Disclaimer: Magnificent Seven does not belong to me and never will. This story is for enjoyment only.
Author's Note: Thanks to Mog for creating the ATF universe.
Chris Larabee stood out on his back deck. It was cold and it was still snowing. The snow had started earlier that morning and according to the weatherman it would not let up until tomorrow afternoon. Tomorrow was Christmas Day, a day for family. Inside the house were five men Chris considered his family, they were his brothers by choice. But the sixth man, a man closer than a blood brother, his soul mate and the man he was in love with was not there. Vin Tanner was not at the ranch because Chris had chased him away by his cowardly hateful behavior. Chris Larabee the biggest bad ass in the ATF was a chicken. To afraid to admit he was in love again. Then when Chris made the first move and Vin reciprocated, what did he do but slap his friend down, literally.The blond cringed when he remembered the shocked hurt look on Vin's face when Chris had hit him. What made it even worse was that when Vin had accused him of letting the sharpshooter think Chris would be interested in a closer relationship Vin had been right. Chris had led him on and then had lashed out when Vin had reached out to him.
Vin had been with the team for over a year and the two men had been getting closer. Sure Chris knew that Vin was gay, it had been one of the first things the younger man had told him. Before he joined the team he had wanted to make sure it would not cause problems on the team or with the ATF. Chris had assured him that no one on the team would care. After all Buck and Ezra had been together for almost three years. As far as the ATF they just ignored same sex relationships. Chris certainly had no problem with it; he had done his fair share of sampling both sides of the fence and had to admit he liked it all.
Then had come that fateful night. It had been almost a week ago but it was still fresh in his mind as though it had just happened.
Six Days Ago
The team had been over at Buck and Ezra’s. They were celebrating a successful bust and everyone had plenty to drink. The two men had bought the house several months earlier and had made sure it was big enough for the whole team to stay over if the need arose. It was going to be needed that night. Thank goodness it was the weekend.Vin, generally a light drinker, had really tied one on. Chris surprisingly only drank four beers. He found himself watching Vin. The younger man was obviously a happy drunk. He became animated, laughing and talking with his friends. Stories from his time with the Army Rangers came out leaving his teammates in stitches.
Chris realized in that moment that his feelings towards his best friend were changing had been changing for a long time. Shock set in when he realized that the feelings were like the ones he had when he had set his cap for his late wife Sarah. Talking to himself for a couple of minutes he convinced himself that it was the beer making him have those thoughts.
Finally after a few hours everyone was starting to get sleepy. Everyone shuffled off to bed.
Chris got his arm around Vin's waist determined to get him safely to his room so he could sleep it off. Tomorrow would come soon enough and his friend was going to have a hell of a hangover.
The blond maneuvered the younger man into the bedroom and got him seated on the bed. As Vin chattered on Chris knelt on the floor and pulled off shoes and socks.
Standing up Chris asked, “Can you get the rest of your clothes off?”
Vin blearily looked up at him and with a confused look on his face said, “Huh…ah…sure.”
Chris smiled as he watched Vin flops backward on the bed then start fumbling with the belt. Finally getting it undone he started working on the zipper.
After several attempts and not getting anywhere, Vin pouted, “Fuck it, I’ll sleep in them.’
“Here, cowboy. Let me. You’re going to be uncomfortable enough when you wake up.”
As Chris unzipped the jeans he was unaware of blue eyes watching his every move. Tossing the jeans to the side Chris turned around and caught his breath.
Vin was gorgeous. Sure he had noticed his friend was a good-looking man but now lying in front of him half-naked Chris felt his cock start to harden.
Taking a step forward he placed his hand on Vin's thigh and watched as Vin gasped at the touch.
Gently stroking the smooth skin, Chris fixed his eyes on the hard cock hidden underneath Vin's dark blue briefs.
Reaching out he placed his other hand on top of that tempting bulge.
Vin sat up and Chris felt soft lips touch his. As he sighed into Vin's open mouth, Chris heard the younger man whisper, “Take me, Chris. I love you. We have all the time in the world for loving each other.”
What Vin couldn’t know was that Sarah had loved to say the same thing when they were about to make love. She couldn’t have been more wrong. Time had run out and he had lost everything. Love couldn’t stop death and he couldn’t go through that again. Damn Vin Tanner for tempting him.
Chris was now running on pure emotion. Anger and fear rose up. He jerked away from the younger man and without thinking he had doubled up his fist and hit Vin in the jaw.
As Vin yelped and fell back on the bed grabbing his jaw, Chris snarled, “Don’t fucking touch me. Who the hell do you think you are? Love…you just think you love me. If you want a quick fuck go down to the local bar. As far as having all the time in the world quit being so stupid, this is just a day to day existence then you die. You want to stay on this team then you just do the damn job and stay the hell away from me.”
Vin felt hot angry hurt tears fill his eyes, but he wouldn’t give the blond the satisfaction of seeing them fall. He had sobered up when Chris had touched him. Granted he had drunk more than usual but he could hold his liquor. After all he had been an Army Ranger.
“Fine, Larabee. You made your feelings real plain. Ten minutes ago you were ready to fuck me, now the sight of me infuriates you.”
Chris grabbed the front of Vin's shirt and yanked him into a sitting position.
“I wasn’t going to fuck you.”
“Sure you put your hand on all your teammates thighs and cock? Have to ask Bucklin about that!”
Chris snarled, “You keep your mouth shut…”
Chris raised his hand to strike again when the red haze of anger faded and he saw Vin flinch away from him in anticipation of a blow.
Chris released Vin's shirt watching as Vin curled up in the middle of the bed pulling the bed covers over him. It was obvious that the young man was trying to remove himself from Chris’s proximity and the situation.
Chris swallowed as he realized with horror what he had just done. He had struck his teammate…no worse than that he had struck Vin. The one person he truly loved above all others.
“Vin…I…Oh God…I am so sorry. What you said…Sarah…Sarah said and I just…” Chris let his voice trail off as Vin glared up at him.
“Get the hell out of my room. Save your apologies for someone who actually gives a damn.”
Chris winced when he saw the bruise already forming on Vin's face. Then he saw the tears in the blue eyes, tears that Vin refused to let fall.
“Okay, We’ll talk in the morning…I… sleep well, Vin.”
Chris hurried out of the room and into his own room down the hall. There he slumped on the bed as hot tears of shame rolled down his face. It was a long time before sleep came.
The next morning Chris had wandered down the hall and knocked on Vin's door. When he received no answer he peeked inside and found a bed made and no sharpshooter. Therefore he headed on down to the kitchen.
As soon as he entered he was greeted with five angry men. But Vin was no where around.
JD and Nathan after glaring at him went back to eating their breakfast. Josiah just sat back with his arms crossed and stared at him. However, Ezra had his hand on Buck’s arm and it was obvious he was holding the big man back.
Buck looked ready to commit murder and Chris figured he was the one that was going to get killed.
“Just what the fuck did you do to Junior?” Buck snarled his eyes shooting daggers.
Before Chris could answer Ezra said, “Yes, Mr. Larabee just what did you do to Mr. Tanner? He rushed out of here without breakfast hardly saying two words to anyone.”
“Brother Vin loves to eat so that alone was enough to worry us. Of course combine that with the bruise darkening his face and we were naturally concerned,” Josiah added.
Looking at the five men staring back at him in varying degrees of hostility Chris realized just what he had thrown away by his behavior. It was too much for the stoic man.
Chris felt tears fill his eyes. He shut his eyes tightly and whispered, “Buck”
Dropping his head in shame he vaguely heard chairs being pushed back. A fleeting touch on his back and then there was quiet.
“Sit down, Chris and tell me what the hell happened,” Buck ordered.
Opening his eyes and seeing that it was only the two of them in the kitchen Chris stumbled over to a chair.
When Buck sat down across from him Chris spent the next ten minutes filling him in on everything. Not just what had happened the night before but his growing feelings for Vin and the fear of losing the younger man.
Chris stared at Buck waiting for his old friend’s reaction and pray to God his help.
“Old buddy, you really fucked this up. You love the boy and he loves you. You make the first move and when he responds you hit him and then use words to cut his heart out. I just have to ask you a couple of things. Do you love him enough to make a life and future with him? Do you love him enough to beg for his forgiveness?”
Chris looked deep into Buck’s eyes and finally saw everything so clearly.
“Yeah, Bucklin. I do. I love him so much. When he said those words it just flashed me back to Sarah and then the picture in my head wasn’t her dying in a fire it was Vin. Ridiculous isn’t it. Thinking if I pushed him away I wouldn’t care if something happened to him, but I already need him like I need air to breathe.”
Buck settled back in the chair crossing his arms.
“Then you need to make it up to him,” Buck replied.
Easier said than done. After hesitantly explaining the whole situation to the rest of the team everyone started looking for Vin.
The sharpshooter was not found until late Saturday night. He finally called Ezra to let him know that he was at some friend’s house in New Mexico. When Ezra tried to tell him that he needed to come home and talk to Chris Vin had just interrupted and told Ez to let Larabee know he was taking a couple of personal days and would be in the office on Wednesday, Christmas Eve.
+ + + + + + +
The team was on edge until they actually saw Vin walk off the elevator. Chris had an early meeting and was not in the office when the sharpshooter arrived.
Vin smiled at everyone and acted as though nothing was wrong. After wishing everyone a Merry Christmas he settled down at his desk and started to work.
Chris stormed off the elevator. He was pissed because he had wanted to be in the office when Vin arrived.
Spying the young man he cringed when he saw the bruise on the handsome face. As he headed towards the man he loved his pager went off at the same time his phone started ringing.
Vin glanced up at him then looked back down at his desk. It was blatantly obvious that Vin did not want to see him let alone talk to him.
Chris answered his page, which turned out to be another emergency meeting.
Pausing by Vin's desk he waited until the big blue eyes looked up at him.
“I have to go. When I get back we need to talk. Please Vin, I just need to talk to you,” Chris pleaded.
Vin just looked at him then looked back down starting to work.
Chris shut his eyes. Then he straightened his shoulders and looked around.
The rest of the team was staring at him trying to convey their support of his efforts.
Resting his hand on Vin's shoulder he ignored the tensing in the man.
“I am sorry, Vin and I will show you how sorry I am when I get back.”
Again Vin didn’t respond just kept working.
After Chris had left the office was very quiet. As lunch time rolled around the guys got ready to go out to eat. Vin turned down their invitation saying he needed to get caught up on his work.
Buck offered to stay with him, but his offer was declined. Vin was not in the mood to listen to Buck finding excuses for Larabee’s behavior.
Vin waited several minutes. When he was sure they had left he walked into Chris’s office. Taking off his badge and gun he left them in the middle of the big desk with his letter of resignation.
He had left a note on Buck’s desk telling the big man that he would contact them all and say his good-byes. He would miss them all even Chris. Hell who was he kidding especially Chris. Even now he loved the temperamental blond.
As he stepped on the elevator he looked around one last time then was gone.
Current Time
Chris sighed as the cold seeped into his bones. He remembered the desolation he had felt when he had gotten back to the office. The looks on his men’s faces had told the story. Vin was gone.The letter of resignation had been curt and to the point. Vin had quit. There was no personal note for Chris just the letter, badge and gun.
Since it was Christmas Eve the offices closed down early especially since a snowstorm was moving in. The men had all come out to the ranch, as they didn’t have anywhere else they needed to be.
Nathan’s wife had to work the holiday, Casey and Nettie were in Arizona visiting relatives and Maude was in Europe.
Chris had driven home in a daze hardly aware of Buck and Ezra following close behind him.
Now it was three hours later. The snow had already accumulated a good four inches and was still going strong. Dinner had been eaten at least as much as anyone felt like eating.
Chris had just looked at all the Christmas decorations and wanted to cry. Vin had bullied him into decorating and now Vin wasn’t here to enjoy the holiday. They had stopped by his apartment and it was empty. None of Vin's possessions were there.
Chris heard the back door open and knew it was Buck coming out to check on him.
“Gave up on the boy, did ya stud?”
Chris didn’t even have the energy to argue.
“Where would you like me to look? If Vin wants to disappear then no one will find him.”
“True, but maybe this is a test. Just maybe this is your last chance to have him in your life. You find him and he’s going to be surprised. I doubt there’s been many people in his life that cared enough to look for him. You’ll be the first and no matter what happened today that boy does love you. The anguish in his eyes told the story.”
Chris thought over what he heard and realized Buck was right.
Thinking hard Chris tried to figure out where Vin would go. The young man was upset where would he go…somewhere quiet peaceful…somewhere he felt safe and secure. Not his apartment…not here at the ranch…Nettie was gone…
“Shit, Buck I think I know where he is. The cabin…he went to the cabin he and I built last summer. He loves it there and with this weather he won’t think anyone would show up.”
Chris rushed into the house and put dry warm clothes on. After thanking everyone for their support he told them that he was on his way to get Vin.
They promised to remain at the ranch until Chris returned.
Pausing at the front door, Chris smiled for the first time in a long time.
“I plan on bringing him back home where he belongs. But if things go the way I want them to you won’t see us until late tomorrow morning.”
The door slammed shut as the five men busted out laughing.
A trip that normally would take thirty minutes took an hour and a half. The road was little more than a cattle path and only Chris’s knowledge of the area helped him stay on course. That and knowing who was waiting at the end of the trip.
Finally he pulled up next to the cabin. Smoke was coming out of the chimney so he knew Vin was inside. With the howling wind he figured the younger man didn’t know anyone was here. At least he hoped not, he wanted to keep Vin a little off guard. That might let him get by the sharpshooter’s defenses.
Chris hurried to the door and finding it unlocked he opened it and walked in.
While Vin had not been expecting anyone he was still prepared. Before Chris could get the door shut he found himself facing Vin's rifle.
“Shit, Larabee what the hell are you doing here.”
Then as Vin looked out the open door he turned a glare on his former boss. The rifle he put on the end table.
“Are you crazy. It’s a blizzard out there…you trying to kill yourself?”
Chris slammed the door shut. He removed his coat tossing it on the floor.
As Chris turned around he saw the look that crossed Vin’s face. The shock of seeing him had faded and his friend now remembered the events of the last few days.
Before Vin could launch a verbal attack Chris spoke first. Even though he knew Vin needed to vent the blond wanted to apologize and beg for forgiveness.
Chris took a step towards the slender man. He stopped when Vin took a step back.
“I came after you, cowboy. I need you. I’m in with love you. I understand that after my behavior the other night you might have a hard time believing that but it’s the truth. Can we sit down, I want to tell you a short story?”
When the two men were seated on the sofa, Chris paused for a minute gathering his thoughts. Glancing around the room he saw blankets and pillows piled in front of the fireplace. He knew Vin tended to get cold easily and figured the younger man wanted as close to the fire as he could get. The gas generator kept the cabin warm but nothing was nicer than a snapping crackling fire during a snowstorm.
Vin sat on the edge of the sofa. He could not believe Chris was here. More than that he could not believe that anyone would come after him and then admit they loved him. Oh sure Nettie said it and his Mom, but no one had ever said they were IN love with him. A tiny feeling of hope fluttered in his heart. Maybe just maybe this whole mess would turn out okay and he would finally have someone who loved him and who he could love in return. The ice that had encased his heart since Chris had hit him slowly started to thaw and the blond had not even started his story.
Chris began talking. He poured his heart out to the young man. Explaining why the words Vin had uttered that night reminded him of Sarah and why he had lost his temper took a lot out of him. But Vin was worth it.
As Chris talked Vin felt most of his anger fade away. He understood why Chris had reacted that way. The blond had a volatile temper, Vin knew that but he loved the whole package.
The sharpshooter found himself moving closer to the lean ATF leader. When Chris was finished talking Vin rested his hand on a jean clad thigh.
Chris hesitated then placed his hand over Vin's. Feeling the long slender fingers tremble under his he lifted the hand up and kissed each finger. After he had placed a kiss in the palm of Vin's hand he looked up into tremulous blue eyes.
“I do love you Vin. The thought of losing you scares me to death. Even if you can’t forgive me right now at least come back to the team. Then maybe over time I can prove to you that I love you and want to spend the rest of my life with you. We can take it real slow or not at all. If all you want is to be friends then that’s the way it will be. I just need you in my life preferably as my lover, but if all you give is friendship then I’ll grab it with both hands and be thankful for it,” Chris said looking directly into Vin's eyes. He had poured his heart and soul out in the last several minutes. He just prayed it was enough to get this special man to accept him, temper and all.
Vin looked down at their clasped hands. As he sorted through his thoughts he felt Larabees hand tremble. At that moment he realized that no matter what had happened in the past Chris loved him. If Chris could fight past his fear of losing someone else he loved then he could get past the last vestiges of his anger and hurt.
Looking up into vivid desperate green eyes Vin said, “I’m willing to take a chance with you, Chris. I understand why you were so upset. Just remember though, I won’t be your punching bag if you get mad. I won’t stand for it.”
Chris felt the breath he had been holding fade away in big sigh. Thank God he had found the right words.
Slowly making no sudden moves he raised his free hand, not willing to let go of Vin's hand. He placed it on the side of Vin's face over the bruise he had put there.
“I’ll never hit you again, cowboy. You got my word,” Chris vowed.
The blond inched over closer to his friend. Sliding his hand to the back of Vin's neck Chris gently tugged.
Chris bent his head and finally truly kissed his soul mate. As he felt the soft lips open under his Chris slipped his tongue inside and began exploring the hot mouth. As Vin's tongue dueled with his Chris shifted until he got them both standing. Wrapping his arm around the slender waist he maneuvered them until they were both lying down in front of the fireplace.
Breaking the kiss Chris framed the beautiful face with his hands.
“I adore you, baby. You have to be the most beautiful man I have ever seen and you’re all mine.”
When Vin blushed Chris laughed in delight. His bad ass sharpshooter was such a turn on and when he blushed Chris felt his jeans become three sizes to small.
“Your blushes make me hot. Let me make love to you, Vin. I need to feel you beneath me; I need to be inside you feeling your heat surrounding me warming me from the inside out. Please cowboy,” Chris said then groaned as Vin began nipping at his jaw.
“You talk to much. A little more action would be good. Been feeling to empty for to long. I need you to fill me up,” Vin whispered amusement running through his voice.
If possible Chris became even harder.
“I’ll show you action, baby.”
It only took a few minutes to get them both naked. Once Chris set his mind on something it got done fast. And his mind was set on being inside the hot body lying in front of him.
The blond leader had retrieved a bottle of cooking oil from the small kitchen. As much as he wanted to take Vin fast and hard he knew better. Needed to go slow right at first. Not for the world would he ever hurt Vin again.
Covering the smaller body with his Chris began driving Vin crazy. He kissed, licked or sucked every inch of his lover’s body bypassing the hard wet cock.
Devouring the sweet lips he bit and sucked on them until they were swollen and red transferring his attention to the hard nubs. Spending a long time suckling and biting at the nipples he was savoring the taste of Vin.
Finally taking pity on Vin whom was arching up trying to rub his cock against Chris own hard erection; the blond poured oil into his hands.
Taking Vin's shaft in his hand he began a slow stroke hearing Vin sob in relief.
Chris knelt between the long legs and pushed them further apart. Bending Vin's legs he finally saw his objective. Vin's hole was small, but was pulsing with need.
One oil coated finger teased outside the puckered entrance, the slipped inside. Vin pushed down trying to get it in deeper.
Chris whispered, “Easy, cowboy. Take it slow, don’t want to hurt you.”
“Damn it, Larabee. Not made of glass. Just get the fuck inside me,” Vin hissed.
“Getting awfully bossy, Tanner. Gonna have to put you in your place if you’re not careful,” Chris teased as he slipped another finger inside. He moaned as he felt the slick tight muscles clamp down on his finger. Just thinking of that wet heat surrounding his cock made him shiver in anticipation.
“Just so long as that place is here with you about to fuck me I don’t care.”
Scissoring his fingers, Chris slipped a third finger inside.
As the blond rolled Vin's balls between his fingers he knew neither one of them was going to last long.
Pouring a generous amount of oil on his cock, Chris put Vin's legs over his shoulders. He wanted to see the sharpshooter’s face. At the first sign of pain he would stop.
“Breath Vin and relax,” Chris whispered then began pushing inside. Feeling his cockhead pop inside both men groaned at the same time. Chris paused looking down at his lover.
Bright blue eyes looked back at him so full of love Chris felt his throat clamp up.
“I’m fine, Chris. Ride me.”
The blond still took it slow until his balls were flush against Vin's ass. He then pulled out and thrust back in. As he felt Vin's muscles relax a bit he sped up this thrusts.
Grasping Vin's cock he stroked it in time with his thrusts.
Chris was leaning over Vin bending the younger man as he tried to slam inside deeper.
Vin reached up and pinched Chris’s nipples hard. The blond yelled and surged inside the hot channel as deep as he could get. Vin knew what he wanted as Chris was going so deep and so hard he was being lifted partway off the floor with each thrust.
“Chri..sss” Vin screamed as he came. His ass clamped down on Chris who if it was possible sped up.
Chris screamed Vin's name as he sent his seed deep inside the bowels of his lover.
Chris pulled out of Vin as he collapsed next to the sharpshooter. Reaching out he pulled Vin into his arms ignoring the dampness on the smooth skin. He flipped a blanket over the top of them as he felt Vin shiver.
When their breathing had evened out Chris asked, “How do you feel?”
“I feel wonderful. Better than I have for years,” came the heartfelt reply.
“Me to. It was like heaven, Vin. I don’t think I’ll ever get enough of you. Not too sore are you? I took you harder than I had planned for our first time.”
“My ass is a little sore, but that’s to be expected. You worry too much. I enjoyed every second.”
Chris sighed in relief. He tugged Vin closer and smiled as he felt the smaller man snuggle in close.
“Chris what time is it?” Vin asked.
Chris looked down at his watch and replied, “Just a little after midnight. Why?”
Vin raised up and initiated a long deep wet kiss.
“Merry Christmas, cowboy.”
“Merry Christmas, Vin.”
“I have your present in the jeep. Was just going to mail it to you. Now I can give it to you myself.”
“Yours is at the ranch. By the way all the guys are at the ranch. I told them we would both be there later this morning. They’ve all be worried about you.”
“Later this morning, huh? Awfully sure of yourself.”
“No, just hopeful.”
“You know having you here with me is the most wonderful Christmas present I could have,” Vin said trying to hide the yawn that escaped. After all he hadn’t slept well since their argument.
“I have to agree with you. Who knew a Texas Christmas present was going to be so hot, tight smooth and wet.”
“Damn Chris, hate to tell you this, but I need to sleep before the next round. You keep talking like that and we won’t be sleeping for awhile,” Vin said.
“Okay, we’re both exhausted. Sleep then more sex, then we can straighten the place up, more sex then we can head to the ranch, open presents, more sex then…”
Vin laughed, “I think I got the idea. No wonder you’re the leader you have the most brilliant plans.”
“About time you noticed,” Chris teased.
After a few more minutes of talking, Chris felt Vin grow heavy in his arms. Waiting a few more minutes until he was sure the man was sound asleep, Chris got up. He wiped himself down then carefully wiped Vin down. After tucking Vin under the blankets he picked up his cell phone and called the ranch.
“About damn time you called, Stud,” Buck answered the phone.
“Been busy, Bucklin. Had to make my apologies then had to have makeup sex,” Chris said.
“That’s good news. You and Vin take your time. We’ll be looking for you later…much later. This is good, Chris for both of you.”
“I know Buck. Tell the guys for me, Okay? I don’t want Vin teased about anything. Thanks Buck for being there for me. Don’t know what I would do without you.”
“Well now hell old buddy, you’ll never have to find out. I’m not going anywhere. Beside you and Junior might need some pointers out of the Wilmington book of making love…”
Chris heard a scuffle then Ezra’s voice came on.
“Forgive Buck, Mr. Larabee. He suffers from delusions at time. I am working on that problem, it just takes time.”
“Keep working Ez. You’ll get him whipped into shape. Tell everyone thanks and we’ll see you tomorrow.”
Hanging up the phone Chris crawled back in and spooned up behind Vin. For the first time in years he felt complete and happy. Today was the first day of their lives together as a couple and he was so thankful to God for sending Vin to him. With that thought he drifted to sleep. His soul and his life wrapped up securely in his arms.
The End