FOUR
Chris woke to find Vin gone. He rolled over and saw the younger man painting the walls. Chris smiled and watched. Vin had left his shirt off, and Chris watched the play of his muscles as he painted. He frowned at the scars on Vin's back. The most recent were still healing, but the older ones were pale white against his tanned skin. The one that caught Chris's eye was the round scar on his lower back. Someone had shot him in the back before he'd joined the team. He shook his head remembering all the scars his wandering hands had found on Vin. Chris returned his attention to the painter. He certainly liked the view."I know you're enjoying the view, but you think you might give me a hand?" Vin said without turning around.
Damn, Chris thought. Sometimes their silent communications could be a pain in the ass.
"How long did I sleep?"
"About three hours."
"You didn't sleep long," Chris commented when he saw how much Vin had painted.
"Not much for taking naps," he said as he put more paint on the roller and continued on the wall.
"You guys have done a great job fixing this place," Chris said.
He got up and walked over to Vin. When he got closer, he wrapped his arms around him and pulled him against his chest. Chris kissed him behind his ear and down along his neck to his shoulder. He felt the smaller man shudder in pleasure. Chris caressed Vin's washboard abdomen with his left-hand while he fondled Vin's nipples with his right. He switched to Vin's right shoulder and ran his tongue along his neck and shoulder. When he got to the scar at the spot where Vin's neck met his shoulder, he kissed it. Chris remembered that horrible week and hugged Vin possessively to him.
"Jesus, Chris, you keep doing this, and nothing will get painted," Vin gasped.
"Suits me," Chris smiled as he ran his fingers inside the waistband of Vin's sweats.
"I'm serious," Vin said as he turned to face Chris. "The rugs come day after tomorrow."
"Alright," Chris sighed. "You win."
Before he let Vin go, he kissed him on the mouth. Vin parted his lips, and Chris obliged by running his tongue along his teeth, then explored the rest of his mouth. Chris ran his hands down along his spine, and Vin arched into him when he hit the sensitive area of his lower back. Chris laughed and ended the kiss.
"Don't think I'm done," Chris commented. "I plan on finishing this later."
Vin sighed as he watched Chris walk down the hall in his briefs. Vin admired the play of the muscles along Chris's shoulders when he walked. What the hell am I thinking? I'm out of my league here, he thought. If he were a woman, I'd know what to do. Aw, hell, if Chris were a woman, I probably wouldn't be interested. I don't know if I can go further. I don't want to be a disappointment. All these thoughts were still running through his mind when Chris came back into the hall wearing sweats.
"Why don't you start on that end of the hall and we'll meet in the middle?" Vin suggested.
"Sounds like a plan," Chris smiled as he grabbed a roller and pan.
While they were painting, Chris noticed Vin rubbing the wound on his left leg. Going to have to do something about that, Chris thought. They continued painting, and, when evening rolled around, they had finished the hallway and most of the living room.
"So what's for dinner?" Chris asked as he cleaned the brushes in the kitchen sink.
"I marinated two steaks earlier," Vin answered as he pushed the hair out of his eyes, leaving a streak of paint.
"Why don't you go take a shower?" Chris suggested. "I'll start the steaks out on the grill."
"I'll go down and feed the horses first," Vin said.
"Put a jacket on," Chris suggested since it was still raining.
Vin pulled on his sneakers, grabbed a raincoat, and headed for the barn. Chris finished rinsing the brushes and put them in the garage to dry. He opened the fridge and saw that Vin had stocked it pretty good. He saw all the fixings for a salad and pulled everything out. He was cutting the tomatoes when Vin came back from the barn and headed for his room. A few minutes later, Chris heard the shower running. He grabbed the steaks out of the fridge. He put on the raincoat that Vin used and went out to light the grill. He put Vin's on first since he liked his well-done. He was just finishing the salad when Vin came into the kitchen and took the other steak and put it out on the grill. When he came back in, he started to clean the dishes from breakfast.
"You know, I do have a dish washer," Chris commented.
"I know. I'm just used to doing it this way."
Chris just shook his head and went to turn the steaks. When he came back in, Vin was setting the table.
"I never realized you were so domestic," Chris laughed.
"That's what I get for being raised in Christian foster homes," Vin smiled. "You had certain chores to do, and they had better be done right, or you were preached at for being a slacker. I learned to set the table real good."
After a few more minutes, Chris went out to get the steaks. He came in and placed them on the table. Vin brought over the salad and went back to get the dressings and two beers. They ate dinner and discussed how long it would take for Josiah to get frustrated at being left in charge. Chris didn't think he would last long, while Vin said Josiah had the patience of a saint. When they were done, Vin washed the dishes and straightened up the kitchen. When he was finished with the dishes, Chris went in and took a shower. When he came out, he found Vin on the bed watching TV and eating Mallomars. Chris didn't know how he could eat those things, they were so sweet. Chris saw a bowl of popcorn and a beer on his side of the bed.
"So, who's playing tonight?" Chris asked as he put some pillows along the headboard and got comfortable.
"Giants and Falcons," Vin answered.
The game ended up being fairly boring with the Falcons winning 14-3 by the half. Vin got up and headed for the kitchen to return the bowl and the Mallomars. He came back in carrying two beers and handed one to Chris. As he flopped back onto the bed, Chris noticed him scratching the healing wounds on his back.
"That's it," said Chris. "Where's the cocoa butter the doctor sent you home with?"
"What for?" Vin asked.
"So I came rub it into those wounds before you pull off the scabs and make them bleed," Chris answered.
"I'm fine."
Chris just gave him a look, and he shut up. He saw the bag he was looking for over by the bathroom door,went over to get it, and then came back to the bed. Vin was sitting on the edge of the bed.
"Lay down on your stomach. I'll start with your back."
Vin was going to protest but thought better of it. He was going to tell Chris that he should worry about his own wound, when he remembered Chris would have had to have changed the dressing to take a shower. Chris squeezed some of the lotion into his palm and rubbed some into each of the wounds on Vin's back with his fingers. The smaller ones were completely healed, but the larger ones weren't. Vin grunted when Chris rubbed the largest one. It was still a little tender. Chris liked the feel of Vin's muscled back, and when he was finished with the wounds, he decided to give Vin a massage. He kneaded Vin's shoulders, then ran his hands down along his ribs. Vin was skinny enough that Chris could feel each one individually as he ran his hands down. He could have done this all night, but he had to take care of Vin's leg first.
"Alright, now take off your pants," Chris said.
"What?" Vin squeaked taken by surprise.
"So I can do your leg," Chris laughed.
"It's fine," Vin argued.
"Look." Chris said with a scowl. "I saw you rubbing it all day. Now, off with those pants."
"I can do it myself," Vin said blushing.
Chris shook his head when he realized Vin's dilemma. He was still shy about being naked with him. He smiled and turned his back on Vin. Oh, God, he must think I'm some damned virgin the way he makes me blush, Vin thought. He knew Chris wouldn't wait forever, so he stripped off the pants and wrapped the sheets around him so that only his leg was out. When Chris felt him settle, he turned around and smiled. Vin had effectively covered himself from view. Chris saw that the leg was red where he had been rubbing it. He gently rubbed the lotion along his leg. Vin winced a few times but remained still. By the time Chris was finished, he noticed the younger man hadn't moved. He looked at Vin and saw that he was asleep. He sighed and put the lotion on the nightstand. He pulled off his jeans and climbed into bed. He spooned in behind Vin, got comfortable, and drifted off to sleep.
Chris was jarred awake when Vin jerked violently in his sleep. He raised up on his elbow and looked down at Vin. He could see a fine sheen of sweat covering Vin's chest and face. He could tell that Vin was dreaming by the rapid eye movements behind his closed eyelids. Chris reached out to wake him when Vin cried out and sat up looking around. Chris watched him gulp in air and lower his head to his raised knees. He sat up and moved next to him. He reached out and touched Vin's back and he jumped.
"Bad one?" Chris asked in concern.
"Same one as always," Vin answered running his fingers through his hair.
"The one where I get shot?"
"Yup."
"Well you don't have to worry. I keep my promises."
"I know, but I want... Aw, hell, I don't know what I want!" Vin said in frustration and looked at Chris.
Chris looked into Vin's blue eyes and knew what he wanted. Vin just didn't have the words to say it.
"Why don't you go throw some water on your face and get cleaned up?"
Vin did as Chris said. He pulled off one of the blankets, wrapped it around his waist, and headed for the bathroom. After he closed the door, Chris went to use the bathroom in the guest room. Vin splashed cold water on his faced and looked in the mirror. Damn, he thought, he knows more than I do about this and I don't want to disappoint him. I never felt this way when I was with a woman. God, when he touches me, Vin sighed and closed his eyes. He decided he was going to go for it. He brushed his teeth and tried to calm his runaway heartbeat. He left the bathroom to find Chris waiting for him in bed. He climbed back under the covers and moved closer to Chris.
"Better?" Chris asked as he brushed the hair out of Vin's eyes.
"Yeah, Chris. I want, I mean, I, well," Vin stammered and blushed.
"You know something, cowboy? You talk too much."
Chris laughed at Vin's look and kissed him, not the gentle kissing from earlier, but a more passionate one that made Vin tingle from his head to his toes. He returned the kiss, hesitantly at first, but with more vigor when he realized Chris liked it. When Chris felt that first real kiss from Vin, he knew there was no going back. He broke off from the minty taste of Vin's mouth and started trailing his tongue along Vin's neck, down his sternum to his navel. He heard Vin gasp when he flicked his tongue around his navel. He then moved up to his right nipple and began to suck on it gently. Vin's hands roamed and kneaded Chris's shoulders. When Chris playfully bit his nipple, Vin dug his fingers into his shoulders and moaned. Chris continued to caress Vin along his left side while he fondled the hardened nipples of his chest. He trailed his hand down only to meet the blanket Vin had wrapped around himself to walk to the bathroom. Chris growled and unwrapped the younger man. Chris looked up into Vin's face in triumph and he blushed. He smiled and claimed Vin's mouth, plunging his tongue deep inside. Vin responded in the same fashion almost desperately. Vin explored with his hands, running them down Chris's chest and caressing his nipples. He pinched the left one and felt Chris moan while they were still kissing. Vin got a little anxious and hit the wound on Chris's chest making him cry out. Vin pulled away.
"I'm sorry, Chris," he said with anguished eyes.
"I'm not," Chris smiled and pulled Vin back.
Chris let Vin explore with his tongue while he reached over to the nightstand and grabbed the oil. He gasped when Vin sucked on his nipple then pulled away and blew on it. Chris could feel his cock getting hard and tried to control the urge to take Vin. He knew Vin had never done anything like this before, and he didn't want to hurt him. Chris began to run his fingers slowly up and down Vin's back. He could feel Vin shudder when he hit the sensitive area of his lower back. Vin continued to suck and fondle Chris's nipples, but was careful of his right side. Chris could feel Vin's cock taking on a life of its own, pulsing against his thighs. He scrunched down a little further on the bed so Vin wouldn't become alarmed from his pulsing shaft. Chris started to suck along Vin's shoulders to distract him as he put some oil on his fingers and slowly trailed them down his back. When his fingers trailed to Vin's opening, he gently inserted two of them. Chris saw the look of total surprise in Vin's eyes.
"Shhhhh, easy," he said as he caressed Vin's face with his left hand.
Chris could see Vin didn't know what to do, and he started to kiss the younger man. That broke Vin's paralysis, and he returned the kiss and moved his hands along Chris's back. Once Chris felt Vin was ready, he slowly pulled his fingers out then pushed them back in, starting a slow but steady rhythm. Chris could feel his cock getting harder and harder and didn't know how much longer he could wait. He also felt Vin's pulsing on his stomach. Chris spread his fingers apart with each thrust, and then inserted a third. Vin arched his back and moaned as Chris found the spot he had been looking for inside him. He pulled his fingers out and plunged them in again. Vin cried out in pleasure. He pulled his fingers out and wiped them on the towel he'd brought. Chris could feel Vin's heart racing as he pulled him back to him.
"Oh God, Chris!!!" Vin cried. "I..."
"I know," Chris gave him a languid smile.
He rolled Vin on his back and placed a pillow under him to raise him up. He rubbed oil on to his rigid cock and on his hands. He leaned over Vin and started kissing his abdomen down along his side then back up. Vin moaned and thrust up towards him. This was just a distraction as Chris guided his pulsing member to the opening it desired. He put the tip to the opening and slowly pushed inside. Chris grabbed Vin's legs and pulled him towards him. At the same time Chris pushed his cock until it was completely embedded in the younger man. Vin cried out in pain.
"It's alright, Vin. It will only hurt for a minute. I promise," Chris assured him.
"Oh, shit, Chris. My leg!" Vin cried.
Chris realized he had a tight grip on his injured leg and let go. He bent towards Vin and claimed his mouth and started kissing him in apology. Vin responded with total abandon. Chris released his mouth and kissed his neck and at the same time slowly pulled his cock out of Vin. He pulled it out only so far, then slowly pushed it back. Vin gasped and grabbed onto his arms. Chris looked down at Vin's pulsing shaft and smiled. He took Vin's cock in his hands and began to stroke it. He went at the same pace he was using to pull his in and out of Vin.
"Please, Chris!!!!" Vin cried.
Chris looked down into the younger man's blue eyes and saw only desire. Chris laughed and started to move faster. He pulled his cock out of the luscious softness and plunged it back in. He was also rubbing hard on Vin's rigid shaft. Chris was suddenly surprised when he felt Vin push back against him. He looked up. Vin had braced his hands against the headboard. Chris renewed his thrusting harder and with more power when he finally felt his seed burst inside Vin. Shortly following his climax, he could feel Vin's juices spread on his chest and abdomen. Chris slowly pulled out of the smaller man, spent. Vin lay panting with his eyes closed. Chris grabbed the towel and wiped himself down. He then wiped Vin's stomach and shaft. When he was done, he lay back down next to Vin. He could see Vin was still trying to catch his breath and smiled. He kissed him and Vin opened his eyes.
"I'm sure glad you can read me like a book," smiled Vin.
"So am I, cowboy, so am I," he laughed.
"Chris?"
"MMHH"
"Was I? Did I?" asked Vin blushing and lowering his eyes. "Aw, hell!"
"Look at me," Chris said as he lifted Vin's chin and kissed him. "You did fine."
"I ain't never been with a man before. I just wasn't sure if I was, well, you know. Oh shit!" Vin could feel himself blush and rolled on his back away from Chris.
Chris just smiled. God, if he only knew what those blushes were doing to me, he thought. Chris grabbed his left arm and pulled him over him. Vin resisted at first, then gave in, throwing his left leg over Chris.
"I know this is new for you," Chris said. "You don't have to worry if you're any good. I liked it just fine."
"You just seemed to know what you were doing is all," Vin sighed. "I didn't want to be a disappointment."
"Hardly disappointing," Chris smiled. He kissed Vin, plunging his tongue in his mouth and raking it along the roof of his mouth. He ran his hand along Vin's chest and over his abdomen. Chris felt it flutter at his touch and laughed, pulling away from him.
"Shit, Chris. Where the hell did you pick this up?" asked Vin as he lay his head on his chest and drew lazy circles with his finger.
"Experimented a little in college," Chris sighed in pleasure as Vin's fingers moved over him. "Then, when I got in the Navy, it wasn't uncommon when we pulled into some foreign port to have a good time. I'm sure you must have seen it in the Army."
"I was a sniper. I worked alone," replied Vin. He shivered when Chris ran his fingers down his back. "Damn!!! I wish you had never found that spot!"
"I'm glad I did," he smiled.
Vin snuggled up under Chris's chin and got comfortable. Chris brushed his long hair with his fingers. Vin sighed and slowly drifted off to sleep. Chris hugged him closer and fell asleep also.