"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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