Born to Cowboy

Rita Lois Clark

ATF Universe

Disclaimer: I do not own the characters or the concept. I don't make any money, receive any gifts or even accept remuneration for writing about them.

The air had become surprisingly chilly after the scorching heat of the day. But the two men had gathered an ample supply of firewood just before true darkness fell across the land. The place the younger man had picked to camp was a good one. A spring bubbled up through the rocky incline, surrounded by young willows and old oaks. There were even patches of soft, sweet grass for the bedrolls to be thrown on, making the prospect of sleep even more welcome for the tired riders.

"First thing's first."

The older man had set the camp up with quick efficiency while the other one did what he seemed to do best and enjoy most-take care of their mounts. In less than an hour the fire was crackling merrily while heating coffee and both horses were tied by their halters to long lines that would allow them access to water and grazing.

With a deep sigh, Chris Larabee plopped down on his bedroll and pulled off his boots, laying them to one side. He leaned back against his saddle and sighed again. Tired but relaxed, Chris was grateful to Vin for more or less making him come out here tonight.

Vin Tanner was sitting on one heel by the fire, feeding a few larger sticks of wood into the flames. He wanted the fire hot enough to have the coffee ready quickly. Vin snorted softly to himself when he realized that he and Chris had been riding for over six hours and the man hadn't had any caffeine during that time. Even more amazing, Vin was still alive to marvel at that fact.

Vin jerked around with a low curse when the small rock hit him dead center in the back. He tried to glare at Chris but the effort failed miserably when Chris broke into a grin and lobbed another pebble at him.

Grinning back at his best friend, he launched himself onto the bedroll . . . which was now empty because Chris had rolled away and stood up one-tenth of a second quicker than his "attack".

Now the man was all the way on the other side of the fire, laughing at the look on Vin's face when he landed on the blankets instead of him.

"Age and experience will always overcome youth and skill."

Vin laughed back and couldn't resist the obvious retort.

"So, you're finally admittin' that you're old?"

"By God, I'll show you how old I am!"

Vin was up and sprinting towards the trees in response to the mock threat. It wasn't bodily harm that he feared . . . Chris knew he was ticklish in certain places and didn't hesitate to use that knowledge as an advantage when he was in a rare playful frame of mind.

Chris saw that Vin's lead would let him gain the shelter of the trees before he could catch up unless he changed tactics. He did just that by diving against Vin's legs, tackling him to the ground seconds before he reached the comparative safety of the large oaks.

The "fight" ended quickly with both men claiming victory. Chris had indeed brought Vin down and found a few places along his ribs that reduced him to helpless laughter before the tables were turned with Chris ending up on the bottom when his own glee caused him to lose his grip on his friend.

They lay on their backs on the ground beneath a velvet sky scattered with stars and accented with a full moon so bright they could have read a book by it. The dust from their scuffle settled, their breathing returned to normal and the horses lowered their heads again in calm acceptance of the unusual behavior of their masters.

"Chris? What in hell do you see in me?"

Chris sat up in surprise at the question. Vin's tone was serious . . . he wasn't joking and there was an underlying hint of an emotion that Chris couldn't place. He worded his reply carefully.

"You're the best friend I ever had."

Vin's next question left him even more puzzled.

"You're rich, ain't ya?"

A stunned silence fell. Before Chris could frame a reply to that one, Vin continued in a rush of words that tumbled out as if he'd been storing this up for a long time.

"I wasn't bein' nosy or nothin'. But with me stayin' at the ranch with you most of the time, I can't help but hear some of the calls you make. And you asked me to pick the mail up at the box if I come in after you do. You get letters every month from banks and a couple of lawyer's offices. And in the past few months, you've had to go sign papers and I've heard you talkin' about investments and lettin' 'em roll over and . . . "

Vin wound down as if he'd run out of energy to keep going. Chris was almost open-mouthed in surprise . . . and concern.

"Would it matter to you if I have money?"

His head turned away, Chris had to strain to hear Vin's low reply.

"You could have anybody. Why would you want me?"

Chris leaned over Vin and gently turned his face towards him. He let his gaze linger over Vin's features, the wide blue eyes, straight nose and that impossibly determined jaw . . . all framed by a tangle of light brown hair that he fought continually with the higher-ups in the department to let him keep.

Slowly, as if moving too fast would startle Vin, Chris leaned down and gently touched his lips to Vin's forehead, then trailed light kisses down his face to nuzzle against his neck before returning to Vin's mouth. It was a tender kiss, full of emotion and Vin returned it without question.

When they parted, Chris began to talk about things that he'd sworn he'd never discuss with anyone. Sarah and their life together. The deaths of his and Sarah's parents and the fact that they, as the only heirs, were gifted with enough funds to ensure their future together. Adam. All the plans he and Sarah had made for him in the security that he would be able to choose whatever career he wanted.

And then Chris's life was changed in an instant from having everything to having nothing.

Vin sat up when Chris stopped talking. In gratitude and sudden understanding, he returned Chris's confidence and spoke about the events after his mother's death when he was five. The overwhelming grief, confusion and fear of the child he was that continued into adolescence. Enduring a succession of foster homes where indifference was the most he could expect. Then he was placed with a family who owned a horse ranch. Life had taken a turn for the better the first time he'd cared for stock that was treated better than he'd ever been. And the family had seen his wariness and waited and watched and just like the colts he'd gentled to halter, bridle and saddle they had enfolded him into a family.

Vin had gone from existing to living.

The silence stretched for a long moment, but there was no strain in it. Both men needed time to understand and accept what they had shared out here in the cool air under an impossibly clear sky.

Chris stood up first, dusting off his jeans and reaching a hand to Vin. After Vin had gained his feet, he threw Chris a subdued grin as he brushed an even larger amount of dirt from his own denims.

Chris tried to look serious, but the corners of his mouth twitched and he settled for ruffling Vin's hair.

"We'd best get some sleep. If we go back to the ranch the way we rode in, it's at least six hours. If we take the other trail back it'll be more like eight."

Chris nodded, both in agreement with Vin's assessment of the return trip and in the knowledge that they were closer now than they had been only hours earlier.

They banked the fire to last through the night then, in response to the chill air and their mutual need, merged first the bedrolls then their bodies into a tangle of sweaty satisfaction.

Chris moved first, pulling the blankets over both of them and settling down with a last kiss to the top of Vin's head as he lay snugged against his chest.

"Reckon I am rich, Vin . . . I've got you, ain't I?"

THE END

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