Tearing the Team Apart by Wgang

Disclaimers: I do not own Magnificent 7. I wish I did but I don't. I am only borrowing the guys.

Note: Thanks to MOG for creating the ATF Mag 7 universe. This is a work in progress

Summary: Vin left the team almost two years ago, Nathan and Chris were to blame. Could they make it up to Vin? Would the sharpshooter come back to the team?

Warning: M/M graphic sex eventually, Language, mild violence. Nathan shows he has a dark side and takes it out on Vin. Touches on racism that Nathan suffered as a child.

ATF Team 7 was halfway across the lobby of the Denver police department when Chris suddenly stopped and stared. The rest of the team also stopped and turned to see what had their leader so mesmerized.

Across the lobby was Vin Tanner, their former sharpshooter, former friend and former soul brother of Chris Larabee.

As the six men watched a big black man a good six inches taller than Vin and at least eighty pounds heavier walked over to the slim sharpshooter and slapped him on the back. Vin turned and laughed up at the man teasingly shoving his shoulder.

Vin turned around which is when he laid eyes on his former teammates.

Vin and Chris's eyes met, it was as though everyone else faded into nothingness. Angry hurt blue eyes met angry guilty green eyes. Nothing had been forgotten from that horrible scene over a year and a half ago that had sent Vin running from the team, running from his six brothers. Men he wasn't sure he could trust anymore.

FLASHBACK

The team had gone over to Nathan and Rains for a Sunday afternoon get together. It was early spring and everyone wanted to enjoy the beautiful day and meet Nathan's sister. Ezra was not there as Maude was in town and as usual was monopolizing her son. Ezra promised to meet Nathan's sister before she went back home to Virginia. Nathan's older sister Mariah had been visiting and Nathan were proud of his sister.

Mariah had not finished high school raising her siblings when their mother had died. Their father worked long hours to support the family so he left the raising of his kids to his oldest child.

Mariah had then gotten her GED and had gone on to nursing school.

The team noted that while Nathan's sister was very polite to them there seemed to an undercurrent of frustration, anger and impatience in the woman.

Vin had caught Rain looking at her sister in law a little uneasily though Nathan didn't see anything amiss. Vin had cornered Rain in the house and the woman had told Vin that Mariah made her nervous.

Rain had told Vin she would never let Nathan know how she felt; after all he adored his sister. Rain made Vin promise not to say anything to Nathan.

Vin reluctantly agreed but made Rain promise if she needed him she was to call. After all Nathan's wife was pregnant and he didn't want her unduly upset.

Unbeknownst to Vin and Rain Mariah had followed them inside and heard the whole conversation. She was furious and she began to make her plans for revenge. For in her mind Vin was the enemy, Rain was just Nathan's stupid wife. Vin was a man; therefore he was dangerous and had to be neutralized.

Mariah had no way of knowing that a tumor pressing down on her brain was causing her personality to change. She suspected most people of being against her, plotting against her family. Vin with his Texas southern drawl was the perfect target for her paranoia.

So for the next week she would drop little comments to Nathan about his friends particularly Vin. About how Vin had been looking at her, she even asked her brother if Vin hated black people explaining that she had overheard him telling a racial joke.

Nathan had told her that she must have misunderstood Vin was the gentlest kindest man he knew.

But after several more comments the seed of doubt was born in Nathan's mind. Over the next couple of weeks he watched Vin closely. Watched how his teammate interacted with black people, his tone of voice, and his body language.

Nathan began to wonder about Vin and silently ask questions.

Was Vin tougher when questioning black suspects? Did Vin have a smirk on his face when a black person ended up being the guilty party? When a crime was against a black person did Vin work on it as hard as he did when it was a white victim?

Nathan hated the doubts in his head but he couldn't get them to stop. Mariah didn't help because every time Rain was out of earshot she spilled her venom and suspicions into her brother's ear.

Nathan felt long buried insecurities and resentment bubble to the surface. The taunts he had to suffer through at school being so poor, the ill-fitting charity clothes and the nasty racial slurs.

Vin noticed that Nathan had been a little cool to him but figured maybe Rain had told him about their little chat and he was a little miffed.

Mindful of his promise to Rain not to tell Nathan of their conversation he didn't say anything to his friend hoping the storm would just blow over. Besides Rain was out of town for a week on business and Nathan was edgy with his pregnant wife out of town.

It did blow over; it exploded right over Vin's head. When the storm finished Vin was gone, the team was splintered.

Vin had received a phone call from Mariah saying that she would like to talk to him. She felt bad that maybe they had gotten off on the wrong foot and wanted to talk to one of her brother's good friends.

Vin never thought he was being set up. He was just thankful for the chance to get back in Nathan's good graces even if it was through his sister.

Vin thought that up until he was in the house and Mariah started screaming at him that he was a racist. Vin was so shocked that he just stood there at least until she slapped him and then scratched his face.

Vin had grabbed her by the shoulders and shouted at her trying to get her to calm down.

Then Vin felt himself pulled away from the woman, a fist slammed into him and he fell against the wall. A strange man stood over him then he felt the kick in the ribs and then everything had gone dark.

It didn't get any better when he woke up. Vin had been lying on Nathan's sofa. There was a low murmur of voices in the background.

The next couple of hours were hell on everyone especially Vin. Mariah had accused him of coming on to her and then calling her all sorts of racial names. The strange man stated that he had been walking by the house and heard screaming. Running in he had stopped Vin from hurting a defenseless woman.

Before Vin could defend himself Nathan had jumped at him but Josiah restrained him before he could reach Vin.

Vin had then sat there in shock as Nathan had listed all the incidents over the last weeks of when he saw Vin acting like he hated black people.

Vin had glanced at the rest of the team and couldn't believe that none of them, none of the men he had grown to trust and love like brothers was willing to defend him.

Vin had looked at Chris, a man he was closer to than a brother. Hell with some of the looks they had been sharing lately he hoped that they would be more than friends. Maybe have a relationship like Buck and Ezra had, but it looked like that was doomed.

JD wouldn't look at him; the young face was red with embarrassment. Josiah was holding Nathan back, disappointment in his eyes. Buck and Ezra were looking back and forth between their teammates not sure how to react.

Chris though in Vin's opinion should have been by his side supporting him. But the blond leader was standing in the middle of the room, arms crossed glaring at everyone.

Vin couldn't take it anymore. Calmly he had stood up wrapping one arm around his sore ribs. The scratches on his face were bright red against the pale skin.

Vin walked to the front door stopping only when Mariah had screamed that he was a coward running away with his tail tucked between legs.

Vin had turned and in his soft voice he had said, "I don't care what you think. I only care what these six men think and it looks like I was wrong to care about that."

Silence reined as the door shut behind Vin.

In seconds Buck and Ezra had left to follow Vin outside. The three men had talked and then Vin had left.

Mariah had calmed down stating that she wasn't going to press charges as long as that animal stayed away from her. Chris told Nathan to stay home with her. When the rest of the team got back to the office Chris found an envelope waiting on his desk.

It was Vin's formal resignation from the ATF. Vin's badge and gun lay on the desk.

The team had varying degrees of emotion when Vin's resignation had become known.

Buck and Ezra were mad that the others didn't want to hear Vin's side of the story.

JD was so confused, one day he believed Vin and then after listening to Nathan he believed Mariah.

Josiah couldn't fathom why men he loved like brothers were behaving the way they were. He couldn't believe Vin would ever behave that way towards a woman. Why was Nathan so adamant that Vin was to blame…that Vin was a racist? Why would Mariah lie about something like that? There were so many unanswered questions. Now that Vin was gone it looked like the answers would never be forthcoming.

Nathan felt relief and satisfaction. There was the relief that he wouldn't have to put up with the bastard. Then there was the satisfaction that he finally got back at one of those superior acting assholes, like he couldn't when he was growing up. Nathan determinedly ignored the little voice that was telling him that Vin had always been good to him and Rain adored the young sharpshooter.

Mariah had decided to stay in Denver to be close to her brother figuring that she would help with the new baby.

Rain was livid with her husband and informed him that if Mariah was staying in their house after spouting all those nasty lies about Vin then she was leaving.

Nathan had found his sister a little apartment but Rain refused to have anything to do with his sister. Their marriage was on the rocks. It was just another thing to blame on Tanner in Nathan's opinion.

Chris had waited thinking Vin would come to him, talk and maybe they could salvage the team or least their evolving relationship. Chris knew that he should have jumped to Vin's defense at the house but he was afraid to step in when he hadn't gotten anything out of Tanner. Besides they were all grown men and should have been able to talk everything out like a team.

By the time Larabee got his shit together Vin was gone, he just dropped out of sight. Chris began to wonder if Vin hadn't run because he was guilty. It was a thought that made him feel guilty for thinking that of his friend.

Weeks then months passed, Buck and Ezra were in Dallas for a seminar when they spotted a familiar buckskin coat one night.

The two men nearly broke their necks rushing across the bar to their long lost friend.

Buck had grabbed Vin up in a bear hug while Ezra beamed and waited to get his own hug.

Vin had been ecstatic to see his two friends, the only two men who had truly believed in him. Vin had explained that he had not contacted them because he didn't want to put them in the middle of anything.

Buck and Ezra made sure to tell Vin that Josiah didn't believe that Vin had attacked Mariah. However the big man felt like he was stuck in the middle. Josiah had confided that he felt the truth would win in the end and then Nathan was going to need someone to help him out.

Vin while glad that Josiah believed him innocent was still hurt that Josiah had not stuck up for him that fateful day.

After that fortuitous meeting the three men regularly talked to each other. At Christmas to the surprise of the rest of the team Buck and Ezra had stated that they had plans and wouldn't be at the Larabee ranch for the holiday.

Buck and Ezra had met up with Vin in Missouri at the home of his bounty-hunting partner Cooper Abramson. Chris and JD in particular were shocked that the two men wouldn't be there at Christmas. But yet since Vin had left nothing had been the same.

Cooper had known Vin from their Army Ranger days. Vin had been the newcomer, Cooper the old timer who had taken the young man under his wing. Cooper had held Buck and Ezra had arms length until he realized that these two men were not the men who had hurt his young friend so badly.

Cooper and his wife Ruth had welcomed Vin into their home and treated him like a son. It didn't matter that he was white and they were black. It only mattered that they were all good decent people. They had not been happy when Vin decided to bounty hunt with Cooper, it was a dangerous job, but Vin insisted. When Vin went to work for the ATF they were thrilled especially since their boy had found six men who loved him like a brother. That was why when he arrived on their doorstep hurt and devastated they were ready to shoot someone.

When Vin had explained what had transpired they were appalled. Ruth was ready to go and let Nathan and the others have it for hurting her baby boy. Ruth's mother Beulah had gotten up and said it was time to head for Colorado and bash some heads together. Vin had laughed at that and hugged the old lady telling her how much her love meant to him.

It had taken a couple of months for Cooper to convince Vin to come back to bounty hunting with him but they were a great team.

Buck and Ezra never let on that they had found Vin, Vin had made them promise not to say anything. So they kept his secret just like he had kept theirs for so long.

The secret was that the two men were in love and living with each other.

Truth was they were thinking about leaving the ATF but hadn't made any definitive plans yet.

After Christmas things had settled down. Rain and Nathan were still together…barely…Rain had a baby girl. They named the little girl Rhianna.

Time passed and the team continued to limp along. When they needed a sharpshooter Chris just got one from another team. There was no way he could replace Vin at least not yet.

Then had come the night that Mariah collapsed, a collapse that ripped apart the fragile peace that the six men had built.

Mariah had woke up from her brain surgery a different woman, she was the woman that had taken care of her siblings, not the bitter manipulative woman that had torn the team apart.

As her memories returned Mariah realized how horrible her behavior had been and apologized to Nathan and Rain.

Rain was still cold to her and when Mariah had asked why Rain had calmly said, "Vin Tanner."

Mariah had paled as the memory of how she had treated Vin came back to her.

Nathan was horrified to hear from his sister how Vin had never said anything horrible to her. He had always been the perfect gentleman. Mariah had then admitted that she had hired the man to come in and act like he had saved her from Vin. Nathan couldn't blame his sister; the illness was what had changed her.

Nathan Jackson could only blame himself. He had turned his back on a man who had been a friend, a friend who had saved his life on multiple times.

When Nathan had somberly told his teammates what Mariah had said there were mixed reactions.

After all it had been so long since Vin had left. What could they do to make things right with the young man?

Josiah immediately took some time off to go to the mountains for a retreat. He had to be alone to figure out why he hadn't tried to talk to his friends…try to smooth things out before Vin left. If only he could turn back the clock he would do things much differently.

JD had immediately gone to Casey's college to talk to her. They had broken up not to long after Vin had left. Casey refused to believe Vin would do such a thing and exploded at JD for believing such a thing.

When asked if she knew where Vin was Casey informed him that maybe she did and maybe she didn't but she certainly wouldn't be telling him.

When JD had told her he wanted to contact Vin and apologize Casey had informed him that he should have done that a long time ago and shut the door in his face.

JD wanted to talk to Buck but their relationship hadn't been the same either. JD however went over to Bucks house anyway. It was at that time that he was told Buck and Ezra were in love and were thinking of leaving the ATF.

JD was shocked at the relationship but after the whole catastrophe with Vin he kept his mouth shut. JD promised not to say a word to anyone else.

JD Dunne had finally grown up.

Buck then admitted that he and Ez had spent Christmas with Vin. After begging and pleading Buck had given JD Vin's e-mail address. Buck had explained to his lover that it looked like JD had finally become a man able to make his own decisions and not jump to conclusions about others.

Buck wanted to give JD a chance to apologize and Vin a chance to get a friend back.

At first Vin refused to return JD's e-mails and he was pissed at Buck. Cooper talked to his young friend reminding him that holding onto grudges didn't accomplish anything and that his friend had made the first gesture.

Slowly Vin responded back and the two young men corresponded almost daily with other. Vin made Buck grovel for a bit then forgave him for giving out his address.

Vin even allowed JD to give Josiah his e-mail address. Josiah poured his heart to the young man apologizing profusely for not defending Vin that day. Slowly they mended their differences. Vin realizing that Josiah was in the middle, Josiah realizing that he should have spoken up no matter the consequences.

Vin emphasized that he didn't want Chris or Nathan to know where he was. The way he figured it those two were old enough to see something wasn't quite right with Nathan's sister.

Besides they should have allowed him to tell his side of the story. They hadn't even given him the benefit of the doubt.

JD went to Casey and told her that he and Vin were friends again. Slowly the couple found their way back to each other. Nettie even allowed JD to come out to the ranch again.

If the rest of the team wondered why JD was smiling more than he had since Vin had left, JD just said that he was back with Casey and left it at that.

Nathan had apologized profusely to his wife and the whole team for jumping to conclusions. Chris had informed him that he wasn't the only one at fault.

Chris had gone home the night of Nathan's revelation about the truth and gotten stinking drunk. In fact when he didn't come into work Buck had gone out to check on him.

It wasn't the first time since Vin left that Chris had turned to the bottle. Chris and the bottle were starting to be very good friends again. Without the calming influence of Vin Tanner Chris was once again a powder keg of volatile emotions.

While Buck had never forgiven Chris for the way he had treated Vin the blond was his oldest friend. Chris had stopped going out with the team on Friday nights, he preferred going home and drinking himself into a stupor so he could sleep. But sleep didn't bring the oblivion he sought. Chris's dreams were filled with Vin. Vin on the ranch as they rode together just enjoying each others company, Vin sitting at the kitchen table with him laughing at something that had happened at work.

Then a Vin that Chris had never gotten to see, a Vin that he had hoped one day to see but now never would.

Vin naked, the blue eyes wide with passion, the perfect mouth panting as the slim body writhed beneath his as Chris buried his cock inside that gorgeous body.

There had been no doubt that was the path their relationship had been headed. Then in one disastrous night, one night all the trust between them had been shattered and it was his own fucking fault.

Buck had delivered Chris a stern lecture on getting that drunk. The only thing Chris promised was to do it on the weekend so it wouldn't interfere with work.

Buck had just shaken his head and left.

The team had continued to work together but it was hard and their hearts weren't with it anymore. What they were just now realizing was that the heart of the team left when Vin Tanner had left.

A couple of months had passed since Mariah's surgery and subsequent admission.

Chris and Nathan slowly realized that the other men weren't as devastated as they were about Vin. Chris had been doing some discreet inquiries about Vin. He found out the young man had gone back to bounty hunting and was very successful at it. Off and on since Vin had left Chris had contemplated looking for him but hesitated. After all what could he say for abandoning the young man?

Then JD had let it slip one day commenting on the fact that Vin had just grabbed a real bad bounty and had hurt his arm.

Dead silence descended on the room. JD had looked up from his computer where he had read Vin's e-mail. All the color drained from the young mans face as he realized what he had done.

Chris was making a beeline for JD when Buck stepped in front of him.

That was when Buck informed Chris and Nathan that he and Ezra had been in touch with Vin for a long time. In fact that was where they had been for Christmas with Vin and his partners family. JD had been talking with Vin ever since it was found out that Mariah had been lying. Josiah had recently reconnected with their former sharpshooter.

The admission shocked the two men as well as the fact that Vin knew that Mariah had been sick that was why she had lied all those months ago.

Nathan and Chris had glared at the men upset that they had not been told about Vin. Nathan was especially hurt by Josiah's omission. The man had calmly informed the medic that he had turned his back on Vin once he was not going to risk his friendship with the young man again.

Buck had then gone on and informed the team that he and Ezra were together. Buck had then informed the team that if they didn't like that fact then fuck them. If need be he and Ez would leave they had been thinking about it anyway.

Chris could care less about Buck and Ezra he just wanted to know where Vin was. Nathan while shocked realized after the Vin debacle that it was best to keep quiet and see how things shook out. JD informed his friend that he had already figured it out and couldn't care less about Buck and Ezra being together.

But Chris was not told Vin's e-mail address; the infuriated blond had stormed back to his office.

Two days later at the Denver Police Departments main office Team 7 ran into Vin Tanner.

END FLASHBACK

Chris couldn't tear his eyes away from the beautiful face that had been haunting his dreams.

Buck, Ezra and JD raced over to Vin. Buck grabbed Vin up in a bear hug, Ezra and JD shaking his hand and slapping him on the back.

Cooper was introduced to JD. The five men stood around talking totally ignoring the other three men who stood across the room.

"Well, I think it's time I tried to make amends," Nathan commented.

"I concur brother, that would be a good idea. Though be prepared to duck. Vin has a vicious temper when aroused," Josiah said.

Chris just stood there watching as Nathan and Josiah headed over to the group of men. He needed to talk to Vin but he was not going to do it with an audience.

Silence descended as Nathan and Josiah walked up.

Cooper placed his hand on Vin's shoulder clearly showing his support of his young friend. Cooper could feel fine tremors running through the slim body. No one just looking at Vin would be able to tell how nervous he was but he could feel it.

Josiah smiled at Vin then gathered the slim body up in his massive arms for a big hug.

"Good to see you brother. It has been to long," Josiah warmly said.

Vin smiled at the big man. Josiah had made a mistake but had explained his reason and apologized. Vin had accepted that apology. As far as he was concerned it was in the past.

Nathan took a deep breath moving uneasily as he witnessed the greeting.

"Vin. I would like to talk to you for a few minutes if you have the time," Nathan asked.

Vin just stared at the man who at one time he considered like a brother.

"Really. As I recall the last time we were together I wanted to talk, tell my side but you didn't want to listen to anything I had to say. So quite frankly I'm not interested in anything you have to say," Vin calmly stated though anger was blazing in the blue eyes.

Then Vin dismissed the dumbfounded man by talking to the others.

Turning to Cooper Vin said, "I'm going on out to Nettie's. It's been a couple of months since I've seen her. I'll meet you later for dinner."

Buck piped up, "How about you come on over to our place. You guys know that Ezra is a great cook. We can take Cooper on home with us."

Cooper nodded his head.

"Sounds good to me. The last time we were here Ezra made that Italian dish, it was great."

At that moment Nathan realized that Vin had been back in town several times. It was a good indication just how the sharpshooter felt about them.

Josiah was thrilled to see Vin. He had dearly missed the easygoing young man.

Chris was hovering to the side, listening to the conversation. Guilt and shame covered him. Vin had been in Denver since the big blow up and had not cared enough to contact him.

Why the hell should he? Vin was the injured party here and it was up to Chris to make it up to the young man.

"Okay. I should be there in a few hours. There are a couple of things I want to fix for her. Besides I'm sure she'll make me some homemade cookies," Vin smiled.

Nathan moved back a few steps clearly understanding that his presence wasn't wanted.

Vin left without glancing at Nathan again.

Nathan licked his lips then quietly said, "Buck do think that if I stopped by and…"

Before Buck could say anything Cooper spoke up.

"That boy doesn't want to talk to you. You've hurt him enough. You hurt him again and I'll let my wife and mother take care of you because they dote on that boy. So just stay away from him."

Nathan glared at the man.

"It was a misunderstanding that got out of hand," he growled.

"No it wasn't. It was a black man turning on his white friend for racist behavior that never happened. You know I grew up in the deep South, I know all about racism, people not liking you for the color of your skin. But I learned not everyone is narrow-minded like that. People are people no matter the color of their skin. Racism swings both ways. Some whites hate blacks, some blacks hate whites, hell light skinned black people are sometimes looked down upon by dark skinned black people. It's fucking stupid. Take people for who they are. Vin Tanner is one of the most decent kind people I have ever known. I just cannot believe anyone would accuse that boy of the things your sister said he did. That is something you are going to have live with. I heard you have a newborn baby girl. I sure hope she doesn't grow up with your hang ups."

Cooper finished talking then looked at Buck.

Buck smiled "Well said Cooper. You ready to go?"

Buck and Ezra said good-bye to their astonished teammates and left with Cooper.

Since they had driven in two cars Nathan, Josiah, JD and Chris had their own transportation.

Buck signaled JD with his eyes that he was invited to dinner. JD grinned and nodded his head thankful that he was included. Ezra managed to catch Josiah's eyes and let him know he was also invited.

Nathan ignored everyone and stomped off. All he could think of was that damn bastard didn't know him and who the hell did he think he was lecturing him like that.

Josiah followed his friend. He knew in his heart that what Cooper said was the truth. People hated people for the stupidest reasons. Josiah just hoped that Nathan could make it right with Vin before it was to late.

JD wandered after the men, he knew the ride back to the office was going to be hell. At least he had the satisfaction of knowing that he had already made peace with Vin.

Vin reached the jeep that they had rented and unlocked the door then a familiar feeling came over him. Someone was watching him and that person was close by.

Vin whirled around reaching for his gun when he saw Chris standing a few feet staring at him.

Vin straightened up. Chris being here didn't surprise him. Buck had kept him informed over the last two years of what the blond had been up to. Looking closely at his former boss and friend Vin could see that the past two years had not been kind to the man.

Chris's eyes were not as vibrant and alive as they had been; there was a desolate yet angry look in the green eyes. The ATF leader had a drawn look to his face, there were more wrinkles and Chris looked older than his age. Vin was sure it was the drinking that was to blame for that.

For his part Chris thought he had never seen a sight more beautiful than Vin Tanner. Vin's hair was longer than when he was with the ATF falling about an inch past his shoulders. It was cold in Colorado so the buckskin coat Vin wore made him seem larger than Chris knew he really was. Vin piercing blue eyes could still see through to a person's soul. The mouth had little laugh lines around it and when Vin had smiled at his partner Chris's heart had ached. Vin's crooked little smile had always warmed his heart and soul. It seemed like forever since that smile had been turned on him. Vin had not changed at all and for some reason that pissed Larabee off, Vin should have been pining for him just like he had been dreaming and craving to be near the sharpshooter again.

Vin cocked his head slightly to the side, it was apparent he wasn't going to be the one to speak first.

Chris licked his lips, he had dreamt about this meeting for a long time now that it was here he wasn't sure how to begin.

"Saying I'm sorry just isn't enough for what we did to you," he softly stated.

Vin still didn't say a word just looked at the man he used to be closer to than a brother. A man whose bed he once thought he would eventually be in.

"I never believed you did what Nathan's sister said you did. If you had just waited…hell Vin I was going to talk to you. We could have worked it out. I was fucking waiting for you to show up to talk. The next thing I know you are long gone. Even if we couldn't have saved the team we would have been together. Why in the hell didn't you wait? Running off made you look guilty," Chris hissed. He knew losing his temper was the wrong tack to take but he couldn't help it. After two years of being without Vin, drinking to forget what he had thrown away he lost perspective.

Vin lounged back against the vehicle.

"Seems to me that if you believed me innocent you would have come to my defense when I was first accused. You never said a word. Seems to me that when you got back to the office and my resignation was waiting you would have called me. You never called me. Why should I have made the first move, I was the injured party as you should have known without me saying a word. I left because there was nothing to keep me in Denver. Miss Nettie and Casey backed me all the way. I kept touch with them and even visited. Buck and Ez, I didn't want to put them in the middle but once they saw me they insisted they weren't losing me again. JD…well the kid got my whereabouts from Bucklin. The kid apologized but it was still quite a while before I forgave him, the same goes for Josiah."

Chris shut his eyes then he asked the one question that had been upper most in his mind.

"Can you forgive me for not standing up for you, for not being there when you needed someone on your side?"

Vin tipped his head to one side, the familiar crooked little grin appeared.

"Why didn't you at least make an effort to have my back?"

Chris tried to swallow around a suddenly dry mouth.

"I was…was scared. What I felt for you was so new. I…shit Vin I fucked up. Why can't you just accept that answer?" Chris demanded frustrated by the whole conversation and the fact he couldn't explain something he wasn't sure he understood.

"As to your previous question I don't think so. I expect more out of someone I had planned on spending my life with. I don't play second fiddle to anyone or anything…that includes a job. When you forgive yourself, and when you figure out exactly where you went wrong and what you want out of life. Give me a call. I might…might…call you back."

Vin then turned and climbed into the jeep. He drove off without turning around for a second look. However he couldn't help but glance in the rearview mirror.

Chris was leaning against the side of a car, hand over his eyes, shoulders slumped, the picture of defeat and hopelessness.

Vin felt a brief urge to go back and try to make things right, but he kept driving.

It wasn't up to him to make things right, it was up to Chris and Nathan. Time would tell if they really wanted to fix the past or not.

PART TWO

Nettie met Vin on the front porch grabbing him up in tight hug. When he had called and told her he would be in town for a few days she had been ecstatic.

The past two years had been rough on them both. Vin had missed Nettie; the woman filled the void left all those years ago by the death of his mother. While he tried to visit as much as he could it wasn't as often as he would have liked.

Nettie never let on how much seeing him in pain hurt her. It had helped a bit that not to long after Vin had left she had run into Chris Larabee. For a solid thirty minutes she had told him exactly what she thought of him. It had not been pleasant for the blond man. Then Nettie had shocked herself as she had slapped Chris. In a vicious tone she had told the befuddled man that slap was for Vin whom she loved like he was her son.

Chris had just raised his hand to his cheek and watched as the woman had stormed off. That night he had drunk himself to sleep praying that he didn't dream of a warm tanned Vin writhing in his arms as they made passionate love. His prayer wasn't answered in the way he hoped. The dreams about Vin just became more vivid and real. At times he wondered if he was going crazy but at the same time it was the closest he had been to the young man since the disaster with Nathan's sister.

Nettie made Vin come into the house. When she had him sitting down at the kitchen table she put a plate of cookies in front of him with a big glass of milk.

Vin wrinkled his nose at the milk but he had learned a long time ago not to say anything. Nettie was a firm believer that cookies were to be eaten with milk…not beer or pop. Besides milk was better for you and the woman knew that Vin was notorious for eating all the wrong things.

Nettie waited until Vin had eaten a couple of cookies then she asked, "So what happened today to give you that look?"

Vin smiled.

"You know me to well Nettie."

Vin sighed, "Cooper and I ran into the team today. It wasn't the most pleasant experience I have ever had but I guess it was bound to happen sooner or later."

Nettie's eyes snapped with fire. If those men had hurt her Vin she would have to get her shotgun out and teach them a lesson.

"What did they have to say for themselves?" Nettie demanded.

"Not much. Nathan said he wanted to talk to me. I told him that the last time I saw him I wanted to talk but he didn't want to hear anything I had to say. So therefore why should I listen to him now."

Nettie clapped her hands.

"Good for you boy. They deserved that. What about Larabee?"

Vin winced at the name. Nettie caught the look. Damn that blond bastard he still had the ability to hurt Vin. But then she had always known Vin had never gotten over Chris Larabee. Deep down whether he wanted to admit it or not Vin still loved the man.

"He followed me outside and apologized to me. Then he said if I hadn't run off we could have talked and it would have all been okay."

Nettie was aghast.

"You mean he had the audacity to blame you for leaving. You just wait until I see him," Nettie growled her eyes flashing with anger.

Vin grinned it sure was nice to be so loved by Nettie Wells. The woman would defend him to the death just like he would do for her.

"It's okay Nettie. To be honest I really don't think Chris was firing on all cylinders. He was shocked to see me, guilty about his behavior and I really don't think he knows how to handle that. The man has aged a lot since I last saw him so I know he has suffered. Not that I will forgive him just because he looks like shit, it will take a hell of a lot more than that."

Nettie nodded her head in agreement. She was glad to hear that her boy wasn't going to roll over and accept Larabee back so easily…if at all.

It was a pleasant time at Nettie's. Vin ate his fill of cookies and did some chores around the place, which always made him, feel good.

When he finally left he promised to see her again real soon.

Vin pulled up at Buck and Ezra's place. Glancing around he frowned at all the cars in the driveway.

Walking into their condo Vin was immediately enveloped in Rain's arms.

Vin was delighted to see the beautiful woman. When he had reconnected with Buck and Ezra they had told him about the Jackson's marriage being on the rocks.

Vin had commented to his friends that he really missed the talks he and Rain used to have. Not only was the woman about the only doctor Vin ever trusted they had become very good friends.

Buck had suggested Vin contact Rain but Vin didn't want to cause anymore strife in the already damaged marriage.

So Ezra had taken matters into his own hands. Why should Rain and Vin suffer anymore than they already had because of Nathan's narrow-minded mean behavior?

Vin was shocked yet delighted when he received an e-mail from Rain. The two of them then continued to correspond via e-mail. After the baby was born Rain even made sure to meet Vin at Nettie's one weekend so he could see the baby. When Vin told her he didn't want to put her in the middle between her husband and himself she had kissed him on the cheek then told him the reality of the situation.

While she still loved Nathan she didn't like him much. If it weren't for the baby she probably would have left her husband. However having been brought up in a broken home she wanted to try to salvage the marriage. Rain made it plain that Nathan was her husband not her lord and master. She had been making up her own mind for a long time and would continue to do so. Vin was her friend and that was final.

Vin did manage to get a promise from her not to tell Nathan they had met. Rain didn't want to but seeing how upset Vin was worrying that he would be the straw that broke the camels back and cause their marriage to break apart she promised.

In return she made Vin promise that when he came to town he would let her know so they could meet whenever possible.

Now as Vin hugged Rain tight he marveled at the friends he had. Rain was one tough strong-minded beautiful lady. So while Chris and Nathan were still jerks he had a lot to be thankful for.

Over the next couple of hours Vin reconnected with his friends. Generally when he came to town if he had time to visit it wasn't for long. Now he planned on being in town for a couple of days. He and Cooper had some paperwork to straighten out on a couple of their bounties.

Vin had a good time laughing and talking with his friends. Ezra and Buck fixed up a fine dinner. JD was his usual chattering self. Josiah just seemed to be content being around Vin hearing the soft-spoken man laugh and joke around. Vin was like a breath of fresh air. Josiah had never truly realized until Vin was gone just how much the young man gave to the team. Tanner had had really been the glue that had kept the team together. Vin's cool composed demeanor on more than one occasion had calmed a volatile situation. With the diversity of the men that made up Team 7 that was a valuable talent. It also went without saying that Vin was the only one who could control Larabee's temper.

Vin held Rhianna on his lap the whole time. The little girl giggled and smiled clearly delighted with him just as Vin was delighted with the little girl.

Meanwhile Chris and Nathan were at the ATF offices. It was late, both men wanted to be where their teammates were. It went without saying that the rest of the team was at Buck and Ezra's enjoying the visit with Vin.

Nathan desperately wanted to talk to Vin but he wasn't sure what to say. I'm sorry didn't seem enough. Besides his emotions were all over the place.

Chris was feeling the same way. One second he was pissed at everyone Vin included. Then he felt guilty for being mad at the innocent man who had been hurt by the whole sordid situation.

However he knew that there was no way he was going to allow Vin to leave Denver without talking to him. After reading the same report over several times he snarled.

Chris threw the papers on the floor, slammed his chair back and stalked out the door. Glancing at Nathan he tersely said, "Let's go. We are going to talk to Vin. This has gone on to long. It is long past time to make amends. Know this Nathan we are going to say or do whatever it takes to make this up to him."

Nathan sighed in relief. Thank God he would have someone at his side as he begged Vin's forgiveness. Nathan was glad it was Chris, as he needed to talk to every single one of his teammates, try to set right the wrongs that he had done.

When the two men pulled up in front of the house they saw Vin on the front porch with Rain, the baby and Ezra. Nathan was shocked to see his wife but realized that he shouldn't be surprised. Rain had always adored Vin and had been steadfast in her support of the quiet man. Nathan figured he would start listening to his wife more besides he knew he had fences to mend in his marriage too.

Vin looked up as they approached, he tensed up then handed the baby to Rain. Ezra whispered that he would go get the others.

Vin walked Rain towards her car meeting the two men in the yard.

"Vin, I…I mean we would like to talk to you. I know I did you wrong, it was my fault…all of it. Just please give me a few minutes," Nathan pleaded.

Rain stared at her husband as a tiny spot of hope blossomed in her heart. Was Nathan finally seeing the light, was the man she fell in love with coming back.

Vin was watching Rain; he saw the hope flicker in her dark beautiful eyes. If nothing else he would listen to Nathan for Rain's sake.

Vin glanced at Larabee who was staring at him. Vin met the green gaze and held it. Chris was hurting and desperate, Vin knew that but a part of him figured the blond deserved it. Yet in the green eyes he also saw fear, longing and maybe even love. But Vin had been hurt badly and he wasn't about to let his defenses down for these two men.

Trust had to be earned and these two men at one time had his trust. Then they had taken it and shoved it up his ass…well he wasn't going to trust them that easily again.

Chris finally spoke up and his words stunned everyone. By now the rest of the guys were on the porch just watching the encounter. They were hesitant to interfere unless it looked like it would get physical or if they figured Vin needed their support.

"I was an ass, a fool, an idiot, a real bastard to you. It wasn't because I didn't trust you it was because I used the situation to push you away. I'm baring my soul Vin. I loved you then and I…"

Just then the sound of squealing tires filled the air, then gunfire exploded.

Vin threw himself at Rain covering her and the baby with his own body as bullets hit the ground around him.

As the team began returning fire and screaming at the shooters Vin felt someone hit him and cover him just as he was protecting Rain and the baby.

There was no doubt in his mind that it was Chris.

Suddenly in the midst of the screaming and the gunfire there was a squealing of brakes. Vin heard the unmistakable sound of a car crash.

In seconds Vin was free of the person covering him. Glancing quickly at Rain he was relieved to see that she was unhurt as well as Rhianna.

Vin turned to thank Chris…what he saw made his heart stop and his blood turn to ice.

Buck was kneeling over Chris his hands bloody as he tried to stop the bleeding. Chris had been shot in the upper back as he had covered Vin with his own body.

Nathan after ascertaining that his family was okay immediately went to help Chris. Ezra was on the phone making sure help was on the way and getting whatever Nathan needed to save Larabee's life.

Josiah, JD were checking the car that had driven by and started shooting at them. Thankfully the occupants were dead but the two ATF agents recognized them as muscle for the gunrunner that they had just brought in. Obviously they had been out for revenge against the team who had put their boss away.

Vin felt like he was in a nightmare as he watched Nathan work on Chris until the ambulance pulled up. Then the blond was whisked away to the hospital. Was this it, would he never get a chance to talk to Chris, give the blond time to fix this situation?

Cooper stayed by Vin's side his main concern was for the young man he loved like a son. The team was only seconds behind the ambulance but Chris was already being whisked to surgery by the time they reached the ER waiting room.

As the hours went by and Chris was still in surgery everyone's emotions were in turmoil.

Nathan hesitated to approach his teammates as he felt that the whole situation was his fault. In his mind if the team had been on their game then they would have seen the attack before it happened, but they weren't at the top of their form. Vin was foremost in their minds…Vin and the horrible nightmare that had gone on way to long.

The nightmare that sat squarely on Nathan Jackson's shoulders a nightmare that he needed to get rid of no matter the cost to himself.

Nathan watched as Vin was surrounded by his friends, friends that had missed him. Buck sat on one side of Vin while Ezra sat on the other side. JD sat next to Buck giving his 'big brother' support. Rain had stayed at home with the baby after making sure someone would keep her updated.

Cooper was on the phone with his wife letting her know what had happened. He had been afraid she would hear the news on the TV and worry about them. After all Vin had talked at length about Chris Larabee and it was apparent that while the blond had hurt Vin badly he still loved the man.

Josiah stood next to Nathan watching his friend watch everyone else.

"You're going to have to talk to the boy sometime. This whole mess is eating away at your soul," Josiah softly stated.

Nathan hissed, "I damn well know that Josiah. I…fuck I just need some time alone."

Josiah sighed as Nathan stalked away.

Cooper came into the waiting room just in time to see Nathan stride past him without a glance.

However Cooper only had eyes for Vin. Vin was his priority and the one person he was worried about.

Vin abruptly stood up, said something to his former teammates and headed across the room.

Cooper grabbed him up in a bear hug giving comfort.

Vin pulled back slightly smiling.

"I gotta get out of here for a bit. I…I think the chapel is down the hall," Vin whispered.

Cooper nodded his head, he slung his arm around Vin's shoulder and the two men headed to the chapel.

The quiet and peace would help soothe Vin.

Meanwhile Ezra slipped his own arm around Buck pressing a kiss to his lover's cheek.

JD got up to use the phone to call Casey and Nettie. Josiah stood where he could see the door to the chapel just in case he was needed.

Nathan was coming down the hallway and saw the two men walk into the chapel.

Josiah watched as his friend went to stand in the doorway of the chapel.

Vin and Cooper sat in the front pew of the chapel. Nathan took a couple of steps into the chapel listening to the two men talk, he should have felt guilty but when he heard his name he couldn't leave.

"I still love him Cooper. Chris hurt me and he hurt me bad but God help me I still love him. If only Nathan had…had," here Vin broke off as tears filled his eyes.

Cooper pulled Vin close and hugged him tight.

"I know kid. If Nathan had been the kind of friend he should have been it all would have been different. Hell, from what you said to Ruth and I you and Chris were on the way to becoming a couple, by now the two of you probably would have been living together."

Nathan inched closer his guilt intensifying as his heart clenched hearing Vin's broken voice.

"I don't know Cooper. Maybe somehow it was my fault. I wasn't good enough to be with Chris so fate stepped in and…"

Nathan couldn't deal with it anymore. A sob tore out of his mouth as he stumbled forward to land on his knees in front of the startled men.

Vin was shocked to see Nathan on his knees in front of him.

Reaching out Nathan grasped one of Vin's hands with both of his.

Cooper's first reaction was to reach for the man…shove him away from Vin but he hesitated. This might be the turning point for a lot of things. Cooper had no illusions, Vin loved him and his family but Tanner's heart had always remained in Denver with Chris and Team 7.

But if Nathan Jackson tried to hurt Vin again Cooper would take him apart with his bare hands.

Tears streamed down Nathan's cheeks as he sobbed, "I am so sorry Vin…so very sorry. As God as my witness...I am begging for your forgiveness. I was wrong so wrong when I accused you of hating…black people. I…when I remember how I screamed at you I can hardly…it's like someone else was doing it. Vin I can only say that…that my sisters accusations brought back childhood traumas and to my shame…I…I took it out on you, the man who saved my life so many times, a man I was proud to call brother."

Nathan was sobbing hard holding onto Vin's hand so tight the young man actually winced.

Nathan took a deep shuddering breath then continued, "I…I broke you and Chris up, the team…team has never been the same. When you left you the heart and soul left with you. I became that which…which I hate a narrow minded bastard. My sister…"

By now Nathan was crying and sobbing so badly Vin had to really listen to what the man was saying. Cooper had put his hand on Vin's shoulder in support. There was no doubt in his mind that the boy would forgive his friend. Vin was one of the most forgiving gentle people he had ever met even if it was to Vin's own detriment.

Josiah was now standing in the doorway listening to the confession. He had good news; Chris was out of surgery and was expected to make a full recovery though he would have to be off work for several weeks recovering. Josiah kept silent knowing that a few more minutes wouldn't hurt this was the first important step in repairing the damage done two years ago.

As Nathan opened his mouth to continue his confession Vin reached out and placed his hand over the trembling lips.

Nathan and Vin stared at each other. One man innocent of any wrongdoing the other man guilty of ripping apart a brotherhood that no one had ever thought could be torn apart…but it had been torn apart from within.

Vin felt warm tears running down his cheeks. He could swear he could feel part of his broken heart start to heal. There was no doubt staring into Nathan's face that the man was truly sorry for what he had done. Who was he to continue to hold Nathan accountable for his transgressions when he had apologized…especially when they were in God's house?

"It's okay Nathan…I forgive you…I won't lie and tell you that I will forget what happened because I don't think I can. But…but we can try to move forward…SLOWLY," Vin said.

Nathan didn't miss the emphasis on the last word. He just thanked God that Vin was willing to forgive him, give him another chance.

Cooper moved aside as Vin got to his feet pulling Nathan up with him. Nathan clasped Vin to him in a hug so tight the younger man was having hard time breathing.

Josiah felt movement behind him and turned around. The rest of the team was standing behind him. Buck and Ezra were holding hands. Buck had tears in his eyes as he watched the two men hugging; Ezra gave them a two-fingered salute. JD just beamed almost jumping up and down he was so happy.

As one the four men moved into the chapel where the good news about Chris was passed on.

The men patted each other on the back, gave hugs showing their happiness at not only Chris's recovery but also the fact that Nathan had started to make amends to Vin.

They started to leave the chapel anxious to see Chris when he was finally settled in a room.

Nathan hesitated; Josiah put his hand on his friend's shoulder.

"You guys go on. I'll be there in a few minutes. I think I need a minute to get control of myself."

Josiah nodded that he would remain with Nathan. The others hurried off to see Chris.

"You did good Nathan," Josiah whispered.

Nathan gave a choked laugh.

"It was something I should have done a long time ago. I feel…I guess I finally feel free, like a great weight has been lifted off of me."

"Confessing ones sins and trying to make amends always makes a person feel better. Now we can only hope that Chris and Vin will find their way back to each other."

Nathan had to smile a little.

"Vin has never stopped loving Chris and I know Chris loves that boy. I have a feeling Josiah that Vin won't be leaving Denver."

Josiah laughed, "I think you might be right. Only time and Chris will tell."

The lean blond would never forget the feeling he had when he was finally alert enough to notice Vin was by his hospital bed.

Vin had fallen asleep in the chair, he was bent over at the waist his head and shoulders resting on Chris's bed.

Chris slowly raised his hand and put it on Vin's head. The ATF leader reveled in the feeling of he soft hair under his hand. A feeling he had been so afraid he would never get to experience.

Glancing over the slumbering man Chris met the eyes of Cooper.

Cooper stood up and walked over to the bed. Staring down at Chris he saw that the blond was finally aware of his surroundings and not in a drugged haze.

Cooper went to the side of the bed and whispered, "You got a second chance Larabee, don't fuck it up. You hurt that boy again and I'll take it out of your hide. Better yet I'll let my wife and mother have a piece of you."

Chris had to smile at that.

Cooper gave Chris a sip of water seeing that the blond wanted to say something but his mouth was to dry.

"I hurt Vin again and I'll let all three of you take your best shot. I love him and I need him in my life."

Cooper nodded then turned and left the room. The first conversation between Vin and Chris didn't need an audience.

Chris didn't have long to wait. Vin began to stir and slowly raised his head to stare into vivid staring green eyes.

Chris swallowed never losing contact with those beautiful blue eyes.

"I never stopped loving you, I have hated myself and everything sin…since I lost you," Chris hesitated licking his suddenly dry lips.

Vin gave one of his small smiles and gave the blond a sip of water.

"We can talk later cowboy," Vin softly said.

"No…no I have to say…say it now. I love you so very much. I was an ass, an idiot and a co…coward. Can you ever forgive me and give me another chance. Please Vin can you give me another chance?" Chris begged as he reached out with his hand…a hand that had an IV in it.

Vin stared at the hand, then looked at Chris. The green eyes were pleading for forgiveness, begging for a chance to have a life with Vin, a life he had thrown away and only then realized how much he needed Vin to keep him sane.

Vin looked down bit his lip then reached out lightly grasping Chris's hand in his.

"I won't lie to you Chris. You hurt me bad by not standing by me, not listening to my side. I know your reasons but I'm not sure I really understand them yet. I do know that I have never stopped loving you even when I was cussing you out. I will admit a part of me hated you for a while even while I loved and missed you. I'm scared of being hurt again by you…of leaving myself open for more heartache. I want to give you second a chance but…I have some things to think about Chris."

Chris's eyes clouded over, he had been hoping that Vin would forgive him immediately but he knew that while Nathan had hurt the sharpshooter he had done far more damage to Vin.

"How long?" Chris managed to ask.

"I need to go back with Cooper. I'll keep in touch and I promise I will let you know in a couple of weeks. I'll stay until you get out of the hospital then head out."

Chris nodded his head. If he wanted Vin back he was going to have to let the man set the time frame.

"I won't deny I don't want you to go but I understand. Can…would you kiss me please?" Chris whispered.

Vin leaned forward and placed a gentle butterfly light kiss on the blonde's lips.

Chris sighed into the sweet mouth; this was heaven just to have Vin this close.

"Thanks," he said.

"I enjoyed it cowboy. I need to let Bucklin in here to see you. By the way thanks for saving my life out there."

Chris admitted, "I was saving my life too, without you I am as good as dead."

The two men stared at each other realizing that no matter what happened their souls would always be entwined together.

Vin kept his word he stayed for a couple of days then left with Cooper. Nathan had taken advantage to have Vin over to his house for dinner. Rain had fixed Vin's favorite dinner as a thank you for saving her and the baby. Nathan and Vin had then talked into the night with Nathan baring his soul again. Vin again told his friend that they just needed to start over and to remember this if a misunderstanding should ever arise again.

Nathan agreed silently thanking God for this young man whom had such an understanding and forgiving nature even to one whom didn't deserve it. Nathan's sister had stated she wanted to talk to Vin but Nathan wouldn't allow it at least yet.

Not until Chris and Vin were together, then and only then would Nathan ask if Vin wanted to see his sister?

Vin kept his word and talked to Chris everyday. Chris could not glean anything from the conversations, he wasn't sure if the young man was coming back or not and he was afraid to ask.

Two weeks slowly passed the team kept Chris company when they could. Buck was proud to see that his old friend didn't turn to the bottle once.

It was Sunday night; JD and Casey had spent some time with Chris and had just headed home. Chris had locked up the front door and was heading out to sit on the back deck to watch the sunset.

Chris gasped pausing at the door leading to the deck. Sitting on a lounge chair on the deck was a familiar figure.

It was Vin.

Chris was alternately excited, worried, exhilarated and scared to see the man.

Sternly telling himself to get a grip Chris took a deep breath, opened the door and walked outside to take a chair next to Vin.

Vin gave Chris a once over smiling as he saw that the man was well on the way to recovery. Seeing the jumbled emotions in the eyes staring at him Vin held out his hand.

Chris swallowed around a suddenly dry mouth, his eyes filled with tears as he grasped Vin's hand with his.

Seeing tears roll down the normally stoic blond cheeks Vin stood up and sat down on the edge of Chris's lounge chair.

Reaching out he brushed tears from the bright green eyes and dried the wet cheeks with his thumbs.

"I thought about everything. I love you and I think we deserve a second chance. Most people don't even get a first chance so we should consider ourselves lucky."

"Will…will you stay the night…I mean I have the second bedroom and…" Chris stammered.

Vin grinned, his blue eyes sparkling. For if there was one thing about Vin Tanner once he made up his mind he went for it body, heart and soul. Life was to short and you had to grab love where you found it that had come from Cooper's mother and Vin truly believed it.

"How about we take it slow and I'll be glad to take the second bedroom but eventually I hope to be sharing the same bed with you."

Chris got himself together at that statement. To be truthful he was still sore and wouldn't have been able to do much if they had shared a bed anyway.

"Good, bring your stuff inside. Tomorrow I'll call Travis and…"

Vin interrupted, "I already talked to Travis. I will be going to work when you return. I think he missed me."

Chris had to smile, "I think he did but not as much as I missed you."

"Well that deserves another kiss," Vin said then placed another longer kiss on Chris's mouth.

The two men did take it easy, Vin mindful that Chris was still injured and Chris not wanting to rush Vin into anything.

It took another week before Vin was sharing the bed but the two men only slept in each other's arms.

After a couple of more weeks in each other's company Vin realized that Chris was walking on eggshells around him.

When Vin asked the blond about it Chris had to admit it was right.

"I don't want to say anything or do anything to make you upset or leave me," Chris quietly admitted.

Vin was shocked when Chris refused to meet his eyes.

Chris was pulled to the bedroom where Vin sat him on the edge of the bed taking his hand.

"Listen cowboy. I forgave you, we start over but if you can't treat me normal then this won't work. We are going to argue with each; we are just to bull headed not too. You can't be afraid of expressing yourself, that wouldn't be the man I fell in love with."

Chris sighed deeply then he looked up a hint of mischief in his gaze.

"You are right…do you really want me to express myself?"

Vin hesitated whenever Chris got that look in his eyes the unexpected was going to happen.

"Sure…" the word was barely out of Vin's mouth when he found himself pressed back into the mattress Chris lying on top of him.

"I love you Vin Tanner and I want you to make love to me," Chris whispered before claiming Vin's mouth with his.

Vin was gasping for breath by the time Chris released his mouth.

Vin framed Chris's face with his hands as he slowly shook his head.

Chris started to pull away in disappointment.

"No Chris you don't understand. I want you to make love to me; I want you in me. I have dreamt about that for so long I need it so bad," Vin gasped.

Chris smiled, "It will be my pleasure but come tomorrow I will expect to return the favor. Got it?"

Vin could only nod his head as Chris slowly began to strip him of his clothes.

As each patch of skin was revealed a soft kiss was pressed into the soft warm skin. By the time his boxers were pulled down Vin felt like he was on fire, his skin felt seared just by Chris's kisses.

What touched his heart though was that Chris touched and kissed him like he was made of the finest porcelain something so beautiful and precious it needed special care?

Chris could not believe how gorgeous Vin was lying there with his hair spread out on the pillow, his lips swollen from their kisses and his blue eyes filled with love and passion.

Chris leaned over the lithe perfect body his green eyes boring into Vin's as he lowered his mouth over his lover's erect hard cock. Vin tensed as he expected to feel a hot wet mouth surround his cock instead he watched as a pink tongue lapped at his slit then swirled around his cockhead.

Vin moaned and slightly arched up, it had been so long and he needed the release so bad. Oh he had offers but no one could ever compare to Chris even if he wasn't speaking to the man.

Chris enjoyed watching Vin shiver, arch up as though begging Chris to take him deeper into his mouth.

Nibbling on the cock, Chris nipped down the big throbbing vein in the shaft before he opened his mouth wide and took the whole thing in his mouth.

Chris sucked hungrily on the cock in his mouth using his tongue and teeth to drive his lover crazy. Vin cried out as he almost came up off the bed sending his seed shooting down his lover's throat.

Chris swallowed everything then licked his lover clean, he briefly nuzzled into Vin's groin inhaling deeply the musky sexy smell of his young lover.

Chris crawled up the beautiful body and kissed Vin sharing his taste.

Vin moaned, "Please Chris I need to feel you in me…now…please."

Nipping sharply at Vin's throat Chris growled, "Oh I'm getting there babe…I'm getting there."

Chris gently turned Vin over onto his stomach placing a pillow under the slim hips. Quickly Chris stripped out of his clothes laughing because he had been so enthralled in pleasuring Vin that he had not realized he still had his clothes on.

Chris licked a wet trail down the taut back and into the cleft to the tight quivering hole that was just begging to be filled.

Realizing he wasn't going to last long Chris grabbed up the lube stretching Vin with his fingers until the younger man was easily taking three fingers.

"Damn Vin you're tight as a virgin," Chris murmured as he lined up his slick cock preparing to sink into the incredibly tight hot sleeve.

Chris slowly inch by inch thrust into his lover. When he was fully buried inside that hot wonderful body he held himself immobile just enjoying the tight dark warm depths that surrounded his aching cock.

Vin must have had enough of the waiting as he clenched his muscles tightening his passage around his lover's cock.

Chris smiled at Vin's less than subtle suggestion to move. As Chris sped up Vin raised his hips meeting each thrust of his lover.

Chris became so lost in the feel of the man beneath him; his thrusts became harder and deeper. There was a part of him that had to claim…to own the younger man.

Vin felt his cock grow hard again, he groaned as his ass was reamed, damn but Chris knew how to turn him on.

Suddenly Chris lunged forward as deep as he could pulling Vin back as he thrust forward.

Both men cried out as hot seed filled Vin's ass branding him from the inside out.

Chris fell forward his cock still buried in that tight ass. Pressing a kiss to the back of Vin's neck Chris slowly pulled out wishing he could remain inside his lover all night.

Chris moved until he was lying next to Vin. Vin snuggled up to Chris who wrapped his arms around his young lover.

"I love you Chris," Vin whispered nuzzling into his lover's neck.

"Love you too Vin," Chris replied kissing the damp forehead.

Neither man was in the mood to get up or even to get cleaned up. Despite it being the middle of the afternoon they both drifted off to sleep held securely in each other's arms.

The world of Chris Larabee and Vin Tanner had just come full circle and everything was as it should be.

The End

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