Disclaimer and all that... no infringement... no profit...

Notes: This is just a little PWP that gets Chris, Vin, and a nice little hiding place together for a few days.

I'd like to dedicate to both SueN and Joan, cyber twins and true friends. It was great to meet Joan this year at MWC, and I'm HOPING we get to meet SueN next year <g> HAPPY (somewhat belated) BIRTHDAY LADIES!

And speaking of MWC, the hair stroking is for Judy... a true pard, an enduring spirit, and a woman of amazing energy!

Warnings: Nothing really, it's pretty much sweet lovin' 'twixt Vin and Chris.

It had seemed like a good idea. Sneak Vin past Nathan and make a beeline out of town. But, looking at the weary, pain-lined features of the man riding beside him, Chris began to question that idea.

Tanner had been injured two weeks ago, while the seven of them had been defending the town from a mob of drunken cowboys. The wound hadn't been serious, but Vin hadn't mentioned it until the next day. Well, mentioned it wasn't exactly the term for it. He'd simply fallen out of his chair while five of them were sitting together in the saloon, eating dinner. Nathan had been up in the clinic, tending to JD, who'd been more seriously wounded in the gunfight.

That had been his excuse at first; he didn't want to distract Nathan from caring for the young sheriff. After all it was only a graze; a flesh wound. Of course it was a 'graze' that had continued to bleed for some time. And then it had become infected; the 'flesh wound' becoming reddened and swollen.

Chris and Buck had carried the insensate tracker up to his room, stripping him to the waist and removing the makeshift bandage from his belly, the material stiff with dried blood. While Buck went off in search of clean towels and hot water, Larabee was finally able to let down his guard.

Tears filling his hazel-green eyes, the blond reached out and stroked his hand tenderly down the lax features. "Damn it, Cowboy," he growled in a low voice. "Why didn't you tell me? You should have said something!"

The pale lid of one eye cracked open, a bare hint of blue gazing back up at him. "Didn't think... was that bad," The prone man whispered in a rough voice.

Any retort was squelched when Buck returned with the things they would need to treat Tanner. He and Chris worked quickly, steadily and together like a well-oiled machine. In less than an hour, they had the wound cleaned, poultice applied, and re-bandaged.

Tucking Vin beneath the blankets, Larabee said softly, "I'll stay with him. Reckon you're anxious to get back over and check on JD."

With a grin, the bigger man, quipped, "You know me too well, ol' son."

Grinning from the other side of the bed, Chris said, "Hell, you're an open book, stud."

"Thanks, Chris," Buck said with sincerity as he started out the door.

"Hey," the gunman waited until his old friend turned back. "Tell Nathan not to worry about this one," He nodded toward Tanner. "I'll let him know if we don't get the fever down."

"Will do."

The gesture wasn't completely selfless. Chris wanted some time alone with the sharpshooter. And, although he knew he should spend it chewing the younger man out, he doubted that he'd get around to that. He was far too busy being grateful that Vin hadn't been more badly injured.

"Chris?"

Looking down into the pale features, he responded, "You awake?"

"Been... fer a spell," Tanner replied as he moved to sit up.

"You're not going anywhere, so just lay back down."

"Hell, ain't but a scratch. I'm - "

"Don't you dare say you're fine!" Emotions bubbling to the surface, the blond glared at him, angrily.

Dropping back to the pillow with a surprised grunt, Tanner said, "What got yer drawers in a knot?"

"You, you damn fool! What were you thinking? You could have bled to death, or the infection could have spread!"

"Ah, hell. You'd 'a figgered it out the first time ya sweet talked me outta my drawers."

"Damn it, Vin! This isn't a joke!"

Blinking in surprise, Tanner said, "Chris? Chris I didn't mean ta... hell, I'm sorry, Cowboy."

Turning his head while he swiped angrily at the hot tears trickling down his face, Larabee said once more, "Damn it, Vin."

Pushing himself up once more, the Texan reached out a hand, stroking it through the blond's hair. "I'm sorry, Chris... I jist... reckon I didn't think."

"Reckon you didn't." The words were delivered in a tight, stiff voice.

"C'mere," Tanner coaxed, softly. When Larabee didn't move, he added, "Please?" Finding it too difficult to keep himself upright, he eased back to the mattress.

Chris finally turned, face flushed from the unexpected outburst. He slowly stroked his hand over the pale face of the other man. Almost to himself, he whispered, "I can't lose you... I can't lose you, too."

Wrapping his fingers around the other man's hand, Vin said, "I cain't promise that somethin' won't do me in t'morrow... neither can you. But I do promise that I won't ever do anything stupid like this again. Okay?"

Leaning down, preparing to kiss Tanner, Larabee murmured, "Okay."

~o~

It had been three days before Vin was recovered enough from the wound to do more than limp to the privy and back. His return to health was slow but steady; his progress bringing a smile to his lover's face. It was a smile that drew a few curious stares from their friends and some of the townspeople.

Chris didn't care, let them wonder. His relief at the fact that Vin was once more healthy was too overwhelming to ignore.

But the town, as it usually did, became too confining. They couldn't spend more than a few stolen moments together inside the town limits. Chris felt a growing need to be away for a couple days. And, if the look in Vin's eyes was any indication, the tracker was feeling that same need.

Things had been quiet for days. JD was growing stronger; Nathan had already sent him back to his room and was going to let him "off the leash" in a few days. There wasn't anything the others couldn't handle. Chris informed Buck and Josiah of his plans to take Vin out of town for a while. All that was left was to slip past the worry-wart of a healer.

That was accomplished much easier than Chris had expected. They slipped out just as the first shades of dawn spread across the horizon. It hadn't taken much at all to convince Vin to come with him. The silly grin that spread across the handsome face stayed there all through their escape, staying there even after they'd hit the edge of town and kneed their horses into a gallop.

Vin's smile slowly faded, replaced eventually by a slack expression as his energy deserted him. Larabee became more and more worried. "Why don't we stop for a while? You look about done in."

"Nah, I'm okay," Tanner argued unconvincingly. When he felt the hazel-colored glare aimed at him, he sighed. "Chris, it ain't but another couple miles. I'd rather just get there 'fore I climb down. Lookin' forward ta havin' ya... take care of me." That last was accompanied by a leer that brought a smile back to his friend's face.

"Well, can't say I'm not looking forward to that, too. Just don't want you falling on your face, is all."

"You'd catch me... wouldn't ya?" Large, soulful, blue eyes stared right into his heart.

"Yeah... I'd catch you," Larabee agreed.

~o~

Despite everything, Vin made it to their destination without falling on his face. He wasn't far from it, however.

They'd ridden out to a peaceful, well-concealed little canyon. The only entrance was so narrow that their legs brushed the rock on either side of the horses. They traveled single file, Chris leading the way. They didn't have much worry that they'd find anyone inside the canyon itself; as far as they could tell no one else had found it.

Passing through the entrance, they found themselves in the canyon itself. It was still early enough in the year that the grass was thick, rich and green. At one end of the canyon was a stream fed pond, crystal clear and well stocked with fish. There was a small stand of trees nearby, which was their destination.

Vin made it to the trees, then simply sat there, reins lax in his hand. He was slouched in the saddle, seeming to be asleep.

Chris knew better, though. He'd been watching the other man and knew him well enough to realize that Vin was awake. He was simply, as he had put it once, "conserving energy".

With a muttered curse, Larabee dismounted and moved around to the other man. Reaching out, he placed a hand on the slender man's leg. "Vin? Time to get down."

"When we get there," Tanner replied in an annoyed tone.

"We are 'there', Cowboy."

Raising his head slightly, Vin slid a gaze around him. With a surprised, "hmph" he started to pull himself from the saddle. He lost his balance, however, and nearly fell to the ground. To his gratification, Chris was right there, guiding him to he ground.

"I've got you," the blond murmured softly. "Come on; let's get you someplace where you can rest."

"Sou... sounds good," Vin muttered, leaning against the other man.

~o~

Two hours later Chris had Tanner situated on a bed made of sweet grass and a bedroll. The younger man had been asleep before he'd gotten him completely settled in, leaving him to strip him out of his coat, hat and boots, as well as to take off his gunbelt, leaving it close by, within reach, should Vin need it. That finished, he set up the camp, starting a small cook fire and preparing a pan of beans. He set a pair of snares in hopes of catching some rabbits, and then sat down to watch his soul mate sleeping.

The little fire was the only light by the time Vin awoke. Chris had already eaten, saving a portion of the beans and rabbit for the other man, and was simply waiting for Vin to return to consciousness. When he did, with a faint groan, Larabee was there in a heartbeat, hand on the wide shoulder.

"About time you woke up."

"Ya could 'a hollered, if ya were waitin' on me." The Texan grumbled in a sleepy voice.

Smiling, Chris said, "I don't mind waiting."

Vin moved stiffly, pushing himself up to his elbows. "Ya got that... that sound in yer voice again."

With a confused expression, the blond said, "What sound?"

"That moon-crossed tone... like some kid with a crush."

"Well you certainly woke up on the wrong side of the bed."

"Ain't in a bed."

"You know what I mean."

Scrubbing a hand over his face, Tanner said, "Ah, hell... reckon I do. Reckon I don't have call ta snarl at ya like some rabid dawg."

Chris smiled once more. He loved it when Vin was tired or sleepy and his accent deepened. Groaning when that fact woke some urges he really didn't need at the moment, he replied, "That's alright. I figure you're entitled to a little snarling, seeing that you've been cooped up for so long."

Loosing a long, drawn out sigh, Vin shook his head. "Don't make a difference. Yer the one that got me outta there. Shouldn't take it out on you."

Standing and crossing to where the other man reclined, the blond dropped to his knees beside his companion. Reaching out, he ran his fingers through the long, loose curls that were gilded gold in the firelight. Looking into the sleepy face, he said softly, "It's okay, Vin."

Tanner leaned into that loving hand, letting the tender motion quiet him. Nuzzling against the blond, he said softly, "Ain't certain what I did to deserve ya, Cowboy... but sure am glad I did it."

With a chuckle, the black clad man said, "Sure it wasn't a punishment?"

"Well, if it was... glad I did whatever I did ta be punished."

"Lord, Tanner... you beat all." Chris paused and then asked, "You hungry?"

"What ya offerin'?"

Bumping against the other man, the gunslinger said, "Get your mind above your belt, Pard. I've got supper ready for you... if you're hungry."

After a moment's pause, Vin murmured, "Reckon I could eat."

While Tanner settled against his saddle, Chris was content to prepare a plate for him. Carrying it over to his lover, he settled cross legged beside him, offering him the plate. Vin took it, and began to eat.

A short time later, his belly full, the sated Texan sat the empty plate aside with a contented sigh. "Yer a passable cook, there, Larabee," he teased.

With a snort and a roll of his eyes, the blond said, "Thanks."

"Well, there's other things yer a mite better at," Vin said in a voice filled with longing and passion.

"Yeah? Those things aren't on the menu tonight." Pressing his lips against the other man's mouth before he could protest, Chris kissed him long and deep. Finally, drawing back, he added, "That's a promise. Tomorrow, after you're rested, we'll move on to that side of the menu."

Blue eyes dancing with delight, Vin said, "Lookin' forward to it."

~o~

Later, the fire banked and the food secured from roaming night creatures, the men settled in to sleep. Chris curled up behind Vin, listening to the contented sigh as he pressed up against the other man's back. Curling an arm over the slender body, he held his lover against him. Softly rubbing his face against the other man's long hair, he whispered, "It's sooooooo good to be able to hold you again."

"Well, ya did a fair share 'a holdin' me when I's hurt."

"Holding your hair back while you threw up or helping you sit up so you could drink some of Nathan's boiled skunk just isn't the same." He felt Tanner's body tremble as he laughed. Leaning up to look over the other man's shoulder, he said with mock sternness, "Go to sleep."

~o~

Dawn called the two men back to wakefulness, still entwined around one another. Chris sighed, smiling as he was greeted by a pair of sleepy, blue eyes. He was always amazed at just how often he smiled when he was around Vin Tanner. "Good morning."

"Mornin'," Vin replied around a yawn.

"Hungry? For food," he amended quickly.

With a chuckle, Vin said, "Reckon I could eat... food."

Smacking the other man's ass playfully, Larabee said, "I've got something special for you, too."

With a leer, Tanner said, "Yeah?"

"Smart ass," Chris murmured. He kissed a curl graced temple and then rose, going to fix breakfast.

"Reckon I'm gonna catch a few more winks." The Texan snuggled down into the blankets once more.

~o~

Breakfast included biscuits warmed by the fire and coated in honey. Larabee couldn't help but laugh as Vin ate his share and more, licking the honey from his hands afterward, rather than wiping it off. It was only then that Chris coaxed him to wash up, and that was with the promise of 'the other side of the menu' afterwards.

They spread the blankets deeper in the stand of trees, more to get away from the sun than prying eyes. The two men took their time undressing one another, although Chris had to slow his lover down several times. Finally, naked and hard, they dropped to the blankets wrapped around one another, Vin's tongue exploring the other man's mouth.

They made love for hours, the days and nights of pain and worry taken away by slow loving and passionate sex. They stopped only when Chris realized that Vin's rough breathing and trembling body was more from exhaustion than desire. Wrapping his partner in one of the blankets, Larabee leaned back against a moss covered tree trunk, Tanner's head in his lap. He stroked the tangled mane of chestnut hair back from the finely chiseled face, eyes roaming over those familiar features like a starving man at a banquet. Vin sighed, eyes drooping closed as the motion sent him toward sleep. He smiled; content for the first time in days.

~o~

That afternoon they swam in the pond, allowing the warm water to wash away the dust from the trail and the remnants of their love making. Afterwards, they lay beneath the sun on the thick carpet of grass, their bodies and hair drying slowly. Then, almost reluctantly, they dressed and moved to the fire, where a dinner of beans and biscuits replenished their ebbing energy.

The evening found them side by side, fishing in the pond. From time to time one or the other man would make a sly comment about the 'special seasoning' they'd left in the water from their afternoon swim. Even cleaning their catch and leaving the fish to cook slowly, suspended on sticks above the low fire, seemed special to the two men.

As night fell, they settled in on their bedroll, together once more. Vin lay on his back, staring up at the stars, a wistful expression on his face. Chris propped himself up on an elbow. "What's going on in that mind of yours, Tanner?"

A soft smile graced the handsome features. "Jist thinkin' it'd be nice ta just stay out here forever like this."

"Mm... that would be nice."

Tearing his gaze away from the heavens, Vin observed, "Too bad it cain't happen that way. I hate it that we cain't just... be together without havin' ta hide."

"I know. But you know what? I sort of like it this way."

"What? Why? Yer not - "

Pressing his fingers against those beautiful lips, Larabee interrupted the other man's tirade. "I don't disagree with you, Cowboy. But, at the same time, I like it because every moment we steal is just that much more precious to me." Finishing, he replaced his fingers with his lips, giving Tanner more than words to think about.

Finally, they parted. Vin looked up at his lover, pondering the man's words for several minutes. Then he smiled. Reaching up, he wrapped his hand around the back of Larabee's neck, coaxing him down to meet him once more. The blond obliged, and the men shared another, long, passionate kiss.

~o~

Tanner looked over their own personal little paradise from atop his gelding. He sighed and turned to his companion. "Ya sure we gotta go back?"

Smiling somewhat wistfully, Larabee said, "Yeah, we do. Hard telling what sort of problems the boys have gotten themselves in since we've been out here."

"Yeah... I know. Reckon Nathan's still stewin' about us takin' off like we did, too."

"Reckon. Only one way to find out." Chris replied with a smile.

"Think we'll get ta come back out here anytime soon?"

"Not for certain. But..." The blond leaned over from his saddle, long fingers wrapping in the other man's long hair as he coaxed him nearer. Delivering one more, long, lingering kiss, he leaned back. "That's a promise that we'll do our best to get out here. Next time we need a little quiet time alone."

The End

July, 2006
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