There was no arguing with fate on Valentine's Day, Chris Larabee decided. He was disappointed after his conversation with Buck Wilmington, and the telephone receiver got the brunt of it as he slammed it back into place.
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A few days ago he and Vin Tanner had decided not to make a big deal out of Valentine's Day. They were happy together, that was enough. Since that conversation with Vin, Chris was feeling a bit guilty. He knew that Vin understood him, knew he cared and accepted that Chris wasn't one for talking about his emotions.
Over the course of their ten month relationship, the last six living together, Chris had never expressed his feelings with those three words. Chris was confident that Vin knew he cared, but he'd never come out and said it. Surprisingly, after the hard life Vin had led, he was able to utter them. And he did. Not often, but during special moments.
Truth be told, Chris thought, he enjoyed hearing it. But it just wasn't his way to say it.
After they decided to spend a quiet Valentine's Day, Chris starting thinking that maybe he should do something special for Vin. He got the idea to cook a really nice dinner, have some champagne, maybe even get a pair of red underwear, and some kind of fun sex aid.
The problem was, pulling it off. Since they lived together, Vin would know if Chris was planning something. Not only would that spoil the surprise, but then Vin would feel like he had to do something, and that's not why Chris wanted to do this. This was all for Vin -- and the sharpshooter would just have to accept that being on the receiving end ,would be his gift back to Chris.
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It was the Friday before Valentine's Day, that fate had first intervened in their favor. The Director's office called requesting Vin Tanner's participation in a weapons demo, on February 14. This gave Chris the diversion he needed and freed up Chris's day to lay his groundwork. They would drive to work separately, Vin would go to the weapons demo and Chris would leave work early to get everything together and make dinner. It was perfect. Chris was excited, he was really looking forward to Valentine's Day. And showing Vin how he felt.
Needing to line up an in-house accomplice, Chris called Buck into his office. Buck covered the distance from his desk to Chris's office in record time.
"What's up, Chris? Everything ok?" Buck asked, eyes glued to Chris, as he lowered his large frame into the chair. "You sounded funny on the phone -- what's happened?"
"Everything's fine Buck." Chris smiled slightly at Buck's immediate worry -- he had turned into such a mother hen over everyone on their team, though sometimes it seemed he was worse about Vin and him now that they were together. Chris got up and moved around to sit on the corner of his desk closer to Buck. "First, no joking. Second, I need your help. I'm gonna make a nice dinner Monday for me and Vin. I need you to cover for me when I cut out."
Buck let out the breath he was holding. "Sure, Chris. No problem. You had me worried." His mustache twitched slightly as he tried to hold back a grin, which made this next part even harder for Chris.
"One more thing, Buck." Chris looked down at the floor, then back up to his oldest friend. "I'm planning on going to the Pink Pussycat to buy something. That's the nicest adult store in Denver. Can you come with me?"
Buck burst out laughing. "Why, Chris? Afraid to go alone?"
Chris's eyes flash at Buck, "Not funny. Forget I asked." With that he moved back to his chair.
"I'm sorry, Chris. Of course I'll go with you. When? Today, Monday?" Buck stood and leaned forward on Chris's desk. "Chris, I was just teasing. I know you've never been in there. Hell, I'm a regular. I'll be happy to go with you."
Glancing up, measuring the sincerity of his old friend, "Monday. Now get out. And keep your damn mouth shut."
Chris's serious tone did nothing to wipe the gleeful grin off Buck's face as he ambled out and closed the door behind him, chuckling all the way.
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Chris woke to warm breath on his neck. As the warm breath turned to moist kisses, he knew he was doing the right thing.
Vin kissed Chris's neck, his hands encircling his lover. "Morning, pard. Happy Valentine's Day." As soon as he got the words out, Vin traced Chris's ear with his tongue.
Chris rolled over to face Vin. "Happy Valentine's Day, Vin." With that he claimed Vin's mouth in a deep and passionate kiss.
Vin pulled back so they could talk. "Sorry, Cowboy. Gotta get moving. We've got a team meeting at nine, remember. And I have that damn gun demo this afternoon."
"Shit. No shower together, right?"
"Sorry. If we get moving we could stop for a Valentine's Day breakfast. I'm starving. How about you?" Vin playfully slapped Chris's flat belly and rolled off the bed.
"No. I'd rather have you for breakfast and celebrate all day right here!" Climbing reluctantly out of bed, Chris said with deliberate innocence, "But as long as we can't go out tonight, guess we need to feed you." Then he added with a wicked grin, "Some food."
Vin laughed over his shoulder as he headed for the shower, while Chris went to put on coffee.
Less than half an hour later, they were both ready and heading out the door.
"Damn it. We should both drive, shouldn't we?" Vin asked Chris as they left the house. As they opened the garage door where Chris's black Ram sat beside Vin's battered old Jeep.
"You're right, pard. Keep forgetting about that gun demo. Meet ya at The Stage Stop. I‘m starving now too."
However, as Vin reached to grab his nylon gym bag from the seat, Chris stepped up behind him, turned him around, and kissed him. Surprised, Vin responded, and for a moment they stood there enjoying the coffee-and-toothpaste, early morning taste of each other.
When they parted, Vin murmured, his blue eyes warm with affection, "What was that for?"
Chris shrugged, "Just because." Then he slid behind the wheel of the Ram and with a wave, left Vin staring after him with a happy grin on his face.
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Chris was a bundle of nervous energy and the day just dragged by. Even lunch with the team seemed slow and dull despite JD and Josiah getting into an argument about the efficiency of the new semi-autos versus the old Walther P-38. All Chris wanted, was for Vin to leave so that he could run out, do his errands, and head home. For all Chris cared today, the entire Columbian Drug Cartel could open a concession stand at Disney World -- he was more concerned about what the Pink Pussycat had in stock.
Later, he was thinking about what kind of pastries to get when Vin poked his head into Chris's office. Chris casually slipped the grocery list under the edge of a file folder and looked up, hoping he looked like he was distracted from some important case.
"I'm out of here, pard. See ya at home tonight. Demo should start at two, so figure I'll be home by six." He moved closer to the desk and lowered his voice to a husky whisper, "And I hope we can celebrate Valentine's Day when I get there."
Chris looked up from the papers he was pretending to examine. "Okay, Vin. I'll be home." He smiled, "Maybe we'll get a pizza. Then we can celebrate. I'll see ya later."
He managed to wait until he saw the elevator doors close. As soon as Chris was sure Vin was gone he grabbed his jacket and shopping list, and he and Buck were off on their mission.
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They parked two stores up from their destination. The Pink Pussycat was Denver's classy adult store. The hot pink neon sign, that stated the name of the establishment and had several stuffed Pink Panther dolls wearing sexy lingerie, was as offensive as the building got.
Chris eyed Buck nervously as they walked to the entrance of the Pink Pussycat. "Buck, I'm warning you. No funny stuff. I know what I want. Behave."
Chuckling at his friend's discomfort, with utmost sincerity radiating from him, Buck placed his hand over his heart. "I'll behave Chris." It lasted no more than fifteen seconds before he chuckled, "So what are you getting Junior? Anal love beads?"
Chris just glared at Buck as they walked in.
The tall redhead wearing the black spandex that barely covered her ample breasts greeted Buck as he walked in the door. "Buck, honey! How are you? Did you come to see me on Valentine's Day?" She walked over to the them, and though her hands were on Buck, her eyes ran up and down Chris's body appraisingly. "Who's your friend, my present?"
Chris stalked away to find what he wanted while Buck hugged the woman.
Buck squeezed her tightly, "Bambi! Good to see you, darling! So tell old Buck, how have you been?"
Trying to ignore the other patrons, Chris quickly found the aisle he needed. He scanned the assorted bottles and tubes and selected two. He made his way back to Buck and Bambi.
"Done already, Sugar?" I'll ring you up." Bambi said as she walked behind the counter. "Sure I can't interest you in something else...something in...leather?" And she threw him a steamy look.
Chris placed the bottles on the counter and dug out his wallet. Trying not to think about Vin in leather. Tight black leather.
"Chocolate flavored lubrication and chocolate cherry motion lotion. Someone has a sweet tooth!" Bambi said as she rang up Chris's purchases.
"That's ol' Chris, he loves them young things, sweet and tasty!" Buck laughed.
The look Chris shot Buck was deadly. He handed the woman a twenty dollar bill and grunted out, "yeah."
After handing Chris his change, Bambi put the items in a red bag and smiled at Buck. "You come back and see me soon, Sugar. Without your grumpy friend."
Buck flashed a wide grin and headed to the door as fast as he could. Once outside, he burst into laughter. "Oh shit, Chris! If you could have seen your face!"
Chris glared at him and headed to the car. They drove back to the office in silence, only broken by an occasional laugh from Buck. Chris pulled up and Buck got out. "Never again," was all Chris said.
"Have fun, Chris." Buck said, this time sincerely. "If Junior calls, I'll tell him you're in a meeting. Oh, and Happy Valentine's Day."
Despite himself, Chris smiled. "Thanks, Buck. You too. See ya tomorrow."
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It was a little after three when Chris carried his last grocery bag into the house. He put the champagne in the refrigerator, the pastries on the counter, and opened one of the bottles of wine. Ezra had gotten him and Vin hooked on B & G Merlot. He poured himself a glass and went about his tasks confident that there was plenty of time before Vin arrived home. Once he squared away the kitchen and set up to cook dinner, he tidied up the bedroom, the bathroom, and changed the sheets.
It was a little after four when the phone rang. "Yeah--" He answered, with a cold feeling in his gut that Fate was about to spoil his plan. He knew he was right when he heard Buck on the other end.
"Junior called. Told him you were in a meeting." Buck sighed, "Sorry, but it seems the big wigs ran late. He has to stay and won't be home till much later. He said you should eat without him."
"Shit. Thanks for covering, Buck." Chris said dejectedly. "Now what do I do with the filet mignons, asparagus, and Portabella mushrooms?"
Buck sounded almost like some kind of counselor, the Team's very own Dear Abby, "Well, you leave them in the fridge, for tomorrow. Order a pizza and wait for Vin. He'll be home early enough for the rest of your plan. Hell, you got all night, partner -- you two can still have fun later."
Chris said goodbye to Buck and hung up. He poured another glass of wine and started putting food away. Buck was right. They could still have a nice evening. He decided to build a fire and dig out the ice bucket. After the third glass of wine, he picked up the card he bought and sat at the kitchen table.
He had gotten it the day after they decided to make it a low key celebration. The card was plain to look at, just a big red heart, but the words were special. The top of the card read To my love and the inside message was pretty damn sentimental. He bought it hoping the card would convey to Vin how much he meant. Maybe it was the wine, or the silly holiday, but he decided to add his own words. He picked up a pen and wrote Vin at the top of the right side. On the blank side he wrote, I don't say it, but that doesn't mean I don't feel it. I love you, Vin. Then he went back to the right side of the card and signed it, All my love, Chris.
He poured the last of the wine in his glass, drank some, opened the other bottle and went to take a hot shower and washed his hair with Vin's Juniper scented shampoo. Once he was done he wandered around wearing only the skimpy red underwear he had bought, he picked up the card, the bag from the Pink Pussycat, and his freshly filled wine glass. He sat in his favorite chair, placed the card and red bag on the table, and took a swallow from the glass. Sipping the wine again, he debated ordering a pizza. He meant to get up and get dressed, but he dozed off.
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Vin pulled up to a fairly surprisingly dark house. Opening the door, he could tell the lights were on in the kitchen. He walked in, but no one was in there. His instinct for trouble told him nothing; he had no reason to be concerned, but he continued into the house without yelling aloud for Chris. About the time the silence began to make him uneasy, he noticed the glow from the fireplace. It was only seven-thirty, but there was Chris sound asleep in his chair, wearing nothing but red skimpy underwear.
Vin couldn't resist just standing there for a moment watching Chris. He watched the rise and fall of his sculpted chest and resisted the desire to brush the shock of blond hair that fell onto his forehead. And red underwear? Shaking his head, Vin's eyes roved over the wisps of golden curly hair peaking over the band and the bulge that strained against the material. Chris never wore red underwear, let alone red bikini ones.
Smiling, Vin walked to the bedroom as quietly as he could. He stripped, showered, dried off and pulled on a pair of sweats. Padding to the kitchen on bare feet, he poured himself a glass of wine. Back in the den, he dropped to his knees by Chris. He couldn't believe Chris went to all this trouble. Vin never doubted Chris's feelings, but seeing Chris decked out as a Valentine's present, touched him someplace very deep. Softly he whispered, "Chris. Wake up Cowboy."
Chris woke, startled at the voice until, in a split-second he realized it was Vin. "You're home. What time is it?"
"It's almost eight. Sorry I ruined --" He nodded at Chris's attire, "your surprise."
Realizing he was wearing only the underwear, Chris smiled self-consciously "Wasn't supposed to happen this way."
"Looks pretty good to me, Cowboy." Vin smiled licking his lips in anticipation.
Chris relaxed a little and indicated the couch, "Let's move." He picked up the card and the bag and joined Vin on the couch. "Vin..." He looked up into those blue eyes he knew so well, "Here," he said holding out the card hesitantly.
"Wait, let me go get yours." Vin said as he jumped up and ran to get Chris's card before Chris could protest. The delay only intensified Chris's sudden nervousness about his card. He wanted to do this, he really did, he told himself.
When they were both settled on the couch, they swapped cards. Chris opened his and a lump formed in his throat. Vin's card was home-made, just for him on the computer. The picture on the front was a snapshot of two of them-- smiling broadly, it was a picture Buck had taken at the saloon one night not more than two weeks ago. The words on top stated simply, To my best friend. Inside it read I'm happiest now that I have you in my life. You're my best friend and my love. Happy Valentine's Day. Love, Vin.
Chris looked up at Vin and could tell by the shaking hands and down cast eyes that Vin was nearly overwhelmed by his card. Reaching out, Chris cupped his face with his hand and rubbed his thumb over Vin's lips.
Vin was forced to look at Chris. His eyes were bright with unshed tears. He locked his eyes on Chris. "Chris....I..." He cocked his head to the side, "aw hell..."
Knowing Vin was about to lose his usual control, Chris decided to lighten the mood. "I picked up some presents too!" He grabbed the red bag from the floor and handed them it to Vin.
Vin studied the packaging until he got his composure back. His voice was still husky as he said, "Buck helped you, right?" Then he read the labels. "Chocolate and Chocolate Cherry? What's motion lotion?"
Chris took the bottle and put a dab on his finger. He placed the lotion on the back of Vin's hand and rubbed it.
Immediately, Vin felt the heat from the lotion. Then Chris blew on it. As Chris's breath hit the it, it got hot. The more Chris blew, the hotter it got. Looking up at Chris, he smiled, then licked his lips and suggested, "Dessert time, pard?"
Chris wiped the lotion off Vin's hand with his tongue, smacked his lips, "Mmmmmm, tasty. I'm ready for more."
Vin stood up, "How about I go get a blanket so we don't get motion lotion on the rug and set the place on fire."
Chris smiled up at Vin, "Hey I forgot. Champagne." With that he made his way to the kitchen for the bottle and some glasses while Vin went for a blanket.
When Chris returned to the den, he uncorked the champagne while Vin made a makeshift bed. Vin sat down and waited for Chris on the blanket.
Handing Vin a glass, Chris sat down next him. For a moment, Chris just looked at Vin, then he raised his glass, "To us. Happy Valentine's Day, Vin." And touched his glass to Vin's.
Vin tapped his glass to Chris's, "Happy Valentine's Day, Cowboy."
They each took a few sips, then Chris put both glasses on the table out of the way. He pulled Vin into his arms and they kissed, savoring the moment. Chris gently probed Vin's mouth with his tongue. He moaned softly as Vin's tongue explored his and Vin's hands roamed over this back and shoulders. Slowly, Chris maneuvered Vin back on the blanket. He moved to nip at his throat and ear, then back to claim the sweet mouth.
Vin was on an emotional high. He didn't care about anything, but how wonderful it felt to be in Chris's arms. He returned Chris's kisses and was enjoying running his hands over the broad back and shoulders of his lover. He dipped his hands under the waist band of Chris's underwear and cupped the firm cheeks. He could feel Chris's erection pushing against his thigh.
Chris wanted to rip off Vin's sweats and take him hard and fast. But he felt the evening called for a loving gentleness. He broke the kiss to look Vin in the eye.
Vin reached up and ran his hand along Chris's strong jaw. "Anything special you want to do?"
"I want to make love to you. Do you want me to?" Chris asked kissing at the palm of Vin's hand.
Vin slipped a finger into Chris's mouth and replied, his voice husky with desire, "Every chance I can get, pard." Switching fingers, he said, "Where'd that chocolate stuff go?"
Chris got up to retrieve the motion lotion and chocolate flavored lubricant. He applied some of the lotion to Vin's nipples. He rubbed it, then blew on it, causing Vin to arch his body as Chris licked it off. Chris then leaned back and put some of the sticky lotion of his own nipples. He moved so Vin could blow on them. Chris's head went back as the warmth spread across his chest.
Using his tongue, Vin cleaned the sticky chocolate off Chris's chest. "Damn tasty stuff. Wonder how the other one is?"
After untying the sweats, Chris moved back and yanked them off Vin. Then he picked up the tube of flavored lubricant. He squeezed some onto this hands and coated Vin's hard shaft. He then applied some to his own hardness. Using his hands for balance, Chris moved so that his groin was over Vin's face, while his own was positioned over Vin's.
The scent of chocolate was strong and Vin couldn't wait to taste it on Chris. He took all of Chris into his mouth and began to suck and lick at his engorged member. The scent and flavor of chocolate mixed with the familiar ones of Chris made Vin hungry for more.
At the same time, Chris was realizing how tasty, chocolate covered Vin was. He licked and sucked at Vin's erection. Taking it deep into his throat. He could feel the tension building in his own balls and knew he needed to stop Vin soon or he'd come.
"Vin," he managed to gasp out as Vin's suction seemed to be turning him inside and out.
"Mmmmmm?"
Chris groaned at the vibrations of his reply against his organ. "I--I want to try something new. Interested?"
Letting Chris slip from his mouth, Vin darted his tongue across Chris's balls before answering. "Anything you want."
Chris moved to lie on his back, knees up. He took Vin's hands and pulled him around so the smaller man was straddling him. Chris handed Vin the bottle of lubricant and watched as Vin coated both of their erections with gel. He put out a hand and Vin squeezed some more lubricant into it. Chris then reached around to Vin's entrance and applied it. He slipped in two fingers and worked the tight oval open.
Once they were both slick and ready, Chris put his hands on Vin's hips and guided him up. He used one hand to position the tip of his penis against Vin's opening. Slowly he helped Vin sink down onto his own erection. Then back up, then slowly down, till his balls were hitting Vin's cheeks. Once Chris's was buried all the way in, they increased the tempo. Chris took one hand away from Vin's hip to wrap it around the base of his shaft. As Vin raised, then lowered his body to be impaled by Chris, Chris stroked Vin's erection. Chris pushed deep, searching for that magical spot. He knew he hit it, when Vin plunged down onto his shaft with a moan of soft pleasure.
Their eyes locked and both knew the other was close to release. Vin gasped and started to spurt his juices onto Chris's chest just before Chris's explosion erupted deep within Vin. Neither man wanted to stop, each trying to give the other still more, but as their bodies ceased to spasm, they knew they were spent. Vin was limp and shaking with the power of his orgasm, so Chris took Vin's wrists in his grasp and helped him dismount, then pulled him into an embrace, nuzzling his neck. They lay for awhile, each catching his breath, enjoying the feel of holding each other. Finally, when their breathing and their bodies were under control, Chris grabbed a towel and wiped them off.
As the rough terry cloth dragged across Vin's still-firm cock, he sucked in his breath through his teeth at the intense sensation and groaned, "Easy, pard. He's all worn out."
Chris grinned as Vin watched him with lazy blue eyes as he wiped himself off. Vin rolled onto his side with a deep sigh of contentment and Chris spooned in behind him, tucking himself between Vin's cheeks. Chris draped his arm over Vin's waist, and Vin pulled his arm tight against his chest and hooked an ankle with his leg, locking them together.
His voice sleepy, Chris managed to answer, "Happy Valentine's Day. Hey, we have a great dinner for tomorrow."
"Mmmmmmm, hope it's chocolate again," was all Vin managed to get out before a deep yawn overtook him. "Love that chocolate stuff...love you, too."
A surge of emotion hit Chris, he kissed the back of Vin's neck and pulled him closer. "I do love you, Vin...with all my heart." And he kissed his neck again.
"I -- know you do, Chris. As much as I love you." He snuggled into the warm embrace, "Happy Valentine's Day."
THE END