Date: Fri, 13 Jul 2012 10:10:18 -0700
From: Charles Wolfe <c.sportswolfe@gmail.com>
Subject: The Ultimate Man- Winter Break Chapter 5

Well we are finally heading up to the cabin. It should be a relaxing few
days there right?...


	As much as I had wanted to drive up to the cabin, Tay had made the
point in the morning that his dad's car was a better option, the Audi being
a Quattro A4. The last time I had ridden in it was when we hung out over
thanksgiving weekend, and looking back on it, it felt like a long time
ago. So much had happened in the past month.

	The winter trees looked majestic as Tay drove carefully up the
I80. We had, as I had told Tay last night, left around 10, working our way
to the I80 to take it straight up to Truckee before turning down the 89 to
head towards Squaw Valley. We had just passed Kingvale and already the
mountain was covered with snow. Kingvale was not much of a town, more of a
cluster of houses. It was an easy place to miss but it was always a check
point for me, a reminder that we were on the right track and soon to
approach the turn off for the valley.

	Michael sat in the back middle seat, taking in the sights as well,
like me. His head constantly swerved left, to front, to right then back
again to see as much of the snow covered landscape as he could. It was
about 9:30 at this time, the sun glistening off the snow to create a glare
that only intensified the beauty that surrounded the freeway.

	Before 15 minutes had passed, Tay turned south on the CA-89, the
final stretch of road laid out before us. Thankfully there hadn't been a
snowfall last night, the freeway still clear to drive on. Tay held the
speed at a comfortable safe speed, while also itching to get to the
cabin. The black Audi seemed to know it's domination over the path, it's
tires working seamlessly through the slush to drive a path.

	It was not until we turned onto Squaw Valley Road that we had to
take it really slow. What normally could have taken an easy 6 to 8 minute
drive turned into a 15 minute crawl as Tay attempted to navigate the Audi
through the snow covered street, a light dusting starting to drop down upon
us.

      Michael was too getting itchy, him squirming in the back wanting to
get out to feel the cold. I was comfortable in my seat, eyeing out the
approaching cabin where we would be staying the next three days.

      It was a very nice cabin, our two families pitching in equally to
make sure that all bases are covered. When the winter season was in effect
we would rent it out for weekends, then stay ourselves, and then in the
summer repeat the process. It made for a great relaxation spot, being so
close to the mountain as well as the lake.

      As Tay pulled into the covered driveway, I took note of every detail
of the house, its wooden facade masking the ease and comfort of the
complex. It was a nice redwood color, the planks cut from the very trees in
the mountain range. As Tay shut off the car, I opened up my door to step
out into the growing snow. It was not falling too much, still clear enough
to put in a few rides once we got set up in the cabin.

      After grabbing my bags out of the trunk, I made my way up the steps
towards the door. I was always impressed with the view, a nice outlook over
the valley but still close enough to the resort to allow us to walk down
there. Michael had grabbed his bag as well, the crunching of his shoes
echoing up from behind me as his wide eyes soaked up the environment. "This
is soo... awesome..." He muttered to me as we walked inside.

      Tay was right behind us as he shut the door, the three of us walking
directly into the living room. The kitchen was connected only by a bar, it
acting as the dining table, the stools hiding out beneath it. There were
four rooms to the house, all upstairs overlooking the living room. Leading
the way up, I broke off to enter one of them, Michael following in behind
me.

      As we dropped our bags on the floor, I caught a quick glint from Tay,
a ping of protectiveness flashing out before he turns over to his
room. Michael grabs my hands and looks at me, "This place is
awesome. Thanks for letting me come up with you." He is slightly oblivious
to Tay but I can see that there might be problems down the road.

      Squeezing him back, I pull him in close. "It gets better. Follow me."
Dragging him back down the stairs, I open up the balcony and step out over
the snow. Working over to a mound at the edge of the terrace, I start to
brush off the covering, revealing a Jacuzzi. "Help me clean it off and
maybe we might be able to use it tonight."

      While we wait for Tay to finish unpacking, we clean up the patio,
shoveling off the snow and warming up the Jacuzzi. It would take quite some
time for the water to thaw out and start warming up. After ten minutes of
working, we set it up and then let the hot tub run its course, hoping that
it is ready by the time night comes. Working back inside, we shiver off the
cold, and then gather our snow gear, prepping to head out for a good ride
down the mountain. Tay was already sitting on the couch, his crème pink
and white jacket hung over his body.

      Looking at him, I eye him cautiously; having an idea of what all is
going on. "Give us a few minutes then we will head out ok?" Tay shrugs as
he pulls out his phone to play some game.

      Before long, we are all dressed up, me wearing a blue and black
jacket, Michael a blue and white jacket. Michael only brought up jeans so I
let him borrow some of my snow pants, the black leggings clashing with his
jacket. Neither of us minded, as long as he stayed warm we were both happy.

      Heading out, Tay led the way, grabbing his board from the shed
outside. Michael was going to have to rent one, but we both had figured
that early on. Mine was a well worn piece of fiberglass, the setup goofy
style. The tickets were pricey but worth it, better than an outright season
pass. Had we bought them in advance we could have saved some money but the
thought had escaped us.

*****

	It was about 1 when we finally started our treks down the slopes. I
let Tay go down first, holding Michael back to help him down. I didn't know
how many times he had gone snowboarding but I figured it was a good idea to
start out small. My suspicions were quickly verified as Michael fell down
the moment we latched up. Working my way over to him, pedaling with my one
foot still unlocked, "Hey you ok?"

	Michael moved to his hands, resting on his knees as he worked to
get back up. "Yea, this is harder than it looks though. I didn't want to
tell you but this is my first time snowboarding. I normally sled on
disks..." His voice wavers off as he grunts to pull back into standing
position.

	Scooting over to him, I latch up myself and then show him how to
move. "It's easier than it looks. Just hop." Hopping to reach the crest, I
watch as he copies the movement, picking up a little speed as he approaches
me.

	Working on my next step, I move forward, hoping to get enough room
ahead of him so he can see before he passes me. "To stop, bend your ankles
backward if you want to stop forward or bend them forward if you want to
stop backward." I make the movements, braking facing forward then moving
on, braking with my back facing the downhill.

	Michael tries to copy me but catches too much speed, zipping past
me then tumbling over into a heap. I couldn't help but laugh as I slide up
to him. Lifting my goggles, I extend my hand, making sure everything is
alright. Michael groans on his back, his arms spread wide. "Laugh all you
want, this is embarrassing."

	Michael extends his hand up to have me pull him up. I brush off the
patches of snow from his back and slide beside him. "It takes time but I
think you will get it. Just take it slow. It took me a few seasons to get
it down fully." We start to glide down, zigzagging a path between the
riders, taking note not to cut off anyone. Thinking that Michael might have
it down a bit more, I let him go, only to watch him sputter out like an
empty engine, his body flailing as the board flies out from beneath him,
his body landing face first into the snow.

	Working my way over to him, I stop and hop over to him, hoping to
offer my services. Extending out my arm, I look down with a goofy
grin. "You look so cute when you fall. I'm sorry but I can't help it."

	Michael turns over, a strenuous effort given his board, and looks
at me. "Shut up Chris." He leers at me as he grabs my hand, though instead
of moving to get up, he pulls me down on top of him. Our faces crash into
each other, him smacking his lips against mine in the surprise attack.

	Laughing out loud, I kiss him back, pressing my hands into his side
in the process. Had we not been where we were, I am fairly certain we could
have continued to make out in the snow. But, as I had figured, our
embracement was interrupted by a cough, a person standing over us. The
voice, recognizing it to be Tay, awkwardly blurts out, "Need any help
there?"

	I roll off Michael, blushing in the process. "Umm... Sorry Tay, no
I think we are alright." I punch Michael playfully as he rolls over onto
me, going down for a quick kiss before pushing off to regain his stance.

	Michael rubs his head as he looks up at Tay. While the two of them
are almost similar in height, Tay stands a little foreboding, his arms
crossed. Michael too blushes, then helps me to my feet, er board. "How was
the ride down Tay?" Michael attempts to make small talk as we both brush
off the snow.

	Tay unlocks his arms and glances down the slope. "It was fun, a
good refresher for all that I have missed. I see you two haven't gotten too
far." There is a slight undertone that I am not happy to hear.

	Looking to Tay, then Michael, I comment, "Yea, Michael apparently
has never snowboarded before. So I have been attempting to show him some of
the techniques." Turning to Michael, I tap him on the butt, "Go on, I'll
catch up. I am going to watch from up here."

	Michael takes the subtle hint and moves on, leaving me to be alone
with Tay. I turn to him and pull off my goggles, "What is going on? You
have been in a sour mood ever since we left." Tay huffs and looks away. I
prod harder, hopping up to reach face to face. "Spill it TAY."

	Tay pulls off his goggles, a slight red to his eyes, "It's hard
alright? He is hotter than me and it is making me jealous. He is everything
that I wish I could have been. I mean don't get me wrong, I am happy for
you but still, Chris, it's hard."

	I stood stunned. I mean I should have expected this but to this
point? I had never seen Tay jealous before or at least not of me with
another guy. Breaking out of my frozen state, I hop next to him and hug
him. He only hugged back, releasing a small sigh at the embrace.

      Pulling off he looks down the hill, pointing out to a collapsed
figure lying in the snow. "One thing though, he really does look cute as a
newbie to snowboarding." Tay hops to correct his stance, me joining him to
head down to help Michael. When we arrive, Michael has taken off his gloves
to release some of the built up snow that had collected in there. Tay quips
out as he looks over the beach boy, "Big difference from the beach right?"

      Michael only grumbles as he slips his hands back into the gloves, the
cold melting snow sending visible shivers down his back. Moving clumsily
back to his feet, I assist him as we work down the hill. Tay leaves the two
of us to our training, me doing my best to help out Michael.

*****

	Around 5, we call it a night, figuring that we had a good day to
snowboard. Michael had improved a bit, enough to where I could leave him a
few times (even though I didn't let him out of my sight). Tay got to go
down a few Diamond skill hills, the challenge appealing to him. I wanted to
go down them as well but I didn't want to leave Michael all alone, so I
stuck it out and helped him along, boarding here and there.

	On the trip back, we bought burgers to grill in the kitchen. The
patties and buns were cheap, or as cheap as can be expected when it came to
buying food and supplies from the Squaw Valley Resort. The total cost came
out around $20 so we were going to make them last as long as possible.

	While we were all chowing down on the down on the food, we recapped
the day, each of us telling each other what we enjoyed the most. Given that
I was with Michael for the majority of it that was my point. Michael's was
the fact that he had never snowboarded and that he was happy to be
here. Tay was more reserved, telling that he was happy to be back up in the
snow.

	As Michael continued to chow down on his burger, he squirmed in his
seat, trying to adjust his body into a comfortable position. "Does
snowboarding always wear you out like this? My body aches all over..."

	I grinned over to him, me sitting across from both him and Tay. "It
will get easier down the line but yea I still get sore. Snowboarding can
really take it out of you."

	Tay was quiet, unusually quiet, but then he spoke, "Yea
snowboarding can really take it out of you. Almost as much as last night's
session for the two of you. I don't ache at all."

	I was shocked that Tay would have said anything like that, and
Michael had blushed up red, surprised that Tay knew about us having sex. I
mean between Tay and I, we both knew it was going to happen but for him to
bring it up, that was bold for him. Trying to ease the situation, I jousted
back playfully. "Well that's because you didn't get any last night." I
glance over to Tay, a slight glare in my eyes.

	With that, Tay drops his burger and leaves the table. Michael just
sits there, looking out at me, only speaking when Tay slams the front
door. "Umm... What just happened? And how did he know about us doing it in
the car?"

	Dropping my burger irritated, I sigh heavily. "It's something that
Tay and I used to do a long time ago. I need to go talk with him." Raising
my eyebrows and slightly changing the subject as I exit the kitchen, I
offer out to Michael, "If you want, the hot tub should be ready. I will
join you when I am done talking with Tay ok?"

	Michael only nods as he quietly takes a small bite from his
burger. Whispering out, he watches me chase after Tay, "Good luck."

	"Thanks. And I'm sorry. He shouldn't be acting like this." I reach
the front door and open it, revealing the dark environment outside. I grab
two jackets, knowing full well that Tay didn't grab his when he stormed
out.

	Moving out into the dark, I shut the door and call out to
Tay. Moving down to the car, I see him resting against the hood, rubbing
his arms from the cold. "Tay, stop being an ass!" I yell out to him as I
approach him. Moving up beside him, I rest on the hood as well, taking note
of his movement away from me. "Tay, come on, you're going to freeze out
here." I urge him to take the jacket but he still refuses.

	Moving off the car, I stand in front of him, draping the fleece
over his shoulders. As I button it up, Tay shifts his head away from me,
avoiding all contact with me. "It's not fair." That's all I hear from him
as I enshroud his body in warmth.

	Pulling him in to a hug, I rub his back, him opening up with cold
tears, "Tay, I know it's not fair. But we agreed about this. We agreed we
would move on. I need you to stay strong. PLEASE!" I plead out to him,
wanting him to look at me.

	Slowly he looks at me, his eyes hurt and angry. "This is bullshit
Chris. Come on, I mean really? I know you still love me!" He pushes off of
me, working his feet to the ground to walk.

	Watching him move away from me, I call out to him. "I still love
you. But Tay, you need to understand, we are not together anymore. I love
you like a brother!" I cry out to him, shouting for him to stop moving.

	"What if I want to be more than your brother? What about all that
we had?" Tay turns around, tears streaming down his face. He moves up to me
and pounds me on the chest. He could have hurt me if he wanted to but the
tears alone were breaking my heart. We both agreed that we would move on
when we went to college and this was the biggest test to date.

	Grabbing Tay, I pull him close and tight. Speaking softly into his
ear, I make my stand, "Tay, I already almost lost Michael. I can't fuck it
up again. I need you to understand that. If, down the line, it doesn't work
out, then maybe we can get back together but I can't keep having you
waiting for me. We both agreed that we would test the waters. I need you to
take that step as well. For ME."

	His fingers dig into my back as he sobs; the truth that we are
finally over sinking into him. It was hard but it needed to be done. We
were no longer boyfriend, we were brothers. Family. It was a hard pill to
swallow, even on my end. I wanted to be there for him but I had just drawn
a line that I could not cross, a line that was now meant for Michael.

	Kissing him on his head, I rub his back. Tay sobs out, "What do I
do? You always were the more social one. It is hard for me to meet other
guys."

	Pulling him back, I stare deeply into his eyes, the aqua blue
shimmering under the weight of his tears. "It will work out Tay. I know
you. You can meet other guys. You live in San Francisco for Pete's sake!"
That makes a snort from Tay, the stereotype that the Bay Area is full of
gays a joke between the two of us.

	"I know but still... I don't know." Tay looks down at the
ground. The gravity of the situation settling back to normal: but a change
in the air visible. Our friendship just got forever altered, though the
effects won't be seen for quite some time.

	Taking his hand, I usher him to head back to the house, telling him
that it is best he call it an early night. While he isn't sore on the body,
his heart is; the weight of everything needing some time to process. As we
head back inside, I notice that Michael is outside on the balcony, his head
barely visible above the water. Squeezing Tay, I whisper into his ear,
"Don't wait up for Michael and me tomorrow. I want you to enjoy the day on
your account. Everything will work out. I promise."

	Tay only looks at me with heavy eyes, the want and will of his
connection craving my attraction, even though it is already taken by
another man. Turning, he makes his way up the stairs and into his room,
slowly closing the door to a barely audible clasp.

	Turning to Michael, I head towards the terrace, dropping my clothes
in the process. By the time I reach the door, I stand fully nude. As I
start to head out, I turn off the interior lights, my attempt to save
electricity and not have to deal with it later. Making a quick dash for the
bubbling water, I jump across the snow like they are embers, hopping into
the water with a mighty splash. Michael only grins at me, waiting a few
seconds before laughing. "That was graceful."

	I move over to straddle him, our bodies sharing the heat in an
effort to stay warm. "I know; that's why I did it." I coo out to him as our
bodies connect. As I had expected, he too is nude, neither of us having
brought swim trunks. Before I can kiss him though, he presses his hand
against my chest.

	"Soo... what was up with Tay? Everything ok?" Michael shows a sense
of concern in his eyes, his cock still limp even though I am pressing
against him.

	Rolling off him, I sink down to the water level, keeping just my
head above the line, the rest of my body staying warm in the water. "I
needed to set things straight with Tay. He still has feelings for me but I
needed to tell him it can't work."

	Michael pulls me over to him, my head resting against his chest. "I
want to thank you for doing that. I know it was hard but thanks."

	Clearing the air, I tell Michael straight, "I still care for him. I
still love him but as a brother. I am with you now. He might still hold a
grudge but I hope with time it will start to soften. I just wish he would
find someone to love him the same way I loved him. He knows you love me,
which makes him jealous."

	Michael moves over to straddle me this time, "I don't want to drive
a wedge between the two of you but I am glad that you choose me. It means a
lot to me Chris." With that, he leans in to kiss me, his cock starting to
grow with every second his lips stay connected to mine.


I think you all know where this ending is going but I wanted to stop it
there for a reason. The next chapter is very romantic (and sexual) so I
wanted to cover that in its own section. I know, I know, it's not fair, but
trust me the wait will be worth it.

Let me know what you all thought and I hope you have a nice weekend. Also,
if you could, Nifty is always trying to keep the website running so any
donations would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.