ATF Universe
Note: Follows Carousel and Decisions. Basically a PWP. Thanks again to Judy for every little thing.
Vin stood next to the bed arms folded over his chest."Chris, we’re going to be late," he said.
"Can’t be late ‘cause I’m not going in. You go on ahead," his lover responded. At least, that’s what it sounded like. It was hard to tell what with the pillow over Chris’ head and all.
"You have to go in. You’ve got work to do." Vin was firm but he was ready to try pleading next.
"If there’s one thing I’ve learned it that’s the work will always be there tomorrow. Think I’ve earned a day off." Chris stretched a little but didn’t move to get up.
"What are you gonna tell Travis? That you couldn’t get outta bed because you didn’t want to face your birthday?" He added for effect, "Never thought you were so vain."
Vin wasn’t sure invoking Travis’ name or needling his lover would work. He’d already gotten up, stripped naked and taken a shower, all the while calling out things like, ‘I’m touching myself,’ without once enticing Chris to get out of bed.
Chris pulled the pillow away. "It’s not having a birthday I’m worried about. It’s spending the day with Buck and the others while I’m having it that scares me. They’re up to something, Vin."
Vin smiled. Larabee looked adorable with his hair mussed and those red lines on his cheek. He tried to reassure Chris, "They ain’t planning nothing but drinks at Inez’."
"That you know of," the blonde said, reaching out to grab Vin’s inner thigh just above his knee. "Come back to bed. We’ll both call in sick and order ourselves plenty of bed rest." He was practically leering at Vin.
Vin sat on the edge of the bed, taking Chris’ hand. "Tell you what. We go to work today, have a couple of drinks later and tonight, I’ll be your love slave. Do anything you want."
"No good, you already do everything I want. You want to make a deal with someone Vin, gotta offer them something they don’t have but need badly." Chris sounded irritatingly smug.
"Well how ‘bout this then? You don’t go to work, you don’t get to do whatever you want."
"For how long?" Chris asked, weighing his options.
Vin laughed. "For as long as I can hold out." He knew exactly what Chris was going to say before he said it.
"Ooh, I’m scared, Tanner!" But Chris sat up and kissed him. Best way to start the day as far as the sharpshooter was concerned.
"That mean we got a deal?" Vin inquired cautiously.
"Yes, we have a deal," Chris said reluctantly, finally getting out of bed.
About an hour later Vin walked into the break room to grab a cup of coffee. Buck was seated at the table and smiled slyly at him.
"You’re late."
"I know," Vin replied succinctly. Too succinctly. Buck wanted more.
"How come?" he asked.
Vin shrugged. "Traffic," he said, hoping Buck would buy it but knowing he wouldn’t.
Buck leaned forward. "You know what Sarah used to say about ole’ Chris, don’t ya?" he asked softly. An evil smile crossed his lips as he answered his own question. "Always ‘up’ with the sun."
Vin blushed and looked around quickly making sure none of the others were within earshot. After a shaky start, Buck had settled into the knowledge that Chris and Vin were lovers. Which pleased Vin to no end. But lately the bigger man had taken to teasing him about their relationship. Or more specifically, their sex life. He especially seemed to enjoy getting a rise out of Vin when the others were nearby and the sharpshooter would be hard pressed to explain his sudden discomfort. Chris thought it was a good thing, meant Buck was really ok with them. Vin thought maybe he liked it better when Buck was angry.
"Truth is, Bucklin," Vin tried to sound fierce, "is that he was afraid you’d pull something today. Didn’t want to get out of bed cause he don’t trust you."
Buck tented his fingertips on his chest and said, "Moi?"
"Moi, what?" asked JD as he entered the room.
"Vin here thinks I’m gonna do something to embarrass Chris today. Do you believe that?" Buck was trying his best to sound shocked.
Vin didn’t miss the look that passed between the roommates. He rolled his eyes to heaven. It was going to be a long day.
+ + + + + + +
The day actually passed uneventfully. Chris had lunch with Travis and his daughter-in-law Mary. Once upon a time Mary had hoped there might be something between Chris and her. But they met too soon after his wife’s death for Chris to seriously consider a relationship with anyone. He occasionally suspected she still held out hope and it always made him feel guilty. Yet he resisted the urge to tell her about Vin. It wasn’t even her feelings he worried about so much. He was not so in love with himself that he thought he would crush her with news that he loved another. But given her relationship to Chris and Vin’s boss, well, it could be awkward to say the least. Nevertheless, he considered her a friend and enjoyed her company.
He was back at his desk late that afternoon when his team entered his office.
‘Oh no’ , Chris thought, ’here it comes.’ He’d been waiting for the singing telegram or the stripper, or God help Buck, the male stripper.
"You boys forget how to knock?" He used his most authoritative and intimidating voice.
Lot of good it did. Nobody said a word. Vin snatched his laptop and shut it down. Before Chris could protest, Buck had him by one arm, Josiah the other as they pulled him up from his chair. Ezra grabbed his jacket, JD hit the lights and Nathan got the door. They were on their way.
+ + + + + + +
As reluctant as he was to admit it, Chris was having a good time. He and his friends were gathered around a large table at Inez’, drinking and sharing their ‘worst gift ever’ horror stories. Buck still couldn’t believe Josiah thought his uncle buying him a prostitute’s services for his sixteenth birthday fit the category. For that, Buck would have written a thank you card.
The laughter died down and Wilmington stood up. Chris closed his eyes, groaning.
"That’s right, Stud, here comes your big surprise!" Buck said with way too much relish. Chris heard everyone "ooh" and opened his eyes. Except for the safety lights the bar was dark. Inez emerged from the kitchen and everyone started singing, ‘Happy Birthday.’ Not a stripper but still embarrassing as far as Chris was concerned.
A cake shaped like a shield, decorated and complete with his i.d. number was placed in front of him. Chris had to look beneath the glow of all the candles to see the detail. He was pretty sure Buck was behind that particular bit of accuracy.
"Make a wish, Chris," JD said. The others seconded the motion.
Chris shook his head but took a deep breath and blew out the candles. He wasn’t one for making wishes anymore but he did hope they could have more nights like this, everyone together safe and happy.
"Buck and me made the cake. That’s your surprise." JD’s face was lit up with excitement.
Chris’ gaze settled on Buck, a small smile on his lips. Buck used to love to bake with Sarah and Adam. Chris could cook a whole meal and be lucky if his friend tossed the salad. But he’d barrel people over to be in the kitchen with Sarah when she was making dessert. Times like that it was as if Chris didn’t exist. Unless of course the recipe called for three eggs and Buck and Adam argued over who would get to break the third. Ever the diplomat, Sarah would call Chris in to crack the contested egg. He’d had many cakes made by the three people his world once turned on. As far as he knew, Buck hadn’t baked since then.
"It’s perfect, pard," Chris said, emotion evident in his voice.
Buck winked at him, grinning broadly.
"This, Mr. Larabee," Ezra said extending a small package wrapped in black tissue paper to Chris, "is the rest of your surprise."
The blonde glanced at Vin seated next to him. Something about the way Ezra said ‘surprise’ gave Chris a chill. Vin shrugged and gave him a ‘Who knows?’ look.
Chris opened his gift. It was a framed photograph of him with his arm around Vin. Their cheeks were red from the cold and they were smiling happily. He recognized it immediately. Josiah had taken it outside the church where he helped run a soup kitchen. The team had gotten together a couple of months ago on a Saturday morning to repaint the basement kitchen and dining hall. It had been a beautiful winter day, crisp and clear.
They’d had a good time that day, too.
Chris looked around the table at his friends. They were all smiling expectantly but he didn’t speak.
Josiah said mildly, "You really didn’t think we didn’t know, did you boss?"
JD leaned over to Chris and said quietly, "I didn’t know. Buck had to tell me."
Chris smiled, staring at the picture. He was at a total loss for words. Vin squeezed his knee under the table.
"Happy Birthday, Chris," Buck said.
"Thanks," Chris said finally. "Thank you." He looked at Vin.
"Go ahead," Buck coached, "kiss him." Everyone laughed, dispelling the slight awkwardness that had filtered into the room.
Chris glared at him. "Watch it, partner, or I’ll have you on midnight surveillance detail for a month."
Buck blew him a kiss.
- ___________________
Vin drove Chris’ truck to Purgatorio. Chris sat pensively beside him. Vin was thinking that he and his were lover were pretty lucky. Their friends had been so warm and accepting. He didn’t really think it would be otherwise but it was nice to know for sure. But he sensed Chris’ thoughts were along a different line.
He looked over at his lover. Chris was watching the streets pass by outside the passenger window.
"Wouldn’t recommend your desk at work," Vin said.
Chris turned to him. "Huh?"
"Your present. Wouldn’t suggest putting it on your desk at work. Maybe on the dresser in the bedroom. Spend most of our time there anyway." Vin smiled wolfishly.
Chris reached over and rubbed Vin’s thigh gently. No surprise Vin knew he was thinking about where to place the photo. And about the photo on his mantle. Sarah and Adam smiling brightly from beneath matching Denver PD baseball caps. Chris and Buck used to play on the police softball team. He remembered all those warm summer days passed in laughter and frowned. His hand returned to his own lap.
Vin watched Chris duke it out with his thoughts and memories but held his tongue. For now.
"Yeah," Chris said quietly as Vin pulled into a parking space. "Bedroom would be good."
They climbed the stairs in silence, holding hands. As Vin unlocked his door Chris looked down the hall.
"Sounds like Mrs. Hernandez is having a party," he observed.
"Nah, that’s just her family. Daughter left her husband and moved back in with her three kids. Couldn’t find anything affordable. Not even around here." Vin entered the dark apartment and switched on the light.
"If that were my kid I’d strangle him," Chris said behind him.
"That’s the bird, Einstein. They have a dog, too."
"Wow, sounds like a circus."
"Pretty much. Gonna use the bathroom. Make yourself at home." Vin kissed him quickly and headed down the hall.
Chris snorted. Most nights they stayed together at the ranch but he was very much at home here.
He headed into the bedroom and took off his shoes and socks. Vin found him lying stretched out on the bed, arms behind his head, ankles crossed. Thinking.
"Stop it, Chris," he said sharply.
"Stop what?" Chris looked as if he really didn’t know.
Vin climbed into bed, sitting astride Chris’ hips and grabbing his wrists. He pinned them to the pillows. His blue eyes were blazing.
"Stop waiting for the other shoe to drop. Things are going good. Unbelievably good." He softened his tone. "Let yourself enjoy it, cowboy."
Chris bit his bottom lip but didn’t say anything.
"You really think it’ll make it any easier for you if something bad happens because you kept telling yourself you knew it was coming?" He leaned in close, lightly rubbing the tip of his nose against Chris’. "Will it?" he whispered.
"Probably not," Chris said.
"Then give yourself a break, Chris. You’re happy. Let yourself be. You’ve got your health, great friends." He wriggled his eyebrows and his hips simultaneously as he added, "Ya got me."
"Speaking of which, think you owe me something." Chris leaned up for a kiss.
Vin pulled back. "Not so fast. Don’t change the subject. Tell me you’re gonna at least try to stop fretting."
Chris looked up into his lover’s face. The expected patience was there but barely. He wanted so badly to give Vin what he asked. As much for Vin as for himself. Old habits just die so damn hard. He took a slightly different tack.
"Those boys are pretty terrific, aren’t they? Full of surprises." He leaned up again and this time he was rewarded with a little kiss. Chris wanted more.
He said, "I’ll try, Vin. I want to stop worrying. More than anything I want to." He smiled tenderly and added, "I am happy. You make me happy."
Vin grinned, his eyes filling with warmth. He released Chris’ wrists. The blonde got the kiss he wanted.
Vin licked his lips, tasting Chris and ready for more. "So what’s it gonna be, birthday boy? And don’t say a French maid’s costume." Vin was speaking softly, his drawl so sexy when he teased.
Chris laughed then paused, raising an intrigued eyebrow.
"Forget it, Romeo," Vin said.
"Spoil sport," Chris pouted for a minute. "Then how about we just get naked and take it from there?"
"Now you’re talking."
They undressed quickly. Vin lay down on his back as Chris turned off the light.
Chris moved to the bed. "On your side, facing me," he instructed, his voice like liquid fire.
That fire raced through Vin, quickening his pulse and hardening his cock. Chris was the sexiest man he had ever met, bar none. He wasn’t just good looking though Vin had noticed that immediately upon meeting him. He was charismatic and alluring in a way that was so much a part of him he barely even realized it about himself. It made him about the only one.
Larabee lay down on his side with his knees near Vin’s head. The sharpshooter’s heart raced at the thought of his lover’s intention. He quickly scooted down bringing his mouth in line with Chris’ cock. Vin kissed his penis then ran his fingers the length of it. He felt Chris stroke his erection and sighed. The simultaneous giving and taking was about to drive Vin wild. He increased the movement of his hand, kissing the tip of Chris’ cock. They closed their mouths over each other at the same time each letting out a small moan.
Chris slid his hand in between Vin’s thighs. Vin encouraged him, raising his knee and planting the sole of his foot on the mattress. Chris rubbed the pad of his finger along Vin’s rim then pushed in. Vin groaned and thrust his hips steadily. Chris started humming softly, taking Vin deeper. He raked the fingers of his other hand through the younger man’s pubic hair causing the skin there to tingle. Chris slid a second finger into Vin. Vin thrust harder while trying to maintain a pleasurable rhythm on Chris’ cock. It wasn’t easy with the sensory overload he was experiencing. Chris’ mouth was moist and hot, his fingers working Vin’s channel with expert precision. Vin cried out as Chris hit his prostate. Then hit it again. He arched his back, bursts of color lighting up the darkness behind his closed eyelids. He let out another groan, long and low.
Vin kept his hand but not his mouth on Chris’ cock as he recovered from his orgasm. Chris was gently rubbing his belly with the back of his hand, planting small kisses on his softening penis. Vin took a deep breath and pushed Chris onto his back. He straddled him and went down on him in one smooth motion. Vin licked and sucked, gauging his performance by the loud moans escaping his lover. The older man rocked his hips in time with Vin’s movements along his penis.
"Oh God, Vin," Chris sobbed. The sharpshooter was fondling his balls, still sucking hungrily. Chris gripped Vin’s thighs and leaned forward. He pressed his tongue to that puckered little hole he loved. Vin whimpered, his hips jerking. He pressed his tongue against Chris’ cock as hard as he could. He was rewarded with a guttural moan that maybe could pass for his name. Vin smiled around his lover’s cock and continued sucking until Chris had nothing left.
Vin rested his flushed cheek on Chris’ sweaty thigh. Chris was gently rubbing the backs of his legs. He was almost asleep when Chris shifted and Vin rolled off him onto his back. The younger man waited to his lover to settle then slipped into his arms.
He kissed Chris’ nipple. "Like your present, cowboy?" he asked drowsily.
Chris laughed softly. "Oh yeah. Only one thing’d make it better."
Hugging him lightly Vin asked, "Not the French maid outfit again."
"Nope, though I’m not forgetting that entirely." He felt the vibration of Vin’s laughter against his chest. "I think we should solve Mrs. Hernandez’ problem."
"Why? Is it her birthday, too?" Vin yawned. Chris had better get to the point soon or he was going to lose him.
"Maybe, I have no idea. I just meant we should make it official. You should move out to the ranch and sublet to Hernandez’ daughter."
Vin didn’t say anything. Just lay perfectly still.
Chris continued, "Unless you’re really attached to this place." He hesitated then said "I’d take Sarah’s picture down if you wanted." He didn’t think that was it but couldn’t keep the hint of disappointment from his voice at the idea.
Vin sat up. "No, I don’t you want you to take her picture down. Ain’t you been paying attention? I don’t mind it. She was your wife Chris and you loved her. Nothing’s gonna change that and nothing should"
He lay back down pinching hard the nipple he’d only just kissed. "Jerk," he added.
Chris grunted a little. "What then? You practically live there now."
"I know. It’s just that the apartment comes in handy on nights like these. Or more likely when you work late." Vin was feeling wide-awake now. He didn’t particularly want to hang onto his apartment. He wanted to be with Chris always and living together would just make it that much easier. But it would make if official. Vin’s ultra independence would officially be over.
Chris stroked his fingers through Vin’s hair. "If we go out with the boys one of ‘em would probably take us in for the night. As for the job," he shrugged. "I’ve been saying I need to lighten up."
"Right, Larabee. You’re like a shark. Need to keep swimming or die."
Chris smiled. "Without a welcoming bed close by I’d have to work less. I’m done with that damn couch in my office. Besides, I like what I got to come home to now." He cupped Vin’s jaw and tilted his face up. He kissed him slowly.
Their eyes met in the dark. "Any other objections?" Chris asked.
Vin shook his head. "Not a one. Guess we’re gonna be housemates." He settled against Chris again.
"See," Chris said. "I can think about the future and not see the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse."
Sleep once more calling to him Vin answered, "Terrific, Larabee. Now how about we get some sleep?"
Chris ran his hand down Vin’s side, closing it around his lover’s cock. "Are you tired, Vin? I was thinking we might celebrate our new living arrangements."
"Ya already done celebrated your birthday, cowboy," Vin said playfully, his cock hardening under Chris’ touch. "What more do you want?"
"You." They kissed again. This time with more heat. "Always you."
Finis
Next story: The Other Shoe
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