Still Another Chance ~ Book Four of Another Chance

(A Crossover with Priorities)

by Zarek Dragon

Author's Note: When doing a crossover between two stories, every effort is made to keep the stories interconnected yet separate. In some cases, this isn't prudent to the storyline. The chapters, Priorities Book II Chapter 25 and Still Another Chance 12, have some areas that are virtually identical, but different in many areas. Both authors contributed to the creation of the entire chapter. Please read both stories, you will come across many differences; some more subtle than others. Conversations where only one story's characters are involved are only in THAT story.

I am posting this so that I may continue the story. The chapter will have changes once TrueFan writes his part, but he is struggling since his main character in Priorities shares the name of his grandson who he lost in June.

 

Eric introduced Phoenix to Grandpa and Grandma Laredo while Xander told Tim and Luke what his father really did to him. Tim asked Xander if they could start dating. Xander asked Tim if he would be with him while he talked with Dusty on Monday. Tim and Xander shared their first kiss.

Patrick couldn't find Jake so the boys started searching. When they finally found Jake, they discovered that he was trying to do something with the twins that they had seen Eric doing. Later Patrick, Luke, Scott, Xander, Trevor and Roger had a chat with Jake and the twins.

After Phoenix spent a great morning getting to know Eric's grandparent, Tuck shared with him that he and Zarek were considering adoption and would like to get to know him better. Phoenix is torn because he would really like to be adopted by Jim and Zac.

The boys were waking up for their last morning at the lake. Alex started making breakfast while Nigel separated their sleeping bags and rolled them up. Everyone else rolled up their bags and stored them, either in the cabin or on one of the trailers. Anything that wasn't still going to be used today was placed on one of the trailers as well.

After they ate, the boys took one last swim.  Tim suggested that they swim until lunch, taking breaks as they needed. It had been decided that after they ate lunch, they would finish packing everything up to head back to the ranch and then dress for the journey.

While taking a break, Scott and Patrick talked. "Did you mean what you said to Jake?"

Scott looked puzzled. "About?"

"About wishing that we waited."

"Don't get me wrong, I am glad that everything we've done, I've done with you, but yes. I think if we would have waited, it would have meant more."

"I know what you mean. I love you Scott, and since we've already started, I hope you don't want to stop, but I hope that we continue to wait for some things."

Scott grinned, "You mean like anal sex? Yes, that is definitely on hold at least until my sixteenth birthday."

"At least," Patrick nodded his head in agreement.

Scott added, "But, when the time comes, I want you to be the one I do it with."

"Most definitely," Patrick chuckled.

Chris sat in the office while Jim, Joe and Zac took care of the horses. The phone rang and it was Heather. "Chris, you need to head to the hospital right away. There was a shooting out on Spirit Mountain Road. Your dad was hit, but I don't know how bad. I'm on my way there now."

Chris started to sob, but tried to hide it as he replied, "Thanks, Mom. I'll be there shortly."

After he hung up the phone, Chris ran to find Jim and Zac. He explained to them about the phone call and Joe came up behind him. "You are in no condition to drive. I will take you. After all, he is my dad, too."

"Thanks, Joe."

"Jim and I will be there shortly as well. We just need to let the boys know where we are going so they don't worry when they come back and we are gone."

Jim looked down, "You know, that might make Patrick worry even more."

"True, but I would rather him worry about Nick than think that we just left somewhere without him, knowing that he would be back soon." Zac picked up the radio and called out for Patrick. Patrick was swimming at the time but Xander and Tim were taking a break. Xander answered. Zac asked where Patrick was and stated that he really needed to speak with him. He explained the situation to Xander.

Xander called Patrick to shore and explained that his dad really needed to speak with him.

"What's up, Dad?"

"It's Papa. We don't know how bad it is, but Grandpa Nick had been shot while on duty. Dad and I are heading to the hospital and we didn't want you coming back to the ranch and worry when you couldn't find us. Uncle Joe is taking Uncle Chris right now."

"Grandpa Nick? Can you wait for me? I want to go to the hospital, too."

"We'll wait, but tell Jake to stay with Xander and mind him."

"Thanks, Papa. I'll be there as fast as I can."

Patrick explained to the older boys what had happened and that he was heading back to the ranch right away. Xander ordered, "Tell Jake to stay with me like your dad said, then go. Don't worry about us. I will make sure everything is cleaned up. Trevor, if you would like to go with him, I promise, we will get everything."

Eric spoke up, "He's my grandpa, too. I want to go,"

"And you should," Xander declared.

"Part of me wants to go, but I would feel bad leaving all the clean-up to everyone else. I want to be there for you, Eric."

"You're with me in my heart, Babe."

Patrick found Jake. He didn't give him any detail, just what Jake needed to hear, "I need to go back to the ranch right away. Papa said for you to stay with Xander and mind him."

"OK," the younger brother replied, without question. He did wonder what was up. With that, Patrick saddled his horse and took off for the ranch. Eric got in his golf cart and headed there, as well.

Patrick rode into the corral as Jackson rode over from the rescue. Jim had called him while Zac was on the radio with Patrick. "You boys go. I will groom Patrick's horse and watch the ranch."

"We can't yet," Patrick declared. "Eric is on his way.

"Here he comes," Jim stated. Then he yelled, "Just park over here, Eric, so we can go! You can move it when we get back!"

Eric did as he was told and got in Jim and Zac's truck. Once everyone was buckled, Zac head for the hospital.

Not in the mood to swim anymore, Xander looked around the camp site. The only thing not cleaned up was what they would need for lunch. It was still early, but he decided to dress and then start lunch. Shortly after he was clothed, he heard a female voice calling, "Hello, is anyone around?" Xander ran towards the voice, hoping the lady wouldn't see the boys naked.

"Can I help you?" he inquired when he found the lady on the path towards the road.

"I hate to trouble you, but my car broke down, and I thought I heard splashing of water and was hoping to use a phone."

"Well, the splashing is the boys from the Home swimming in the lake. I don't have my cell with me and don't believe anyone else does either. Would you like for me to see if I can figure out what is wrong?"

"Would you, please? And can I trouble you for some water? My son and daughter are in the car, and I am sure they are thirsty."

"Let me go grab three bottles of water and let the others knew where I am. Perhaps the boys will make themselves presentable and you can join us for lunch."

"I don't want to put you out," the lady stated.

"We have plenty. We were camping here at the lake and after lunch, we are heading back. We have plenty of food, still."

"If it'll be no trouble; I'm sure my children are hungry. We've been travelling since five this morning."

"How old are your children?"

"Kyle is sixteen and he was driving when the car died. Kelly will be ten."

"I bet they are hungry. I'll be right back."

As Xander re-entered the camping area, Trevor met him. "I saw you taking off and wondered what was up."

Xander explained everything to Trevor, including inviting the lady and her children to lunch. "I didn't think you would mind."

"I would have done the same thing. I will make sure everyone is dressed and they can join us."

"Thanks, Trevor. I was pretty sure you'd be OK with it, or I wouldn't have offered."

"I'm glad you did."

Xander grabbed three bottles of water and headed back toward the road. He was surprised when he saw the car. Other than the front seat and a place for the girl in back, the car was filled, but it was the car itself that caught Xander's attention. "Is that a 1967 Mustang Shelby?" It was sitting on the road so Xander helped to push it off to the shoulder.

"It is!" Kyle exclaimed. "It was Dad's, but Mom took it in the divorce."

"Divorce? Is that why you've been travelling?" Xander thought maybe he was getting too personal so he added, "I'm sorry, Ma'am, you don't have to answer that."

"Please, call me Ms. Davies. And it's OK, I don't mind. We used to live in Angeles Oaks, California, but when my ex found out about Kyle, he threw him out of the house. I love my son, no matter what, so I left too, taking Kelly with me, and I filed for divorce the next day. We were on our way to Cody, where I have a job waiting for me."

"The good news is, you're just outside Cody," Xander declared and then looked at Kyle, "I take it, you're gay."

With a shocked expression on his face, Kyle stammered, "H-h-how did you? M-m-mom, how could you…"

"I'm sorry, Kyle. I didn't think he'd figure it out."

"It's Okay. The Boys' Home I was telling you about is mainly for gay teenagers whose parents have kicked them out. My case, I was taken from an abusive father who mistreated me for being gay. Ma'am, I mean, Ms. Davies, I commend you for sticking up for your son."

"I'm sorry, Mom. You didn't come out and say it, and there was no way you could have known he would have guessed what you were hinting at."

Kyle had dark brown hair and the bluest eyes that Xander had ever seen. He was leaning against a tree, wearing a white V-neck t-shirt and jeans while oogling at Xander. Xander took a good look at Kyle and thought, 'Wow, he's almost as attractive as Tim. What am I thinking? I care about Tim too much to be thinking anything close to this.' If anyone could change his mind about wanting to date Tim, it would have been this boy, but Xander was sure he'd be happier with Tim. Feeling a little bold, Kyle asked, "So, are you dating anyone?"

"Yes, well, we haven't gone on our first official date, but yeah, I have a boyfriend."

Xander popped the hood of the Shelby and saw right away what the problem was. "Your fan belt broke, causing you to overheat. If you have an old pair of nylons, I can rig a temporary belt until you can get to the auto parts store. Kyle, do you think you would be able to put the new one on?"

"I've never done it before, but I do have eidetic memory. If you can show me, I believe I can do it."

"If you are unsure, just go to Another Chance Boys' Home, and I will be happy to do it."

Ms. Davies handed Xander one of her older pairs of stockings, which Xander used to make a fan belt. He showed Kyle how to replace it with the new one once it was bought. Then they headed for the camping area with Xander leading the way to make sure the boys were dressed. Xander made sure he introduced Tim to Kyle.

After they ate lunch, Ms. Davies, Kyle and Kelly went back to their car. Trevor gave them the remaining bottles of water, some of which Kyle added to the radiator. The boys headed back to the barn.

At the hospital, Joe and Chris walked into the waiting room. They didn't see Heather anywhere, so Joe walked up to the receptionist. "Our dad was brought in. He's the Sheriff and we were told that he was shot."

"Sheriff Archer is in the Emergency Department, but he wasn't shot. His wife is with him now."

"We were told that he was in a shooting and got hit," Chris was puzzled.

"He was in a shooting, but he was never shot. None of the Sheriff's Department took any shots. You'll have to wait to hear from him what exactly happened."

"But he wasn't shot?" Chris started crying in relief. Joe put his arm around him.

"No, your dad wasn't shot. I can assure you that he will be alright."

Jim, Zac, Patrick and Eric walked in, seeing Chris crying into Joe's shoulder and Joes arm around him. "Where's Mom? What's the word on Nick? Is he still in surgery?" Jim shot out.

"Dad wasn't shot. I'm just so relieved that the dam holding my tears back broke."

Joe spoke up, "Mom is in the Emergency Room with Dad; Dad WAS in a shooting, but he didn't get shot and we will have to wait for him to tell us exactly what happened."

"You needn't wait long," Nick stated as Heather pushed the wheel chair he was in out into the waiting room. Nick's left leg was wrapped with an Ace wrap. Chris ran over and hugged him.

"So, what happened?" Zac inquired.

"Five of us were out on Mountain Spring Road to do a drug bust. There were six men in the house and we were told that there were only two. Well, they started shooting, but since their shots were so wild, we waited until they ran out of ammo and then rushed in. I took the lead and when I entered the door, the first suspect tried to sucker punch me.

"I did a tornado kick and took him down, but then I landed on a bag of dope and slipped. Ended up, I sprained my ankle and my pride, but we arrested all six men that were in there. And now, I will be on desk duty for a week or two."

Heather explained, "I'm sorry that I caused you to worry, but when Deputy O'Connor called me, all he said was 'The Sheriff was in a shooting and they rushed him to the hospital.' Naturally, I thought he was shot."

"I'll have a talk with David about when he calls someone like that. I'm sure he didn't mean to alarm you. On the other hand, I see how much my family loves me."

Still hugging his dad, Chris averred, "We do love you, Dad. I hope that you never question that. As for why we thought you were shot, I don't care why; I'm just glad that you weren't and that you're alright."

"I'm glad, too," Nick chuckled as he rubbed Chris's back. Patrick and Eric gave Nick a hug as well.

All the boys returned from the lake and started grooming their horses. Luke had never done it before, so Xander and Jake talked him through it. Once the horses were stabled, they unloaded the tailers. Once the trailers were empty, Trevor and Xander parked them where Joe said they could store them, and then parked the four wheelers.

Patrick Henry's dad pulled up beside the group. He looked at Patrick and asked, "Did you enjoy yourself?"

"I sure did. We went camping and swam at the lake and…" The boy was excited about sharing with his dad everything that they did.

"I have news for you. We will be moving to Cody before school starts," Mr. Henry stated.

"We are? Why? I thought you loved our place and it's not far from your job."

"I do love our place, but as long as we are together, does it matter where we live? I thought you'd be happy going to school with Patrick."

"Not if it makes you unhappy, and what about your job?"

"Well, you see," Mr. Henry took his time telling what happened, "I went into Wells Fargo and got called to the branch managers office."

"Did you get fired, Dad?" Patrick looked horrified with worry.

Mr. Henry chuckled, "No, he wanted to tell me that the manager in Cody retired and they were considering me for the position. I got it, with an increase in pay. I put some money down on a farm about the same size as ours on 2Ec Road."

"Seriously" Patrick's eyes were bugged and a smile was growing on his face. "I am so happy for you." Patrick flung his arms around his dad and hugged him tightly.

"So, where is Patrick?"

Patrick H. looked around to be sure Jake couldn't hear him, "His grandpa is the sheriff and he was in a shooting. We're waiting for them to get back."

"Well, I was ready to pick you up and head home, but if you want to stay to be here for him…"

"Yes, please," Patrick chirped.

It didn't take long for Zac, Joe and the crew to get home from the hospital. Patrick Bolt got out of Jim and Zac's truck when those that knew approached him. "Grandpa didn't get shot after all. He just sprained his ankle."

"That's good to hear," Trevor said, then added, "well, good to hear he wasn't shot, but not that he sprained his ankle."

"Luke, Matthew, Mark… why don't I show you boys which room we set up for you?" Joe suggested. "Then I will start supper. We can do your orientation tomorrow."

"Can I go with you, Uncle Joe?" Patrick asked. "Then I can give them a tour of the dorms."

"If you would like to just take them, I can head to the kitchen and start supper. We gave them room seven"

"I can do that.

Monday morning, Joe woke up and headed down to start breakfast. He hoped that Maurice would be back, but he didn't see them come home so he wasn't sure. As he stepped in the kitchen, he noticed that the lights were already on. "Hello?" he called out.

"Hey Joe," Brian responded.

"Brian!!! How was your trip?"

"It was wonderful. I feel so much closer to Maurice. He showed me several places that had special meaning to him, and we brought back a couple of the sweetest boys."

"For the Home?" Joe looked puzzled.

As Brian was relating the tale about the twins, Maurice came out of the cooler carrying several pounds of bacon, and three dozen eggs. "OK, I think I have Jake taken care of..." he chuckled.

"You might need more bacon. I am glad you are back, Maurice," Joe stated. "And Brian, thanks for sharing. Also, I really appreciate your assisting us. Keep this up, I may have to put you on payroll."

"You mean, I'm not?" Brian quipped, "here I thought I was being paid with Maurice's kisses."

Joe started to laugh but turned serious, "As you know, we already have five boys residing here…"

"Five? I thought it was two," Maurice looked confused.

"Oh, right," Joe explained, "We had three join us right after you left. I forgot that you didn't know about them. So, we have five boys and we don't officially open until eight this morning. I'll be honest, I haven't a clue what to expect. Who knows how many boys we will end up with."

At eight o'clock, Dusty was setting chairs around the common area. After he was ready, he went to find Xander and Phoenix. They told him about Luke and the twins. Xander also asked about Tim joining them. "By all means, I would love to have all five of you boys in the group. As for Tim, I have no problem with it as long as the other boys do not. After we do a group session, I will chat with each of you boys indivdually." Eric was with Phoenix, so he joined them, as well.

Dusty and the boys sat in the common room and Dusty started. "I'm not going to force you to reveal anything you don't feel like sharing, so don't worry. I'll start with a game called, 'One thing.' The first round, just reveal your name and then each round tell us something you feel comfortable with sharing. If you don't feel comfortable, just say 'pass.' I will start; my name is Dusty Little Bear."

"My name is Alexander Martin, but I prefer Xander. Was that too much?"

"No Xander, you did fine."

"My name is Timothy Thompson."

"My name is Luke James."

"I am Matthew James, and this is…"

Dusty interrupted, "Let your brother introduce himself, please. Remember, I want him to feel comfortable about anything he feels like revealing."

"I'm sorry," Matthew replied. Dusty smiled and nodded towards Mark.

"My name is Mark James."

"My name is Phoenix Blaze."

"My name is Eric Archer-Bolt."

"You all did good, now we will go around again, and you can tell us any one thing that you feel like sharing. It can be whatever you like. I am studying to be a psychiatrist"

"Tim and Luke know, but the younger boys may not, my dad raped me for being gay."

"What's rape?" Mark asked.

"Xander, I'm glad you felt comfortable sharing that. I kinda hoped that could have waited until we were private, but I did say anything."

"I didn't think about the twins, I'm sorry."

"Don't be. I'm glad you felt comfortable, too. I will talk with my brothers later and explain everything."

Tim hoped that if he continued, it would make Xander feel more at ease, "Xander introduced me to a really cute guy yesterday, as his boyfriend. It made me feel good."

"Dad used to make us, from as early as I can remember, go get a switch from the tree behind our shed. He would quote Bible verses about all have sinned and spare the rod, spoil the child."

"I hate my daddy."

"I hate him, too."

"For me, it was my dad who stood by me when Mom kicked me out."

"My sperm donor kicked me out for suspecting I was gay. I didn't even know back then."

Dusty continued the "game" for three more rounds. It surprised him that none of the boys ever passed. After it concluded, he said, "I thank all of you for sharing. Now, if anyone would like to discuss anything about how you ended up here, just remember, we do have young boys here."

Xander looked down, "Aunt Sallie thought this place would be better for me than the group home. I'm glad that she suggested it to Jim, Zac and Joe. As for why I am no longer living with my dad, well, I shared too much of that for the twins, but am willing to discuss it whenever they are not around."

"You can tell them about the scars," Tim suggested.

Dusty looked through Xanders file as Xander spoke up, "Some, but why I received them may not be appropriate. When it is just Dusty, you and I, I will discuss them, then."

"Thank you, Xander," Dusty smiled. "Luke, I understand that you were kicked out, but your brothers were given an option. If you can refrain from telling their part, I would like to hear your part, that is, if you feel comfortable."

"Dad received a phone call from Xander's father on the day he was arrested. He spouted off that he was trying to beat the gay out of Xander and THAT was why he was arrested. I told Dad that Xander didn't deserve to be beat for being gay when God made him that way. I slipped and said, 'like me.' So Dad asked if I was gay and I admitted it. He kicked me out of the house."

"Then he told us that if we were gay, we might as well leave now, too," Mark added.

The group session took another half hour, then Dusty took Xander and Tim to another room. He listened to Xander speak, and watched as Tim held his hand. Once Xander was done, Dusty stated, "I really don't have any advice that will help you, but I will be here every Monday to listen, and try helping if I can."

"Just you listening and me being able to talk has helped, but I fear that I have a long way to go."

"But Xander, you are willing to take steps that will help you. There is no miracle cure, but as long as you are willing to share, it will ease your pain."

"It already has… some, and I feel relieved that Tim knows virtually all the details, and still wants to be with me."

"True love is unconditional. Jim can tell you how much I love Chey. She told me that I can share this, if it helps any of you, so here goes. A few years ago, she was raped, and beaten pretty badly. I know that she didn't willingly give herself to any of her attackers, so as far as I am concerned, she is just as pure as the day I met her. I think Tim feels the same about you. I can see the same love I have for Chey in his eyes."

"I do, your dad was a monster, and I do love you very much. I always have, but was afraid you would reject me. I like what he said, you weren't a willing participant, so I see you just as pure."

Xander started crying, "I love you, too, Tim."

"I am best friends with Jim, so I am at the ranch more than once a week. If you see me, don't be afraid to come talk to me, any time."

"I can see why Jim thought we should talk to you. He told us that you helped him a lot."

"Well, I won't discuss that without his permission."

Xander laughed, "He said that you would say that. He told me most if not all, about how you refused to be pushed away, and convinced him to open up. He loves you a lot, not like he does Zac, but as a true friend."

"Yeah, and I feel the same way. Ask him about when I blindfolded him."

"To get the puppies? He was a little nervous with how you guys were talking, but he trusted you enough."

"Tonight, we will be going to the dojo to train. He should bring you. I think it would help. Even the twins might like it. Jake goes."

"I'll suggest it."

As Dusty was chatting with the boys, Joe, Jim, Aunt Sallie and Tuck were sitting at a table in the cafeteria. It was set by the entrance or those that came in. A man walked in, crying with his arm around his son. Joe thought that this was odd. "Can we help you?" Joe asked.

"My name is Frank Rollands, This is my son Griffon, but he prefers Griff."

"And?"

Frank started to cry some more, "He came out to my wife and I last week. Cathy told me to kick him out or she would leave with our younger son Drake."

"Dad heard about this place and begged Mom to let me stay until today. Dad doesn't want to give me up, but I told him to go ahead for Drake. It's not like I want to stay in that house with her anyway." Frank broke down and cried on Griff's shoulder.

"Sir, we are mainly taking boys who are kicked out of their home. That seems to be the case with Griff, but if you would like to remain his father and not give up your parental rights, we can make an arrangement. You'll be able to set up visitation with him as your schedule and ours allow."

Frank wiped his eyes, "It won't be the same, but I guess that is better than totally losing him."

"I love you, Dad. I want to do this for you and Drake."

"I commend you for the love of your son, and wanting to be there for Drake as well."

"He's my son, I will love him no matter what. I just don't understand why she doesn't." Aunt Sallie took them to register Griff with the Home and have Frank transfer guardianship while retaining his parental rights.

After a few minutes, another boy walked in; he looked like he had been badly beaten. "Ummm, is this the place for fag boys like me?"

"We don't usually use that term, but yes." Then Joe turned toward Jim, "I will take him aside to see what happened and get him registered."

As Joe approached the boy, a nicely dressed couple came in the door. "There you are, Kurt. Is this the right place?"

"And you are?" Joe asked. Jim could tell that he wasn't happy seeing this boy in this condition. If these people did this, he would make damn sure that they weren't happy.

"I am William Darnell and this is my wife Janice. We're from Pine Bluff, Wyoming, and were on our way to church yesterday when we saw Kurt walking along the road. We thought he should go to a hospital, but he insisted that he needed to come here."

Janice continued, "It took him a long time before he even gave us his name or told us what happened."

Joe's tension eased as he listened, "Then I want to thank you. Pine Bluff is quite a distance. Kurt, would you like to tell me what happened, or if you would like, maybe these nice people can tell me what you told them."

William and Janice sat on either side of Kurt while he retold his tale. Janice gently squeezed his hand each time he had to stop. "Three days ago, my dad walked into my room, he didn't even knock. I wasn't dressed and I was looking at a magazine. Dad saw what the magazine was and yelled, 'You little fag, get your ass out of that bed and give me that filth.' I did as he told me even though I was scared. I was even more scared for if I didn't do it."

"I had a similar situation," Joe stated. "Would you like to go on, or do you need some time?"

"When Dad grabbed the magazine, he started beating me with it until finally, he ripped it in half. He told me to put on a t-shirt and jeans and get the fuck out of his house. I asked him where I should go and he said, 'Hell, I don't care, maybe you should go to that Another Chance Ranch that's been all over the news.

"I started walking and some boys from school saw me. They started chasing me, so I ran, but wasn't fast enough. They started beating on me, some unzipped their flies and pissed on me. One boy tried pulling my pants down, but then stopped when they heard a siren approaching. It ended up being a fire truck, but they had done left me before they knew. I made it to WY-215 N when they saw me." Kurt looked at William and Janice, "That reminds me, I still have your jacket on."

"You can keep it. Perhaps if things work out, Janice and I can come visit you from time to time."

"I'd like that. I wish you could adopt me. I felt more love from you and Mrs. Darnell that I ever have my parents."

William smiled, "If you become eligible for adoption, let us know and we will check into it. We enjoyed having you as a passenger for the last twenty-four hours. I believe you would be a precious son."

"Leave your contact info and as soon as Kurt is available for adoption, I will call you." Joe looked Kurt in the eyes, "Several crimes have been committed. I need to call my dad, he's the Sheriff. Can you give him the names of the boys who attacked you? He will contact law enforcement there and have them picked up."

"Will they go to court? And if so, will I have to testify?"

"It is a good possibility on both questions."

Kurt looked thoughtful; Joe thought he was going to back out. Finally he smiled, "I'll do it."

Janice spoke, "If you do have to go to court, you can come a day early and stay with us so you will be fresh. Then if we may, we would like to go to court with you. Perhaps we could testify in how badly beaten you were."

By five o'clock, the home had accepted a total of twenty-six new boys. Most of the first floor was filled, at least until Trevor, Roger and their gang left.

Jim, Joe, Patrick, Scott, Jake, Eric, Phoenix, Xander, Luke and the twins climbed aboard the motor coach that was on loan until the one Brock Radcliffe had ordered was delivered. Trevor and Roger thought this would be a good time to spend with just them and Roger's new brothers, Leon and Noel. Jim invited the new boys to join them, Griff was the only one to accept.

Once they unloaded at the dojo, Jim took those that have never been at the dojo to meet Sensei Hamasaki. Matsuko was surprised seeing six new faces. He doled out gis and suggested the boys change. As they left, Jim approached him, "These are boys from the Home. I guess Joe, Zac and I are their legal guardians."

"If they want to keep coming, I have no problem with that, but might I suggest, I come to the home and train them? I understand, they will be doing their schooling at the Home; perhaps, I can come once a week as one of their PE classes. I could donate my time."

"Other than during summer and breaks, that sounds like an excellent idea."

"If the boys would like, I can come once a week during breaks and summer, then only those who really want to attend need to."

"Thanks, Sensei. I will share this with Joe, Chris and Zac to see what they say, but I think they will agree."

Some of the boys were having issues in the dressing room. They had never put on a gi before. Jake was helping Matthew and Mark with theirs, Patrick was helping Xander, but Luke was having issues. One of Sensei's sons walked over to him, "Would you like some help?"

"I… I… yeah, I am having problems," Luke spoke slowly, almost speechless.

The boy smiled at Luke's reaction, "My name is Matsuo. Sensei Matsuko is my father, and then my brother Matsuki is out making sure all the equipment is ready to use."

"Your dad is named Matsuko and your brother is Matsuki? I'm guessing he is the oldest."

"Yeah, he's twenty and I'll be sixteen on September the twentieth."

Luke was enjoying just hearing Matsuo talk. He was very attracted to the boy; when Matsuo touched him as he helped Luke put on the gi, it felt exceptionally good, almost electrifying. "I'll be seventeen in December."

"I hope I don't offend you asking this, but are you gay?" Matsuo seemed hopeful.

Luke smiled, "I am, and I am hoping that you are, too."

"I guess that means, if I were to ask you out, you'd say yes?"

"I'd love to go out with you. I don't know what the rules are about dating since I live at the Home, but if I am allowed, I will definitely say yes."

"Good, because, I really would like to get to know you."

Finally, all the boys were in their gis and filed out to the mats. Matsuo stood beside Luke. Jim approached the front, "Greetings, class. Sensei asked me to run us through the warm-ups. We do have six new students, so if one of the older students would like to assist them…"

"I'll assist Luke," Matsuo declared. Luke blushed. Matsuki walked over to Griff. Patrick clapped Xander on the shoulder and offered to help him while Jake wanted to help the twins. Eric had only been training for almost two months, but he helped Phoenix.

After the warm-ups, Sensei told them that tonight would be refreshers for most of the students. With so many new students, he wanted to focus on them. Matsuo already has his black belt, so he assisted Luke, trying to help him the whole time. Dusty thought that he would be better for Xander so he asked Patrick if he could take over. Patrick was pleased to see Dusty willing to help.

Chris had started coming to training, so after class, Jim talked to him and Joe about what Sensei proposed. They thought it sounded like a great idea, as well, so Jim told Sensei, he believed Zac would agree, and Sensei said he would get with Joe and Tuck to set up a time.

Brian and Maurice had just entered the quarters Joe had supplied him with. "I can't believe that you prepared meals for so many boys as fast as you did," Brian commented.

Maurice kissed Brian on the lips, "Thanks, Babe. You should have seen my brother and I at Chez Henri's on a busy weekend. When you have paying guests, you want to put out the best food you can as fast as you can, and being a good business man, Henri never let anything leave that kitchen unless he approved of the quality. These boys may not be paying, but I believe they deserve that same quality."

"I love that about you. You really do care about these boys, even the ones that you've just met. Take off your shirt and let me massage your shoulders, and maybe more."

Maurice had just exposed his abs when they heard yelling across the hall. They went to the Gaming room and found two boys arguing. "Boys, what's up"

"I was watching Sheldon when Pete flipped the TV to play games."

"You were watching a rerun, so I didn't think you would have minded."

"If you would have asked, or suggested that we play, I wouldn't have minded."

Pete looked down, "I guess that would have been the polite thing, I'm sorry, Andy. I've never had to share before, so I just wasn't thinking."

"Unless we are in trouble, would you like to play a game together?"

Pete looked at Maurice, "Please?"

"I'm glad that you two worked out a compromise without me having to suggest it. There will be some adjusting for all of us, but if we work together to adjust, I will try to keep punishments minimal. Like for this one, you've already apologized, so shake hands and we'll all be good."

The boys couldn't believe how lucky they had gotten. If Maurice had been either of their fathers, they would have been beaten. They shook hands, then found a game where they both could play.

Brian and Maurice walked the hall before returning to their quarters. Once there, Maurice slipped his shirt off. Brian started massaging his shoulders, "I think you would make a great dad. You will definitely be good for these boys."

"I take it, you approved of my punishment."

"Wouldn't exactly say it was a punishment, but I think you were right with what you said and what you dished out."

"I'm a chef, I have experience dishing out," Maurice joked. "Seriously, I need to be strict with the boys but not too strict. I have a feeling some of the boys will try to see what they can get away with. I need to lay down some ground rules. Hopefully, when they do the group orientation, I'm hoping Joe will let me speak to them."

"I think he will, especially if you ask him."

Jim and Zac were getting ready for bed, Jim shared what was discussed and Zac got ecstatic. "I think that's a wonderful idea. Dusty said that he thinks learning martial arts would be great for all of the boys, and it would save them having to pay for classes."

"Joe and Chris thought so, too, but we didn't want to say a definite yes without running it by you. I did tell Sensei that you would probably go for it."

"Babe, we both wanted the ranch, you are the one who wanted to open your heart to these boys. Don't get me wrong, I am glad that we are, but it was your idea. I'm glad that you wanted my input, but when it comes to the Home, know that I will probably side with you, unless you go crazy."

"I love you, Zac Allen Bolt."

"I love you, too, James Patrick Bolt." Jim and Zac cuddled as they drifted off to sleep.

 

 

I hope you enjoy the story and that it draws you in, wanting more. If you have any suggestions or concerns, don’t hesitate to email me.  Thoughts and suggestions are always welcomed and may or may not be implemented. Concerns will be considered and addressed as much as possible.

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