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FOR THE LOVE OF STEVE PERRY
Part 1
©2004
Rating: NC-17 for angst, male/male situations, adult language
Warning: This story is a gay/bisexual relationship story between Steve and another young man. It is a love story. If this
sort of work offends you or otherwise isn’t of interest to you, please pass it by.
Now that he was single again and his latest partner was gone, a big emptiness was left in Steve’s life and his heart.
He couldn’t stand sitting around the house feeling sorry for himself, so he decided to get out and go for a long walk.
That sort of thing usually cleared his mind and settled his mood.
He went across the Bridge to the City, parked near Chinatown, and got out. When he tired of walking, there were plenty of
good places to eat in the area. He’d chosen this spot deliberately for that very reason, for he loved Chinese food.
He was just out taking a nice stroll, enjoying the bustle of the area, when something distracted him and he turned around
abruptly to see what it was.
Steve collided head-on with another young man who had his hands full of packages. The items scattered at the impact from
Steve’s body, sending their owner grabbing for them wildly.
“My god, I’m sorry!” Perry apologized as he scrambled to retrieve the items he’d knocked askew. “Here—let
me help you.”
The fellow allowed Steve’s help, then gathered his bags together to carry them to wherever he was headed. He swore
softly as a bus went flying past him on its route, and Steve realized that the fellow had been trying to catch a bus before
his collision with the singer.
“Damn, did I just make you miss your ride?” Steve apologized, feeling like a jerk.
“Yes,” the fellow nodded. “Oh, well, another one will be along in a half-hour.”
“Maybe so, but it’s my fault,” Steve insisted. “How about I treat you to lunch, then drive you home?”
he offered.
The guy stopped and got a good look at the singer, and his eyes widened in recognition. “My god—you’re
Steve Perry!” he realized.
Steve nodded. “That doesn’t mean I can go knocking people down with impunity,” he insisted. “Let
me buy you lunch.”
“Sure—I have time,” the guy agreed.
Steve offered to help carry some packages, and the fellow handed several over. Steve led the way to a little place he knew
of in the neighborhood. As they found a seat and settled in, Steve asked his new friend’s name.
“I’m Hugo—Hugo Pereira,” the fellow informed.
The name surprised Steve, and the singer got a better look at his new friend. Hugo was a dead ringer for Perry, to the point
where they could’ve been brothers or even twins. Hugo’s voice was also oddly like Steve’s, and Perry wondered
if he ever sang. He decided that he wanted to get to know this new friend better.
Steve took Hugo's hand, noticing the rainbow colored bracelet on his wrist. "Nice to meet you, Hugo,” he smiled.
The restaurant was a place Steve liked as well because they weren’t generally bothered there. Most of the patrons couldn’t
speak English, much less understand it. Once they’d ordered, they relaxed to enjoy a good conversation.
At least, Steve tried to relax. Hugo was visibly trembling from being in the presence of one of his idols. He tried to talk
but got tongue-tied at his attempts. Hugo decided to let Steve start the conversation.
Steve noticed Hugo’s difficulties with an amused look in his hazel eyes. He decided to try and make it easier on the
kid. “So, you’re Hugo Pereira, huh? Did you know that your last name is the same as my family name back in Portugal?”
he informed with a friendly smile. “Do you know what it means?” When Hugo shook his head, Steve informed, “
It means ‘pear tree’. I got called that a lot as a kid. That and ‘penguin’ because of my nose.
Or ‘beak’.”
“Kids can be so cruel,” Hugo nodded. “I got picked on because of my nose too.”
“Do you realize how much we look alike?” Steve noted. “We could almost be brothers.”
“Or cousins,” Hugo agreed. “I’ve often been mistaken for you at first. But I don’t think we
have the same color eyes. Mine are green.”
“Mine are hazel. Not brown but hazel,” Steve nodded. “Actually, you look like one of my cousins. Are
you sure you’re not related to me?”
“I wish,” Hugo sighed. “It’d be so great to be one of your cousins. Think of the fun we could have
confusing people.”
“Or worse,” Steve grinned. “I’m not above a little mischief myself.” He thought for a second.
“What sort of sports do you like to play?”
“Actually, I’m not a big sports fan,” Hugo admitted. “I like to run and work out, and I’m into
sword fighting and such. I like to ride motorcycles and hike. And go camping. I’m sort of an outdoorsman.”
Steve smiled inwardly. “Do you like to go sailing?” he asked.
“I love the water,” Hugo nodded. “I’ve never had the chance to go boating with anything bigger than
a speedboat.”
“How’d you like to see my boat?” Steve invited. “Maybe we could go sailing sometime.”
“What about your girlfriend?” Hugo asked—and was immediately sorry he’d brought up the woman’s
name. A dark shadow seemed to cloud Steve’s face. “I’m sorry—I didn’t’ mean to—“
“We’re no longer a couple,” Steve stated softly. “So you’d be more than welcome. You being
a guy wouldn’t be worried about breaking a fingernail,” he chuckled, making Hugo smile. “I like to go fishing
and the like. Want to catch some fish? I’m also a pretty good cook.”
“I’d love to, Steve,” Hugo nodded gratefully. “Gods, I should be doing something for you. Through
your music, you’ve saved my life.”
“You may end up saving mine in return one day,” Steve remarked softly. “So, I suppose you’re familiar
with my music, aren’t you? I’m just finishing up work on a solo project. I still have to do one more video—how’d
you like to be with me on the set? It’d be fun having you around.”
“Am I overstepping myself, or are you hinting that you’d like to do more than just treat me to lunch?” Hugo
asked hesitantly.
“I’d like to be friends with you, Hugo,” Steve admitted. “Right now, I need a good friend in my life.
You’re the perfect person to fill that gap.”
“Why? You don’t know much about me,” Hugo countered.
Steve smiled. “I’d like to know more. Much more.”
Unable to believe his good luck, Hugo nodded his consent.
They talked amicably as they ate, then Steve invited Hugo to come visit for the rest of the afternoon—at his house.
The place was too empty for Steve, even though he was a man who valued his privacy and quiet. He thought not of sex necessarily,
but of companionship. He knew Hugo was gay, and sensed that he didn’t have a lover. Even if he did, Steve wanted his
friendship. But something told Steve that Hugo was as lonely as he was.
Of course, when this invitation was offered, Hugo couldn’t believe his ears. Or his good luck. Steve was one of his
idols, and he loved the man more than he could express clearly in words. Even though Steve was heterosexual, not gay, as
far as Hugo could tell, just the chance to be friends with his idol was wonderful.
“I’d love to come visit, and go out on your boat with you sometime,” Hugo nodded vigorously. “I’d
love to go fishing and sailing.”
So they paid their tab, then Steve led the way out to his car. Hugo had taken BART downtown, so he had no car left to retrieve.
With Hugo’s consent, Steve headed across the Golden Gate and up to Mill Valley, then out of town toward Mount Tam.
They followed the winding, narrow road until they came to a gated two-story house, not an overly-large place. Steve keyed
the gate and went in. The gate shut behind them and they drove into the garage.
Steve got out and grabbed his things from the trunk. Hugo got out, then stood staring at the fancy, expensive motorcycle
and van inside the garage. Steve’s sports car seemed to fit right in. There was camping things and a handful of other
items one might find in such a place. But it was the bike that caught Hugo’s attention. It was big and beautiful and
black, and the most expensive beast he’d ever set eyes on. Hugo wanted to touch it, but was afraid to leave fingerprints
on the beautiful machine.
Steve noticed that Hugo’s attention was on his bike. “What, you’d like a ride?” he asked.
Hugo caught his breath. “Could we?” he barely breathed.
Steve smiled. “Sure—just let me put this stuff inside,” he agreed.
He took his things inside, then grabbed his leather bike jacket and headed back out to the garage. He approached the bike
and handed a helmet to Hugo, putting one on himself. Steve straddled the bike and backed it out of the garage, then invited
Hugo to join him. Still in awe, Hugo climbed on behind Steve, the place his lady used to occupy, and wrapped his arms around
Steve’s middle. Steve quivered just a bit, remembering others’ embrace. He felt Hugo’s warm body behind
him and he trembled, barely able to keep his mind on starting the bike. Gods, this might be difficult.
Steve finally got his head out of the clouds and kicked the bike starter. It roared to life, and Steve headed out with his
precious cargo. They went back into town, then out on highway 1 westward. After a winding road and beautiful drive, they
came to Muir Beach. It was just what Steve wanted, a perfect place for a nice long walk and time for another conversation.
Maybe a beach fire as well.
Steve parked and they got off, hanging their helmets on the handlebars. Steve had brought along a few munchies in case they
got hungry later. At first they decided to take a long walk and talk, so Steve led the way slowly along one of the paths
near the beach. They strolled along slowly, talking about some of their favorite things and where they were in life right
now. Steve mentioned how hurt he’d been from his latest partner’s infidelity and the subsequent breakup of their
relationship.
Hugo spoke of his life. He was a singer who emulated Steve in looks, voice, and mannerisms. And he looked almost like Steve’s
twin. He was about three years younger than Steve, and yes, he was gay. He didn’t have anyone special at the moment,
although he was looking. He hadn’t taken Steve up on all his offers because of that—he wasn’t trying to
hit on the singer. He just wanted to be friends.
Steve nodded, knowing that there was more to his motives than just that. Hugo didn’t want to pressure him because he
thought Steve was straight. He was—but if the right guy came along...
They found a place to make a fire, so together they gathered wood and with a splash of lighter fluid, caught the wood on fire.
They sat across from one another for a bit, watching the flames, until Steve retrieved the marshmallows, chocolate bars, and
graham crackers. They stuck the marshmallows on sticks and proceeded to roast them to their preferred doneness, then stuck
them inside a graham cracker and chocolate sandwich, squishing them together. Steve got a mischievous look on his face, then
approached Hugo and offered to feed him the concoction. Surprised, Hugo opened his mouth and took a big bite, then did the
same to Steve with the one he’d made. That was all Steve needed to know.
Perry sat beside his look-alike new friend, and they made sandwiches and fed each other. They got chocolate and marshmallow
on their faces and fingers, but neither man minded. They giggled at their mishaps, even burning their fingers slightly on
the hot candy. Steve was beginning to sense that Hugo might have feelings for him, no matter how carefully he controlled
them. He sensed that Hugo wanted to be more than a friend or fan, but was careful not to push too far too fast. He didn’t
want to screw up what he’d been granted—friendship with his rock star idol.
Steve took the initiative and sat beside Hugo for a bit after they’d finished with the marshmallow concoctions. It
was starting to get a bit dark, and they sat and watched the flames snap and crackle. Steve sensed that Hugo wanted to get
closer but didn’t dare, so Steve took the initiative. He leaned against his new friend and laid his head on Hugo’s
shoulder. Hugo froze, then stared at Steve for a moment, unsure. Steve wanted to make sure his intentions were taken correctly,
so he wrapped his arms around Hugo.
That was all that Pereira needed to know. He pulled Steve close and held him, kissing his forehead. Steve relaxed, seeing
that Hugo understood his intentions and was willing to reciprocate. They sat and snuggled for a while, watching the flames
and enjoying the closeness of each other. It was a relaxing time for Steve, who’d been tense for so long. Here was
peace and a person he could love, who wouldn’t judge him, who would be kind and compassionate, and who understood him.
Finally it got dark and the park was closing. Steve kicked sand over the fire and made sure it was out, then led Hugo back
up to his bike. They got settled and Steve fired it up, then they headed back inland. As Steve drove his mind was full of
a million things he wanted to tell Hugo about, so many things to share with him. He had a lifetime of things to tell him.
A short time later they were heading up the freeway toward Mill Valley. This time of night was no time to be taking Panoramic
Highway with all its twists and turns. They got into town, then headed out to Steve’s home. Nothing had been said
of Hugo staying any longer than a visit, but Steve had promised to show him his house, so soon they were pulling into his
garage.
They pulled off their helmets, then Steve gestured that Hugo was to follow him inside. Hugo’s eyes grew huge as he
entered his idol’s A-frame house. Steve lived simply but comfortably, evidence of his wealth not showing much of itself.
Steve asked if he was hungry, and Hugo nodded, so Steve headed into the kitchen to cook, inviting Hugo to have a look around.
While Steve was busy, Hugo saw that Steve had comfort but not luxury. He seemed to save his wealth, opting to live a bit
more simply. He had state-of-the-art entertainment items, a guitar in one corner and a keyboard in another. The house was
open in the living room, making it extend upstairs partially, with a railing along the upstairs walkway. It was beautiful
in a rustic sense, fitting the fact that there were many trees outside along the property. Upper windows gave the feeling
of skylights letting in light to both floors. There was a fireplace in the living room as well. It was quiet and cozy and
secure, fitting someone of Steve’s success.
In the den Hugo found Steve’s awards. The singer had on display not only those from his current success but also from
his earlier years, any awards his mother hadn’t squirreled away. Hugo was treated to photos of Steve in his earlier
bands, such as the Sullies and Pieces. Hugo smiled upon seeing his idol with short hair.
His idol with long hair came looking for him, telling him dinner was ready. Hugo followed him back in to the dining room,
which Steve had set up in preparation. Hugo sat down at the table across from Steve, who allowed him to serve himself first.
It was a quick meal of spaghetti, corn, a green salad, and garlic bread. Being a vegetarian, Steve had used such in the sauce,
hoping his guest wouldn’t mind.
Hugo was so hungry he never noticed. Nor would he have cared. He was so star-struck at being in the home of one of his idols
that Steve could’ve served cat food and he wouldn’t have cared. Hugo was starting to get to know Steve, and the
more he knew the more he liked him. Steve seemed to be a crazy, intelligent, nice guy that Hugo wouldn’t dream of screwing
him over or hurting him. Steve seemed genuinely upset over the loss of his latest partner, and Hugo just hoped that Steve
wasn’t using him on the rebound. Somehow, Hugo sensed that he wasn’t. There was something deeper about Steve
and the way he acted toward Hugo, something that went very deeply into his soul. Hugo had only known Steve for a few hours,
but it was as if he’d known him a lifetime.
The food was good, and Hugo ate well. He hadn’t realized that being out on the ocean could really give you an appetite.
A small glass of red wine washed down the meal, then the two men retired to the den to relax.
“This is really a nice place, Steve,” Hugo offered. “So quiet and peaceful.”
“You haven’t met the terrible beast that used to rule this place,” Steve grinned.
“The what?”
“The’s cat. My ex took her with her. She was a Siamese cat that ruled the roost,” Steve explained. “It’s
just the same—I’m so busy I wouldn’t have time to take care of her.”
“You ever go back to the Valley and where you grew up?” Hugo asked.
Steve nodded. “I used to go out there a lot. Right now I’m dealing with my mom being ill and all. Everytime
I go out there it upsets me. Too many painful memories.”
“I’m sorry,” Hugo said. “That must be rough on you.”
“That’s why losing my ex is so hard to deal with right now as well,” Steve explained. “Since my mom
has been ill, it’s been too hard to deal with seeing all the old places again.”
Hugo nodded in sympathy. “You must be very close to her,” he offered.
“Extremely,” Steve nodded. “She was the one who kept up my spirits during the lean years, who insisted
I go with Journey, who helped me all the times I fell. She used to take me around the Valley to gigs when I was younger.
She was even my manager at one point. She’s encouraged me and helped me all along. I owe her my career, much less
my life. The thought that I’d lose her….”
Pain seemed to wrack Steve’s face and body despite his efforts to control it. Suddenly he buried his face in his hands,
his body shaking with silent tears. Hugo came over and put his arms around his new friend, drawing him close. He held Steve
and told him to just let go, that it was okay. He was there for Steve and the singer could just let go if he needed to.
Through his tears Steve comprehended and let go, sobbing bitterly and yet in grief. The thought that he’d just lost
his lover and might lose his mother was simply too much for Steve. He couldn’t hold back any longer.
Hugo simply held Steve and let him vent his emotions. He really liked this young man whom he’d looked up to for so
long, and here he was holding him while he cried. It was a special person who was granted such an honor, and Hugo felt very
privileged. He vowed to never hurt Steve and make him cry such as he was doing over his girlfriend. Steve was simply too
special of a person for such a thing.
Gradually Steve calmed, and Hugo stroked his long hair, kissing his forehead. “It’s okay, Steve—I’m
here for you, for as long as you need me to be,” he assured. “I won’t leave you.” And then he let
it slip out without meaning to just yet—“I love you, Steve.”
Steve clutched Hugo’s shirt tighter as he fought for control, then finally looked up at his new friend. Hugo didn’t
hesitate—he bent and kissed Steve on the mouth. He didn’t care if Steve was hetero or not—Hugo loved him.
He loved him even after getting to know him a bit. He didn’t care what Steve’s problems were, whether or not
he left dirty socks on the floor, or forgot to recap the toothpaste. All that was nothing to Hugo—he wanted Steve,
good and bad habits all.
Steve returned the kiss, then put his arms around Hugo and held him close as he kissed him more deeply. Hugo turned so that
he was lying on the couch, pulling Steve down on top of him. They lay snuggled together for a while, glad to be with one
another. Steve rested his head on Hugo’s muscular chest and listened to his heart beating, slow, steady beats, unlike
his own rapid ones. Steve wanted Hugo, wanted to feel him the way he had his ex. He wanted to make love to him, to feel
him inside his own body, to be able to give Hugo pleasure. But he didn’t want to scare him away by moving too quickly.
It wasn’t all he wanted of Hugo, and he didn’t want him to think that was all Steve wanted of him.
Steve shut his hazel eyes and relaxed. “You make me feel loved, Hugo—something I haven’t felt in a very
long while,” he remarked softly.
Hugo stared at him. “I thought your ex—“
Steve shook his head. “No. Not for some time,” he insisted. “She was in love with my money in the end.
She’d been having an affair for quite some time, yet she expected me to be faithful while out on the road. I was, all
the while she was fooling around behind my back.” He gave vent to a short chuckle. “Here she has the guy millions
of girls would kill for, and she throws it all away. I’d have given her the moon, and she screws me over. Six years
of my live wasted.”
“Well, I don’t want to pressure you, but I’m willing to help fill the void you now have in your life, if
you like,” Hugo offered. “I’m only a guy, and I can’t give you what she could, but I can still be
your friend.”
Steve looked up at him. “Hugo, let me explain something—I’m not gay. I was raised a Catholic, and they
brand that sort of thing a terrible sin. But you know, the experiences I’ve had recently have taught me that you should
love who you love—and gender be damned. God will forgive me for loving a man, if that man is a special one. And I
know that you’re that man, Hugo,” Steve emphasized.
Hugo stared at Steve for a moment, unable to believe what he’d just heard. Loved him? But they’d just met!
How could Steve be so sure? Yet the confidence in his voice proved it. Steve loved him, Hugo Pereira. It was something
Hugo never in his life would’ve believed. Yet here he was, in Steve Perry’s house, holding the superstar singer
and hearing the words from the man’s own lips. It was enough to make Hugo almost pass out.
Finally Hugo found his voice. “Steve, you’re the greatest performer ever, at least in my book,” he said.
“I consider it an honor to be here in your home, holding you as a friend and a lover. I care too much for you to ever
hurt you. I love you too, and not just for what you are. I want to learn how to pleasure you, to make you happy, to be your
best friend. You be who and what you want, and I’ll be there to support you. I love you.”
Steve kissed his new lover once again, then led him into the bedroom….
ON TO PART 2
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