Disclaimer: They're still not mine, damn it!
Comments: Thank you to Tracy....my beta pard!! And thanks to my "advisor" for pushing me to do this and reminding me abut adjectives!
Vin Tanner was whistling softly to himself as he headed out of the livery towards the saloon. Judging the time to be about two o'clock in the afternoon, Vin knew that it was where he'd find Chris Larabee. Just thinking about his partner brought a twinkle to Tanner's blue eyes. After all, who would have ever thought that the laconic ex-bounty hunter and the infamous gunslinger would find happiness in each other's arms?He ambled down the boardwalk, past the storefront and busy citizens. As he made his way along, Vin nodded and smiled greetings to the folks who had no idea where his mind really was. Vin's thoughts drifted off to the night before...
After the first quiet day in a week, the plan had been for Vin to call it a night, then after a discretely short time, Chris would, too. They'd meet in Chris's room, to enjoy a quiet evening together. Unfortunately, as a result of the trail hands that had been drinking and trouble-making all week, both men found themselves exhausted. As they undressed for bed, Chris suggested, "How about you and me head out to my cabin tomorrow. Before nightfall? Take a couple days."
Vin smiled and climbed into the bed, "Sounds good, Cowboy. Real good." He stretched out expectantly, deliberately in the center of the bed.
Sliding between the crisp cotton sheets, Chris took the hint, climbed in on top of Vin, rubbing his body against the tracker's. He nipped and nibbled at the soft flesh of Vin's throat, while he continued to rub his already hard member on the body beneath him.
As Vin felt his own shaft harden, he captured Chris's mouth in a bruising kiss. Plunging his tongue into the welcoming moist cavern, he tasted the rich flavor of whiskey and the tang of tobacco. Still, it was the flavor that was just Chris that Vin loved. Grinding his groin up into Chris's, both men were soon panting and on the verge.
Chris looked down at Vin, who barely nodded. Chris reached over to the small table next to the bed and for a bottle oil. He poured some into his hands, rubbed them together to warm the oil and coated both their organs. Adding a little more, he ran his oily hands across Vin's chest and down and down to his abdomen, making the tracker growl. Chris finished by rubbing the rest of the oil on his own torso, and pressed himself against Vin once more. Chris began thrusting against Vin's body in earnest. The muscles in his arms and shoulders stood out in stark relief as he used all the strength in his upper body to push his groin into Vin's.
Vin ran his hands over the straining muscles in Chris's arms and shoulders, encouraging him to press harder while he used his lower body strength to force his hips and shaft up to meet Chris's. Suddenly, Vin's soft moan broke the silence as he released his seed his body arching upward, his head thrashing on the pillow with the force of it.
The whispered sound of Vin's pleasure sent a shiver down Chris's spine and with one final grinding motion, he climaxed. He muffled his choked cry of passion with
Vin's mouth in a deep, consuming kiss.
Chris slumped over Vin while his breathing and heart slowed, then he leaned over him to grab a towel from the bedside table. He slid off the hard body beneath him with another quick kiss and wiped the sticky residue from Vin's body then his own. Tossing the towel to the floor, he lay on his back beside Vin. Looking over, he grabbed Vin's arm. "Come here," he said as he pulled the limp and satisfied tracker over to lay against his side. "Tomorrow, we'll have all night."
"Sounds good, Cowboy," Vin had whispered as he drifted off to satisfied sleep in Chris Larabee's arms. Though short and fast, it had been a good night.
Sounds of people familiar voices snapped him from his daydream. Slowing out of reflex at the mouth of the alley, Vin stopped completely as he recognized the speaker.
"We never should have... It wasn't right." Chris Larabee said his voice soft and full of regret Curiosity made him lean against the corner just far enough that he could see into the alley where Buck stood with Chris.
"Now Chris, Vin will understand. It'll be okay." Buck tried to calm him by placing a hand on his shoulder. "You and Mary didn't do it to hurt him, Chris. It...it seemed....right, at the time."
"Don't matter why we did it," Chris said sadly. "Vin...Vin won't care why. We betrayed his trust. I don't know if he'll be able to forgive me."
Vin felt his heart constrict. A sick feeling overcame him, along with a wave of panic. He had to leave, get out of town. Now! He turned around and headed back to the livery. Using all his control, he forced himself to walk, not run. He was almost there when JD suddenly appeared in front of him.
"Hey, Vin," the kid said cheerily. "You wanna go to the saloon for a beer. Think that's where all the guys are--"
Vin stared at him, knowing he had to reply. Mustering all his strength to finally speak and not betray his emotions, he said quietly, "No, JD. I'm gonna go out riding. Alone."
"But Vin, you just got back from patrol?" JD asked in confusion.
"Yeah, Vin. You just got back. Where you off to?" Larabee asked as he stepped next to Vin and placed a hand on the buckskin clad shoulder. Vin had not even seen him approaching.
Vin shrugged off Chris's hand. "Need to get away. Where ain't important." Vin couldn't look into those green eyes. "Don't know when I'll be back." He ignored Chris's voice as he pushed past him to walk into the stable.
Chris felt his gut clench at the anger he saw in his partner. "Vin! What the hell is wrong with you?" Chris shouted at his back. Vin turned to face him and Chris could see the intense pain behind those blue eyes.
"Nothing." Vin spit out and headed to the livery.
JD looked at Chris, Chris at JD. "JD, did you piss him off?"
"No, Chris. Honest. I don't know what happened." JD shook his head, "I don't know what's wrong."
Chris turned his attention back to the livery, debating if he should follow Vin or leave him be to cool off for a bit. "JD, what were you two talking about?"
"Nothing, Chris. I asked him to come have a beer with the rest of us. He was acting sort of funny, stiff...not like Vin."
Chris stared toward the livery doors because the answer was inside saddling up. He sorted through the past hours, unable to figure out the change. Unless he knew about what he and Mary had done? He debated asking Vin right now or letting him cool down.
He was spared from a decision as Vin and Peso burst from the doors at a fast trot, forcing Chris and JD aside in a cloud of beige dust. Chris watched Vin ride out, until horse and rider disappeared from view. JD kept silent, as if sensing that this was no time for questions. Finally, Chris forced himself to turn away and headed to the saloon. Instead of going inside, he wearily dropped to a chair on the boardwalk and sat with his head in his hands, trying to figure out what the hell had just happened.
+ + + + + + +
It took Vin about five miles of steady riding before Peso started getting pissed at him. The black started slowing, tossing his head and breaking his gait to let Vin know he was fed up with being pushed. Suddenly reminded that there was more in his life than his own feelings,
Vin let the big black horse slow, patting his neck in apology. Near some rocks ahead was a cluster of trees, and Vin headed in that direction to get them out of the late afternoon sun. He checked his canteen to make sure there was enough water for Peso. He had whiskey for himself and he intended to make use of it.
Now that he'd had time to think and cool off, Vin figured he could ride back and face Chris and deal with the knowledge that Chris needed more than he could have with a partner like himself. It was only natural that Chris should want Mary. After all, he had been married once, maybe he wanted children again too. Chris never spoke much about his feelings; Chris was happy, but maybe he wasn't. Vin wanted to, but could never be selfish where Chris was concerned.
Vin was used to be alone and depending only on himself. He was just starting to get used to having Chris in his life, both in a fight and at night. Soft, Tanner, you're getting soft. Anyway, he had always known this was too good to last, to good to be true. Better to cut his losses now, than let it fester and destroy what friendship they might lave left.
Once he told Chris that they were through, he'd stay around long enough to be sure that the town was safe and that Chris was happy. Then he'd ride out. Alone. Like he was used to.
Lost in his thoughts, Vin didn't sense trouble until the pain erupted in his arm. The surprise of the attack and the sound of the shot startled both man and horse. Vin struggled to say in the saddle, but was forced to dismount for cover as another shot knocked his hat off. He managed to pull his mare's leg from the holster and return fire in spite of the wound in his arm. He smacked Peso's flank to get the horse out of danger and watched the horse bolt, tail high and eyes wild. Vin found some shelter behind a downed tree as another bullet ricocheted of a rock and tore into his thigh.
He yanked the bandana from around his neck and tied it around his leg. As tightly as he could, with his arm aching and burning from his first wound. Positioning himself, he waited, then fired. A pitiful yelp let him know he hit one. Ignoring the pain, he berated his own stupidity. He saw movement out of the corner of his eye and turned and fired. Again, an anguished cry indicated he found his target.
"Jeb, Jeb...you ok?" One of them yelled.
"No! Bob's dead! Let's get the hell out of here, Chet. Ain't no five-hundred worth dying for."
Vin heard the men who ambushed him ride off. He waited till he was sure they were gone, then he slowly forced himself to his feet cradling his wounded arm. The pain that shot up his leg meant he had better find Peso fast, or he wasn't going to make it anywhere.
TWO
As the sun disappeared, Chris figured that Vin must have decided to camp out. Now he regretted not following him when he had the chance.Buck walked out and sat down, handing Chris a beer. "Now, Chris. Vin will be back soon. He must have just needed to cool off a bit." Taking a long swig from his beer, Buck licked at the foam that settled on his mustache. "It ain't Vin's way to stay mad. Bet he'll be back tomorrow morning. You two will work it all out. I'm sure of it."
Chris looked over at his old friend. The ache in his chest and behind his eyes had grown all afternoon. Something was wrong, Chris felt it. He couldn't explain it to Buck, but he knew it all the same. "If he's not back by mid morning, I'm going after him." Chris turned back to stare off in the direction Vin had gone. "I just feel something's wrong."
+ + + + + + +
Vin managed to find Peso. It took awhile, some whistling and calling, but soon he heard a familiar nicker and headed that way. As if sensing something was wrong, the black moved slowly towards him. "'Bout time you showed up," Vin muttered as he caught up the trailing reins. The walk and blood loss brought about a wave of dizziness that made it impossible to mount up. He leaned against the horse, trying to get his mind to work. With great difficulty, he undid his saddle bags and pulled out an old towel he used to clean his guns to use as a bandage. Vin knew he needed to stop the bleeding from both wounds. Luckily the bullet went clean through his upper arm. It hurt like hell, was bleeding, but it wasn't too serious. It was the bullet, still in his thigh that had him worried. He didn't think he could get it out himself, not with how he was already feeling. It had to come out, soon, before it went putrid on him. Vin knew his best chance was to get back to Nathan.
Wearily, he dropped to the ground with the towel and his canteen. He ripped it into strips to clean and wrap his arm. It was awkward to do it one handed, but he managed to dress the wound tugging the wrap tight with his teeth holding one end while he pulled the other and tied it off. With his skinning knife, he spit the pants leg then poured water over it to wash away the blood so he could see the wound. The bullet had hit above his knee and was imbedded in the flesh to the outside of his thigh. He could even feel the misshapen lump of lead buried in the muscle but knew he wouldn't stay conscious if he tried to dig it out himself. Once he tied another strip of bandage over it, Vin sat back and closed his eyes. He'd give himself a few minutes to rest, then he'd find a way to mount up and head back.
+ + + + + + +
Early the next morning, Chris sat in front of the jail, watching the activity on the main street. Josiah had brought him a fresh cup of coffee, but he barely noticed. His mind made up, he rose and headed for the saloon.
"Buck, I'm gonna head out, see if I can figure out where Vin went."
"Hey pard, ya want me to go with you?" Buck asked as he looked at JD, "Maybe JD can use some of those trackin' skills Vin's been teaching him."
JD nodded, "I can try Chris."
"All right, let's get going," Chris said over his shoulder as he headed out the batwing doors.
They started out in the direction Vin had apparently gone when he had ridden out. Chris and JD both knew there was a small rise a couple of miles out of town, that Vin liked to escape too. Though tracks showed that someone had ridden that way, so they assumed it was Vin. When the reached the rise, it was pretty obvious Vin wasn't there now, but had ridden on. JD dismounted and searched for a clue as to which way he had gone.
"Got him Chris," JD said excitedly, "Looks like he headed down the other side."
They resumed the search and followed the trail until JD stopped cold.
"Chris...I think that's blood." JD dismounted and ran over to the spots on the ground.
Chris and Buck followed him, concern clear on both their faces.
"It is, JD. Let's spread out, be careful." Chris pulled his gun as he looked for more signs of blood with a sick feeling in his gut.
"Over here," Buck called, "There's a bit of blood here. Look's like he use the tree for the cover. Boot prints go this way, horse the other."
They followed the trail, on foot, then as it became harder to see tracks in the underbrush, Chris decided they should use the horses, split up and search.
Buck and JD went one way together, Chris the other way.
+ + + + + + +
Buck slowed his horse and strained his ears. "Easy, JD, thought I heard a horse." Buck dismounted and slowly approached through the brush. "Oh shit, JD get over here," he called as he holstered his gun and ran toward the horse and its rider on the ground.
It was Peso, with Vin laying on the ground beside him, who was standing with his ears cocked toward Buck and JD. He nickered and stepped toward them as far as the reins would allow. Vin had fallen with the reins still in his hand and lay on them, luckily preventing the horse pulling free.
"Vin, Vin can you hear me?" Buck asked as he touched the tracker's face. "Damn, Vin, you're burnin' up," he muttered to the unconscious tracker. "JD, bring the canteens," he shouted back. "It's gonna be okay, Vin. We got ya."
JD came over with the canteens and some bandages. Nathan had insisted he stick them in his saddle bag at the last minute, just in case. "Is he...." JD asked softly.
"He's alive, but he's got a fever, damn bullet looks like it's still in his leg." Buck checked the crudely wrapped wounds as best he could, "JD, think you could find Chris, get him back here?"
"Sure, Buck. I'll be right back with him," JD ran back to his horse.
"Be careful Kid, Chris might shoot you the mood he's in," Buck warned as he tried to get some water in Vin. He knew JD would find Chris and be back as soon as he could. Meanwhile, it was Vin he was worried about. Gently raising Vin up to lay against his knee, he tried to get some water into him to bring him around.
Vin's eyes fluttered, at the touch of the cool water to his lips. "It's okay, pard. Buck's here. Chris will be here soon. You're gonna be alright."
"No...no..not Chris. Better this way..." Vin forced himself the words out.
"What? Now, Vin, I don't know what burr you got under your saddle, but Chris has been worried about you."
"Mary...Chris and Mary...better. They can have...children." Vin struggled to explain it to Buck.
"Vin, trust me, Chris ain't interested in Mary. Now, hush now, drink some of this water. You're burning up."
Buck coaxed Vin to drink a little more, but the tracker slipped into unconsciousness and was out again as Chris and JD galloped up.
"Buck, how is he?" Chris asked as he ran over and dropped to his knees beside them.
"He's shot, twice. Burning up with fever. He's out again. But I got him to drink some water. Need to get him to Nathan, fast."
Chris took a moment to touch Vin's face and feel the fever for himself. He let his fingers linger for a moment on the still, pale face. "I'll get on my horse, can you and JD hand him up to me?"
"Sure, Chris," Buck replied, "JD, you tie Peso to your saddle. Then help me get Vin over to Chris."
In a few minutes, they were headed back to town and Nathan, Chris cradling Vin in his arms.
+ + + + + + +
They had made it almost all the way back, when Vin started to stir. Chris tried to soothe him, "Vin, it's Chris. Easy pard, we're taking you to Nathan's."
Vin started to fight against Chris's hold, "No...let me go. Ain't right. Stop!"
Chris didn't understand why Vin was so agitated, "Come on Vin, stop struggling. Only gonna make them wounds bleed more."
"Let... go... of... me...now!" Vin managed to shout the last word.
Buck rode over, "Vin, would ya feel better if you rode into town with me?"
Chris's snapped his head at Buck, an angry glare on his face.
"Yeah...thanks, Buck." Vin said, ceasing his struggles. In spite of himself, he slumped weakly and Chris's arms tightened around him to keep him in the saddle.
Chris looked at Buck, then Vin. "What the hell is going on?"
"Better... for you, Chris." Vin was losing his battle to stay conscious. "Me too...want to...end us."
Chris's body stiffened at Vin's words, but he kept his emotions under control. "We're wasting time, Vin. I'll get you to Nathan's. Then we can talk, later."
"No later...over...for good," was all Vin managed to get out as his head lolled against Chris's shoulder and he nodded into unconsciousness again. Chris's arms held his overheated body securely as he urged his horse forward.
Chris turned to Buck as he started his horse forward, ignoring JD who had heard every word. "You want to tell me what that was all about?"
"I don't rightly know, Chris. He was going on about you and Mary when I found him. That you need to have more children...with her." Buck sneaked a side ways look at Chris. Mentioning having children was a subject Buck would rather avoid with Chris.
His brow creased, Chris turned to Buck, "Where the hell did he get that idea?"
JD, not aware of the dangerous waters he was wading into volunteered, "Maybe being hurt and alone...he had time to think, about what he wanted, what he figured was best...."
"JD," Chris snapped, "stay out of it." He urged his horse forward away from his two friends.
Buck gave JD a sympathetic look, "Don't mind him kid. He's just riled cause Vin is hurt and saying things he don't want to hear. You okay?"
"Yeah, Buck. I understand. But what if Vin means it? What if he doesn't want to be with Chris anymore?"
Watching his oldest friend's back as he rode in front, Buck shook his head, "I don't know JD. It could get ugly...and you know I hate ugly."
+ + + + + + +
JD ran up the steps ahead of and pounded on Nathan's door. It opened just as Chris and Buck reached the top of the stairs with a barely conscious, bleeding Vin.
Nathan was all action as they brought him inside. "Put him on the bed. JD, get me some water, Buck, I need more light. Chris, help me get him undressed." As they laid the lanky tracker down, Nathan was examining him.
From the doorway, Josiah asked, "Can we help?" as he and Ezra walked into the room, no one questioned that they had appeared to help without being summoned.
"Need some hot water and Ezra, get some clean cloths from the shelf, need to clean him up some."
As soon as Nathan began to clean the wound to his leg, Vin stirred. "Nate.."
"Yeah Vin, it's me. You drink some water now. Chris, "the healer motioned for Chris to give Vin some water.
"No... not Chris..."
All eyes turned to Chris, who held the water out, "Come on, Vin. Just take some water, you need it."
"No...don't want you here..."
Chris stood up, his face flashing the anger he felt for just a moment. Then he answered evenly, "Fine. I'm leaving." He walked out without looking back.
No one moved, till finally Ezra snapped out of it and took Chris's place with the water. He managed to get Vin drink a little before once again the tracker succumbed to unconsciousness.
They got him undressed while he was unconscious. Josiah and Ezra cleaned him up while Nathan cut away the old bandages. Buck fetched more water, while JD stood by handling clean towels and taking away the soiled ones.
Nathan worked to bandage his arm, keeping an eye on Vin in case he awakened. It was as he was probing for the bullet in his leg, he realized Vin was awake. "Vin, this has got to be hurtin', you okay?"
"I'm fine," Vin whispered as stared off at something only he could see.
Nathan nodded to the laudanum bottle and Ezra took the subtle hint. He placed a few drops in the glass of water and offered it to Vin. Vin managed to drink half a glass without protest and was out in a few minutes.
Once Nathan had removed the bullet in Vin's leg, cleaned and bandaged both wounds, he turned to Buck. "You want to tell me what's going on?"
Buck looked at the pale body in the bed, then the door, "I don't know. Since I found Vin, he's been mumbling about Chris being with Mary. That they should have children. That it's better for them all."
Josiah rubbed his chin, "I could understand some men, thinking they were dying would want to repent the bad they may have done. But I can't see Vin thinking him and Chris were something 'bad'."
Ezra kept his eyes on Vin, "No, I agree with your assessment Josiah. Vin would never willingly break his bond with Mr. Larabee. Did something happen between them? Perhaps Mr. Tanner is trying to do the honorable thing?" JD broke in, "Chris walked over when Vin and I were talking yesterday. Vin did seem mad at Chris, or something."
Nathan placed a cool cloth on Vin's forehead and wiped his face. "Well, first we need for Vin to get better. Then we can worry about the rest."
"He's gonna be all right ain't he?" Buck asked.
"Not sure Buck, his fever is real high. He was out all night in the cool air, lost some blood, he's weak, feverish and..."
Buck looked at Nathan, "And?"
"Well, it had to hurt when I was digging that bullet out, but he just stared off at nothing. Like he didn't care." The were all silent as the implication Nathan was presenting sank in. Then Nathan added, "he needs to want to get better. Well, you all get out, he needs rest. Maybe tomorrow, it'll seem better."
It was a solemn group who filed out, reluctantly leaving the healer with his patient. Alone, Nathan settled down at his desk to read. He heard the footsteps, and waited for the door to open.
"How is he?" Chris asked as he walked in.
Nathan wasn't sure what to tell Chris about Vin's apathy. "Well, he ain't good, but I think he'll be okay. Fever is higher than I like, but that's to be expected." Nathan saw the relief on Chris's face and decided to give him some time with Vin. "Hey Chris, ya mind staying with him while I go grab something to eat?"
"Sure, Nate. Take as long as you need." Chris walked over and sat in the chair near the bed. He didn't look up as Nathan left. Gently he touched Vin's face, frowning at the warmth he found. He wet the cloth from the bowl on the table next to the bed and placed it on Vin's forehead. After a moment, he re-wet it and wiped his throat and chest. "What the hell has gotten into you, Vin?"
Chris sat watching the rise and fall of Vin's chest, so he noticed immediately when Vin became restless. Chris strained to hear he words he was muttering as he re-wet the cloth.
"Chris...why?" Then he moaned, "No...better...with Mary." Chris could only make out a few words and they only increased his confusion.
He wiped Vin's face and chest again, hoping to help fight off the fever. Chris resisted the urge to run his fingers through Vin's hair, and was surprised to see his blues eyes watching him. Chris forced a smile. "Hey, pard. How about some water?"
"Go...away...Chris." Vin said then closed his eyes.
"I can't and won't Vin. Not till you tell me why?" Chris kept his voice neutral.
"Better for you...me...you and Mary." Vin's eyes closed and he was out again.
Chris sat back, trying to understand why after all this time, Vin would think he wanted Mary. He knew that he never spoke of his feelings, how happy he was with Vin in his life. But neither man was one to talk about how they felt. He figured Vin knew how he felt, he showed him often enough.
Chris couldn't help but smile, as he thought about how they both showed how much they felt as often as they could. Then an uneasiness settled over Chris. Vin had opened up over the months they'd been together, telling Chris more about his life, the orphanages, running away, living off the streets, then finding a home with the tribes; the massacres that left him alone again, his buffalo hunting days, and finally how he wound up bounty hunting. Hell, Vin had even used the word 'love' a few times. Usually after sex, or during a private good bye when they were going to be apart for a while on business. Vin had never made a big deal out of it, just used the word.
Chris realized with some guilt, that he hadn't opened up at all to Vin. He'd never talked about Sarah or Adam, his ranching days, or his childhood. Truth was, he was concerned that Vin would be uncomfortable if he talked about those things. It wasn't that he didn't want to share with Vin, it just seemed like Chris's past was everything Vin's wasn't and he didn't want to remind him of it.
And now, the one idea he had that might show Vin how he much he cared, had turned out to be a bad one in Chris's mind. One he regretted even more in light of Vin's insistence that Chris should be with Mary.
Footsteps on the stairs broke his contemplation. A moment later Buck walked in.
"How's he doing?" Buck asked.
"Feverish. Wants me to leave." Chris rose stiffly from the chair, feeling like a weary old man. "You stay with him till Nate comes back?"
"Sure, Chris, but he don't mean it..."
"Maybe he does Buck. No matter what, he needs to get well first. And I ain't helping, only makes him restless." Chris stood and headed to the door, "Take good care of him, Buck."
"I will, Chris," Buck replied as he watched Chris leave.
THREE
Over the next two days, Vin struggled to defeat the fever and avoid the questions from his friends. Every time he woke up, someone was there, asking him questions. Did he want Chris? How did he feel? Did he need anything? All Vin wanted to do was scream leave him alone. It was much harder than he thought to just walk away from Chris. But in his heart, as long as it was what was best for Chris, he could do it. But he had to get away, it was too hard to keep saying say no to seeing him and it hurt too much that Chris was staying away.Vin had no idea that Chris had been there every night, while he slept. Hoping that as soon as Vin was well enough to really talk, they could work it all out.
When Vin awakened n the third day, fever almost gone, he found only JD in the room.
"Hey, JD."
"Vin, you want some water? Broth? The others all had to leave - two prisoners in the jail, so I had to stay. Promised Nathan I'd check in on you. Mr. O'Malley hit his leg with an ax, so Nathan went there. Someone tried to set the Crane's barn on fire, Chris figures kids but the rest all rode out to investigate. You need something?" JD rattled on until he noticed Vin's smile.
This was exactly what he needed, Vin figured. Left alone with JD, he'd be able to escape. Before Chris came back.
"What's funny, Vin?" JD asked noticing Vin's sly smile.
"Nothing JD, sorry, just not completely awake yet," Vin lied. "How about some water? Then after you check on the prisoners and feed them, if ya wouldn't mind, some broth might be good. Kinda hungry."
JD was happy to help Vin and after helping him drink some water, ran off to check the prisoners while Vin slept. As he was arguing with the prisoners and pushing their food through the bars, it occurred to him that Vin was being awfully cooperative. He had asked for broth. Not a steak, not eggs and bacon, but broth. He knew he needed to get back to the clinic, because Vin had to be up to something.
As soon as JD left, Vin tried to make good on his plan. He was still weak and wobbly, but he managed to get up and get dressed. An old shirt of Nathan's and his pants that Nathan had been trying to repair would do til he made it to his wagon where he could find his spare trail clothes. His jacket was nowhere to be found in Nathan's, but his mare's leg was there. It felt like it weighed ten pounds, but he strapped it on anyway. The stairs were hard, but Vin was determined to ride out.
He managed to limp to the old wagon he called home without being seen by keeping to the alleys. He changed and packed his saddle bags, shouldering them on his good arm. The short walk to the livery seemed like miles in his weakened state, but he made it without been seen, too. Just as he was figuring how he was going to saddle Peso, he was surprised by Tiny, the livery man.
"Where'd the hell you going Vin? You don't look like you can sit a horse, much less ride one?" Tiny asked ready to grab the tracker should he fall.
"Tiny, do me a favor, help me saddle Peso, no questions." Vin asked quietly.
Shaking his head, Tiny complied, staying along side as Vin struggled to mount up.
"Tiny, one more thing. Need ya to tell Chris something. Tell him, 'it's better this way. Easier.' He'll understand." Vin said as he started to ride off.
"No he won't, Vin. Mr. Larabee is going to be damn mad!" Tiny said to Vin's back.
Without a look back, Vin headed out and as soon as he was around the corner and out of sight, Tiny ran to the sheriff's office to find JD.
+ + + + + + +
JD was ready to ride out after Vin just as Chris and the rest returned.
It took only a few minutes for JD and Tiny to fill Chris in on Vin's departure.
"You stay here, JD. I'm going." The menacing look on Chris's face was enough to make JD fear for Vin's safety once Chris found him.
"I'll bring him back." Chris said as he rode out and none of the men watching him ride off doubted him for a second.
+ + + + + + +
It took Chris less than an hour to catch up. He spotted Vin in the distance obviously having trouble staying in the saddle. When Chris rode up along side, Vin turned to the sound, his hand fumbling weakly for his gun.
"Whoa there, Vin. It's me Chris." Chris said as soon as he saw Vin reach for his weapon.
"No...Chris...go back...too hard," Vin said as he swayed in the saddle.
Chris slid out of his saddle and walked closer to Peso. "Damn it, Vin what is too hard?"
"Leaving...too hard to leave..when I can see you," Vin started to slide off the horse just as Chris expected him to.
"I got ya, pard." Chris said as he reached out and gently lowered Vin to the ground. "Vin, if it's too hard to leave seeing me, why are you going?"
"Better for you...you and Mary...children," Vin said in between deep breaths. His fever had risen and he was once again having trouble staying focused.
Chris went back to his horse to get a canteen. Confusion and frustration eating at him, on top of Vin's crazy stubbornness. As he sat down next to Vin, he exploded. "Damn it, Vin. Don't you think I know what's best for me? I don't want Mary, or more children. I had what I wanted, you." Chris raised the canteen to Vin's lips, "Here, drink some water, you're burning up again." Satisfied that Vin had swallowed most of the water, "What has gotten into you, where is this coming from? I didn't think I had to tell you how I felt, figured you knew."
"Don't want Mary?" Vin asked, finally looking at Chris, his blue eyes unnaturally bright with fever. Vin blinked as if fighting to keep his vision clear.
"No, never did." Chris ran his hand lightly over Vin's fever flushed cheek, "Can we go home now?"
Vin blinked his eyes, "Never? Honest?"
Chris couldn't help but smile at Vin's astonishment, "Never. Honest. Come on, let's get you back to Nathan's."
Vin shook his head, "But..."
Chris said again, more gently, "Never. Honest." Vin seemed to accept the words this time. "Come on, let's get you back to Nathan's."
Vin smiled despite how lousy he felt, "Okay, Cowboy."
Chris got up and pulled Vin to his feet, they started to make for Peso, when Vin stumbled. Chris caught him, pulling him tightly against himself, while still trying to avoid his wounded arm and leg. "Think we're gonna have to ride back together, pard. Don't want to risk you falling off." Chris boosted Vin onto his horse, then mounted up behind him.
"Chris, if you never wanted Mary...what did you do with her...to betray me?" With that Vin's head fell back to Chris's shoulder.
"Damn it, that's what this is all about!" Chris smiled with relief. Vin wasn't going to be happy, but at least Chris understood what had happened." Chris wrapped his left arm tightly around Vin's waist. He paused for a moment, enjoying the feel of Vin's warm body in his arms and the familiar scent and feel of his hair. Shaking himself from the momentary distraction of Vin's closeness after the past few days, Chris urged the horses towards home.
+ + + + + + +
As Vin's weakened body struggled for a second time, Chris stayed at his side. No one argued with him; the others merely brought what was needed and followed directions while they too, watched and waited. Finally, the second day, Vin's fever broke completely, and the tracker improved.
Now that Vin was recovering, Chris was able to sort what happened between them. While Nathan left them alone to get something to eat, and the others had finally wandered off to the saloon for the evening, Chris was able to explain about himself and Mary Travis.
"Vin, I reckon you heard me and Buck. That Mary and I did something wrong, behind your back." Chris looked over at Vin who was nursing a glass of apple cider as if he was wishing it was something stronger.
Vin nodded, "If you were with her, ain't my business Chris. If you want that life..."
"Why is it so easy for you to think that I want her? Don't you know how I feel about you?" Chris asked, wanting to know the answer, but not sure how to prove himself if Vin's answer was not what he expected.
"I know you have feelings for me, Chris." Vin looked down at the blanket and fingered the edge, a sign of how uncomfortable he was talking about all this. "Guess it's just I care about you too, enough to let you go if that's what you want. Figured you wanted her and that kind of life more than me."
Chris moved to sit on the bed next to Vin. "Vin, you're wrong." He reached out and placed a hand on top of Vin's, "Mary and I sent your poem 'Hero's Heart' to a poetry contest in a San Francisco newspaper. That's all there is between us."
"My poem?" Vin asked, confusion written all over his face.
"It's beautiful. Didn't think you'd let us enter it if we told you what we were up to. I just thought it was something I could do for you, to show you..."
Vin knew that this was as hard for Chris as it was for him. Now that he understood, he didn't need Chris to say anymore so he interrupted.
"Hey, Cowboy. Can we still have that night alone at your cabin as soon as I'm back on my feet?" Vin smiled at him and winked.
Chris knew what Vin was doing and was glad for it. This was the Vin he knew, forgiving and to the point. "You bet pard. Except, not sure you need to be back on your feet, I don't plan on you spending too much time on them. Flat on your back is fine with me." Chris shook his head, "Hey, I'm forgetting to tell you - you won the contest. A twenty-five dollar prize."
Vin snorted, "Damn, how about that. Whiskey's on me when Nathan lets me drink."
Chris gave him a quick kiss, "Deal, pard."
They heard footsteps on the stairs, and Chris rose from where he sat so close to Vin on the bed. At the last moment, Vin grabbed Chris's hand, "Thanks Chris. It means a lot to me to know you liked my poem that much." Vin looked away then back at Chris, and Chris knew what he was trying to say, without saying the words.
Chris smiled, leaned in and kissed Vin again,he hesitated for a second then said, his voice full of emotion, "I love you too, Vin."
Buck knocked then walked in, just as Chris settled back in his seat. "Everything ok?" He asked as he walked over to the bed.
"Yeah, Buck," Chris said, a relaxed smile on his face. His eye's met Vin's. "Reckon it is."
+ + + + + + +
A week later, Chris and Vin waved goodbye to Nathan and Buck on the porch of the saloon as they rode past, headed off to Chris's cabin. In their saddlebags was enough food for at least a week, along with bandages, and ointment Nathan had insisted they take. Nathan shook his head in disapproval, but Vin only grinned mischievously at him. "Behave," Nathan yelled after him, and Chris only grinned.
Once they arrived, Chris took the horses saying, "I'll see to them. Why don't you go on in and start a fire."
"Don't have to baby me, Chris." Vin said with a slight edge to his voice.
"I'm not, Vin. Just wanted you to save your strength for what we're gonna do later." Chris wolfishly licked his lips and leered.
Vin started to chuckle and said, "Oh," as he limped into the cabin, all traces of anger gone.
A while later, Chris walked in to find that Vin had a lit a fire, pulled off his boots, removed his gun and was sitting on the bed, a bottle of whiskey in his hand.
Wasting no time, Chris removed his gun and hung it from the bed. He sat down and pulled off his boots. Before he could undress any further, Vin was next to him, offering him the bottle and unbuttoning his shirt. Chris took a healthy swig and placed the bottle on the table near the bed.
Vin undid all the shirt buttons then slid his hand across the hard flat plains of Chris's chest and stomach, then lower. He ran his fingers lightly over the tell-tale bulge before undoing the fly and releasing it. Licking his lips, Vin stroked Chris's semi-erect member.
Grabbing Vin's arm, Chris stopped him. "No, Vin. I want you to take me."
A warm smile signaled Vin's acceptance as he undid the buttons of his own shirt. Chris reached out to free Vin's straining erection. Once they were both naked, Vin turned to Chris, "I'm gonna need you over me, cowboy. Make like you're gonna ride me."
Chris smiled, and straddled Vin's narrow hips. "Just don't throw me when you start to buck."
Vin grinned back at him, "Then you best hold on, Cowboy."
Reaching for the bottle of oil from the table, Chris poured some on his hands and coated Vin's shaft. Then he took Vin's hands in his and covered Vin's fingers. Rising up on his knees over Vin, Chris leaned in, kissed Vin, then pulling back whispered, "Do it."
Vin slowly inserted a finger into Chris's willing entrance. He quickly added a second finger and scissoring the opening, preparing his lover. Once he was satisfied that Chris was ready, Vin placed his hands on Chris's hips. "Slow, Cowboy. Nice and slow, ease on down," Vin whispered into Chris's ear.
Slowly, Chris lowered his body, allowing Vin to guide him. As Vin's shaft breached the opening, they stopped. Once Chris's body was ready, Vin easily slid the rest of the way in. Vin helped raise Chris, then let him sink back down till Vin's balls hit his ass. Again and again, they repeated the move, Chris's softly moaning each time Vin's member pulled out.
Once they established the rhythm, Vin grasped Chris's cock and worked Chris with his hand in time to his thrusts, until both men were panting and ready.
Grinding against Vin as he thrust up into him, Chris threw his head back as the sensations over took him. He grabbed a handful of Vin's hair and leaned down to kiss him hard as he felt himself let go. As he came, he moaned against Vin's lips.
The warm juices gushing over his hand and the tongue savaging his mouth, pushed Vin to the brink and he came crying out Chris's name. Both men continued to thrust until Vin was completely spent.
Careful of Vin's injuries, Chris's rose up on his knees to allow Vin to slip out of his body. He reached for a towel and wiped them both off, then tossed the towel to the floor, he crawled across the bed lying down carefully, and spooned up against Vin. Chris nuzzled Vin's neck and whispered, "Hmmm....I missed this."
"Me too, Chris." Vin pressed back against Chris, then placed his hand on Chris's arm, lightly running his fingers up and down it's length. "Ya know Cowboy, this is the only contest for me."
Biting Vin's neck, Chris managed a small chuckle, "Better than a twenty-five dollar prize?"
"Hell of a lot better!" Vin wriggled his ass against Chris's hips. "This prize just keeps comin' again and again."
The End
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