Title: Off the Wagon
Rating: NC-17
Pairing: Joxer/m(surprise), Joxer/Hercules/Iolaus
Disclaimer: The characters from H:TLJ and X:WP do not belong to me, but they will be once I can prove the French judge was bribed.
Warning: This story contains minor armour-bashing. Consider yourself warned :)
Summary: On the verge of starvation, Joxer does what he must to survive and winds up doing the one thing he'd sworn he'd never do again -- fall in love.
Author's Notes: #1, yes, I was inspired by a certain Julia Roberts movie whose title was borrowed for the title of the 1^st story ;p -- #2, those of you who know my work may recognize a certain servant in a certain palace :)
Dedications: 1) To JoeyRZ - thanks for the Beta work, babe! And 2) To Huntress, for appreciating my efforts to properly convey Herc and Iolaus' characters in "Pretty Man" -- hope you like the sequel, babe!

~*~*~*~

Joxer plodded along the dirt road, raising a hand over his eyes so that he could look ahead through the brightness of the blazing sun. He barely had the strength to sigh as he saw nothing but more road and turned his concentration to placing one foot before the other. He wearily rose his water skin to his mouth and was not surprised when nothing came out of it. It had not provided him with water in over a day, yet he kept trying, desperately hoping there was a drop he'd missed.

His legs faltered, causing him to stumble on the road. He paused a moment to get his bearings before forcing his feet along the well-worn path. He'd run out of food two days ago and the absence of water was making the pains in his joints all the more pronounced. He'd hoped he could replenish his supplies with river water and wild game, yet most of the wildlife had already died of starvation, and he had yet to pass a riverbed that hadn't dried up. The part of Greece that he had to pass through was currently going through its worst drought ever and he feared what would happen should he not reach a town or village soon.

~Not like that matters,~ he thought to himself. ~It's not like you have any money left anyway.~

He shifted the pack on his shoulder, his hand absently falling to caress the bottom of the bag. Once he realized what he was doing, he snatched his hand away.

~No. Don't even think about it. You made a promise, remember?~

Yet, no matter how he tried to think of some distraction, his mind kept returning to what lied at the bottom of his pack, where his hand had caressed. The pair of leather pants and the soft white shirt were the same clothes he'd worn the day he'd promised to give up his last 'vocation' as Meg's employee. It had been a year and he had yet to break his word to Hercules and Iolaus...

No matter how tempting it had been.

No matter how tempting it now was.

He had no food, no water, and no money. Should he come upon a village, it was bound to be suffering from the current drought, and thus food and water would be more than scarce. With no money, he would be unable to eat or drink and there was only one way he knew how to earn his keep.

He shook the thought from his head. Thus far, there were no signs of civilization ahead and he could afford to wait until he'd come across some kind of village until he decided whether or not to return to his old vocation, if even for a night.

Joxer didn't know whether to panic or collapse in relief when night fell and he stumbled through the entrance to a fair sized village.

At first glance, the village was lifeless. All the stalls in the tiny marketplace were closed and not a light could be seen in any of the little houses that dotted the main street. It was only once he'd turned a corner that he saw the bright lights of the local tavern.

He stopped, standing alone in the middle of the street. It was time for a decision, and his decision was made when the scent of cooking meat wafted around him, causing the muscles in his stomach to contract in hunger.

Food.

Water.

Without a second thought, he ducked into a nearby alley, opened up his pack, and pulled out his 'uniform.'

~*~*~*~

The tavern door opened and in walked a smiling face. All eyes turned to the new arrival, a man who's black leather pants hugged his legs like a second skin and who looked almost lost in the billows of his white shirt.

The bartender took one look at the new arrival and grimaced. "We don't need your kind around here," he grumbled.

Joxer rested his hands on his hips and tilted his head coquettishly. "And what kind would that be?"

The smile on Joxer's face wavered as the bartender flexed a meaty bicep. The man looked as if he were about to speak, but was interrupted by a loud voice from the back of the room.

"It's all right. He's with me."

Joxer turned to face the table where a cloaked man sat. A shiver traveled up his spine as a tanned hand rose to push away the hood, revealing the man's face. Dark eyes peered out from a curtain of copper hair, meeting Joxer's eyes across the room. The figure was a stranger, for surely Joxer would have remembered meeting such a beautiful man.

The bartender made a grunting noise and turned back to his bar. The cloaked man motioned for Joxer to approach and after several seconds, Joxer was finally able to move his feet and make his way to the table, sliding into a chair across from the stranger.

"You are a visitor here like myself, I see," the man spoke quietly in a raspy voice.

Joxer nodded. Remembering himself, he immediately slipped back into his old mannerisms like a comfortable pair of shoes, tilting his head just right and putting on a promising smile. He was almost undone when his eyes rested on the full mug of ale that lied on the table, his mouth feeling dryer than ever as he imagined how it would taste as it slid along his tongue and down his throat.

"Would you like something to drink? A little food, perhaps?"

Joxer's eyes rose to meet those of the other man. While there were many things he would do, he refused to completely deceive a potential 'client.' "I'm sorry, but I spent my last dinar a week ago on supplies," he said, his eyes sending silent pleas and promises of rewards for a little food and drink. He couldn't help but wince at the strain in his own voice, which he could barely recognize.

"It's all right," the man replied, grinning an acknowledgment of Joxer's silent pleas. "I'm certain we can come to an... agreement."

Joxer nodded and watched as a waitress was flagged down. His stomach fluttered, not from hunger but from the knowledge of what he would do that night. He felt no guilt, though he knew he would feel plenty come morning. All he felt was a sense of exhilaration that he knew he wouldn't feel had it been a different stranger sitting across from him, watching him from those intense eyes as if he were a puzzle to be solved.

When some ale and a plate of meat and cheese arrived, Joxer forced himself to eat slowly, knowing that to do otherwise would only aggravate the pains in his stomach. He kept his eyes on the stranger as he ate his meal, savouring the pieces of food he placed in his mouth, slowly licking and sucking the meaty juices from his fingers and thumb. He could recognize the embers that glowed in the stranger's eyes, fanning into flames with the exhibition of the sensual tricks Joxer had learned over the years.

Once the food had disappeared and the plate was retrieved by the waitress, the two men sat in silence, sipping their ale and watching every move, every twitch, every expression on each others' faces. Joxer could feel his energy returning already and knew he would more than repay the meal he had eaten.

Joxer had to admit that he could easily get lost in the simple activity of looking at the stranger. The man was more than beautiful. A part of him wondered why he would take advantage of Joxer's services when he could so obviously win the affections of any man or woman in Greece. Another part, which he listened to, told him not to care.

After finishing his ale, Joxer placed the mug to the side, refusing any more of the potent liquid. He was already feeling slightly light-headed from a single mug and he wanted to keep his wits about him. A few sips later, the stranger placed his empty mug on the table, pulled a pair of gold coins from a purse at his side and laid them next to the mug. He rose slowly and gracefully, looking all the more imposing as he looked down upon Joxer.

"I am retiring to my room for the night. You are welcome to join me."

Joxer shivered at the request coming from a voice so obviously used to giving commands. He had no doubt in his mind that he would do whatever the stranger asked, with or without the gift of food and drink. He followed the man up a set of stairs, down a long, torch-lit hallway, and finally stopped before a wooden door.

The hinges creaked slightly as the door was opened and closed. A bolt was slid shut to prevent any unwanted visitors from entering. One of the tavern's employees had been to the room, for there were lit oil lamps sitting upon tables on either side of the large bed. The room was designed to give a feeling of comfort, yet Joxer felt nothing but a twinge of nervousness and desperately wondered if it was a feeling the stranger shared.

A hand rested on Joxer's shoulder, pulling him from his wandering thoughts. He turned his head, meeting the stranger's eyes.

"If you have any doubts, then feel free to leave now. Stay only if you are willing and think nothing of the meal below."

Joxer gulped as he watched the man move away to lean over one of the lamps, his hair glowing in the firelight moments before his full lips puckered, letting out a burst of air to blow out the fire in the lamp. The playing field was changing and he had no idea where it would take him, yet he knew he had to find out.

"What should I call you?"

The man straightened and relaxed almost imperceptibly. "No names. No identities. Not even words unless they're necessary. Just you, and me."

Joxer reached up and unclasped the stranger's dark cloak, listening to it pool around their feet as he dropped it to the floor. He placed his open palms against the man's chest, feeling the muscles that tensed beneath the soft fabric of the light shirt he wore. The hands slid down the tapered waist, sliding around until they felt the bunching muscles of the stranger's back. He leaned forward, gently placing his lips where the V of the man's shirt met matted coppery hair.

A pair of hands encircled his face, pulling his head up so that his lips could be devoured by the stranger's ravenous mouth. Joxer could hardly breathe and he had never before been so willing to suffocate. Lips sucked and teeth nibbled on his lower lip, tongue exploring every inch of his mouth, and he could do nothing but respond in kind.

Fingers wandered, pulling at cloth, ripping when it became too much of an obstacle. Large hands cupped Joxer's ass through his leathers and he couldn't help but moan into the hot, wet mouth that covered his own. Joxer's hand traveled, seeking out the laces of his lover's pants, undoing them quickly and encouraging them on their way down and over the man's hips. He moved his palm to cup the steel that rose to greet his questing fingers, feeling teeth not his own biting down on his bottom lip, almost hard enough to draw blood.

The stranger quickly stepped out from the material pooled around his ankles and advanced, pushing Joxer down onto the clean sheets of the bed. Desperate hands stripped Joxer of his leathers and boots, pausing momentarily to rid himself of his own footwear. After only moments, the long tan body crawled over Joxer's pale form, teeth nipping every piece of flesh in range until they reached the panting lips, capturing them in one motion.

His hands never pausing in their exploration of the tanned flesh, Joxer felt a rush of power and strength and desire. Throwing his weight, he rolled the man onto his back, trailing his tongue down the long neck and tracing a path to the dark nipples that stood out from the red fur of his lover's chest. He licked, sucked, and nipped until he could feel nails scraping along his back, then gave equal treatment to the rest of the man's body, never quite touching the cock that stood, yearning for his touch.

Finally, Joxer could resist no longer. Opening his mouth wide, he engulfed the straining cock, devouring it as if it were another meal. The body beneath him began thrashing, the rough voice groaning as Joxer sucked, his tongue flickering along the satiny flesh. Fingers clamped over his shoulders in a death grip, holding on as Joxer devoured his dessert.

"Stop," the voice growled in warning before the fingers pulled Joxer back up on the bed, pushing him onto his side. The stranger turned to face him, a strong thigh pushing between Joxer's legs as an accompanying hand sought out Joxer's untouched cock. He gasped, fastening his lips to the man's neck as the fingers played his cock like a musical instrument. He almost moaned in relief as searching fingers moved down his spine, caressing his backside, and finally finding their way to his body's entrance.

Joxer pulled his legs up and around his lover's waist, opening himself up to the fingers' explorations. He sighed as a digit found its way inside him.

"More," he whispered, needing to be filled. Another finger joined the first and he could almost feel his lover's amazement at the ease with which they moved inside him, his having learned over the years how to relax his body enough to make the experience less difficult and more pleasurable. "Now," he panted. "In me, now."

The stranger's fingers left him suddenly and his ears picked up a strange clang coming from beside the bed. They returned to his backside, feeling slick and smooth as they entered him once more, easing the way before the stranger finally brought his cock into position. Both men's lips met, clashing as the head was slowly pushed past the initial ring of muscles. Joxer could feel every ridge and vein of his lover's cock as it pushed into him, filling him. Once the stranger was fully enveloped inside Joxer, he broke the kiss and stared into his eyes.

The man's hips started moving, the glorious friction causing both men to gasp. The first strokes were agonizingly slow, but soon increased in tempo. Joxer cried out as the cock suddenly brushed against a spot inside him, arching him into the other's body. His hips began moving in time with his lover's as his hands gripped onto the broad shoulders for support. He felt his body soar, yet was grounded by the harsh breath against his face.

A hand slid down his stomach to recapture his cock, stroking it in time with the combined thrusts of their hips. He felt himself losing his grip on his self-control as the dual-stimulation overpowered him. The stranger latched onto his shoulder with his teeth, marking him, branding him, and it proved to be his undoing. With one more possessive thrust, he felt himself explode.

The last thing he felt before unconsciousness overtook him was the warm wetness of his lover's release.

~*~*~*~

A pair of eyes watched as the glow of dawn rose over the horizon. Their owner's muscles still ached from many days' travel, yet this morning they ached for an altogether different reason. It had been far too long since he'd let himself go as he'd done the last night.

He turned his head to watch the first rays hit the pale skin of his lover. He was still awed at the memory of waking, his body still tangled with the other man's and feeling more glorious than he could ever remember feeling. He shook his head, amazed at how the strangest whims could turn into something almost... magical.

It had been the illicitness, the need to do something improper, wild, something that would be frowned upon that had made him call out to the bartender. He hadn't known whether or not he'd have the constitution to carry it through to its conclusion, not until a momentary drop of the strange man's facade had allowed him a glance into a gentle soul. His ability to resist what he saw was no better than a moth's when attracted to a flame.

He fixed the clasp of his cloak and straightened the material that flowed over his shoulders. He moved to stand over the bed, resisting the urge to undress and lie back down, yet needing to look at his lover one more time. His eyes rested on the man's shoulder, where the perfect skin was marred by a dark bruise and spotted with dried blood from when his control had fled and he'd been unable to resist the need to mark his lover's flesh.

He bent over and gently pressed his lips against the damaged area. Brushing a stray lock of hair from the man's face, he rose and picked up his traveling bag, slinging it over his shoulder. He placed a hand in his pocket, pausing as he considered his next action carefully. With a sigh, he pulled out a small cloth pouch and placed it on the tiny bedside table. As he was about to turn away, he noticed the oil lamp he'd uncovered the night before and trembled as he remembered the feel of the sleeping man's flesh around his fingers as he'd used the oil to ease the way. Without thinking, he picked up the lid and placed it back on the lamp.

With a final glance at the sleeping figure, he opened the door and walked away.

~*~*~*~

The sleepy haze faded as Joxer's eyes blinked open to face the day. He could feel his mouth spread into a wide grin as he stretched and felt the familiar aches in his body that at one time had been the sign of a profitable evening. He lifted his head and glanced around the room, feeling the grin slide off his face.

~What did you expect,~ he thought to himself. ~Did you actually think this was any different from what you used to do?~

"But it *was* different," he mumbled to himself as he pushed off the covers that had been wrapped around him, throwing his legs over the side of the bed. "I've never had a night like that, not even with Hercules and Iolaus."

He rose onto his feet, stretching once more. He rubbed his hands over the muscles in his shoulders, wincing as his fingers brushed a sensitive spot. He craned his neck to see the evidence of last night's passion, smiling as his fingers traced the discoloured area. He'd always hated being marked before, but he couldn't explain his silly grin at having acquired this particular 'brand'.

He shook off the softer emotions before they took him over. He quickly grabbed his clothes and pulled them back on, straightening the white billows before stepping over to the door. Chancing a final glance at the tavern room, his eyes rested on the small table next to the bed.

With a heaviness in his chest, he stepped over to the table and picked up the tiny pouch that lied there. He closed his eyes as he pulled the strings open, nevertheless knowing what he'd find. He could hear the clinking of the gold coins even before his eyelids slid open.

He felt sick, as if his stomach had dropped into his feet. Until his eyes had rested upon the coins, he'd been able to convince himself that last night had been... well, something else. Something special. Now, the knowledge that he'd once again sold himself was tearing him apart. Not even the fact that he needed the money to buy supplies if he was to make it to his destination was enough to stop the tears from falling.

What hurt most was how much he'd wanted to believe the delusion that last night had meant something, that he hadn't been just another whore in a tavern trying to survive.

He dragged his hand across his eyes, ridding himself of his tears as he closed the pouch and headed for the door. The day had already begun and he had to retrieve his pack from its hiding place to buy supplies before he could leave the village.

He closed the door behind him, desperately hoping he'd have the strength to let go of the night's memories.

~*~*~*~

Looking down the road, Joxer saw a dim glow up ahead through the trees. He'd finally caught up to his friends, for that was surely their camp. He forced his feet along the road, glad the blistering sun had finally set beyond the horizon.

He'd been traveling over a day and a half and he hoped he never had another journey like the one from the village. First of all, the plentiful meal after a period of near starvation had sent him running off into the bushes every few miles for half the first day. To make things worse, the dry heat had gotten even worse than it had been before. He'd been relieved to finally purchase some supplies, but more supplies had also meant more to carry, and the extra weight had only made him more tired.

The worst, however, had been the fact that he'd been traveling alone. With nobody to distract him, he'd had no choice but to dwell on the memories of his night at the tavern and the emotions they evoked in him. He was angry with himself, angry he'd allowed himself to feel, angry he'd allowed himself to think he was more than just a common whore. Worse, he was angry that he couldn't find a single guilty bone in his body. He'd broken his word, set himself up for heartbreak, and he had yet to regret any of it.

He set all his thoughts aside as the light grew brighter. As he approached the small clearing, he didn't bother announcing his presence to the inhabitants of the tiny camp. After all, he was expected.

Two grinning faces turned his way once he broke through the final few trees and stepped into the camp.

"Hey guys, sorry I'm a little late. The trip here was fit for Tartarus."

Each of his friends moved in for a small hug, then helped him with his pack. Ever since he'd stopped working for Meg, what he'd missed the most had been the human contact he'd received on an almost daily basis. His friends, who'd come to understand Joxer more than they ever thought they would, had recognized this and had taken to giving him that contact in whatever way he needed.

He sat down on the log near the fire and took the freshly-cooked rabbit meat he was offered.

"So, Joxer," his blonde friend asked, "tell us how Xena and Gabrielle are doing."

Joxer talked and ate at the same time, ever conscious of his friends as they sat on either side of him. Over time, they'd become overprotective of him. They'd even helped him search for a more conventional way of making a living, and had stood at his side as he'd failed at them all.

His affection for them had also grown by leaps and bounds. Sometimes he thought that he must have been the first to see how their relationship had changed after that first night. The love between the two was obvious to everyone... well, everyone but them. However, eventually Joxer began to see the signs that they were finally moving past whatever issues and hangups that had been in their way, and had been proud that they'd chosen to tell him about their love for each other before anyone else. They'd been afraid that their relationship with Joxer would change, and though it did, they made certain to keep him an integral part of their lives.

After all, it had been through Joxer that they'd had the courage to act on their feelings for each other. And every now and then, they would draw Joxer into their bed, sharing their love with him as a reminder of that first night together. For that he would always be grateful.

As he told the tale of one of his latest adventures with the Warrior Princess and her Bard, he warred between wanting to share their bed again tonight and wanting to crawl as far away from it as possible. He needed the comfort he knew they could give him, yet the last thing he wanted to do was use his friends as a temporary relief from his memories.

Joxer rolled his eyes with Hercules as Iolaus made a bad pun. As the two heroes argued amicably over something or other, he turned his eyes to the fire. Even the flames carried with them memories of copper-coloured hair and burning passion in the glow of fire from an oil lamp.

"Joxer?"

He snapped out of his thoughts and turned to Iolaus. "Yes?"

"Are you all right?"

He nodded absently, looking back into the fire and missing the shared look between his friends.

"I'll be right back," Hercules said as he rose. "I don't want us to run out of firewood. It looks to be cool tonight."

Once the demi-God had stepped off into the forest, Iolaus placed a hand on Joxer's shoulder. He was tempted to shrug it off, worried he wouldn't be able to keep from telling his story to Iolaus, but instead did nothing to encourage his friend's suspicions.

"Something's bothering you, Jox. You can tell me. You know Herc and I are here for you."

Joxer's eyes squeezed shut. The kindness was nearly his undoing. He could feel Iolaus' hand caressing his shoulder, then moving to massage the tense muscles. Unfortunately, they pushed on the still-tender bruise from the other night.

"Ouch!" Joxer flinched back from the hunter's touch.

"Whoa there, hey, I'm sorry," Iolaus spoke as he grabbed Joxer's arm to keep him from moving too far away. "Let me see what happened..."

Joxer jumped up and away from his friend. "I'm okay. It's just a little sore. I'll be fine."

"What happened? If you let me take a look at it, I'm sure I can help you fix it up." Iolaus had risen as well and was staying close to his suddenly-nervous friend.

"No, thanks. I'm fine. I just, um, fell."

Iolaus frowned, knowing a lie when he heard one. "You didn't get whatever it is from falling, Jox. What are you hiding from me?"

Joxer kept his eyes away from Iolaus'. "Nothing. I said I'm fine."

"Well, will you at least let me take a look, make sure it's not getting infected?"

He couldn't help but give in to the concern in his friend's voice. Reluctantly, he pulled off his multi-coloured shirt and sat on the log to let Iolaus examine his shoulder. The blonde allowed his fingers to brush over the discoloured area, his mouth quirking up at the corner.

"Who was she?"

"Huh?"

"I think I can tell a bite mark when I see one, Jox. Who was she, or was it a he?"

"Oh, um, it-it was a he." ~There you go. Technically, you're not lying to him.~

Iolaus pulled back from his examination to meet Joxer's eyes. "There's still something you're not telling me..." The hunter grew silent, yet Joxer's nervousness nearly turned into panic as a look of almost comprehension crossed the blonde's face. "Tell me you didn't."

"I-I-I d-didn't what?" Joxer managed to stutter, realizing how unbelievable his words must have sounded.

Iolaus suddenly rose from the log and began pacing before the fire, running his fingers through his long hair. "Gods, Joxer, please tell me you didn't."

"Didn't what?" a deep voice asked from the trees.

Joxer could feel the panic bubbling in his throat. There was no longer any doubt that he would be found out, yet he had to fight for the single chance he might be able to keep his secret.

"Tell him Joxer, and while you're at it, tell me. What really happened?"

"Joxer?"

The dual assault of worry and concern in their voices broke him. His face fell into his hands as his tears began to fall, and before he knew it, he heard his own voice speaking.

"I ran out of food about four days ago. Water the day after. The drought, the heat, they were too much. I'd spent my last dinar on supplies before heading this way. The road from Mycenae, the one I took, the villages are few and far between. By the time I reached one, I had to eat or die."

A calm came over Iolaus and he sat next to his friend, placing a supportive hand on his arm. Iolaus' eyes sent a silent message to a still-confused Hercules, who immediately came to sit at Joxer's other side.

"Tell us about it, about him," Iolaus said, nodding in response to Hercules' look of shock, evidence of his sudden understanding.

"He-he... He was nice. He was different, from the others. He treated me almost like an equal. He-he was special... or at least I thought he was. Gods know I'm not."

Iolaus slid his hand over Joxer's shoulder and pulled him closer, noticing Hercules' hand rubbing circles on Joxer's back. "Don't talk like that. We know just how special you really are."

Joxer's head shook. "The next morning he was gone before I woke up. All that was left of him was a pouch full of gold coins."

"Gold?" Iolaus' voice piped up. "Well, he must have thought you were pretty damned good if he left you gold..." The words stopped as Hercules' hand smacked him upside the head from behind Joxer's back.

"What I think Iolaus is trying to say is that, to give you so much money, he must have been concerned for your welfare."

"Yeah," Joxer sniffed, "just another charity case."

The two heroes exchanged a glance, knowing they wouldn't win any battles that night. Together, they pulled an unresisting Joxer up to his feet and over to where they'd set up their bed for the night. They helped him and each other pull off clothes dusty from a long day's travel, then lowered him down to the bed. They held him between them, Hercules spooned up behind Joxer as Iolaus lay face-up, pulling Joxer's arm over his chest as he wrapped his own arms around him and Hercules.

Hercules managed to drag a blanket over the three of them, and once assured that their shared heat would keep them all warm, followed his lover and his friend into sleep.

~*~*~*~

Joxer's eyes flickered open to the sight of a smile he couldn't help responding to framed by a mass of golden hair.

"Hey."

"Hey," he answered almost shyly. It wasn't the first time he'd woken in the arms of his friends, but he couldn't help but worry that they would think differently about him after what he'd done. After all, he'd broken his word to them.

"You feel better?"

"Yeah, a little."

"A lot, from what I can tell." A hip wiggled a little, bringing Joxer's attention with a gasp to where his morning erection pressed against his friend's body. "I can think of a way to make you feel even better," the playful voice continued.

"If you must," Joxer replied in mock exasperation. "But only if I get to play too."

The grin grew even wider, then suddenly disappeared with the rest of Iolaus' head under the blanket. Joxer moved so that he rested on his side, his back firm against Hercules' still sleeping body. Moments later, a pair of waving feet snuck out from under the cover. Joxer couldn't resist grabbing the nearest one and wiggling his fingers against the sensitive sole.

"Hey! Cut that out!" The feet managed to kick their way out of Joxer's grasp as more of the legs found their way into the open air. "I'll get you for that later, Jox. I'm warning you."

Joxer giggled to himself until his cock was all of a sudden engulfed in moist heat, causing him to gasp. He closed his eyes, losing himself to the skilled tongue that worked him beneath the cover until he felt a sticky wetness against his cheek. Opening his eyes, he saw that Iolaus' hips had finally decided to brave the fresh air of the morning, sporting an erection as hard as his own. He reached out a hand to steady the hip, running his tongue along the tempting cock and relishing Iolaus' resulting moan and the vibrations it caused.

Joxer, distracted by his and Iolaus' activities, almost didn't notice the hand on his chest moving to rub a thumb against his nipple. He was, however, completely aware when a gruff voice spoke into his ear. "Starting without me, I see."

Joxer shivered at the deep voice, then groaned as Iolaus chuckled around his cock. In response, Joxer opened his mouth wide and swallowed the hard flesh before him whole, moaning to increase the effect. His breathing quickened around the cock in his mouth as the hand moved from his chest, along his side, finally stopping to caress a cheek before sliding between Joxer's thighs.

Joxer moved his hand to grip Iolaus' ass as he felt the body behind him shift. The hand between his legs lifted up one limb without disturbing the hunter's ministrations. Joxer shivered in anticipation as a hard cock slid onto his thigh, the head brushing against the back of his sack. The hand lifting his leg moved to adjust the cock, then he felt his leg lowered, Hercules' leg moving to hold his in place from behind.

Strong hands held Joxer's waist as Hercules' hips moved, rocking the cock back and forth between Joxer's tightly-pressed thighs. Iolaus' mouth pulled away from the flesh it had been attending to, moving to place a lick on the head that peeked out from between Joxer's legs. Joxer could feel the muscles in Iolaus' body pull taut, and moments later savoured the liquid heat that poured into his mouth, swallowing until there was no more.

Joxer leaned his head against his other friend's shoulder as Iolaus paused to recover, feeling lips tracing down his neck as Hercules' body thrust against him. He felt the demi-God tense with effort, his breathing quickening with every movement... and then he felt Iolaus' mouth around his cock again. It only took a few motions of the hunter's tongue to bring him to his own release. As the shudders passed through him, he felt Hercules thrust a few more times before he too came.

Other than Iolaus flipping around to breathe easier, none of them moved from their lethargy. Eventually, however, nature called to Joxer, who then reluctantly rose from their bed to head for the bushes. Hercules and Iolaus wished each other a good morning with a kiss, then settled against each other beneath the blanket.

"So, Herc, when are we gonna tell him?"

"I don't know."

"We are still taking him, right?"

"Of course we are. I just don't want to tell him too early, or else he'll spend the entire trip to Corinth worrying about how he'll act."

"Yeah, I guess you're right. I still can't believe he hasn't met your brother yet."

"Well, you know that Xena and Gabrielle aren't exactly the most social people in Greece. They usually have other things on their minds when passing through Corinth."

Iolaus waited a moment before looking at his lover with mischievous eyes. "So, how are we going to punish him?"

Hercules pretended to consider his answer carefully before breaking into an equally mischievous grin. "I say we see just how many of those coins he has left, then we get him to buy a new set of clothes..."

"That's not much of a punishment, Herc."

"... and then we get rid of his armour."

~*~*~*~

"This is the last one!"

"Uh huh," two voices answered distractedly.

"I'm not lying!"

"Uh huh."

"Here! I'm coming out now!"

Joxer stepped out of the curtained dressing room and couldn't immediately see his friends. Looking around the tiny shop, he spotted them looking over more shirts to pawn off on him. He coughed loudly.

Both faces rose, looked at Joxer, and broke into wide grins.

"So, um, guys... how's this?"

Hercules and Iolaus walked over to his side, looked him up and down, and continued to grin.

"I think we've found your colour," Hercules declared.

"It's perfect, Jox!" Iolaus exclaimed.

Joxer beamed at their approval, but nevertheless felt self-conscious. His brown leather pants were thankfully much looser than his black ones and gave him much room in which to move around. He looked into a nearby full-length mirror and couldn't help but smile at how his dark green shirt suited his colouring, his hands absently moving to the opening of the leather vest that matched the pants he wore.

"I told you this was the last one," he couldn't help but reiterate. As his friends rolled their eyes, he stepped over to the man in charge of the store and agreed upon a price for the outfit. He retrieved his money pouch from Hercules, who was holding his pack for him, and paid the man. The transaction completed, he turned back, only to realize Iolaus was no longer in the store.

"Where did Iolaus go?"

"Oh," Hercules answered, "he just had an errand or two to run. He said he'd meet us out front."

"Okay, just give me a second while I go and get my armour from the changing room."

~5-4-3-2-1,~ Hercules counted silently before hearing a shout from the back of the store. Joxer came out to meet Hercules, looking as if he were on the edge of tears.

"It's gone! I don't know how. It was there when I left. I..."

"Joxer?" He calmed down a moment as Hercules spoke. "Iolaus has it."

"Well, what's he doing with it?"

"He, um, well, he had this idea. He saw a poor man back when we entered Corinth, and he thought that since you were buying some new clothes, he'd give your old ones to somebody who needed them more than you do."

Joxer's face softened. "Well, I guess that's a good cause, but he still should have asked me first."

When Iolaus returned, he had the decency to look apologetic in face of the dirty look Joxer shot him. After an apology and a forgiving grin, Hercules led the way through the streets of Corinth.

"So," the demi-God whispered to his lover, "it worked?"

"Not quite," Iolaus whispered back. "Nobody wanted it."

Hercules held back a chuckle as he nodded a greeting to a passing guard.

"So, Hercules," Joxer began, "what are we doing in Corinth again? I hope it won't take too long. Xena'll kill us if we're too late to help with her brother's wedding."

"Well," Hercules laid a hand on his friend's shoulders, "we're actually here to visit *my* brother."

"Your brother? Iphicles, right?" The demi-God nodded. "I think I remember you mentioning him once or twice. What does he do, again?"

"He's the King."

Hercules and Iolaus had to brake quickly as Joxer remained frozen in the middle of the road. "King?" he squeaked.

"It's okay, Jox," Iolaus said, coming to Joxer's other side and helping Hercules encourage him down the road. "He's a really nice guy... once you get to know him."

They continued on to the palace at a steady pace, yet the closer they got, the more antsy Joxer became.

"Hey, Herc, why don't we take Jox in the side entrance and give him a tour of the gardens before we meet your brother?"

Hercules smiled at his lover, thankful for the suggestion, knowing the gardens would help their friend relax. "Great idea, Iolaus."

The guards let them in without a fuss. The gardens were indeed beautiful and Joxer couldn't help but be entranced by the flowers' multitude of colours, crossing every shade of the rainbow. Once they'd passed through the last of the gardens and were walking across a clearing to the palace, Iolaus turned to his friends with a mischievous look.

"Last one to the palace has to catch supper next time!" The hunter's pack was tossed to the ground as he took off running.

"Hey, no fair!" Joxer immediately rushed to catch up, his pack sliding off his shoulder in his haste.

Hercules stood, rolling his eyes at his friends' antics. Then with a shrug, he threw his own pack aside and followed their example. He caught up with Joxer first and they exchanged a meaningful glance. They both sped up, finally reaching Iolaus, and both of them leaped to tackle the running hunter.

The three rolled on the grass, Hercules trying to get a grip on Iolaus' legs and Iolaus twisting around to grab Joxer's side, tickling him to avenge his feet's treatment that morning. Within moments, they were all panting and giggling, oblivious to anything but their antics.

"Hm-hmpf!"

Hercules leaped up at the loud cough, blocking Joxer's view of whoever had interrupted them. He accepted Iolaus' hand up and immediately moved to brush the grass and dirt from his new clothes. Finally, he looked up at the man who was currently hugging Hercules...

...and promptly fell back on his behind. His breathing sped up as he began to panic, nearly hyperventilating. ~No,~ he thought. ~This can't be happening. Gods, no!~ He began praying for the Gods to take mercy on him and open up the earth below to swallow him whole.

The richly dressed man pulled away from Hercules to greet Iolaus with a warrior's handshake. Finally, he turned toward Joxer and froze, his dark eyes growing wide in shock from behind his copper-coloured bangs.

"Iphicles," Hercules began, oblivious to the expression in his brother's eyes, "this is our good friend, Joxer."

Joxer watched as the man who had saved him from starvation only days ago stepped toward him, offering him a hand up. He nervously took it, feeling a shiver run up his spine as their eyes and fingers met and he was pulled to his feet. Their eyes remained locked, neither quite ready to let go of the other's hand.

"It's, um, nice to meet you, Sire."

"Iphicles."

"Iphicles," he said breathlessly. A coughing to his side snapped him out of the spell he'd been under and he quickly pulled his hand back, feeling a wave of heat rise up his neck. Embarrassed, he looked over at his friends, afraid they'd been able to figure out that he and the King had met before and how. Strangely enough, all that he found were matching silly grins.

Iphicles coughed and turned to his other visitors. "You arrived just in time. Dinner is about to be served. I'll send a servant out to retrieve your packs." With a nod to his brother, he started walking toward the palace, Hercules falling into step beside him. Iolaus walked next to Joxer a few steps back from the brothers.

"So, Jox, I thought you'd like Iphicles, though I never guessed at quite how much."

"Wh-what are you talking about?"

"Come on, I recognized the look on your face. He's a good-looking guy. And judging by the way he held your hand, I wouldn't be surprised if he felt the same way about you."

"D-don't be silly, Iolaus. He's a King, and I'm just... well, you know what I am."

Joxer was stopped by his friend's hand on his arm and was turned so that they could face each other. "Yeah, I know what you are. You're one of my best friends. You're one of the most loyal and trustworthy people I know, and you're a guy with a heart as big as Herc's. Anyone who can't see that is a fool, and that includes you."

"And if he knew about my past? How long would he want me around then?"

"Well, who says you have to tell him?"

"Remember Thrace, Iolaus?"

The hunter winced. He, Hercules and Joxer had entered a Thracian inn for a few drinks one night, only to encounter one of Joxer's former 'business associates,' a soldier who wanted a replay of his last visit to Meg's and wouldn't take no for an answer. The man definitely had a hard time pursuing Joxer after Hercules had shoved his head through the nearest wall.

"Well, maybe he'll understand like Herc and I do."

Joxer shook his head and started walking. "Just face it, Iolaus. I'm just not meant to be happy, at least not in that way."

"Jox," Iolaus moved to catch up to him, "stop talking like that. Everyone deserves to be happy, especially you. And you'd be great for Iph." Joxer rose a skeptical eyebrow. "He hasn't been himself since his wife died. He needs someone to remind him how to live again, and you could do that. Gods know he hasn't looked at another woman, or man for that matter, since Rena. You'd think he were a eunuch or something."

Iolaus' voice faded as Joxer's mind turned inward. Iphicles hadn't been with anyone since his wife's death? That couldn't be. Iolaus spent a lot of time away from Corinth, so he couldn't know everything about the King's life. There were probably dozens of people he didn't know about. Otherwise, it would mean that Joxer had been an anomaly, unique...

...special?

Joxer shook the thought from his head. No, it had been another night like many he'd known before, ending with an empty bed and a pouch full of money.

Oblivious to Iolaus' concerned looks, he and the hunter finally caught up to the brothers, who were already seated in an immense dining room. When they too were seated, a row of servants arrived to serve their meals. Hercules and Iphicles caught up on friends and family as they ate, Iolaus adding the occasional comment when he wasn't shoveling food into his mouth. Joxer, however, spent the entire meal staring down at his plate, taking only a couple of bites before using his fork to make designs in his food.

"Jox, you okay?" He finally rose his head to look at his blonde friend, noticing the more-than-worried look on his face.

"I'm feeling a little tired. It's been a long journey. I just need some rest."

"Herc?" Iolaus and a concerned Hercules exchanged a glance before the demi-God nodded. "Iph, I don't suppose you can spare a room for Joxer."

The King nodded and waved over one of his servants. "Fruvus, why don't you show the gentleman to one of the guest rooms."

As Joxer rose from his chair, he looked at the others and nodded. He hated being the cause of his friends' concern and hoped that he wouldn't ruin their visit with Iphicles. Before stepping to follow Fruvus, his eyes met the King's once more. His breath caught in his chest at the look in the man's eyes. He didn't quite know what it was or what it meant, but it affected him nonetheless.

Finally gaining control over himself, he followed the servant to his room for the night.

~*~*~*~

Joxer stood at the window, looking out over the kingdom of Corinth. He could see the glimmers in various homes from the many lamps and fireplaces that lit them from within. He heard a knock at the door to his room and called for his visitor to come in without turning from the window, knowing it was either Hercules, Iolaus, or both men coming in to check on him.

"I said I'd be fine with a little rest. You guys shouldn't worry so much."

"Why?"

Joxer turned suddenly to face his visitor, the King of Corinth. He opened his mouth but nothing came out. The man stepped toward him until they were almost nose to nose, dark eyes staring into each other.

"Why did it have to be you that night?" The man's face didn't look angry, only defeated.

"I'm sorry," Joxer whispered. "I won't tell them a thing."

The corner of the man's lips lifted for a moment. "I don't care about what my brother knows. I..." Iphicles let out a held breath, the air gently tickling Joxer's skin. "Why haven't I been able to go a second without thinking about you?"

Joxer felt his body go slightly limp and took a deep breath to steady himself. "I-I don't know. I've had the same problem."

"This shouldn't be happening to me!" Iphicles almost roared, turning to pace the length of the room. "My life ended long ago."

"It wasn't a dead man who shared my bed the other night."

Iphicles stopped his pacing, turning to face Joxer. They stood in silence for several moments, their eyes conversing with one another. Finally, Iphicles crossed the distance in two strides, took Joxer's face between his hands, and crushed their mouths together.

Joxer closed his eyes, losing himself in the feel of that body pressed against his own once more. His hands moved to pull Iphicles' shirt from his pants, running along the flesh beneath. When they broke apart to breathe, he pulled the shirt up and over the King's head, returning his hands to the strongly-muscled chest.

Joxer reluctantly pulled his hands away from the tanned flesh, allowing Iphicles to pull off his shirt and vest. They came together again, lips seeking each other out as hands memorized paths along expanses of skin. Iphicles' tongue wandered from Joxer's mouth along the length of his neck, pausing when it reached the still healing bruise on his shoulder. The lips pursed to press against the flesh, and Joxer could have sworn he'd heard Iphicles exhale the word 'mine' as he lingered over the evidence of their last encounter.

Joxer gasped and leaned back against the windowsill. He wrapped a hand in the man's hair, part of his mind not quite believing what was happening. He was deathly afraid that he would wake up at any moment to find it was all a dream. His stomach fluttered as Iphicles moved lower, paying careful attention to his nipples and eventually stroking his navel with an agile tongue.

His breath caught as a hand slid along the front of his pants, lingering on his cock through the brown leather. Nimble fingers pulled at the laces, finally getting them undone and pulling the material and everything underneath down Joxer's hips and over his feet. His hips bucked as the hands found their way to his ass. He thought he would die when that tongue wrapped itself around his cock, laving and stroking it until he was panting and squirming against the stone foundation behind him.

"Please," Joxer whispered.

The mouth pulled away and Iphicles stood, taking Joxer's face between his hands again and plundering his lips with his own. The King pulled away, exchanging a meaningful glance with Joxer, who felt as if his legs had forgotten how to move. Iphicles bent down and lifted Joxer up into his arms, stepping over to the bed and laying him upon the blanket. As Joxer pulled himself up higher on the bed, Iphicles' hands worked to pull away the laces of his own pants, finally pulling them off and kneeling onto the bed with Joxer.

Joxer wrapped his arms around Iphicles' neck and pulled him down against his body. They fit together instinctively and Joxer's legs wrapped around Iphicles'. Their cocks were pressed close, pouring waves of pleasure over both of them. Their lips traveled over each other's bodies, chins, necks, shoulders, ears, all to a tuneless rhythm that spurred their hips into action. They moved together, pushing, thrusting, desperately trying to possess as much of the other as possible.

"Oh, Iphicles," Joxer murmured, his head thrashing as the beginning of his orgasm crept up his spine. "Oh, Iph."

Their lips collided once more, staying connected as Joxer's release overtook him, soon followed by Iphicles. Joxer felt his lover collapse overtop of him, sliding onto the bed beside him. He blindly reached out a hand and pulled at the blanket beneath him until he held the far corner in his hand. He used it to clean them both off, then tossed it aside. He could feel sleep's approach and turned onto his side, Iphicles immediately spooning up against his back, wrapping a possessive arm around his waist to pull him close.

"Joxer," the man murmured before sleep took over.

His heart soared, hearing his name on the man's lips for the first time. With a smile on his face, he fell into his own restful sleep.

~*~*~*~

"Fruvus!"

The servant stopped in the middle of the corridor, his hand hovering over the lamp he held as he waited for the man who had spoken his name to reach him. "Yes, Sir?"

The large man finally caught up to the servant, followed by his companion. "I'm glad I caught you before you headed off for the night. Could you tell us how Iph's been doing lately?"

The servant smiled. Every time the King's brother visited, he always made a point of checking with Fruvus to see how his liege was faring. Hercules was the last person Iphicles would come to for help, and the demi-God couldn't help feeling protective of his brother.

"He has been getting better, Sir. However, these last few days, he has been more out of sorts than usual."

"Do you have any idea why?" the demi-God's blonde companion asked.

"I cannot say for certain, but I do have my suspicions," the servant said conspiratorially. "Do the two of you remember those little trips I told you about?"

The two men nodded. On their last visit to Corinth many months ago, Fruvus had alerted them to the fact that the King had taken to 'escaping' the palace for a day or two at a time without alerting anyone. Fruvus, Iphicles' most trusted servant, had discovered what was happening and had taken it upon himself to follow the King on his excursions. He had originally hoped the King had found a lover, someone with whom he could get over the death of his wife. However, all the man did was sit and drink in taverns where he was virtually unknown.

"Well, My Lord left a few days ago along the road to Mycenae, stopping at one of the only villages along the road. I watched from outside, as always, making certain nothing happened to my liege. I was greatly pleased to see My Lord had found himself a companion that night. I could not see the young man's face, but My Lord seemed to deem him worthy of his attention." He paused a moment as he noticed the men's faces turning to each other, exchanging questioning glances. "The next morning, he left the tavern alone and returned to Corinth. I do not know what happened that night, but I can only assume it was the cause of the changes to My Lord's demeanor."

Fruvus watched as Hercules spoke a quick 'Thank You' before turning and stalking off down the corridor, his companion rushing to catch up to him. With a confused shrug, he headed off to his room for the night.

~*~*~*~

"I'm going to kill him."

"C'mon, Herc. Maybe it isn't what you think."

"Isn't what I think?" The demi-God stopped in his tracks and turned on his lover. "Do you really think it's a coincidence that Joxer gets his heart torn to shreds around the same time my brother takes off in his direction? The timing's right, Iolaus, and it sure explains why Jox was acting so weird at dinner. He's probably mortified and terrified of what I'll do to him if I find out."

Iolaus sighed. "I know, and I know you're right. It's just that, remember what Fruvus said about Iph acting weird. Maybe that night actually meant something to him."

"Maybe he was just feeling guilty, as he should."

"Herc, you saw the way they looked outside. You can't possibly tell me you didn't think there might be something between them."

The demi-God crossed his arms over his chest and let out a puff of air. "All right, so maybe there was something. But I bet Joxer's really punishing himself right now. We should go to him, maybe take him to a tavern or something until we can help him through this. We've worked too hard getting him to start feeling good about himself to have him fall apart on us now."

"So it's agreed. No killing your brother until we figure all this out." Hercules nodded. "All right. Let's go see Jox and see how he's doing."

The two men walked down the corridor until they reached the room Joxer had been given for the night. They knocked quietly, not wanting to wake their friend should he be sleeping. When there was no answer, Hercules gently opened the door to look inside, needing to make certain his friend was safe.

Both men quickly pulled their heads away from the doorway and Hercules closed the door.

"Or," Iolaus said as he shrugged, "maybe they can figure it out for themselves."

"If he hurts Joxer again..."

"I know, Herc, you'll be first in line. Just remember to leave a piece for me, and maybe a couple of scraps for Xena and Gabby.

They exchanged a small smile before continuing on to their own bedroom for the night.

~*~*~*~

The twittering of birds seeped into Joxer's consciousness, pulling him out of Morpheus' realm. His body felt warm, safe, almost... cherished. His throat let out a tiny rumble as he fought to keep his eyes closed, trying to memorize the sensation of waking in another's arms.

His eyes popped open. He *was* in another's arms. His bed wasn't empty... Iphicles hadn't disappeared sometime in the night.

The arm around his waist tightened. "I was wondering when you were going to wake up."

Joxer beamed as he rolled onto his back, looking up into a handsome face gifting him with a dreamy smile. He lifted a hand to cup his lover's cheek. "You're here. You're actually here."

The man's face tilted guilty eyes downward, unable to meet Joxer's expression of joy. "I'm sorry about that. I...I was afraid that... I mean, I had to..."

Joxer's hand lifted Iphicles' face to meet his, silencing the babbling lips with his own. "It doesn't matter. None of it matters as long as you're here, with me, right now."

Joxer loved the feel of Iphicles' hair against his skin as the King laid his head down on his chest. The arms around his waist tightened once again as he gently brushed the wild hair from his lover's pensive face.

"I could have asked you the same thing, you know," Joxer said, seemingly from out of the blue.

"What are you talking about?"

"Last night, when you asked why it was me that night. I could have asked you that as well."

Low laughter rumbled over his chest. "Well, you're not the one with his court reputation to worry about."

"You're right. I only have to worry about your brother."

Iphicles' face rose to meet Joxer's. "You don't have to worry. I'm sure he'll understand..."

"Oh, he knows already -- kind of. He knows the what, it's just the who that'll probably make him freak."

"So, um, he knows what you... do?"

Joxer's eyes squeezed shut for several moments, then opened to meet Iphicles'. "He knows what I *used to* do. He and Iolaus helped me stop and at least try to find some other way of making a living. I haven't done... that for over a year. At least until the other night."

"I'm sorry," Iphicles spoke with sincerity. "I didn't mean to think that..."

"It's okay," Joxer said, a look of shame crossing his face. "I know what I've done, what I am."

Joxer watched as Iphicles rose onto one arm, looking down into his eyes. "I'm not too sure about that. Do you know what I see?" Joxer shook his head, almost afraid to hear the answer. "I see someone who's sweet and kind. Somebody with a lot of love to give, but doesn't seem to know how. And I see someone who's capable of miracles."

"Who, me? I wouldn't know a miracle if it hit me over the head, which has probably happened a few times by now."

"You made me feel again, Joxer. Until I met you, I was dead inside. I don't know how you did it, or why it happened, but you did. And Joxer, for that I will forever be in your debt."

Joxer blinked, afraid his heart would burst. He'd never imagined anyone saying such wonderful words to him. Without a second thought, he brought their lips together and gently pushed Iphicles onto his back. Slowly, leisurely, Joxer showed his appreciation with his lips and his tongue.

A loud knock on the door provoked an equally loud groan from the frustrated King.

"Pardon me, Sire," a voice spoke from behind the door.

Joxer smiled as he looked into the nearly laughing eyes of his lover.

"Yes, Fruvus?" Iphicles replied as a mischievous Joxer locked his lips around a taught nipple.

"Your brother and his companion have risen for the day, and the cook is already preparing their breakfast. I wished to know if you will be joining them."

Iphicles' response caught in his throat as Joxer's teeth locked on his other nipple. Seeing the indecision on the King's face, Joxer pulled away and flopped onto his back, hands resting behind his head, face beaming with barely restrained laughter.

"Yes, Fruvus. We... I will be joining them."

"Very good, Sire."

Iphicles leaned over Joxer's body and captured his lips as the servant's footsteps faded down the hall. As he pulled away, he noticed that some of his lover's good humour had evaporated.

"Hey, are you okay?"

Joxer shrugged and smiled, disentangling himself from Iphicles' arms so that he could get out of bed. "It's nothing. We should get dressed; the others are waiting."

Iphicles rose from the rumpled sheets and began gathering his clothing from the previous night, still wondering what could have caused such a sudden change in his lover's mood. Once he was fully clothed, he turned to Joxer, who was still only partially dressed and staring out the bedroom window. Iphicles couldn't resist the urge to touch his lover and came up behind the man, sliding his arms around the narrow waist. He looked over Joxer's shoulder at the countryside and for a moment, saw it through the other man's eyes.

"It's beautiful, isn't it."

"Yes, it is," Joxer said as his hands absently rose to rest on Iphicles'. "You must be very proud."

"I do my best. I wasn't born to be King, and I've had to learn so much in so little time. It's been a rough ride, but it was worth it."

"I know exactly what you mean."

Iphicles heard the wistfulness in the comment and tightened his arms around Joxer. He placed a gentle kiss on the cheek next to his before reluctantly pulling away. "I've got to get a change of clothes before meeting with my brother. I'll meet you in the dining room."

Joxer smiled as Iphicles walked out the door, but the moment the door closed, he sighed. He turned back to his neglected shirt and picked it up off the floor, sliding it over his head. He took one last look out the window before heading for the door, unable to push a nagging voice out of his thoughts.

~He came to get you in my room. He knew you were here with me. Why couldn't you have left it at 'we'?~

He shook his head, wondering why his mind had to be paranoid about every single comment. After all, sharing Iphicles' bed twice was already more than he deserved... wasn't it?

~*~*~*~

That morning, few things had slipped Hercules and Iolaus' notice when they were finally joined by Joxer and Iphicles. The two men had arrived separately, and over the course of breakfast showed no evidence that they had shared the same bed the previous night. Iphicles was refreshed, energetic, and in a far better mood than his brother and Iolaus were used to seeing him in. However, they were somewhat concerned by the quiet introspection of their friend. Joxer still participated in conversations and smiled at his friends, yet there was obviously a lot on his mind.

Unfortunately, it was still necessary for Iphicles to perform certain duties as King of Corinth, but he nevertheless made certain to spend as much time with his visitors between duties. During one of the King's absences, as the three of them sat in a comfortable suite, Iolaus decided it was time for he and Hercules to speak to Joxer.

"So, Jox," he spoke near Joxer's ear as he sat down next to the man, "how was it?"

Joxer's eyes grew panicked. "Um, how was what?"

Iolaus looked at Hercules then back at Joxer, deciding a little white lie couldn't hurt. "One of the servants saw Iph going to visit you last night, and said that nobody saw him leave. I can only guess that you decided to act on what we were talking about yesterday."

"Um, ah, ah, I mean..." Joxer's head twisted in panic, looking from one companion to the other.

Hercules leaned forward on his seat, looking the man in the eye. "Jox, it's okay. I'm okay with it." The larger man then smiled reassuringly.

Joxer visibly relaxed and smiled in return. "Thank the Gods. I-I was a little worried about what you'd think."

Iolaus' arm slid around the man's shoulders. "We're happy for you Jox, as long as you're happy. And even if it is Herc's brother, you know you can talk to us, right?" Joxer nodded. "Good. So, what happened."

Instead of answering, Joxer turned an interesting shade of red. Hercules' face twisted slightly. "There are some things I don't think I want to know about my brother," he said as he rose from his seat. "I'll be back in a few minutes. I wanted to talk to the head of the guards about us taking Iph out tonight."

As the hero left the room, Iolaus' arm tightened on Joxer. "Okay Jox, I know something's been on your mind, and I don't really blame you for not wanting to talk to Herc. Now, spill it."

Joxer sighed and pulled away from Iolaus to sit back against the seat. "I, it's nothing. I'm just being paranoid. This is all just so new."

"I understand, but if anything's wrong, you come talk to me, okay?" Joxer nodded. "Good. So, you never answered my question," Iolaus said, wiggling his eyebrows.

"It was indescribable," was Joxer's only answer as he grinned at his friend.

The two merely sat in companionable silence until Hercules arrived, shortly followed by Iphicles to spend some more time with the group until the next moment his duty called.

~*~*~*~

That night, the four of them left the palace wearing dark cloaks to hide them from spying eyes. Hercules had arranged for the palace guards to be busy with some business the moment they left so that their disappearance would not be noticed. The guards were overprotective of their monarch, particularly after the recent incidents with the Corinthian veterans, and would not have taken kindly to Iphicles' leaving the palace, even with his brother's protection.

Joxer presumed he was having the most difficult time traveling from the palace to whatever tavern Iolaus was leading them to. While the others' only concern was being recognized, despite the fact that Iphicles had already changed his clothing and appearance for their night out, Joxer had to worry about his body's reaction to walking next to Iphicles while the man was wearing the very same cloak he'd worn the night they had first met. Just the hint of a memory from that night was enough to make his leathers incredibly uncomfortable.

The tavern was dank, dirty, and very busy, which was to their advantage as they would be less noticeable in a crowd. They managed to claim a corner table just as the occupants were leaving for the night and sat, ordering the first of many rounds of ale.

As the night wore on, the tavern grew darker, lit only by a scattering of torches among the crowded tables. Every now and again, Joxer would watch a look pass between Hercules and Iolaus and he knew he would give his right arm for Iphicles to turn and look at him the same way.

Much to Joxer's surprise, his friends suddenly rose and excused themselves from the table, claiming to need a breath of fresh air. He watched them weave through the crowd, hands clasped together, and Joxer's chest twinged at their ease with one another. His attention, however, was soon switched to his knee where fingers were suddenly tracing along the smooth leather of his breeches. He turned to his final companion, his breath catching as for a moment his wish was granted and an emotion-filled look passed between them.

"They know, you know," Joxer spoke, his voice softer and deeper than usual.

Suddenly, the fingers ceased their motions and Iphicles' eyes turned hard. "What? How?"

Joxer resisted the urge to flinch from the sudden change in his lover. "Um, one of the servants noticed you never left my room last night. But it's not a problem, they're okay with it."

Much to his relief, the eyes softened once again. "I'm sorry, I... I wanted some time with you, to get to know you on my own terms before having my brother involved."

Not quite believing the words but deciding to ignore them anyway, Joxer's hand slid under the table to grasp the one that had touched his knee. "You already know me better than almost anyone. There's not that much to know. I'm really kind of simple."

Iphicles' hand tightened around Joxer's. The King quickly glanced around the room, then lowered his lips next to Joxer's ear. "Simple or not, I want to know all of you."

"You already have all of me," Joxer gasped shortly before Iphicles' lips pressed against his for a short but tender kiss. When their lips pulled apart, Joxer's eyes opened to look at Iphicles, eyes closed and working to control himself. When the man's eyes opened, Joxer smiled and whispered precious words into Iphicles' ear before he rose from the table to fetch another round of ale, oblivious to the stricken look on the King's face from the words he'd whispered.

~There,~ Joxer thought to himself, smiling as he approached the bar. ~I finally did it. I told him I loved him.~ He placed his order with a barmaid and leaned against the oak counter with a satisfied grin. He had the feeling that everything would be fine, that though both he and Iphicles had many issues to work through, once they did there would be no more worries or paranoia, only love.

As a sigh of contentment passed Joxer's lips, he was startled by a hand feeling up his ass. He jumped, knowing Iphicles was nowhere near ready to be so forward in public, to face a truly hideous specimen of man. Unfortunately, the 'specimen' in question was vaguely familiar and thus far from welcome.

"Um, c-can I help you?" he managed to stutter.

"Oh yeah," the man said, his hand once again seeking a handhold on Joxer's body. "I'd remember you and that sweet ass of yours anywhere. Many of us were really disappointed when Meg told us you weren't 'working' anymore."

"Um, w-w-well," Joxer said, trying to pull away from the man's probing hand. "I, um, thought it was time to move on to bigger and better *things*!" The last word was squeaked out as the grabby hand found its way to his groin. He felt panic bubbling inside him as the man's predatory gaze looked him over.

"For that, I think you owe me one last night, hmm? No charge," the man growled as he backed Joxer into one of the tavern's walls.

Although he was shaking with fear, Joxer managed to calm himself enough to cry out. "No! Not anymore! Now leave me alone!"

The predatory eyes filled with rage at having been denied. A large, meaty hand clutched the front of Joxer's shirt so tightly it nearly choked him and pushed him up against the wall. "What's that you said? You dare tell me no?"

"Let him go!" a voice commanded from behind the monster, sending a shiver of mixed relief and arousal through Joxer's system. The hand fell from his shirt and Joxer desperately leaned against the wall, worried his legs would fail him at any moment. He watched as the monster turned to face a flying fist before he'd even registered who it was that had hit him.

As the man fell onto one knee from the impact of being punched, Joxer looked over the bowed head at his lover. Iphicles' body tensed in preparation for another attack from the hideous man, his eyes blazing in anger. The man made the mistake of lifting back onto his feet and was met by another blow to his face. This time, Iphicles didn't wait for the man to rise again, instead pummeling the already bloody face with blind rage.

Joxer noticed the monster's body moving less and less. He made his way around the figure on the floor until he was finally standing next to Iphicles. When the King finally paused, Joxer laid a hand on his shoulder. "Iph, let's go." The blazing eyes looked at Joxer then back at the man lying still on the ground. He nodded and allowed Joxer to lead him out of the tavern.

Once outside, Joxer watched as Iphicles' eyes looked down in shock at his bloodied knuckles. He took the red hands in his own, forcing the King to look up into his eyes, then leaned forward to touch his lips to Iphicles'. One of his hands let go of the one it held to reach up and pull Iphicles' face closer. As their lips caressed one another, Iphicles' hands moved to grasp Joxer's waist, pulling him in until they were pressed as close as their clothes would allow. Joxer's lips pulled away before their kiss could turn too incendiary and he laid his head on Iphicles' shoulder.

"Thank you," he murmured against the King's neck as his tears fell slowly onto Iphicles' dark cloak.

Iphicles simply closed his eyes and held Joxer tighter. They stood there in the middle of the street for more minutes than they could count until they were finally interrupted by a loud cough.

"Are we interrupting anything?" an all too familiar voice asked playfully.

The two men finally pulled apart and faced their returned companions. Iolaus gasped as he spotted the dried tear stains on Joxer's face and immediately went to his friend's side with Hercules right behind him. Once they were all standing together, the heroes finally noticed the drying blood on Iphicles' hands.

"What happened?" Iolaus asked as Hercules took his brother's hands in his own, checking them for injuries.

"I'll be fine," Iphicles said, trying to pull his hands away from his brother. "You should see the other guy."

Joxer's downcast eyes worried Iolaus. "Jox, you okay?"

The younger man took a deep breath before answering. "Yeah, I'm - I just want to go back, get some sleep."

"What happened, Jox?" Iolaus insisted.

"Some monster at the bar was harassing him," Iphicles supplied. "He cried out and I - I couldn't let that asshole touch him," he practically growled with residual anger. His emotions subsided somewhat when he received an approving nod from his brother.

Iolaus wrapped Joxer into a comforting hug and his arms tightened when he realized what words Joxer was whispering in his ear. "It was just like in Thrace."

"Come on," Hercules stated. "I think we've all had enough 'fun' for tonight."

~*~*~*~

The four men wished each other goodnight and Iphicles followed Joxer to his room. Once the door was closed, Joxer was pulled into a passionate embrace.

"You're mine," Iphicles' voice murmured into Joxer's cheek as his hands wandered possessively along the slim body. "You belong to me, and no one else..."

Joxer shivered, but not from his lover's touch. Something about those words disturbed him, though he couldn't quite put his finger on why. He reluctantly started pulling out of Iphicles' arms.

"Iph, I'm just..." The dark eyes were disappointed and Joxer wanted nothing more than to take the look away, but he knew it just wasn't quite right. "I'm not in the mood tonight."

Iphicles nodded and took Joxer's lips in one last toe-curling kiss before stepping away. "I'll see you in the morning."

Joxer's lips opened to speak but nothing came out as Iphicles turned to the door and left. He placed a palm against the strong wood as he felt tears once again stinging his eyes.

~*~*~*~

After a long, restless night, Joxer was reluctant to face the day. The bed which had been so comfortable the other night now seemed too big and empty. He tried to stretch, but couldn't quite get rid of a terrible crick in his neck. He was startled by a knocking at his door.

"Hey guys, open up!" he heard Iolaus call out.

Joxer forced the look of disappointment from his face as he quickly searched the room for a robe, putting it on before opening the door. "It's just me here, guys. What's up?"

He thought nothing of the look that was exchanged between the two men before Hercules answered him. "We're heading to the dining room for breakfast and thought we'd come and get you and my brother..."

"I need a moment to get dressed," Joxer said quickly, not wanting to talk about why he slept alone as he himself wasn't completely certain. "I'll meet you guys there, okay?"

With a last concerned look, the men left Joxer to force himself to dress and step out of the room. He wondered what his friends had thought; he'd been shocked himself when he'd seen his reflection in the mirror, the darkness around his eyes a reflection of his restless night.

Leaving the room, he was so distracted that as he turned a corner, he ran into someone else walking the halls. He looked up into a similar pair of sleep-deprived eyes.

"Joxer!" Iphicles exclaimed with a small smile. "Did you sleep well?"

Joxer couldn't stop himself from letting a grin slip onto his face. "I'm guessing about as well as you did." Both men blushed and Joxer took a step closer to Iphicles. "Good morning," he said as he leaned closer to his lover.

He stopped as Iphicles' body tensed up, his eyes darting to either end of the hall. "We should go. The others are waiting for us."

Iphicles turned to head back down the hall and Joxer kept his frustration in check. All he'd wanted was a morning kiss, not to make love in the middle of the palace hall -- not that the idea didn't have any appeal...

The day passed similarly to the previous one, with Iphicles sharing his time between his three visitors and his duties as King. Joxer was relieved that his friends decided not to talk about the last night or that morning. After dinner, however, the four of them retired to Iphicles' private suite of rooms and relaxed with a few bottles of wine. The fireplace was lit, warming them all as they sat around the fire, Hercules and Iolaus claiming a sofa, Iphicles in a comfortable chair, and Joxer nearest the fire on the fur rug.

Occasionally, they would break the comfortable silence to start a conversation or to ask for the bottle of wine to be passed along. However, they were also content to sit in each others' company in silence. Iolaus curled his arm around Hercules' waist and tucked himself up against his lover's side, both men completely at ease in each others' arms. Joxer watched them for a moment before smiling and turning his attention back to the fire that crackled before him.

He was dimly aware of a sliding sound coming from behind him and within moments a hand touched his shoulder. He turned slightly so that his eyes could meet Iphicles' and he leaned back slightly, all tension in his body fleeing as a pair of arms moved to wrap around his waist. His head dropped back onto a strong shoulder and he took a deep breath, inhaling Iphicles' scent as his hands covered those that now rested on his stomach.

"Herc?" Joxer heard Iolaus sleepily ask. "You still planning on leaving tomorrow morning?"

"Yeah, I don't want to disappoint Xena if we don't make it to Amphipolis in time. She's really excited about Toris' wedding and *I* don't want to be the one to explain to her why we didn't make it in time to give Cyrene a hand."

Joxer closed his eyes, feeling their eyes on him and knowing what they were silently asking themselves: how many of them would be leaving tomorrow? Xena was one of his best friends and he didn't want to disappoint her either. However, sitting here in Iphicles' arms, he felt exactly the same way as when those arms were first wrapped around him -- he felt as if he'd found someplace he belonged. He was torn and decided to put off the decision until the morning.

He heard a wet smacking sound and a small moan come from the sofa, and tried his hardest not to let out a giggle as he realized what his friends were doing. He felt Iphicles turn around and let out a sigh of exasperation. "You guys have a room -- use it," he said in what Joxer decided was his 'big brother' voice.

"Don't mind if we do," Hercules replied as he and Iolaus rose from the sofa, wishing the two good night before turning in.

The arms tightened around Joxer and he felt Iphicles nuzzling his neck. He let out a sigh as he felt himself responding to his lover.

"Why don't you start off to your room and I'll meet you there in a few moments. I've got a surprise for you."

Joxer briefly wondered why Iphicles wanted him to go to his own room when Iphicles' was so much closer, but shook the thought from his head, deciding it must have something to do with the surprise. He turned to place a brief but loving kiss on his lover's lips before rising and leaving the suite.

Minutes later, Joxer lay under the blankets on his bed, naked and anxious for Iphicles' arrival. Just when he started wondering whether his lover would show after all, there was a soft knock at the door.

"Come in," he said, unsuccessfully trying to keep the eagerness from his voice.

The door was opened only a crack as Iphicles poked his head through. "Close your eyes."

Joxer smiled and did as he was told. He could hear every step Iphicles took as he walked into the room: the closing of the door, the sound of clothing hitting the floor, and finally his lover's approach to the bed. The mattress dipped and Joxer could feel something soft running along his chest. The object was trailed higher until it touched his face, and he could feel Iphicles' fingers as they took hold of the material and secured it around Joxer's head and over his eyes.

"I'm already closing my eyes, Iph. Don't you trust me?"

"Of course I do. I just want you to concentrate on other things than keeping your eyes closed."

He felt cold metal against his shoulder, trailing over his skin until Iphicles' fingers secured it around his neck. "What's that?"

"A gift. You can look at it later."

Iphicles then proceeded to take his time worshiping every inch of Joxer's body, carrying them both higher on a cloud of passion and longing until they both lied in each others arms, sated in both body and spirit.

Joxer's eyes blinked sleepily as his blindfold was removed and he pressed his face into Iphicles' chest, falling immediately into a contented sleep.

~*~*~*~

Despite the sunlight that streamed in through the bedroom window, neither man wanted to accept the new day. Hercules and Iolaus would leave for Amphipolis, and Joxer would have to decide whether or not he would join them.

Joxer was the first to brave the daylight, opening his eyes and stretching as far as Iphicles' arms would allow. He took his lover's lips in a 'good morning' kiss, watching Iphicles' eyes flutter open when their lips parted.

Neither man spoke, not wanting to break the morning's spell, until Joxer felt a tugging at the back of his neck. He looked down and saw a silver chain around his neck whose end was caught under Iphicles' arm. Releasing the metal, he noticed the charm that was attached to it.

"What's this?"

Iphicles took the charm and turned it over so that Joxer could see the design engraved upon the metal. "It's the seal of the Royal House of Corinth. Everything and everyone associated with the throne carries this seal."

Joxer moved to sit up as Iphicles attempted to claim a kiss, without success. He moved his legs over the side, pausing to run his fingers through his hair.

"I'm going to Amphipolis."

"I didn't think otherwise. Hercules has told me a little about you, Xena, and Gabrielle, and how much of a family you are. I wouldn't think of asking you not to go. You'll have a place waiting for you here when you return. In fact," Iphicles continued as he rose from the bed, padding around to where he'd left his clothes the night before, "I have something else for you."

Joxer waited with a feeling of dread as Iphicles fetched a scroll and handed it to him. He unrolled it and couldn't quite register what was written. "What's this?"

"It's a deed, to a small cottage at the edge of Corinth. You will be well taken care of and will want for nothing, I swear it."

Joxer gently placed the scroll on the bed and rose, quickly gathering his clothes and getting dressed. He then rushed about to gather his supplies to place in his traveling pack.

"Joxer?" Iphicles asked tentatively. "What's wrong?"

"Don't," Joxer demanded, pausing from his packing. "Don't say a word."

"But Joxer..."

"No!" Joxer stopped completely and turned to face Iphicles. "I spent years following around someone I thought I loved who couldn't love me back, and I just don't think my heart can take it happening again."

"What are you talking about? How do you know what I feel..."

"How do you feel? Tell me, Iph. Give me one good reason to come back to Corinth."

"I *need* you!"

"No, you don't."

"I do. What do you want from me here, Joxer?

"The truth. I only want you to tell the truth." Joxer snorted and turned, placing the last of his supplies in his pack. "You don't need *me*, Iph." He pulled the ties, closing up the pack tightly. "You need someone to keep your bed warm." He lifted the pack and swung it over his shoulder. "You need someone to own, to possess." He stalked over to the door, opening it but pausing in the doorway. "And you need someone you won't be ashamed of," he finished quietly before walking into the hall.

Somehow, he managed to find his way to his friends' room and told them he'd wait for them by the gates before making his way out of the palace, blinded by the tears that formed in his eyes.

It *had* been a good offer, and a part of him still thought he should have taken it. It was Hercules and Iolaus' fault, though. They'd taught him to believe he was worth more than being a kept man, paying his way with his body and affections.

But it was his own fault that he'd come to believe them.

~*~*~*~

Iolaus followed Hercules as he angrily stalked to his brother's suite of rooms, only to find he wasn't there. By the time they thought to check the guest rooms, the demi-God had cooled down some -- and cooled down completely upon seeing his brother still naked and sitting on the rumpled bedclothes, clutching a scroll in his hands.

"Iph?" he asked, his voice gentle yet still holding a trace of hardness.

The dark eyes looked up, briefly reminding both men of a lost child. "I'm not quite sure what happened, but I think I screwed up."

"Iph..." Iolaus said as he tried to approach Hercules' brother.

"No, please, just go. I... need time to think."

Both men nodded and turned to leave.

"Just one other thing." They turned to meet Iphicles' eyes once more. "Take care of him."

They nodded again and wished Iphicles goodbye before leaving to join Joxer.

~*~*~*~

Over their three days' journey to Amphipolis, both Hercules and Iolaus tried to draw Joxer out, to get him to at least tell them what had happened with Iphicles, but he refused to speak. The man barely slept, and when they offered him any form of comfort they were refused.

However, Joxer did try to fake a smile and a good mood for his friends' benefit. Unfortunately, to the men that was worse than if Joxer had spent the entire trip morose and depressed.

Only when they met up with Xena and Gabrielle did a genuine smile reach Joxer's eyes. Hercules and Iolaus had hoped to enlist the women in getting Joxer to talk, but the man immediately immersed himself in offering his help in any way necessary for the wedding preparations, keeping himself so busy that they barely saw him between their arrival in Amphipolis and the wedding day.

~*~*~*~

Fruvus was worried about his Lord. While the man was calm and collected while performing his duties, he wavered between bouts of rage and depression while in the privacy of his suite of rooms. While the venting was good for him, Fruvus knew he needed to speak to someone, and he eventually decided that it should be him.

After a session with some of Corinth's ministers, he followed Iphicles to his suite.

"Your Highness, may I have a word with you?"

The King was obviously anxious to have a moment to himself, yet he was reluctant to turn away his most loyal servant. "Of course, Fruvus. I am very tired, but I can spare a moment for you."

He was led to a sitting room and found a suitable chair, not speaking until Iphicles too was seated. "Sire, have I ever told you of how I came to marry my wife?" The King shook his head. "I met her in an inn where she was serving drinks and adored her upon sight. Though many would disagree, to me she was the most beautiful creature I'd ever seen. It was obvious that my dearest Moxie was taken with me as well, yet she rebuffed my every attempt to seduce her. She had no other prospects that I could see and I began doubting if it was as meant to be as I'd imagined. I cornered her and asked her why she refused me, and she replied that no matter how she thought she cared for me, she would be no man's whore. I spent several days thinking about what she had said, as well as my life. Even after knowing her such a short time, my life already felt empty without her by my side."

He paused and was pleased the King was enraptured by his tale. "What did you do?"

"The only thing I could, Sire. If I truly loved her, than sharing her bed would never be enough -- I would have to share her life as well, and she mine. The moment I realized that, I walked into the inn and asked for her hand. We have been happy together ever since."

Iphicles ran a hand over his face before speaking again. "You know why he left, don't you."

"No Sire," Fruvus reassured. "I know that he left, and that he was very special to you. I only thought to reassure you that you are not alone, and though I am a lowly servant, I am here should you need a friendly ear or shoulder."

Iphicles rose and approached Fruvus' seat, resting a hand on the servant's shoulder. "You honour me. Thank you. Now if you will excuse me, I have some thinking to do."

With a nod, Fruvus rose and left the King's private suite. He was relieved to have been more help than hindrance to his liege.

With a sigh, he returned to his duties, anxious to return to the loving arms of his beloved Moxie.

~*~*~*~

The skies were clear and the day beautiful. Cyrene bustled about, taking care of last minute details with Hercules and Iolaus' assistance. Xena and Gabrielle helped the bride to prepare, Gabrielle reminiscing about her own wedding and Xena giving the poor woman tips for her wedding night.

Joxer was with Toris, the groom. He had been asked to stand with the man as he was considered a brother, having been 'adopted' by Cyrene upon their first meeting. He was honoured to have been asked, particularly as he doubted he would ever stand for either of his own brothers -- Jett had no time for romance as an assassin, and Jace was... Jace. He scolded himself for even considering not coming to Amphipolis.

Never before had Joxer been so glad to have many years' practice of hiding his emotions behind a mask. While on the surface he cheerily helped Toris along, getting him dressed and calming his nerves, inside he was a gaping wound that had yet to even begin to heal. Everything seemed to remind him of Iphicles, and more than once he'd found himself absently stroking the charm that still hung around his neck.

Finally, it was time for he and Toris to descend to where the ceremony would be held. The room was beautifully decorated in whites and blues, and a priestess of Aphrodite stood waiting for those she would marry. He took one last look at Toris to make certain the man looked perfect in his white tunic and black pants, then looked down at himself to make certain his own blue tunic wasn't askew before leading Toris to their positions to the priestess' right.

He turned around to wave to Hercules, Iolaus and Cyrene, and glanced up at the thrum of a harp to see Gabrielle make her way into the room. As he gazed at her in her blue gown, her hair graced with a garland of white flowers, his breath caught as he remembered why he had fallen in love with her in the first place. However, his affection was now tempered with memories of another love, one that was much fresher in his heart and that threatened his composure with bitter pain. She smiled at him and he smiled back as she took her place at the priestess' other side.

Looking back, he saw Xena enter, dressed identically to Gabrielle, though not quite comfortable wearing such a long dress. He hid a small laugh behind his hand as he wondered where she had hidden her chakram (as he had no doubt she had it with her), and only smiled innocently when she glared playfully in his direction.

The bride finally entered, dressed head to toe in white and looking absolutely radiant, her face glowing as her eyes caught on her future husband. She finally made her way to the altar and as she and Toris stepped up to the priestess, Joxer took a step to the side to allow his mind to wander without anyone noticing.

"Hiya studmuffin," a voice whispered from his side and he nearly jumped in surprise.

"Aphrodite, what are you doing here?"

"I was worried about you and thought I should pay you a visit."

"Couldn't you have picked another time?"

"Oh, don't worry. Nobody can see me, not even baby bro over there." She waved in Hercules' direction, but the demi-God made no response. "So babe, what's got you so down -- you've been sending loads of bad vibes my way?"

"I'm sorry about that. It's... it's nothing."

"Hello, Love Goddess here! I think I know when someone's been burned by my specialty."

Joxer sighed in exasperation. "It's Iphicles, okay? I made the mistake of falling in love with him and actually hoping he could feel the same way. I just can't be what he needs."

"You mean you and baby bro's bro? Oh man, I can't believe I didn't think of that one! You two are perfect for each other..." she trailed off at Joxer's pained expression. "You probably don't wanna be hearing that right now, huh?" He shook his head and she slipped an arm through his. "Aww, studmuffin, don't give up on him so fast. He'll come around. I'm sure of it."

"I doubt it," he sighed, "and even if he does, I won't be around."

"You just up and left, didn't you." He nodded. Her eyes unfocused a moment then came back, her lips spreading into a truly evil grin that usually meant trouble. "Something tells me everything will turn out all right."

"Aphrodite? Whatever you're planning..."

"I'm not planning anything, studmuffin. I just know something you don't." And with one final wink, she was gone.

Joxer's attention returned to the ceremony in time to see the happy couple kiss for the first time as husband and wife. The pair walked down the aisle to leave the room for the inn's backyard, and Joxer offered an arm each to Xena and Gabrielle, following the couple to the reception.

The dinner was excellent, having been lovingly prepared by Cyrene, and the crowd was quite merry by the time a band began to play. Joxer sat away from crowd, watching everyone dancing -- even Xena, with a little encouragement from Gabrielle -- and trying not to let his dark mood affect any of the other guests. Gabrielle had come to ask him to join them, and though he had been tempted, he decided it was safer to stay where he was. He'd only trip and hurt someone in his distracted state -- though it was just as likely to happen were he not distracted.

As the night wore on, Joxer realized that his continued solemn presence was worrying his friends. Xena and Gabrielle kept looking at him questioningly, Hercules and Iolaus continued to look concerned, and Cyrene and Toris kept trying to get him to join the festivities, to no avail. Eventually, he decided it was better to head back to his room early. He wished his friends goodnight before slowly making his way through the tavern, stopping in the kitchen for a draft of mead and a hunk of bread before heading toward his empty bed.

He nibbled on the bread, drowning the dry food with the mead as he continued to listen to the party in the inn's backyard. He was momentarily glad that his room faced the road, as the strains of the party were muffled on this side of the building. Once his snack was gone, he undressed and snuggled deep into the blankets on the bed. His hand unconsciously grabbed onto the charm that rested against his chest and his senses swam with the memory of a warm body and strong arms surrounding him, the scents of sweat and sex in the air, and the taste of his lover on his lips.

As he had every night since his arrival in Amphipolis, the comfort of Joxer's pillow was soaked away in his tears.

~*~*~*~

A thunderous sound woke Joxer from his restless slumber. He could no longer hear the festive sounds of the wedding reception and assumed it was quite late at night -- or early the next morning. Looking out the window, his brow furrowed as there was no sign of clouds or rain. Only one of the clearest night skies he'd ever seen. He rose from his bed and looked out over the town, brightly lit by the nearly full moon, and tried to see what might be causing such a racket.

After a few moments of searching, he finally spotted a troupe of horses racing down the main road toward Cyrene's Inn. He felt a shiver of fear run up his spine and he turned to grab a nearby robe, slipping it on as he crossed the hall to bang on the door to Xena's room.

"This had better be good," the warrior princess growled as she opened the door.

"Xena, I heard noise outside, and there's a bunch of horses heading this way..."

"Show me."

He nodded and led her into his room, to the window, and pointed out the small army that could now be clearly seen approaching the inn. Joxer watched Xena take off down the hall, banging on doors to alert Gabrielle, Hercules and Iolaus of the possible threat. He quickly slid out of his robe and into his leather pants, then followed the others as they rushed down the stairs to the front of the inn. As they waited for the army to approach, he could hear the rest of the inn's occupants wake from the noise of their moving through the building.

After several long minutes, the small army finally stopped in front of the inn. The horses stood restlessly as one of them stepped to the front of the pack, its rider dismounting in one smooth move. As the man approached, most of the group relaxed as they recognized him.

"Iphicles," Xena pronounced as she put away her chakram. "What are you doing here at this hour?"

Joxer slowly moved back toward the door, unsure if he was ready for this encounter. He felt the doorknob at his back and slid his hand to turn it, ready to rush inside.

"Joxer!" the King cried out, halting the man in his tracks. Iphicles stepped toward the porch where they all stood and looked up, trying to catch Joxer's eyes.

Xena looked back at Joxer and seeing the tension in his body, went back on guard. "What do you want with him?" she asked, laying her hand on her chakram.

Iolaus laid a hand on her arm and shook his head. "It's okay. We'll explain everything in a few minutes."

Iolaus almost withered under the power of The Look. "It would have been so much easier to tell me everything a few days ago."

Swallowing hard, he turned his attention back to Hercules' brother, who was now slowly climbing the stairs to the inn.

"Joxer, please listen to me," Iphicles pleaded. "I've been a fool."

Joxer finally let go of the death grip he held on the doorknob and gathered the courage to step forward. "I'm listening," he said quietly, but loud enough so that he was heard.

"Xena," Gabrielle whispered harshly, "what in Tartarus is going on?"

"I don't know, Gabrielle. Just watch."

"I've had lots of time to think, Jox," Iphicles continued, "and I've realized a few things. You were right about my trying to own you. It started that very first night, and maybe if we'd met in a different way I wouldn't have acted like that, but we did and I did. It's not an excuse, just an explanation and I'm sorry. But there were things you were wrong about."

"Like what?" Joxer's voice responded, strangely full of both pain and hope.

"Not once was I ever ashamed of you," Iphicles proclaimed as he took the final step up and kept going until he and Joxer were face to face. "Nervous about us and what I felt, scared that none of it was real and that it all would disappear, that you would be taken from me like Rena and I wouldn't be able to recover, maybe, but never ashamed. And something else you were wrong about."

"What?"

Iphicles lifted a hand to cup Joxer's face as they stared deep into each others' eyes. "I need *you*. I want *you*. And most importantly, though it scares me to death, I *love* you, Joxer. I drove Fruvus and the other servants more and more up the wall with every day that passed. I don't know how you did it, but I can't live without you -- and I don't want to. I do want you to share my bed, but what I need is for you to share my life, and I yours."

"It won't be easy, Iph," Joxer said, his heart bursting with the words his lover spoke, but still needing them both to go wherever they went with their eyes open. "You remember the guy in the tavern. It's happened before, and I'm sure it'll happen again. If you take me, you have to take all that comes with me -- my past, my insane family, my theme song," the last provoked a smile in the King. "All of it."

"If it means having you at my side every day for the rest of our lives, then I'll take whatever you have to give. You're worth it, Jox."

Iphicles' lips descended on Joxer's and the union breathed life into both men. Iphicles' other hand joined the first in cupping Joxer's face as Joxer's arms wrapped around the king's waist. They were so tuned in to each other that they didn't hear the cheers coming from the inn's guests who'd managed to find enough vantage points to watch the drama on the porch, nor did they hear the pair of loud slaps and cries of *ouch!* as Xena and Gabrielle showed Hercules and Iolaus how they felt about having been kept in the dark regarding their close friend.

Iphicles' lips finally pulled away from Joxer's and he dazedly looked into his lover's eyes, basking in the love that shone from them. "Jox, is there anyone I should ask for permission to take you as my consort?"

Joxer's jaw dropped in shock. He was about to answer no when his eyes rested on his friends, who were still arguing over the matter. Iphicles followed Joxer's line of sight and smiled, nodding in agreement. He placed one final kiss on Joxer's lips before reluctantly pulling away from his lover.

"Excuse me, guys?" Iphicles waited, but realized he hadn't been heard. "Hey, you guys!" The bickering continued and Iphicles decided more 'drastic' measures were needed to get the group's attention. "Look, it's Ares!"

The four heros broke apart and took out their weapons, remaining on edge until they realized they'd been duped. All four turned to glare at Iphicles.

"Hey, I had to get your attention somehow."

"Oh, you've got our attention all right," Xena said as she backed the King up against the wall, with Gabrielle close behind. "Now I can only guess you're the reason Joxer's been depressed these last few days -- since nobody seems to want to tell us anything," she shot over her shoulder at Hercules and Iolaus. "Now, in your own words, tell us what the fuck's going on before I fix it so that Corinth will never have an heir."

"In a nutshell," he managed not to stutter in the face of Xena's dangerous gaze. "Well, I met Joxer, we kinda fell for each other, I fucked up royally and came to beg forgiveness, and he forgave me. And, um, now I was really hoping I could get your permission to take him as a consort."

The dark woman's face grew nearer until they were nearly nose to nose. "If you hurt him again," she growled, "I will hunt you down and make you wish you were dead."

He swallowed the large lump in his throat and nodded. "I understand completely. But it'll never happen again if I can help it."

"You'd better," Gabrielle shot back, wanting to get a word in and not quite succeeding at sounding as menacing as Xena.

As the women backed off, Iphicles brushed himself off and turned to look at his troops -- most of which were snickering silently. They stopped as he shot them a 'let's see how you'd act when face-to-face with an angry Xena' glare before turning back to the others. "So, is that a yes?"

Iphicles was momentarily distracted as he felt a slender hand on the small of his back. He looked to the side and his heart soared at the smiling face that beamed at him with a smile that told him everything would be all right. He reached behind him to take the hand in his own and brought it around to his lips, placing a kiss on the palm before linking their fingers together.

"Now how could you say no to that?" Iolaus asked the women.

"We're not talking to you yet," Gabrielle shot back.

"Ha, you just did," he teased, sticking his tongue out at the bard.

"Brother," Hercules finally spoke up, "I think it's safe to say there are no real objections, now are there." Everyone shook their heads. "Good. But there's one thing I really think I should tell you, Iph."

"And what's that," Iphicles said, turning his attention back to the foursome.

"If you have the ceremony without Mom there, she's gonna be really pissed."

The brothers laughed and Iphicles pulled Joxer into his arms, where he belonged.

~*~*~*~

"Okay," Gabrielle said as Joxer had finished his story, looking ahead to where Xena rode on Argo. "There's one thing I still don't understand. Why the army?"

"I can answer that," Hercules interjected. "Corinthian law states that when the King takes a wife or a consort, the agreement must be witnessed by a minimum of twelve Corinthian citizens."

"Thank God it doesn't apply to the King's brother," Iolaus murmured, "though I'd be lying if I said I wasn't into a little exhibitionism every now and then."

"You know what I mean," Hercules replied to his cheeky lover.

"So, Joxer," Xena spoke up from her position above the rest. "What do you plan to do in the next month? After the other night's display, I doubted Iphicles would ever let you out of his sight."

"Well, he understands that forever's kind of a long time, so I need to get my affairs in order, so to speak, before I make my life in Corinth. There's a few bets to settle, a few people to see and invite to the ceremony, once Cyrene, the ministers, and Alcmene are done planning it that is. I'm still trying to figure out how to break it all to Meg."

"So, Jox," Iolaus bounced next to him, "have you figured out yet who you want to stand with you?"

Joxer laughed at the expression on his friend's face. "I hate to disappoint you, Iolaus, but I already have someone else in mind."

"Well, it can't be Jett," Gabrielle stated. "Last we heard, he was still in Miramus."

"Yeah, he and Dad still haven't figured out a way to escape." He ignored the expressions on his friends' faces at that statement. "But don't worry, it's someone who deserves to be there."

After several minutes of traveling in comfortable silence, Gabrielle's voice broke through everyone's contemplation. "Xena, do you ever get the feeling we're missing out on something? After all, once Joxer's committed to Iphicles, we'll just about be the last single people we know."

"Well, Gabrielle, you could always marry me."

The two women grinned at each other and let out a simultaneous "Nah!"

"It holds no interest for me anymore, Gabrielle, but if you've really got your heart set on another wedding, you can always ask Joxer when Jett's set to get out of prison."

"Yeah!" Joxer cried as he slung an arm over the bard's shoulders. "Imagine, an Amazon Queen as my sister-in-law... Dad'll be so pissed!" he enthused.

"I. Don't. Think. So." Gabrielle snuck out from under Joxer's arm. "I'd rather look up Salmoneus. No offence."

"None taken, but be warned. It's a special woman who gets between Sal and his money. But if all else fails, you can always look up Auto."

"Though from what I hear," Iolaus broke in, "life with him can be a drag." Hercules let out a big belly laugh, leaving the other three wondering what they'd missed, and whether or not they wanted to know.

"One thing, though," Joxer said pensively. "I think I'll really miss traveling with you guys."

"Well, it's not like you're moving out of Greece or something," Gabrielle countered.

"And you'll be with Herc's brother, who we all try to visit once in a while anyway," Iolaus added. "Now we'll just have an extra reason to visit."

"And I'm sure my brother will let you visit with us every once in a while," Hercules concluded, ignoring the slashing motions Gabrielle was making across her throat.

"Maybe," Xena pronounced as she stopped Argo and dismounted. She motioned her head for the others to keep moving as she reached out a hand to stop Joxer from going with them. After several moments of them looking at each other, it was Joxer who broke the silence.

"What did you want to say to me, Xena?"

The Warrior Princess' eyes scanned the surrounding trees as if ensuring nobody was around to overhear. Finally, she spoke without really meeting Joxer's eyes. "We'll all be doing some adjusting over the next while."

"Huh?"

Xena finally looked Joxer in the eye. "We'll miss you too, all right? Are you happy now?"

"Yeah," Joxer said as he wrapped his arms around the woman who was like a sister to him, all the while giggling inside at how uncomfortable she was at the display of affection.

"And," Xena continued as if trying to break the sentimental mood, "if there's any trouble, get your ass out of there and get word to me. I don't want to take Gabrielle to go visit you just to find you've been murdered in some vicious ploy for Iphicles' throne or something."

Releasing his friend, Joxer grinned at her. "I love you, too."

She nodded, grabbing Argo's reigns and leading her companions down the road to join with the others. Joxer followed, all the while wondering how he would live without the traveling lifestyle to which he'd become accustomed. However, he knew that he just might have finally found where he belonged, and he refused to give up that for which he'd searched his entire life.

With a sigh, he resigned himself to the Fates. The future was as yet untold, but as long as his was with Iphicles, then he knew everything would be all right.

The End... for now.

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