Disclaimer: This story is fiction. Some of the things that happened or will happen with Jim are inspired by bits and pieces of my life. Parts of the character is fictional as well. All other characters were made up and any similarities are just coincidental. This is gay romance between teenage boys, there may be sex, but for the most part, it's about their true love of each other so if that offends you, please discontinue reading. Also, if it is illegal for you to read such material, you have been warned. Continual reading could cause a knock at your door. And you can always contact me at zarek@roadrunner.com mailto:zarek@roadrunner.com with suggestions or concerns. Thoughts and suggestion are always welcomed and may or may not be implemented. Concerns will be considered and addressed as much as possible.
I hope you're enjoying it so far and that the story draws you in wanting more. Some people have noticed that this story was "inspired" by another story, a great story, here on Nifty, "Riding Lessons" by Andrew Todd. I hope I don't step on anyone's toes and you give this story a chance. While there may be some similarities, I believe there will be enough differences as well. Mr. Todd was given my rough draft before I made my first submission. He was flattered by the fact I like his story and wanted to refer to it. He's also flattered by those who wrote him to "warn" him about this one. All I can say is, I'm glad you are loyal to him and I hope any references I use do his story justice. If you feel that I let his story down in any way, shape or form, please call my attention to where I did.
World of Warcraft is a game trademarked by Blizzard. The characters are my actual characters in the game. If you play, feel free to say hey if you see me.
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Another Chance
Chapter 33
Gold did a quick look and ran up to Zac. "Where's Jim?" was all that he could say as he grabbed the reins. Gold quickly turned around and motioned to his back. To Zac's surprise, Gold allowed him to mount. Jackson ran to the office to call 911.
Once Zac was on, Gold galloped as fast as he could to where Jim was lying. As they got close, Zac spotted a prairie rattlesnake slithering towards where Jim lay unmoving. Jim's pistol was lying about six feet from him. Zac pulled the rifle out of Jim's saddle scabbard and took aim. The snake was inching closer to Jim and looked like it was about to strike. Zac carefully squeezed the trigger and the snake dropped dead.
Zac jumped off Gold and rushed to Jim. Gold trotted over and started nudging Jim with his nose. Jim began to stir. "Are you alright?" Zac asked with relief at seeing Jim alive.
"My head hurts," Jim said as he attempted to sit up. "How'd you know to come here and how'd you get here?" Jim asked not seeing another horse.
"Gold came and got me. He was so worried about you that he practically forced me to get on his back," Zac said with a smile. Gold nodded his head.
"Gold let you ride him?" Jim thought he was hearing things. He attempted to stand, but fell back down.
"He was that worried about you and from the looks of things, he had a right to be. A snake was about to strike you when I got here," Zac stated.
"You gonna let us ride double back to the barn?" Jim asked looking at Gold. Gold looked like he either gave Jim a kiss or whispered in his ear. Zac wasn't sure which. Then Gold nodded his head and Zac helped Jim get up and into the saddle. Gold looked at Zac and waited. Zac got on behind Jim and took the reins. Gold took an easy stride to keep from injuring Jim any further.
As the barns came into view, Jim could see an ambulance waiting. Jackson had just finished preparing a wagon in case he needed to go after Jim once Zac found him. He looked over at them and felt a wave of relief wash over him at seeing Jim. "If I didn't see it, I would have never believed it," Jackson shouted when they were close enough to hear him.
Jim looked like he was ready to pass out again. Gold walked over to the ambulance and Zac slid off. The EMTs pulled Jim down and put him on the waiting gurney. "What was the gun shot?" one of them asked.
"Snake was about to bite him, but I killed it as it went to strike," Zac answered.
"But it didn't get a bite in?" the EMT wanted to clarify.
"Fortunately, it didn't. I'm no doctor, but I am concerned he might have a concussion," Zac stated.
"Chances are, you are right. We'll get him to the hospital and have him checked out," the EMT assured. The other EMT was checking Jim out and getting his vitals. When he was done, they loaded Jim into the ambulance and took off for the hospital.
Zac walked Gold to the post and started removing his tack. He was telling Gold how good he was and that Jim would be alright thanks to him. Jackson walked over, "Heather is heading to the hospital. Joe wants to go but is waiting on you. Why don't I finish taking care of Gold so you can head on over?"
Zac thanked Jackson, found Joe and they headed to the hospital. They found Heather in the waiting room. "Any word yet?" Joe asked.
"They're still checking him out, but he is awake. They've already done x-rays and an MRI, but they haven't told me anything yet," Heather explained.
As if on cue, the doctor walked over to Heather, "Other than a definite concussion, everything looks good. We would like to keep him overnight for observation and if everything goes alright, he can go home in the morning."
"Thanks, Doctor. Can we go see him?" Heather asked.
"Normally, I would say only one or two at a time, but I don't think it would hurt for the three of you to go in," the doctor said with a smile.
Jim smiled when he saw them walk in. "Was I dreaming earlier or did Gold really let you ride him?"
"He was that worried about you. I'll be surprised if he lets me get on him again," Zac stated.
"We may have to test that out when I get out."
"Sure, we can," Zac said with a smile.
"Is this your first time getting thrown? At least you didn't break your leg," Joe teased.
"Yeah, Gold has never thrown me, even when I was breaking him. But then, this was the first time we came across a snake of any kind. I had just pulled out my pistol when I lost my hold and fell," Jim explained.
"I'm just glad that you're okay," Heather stated. "Now that we know you're alright, I think we should head home and let you rest."
Joe started to head for the door, but Zac stayed put. "You two go ahead. I'm going to stay here a while longer."
Joe walked back over to Zac. "I can ride home with Mom. Here are my keys so you have a ride when you're ready," Joe offered.
After Heather and Joe left, Zac started crying. Jim asked if he was alright and Zac said among his tears, "When I first saw you lying on the ground, I was so worried that I had lost you. I was relieved when you started moving, but still wasn't sure you'd be alright. Knowing now that you are, you have no idea how relieved I feel. I've wanted to cry ever since Gold got me but knew I had to be strong for you."
Jim put his arms out and Zac moved in for a hug and kiss. Jim joked, "Guess it's time for you to soak my shoulder for a change." Zac let out a chuckle but didn't move.
About an hour later, a nurse came in and found Jim still holding Zac. "I think he fell asleep," Jim told the nurse.
"Hospital doesn't really condone this, but..." the nurse said as she removed Zac's boots and made him more comfortable.
"I won't tell," Jim said with a wink. The nurse took Jim's vitals and left.
Zac woke up and felt Jim's arm still holding him. "What time is it?" he asked aloud.
"It's almost midnight. You must have been wiped. You didn't even stir as your boots were removed," Jim answered.
"Yeah, adrenaline crash, what can I say," Zac responded as he moved to kiss Jim. He felt Jim slipping him the tongue and he didn't resist. Normally, he's the more aggressive one, but this time Zac enjoyed being passive to Jim.
It was nine in the morning when Heather showed back up. She found Zac lying beside her son. Zac's clothes were in the chair and Jim's hospital gown was hanging on the bathroom doorknob. Fortunately a sheet covered the two of them. "You two awake?" she asked.
Jim stirred first. "Hey Mom," he said with a smile.
"I'll go grab a cup of coffee. You two might want to get dressed while I'm out," Heather suggested. She gave him a wink as she left.
Jim woke up Zac and told him to get dressed. Zac had just finished putting on his shirt and was helping Jim put on the hospital gown as the nurse walked in. "How are the love birds?" she asked. Then she looked at Zac, "You were very vocal this morning."
"Sorry about that," Zac said feeling embarrassed and looking a little flushed.
"Don't be. You two are obviously very much in love, and that's all that matters."
Heather came back and the nurse handed her Jim's discharge papers and a prescription. "All signs indicate that he's totally normal. Doctor thinks he should see your family doctor in a couple days and rest until then. The only mount you should ride until then is this stud," the nurse added winking at Zac. Zac smiled brightly as he looked down.
"I'll go bring the car around. Zac, why don't you help Jim get dressed and the nurse can wheel him down," Heather said.
Heather left and the nurse showed Zac where Jim's clothes were stored. "I can actually dress myself, but if you want to help, I won't complain," Jim stated.
"Might take a little longer if I help," Zac commented, "but I won't mind watching, especially if you save your shirt for last."
Jim finished dressing and Zac went to get the nurse. She brought a wheelchair in and Jim got in. After Jim was in Heather's car, Zac wished Joe would have driven his jeep home last night so he could ride with Jim. He walked over to it.
Once home, Zac threw Joe his keys and said that he was heading to the ranch. Colby and Kunoichi acted like Jim had been away for months. Joe agreed that he would stay home with Jim so Heather went to her office. "You could have gone to the ranch, I can stay by myself, or rather with these two," Jim told Joe as he petted his two pups.
"You know Mom wouldn't have gone to work if I did, and she makes more than I do. Besides, this way I can pay you back a little for taking care of me when I had been thrown," Joe explained.
"You know I'd do it again if the situation ever arises and you would never have to pay me back. You're my brother and I love you."
"I know, and I love you. I'm just here if you need me for anything. I'm fixing grilled cheese for lunch at noon and some tomato soup. Are you going to want two sandwiches?" Joe asked.
"Yeah, that sounds good. Think I'm going to go upstairs and take a shower. When I'm done, you want to play something?" Jim asked.
"You want to play a video or board game?"
"I'll leave that up to you," Jim said as he headed upstairs. Joe started looking at the games in the hall closet. He considered both chess and Monopoly, but decided to set both their laptops up so they sat side by side.
After a few minutes, Jim came down. He was wearing just a pair of shorts. Joe admired his body and commented about how he's toning up from riding. Jim smiled and thanked Joe. Then he asked what they were going to play. "Thought we could play World of Warcraft. We haven't played for a while and our game time is going to waste. Also, the next expansion is coming out sometime this year. Don't know about you, but I want my Legendary Cloak," Joe told him.
"Yeah, I heard a rumor that once Warriors of Draenor comes out, you won't be able to get it anymore," Jim stated.
They sat down beside each other and started playing. Shortly after, Joe's laptop suddenly made a pop and turned itself off. Joe and Jim tried everything they could think of to get it to come back on. "Guess Mom will need to call Toshiba to see what can be done. Let me grab my old laptop, it still has WoW on it," Jim offered.
Jim grabbed his old HP. "I mainly use it as a backup anymore, but it's a good laptop. You're welcome to use it as long as you need," he said as he handed it to Joe.
Joe started it up and was impressed with it. "Why'd you get a new one, this looks like it's in excellent shape and is up to date?" Joe asked.
"It's only a year older than this one, but it only has eight gigs of RAM. I got a deal on this system and it has twice the RAM and three times the disc space. I usually keep that one by my computer for when I want to look something up while playing WoW or want to copy files over," Jim answered.
Joe got the laptop set up and they started playing. Jim was playing his rogue on Silver Hand server, Bluedragoñ. Joe was playing a hunter on the linked server Farstriders. His toon was named Harroc. As they played, they lost track of time and after some had passed, Jim made a comment about being hungry. Joe looked at the time and saw that it was after one. "Crap, I'm sorry, I was having so much fun that I didn't notice when noon hit. I'll make our lunches now."
"No apology necessary, we were having fun. I used to play solo before I met Zac. We play together every now and then but this was really fun. You should join us when we play," Jim suggested.
"You are still talking about WoW, I hope," Joe teased.
Jim thought for a minute and laughed. "Well the solo and playing with Zac are true for either, but yeah, you joining us is about WoW," Jim said smiling.
"What, you don't like this body?" Joe waved his hand down his body, teasing some more. He also made a pouty face.
"You have a very nice body. If I weren't with Zac or you with Buster, I'd so want to take you," Jim explained. Joe laughed and then finished making their lunch. They continued playing while they ate.
After getting off work, Heather walked in the door and caught them still playing. They didn't hear her come in. "Why isn't Joe on his laptop?" she asked startling them.
"Think his motherboard blew," Jim responded.
"What, it's not that old, how? I'll call Toshiba, it's still under warranty. You boys clear off the table and start getting ready for supper," she stated as she picked up the phone.
They took the laptops up to Jim's room. "Think Zac would be interested in joining us later?" Joe asked.
"I'm sure he would," Jim said. He grabbed a shirt and they headed back downstairs.
As the boys reached the bottom of the stairs, Heather put the phone down. "After I told the person at the help desk that the laptop wouldn't turn on, they told me to go to a web site and grant them remote access to it. They're sending a box for us to ship it to a repair depot," she said shaking her head. Looking at Jim, she asked, "How are you feeling? I had your prescription filled. It's Tylenol 3 for any pain."
"I am a little sore. My body hit that ground pretty hard and I still have a headache," Jim replied.
"You'll probably have a headache for a few days. Take a couple pills and see if that helps." Jim read the directions on the bottle and grabbed a bottle of water.
Zac walked in the door as they were finishing supper. "Did you eat yet? We have plenty left over," Heather offered.
"Thanks, but Jackson fed me," Zac replied. He looked at Jim and Joe, "He asked about how you two were. Joe, he said not to worry about your pay, as long as Jim's off, he'll pay you to stay with him. And Jim, Workman's Comp won't cover your pay since you won't be off more than seven days, but Jackson said he'll cover that too."
"Any question why we like working for him?" Jim joked. Everyone smiled.
"Jim and I are working on our Legendary Cloaks, you want to join us?" Joe asked.
"Yeah sure," Zac started, "let me go grab my laptop." When Zac returned, the boys went up to Jim's room and played until Heather told them it was time for bed.
Morning came and Heather was gone before the boys woke up. "OK, you can go to the ranch if you want," Jim said, "It's up to you."
"I'm staying here. I know that's what Mom would want and Jackson basically ordered me to stay with you. 'Sides, don't you like me hanging with you?" Joe responded.
"I enjoy your company, but I feel like I'm being babysat," Jim explained.
"I'm not babysitting you, I'm just here to keep you from getting bored."
"Fine, but I'm fixing fried rice for lunch," Jim stated.
"Sounds good, I like your fried rice. Can we have pot stickers or crab ragoons, too?"
"Check to see if we have any. I'll let you fix them if we do," Jim offered.
"We have both. Which do you prefer?"
"I could make a meal with just crab ragoons," Jim stated. "But then, I could do that with pot stickers, too. I just love crab ragoons more."
"Crab ragoons, it'll be then," Joe said. "We can do the pot stickers tomorrow. Mom said your appointment with the doctor is at three."
"Works for me. How far along are you for your cloak?"
"I have to defeat the Black prince at the Temple of the Jade Serpent. You?"
"I did that right before I went to bed, only I had to fight him at the Temple of the White Tiger. I have to go to Timeless and fight all four of the Celestials. If you want, I'll wait for you. You're only one step behind me. Then we can try to get another toon to get the cloak before the quests disappear," Jim suggested.
"I'd suggest our priests, but mine isn't high enough. What about a Horde toon?"
"Silitdrot just completed the Change of Command part. You level Ketsu yet?"
"Ketsumodoki, yeah, he's on change of command. What does that mean, anyway?"
"It's Japanese, means gay male," Jim explained.
"Is Harroc Japanese, too?" Joe was curious.
"No, it's Draconian and means hunter," Jim stated.
"Good name for a hunter then," Joe said smiling.
The boys worked on completing the Legendary Cloak quests for the toons they were playing. They finished just before noon and decided that it was a good time to take a break and fix lunch. Jim had started the rice cooker before they started playing so it was done and ready to fry. He pulled out the wok, put a little vegetable oil in and dumped the rice in.
Joe followed the instructions for the ragoons and they were done first. He asked Jim if he wanted his beside him so he could eat them warm while he finished the rice. Jim was cutting up chicken breasts when Joe put the ragoons beside him. After Jim put the chicken in with the rice, he grabbed a ragoon. As he took a bite, Joe looked at him, "You need a room? You look like you're about to have an orgasm."
"That's how much I love these things. If you decide that you don't want yours, bring them here," Jim said smiling.
"No worries, I like ragoons, too, just not enough to need a room," Joe teased.
After lunch, the boys went back to playing their game. Jim complained that he wasn't feeling well and went into the bathroom. As he got to the toilet, everything he had just eaten came out. Joe jumped on the phone and called Heather, "Mom, Jim said that he wasn't feeling well, now he's bringing up lunch. I'm not sure if it's an after effect from being thrown or what."
"Thanks for calling me. See if you can make him comfortable and I'll be home right after I call the doctor," Heather said on the other end.
"Joe, I need help, call Mom," Jim begged.
"I already did. She's on her way," Joe stated. "What happened?"
Jim was sitting on the bathroom floor in tears. Fortunately he had gotten to the toilet in time. "I started getting dizzy and then nausea kicked in. I'm still feeling dizzy and afraid to open my eyes."
"You'll be all right. I'm sure Mom's almost home," Joe said assuring Jim.
"Thank you for being here, I guess I did need a babysitter," Jim chuckled.
"Wasn't here to babysit, but I'm glad I was here to be with you. I hear a car outside. You ready to get up?" Joe asked.
"Not really," Jim stated.
Heather came in and found him still sitting on the floor. "Doctor wants me to take you back to the hospital. He wants to run some more tests," Heather stated.
"I better take a bucket. I think my stomach is empty, but just in case."
"Are you feeling dizzy still?" Heather asked greatly concerned.
"Yes, can I lay down on the back seat? I don't feel like sitting up." Jim asked.
"Of course you can. I'm sure Joe won't mind sitting in front," Heather responded.
"Unless Jim wants to use my lap as a pillow," Joe offered.
"Appreciate the thought, but I think I want to just lay on the seat. Besides, if I'm using your lap and I do bring anymore up, it might get on you," Jim explained as the three of them headed to Heather's car.
Meanwhile at the ranch, Colt was looking at the horses at the Rescue when he saw a beautiful mare. Josh walked over and told him that when the Rescue got her, she was so badly beaten, the ASPCA considered putting her down. "She's beautiful, I'm glad that they didn't," Colt exclaimed.
"Took some fast talking, but as you can see, we were able to convince them and she has responded well with time and our treatments to heal her. She does have one problem, though," As Josh turned towards Colt with a downcast face, "Due to all the beatings, she lost her hearing. We have doubts that it will return. If you approach her, do so only from the front so you don't spook her," Josh warned.
"Can I ride her?" Colt asked.
"I don't see why not. Let me help you get the tack on her and get mounted. Would hate for you to accidentally spook her and you get hurt. Jackson would never forgive me."
"He would know it was an accident, I'm sure, but still, she probably trusts you more," Colt commented.
"Once she knows you are there, when you move out of her sight make sure you keep one hand on her so she knows where you are. She won't have any trouble letting you mount if she knows you are there," Josh suggested.
They got the tack on the mare and she had no issue letting Colt get on her. Colt rode around the corral a few times getting used to her as well as letting her get used to him. He used his knees to direct her and she responded very well. When he wanted her to speed up, he used both knees. Only time he used the reins was when he wanted her to slow down or stop.
"You are good with horses and she seems to trust you," Josh stated.
"Think I could take her out for a ride? I think that she would like that," Colt asked.
"Normally, I would want someone to ride with you but that's more to protect the horse. Just remember to keep your eyes open and stay alert. She can't hear," Josh warned.
Colt started riding out and was constantly looking around. He had just spotted what he thought was either a stick or a rattlesnake. He didn't get a chance to really look because the mare sensing danger took off at full speed. It took everything he had, but Colt was barely able to stay on to the reins much less stay on the mare.
When the horse did finally come to a stop, Colt went flying. With the force of his landing, he heard something crack. At first, he thought it might have been his bones, but then the old boards he landed on gave way and Colt fell into an old well.
As he fell, Colt frantically grabbed a sturdy root that had grown through the well's wall. He wasn't sure how deep the well was but once he heard the broken boards hit bottom there was the faint sound of hissing. Colt tried to yell for help but stopped to conserve energy knowing that probably no one was even around to hear him. Even worse, he could feel the root starting to give way. He looked desperately for something else to grab hold of, but anything he grabbed simply came loose and fell down the well. And he realized that he was deep enough that the light was dim even though it was mid-afternoon. This made the search even more difficult.
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