Saving Me [MxM]

Chapter 04 (Part Two)

"I don't sound like that."

"You did during puberty."

"...Way to ruin the moment, Mom."

________________________________________________________________________

A few days of work and the joys of Evan and Justin later, Varian found himself outside under the hot sun in his yard adjusting his saddle on Cana one August Thursday. All the college students were wrapping up their stays at home, since it was the fifteenth, and Varian knew Nathan would be doing the same.

The giant red roan gelding flicked his tail casually, head bent down as he cropped the grass of Varian's lawn. Patting his flank, Varian wiped at his brow and tugged on the girth strap. It slid against Cana's stomach, telling him it was too loose.

"Why are you loosing weight Cana?" he asked, frowning as he looked his horse over. He didn't appear unhealthy, but if something was wrong he'd have to figure out what and get a vet to look at him.

The gelding lifted his head, chewing at the grass poking out of his lips and watching Varian silently with those big, intelligent, brown eyes. Varian didn't think he'd have anything to say, considering he was a horse and all.

"Well, guess I'll tighten the girth strap. You can't loose more than twenty pounds more though, or I'm calling a vet." Varian said, going back to pulling the leather through the metal buckle and fastening it against Cana's underbelly.

As he stood back upright and stretched, something out of the corner of his eye caught his attention. Turning to see, he was surprised to find Jecklynn standing near him, a smile plastered on her face, her dark blonde hair tied back in a pony tail for once instead of down.

Her ears held more than one piercing. He hadn't noticed that before.

She also wore a snug light blue tank top and close fitting riding pants and boots.

"Hey. You surprised me." Varian said, attempting a small smile.

"Sorry. I can come back later if you'd like." Jecklynn said, flushing sheepishly.

"No, it's fine. I'm just not used to people sneaking up on me is all." Varian commented, turning to look at his horse as his velvety muzzle brushed his exposed shoulder due to his own tank top. Cana flicked his ears, watching Jecklynn over Varian's shoulder.

"Were you about to go out riding?" she asked.

"I have to check the fences of my property, yes. You can join me if you'd like, you're dressed for it." Varian replied, once again noting the well worn riding pants and boots. He knew Jecklynn rode horses, but he hadn't realized how much.

"Can I take Cane?" she asked, turning to the dappled gray stallion looking over the small pasture fence at her eagerly.

"If you want." Varian shrugged.

It didn't take long for Jecklynn to get Cane ready for riding, and in one smooth motion she mounted the stallion and pulled up next to Cana, Cane tossing his head and snorting happily.

Seeing the horse in good spirits was unusual, and Varian made a mental note to have Jecklynn visit her horse more often.

Varian hopped on Cana and took the reigns in his hand, directing him towards the property line. They set off at a leisurely walk, Jecklynn riding Cane next to Cana, letting the gelding lead.

"How's the summer treating you? Harsh?" Jecklynn asked, striking up conversation, the dull hoof beats of their mounts the only other sound.

"It's been hot." Varian replied. "I'm having difficulty working in the heat, but it could be worse I suppose."

"You look like you're filling out some though. It's been a while since you've appeared-" Jecklynn cut herself off, biting her lower lip a little.

"Healthy?" Varian supplied. She didn't need to feel bad about commenting on it. It was true. All the sleeping he'd been doing was beneficial. He was finally in his normal weight range, and most of the muscle that didn't fully develop was now present. He was lean to start with, but he did have muscle if he could eat enough.

Jecklynn nodded. "Yeah..."

As he contemplated what to say, Varian scouted the fence, noting areas that needed mending. Cana seemed happy, carrying his rider gracefully and not fussing despite Cane being next to him. The dappled gray stallion occasionally lifted his snout to the wind, but otherwise just kept walking.

"It has been a while." he finally said, satisfied with the overall state of his property fence line, steering Cana back towards the house. "The heat makes me sleep and slows my metabolism."

Jecklynn turned to look at him, smiling softly. "I suppose it's not all bad then. Just be careful. I know Changed vampires are prone to heat exhaustion."

"I know my limits." Varian stated, smiling as well, enjoying Jecklynn's company and just how easy it was for them to get along. After they reached the house, they dismounted and each took care of their horses.

"I'll see you later Varian." Jecklynn said quietly, placing her hand on his shoulder before walking back down his driveway towards her house.
________________________________________________________________________