Candle on the Water

by Oracle

Feedback: Breeds bunnies… Welcomed on list or off at

Disclaimer: Once upon a time in the Old West, CBS joined forces with Mirisch Entertainment, Trilogy and MGM. They brought together Seven unbelievable gorgeous men and made a Television series. And all was well. But the fans saw that certain of these sexy, hunky men did look upon each other with lust and longing in their eyes. And being the sweet, kind, generous fans they were wrote stories where they could have fun and hot cowboy sex and comfort each other after extreme pain and angst had been visited upon them. And it was good…

One day, Mog looked at the Seven hunky men (sweat-soaked and caked with dust<WEG>) and thought wisely, "Would it not be fantastic were they also to reside in present day as well?" So she took the Seven, dropped them into beautiful Denver, Colorado, gave them each jobs to do and made them agents of the ATF…. Team Seven. The devoted fans rose to the challenge, taking them to their hearts and many more wonderful stories came to be. And they all lived happily ever after…

Acknowledgement: Special thanks to my beta Annie for the whine at the beginning. I’d forgotten when My kids used to do that all the time <G>. Your prodding in the right direction also made this a little deeper story than it was to begin with. And your running comments made me laugh as always. See… it wasn’t too late!


"Where we goin' an' what're we doin', Chris?" asked Vin. The blond turned back to his sharpshooter, eyes narrowed at the uncharacteristic whine in the voice. He was met by twinkling blue eyes that pulled a chuckle from him.

"I think you've been spending way too much time with Josiah over at the mission he does all that volunteering at..."

"Had a lot of spare time on m'hands," said Vin. Chris' eyes dimmed, remembering why. It had been a long struggle for the Texan to reach the point where he was allowed to return to work even for desk duty. He had been sorely missed. The only thing that had kept them all going during that time was the knowledge that the gaping hole left in the team by his absence was not permanent as had almost been the case. Vin quickly reached out a hand to grab the other man's arm.

"I'm sorry, Chris," he said. "I didn't mean ta remind ya. I know today was supposed to be gettin' away from all that."

"It's all right, Vin," said Chris, laying his hand on top of the sharpshooter's and drawing him into his arms for a careful hug. "I need to work on my reactions. I don't want you to feel like you have to watch what you say all the time." Chris released the man from his arms enough to look into his face.

"Trust me?" Larabee asked, eyes gleaming with warmth and anticipation in the deepening twilight.

"With my life," said the younger man, lips smiling but blue eyes revealing the seriousness of his words.

They continued on through the trees. Vin took a deep breath, inhaling the scents of pine and cedar. He listened to the wind in the tops of the trees, the sounds of the small animals and birds around him. By turning his head slightly, he could catch a glimpse of the beautiful deep mauves and purples accompanying the slow setting of the sun behind the nearby mountains. Here and there shafts of sunlight broke through the clouds to hit the mountainside in streams of gold that looked almost substantial enough to climb to the heavens. Chris glanced back at him, catching his eyes.

"You doing all right, pard?" he asked.

"I'm fine," said the sharpshooter, blushing a little at the team leader's obvious concern. "I ain't gonna fall over on ya. We didn't walk that far."

"Can I help it if I worry about you?" Chris replied, smiling warmly. "It hasn't been that long since you weren't even able to walk down the stairs. And this wasn't intended to be a marathon anyway. I didn't want you too tired to enjoy it once we get where we're headed."

Just then the two men came out of the trees at the edge of a small lake. Chris watched as Vin took in the sight of the still mountain waters and the reflected sunset spilling through the softly shaded clouds. The blond eyed the sharpshooter’s face avidly. Something essential seemed to change. The lines around Tanner's eyes seemed to relax and the lips lifted in a smile. Best of all were the blue eyes which widened and took on the awed expression of a child. When Vin's gaze at last broke from contemplation of the stunning view, he turned to find Chris watching him, a smile on his own face.

"Thanks Chris," he said simply.

"Anytime," responded the blond. Vin's eyes turned mischievous.

"Were ya thinkin' about a little moonlight dip?" he asked.

"I didn't tell you to bring your trunks, did I?" countered the blond.

"Who needs trunks?" asked Vin, grinning wolfishly at his lover and snaking an arm behind to grab a nice firm handful of Larabee ass.

Chris laughed even as he leaned a little closer encouraging the kneading Vin's fingers had begun. He hoped allowing the man to continue his activity for a little while would sidetrack him from thinking about a swim. This lake was high enough up that the water was cold year round. He knew Vin didn't care about that, even relished a dip in chilly mountain creeks but he wasn't about to let the younger man get chilled today. Tanner still looked and felt too frail to him.

"My God," exclaimed the team leader, "I think I've created a monster."

"Ya want me to stop?" asked Vin removing his hand.

"Not really," sighed Chris, "but I know if I let you get started we won't get where we need to be in time."

"Where's that, cowboy?" asked Vin in a soft, raspy voice even as he leaned in for a kiss. Larabee let him initiate the kiss then escalated the contact by bringing his hand up to slide around the back of Vin's neck holding him steady as he methodically mapped every inch of the man's mouth with an eager tongue. The Texan moaned and Chris slowly eased back.

"Still ain't telling you, Vin," the blond whispered. The Texan groaned again. He'd tried everything up to and including sexual bribery to worm out of Chris where he was taking him. "But we're almost there," whispered Larabee again, laving his tongue all the way across the younger man's lower lip from one corner to the other. Vin's eyes dilated and his breathing accelerated.

"Damn, Chris," he gasped, "I ain't gonna be able to walk."

"Welcome to my world, Vin Tanner," replied Larabee in a husky voice. The team leader slid his hand down from his lover's neck to trace along his body. He trailed long fingers across the slender chest, brushing aside the unbuttoned flannel shirt Vin wore over his t-shirt against the rapidly cooling evening. Flicking his fingertips over a nipple, he caused it to harden beneath the soft blue fabric.

"If you're gonna play with fire, pard..." continued Chris as his hand slid further down past Tanner's waist and over to cup the prominent bulge in the front of the faded blue jeans.

"Make sure you're close to water," rasped the Texan and dove back in to ravage Chris' hot wet mouth. Vin rotated his hips, arching into the hand over his crotch. Both men were gasping for air when their mouths parted again. Chris' lips spread in a wide smile. He moved his hand to clasp the sharpshooter's.

"Come on," he said, "Not far." He tugged on the hand and Vin followed, trying to adjust his pants, which were feeling uncomfortably tight now.

"Better not be far," he growled. But Chris was true to his word and they only walked about a hundred yards down the shoreline to a large bush right on the water's edge. Skirting the bush right behind Chris, Vin found the man standing by a fairly decent-sized, flat-bottomed motor boat. He looked up to find green eyes blazing at him and a challenging smile on his lover's face.

The team leader shrugged out of the backpack he wore, dropped it into the boat and held out his hand. Vin slipped his own much lighter pack off his back and put it into the waiting hand. It joined the other one in the boat. Silently, he and Chris shoved the boat down the bank, jumping in at the last minute with a laugh. The team leader lifted a paddle out of the bottom of the boat and pushed hard, sending them gliding out into the water. When he turned to get the other oar he found Vin already had it.

"No motor?" asked the sharpshooter.

"I thought it would be nicer to have less noise and take our time. But it's there if we need it." Vin nodded. Chris reached for the paddle in Tanner's hand but the younger man shook his head.

"Scoot over, Chris," he said softly. Larabee looked at him for a long moment, then nodded and slid over on the center seat. Vin settled beside him. They both slid their oars into the locks. Tanner looked over at him. The blond grinned.

"Pull," he said. It only took about three soft chants of the word before they had settled into an even rhythm. Chris kept his eye on the shoreline ahead and to the side of them. Vin hadn't even had time to start feeling the burn in his muscles before Larabee called a halt. "This is fine," he said.

The younger man looked around him. They weren't in the center of the lake but the nearest shore was a good distance away in the deepening twilight.

"What now?" asked the Texan.

"We relax and enjoy," said Chris as he moved slowly towards the back of the boat. Vin heard a rustling, then he was passed something large, soft and dark. Larabee's teeth flashed in the dimness and Vin heard his soft words, "I prefer a little comfort however…" The younger man realized it was a blanket he now held.

"Don't tell me you had this in your backpack," said Vin, chuckling.

"No, I had these already stashed here in the boat," said Chris, passing him a second blanket. His light colored hair caught the last gleams of failing light before fading away to a less dim splotch against the soft warm dark. Vin smiled to himself at the warmth in his heart just knowing the man was within reach. Moving to the other end of the boat he spread the padding.

Tanner heard further rustlings as Chris pulled out whatever else he'd brought or stashed. He'd finished laying the blankets when he felt the boat rock slightly as the blond made his way back. Strong hands held him steady as Larabee slipped past him.

Vin watched as he settled himself in the bottom of the boat, propped against the end, then beckoned him to sit between his spread legs. The younger man smiled his lop-sided smile and turned to nestle against the lean body. Chris pulled him back and looped his arms around Vin. He handed him a bottle of water and plastic container of fruit he'd removed from the backpack. Vin took a long drink then settled it beside them.

"Mmmm," Tanner said as he leaned back into the warmth and strength with a contented sigh. "This is nice."

"Thought you might like it," said Chris, stroking the younger man's arms and chest.

"I was kinda surprised the boys didn’t say anything about us takin' off early."

"They understood. We spent most of the day with them. Lunch was good."

"Yeah, Josiah's chili like to burnt the lining out of my stomach. But ya done good on the steaks off the grill." The Texan grinned.

"I figured that when you came back for seconds," said Chris, smiling as his hands began to wander farther south. "And I imagine when I get home it's going to be a disaster they left me with… so it all evens out in the end. They didn't mind us taking off and leaving them at the ranch too much. Fourth of July is the first holiday we've had together since…" The blond's voice trailed off. Just thinking about the traumatic events of the last months that had both terrified them and brought them to admit the depths of their feelings for each other made his throat tighten. Vin shifted underneath Chris' hands.

"Don't worry about them. Just relax… enjoy the view." Vin lifted his eyes to the last rays of the sunset and relished the strong hands soothing away the weariness that pulled at him after their short hike. Damn, he was still such a wimp. He didn't like feeling so weak and helpless.

"'S beautiful, Chris," said Tanner with a smile as the peace and beauty soaked into him, easing his frustration. Larabee's hands were comforting. He felt the warmth of the blond's lips under his ear and tilted his head a little more to encourage his lover. A soft moan escaped him as his body began to respond. Chris wrapped his arms around the slender form.

"I wasn't trying to do that," he said sheepishly. "I intended for this part to be restful. Just hard to keep my hands off you. Feels so good. And I'm so glad you're… still here." Vin turned his head enough to capture Chris' mouth. His lips drove away the man in black's haunting memories of his best friend's near brush with death. The sharpshooter wiggled his hips against his boss' crotch and drew a moan from Chris. When they were forced to come up for air, the blond took a deep breath. Turning the younger man's torso back around he wrapped his arms tightly around his chest. "Relax, Vin…" he ordered.

With a long-suffering sigh, Vin settled back on Chris' chest and together they watched the slow fading of pastel colours from the sky. Larabee reached for the container beside them, opened it, and held out a small cluster of dark red grapes to the sharpshooter. Tanner circled his fingers around his lover's wrist, drawing the hand up to his mouth and closed his teeth over one of the plump globes. He pulled and the grape popped free, disappearing into the depths of his mouth. Chris' breath hitched in his throat. Vin turned the hand he held captive slightly and plucked another fat sphere from the stem. When he rolled the third one around on his tongue before biting down and swallowing, Larabee groaned. He could feel his cock sitting up and paying attention to Tanner's obvious teasing.

Chris dipped his hand into the container again. This time he came up with a raspberry. Holding it between a thumb and forefinger, he lifted his hand towards the moist lips of his sharpshooter. Vin opened his mouth and closed it over the two fingers and berry. Squeezing tightly, his hot wet mouth burst the berry, spurting juice over fingers, tongue and palate. Larabee's breathing was speeding up and his eyes slid closed as he focused on the sensations. Vin's tongue swirled around his fingers, alternately sucking gently and cleaning the juice off. When they were clean and moist from the attention, the Texan released the two fingers with a last long swipe and a nip on the pad of the thumb.

The blond took a deep shaky breath. Heat was curling in his groin. He reached down again. This time it was a slice of fresh peach that rose to Vin's lips. The Texan slowly sucked the piece of fruit into his mouth, letting it glide past his lips till he reached Chris' fingers at the end. The peach disappeared into the sharpshooter's luscious mouth, a drop of juice rolling down his chin. Vin's tongue snaked out to catch it. Larabee's breath caught in his chest and he felt a throb pulse through his cock and spread heat all the way to his toes. His hips arched slightly into Tanner's ass, pressing tightly in an attempt to ease the building pressure.

Vin held the team leader's wrist firmly. He slid his thumb into the palm and drew slow circles. The fingers spread slightly and he brought the little finger to his mouth and thrust out his tongue to lick the juice clinging there. He laved it very carefully till there was nothing of the peach flavor left… only Chris' unique taste. Tanner nipped at the tip and smiled. His favorite flavor after all. He went on to thoroughly lick and suck the finger next to it, swirling his tongue around until there was no doubt in either one's mind that he had cleaned off all the juice. The Texan moved on to the next, treating it in a similar fashion. Chris groaned.

Vin couldn't see his face but he felt the growing tension in the older man. His breathing was irregular. Occasionally one leg or the other would twitch as if he were struggling not to squeeze his thighs together and press against the sharpshooter. The Texan smiled around the finger he was currently bathing. He knew exactly how to get what he wanted from Chris. Vin wasn't above playing dirty to push his lover into not treating him so much like a piece of blown glass that he might shatter in a strong wind. He was getting tired of Larabee's hovering and today seemed a perfect day to assert his independence.

Vin, at last, moved to Larabee's index finger. Very slowly, he ran his tongue all the way around the tip of the tasty finger. Next he laved it all the way to the base and back up to the end. He could hear Chris' breathing harshly in his ear and feel the swelling pushing at his backside. Vin suppressed his grin and focused his attention on the finger he held captive. He nipped and nibbled up one side and down the other. Vin turned his head and, capturing Chris' mouth with his now peach flavoured one, thrust his tongue deep. Chris' arms circled him, pulling him tightly against the length of his hot body. Larabee moaned deep in his throat.

The two lovers fed off each other’s mouths for a long while, only pausing to come up for breath. When the team leader felt the trembling begin in the Texan’s body, he backed off. He had been determined to keep this expedition low-key but he'd almost allowed Vin to manuever him into doing more than he felt he should. The vivid picture was still before his mind's eye of his best friend and now lover... cold, still and bathed in his own blood.

Slowly, he stroked the still too thin body, easing Vin back down into a more relaxed state. Tanner started to protest but one glance at the stern look in Chris’ eyes and he knew it was useless. When Larabee got that look, it was best to retreat and regroup. Vin smiled into the dimness. He’d get what he wanted… he just had to come at the blond from a different way, catch him unawares… and pounce.

As the blue darkened to deeper shades, the breeze that had been ruffling the water died down. Stars began to appear above them. The two men lay in the still gently rocking boat enjoying the peaceful sounds around them, as well as nature's light show above.

Crickets and frogs occasionally raised their voices from the banks, and liquid plops sounded around them as fish rose to the surface. Tanner moved again, rocking against Chris. He heard a sharp hiss behind him and smiled to himself.

Larabee let a hand trail into the water beside them thinking a cold shower wouldn't be too amiss right now. He chuckled softly as fish nibbled at his fingers. The water had calmed and as he looked across it to the bank he saw that it was still as glass. What he also saw almost took his breath away.

"Look, Vin," he breathed, nuzzling at the younger man's ear. "At the water. The stars are there…" The Texan lowered his eyes from the dazzling display above and found its echo deep in the lake.

"It's like being surrounded by stars," he said in awe, taking in the breathtaking vision of the thousands of stars above reflected in the still water. Chris moved his fingers slightly in the water and ripples spread out from them in a tiny wave, making the reflected lights waver.

"Or like candles," said Chris. He grew quiet. Vin turned his head slightly, pressing his nose up under the older man's chin.

"Dollar for your thoughts," he said softly, sensing his lover's feelings had grown deep and knowing unerringly when they needed to be shared.

"Isn't that supposed to be a penny?" chuckled Larabee.

"Nope," said the Texan. "Yours are always worth lots more'n that."

Chris brought a hand up, tilting the sharpshooter's face and placed a tender searching kiss on his lips.

"Still can't figure out what you see in me, pard," he said softly.

"The other part of me," replied Vin, looking up into his eyes. The blond smiled and the younger man turned his face back to his lover's neck, pressing kisses there. Chris was silent for a while. Tanner just waited. He knew the taciturn man would speak when he was ready.

"You know… the reason I knew about this place was because Sarah and I used to bring Adam up here camping. We came up over a Fourth of July weekend the first time and discovered just how special it was. I wanted to share that with you.

Just now, I was thinking about an old kid's movie. I remember Adam was crazy about it. Drove us out of our minds watching it every day." Chris smiled slightly in reminiscence. "It had this ridiculous looking green dragon in it. Anyway, at the beginning there was a song. Not sure why it popped into my head just now. Maybe looking at the water." He paused for a long minute… then began to sing very softly. "I'll be your candle on the water…"

"That's beautiful," whispered Vin, his hand coming up to cover the one that rested on his chest, squeezing gently.

"You're my candle on the water, Vin. I was lost somewhere in the dark. You were the light that showed me the way home…"

The Texan’s hand tightened on Chris’. His face turned into the older man’s neck, trying to bury himself in the warm body. Larabee knew the motion well. It had become a habit with Vin when he felt overwhelmed. He waited silently in the star-sprinkled darkness. What he had to say might be too much for the younger man, but the blond knew in his heart that he had to take his chance now. Vin’s heart was open to him from the shared confidences. He’d been waiting for the right opportunity, and all that had been said made now the perfect moment. When the quiet became comfortable again, he spoke.

"Vin," Chris said softly, his breath moving the curls on the top of his lover's head. The younger man stirred slightly, hearing the seriousness of the tones. "Vin, I don't want you to answer me right now… but I was wondering…"

"Yeah?" said the Texan in an equally soft voice.

"I was wondering if you'd consider moving out to the Ranch?" The team leader said it very quickly as if afraid he'd never get it out if he didn't, as if he was afraid Vin would interrupt him. There was a long silence. Chris found he was holding his breath and consciously let it go. Either Vin would run… or he would handle it. The words were out now.

Vin slowly began to rock back and forth against Chris. That caused the boat to shift in the water, moving them against each other. The blond moaned softly and arched against him. The Texan wriggled a little more firmly. Larabee felt a firm hand stroke up the inside of his leg and his breath hitched in his chest. He recognized one of Vin's frequently used tactics for getting him off a subject he didn't want to discuss.

"Vin," moaned Chris, his hand sliding down the sharpshooter's chest to hook in the waistband of his jeans. The sharp ache in his groin reminded him he could never resist for very long when Vin pressed his point and right now, he was pressing his ass tightly against the hard bulge of his crotch. The slow rocking of the boat exaggerated his sharpshooter's motions and sent his need spiraling out of control. The team leader sucked in a ragged breath. "Tanner!" he said firmly.

"I did rest, Chris," said the Texan, moving against him just enough to keep the boat rocking. The blond could hear the mischief in his lover's voice and groaned. When Vin got that tone in his voice there was no stopping him. Or at least Chris had found he wasn't proof against the sharpshooter's determined advances. But then, he thought, why would he ever want to be? His cock swelled more at the thought. Vin continued to rub and press against him. Well, he could give as well as he got.

He brushed aside Vin's hair and began an assault of his own on the Texan's neck. Starting just below his ear, he licked, then sucked and nibbled his way downward. He couldn't help smiling when an answering groan broke from the man's lips. Slowly, Chris moved his hand across Vin's chest, brushing aside the flannel shirt to circle his palm over the fabric covering the man's nipples, first on one side, then the other. The Texan arched up into his touch, giving a low cry. Chris made his way down to the junction of Vin's neck and his shoulder and sucked hard, intent on leaving his mark on this man who made his life complete.

'MINE!' he thought, fiercely. 'You belong with me, Vin… I won't tie you down… but I'll find a way to show you where you belong…'

Vin was rhythmically grinding his ass into Chris now, gasping in short pants. The blond closed his fist over a handful of t-shirt and tugged up, freeing the hem from the faded jeans. Slipping his hand up inside Vin's shirt, he stroked the soft skin, working his way upward without exposing the man to the cooler air. He circled a thumb over the already hard nipples and Vin's head tossed back and forth, breaking his lips loose from their hold on his lover's neck. With his other hand, he popped loose the button of the Texan's jeans and took hold of the zipper pull. As he eased it down slowly, Vin groaned louder.

"God, Larabee… hurry up!" gasped Tanner, bucking his hips against the man's hand, seeking for firmer contact.

"Shhh," said Chris. "If I'm gonna do this, you're gonna lay still and not overdo it…"

"Fuck you…" growled the sharpshooter.

"Not tonight, Vin…" said Chris, chuckling. "Now, are you gonna do what I said?" In answer the slender man began to writhe, arching his hips higher and higher to push against the team leader's hand. The blond immediately removed both hands, holding them out over the water on either side. Vin cried out in loss. He gasped for air for a minute. Then the older man heard a soft whimper.

"OK, Chris," he said. "I'll be good. I promise… just please…" He groaned. "Touch me…" The hands descended again. Warm fingers traced the ripples of muscle on his chest, feeling cool against his hot bare skin. When the other hand plunged into his now fully opened jeans, his hips began to move again. He bit his lower lip and moaned, struggling to hold still. The hard heel of a hand stroked down his rigid length. Vin gasped as fingers cupped his balls and began to roll them gently. One finger pressed occasionally on the sweet spot just behind his sac. He felt his body leaving his control.

"Chris," he cried out, begging the man to release him from his promise to stay still. He didn't know how much longer he could keep at it. Vin gasped for air, and panted heavily alternating that with struggling to draw in deep breaths. Whimpers and strangled cries came from him constantly now. His lover plied his body, drawing him closer and closer to the edge, to a brilliant explosion of passion and pleasure. He rotated his hips, rubbing harder on the other man's crotch, pressing down and back, trying to find some kind of satisfaction. Chris plucked at first one nipple then the other, stroking his hand back and forth across his chest in between.

"Oh God, Chris," cried Vin, his body arching up in ecstasy. "Cain't stand it… gotta have… NEED ya, c-cowboy." The younger man lurched up off the long lean body and before Chris could even register what was happening, he felt warmth settle over his legs, strong muscles gripping him tightly. His jeans were peeled down and wet heat engulfed his cock. Chris yelled, his hips quickly setting a rhythm he fought against. He looked up at a moonlit Vin leaning over him.

How had the sharpshooter gotten his own pants down so quickly? The man now sat on his legs, bottom half bare, tongue laving up and down the pulsing vein on the underside of his throbbing penis. Chris' hands were buried in his hair. He still struggled to regain control, but the things the Texan's mouth were doing, made it a token protest. Vin lifted up off him.

"Ya bring anything important in that pack of yours cowboy?" Vin asked. "Or am I gonna have to use whatever I can scrape up?" The Texan had enclosed Chris' cock in his fist and was stroking his thumb over the engorged head, spreading the pre-come around in ever widening circles.

"I-I wasn't really planning on this…" Chris managed to gasp out. "Didn't bring anything…"

"Hadn't you ever heard 'Always be prepared…'" asked Vin, shaking his head.

"I was never a Boy Scout, Vin," growled Chris, his hips now thrusting in a rolling motion, trying to find more stimulation for his weeping organ.

"I shoulda guessed," said the Texan, eyes glinting in the dimly reflected light. His eyes flashed and a big grin lit his face. "Hey, I think I forgot…" The younger man leaned back, reaching a long arm to snag his pack. Chris groaned and bucked since his lover also stopped rubbing him in those wonderfully receptive places he had been. There was some rustling and a few cuss words split the air, then Vin was leaning over him again, a triumphant smile on his face. He held up a tube of hand lotion.

"I forgot to unpack it after the last time…" The younger man squeezed some into his hand. Warming it by rubbing his hands together briskly, he then enclosed Chris' cock in one fist and stroked slowly. The lotion made it slick and he tightened his grip. The blond moaned deeply and arched his hips into the thrusting movements. What the sharpshooter did next nearly sent Chris over the edge. Spreading another dollop of the lotion over his fingers, the younger man rose up on his knees and reaching back began to prepare himself.

“Oh, God, Vin,” Chris groaned. Reaching out he grabbed the Texan’s hips, pulling him into position over his throbbing cock. Tanner took him in hand, pressing the head of his organ to his opening and sank down upon the delicious hardness. Vin shouted, half in pain, half in ecstasy. His legs began to shake.

“SHIT! Vin!” cried Chris, starting up in alarm. He reached out, grabbing at Vin's arms to pull the man off him, afraid he’d injured himself.

“’M all right, Chris,” gasped out Vin head still thrown back in ecstasy. “Needed that… needed you… inside ‘a me…” He let out a long low moan as his body continued to twitch trying to accommodate its sudden filling. “OH God, cowboy… soooo good. Don’t stop me… please…”

Chris eased back a little as the enraptured expression on the sharpshooter’s face reassured him. He still held himself ready to stop the younger man if there was any more indication of pain.

A slow seductive smile lifted Vin’s lips. His eyes opened and fastened on Larabee’s. Chris caught his breath at the heat in that gaze. The younger man leaned forward, bracing himself on the blond’s chest. With agonizing slowness he raised his body, letting the slick cock slide out till just the tip remained lodged in his body. Blue eyes narrowed as he plunged back down.

“Yessss,” hissed Chris, hands going to the slender hips to steady and support his lover’s motions. The sky lit up all around them in brilliant colors.

"Vin," gasped Chris, "you're missing all the fireworks!"

"No, cowboy," said the younger man. "They're right there…" Chris saw the direction of Vin's intent gaze and realized he was looking at the reflection of them in his lover's eyes. "And here, too…" Tanner lifted again and ground himself down onto Chris, each lifting of his hips and downward plunge in time to another brilliantly coloured starburst across the midnight velvet of the skies. The blond found his eyes drawn first to the blossoms of light, then back to the face leaning over him, hot pleasure evident in the expression. His hips drove up to meet each downward glide of Vin's. Slender fingers closed over his flushed erection with just the right pressure and stroke.

Soft cries broke from the younger man’s lips. He’d settled into a slow steady rhythm, building the tension and desire in both of them in slow waves. Their bodies strained towards each other, their hearts mirroring them. Both felt the heat rise to engulf them, their souls meeting somewhere in the brilliant light that drove them together.

A volley of explosions sounded as the finale of the fireworks display lit the heavens in splashes of blues, greens, reds and bright showers of cascading white. The two bodies below arched in a final thrust as orgasm swept over them.

“Chriiisss!” screamed Vin even as the older man shouted his name in return. His body pulsed deep into his lover’s as release claimed him as well as darkness.

The last flickers of the lights above sparkled, a slight breeze lifting to push away the drifting smoke. Night settled over the lake again, stars pulsing slowly brighter as the glow from the display faded.

Chris came gradually back to awareness to find the sharpshooter sprawled bonelessly over him. He listened carefully, but the man’s breathing was deep and even, almost as if he’d fallen into a deep sleep. The blond was still partially seated in the lax body. Gently, he reached down to ease the younger man’s jeans back up his body against the chill. When he slid from Vin’s body, Chris bit back a groan. It would have been wonderful just to stay there, but he couldn’t let the still fragile Texan get chilled. As he tugged up his own jeans, and settled Vin against his shoulder the young man began to move slightly. A warm mouth nuzzled against his neck.

“Mmmm…” said Vin and shivered slightly. Chris flipped the edge of the blanket over the Texan.

"Thanks Chris," murmured the younger man. He tried to snuggle closer to the lanky body even as his boneless condition made it impossible. Warmth surrounded him. Loving arms held him close. “Sure put on some fireworks show.”

“You liked that?” asked Chris, chuckling.

“Yep,” said Vin, “think we can try that again next year?”

“I’ll do my best… every year,” assured Chris, “and New Year’s too…”

“Can’t hardly wait then,” murmured the younger man.

“Might need till then to recover, pard,” teased Larabee as the man continued to lay against him in sated bliss.

“We’ll see about that,” growled Vin. Chris laughed and wrapped his arms tightly around the thin form. Vin lifted his face and their lips met and clung for a long sweet kiss.

"I love you Vin," said Larabee.

"Love you too," sighed Tanner. "And Chris… " Thin fingers entwined with his. "'Bout movin' out to the Ranch. I'll think about it… real serious." The blond found himself sighing happily.

"That's all I ask, Vin," he replied. Vin's body relaxed even more, though Chris would have said that wasn't possible. His breathing deepened and he knew the young man had drifted off to sleep. He'd let his lover rest a little before he had to disturb him for the trip back to shore. The blond looked out over the water, which had returned to its calm state, once more vividly reflecting the stars above. Softly, he began to hum.
'My soul is there beside you,
Let this candle guide you….'

'I'll be your candle on the water,
This flame inside of me will grow.
Keep holding on, you'll make it,
Here's my hand so take it….’

‘I'll be your candle on the water….'

Fini

Comments to: Oracle7777777@hotmail.com

I'll be your candle on the water,
My love for you will always burn.
I know you're lost and drifting,
but the clouds are lifting.
Don't give up, you have somewhere to turn

I'll be your candle on the water,
Til every wave is warm and bright.
My soul is there beside you,
Let this candle guide you.
Soon you'll see a golden stream of light.

A cold and friendless time has found you,
Don't let the stormy darkness pull you down.
I'll paint a ray of hope around you,
Circling in the air, lighted by a prayer.

I'll be your candle on the water,
This flame inside of me will grow.
Keep holding on, you'll make it,
Here's my hand so take it.
Look for me, reaching out to show,
As sure as rivers flow....
I'll never let you go....
I'll never let you go....
I'll never let you go....
Candle on the Water
Lyrics by Al Kasha and Joel Hirschorn