ATF Universe
Disclaimer: Not mine....damn it!
Comments: Thanks to BC who inspires me to do this and helps me "polish it" up for you all - thanks Pard!! AndPeggy, for the lovely beta!
Chris Larabee leaned back in his chair, stretching his long, lean, black denim-clad legs out straight and took a swig of the cold beer in his hand. The water droplets from the sweaty bottle spotted his black jeans, but he didn't mind. Team Seven was enjoying the ATF 4th of July picnic and he was relaxed and happy. Josiah had suggested that they charge everyone for this year's picnic and donate any profits to the fund for families of agents killed or seriously injured on assignment. Everyone had been encouraged to invite family and friends, and the turnout was huge.Chris was mildly concerned -- as usual -- about his team celebrating the holiday at the official picnic, because at almost any ATF function involving sports, someone on his team got hurt. Not because they didn't excel -- Team Seven did indeed excel, but the competition always went out of their way to take one or more of 'his' boys out.
This time, however, none of them had signed up for any of the sporting events. They all opted to sit back and relax. The most strenuous or dangerous thing planned was helping at the grill. Team Seven was in rare form, enjoying good old fashioned down-time. In fact, the night before, the entire team had been on hand at Inez's Saloon to help Rick, their good friend from the gun shop, celebrate his birthday, and miraculously enough-- wild as it got -- no one had been hurt then, either.
It was a perfect summer day and everyone was enjoying themselves. Nathan had brought Rain, whose beauty and gentle demeanor was always welcome. Ezra, JD, Buck, Nathan and Rain were talking about the latest Hollywood movie releases with Rain teasing Buck about being a big kid because one of his favorite movies was the original Star Wars Trilogy.
Chris took another swig of beer then smiled as he paused to watch Vin and Josiah at one of the huge stone grills turning out hamburgers and cheeseburgers. Unable to resist letting his eyes roam the lean hard body of the team's sharpshooter, Chris wondered what Vin had in mind for dessert later that night. Licking his lips as he watched Vin bend down to get a bag of rolls from the large cardboard box on the ground next to the grill, Chris admired the way the sharpshooter looked in his faded blue jeans and a white t-shirt under his canvas BBQ apron. Chris let his thoughts drift back to last night.
After the party at the Saloon, they'd come home and crawled into bed naked, looking forward to starting the Holiday weekend. Vin had been making subtle and not so subtle hints all the way home. The sharpshooter was in rare form, urging Chris to get them home faster by teasing him with nimble fingers and suggestive moves from the passenger seat. As soon as they were in bed, Vin took command; ordering Chris to roll over on his stomach and Chris happily went along willing to accept whatever Vin had in mind. There was a balance in their relationship, a natural one. It didn't matter who did what to whom, the lovemaking was always mutually pleasurable.
When Chris was on his belly, Vin moved in between his legs, bending down to kiss and bite at the hard muscles of his ass. He pushed Chris's cheeks apart and traced his puckered oval with a finger. Chris's body pulsed with the sensation. He was waiting for Vin to urge him up onto his knees and was not prepared when Vin used his tongue to trace the dark ring instead. Chris moaned out loud, his body shuddered with pleasure as Vin used his tongue on the rim of his opening. The sensation was overwhelming.
Vin knew Chris was surprised and enjoying it, so he gave him more. He licked the inside of Chris's thigh, down to his knee, then back up on the other side, taking his time with his sweet torment. As Chris moaned and tried to thrust into the mattress, Vin lightly slapped his hard ass to stop him. "Not so fast, Cowboy."
Slowly he ran his tongue back down to Chris's opening. Again he traced the ring, using his hands to spread Chris's cheeks still further. Vin blew on the moistened skin, cooling it, then attacked again.
Chris could feel his balls tighten, his own hardness pressing into the bed. "Damn, Vin. You're killing me." He ached to touch the man who was slowly torturing him with his tongue, teeth, and hands. His own hands clawed into the covers on the bed to hold himself still.
He felt Vin gently fondling his balls, then the raspy voice tickling his ear, "Take me -- now."
Chris rolled over to face Vin. "That what you want?"
Vin nodded and rose to his hands and knees on the bed, "Been wanting you all night. Can't wait no more."
That was all Chris needed to hear. He rolled over and grabbed the lube from the bedside table and quickly coated his shaft, nearly fumbling in his haste. He mounted the bed behind Vin, and using his slippery fingers, he pulled Vin's firm cheeks apart. He smiled at the exciting sight, then bent to tease the dark opening with the tip of his tongue, as Vin had done to him. Vin's body shivered as Chris traced the entire opening, exacting his delightful revenge.
Got to find out where Vin picked up this new trick -- maybe that Showtime cable show, QAF, that Rick told them about... Chris thought.
Using a slick finger to lubricate, he gently made sure Vin was ready, then he slid into Vin's depths. He slowly pushed all the way in, up to the hilt, then pulled out again, just as slowly. Vin groaned, a sound that was almost begging, so he thrust back in hard and fast. He alternated his moves, slow and gentle then hard and fast. Vin was breathing faster, soft moans escaping his lips. Chris reached for Vin's hardness and ran his hand up and down the length of Vin's shaft. Vin bucked into his hand, grinding himself on Chris's hardness.
Crazy with passion, Chris began to thrust and pump with all the strength he had. Vin's body was rocking with the force of Chris's movements. Chris leaned over and nipped at Vin's shoulder, wanting this to last forever. He was pounding into Vin, part of him worrying if he was hurting him; part of him mad with lust after what Vin did with his tongue to arouse him.
All doubts of hurting Vin were erased as Vin panted out, "Chris, more..." while he reached a hand around to stroke Chris's ass.
Chris's leaned down and bit Vin's shoulder hard as the intensity of his orgasm hit. He came whispering "Vin" into his partner's ear.
The sensation of Chris's hot breath on his ear, the warm wetness he felt, and hearing his name whispered in his ear, pushed Vin over the edge. He came hard into Chris's hand, crying out with the power of it.
Chris was slumped down on top of Vin, and both men collapsed to the bed as Vin's knees gave out. They had fallen into exhausted sleep like that, lovingly tangled together in a mass of sweaty, sticky limbs.
Buck's voice finally penetrated Chris's reminiscing, snapping him back to the picnic happening around him. It sounded like Buck was warning him about something, but Chris had missed it.
"Damn it, Chris. Now it's too late," Buck said as he turned a wary eye to greet the new comer.
Chris finally caught site of the danger headed his way and muttered under his breath, "Oh shit. Liz."
Chris couldn't help but take in her outfit; sort of the way you watch a deadly snake as it closes in to strike. The skimpy spandex one-shouldered top barely covered her large, loose breasts, which were bobbing up and down, obviously free of a bra. Her varicose vein spotted legs were bare nearly up to her crotch in "Daisy Duke" cutoffs. And only Liz would wear three inched spiked heels to an outdoor picnic.
"Why look at this! Who would ever figure I'd find you boys over here." Shaking her badly frosted brown hair, "You boys are usually involved in the sporting events, no wonder I didn't see you before."
Chris barely turned toward her, his dislike almost palpable.
JD sat back in his chair, his body tensing; Ezra replaced the relaxed look on his face with an empty mask, but even he could not hide the touch of revulsion that made it's way through. Nathan leaned closer to Rain, in an almost protective gesture.
Buck, a gentleman always, stood up to greet her. However the characteristic Wilmington smile was not on his face. "Rain Eban, I'd like you to meet Liz Westin. Liz to used to be a FBI liaison here in Denver, now she's with the Denver PD. Liz, this is Rain." Then he added proudly, "Rain, here, is an M.D." It produced the expected flash of jealousy on Liz's face.
The ladies shook hands, "Nice to meet you Liz," Rain said politely as she took in the other woman's outfit. Rain shot Nathan a look as she sat back down, hoping he'd get the hint and excuse them. Nathan seemed stunned with dread for the moment.
"Well, Nate. Looks like you've finally found yourself a lady. What about you Buck, or better yet--dare I ask you, Chris?" Liz said as she sat down, shooting Chris what was supposed to be a provocative smile. Then she added, without looking at him, "I won't bother asking you, Ezra." Crossing her legs, she played with her high-heeled sandal, dangling it off one flaming orange polished toe.
Buck forced a half-hearted smile. "What brings you here, Liz?" He managed to avoid her question.
"My son came with a friend -- his dad is Jack Lavery -- Team Eleven. So when I heard about the donation, well, I had to finagle Jack into letting me buy tickets," she answered Buck while watching Chris with hunter's eyes. Turning to two large and stout teenage boys tossing a football, she gestured, "That's my Eugene there."
Leaning forward towards JD, so her breasts looked they were going to tumble of the hot pink spandex top she had on, she purred, "and how are you JD?"
Chris got up, "I'm gonna go see if Josiah and Vin need help. Liz."
As Chris's departure distracted Liz, Rain nudged Nathan.
"Hey, who needs a beer and Cajun fries -- Rain and I will go!"
Buck, Ezra, JD and, of course, Liz all accepted. Nathan nearly stumbled in his delight at escaping for even a few minutes, and Rain had to hurry to catch up with his much longer legs.
As soon as they were out of earshot, Rain began to fire off questions. "Who is she? Did you see what she was wearing? How does she know all of you? Why does Chris dislike her so? Lord, she looks at all of you like you're sides of beef!"
"Easy, babe," Nathan said. Laughing, he figured the skintight cutoff short shorts and that top were all the clues Rain needed to know that Liz was a barracuda.
"She used to work with the ATF, as an administrative liaison from the FBI. She made sure all the materials for meetings were ready, passed files back and forth, like a gopher. She was at our building a lot. A lot! She was always trying to come on to Chris while he was married. She tried to work her way through the team." He shrugged and walked on toward the stand where Big Lester from the Treasury Department was dishing up Cajun Fries.
Rain grabbed his arm, stopping him by planting a quick kiss on his lips, then swatted him on the butt. "Don't you dare stop there Nathan Jackson!"
Nathan chuckled, "Good thing I love you." He gave her a quick kiss and resumed his story, "Josiah turned her down and she told some people he was celibate because of some cult he was in." Nathan wrapped his arm around Rain and gave her a squeeze as she giggled in disbelief. "She holds the honor of being the only woman Buck ever said 'no' to. So she spread rumors he had a disease."
Rain gasped and covered her mouth with her hand, both in horror at the accusation and to keep from laughing at the absurdity. She knew Buck knew more about preventing STDs than some doctors!
"When Chris's wife was killed, she came on to him so badly, he asked security to restrict her access to our floor."
"Oh, now, that's just evil," Rain said, with a look back toward where the gang sat stuck with her for the time being. They picked up the bag of fries from the jovial Lester, and Nathan waited to continue the story until they were out of earshot of some kids and their Moms, respectable folk.
As they reached the beer coolers, Nathan continued, "One look at Vin--" Nathan pulled some beers from the iced tubs and handed two to Rain, "Well, you know he'd never go for her type. She told people he was scared of women." Walking back, "Ezra? Ezra, that sneaky bastard, accepted her invite and then in front of some of the ladies from Records, cancelled on her. He was, to quote, 'a mamma's boy'. By this time, most folks figured she was a bitch. See, too many of the ladies in records and human resources love Buck, Vin and Ezra to have believed any of her lies. Shoot, we thought our computer research assistant, Grace, was gonna take her out down in one of them dark basement corridors and file her away --permanent-like."
"That's why Chris dislikes her so?" Rain asked as she juggled the armload of cold beer bottles against her tee shirt. Nathan was staring down at her front with a big grin and she cleared her throat. "The dish, Agent Jackson?" It snapped him back.
"Well, after Sarah's death, one night, when he was drunker than dirt, he woke up in her bed. He didn't remember how he got there and he sure as hell didn't think they did anything. She claimed he --uh, you know -- slept with her. After that, she figured he was hers. He tried to tell her that he didn't remember her at all. When she insisted, he told her she couldn't have been that good if he didn't remember it. She was madder than a grizzly protecting its cub. But right after that she washed out of the FBI. Some scandal with a married supervisor. She couldn't risk going after Chris, any more. She was lucky to get a job with the Denver PD as a records clerk."
"Did she try to get her hands on JD?"
Nathan stole a fry, "Poor JD, she told people he wasn't man enough for her. But I think Buck told her if she even tried it, she'd be sorry."
"What about you, Nathan? Did she try to get in your pants too?" Rain asked playfully, but her voice held a touch of hesitancy.
Nathan made a face, "Rain--"
"Come on honey, I'm curious is all."
"Yeah, she did." Then he added, quickly, "I declined. Said I had to study for an EMT exam. She told people that I didn't like white women."
Rain hugged Nathan, in spite the cold beer bottles in her hands. "What a bitch. Sorry, but she is." Rain shook her head, "We better get back then. The way she was flirting with JD, Buck's liable to be having a stroke!"
When they returned, Liz had taken Chris's seat and was watching Chris work with Vin and Josiah over at the grill, laying out the buns to toast. It was obviously busy work to escape Liz's presence.
Rain and Nathan placed the beer and fries on the table and invited everyone to enjoy them. The guys attacked the food, grateful for the interruption. Making small talk with Liz had been painful and uncomfortable. Secretly, they were all trying to think of an easy way to get rid of her.
Rain noticed that Liz was staring hungrily at Chris, tapping the side of her beer bottle with an unnaturally long flaming orange fingernail and couldn't help but think how sad the woman was. She may have been pretty once, but she obviously had lived hard and fast. The amount of makeup and hair spray she had on at a casual, family style picnic, not to mention the outfit, made her look pathetic. And the awful rumors she spread about the guys--.
"So Rain, tell me, is Nathan as good as he looks?" Liz said suddenly, barely taking her eyes off Chris.
Rain tensed up as Nathan put a hand on her arm, she looked at Buck who winced and Ezra who looked truly embarrassed. "You know, normally I would never be so rude, but after that remark, maybe you'd like to move on - go some place where you're wanted."
Before Nathan could open his mouth, Ezra stood, "A lady always knows when to take her leave." Turning to help Liz with her chair, "And since we all know that you are most certainly no lady, perhaps you should move on. Now."
Liz stood up slamming her beer bottle on the picnic table, spraying herself and everyone within five feet. "Bunch of losers anyhow," she muttered as she stalked away.
Buck smiled at Ezra and Rain. "Beautiful--just beautiful." Then to Nathan he said, "You're a lucky man. "
The rest of the afternoon past pleasantly. Chris returned soon after Liz's abrupt departure and enjoyed a good laugh over Rain's handling of the situation.
Chris changed the subject as Vin came over to join them. He was looking forward to quality down time with Vin and didn't want talk about Liz to get in the way, considering her claims. They had talked about it before, but Chris didn't want the idea of it spoiling their day.
"Josiah's bringing us a plate of burgers and dogs," Vin said as placed eight beers on the table next to the fixings Buck and JD had brought and the Cajun fries. Sitting down next to Chris, Vin slouched back in his chair, crossed his ankles and gave his lover a smile.
"Worked up an appetite, pard?" Chris asked an amused expression on his face.
"Reckon I did, cowboy," Vin said as he picked up his beer. Leaning towards Chris, he whispered, "And I'm planning on staying hungry, too."
Chris grabbed a beer, "You ain't the only one."
Just as they were finishing their meal, Jim Sanders, the picnic organizer came over. "Hey everyone, hope the food was good." He smiled, not waiting for a reply, which surprised no one. He was in Community Relations, a basic likeable PR man who was good at his job. "I hate to ask, but -- Josiah, Vin can I get you two to work the grill again, just for another half hour? Our coverage grillers are in extra innings in the softball game."
Josiah looked at Vin, "think we can handle a crisis of this proportion?"
Vin grinned and winked. "Reckon, so. We are trained professionals!" which brought catcalls and hoots from the others.
"Sure, Jim." Josiah said, " I'll go tend the coals Vin, you get the important equipment -- the beer! "
Vin laughed as he got up, "You got it Josiah. See you all in a bit. Duty calls!"
Chris watched Vin walk away. Lusty thoughts filled his mind at the sight of the neatly rounded backside in his snug faded jeans. It really had been a nice day and he had even more to look forward to later tonight.
Rain was laughing at Ezra and JD, who were arguing about proper picnic fare for taking a woman on a date. Ezra was arguing for pate, cheese and fruit with light sandwiches and wine, "al fresco", while JD stood behind 'burgers, dogs, and beer and both men had begged her for a judgement. "Give it up, you two are never going to agree, " She excused herself to head for the ladies' room, and as she left the group, she noticed Liz talking to her son and his friend over near the grill.
Not a minute later, Chris jumped up shouting, "Vin! Josiah! Look out!"
They all turned just in time to see Liz's son Eugene looking back for a thrown ball, run headlong into Vin. The impact knocked him over, into the grill and Josiah.
Chris was up and running from the table before anyone else could react.
As Vin hit the grill, food went flying, and the hot metal rack tumbled down with him while Josiah landed on top of the heap.
Gathering himself, Josiah rolled away from the steaming food and the searing grate. He heard the sizzle as Vin's bare arm came in contact with the hot grill and Vin's guttural cry of agony.
"Vin, are you ok?" he asked as he pulled Vin into a sitting position, kicking the smoking grill away from them and into the grass.
Vin was trying to form words, but his impact with the brick structure, the hot grill and then Josiah's landing on top of him, had knocked the wind out of him. All he could do was hold his left wrist below the already blistering burns and rock with his eyes closed.
Chris slid to his knees next to Vin. Touching his leg, "Vin? --Talk to me --” The knowledge of how easy Vin's clothing could have caught fire sent nightmarish images through Chris's mind.
Nathan was right behind him, quickly accessing the situation. "I need water, now! Buck, JD, you get the water; make sure it's ice cold. Ez, you get me something clean to wrap his arm with."
Ez gave him a two-finger salute and was off at a run toward the field building, passing Rain as she ran toward them.
A small crowd had gathered, all offering help. Josiah thanked them and told them they had it under control. He suggested they all go back to enjoying the picnic.
Chris asked Vin again, "Vin, come on pard. Talk to me." Chris fought the urge to get up and find that damn kid.
Rain caught up to the guys and dropped to her knees next to Chris, "Give him a minute Chris, I think the contact with the grill and then Josiah landing on top knocked the wind out of him." She tilted Vin's head up and checked his pupils, then let him pull away, clamping his eyes shut against the pain. "Just nod, if you're not dizzy or having any chest or gut pain."
Vin nodded. He kept squeezing his left wrist and was rocking slightly, breathing deep against the pain.
Chris looked down and could see the parallel striped burns from Vin's wrist to just below his elbow. Red outlined puffy blisters that were already forming and swelling. "Rain, Nate, can you treat this here or should we go to the hospital?"
"No--here," Vin caught his breath, looking up at Chris. "No ER, not today." He tried to reassure Chris with a smile, but had to bite his lip as a flash of pain ran up his arm.
Chris could see Vin was hurting; his eyes were bright with the pain. All he wanted in that moment was to comfort Vin, but he couldn't really, not here. He had to clench his hands into fists to keep from touching him, pulling him into his arms.
"Rain, you call it," Nathan said turning to her. "You're the doctor."
"Well," She said eyeing the blistering wound, "It is a second degree burn. The rule of thumb is if it's bigger than three inches, hospital. This is bigger than that, but it's stripes, not continuous." She gently took Vin's arm in her hand. "Vin, I know it hurts, but if it's real bad, the hospital can give you something for it. Best I can do here is aspirin."
Vin nodded at her, "It's ok. Honest." He really tried to look sincere. He shook his long hair back from his face and forced a smile that was more of a grimace.
"Damn it Vin, you're bleeding." Chris took the napkin Josiah handed him and wiped at the blood on Vin's forehead.
Rain moved to look. "Well, you're pretty lucky. This doesn't need stitches, just a nick. We can just clean it up. Let's get you off the ground and into a chair."
Josiah, Nathan, and Chris helped Vin to his feet. As soon as they got Vin upright, he stopped and doubled with a gasp, and struggled to stand straight.
Chris noticed immediately, anxiously he asked, "Vin, what it is? What hurts?"
Rain placed a gentle hand on his back, "Vin, you may have broken some ribs."
"No, just sore," he muttered as he made his way to the chair with Chris's help. Around him the rest of the team exchanged exasperated looks, knowing how stubborn the sharpshooter could be.
Buck, JD, and Ezra all arrived back quickly with the needed supplies. Buck and JD emptied the beer out of one of the big coolers and filled it with water and ice. Ezra handed Nathan a new roll of the sanitized toweling used in the bathroom, still in it's wrapping.
"The kindly woman at the office gave me the roll of toweling, she said to feel free to use it however you must."
Nathan handed Rain the towels while he pulled his Swiss Army knife out of his pocket. "Good work, all of you, thanks."
As Nathan cut strips of cloth, Rain helped Vin submerge his arm in the cold water. As he touched the icy water, a sound almost like a hurt animal escaped him, and Chris had to look away.
Rain ordered in her best doctor's voice, "Hold that in there till Nathan finishes cutting a bandage, Vin. Then we'll wet the cloth and wrap your arm. You need to keep it elevated."
Giving Rain a weak smile, Vin could only nod his thanks to her and the others.
Working as a team, Nathan and Rain quickly had Vin's arm wrapped in a cold wet cloth to try to keep the blisters down. Vin asked if they could move back to their table further away from the crowd when he realized he was the center of a lot of attention, mostly from kids and guests who were unused to seeing medical emergencies.
Chris kept a hold of his arm good since Vin was still favoring his torso a little. Rain wanted to check him out, but Vin insisted nothing was broken, just a little tender.
Chris sat down next to Vin, as close as he dared. He knew Vin was in pain, but was trying not to spoil everyone else's fun. "You sure you don't want to leave?"
Vin turned to Chris, "I'm okay." He saw the pain in Chris's eyes, and said with a reassuring, crooked smile, " Thanks, Cowboy." Vin rested his right hand on Chris's leg, giving it a small squeeze where no one could see them.
Truth was, Vin really wanted something, anything, to make the damn pain go away. Chris's presence and care was about the only thing that made him feel better. Thinking he was sounding like a whining kid, he figured he could stick it out for Chris's sake.
As the team all settled restlessly back into their seats, Rain asked Buck and Nathan to go with her to get more beers. The two men looked surprised, but followed her.
"Look, I don't want to make matters worse, but that woman was talking to her son just before he bulldozed Vin," Rain whispered to the two men.
Buck stopped, glaring angrily, "You think that kid did it on purpose?"
Nathan put up both hands, "Calm down Buck. Rain you couldn't hear them, right? So how can we say Liz put him up to it?"
"I think we need to go to Liz and her kid, before they leave," Buck said angrily, "You gonna sit back and let her get away with hurting Vin, Nate?"
"No, Buck, but let's just get their side before we accuse them of something we can't prove," Nathan said grabbing Buck's arm. "Vin's my friend too, if she did have her son do it on purpose--"
He stopped, staring in disbelief behind them -- Liz and her son headed to their table. Buck and Rain started back, with Nathan hurrying to keep up, ready to haul both of them up short if he had to.
Chris flowed to his feet with an expression on his face that would have scared off anyone with half a brain as he saw her approaching. His hands were clenched into fists and his posture was so rigid, he looked like a soldier at inspection.
From behind them appeared another figure, a graying older man with piercing brown eyes fixed on the scene unfolding around the injured Vin Tanner. His eyes scanned the group, examining Vin before narrowing on the approaching Liz.
Liz reached the group first, "Oh, Vin. That must really hurt. We're so sorry, aren't we Eugene?"
Before the sullen teenager could open his mouth, A.D. Orrin Travis stepped in. Calmly and with his usual authoritative air, Travis turned to her.
"Liz Westin, definitely not a pleasure to see you again." He turned to study her son, who lowered his eyes and looked like he was about to cry as Travis said sternly, "I witnessed the accident your son had with Agent Tanner." He turned back to Liz. "Let me make one thing perfectly clear, even for you. If I ever get wind of even a hint that you or your 'son' planned this 'accident'--or if you ever bother anyone on Team Seven again--"
Liz turned pale and grabbed Eugene's arm, babbling shrilly, "We just wanted to say we were sorry. Don't worry we're leaving." And without a word, they hurried away.
Chris sat back down, all the tension leaving his face. Leave it to old man Travis, Chris thought.
Vin couldn't hold back the chuckle. "Damn, thanks, sir!"
"Nice to rescue Team Seven for a change." Orrin flashed a youthful grin and sat down grabbing a beer, "Vin, gentlemen, Doctor -- Good to see all of you."
Chris was still amused over Travis's handling of Liz. He nodded to where she could be seen getting awkwardly into a beat up compact car parked on the grass by a "No Parking" sign. "What prompted that, Orrin."
"Besides getting rid of the barracuda in heat?"
The others all laughed at the AD's assessment of her.
"Truth is, I only stopped in to drop off a donation for the fund. I was about to leave when I saw Liz and her son." He chuckled, "That woman has been trouble for years. For the life of me, I couldn't understand how she could show her face here after all she's said and done." Smiling at the disbelief on the faces around him, he explained, "Gloria makes sure I know everything I need to know."
Chris and Vin shared a quick nervous look, wondering just how much Orrin Travis knew.
"Gloria?" Rain asked, knowing none of the others would explain.
"Gloria Potter, my secretary. She kept me up to date on that woman's activities. I know all about her vicious lies, among other things."
He reached for some of Lester's Cajun fries and chased them with a swig of beer. Team Seven let out a collective breath of relief as Travis said, "If the good Doctor says Agent Tanner can stay on and party, and he feels like it, then I suggest you all carry on."
Vin and Chris exchanged sheepish grins of relief and Vin nodded. "Wanna stay," Vin said. "But I need another beer."
Ezra made a production of testing a bottle of beer to make sure it was cold enough, like a mother testing a baby's milk on her wrist. Vin slouched back and let himself be waited on, while Chris sat quietly at his side, trying to look relaxed.
Orrin stayed for almost half an hour, catching up with Team Seven and the non-work gossip. He even indulged in a little friendly flirting with Rain, much to everyone's discreet astonishment. Gruff, commanding A.D. Travis could be quite charming when he put his mind to it. Dressed in casual khaki's and a white pullover, Travis looked more like a team member than their upper level supervisor. They all enjoyed his visit and were disappointed they couldn't talk him into staying longer.
As he said his goodbyes, he looked down at Vin, with Chris sitting beside him and said quietly, "Agent Tanner, try to stay out of mischief. Chris -- take good care of him. He's one of our best." He gave Chris a wink and genuine smile.
Vin blinked up at him in surprise in spite of his pain, and Chris cracked a grin. "Yes, sir." And with that A.D. Travis took his leave.
JD noticed that the dessert table was ready, so he headed out to stock up.
"Here, Vin," JD said placing a plate of cookies and brownies in front of Vin. "I brought these back for you."
"Thanks kid," Vin said giving JD a brief smile. Vin was hurting. His arm kept throbbing relentlessly. Just when he thought it was easing up, it would flare again. The longer he sat there, the more all he wanted was to escape to Chris's and crawl on the couch.
Ezra and Rain brought back dessert for the rest of the team and they all sat enjoying themselves, talking and laughing, but not without being conscious that Vin was hurting. Chris would glance over at Vin from time to time. He could tell Vin was miserable, but was toughing it out. Finally about seven p.m., Chris leaned over next to Vin. "Hey, pard, what do you say we cut out of here? Go home, relax and maybe I can take your mind off your pain."
Vin faced him, "Ya sure you don't mind, cowboy. Supposed to be some pretty good fireworks later."
Chris smiled and patted Vin's leg, under the table where no one could see, "I'm sure Vin. You look beat. Going home, watching some TV with you - that's all the fireworks I need."
Vin smiled, "I'd sure like to get out of here. Thanks Chris." Going home with Chris was just what Vin wanted.
Chris got up and announced that he and Vin were calling it a night. Nathan and Rain made the offer that Chris could call them at anytime if Vin needed anything. After giving Chris directions for Vin's care, Rain extracted a promise that Chris would tie him down if he had to, should Vin start messing with his blisters in any way.
JD packed up the plate of goodies for Vin to take him. The fact he hadn't touched them was a clue to the team just how miserable their sharpshooter was.
The ride to Chris's ranch was quiet. Vin sat staring out the window, relieved to be going home. Chris was happy to be taking him there finally, because he knew that was the only place where Vin would be truly safe and comfortable.
When he had seen Vin and Josiah fall towards the grill, for a moment, all he could think of was Vin's clothing catching fire as he hit. The idea of losing Vin the same way he had lost Sarah -- to fire -- frightened him to his soul, and the image of Vin at that moment ...Chris shuddered as his eyes stung with the horror of it. Pushing the dark thoughts away, Chris concentrated instead on driving.
"You okay, there, Chris?" Vin asked and Chris found him staring at him with a worried expression.
Chris blinked to drive away the idea and the horrific image, and made himself smile. "Just glad it wasn't worse," he said. Then he added, "you're the one hurt and you're worried about me?"
Vin just smiled. "Habit, pard."
Chris pulled in the driveway and asked as he got out, "Want to just crawl into bed and watch TV?"
Vin climbed out of the truck, "What do you want to do?" The tone of his voice betrayed his pain and irritation at being hurt.
Chris could tell from Vin's face that he was hurting. It didn't take long for Chris to realize that whatever holiday plan Vin had made were ruined by the burn and bruises. Any disappointment Chris felt was for Vin. The truth was, all Chris wanted was to make Vin feel better by offering some tender loving care. He smiled at the thought that his relationship with Vin awakened so many emotions he thought were dead- love, fear, happiness--the need to care, as well as be cared for. Things a man needed whether he liked to admit it or not.
"Bedroom. We can watch some TV. That way, if you fall asleep, I won't have to wake you later," Chris said opening the door.
"Sounds good Cowboy," Vin said, a slight smile. Vin loved to surprise Chris for each holiday they had off, and it had turned into a game between them. But the way he felt, Vin wasn't up to tonight's original plan. His arm was hurting badly again, all Vin really wanted right then, was to lay down and rest, with Chris.
By the time Chris hit the bathroom and picked out a couple of clean cotton towels to freeze for compresses, Vin was in bed with the remote. Chris propped some extra pillows behind him and went into the kitchen. He came back with a bowl with ice in it and a damp, chilled towel draped over the edge.
"Let me put a new cold compress on your arm, Vin," Chris said sitting down next to him.
Vin held out his arm, which still throbbed, "Thanks Chris. Damn thing still smarts." Vin hoped the pain would die out soon. Home and in bed with Chris, he wanted the spasms to cease so they could enjoy some quality time.
Chris shot him a rueful smile. "Smarts?" and shook his head. Leave it to Tanner to say a second-degree burn smarted when most guys would call it 'agony'.
Gently peeling off the old wrap, Chris winced at the sight of the burns. All of the blisters were still red around the edges and full of fluid. Gently he covered it with a new ice-cold compress. "How's that feel?"
Smiling, Vin replied, "A lot better. Thanks," Vin replied. And he meant it -- the coolness made the pain ease up immediately.
"I'll go put a new one in the refrigerator for later, see if you can find us a movie."
Chris took a couple minutes and changed out of his jeans, boots, and loose cotton shirt, and into loose sweats and an old tee shirt cut away to almost nothing. Barefoot, he padded into the kitchen to set up Vin's next change of compresses.
Chris rinsed out the towel and wet it, then he placed it in a bowl and to refrigerate it, and turned down the temperature in the 'fridge another notch to make sure it was cold enough to make a difference for Vin's comfort.
Chris had noticed a new can of whipped cream before, but had been too worried to think about it. Opening the freezer, he saw a box of Breyer's, a Special Edition flavor - Vanilla, Cherry, and Blueberry. Vin had bought the special ice cream and whipped cream for his holiday surprise and wondered what kinky idea he'd had in mind for it. Well, at least they could still eat it instead.
Chris filled a bowl with ice cream, cut up one of the brownies JD had packed for Vin, and topped it all off with whipped cream. Grabbing two spoons and some napkins, he headed back to the bedroom.
Vin looked up as he entered, "Found the ice cream, huh?"
Chris climbed in and slid over next to Vin. "Figured we might as well enjoy some -- You mind?"
"Nah, a dish sounds good. Don't think I'm up to eating ice cream off your body tonight, " Vin said grabbing a spoon. "Mmmmm, make a pretty good sundae, Larabee," he said past a gooey mouthful.
"That was your plan, eating red, white, and blue ice cream off my naked body? Pretty good Tanner." Chris took the other spoon and tasted his concoction, "Not bad." Leaning over, he kissed Vin, tasting the brownie and whipped cream Vin had just eaten. "Like this better though. I get some, too."
Chris filled his spoon again, but put it to Vin's lips.
Vin took the offered ice cream then leaned in for another kiss. When they broke, Vin spooned up some ice cream and fed Chris. Eyes locked with Vin's, Chris sucked and licked the spoon clean. Next spoonful Chris gave him, Vin kept licking all the way back to Chris's fingers, ending with a kiss to the inside of his wrist.
When the bowl was empty, Chris put in on the bedside table. "You okay, pard?" He asked Vin as he moved back next to him. He reached up to smooth back a lock of Vin's hair and touched his cheek.
"Yeah, Chris. Feel a lot better. Thanks." Vin did feel better, in fact, well enough for some more 'dessert'. He licked his lips, then gave Chris a wolfish grin.
Chris leaned over and cupped Vin's face, he pulled him in for a kiss. Chris slowly used his tongue to part Vin's lips. He savored the tastes of ice cream, brownie, and Vin. Nuzzling Vin's neck, he nibbled on his ear, then whispered, "My pleasure." Chris settled back against the pillows, an arm around Vin holding him close, to see what Vin had found on TV.
On the screen was "The Terminator", a favorite movie of Vin's. He liked to tease Chris that he looked like the actor who played Kyle Reese, especially when he was running around bare-assed naked in the first part.
Chris was surprised when Vin lecherously whispered in his ear, "You really want to watch the movie?" He'd figured that Vin wouldn't want to do anything but lay in bed, babying his injured arm.
When Chris turned to him, Vin seized the opportunity to nuzzle along Chris's neck and throat. He nibbled lightly on the soft flesh, before claiming Chris's mouth in a passionate kiss.
Vin ran the fingers of his right hand through Chris's hair, careful of his left arm's position across his body. He brought his hand down to tease a nipple, pinching and pulling it.
"Vin, you sure you feel up to this?" Chris asked, his shaft already hard and wanting. His body wanted Vin to say yes, but his common sense still doubted Vin's ability to enjoy it.
"If we can figure out a way to keep my arm out of the action, you're the best medicine for me," Vin said before he continued to use his mouth to torment Chris's nipple.
"Keep that up, you're inspiring me to think of something, pard." When Vin came up for air, Chris gently extracted himself and went into the bathroom. He returned with another dry towel, a damp washcloth for later, and asked Vin if he needed help getting undressed.
"No, but it's more fun when you do it for me" Vin said as he stood up. He held his bad arm out from his body and grinned expectantly.
Chris walked over and slowly undid the drawstring of Vin's sweats. He deliberately pulled them slowly down Vin's hips. When they hit the floor, Vin stepped out. He reached out for Chris's waistband but was stopped by Chris's fingers gripping his wrist.
"You just get comfortable on the bed, on your back," Chris ordered.
Once Vin was settled, Chris slowly undid his own pants, as he slid them down his slender hips, giving Vin just a glimpse at the hair at the base of his already hard shaft. Turning, he presented Vin with a view of his ass. He eased the pants over his firm cheeks, bending to give Vin an even better show.
"Get your ass over here now, Larabee, or I'm gonna get up and come get'cha-- "
Chris climbed on the bed, "You're already 'up' Tanner!" Both men chuckled then Chris worked his way down Vin's body - from his abdomen to his neck, kissing and biting. He gave special attention to the purplish bruise forming on Vin's left side from the accident earlier. Neither of them had to voice the knowledge that tomorrow Vin was going to be a lot worse off from the bruising.
Pausing to prop up Vin's injured arm on a pillow, Chris worked his way back down the wiry body. When he reached the hard shaft, he let his tongue slide across the tip. A moan of pleasure from Vin made him do it again, this time squeezing his balls. Vin tossed his head back and forth, gasping and moaning as Chris used his mouth and hands to make Vin hard and ready.
When he knew Vin was close, he grabbed the lube they kept on hand in the bedside table. He quickly coated Vin's hard shaft and rubbed some on his fingers. He wanted to take his time and make sure Vin was prepared.
Chris straddled Vin, then leaned in for one more kiss. "You sure you're okay, pard?"
"Hell yeah. I want you bad, Chris," Vin said as he lightly stroked Chris's hardness.
"I want you too, Vin." Chris positioned himself above Vin's shaft and slowly eased down onto it. Using his legs, he worked himself up and down, impaling himself onto Vin.
Vin reached out with his right hand and fondled Chris's balls, squeezing and rolling them. As Chris increased his movements, Vin did all he could to thrust his hips up to meet him. Grabbing Chris's erection, Vin stroked it easy at first, but then with more intensity as he felt his own impending release.
Chris rode Vin, hitting his own prostate and sending himself into orgasm crying out Vin's name. Vin felt the warm spray on his stomach and triggered his own. He gasped out Chris's name as he climaxed, his whole body tensing up and arching into Chris.
Exhausted, Chris moved up to let Vin slip out, then collapsed onto the bed next to him. Both men took a moment to get their breathing under control. Chris sat up, checking to make sure that Vin was all right.
"You sure you're okay?" he asked as he tenderly cleaned he traces of their lovemaking off their bodies with the damp washrag.
"Better than okay, Cowboy," Vin said as he reached out to fondle the hair at the back of Chris's neck.
Careful of Vin's arm, Chris turned to his side and draped an arm over Vin stomach. He leaned over for a kiss and couldn't help but smile as he asked Vin, "So, other than cookin' over a hot fire, then gettin' bashed up and burned, you have a good time today?"
Vin turned to him, a lazy smile on his handsome face, "Damn right, seein' as how we just ended it with the best fireworks ever."
The end
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