Disclaimer: Wish they were mine, but since they aren't, I simply borrowed them and will put them back.
Chris slammed the phone down, glad his door was closed. He couldn't decide what to do, but knew he had to get out of the office. He grabbed his jacket and practically ran out the door, slowing down only to tell Buck he'd be at home.At 7 pm he heard the jeep pull into the driveway, but he kept his seat on the deck.
"Hey Cowboy," Vin said 20 minutes later, handing him a beer before placing a soft kiss on his lips, leaving a scent of wet clean behind as he settled into his own chair. "Missed ya at the office," the blue eyes looked thoughtfully at the green before focusing on the sunset. Once the sun had disappeared behind the mountains, Vin went back in the house.
"Ya gonna tell me what's eating ya?" he asked after finishing the dishes. He got no response from the man on the couch so he headed for the barn. He took his time filling water buckets and checking the horses.
When he returned, Chris was in the den with the door closed. Vin stifled the urge to kick in the door and instead went to bed. When Chris came in an hour later, he pretended to be asleep. Chris sat beside him and ran a gentle hand through his hair. "God Cowboy, I don't know what to do," he whispered.
Vin opened his eyes, startling his lover. "Tell me what's wrong, Chris, please," he urged as he put an arm around Chris' waist.
Chris broke the hold and moved to a window, keeping his back to the bed. "ATF needs an agent to go undercover in San Francisco - likely a 3 or 4 month job. Can't send Ezra in because one of the perps knows him..."
Vin sat up, pulling his knees to his chest. "So that leaves me," he said.
"Yeah, that leaves you," Chris' body was as rigid as his tone.
"It's my job Chris."
"Three months - no backup..."
"We don't really have a choice in this, do we?"
"No." The defeat was clear in the blonde's voice.
He felt Vin's warmth before the strong arms encircled his waist. "It'll be okay Cowboy," he murmured, pressing his cheek against Chris' shoulder. They stayed that way for several minutes until Vin felt his partner's body relax.
Chris turned to face him and pulled him close. "I hate this," he whispered.
Vin tightened his grip and kissed him. "When do I go," he asked as he nuzzled Chris' neck.
"Next Tuesday."
Friday morning on the drive in to work, Vin asked, "Can we have the boys out Sunday night?" Chris nodded. "But the rest of the weekend it's just us, okay?" That earned him a smile.
That afternoon, they left work early and headed up to the lake on horseback. They spent the night entwined under the stars. They road back along a game trail that Vin found a few weeks ago. That night Chris took him out to a small Mexican place they both liked.
Sunday they slept late, and Vin served Chris breakfast in bed. They took a short ride that afternoon and were back in time to fix dinner for the Team. The gathering was the usual loud affair. Ezra noticed that Chris never let Vin out of his sight. At one point the undercover agent slipped beside the blonde. "I've done some checking Mr. Larabee and learned that Team 2 in San Francisco is highly regarded. Our sharpshooter will be in good hands." Chris smiled into the dark green eyes and nodded his thanks.
The team left earlier than usual, leaving Vin and Chris to clean up. When they had finished Vin went back to the deck. "Something wrong Cowboy?" Chris asked coming up behind him and putting his hands on his shoulders.
"Just thought I'd enjoy some quiet - understand they don't have much of that in the city." Chris chuckled.
Monday afternoon they left the office early. "Chris, Ez is going to drive me to the airport tomorrow," Vin said as they sat watching the sunset. "I want our goodbye to be private," he finished before Chris could ask.
That night they made love as though it would be their last time. "Chris." Chris pulled Vin's face up from his chest.
"What is it cowboy?"
"When I get back..." he stammered, "when I come back..."
"I'll be waiting" Chris smiled and placed his mouth on Vin's. "Forever," he said after the kiss. "Always," Vin replied reaching up for another.
The next morning they showered together. "I'm gonna miss ya," Vin said so softly that Chris wasn't sure he'd spoken until he looked into the sad blue yes. He felt as though his heart would break.
"Not as much as I'll miss you," he replied, burying his head in the long wet hair.
After breakfast Vin went back to get his watch, while Chris sat at the table, his head dropping to his hands as soon as his lover left the room. As Vin returned, they both heard the car coming up the drive. "Always Chris," Vin said after one last kiss. "Forever Vin," Chris replied holding him tight.
At the office later that morning, Chris found a package in his top desk drawer. He carefully unwrapped it to unveil a photo of a beautiful sunset over the ocean. A scrawled note on a post it read 'thought you could take care of this while I'm gone, Always, Vin.'
Chris had to wipe the tears away as he put the photo up. It was so like his sharpshooter...they had finally declared their feelings for each other four months ago while on the beach watching the sun set.
When he crawled into bed that night, he reached over to pull Vin's pillow to his chest. He found a box under the pillow with a note. The box contained a notebook. The note read, 'I can't imagine being without you for 3 days, let alone 3 months. Every time you see the sunset, I'll be with you. And when you wonder where or I am or what I'm doing, know that my heart travels with you.' "God Cowboy," Chris whispered as tears began to fall. He opened the notebook to find Vin's poems. He knew his partner wrote, but he had never shared this part of himself before.
In San Francisco Vin stood on the balcony of a luxury condo that was to be his home and watched the sunset over the Golden Gate Bridge, "Always," he whispered as he hugged himself.
For two months, Vin lived the life of a wealthy playboy. He drove expensive cars, ate only in the finest restaurants and became a friend to James Sylvester, one of the largest illegal gun dealers in the country. He bore more than a passing resemblance to Sylvester's younger brother who had died in a car accident three years ago. He took to Vin instantly and had him out on his sailboat, horseback riding, parasailing. He essentially adopted the man.
One Saturday night as they sailed back into the Bay, Vin stood in the stern, his eyes intent on the sunset. "Always," he said softly.
"Michael did you say something?" Sylvester asked stepping up beside him.
The blue eyes flashed a look of loss before turning away. "Sorry, just lost in a memory," he said as his eyes remained on the sunset.
"Someone close to you?"
"Yes," Vin said. Sylvester placed a friendly hand on his shoulder and they watched the sunset in silence.
Vin hated the nights the most. He would reach for Chris and come up empty or worse, he would dream Chris was beside him only to wake up lonely and cold. He was not sure he had ever felt so alone. He went running in Golden Gate Park early every morning so that for a least an hour or so every day, he could simply be himself. He always carried a small notebook with him, and would write his thoughts out before heading back to his lonely condo.
Chris got weekly updates from the Team 2 leader, but it didn't really help. He could and would lose himself in Vin's poems. They moved him deeply, but often left him with a greater sense of loss. He would ride Pony out to the lake and read.
+ + + + + + +
When the buy was finally set up, Vin felt as though his sentence was almost over - so did Chris when he received the news. The night before the buy, Sylvester insisted that Vin say on the boat. He called Matty, the young AFT agent from team 2 who reminded him of JD and who served as his one contact, and told him to meet him at the buy with the money. "Shit, shit shit!' Matty yelled causing his teammates to look up from their desks. "Sylvester is making Tanner stay on the yacht tonight, and I'm supposed to bring the money to the buy. That means no wire, no vest and probably just his backup gun."
Bill Davidson, Team 2's leader, looked at his crew. "We'll need more back up; I want somebody focused solely on Tanner to make sure we get to him pronto as soon as the money's been passed."
"I'll volunteer for that assignment." The men looked up to find an imposing blonde man dressed completely in black in the conference room doorway. "Chris Larabee, Tanner's boss." He explained as he extended a hand to Davidson.
Bill smiled, "Afraid I'll damage the merchandise Larabee?"
Chris laughed. "Nope, just couldn't sit in Denver and let Tanner have all the fun."
He sat through the briefing and listened afterwards to Matty talk about Vin's life for the last 11 weeks.
"He's unflappable Mr. Larabee," Matt said, clearly in awe of his partner.
"Chris."
"Chris." Matty smiled. "What I know about polo, wine tasting, art, the theater fits pretty much on the head of a pin. But whatever Sylvester throws out, Vin goes along with it as though he'd been doing it all his life."
Chris smiled warmly at the young agent. "Would it surprise you to know that Vin grew up on the streets and only went to his first art gallery a year ago?" Chris laughed as Matty's mouth dropped open.
Sylvester looked at the man walking into the warehouse with him. It felt as though his brother Charles was still with him, and that made him smile.
The buy went according to plan until Davidson yelled "ATF. Freeze. You're under arrest." A bullet in his thigh brought Vin to the floor. Sylvester, eyes panic stricken, reached a hand down to help him up, only to find himself staring down a gun barrel.
"ATF put your hands on your head." Vin growled through the pain. Sylvester's eyes changed from panic to hate. "You bastard," he shouted as he kicked Vin's wounded leg, causing the agent to drop the gun and roll away. Sylvester pulled his own gun and grabbed Vin by the shirt, pulling him half off the floor. "I trusted you!"
"Drop it now or you're dead." The voice was clear, low and deadly and stopped Sylvester short. Vin's eyes flew wide in surprise. Sylvester hesitated only until he heard the hammer cock, and he dropped the gun. He was pushed none too politely to the ground and cuffed. Vin's eyes stared intently at the agent who knelt beside him after securing the prisoner.
"Chris is it really you?" he whispered as he felt strong arms pull him gently off the floor and up against his solid chest.
"Forever Cowboy," Chris whispered as he breathed in the juniper scent of his lover's hair.
"Always," Vin replied before slipping into unconsciousness. Chris held his partner until the paramedics arrived.
"The bullet went straight through, it'll be sore, but no major damage," the ER doc told Chris and Davidson. Chris' relief must have been evident on his face because the doctor smiled at him before continuing. "I want to keep him overnight because of the blood loss, but he should be able to go home in the morning."
"Can I see him?" Chris tried to keep his tone even.
"They're moving him upstairs now. I'll send someone for you as soon as he's settled."
Davidson smiled at his colleague. "I'll arrange seats on a flight to Denver tomorrow afternoon, and let your team know. And stay as long as you want tonight. I'll leave word with the charge nurse."
Chris turned his attention toward the Team Leader and smiled. "You guys too?" Davidson looked confused. "At Four Corners, they don't even bother to argue about it anymore." The two laughed.
Chris was taken to Vin's semi-private room at 2:30 pm. He pulled up a chair, but paused before sitting. He took a careful look around before bending over the bed to gently kiss the sleeping form of Vin Tanner.
"Chris!" The soft pitiful cry he got in response startled him. "Right here Cowboy," he responded softly brushing a hand along the pale cheek. "Open your eyes Vin." The shaggy head shook out a no. "Vin!" He ordered taken aback by this response to his presence.
"I can't... you're not really here...I don't want to be alone anymore," the voice was so soft that Chris had to bend over the bed to hear it. The pain and loneliness hit him hard.
"I promise you Vin, I am here." He rubbed his thumb gently along Vin's cheek.
Vin, eyes still closed, reached a hand out and Chris grabbed it, placing a kiss on the palm.
The blue eyes slowly opened to find warm green eyes. He lifted his right arm to capture the blonde's neck. "Easy Vin," Chris warned, "you're in San Francisco Memorial Hospital," he finished by way of explanation. The blue eyes blinked as the arm was removed.
"It's really you Chris?" he half asked as his eyes searched the face he loved.
"You are a sight for sore eyes Tanner," Chris responded with a warm laugh as he ran a hand gently along Vin's arm. The door opened and Chris turned away from the bed.
"Vin, Chris?"
"Hi Matty, what's up?" Chris said, his body shielding Vin's face to give him a chance to regain his composure.
"Is Vin awake?"
"Yeah," the patient answered after sharing a look with his boss. "Hey Matty."
"Vin, you okay," the younger agent had seen a look pass between the two agents, and felt he had somehow intruded on a very private moment.
"I'm f...okay," he said catching himself from uttering his infamous 'fine', and he joined in as Chris laughed. Matty again felt like an unwanted presence as a clearly private joke passed between the two.
"I have two tickets to Denver, first class, tomorrow on the 2:30 flight. I'll pick you guys up here at 1:00 and if it's alright, Vin, I'll pack up your stuff."
"Thanks Matty," Vin said, "for everything."
The young agent left them wondering what the rest of Denver's Team 7 must be like. He had seen Chris Larabee take down four people to get to his partner, and he had heard the deadly voice that ordered Sylvester to drop the gun.
"He's a great guy," Vin said to his partner once they were alone.
"He returned the compliment. He filled me in on some of your extra curricular activities...polo and wine tasting?" The green eyes challenged the blue.
"Sylvester runs in high society...I learned a few things that might even impress Ez." That made them both laugh, but Chris stopped when he saw the blue eyes darken. "How's everybody?" There was so much longing in that simple question. As if on cue, Chris' cell phone rang.
"Larabee."
"Chris - Buck. Everything work out?"
"Yeah Buck, and we'll be coming home tomorrow."
"Junior too?"
"Like to see 'em try and stop me," Vin said. Buck laughed and the patient felt the warmth rush through him - the warmth of belonging, of family and friends. He fell asleep shortly thereafter, and Chris turned on the TV and settled in. At 9 pm Vin woke and smiled when he saw Chris dozing in the chair. He sighed heavily from relief, bringing the blonde's head up.
"You okay," he asked the concern clear in his voice and eyes.
"Never better," Vin smiled. "Chris, you don't have to stay. I know how damn uncomfortable those chairs are."
"You trying to get rid of me cowboy?" Chris teased, trying to read the blue eyes.
"Never," he said his tone serious. "All I want is for you to crawl into bed with me, hold me and promise you'll never let go."
The green eyes reflected pleasure at the statement, and his voice was low and husky when he responded. "I don't plan on letting go. Can't join you tonight, much as I want to, but I promise you, tomorrow I will. In the meantime, I'll stay here if that's okay with you?"
Vin's eyes reflected relief. "Always," he said as his hand reached for Chris. "Forever," was the response.
He slept on the plane ride home, and didn't argue with Chris when he plunked him down in a wheelchair to get him through the Denver terminal. As they approached the baggage claim area five men moved out of the crowd. "What happened? You didn't tell me he was hurt," Nathan accused Chris as his eyes checked out his teammate.
"Good to see you too Nate," Vin responded with a smile.
"Our lost sheep has been returned to us. You are a most welcome sight Brother Vin," Josiah said offering a crushing hand shake.
"Women will really flip for that cane," Buck said his eyes checking the patient over in an effort to reassure himself.
"Maybe I'll let you borrow it when I'm done," Vin smiled at the big man as he ruffled a hand through the long hair.
"Boy Vin, I'm so happy to have you back," JD said, "these guys with only one chick to mother are just too much."
"It's good to see you too JD." Vin held out a hand which the younger man took in both of his.
"Mr. Tanner I understand from some of my sources that your education in San Francisco was quite extensive." The dark green eyes smiled warmly.
"Sure Ez, I'll be happy to teach ya what I learned."
It's good to be home," Vin said quietly as his teammates laughter fell around him.
After promising to host a BBQ Saturday night, Chris helped Van into the truck and they headed for the ranch. His right hand stole over and captured Vin's. For his part, Vin kept glancing up at his partner, as though reassuring himself that he wasn't dreaming.
Chris had a thousand questions, but didn't know where to start. He also remembered Ezra's advice that after three months undercover, living a life that was not his own, it would take a little while for Vin to settle back into himself.
Once they arrived at the ranch, Chris squeezed the hand he held before releasing it. He moved to the passenger side to help Vin down. As Chris steadied him, their eyes met and they embraced. Vin was trembling as the realization hit that it was over and he was finally home.
"God I missed you Vin," Chris whispered as his lips sought Vin's. The kiss left them both a little weak in the knees. They laughed at each other when they finally came up for air. It had been torture for both of them to be in the same room after so long apart and not be able to touch.
Chris found Vin out on the deck once he finished bringing in the luggage. He urged Vin forward in the chair and slipped behind him, pulling him back against his chest. "At sunset, I tried to make sure I was on my balcony so I could watch the sun paint the sky before it disappeared behind the Golden Gate Bridge," his voice was soft. "I've been alone most of my life. Would a thought I'd be used to it by now. But I don't ever remember feeling as alone as I did these last few months. Knowing what it was like for the first time to love and be loved...to be wanted...," his voice faltered.
Chris tightened his embrace. "I made it a point to be home at sunset, so I could sit here and pretend you were beside me. When it got to be too much, I'd ride up to the lake and read those poems you left me. They're beautiful Vin. Made me feel like you were with me." He placed a tender kiss on top of his head, and they sat in silence as the sunset.
After dinner, Vin came out of the bedroom with a package. He shrugged at Chris' unspoken question and handed it to him. The box contained a small bronze statue of two cowboys standing in front of their horses. It was titled "Sunset." Chris' hands started to shake. "Vin, it's..." a tear escaped only to be stopped by Vin's hand.
"I saw it in one of those galleries. I was...I knew it was for you. I love ya Cowboy." He kissed Chris gently.
They lay inches apart in bed, suddenly shy. "Chris," Vin said finally. "Please make love to me."
"Forever," the blonde said as he pulled the smaller man to him.
"Always," Vin responded before his lips were taken in a kiss.
END