Deception

by Esmeralda

Vin hadn't felt this awkward and uncomfortable in an age. He felt his face heating up under Chris's appraising look. The older man's question came out of the blue.

"You ever done this before?"

"A few times," he answered. "You?" Vin tried to sound disinterested.

"A few times," Chris echoed back.

Vin couldn't quite hide his surprise.

Chris shrugged. "I fooled around some, during the war."

Vin understood. When you were young and scared, any company, man or woman, could be a comfort, and there weren't too many women out on the battlefield.

"Then after," Chris hesitated before continuing. "At first, after Sarah. Being with a woman just didn't seem...right."

That shook Vin a little, not the sentiment, but the fact that Chris had been with a man relatively recently. Jealousy burned through him as he wondered who. Buck? It didn't seem likely considering the man's near obsessive interest in the ladies, but then he'd never figured Chris for it either.

"Wasn't like this though," Chris added softly, moving closer.

//It wasn't?"//

Chris slowly raised his hand and pushed a stray curl back from Vin's cheek. "Didn't have no feelin's for them," he said, almost gruffly.

Vin stared wide-eyed, trying to hold back the grin that threatened to break free. Chris had 'feelin's' for him. His heart felt like it wanted to burst out of his chest. "Oh," was all he managed to say. //Stupid// he cursed himself.

Chris seemed to understand. He smirked a little. "Feels kinda weird. This, telling you I love ya. Don't make it any less true though."

Vin felt light headed. "You...you love me?"

Chris stepped closer, his body brushing up against Vin's. He took hold of Vin's hand and brought it to his chest. "Here," he whispered. "Here," he continued, raising Vin's hand up to his temple. "And here," he finished, placing Vin's hand between his legs. "Heart, soul, and body, they're all yours, Cowboy. If you want them?"

Vin thought he could feel the blood heat burning beneath his hand. He gently closed his fingers over the straining cloth, hearing Chris's breath hitch. "Mine?" he asked softly.

"Whatever you want."

Vin looked into green eyes. He'd seen them burn with anger, blaze with hate, and dulled by pain. He'd never seen them like this; the pupils large and inky with desire. Naked yearning. Yearning, need....and fear.

Chris was afraid. He was laying his soul open to Vin, speaking like this, risking rejection and ridicule.

Vin found his voice. "Reckon I want it all, Cowboy," he said hoarsely.

"Yeah?"

Beneath the off-hand tone, Vin heard the relief. He smiled slightly and nodded. "Yeah. Reckon I...." His face flushed and he ducked his head. "ReckonIfeelthesame."

The words spilled out clumsily. Vin had no experience with this kind of thing. The last person he'd had any kind of human feelings for had been his Mama. He had no experience with this kind of love, or any kind of relationship. Chris's declaration left him lost. What was he supposed to do? How was he supposed to act? Would Chris tell him?

His hand was still trapped between their two bodies; he was almost afraid to move it. Chris's breath fanned warmly against his face. Vin let one finger stroke over the growing bulge. He felt the small shudder that passed through the older man and it thrilled him, to think his touch had such an effect.

However, as much as he wanted this, he could see the lines of pain that marked his friend's face. Chris had suffered a lot these past few days, and not just physically. Though it still angered him that the older man had ignored his warnings, he reckoned he understood a little more now the reasons behind it. Hell, if Chris had been half as wound up and confused as him, it was no wonder the man couldn't see sense.

Vin also felt guilty, knowing his would-be desertion, for a second time, had added to that pain. He made a silent promise that he would never leave this man again, only a bullet would part them. "Gonna make you feel good," he whispered, guiding Chris back toward the bed.

This Vin knew. This he could do. The rest could wait. There'd be time later to talk and work things out between them. For now he wanted this, wanted it so bad it was a slow, building ache inside of him.

Gently, he nudged Chris onto the bed. "'Ya need a hand with these, Cowboy?" he whispered, pleased his hands shook only a little as he undid the tiny fly buttons. With proficient ease, ever mindful of Chris's wound, Vin tugged down the snug fitting pants. Chris was naked as a newborn beneath them, and both men drew a deep breath as his hard flesh was freed. It bobbed enticingly in front of Vin's face.

With a wicked smile, Vin leaned forward, supple as a cat, and took the straining length between his lips. Chris groaned, and would have arched off the bed, but Vin's hands were there, holding his hips, steadying him. Vin teased the leaking head, lapping at the pre- cum. Chris kneaded at the blanket, whispering in tongues as Vin brought him to the brink.

It couldn't last, not with both of them wanting and waiting for so long. Chris cried out Vin's name as he spilled his seed. Vin savoured the bitter-sweet fluid, rolling it around his mouth before swallowing each and every drop. As the sated flesh softened and became sensitive, Vin let it slip from his lips. He sat back on his haunches. His own body was begging for release, but for the moment he was content to sit and look.

Chris lay panting; his face, throat, and chest suffused with a mottled rosy glow. His eyes glittered, the green of the irises almost swallowed up by the black of his pupils. Vin mapped every line and shadow of the strong face and leanly muscled torso. //Mine// he thought, with a trace of awe. He felt a swell of satisfaction that he had been successful: Chris still looked tired, but now it was a 'good' tired. Some of the pain-lines had faded from the older man's face, leaving it less care-worn.

When Chris reached for him he batted the hand away. He grinned at the gunman's frustrated growl. "Impatient bastard, ain't ya."

Chris's scowl quickly melted into a knowing smirk. His tongue slowly stroked along his bottom lip, while green eyes cast a speculative look over the length of Vin's body.

To Vin, it felt as if the air had suddenly been sucked out of the room. Heat flooded his body as that hungry gaze raked over him. He couldn't scramble out of his pants quickly enough, and almost tumbled off the bed in his haste.

"You seem a might impatient there, pard," Chris gibed gently.

It was Vin's turn to scowl, but any annoyance was instantly forgotten as Chris's long, cool fingers closed around him. He whimpered, and Chris soothed him with wordless murmurings. Vin scooted further up the bed, so that Chris didn't have to stretch for him. Chris's other hand caressed his thighs and belly, before slipping down to tease underneath.

Vin shook and trembled, his knees barely able to hold his balance.

"Come here, Cowboy," Chris whispered huskily.

Dazed, his heart pounding, Vin let himself be led forward until he was carefully straddling the older man. With an idea of what Chris wanted, he pushed a pillow beneath his lover's head to help support him. Then he took hold of the bedstead to hold his weight off Chris. Vin bit his lip to stifle a cry as Chris swallowed him down. It was all he could do not to thrust mindlessly into that tight, wet heat.

Then Chris relaxed his throat, taking him in even deeper. Vin gave a gasp, and came with such force he thought he might have blacked out for a moment. Thankfully, as he came fully-to, he was hanging over the bedstead, which held the boneless weight of his body off his friend.

He slid off to the side, sinking down onto the mattress next to Chris, who was licking his lips with a self-satisfied expression. Vin felt a buzzing in his chest, and knew it was pure happiness. After a little while laid in comfortable silence, Vin made to get up - meaning to give Chris back the bed. The older man lay an arm across him.

"Stay," Chris whispered.

Vin's hair curtained his face, hiding a delighted smile, as he lay back down. He turned onto his side giving Chris more room. As tired as he now felt, he forced himself to stay awake, listening to Chris's breathing slow into sleep. Gradually however, he allowed himself to drift, the buzzing warmth in his chest spreading outward, lulling him toward rest.

Chapter XX

The next day was spent in lazy contentment. Despite his protests, Chris was clearly tired and sore, so they did little more than touch and indulge in long, deep, slow kisses. Neither man had, as yet, spoken of the change in their relationship.

Buck rode by around midday, to check that - 'you two ain't killed one another yet'.

Vin left the two older men sitting on the porch as he slipped away, silent as a shadow, to fetch something for the pot.

Buck watched the tracker leave. He turned to Chris. "Vin doin' okay?"

Chris bit the end off his cheroot and spat it into the dirt. "He's fine."

"How 'bout you?"

Chris lit his smoke and inhaled deeply. "Gettin' there."

Buck smiled and nodded. "Yep, I reckon so."

Chris looked at hard at his friend - something in Buck's tone alerting him - but Buck had turned away to look out over the fields. For a while the two men sat in silence, soaking up the combined warmth of the sun and good company. Finally, Buck spoke.

"Ran into Mary in town."

Chris waited for the rest.

"She wanted to come out, see how you were healin' up."

Chris tensed.

"Told her you were fine, but maybe she should wait until you were back in town. Said you weren't really up to anyone visiting."

"Thanks, Buck."

Buck acknowledged the appreciation with a nod, but he hadn't finished. "She was sayin' she's had a letter from that Gerard fella. Seems he wants her and Billy to ride out and take a look at the new homestead."

Chris remained silent.

"I told her one of us would see them safe if she was of a mind to go. I reckon she might."

"She should," said Chris. He wasn't sure where Buck was going with this. However, he knew his tone said that he was no longer interested in Mary.

"That's what I told her."

Buck smiled, the corners of his eyes crinkling. Chris knew then that somehow - God only knew how - Buck had gathered the truth of his feelings for Vin. He felt his gut tighten, but Buck didn't look bothered by the news. Quite the opposite; he wore a look of deep satisfaction.

"Thought so," Buck intoned, a sparkle lighting his eyes.

"Buck, I-" Chris stopped. He didn't have the words.

He didn't need them.

"Just so you know," said Buck, "me an' the boys will always be here to watch yer backs."

Well...Fuck. Did that mean the others knew? Chris had already gathered that Nathan might have an inkling, but Josiah? Ezra? Hell, J.D.?

Buck seemed to read his mind, answering his unspoken fears.

"Seems to me Nathan's seen and suffered about as much as Vin in his lifetime. What, with him being a slave an' all. I don't reckon he'd begrudge anyone their happiness, if they weren't hurtin' nobody by it. An' Josiah? He's more a man of the world than a man of the cloth, an' we both know he puts his own twist on God's teachings."

"Now as for Ezra," Buck grinned. "Now, I don't pretend to understand half of what comes outta that boy's mouth, but I think I know where he's comin' from. Least ways, most of the time."

Chris gave him a look that clearly said. 'You do?'

Buck shrugged. "Ezra ain't so hard to read, not if you cut through all that flim-flam he spouts." Buck looked thoughtful. "The way I see it, cheatin's in his blood, but he ain't to blame fer the way he was brought up. I reckon Maude was doing the best she could, but she sure made certain that boy learned to stand alone. He's kinda lost with this stuff."

Buck waved his hand meaningfully and Chris knew the other man was referring to the strange, but strong, bonds of friendship that secured the seven.

"He's sharp though," Buck continued, admiration very much apparent in his tone. "I'd say not much slips past Ma Standish's boy. It wouldn't surprise me none if he had you and Vin figured out from the first, but you can be sure he won't call you out on it."

Chris arched an eyebrow, trying to settle the pounding of his heart that had started at the thought of Ezra putting things together before he and Vin had even started to.

Buck answered his silent enquiry. "Ezra's still learnin' the ropes. This friendship thing's got him more flustered than a fox in a chicken coop. He's havin' trouble cottonin' onto the notion of havin' somethin' valuable that can't be spent, bought, or played for. But he is learnin', and I don't think he'll risk gamblin' with it."

" 'Sides," Buck added. "I think he might have a certain sympathy, if ya catch my meanin'?"

Chris did.

Ezra?

He supposed he should be surprised, but then again, why? After all, neither he nor Vin had confined their interests to one gender. Buck's easy acceptance had taken him by surprise. Chris found a smile; he should have known. Buck was broad-minded and big-hearted. It would take a lot more than two men loving one another to rattle 'Mama Wilmington's boy'.

"Thanks, Buck." He seemed to be saying those two words a lot of late, though this time there were layers of meaning beneath them. By the way Buck smiled at him, he knew his friend had heard them all. Now he had one more question. "What about J.D.?"

Buck shook his head. "Boy's smart, Chris. You know that, but he ain't seen that much of the world. Life's still pretty new to him. I don't reckon he'll see any more than you show him. But," Buck added, "I won't lie to that boy, and if he does cotton on...." His voice trailed off.

Chris understood. He knew how close Buck was to the boy. Hell, they were tighter than most blood kin. He couldn't expect Buck to carry a lie for him. Besides, he had no intention of flaunting this relationship; there was no reason for J.D. to know anything. However, there was a lot at stake here. A wrong word could see him and Vin chased out of town, or worse.

Buck seemed to sense his unease. His expression grew earnest. "He's a good kid, Chris, and I don't believe for a minute he'd do anything to hurt you, or Vin."

Silently, Chris agreed and no more was said.

Chapter XXI

Vin returned sometime later, carrying a pair of plump quail. He dropped them at Chris's feet. "We alone?"

From his seat on the porch steps, Chris looked up and nodded. "Yep. Buck went back to town."

Without another word, Vin leaned in and took Chris's mouth in a kiss that left him half-hard and aching.

When, finally, Vin began to draw away, Chris caught his arms. "No you don't. Come here." He tugged Vin back, pulling him down between his parted knees. The second kiss continued for some time; lips and tongues dancing slow, unhurried steps. Heat flared. The kiss grew more urgent; tongues entwined, plunging deep, harsh breaths punctuated by soft, needy moans.

It ended abruptly as Chris's wound gave him a vicious reminder, and he relinquished a gasp that had nothing to do with desire. Vin broke away. Chris grit his teeth against the pain and tried to snatch Vin's leg to yank him back. The tracker avoided the hand easily.

"Ease up, Cowboy. Nathan'll have my hide if ya pop them stitches. You'd best rest while I get dinner."

Chris was only slightly mollified that Vin sounded as frustrated as he felt. He fidgeted, trying to ease the tightness of his trousers, while Vin expertly prepared the quail. They ate in silence. After Chris set his finished plate aside, Vin got up and went inside, returning with a bottle and two glasses. Sitting down again, he poured them each a generous shot.

"You're gettin' pretty free an' easy with my whiskey," was Chris's only comment, but he smiled as he took the glass.

Vin shrugged and took a deep swig. "Plannin' on gettin' free and easy with a whole lotta things, once that hole in yer side is all healed up."

Chris's smile widened into a cat-like grin. "Sounds mighty interestin'."

Vin shared a sly smile of his own. "Don't want ya gettin' bored."

"Oh, I don't think there's much chance of that," Chris said, easily. He enjoyed the slight flush that stole across the tracker's features. The man was damned contradictory - bold and teasing one minute, shy and awkward the next. Chris found it both fascinating and arousing. He sipped on his whiskey as he let his imagination roam through the possibilities surrounding Vin Tanner's idea of 'free and easy'.

His happy meanderings were interrupted by a quiet enquiry.

"Things quiet in town?"

"Yep." Chris downed the last of his drink while he wondered how to phrase the news that Buck had brought. Vin beat him to the punch.

"Buck knows."

The soft statement caused the last of the whiskey to catch in Chris's throat. He coughed for a few seconds before he could speak. "You readin' minds now?"

Vin shook his head. "Don't need ta. It's painted clear across that ugly cuss of yers. Look like you've swallowed a cactus."

"I'll give you ugly," Chris growled. "An' give me that." - He snared himself the whiskey bottle and poured out another shot.

Silence returned for a few minutes, broken only by the chirp of crickets and a patchwork of bird calls. Chris rolled his glass between his fingers, watching the swirl of amber liquid. "It bother you?" he asked finally.

"Them knowin'?" Vin shook his head. "Don't bother me none. You?"

Chris gave his own negative response. A brief pause, then, "Buck seems to think Ezra had it figured it out before any of us."

Vin smiled slightly. "Reckon he's probably right."

"Could make things a bit awkward."

That made the tracker sit up straighter. "They're bothered then?"

"No. Least, Buck ain't, and he don't seem to think the others will be."

Vin seemed to mull that over. He gradually relaxed, slipping back into his familiar slouch. "If it's town that's got ya worried, I wasn't plannin' on jumpin' ya in the street." He huffed as Chris poked his ribs.

"I meant-" Chris began.

"-I know what ya meant," Vin cut in quietly.

Chris grimaced. Of course Vin knew. Chris considered himself to be a private man, but if he was private, Vin was downright secretive. And while Chris was grateful for Buck's easy going acceptance, it made him slightly uncomfortable to think of the others knowing. It stood to reason that Vin would feel that discomfort even more acutely.

"But I reckon," Vin continued, "if we don't act no different 'round them, they won't treat us any different." He looked at Chris for confirmation.

Chris nodded. "Reckon you're probably right." His smile returned as he added. "Ain't nobody around now."

"Nope," Vin agreed.

Chris let his hand slide down the younger man's back, tugging out the shirt so that he could slip his fingers underneath to stroke the warm, bare skin. "Think I need to go back to bed, Cowboy," he whispered. "Keep me company?"

Vin nodded, and they went inside. Two pairs of hands made light work of shirts, boots, and trousers. Naked, they lay together, limbs loosely entwined, savouring this time away from the world.

Chapter XXII

The end of the week saw Four Corners flooded with ranch hands, fresh from a cattle drive and eager to spend their wages. Most took a ride out to 'Pleasureville'. Many returned liquored up and looking for a fight.

While Chris didn't doubt that the other six could keep things under control, he felt better watching the goings on from a chair on the board-walk, outside the jail house. Vin took most of the patrols, preferring to stay out of town with so many new people stifling the streets.

The ride into town had tired Chris more than he cared to admit. With that in mind, he reluctantly took a room at the boarding house rather than face the return trip to his cabin each night. Vin in turn, went back to his wagon. After the days and nights together, neither man was happy, but they'd agreed that when they were in town they had to maintain appearances.

Maintaining appearances meant separate lodgings and Chris making small-talk with Mary. Both men respected and cared for her too much to use her as a cover, but Chris could still be friendly and folk would see what they wanted anyway. People weren't to know that most of Chris and Mary's recent conversations revolved around her forthcoming trip to Gerard's homestead.

As for the other five men, Chris was correct in that there was a certain amount of awkwardness for a time. Though they probably felt it more on their side, with neither he nor Vin as yet wholly comfortable with the idea of anyone knowing.

However, Josiah and Nathan never gave any indication that they were aware. Buck demonstrated that he could be the soul of discretion, and J.D. was clearly totally ignorant of developments.

Surprisingly, only Ezra betrayed his understanding of the new situation - and then only with a sly look and a slight, but strangely pleased smile.

Chris wondered if he'd ever understand the man.

By the following week the town was quiet again, as the cattlemen's wages ran out and they returned to work. Nathan advised Chris to head back to his cabin for a few days. Since Vin was offering to ride out with him, for once Chris was content to take the healer's advice.

The weeks went by. The town stayed unusually quiet, and Chris was able to spend his time recovering. His wound was healing well; time passed, the pain became an ache, and then the ache became an itch. The month was nearly out when Nathan finally announced that he was 'fit to ride'.

Vin appeared in the doorway just as the healer made his prognosis. Chris leered at him over Nathan's shoulder and bit back a chuckle as Vin flushed and turned away; though not before he had caught the younger man's corresponding grin. Oblivious to the silent exchange, Nathan packed up his things and left the two men alone.

Vin slouched against the doorjamb, both hands hooked in his gunbelt. Chris closed the distance between them, wondering if the uncertainty on Vin's face was reflected on his own. Until now, they'd done little more than kiss and touch. The nights spent together had been voyages of discovery - mapping one another's bodies with hands, lips and tongues.

They hadn't really talked over matters. Neither man was one for lengthy conversation, and both of them remained somewhat stunned by the turn of events. So many things still lay unsaid.

Chris found himself thinking back, weeks earlier, when Vin had voiced his insistence that he wasn't going to wear a dress. //I ain't no woman.// Chris was fairly certain that he understood the younger man's concerns.

From that first day, they'd stood side by side as equals. Vin was clearly worried that this might alter the balance of their friendship. Chris wasn't certain how to allay his friend's fears. He wasn't looking for Vin to lay down for him. He wanted Vin as he was - soft-spoken, sharp-tongued, quick-witted and mule-headed. He just didn't know how to say it.

However, they'd never needed words to express things between them. Why should that change? Hoping his expression spoke for him, Chris lightly touched Vin's arm. "Okay, Cowboy?" He felt Vin relax beneath his fingertips and he knew somehow he'd said enough.

A smile ghosted across the younger man's face, the blue eyes lighting with a teasing glint. "Fit to ride, heh?"

Chris grinned. "So Nathan says."

"Guess it's official then. Him being a medical man an' all."

Chris got straight to the point. "Bed?"

Vin's smile transformed into a crooked grin as he took off his hat and began to unbuckle his gunbelt. When he got to his shirt, Chris drew his hands away from the buttons. Vin frowned, puzzled.

Chris kissed the frown away. "Let me?" he asked, his fingers hovering over the first fastening.

Vin nodded.

Neither man spoke as Chris worked his way through the buttons. As he undid the last, he pushed the shirt off Vin's shoulders. He couldn't stop the sharp breath that escaped at the sight laid bare to him. He met Vin's eyes for a moment before lowering his head to a flat nipple, lathing his tongue across it 'til the sensitive flesh pebbled. Vin gasped and arched against him, as Chris drew the nub into his mouth.

Chris gave the nipple one last loving lick, before releasing it and turning his attentions to its neglected twin. He nipped the hardening bud gently with his teeth, then suckled hard upon it. Vin gave a moan and tried to press even closer, strong fingers digging into Chris's back.

Chris moved slowly upwards, sinking his teeth playfully into Vin's jaw, nuzzling an ear, blowing the springy curls. Vin growled with impatience and squirmed, turning his head to snatch Chris's mouth in a demanding kiss. Chris gave as good as he got, thrusting Vin against the door-frame with near-violent force; desire driving them both.

This was no battle for dominance, both men were eager to give and take in equal measure. With more haste than grace, they shed the rest of their clothing, tumbling onto the bed in a tangle of limbs.

Chris was again reminded that the tracker's slight build was deceptive; tensile strength corded those lean muscles. Vin had no difficulty turning them so that he had the upper hand, sitting on Chris wearing a distinctly predatory expression.

Vin wasted little time simply looking; he fell upon Chris like a man too long denied, covering the older man's body in soft bites and hard kisses. At length he lifted his head - eyes glittering, face flushed "Want me?" he asked breathlessly.

Chris couldn't find the breath to speak; he nodded.

Vin's smile illuminated his entire face; a look of pure love. He leaned down to the floor and dragged his battered coat toward him. Chris arched an eyebrow as Vin removed something from the pocket. It was a small, non-descript looking bottle. The younger man flushed slightly.

"Nathan give it me. Fer my back. I reckon it'll do fer this jist as well." He sat back on his haunches and uncorked the bottle.

Chris carefully caught Vin's wrist before the young man could pour out any of the contents. "You don't have to," he said softly. He wanted Vin to understand that he didn't expect this of him.

Vin nodded slowly. "Partners?"

"In all things."

"But ya need me now, don't ya, Cowboy."

Chris was helpless to deny it. He could still feel Ella on his skin; he felt defiled by it. He wanted to lose himself in Vin; to let the feel of his new lover banish forever the lingering memory of her embrace.

"'S'all right," Vin whispered, his raspy drawl sending shivers along Chris's skin. "I understand." He gently tugged free and poured out a generous handful of oil. Warm, slippery fingers closed around Chris's flesh. Vin soothed the older man's strangled moan. "Sssh. Easy. Jist let me. Let me."

Chris felt powerless to deny Vin anything; the hands that could wield knife or rifle with such skill, proving just as deadly with a fistful of oil. Vin slid them over and around, drawing a calloused thumb across the weeping slit, mixing the precum with the slippery golden liquid.

Clinging to his crumbling control, Chris snagged the little bottle and coated his own fingers. He was close, so close...too close. His hand shook as he stroked around the hard curve of Vin's buttock, breath quickening as he eased inside, and tight, silken heat closed around his finger.

Vin slowly rocked onto the invader, eyes half-closed in pleasure. His hold upon Chris faltered slightly.

Chris gazed at the young man's incandescent expression - lust, love and awe warring within him. His finger slipped free as he bucked his hips, thrusting blindly into Vin's lax grip. He was helpless to hold back; the need for release over-riding all else.

Vin's fingers tightened and with a touch he brought Chris back from the edge. Chris's heartfelt moan caught on a breath as Vin straddled him - impaling himself in one, deceptively easy, stroke. Chris watched pain and ecstasy light across the young man's face; biting his lip as hot, velveteen muscle constricted around him.

Tight. Oh, God, so very tight. His fingers closed convulsively upon slender hips as he struggled not to drive mindlessly upward into that snug embrace.

Vin's harsh, ragged breathing betrayed his own fight for control.

Muscles taut, bodies trembling, they fought against the imminent desire for release. As their breathing steadied, they began to move, finding a sweet, slow rhythm.

Chris spread his fingers over sun-bronzed skin, tracing the curve and hollow of hip and belly. With a wolfish grin he wrapped a hand around the tracker's erection, resulting in a jolted gasp. Vin recovered, and with his own savage look, he tightened 'round Chris, extracting his own gasp.

The time for slow and easy had passed. Each now drove hard against the other. Hands, slick with oil, struggled to find purchase, as bodies slid and thrust with sweet, maddening friction.

They cried out almost as one; Chris's seed flooding Vin's body, while the younger man's release shot over his chest and belly in a hot, sticky rush.

Chris lay spent, a panting Vin draped over him. His heart pounding as white dots danced across his vision. He placed a shaky arm across the tracker's shoulders. "Hell of a ride, pard," he managed hoarsely. Vin's answering chuckle reverberated through his body.

Vin raised his head with obvious effort, regarding Chris through passion heavy lids. With a soft groan he slipped sideways, collapsing onto the bed in a boneless sprawl. "Think I'm a might saddle sore," he drawled.

They lay in comfortable silence. Chris on his back, one hand behind his head, the other lightly stroking Vin's shoulders. Vin on his side, a leg hooked over Chris's; his fingers sketching lazy patterns on the older man's chest

Chris felt the fingers pause over the recent puckered scar.

"Thought I'd lost ya ta that crazy bitch."

The words were barely audible, but Chris didn't miss the pain in them. He raised a hand to Vin's cheek, drawing the tracker's gaze to him. The raw emotion in those clear eyes nearly made him flinch. "I think maybe," he admitted softly, "I let myself get lost. Least, for a time."

That was what he had wanted; to lose himself in a time before the agony and torment that had torn apart his life.

Ella represented the carefree recklessness that had marked his early adulthood. He'd been drawn to her, almost in desperation. Wanting her to ease the misery. Wanting to forget, for a while at least.

Chris continued to brush his fingers over Vin's cheek. "Good thing I had me a tracker, to show me the way back."

Vin's expression was solemn as he brought his hand up to cover Chris's. "I'll always lead ya home, Cowboy. Long as ya want me to."

Home? Chris knew the exact moment when that word had ceased to mean anything to him. The mere thought of it bringing the devastating ache of loss and the biting pain of memories. From Vin's lips however, the word brought no resurgence of loss, no swell of rage. Instead, a slow, seeping warmth that drove the chill from his chest.

He was home, and it had nothing to do with this cabin, or Four Corners, and everything to do with the man lying in his arms. Chris knew without doubt that from this moment, home would be wherever Vin Tanner was. He smiled; a smile from deep inside. "Reckon I'm home for good, pard."

Vin's answering smile nearly dazzled him, and Chris drew the younger man up to claim a kiss.

"Reckon I'm home too," said Vin happily, when Chris let him up for air.

Chris kissed him again, before reluctantly releasing him. He could feel his flesh stirring, and Vin's answering hardness poked him in the thigh, but neither man really had the energy yet for another round. Sleep first. They had time. Chris sighed in content.

It was a lot of years since he'd been young and naive enough to believe in 'happy ever afters'. He doubted Vin ever had. Still, he thought perhaps they had a chance here, together, to find some of the peace and happiness that had eluded them both for so long. He was certainly more than willing to give it a try.

Tightening his arms around his lover he whispered, "Ssh. Go to sleep. I've got yer back."

Vin mumbled something unintelligible and burrowed closer.

Chris had always been somewhat taken aback that a skittish survivor like Vin could show such instant trust in him. He'd guessed enough of Vin's past to surmise that trust was probably not something the young man surrendered easily. He'd always felt a touch of pride that he had been the one on whom that gift had been bestowed.

Here and now, Chris made a promise: that he would never again do anything to threaten that faith.

Almost as if he'd heard the unspoken vow, Vin reached out a hand and threaded his fingers through Chris's. "Got yer back," he muttered before settling back to sleep.

Chris relished the feel of those warm, strong fingers, anchoring him. He closed his eyes. This felt right. This felt like forever. No doubts assailed him. This was love. They were home.

THE END

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