Date: Sat, 1 Sep 2007 17:43:45 -0700 (PDT)
From: firehose Joe <firehosejoe@yahoo.com>
Subject: To Thine Own Self Be True: Chapter 4

This above all: To thine own self be true, for it must follow as dost the
night the day, that canst not be false to any man." Shakespeare (Hamlet)

Each relationship, unique unto itself, must find its way and become what it
will. We all make the journey. Enjoy this story of Steve and Alejandro
(sounds like a-lah-handro -- Spanish). Though the theme of wrestling will
be a key component in the early chapters and a continuing theme, the story
is about relationships and being true to oneself.

Please do not distribute to other sites without permission of the
author. Comments can be sent to firehosejoe@yahoo.com


>From the previous chapter:


Alejandro said, "The only time the lights are in unison is when there is
complete darkness. I find that this heightens my senses and causes me to be
more intuitive in my grappling. Of course it is a sensory game, but I enjoy
it. If you would like the lights to remain on simply dial the dimmer
control until it switches all the lights on."

Steve replied, "No I like the effect. Alejandro, I've never said this to
anyone; but, in my early teens I imagined being in a fight in a darkened
warehouse, not knowing the person I was fighting. That image gave me some
of my best orgasms for several months in a row. What setting do you use?"

"It depends on the person with whom I am wrestling. Sometimes if I am in a
contest with someone I know well, we will turn off the lights altogether
and add interest to our match in that way. Most usually the lights are dim
and static when there is an exhibition contest staged for me and my
friends."

"An exhibition contest?" queried Steve.

"More about that later and I promise I will tell you all. I will be glad to
answer your questions. Now, if I remember you want to wrestle. Correct?"

"Yes. Is it alright to dim the lights and put the random program on? That
would be so cool."

"Of course my friend."

Steve adjusted the light until it created maximum shadow and then pressed
the switch that caused the random patterns. He saw Alejandro cross to the
center of the mat, turn and stand and face him, gesturing with his hands
that Steve should join him.



To Thine Own Self Be True Chapter 4

Mesmerized, Steve watched the lights and shadow's play across Alejandro's
muscular, hairy body. His cock, though flaccid was filling and stirring in
anticipation. Steve walked slowly across the mats. Closing in on Alejandro,
their eyes met and held. Steve recognized his deep desire was not to win
another match by Alejandro's submission. Instead he wanted them to grapple,
to hold, to rub, to feel muscle crushing muscle as they melded into each
other.

Saying nothing, Steve reached out one arm with a finger extended. He began
to trace the outline of Alejandro's pecs, his finger trailing through the
thick hair. Using both hands he gently pinched Alejandro's nipples and
palmed the furry slabs of muscle. Lost in the moment, he forgot about
wrestling and released himself in the fascination with and desire for this
body.

Now in deep shadow at the center of the mat, Steve raised his hands and
rested them on Alejandro's shoulders, looking deep into his eyes. Letting
them slide up to the base of Alejandro's neck he gently massaged the corded
muscle there. Lowering his hands and stepping closer, Steve pulled their
bodies together. He felt a shudder pass through his body, his cheek rested
against Alejandro's. Steve let his hand feel the latent power of the
muscles on either side of Alejandro's spine ending at the dimpled glutes.

Their cocks were hard. Their precum slick cock heads nestled and slid
against the others balls. Their muscles were caught and pressing against
each other in an effort to rise.

Alejandro whispered, his words coming in a rush, "Stephen, what is it? Is
it that you don't want to wrestle me? What are you thinking? Please share
your thoughts with me."

His face hidden from Alejandro, Steve opened his mouth but found he could
say nothing. He lowered his forehead against Alejandro's shoulder. Still
resting one hand on his glutes, Steve brought his other hand up and firmly
caressed Alejandro's abs. His fingers luxuriated in the thick hair and
moved up to his pecs.  He pulled their bodies closer and wrapped the arm
around Alejandro's back. With a sound that was part sigh, part groan, he
held Alejandro as Alejandro firmly stroked Steve's back with his strong
warm hands.

"Tell me Stephen. What is it?"

Loosening his grasp on Alejandro only slightly, Steve began, "Since early
childhood, I've been fascinated by men like you Alejandro. The combination
of a man's muscle, hair, confidence, the whole aura of strength and power
captures me.  I've fantasized about wrestling men since I was just a
kid. Watching our coaches' wrestle occasionally would make me hard. Seeing
them sweat, their muscles flexed, the popping veins in their neck as they
moved from hold to hold; I just wanted to be like them, wanted to wrestle
with them."

"I don't know where it comes from. My Dad did normal stuff. We horsed
around when I was little but he never seemed interested in wrestling me as
I got older^Åeven when I asked."

Alejandro put his hand between them, beneath their turgid muscles and
pulled them up so that raised, they rested more comfortably as their bodies
pressed together.

Steve continued, "When I saw you this afternoon, I caught my breath. Darn,
this sounds so sentimental and foolish; but, I couldn't wait to undress
you, to see you naked, to be with the embodiment of a life-long image I've
desired.  I may be really screwing this up for both of us; but, I just
couldn't begin wrestling with you again without saying something.

"You see, this afternoon, I wanted you to win. I wanted you to overpower
me, make me submit to your strength, skill, to feel your body pressing into
mine as you crushed me into the mat.  I imagined how it would finally feel
to fight as hard as I might and be beaten, to be subjugated to the power
and muscle of a man like you.

"I couldn't do it, even though I wanted to. The unerring drive to win is a
lodestone imbedded deep in my psyche from years of being coached and then
in my own coaching. How do I let go of the one, so that the other can be
satisfied?

"This is all about me, I know. I'm sorry. You haven't said anything. Have I
blown it?!" Steve asked with uncertainty in his voice.

"No, Stephen. Your candor and transparency is a refreshing, if rare,
commodity these days. I would like to explore this with you more, but not
at this moment. We are both men who thrive on challenge, the contest of
will and body that wrestling provides. We will talk more later; but, now,
let me wrestle with you. Let your mind be free of all save the joy of the
contest. We will fight as men struggling for victory and will neither ask
nor give any quarter. Agreed?" Alejandro said, breaking their embrace and
stepping back.

As the lights briefly illuminated Alejandro's face, Steve could see the
fire in his eyes. He imagined it was a reflection of his own. They stood
apart watching each other, arms loose to their sides. Slowly Alejandro
lifting his arm spread his fingers in invitation to a test of
strength. Steve responded with both his hands. They closed and locked their
grasp.

The ensuing struggle moved them all over the mat. Shoving, grunting with
strain, their quads trembled at the exertion. As their pecs and abs flexed,
their hands seemed bent on destruction of the other's. Their bodies slowly
moved toward each other as their hands dropped and sought leverage. Their
chests touching, their dicks occasionally bumping they stood, forehead to
forehead with sweat running in their eyes. Alejandro began to hatch his
plan for a take down.

He let Steve bend his hands back at the wrists and at the same time started
to raise his arms. Steve fought it knowing his was the strongest
position. He pressed his body against Alejandro feeling the sweat of their
chests and the mat of hair under the tight, flexed pecs. He leaned his head
forward and said softly "Dude, you're going down." Alejandro forced their
arms up. To bait the trap he began to let his knees bend slightly.

Steve, sensing an opportunity stepped back and leaped trying to gain more
leverage. Alejandro let himself be pushed down a bit more. He could see
Steve smiling; his teeth clinched with sweat dripping off his nose. Lower
and lower Alejandro let himself be pushed. When he judged the point of
leverage to be best, Alejandro quickly dropped to his back and lifted his
feet planting them close together against Steve's abs. He continued his
roll back pulling Steve with his hands and lifting him with his feet.

Steve neatly flipped over Alejandro and landed hard on his back. Alejandro
spun and grabbing Steve's arm captured it and his neck in a rear figure
four head scissors. The look of surprise on Steve's face was met with a
grin from Alejandro as he began to pull Steve's neck into his groin as he
applied pressure to the lock.

Steve flailed against Alejandro's leg with his free hand, pulling at his
knee trying to dislodge the ankle. Alejandro increased the pressure,
capturing the free arm and twisting it. With the hand caught in the
scissors, Steve hammered with the back of his fist against Alejandro's
chest with little affect. The hold began to take its toll on
Steve. Alejandro increased the pressure and began cutting off air. He
watched for his next opportunity.

As Steve began to fade, Alejandro slipped into a neck scissors and grabbed
Steve's leg, pulling it into a modified crotch stretch. Reaching over with
his free hand he gently cupped Steve's ball sack and cock.

"Where's all that steel and heat now Stephen? Part of you seems to have
lost it's enthusiasm to fight" Alejandro chuckled.

Lifting Steve's leg slightly, Alejandro was able to snag Steve's other
ankle. He pulled Steve's legs into the air shifting his neck scissors and
rested his glutes just over Steve's face. Alejandro pulled Steve's legs
higher in the air in the jack knife, increasing the pressure on his chest
making it hard to breathe. Alejandro released the legs and slid back
capturing Steve's wrists and pulled him into a leg nelson. Twisting the
wrists for greater control and placing his heels together against Steve's
trapezoids, Alejandro continued to punish Steve's body.

The sweat made the wrists hard to hold. With a fierce jerk Steve was able
to free an arm and quickly spin out of Alejandro's control. Turning, he
leaped on Alejandro's chest. They rolled as their arms and legs twisted and
grasped for each other looking for a hold. Steve's legs wound round
Alejandro's till they were locked tight, though neither had an advantage
over the other.

Sweat covering their legs made them slick and the muscled limbs writhed in
their fight for control. The combatants, their arms each captured by the
other, grunted and strained with little motion as they fought for a
hold. Their bulging quads and knotted calves were in constant motion - a
Medusa like knot of glistening flesh. The smooth skin in contrast with the
dark, muscular hairy thighs could, in that light, have been mistaken for a
sepia toned porn movie.

Steve's wrist slipped free of Alejandro's grasp and he managed to headlock
his partner. With their legs still tied, Steve could only pull Alejandro's
head toward his chest as Alejandro pulled back against Steve's head. It was
a near stalemate but was costing each man dearly. Their gasping breath was
ragged, their abs heaving to get more air.

Their cocks and balls were mashed as if in their own combat but there was
no sign of erotic desire now. They were fighting -- each fueled by his own
need. Steve shifted his hold and began to cut off Alejandro's breath. It
was only a moment later that he felt Alejandro's torsion hold on his head
begin to weaken. As it did, Steve quickly grabbed Alejandro's arms and
pulled them behind his head locking them tight. With his legs he managed to
get Alejandro into a front grape vine and violently thrust their legs
apart.

Alejandro thrashed from side to side finally loosening Steve's tight
control. With a final violent twist, Alejandro broke free from the
grapevine and twisted his body, rolled on top of Steve and broke the arm
lock. Grabbing Steve's neck with both his arms, Alejandro pulled Steve's
head and face into his sweaty, hairy, hard pecs. Flexing them, he could
feel Steve's face buried against him. Steve's arms flailed and grabbed at
Alejandro's arms accomplishing nothing.

With his breath restricted, Steve quickly began to loose
consciousness. Alejandro broke the hold and stood, pulling Steve up with
him. Grabbing him behind the neck and sticking an arm through his legs,
Alejandro lifted Steve and slammed him to the mat. Alejandro followed
through, throwing himself on the mat and slamming Steve's upper abs with an
elbow drop. Steve jackknifed as the air exploded from the hit to his solar
plexus.

He reflex curl to the fetal position was hampered as Alejandro caught his
thighs in a scissor and pulled his neck back in a head lock. Alejandro,
releasing the scissors flipped Steve and pulling his chin up, put him in a
camel hold. Alejandro could feel the heaving as Steve's body tried to
regain some air and recover from the spasms.

Releasing the camel hold, Alejandro knelt over Steve's lower back and
grabbing his elbows pulled him up to his knees, then to his feet. With no
chance for recovery, Steve found himself in a reverse bear hug. His hands
and fingers dug against Alejandro's tight grasp. Alejandro tossed Steve's
weight up and let it fall forcing more air out of him. It wasn't long
before Steve began to fall forward. As he did, Alejandro fell with him,
catching Steve's chest to break the fall.

Steve was sprawled out, nearly unconscious on the mat. Alejandro watched
his breathing closely with concern. Slowly Steve regained his breath and
lifting his head, looked at Alejandro and said, "You're one tough son of a
bitch, if you don't mind me saying so!"

A smile played at the corners of Alejandro's mouth as he replied, "On your
feet Stephen. You've got more fight in you than that. When we're done
there'll be no question who won." Alejandro then stood and walked to get
towels and some water.

After toweling off and sucking down the water they stood facing each other
and circled midst the shadows looking for an opening. The lighting made it
tricky for both men.

Steve made the first move and as they locked up. He slipped his leg through
and took Alejandro down. Pulling Alejandro into himself he slapped a
scissors across his lower abs and pulled him in close. Alejandro bridged
fiercely but Steve managed to get his head locked up tight.

With his free hand Alejandro reached over and grabbed Steve's pec and
pinched the nipple between his knuckles. As Steve reflexively tried to push
the hand away, Alejandro was able to gain enough leverage to get his head
free. He slipped to the side and with double fists hit Steve in the abs. It
was a little but it was enough to make Steve loosen the scissors so that
Alejandro could pry himself free.

Both men rolled away and got to their feet. Arms up, they rushed each
other. Steve came in low and again caught Alejandro around his hips. Using
Alejandro's momentum flipped him with his back to the mat. Steve spun and
launched himself bring an elbow down hard, "How you like that, sucker?"
Steve shouted as he got to his knees.

Alejandro's back came off the mat reflexively and when it did, Steve moved
in for a full nelson. He lifted Alejandro up to his feet and off the mat
cranking his neck hard with bulging biceps. Steve could feel the sweaty
back muscles flexing across his chest as he threw Alejandro back and forth.

Without any warning, Steve cinched his hold, bent his knees and jumped
taking them both into the air. Loosening the nelson he dove under
Alejandro's back catching him on his muscular shoulder, holding him
tight. Steve bounced him a couple of times in the back breaker then bending
forward took Alejandro to the mat. Spinning, Steve grabbed Alejandro's
ankles, put them under his sweaty pits and stood. He looked back and could
see the pressure of the Boston crab on Alejandro's back as the muscles
bunched and flexed involuntarily. Steve smiled as Alejandro yelled and
slammed his palms against the mat. In the nearly dark room the sound echoed
and Steve reveled in his power.

Steve let the pressure build as he lifted Alejandro's body further back. He
then dropped the legs and fell on Alejandro's back with an elbow to the mid
back. Alejandro reached his arm toward the pain. Steve caught it and pulled
Alejandro to his back. Lying on the right arm, Steve looped his arm under
Alejandro's neck and captured his right leg. The sudden cradle reversed the
muscle tension in his back and Alejandro groaned. Steve increased the
pressure watching Alejandro's features register the pain as shadows played
across the wrestlers.

Finally Steve released his hold on the neck and moved behind Alejandro
lifting both his legs and rolled forward to Alejandro's chest. He slipped
his arms down Alejandro's hairy thighs and pushed up forcing his sweaty,
muscled, hairy chest against Alejandro's chin. He held Alejandro then
released the legs and fell across Alejandro's chest.

Gulping breath, Steve sat atop Alejandro. There they rested until their
breathing became more regular. Looking into his eyes and seeing the same
fire that burned in him, Steve grabbed Alejandro under his shoulder,
rolling him he pulled Alejandro on top and said, "Take me."

With Steve's face mostly in shadow, Alejandro grabbed both of Steve's pecs
and roughly squeezed them, trapping the hard nipples between the knuckles
of his fingers. He twisted the flesh and felt Steve tense with the pain and
pleasure. Continuing to work the muscled mounds he lowered his face until
he could feel Steve's breath.

"I can not begin to tell you how much I want you Stephen. I want to wring
from you every pleasure you desire until you are limp on this mat and then
take you to my bed and ravage you.

"There, I have said it. It's been in my mind the entire time today. It is
what I think as I look at you. Not as a slave to my desire but one with
whom I can share the fire within. As you shared your secrets, so I share
mine." Alejandro whispered hoarsely into Steve's ear.

Steve, still on his back, linked his ankles behind Alejandro and slid his
body down so that their cocks were aligned. With his shoulders on the mat,
he lifted his body until the gap closed and began to press and slide
against Alejandro's stiffening meat. They remained in that position until
Steve felt Alejandro's cock fully distended. Releasing his ankles Steve
intended to slide down and take Alejandro into his mouth.

Alejandro had other plans. He grabbed the loosened ankles and sitting on
Steve's upper abs pulled him into a forward roll. Leaning forward, his
thick, veined muscle resting against Steve's nose and forehead, he let his
heavy ball sack envelop Steve's mouth.

"Suck them, Stephen" Alejandro softly growled.

Steve opened his mouth and sucked in one and then the other swirling each
with his tongue before he released it. He licked the base of the hairy
scrotum and reached back with his tongue toward the ring. Alejandro sighed
his pleasure. He pulled Steve's legs back from the roll up and batted
Steve's face with his hard prick. Swinging the heavy meat back and forth
the smacking sound was noticeable.

"It is large, my friend. You said you liked muscular, large men. Yes?"
Alejandro said softly.

"Yeah, now feed me some of it." Steve demanded.

Resting his palms and knees on the mat, Alejandro raised his body slightly
and let the head of his muscle enter Steve's eager mouth. He held it until
Steve, lifting his head, took in more. Steve looked up into Alejandro's
eyes as he sucked. In the shadows, he was only able to see a bit of the
white surrounding the black orbs. Steve wanted never to break their
stare. He wanted to fall into those deep penetrating pools.

Finally, letting his gaze fall across the rigid pecs and bulging arms,
Steve wondered if he were dreaming. Slowly Alejandro began push his body up
and lower it gently, fucking Steve's mouth with his thick meat.

Steve watched the flexing biceps, tight abs and pecs as he tasted the
precum and stretched his throat as wide as possible. Putting his hands on
Alejandro's sides he gently pulled the body lower. Alejandro slowed his
movements allowing Steve to become accustomed to the size. Gradually Steve
was able to take half of the shaft into his mouth.

Alejandro stopped and resting on his knee, lowered himself to Steve's hard
cock. He licked and fully wet Steve's skin next to his cock and balls with
his spittle. Then grasping Steve behind his knees, he lifted and rolled him
forward exposing his sac and pink pucker. Spitting in his hand he further
lubricated his meat and began to push against the tender skin between the
pucker and ball sac while fucking Steve's thighs. Grunting he kept
thrusting, never breaking Steve's stare.

Alejandro's facial expression demanded satisfaction -- more a grimace than
a smile, Steve could see the clenched jaw and teeth. The soft grunting that
echoed in Alejandro's chest with each thrust caused Steve's breath to
shorten and his cock to pulse. Alejandro slowed his movements and
rested. Steve tightened his quads and squeezed the invading muscle.

"Pardon my language, but you are so fucking hot!!" Steve said, breathing
heavily.

"As are you, my friend. As are you." responded Alejandro, his breathing
labored from both desire and pleasure.

Spreading Steve's legs, he roughly slid up Steve's body and began to tongue
and bite Steve's pecs. Alejandro let his tongue invade the rims of the
armpits, bathe the muscled slabs and captured the nipples, sucking them in
and alternately biting and licking them.

Rising to his knees Alejandro growled "On your feet. I'm not ready for this
to end."

Steve grinned and standing, said to himself `yeah, this is definitely more
like it!'

Alejandro reached across and grabbing Steve's elbow spun him around and
slid his arms into a full nelson.

Alejandro asked "We are giving into our fantasies, yes? This is a man game
we play. We go no further than agreed but for the sake of our play we are
free. Are you comfortable with that?" Alejandro tightened the
nelson. Feeling the steely bulge of Alejandro's biceps under his arms
Steve's lust surged.

"Yeah, bring it, fucker. Bring it!" shouted Steve.

Immediately Alejandro tightened the nelson and lifted Steve off the
mat. Swinging him right and left, he whispered loudly in Steve's ear, "Be
careful what you wish for, my friend."

Without releasing any tension in the nelson, Alejandro let Steve drop and
then lifted him off the floor suddenly stretching Steve's spine while
pushing his chin toward his chest. He arched back, pulling Steve into
himself. Shoving his muscle repeatedly between Steve's thighs he growled
with each thrust letting Steve's body feel the heat and hardness.

Loosening the nelson, he let Steve's feet slide toward the floor. Locking
one of Steve's legs and looping his arm around Steve's neck, capturing the
other arm, Alejandro began to pull Steve into an abdominal
stretch. Alejandro could feel Steve's lats fighting against the
pain. Cinching the hold tight, he reached between Steve's legs with his
free hand and groped Steve's balls and cock.

"You wanted to feel the power of a real man? I could break you in half if I
chose. But do not worry, I'm not finished playing with you yet!" Alejandro
snarled.

Releasing the stretch, Alejandro grabbed Steve and locking in a tight grip
around his waist, Alejandro lifted him into a bear hug. Grinding his
knuckles into Steve's lower back he pressed Steve tight into him. Bending
his knees he pushed off, holding Steve he slammed both of their bodies to
the mat.

He reached for Steve's neck and leg and pulled him into a cradle. Both men
were gasping for air thought still fully engaged in the fantasy. Pulling
Steve's leg up, Alejandro twisted their bodies until his rigid meat was
pushing against Steve's pink ring.

Alejandro continued the hold, rubbing his cock against Steve. Finally,
breaking the hold he dropped Steve's leg and mounted him, cock to cock,
face to face. The men held each other in a desperate grasp as they let
their cocks fight the remainder of the battle. With a sudden violent
tightening of his quads, abs and arms, Alejandro's eruption came with a
growl that filled the room. He kept pounding Steve's now cum slick cock and
seconds later felt the body beneath him bridge in its own release.

Steve yelled "Oh FUCK! Yes!!!" He continued to thrust and writhe under
Alejandro's assault. Their grasp on each other tightened as they continued
to pound their cocks together. Steve's legs locked around Alejandro's back
and sealed their struggle as their muscles continued to spasm and
tighten. Their fevered humping continued till their cocks stopped spasming.

Steve loosened his legs and Alejandro, resting on his knees and elbows, let
his fingers trace through Steve's wet hair. Rubbing his thumbs softly
across Steve's face, he let his finger trace through Steve's hair till he
lifted Steve's mouth to his own.

As the urgency of their passion ebbed, their embrace and tonguing was
gentle. Alejandro, kissed Steve's cheeks, the end of his nose and pulled
away so to look at his friend. He was met with a broad smile midst the
glistening sweat that covered Steve's handsome face. Steve shut his eyes
and let rolled his head back slightly.

"Alejandro." He gulped air in as his abs shuddered
slightly. "Alejandro^Å^Åcan't talk, please^Å." he gasped. "Please don't get
up. Stay here for a moment, at least."

"Stephen, I will stay here and sleep if that is your wish." Alejandro
replied.

"No, but just hold me a moment more."

The moments passed and the men rested against each other. They felt their
breath slowly return to normal as the nuzzled against each other's necks
and cheeks. Mostly they were still and quiet letting the experience find
its place in their minds and in the quiet of the room.

"Its time for a shower my friend." Alejandro said quietly, as he rose to
his knees and pulled Steve up. Together, they walked to the shower. Midst
the ever changing shadows they bathed and toweled each other carefully and
completely. When finished, Alejandro rested his hand on Steve's shoulder
and led him from the room.

It was twilight. Fire flies flashed across the night sky. The evening
breeze off the water was warm for June. Finding their chairs near the pool,
Alejandro said,

"Stephen, rest for a moment and keep this towel handy, the breeze can be
fickle.

"I think a gin and tonic would hit the spot right now. What may I bring
you?" Alejandro asked Steve.

"That sounds great, actually. Thanks"

Leaning back in the lounge, Steve let eh memories of the day was over
him. He smiled to himself at the thought he was `in a different place'
within himself. Gone were the hidden lusts. Oh, they'd return and probably
with a vengeance when this weekend was over. Would he see Alejandro again
he wondered? If not, today would be more than enough. He had no
regrets. But where would he find someone with whom he could be so free, to
express himself so fully, to share with so intimately? In the deepening
twilight he shook his head wondering at all that lay ahead.

Alejandro returned, resumed his chair, and they enjoyed their drinks in
companionable silence. A breeze blew in that had some chill in it and as
Alejandro reached for his towel he asked, "I believe I've worked up an
appetite for a snack, how about you?"

"Workouts with you seem to have that effect on me. Lead the way." Steve
said, throwing his legs off the side of the lounge.

"I'm going to don a robe and I have a spare for you if you like. The house
will be quite chilly after our exercise and the humid evening air."
Alejandro offered.

"Like I said, lead the way. I'm up for most anything."

Alejandro turned and walked toward the house. Steve followed and watched
Alejandro slip into a room just off the hall and return with two pressed
lightly starched cotton robes. It felt like nothing he'd ever put on his
body. Alejandro had headed for the kitchen to prepare a snack.

Steve remembered the general mess they had left after their dinner
preparation and saw now that everything was neat and clean. Sanchez, he
thought correctly. Alejandro opened the fridge and pulled out several
covered trays.

"Ah, Sanchez has worked his magic and we are in for a treat. Stephen,
please collect a couple of wine glasses from the buffet and a bottle of
white from the fridge." Steve returned with the glasses and opened the
fridge to retrieve the wine.

"Any particular one?" he said looking at several different labels.

"Yes, the Cote de Rhone, there near the back. That will go well with the
salmon." Alejandro replied. "You'll find a cork screw in the drawer to your
left."

As Alejandro uncovered the trays and took them to a small table with side
chairs, Steve prepared the bottle and took it and the glasses to the
table. Sitting in a small corner area in upholstered chairs on either side
of the round table, Steve appreciated the comfort that the large dining
table could not afford. The trays held salmon with sour cream, chive and a
dollop of caviar, fruit and cheese, and some crackers. Alejandro invited
Steve to sit as he gathered plates and cutlery.

"Is that caviar?" asked Steve, a bit uncertain due to lack of experience.

"Yes, it seems that Sanchez is trying to spoil me before I leave for some
extended travel. Here, let me show you how I enjoy this treat." Using a
fork, Alejandro slid a piece of the salmon onto a cracker and handed it to
Steve.

Then fixing one for himself he said, "They are intentionally small to be
consumed in one bite. Enjoy."

Steve savored the taste of the salmon blended with the garnishes. Tasting
food reminded him he was hungry. Sipping the wine, he found it was a great
compliment to the flavors he'd enjoyed. They chatted easily as they enjoyed
their snack.

As Alejandro reached to pour Steve another glass of wine, Steve relaxed,
settled into his chair discovered he was completely at ease. Alejandro had
that effect on him. It was more than just hospitality though he couldn't
put his finger on it. Their conversation moved at an easy pace, Alejandro
expressing interest in Steve's family, childhood, and college years.

Alejandro, with few specifics, answered Steve's questions about his early
life, "Though born, raised and educated in Chicago, I was in constant
contact with the circle of friends my family maintained, from which
incidentally, came a portion of my work. I knew that I needed to find a
place where I would not always be Alejandro, son of Salvador Algara.

"When one of the holding companies bought First Trust Savings Bank it was
my responsibility to come and oversee the transition. I opened an office
there and discovered during my months in Norfolk that it suited my needs as
a home base.

"With my family gone and no direct ties to hold me, I moved here and have
enjoyed my life. Here I've been able to direct my interests and resources
in ways of my own. I maintain close contact with business associates both
in Chicago and numerous other cities which, in some cases tie me to my
father's life and work. Without the independence that my home here offers
me, that might be confining. As it is, I look forward to renewing
acquaintances.

"That's probably more of my story than you wanted, but does serve to answer
some of your questions."

Steve sat quietly for a moment, enjoying a piece of fruit and some wine
before he asked, "Alejandro, this is an abrupt change of subject but you
did say you would explain about^Å^Å" Steve paused not knowing if this was
the right time.

"Yes?" Alejandro asked.

"Well, I'm not sure where to start. You mentioned that people wrestle for
you. You know, exhibition wrestling you called it. Do you have a wrestling
ring, like for pro wresting? Do you hire people to come in and wrestle for
your entertainment? Do you wrestle for people to watch?"

Alejandro answered, "Before the wresting room was built I was enjoying
occasional matches here in the house or on the lawn beside the pool using
mats. It became cumbersome and one day a while entertaining some of those
same friends we began to talk about a space dedicated to our wrestling
pleasures. The idea grew into what you saw today.

"One particular acquaintance wrestled with a younger man who had several
friends who also wrestled. My acquaintance brought this young man to my
home on occasion and we had all enjoyed time on the mats in a round robin
tag match.

"It was he who suggested the `exhibition' area. The young men who have come
to wrestle do not seem to mind grappling while we watch. To the contrary,
they seem to enjoy displaying their prowess as well as their bodies. The
matches range from what one might call `legitimate' matches for a pin, to
nude oil wrestling with multiple submissions. Though I am clear in my
request that anything beyond wrestling be done in private, I am sure that
it is a component that fuels the excitement of the match. I believe it is
referred to as a `stakes match'.

"I have in earlier years taken the challenge to engage one of the younger
men while others watch. With those matches I've enjoyed a variety of styles
and experiences, though never for `stakes'.

"For me, as well as my friends, it has been an extension of our wrestling
pleasure. Does that begin to answer your questions?" Alejandro said.

"Yeah, for the most part. One more questing if I may?"

"Certainly," replied Alejandro.

"OK this is a bit awkward and I really don't mean to offend, but do you
ever pay men to wrestle so you can watch?" Steve asked.

"Over the years, I've had several friends offer to pay to provide
entertainment of that nature for me and other guests. I have declined
politely but firmly. It cheapens the moment and we become voyeurs when the
men wrestling are not also guests. Does that make sense to you?"

"Yeah it does. It would be a turn off for me to imagine guys being paid to
perform, especially if it were^Å^Å well, like a nude match. It seems like
I'm being contradictory. What we did was great, but paying to watch
something like that wouldn't be so good" replied Steve.

Steve suddenly yawned. "I'm SO sorry. I guess since last night I am
suffering from lack of sleep. What with the wrestling, great food and time
by the pool, suddenly I'm whipped. Hope you aren't offended, Alejandro."

"Not at all Stephen. I hate to see the night end and though I promised you
your privacy and the hospitality of the hotel, may I extend the invitation
to stay here? I have a comfortable guest suite with a private bath stocked
with necessary toiletries. We could go by the hotel in the morning for some
fresh clothes.

"Oh listen to me. I suddenly sound to myself like a desperate old
man. Don't let me try to influence you. What you decide will be fine with
me." Alejandro said.

Steve smiled at the `old man' comment and said, "Alejandro I would be glad
to spend the evening here. I'm just too comfortable at the moment to think
of dealing with dressing, driving back and spending the night in a sterile
hotel room. That sounded bad -- it's a great place; but, I really don't
want to go. As far as `desperate old man', give me a break. You are
anything but.  Just one request, can we arrange for me to get back in time
to change so I could go to church?"

Alejandro, sat back in his chair, smiled broadly. "Of course, where would
you like to go?"

"The old St. Paul's is near the hotel. I was thinking I'd go there for the
early service."

"If you have a particular interest in St. Paul's I would be glad to take
you or to go with you. However, if you've no strong preference, may I
suggest Christ and St. Luke's Episcopal? It is near the house and would
allow us a bit of leisure time for coffee and a roll. They have a Rite I at
nine-thirty and then if I can twist your arm, I'd like you to be my guest
at Sterling's for their buffet. It is a marvelous and comfortable time to
sit, be served and enjoy company. The mimosas aren't bad either!" Alejandro
smiled.

"That sounds just great. Thanks, I'll take you up on all of it."

They gathered their dishes and took them to the kitchen. Alejandro showed
him the guest room and they said goodnight. In turn each man took off their
robe and wished the other was with him.

The sun streaming in Steve's window awakened him. He stretched and lay
there enjoying the comfort of the bed and the softest cotton sheets he'd
ever slept under. Tempted to reach for his swollen meat he resisted,
wanting to enjoy the slight tension of sexual desire. It was six
o'clock. There was time for a swim since he didn't have running clothes
with him. Washing his face and cleaning his teeth, he pulled on his robe
from the night before, wondering, for the first time where his clothing
was.

Opening the door, he smelled coffee. Walking toward the kitchen he was
greeted by Sanchez. "Good morning, I hope you slept well."

"Thank you, Sanchez. It was a great night's sleep. By the way, do you know
what happened to my clothes?"

"They are laundered and folded, in the dresser in your room. Not being sure
of the plans, I took the liberty last night while you and Alejandro
exercised. I hope it was not presumptuous."

Steve smiled his thanks, "Not at all, I appreciate it. Um^Å^Åthat coffee
smells great. Mind if I get a cup?"

"I have one laid out for you, there, with cream and sugar."

Steve turned, and as he poured the mug full of steaming coffee he asked, "I
didn't bring a suit and I'd like to swim some laps this morning. Is there a
suit I could borrow?"

"I'll get what you need." Sanchez replied.

Steve saw him go to a wicker bin near the pool. He returned in a moment
with a Speedo, jock and towel.

"We are very private here and if you choose not to dress that would be
fine. But please, be comfortable."

"Thank you Sanchez. Oh, when does Alejandro usually wake up?" Steve asked.

"He has been up for some time. An early riser, we share a cup of coffee and
he returns to his suite to read and attend to business from his desk
there. He asked me to tell you that we will have a bite to eat at seven
forty-five. Now enjoy your swim and I will bring you another cup of coffee
to enjoy afterward."

Taking the gear with him, Steve went to the pool area, dropped his robe and
slipped on the Speedo. After forty quick laps, ten each of side, back,
crawl and breast, he slipped from the water and sat for a moment catching
his breath and enjoying the thermos cup of coffee. He dove back in and
repeated the sequence.

Afterward, feeling refreshed from the exercise he dried off, donned his
robe and went to shower and shave. A bit before seven forty-five he opened
his door and was greeted by Alejandro's smile. Gesturing for Steve to join
them, Alejandro waved his hand. "I hear you've bested me again this morning
with your swimming. I hope you enjoyed it."

"Yes, thanks. It's a real treat to start the day swimming laps instead of
running like I usually do." Steve said as he took his seat. Sanchez, seated
at the table with them, poured coffee and passed it, then passed the
rolls. A tray with a dish of butter and some jams were available.

Conversation was easy as Alejandro told Sanchez briefly their plans for the
morning and items needing attention in the coming week. He apologized and
said, "I'm leaving early morning for several weeks combining a bit of
vacation with business. I hope we can find time to spend together toward
the end of June. Would you like that?"

"Yes. I was wondering just how rude it would be for me to invite myself
again." Steve smiled. "Thank you both. You've made me feel far more
comfortable than I could have hoped to imagine."

They left for the hotel soon after. Steve gathered his belongings, signed
out at the desk. He and Alejandro headed for church. On the way, Steve
complained slightly about the drudgery brought by the end of school, exams
and grades. When Alejandro asked about summer plans Steve said he would
probably help a friend on construction jobs. "It helps me stay in
shape. He's a brick mason and I get plenty of opportunity to lift and
carry, mix and stir. All of it is hot, heavy, sweaty work that keeps me in
shape and helps me appreciate, all the more, a cold beer at the end of the
day and my opportunity to coach and teach."

During the homily, Steve found his mind wandering back over the past
twenty-four hours. Instead of feeling any need for confession as he would
have earlier anticipated, he was filled with the joy of thanksgiving. He
was as authentic in this moment as he had been wrestling Alejandro. At `the
peace', he turned to Alejandro and beamed his joy and greeting saying `the
peace of the Lord be with you'. Alejandro grasped his hand, returning the
greeting and smiled deeply into Steve's eyes.

Brunch was as delicious as Alejandro had promised and was over far too soon
for either of them. Knowing he couldn't postpone any further his departure,
he and Alejandro went back to the hotel and Steve's car.

"I will not say good-by, Stephen. For us it will be `until next time' and
promise me now that there will be another time and sooner rather than
later. Please call and Sanchez will keep you informed of my return home. We
will look forward to that, yes?"

"Yes." Steve took Alejandro's offered hand in both of his and met
Alejandro's stare wanting to say more, ask more, and somehow give more.
Both hoped they would meet again.