Disclaimers: Mag7 does not belong to me. This is for fun.
Notes: Thanks to Mog for creating the ATF universe.
Summary: Someone with a grudge returns to wreak havoc in Chris and Vin's life.
Pairing: Vin and Chris
Sequel: Follows Secrets and Heartache, you might want to read that one first, but you don't have to.
Warning: Language, graphic m/m sex, violence, angst and hurt/comfort.
It was obvious to the five men that Vin was pissed at his boss and lover Chris Larabee. The two men drove in together like usual, but they had not talked to each other all morning.Chris had stomped out of the office just thirty minutes after getting to work for a meeting with Travis. As soon as he was gone Buck was sitting on the corner of Vin's desk.
It only took a couple of minutes before the older man had the whole story.
Vin wanted to take a week off and go to Texas with Chris. He wanted to show Chris where his mom was buried and show him around a little. Granted most of his memories were not good, but he did have a few. The problem was Chris was a workaholic and said he couldn't be gone for a week. When Vin mentioned he might go alone, Chris became upset; he liked to keep Vin close. Losing his family and almost losing Vin first with his own nasty words then when Abrams tried to kill the sharpshooter made Chris want to keep Vin close by his side and savor every moment with his young lover.
Vin had broached the subject again the night before and they had an argument about the whole situation and still did not come to a resolution.
Buck patted Vin on the shoulder and told him to hang in there, he was sure Chris would see the light and come around to Vin's way of thinking.
Buck already had plans made to talk to his old friend. Vin was scheduled to meet with the DA at 10:00 about his testimony on a case so that would be a perfect time to chat with the temperamental blond.
Sure enough as soon as Vin had left and Chris had gotten back from meeting with Travis Buck had hurried into Chris's office.
Chris sighed when Buck shut the door behind him, he had a feeling he would be seeing his old friend. Buck always had to meddle anytime he saw his friends upset. Buck wanted everyone to be happy and if they weren't well he just hated it.
"So tell me stud, why you have your head up your ass?" Buck said as he sat down in the chair across from Chris.
Buck was nothing if not blunt.
"You got the story out of Vin in record time. I'm impressed," was the blonde's only comment.
"Oh, Junior wasn't easy, he just needed someone to talk to. Poor boy thought maybe he was pushing you too much about the vacation and he was at fault. I told him he was absolutely correct and he WAS at fault and if he wasn't careful you would just toss him to the side and go about your merry way."
Buck watched at the green eyes glinted dangerously at him and a low growl came from the blond.
"Calm down, Chris. I said no such thing to Junior. I just listened; he has no idea I planned on talking to you. So get down off your high horse."
"Then why did you say that Vin thought it was his fault?"
"Because you know Vin better than anyone. Think about it, stud. Vin is going to think more about this and he will somehow figure that the whole argument is his fault and back off and let you win, but he won't be happy. Damn it Chris, there is no reason that you cannot take a week off. Go with the boy and have fun, my God I doubt Vin has ever had a vacation. You've got to have fun while you can, Chris. Make your lover happy...just think of all the ways he can thank you," Buck said wiggling his eyebrows as he smiled.
Chris chuckled.
"Okay, Buck. You're right. I just worry that going back to Texas is going to stir up bad memories for him, but I don't him to stew in guilt that isn't his to carry."
"It probably will stir up bad stuff, but don't use work as an excuse not to go. You go with him and you are there for him during the good memories and the bad ones. That's what makes a good relationship."
"When he gets back send him to me. I'll let him know I changed my mind and then I'll tell Travis I need a week off. Does that make you happy?"
Buck stood up and went to the door.
"Makes me real happy, and it will make one Texas boy ecstatic."
Chris shook his head and started working. If he was going to take a week off he needed to get some work done. God forbid he should leave any paperwork for Buck to finish up for him.
The blond had to admit that he felt a load off his shoulders. He hated to argue with Vin and he was actually now looking forward to having seven whole days alone with his lover, not to mention the nights.
Unfortunately fate stepped in and changed their plans.
No sooner had Vin gotten back to the office than the phone rang and Team 7 had to rush out to provide assistance to Team 5. There was no time for Chris and Vin to talk. Chris didn't get a chance to let Vin know that he was going to go with him to Texas. But maybe they could get away for a late lunch and talk it over then.
Jim Cavanaugh, the leader of Team 5 had been planning the sting of a notorious gunrunner for months and now it was time to bring the guy down and he wanted Larabee's team to provide cover. They were the best and he was more relaxed knowing they were on the job and Vin Tanner was in the rafters helping watch their backs.
The sting was going perfect when a shot rang out from the recesses of the warehouse. Then all hell broke loose.
Vin was busy picking off bad guys before they could shoot at any of the ATF agents. Every now and then he would catch sight of his lover, but was too busy to keep a constant eye on him, his job was to protect everyone on both teams.
As the shooting was dying down, Vin caught movement out of the corner of his eye. A man was standing partially hidden by come crates and was taking aim. Vin swung his rifle around, aimed and fired dropping the man where he stood, but not before the man had fired his own gun.
In the next second the gunfire ended and Vin heard Buck scream.
"NATHAN, CHRIS IS DOWN."
Vin felt his heart drop to the floor. The sharpshooter hurriedly undid his harness and descended to the floor.
While Vin was fast, the EMT's were faster, Chris was being loaded into the ambulance as he hit the warehouse floor at a run.
Josiah grabbed him before he could reach the ambulance. It took all the big profilers strength to keep Vin from scrambling into the ambulance.
Vin struggled trying to get away as he whispered his lover's name.
To Vin's shock he saw another man being loaded into the ambulance.
Nathan was suddenly there in his face.
The black man calmly took Vin's face in his hands and forced Vin to concentrate on him.
"Vin, you can't ride in the ambulance. Tony was hurt to and they have to get them both to the hospital. I think Chris will be fine, the bullet looked like it just grazed him."
Vin slowly calmed down and Josiah let him go although he kept one big hand on Vin's arm.
"I didn't get the guy in time, I tried, he was hidden and..." Vin was rambling as he replayed the whole scene in his mind.
Cavanaugh walked up just then and put his hand on Vin's shoulder.
"You can't see everyone at once, Tanner. Things happen, I am sure Chris will be fine. Tony took a bullet to the side, where the vest ended, bastard knew just where to shoot him."
Vin forced his chaotic thoughts to settle. He had to get to the hospital, but he had to ask about Tony.
"He'll be okay won't he?" Vin asked as he strode from the warehouse looking for a car.
"I hope so, he lost a lot of blood. That was the shot that caused all hell to break loose. I didn't think anyone could sneak up on Tony, but someone sure did."
Buck hurried up then and pulled Vin into a big hug.
"Vin, he'll be fine."
"Yes, Mr. Tanner, Mr. Larabee has a hard head and..."
Vin swayed and whispered, "Head, he was shot in the head?"
Ezra flinched when he realized that Vin was not aware of where Chris had been shot.
The team realized that Vin would not be happy until he saw Chris with his own eyes.
There was still a massive cleanup so Buck waved Brian, a member of Team 5 over. Cavanaugh was sending the man to the hospital to be with Tony and wait for Tony's wife.
"Brian, take Vin with you to the hospital, we will be there as soon as we can," Buck ordered.
Brian nodded his head and headed for the car.
"Now, Vin, listen we will be there as soon as we can," Buck said.
Vin nodded his head and hurried after Brian.
JD gave him thumbs up as he rushed past, and got a small smile in return.
"Let's get this mess cleaned up and get to the hospital," Buck said.
"I concur, Mr. Tanner should not be left alone for to long," Ezra said his green eyes worriedly following his friend.
The two teams rushed around making sure the bad guys were all rounded up, the bodies taken care of and all the other multitude of details that had to be taken care of.
Then both teams sped to the hospital, Cavanaugh and Buck had kept tabs via phone with Brian on the condition of the two men and were told they were doing as well as could be expected. Tony was in surgery and Chris was still in the trauma room in the ER.
Brian confided to his boss that he had to leave Vin in the ER waiting room while he went with Tony's wife to the surgery waiting room. Vin insisted he would be fine.
Jim passed on that information to Buck whom while not happy that Vin was alone understood. Tony's pregnant wife needed the support of Brian more than Vin did.
JD remembered that Casey was a volunteer at the hospital and called her. The young girl said she would go and wait with Vin.
Right before the teams reached the hospital Casey saw Vin in the ER talking to a nurse. She watched as Vin paled and turned practically running out of the hospital.
Casey tried to reach him, but he was moving to fast and when she got to the doors Vin was nowhere to be found.
Casey whirled around and caught the nurse just before she went back into the trauma room.
"Is Chris going to be okay?"
The nurse looked at the worried girl, her eyebrow raised in a haughty look.
"And who might you be?"
"I'm a friend and I need to know what you said to Vin?"
"I just told Agent Tanner that his lover was in serious condition and would not be able to see anyone for a while. He was upset, but I have to see to my patient and can't be to concerned with anyone else not even a hotshot sharpshooter," the nurse said as she shut the door in Casey's face.
Casey was floored by the rudeness of the nurse, the lack of caring for Vin's feelings.
Just as she was about to enter the room and demand more information, the ER doors burst open and the room was suddenly filled with men and they all were looking at her.
Cavanaugh and his team paused and when Casey told them what she knew about Chris's condition, Jim told Buck to keep him informed.
Buck nodded his head as Team 5 headed to the elevators to be with Tony's wife while she waited for the surgery to be over.
Nathan called out to Team 7 to keep them updated on Tony's condition.
Searching the room Ez was concerned when he didn't see Vin.
"Casey, where is Mr. Tanner. Is he with Mr. Larabee?"
Casey all but stomped her foot she was so pissed.
"No, when I got down here he was talking to a nurse and then ran out of the ER. I tried to catch him, but when I reached the doors I couldn't see him."
Buck nodded to Nathan who hurried off to find out how Chris was.
The four men sat down while Casey told them about her conversation with the nasty nurse.
When she finished they were just as mad as she was.
Ez however was perplexed, things just didn't add up.
"The nurse called Mr. Tanner a hot shot sharpshooter and..." Ez started talking but was then interrupted.
"She also said lover, how did would a nurse know that Vin and Chris were lovers?" JD piped in looking at Ez in apology for butting in.
"This just does not make sense. Why would a woman...a woman who is supposed to care about people treat an obviously upset man the way she treated Vin and how does she know anything about his personal life?" Josiah mused out loud.
Buck had a very bad feeling about the whole situation.
Why had the nurse waited until Vin was alone to approach him and then had talked to him, upsetting him enough to make the young man run from the hospital.
Nathan came back a smile on his face.
"Chris is going to be fine. In fact they are going to let him go home tomorrow, just keeping him here overnight for observation. The bullet just grazed his head, bled a lot, a slight concussion but he is finally awake and asking for Vin. Where is Vin?"
"That is a good question. We would like to know the answer to that one?" Buck hissed as he stood up and headed for the room where Chris was.
He wanted to talk to the nurse who had upset Vin and was so rude to Casey.
Josiah stood up and stopped him.
"Buck, they are taking care of Chris right now. Let them do their job. We will confront the nurse later; if we do that in front of Chris...well he doesn't need the upset right now. Let's try figure out where Vin is."
While JD and Ez put their heads together to try to figure out where their wayward sharpshooter was, Josiah headed upstairs to check on Tony.
Nathan and Buck went in to see Chris and cover for a missing Vin Tanner.
Meanwhile Vin Tanner had been walking aimlessly ever since he had run from the hospital. The sharpshooter's shoulders were bunched up, tears streaming down his cheeks as he cursed himself.
He should never have gotten involved with Chris; if he hadn't then the blond would still be alive. Not only was he a lousy friend and lover, he couldn't even do his job right. Chris had died cursing him and blaming him for his getting shot.
Vin didn't know how he was going to live with himself. He knew that he was going to have to leave town. There was no way Buck and the others would be able to forgive him for Chris's death.
Vin sobbed then viciously wiped his eyes, he had to get control of himself, there were plans to be made, but he wasn't sure he was strong enough to make them.
Vin flagged down a cab to take him back to the ATF offices so he could get his jeep.
Less than an hour later he was speeding out to the ranch. Vin was so absorbed in his heartache and grief that he never noticed the car that was pacing him.
Reaching the ranch Vin went inside and straightened up the house. He didn't want any of Chris's friends to come out and see anything out of place. Chris liked the house to be nice and neat. It was the least Vin could do for the man he had loved and killed.
Going into Chris's office Vin unlocked the safe and pulled out their wills. The two men had been together for a little over six months when Chris had insisted they needed new wills. Vin didn't want to think about anything happening to his blond lover but he agreed and new wills were made up.
They bequeathed everything they had to the other one and then if they both died well it was spelled out who would get what. Both men had left detailed instructions on what they wanted for a funeral service and burial, Vin laid the information on the desk so it would be easy for the guys to find.
After all it was not only Chris's funeral they would need to plan but also his own. Vin could not live without Chris, he could not live with the knowledge that he had killed the only person he would ever love body and soul.
Vin Tanner was determined to follow Chris into death. It was the coward's way out, but it was all he had left now and he would take it.
Vin put the revolver in his holster and went to the barn. Petting and talking to Chris's horse Pony, he then fed all the horses. Saddling Peso he headed out to the cabin that they had built together. It was where he would take his live and follow his lover into death. Maybe in the afterlife he would find forgiveness not only from God but also from his blond soul mate, maybe he would be joined by not only his lover but also his beloved mother.
God please he hoped so. Vin was so wrapped up in his thoughts that the man following him on Buck's horse was never seen. The rope hanging from the horses saddle was fingered by the man, he was anticipating the moment he put the rope around Tanner's throat. The moment the rope tightened around the bastard's throat and Vin Tanner was no more.
Reaching the small cabin Vin went inside shutting the door behind him. He just needed a few minutes to himself then he would end it all and finally be at peace. He just prayed the guys would understand and eventually forgive him.
The blond had been given something mild for the massive headache. He could not be given anything to strong because of the concussion, but he knew that Vin was not by his side, that soothing loving presence was not where it should be.
Chris glared at least he tried when he saw his two men.
"Vin, where's Vin?"
"Chris, calm down. Vin will be here," Nathan soothed patting his boss on the shoulder.
Chris looked right at Buck.
Buck knew he had to be perfectly honest with his old friend or Chris would never forgive him.
"We don't know where Junior is. Casey saw a nurse talking to him and Vin shot out of the hospital before she could catch him. We'll find him Chris."
"Nurse...find her and see what she said to him," Chris ordered his voice faint with exhaustion.
Just then the doctor came in and told them that the blond was being moved to his room and they could see him in about an hour.
Buck went back out to the waiting room; Nathan since he had medical training and would not get in the staff's way was allowed to stay with Chris.
Besides the staff knew Chris Larabee and was more than willing to let one of Team 7 deal with the blond.
EZ and JD met Buck at the door, after being informed that Chris would definitely be fine, they told him that they had Casey wandering around seeing if she could see the nurse that had upset Vin.
Unfortunately they had been unable to locate their lost sharpshooter. It was as though Vin had fallen off the planet and they were really worried. If Vin Tanner wanted to disappear then no one would find him.
Just then Casey ran up and grabbed JD's arm.
"I found her. She is getting ready to leave, I saw her punch out."
The three men followed the girl as they hurried to the hospital parking lot.
As the nurse was getting ready to unlock the car door, Buck reached out and took the keys away from her.
The woman whirled around and seeing Casey and the three men she snarled, "What the hell do you want? I am off duty, therefore any questions you have concerning a patient or their disgusting male lover can be addressed to the doctor."
Ez seeing Buck's jaws tighten and his friend's eyes flash stepped in between the nurse and the big man.
"How do you know that Chris Larabee and Vin Tanner are lovers and for that matter how would you know Vin's occupation?"
"I don't know what he does, why do you think I would know what his kind does," the woman snarled the venom dripping off her voice.
JD and Casey recoiled from the woman, the pure nastiness she was exhibiting was scary and JD was becoming extremely worried about Vin.
Buck snapped, "Because you told Miss Casey here that Vin was a sharpshooter, a hot shot sharpshooter I believe were your exact words."
The woman's face grew dark as she glowered at Casey who moved close to JD feeling relief when she felt his strong young arms wrap around her.
"You little bitch, have to blab everything. How can you be friends with that aberration of nature?"
That did it, Buck moved until the woman was backed against her car. Buck glared down at her.
"Now you listen to me. You don't talk to Casey that way. Furthermore, we are tired of your verbal attacks on our friend. I know Vin has never done anything to you, because he one of the nicest kindest men I have ever met. So what the hell is your problem and what did you tell Vin to cause him to run. I'm telling you right now you better be honest."
The woman swallowed, her bravado withering a bit at Buck's anger.
"I told that fag that his lover didn't want to see him. That Larabee blamed him for getting shot and the last words out of his mouth before he died were that he hated Vin Tanner and wished Tanner were dead."
Ezra gasped in shock at the cruelty of the woman. Casey burst into tears and buried her face in JD's shoulder. JD patted her on the shoulder while his own face paled.
Buck growled and he reached out. When EZ went to intercept him, he glanced over stopping his friend's movement.
EZ nodded his head and backed away.
Buck wrapped one big hand around the woman's throat; a quick glance had shown him that there was no one else in the employee parking lot.
"You told Vin that Chris was dead and that Chris blamed him for everything. Why in the hell would you do that to an innocent man?"
The hand around her throat was not cutting off her breathing but she knew if she was not honest she would soon be gasping for breath and this was one thing she had not bargained for when she had agreed to set Tanner up. She just wanted the money and to get back at a fag, a group of people she had hated ever since her husband had left her for another man.
"Innocent, his kind are never innocent. I loved the look of despair, grief and self-loathing on his face. Why did I do it, for two reasons? I was paid a lot of money for that little scene and two, I hate faggots and anytime I can get back at one I take it."
"Who set Vin up?" EZ asked.
"I don't know his name, a very nice looking man with a voice like yours. Like I said he paid me a lot of money. I was just told that the time would come when I would get a phone call and I would know that the show was on. I was to convince Tanner that Larabee hated him and that Larabee was dead. It was so fucking easy to trick the man, he was already upset about his lover."
"Did this man say why he wanted Vin to be tricked?" Buck hissed his big heart breaking knowing what Vin was going through thinking his lover, his soul mate was dead and that Chris had died blaming him.
"Said he owed him, that Tanner had wronged him, destroyed his career and that his family had all but disowned him," the nurse said shrugging her shoulders, her tone clearly stating that she really didn't care.
Then the nurse added, "He believes the same thing I do, all faggots should be dead."
EZ barely managed to push Buck away from the red-faced woman before he really strangled her.
The woman sputtered, "You tried to kill me, I'll have you arrested."
EZ decided it was time to work his magic tongue.
"I would not advise that my dear woman. JD, Casey and myself did not see Buck do anything to you. However, we know that you set Vin up, a federal agent and if something happens to him you will be an accomplice. How does a nice stay at a federal prison sound?"
The woman paled, this was definitely more than she had planned on.
"I only talked to him, but I won't press charges on your friend here. I'm ready to deal."
"Good, now what did this man look like who hired you?"
A couple of minutes later, Ezra's lightning fast mind had the answer. Not only was it the description of the man, but it the fact that he had lost his career, and his family money but the way Vin was described by the woman...a woman who didn't even know him.
A hotshot sharpshooter, a faggot and Ez clearly remembered being told that when Vin was beaten up outside of Inez's place that the words, ‘you faggots should all be dead' was thrown in his face.
"It's Doyle, it's Milt Doyle."
"He's in prison, Ez." JD protested.
"No, he got out a couple of months ago, it was an early release for good behavior," Buck replied.
"Ez you and JD take her to the office and show her pictures. See if we can get a positive ID. Then put her in a cell until this whole thing is resolved. We can hold her for 72 hours until we have to charge her."
Buck turned to the woman and said, "You better be totally honest or you're going down. If we get the man and Vin is safe then you will probably be off the hook."
When the woman went to protest EZ snapped, "Take it or leave it, that is the best you are going to get."
The woman visible shrunk under their angry glares. This did not turn out at all like she thought it would.
EZ and JD left with the woman, JD promised to continue trying to find Vin.
Buck made both men promise to be careful.
Casey followed Buck into the hospital. Buck gave her a big hug and praised her on her actions. She went back to work after getting his promise to let her know about Vin because her Aunt Nettie was going to want to know about her boy.
Buck went upstairs where he found a jubilant Team 5. Tony had gotten out of surgery and was going to be fine. He would miss a couple of months of work, but that would be all. Team 5 had already promised his expectant wife that he would get full pay while he was off and they would take care of the yard work and any repairs around the house until he was on his feet. With the baby due in just a month she was relieved to have the help.
After Tony's wife went in to see her husband, Buck filled Team 5 in on what they had found out.
Cavanaugh was livid as was the rest of his team. Nick and Brian promised to help in anyway they could. Cavanaugh would be tied up with paperwork on the sting and making sure Tony had everything he and his wife needed.
As Buck was telling them what they were doing to find Vin, Cavanaugh suddenly exploded.
"Fuck it all to hell."
Everyone turned to the irate man.
"I bet is was Doyle who shot Tony. That bastard would know exactly where to shoot to get past the vest and we always take the same positions in a sting, he would know Tony would be there. Fuck, Tony would recognize him and face it anyone would for a fraction of a second freeze at seeing an old teammate. That would be all it would take to shoot him."
"Tony was not supposed to live. The fact that he did makes him a target because he is a witness," Nick said his dark eyes hardening.
"I don't think Doyle cares. The nurse is a witness also. I think Doyle is so filled with hate for Vin, that as soon as he takes care of Junior he will be long gone. With his money he can leave the country easily," Buck, replied.
"You're probably right, but I'm going to put a guard on Tony's door anyway," Cavanaugh said.
"Good idea. I told EZ and JD to be careful, but I really think Doyle is on one track and that track leads to Vin Tanner."
Buck left to go to Chris's room and meet up with Nathan and Josiah. Cavanaugh promised to let him know if Tony was able to identify his shooter.
When Buck got to his old friends room he filled Chris in on everything.
Nathan was not happy that Buck was telling their boss the whole story; he didn't want Chris to worry anymore than he was.
Buck knew that Chris needed the truth; everything or the blond would never trust any of them again. Josiah agreed with him.
Chris went to get out of bed, but only got so far as to swinging his legs over the side of the bed when the headache hit and he moaned. Nathan helped lay him back down.
"Serves you right, Chris, stay put and behave and you will get out of here tomorrow. Don't follow orders and you could be here longer, then how will you find Vin?"
Chris reached out and grabbed Buck's hand holding onto to it tight.
"Find him, Buck. You have to find him and bring him back to me. If he blames himself and thinks I'm dead, I don't know what he will do," Chris whispered the anguish in his voice apparent for all to hear.
"Don't worry, Chris we'll find that boy and bring him home. I won't let you loose him, stud," Buck vowed holding the green eyes with his own blue ones.
Chris smiled and nodded his head. When Buck Wilmington promised something he came through...always.
"Chris, where to you think Vin will go?" Buck asked seeing the green eyes get heavy with sleep.
Chris was silent for a minute, he let his soul reach out for his lover, he thought of everything he knew about Vin.
"That little cabin he and I built a few months ago. He said it was the perfect getaway for us, we made it with our bare hands and it contained a little part of us with it. I think Vin will be there."
As Chris drifted asleep, Cavanaugh came to the door and motioned for them to come out to the hallway.
"Tony came to for a few minutes, it was Doyle who shot him. Tony said that right before he lost consciousness he heard Doyle tell him that was what he got for having faggots for friends."
"Nathan you stay here with Chris and keep him in bed. Josiah you come with me, I'm heading out to the ranch. If anyone would know where Vin would head it will be Chris."
Buck was surprised when Cavanaugh fell into step beside him.
"Brian and Nick are staying here. Brian will remain with Tony and his wife. Nick will keep checking in with Tony and Chris. Nothing and nobody will get to them. I am going with you. Not only did that bastard try to kill Tony, he shot Chris and sent Vin into hell so he could kill him. I want to be there when we send him to hell. The paperwork will have to wait."
Buck smiled and the three men headed out of the hospital on a mission of vengeance and rescue.
Sure enough when they got to the ranch they found Vin's jeep parked behind the barn out of sight. Peso was gone and so was Buck's horse.
Saddling three horses the three men took off after their missing man. On the way past the house, a Lexus was seen under the trees near the house.
"That must be Doyle's, he always bragged how he only drove a Lexus. Pompous ass," Cavanaugh commented.
Meanwhile in the cabin Vin was having a serious argument with himself.
Now that it was time to join his lover, Vin wasn't sure it was the right thing to do. He knew it was a sin to a lot of people to take ones own life. Would his friends hate him even more if he killed himself? Did he really want his friends...hell it could be JD who would find his bloody lifeless body. It would stay with them forever. Did he want to leave the guys with that picture in their heads?
And what about Chris? Larabee hated cowards, sure he went through his own dark time but he had fought through it with Buck's help and Vin liked to think he helped a little to. But it was mostly Chris, the blond could have just said Fuck it and blow his brains out when his family had died but he didn't do it. Vin had a feeling that if he killed himself Chris would meet him in the afterlife and shoot him again.
Vin chuckled at the thought of a winged Chris dressed all in black except for those white wings glaring at him right before he pulled the trigger because Vin had the audacity to kill himself.
Vin glanced around the room. While the furnishings were sparse they all had been lovingly made. The two men had taken their time making the table, the dresser and the bed. Vin smiled as he remembered the last time they had been there, Chris had not let him leave the bed for over a day, making love to him until he screamed then both of them snuggled up sleeping only to wake up and making love again. Chris was insatiable that time, not getting enough of Vin's body moving the slender man into any position he wanted and pulling scream after scream from his lover. Vin was so exhausted when they went back to work that Buck had teased him unmercifully about getting more rest.
Vin looked at the gun in his hand and groaned. Bucklin, the man would be devastated by Chris's death. So would the others, but Bucklin most of all as he had known Chris for so long and through so much tragedy and happiness in their lives.
Vin sighed and put the gun down. He couldn't do it. Chris wouldn't want him to, the blond might hate him and blame him for his death, but Vin knew that his lover would have forgiven him knowing that Vin couldn't be everywhere at once. Knowing that things happen and people die.
Vin was so absorbed in his thoughts that he never noticed the door easing open and the man sneak up behind him. At the last moment he started to turn his head when pain slammed through him and blackness descended.
Chris jerked awake. Nathan was just in time to get the basin under Chris's chin, as the blond was sick to his stomach.
Nathan let Chris drink a little and watched as Chris lay back on the pillows, dark shadows under his eyes.
"Vin is in trouble, Nathan, I can feel it. Vin is so upset, he thinks he killed me, I am so worried about he is going to do."
"I am sure Buck will get there in time, Chris. Nothing will stop him from bringing Vin home to you."
Chris shut his eyes as he whispered, "I pray you are right, Nathan because I don't know if I can exist without him."
Nathan looked up and said a quick prayer that Vin would be found safe and sound and brought back to the man who adored him above all others.
Vin needed all the prayers he could get. Slowly he woke up to find himself sitting on top of Peso; his hands were tied behind his back.
The thing that bothered him the most was the fact that there was a rope tied snugly around his neck.
Blinking his eyes he felt warmth dripping down the side of his head and knew that it was blood.
"About time you woke up, you stinking bastard."
Vin looked to the side and saw the man who had set everything in motion.
"Doyle, what the hell are you doing?" Vin gasped totally confused as to what the hell the former agent was doing here.
"I am getting my payback. I planned this the whole time I was in jail for beating your faggot ass up. How did you like seeing Larabee fall dead in his own blood and knowing it was your fault?" Doyle taunted loving the way Tanner paled at the mention of his lover.
"You killed him. You killed an innocent man and shot Tony because you hate me. How sick are you?" Vin hissed anger taking over.
"He wasn't innocent, you turned him into a cocksucker and Tony should have stood by me not you. He got what he deserved. I really thought you'd shoot yourself but I guess you're too much of a coward to do that. That's fine I want to see you swing. I want to see you gasp, your face turn blue as you slowly choke to death. I just wish I could see the faces of the others when they find your rotting carcass hanging from the tree."
Doyle stepped forward and hit Peso on the hindquarters. The horse snorted but refused to budge, something was telling him not to move his master's safety depended on it.
Buck, Jim and Josiah snuck down to the cabin. They froze when they saw the scene in front of them. Shooting Doyle was out of the question because it could spook the horse and Vin would be killed.
Doyle hit Peso harder this time with a stick; the big black just turned his head and glared at the man then arrogantly turned back around.
The three men decided they needed to try to talk Doyle down and maybe get close enough to get their hands on Peso. Josiah would work his way around to the other side of Vin and be close enough to grab the younger man if Peso moved.
Doyle pulled his gun and pointed it at Vin's back when the two men stepped into the clearing.
Vin's blue eyes met Buck's. Buck was clearly imploring his young friend to keep quiet.
Buck saw Vin drop his eyes and knew what Vin was thinking; he couldn't let Vin think Chris was dead any longer. The guilt and the desolation in those blue eyes were horrible to see.
Jim calmly said, "Doyle let Vin go. It's over. You can't get away. Your plan failed."
Doyle screamed, "No it didn't. Tanner is going to pay for ruining me."
Buck stepped in front of Jim allowing the other man to pull his gun out.
"No he won't pay for something he didn't do. Vin has done nothing wrong, you set it all up. We found out that it was the man you hired that shot Chris while you shot Tony. By the way Tony is alive and well."
Vin looked at Buck relief that Tony was alive clearly seen in his blue eyes.
Buck looked directly at Vin and said, "Chris is alive and is going to be fine. The nurse lied to you Vin. She was paid by Doyle also to set you up."
Vin gasped as his vision wavered at the news, Buck wouldn't lie to him, and his lover was alive.
Doyle screamed his fury. Tanner would die free of guilt, knowing his lover was alive and well. He saw all his plans going down in ruin.
Buck dove at the horse just as two shots rang out.
Jim shot Doyle, but the man's shot went wild hitting Peso grazing the horses hindquarters.
Now Peso could have stood quietly forever enduring the blows, but no horse was good enough to withstand the searing pain of a gunshot.
Peso whinnied and took off. Buck grabbed Peso's bridle but it was to late as Vin slipped off the back of the horse the rope pulled taut cutting off his air.
Josiah yelled and dashed forward grabbing Vin around the waist holding him up so he wouldn't break his neck.
Vin was gasping for breath, he was turning blue. Jim sighted the rope and shot it. Vin fell forward into Josiah's arms. Buck tied Peso to a tree and ran over to his friends.
Josiah cursed as he got the rope off and with a growl threw it across the clearing.
Buck yanked Vin up and pulled him into his arms. Buck held the gasping, wheezing man close to his chest.
When the agonized breathing settled down Buck loosened his grip a bit and let Vin lay back against his shoulder.
Josiah reached out and brushed the tousled hair off Vin's face.
Vin kept his hand fisted in Buck's shirt, it was his lifeline as were the strong arms wrapped around him and the shoulder his head was nestled against.
Vin felt gentle fingers flutter across his throat and flinched back.
"Easy, kid, it's just Josiah. I want to see what damage that damn rope did."
Vin swallowed wincing at the pain, but he looked at Buck and whispered, "Truth, Chris is alive."
"You know I wouldn't lie to you. Chris is alive and fretting about you. Nathan is with him. He just had a graze and they kept him overnight as a precaution."
Vin felt tears threaten and a few spilled over, but they were tears of relief and joy.
Gentle fingers checked his head; Vin saw Josiah kneeling in front of him and knew it wasn't one of his teammates.
Turning his head slightly he saw Jim Cavanaugh checking him out.
Jim met Vin's eyes and smiled.
"Always knew you had a hard head, Vin. You got a good goose egg and a small cut."
Buck stood up bringing Vin up with him, Josiah and Jim putting their hands on Vin making sure he was stable on his own feet.
Vin glanced at Peso and whistled.
Buck swore as Peso calmly untied the reins that Buck had tied so carefully. The big black made his way over to his master.
Vin patted the horse while he insisted the animal be checked.
Josiah inspected the wound and said Peso would be fine, he would take care of him back at the ranch.
Vin didn't want to ride Peso since he was hurt and much to his irritation; Buck insisted that Vin ride with him instead of the extra horse they had. Doyle's body would remain where it had fallen and the authorities would be sent out to collect it.
At the ranch, Josiah and Jim said they would take care of the horses while Buck cleaned Vin up.
Vin protested that he was fine and he wanted to see Chris.
But one look in the mirror and he decided he needed to clean up first or else the medical personal would grab him as soon as he walked into the hospital.
Buck got Vin into the shower and quickly made a phone call.
When Vin was done, Buck checked his head and found the bleeding had stopped. Vin put on clean jeans and a long sleeved blue shirt.
When he went to button it to the top, Buck stopped him.
"Chris is going to know that something is wrong if you do that. You never button up like that, just let it go. He's going to find out what happened anyway, don't hide it from him."
Vin reluctantly nodded his head.
Soon all four men were on their way to the hospital. When they reached their destination Jim went to see Tony while the others headed towards Chris's room.
Ezra and JD met them in the waiting room giving Vin a hug, relieved to see him alive and relatively well.
Buck took Vin's arm and led him towards his lover's room, while the others stayed in the waiting room.
Vin paused in Chris's doorway just drinking in the sight of his lover.
Nathan was suddenly in his vision checking his head and throat.
"I want a doctor to look you over, Vin," Nathan whispered.
"Nathan I'm fine. I need to see Chris," Vin replied trying to see around his friend.
Chris woke up slowly and the first thing he heard was his lover's Texas drawl.
"Vin, come here," Chris loudly whispered.
Vin pushed past Nathan and looked at his lover.
Chris held his hand out imploring his young lover to take it.
Vin took a step, a sob escaping his mouth then in the next instant he was pulled into Chris's arms until he was resting on the blond's chest as he cried.
Nathan and Buck nodded to Chris as they left the two men alone.
Chris shifted until Vin was lying next to him on the bed.
While Vin cried, Chris stroked his fingers through the long hair murmuring soothingly to the distraught man.
The blond frowned when he encountered the lump on the side of Vin's head wondering how the hell that had happened.
A nurse appeared in the door and raised her eyebrow at the sight of another man in bed with her patient.
Chris shot her the Larabee glare and slightly shook his head. There was no way in hell he was letting Vin go and if they didn't like it, well he would just check himself out and they would go back to the ranch where they could be together.
The nurse just smiled; resigned to the fact that now she had two patients. Oh well at least there would be only one bed to make not two.
When Vin had calmed down, Chris kissed the top of his lover's head and was rewarded when Vin tipped his head back and their lips met in a sweet kiss. It seemed like it had been so long since they had kissed or touched each other.
Chris let his eyes wander over the beautiful face of his soul mate, and then he noticed the red raw rope marks around Vin's neck.
Keeping hold of Vin, he raised the bed and adjusted them so that he still had Vin in his arms but they were both sitting up slightly.
With one arm around Vin's waist, the other hand rubbed the sharpshooter arm and hip.
"What the hell happened, cowboy? Start at the beginning and fill me in. Don't leave anything out," Chris ordered. Nathan had told Chris only that they had found Vin but he wanted the whole story from Vin, that way he would get his lover's perspective.
At the end of the story which had several starts and stops as Chris had placed little kisses on the full soft lips whenever he knew Vin was upset Vin relaxed with a sigh. Chris knew everything, even the fact that Vin had been thinking seriously about killing himself.
"Are you mad at me?" Vin asked in a small voice.
"I felt what you were feeling, I knew how upset you were. I'm not mad, because I don't know what I do if I was in your place. I survived it once when my family was killed, but I don't know if I could survive losing the other half of my soul. You were strong enough to stop and I am proud of you, just remember the rest of the guys are here for you...always."
Vin snuggled closer to the lean blond and whispered, "I will remember that, if you remember they are here for you to."
"I will. Now cowboy how about we sleep, you know I only sleep well when I have you in my arms."
"I know because I feel the same way."
When Buck and the rest of the guys peeked into the room they smiled as the sight.
Chris was on his back, with Vin lying down next to him. Vin was on his side, his left leg thrown over Chris's thighs, his arm over the blond's stomach. Chris had one arm wrapped around Vin's shoulders, the other one resting on Vin's arm. There was no way anyone would be able to separate the two men until they woke up.
Which was just the way it should be Buck said.
Nathan was worried about Vin's injuries, but Buck told him that Vin was wrapped up in the best medicine there was...his lover's arms.
Nathan couldn't argue with that, but before the two injured men left the hospital the next day, he made sure Vin was looked at much to the sharpshooters irritation.
Tony left the hospital a week later and soon after that his wife gave birth to a beautiful baby boy.
The nurse was charged with conspiracy and given probation. Her nursing license was revoked and she was required to do two years of community service.
Vin and Chris were given two weeks off, to which Chris made sure to attach another week of vacation. He told his blue-eyed lover that life was to short and he wanted to visit Texas.
Before they left for the Lone Star State the two men went back to their cabin.
According to Vin, the cabin needed to be cleansed of the scent of Doyle and all the bad feelings the man had brought to this their special place.
Chris agreed because he could tell by the glint in his lover's eyes that the way to cleanse the place was going to be very enjoyable.
Peso had fully recovered and was probably a little surprised at the extra oats and brushing he got not only from his master but also from the blond.
Chris was well aware that another horse might have bolted at the first blow and Vin could very easily have died so he owed the big black monster.
Peso was just confused because after all the blond had always cussed him out, but now seemed to actually like him. That made Peso nervous and he vowed to himself that he would just have to do something to get things on an even keel after all he had the reputation of a pissed off rattlesnake to live up to. But he would think of something later right now he liked the extra food and pampering.
Reaching the cabin, the two horses were taken care of and then the two men went inside.
Buck and JD had come out a few days earlier and straightened the place up. They didn't want the blood on the floor to be seen by either man and with everything going on Vin's gun had been left on the floor.
Now as Vin and Chris looked around, the cabin looked peaceful and just like they had left it.
As night descended Chris lit the kerosene lanterns in the cabin, not wanting to turn the noisy generator on. The windows were left wide open so the cool sweet smelling mountain air could come through the windows.
Since Vin loved the fresh air but tended to get colder faster than his lover, a fire was started in the big fireplace so the young man could have the best of both worlds.
Chris smiled softly at Vin enjoying the blush that stole up his lover's neck. Even after all this time Vin could still be shy around him and it was such a turn on to see that gorgeous face blush and the long eyelashes come down to hide the expressive blue eyes.
Chris pulled Vin into his arms putting his finger under Vin's chin gently pushing up until his mouth could claim the sweet soft lips of his lover.
Vin moaned and opened his mouth letting Chris inside to map out every inch of his mouth with his tongue.
Chris buried one hand in Vin's hair while the other one remained in the small of his lover's back. The blond walked forward holding Vin tight until he could tumble the younger man onto the bed.
Chris quickly divested them both of their clothes and covered Vin's body with his.
Chris rocked back and forth letting their hard cocks rub against each other.
Finally letting Vin catch his breath, Chris kissed and nipped his way down Vin's neck softly licking the red mark that still adorned Vin's neck from the rope burn.
Nathan had assured them both that the mark would fade with time and told them about a cream to use to keep the skin soft.
Chris sucked on Vin's pulse point whispering how much he loved his Texas lover.
The blond paid particular attention to Vin's highly sensitive nipples until Vin was whimpering with need.
Wild with need he might be but Vin still managed to pinch and pluck at his lover's own nipples until Chris himself were moaning.
Reaching over Chris snagged the lube and prepared his lover's tight passage. When he had worked up to three fingers massaging Vin's channel and flicking across the prostate until Vin was arching up and pushing down trying to fuck himself on his lover's fingers, Chris knew they were ready.
The blond slicked his cock up and nodded to his lover. Vin reached over his head and grasped the headboard.
Chris pushed Vin's legs back until the younger man was bent in two.
Vin took a deep breath and as he let out a sigh Chris slid inside his ass in one plunge.
Vin yelped arching into his blond lover pulling Chris in deeper in his ass.
Then started the age-old rhythm of loving between two people.
Chris leaned down devouring Vin's panting mouth with his sucking his lover's tongue into his own mouth.
Chris felt Vin tense up and then a flood of warm cum covered his stomach as Vin found his release.
Vin's own release triggered Chris's as Vin's passage convulsed around the blond's cock.
Chris slammed inside as deep as he could get as his seed poured out filling his lover's bowels.
Letting Vin's long legs down, Chris lay quietly next to Vin, and then he climbed out of bed.
In just a few minutes he had them both wiped up and tucked under a mountain of blankets.
Vin immediately curled into his arms cuddling close.
"I think we cleansed this place real well, cowboy," Chris commented.
"I think you're right. Can't wait to show you Texas. Everything is bigger than life and they have the best BBQ," Vin sleepily whispered.
"That so."
"Yeah, the best thing to come out of Texas is the BBQ," Vin insisted.
"I disagree. The best thing to come out of Texas is the person I'm in love with and holding in my arms right now," Chris softly said.
Vin became very still as he absorbed the words.
Raising his head Vin smiled then kissed his soul mate.
"You are the best thing to happen to me, Chris."
There were no words between the two men for a long time afterwards as they again let touch, kisses and taste talk for them and express how much they loved each other for now and all eternity.
The End