Sequel to Gone Fishing
Hell, he didn't really want to be here, leaning against the wall watching everyone else dance. If the judge hadn't asked him to show up for a time and keep an eye on some of the rowdier elements, he'd be out under the stars somewhere, soaking up blessed peace and whiskey in about equal measures.He'd had a few of the bolder working gals approach him, but he'd fended them off as graceful as he could. They'd shrugged and smiled and found someone else easy enough. He wished he could do the same.
Vin sighed and pushed himself away from the wall. Everything seemed to be under control for the moment. Maybe he could go get himself a breath of fresh air. The mingled odors of sweat, fancy perfume and the food laid out on a nearby table were makin' him feel a mite queasy.
If he were being honest with himself, he'd have to admit that he was still a bit unsettled from yesterday's fishing trip with Chris, too. He'd turned it over and over in his mind, tryin' to make it out. He felt like a damn fool for making such a mountain out of a molehill, but he couldn't seem to stop himself.
Chris had been checking his back for injuries, that was all. The fact that his touch had been like a whisper of satin over Vin's skin didn't mean nothin'. People touched each other all the time. It didn't mean they wanted to... wanted to...
Vin snorted in disgust as he began walking towards the door. It wasn't really the fact that he wanted to be with another man in that way that disturbed him - he'd lived with the Indians long enough for their attitude to have rubbed off some. They didn't always see being with another man as something shameful. But the feeling was enough to make Vin nervous because he could see nothin' good ever coming of it. White folk just didn't have the same attitude. So he'd best just put the whole thing with Chris out of his mind.
The cool air outside felt good. It had been unseasonably warm this winter and with everyone packed into one room, dancing, it had quickly become like an oven in there. Not that most of the people seemed to mind. The few others that he could see outside seemed more intent on finding some privacy rather than some relief from the heat.
Vin began walking idly in the direction of the livery. He'd make sure things were alright there before heading back to the dance. Switching teams and rigs and the like was a common practice for folks inclined towards that kind of humor.
But as he walked, his thoughts turned to the gunslinger once more. If only Chris hadn't acted like a spooked horse yesterday, Vin might have been able to put the incident out of his mind. Might have convinced himself that Chris hadn't felt something, too. But he couldn't shake the conviction that he wasn't the only one wanting something - someone - he shouldn't.
Entering the livery, he crossed over to his horse and began rubbing the velvety nose.
"Happy Valentine's Day. Although I reckon it don't much matter to you, does it? Just another day." Vin shook his head, feeling almost envious.
His horse whuffed lightly in response and Vin took that as his cue to continue.
"Yeah. It's simple for you, aint it? You just let the world know what you want and then defend to the death your right to have it." Vin gave the horse a final pat and turned away, only to find himself face to face with a pair of familiar green eyes.
"Chris." Vin squeaked, startled at the gunslinger's sudden appearance.
"Thought you'd be at the dance." Vin couldn't read anything from the gunslinger's stance.
"Wanted to get some air. Thought I'd check on things here while I was at it." Vin tilted his head back a bit, trying to read Chris's expression in the dim light.
"Probably a good idea." Chris still wasn't giving anything away.
"Yeah." Vin cleared his throat. "You change your mind and decide to go to the dance?"
Chris shook his head. "Came looking for you."
Vin's throat felt suddenly dryer than the desert sand. "Found me," he pointed out quietly.
"Yeah." For the first time, the gunslinger betrayed a hint of emotion.
"You ever have Nathan take a look at that scratch?" The abrupt question caused Vin to frown in confusion.
"It aint nothin', Chis. You know that." Vin shrugged, suddenly not sure where all this was leading.
"No. I don't know. That's the problem."
"Chris, I . . ." Vin fell silent. He didn't have any answers either.
"Problems only tend to get worse if they aint solved." Chris took a step closer, so that only bare inches seperated the two men.
"Chris . . ." Vin began again. He didn't want the gunslinger starting something he'd regret. Something they both might regret. No matter what his body was telling him.
Chris reached out and brushed a piece of hair off Vin's neck. The touch of his fingers made Vin's stomach tighten in a mix of apprehension and desire.
Shit. Vin didn't have the least notion of how to go about something like this. And he'd bet money Chris didn't neither. He wasn't talking about the physical part. That was pretty obvious. But the rest? He wasn't too sure he could lead that sort of life. Hiding and sneaking around, always fearing to get caught by the others. Bad enough he was always looking over his shoulder for strangers out to get him. He didn't think he could stand doing the same thing with his friends.
"Can't promise anything, Vin. Might be the worst mistake we ever make. But we won't know unless we give it a shot." Chris brushed his knuckles against Vin's cheek. He'd said much the same thing to Sarah when he'd proposed. The thought caused him to smile slightly.
Vin stared, mesmerized, at Chris's lips as they quirked upwards in a smile. He knew no good was going to come of this, but he reached out anyway and rested his hand against Chris's chest. He could feel the rapid heartbeat against his palm. It made him feel better knowing Chris was as nervous as he was. And as goddamned horny too, he hoped.
"You know what you're doing?" Vin asked.
"No. Do you?"
"No."
"Well, maybe we can go fishing again tomorrow and start figuring it out." Chris covered Vin's hand that still rested on his chest with his own warm one.
"We can do that." Vin agreed, stepping back as he heard voices outside the door.
"Happy Valentine's Day, cowboy." He whispered the words just as a trio of laughing, slightly drunk ranch hands entered the building. It was time to go back to work. Shoulder to shoulder, the two men made their way back to the dance, together for now. Tomorrow would take care of itself.
THE END