SEVEN
Chris was roused from his dream by the sound of someone coughing. He turned to look at Vin and found him curled on his right side. Vin coughed a few more times then quieted. Chris eased his right arm under Vin's neck and spooned in behind him. He threw his left leg over him and pulled him close. Vin snuggled next to him, and Chris soon fell back to sleep. Two more times during the night Chris was roused by Vin's coughing. The third time he couldn't get back to sleep and watched Vin. The morning sun landed on his hair and brought out pale highlights. Chris couldn't resist and ran his fingers through his hair. It always surprised Chris how soft it was. He continued to stroke his hair until he felt Vin stir."What are you doing up so early?" Vin asked sleepily.
"It's not that early, and besides, someone kept waking me up coughing."
"I did?" Vin asked confused. "Must be from all the painting. What time is it anyway?"
"It's seven."
"Rugs are coming at eight. I guess we'd better get up."
Vin put actions to his words and bounded out of bed. He grabbed a pair of boxers and pulled them on. He decided to do some Tai Chi to loosen up, but first he needed to stretch. He spread his legs slightly, then bent at the waist. He put his head between his knees and grabbed behind his legs. Chris watched in envy as Vin bent in half. He decided to get comfortable and watch the show. Vin did a few more stretching exercises, then moved on to the Tai Chi. Chris was impressed as he watched Vin move through the intricate patterns. He was also getting a hard on watching the muscles play along Vin's back, legs, and arms. Chris could watch him all day, but he noticed Vin's left leg wasn't up to the strain. Vin was completely absorbed in the movements when Chris decided to put a stop to them. He got out of the bed and walked over to him. When Vin turned his back to him, Chris pulled him into a hug. Vin squeaked in surprise and Chris laughed.
"Jeez, Chris, warn a guy next time," Vin said. "Why'd you stop me?"
"I noticed your left leg wasn't up to the strain. I didn't want you falling on your face."
"Gee, thanks," Vin smirked. "I'm going to go take a shower."
"Want some company?" Chris asked with a mischievous grin.
"I reckon," Vin said blushing.
Chris laughed and pulled him into a kiss. He claimed Vin's mouth and gently pushed his tongue between his lips. Vin returned the kiss, then pulled away and walked towards the bathroom. Chris followed him. He turned on the hot water and adjusted the temperature. When Vin got it to the temperature he wanted, he dropped his boxers and stepped in. Chris pulled the bandage from his healing wound and moved towards the shower. He knew the water would be hot and steeled himself.
"God, Vin, how can you stand it that hot?" Chris asked as he got in behind him.
"Sorry, I like it," Vin leaned over and adjusted it a little cooler.
Vin turned so the water was beating on his shoulders, and Chris watched as he closed his eyes in contentment. Chris grabbed a washcloth and the soap. He lathered up the cloth, then started to wash Vin. He ran it over Vin's chest and arms, then down along his abdomen to his legs. Chris heard him sigh, and he smiled. He was careful with his left leg. When he was done, he turned Vin around and did his back. The wounds there were pretty much healed. They were that pink color of new skin, and Vin leaned into his hand as Chris scrubbed them. He moved the cloth down to Vin's butt and squeezed his cheeks. Vin swatted him, and Chris moved down along his legs. After he was finished, he hung the cloth up and grabbed the shampoo. He poured some in his hands and began to wash his hair. He was massaging his scalp with his fingers when Vin pulled away.
"OW!" he complained.
"Sorry, Vin. I forgot."
He had hit his head on the faucet the night before when they were in the Jacuzzi. Chris lightly touched the spot to find a golf ball-sized lump. They'd have to be more careful, or Vin was going to get hurt. He smiled and finished with Vin's hair. Vin stuck his head under the stream of water and rinsed out the soap. He stepped out from under the water, and Chris laughed when he shook his hair like a dog. Vin smiled and traded places with Chris. He pushed Chris under the water and grabbed the cloth. He soaped it up, then began to wash Chris's chest. He avoided the stitches and continued along his abdomen and down his legs. He turned Chris so he could get at his back. When he was finished, he grabbed the shampoo and washed Chris's hair. It didn't take that long since his was so short. When he was done, Chris opened his eyes and pulled Vin into a hug. Chris liked the feel of a wet, slick Vin and began to nibble on his neck. Vin put his head back to reveal more of his neck to Chris's exploring tongue. Suddenly he remembered the time.
"Chris," he called. "Chris, stop. The rugs will be here soon."
"Alright," Chris growled and released him.
Vin turned off the shower and squeezed the water from his hair. Chris opened the glass door and grabbed a towel. Vin went to take the other, but Chris stopped him. He turned Vin around so that his back was to him and began to dry him off. He started with his hair and worked his way down. When he was done, he wrapped the towel around Vin's waist. Vin smiled and reached for the second towel and dried off Chris. When he was done, they both stepped out. The hot water had completely fogged up the mirrors. He opened the door, and a cold breeze greeted them.
"Cool out today," Vin said with a shiver.
"I can think of a way to warm up," said Chris grabbing him.
"Chris!" Vin scolded pulling out of his grasp.
Chris grumbled about ungrateful younger men and Vin smiled. He went to his room and got a pair of loose fitting jeans and a denim shirt. He pulled out a pair of boxers and pulled them on. He pulled on the jeans and realized he was going to need a belt. He still hadn't regained the weight he'd lost while in the hospital. He put on the shirt and tucked it in the jeans. He grabbed a belt, put it on, and buckled it. He only made it tight enough to keep the jeans from sliding off his slender hips. Needless to say, they hung a little low. He grabbed some socks and his cowboy boots and walked out to the kitchen. He sat at the table and put on his socks and boots. A few minutes later, Chris came out to find him leaning in the fridge, searching for something. Chris noticed he was in jeans, and he smiled, thinking, Damn, he looks hot.
"Can I help you cowboy?" Chris asked.
"Nope," Vin replied as he pulled the orange juice out and placed it on the counter.
Chris noticed his wet hair had dripped on his collar turning it a darker blue. Vin grabbed two glasses out of the cabinet and poured juice for both of them.
"You sure that wound's up to jeans?" Chris asked.
"Yeah, they're loose enough," Vin said. "Besides, I was getting tired of those damned sweat pants. So, what are we going to do for the next few hours while they put in the rugs?"
"Figure we could go for a ride," Chris suggested. Vin's grin practically split his face in two.
"Nathan'll kill us if he finds out," Vin said solemnly.
"I won't tell him if you won't," Chris winked.
"Deal!"
They sat down to breakfast of English muffins and juice. They were just finishing up when the bell rang. Chris answered the door and let the installers in. He told them they would get out of their hair in a minute. They told Chris to take his time. He asked how long they would be, and they said about three hours. Vin cleaned up the kitchen while Chris went to get his boots. When he came back, they both headed for the barn. They decided to take two of Chris's older horses. Neither one of them were up to the feistier young ones. Vin didn't mind; he liked riding the blue roan gelding Rocky. Chris decided to take one of the mares. He chose Socks. She was an even-tempered dark bay with two white socks. Vin saddled both horses because he didn't want Chris pulling his stitches. Chris complained that he could do it, and Vin argued that is was bad enough they were going riding. If he pulled those stitches, what the hell were they going to tell Nathan? It didn't take Vin long to finish, and they walked the horses out. Chris mounted and waited for Vin. Once he was up, Chris headed for the gate. The morning air was chilly and Vin shivered, running his fingers through his damp hair.
Three hours later, they returned to the barn. Vin was a little disappointed, but his leg was hurting just a bit. He was also feeling a little tired. He smiled thinking why he was tired. Chris liked to stay up late playing. Chris noticed Vin was blushing but couldn't figure out why. When Vin saw him looking at him, his face got even redder, and he turned away. Chris just laughed. They finished untacking the horses, then headed for the house. When they walked in the back door, they could see that the installers were gone, and the rugs looked nice. Vin went over and sat on the couch as Chris went into the bedroom. A few minutes later, he came out holding a blanket, a towel, and the baby oil. He placed them in front of the fireplace, then started a fire.
"What are you doing?" Vin asked.
"I figured we'd christen the rugs," Chris answered with a grin.
He walked over to Vin and pulled him to his feet. He pulled the smaller man to him and captured his mouth. Chris pushed his tongue between his unresisting lips and let it explore. Vin's tongue eagerly entered Chris's mouth and twined around his tongue. Chris ran his hands up and down Vin's back, then over his shoulders to his chest. He slowly undid Vin's buttons while he continued to kiss him. When the buttons were done, Chris pushed the shirt off his shoulders and down his arms. The shirt fell forgotten to the floor. Vin pulled Chris's shirt out of his pants and ran his hands along his chest under it. Chris was wearing a pull on, but Vin was willing to give up kissing him to take it off. Finally, Chris pulled out of the kisses, took off his shirt, and threw it on the couch. He grabbed Vin's buckle and walked backward, pulling him towards the blanket. They both lowered themselves to the floor. Vin went to go on the bottom when Chris stopped him.
"My turn," Chris smiled and stretched out on his back.
"I don't know, Chris," Vin said quietly, and Chris could see worry in the blue eyes looking down at him.
"Vin, I want you inside me," he said and smiled as Vin blushed. "I want things equal."
"But, Chris, I," Vin fumbled to a stop.
"Don't worry. You know the basics. I'll help you along."
Chris sat up and kissed him. He pulled off his boots, then lay back down. Vin pulled off his own boots, then looked back at Chris. I can do this, he thought. He unzipped his jeans, pulled them off, and threw them to the side. He moved between Chris's legs and went to undo the button of his jeans. He was all thumbs and couldn't get it undone. Vin pulled his hands away and sat back.
"Relax, Vin," Chris instructed. "Take your time."
Vin took a deep breath and tried again. He got the button undone and pulled down the zipper. It was tough, because Chris's cock was straining against it. Vin blushed when he realized the problem. Chris smothered a laugh as Vin pulled off his jeans along with his boxers. Vin moved to his right side, lay down next to him, and began to nibble behind his ear. He ran his tongue along the outside, then flicked it into his ear. Chris shuddered when Vin blew on the area that he had licked. He then worked his way down along Chris's jaw and over to his mouth. Vin pushed his tongue inside and kissed him deeply. Chris returned the kiss and ran his hands along Vin's back and down to the waistband of his boxers. Vin ran his hands along Chris's chest and teased his nipples. Chris pushed the boxers down, and Vin wiggled out of them. Vin replaced his mouth and started to kiss his neck, nipping and sucking until he got to the nap. Vin ran his tongue lightly over the sensitive spot and laughed when Chris shuddered. Chris got his revenge by running his finger down along Vin's spine and was rewarded by an answering shiver. Vin moved his kisses to Chris's nipples and began to caress them with his tongue. He sucked on the right one while teasing the left with his hand.
"Oh. God. Vin," Chris moaned.
Chris ran his fingers through Vin's hair while he moved to the left nipple and began his assault on that one. Vin nipped it, and Chris groaned in pleasure. Vin trailed kisses along Chris's left side, then back up to the nipple. He teased it for a little while, then moved to the right, sucking and kissing it, then trailing kisses along his right side. Vin moved over to his navel and began flicking his tongue inside. He knelt between Chris's legs and leaned over to continue teasing his nipple and navel. While he was doing that, he grabbed the baby oil and poured some in his hands. He pulled away from Chris and spread some over his engorged cock. He could see Chris watching him, and he blushed. He ignored him before he lost his nerve. Chris could see Vin wasn't very comfortable with this and was only doing it because Chris wanted it. He was about to say something when he could feel Vin's cock against his opening. He controlled his urge to push against him. He wanted Vin inside him so badly. Chris looked at the younger man and could see he had his eyes closed. Chris felt him push his engorged cock a little further, and it took all of Chris's control to behave himself. Vin was holding onto his hips for dear life. Chris didn't want to touch him because he was afraid he would frighten him. Vin had stopped part way in, and Chris could tell he was going to lose his nerve if he didn't do something. He slowly pushed against Vin and heard him gasp as he cock slid further inside. Chris continued to push against Vin who couldn't believe the sensation. It was like nothing he had ever felt before, and when he was fully inside, he couldn't control the premature release of his seed. Chris realized what had happened and could feel Vin's cock go limp inside him.
"Aw, hell!!!!" Vin cursed and rolled away from him.
Chris also lost his hard on and sighed. He knew Vin was about to get up so he grabbed his arm to keep him there. Chris rolled over and captured Vin in a hug. Vin wouldn't look at him.
"Vin, it's alright," Chris said as he pushed the hair away from his face.
"God, I was like some damned kid who couldn't control himself."
"You were fine," Chris said turning his face towards him and kissing him. "Maybe I pushed you too hard?"
"No, Chris. I wanted you to feel the way you make me feel," Vin said blushing. "I just don't have the experience."
"And that's what I like about you," Chris said with a feral grin and kissed Vin hard.
Chris easily rolled Vin onto his back and trailed kisses down his neck and over to his nipples. Vin groaned as he felt his cock respond to Chris's experienced touch. He could feel it getting hard and gasped when Chris took it in his hand and began to stroke it. Chris smiled when he heard Vin moan deep in his throat. He could feel his own cock getting hard. He grabbed the baby oil, poured some on his stiff member, and guided it to Vin's opening. He slowly pushed inside and felt Vin push against him. When his cock was almost fully embedded in the younger man, he gave a hard thrust and Vin gasped as he hit the spot Chris had hoped for. He pulled out a little and thrust in hard. He could feel Vin shudder along his whole body and knew his orgasm was close. Chris grabbed the baby oil and poured some in his hands. He grabbed Vin's cock and began to stroke it.
"Oh, damn, Chris!" Vin cried as his hips bucked.
Chris laughed and began to thrust in and out of him. He leaned over and captured Vin's mouth in a kiss and continued his thrusting. His hands stroked Vin's cock until Chris could feel his whole body spasm and Vin release his seed. Chris gave a few hard thrusts and released his orgasm inside him. Chris rolled off Vin and pulled him into an embrace.
"I'm sorry, Chris."
"There's nothing to be sorry for. You just need a little more practice. I'm willing to let you try as much as you want."
Chris smiled as Vin blushed. He got up on his elbow and kissed him. When he was done, he pulled away and grabbed the towel to wipe them down. He lay back down and pulled Vin over him so he was lying on his chest. Vin lay listening to Chris's beating heart and drifted off to sleep. Chris stroked his hair and looked at his watch. It was 1:00 P.M. Chris threw the second blanket over them as best he could and got comfortable. In a few minutes, he was asleep also.
Chris rolled over and woke with a start. He looked around to see Vin in the kitchen making iced tea. Chris watched him and heard him cough. He got up, =wrapped the blanket around himself, and walked towards the kitchen.
"Howdy, cowboy."
"Howdy, yourself," Vin with a smile. "Want some iced tea?"
"Sure." Chris said. Vin grabbed one glass and poured the iced tea.
"I'm going down to feed the horses."
Chris watched as he headed for the door. He looked at his watch, and it said 4:00 P.M. He drank his iced tea, then picked up the baby oil, the blanket, and the towel. He went to the bedroom and took a shower and brushed his teeth. When he came out Vin, was in the kitchen getting dinner ready. Chris was starting to give him a hand when Buck burst through the front door.
"Howdy, Pards!"
"Jesus, Buck, don't you ever knock?" Chris demanded.
"Nope," he said with a smile.
The others followed him in. They all greeted each other. Josiah had a couple of pizzas in his hands, while Ezra carried take-out from a fancy restaurant. Nathan helped Vin grab some plates, and they all had a seat at the dinning room table. They each grabbed some pizza and pasta and dug in. Josiah handed out the beer. Chris took a swig, then looked at his team.
"So, what brings y'all out to the house?"
"Well," Buck began. "We knew the rugs were being put in, so we came to help you move the furniture back. Nathan didn't want the two of you getting any ideas. And we also came to christen the rugs."
Vin had been in the middle of taking a swig of beer when Buck made that comment. He sprayed it across the table and began coughing. Buck started pounding him on the back as Vin tried to catch his breath. Ezra noticed a smile come over Chris's face that he didn't even try to hide. When Vin finally got his breath, Nathan asked if he was OK.
"Fine," he croaked. "Went down the wrong way."
Buck began to tell them a story about what was going on at work, and Vin looked up at Chris and saw him smiling. Ezra watched as Vin blushed and looked away. They finished dinner and cleaned up the dishes. When they were done, they began moving the furniture. Since Vin and Chris were recovering, Nathan refused to let them help. Ezra would only move small pieces, but had a better time watching Vin and Chris. He knew the two of them shared some sort of silent communication, but something else had happened during the past couple of days. No one else seemed to notice, but Ezra made it his business to notice small details. He never remembered Chris putting his hand at the small of Vin's back when they talked, or the way Vin kept looking at Chris like a new lover. As soon as he thought it, he knew. Ezra looked over at them and smiled.
"Hey, Ezra, ya think you can give us a hand here?" Buck asked as they tried to move the dinning table back in place.
"You know I abhor manual labor," Ezra said in his southern drawl.
"Get your butt over here, fancy pants, or we're going to tangle," Buck snarled.
"With an invitation like that, how can I refuse?" Ezra smiled and walked over.
Once the furniture was all back in place, they sat on the floor in the living room and drank beer. The new couch was coming at the end of the week. Vin sat between Buck and Ezra, away from Chris. Chris asked Josiah if they were giving him a hard time. He said everything was fine. JD pointed out that everything wasn't fine, and began to explain about the computers in the building going on the fritz. Josiah noticed Vin was acting shier then usual, and that he hadn't said much all evening. He did notice that he kept looking at Chris a lot. Ezra caught Josiah watching Vin. Josiah sensed Ezra was watching him and looked at the undercover agent, who just raised an elegant eyebrow. Vin started coughing and immediately Nathan was on the younger man.
"I'm fine, Nathan!" Vin protested. "The paint fumes got to me, and sucking that beer down the wrong way didn't help."
"You don't look so good," Nathan observed.
"I'm just a little tired is all," he said.
"May I suggest we retire and leave these men to sleep?" suggested Ezra. "It will speed their recovery."
"Ezra's right. We should go," Josiah agreed.
"But it's only ten o'clock!" JD said.
"Let's go, kid," Buck said, pulling JD to his feet.
Chris and Vin walked them to the door. Once outside and headed for their truck, Ezra turned to the others.
"Was it only my observation or has something happened between our fearless leader and the sharpshooter?" Ezra asked.
"You noticed it too, huh?" Buck asked.
"Well it's about time," Josiah said.
"I couldn't agree more," Ezra said. "They have always seemed to have a connection."
"I'm glad," Nathan said. "They'll be good for each other."
"What are two all talking about?" JD asked confused.
"Come on, kid. I'll explain about the birds and the bees on the way home," Buck said.
'You mean Chris and Vin? Really?" JD stammered and blushed.
"Yeah, kid. Now let's go," Buck said, grabbing his collar and pulling him to the truck.
"Nathan's right. You don't look so good," Chris said after the others had left.
"Not you, too?" Vin sighed. "I'm fine."
"Why don't you turn in? I'm going to get some work done on the computer."
"Alright."
Chris watched as he headed for the bedroom. He logged onto the computer and did work until midnight. He turned off the computer and walked into the bedroom. Vin had left the light on for him and had curled up on the right side of the bed. Chris went in the bathroom and washed up. He stripped out of his clothes and climbed into bed. He noticed that Vin had on a T-shirt and boxers and had the blankets tucked up under his chin. When Chris lay down next to him, he could feel that Vin was warm. He just figured it was because he had been in the bed awhile, and Chris fell asleep next to him. He didn't know how long he'd been asleep when he woke up to an odd sound. He rolled over and saw light come from the space under the bathroom door. He got up and walked over to hear Vin coughing. When he opened the door, Vin looked up at him and Chris could tell he had a fever. His eyes were sunken, and his cheeks were flushed. Chris grabbed him and could feel the heat coming from him.
"I don't feel so good," Vin said and began to cough.