ATF Universe
Follows Carousel, Decisions and Prelude.
Note: References events and characters from Decisions. Sorry this one is so long in coming after that. If it’s any comfort, it tortured me. And I tortured Judy, so if you like it she deserves a lot of the credit.
Size: Approx 120 K
The cool dampness of the morning dew where it had soaked through the blanket felt good against Vin’s heated skin. He pressed his palms flat against the now saturated material, trying to get more leverage to meet Chris’ frenzied thrusts into his ass. His stomach was sticky from his own spent seed and he could tell Chris was close. Vin was thankful that his lover had ignored the ringing of his cell phone. Except for a get-together at Ezra’s tonight, they actually had two whole days to themselves. This was pretty much how Vin wanted to spend them. He hadn’t objected though when Chris grabbed his cell before they headed out with the horses. He knew how hard it was for Larabee to be completely out of touch. But for now, the man seemed to have only one thing on his mind."Oh God, Vin," Chris cried, his eyes squeezed shut for the duration. Vin wrapped his arms around him, bringing him close until their foreheads touched. They panted together a while, then Chris took his lips in a tender kiss. Their eyes met, Chris’ face flushed with passion and emotion. "You’re incredible, Vin," he said hoarsely. "You make me so happy, you know that?"
Vin chuckled. "Yeah, I know," he said smugly. His laughter turned to a groan when Chris pulled out, way too swiftly. "Hey, give a guy a chance to adjust already," Vin said but he was smiling.
"That’s what you get for being so smart," Chris said, laying beside him and taking one of Vin’s hands in his own.
Vin relaxed, enjoying the warm sun on his face. He could still feel Chris’ warmth in him and around him. He slowly, silently counted down from ten, turning at one to crack an eye at Chris. After a second Chris turned, too.
"You don’t mind?" Chris asked.
"I’m just glad you waited until we were done. I never know with you."
Chris leaned up on his elbow, kissing Vin quickly and reaching across him to grab his phone. He glanced at it, then at Vin. His expression was decidedly amused.
Vin trailed his fingers along Chris’ back and said, "Travis?"
Chris nodded, hitting speed dial to return his boss’ call.
Vin snickered. They were convinced that on some level Travis must be on to them. In the last couple of months since Vin had moved into the ranch full-time, Travis had called while they were making love at least half a dozen times. It was like he had some crazy kind of radar or something. Vin usually found it amusing as well and did so today until he caught the tail end of the conversation. He saw the tight expression on Chris’ face hovering not far above his and stifled the urge to groan in frustration or complain.
Chris sat up, shoulders slumped a little. He disconnected his phone, dropping it on the blanket. Vin sat up, too. The sharpshooter scooted over so that Chris was between his legs. He hugged his lover, pressing his lips to the curve of Chris’ spine. It was early in the season and early in the day but Vin could see the beginnings of a burn across Chris’ broad shoulders. He snorted softly. A little outdoor recreation could do that to you.
"I’m sorry, Vin," Chris said, rubbing his hands along Vin’s arms.
Vin sighed and kissed Chris’ back again. "It’s ok, cowboy. At least we had this morning."
+ + + + + + +
Buck’s latest flame Astrid raised an eyebrow at Vin, her bright red lips curling up in a bemused smile. "Do they know?" she asked in a muted tone. She lightly tapped the card she’d placed on Ezra’s dining room table.
Across the table Vin eyed her, even more suspiciously than he had been eyeing her all evening. "Know what?" he said finally.
Astrid glanced around at the men watching her read her Tarot cards for Vin. "If you gentlemen will excuse us, I’d like a moment alone with my client."
"I ain’t a client," Vin said tersely, looking up at his friends. "No need to go anywhere fellas." He couldn’t believe he’d let the others talk him into this in the first place. But with them all looking on it managed to maintain the air of a lark. No way he wanted a private session. Astrid had already made too many good calls. Buck must have told her more about Vin and the team than he was admitting.
"I assure you, Ms. Falls," Ezra said slyly, "we have no secrets from one another."
"The hell we don’t!" Buck boomed. "But I think we all know what you’re going to say, darlin’, so you just go right on ahead."
Astrid shrugged. Buck did say these men were closer to him than brothers. "I take it everyone here knows you’re in love with another man? A mysterious, powerful man?"
Amid the laughter and hooting Vin blushed. Buck slapped his back.
"Didn’t I tell you she was good, Junior?"
Vin pushed his chair away from the table. "I knew you all were setting me up," he said, a little annoyed. Chris wasn’t here and he should be and Buck’s constant teasing about their relationship was getting on his nerves.
Buck put a hand over his heart. "I swear, Vin. I never said a word about you to Astrid."
"That’s right, Vin," Astrid said. She smiled affectionately at her beau and purred, "Buck and I don’t do a whole lot of talking, do we baby?"
The hooting started anew. Vin shook his head and started to stand. "Thank you, Miss-"
"Vin, wait," Astrid said seriously. Pleadingly. She waited as the others members of Team 7 cleared the room, laughing and cavorting. Only Ezra lingered for a moment, watching Vin. Then he too turned and moved into the living room. She asked, "You’re not ashamed of your feelings for this man, are you?"
"What?" Vin said, shocked. "No, of course not. Just sick of Buck thinking it’s all a big joke is all."
Astrid’s face lit up. She resisted the urge to shout, ‘Eureka!’ "It’s Chris, isn’t it?"
Buck had introduced her to Chris on one of their first dates. She’d very much wanted to see her new partner’s workspace and even though it was after ten, Buck’s boss and good friend was working in his office when they got there. Astrid felt a tightening in her stomach at the thought of the sexy man she met that night and this gorgeous man sitting across from her making love. What a kick it would be if she and Buck could watch before getting it on themselves. She was pretty sure she could talk Buck into it.
Astrid realized she was grinning like a fool. And Vin was speaking to her. She felt her cheeks redden. "Excuse me?"
Vin tried to hide his irritation. Sort of. "I said, Buck tell you anything else about me?"
"He told me nothing, I swear. Honestly, Vin, I’m not trying to tease you or embarrass you. I’m a professional psychic and you are a terrific subject. Let me finish reading you. Please?"
Vin shrugged. "What else is there? You already guessed I was orphaned. You know about Chris..."
"Oh, there’s always more." Astrid excitedly turned over two more cards. She paused, her face souring for a split second. Then her smile was back, but her eyes were dark, her posture uneasy. She brushed her hand over the cards, disturbing them. "You’re right, Vin. This is silly. Let’s go join the party."
Vin didn’t miss the sudden turnabout in Astrid’s demeanor. Her blush deepened and he could see her smile was forced. "What is it?" he asked.
She waved her hand, laughing nervously. "It’s nothing."
Vin waited but said nothing, just watched her with a serious face.
"You don’t even believe in psychic powers," Astrid said, disturbed by what she’d seen and by Vin’s scrutiny.
"But you do. Tell me," Vin said calmly.
Astrid pursed her lips. "The cards say the man that you love," she paused, turning her palm up toward Vin, "Chris, is in danger. Serious danger."
Vin narrowed his eyes. Astrid looked legitimately frightened. He wanted to ask for details but Buck came thundering into the room.
"Baby, I’m feeling neglected," he said as he leaned down to kiss Astrid. "If I didn’t know better, I’d think something was going on between you two." Buck winked at Vin across the table.
"We’re done here, honey," Astrid told him.
But Buck was still focused on Vin. "Where’s that powerful mystery man of yours, anyway? Shouldn’t he be here by now?"
Vin scowled at him for a second. Then he stood up angrily and stalked out of the room.
Buck and Astrid looked at each other. Buck just shrugged. "Trouble in paradise, I guess."
"I think I upset him," Astrid said. "Go talk to him?" She was already regretting telling Vin what the cards had revealed.
"Oh, he’s fine. You just take a little getting used to, darlin’. You can be right spooky." Buck smiled wantonly. "Not to mention real sexy." But he relented when Astrid made a puppy dog face. "Ok, ok, I’m going," he uttered.
Buck followed Vin into the living room. He grabbed his arm but Vin pulled away.
"Leave me alone, Buck. I’m going home." Vin was angry and upset and he wasn’t entirely sure why. And Astrid had succeeded in giving him one hell of a bad feeling in his gut.
"Chris ain’t even here yet," Buck protested. He knew Chris and Vin had worked doubly hard to finish everything up at the office so they could have the weekend free. He wasn’t completely surprised that Chris had been called in to work, but Buck definitely thought his friend would need a drink, and Vin, when he finally arrived.
"Tell him I left," Vin said sharply.
They both turned their heads when the doorbell rang. Ezra stepped back to let Chris in. Vin felt his heart flutter in his chest and shook his head. Even after more than a year as lovers, even with Vin totally annoyed, the sight of Chris still drove him wild with desire. One look in Chris’ intense green eyes and Vin was reminded that the ardor went both ways.
Chris strode across the room, semi-acknowledging the others as he approached Vin. He kissed his lover full on the lips. "Hey," he said softly.
Vin made no effort to mask his astonishment. He and Chris were not exactly prone to engaging in public displays of affection. Not even when it was only their closest friends around.
Chris just smiled mischievously. "Sorry I’m late."
"I’d say you’re just in time," Buck said, throwing an arm around Chris’ shoulder.
Chris cocked a curious eyebrow but Vin cut Buck off.
"Shut up, Buck," he said. "You want a beer, Chris?"
Chris nodded, turning away from Buck’s loose grip to formally greet the members of his team and their significant others.
Vin headed into the kitchen. JD, going for his own drink, was on his heels. Vin grabbed a cold beer from the fridge and tossed it off to JD, his eye on the back door.
"Give that to Chris, will ya, JD?"
JD looked a little startled but recovered enough to catch the beer. "Sure, Vin."
The sharpshooter headed out onto Ezra’s patio. He folded his arms over his chest and glanced up at the sky. It was almost a full moon. There was definitely some truth to what folks said about the full moon. They were bound to have a crazy week at work. Vin thought of Chris and of Astrid’s prediction, the queasiness in his stomach returning.
He took a deep breath. It was all just nonsense, a joke Buck had planned and executed with his new girlfriend. So why did Vin feel so strange? He tried to make out his favorite constellations to distract himself but the city sky was too bright. You could see a million stars out at the ranch. Just last week he’d woken Chris up in the middle of the night so they could watch a meteor shower. They’d made love in the grass then, too. The night air had chilled Vin but Chris’ powerful heat had washed over him again and again. He’d kept watching the sky, not sure if the shooting stars were real or the product of his own personal bliss. He only knew he still saw them even after involuntarily closing his eyes when his body gave over to the absolute pleasure of getting fucked by Chris Larabee.
Vin’s thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the back door opening. He heard the clink of glass colliding, Chris most likely putting his beer down on the patio table. He felt one strong arm encircle him. A hand brushed his hair back, chilled lips against his skin, sultry voice in his ear.
"You okay, Vin?"
Vin shivered and Chris held him with both arms, nuzzling his neck a little more diligently. He nodded slightly, fighting an inexplicable urge to cry. "I just wanna go home," he whispered.
Chris frowned against Vin’s shoulder then said, "We can do that. I’ll leave the truck here and ride home with you. Buck can drive it out tomorrow."
Vin turned in Chris’ arms and searched his face, eyebrows furrowed. "Buck’s coming out tomorrow?"
Chris met Vin’s gaze. "You know that conference in DC I’ve been helping Travis prepare for?"
Vin indicated that he did. Then his eyes widened.
Chris nodded. "Yep, Travis can’t go. Some emergency meeting here. I’m going in his place. Need to run some things down with the team before I do. Thought we’d work at the ranch then grill some steaks. Salvage part of the day, anyway."
Vin pulled away, his earlier impulse to be away from everyone returning. "You stay and finish your beer. I want to be alone for a while."
"Vin," Chris began. Vin just shook his head, evading Chris’ touch.
"See you at home, Chris."
+ + + + + + +
Chris shifted, trying to wake himself up. Vin had gotten out of bed a long while ago. Pretty obvious he wasn’t coming back. It was also obvious from last night that they needed to talk. But Vin hadn’t been too communicative when Chris got home, almost right after him. Tired and feeling a little overburdened Chris had let it go. Now he wanted answers.
Chris found Vin sitting on the front porch swing, legs pulled up and arms wrapped around them. The sun was just coming up over the distant mountains, gently illuminating Vin’s face. It was a crisp, beautiful morning. Vin was wearing Chris’ old Denver PD sweatshirt, soft and worn, threadbare in places. The older man smiled a little. Vin didn’t get upset about things all that often. When he did he usually went for that sweatshirt. It was a comfort thing Chris didn’t totally understand but suddenly wished he did. There was so much about Vin he just accepted, without question. And Vin wasn’t the type to volunteer all that much.
He sat on Vin’s other side, reaching under the sharpshooter’s hair to rub his neck.
"Morning, Chris," Vin said softly.
Chris watched Vin’s profile. Saw tension imbedded in the normally placid features. "Good morning. Couldn’t sleep?"
Vin shook his head. He moved over, draping his legs over Chris’ right one and snuggling against his lover’s solid chest.
Chris extended his caress to Vin’s shoulder and back. Vin definitely was not himself. Chris asked gently, "What’s going on, Vin?"
Vin shrugged and answered into Chris’ chest. "Wanted ya to myself this weekend, I guess."
"Me too. But we’ve been here before." Chris tilted Vin’s face toward his own. He kissed the soft, supple lips. "Why so upset this time?"
Vin slid off Chris’ lap and moved to the railing. He spoke without turning around. "What if I asked you not to go to Washington? What would you say?"
Chris blinked his confusion. "I’d say I have to go. You know that."
"We ain’t been apart for a week in a long time." Vin snorted. "Hell, I don’t think I’ve ever gone a week without seeing you since I met you."
"I know, but it’s my job, Vin. I have no choice. And it’s not quite a full week. I’ll be home Friday." Chris raised a suspicious eyebrow and added, " Not like you to cling. What’s up?" He stared at Vin’s back. This was about the last thing he’d ever expected from the sharpshooter.
Vin turned finally. "You know Buck’s girlfriend is a psychic?"
Chris laughed softly. "Yeah, leave it to Buck. Think she’s a bit of a flake."
"No, Chris. She’s really good. And she said…" Vin paused. The words were sounding foolish even to him.
Chris tilted his head. "What’d she say?"
Vin took a deep breath. "Astrid said you’re in serious danger."
Chris bit back a laugh. "Danger? From what?"
Vin shrugged. "I don’t know. But she really freaked me out. Don’t go away, Chris." Vin locked eyes with his lover. "Please? I have a really bad feeling."
Chris stood up and took Vin in his arms. "I can’t not go because you have a bad feeling, Vin." He felt Vin resisting his efforts to hold him and let go.
Vin stepped back. "Then take me with you, cowboy. Tell Travis you need me to watch your back."
Chris grunted. "From what? A lethal paper cut? I’m going to a conference, Vin, not a wild-west shootout."
Vin paced a little, running his fingers through his hair. "I don’t ask you for much, do I, Chris?"
"Vin…"
"I’m asking for this. Don’t go."
"Jesus, Vin. I can’t believe you’re taking this woman so seriously. She’s Buck’s girlfriend, for crying out loud. Not friggin’ Nostradamus." Chris let his exasperation and confusion show.
Vin knew Chris didn’t get it. He tried to make him understand. "You weren’t there, Chris. She knew things about me. About us."
"Yeah, because Buck told her," Chris said piqued.
"They both swear he didn’t. I believe them, Chris. I do."
"Well then, you know how these things work, Vin. Astrid’s perceptive. Says something vague, then reads your reaction and goes from there. She’d probably make a good cop in that regard. Doesn’t mean she can predict the future."
"She’s afraid for you and so am I." Vin added quietly, "I dreamed you got killed."
"Because you fell asleep thinking about it. Doesn’t mean anything." Chris reached for Vin again and again he pulled away.
"I feel it in my gut, Chris."
"Fine," Chris said. "I’ll call Travis and tell him I can’t do my job because Buck’s psychic friend thinks it’s too dangerous. I’m sure he’ll understand." He crossed his arms over his chest and studied Vin. This was so far afield Chris honestly didn’t know what to make of it.
"Tell him it’s because he didn’t give you any notice," Vin said. "Tell him anything."
Chris shook his head. He didn’t want to discuss it anymore. "I need to take a shower. You coming?"
"Chris, something bad is gonna happen. I can feel it."
Chris moved toward the front door. "So come with me to the bathroom. Make sure I don’t slip and hit my head," he said sarcastically.
Vin glared at him, refusing to budge.
"Suit yourself. The boys are going to be here soon enough and I’ve got to get ready."
Chris went inside, leaving Vin alone and frustrated. Even if Chris didn’t believe Astrid he was refusing to listen to Vin’s instincts. And Vin’s instincts had kept Chris breathing on more than occasion. He scrubbed his hands over his face and sat back down on the swing.
TWO
Vin begged off working and eating with the team, opting to stay in bed all day instead. The others reacted casually when Chris told them Vin wouldn’t be joining them, downplaying his "illness" and declining Nathan’s offer to check in on him. But as soon as their leader’s back was turned, eyebrows were raised and curious glances exchanged.Buck made sure he was the last to leave, sending JD out to the start the car. He wanted a minute alone with Chris.
"So what’s really wrong with Vin?" he asked.
"Your girlfriend, for one thing," Chris said irritably. He looked around for something to do as an excuse to hurry Buck out the door but the others had cleaned up nicely. Then he remembered. "I need to pack, Buck."
"Josiah says it’s separation anxiety," Buck said mildly. He chuckled at his friend’s perplexed expression. "If your brain wasn’t already in DC you’d have noticed us speculating all day."
"It ain’t your business to speculate about," Chris retorted.
Buck shook his head. "You know better than that, Chris. Of course we’re gonna talk when Vin of all people spends the day in bed. And you, pretending everything’s fine…"
"Everything is fine, Buck, despite what your nutty girlfriend told Vin." Chris put his hands on his friend’s back and pushed him toward the door. "Good night, now."
Buck dug his heels in and turned. Chris stumbled into him. The bigger man took the opportunity to hug Chris close. He spoke softly into Chris’ ear. "This ain’t about Astrid. It’s about Vin having a good thing with you, pard. He’s happy. Maybe he’s afraid he’ll lose it all if you go to DC and realize you like playing with the big boys."
Chris pulled away. "I’m happy, too. He’s got nothing to worry about. Wouldn’t give him up for anything."
Buck gripped Chris’ shoulder gently. "Ever tell him that?"
Chris didn’t answer, just watched Buck turn and go. He locked the front door behind him and headed into the kitchen. Chris wasn’t good with words. Vin knew that. Vin also knew Chris was happy. Chris had told him so just the other day. He snorted to himself. At the same point in his relationship with Sarah he was using words much stronger than ‘happy’. She wouldn’t have settled for anything less than hearing how he really felt and he wouldn’t have expected her to. But Vin…Vin really didn’t ask for much.
"Hey, cowboy," the sharpshooter said quietly as Chris entered the kitchen.
Chris looked up, a little startled. He smiled to see Vin up and dressed, even though he was still angry with him for avoiding the meeting. "Hungry?" he asked evenly.
Vin shook his head but Chris went to the fridge anyway. He pulled out the fruit platter Ezra had brought and unwrapped it. He took a strawberry over to Vin and popped it in his mouth. Vin chewed slowly, watching Chris with a sober expression. Chris leaned in, running his tongue along Vin’s sweet lips. Vin’s mouth opened to him, letting Chris taste the strawberry and toothpaste and his favorite taste of all, Vin Tanner.
Vin broke the kiss sooner than Chris would have liked. "Want to take a walk?"
Chris nodded, stopping to put some fruit in a small plastic container. Vin waited for him on the porch off the sliding glass door in the den. He ate the fruit without complaint and walked with Chris until the last glimmers of daylight faded and they had to turn back. They talked a little, keeping it casual, almost deliberately circumspect.
When they got back to the house, Vin sat on the porch to watch the night sky. Chris went inside and packed for his trip. He noticed that Vin had laid some things out for him on their bed so that he wouldn’t forget them. He appreciated and understood the gesture. When he was done, Chris grabbed his old sweatshirt and went out to sit with his lover.
Vin smiled at the offering, slipping the sweatshirt over his head. "Thanks, Chris," he said softly. "Think I might live in this while you’re away."
Chris gazed out across his property for a moment. It was a bright night, the full moon high in the sky. He remembered the first time he ever kissed Vin, right here on this porch. His life had changed vastly for the better that night. The reason for that improvement deserved more than his anger, even if he didn’t completely get what was eating Vin.
Chris sat next to the younger man, gently rubbing his knee and studying his handsome, moonlit profile. He looked much more relaxed than he had that morning. "That mean you’re ok with it then?"
Vin laughed a little and shook his head, covering Chris’ hand and squeezing it. "I know you have to go, cowboy." He looked at his lover. "It’s just…"
Chris squeezed back. "I trust your gut as much as I trust my own, Vin. This is different."
Vin exhaled, feeling relieved and maybe a tiny bit silly. He gave Chris an abashed half-smile. "I’ll miss ya, ya know."
Chris smiled back. "Ain’t gone yet." He cupped Vin’s jaw and kissed him deeply. "Come to bed," he whispered.
"In a minute. Not real tired just yet," Vin said on a chuckle. He had slept half the day away.
Chris licked his lips, tasting Vin again. "Bet I could make you tired."
Vin’s belly flip-flopped at the return of that sultry voice he loved. "Bet you could. Bet I could wear you out first," he teased.
"You’re on," Chris breathed, lips to Vin’s ear, nibbling his lobe.
Tickled, Vin squirmed. "You go on ahead, start without me. I’ll be along."
Chris glared at him but got up, kissing him once more before going inside. Vin didn’t follow, though. Not for a long time. When he did finally go to bed, Chris was asleep. He lay down on his side, feeling Chris press against him. He clasped his lover's hand but didn’t fall asleep for a long time.
Vin came awake with a start, before the alarm, the room still mostly dark. Chris shifted, rolling on top of the sharpshooter. Vin opened his legs to let Chris settle against him in more perfect alignment. Chris’ half-open eyes glittered with need though Vin hadn’t even touched him yet. They kissed slowly, eventually working shirts and sweats off each other.
Chris tried to reassure Vin with his touch, tell him with kisses and caresses all the things he all too often failed to say with words. Vin tried to be reassured, tried to savor every moment of their lovemaking, absorb every sentiment Chris was communicating.
Too soon the alarm sounded. Chris was breathing heavily against his neck, his softened penis still nestled inside Vin. Vin felt the panic surge again and clutched Chris close when he started to withdraw.
"I don’t want you to go, Chris," he said, voice low, husky with fatigue and worry. He closed his eyes, locking his ankles over the small of Chris’ back. "I love you, cowboy. Don’t want to live without you."
"Enough, Vin!" Chris exclaimed. He struggled to disengage himself from his lover. "For Christ’s sake. It’s hard enough to get on a plane these days without…" He cut himself off, marching into the bathroom and slamming the door. Vin turned on his side, drawing his knees against his chest. The shower turned on then off ten minutes later. He didn’t move even after the bathroom door opened again.
Chris dressed silently in the suit he had laid out the night before, using only the ambient light in the room. Then he switched on the overhead light and looked at Vin. "Are you taking me to the airport? If not I have to leave now to park the truck."
Vin remained silent but threw the covers back. Chris took his garment bag and went into the kitchen to start the coffee. He waited for it to brew, rattled by Vin’s fear and what it meant. God, what had he done to the man? Independent, self-reliant Vin. Three months of living with Chris and look at him, stressed out over intangibles and vague predictions. Chris shook his head, feeling more sorry than he’d ever be able to express.
When Vin came into the kitchen, Chris hugged him hard. Vin was caught off guard but relaxed immediately into the embrace.
Chris said against his throat, "Think you’ve been hanging around me too long, Vin. Expecting the worst, fighting before it comes so maybe it won’t hurt so much." Chris looked in Vin’s eyes with such fervor Vin almost had to look away. Might have, except he found he couldn’t. "I’m sorry, Vin. I’ll be careful, I promise"
Leave it to Chris to get around to blaming himself for Vin’s somewhat irrational behavior. But it did sound better than Vin worrying his heart out because Buck’s psychic girlfriend had snagged him with a glorified parlor trick. Vin blinked because he hadn’t in a while and kissed Chris. "Just come back safely to me, cowboy."
+ + + + + + +
The week wasn’t as painful as it could have been. Since Vin figured he was already miserable he scheduled a few odious tasks, like a visit to the dentist, while Chris was away. His lover called a couple of times a day, sometimes only staying on long enough to say hello. Vin thought he should tell Chris he was okay and didn’t need Chris to call so much. But he didn’t.
Josiah was in charge in Chris’ absence. He was a pushover compared to Larabee as far as working after five went. Vin had done all his paperwork the week before and really didn’t have any reason to hang around, though he would have found plenty if it had been Chris in the office. Instead, he went out with the others or headed home to visit with the horses.
Vin took Apollo out as often as time and daylight permitted. He’d almost forgotten what his life had been like before Chris, when he had hours and days to himself. He in no way wanted to go back but he did enjoy the break as much as he could. He missed Chris, had trouble sleeping without him even when the blonde called late to wish him good night. Still, he made the best of it.
That included a fancy dinner with Ezra at an expensive restaurant. Not a snobby place, Vin felt at home in jeans though he was probably the only one so attired. He declined Ezra’s offer to spend the night at his townhouse, causing the wily undercover agent to wax sarcastic.
"I assure you, Mr. Tanner, I won’t bite you. I would, if you so desired it, but I daresay I have accepted that you do not," Ezra said with a sardonic smile.
Vin laughed, glad that Ezra’s attraction, or whatever it was, didn’t strain their friendship. "I know it, Ez. Just want to sleep in my own bed, even if Chris ain’t in it with me." He hugged his friend, laughing once more at Ezra’s unyielding resistance to this one minor show of affection.
When he returned home Thursday night Vin found a letter from Chris written on hotel stationary. It didn’t say much, mostly that Chris couldn’t sleep, either, but Vin enjoyed reading it. He ate a light supper and called Chris’ hotel room on the off chance his lover was in, immensely pleased when Chris answered.
"Whatcha doing?" Vin asked.
"Just got out of the shower," Chris answered.
Vin smiled. "That mean you’re naked?"
Chris chuckled into the phone and said, "As a newborn baby." He added seductively, "You wanna play?"
"Nope," Vin replied.
"Nope?" Chris repeated, shocked and maybe disappointed, still very much amused.
"Wanna wait for the real thing," Vin said. "You best watch yourself when you get back to town, Larabee, ‘cuz your ass is gonna be mine."
Chris snorted but sounded serious when he spoke. "Can’t wait, Vin."
"One more night, cowboy. One more night."
+ + + + + + +
Vin couldn’t sit still at the airport as he waited for Chris’ plane to land. The guys had teased him mercilessly all day, Buck even suggesting they all accompany Vin to the airport to greet Chris. The sharpshooter had growled his disagreement at that spark of inspiration. No way he was sharing Chris with anyone right now.
Seeing Chris as he came through the gate had the opposite effect on Vin than it usually did. At that moment, his heart stilled. Despite how silly he felt for worrying, he had worried. A lot. And now Chris was home, safe and sound. He wanted to rush up to him and throw him down, fuck him senseless on the floor. But people would probably watch and Chris would get rug burn and Vin would never hear the end of it. He’d wait.
As was so often the case, Chris was on the same wavelength. He stopped just short of his lover, smiling at his shoes but his eyes looking up, trained on Vin.
"Tanner," he said by way of greeting.
"Larabee," Vin said, his heart pounding now the way Chris intended it to when he gave him that look. He took Chris’ carry-on.
Chris said, "Just need to go by the office for a while." He saw Vin’s face fall and quickly gave up the joke. "Kidding! I’m kidding, Vin."
"Asshole."
"Ah, you did miss me. But I will have to go in tomorrow, meet with Travis," Chris said.
"I’ll worry about that tomorrow. Let’s go home," Vin grumbled as they headed to the baggage check.
They didn’t touch, not in the airport or in the relative privacy of Chris’ truck. They wanted to be home where they’d be free to touch without restraint. Free to make up for lost time. They did exchange news bulletins, Vin giving Chris the lowdown on what he’d missed. There wasn’t much to tell because not much had happened, and Chris had checked in with Josiah daily. But it gave them something to do until they could be truly alone.
Back at the ranch, Chris thumbed idly through the week’s mail while Vin unpacked and sorted his laundry. When the anticipation turned to out and out longing, he passed Vin in the bedroom, dragging a hand along his lover’s shoulders.
Vin watched Chris undress, hunger in his eyes, heat rising in his belly. He waited a few minutes before undressing himself and joining Chris in the shower. They held each other tightly, their already hardening penises crushed between them.
Chris brushed wet hair back from Vin’s face. His lover’s face was tanned, the blue eyes shining brightly in contrast. Tiny freckles decorated the bridge of his nose. Vin was so beautiful it made Chris’ heart hurt.
"I love you, Vin," he whispered, leaning forward, lips seeking their mate. He’d been waiting a week to say that. Or was it a year?
Vin met him on the way, kissing Chris, his stored up passion threatening to erupt and blow them both to pieces. "Love you, too," he breathed against Chris’ mouth. He wedged his hand in between their bodies to stroke their erections. He knew they’d come quick enough and they did, Chris biting Vin’s shoulder when he ejaculated. Vin threw his head back, enough sensation and stimulation to trigger his release. He recovered quickly, cupping Chris’ face, the blonde’s mouth still poised to receive more kisses.
Vin’s mouth curved into a satisfied smile. Nice to know Chris missed him as much as he missed Chris. "Now that that’s out of our systems, let’s do it right."
Chris rubbed his hands down Vin’s back and over the curve of his ass. "If that was wrong, God help me when we get it right," he said on a low laugh.
"Don’t worry, cowboy, I’ll give ya all the help ya need," Vin said, reaching for the soap. He washed Chris from head to toe then did himself. He resisted Chris’ kisses and caresses, wanting to get Chris into bed before they started up again. Chris caught on to the plan and turned the shower off, stepping out to grab two towels.
Still damp and trembling with excitement, Vin led Chris to the foot of the bed. He kissed his lover hard, biting and sucking on Chris’ full lower lip. "Kneel on the bed," Vin ordered.
Chris kneeled facing Vin but Vin gently twisted him. The sharpshooter pressed one firm hand to Chris’ lower back, the other to his shoulder and forced him face down onto the mattress. Vin kneeled on the floor, running his hands along Chris’s thighs. He gripped them just above the knee and coaxed the blonde’s legs apart. When he had Chris where he wanted him, he moved his hands to Chris’ ass, massaging it tenderly for a moment.
Vin parted the perfectly rounded cheeks with his thumbs and pressed a kiss to the small round treasure he’d exposed, tongue delving into the center. He felt Chris shudder and pushed deeper, wiggling his tongue. Chris moaned, writhing in Vin’s grip. Encouraged, Vin lapped greedily at the tight hole, licking the puckered flesh as his fingers kneaded Chris’ heated ass cheeks. He ran his tongue down and along Chris’ balls, trying to maintain contact as the older man pitched forward, his entire body inflamed. Chris was rocking back and forth, twisting the top sheet in his hands and hissing Vin’s name. Vin caught what skin he could between his teeth and nibbled it, then laved the tender spot with his tongue as his lover writhed uncontrollably on the bed.
"Sweet Jesus, Vin," Chris moaned hoarsely.
Vin pulled away and stood breathlessly, staring down at his lover. His own cock, already hard and leaky twitched, at the sight of Chris spread out and wanting. Needing.
"Need you, Vin," Chris groaned.
Vin laughed softly. "Thought you didn’t believe in psychic powers."
Chris turned to look up at him, face flushed and breathing irregular.
"What?" he asked impatiently.
"You," Vin said. "Always reading my mind."
"Well, read mine and let’s get on with this," Chris said, body on fire and desperate for more.
Vin walked around and took the lube from the nightstand. He sat against the headboard, long solid legs stretched out straight. "Don’t need to be no mind reader to know what you’re thinking, Chris." Vin patted his thighs. "Come here."
Chris crawled to his lover and straddled his legs. He took the tube from Vin’s hand and smeared the contents over the sharpshooter’s cock. Chris swatted Vin’s hand away when long fingers tried to probe his hole. He kneeled up over Vin, bending to kiss him softly. Then he anchored his hands on Vin’s shoulders and sat. Vin held Chris’ hip with one hand and guided his cock inside with the other. Chris grimaced a little but kept bearing down. Vin groaned at the velvety smooth heat consuming him. Chris was so unbelievably tight. He moved his other hand to Chris’ hip and rocked with his lover.
Chris’ every nerve ending was on fire. He watched Vin through hooded lids, running his hands along Vin’s shoulders to his throat then twining his fingers in the damp curls. Vin arched into him, kissing him hard, mouth firm and tongue insistent. Chris was so close but he pushed Vin’s hand away when it reached for his cock. He wanted this to last as long as possible, loving every minute of the breathless agony he was experiencing. He jerked his mouth away, head falling back, Vin’s lips moving against his neck, tongue delving into the vee of his collarbone. It was too much.
"Vin!" he cried out.
If Chris was even fully aware that Vin was touching him he didn’t interfere. Vin stroked Chris’ cock as his lover came, drawing every last drop from him. He waited for Chris to look at him again, smiling when he saw the glazed green eyes seeking him out. Chris’ upper body fell against him in a boneless hug but his hips kept moving, his ass still clenching around Vin’s cock. Vin caught Chris’ head in his hands, captured his lips in a bruising kiss. When Chris sucked vehemently on his tongue Vin surrendered to the ecstasy they’d created. He stopped kissing Chris back, mouth open against his lover’s in a wordless scream as he came deep inside the older man.
Chris stayed slumped on top of Vin for a long while, letting Vin’s soft caresses along his back and sides ease him down from the high he was on. Finally, he fell over, flopping clumsily onto his back. Vin slipped out of bed and went to the bathroom, returning with a warm washcloth. He gently wiped Chris down, holding the cloth against Chris’ anus for a minute. They didn’t do it this way often and Chris would be sore tomorrow if he wasn’t already. One look into Chris’ sleepy eyes and Vin knew there’d be no complaints. Vin kissed him gently, tossing the washcloth over his shoulder and climbing into bed.
"Maybe I should tell you I love you more often, Vin," Chris whispered as Vin settled in his arms.
"Maybe you should, cowboy," Vin whispered back.
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