill levels."
"Yeah, I was thinking about that as we walked to the locker room. Am I in trouble?" Alejandro asked with a smile.
"You tell me. I wrestled three years in high school. That's been a few years ago. I enjoy staying in shape. I guess if pressed I'd have to admit to being a bit of an exhibitionist wrestling in just a Speedo. Am I in trouble?" Trevor smiled trying to hide the hint of apprehension he suddenly felt.
"Sounds like we're pretty evenly matched save for the fact that you have height and weight on me. I'll try to hold my own." Alejandro smiled, enjoying the jock camaraderie.
They were both stripped down, standing on their towels. With practiced ease, Trevor let his eyes fall down Alejandro's body and rise again taking in all the details. Alejandro felt himself swell a bit. When at last Trevor's eyes met his, Alejandro returned the favor. They were somewhat a study in contrast.
Trevor stood nearly six feet two. His chest was well muscled, defined and smooth. His areolas were a coppery brown and surrounded generous nubs that looked like they had been heavily used. A treasure trail began near his navel and fell in a slightly widening pattern to thick curly reddish brown pubes. Nested in the hair, Trevor's penis was full but not overly thick. It rested, hanging slightly over a generously sized round set of balls. Alejandro wondered how it would change when erect.
Trevor's thighs were thick cords, muscled and smooth, like his chest. Alejandro knew to be caught in a scissors hold there would be painful. Realizing he was staring he felt his face flush and looked up.
"Like what you see?" Trevor asked.
"Yeah, a lot. I think we're going to have fun," Alejandro answered as he pulled up his Speedo and arranged his meat and sac in the stretchy nylon. He shoved his clothes into the locker. Having left his valuables at the table as Trevor had suggested, he closed the door and looked at his partner.
"So how you want to do this?" Alejandro asked, thinking of the previous conversation. "Look, I'm open for a game plan if that's what you want. My preference is an open mat, no buzzers or bells and a match to exhaustion and ultimate submission. Can't get that in thirteen minutes, that's for sure."
"Nope, let's just play out the hands we've got. I'm not planning to throw the match," Trevor said eyeing Alejandro with a bit of challenge. "If I change my mind and start giving you openings, take `em."
"Got it. Hey, I'm going with the flow and looking forward to getting my hands on that hot bod of yours. Not to be subtle or anything!" Alejandro laughed.
"Let's go stretch, Stud!" Trevor replied.
They used mats in the corner near the rear and made an attempt to loosen up.
As nine-thirty approached, Trevor looked at Alejandro as he stretched his quads and lower back, "You know I'd like to take you up on the kind of match you described in the locker room."
Alejandro looked and smiled. Standing, he offered his hand. As Trevor stood, Alejandro said, "Ass-whipping time!"
With the sound of the buzzer, Trevor was a quick start. He dominated the first few minutes of their mat time. Alejandro pushed back and made Trevor work to maintain the holds. Finally, Alejandro saw some openings and began a steady, calculated attack on Trevor. With each maneuver, Alejandro's intent was to wear out Trevor.
Trevor was buffed and big but didn't have the stamina that an extended submission match requires. Alejandro realized it early and moved carefully, not wanting to take the man down too soon.
Tied up on the mat with Trevor in a tight headlock/scissors combination, Alejandro put his head close to Trevor's, "You okay with this?"
Gasping, Trevor replied, "Shit Man, you could break me in half. Don't worry though, I'm having fun. Finish this off with style."
With an eye to the clock, Alejandro, in the last few seconds, pulled Trevor to his feet. Reaching through his legs, Alejandro got a good grip and lifted the bigger man off his feet and began to twirl him in a circle. After several turns, Alejandro slammed Trevor to the mat, not trying to break his fall. Pulling Trevor's leg up, Alejandro leapt atop him, split him and pinned him just as the buzzer sounded.
Alejandro helped Trevor to his feet. They hugged each other quickly and with slaps to the back, headed to the locker room. Trevor stripped and went to the sink to wet a towel. He rubbed himself and with another towel he dried himself. Alejandro followed suit. Soon they were dressed and back at their table. Fresh beers awaited both men.
With the expected congratulations and teasing, all four men enjoyed another set of wrestling before agreeing that they should meet again when Alejandro was in town. Zach invited Trevor and Will to go barhopping. They made their excuses. Trevor was able to send Alejandro a wink and a nod indicating that he should fill Zach in on the plans Will and he had.
When Trevor and Will had gone, Zach and Alejandro talked about how much they'd enjoyed their company.
"I got their phone numbers, work and home. Will acted like they'd enjoy spending time with us. I didn't know how you would feel but it didn't hurt to take the information," Zach said.
"Sure. I'd enjoy seeing them again. Here or maybe we could go clubbing together. Think it'd be fun," Alejandro replied. "Speaking of clubbing, you ready to get out of here and go play somewhere else?"
Grinning widely, Zach nodded his agreement. Peeling some bills from his wallet, he grabbed Alejandro's hand and pulled him to his feet. Together they walked toward the bar handing Rex money for the beers along with a handsome tip. Soon they were on their way to Zach's favorite leather club.
The high-ceilinged former warehouse was a perfect setting for the club. A crowded, antique wooden bar ran nearly the length of the long narrow room. Fitted with a brass rail at the base, it looked like it was out of a western movie. It seemed everyone was smoking. A pall of blue-gray smoke lingered briefly near the lights but soon disappeared against the black ceiling. Evidently there was adequate air handling so that though Alejandro's eyes stung initially, soon he was not bothered.
As expected, leather was the rule of the day for dress. There was nearly every conceivable combination of leather accessories. More than a few dressed in flannels and leather so both Alejandro and Zach fit in comfortably. By agreement they separated to enjoy some of the eye-candy and spend time flirting. They kept each other in sight for safety, though Zach said there'd be no trouble.
After less than an hour, they caught each other's eyes and tacitly agreed that it was time to head home. Their trip passed quickly as they compared notes about what they'd seen and bits of interesting conversations shared.
"Your place or mine?" Zach asked.
"Mine, if that's okay with you. I'll be able not to feel rushed tomorrow morning. Soon they had parked and were inside Alejandro's condo. They sat enjoying the night skyline of the city while sipping single malt Scotch. Alejandro was surprised at the selection Zach found in the bar when he went looking. Touting the various merits of the four available, Zach had arranged a quick tasting for Alejandro.
Zach liked the smoky, peaty Laphroaig. Alejandro settled on a Balvenie Port Wood finished malt. Their silence was companionable. Zach occasionally pointed out various landmarks he could recognize from the condo's perspective.
"Do I smell as strongly of cigarette smoke as you do?" Zach asked, wrinkling his nose.
Putting his arm to his face, Alejandro agreed that they were both in need of a shower.
"Want to share?" Alejandro said with a smile. They finished their drinks and went to the bedroom to strip. In the luxurious shower they first shampooed then lathered each other up. Zach let his hard cock bat and rub against Alejandro's as he ran his fingers through the thick pelt covering Alejandro's muscled chest. They nuzzled and kissed letting their lips and teeth play.
Their fingers and hands rubbed, pulled, teased and caressed each other as their need for release grew. Grabbing a bottle of conditioner, Alejandro squirted some in his hand and coated his cock.
Turning Zach around Alejandro began to rub his turgid organ against Zach's crack as his hands caressed and pinched Zach's pecs and nubs. Alejandro could feel Zach begin to tense.
"Don't worry. I'm not going to push the issue. Will you trust me and let me help you experiment a little?" Watching, he finally saw Zach nod.
With one hand still working Zach's chest, Alejandro brought his other to the now slick crevice. Whispering comfortably in Zach's ear, Alejandro explained each thing he was going to do. Slowly he let his finger play with the tight ring. Pleased that the stimulation elicited soft moans, Alejandro continued his tender assault.
After careful stretching, Alejandro was able to insert his middle finger deep enough to locate Zach's prostate. As his finger touched it, Zach's back arched as he groaned his pleasure and clamped the ring tight against the invading finger.
Alejandro continued coaching him. Soon Zach pushed against the finger and Alejandro felt the tension lessen. Alejandro continued the gentle finger-fucking, rubbing Zach's prostate with every third of fourth pass as he pushed his own hardened flesh against Zach's hip. Increasing his gradual assault he felt Zach's body quiver and the ring tighten. When Zach shot, his groans were guttural from deep within him. His knees buckled slightly as his back arched from the power of the orgasm. Alejandro held his finger in place, away from the prostate. As Zach began to become cognizant of his surrounds again, Alejandro slipped his finger out.
Grabbing both of Zach's hips Alejandro repeatedly shoved his cock against Zach's crevice. His own load released seconds later. Alejandro turned Zach and attacked his mouth, kissing him deeply.
They rinsed off after breaking their kiss. They took time toweling each other dry before they went to bed. Sleep came quickly for both of them as they spooned comfortably against each other.
Alejandro woke again to the smell of coffee. Grabbing his shorts he headed to the bathroom and took care of his needs. Entering the kitchen, he leaned in for a kiss, Zach gladly obliging.
A few hours later Alejandro's plane was cleared for takeoff. As they gained altitude and headed east, Alejandro mused that at least it had been warmer in San Francisco. The '71 Chicago winter had made some records and in general had been miserable when not brutal. Closing out his first quarter century occasionally made Alejandro pensive as he approached his twenty-fifth birthday. Maybe he and Charles could return in the fall to celebrate. The weekend had taken a pleasurable toll and soon he dozed. The cabin steward awakened him during the final approach to O'Hare. Once in the terminal for private flights with luggage in hand, Alejandro looked for Charles who'd promised to meet him.
After waiting for half an hour, knowing traffic could be the problem; Alejandro began to try to track him down by phone to let Charles know he would take a limo. There were no answers at any of the usual places. Alejandro, his concern growing, called the athletic club to see if Charles had signed in that day.
Not knowing what else to do, he had the service desk in the terminal call for a car. Settled in and heading for town, he decided to check Charles' apartment before heading home. He wasn't there but what caused Alejandro even more concern was the mess he found. Dirty dishes, an unmade bed with clothes scattered. Charles was far too anal retentive to leave his apartment like that. Something was wrong.
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The peculiar food and drink of writers is the comment from the reader. Please feel free to drop me a note at firehosejoe@yahoo.com