Date: Wed, 31 Oct 2007 07:19:10 -0700 (PDT)
From: firehose Joe <firehosejoe@yahoo.com>
Subject: To Thine Own Self Be True: Chapter 13

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

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

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

From the previous chapter:

He held the tiara and let the light play remembering days long
gone. Quietly, perhaps reverently, he replaced the tiara and secured the
lid.

"Father, thank you. This has been difficult for both of us. I do not mean,
in any way, to appear unappreciative. It is just too much to deal with
right now. Please forgive me for saying goodnight"

"Goodnight son. I understand more fully than you know. Sleep well. I'll see
you in the morning.

Chapter 13

As the days grew shorter and Christmas approached, both Alejandro and
Salvador kept themselves occupied with classes and work. Alejandro found
studying much easier in the quiet of his home. During the final weeks
before exams, he wished his roommate an early Merry Christmas, explaining
that for the duration he'd be at home at night.

There was a strange comfort that surrounded him. Quickly he fell into the
rhythms of rising early, heading for the gym and getting in his daily
exercise before class. Having told Jase of his plans, he paid him through
December and refused the protests he offered at the payment for time they
would not work. He often saw Charles at the gym and waved a
greeting. Neither had pressed to resume their Sunday dinners and Alejandro
was comfortable leaving it that way.

During the reading days, prior to exams, Alejandro came home for breakfast
after his workouts. This time for him was not a frantic rush to the finish
as it was for many of his acquaintances. His papers had been completed,
final projects reviewed and all he needed to do was study for his exams.

At lunch, the second day he was home, the housekeeper after clearing the
dishes quietly asked if they were going to need assistance putting up a
tree. It was as if Alejandro's eyes were suddenly opened. In previous
years, Isabella had managed all of the decorating and entertaining. The
house was barren of anything that suggested Christmas. "Let me talk to my
father and perhaps we will put up a tree this year after all." he
responded.

That evening while they were sharing a glass of wine before dinner,
Alejandro broached the subject with his father. He was greeted with a deep
sigh and a look of sadness. Alejandro felt a stab of pain that he had
dredged up another page of memories for his father. "I supposed we must"
Salvador replied, "but I don't have it in me to make it happen." He looked
expectantly at Alejandro.

"Father," he said laughing, "any tree I decorate will be a disaster but I
imagine the housekeeper will be of great assistance. I'll take care of
it. I will ask you to join me in putting on the family decorations." Seeing
his father about to sadly object, Alejandro pressed on. "It was
Grandmamma's favorite activity during the whole season. We can do it and
think of her." Salvador nodded his agreement and they went to dinner.

During dinner Salvador broached a topic that had been worrying
him. "Alejandro, every year for decades, we have hosted the Christmas party
for Senior Management and their staff. I know they are wondering what this
year will bring. I am seriously considering a catered luncheon and giving
out bonuses there. What do you think?"

Alejandro tried to put himself in his father's place. If it were he
responsible for the event, there would be no questions. Tradition would
change. With no wife to help manage and entertain such a large gathering it
would be an untenable plan. Together, he and his father might pull it off
but there would be no joy in it.

"Father, the decision is yours and I will support you in every way I can if
you decide to maintain the tradition. You asked my opinion, though. I
believe that showing appreciation for your staff is important, not only at
Christmas but throughout the year. This you've modeled for me since I began
working with you and Granddad. The staff will understand and it will give
you a logical transition away from a large house party if that's your
desire."

"Then it is decided. I was uncomfortable that you might feel another thing
had been taken from you. I am relieved not to have to face that ordeal."
As dinner continued they talked of many things relating to work and
school. Finally Salvador broached the subject of Alejandro's thoughts about
how to spend the days immediately around Christmas this year. "If you like
we can put a brave face on all of it and follow the traditions of years
past. Or perhaps there might be other options you'd like to consider."

This was unlike his father. Though he tried not to think of it often, he
was aware that Salvador, though competent and able to accomplish most any
task that the businesses or family responsibilities required; he was
primarily a follower. Without being told, Alejandro knew the enormous
pressure and stress on his father of suddenly being solely responsible for
both family and business. It had become a source of concerned observation.

If his father was going to offer an alternative to their established
Christmas patterns, Alejandro was keenly interested. Tentatively he asked,
"Did you have anything particular in mind, Father?"

"You remember our conversation regarding the European division in our Real
Estate Department. I've had one of the managers do some research on the
German properties in particular. He was quite thorough and gave me his
report today. I, um,"

Alejandro smiled and nodded his encouragement.

"Well," he paused again, "there are three resorts well located that offer
skiing as well as a wide variety of other activities. He contacted each
manager and asked them to make available a suite for our use should we
decide to travel over the holidays this year." Salvador watched for
Alejandro's reaction, his face a mixture of hope and concern. Salvador,
relieved that he'd at least broached the idea, rushed on.

"I was thinking that you might not want to spend an extended amount of time
with just me. No, don't protest," he said as he saw Alejandro begin to
object, "You'd have lots more energy than I. I was hoping you might have a
friend who would enjoy accompanying us. What do you think?" Unconsciously
Salvador took in a breath and held it in anticipation.

Alejandro was both amused and surprised. He realized that seldom had his
father made plans and suggestions without the prompting of others. He
quickly responded, "That is a fantastic idea, Father. I've a thousand
questions. Should I talk to the gentleman who did the research?"

Salvador smiled at Alejandro's enthusiasm and said, "Considering that they
will be your properties by the time we return home, I think that is a good
idea." The remainder of dinner was filled with discussing all the things
they might want to consider doing and seeing.

"I know its short notice but do you know whom you would like to invite,
son?" Salvador asked. He added, "Remember they will need a passport."

"I thought I'd ask Frederick first. Do you remember he's my friend who was
so helpful when Grandmamma and Granddad died?"

"He seemed a nice fellow and you two got along well. Seems a good choice to
me." Salvador replied.

Immediately after dinner Alejandro called Frederick and asked if he could
come by the apartment.

"Don't plan to take long you horn dog. I've got important stuff to do ya
know." Frederick said as he laughed.

Alejandro arrived shortly after and when Frederick heard the news, he was
nearly dumbstruck by the invitation. He'd not often been out of state but
that didn't mean he wasn't ready to pack and go.

"You need a passport, Frederick." Alejandro said with some concern.

Frederick looked at him and smiled his crooked smile. "You're not the only
Boy Scout with the motto of be prepared."

Alejandro looked puzzled. Frederick laughed out loud, "Alex you've really
got to get out more. You know `Boy Scouts', `be prepared'. It seems that
things don't change. I've still got to teach you everything. And yes I have
a passport. Have you guys finalized details?"

"No and I've got so much to tell you. Not tonight though. You're got to try
to not disgrace yourself with your exams. Think you'll be able to graduate
this year or will it take one more?" Alejandro kidded him.

"I've got to hit the books hard and this won't help, damn it! But thanks,
wow! I'll have to call you tomorrow to make sure I didn't dream it. Now get
the hell out of here and let me try to study!" Frederick ordered.

Alejandro seemed to float. With all the pressure and change he'd had to
deal with, this was an unanticipated and very welcome gift. As he drove
home he began to make a mental list of his questions and determined to
discover what resources might be available beyond what the Real Estate
Division would have.

Alejandro's exam began at 9 a.m. He was finished in less than two hours and
a bit disappointed with the difficulty. Perhaps the professor had plans for
the holiday but the multiple choice format was not challenge albeit easy to
grade. None the less, he was glad to be free to begin planning the
Christmas holiday.

The manager of the European properties was little help. He had the name,
location, contact information for the three properties. There was a brief
paragraph about each location that gave less than cursory detail. Gathering
the information available, he called one of the better travel agencies in
town and made an appointment with the manager.

The name Algara opened doors. He told the Director of Tours, as the man
styled himself, he needed information. After explaining briefly the
situation, he said wouldn't be using their agency for booking anything
except the flight in that their reservations were already made. He alluded
to a majority share of ownership and said he would weigh the information
received and if accurate would give an exclusive discounted rate to the
agency for a year to the resorts he named.

The Director was at first dubious but when the information included contact
information for the managing director of each resort; he quickly saw an
opportunity to make money. Alejandro left with brochures, contact
information for skiing, tour guides, and automotive service for both rent
and hire. From there he went to the library and researched each resort
area. Satisfied with his work, he bought a current set of maps of Germany
and went home to study for the next exam and to digest the travel
information.

At dinner, Alejandro told Salvador of his efforts and he seemed pleased
with his enthusiasm and suggested that Alejandro continue planning. Again,
Alejandro called Frederick to see if he had time to talk about the
trip. Nagging at the back of his mind was the role of passive participation
that Salvador had assumed. He shrugged it off considering it typical of his
father's way of dealing with things.

Frederick had categories of questions for Alejandro, many of which
Alejandro had not even considered. By the end of the evening, Alejandro had
marshaled the available information and with their combined notes had a
list of tasks and questions that needed answers.

Again at dinner he broached some of the significant questions that
Frederick had raised. Salvador's response, though warm and encouraging
offered no help. He agreed that some decisions needed to be made soon but
didn't seem like he intended to manage any of the details. Finally
Alejandro, trying to hide his frustration said, "Father, I imagine you've
been more occupied than I had realized with business and family
matters. Would it be easier if we took the same tack we used last summer?"

That seemed to help Salvador focus. "Your presumption is correct. I'm being
pulled in several ways. The school is trying to finalize the announcements,
our legal team has a myriad of details needing my attention, and we are at
the end of our fiscal year. I apologize for not being more attentive to the
details. Now tell me, what you are suggesting."

Alejandro sensed that Salvador would go along with most any reasonable plan
presented him. "Father, I'm suggesting that I outline the major tasks
needing attention and organize them loosely as a plan of operation with
timetables, costs and all pertinent information attached. The only thing
missing would be a profit loss estimate. I can start on it tonight and
begin taking action as soon as you have a chance to review the information
-- as soon as tomorrow, I hope."

Salvador, relieved that the beginnings of a plan was in place, concurred
and let conversation drift to a variety of subjects. As soon as they had
finished their dinner, Alejandro went to his room. After reviewing for the
next day's exam, he began to rough out and prioritize the various tasks
needing to be accomplished. Not wanting to interrupt Frederick with a
visit, he called him and checked to see if he'd forgotten anything
important.

During the next few days, with the help of his secretary from the summer
before and the Director of Tours he'd contacted, Alejandro arranged for
airline tickets and contacted each of the managers by phone. He was
relieved that in each case there was at least rudimentary skill with
English and they had been impressed with his German. It boded well for a
successful trip.

He had the secretary prepare a detailed itinerary. At the weekend, he sat
his father down and went over all the particulars. It would be a two week
tour. They would only use two of the resorts. Added to the itinerary was a
trip at New Years to Vienna with a visit to the Schoenbrunn. The next day
they would travel to Innsbruck for a day of touring and skiing in the
Austrian Alps. Flying into Frankfort and out of Munich they would use the
Eurail as well as rented cars with drivers. On their travel leg home,
Alejandro proposed stopping in London to visit one of their properties just
outside the city.

Alejandro included lists of activities and points of interest that he hoped
his father might enjoy. There were unending activities that he Frederick
wanted to do and see. Salvador was pleased with the thoroughness of the
plan, and Alejandro secretly suspected his father was relieved. Frederick's
parents had agreed with reservation. Neither had traveled but with the
itinerary and phone numbers, including specific instructions on how to call
internationally, they had an early Christmas.

Early on December 23 the men took off from O'Hare to begin their
adventure. When they reached their destination just out of an old Roman
outpost, Trier, they were exhausted. The suite was spacious and
comfortable. Salvador had the master bedroom and the boys shared the
other. They waited until Salvador's back was turned to grin at each other
in anticipation of sharing a double bed.

After a light meal and bottle of wine from room service, Salvador said
goodnight. The boys were too keyed up to sleep despite their
exhaustion. They told the night registrar and guard that they were going to
walk off their dinner and explored the grounds and gardens, shrouded in
snow. Neither had dressed appropriately and were soon back in their
rooms. Salvador was snoring gently as they listened at his door.

In their room they quickly undressed each other. Familiar with pleasure
points they fell into the bed. With shared urgency they pinched, rubbed,
bit and licked each other's erogenous zones. Soon Alejandro reached for
lube and quickly let his aching muscle find its target. It had been weeks
since he and Frederick had shared a bed and both were needy in their desire
for release. As they began thrusting against each other in earnest, the bed
began to hit the wall. They both froze and then tried to stifle their
laughter.

Neither was willing to be denied the release of their pent up
cum. Alejandro got up, grabbed a sheet and they resumed their athletic
coupling on the floor. Before long both had freed themselves of copious
amounts of cum. As Alejandro lay atop Frederick slowly humping out the last
of his juice, he continued to tongue wrestle his friend until Frederick
pulled away and said, "There will be more time for this, Dude. I promise
but we've got to get some sleep."

Grateful for their own bathroom, they carefully cleaned themselves and
brushed their teeth. Wearing briefs and Ts they fell asleep moments after
their heads hit the pillows. Christmas Eve dawned with a light snow
falling. After a typical German breakfast of rolls and coffee at the hotel,
they arranged transportation with the concierge and set out to explore the
town.

Finding a bank, they went in to exchange their dollars for marks. Both
Alejandro's exchanged two thousand. Frederick held back and went to the
window alone and exchanged fifty dollars. Pulling Alejandro aside at his
first opportunity, he said, "Dude we both know we're not in the same league
and I'm comfortable with that. I really appreciate the trip and all but my
money is very limited. Hope you'll understand if I keep a tight rein on my
spending."

Seeing his father occupied reading information on an historic building,
Alejandro told him they'd meet him at the corner. Out of earshot Alejandro
said, "Look Frederick, we've talked about this. If we were back at the U
we'd pay our own way like always. I've dragged your ass across an ocean so
we could have fun. Use you dough for souvenirs. I'll cover everything
else."

"Well, I hear ya, Alex but I'm gonna need some warmer clothes I'm
afraid. And I was hoping to find you a Christmas gift today. The money's
not going to last long." Frederick said with a bit of a sigh.

"I know you're uncomfortable but remember you're the one helping me out
here. I love my father but after a day and a half I'd be more than ready
for home. Don't look at prices. Get what you want. That goes for snacks,
the `more' than occasional beer," he said with a grin, "clothes or anything
like that, let me know and I'll tell Father that we're going shopping."
Alejandro said, trying not to plead for understanding.

"Ok, that's the last you'll hear from me about money till I need some cash
in my pocket. Now let's find some warm socks. My feet are freezing."
Frederick said with a smile.  They all enjoyed visiting the shops and each
made purchases. They particularly liked the kind of ankle boots that many
men were wearing and the two guys purchased some. The rolls and coffee had
served to tide their hunger for the morning but soon they were hungry
again. After a hearty lunch and some dark beer, Salvador excused himself to
go rest and read.

Frederick and Alejandro roamed the streets and visited the Roman
ruins. Finding an information kiosk they dug through brochures and planned
the remainder of their stay. Time after time, Frederick appreciated
Alejandro's facility with the language. Asking him about it, Alejandro
answered, "Grandmamma started me while I was still in the nursery. She kept
it up. Now, don't be too impressed. I can easily follow most simple
conversations and can get my way in and out of stores and restaurants but
anything complex and I'm lost."

Finding a bookstore that had books other than German, both boys went
in. While Alejandro was browsing, Frederick found a nicely bound book
illustrated with Christmas pictures. While Alejandro wasn't looking he went
to the shop keeper and paid for it. Leather bound, made with fine paper,
and filled with beautiful colored lithographs, Frederick hoped it would
please Alex. He'd escaped without Alex's notice and was pleased.

After a beer and some pretzels mid afternoon they decided to head back to
the hotel. They arranged for a car at the information kiosk and were soon
back at the hotel. They met Salvador as they were walking in the lobby. He
was heading out for a walk and they agreed to meet an hour later in the
solarium and discuss plans for dinner.

As they closed the suite door behind them, both boys were beginning to
strip. "I let you off easy last night, Dude. I'm planning to drain you dry
this afternoon. Get naked!" Frederick said with a lusty gleam in his eyes.

Alejandro grabbed the sheet and duvet and put them on the floor. Frederick
went to the bathroom and retrieved a towel as insurance against what he
knew would be a lusty and messy session. Throwing the towel on the floor,
Frederick reached for Alejandro and pulled him for a deep groping tongue
session. As they tongue wrestled their hands roamed and probed each other's
body. Alejandro felt his cock surge as Frederick took both nips and roughly
pinched and twisted them.

Alejandro grabbed Frederick's muscled glutes and began to pound their dicks
together. They both were close and pushed it to the edge when Frederick
suddenly pushed Alejandro back. Looking at him with unabated lust,
Frederick reached over and twisted Alejandro's nip and said, "Bet you wanna
fuck me, don't you?"

"Get your ass on the floor." Alejandro responded, his voice husky with
anticipation.

Frederick quickly lay on his back and lifted his knees. Grabbing his glutes
with his hands, he spread his cheeks making the rosy pucker
visible. Watching Alejandro stare, Frederick wiggled his ass a little and
said "See something you want, big boy? Come and get it but you're gonna
have to work for it."

Alejandro straddled Frederick. Shoving his tongue into his mouth, Alejandro
began his attack on Frederick's erogenous areas. Soon the boy was squirming
under Alejandro's skillful manipulation. Frederick thought to himself that
Alejandro was more than an apt student and had learned his craft well
during their sessions in his bed. Frederick rolled Alejandro to his back
and began his own assault. Intuitive to a fault, Frederick could read
Alejandro's body and knew just when to back off to ease his building
pressure for release.

When Frederick finally pulled Alejandro back on top of him, Alejandro was
occasionally whimpering amidst his groans of pleasure and building
desire. Reaching for the lube, Alejandro roughly prepared Frederick's chute
and with a cursory swipe at his own muscle, Alejandro placed his leaking
cock head against the familiar target and pushed it home in one
lunge. Frederick's head rolled back in pleasure as he clamped his ass ring
tightly around Alejandro's throbbing tube. Reaching around Alejandro's
hips, Frederick locked his ankles.

Mike had been right on the money when he said that the two of them were a
good fit. While Mike was interested only in getting his nuts off, Alejandro
liked to fully engage in the foreplay. He enjoyed letting Frederick share
the dominant role as they explored and at times baited each other. They
knew how to build on each other's desire until Alejandro reached that point
when he had to release. It was then he was at his best for Frederick.

Alejandro's thrusting was varied and intended to give both of them maximum
pleasure. It was how Frederick had taught him. What was at the same time
gratifying and a little amusing to Frederick was Alejandro's single minded
focus once he began their coupling. All his energy and attention centered
in the act of building toward a shared climax. Frederick wasn't even sure
Alejandro was aware of it but it made him one of the most satisfying sex
partners Frederick had ever known.

Frederick, attuned to Alejandro's sounds and physical reactions knew just
when to help him complete the act. He pulled himself tighter into
Alejandro's body and rhythmically tightened his muscle ring. As he felt
Alejandro's shaft swell just before orgasm, Frederick clamped down hard. It
threw them both into that place of release that battling had helped them to
attain. Their bodies' continued to writhe against each other as their
thrusting began to abate. Finally Alejandro lay quietly atop Frederick and
whispered softly, "I am so very glad you're here with me."

For a moment more they rested. Separating finally, Alejandro leaned down
and let his tongue taste Frederick's rich flavor as his nose inhaled the
aroma of their sex. Frederick dragged his finger through his own cum and
took it to his own mouth, sucking the finger somewhat noisily. "It is good,
isn't it? Now get off of me and let's take a shower together."

They found Salvador reading in the solarium. Across the hall was a darkly
paneled room with a huge fireplace and a lively blaze adding both warmth
and a seasonal ambiance to the room. In both rooms there were small groups
of people enjoying each other and the sight of snow falling on Christmas
Eve. A waiter approached with flutes of champagne. When Alejandro asked,
the waiter replied in German that it was a tradition of the house and that
there would be champagne at their holiday breakfast in the morning.

While Alejandro and his father talked, Frederick went in search of some
help with wrapping paper. When the clerk doing paper work didn't seem to
understand he signaled that Frederick should wait. A young man, Hans, came
to the desk and understood his request and found what Frederick needed. The
curly blond hair and intense blue eyes sparkled with mischief and
invitation. Frederick noticed the tight fit uniform. Hans' broad shoulders
tapered to a narrow waist. With limited English he tried to chat and
welcome Frederick. When Frederick offered his hand in thanks, Hans held it
and squeezed it before letting it go. Frederick stood for a moment; eyes
locked with Hans, then licked his lips and watched as Hans repeated the
gesture. Yeah, he was one of the gang for sure. He couldn't wait to tell
Alejandro.

Excusing himself from the other two, he raced back to the room. Inscribing
the front piece with "I've always got your back.  Merry Christmas '64."
Frederick hid the book in his suitcase. Returning to the solarium,
Frederick found his friend engrossed in a news paper. Saying he just wanted
to wander for a while, Alejandro smiled and waved him on.

He made his way back to the desk. Things were quiet at the moment. The
resort was full and everyone was occupied for the moment so Frederick hoped
Hans would have enough English facility that they could flirt a
little. With halting speech and hand gestures Frederick confirmed that Hans
was gay, that he had tomorrow off and would like to meet Frederick's
friend. Pointing to his watch he suggested that they meet in the lobby at 3
p.m. and Hans would show them the area.

Aside from missing his traditional family gathering for dinner and Midnight
Mass, Frederick could not have been happier. He rejoined Salvador and
Alejandro and the three of them followed the sound of Christmas music. In
the library, located in a wing of the resort a man was sitting at a grand
piano and playing carols. There were several people standing around the
piano singing familiar carols. The three joined in with the English lyrics
and were met with smiles.

During the singing, people wandered in and out. The warm friendly
atmosphere of sharing their holiday seemed to permeate the resort. After a
while, the three left to change for dinner. It was to be a festive buffet
and holiday attire would be expected. Alejandro and Frederick dressed in
blazers and turtle neck shirts. Salvador was more formal in a suit and tie.

The meal was a veritable feast for all the senses. A large tree commanded
the view from the corner. The serving tables were laden with traditional
foods of the holiday. In a bay window looking out over the skating rink,
surrounded by snow laced conical shaped fir trees a string quartet quietly
played classical music. The mood in the room was mellow and
convivial. Waiters kept the wine and water glasses full. When the three had
sampled desserts from each others plates they agreed it was one of the
memorable Christmas Eve dinners of their life.

When Alejandro suggested a walk might help settle dinner, all agreed. They
went up to dress for the snowy, windy weather. The guys put on their boots
and Salvador admired them wishing he'd gotten a pair. Bundled in scarves,
gloves and other outer gear they walked for more than an hour along snow
covered walkways and along the woody edge of the property. Sporadic
conversation soon led to a silent camaraderie as each lost in his own
thoughts heard the snow crunch beneath their boots. Making a full circle
they were soon in sight of the main building and agreed that a brandy and
sleep were in order.

They trooped to their room and stripped out of their damp winter
gear. Joining others in the large paneled room with the fire place, they
ordered their brandies and watched the fire as they chatted about
Christmases past, favorite memories. Each told a story of a special memory
and a favorite gift. Refilling their brandy glasses they toasted each other
and all who had gone before and let the warmth of the company and room
bathe them.

Salvador yawned largely and apologizing excused himself to go to
bed. Frederick had waited for such an opportunity to tell Alejandro of Hans
and their proposed meeting. "Do you think your father will mind if we
traipse off mid afternoon?"

"My growing inclination is that he is as glad you are here as I am. He's
never been one to `pal around'. I can't remember a time we roughhoused or
rode horses. He never hunted or fished. I enjoyed the golf games we shared
but they were infrequent. I'm not looking for pity, mind you, just telling
you why I think it will be cool with him if we enjoy an afternoon away."
Alejandro said and smiled.

"Dad and I agreed that presents for each other would be superfluous. I hope
you don't mind that I didn't get one for you either." Alejandro said
hesitantly after some silence as they watched the fire burning down.

"Naw, that's fine. This is the trip of a life time and you think I'm
expecting a present too!" Frederick laughed hoping he held the trump card
for Christmas morning. "I'm not quite buzzed and am wondering," he
continued with a whisper, "if another brandy would give you a limp dick. If
it does I'm cutting you off now!" They both laughed and had a final round
before going to their room.

They awoke to a gentle knocking on their door. "Yes?" answered Alejandro.

Salvador replied, "I ordered coffee so we could enjoy a leisurely morning
before going down to the restaurant for their buffet. Christmas lunch will
be served at 1:30 so I thought we might want to get an earlier start on the
day to work off some of the calories we intend to inhale."

"Intend to inhale?" Alejandro whispered to Frederick. That's the least
formal thing I've ever heard him try to say. They laughed silently, got up
and pulled on jeans and sweaters and went to get a cup of dark rich coffee.

It had continued to snow on and off during the night but had cleared near
dawn. The sunlight on the snow pack was dazzling. The limbs of the trees
looked just like Christmas cards. They enjoyed each other's company and the
scenery with only occasional comment. Finally Frederick decided to present
his gift.

Excusing himself, he went and retrieved the book and returned with it
behind his back. Making a brief speech to Salvador and Alejandro, thanking
them for their generosity in inviting him on the trip, Frederick looked at
Alejandro for a moment.

"It's been a great year and a half Alex. I can't begin to tell you how
lucky I feel that we met and became friends. I hope this book has words you
can read, Dude. I can't make heads or tails of it but the pictures are
pretty." Frederick laughed as he handed Alejandro the book.

Alejandro ripped the paper and felt the leather binding and thumbed the
pages stopping to enjoy the colored lithographs. He handed the book to
Salvador. He inspected the binding, looked at the copyright date, and
looked at Frederick with respect. "Where did you find this treasure?" he
asked.

Frederick went through the story quickly and waited for the other shoe to
fall. "This is a first edition and a beautifully crafted piece of
literature. Can you read any of the titles Alejandro?"

Alejandro took the book and began to translate as best he could. It seemed
that the book was filled with original folk tales that all three men had
grown up with, of course, in the American renditions. Alejandro was truly
thrilled with the gift. All he could do at the moment was to thank
Frederick and give him a warm handshake. He saw Frederick's crooked smile
playing at the corners of his mouth and knew he was having a bit of fun
with his awkwardness in the moment.

Soon after, they all went to the Christmas breakfast buffet. Once again the
tables were laden with traditional German pastries, meats, and cheeses in
beautiful array. Champaign was flowing and everyone was in a festive
mood. Down the hall in the paneled great room a brass quartet played
traditional carols and other favorites. The sound was another pleasant
layer for the senses to absorb on the festive occasion.

After breakfast, Salvador suggested another stroll around the property to
enjoy the crystal clear sky, bite of the wind and the drifted snow. Finally
dressed for their outing, Alejandro and Frederick tried to pelt each other
with snowballs that simply refused to hold together. Instead they just
heaped armloads of the frozen crystals toward each other and finally ended
up wrestling playfully in the snow. Salvador watched them with an equal
measure of envy and curiosity. Such playfulness had never been a part of
his growing up. He felt a vague sadness as he watched the freedom with
which the boys played.

When they returned to the main lobby a group was forming for a hike up a
nearby hill that provided a view of the surrounding valleys. Salvador
begged off. The boys hurried up and changed into dry clothes and just
caught the tail of the group as they disappeared into the woods. It was a
vigorous hike and all seemed well suited to maintaining a good pace. The
view was all that had been promised. By the time they returned to the
resort it was time to change for the mid day feast.

When all the Christmas feasting was done Salvador was glad the boys were
meeting Hans for an afternoon of exercise. Hans explained to Salvador with
the help of some translation that it was a tradition in the countryside
around Trier that families and groups went bobsledding. The trails had been
groomed mid day and at night they would be torch lit. It was something few
saw other than the locals.

Hans hoped Salvador would let him play host to Alejandro and Frederick on
this special night. He went on to explain that there would be mulled wine
and lager to quench their thirst from the demanding climbs to the top of
the runs. At the end of the evening they could stay with him and his
friends for a traditional over night at a farmhouse in the valley. There
would be singing, toasting the bounty of Father Christmas and a general
good time. Hans promised that he had to be at work by 6 a.m. on the day
following so they would be back in time for any planned activities.

One look at the guys and Salvador knew what they wanted to go. Needs
explanation Hans, Frederick and Alejandro rushed up to their room to gather
suitable clothes. When they met Salvador again, he said his goodbyes and
wished them a wonderful evening.

With Alejandro's help occasionally translating, the three of them laughed
and reveled in the fact that they had discovered one another. Hans promised
that the evening sledding would be an experience of a lifetime and that the
friends that gathered were a friendly group. As he said this he smiled
indicating that there would be many men who enjoyed the same things and it
would be an evening of sharing.

For Chicago boys, sledding is something seen in pictures. The hills they
saw when they arrived in the valley some miles from Trier looked like
mountains to Frederick and Alejandro. Hans encouraged them to claim some
sleeping place with their duffels of clothes. They noticed clothes lines
were strung and some sweaters and pants were drying out already.

Soon they were on the slopes, with shovels and rakes in hand, helping to
groom the runs. They met families, singles, men and women, young and
old. It did seem to truly be an event in which all participated. As the
light began to fade, Hans led them down a path to a gathering place. A huge
stew pot was bubbling over an open fire, the smells of food and wood smoke
wafting up the mountain. Hans encouraged them to join and mingle. He
introduced them to his friends, some of whom had limited facility with
English. Before the impromptu supper of stew, crusty bread with butter,
cheese and German beer was complete, the guys felt completely at home.

Several of the young men had promised to show them the necessary rules for
controlling a bobsled and indicated, with broad smiles, that they would be
spending the night in the farmhouse also. The knowing smile that passed
between these men made Alejandro feel his cock stir. Frederick was on point
for some of the men. He just looked at Alejandro and grinned saying, "Alex
it's going to be a long and totally cool night."



A writer's peculiar food and drink are the comments of his reader. Feel
free to share your thoughts with me.  firehosejoe@yahoo.com