ATF Universe
Note: Thanks to Tarlan, Stacie, Maygra and all the wonderful authors whose stories have inspired me. Thanks as well to all who have encouraged me or even just read me!
Buck raised his glass. "To old toys," he toasted."To old toys," Chris echoed. He clinked his glass with his friend’s then knocked the shot back.
"Come on you two, drink up!" Buck demanded.
"Yeah, yeah, ok," JD appeased. He sipped his coke, which hadn’t had rum in it since the first round. Vin drank water. He was pretty sure neither Chris nor Buck would notice. They were well along their way to finishing off a bottle of whiskey. Their powers of observation not exactly keen right now.
As Buck reached for the bottle Vin said, "Let me, pard." It was easier than arguing. Once again, he skipped his and JD’s glasses.
"What are we drinking to now?" Chris asked.
"Well," Buck replied, "We should be drinking to JD and Casey’s engagement-"
JD cut him off. "Leave it, Buck." He rolled his eyes and turned to Vin. "Will you help me wrap it?"
Vin nodded and picked the antique carousel up off the kitchen table. "Why don’t you boys toast Orrin Travis. If it wasn’t for him, we’d all be working today."
"Suffering’s more like it," Buck mumbled.
Today was an all-day (or what Chris referred to as a ‘bullshit’) seminar at HQ. The members of Team 7 implored their boss to use any means necessary to get them out of it. Obligingly, the blonde headed up to Travis’ office, armed with a bevy of reasons why his guys should be exempt from what was, with all due respect, an exercise in futility. Travis listened patiently at first then waved Chris off.
"Don’t you have surveillance on the Hernandez case this weekend?" he asked. Sometimes it paid to be the best at what you do, Chris surmised. Of course, come Monday, there’d be no records of the Hernandez surveillance because there was no Hernandez. But Larabee was content to let the brass worry about that next week.
Instead, the four of them had taken off early for an auction in Boulder. JD was hoping to bid on an old metal toy carousel for Casey’s 25th birthday. She collected vintage toys and this promised to be a real find. Buck had been taunting JD for weeks to buy a ring. Buck of all people. But the young agent had confided to Vin that while Casey avowed her love for JD she just was not ready to get married. She pleaded with him not to pressure her and he didn’t. And he had absolutely no desire to bring Buck in on that. He didn’t trust his roommate to be as understanding as Vin.
Vin did understand. And when a toy catalogue arrived at the office mixed in with the gun catalogues the sharpshooter usually accumulated, his first response was to ponder the juxtaposition of guns and toys. But that didn’t last long and he went to toss it. It was then that he noticed the add for the auction. Pretty soon, their Saturday plans were locked in.
They’d had to pool all their cash so JD could keep bidding. It was enough and now the carousel was safely in his possession. It was in mint condition. JD tested it out, each of the four macho ATF agents watching in awe as the toy rotated, playing authentic calliope music and four of the horses actually moving up and down. Casey was going to flip. When they got back to Chris’ ranch, Buck decided they should have a celebratory drink. Hours later he and Chris were still celebrating.
"To Travis," Buck and Chris said in unison. Buck wiped the back of his hand across his mouth. "Hey kid," he called as JD came back into the kitchen. "We should get going."
"You could stay here, you know," Chris stated.
Buck looked at him like he had four heads. "On Saturday night? Are you nuts?"
"Thought you didn’t have any plans tonight," JD responded.
"Not yet, I don’t," Buck said, smiling lasciviously.
"It’s almost eight, partner," Chris reminded him.
"The night is still young. You’d know that if you went out once in a while. And you," he said, turning to Vin. "You ain’t any better."
Vin laughed. "Suppose not, Bucklin."
"Why don’t you come back into town tonight and let me show how to live a little?"
Vin shook his head. "Nah, think I’ll just stay here and go riding in the morning."
Shrugging, Buck stood up and stretched. "Suit yourself." Suddenly, a serious look crossed his face. "You sure you’re ok to drive, JD?" he asked, eyeing his friend closely.
The youngest of the quartet rolled his eyes again. Vin stifled a grin. "Yeah, Buck, I’m ok to drive."
"Well, don’t forget your toy." Buck grabbed his jacket and bade Vin good night. Chris rose to walk them to the door. Out on the front porch Buck hugged the blonde, planting a kiss on his forehead.
"Night Buck. Drive safely, JD." JD waved, opening the car door for his companion.
Back in the kitchen Vin was making coffee. It was too early for Chris to go to bed and he was pretty sure he wouldn’t drink anymore. Coffee seemed the best option. Chris made for the bathroom first then came into the kitchen and fixed himself a tall glass of water. Finishing it off, he turned to face Vin, looking relaxed and happy.
Vin said, "Making coffee. Why don’t you go inside and I’ll bring you some when it’s ready."
+ + + + + + +
Vin found Chris out on the porch, sitting on the wicker couch with his legs propped on the table, ankles crossed. The older man took the proffered mug. The sun had set but the sky was still flushed a deep red. The clouds at their linings were almost black. Vin leaned against the railing, his back to Chris.
"Looks like a nice one tomorrow. Would be good to get an early start…" Vin looked over his shoulder.
Chris grunted. "I’ll get up. Don’t worry." He studied Vin’s back, tilting his head so he could see more of Vin’s profile. Vin was so handsome. He’d like to pretend that he was confused by his feelings for Vin. He wasn’t. He knew what he felt, what he wanted. He blinked a few time rapidly as if to clear his vision. He said, "Today was a nice day, too. JD is so excited about that carousel. I hope Casey likes it."
"She will." Vin asserted. He sipped his coffee and continued watching the fading light.
He added, "I wonder if ol’ Buck is really going out tonight."
"More like passing out." Chris heard his friend’s soft snicker of agreement. He could not stop the thoughts crashing around in his head at that moment. Oh what the hell? Chris said coyly, "You know, Buck and I fooled around once."
Vin almost fell off the porch. He waited a full minute before turning to face Larabee. Chris’ blonde eyebrows were arched and his mouth was open in mock horror.
Vin narrowed his eyes and repeated what he’d heard. Slowly, making sure he got it right. "You. And Buck. Fooled around. Once."
"Once."
"You. Fooled around with Buck."
Chris nodded, a smug smile on his attractive face, but said nothing more.
"Do I have to beat it out of you?" Vin asked. "Make with the details already!"
Chris shrugged. "I don’t know. We just fooled around. No…penetration or anything." He pushed his chin out and brought his shoulders up, as if the rest were obvious. Vin could think of nothing less obvious.
"When?"
"A couple of years ago. After-," Chris hesitated, looking less smug now. Maybe he shouldn’t have brought this up after all. When he continued, the sudden playfulness was gone. "I hardly slept that first year or so. I worked like an animal, drank when I wasn’t working but if I ever slept more than three or four hours a night…" Chris closed his eyes, resting his head on the back of the couch. When he opened them, he stared out into the night, seemingly lost in some private place. Vin didn’t want to intrude. He did let out the breath he was holding
Chris continued, "Buck was right there with me the whole time but he didn’t know what to do. How could he? What I needed he couldn’t give me. No one could." Chris shook his head. There were huge gaps in his memory of the months after Sarah and Adam died. He’d barely been aware of who he was or what he was doing. If Buck hadn’t been there, Chris probably would have gotten himself killed.
Vin waited. Chris would get to it when he was ready. But damn if it wasn’t killing him.
"Buck decided we should go away for Memorial Day weekend. Thought it would help me relax. It didn’t. So I guess he did the only other thing he could think of. He wore me out. Normally, I wouldn’t even let him hug me. Wanted no part of anyone touching me." Chris took a drink of his coffee then stared into the mug. "That night, I don’t know. He did a lot more than hug me and I let him."
"Did you sleep after?" Vin asked, seriously.
"Yeah, I did. Told him in the morning I’d dreamed he sucked my cock. He asked me if it was a pleasant dream. I said it was." Chris wore an amused expression but his tone was somber. "I went back to not sleeping much but we never did it again, never talked about it again." The older man looked at his companion, trying to read his reaction. Between the coming darkness and the alcohol, Chris could see very little. "I don’t think he’d appreciate me telling you, though"
"So why do it?"
"Because." The blonde was feeling very sober at the moment. It would be easier if he were still drunk. He studied Vin, who was waiting patiently. The Texan was always so patient with him when he needed it, always seemed to know exactly what he needed. The feistiness returned, one corner of Chris’ mouth curving up. "Because sometimes I think you’re attracted to me."
Vin didn’t say anything at first. Then Chris saw a white flash of teeth. "Only sometimes, cowboy? And here I thought you were so observant."
Chris laughed. "So why haven’t you done anything about it?"
Vin shrugged. "Guess I didn’t want my teeth knocked in. I mean, they don’t call you ‘Stud’ for nothing."
"Oh, it’s for nothing. Believe me." The clouds moved away, revealing an almost full moon. Chris could see Vin’s face more clearly. There was still a smile there, a most alluring one at that. "What if I told you I wouldn’t knock your teeth in?"
"You’re drunk."
"A little." Chris agreed, then licked his lips. He spoke softly, seductively. He suddenly really wanted this. "Come on, Tanner, go for it. You’ve got nothing to lose."
"No, just my closest friend, my job -"
"Kiss me, Vin."
Vin wanted too. More than he’d ever wanted anything. But there was a lot at stake here. Stuff that mattered. He watched Chris watching him, making no effort to hide his desire. Finally Vin nodded almost imperceptibly, more to himself than his partner. Putting his cup down he moved forward. He stepped one leg over his friend’s outstretched limbs. The sharpshooter took Chris’ mug from his hands. Just in case. The coffee was still hot and Vin didn’t want to end up wearing it. He twisted to rest it on the table. Chris was silent the whole time, just watching him with the most indecent smile.
Vin leaned over and placed his hands on the back of the couch close to Chris’ ears. "Ready or not, cowboy." The kiss was tentative at first. On Vin’s part anyway. Chris wasn’t feeling quite so shy. He used his lips and tongue to draw the younger man in. Soon Vin was responding to his friend’s boldness, tasting the coffee and the whiskey underneath. It was real nice. The world might be obsessed with sex but Vin loved to kiss. Not that he didn’t enjoy sex. He did. He just took immense pleasure in kissing. It was such a simple thing yet so wonderful when done correctly. So intimate. And here he was getting intimate with his boss who by all means was doing it correctly. Chris sucked hungrily on Vin’s lower lip, eliciting a groan from the younger man. But when he felt the vibration of Chris’ laughter in his mouth Vin forced himself to pull away.
Vin growled, "Looks like I ain’t the one fixing to get my teeth knocked in now."
"Sorry, just nervous is all."
"Chris Larabee nervous? I don’t believe it," Vin teased, straightening and crossing his arms over his chest.
"Yes, I’m nervous," Chris said in a singsong voice. He bit his bottom lip, then said soberly, "I’ve never done some of the things we’re about to do." He took in Vin’s demeanor. "We are about to do those things, aren’t we?"
Vin shrugged. "I’m not sure. You’ve been drinking-"
"You’re not taking advantage of me, Vin," Chris said, hooking his fingers in the waistband of Vin’s jeans and tugging lightly. "I know what I want. I want you. I’m ready for this."
Vin wasn’t sure he was ready, though. He wanted Chris, too. But this was so sudden. So unexpected. He hadn’t ever planned any elaborate seduction, or even imagined what it would be like to make love with Chris. He never thought it could happen. Now it was looking like it definitely would happen, if he let it.
Ultimately, his own desire was too strong for common sense or logic or anything else to compete with. Vin bent low and whispered, "As long as I’ll still have a job Monday." He pressed his mouth to Chris’, which opened to welcome him. Chris tilted his head and slid his fingers through Vin’s hair, deepening the kiss. Vin felt the warmth pooling in his belly. He cupped Chris’ head gently as their tongues danced together.
Then Chris pulled away. "Long as you’re not lousy in bed," Chris replied devilishly.
"Think that’s sexual harassment, boss," Vin said, reaching down to grab Chris’ thighs. He jerked them up, Chris’ legs coming off the table and bending. Slipping in between, Vin kissed his partner’s temple, barely brushing his lips over Chris’ forehead then his eyelids. The older man took Vin’s face in his hands and aligned their mouths. But Vin pulled away, nipping at Chris’ jaw and along his elegant throat. He slid to his knees. Running his hands down Chris’ chest, Vin pressed his face to the blonde’s groin. He rubbed his cheek along the discernible swelling there. After a few tiny nibbles through the denim, Vin undid Chris’ jeans. Chris shifted, raising his hips to help Vin gain access. All hesitancy gone, Vin slid his mouth over Chris’ cock. He wrapped one hand around the base and began bobbing up and down. Chris grabbed Vin’s shoulders, the sharpshooter’s curls tickling the exposed skin of his inner thighs. Vin used his other hand to reach under Chris’ shirt and tease the already hardened nipples. The blonde watched Vin’s head move, listening to the slurping sounds of his partner sucking him off. Vin backed off, only to take Chris’ balls in his mouth, one at a time. Chris shuddered, releasing an inarticulate cry. Vin’s tongue trailed along Chris’ cock and he opened his mouth wide, taking Chris deep. Chris gasped. Then he closed his eyes, arching his back and grabbing the cloth covered hand at his chest. He was so breathless he could barely utter Vin’s name as he climaxed.
Chris collapsed against the back of the couch, eyes still closed, panting heavily. Vin’s mouth still surrounding him. He slowly became aware of his surroundings again when Vin pulled away and spoke.
"How’m I doing so far?" Vin asked, voice smoky with lust.
"Stand up," Chris said, his own voice hoarse. Leaning on Chris’ knees, Vin pushed himself to his feet. Chris took in the straining denim that was just about eye level. "Maybe I’ll just show you."
Chris’ fingers, far steadier than even he thought they could be, made quick work of Vin’s belt, button and zipper. He freed his partner’s erection and stroked it lightly. Leaning in Chris kissed the tip of Vin’s penis. While his other hand reached around to knead Vin’s ass, Chris ran his tongue along the length of the large vein before him. As he stroked Vin, he flicked his thumb roughly along the ridge of Vin’s cock. Once Chris closed his mouth over the head, Vin didn’t last long. He steadied himself by holding Chris’ shoulders and threw his head back.
"Chris," he hissed. Chris pulled away as Vin came. Vin’s breath continued in ragged gasps as he recovered. When Vin finally looked down, he saw Chris grinning up at him with a look of surprise and total delight on his face. He looked pretty pleased with himself, Vin thought. He raked his fingers through Chris’ sweaty hair.
"Guess you dreamed that with Buck, too, huh?" Vin asked, amused by Chris’ reaction.
"Nope, that was a first. Was it ok?" Chris asked but he already knew the answer.
"More than ok." Vin ran his thumb gently along Chris’ cheek. "You want to take this inside?" he asked quietly.
Chris turned his head slightly, catching Vin’s thumb with his mouth and sucking on it briefly. "Yeah, I do."
+ + + + + + +
Chris entered his bedroom and stopped. Vin slipped his arms around him from behind and whispered, "Sobering up, cowboy?"
The blonde turned in Vin’s arms. It was dark and Vin couldn’t see his face. But he could feel Chris’ warm breath, feel his lips as he kissed Vin softly. "I’m good, just gonna use the bathroom. Should probably take a couple of aspirin." He kissed Vin again and pulled away.
Vin sat on the edge of the bed to kick off his boots and socks. He wasn’t sure if what he was feeling was anticipation or nervousness. He hadn’t been with anyone he really liked in a long time. And he was pretty sure Chris would be cool with everything in the morning. What he feared, he realized, was that any enjoyment he experienced might be tempered by the nagging realization that no matter how good it was, this may well be his only opportunity to be with Chris. But he wanted it, badly. So he decided to focus on the moment and worry about the rest later.
The bathroom door opened and Vin turned. His breath caught in his throat. Chris was standing naked, leaning casually against the doorframe, bathed in the soft light coming from behind him. His facial expression was a mixture of innocence and knowing that made Vin’s blood boil. His mind flashed to the big art book on Ezra’s coffee table. If Michelangelo had known Chris… God, it was so erotic he was hard again just from looking.
Vin practically leapt off the bed. Chris came towards him, pulling at his shirt, impatient to touch Vin’s flesh. They kissed and fondled, managing to get Vin undressed quickly. "Gonna need Vaseline or something," he rasped, biting on Chris’ earlobe. Chris pushed Vin back onto the bed and disappeared into the bathroom. He hit the light there but turned on the bedside lamp. Vin appreciated the gesture – it helped convince him that Chris really was aware of what he was doing. Chris knelt astride Vin’s hips, kissing him hard on the mouth.
Vin hugged Chris close, losing himself in the kiss. Chris’ hands were everywhere at once – on his face, his chest, his hips. When one hand closed around his cock he moaned loudly. Chris nuzzled his throat then lowered his head to swipe his tongue across Vin’s puckered nipple. Vin shivered. Chris bit the small nub, pulling at it while simultaneously pressing his tongue against it. He released it and moved to the other, smiling at Vin’s string of soft curses. The smile became a grimace when Vin grabbed his cock aggressively. They were both hurting, needing each other badly.
"Let’s put this to good use, cowboy," Vin said, pushing Chris back a bit. He snatched the petroleum jelly off the table and popped the top. He spread a generous amount on Chris’ hardened dick. He took one of Chris’ fingers and his thumb, sucking on them alternately. "Get the idea?" he asked provocatively.
Chris managed to nod. He watched as Vin touched some of the cool jelly to his own hole. The older man swatted Vin’s hand away and lowered his head to Vin’s cock. He cupped Vin’s ass, moving one thumb to the small opening. He skated over it then pushed in. Vin called his name softly. Chris worked the thumb in and out before replacing it with his index finger.
Vin writhed on the bed. He reached down to push Chris’ mouth away. As Chris moved, Vin turned to his stomach. He raised his hips and rested his head on his folded arms. Chris kissed along his spine while caressing his ass. He inserted two fingers into Vin in quick succession and scissored them. He kept working Vin’s opening, biting Vin’s shoulder roughly. Despite the intense feelings, Vin was getting impatient for more.
"I’m ready, Chris. Fuck me now."
Chris pulled his fingers out and lined up his cock, holding Vin’s hips steady. He saw Vin tense as he pushed in and waited. Maybe Vin wasn’t ready. "You ok, Vin?" he asked, almost breathlessly.
"Yeah, just wait." Vin exhaled deeply and willed himself to relax. "Ok, go."
Chris hesitated but he felt his cock slip in a little more.
Vin pushed back against him. "Go, it’s good now. Go!"
Chris groaned gutturally as he slid all the way in. He began rocking, slowly at first then with more urgency.
Vin pushed up on his hands. "Oh God, oh God," he repeated barely audibly. He came just as Chris’ hand brushed against his penis, Chris’ cock hitting his prostate again and again.
As Vin’s muscle closed around his dick Chris seriously thought he might pass out. The tight heat was indescribable. He heard moaning but couldn’t separate Vin’s sounds from his own. He felt the pressure build and gave himself over completely to the sensations he was experiencing. He shouted Vin’s name as his semen shot into Vin’s bowels.
Chris collapsed onto Vin’s back, his hips still twitching. They were both breathing heavily. After a couple of minutes he eased slowly out of his partner. He waited for Vin to roll over then bent to kiss him.
"Jesus, Tanner, you just about killed me." He rested his head in the crook of Vin’s neck.
Vin ran his hands along Chris’ sides, down his back. "Wouldn’t want to do that. Folks would ask too many questions." He was glad for the dim light, able to see the satisfaction on Chris’ face before Chris buried it in his neck. He knew his own expression must be euphoric. He was totally overwhelmed by the passion and the pleasure. "I take it I still have a job?" he rasped.
Chris grunted against his neck. Then Chris kissed his cheek and moved away. He scooted down to the end of the bed and sat, staring at his hands.
Vin moved down a little, too, reaching his leg out to place his foot on Chris’ back below his shoulder blade. He pushed gently.
"Don’t tell me. NOW you’re sober," he teased. Then, "If you want me ta go, jes’ say so." His drawl was more pronounced, owing to sexual fatigue and not a little worry.
"Hmph," Chris responded, turning to hitch his leg on the bed. He grabbed Vin’s foot and began massaging the arch with his thumbs. "No, I don’t want you to go," he said, smiling up at Vin. "If you go we can’t do it again."
Vin watched as Chris’ flirtatious grin faded. Unbidden, an image of Sarah, gleaned from the lone framed photograph Chris kept on the mantel, floated across Vin’s consciousness.
Chris spoke softly, still rubbing Vin’s foot. "You know what’s harder than remembering the day I lost Sarah and Adam?" He didn’t look up but Vin shook his head anyway. "Remembering every other day that came before." He switched to Vin’s other foot before meeting his partner’s eyes warily.
Vin nodded slowly. "You afraid to start making new memories?" he asked carefully.
Chris surprised himself by responding without even thinking. "No," he said emphatically, "I’m never afraid when you’re there." So easy to reveal that much to Vin.
A warm smile spread across Vin’s full lips. He jerked his foot a little in Chris’ hands. "So what’re ya waitin’ fer?"
Needing no more invitation, Chris turned on all fours and crawled slowly toward Vin. He kissed Vin’s calves, nibbled his inner thighs hungrily. The younger man giggled when Chris’ tongue delved into his belly button. He skimmed his hands along Chris’ shoulders as the blonde licked and kissed his chest, his tongue now teasing the hollow of Vin’s throat. Finally, Chris’ mouth met his. He kissed him vigorously. Vin thighs were pinned loosely against his chest by Chris’ and he could feel Chris’ penis’ reawakened interest in him. He locked his ankles around Chris’ narrow hips trying to bring that wonderful hardness closer.
Chris leaned up, brushing the damp curls off Vin’s forehead. "I like that little carousel. Adam would have loved it." His green eyes were drinking Vin in, no hint of sadness or regret. Vin felt so close to him at that moment, sharing Chris’ body and he knew, a bit of his soul.
Vin concurred. "Hope I don’t ever see it at Casey’s, though."
Chris looked at him quizzically, one eyebrow up.
The sharpshooter chuckled. "I’m always gonna think of tonight when I think of that carousel. Wouldn’t do to be getting’ a hard-on in Nettie’s living room now would it?" he asked humorously.
"No, I guess not," Chris said, kissing him and rubbing his erection against his Vin’s belly, against the swelling he detected nearby. "Ready for another ride?"
"Ready and waiting, cowboy, ready end waiting."
Finis
Next story: Decisions
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