Date: Wed, 22 Apr 2015 00:25:47 -0400
From: Jim <zarek@roadrunner.com>
Subject: Another Chance: Chapter 33

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.

AND, if you enjoy the stories on Nifty.org, please give a donation to help
cover their expenses.  While the site is currently free, only donations from
loyal fans can help keep it that way.  Any amount will help.



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, Bluedragoń.  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.



I have created a mailing list.  If you would like to be added to it to be
informed of new submission, please contact me at zarek@roadrunner.com
<mailto:zarek@roadrunner.com> .