ATF Universe
Chris kept his eyes focused on the ground, spotting and avoiding the many dips and turns the ground had to trip him and his companion. Larabee wished his thoughts could be so lucky. They had been in an uncontrollable tailspin ever since Vin's outburst over the shoes and the punishment dealt out for it. He could still feel the muscles of his back twitch and spasm, shooting up lances of pain, where the gunman had kicked him, but Chris gritted his teeth and ignored it. He was more worried about the man that was taking as much support as he was giving. As it had grown steadily lighter, signifying the approach of dawn, Chris had finally gotten a clear look at Vin's eyes. They were bloodshot and had a glassy appearance. There was no doubt that the younger man was suffering from a severe concussion, not to mention several broken or cracked ribs."I was wearing them for you!" his mind shouted at him, over and over again. Had the comment come out now, Chris would have no problems dismissing it as having merely been the ramblings of a delirious, pain-racked man. However, it hadn't. It had come when Vin had been aware of what was going on. That marked that out. Chris' next thought led him down the track that Vin had been trying to place the blame for their situation on somebody, and he'd been closest. That idea had been squashed almost as soon as it was born. Chris knew that Vin didn't really place blame for anything. The sharpshooter was one of the most easy-going people he'd known, except for maybe Buck. So much for the scapegoat theory.
"...for you!" There was something more there than just a simple act of doing something for somebody else. More than just the simplicity of doing something out of brotherly or friendly love. There was that tone... Chris recognized the same levels of emotion that had always been in Vin's voice, but there was an edge to it that hadn't been there before. Chris once again turned his eyes to the young man beside him, looking at him carefully, trying to pull out any more clues to the puzzle in his brain. That tone was sounded almost as if Vin.... No, that couldn't be it. "....for you!" Could it?
Chris began casting his mind back over the last few months. Vin had been acting off somehow, but the senior agent hadn't been sure of what was causing the change. He was even quieter around the office, if that was possible, and he had caught the man staring at him more than once. On each occasion Vin had merely blushed and thought up some excuse to get him out of the older man's sight. After one example of this, Buck had come to stand beside Larabee as he'd leaned against the framing of his office door. Chris could still remember the mischievous sparkle in the gregarious man as Wilmington chuckled and whispered something about 'young love'. That could explain it. However, the quiet sharpshooter hadn't offered anything up to Chris' subtle hints and questions, so the blonde had let it drop. ... "young love".... "for you!"...
It just couldn't be... And why not?! There were times when Chris hated that little voice of curiosity in his head. But it had voiced a good question. Why was it so hard to believe that Vin had fallen in love with him? He had loved the sharpshooter from the beginning. "t least, in his own way. Their souls had been connected that day they met, and it seemed as if that connection was always just under the surface. Chris could use it to test ideas and thoughts out on before really voicing them. Vin would know, just out of the blue, what Chris had in mind and with the slightest nod or shake give Chris the answers and support he needed.
That connection had brought Chris closer to any of the men on his team, closer even than Buck. Yes, it had brought him to love the younger man. To know that he would do anything for him. To keep him safe, to make him smile. But was it the same type of love that Chris was now trying to think Vin of being touched by? Did he want the sharpshooter? Chris allowed his gaze to stray from tracking their path on the ground to rove the younger man's beaten body. Long, dark hair, partially covering the face. Several times Chris had been tempted to reach over and push it behind the other's ear so that it wasn't hiding those piercing, now glassy, blue eyes. Strong jaw, now a bit bruised. The rest appeared to be all sinew and muscle, and Chris knew that looks were right in this case. Under his arm, he could feel the body move, albeit a bit sluggishly.
There was nothing un-attractive there. Well, Chris smiled to himself, feeling the sweat that trickled down his face sting as it hit his split lip, "side from a little blood and bruising, that is. But it answered his question. He wanted the other man. But, what if Vin didn't want him at all? What if Chris had merely misinterpreted Vin's actions? What if....
"Stop. Wanna let the boss get a good look at ya before we go down." Chris jerked his head up from where the dark thoughts had bowed it, cursing himself for letting down his guard. They stood on an embankment about 20 feet above the ground. Below them stood a small shack close to a water edge. Chris was unsure if the water was part of a pond, river, or just the wetness of the swamp. "n old, weathered sign on the side read "Live Bait: $.50 a bucket". A bait shack. Chris rapidly swung his gaze between their destination and the man at his side, noticing that Vin was doing his best to keep himself focused.
A lone figure emerged from the shack and Chris squinted, trying to make his eyes bring back some detail about the person. Nothing. Larabee caught the slight movement at the corner of his vision as Vin shook his head to clear it, making himself sway just a bit The figure raised one hand before dropping it behind his back. The figure then stood with his feet spread in a posture that almost was a perfect imitation of standing at ease, like in the military. There was something familiar about that pose...
"Move it!" the gunman shouted from behind them, giving Chris and Vin a shove towards the embankment. "t just the last moment, Chris regained his balance and latched onto the sharpshooter to help him do the same. Carefully they made their way down. It was time to get some answers.
The two agents kept a tight hold about each other's bodies as they worked their way down the steep embankment towards the figure at the bait shack below. Chris could feel the sweat gathering on his top lip as he felt his feet slipping in the dark, muddy ground. The senior agent did his best to get clear of Vin, not wanting to drag the other man down with him. "t the last possible second, he felt his heel catch, giving him the traction he needed to keep from tumbling down the rest of the way.
"Chris?" Vin whispered. The younger man bit his lip against the pain that one small word had caused him. He tried to keep his focus on his footing, not even wanting to imagine what it would feel like to fall down the steep incline. He felt Chris squeeze his shoulder slightly and risked a glance at the other man. Vin blinked several times, but found it was no use. Even though the man's face could be no more than six inches from his own, everything his eyes focused on was a blurry haze. Both agents slipped in the mud this time and Vin gave up trying to see anything clearly, just concentrating on making the last leg of the journey down in one piece.
"What kept you?" The voice lashed out into the still, humid air. Vin felt himself jerk from the sudden sound and tried to keep from passing out with pain. I thought we were off the hill... he thought, trying to get his bearings. Sure feels like I'm leaning a hell of a lot....
"Whoa, cowboy!" Chris reached out to grab Vin's shirt front as the younger man began to lean away from him. Vin seemed to steady under Chris' hand, but for how long, Larabee wasn't sure. The older agent was coming dangerously close to the limit of his own endurance. He didn't know how much longer he could hold out. For either of them.
"I asked you a question. What kept you?" Chris mentally cursed as he realized that he had almost forgotten about the figure waiting for them at the shack. The figure that was the reason they had been taken, beaten, and marched through this damned swamp in the first place. Chris felt his anger growing. It wasn't the first time he'd felt it boil inside him since they were taken, but now, that rage had a focus. Chris turned his pale green eyes towards the owner of that voice.
"These two weren't exactly thrilled about coming along, boss. They gave us a bit of trouble." The gunman spoke from behind Chris, but his attention stayed focused on the man before them. The years had not been exactly what Chris would've called kind, but the face he saw was one he couldn't help but recognize. Joseph LeBirds. The short, black haired man could be no one else. The eyes clenched it. Those pale blue eyes, seeming almost white compared to the darkness of his hair and clothing.
"I told you not to underestimate them." LeBirds turned his pale gaze towards the two captives, smiling as he saw the recognition on Larabee's face. ""w, Mr. Larabee. Has it been all of ten years?"
"LeBirds." Chris' voice was hard and cold. He hadn't thought of this man since the day he'd left the administrator's office in Langley, watching as he'd gone in after him to find out he'd just lost his job as both an instructor and an agent. And now, he was responsible for all the hurt that had been done to both him and Vin.
"So nice to be remembered, isn't it, gentlemen? I had rather hoped that my face would be familiar to you. It is also nice to not have to pause during the act of revenge to become re-acquainted." LeBirds' smile turned into an evil smirk as he watched the rage smoke through Chris' body.
"Birdie, you were a bastard ten years ago and your a bastard now." LeBirds' smile fell into a grim line across his face. Chris almost didn't catch the whispery voice of the man by his side as Vin turned to look at him.
"Birdie?" Vin breathed. His eyes were bloodshot and glazed, but Chris thought they looked a bit more focused than when he'd last checked. Larabee turned back to stare at the shorter man who was now standing with his arms crossed.
"Yeah," he said conversationally, using his words to dig into the other man. "Joseph LeBirds, a.k.a., Birdie. He was an instructor for a time with me at Langley. Everyone started calling him Birdie because, for the right amount, you could basically fly right through his course." Chris stopped as he saw LeBirds' frown deepen. "Just remembering, Birdie." He went on, talking to Vin while his eyes stayed locked on his enemy. "Of course, students weren't the only ones that could fly by for a price. You had enough money and ol' Birdie here would simply turn his back on whatever you were doing."
Chris smiled as he watched LeBirds. Guess he's not so happy about being remembered after all. "But he wasn't too smart. Birdie didn't really hide too well. Rumors started flying. Then, he slipped up big. Let a small time mover and shaker go by while my team was tracking the buyer of the same guy. Almost got three of my men killed." Chris' voice was like steel now. "I turned in a full report. The boys at Langley weren't too pleased with what I had to say, but there wasn't any doubts it was true. Birdie here lost his shield and any hopes of a further career in the Agency."
LeBirds began to slowly applaud as he walked closer to where Chris and Vin were standing. His face was covered by that damnable smirk Chris had always hated. "Such an impressive memory, Mr. Larabee. I'm so happy to have made such an impact on your life that you would remember me so well." Suddenly, LeBirds' hand shot out, catching Larabee directly in the stomach. Chris doubled over with pain as he felt the fragile scab over the long cut on his stomach break open with a vengeance, warm heat pouring out on his flesh.
Reaching down, LeBirds wrapped one hand in Chris' sweat-soaked hair, jerking him upright again. He could see Larabee's companion being held up by the first gunman off to one side. Larabee's ragged breath was like a sweet song to his ears and the shorter man leaned over to place his mouth next to the agent's ear.
"I can assure you, Mr. Larabee, that you won't be flying through this course. I plan to enjoy this lesson. And I most certainly look forward to watching you fail. First to save his life," the dark haired man jerked his head towards Larabee's friend, "and then, your own. However, I don't want any untimely interruptions, and, knowing the locals as I do, they should have the dogs out by now. Tobin!" LeBirds let go of Larabee's hair, watching the man struggle to stay up-right as the gunman came forward.
Chris wanted nothing more than to let the threatening blackness over-take him, ending the agony climbing up from his mid-section. His whole body was consumed by the combined fires of rage and pain, and it was mixing up for a dangerous combination. He forced himself to listen as LeBirds gave out his instructions.
"Take Jesse and that can of powder setting on the porch. Make sure you spread that sent around very thickly. I don't want those search dogs to get within 100 yards of this shack, do you understand?" Tobin nodded and moved off, whistling slightly. Chris caught a blur of motion as a large, black german shepherd came into view, following Tobin as he began to dip a hand into a canister and sprinkle the contents on the ground as they walked away.
"Johnson," LeBirds turned to the man who still held Vin. Chris managed to straighten up again as Vin was moved towards him, the gunman giving him a slight push as they got nearer. "Tsk, tsk, Johnson. We must be polite to Mr. Larabee and his companion. Vin Tanner, isn't it? I know quite a few men that would pay dearly to find your skull on a pole, Mr. Tanner. Yes, do be gentle, Johnson. We wouldn't want these two gentlemen too ill to take place in the festivities we have planned for tonight, now would we?"
Chris felt his arm grabbed as Johnson began to lead Vin and him off towards the shack. LeBirds' laughter rang out in the air, placing the feeling of damp, cold dread onto the burning pain radiating through their bodies.
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"We've searched this whole section of the city. Not quite sure if they went into the swamp or the city, so we decided to do both. Didn't come up with anything. Started on the swamp this morning, just before you got here." Buck studied the map intently as DeVareau pointed to various places on it, continuing to bring the other four men and himself up to date on the efforts being made. The other agent looked tired, with slight bags forming under his deep brown eyes. The salt-and-peppered hair on top of his head was ruffled from walking through the swamps.
"What about this section here?" Nathan asked, pointing at a spot on the map. DeVareau turned to look at the man. Nathan had been impressed when he'd found that the senior agent could look eye-to-eye with him. Few men were tall enough to do so. And , although it helped, Nathan knew that DeVareau didn't need that height to make his presence known, either. The man had an air of command about him that reminded him of the way his own team leader could change the feel of a room with a glance.
"Next on our list. Our dogs haven't been picking up much, but they're getting a bit tired. Some new ones are on their way as we speak. Should be here within the next few minutes." Buck and the others nodded. The search had been going on for well over twelve hours now without much sign of head-way. A young man in a uniform came running their way and Buck found himself holding his breath, hoping word on Chris or Vin was coming.
""gent DeVareau, the new dogs are here. And so are the re-enforcements you asked for. Enough to spell two men per team." DeVareau nodded, but the younger man didn't leave.
"What is it, Hawkins?" he asked, seeing the tiredness and edgy color of the officer's eyes.
"Sir, it's the board. The board we've been running the radios through? Not sure what's wrong with it, but we're getting some bad feedback on it. The transmissions aren't understandable." DeVareau sighed and rubbed his eyes. A young, eager voice jumped into the conversation and both men swung their gazes back to the five men that had arrived earlier that day.
"Let me take a look at it. I know a bit about computers and such." DeVareau saw the need to be doing something pouring from the hazel eyes of the youngest of the ATF team. Hell, what can it hurt? he thought, nodding and using his thumb to indicate that Dunne and Hawkins get to it. As the two younger men practically ran towards their task, a much larger group of men approached them. Twelve, to be exact, in three clumps of four men each, led by a dog. DeVareau turned to greet them, taking in their reports with a heavy heart before sending them off to get some rest, calling for them to regroup in thirty minutes. No news. "gain.
"We'll get started as soon as they've had a chance to rest. I've only got enough new men to spare two from each group." DeVareau stopped as he turned and saw each of the ATF shrugging into their coats.
""gent DeVareau, what say you to allowing us to take part in this extensive effort? Young Mr. Dunne can handle your communications while we four split up to join two of your new men on a team and see what we can uncover." Ezra tugged the cuffs of the one jacket he owned that didn't stand out like a jewel in the sun. DeVareau smiled for a moment before nodding. He had a feeling that if he didn't agree now, they'd just be going out on their own.
Ten minutes later found Buck and Ezra standing beside DeVareau and another man as they received their instructions. Josiah and Nathan were going with two others and a large, red blood-hound named Jedediah. They had the southern and eastern sections of Lots four and five. Buck and Ezra's group would be following the nose of an energetic airedale named Kit. They had the northern and western sections of the same Lots. Just as they were about to go, Hawkins came up once again.
""gent DeVareau, Joe just called in. He said there wasn't anything in Lot Four." DeVareau paused, squinting one dark eye in thought as Hawkins turned to go.
"Joe? I thought he was on vacation?"
"I guess he got called back for the search. Your radios are working now, sir, so you can stay in touch between groups. Use channels 3 and 7 for group-converse and channel 1 for base." Hawkins walked back to where Dunne sat, a pair of headphones holding back his dark hair. DeVareau shrugged.
"Well, gentlemen, I guess that lets us off of Lot Four. We'll concentrate on Lot Five,then. Check in if you find anything. Good luck!" The two groups separated as they headed towards their prospective search quadrants, each man hoping that they would return with their prize.
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Vin could feel the sweat coating his upper lip as he lay down on floor. Chris' body was hot against his as the other man lay down as well. Vin slid his tongue out to remove the salty-liquid beads, but stopped as Chris' eyes caught his. The blonde rolled over until he was laying flush against him.
"Let me do that..." Vin arched up against Chris as the other man's warm wet tongue caressed his face. Chris kissed his eyes, whispered over his cheeks, and finally pressed against his lips. Vin opened his mouth to that seeking tongue, gasping as it invaded him. Chris explored every inch of his warm wet cavern.
The younger man groaned under the sensual feeling. His body was beginning to burn wherever Chris touched him. With a low moan, he pushed the other man to his back and straddled him, feeling the hard muscles in his lover's body respond as he pressed their growing arousals together. Vin made quick work of Chris' shirt, baring the pale flesh of his chest to his hungry eyes.
Chris reached up to pull Vin's shirt from his body. Vin arched backwards as those work-roughened hands glided over his flushed skin. Those calloused fingers rolling over and pinching his nipples. Vin leaned down, feeling the electricity pass through his body to settle in his groin as their chests met. The sharpshooter nuzzled the stubbled cheek, feeling the rasp against his lips. Vin slowly slid his lips down, sucking hard at Chris' neck. He couldn't get enough of the taste of that skin.
Vin's hair fell down around his face and he could feel the heavy dampness of it. His body was covered with sweat, making him stick to Chris as he moved down to lap at his chest. He latched onto one of Chris' nipples, his lips and teeth teasing the man beneath him. Vin smiled as he heard Chris groan, his body writhing from his touch. Chris' hips bucked up against his body, causing Vin to gasp, his own body twisting in his pleasure. He was hard and aching now, the feel of his pants against his flesh distracting him from his present task of devouring every inch of Chris Larabee's body that he could get his mouth on.
Suddenly, Vin found himself on his back once again as Chris rolled them over. The older man ground his hips down into Vin's body. Vin almost cried out as Chris held his hands down at his sides, grinning ferally before sliding down to lap at Vin's stomach. Vin moaned as he felt Chris' breath on his skin, felt his hands holding him down, his teeth, raking over where his pants were joined. Vin was fairly thrashing about now, needing to find his release so bad it was hurting, causing a dull ache to spread throughout his body.
"Easy, cowboy...just take it easy..." Vin heard Chris' murmur against his skin as the fastenings on his pants were undone, freeing his throbbing flesh. Vin breathed harder, making the ache in his body grow worse.
"Chris...." Vin called out, his body on fire. He tried to twist into Chris' touch, needing to ease the ache that was consuming him......
"Easy, cowboy....stay still, Vin....." Vin opened his eyes, the blue orbs glazed as the pain moved through him. He shook his head, moaning as that only sent the images spinning. Finally, his vision settled and Vin looked up to see Chris leaning over him. Worried green eyes met his and Chris smiled a bit.
"Just lay still, Vin." Tanner shook as the after-effects of his dream, so real and so vivid, played through his mind. Chris moved his hands from where he'd grabbed Vin's wrists to hold him still. They'd been in the back room of the bait shack for quite some time now. Chris wasn't even certain how long. For the most part, Vin had drifted in and out, not moving. But this time, something had come out of the injured man's mind, causing him to thrash and moan. Chris had done his best to keep him quiet and bring him away from whatever was plaguing him.
Chris brushed the damp hair of his friend away from his equally damp forehead. Vin's eyes slid closed again and Chris debated whether or not to let him go back to sleep. That the man needed it was obvious, but... He tried to remember the last time a member of their team had had a concussion. Hadn't Nathan said they shouldn't sleep for a period time? But for how long? "s Chris watched the pain slip from Vin's face, he decided to let him sleep. What could he do if he stayed awake? Chris knew that the younger man's injuries wouldn't allow him to be much help.
After waiting a few moments to be sure that Vin was sleeping soundly, Larabee pushed himself up and walked around the room. It was the same as it had been during the last hundred times he'd walked around it. The ground was cement, and the walls were wood planks. There was no windows and only one door. The sparse light in the room filtered down through the slatted roof. Chris had already tried it, only to receive a threat from outside for his trouble. The blonde looked upwards and sighed. The hooks on the wooden cross-beams made Chris think that they were in the bait-room itself, along with the smell that permeated the room.
Chris thought briefly about trying to force his way through the walls. Wood could be broken... He pushed cautiously against the far wall. It would take a hell of a blow. Chris drew a deep breath, feeling the fire in his belly and his side. He was sweating heavily with the beginnings of fever. A quick look earlier had revealed that the flesh around his cuts was an angry red, puckering tightly. What little he'd been able to do with them had produced, not the sight of his rich, red blood, but a sick, greenish liquid. The infection was setting in and Chris wasn't sure exactly what would happen if he and Vin didn't get some help, and soon.
The senior agent kept pushing on the walls as he walked around the room. Finally, he gave in to the lights that were swimming in his brain and sank down beside Vin once again. The younger man was growing rapidly more restless. Chris tried to soothe him with his voice, but Vin seemed to be building up to a point like earlier in which Chris had been forced to restrain him. Maybe I shouldn't have let him sleep.... he thought, worriedly. If anything else happened to Vin because of him....
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