Date: Tue, 6 Nov 2007 07:33:22 -0800 (PST)
From: firehose Joe <firehosejoe@yahoo.com>
Subject: to thine own self be true chapter 14

"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:

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."

Chapter 14

For Chicago boys, sledding was 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. When they arrived at the farmhouse,
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."

Chapter 14

When twilight had completely faded and the sky was a dome of stars a cheer
went up as the first torches were lit atop the hill. Two people with cross
country skis slowly descended the mountain lighting torches until the
circuitous path emerged lit only by flame.

As the skiers lit the torches, a large contingent of the crowd began to
climb the hill. At the top when most had gathered, there was a brief speech
given by one of the older man. One of the older couples, a man and wife,
Alejandro supposed, mounted the first sled. On either side was attached a
rope. Six young men grabbed the ropes, three per side, the couple were
handed torches and slowly the group descended the hill.

Hans explained amid the clapping that it was one of the many traditions in
Trier that were celebrated at Christmas. Eventually the first sled reached
bottom. The torches were lifted and waved by two of the accompanying young
men and a shout arose from the top of the hill as people lined up the
bobsleds and began to slide down.

Alejandro and Frederick were soon separated. Each was welcomed to join one
of Hans' friends. Other's from the larger group also welcomed the young men
in their midst. As quickly as they finished a ride they climbed the hill
and found another ride.

Frederick's first ride was with one of Hans' friends, Dietrich, who seemed
to be one of the biggest guys there. His immense shoulders and back gave
evidence of hard workout hours at a gym. He had a ready smile and with
minimal effort showed Frederick how to hold on and lean for the safest and
fastest ride. Out of the way of other sliders he motioned for Frederick to
sit in the front and he sat behind, locking his ankles in front of
Frederick to demonstrate the position they would use. He directed their
sled to the starting point when it was their turn.

As they began to slide, Frederick felt Dietrich pull his ankles into his
crotch and begin to rub the area with his Achilles tendon. Frederick spread
his legs giving Dietrich greater access and leaned back. He felt Dietrich's
dick through the denim and Frederick began to let his spine roll across
it. To his pleasure he felt it begin to swell. Dietrich leaned forward and
said "Sehr Gut?" (very good?)

Frederick looked back and said, "Ja, sehr gut!" (yes, very good). The two
slid, yelled when they hit fast spots and turns and in general laughed like
a couple of grown up kids. At the end of the run, Dietrich stood and
arranged his over shirt and sweater then helped Frederick to his
feet. Frederick started to follow Dietrich to the lift but Dietrich
motioned him toward a path lit with lanterns that was a more direct route.

Arriving at the top, a few moments later, Dietrich was no where in
sight. Frederick was having the time of his life. Another of Hans' friends
gestured for Frederick to join him and when he began to explain the
procedure, Frederick smiled and said, "Ja, Ja, sehr gut!" indicating that
he knew the drill. The friend laughed and they moved their sled to the
starting platform.

As soon as they began their journey, Frederick again felt the ankle action
and began to rub his back against the friend's crotch. This time Frederick
turned and asked, "Sehr gut?" His question was met with laughter and more
vigorous action with his heels. On a slower section of the trail, Frederick
leaned forward and reached back with his hand to cop a feel. "Ja it's stark
für Sie!" (Yes, it's hard for you) came the response followed by hearty
laughter.

At the end of the run, the friend also gestured for Frederick to climb the
lantern trail. The next ride came from someone he'd seen at the base of the
hill when they ate but didn't remember him as a friend of Hans. He smiled
and gestured for Frederick to join him. Frederick nodded, "Danke!" (Thanks)
as he slid into the front position. Behind him he heard "Bitte" (please).

This time the legs were securely locked around him but there was no
indication of any movement. "Ah, that's what I thought." as they enjoyed
their ride down the hill.

"Sie tun dies gut" (you do this well). Not understanding a word, all
Frederick could think to say was, "Danke." as he turned and smiled his
thanks.

Occasionally he met Alejandro on the hill's top. "Seems we're the
unofficial guests of honor." Alejandro said. "Of course you've worked out
the heel signal by now you horn dog!"

"Damn right and I'm hittin' on all of them." Frederick grinned. A father
with his son tapped Frederick on his shoulder and invited him for a
ride. Though he could feel a full basket pressing against his lower back,
there was no indication of interest beyond friendliness. At the end of the
ride Frederick walked with the father and son trying to chat with the son
who was beginning to learn English. They headed where other sleds had
gone. Soon Frederick could hear the rumble of a tractor's engine.

There he saw the sled lift. It was a simple pulley system. A thick nylon
rope was attached to the pulley rig on the tractor. It was knotted every 18
inches or so and there were drag ropes braided and worked into the
knots. Each drag rope had a loop. As the father pulled out a clip ring,
Frederick understood the simple principle. As they got close, the kid got
on his knees on the sled and the father pulled the sled rope toward the
lift with its clip ring attached. Deftly catching a drag rope, he clipped
it and motioned for Frederick to jump on. The father jumped on behind and
they rode slowly to the top.

So the evening went. Frederick and Alejandro were either riding down with
friendly strangers or trudging up the lantern trail, which Frederick
discovered was a much quicker way to the platform area. They slid for
hours, laughing, chatting when they could and having a great time. Hans
caught Frederick at the top of the hill. "Soon it will be, um, finish." he
said, struggling with his English. "We go together, Ja?" With that he
positioned his sled and they got on for the final ride.

"Where is Alex?" Frederick asked. Hans looked confused for a moment but
finally understood the question.

"Down there." he said pointing toward the bottom. When they finished the
run, Frederick looked around at the thinning crowd. Hans motioned toward
the farm house half a mile away and said "Alex." As they got close, they
could smell the wood smoke. At the house, Hans leaned the sled against the
side of the cabin. They sat on a bench and removed their boots.

As they opened the door the smell of mulled wine met them. Heady with its
spiciness, Frederick closed his eyes for a few seconds savoring it. When he
opened his eyes he saw the guys he'd met at dinner, now stripped to their
boxers or briefs. Mattresses had been removed from all the bunks and were
spread on the floor around the pot bellied stove and fireplace. Clothes
were hanging on nails, chair backs and bunk frames.

Alejandro sat leaning against the cabin wall dressed in his boxers chatting
with a couple of the guys. Frederick looked around the room and
smiled. This was going to be great, he thought to himself. Hans led him to
a bunk where they could undress and lay out their clothes to dry. Frederick
reached into his duffle and pulled out dry boxers and socks.

As he began to remove the boxers, Hans' hand stopped him. Looking up for
permission Hans took the elastic band and seeing Frederick's smile lowered
the garment. He let his nose nestle into the cold wrinkled flesh and began
to gently breathe his warm air on it as he licked the short
shaft. Frederick responded quickly. Though his balls were still drawn up
into his body, his dick began to stretch. Hans continued to lick and began
to suck. Someone across the room shouted Hans' name and said something and
laughed. Without stopping he waved them off. The gesture was met with more
laughter.

Dietrich had stripped earlier to his briefs and some warm socks. He turned
his head to see what was going on. As he considered what he wanted as
opposed to what he should do in this group his cock began to encourage
him. Finally he stood, his muscle still laying to the side but thickening
with every minute. Stretching to get the kinks out after sitting on the
floor, his muscles alternatively flexed or stretched.

A large man, he was held in a degree of awe by the friends he shared with
Hans, the friends that had gathered in the farmhouse. Scratching the hair
on his chest, he began to walk toward the bunk where Hans and Frederick
were enjoying themselves. Hans saw him approach and smiled with his
eyes. Frederick had closed his eyes enjoying the sensations of warm breath
and the mouth on his cold genitals.

Dietrich walked up behind Frederick and slowly encircled him with his warm
muscular arms and pulled him in close against his warm chest.  Frederick
sighed. He could feel the hardening muscle, still horizontal, against his
buttocks. Pressing back slightly he greeted the friendly invader, saying
welcome. As Hans continued to lick and exhale his warm breath Frederick
began to rub his cheeks against Dietrich's dick. Dietrich nuzzled
Frederick's neck and began to twist his nubs.

"Take off your shorts, Dietrich!" he urged.

"was Sie sagte" (what did you say?)

Without breaking contact, Hans reached up and tugged at Dietrich's briefs.

"Ja, gut," Dietrich said has he laughed. He held on to Frederick with one
hand as he maneuvered his briefs from his legs and feet. There was laughter
and some whistles in the background. Positioning his heavy organ against
Frederick's crack he began to thrust. The precum soon had the crevice slick
and pressing in, Dietrich let his muscle ride and slide.

The activity at the bunk seemed to be contagious. The men Alejandro was
sitting with began to kiss then turn attention to him. The other two were a
couple and quickly fell into a comfortable pattern of sharing. There were
soon three groups happily engaged in mutually satisfying sex. As the
various couplings reached their logical and satisfying conclusion, the men
gathered back near the stove for a final glass of mulled wine.

Alejandro and Frederick both had wondered separately about the sleeping
arrangements. Alejandro picked up snippets of conversation as the wine was
finished and the guys talked of having to go to work the next day. Hans
came over and explained that for years groups of friends had gathered for
sledding and spent the night. A couple of years ago they had migrated to
the floor so that they could continue as they saw fit but also allow others
to sleep as they needed without feeling left out.

Opened sleeping bags had been spread over the mattresses and blankets were
available for cover. The lanterns were extinguished but for one, and it was
turned low. Everyone found a place to rest. Before long, Alejandro felt a
mouth seek out his cock and he lay there for a moment unsure of what to
do. At last he simply lay there and enjoyed the pleasure until he came. He
could tell there were others enjoying similar endeavors. He also heard the
gentle sounds of snores. Soon he drifted off to sleep.

It seemed he'd been asleep only moments when he felt someone gently shake
his shoulder. Hans whispered it was time for them to leave. Frederick was
gathering his clothes. One other guy had left and the lantern light had
been increased. Soon they all were dressed. As the drove back to the
resort, Hans apologized for the early start but said he had to go home to
shower then return to work.

"Do you also have to get your uniform?" Alejandro asked.

"No, I have another in the dressing room at work but there is no shower."
Hans answered.

"Dude, shower in our room and borrow some clean shorts and a T from us. You
wouldn't have to go home that way." Frederick said hurriedly and
enthusiastically.

After some translation Hans understood and agreed. Entering the suite they
could hear Salvador snoring and they moved quietly to the other room. They
stripped then each took a shower and changed. Hans wore a pair of sweats
and went down a back set of stairs. Alejandro and Frederick climbed into
bed and slept soundly for several hours.

When they awoke it was mid morning, nearly 10 a.m. From their bedside phone
they called room service for a light breakfast. When they finished shaving
and cleaning their teeth, they headed to the sitting room and moments later
a waiter came with their coffee and rolls.

Salvador arrived in time to enjoy a cup of coffee. He had spent the morning
walking the property and enjoying the change of scenery and the brisk
air. He'd also visited with the manager and suggested that Alejandro do the
same.

"Herr Gottschalk said he'd be glad to meet you and explain some of the
history of the place. When I mentioned some of the other properties, he
knew of many of them and shared what information he had available."
Salvador explained. Alejandro understood that what Salvador was suggesting
was not so much of a command performance as it was strong encouragement to
take an opportunity to build a business relationship. Seeing the wisdom of
it, he asked Salvador to make a call and set it up.

Alejandro and Frederick went for a run and came back to shower before
Alejandro's meeting. As usual Frederick was all questions and made lots of
suggestions, some of which made good sense.

Salvador and Alejandro's visit with Gottschalk was enlightening for
Alejandro. Salvador, seeing that Alejandro had an agenda and questions of
his own, became a passive observer. Herr Gottschalk was engaging,
informative, and solicitous. As their conversation continued, he became
increasingly impressed with Alejandro's understanding of the business
aspects of profit, loss, equity and depreciations. Perhaps this business
partner would not be the silent investor.

Continuing south they spent an enjoyable few days at the next resort. It
was modern, a completely different style and ambiance of their property in
Trier. As before, the three explored some together. The guys kept looking
for another `Hans' but had no luck. Not that they weren't able to take care
of themselves, but the impromptu Christmas sledding and night with Hans'
friends had been a real memory maker.

New Years in Vienna was magic for all three of them. Salvador and Alejandro
spoke often of Isabella. Joining the revelers in the streets at midnight,
they poured glasses of champagne and toasted Isabella and Salvador, the New
Year and new beginnings.

Their trip to Innsbruck whetted the guys desire to really learn to
ski. Salvador spent the day in the walled city while Frederick and
Alejandro made great strides with their private instructors and were soon
able to maneuver the intermediate slopes cutting through the white powder
with growing confidence.

As they rode the train to Munich for the next and last leg of their trip
they sped through the snow covered country side. Conversation shifted
easily as they commented on the beauty of what they saw through the frame
of the window of their moving train and Alejandro's and Frederick's desire
to return.

London was thrilling to all three for entirely different reasons. They
enjoyed the pastoral countryside surrounding even though it was misty and
fogged in much of the time. They hired a car and driver who also acted as
tour guide. Braced against the wet cold, they drove to a tube station on
the outskirts of London and did their touring primarily on foot. After a
hearty pub lunch they continued throughout the afternoon. With their
combination of taxis and the tube they `checked off' most of the major
attractions.

During their flight back to Chicago each dozed and was distracted by his
own thoughts. Alejandro and Frederick were anticipating the new
semester. With some dread, Alejandro knew his privacy would be eroded by
the announcements in the following weeks. Though reconciled that he would
not choose a private life, but would continue his family's traditions of
philanthropy, he began to consider how he might carve out some privacy for
himself.

Salvador felt the weight of responsibility increase with each passing
hour. He would shoulder the burdens of business and leadership as best he
could; but, he couldn't shake the feeling of impending doom of doing it
alone.

The press announcements and attending fanfare of the Algara gifts to the
University passed more quickly than Alejandro had anticipated. Very few
students made the connection and the faculty who did seemed to know that
his privacy as a student should be respected.

Frederick was busy with course work and they saw each other seldom. They
talked on the phone occasionally but life was steering them in different
ways. Just past mid point in the semester, Frederick called and with
excitement in his voice he said, "Dude! I'm going to grad school. I'm going
to grad school!!! The Department of Psyche sent me my acceptance letter
today. And get this, its tuition free! Can you believe it!?"

Alejandro caught up in the excitement demanded all the details and then
interrupted Frederick. "This can wait till I take you out to dinner. Then I
want to hear it all. Dinner's on me and I won't take no for an answer. You
come up with the restaurant. Make it one you've always wanted to go
to. Let's make this a night to celebrate. Now when and where, you name it."

They decided on Morton's. Alejandro had to leverage his name to get a quiet
table but the Maitre d' made it happen. There was a split of champagne on
the table for them and a hand lettered card `Congratulations Frederick!'
tented in front of it. Frederick smiled a face splitting grin conveying his
thanks.

Alejandro signaled for their waiter to pour the wine. Raising his glass he
said, "To Frederick, a perfect blend of bull shit, hard work and genius."
They both laughed and after tasting the Velve Cliquot settled into lively
conversation.

Alejandro, with his voice lowered, said with a twinkle in his eye, "Months
ago you were the master in the bed. Allow me to suggest our menu."

"Go for it big boy. You sure know how to fill me up so I'll trust you in a
fancy-schmancy restaurant." Frederick taunted with a soft laugh.

Alejandro blushed and took another sip of his Velve Cliquot. After a moment
to collect himself, he motioned to their waiter. How could Frederick
continually do this to him, challenge him, make him feel butterflies in his
stomach and at the same time make his cock swell. After discussing the menu
with the waiter and seeing Frederick's approval the courses began coming
and the men feasted.

As they ate, Frederick's story unfolded. The scholarship was a godsend. His
parents had told him late in his years in high school that they would
support him with room and board, books and fees at a state supported
school. They had even been gracious to let him have the difference in cash
when Mike had invited him to live and share in the apartment and
expenses. Now he was on his own. Sure they were proud of him but his
graduate education was his responsibility.

The facts were simple. Tuition was paid. Room and board, books and fees had
to be paid by the recipient. Frederick hastened on that he had all that
under control. He would line up a job that allowed him to work second
shift. It would be a watch man, a guard, something that would allow him to
study. The pay would simply have to cover his expenses. If it meant just
renting a room, so be it. He was going to make this happen.

Alejandro thought momentarily of offering Frederick a job but knew innately
that it was the wrong thing to do. Frederick was independent and though the
offer would be tempting, it would color their relationship. Alejandro had
to stand on the sidelines and cheer his friend while letting him own the
entire experience.

Dinner was over too soon by half for both of them. They went their separate
ways. Alejandro finished his exams and hosted a graduation party for
Frederick as they had for Mike. He attended graduation for the School of
Psychology and watched with pride as his friend walked for his diploma
wearing a tassel on his mortar board indicating completion with honors.

The final weeks of spring flew past as Alejandro returned to his work
schedule. He determined with Salvador that a similar pattern, followed the
summer before, would be appropriate. Alejandro, mindful of the bequest of
his grandparents paid particular attention to his investment portfolio and
the real estate division in addition to oversight of the various divisions
of the family business.

Alejandro resumed his after dinner workout schedule and his wrestling
sessions with Jason. Though it was a full schedule, it was balanced and
satisfying. Evening dinners with his father were unpredictable. Often it
would be several days before he saw his father, their schedules were so
different. What he did notice was the drawn and pallid look of the man. He
knew his father's temperament and the strain he must be under to make
decisions without the benefit of a concerned and cooperative partner who
was also his father.

The last week of August the recurring Monday afternoon manager's meeting
convened in the board room. The group was familiar and friendly. They
regularly worked together and the meeting was as much for record as it was
for shared information. Alejandro, though not an official member of the
group, attended meetings to report on his work.

Salvador assumed his seat and began to idly flip through the pages as if
looking for something. Conversation moved easily around the
table. Alejandro was alarmed at the lack of focus his father was
displaying. Prompting him, the meeting got underway and Salvador's
secretary moved through the documents with usual dispatch. Salvador was
inattentive and unfocused. At the conclusion of the unofficial question and
answer period Salvador marshaled his attention to dismiss the meeting.

Alejandro waited at the door, watching his father gather his
papers. Something was wrong and he didn't know what. His father appeared
disorganized and somehow stretched beyond his ability to cope. Tonight at
dinner they'd talk, Alejandro promised himself. Together they'd find a
solution. Alejandro felt guilty that he'd not been more observant and
helpful. Now that the school session was starting, his guilt seemed to
increase.

Dinner didn't provide any natural opening for Alejandro. He was
uncomfortable addressing head on what he'd observed. Tact was necessary to
find a middle ground to help his father, without him thinking his son
thought he was weak. The opportunity would never come.

The next morning he drove himself to work. He was planning to put in
several hours before his 11 a.m. class. Less than an hour later the call
came from the housekeeper that he must come home immediately. Something was
wrong with Mr. Algara.

When Alejandro arrived home, there was an ambulance in the driveway. He
rushed inside and was pointed toward his father's bedroom on the second
floor. The door was flung wide. People surrounded the bed monitoring vital
signs. Alejandro felt he was once again on the sidelines unable to help.

Finally a guy in scrubs approached him. "Can you tell me your relationship
with Mr. Algara?" Once satisfied that Alejandro was a relative he
continued, "It would appear, at this point, that Mr. Algara has had a
stroke. Until we can get him to the hospital for further examination we
won't know for sure."

Alejandro watched the medics transfer his father's limp body to a stretcher
for transport to the hospital, as a sense of numbness crept over him. He
was still standing in the hall as the housekeeper came and put her arm
around him trying to assure him that all would be well.



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