This above all: to thine own self be true, And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man. Shakespeare (Hamlet)
Thanks to Chael for assistance in editing and proofing the story. This is wholly fictional with no reference intended to persons alive or dead.
Please do not distribute to other sites without permission of the author. Comments can be sent to firehosejoe@yahoo.com
From the previous chapter:
Charles was staying behind for several weeks to tie up as many loose ends as possible. Arrangements had been made with both the University and the Institute. Alejandro was of two minds. He wanted to stay but had to get back. Further he sensed that their lives would begin somehow to diverge. It wasn't any kind of prescience, just a feeling he had.
Chapter 40
For Alejandro, the flight home from Lafayette was uneventful. He still had vague misgivings about leaving Charles but knew, beyond doubt that Charles was more than capable of organizing and executing the plans they'd discussed. Charles' financial position was also radically different. He now would work for pleasure, not for need of money. That kind of flexibility, Alejandro knew, tended to expand one's horizons. Yes, he was sure things would change. The next year would certainly be interesting.
During the ride from O'Hare, Alejandro considered the events of the past few weeks. Meeting Zach had been a definite plus. He'd known that to enjoy the philanthropic traveling for the Alagara Group he'd have to develop a network of friends. In a way, he was glad to be back in Chicago. Spring was one of his favorite seasons. He had loads of work on his desk he was sure and was actually looking forward to getting back in the harness.
As Alejandro rode to the top of his building, something nagged at his subconscious. The trip to attend the Museum board meeting and meeting Zach had evolved into a pleasant weekend, yet it seemed like it was an age ago instead of only a week. He'd met new people, enjoyed exploring one of the wrestling clubs Liam had suggested and gotten to see more of San Francisco. He let his mind wander through all the events not trying to pin anything down but to see what came to the surface.
The building project involving conversion of run-down dwellings into condos that Zach was spearheading had fired Alejandro's imagination. There was some tie-in Zach had mentioned in passing, something that was a kernel of motivation. With all that had happened since he'd left San Francisco, Alejandro decided not to be too hard on himself. Relax', he thought. It will come to you'.
It wasn't until he'd unpacked his bags and was having a drink while looking at the night sky that it hit him. He set the drink down so suddenly that it sloshed onto the fine wood surface. He took no notice but went to the doors leading to the deck.
Walking to the railed edge he looked down and saw the city blocks now raw and naked, bathed in streetlights. Some had the skeletal beginnings of framework rising; others were just dark holes of foundations. He remembered three years ago being the new champion of urban redevelopment and avant-guard reconstruction.
How many people had been displaced by the River Authority right of way that had made his building possible? The tenement-style apartments, the stores with living space overhead - how many had he personally displaced? How many hundreds of faceless, voiceless people had had their lives ripped to shreds by the urban improvements. Were they not his neighbors also? He remembered the kernel from the Mass that had motivated Zach. "Love your neighbor as yourself."
His mind raced back to the rehab projects Zach was involved in. Alejandro's knuckles were white as he gripped the railing. Looking off in the distance toward the lights of South Chicago, he promised himself that he would make a difference. He couldn't repay those injured by his actions, but he would direct his energies and resources to add dignity to the lives of those oppressed by people who sought opportunity motivated by greed.
He returned to the warmth of the condo. Retrieving his drink, he toweled up the spill with a paper napkin and went to his office to begin a list of tasks for the week ahead. There he remained until he realized he'd missed dinner. He looked at his watch and knew he'd need to eat even though he wasn't hungry at the moment.
He continued to define his task list as he ate. He realized he'd be frustrated spending endless hours in meetings with no physical outlet. Alejandro phoned several of the members of the racquetball club and arranged matches during the week. After watching some television he went to bed. The days immediately ahead would be busy.
Saturday was filled with various errands. Sunday he decided to attend Mass at the Cathedral. Afterward he went for a run, caught up on personal paperwork and spent the balance of the day relaxing.
His driver delivered him to the office early Monday, before anyone else was around. The guard greeted him and asked about Mr. Thibodaux. Evidently that word had spread throughout the company. After reviewing his Postpone', Delegate' and `Needs Immediate Attention' lists he went looking for his second cup of coffee. His secretary had arrived and was at her desk when Alejandro came through the office. She asked about Charles as they chatted briefly. He had her take a letter to be sent to everyone in the company with a brief explanation that the Mother of a friend and mentor of Mr. Alagara had died and he had been called away unexpectedly.
By the end of the day he'd met with the Algara Group's head lawyer, who had advised him in the past, concerning the charitable arm of the Group's endeavors. Calls had been made to the Archdiocese, The Catholic Worker's Brotherhood and the St. Loyola Monastery. He was determined not to let his passion subside. Business items had been dispatched and reports were beginning to trickle back to him regarding the various delegated tasks. All in all, a successful day he thought.
During the trip home, he felt chagrin instead of pride as the building came into view. He determined that he'd think more about that later and burst out laughing as Scarlet O'Hara's quote came to mind. "I can't think about that right now. If I do, I'll go crazy. I'll think about that tomorrow." Quite fitting since he'd just returned from the deep south.
He'd been sedentary most of the day and knew if sleep were to come easily, some gym time was needed. After racing upstairs to quickly change and grab some gym gear he headed out. The place was pumping energy. Good,' he thought to himself - just what I need.'
After changing, he moved through a cardio workout. On the machines, he did an upper-body set. He paced himself and pushed for muscle exhaustion. After a brief cooldown in the shower he donned his Speedo and swam for a quarter mile. After completing the final lap with a burst of energy he rested his elbow on the edge of the pool deck, gasping.
"Some workout you've had tonight." The voice came from the next lane. Alejandro looked up and was met with a smile and an extended hand. "I'm John O'Malley."
After they exchanged names and greetings, John continued, "Inadvertently I've followed your entire workout regimen tonight. You stayed one or two stations ahead of me. I'm whipped and I didn't do half the swimming you did. I'm impressed." It was friendly and jocular though Alejandro sensed an undercurrent. Perhaps it was just his imagination.
John O'Malley was of an indeterminate age. Like Liam and Nicco, he seemed comfortable in his skin and reasonably sure of himself. He was balding and his hair style was cut reasonably short when compared to most men.
"Well I'm done here. Good to meet you...uh.." John stumbled as did most folks who heard `Alejandro' the first time.
Alejandro sped to the rescue. "It's Alejandro but I answer to Alex just as often." The smile John gave in return was genuine and warm.
They both hoisted themselves onto the pool deck. Alejandro caught John's quick look to his crotch. He looked away immediately as if to disguise his curiosity. Alejandro thought gottcha' and waited til John's gaze met his. Alejandro let his eyes fall quickly and casually to John's equipment. No great show there he thought. Nice solid build though.
With a smile, Alejandro said, "Time for the shower and some tub time for me. You?"
"Sounds like just the thing," John said as they toweled the water from their eyes and hair.
In the shower neither was shy about cursorily examining the other while staying within the boundaries of acceptable straight behavior. John was slightly taller and in great shape for someone in middle age - whatever that was - Alejandro thought to himself. He was glad that `age' had never yet been a discriminating factor for him. He knew what he liked in men and he saw that in John.
As they soaped themselves and exchanged the typical information of new acquaintances after a workout, their cocks thickened. Alejandro decided to tease John a bit. Taking his shampoo he doled out a generous portion and lathered his head letting the soap course across his face and tightly shut eyes. He could feel his cock swell slightly with the intent. He contracted his glutes to give lift to his cock and balls. Enjoying the game, he let his soapy hands rub across his furry chest and down to his crotch and balls. He turned toward the showerhead and rinsed himself thoroughly, ignoring John altogether for the moment.
"It always seems redundant to me to take a thorough shower before hitting the tub but I feel better getting all the sweat off. I'm looking forward to those jets in a big way. Great way to finish the day," Alejandro said.
"I'm right behind you," John added in response.
The whirlpool and locker room were crowded with men who had come just after work and were now finishing their workouts. `Lots of eye candy,' Alejandro thought as he made his way to the bubbling water, his towel slung casually across his shoulder.
As he and John entered, others moved a bit closer to make room. The pool was nearly full but no one really minded. Several of the men obviously knew each other well as conversation flowed easily and somewhat loudly. They inadvertently bumped into each other as they moved for better water jet contact. There were frequent comments of `I'm sorry' as adjustments were made to accommodate.
Alejandro felt John's thigh pressing against his. He shifted very slightly to give him room. A short moment later their knees touched. Alejandro decided to play along. He didn't move. Instead he pressed back with a slight pressure. John quickly responded pushing his thigh against Alejandro as he ostensibly paid attention to conversation next to him. It was how the game was played, Alejandro knew, and he suddenly wanted more than the occasional nudge and possible grope.
Lifting his foot, he gently let it rest atop John's. John leaned back, twisting his neck slightly as if to relieve some tightness and smiled. He pulled his foot from under Alejandro's. His leg crossed Alejandro's shin as he pressed his calf muscle back, forcing Alejandro's leg against the sub-wall of the pool seat.
Knowing he had only a moment before full erection, Alejandro slid his hand across and grabbed John's cock and squeezed as he said, "Well I'm done with the pool. How about you?"
With an acknowledging grin, John said, "Yep."
They both stood and made their way to the steps. Fortunately neither was more than half erect, a state not unusual for exiting the pool. The cold air shrank them both adequately to avoid any second looks. In the shower they agreed to get together later for a drink. Both knew what was meant by that ruse.
They separated as they went to their lockers but met in the lobby as agreed. As they headed through the double doors to the cool outside air John turned and asked, "My place or yours?"
"My driver is here. Come back to my place. I'll make sure you get where you need to go," Alejandro offered.
They were soon at the condo. Once inside, with little preamble, John grasped Alejandro's shoulder so they faced each other. "I could barely keep my dick in my jock the whole time we were working out. I was so afraid you'd leave and I'd not even be able to meet you. That foolishness with the shampoo nearly did me in. I had to adjust the water to make it colder so I wouldn't throw wood. I am so horny right now I don't know what to do."
"I can fix that, I believe," Alejandro said as he let his arms circle John's waist and pull them together for a passionate kiss. Their cocks surged to hardness as they ground their crotches together.
John pushed against Alejandro's solid chest and gasped, "Can we take this to the bedroom?"
Alejandro looked into John's glazed, heavy-lidded eyes, wondering how this would play out. Leaning in he caught John's lower lip with his teeth and gently tugged on it. John groaned.
Alejandro grasped John's wrists and held them. "I'm sure I want this as badly as you do. I'm just not sure what the `this' is," Alejandro said looking squarely at John. "How do you want to go at this?"
John saw the question for what it was. Their imminent coupling required mutual agreement. He smiled and tipped his head to the side. "Maybe we should have that drink we were talking about earlier."
Alejandro grinned, "Don't know if I want to wait that long. Let's head to the bedroom. I'm sure we will find ways to accommodate each other."
Grabbing John's arm, Alejandro let the way. In the bedroom he quickly helped John disrobe. Soon both were naked, kissing and rubbing against each other, their cocks leaking copious amounts of precum.
"Let me get a cover for the bed," Alejandro said as he opened a nearby drawer. Together they spread a cotton sheet across the bedding. Crawling onto the mattress on his knees Alejandro said with a bit of challenge in his voice, "Now what?" He remembered many wrestling matches starting just this way. His cock surged and precum dripped.
John slowly and deliberately followed suit as he said, "I like to be in control. I make sure my partners enjoy themselves and are thoroughly satisfied before I finish with them but I do like control. Other than that, I'm a total bottom. Sounds like a contradiction, doesn't it?" John asked with a smile.
Alejandro looked at his partner, openly appraising him. John was well muscled - not heavily but he was definitely solid. His well formed pecs rose and fell with his heavy breathing. The nipples were hard, the areolas coppery brown. A treasure trail started just above his belly button and traveled to thick, brown pubes that surrounded his cock and balls. The cock was no instrument of torture, Alejandro thought to himself. He saw John's lustful appraisal of Alejandro's long, thick muscle.
From all he had seen, Alejandro had doubt that John could take control, but Alejandro was glad to play that game, secure in his own prowess. The thought that he was going to have some rowdy, rough sex-play with this man made Alejandro flush with heat. He decided to push back against John's intent.
Flexing his biceps, Alejandro tightened his abs and pecs in a bodybuilder's pose. He looked down admiring his muscles, then looked up and said, "You think you can control this?"
"Oh Fuck!" John whispered with raw desire. He flexed his own muscles. Alejandro was impressed. The man was strong but not enough to take what he wanted. Alejandro decided to play along and have fun.
"You think you can control me? Come on. Let's do it!" Alejandro replied in the same lust-fogged voice as he began to knee himself across toward John.
To Alejandro's surprise, John raised his arms as if he were moving into a wresting tie-up. He was. Alejandro felt his cock spasm again as precum surged through the slit. A wrestler! He'd never have dreamed he'd be so lucky.
They locked up tight. Falling to the mattress, they began a horizontal struggle of dominance. Alejandro could tell John was skilled but a bit sloppy with some of his holds. That was okay with Alejandro; he played along.
"Unnnngggg, ooofffff!" Alejandro feigned an attempted bridge to throw John off.
"Not getting away that easy, Alex. Try this on for size!" John challenged. He looped an arm around Alejandro's neck and cranked down hard with a headlock while attempting to scissor Alejandro.
Alejandro pushed with both hands against the strong arms wrapped around his neck. He was aware that John was intentionally avoiding any position that would choke or impede blood supply.
"Arggggg, unghh, unghhhhh!" Alejandro genuinely struggled against the headlock. He'd twisted his body so that the scissors was ineffectual. They were gasping - their chests slick with sweat and streaks of precum.
"You are so fucking hot, John. Damn, you're tough!"
"Yeah, and you like it rough. I can tell," John said as he reached down to nip at Alejandro's ear.
"Fuck yeah. Like being with a man who knows what he wants," Alejandro gasped.
"Shit, what I know is that I want that big cock of yours buried deep in my ass. You gonna fuck me hard if I let you go?" John's voice rasped.
"You let go of me and I'm gonna' fuck you every way I can `til it won't stay up. Give you the ride of your life. Stretch your ass. Make your ass mine!" Alejandro wanted to mount this man. This was no script, no play acting.
"Do it, Fucker!" John ordered harshly as he released Alejandro.
Alejandro rolled to the side gasping for air. He reached over and roughly pinched John's nipple. "Where'd you learn to wrestle like that?"
"In high school, years ago. But right now I don't want to talk. I want to fuck!"
Alejandro rolled so he could reach his bedside table drawer. He pulled out some lube and rolled back getting on his knees between John's legs.
"Yeah, that's more like it. Fuck me stud! You're big but I can take it."
Alejandro quickly squeezed lube on his fingers and inserted two deeply into John's ass.
"Unghhh! Yeah! More!!" John gasped.
Alejandro pulled out and added the third finger, stretching John's ass wide.
"Do it, Man. Do it!"
Alejandro was caught up in the white-hot lust of the moment. He lubed himself quickly and pushed his engorged cockhead against John's hole. He could feel John's internal muscles release and allow him entry. With one swift, smooth thrust Alejandro buried himself in the hot clinching opening.
John's eyes closed as his head rolled back. He squeezed his rectal muscles. It was the signal Alejandro needed. He began to pump with long, hard thrusts as he slammed their bodies together. He felt their ball sacs bounce with each thrust. Both men groaned. They rasped whispered profanities as they gasped for air while pushing each other toward orgasm.
It came suddenly for both of them. Alejandro felt John's body tighten beneath him at the same time he felt the ass ring clamp around his driving prick. John's body arched as his cum shot out between them. Alejandro's spasms began immediately. They hammered against each other trying to drain every possible drop of cum.
Alejandro finally collapsed heavily atop John's body not caring about the weight he placed on John. He felt John's arms wrap around him pulling him into a tight hug.
"I never dreamed when I started my workout I'd end the night with a dick up my ass," John said with a chuckle.
Alejandro rolled to his side and looked at John with a wry smile.
Before he could say a word, John, meeting his gaze said, "I had no idea a hot young stud like you would be interested in a man my age."
"Forget age. You're a hot fuck and I'm not done with you yet," Alejandro added with a grin.
"You gonna be able to make that monster rear its head for me again?" John asked.
"Bet on it! You promised to drain my balls or something like that," Alejandro said with a chuckle.
"Good, I'm not done with you, Stud. Not unless you're throwing me out," John replied.
"The only place I'm throwing you is in the shower. You made a mess, John," Alejandro laughed. "Let's get cleaned up and get that drink."
In the shower they let their soapy hands explore each other's bodies. Soon Alejandro was hard, his dick demanding attention.
"That's what I like. You're a man with an appetite," John said as he soaped Alejandro's dick. "You ready to go again, Big Man?"
Without a word, Alejandro turned John around. John bent over and grabbed the backs of his calves.
"You ready?" Alejandro asked in some disbelief.
"Fuck me, Stud. Do it!"
Alejandro positioned his cockhead and grabbed John's waist. His cock slid in the hole still slick with cum and lube. He began to pound John's ass with no thought of anything but his own release.
John was moaning his pleasure as Alejandro drove his muscle deep into John. John reached with his hand to the opposite shower wall to steady himself against the onslaught. Alejandro could feel his cum building but knew it would not be fast. He secured his grip on John's waist and bent to his task.
As the water's heat began to become tepid Alejandro felt his balls beginning the slow sure journey.
"I'm ready to blow!" John exclaimed.
With that, Alejandro wrapped his arms fully around John, lifted him away from the wall and rabbit humped as fast as he could. He knew he was hitting John's button from the unintelligible grunts of pleasure coming from John. Alejandro felt the surge grow. Yielding to the moment Alejandro arched back, lifting John off the floor. Alejandro emptied his balls again with jets of hot juice. John's cock spewed its load against the shower wall.
Alejandro kept thrusting until he felt himself begin to grow soft. He gently lowered John while still holding him in a tight embrace, his dick occasionally jerking with the final spasms until it slid out. Alejandro stepped back and turned John toward the water. "Get rinsed off before we freeze."
Soon they were toweled dry and sitting in Ts and boxers sipping a scotch.
Alejandro enjoying the humor of the situation said, "So, Mr. O'Malley, let me say again how much I've enjoyed meeting you."
Both men guffawed at the ridiculousness of the moment and comment. They settled in to genuine conversation when John realized that Alejandro had been a prime mover in the development of the building. Alejandro played his cards a bit closely and didn't disclose his ownership or position in Chicago's society.
John related that he had been hired within the last year by a large architectural firm. Reasonably new to the city he was still learning his way around. Alejandro's ears perked up at John's profession. Who knew where this might lead. Alejandro answered John's questions honestly but without much specific detail.
Finally John said he had an early day and needed to go. They exchanged contact information and agreed to work out again on Wednesday night.
As did most weeks, this one filled up quickly with meetings, appointments and new business. Alejandro's guilt about the building still niggled at him. He hadn't been able to get in touch with Charles and that bothered him. His temper was growing short and he knew he needed to clear his head. Telling his secretary he'd be back in half an hour, he made for the building's door and the fresh air outside.
Surprisingly, he found the change of scene helped clear his head quickly. The idea hit him out of the blue. Instead of feeling guilty about the building and his condo he'd use his twenty-fifth birthday as a combined celebration and open house. His commitment to the justice issue of decent housing remained. The two could exist simultaneously in his mind. He found a bit of peace and felt the guilt melting away.
Returning to the office, he picked up the phone and Charles answered on the second ring. After catching up on all the Lafayette news, he asked, "Will you help me plan a combined birthday and open house party for the fall?"
"Perfect!" exclaimed Charles. "I knew we had to do something special for the big quarter century mark. Combining it with an open house for friends is genius.
"I've still got lots to tell you. You wouldn't believe the week! I finished most of what I had to do and will be flying home on Monday. We'll talk more then," Charles said as he finished the conversation.
Not wanting to spend the evening alone, Alejandro called John's office. The person answering said he was out of town and would be back mid-week. Alejandro, on a whim, dialed Nicco's number, not expecting him to be in. When the familiar voice answered, Alejandro smiled.
After their greeting Nicco asked, "So why haven't I seen you at the Bears' Den in ages?"
They exchanged news of travel and work. Alejandro indicated he hoped they could get together again soon, maybe for a workout but at least for a meal.
Nicco said, "I didn't think I'd be back until late tonight so I've got someone covering for me at the club. I can't show my face there or they'd put me to work. I know it's short notice but if you're free, come on down. We can use the mats at my place and have a late dinner. You've got to promise not to be too rough on an old man though."
They both laughed. Alejandro said, "It's more likely you'll have to pick me up and haul me to the shower after you've finish pummeling me. But don't worry; I want all you've got and more."
"Careful what you wish for, my friend. I can make that dream come true," Nicco said with a suggestive chuckle.
They agreed on a time. Alejandro whistled softly as he tidied his desk and reviewed his notes for the week to come. It would be busy but he had a weekend to play and was looking forward to it. Walking to his car, he felt his dick thicken as he idly wondered what was in store for the night. It made him smile.
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