ATF Universe
Disclaimer: I don't own the Magnificent Seven or "Soulmates," written by Richard Bach. I'm just having fun.
Summary: A look at the bond between Chris and Vin in one hundred word snapshots written around Richard Bach's "Soulmates." (PS -- This is not meant to be slash, so please don't read it in that light.)
Author's Notes: Inspiration came from Becky who wrote a similar story based on Jim and Blair of The Sentinel. I'm really grateful to her for letting me use the basic format she used, and for writing her's in the first place. (Btw, the intro is two hundred words; I couldn't fit all I wanted to say into only one hundred.)
Feedback: Yes, please!
Soulmate.The very word instills a sense of love and belonging. For those who have not discovered each other, it also creates a feeling of intense longing.
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Two men, both scarred by grief and despair, drifted through life in isolation.
One, raging at the world, cloaked himself in darkness. The loss of his family burned a fiery hole into what was once his heart. Pushing away any reminder of the life and love he once possessed, Christopher Larabee lured death to his doorstep and invited him in.
The other, an endless roamer, took refuge in nature's embrace. After loosing his mother at five, he quickly learned the world was an angry, hateful place. Never having a place to truly call home, Vincent Tanner had decided long ago that he would never need one.
Fate brought them together, and in each other they found shelter from the storm of life. Their bond of complete trust and utter faith in one another both healed the wounds caused by the harsh world and drew five other weary souls to their haven. Those five added something more to the connection, forming it into an unbreakable chain of brotherhood and family.
Together, those seven souls fought evil in all its many forms and won, for at their heart stood the unshakable and invincible might of two powerful souls linked in immortal unity.
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A soulmate is someone who has the locks to fit our keys, and the keys to fit our locks.
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Vin caressed the photo reverently. Adam was on Chris' shoulders, with Sarah by his side. They were smiling.
Vin looked at his best friend. Chris was staring at the trio, unshed tears roughening his voice. "We were on a camping trip." He stopped, swallowing painfully. "Adam was so excited." He covered his eyes, hiding the brimming moisture.
Vin reached out to his friend, his own eyes shining. "Thank you, Chris, for allowing me this." Vin hadn't had much of a childhood, but watching Adam grow helped ease that pain.
Chris gripped Vin's hand, catching his attention.
"Thank you for asking."
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When we feel safe enough to open the locks, our truest selves step out and we can be completely and honestly who we are; we can be loved for who we are and not for who we're pretending to be.
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Caressing the headstones, Chris choked back grief-filled sobs. He was acutely aware of his best friend standing watch behind him.
"I miss you so much. I'm so sorry. I --" He took a deep, shuddering breath. His heart finished what his mind couldn't. I should have been there. The thought froze his lungs, cut off his breathing. Suddenly, warmth surrounded him.
Vin tightened his hold around the grieving man. "It's alright, Chris. You couldn't have known. You couldn't have been there."
Chris leaned into the offered shoulder.
"Let it out, Chris. Let it go. It'll be okay."
So he did.
~~~~~~
Each of us unveils the best part of one another.
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A breeze blew through the maple trees, flinging a shower of gold and scarlet across the rider. Dressed in black, the man looked as if magic whirled around him.
Vin sat back in his saddle and smiled. Inspiration struck and a poem formed, capturing the scene.
Dusting away leaves, Chris studied the waiting man. Sunlight filtered through the trees, turning his long hair into a halo. Chris grinned slightly as words swirled together in his mind.
Vin fell in by his best friend and the two men continued their journey, sharing their thoughts as easily as on their first meeting.
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No matter what else goes wrong around us, with that one person we're safe in our paradise.
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"I trust the merchandise is satisfastory?" His voice was as oily and disgusting as his hair. Chris and Vin nodded tightly, knowing the others had the go ahead and waiting for the shout of "ATF, FREEZE!"
Instead, their blood ran cold as they realized that one of the other buyers recognized Vin. Bullets flew fast and furious, and the two barely had time to draw weapons and take cover as other dealers pulled guns. Neither worried; each knew his back was covered.
When the shooting finally stopped, blue eyes met green and both twinkled in wild excitement.
Life was good.
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Our soulmate is someone who shares our deepest longings, our sense of direction.
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Vin glanced yearningly at the door again, before tugging at the collar of his tuxedo. He scanned the room but saw no one except politicians with the assorted servants mixed in.
Huge, the room still felt suffocating with the omnipresent smell of overpriced perfume.
His eyes once more on the exit, he didn't see his boss come up next to him.
"What say we walk right out those doors to the Saloon?" Chris asked quietly, through a fake smile at the governor's wife. Vin nodded.
Twin smiles, genuine, spread across their faces as the two started forward, side by side.
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When we're two balloons, and together our direction is up, chances are we've found the right person.
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Ignoring the Judge's speech, Chris glanced across the platform and caught Vin's eye. His mouth formed into a grin which was returned by his best friend. Team Seven was finally being recognized for outstanding service to the ATF.
Chris, however, knew their remarkable success rate was not what really deserved recognition. It was the way one eclectic assortment of men had managed to connect and form a family.
The number of cases solved might rise or fall, but the relationships between them would never change. And as he returned his gaze to Vin, Chris knew their connection could only strengthen.
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Our soulmate is the one who makes life come to life.
~~~~~~
Chris inhaled the crisp, cold air. With the scent of pine and winter's magic, the peaceful countryside eased life's hardships. Chris glanced at Vin, knowing the happiness shining in them was reflected in his own gaze.
Eyes twinkling mischievously, Vin grinned as he launched a snowball at his best friend.
Chris raised his arms instinctively in an attempt to block, but the packed snow burst on impact, showering the black-clad man with white. Vin raced away, laughing as Chris swore revenge and gave chase.
The woods soon echoed with the sound of two soulmates celebrating life and loving every minute.
- The End -
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