Walking Drag

by JJ

The next morning, Chris woke up feeling like he had been dragged behind a horse. He looked around and saw Vin standing near the opening of the mine. He slowly rolled over as his body screamed its protest.

"Vin?"

He felt worse, but better. He knew the effects of the heat stroke were passing, but his body still ached. He tried to sit up, but quickly gave up on that idea when he nearly passed out.

"We got a problem."

"What's new?"

Vin nodded, but turned back to him. "Water's rising."

"So, let's move." Chris said forcing himself to sit up. He swayed for a moment and then got a good look at his own feet. Shit, they weren't going anywhere.

Vin crouched down by him, and smiled that smile. "You ain't moving."

"I'd rather be lame than drowned. Let's go." He grabbed Vin's shoulder and tried to stand up, but the mine spun and he almost fell. Vin lowered him back to the blankets.

"Like I said...we got problems."

"How bad's the water?"

"Not too bad yet, but we got rain coming too."

"Meaning?"

"Meaning. In an hour or so, there's gonna be a downpour here. Now I don't know how much higher that river's gonna rise, and I don't know how much rain we're gonna get, but I figure we're better off in here than out there."

"What if it floods?"

"There ain't no high water marks on none of these beams, so it ain't likely to happen."

"But?" Chris prodded.

"But, we may be stuck in here until the rain lets up and the river goes down."

"Shit."

"Ain't so bad, Chris. Just think of it as that vacation you been wanting to take."

Vin tried to glare at that small smile that melted his heart every time he saw it. He smiled up at Vin and shook his head. "You're crazy, Vin. Plumb loco."

"Been accused of worse." He helped Chris move and lean against a wall.

"How you doing, Vin?"

"Fine. Guess I've been dragged around a little more'n you."

"We've got to do something about that bounty. I am tired of worrying about you whenever someone new comes into town." Chris watched as Vin ducked his head and moved away.

"You hungry?"

"Little."

Vin brought a pot over and handed Chris a small hollowed out bowl. Chris dipped it into the pot and slowly drank the cool soup. He sighed after his second cup.

Despite his best efforts, Chris lay back down. He needed to rest if they were going to have to walk. He woke up and smelt the rain, and opened his eyes slowly. He looked around and wondered what of his dreams had been real and what of it had really happened over the last few days.

Vin was looking out until he heard Chris move, then came back. Chris lifted an eyebrow, but Vin just crouched down next to him, and helped him sit up.

"We ain't going nowhere," Vin informed him.

"Gonna flood?"

Vin shrugged. "Can you swim?"

Chris nodded. "Ain't pretty, but I won't drown."

Vin laughed and stood up. Chris sat back amazed at how tiring sitting up could be, when he noticed Vin was getting real agitated. He was continually moving around, checking the water, pacing. He caught Vin's eye.

"You okay?"

"Don't like close places."

"Why?" Chris thought maybe getting Vin to talk would make it better, but Vin just shook his head. He went back to the opening of the mine. Chris almost didn't hear him at first.

"After my mother died, I went to an orphanage. I was a little too wild for their tastes. They didn't like that I would just take off for a day or two, and decided to teach me to appreciate the freedoms that the grounds supplied."

"Meaning?"

"Meaning they locked me up in a closet for a few days." Chris closed his eyes as he saw a picture of Vin locked in a closet. "And it worked. I stayed close until I ran for good. But after being in that closet and not being able to see the sun or move around. I...well, let's just say, they found it an extremely effective way to control me."

"I'm sorry, Vin."

"Why're you sorry. You had nothing to do with it." Vin smiled back at him. Chris tried not to, but he shivered. "You cold?"

"A little."

Vin came back into the back of the mine and stirred up the ashes of the fire and with expertise that Chris could only admire, got the fire going again.

Then a loud crack of thunder made them both jump and the opening to the mine was lit by a strike of lightening. Chris watched Vin's face and for a moment, saw fear. Vin offered him a bowl of the warming soup, and he took it, watching Vin in the dancing of the firelight.

"Don't suppose you found any coffee out there, did you?"

"Nope. Most anything that wasn't tied down washed away."

"And since they were moving the camp..."

"Nothing was tied down." Vin started pacing again, and worrying his hands. He took up a regular path. To the opening of the mine. Look left, right, come back, stir the fire, back a little farther into the mine, and then back to the opening.

"Vin would you sit down. You're making me nervous."

Vin flopped down for a moment and then started pacing again. Another crack of thunder and more lightening, and this time, Vin jumped. Chris slowly stood up, and took an experimental step towards Vin and the opening to the mine.

"You tear your feet open and it's just gonna take longer to get back." Vin's voice was terse and his eyes were sharp.

"I'll make you a deal. You sit down for more than a minute and tell me why you're so frightened of a thunderstorm, and I'll stay off my feet."

"I ain't scared," Vin said as he stalked back to the fire to check it. He shot Chris an angry glare, but sat back down. Chris did too. Really, he was glad to be off his feet. Vin must have cut away the dead tissue leaving his feet feeling tender and raw.

Another loud crack of thunder. Chris even ducked this time.

"I just don't like 'em is all. Reminds me of..." Vin looked away from Chris. "You gotta promise me, Chris, you gotta promise never to tell anyone."

"I won't."

"I know I should trust you, but this is real personal."

"I understand, Vin."

"The night my mama died. It was storming like this. She was so sick, all covered in these sores, and just out of her head, screaming and seeing things that weren't there. I remember I was curled up in a corner, watching her. The doc, he'd given up on her, just kept dosing her with laudanum. It was dark and it was storming like this and she was screaming. Then just as this real loud crack of thunder hit and this big ol' strike of lightening lit the whole room up like it was noon, she just arches up off the bed, and screams one last time and collapses. And she was dead." Vin was staring at the far wall, but Chris knew Vin was way back in the past. Finally, Vin looked Chris in the eye. "And from then on, I get jumpy in a storm." Then another moment of silence. Chris heard Vin's chuckle. "Add to that the luxury of our present accommodations," Chris smiled as Vin did a fair impression of Ezra, "it's just a little much for me."

"I understand, Vin, and I'm sorry. I didn't know it was that personal."

Chris took in the shy stare and the shrug. He noticed again how young Vin was. Sometimes he forgot that. Then a crack of thunder so loud that dust was knocked loose from the roof of the old mine hit. Before Chris knew what was going on, Vin was pressed back against the wall next to him.

"I gotta get outta here."

"You ain't going nowhere, Vin. Just sit back and think of something else."

Another crack of thunder. Vin jumped to his feet, and headed for the opening. Chris got to his feet and followed a quickly as he could. He was close enough he could see the water level when the lightening brightened the world for a moment. It was only about three feet below the entrance. He put his hand carefully on Vin's shoulder. Chris could tell Vin was close to a panic. He was breathing fast, his hands were clenched and when he looked at Vin, he could see the wild look in his eyes.

"It's okay, Vin. We're gonna be fine. Now come on back here and relax." Chris used the most soothing voice he could. "Come on Vin, help me back to the blankets." Distract and redirect the energy. Get Vin to focus on something other than the storm. As Vin's arm came around his waist, Chris chuckled. "Too bad Ezra ain't with us. He'd have some cards on him."

It took Vin a few minutes to get Chris settled.

"I did find one thing that...well, I was saving it for your feet and arm." Vin reached over and pulled bottle of whiskey out of the pile of stuff he had collected.

"You been holding out on me, boy," Chris accused with a smile. He took the bottle and took a long drink of it. Vin took it next. Soon they were both a little drunk. The worst of the storm had passed and Vin had settled down a whole bunch.

Chris had done a lot of thinking during the quiet period. Chris had to find if what he thought had happened had actually happened the night they slept outside.

"Thanks for taking care of me, Vin. I was in a bad way."

"Shit, Pard. You'd do the same for me," Vin dismissed, handing the bottle back to Chris.

"So what're we gonna tell the others?" Chris asked with an evil smile, hidden as he took a swig off the bottle.

"'Bout what?"

"The other night."

"The other night?" Chris saw the confusion.

"Yeah, how many watches am I gonna have to take for you not to tell the others."

"What when I kept you warm? Shit, Chris. I wasn't gonna tell no one. I was just trying to keep you warm. That's all."

Chris nodded keeping his head down. "Really? Then why'd you kiss me?"

Vin froze. Then he jumped to his feet and started blathering. "I...I...I was just checking your fever. That's how my mama used to check mine. She'd kiss me on the forehead and that's all Chris. I swear to you, that is all. I would never do nothing like that with you."

Chris continued to regard Vin.

"Okay, so I kissed you, but it was only on your forehead. I didn't do nothing else. Hell, Chris what do you take me for? Think I'd take advantage of a sick man. Shit, that's like getting someone drunk and then taking advantage of him. And I'm sorry, but...aw hell, Chris. What can I say? I never thought you'd be open to the idea, and I wasn't really taking advantage of you. I just kissed you on the forehead." He met Chris' stare. "Damn, would you blink or something."

Chris had to fight to keep a straight face. He looked around the mine, taking in the dust and cobwebs while Vin shifted nervously from one foot to the other.

"Well, I guess there's only one thing I can do," he drawled slowly.

"And that is?"

Chris slowly got back on his feet, staying on the blanket to protect them from the rocks littering the floor of the shaft.

"Show you how to kiss someone proper."

He watched Vin's jaw drop and his eyes about bug out of his head. His entire body straightened up, and the dumbfounded look, followed by the surprised look, followed by the excited look, to end up with a suspicious look.

"You pulling my leg, Chris?"

"What do you think." Chris knew he could occasionally be a sorry son, but it was fun to watch Vin try to come to grips with what he said.

Vin's eyes narrowed as he turned to face Chris. Chris had his best poker face on and he knew Vin couldn't read a thing out of his expression. Then he watched that smart alec grin spread across Vin's face, as he took a step towards Chris. Chris turned his head and eyed the young Vin Tanner.

"You ain't gonna hit me, if I kiss you again, are you?"

"Guess you're just gonna have to come over here and find out."

The suspicion never left Vin's eyes, but Chris could tell Vin was gonna follow through on this one. He walked up to Chris and they stood facing each other. Chris just stood there, and Vin was getting real nervous.

Then Chris slowly reached out with one hand and sank it into all that hair and pulled Vin to him. At first Vin was as stiff as a board, but when Chris pressed his lips to his, he felt him melt. He relished the feel of Vin's lithe body, as he deepened the kiss. Vin groaned as Chris' tongue met his. He twisted as Chris controlled his head with his hair. Over and over they kissed, each as hungry as the others to taste the long awaited meeting.

Soon Vin's arms came around him, and as their bodies pressed against each other from hip to shoulder, Chris pressed his hard cock against Vin. Vin pushed back against him, just as hard. Chris lifted his head and whispered,

"Think you can do better next time?"

"Oh yeah," Vin answered.

"Good." He pulled Chris back against him, using a hand on Vin's butt to pull him close. Vin's hands traveled his back and sides as they rubbed against each other. Chris began to nibble at Vin's neck and was rewarded as Vin hissed and groaned.

"I want you, Chris. I've wanted you for so long." He dropped his head back giving Chris full access to his throat.

"Should've said something, Vin. This coulda happened a long time ago." Chris growled as he found the sensitive juncture where his shoulder and neck. Vin's hands tightened on his ass and squeezed, as he twisted at the stimulation. "You like that, Vin. You like it a little rough."

"Oh yeah! Oh yeah," Vin cried his hands flexing again. He cried out as Chris reached down and stroked his hard length. "Oh shit, Chris. Yeah, do it again."

Chris chuckled low and deep, he gently bit him on the neck as he rubbed at him. Vin's knees bent and he pushed into Chris' hand. "Lay down, Vin. Before you fall down."

Soon they were lying side by side, Chris spooned up behind Vin. He was touching him running his hands under the buckskin shirt, listening to him moan. Chris noted for being as quiet as he was in day to day life, Vin sure was a loud lover. Chris however, loved how sensitive Vin's neck was and delighted in gently chewing on it.

"Aw, come on, Chris-oh yeah-you're killing me." Vin's voice was breathy, but he groaned loudly as Chris stroked his erection again. Vin's hands shoved Chris' out of the way and opened his pants.

"Easy, cowboy," Chris growled in Vin's ear as he pushed his own cock against Vin. Then he slid his hand into Vin's pants. He was surprised to find out Vin wasn't wearing anything underneath. "Nice touch, for me?"

"Hell no. They caught me getting ready to take a bath at the hotel. They didn't act like they were gonna be real patient with me getting dressed." Vin arched as Chris' hand closed around his cock. "Oh, God Chris."

It was almost too much for Chris to stand, as Vin started to thrust into his hand, and back against his own aching shaft. He moved and pushed Vin down onto his back. He claimed Vin's lips until he was grabbing at the blankets underneath them and then sliding his hands up Chris' arms. Chris was surprised when Vin stiffened and then pulled away.

"Shit, Chris, you're bleeding." They both looked at the wound on his arm, and where his shirt was wet.

"I didn't even notice it."

"Lay back."

And slowly, Chris surrendered control of the situation to Vin. Vin gently unbuttoned and removed Chris' shirt. Gently checking the wound. Then he leaned over and kissed Chris like he hadn't been kissed since his wife. A tender kiss full of love and compassion. Vin lay over him, holding his weight separate. Slowly his hands tracked over Chris' chest, pinching a nipple here, tracing a rib there, all the while kissing him. Chris was having a hard time controlling himself, and there was nothing he could do to suppress the hisses and twitches. Then Vin's mouth explored where his hands had been. Gently biting, and nipping it's way down Chris' chest. Until Chris was jerking at even the slightest caress.

"I've dreamed about this, Chris. I want to drive you wild, with what I do to you."

"Pretty darn close," he managed to say. Then his body arched as Vin stroked his hand firmly up and down Chris' cock. Vin nimbly unbuttoned his pants and slid his hand in and firmly stroked Chris. Then he knelt between Chris knees and took his length in his mouth. Chris did cry out as the warm, heat enveloped him. Over and over, Vin took him deeply into his mouth until Chris almost had to push him away.

"Not like that," Chris hissed, not wanting the first time between them to be so base. Vin almost growled at him.

"Chris, we ain't got nothing to make this easier, and there's no way I'm ripping into you right now. And you ain't strong enough for much exercise. That'll have to wait 'till we get home."

Chris glanced around the cave angrily. "Damn."

Vin leaned in and kissed him. "Just so long as you know I care for you, Chris and that you care for me to. I can deal with any of it as long as I know that." Chris pulled him in tight and ravaged his mouth.

"It's more'n caring, Vin, a whole lot more."

"Then let me finish this for us."

"I wanted something more'n this, Vin." Chris gently stroked Vin's hair back.

"Me too, and as soon as Nathan says you are healed up. You and me got a date. I don't care if we take my wagon, I don't care if we get a room at the hotel, I don't care if we do it on a poker table in front of Josiah, but you and me got a date."

Chris met Vin's eyes, and with a nod and a kiss, sealed the deal.

Then Vin pushed Chris back onto his back, leaned down and took him in his mouth and within moments had Chris crying out and coming. Vin however was taken by surprise when Chris rolled him over and paid him back the same compliment. Chris licked and bit at Vin's cock, after stripping his pants off. It didn't take long before Vin also came. Then they lay down together, holding each other close.

The next morning, when Vin woke up to a movement. Chris stood in front of him. He watched as Vin looked at his boots, cringed slightly and then glance up.

"Shit, for a minute, I thought you was Buck."

"Ain't you glad I'm not."

"That's for sure," Vin said as he reached for his pants.

"Best hurry up. They're coming."

Vin quickly skinned his jeans on, and as he was pulling his shirt over his head, he asked, "What are you doing on your feet?"

"Feeling pretty good today, Vin. I think it's gonna be a fine day. How about you?" Chris looked down at his young lover and wondered just what in the hell was going to happen with this, but he knew this, he would get the bounty lifted off Vin's head, he would do his best to keep him safe and as soon as they got back into town, he was gonna do that boy over the nearest flat surface.

Vin stood up and looked at Chris. He cocked his head to the side, then he gently leaned in and kissed him. "I think so too, Chris."

Chris noticed something, and rearranged Vin's bandana a little higher on his neck. He would have to be more careful about that in the future. Then with a smile and a wink, walked to the entrance of the mine. The others were there in a few moments, Nathan gave them a quick once over. Chris wrapped his serape a little higher than usual to protect him from the sun and they road back like nothing had ever happened.

By mid afternoon, they stopped for a rest. Chris watched with minor dread as Vin pulled his bandana off and wet it down and wiped his face off. Buck, who had been standing beside him, chuckled, and said real quiet, "You need to keep that thing on, unless you want to make a public announcement, Pard."

Vin looked up at Buck, then at his bandana and then he blushed. His hand went to the mark on his neck, and Chris felt his cock twitch as he remembered putting that particular mark on his neck the night before. He glanced up at Buck and saw the amused look and then glanced at Vin who got that cocky grin on his face. Hope Ezra's a little more open minded about this than black's. Chris looked skyward and shook his head slightly. Vin quickly put the bandana back on.

When they got to town, Chris and Vin both ate a heavy meal. Steak and eggs and thick toast with butter, corn on the cob, and lots of beer. Nathan took Chris and Vin up to his office, with Buck in toe, checking them both out. Chris put up with Nathan checking him over. Finally their healer sat back.

"Well, you did a fine job of tending these wounds, Vin. Two days off your feet and you should be right as rain, Chris, but you need to stay off your feet and out of the sun. That white skin of yours didn't appreciate all that sun it got. And both of you need to be drinking plenty of water."

"How about we put them both up in the hotel for a day or two, Nathan," Buck suggested, biting at his mustache as he stared at Chris. Chris just gave him that disgusted look.

"That's a good idea, Buck. They can rest there and Chris, I'm serious here, you stay off those feet. Buck and J.D. can handle any problems for a day or two."

Chris was about to protest that he was fine and didn't need to be put up anywhere, when he caught Vin's look. It was a quiet pleading look that he couldn't deny. Chris sighed heavily, and slowly nodded.

"If that what you think is best, Nathan."

Buck quickly wiped the smile off his face, but Vin was completely unsuccessful at his attempt. Then another smile graced Buck's features.

"Should I carry him over there, Nathan?"

"You wanna die,Buck?" Chris threatened.

"I don't think that'll be necessary. Chris, I want you to soak your feet in some salt water too. That'll help toughen that new skin up real quick."

Chris sighed again. Salt water on raw skin, could life get any better. He stood up and slowly made his way to the door and down the steps. He noticed Vin was right in front of him, a quick glance checking to see if he was all right. He nodded.

Soon they had both taken a bath and eaten again, and were stretched out on the big double bed at the hotel. The shades were pulled, the town was quiet

"Exactly whose idea was it to put us in one room?" Chris asked Vin.

"Buck's," came the sleepy response.

Chris looked at Vin fighting falling asleep. "Rest, Vin. We got two days. I could use some sleep myself."

Chris woke up to the cool night air with Vin Tanner curled up to his shoulder. He stroked his hand through Vin's hair, and stroking his back. He leaned over and kissed his forehead. The room was lit with moonlight coming through the now open shades. A tray was on the small table covered with a white linen. Two bottles stood on either side. A pot stood near the small fire with a bucket near it, for his feet, he surmised. Chris smiled, still trailing his fingers up and down Vin's back.

"Chris?"

"Right here," he answered kissing Vin's forehead again. Vin looked up at him and for the first time, Chris saw Vin Tanner. No walls, no poker faces, no nothing, just Vin. He was a handsome man, that was for sure. Vin raised up on an elbow and kissed Chris. At first it was gentle, but soon, they were holding each other close, sliding against each other, getting just as close as they could.

They both stripped their clothes off and lay down face to face, both of them touching and stroking the other. When Chris stroked Vin's cock, Vin arched his hips, groaning in pleasure. Chris kissed him and continued to run his hand lightly up and down Vin shaft, until Vin flipped them both over and pushed Chris down into the pillows. He reached down between them and began to stroke Chris too, just a teasing stroke. Chris could only push back at his hand, biting his lip at the pleasure. He did cry out as Vin handled his balls, and even reached lower.

"Is that okay, Chris?" Vin whispered.

Chris nodded, not trusting himself to speak. He writhed as Vin's fingers ran lightly between his cheeks. He pulled Vin's head down and kissed him violently. He bucked as Vin's finger gently pressed at him. Then Vin pulled away and reached to the bureau and brought it back to the bed.

"I ain't gonna hurt you, Chris." He assured him as he spread the oil over his hands. He leaned down and kissed Chris again.

"I trust you," Chris said and laid back on the bed. He was on fire, but his own actions today had shown him he was still weak. Vin once more began to touch and fondle Chris. Chris almost cried out when Vin's warm hand firmly stroked his cock. He grabbed Vin's hand and joined him. He was so close. His balls were tightening up, but Vin let go of him.

Chris saw the smile as Vin leaned down to kiss him.

"Are you trying to kill me?"

"Only with pleasure," Vin whispered as he claimed Chris' lips. Chris felt his hand at his opening and he concentrated on relaxing as Vin's finger pressed in. He put his feet down and spread his knees giving Vin more access. When Vin invaded him, he groaned, trying not to come. He cried out quietly as Vin stroked that spot. He heard Vin's breathing, heavy.

"Oh, Chris. Yeah. I'm aching for you." Another finger. Chris grabbed Vin's arms and met his eyes. They kept that eye contact as Vin finished with him. Vin's eyes burned into him. "I love you, Chris Larabee. I love you."

"Love you too, Vin."

When Vin removed his hand, Chris quickly rolled to his hands and knees. He heard Vin moan and then position behind him. As Vin began to push into him, Chris wanted more. Vin was stretching him, filling him, it felt so good.

"More," he groaned and Vin pressed in deeper and deeper. When he felt Vin deep inside him, pressed up against him. Vin slowly stroked in and out, but Chris had been patient long enough. He squeezed hard and Vin cried out. "Do it."

Vin chuckled. "Who's on top here?"

"Shut up and do it." But it ended in a groan as Vin took a long slow stroke. And another, until Chris was desperate for him. That was when Vin took his cock in his hand and began to push harder and harder until Chris was twisting his hands into the sheets. Vin was stroking over that spot on almost every stroke. He started to buck back and forth and as the explosion grew deep inside him, he heard Vin cry out and felt the warm flood. Then lights exploded into his vision, and his own orgasm ripped through him.

He became aware as Vin rolled them to their sides. He lifted Vin's hand and kissed it trying to get his breathing settled down. Vin kissed his shoulder.

"I didn't hurt you, did I?"

"No, Vin. You didn't hurt me."

"Thank you," Vin whispered.

"For what?" Chris asked.

"For letting me do that."

"Vin, I'm in charge out there on the street, but here...here I want something different." Chris answered. He leaned back and kissed Vin. Then he started to get up, to get a cloth.

"No, you stay there. I'll get it."

Chris smiled, and allowed Vin to tend to him. His eyes were drifting shut this time. He felt a gentle kiss, and he smiled as he fell asleep. Then a warm body snuggle up behind him. Chris roused himself for one last question.

"Lock the door?"

"Oh yeah. You think I want Buck walking in on us?"

Two days later, Vin and Chris entered the dining area of the hotel. Chris caught Buck's eye and nodded with a wink. Buck nodded back. They'd been friends a long time. Buck knew about Chris, and he would help where he could. Chris was just telling him things were okay. Vin caught the exchange and looked at Buck and then Chris.

"Glad everything worked out okay, you two." Buck said pointedly. Vin smiled at Buck's message, and nodded.

"Me, too," Chris added. "I was worried there for a little while."

Vin looked away from Buck and then at Chris. "Yeah. I wondered how it was gonna end."

"So what happened," J.D asked excitedly. Chris winked at Vin. Vin smiled again.

"Well kid, they was making us walk back to Texas...." Chris leaned back in his chair, thinking how good it was to be home.

End

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