ATF Universe
"Beautiful scenery, wouldn't you say, gentlemen? It's always been one of my favorite spots." LeBirds stared out over a small lagoon, the heavily moss covered trees reflecting in the marble smoothness of the surface. Chris and Vin were brought up alongside him, both taking glances at their surroundings before focusing their gazes on LeBirds. The man's eyes were fairly sparkling with his desire of revenge. Tanner suppressed the shudder that itched to climb his backbone, not wanting to experience the sharp pain he knew it would bring to his already damaged ribs.Their captor motioned with his hand and began moving again, following a small path down to where the water dissolved into the shore. Chris tried to concentrate on the ground before him rather than the long haired agent behind him. That kiss that LeBirds had forced him and Vin into had his brain spinning out of control. The physical sensations those soft lips had brought had long since faded from his own mouth, save for the lingering tingle in his memory. The mental effects, however... Chris couldn't shake that feeling of familiarity that he had when he'd kissed Vin. That feeling of it being so right. The blonde agent grunted as he slid the last few feet down to stand behind LeBirds. He knew that his feelings could never be further explored. What would be the point? Tanner had already made his feelings quite clear in his vocalized dreams.
"If it's one thing I have learned to love about the South, it's that there are interesting stories about every inch of it." LeBirds continued to speak, his voice light and cheerful, as if he were giving a tour. "This little lagoon, for instance, Bloody Water Lagoon, by name, has quite the tale to tell. It seems that back before the Civil War, a gentleman named Marcus Regaint ran a rather profitable enterprise of turning out the... local brew, so to speak." LeBirds paused as Vin, Johnson, and Tobin joined him and Chris at the water's edge. "Well, it came to pass that word of Mr. Regaint's mastery of the art of moonshine reached the ears of the authorities. Five came out to ask the man to stop making his merchandise. However, none of them came back."
Vin kept his arms cradled about his middle as he stepped down next to Chris, feeling rather than seeing Johnson come down behind him, followed closely by Tobin. His ribs were like a fire in his body, but they were nothing compared to the flames that raged in his brain. Chris just kissed me! That thought had been running rampant through his mind since their lips had parted. Now, its loud shout was dimmed by the overpowering voices as his hopes warred with his common sense. He kissed me! Of course, LeBirds made him. But he didn't pull away... Of course he didn't, there was a gun to his head. But, at least he's looking at me again... The arguments stilled as the two voices in his mind agreed on that sentiment. Vin didn't know what had caused the blonde at his side to refuse to look at him, but now that he was again, he wasn't sure he wanted to. The long haired agent was also gratified to notice that the ache he had in head was slowly going away. It had been content to pound it's way through one side to the other. Vin was unsure if the lessening of the pain was a good thing or not, but he decided to take it as one. If he wasn't concentrating on the pain, he could concentrate on escape. Vin turned his gaze back to LeBirds' face as the man continued speaking, kneeling down to press his fingers into the dark, muddy soil.
"You see, Regaint knew he'd been sold out. As such, he had taken great pains to be prepared for his guests, including the man leading them that had furnished the information. When they arrived, Regaint simply fired both barrels of his shotgun into the group from around ten feet away. Of course, it wasn't enough to kill them all, but it did drop them to the ground. On this very spot..." LeBirds' voice held an almost reverent tone as he spoke of the death of the five lawmen. Chris felt like he was watching a bad horror movie in which the mad scientist was about to reveal his crazed plans.
"Regaint took the four that were dead and threw them into the water, knowing the scent of fresh blood in the water would draw the local wildlife to the feast. The other two..." LeBirds stood and walked forward a bit, resting a hand on the thick, gnarled trunk of a tree that grew close to the water's edge. "He tied their hands to a length of rope and then threw them out into the water. Regaint then threw the rope over that limb." LeBirds pointed a finger to a sturdy limb that reached far out over the murky waters. "He pulled them up until they were about half a foot above the water and then tied the rope off, leaving them hanging there."
Chris and Vin's eyes traveled the length of the limb, having no trouble visualizing what Regaint took such obvious joy in describing. A sinking feeling hit both of them and they suddenly had an idea of just what kind of 'festivities' LeBirds had planned for them. Chris let his gaze drop back to where their captor was standing, his green eyes making an almost audible clash with the pale blue orbs that stared madly back at him. LeBirds stepped away from the tree and Chris felt the hairs stand on the back of his neck as he looked at the damp handprint the man left there, traces of the dark mud he'd held making it a dark impression. Almost like blood...
LeBirds made a subtle motion with his hand as he once again moved to stare out over the water. Johnson and Tobin were suddenly in front of the two agents, reaching for them. Vin felt the rough texture of a rope as it was wrapped around his wrists. Chris felt his arms being held in Tobin's vise-like grip. Vin tried his best to struggle, but any sudden movement he made only threatened to send him crashing to the ground from the pain in his ribs. The younger agent heard Chris grunt and forced his eyes to focus on the pair beside him. Tobin had one arm wrapped firmly about Larabee's throat while the other was down around his middle. Vin could see the gunman's fingers were pressing in, searching for the gashes he knew were there. A cry escaped from Chris' throat as Tobin found what he sought, gouging deep to tear open the fragile scabs on his stomach. The senior agent gasped in pain as Tobin's hand pulled away, covered in a sickening mixture of bright red blood and a greenish liquid Vin couldn't identify.
"Of course, with the blood dripping from their bodies into the water, they were quickly targeted by the crocs. By the time a posse was sent to check on them, all that was left for them to find was Regaint, staring patiently at the half eaten corpses still hanging from the tree." LeBirds turned around to look at them for the first time, having not even flinched at Larabee's cry or the sounds of the struggle behind him. He smiled slightly at the sight of Chris' pale face and the blood on Tobin's fingers. "The locals say that it took quite some time for all the blood to be cycled from the water. The soil, however, stayed as dark as the stains it received that day."
LeBirds walked over and gave an experimental pull on the rope holding Vin's hands together. "That's how the lagoon got its name, of course. Bloody Water... And the legend goes on to say that the crocs that frequent this charming locale have had the yearning for human blood ever since. I think it's about time that craving was satisfied, don't you?" LeBirds' face became hard as he yanked the rope in his hands, causing Vin to stumble forward to the edge of the water. Tobin pushed the still gasping Chris after them, coming abreast of the pair as Johnson stood on Chris' other side.
Reaching around behind him, Tobin grasped the hilt of the knife Johnson kept in his belt. He pulled it out and brought the tip of the blade up against Chris' throat before dragging it lightly down his shoulder and arm. The agent tried to hold still, feeling the edge push at his skin, but never feeling that bite that meant it had pierced his skin. Vin saw the angry red line that was left in the knife's wake. When Tobin reached Chris' hand, he reached out and grabbed his wrist, holding it tightly out over the water.
"You know, I had originally planned to use Tanner's blood to call the crocs. However, I think it will be much more in the form of poetic justice if I use yours. You always want to save everyone so badly, Larabee... How will it feel to know that because of your blood, this man is going to die a hopefully slow and painful death?" LeBirds nodded and Tobin turned Larabee's hand palm up, placing the tip of the knife on the skin just under his little finger. As if on cue, a large, dark form surfaced on the water. Vin's blurry vision made out the bumpy texture of reptilian skin and he knew that there was a row of very sharp teeth inside it somewhere.
"gain, LeBirds nodded, and Tobin pressed the knife into the blonde's hand. Chris hissed with pain as the blade bit deep into his flesh, his green eyes following the flash of silver as it was drug down across his palm towards his thumb, his rich, dark blood welling slowly up to the surface in its wake. Just then, Tobin released the iron grip he'd held on Chris' wrist. The pain intensified immediately as the blood rushed forward into his hand, seeming to gush out onto his pale skin. Chris couldn't stop his grunt of pain at the sensation, his green eyes following the the large drops of blood as they fell into the dark water. Soon, a red stain, like a dense cloud, was spreading across the surface. Another large shape appeared in the water beside the first, the loud snap of jaws opening and closing echoing through the air.
""h, yes... The guests are beginning to arrive. And now, it's time for you to take your place, Mr. Tanner. Can't keep them waiting... It's not polite." LeBirds gave Vin a small push, sending him out into the water. The younger agent stumbled a bit, almost falling down in the slick footing. Chris watched as small waves sent the growing pool of his blood outward to the waiting crocodiles. LeBirds threw the excess length of rope to Johnson who released Chris' arm to catch the rope.
"I'm sure you'll want a ring-side seat for this, Larabee." Vin threw a quick glance at his friend, trying to see anything that looked like a plan in his eyes. Tanner tried to set his feet solidly in the ground in case he needed to make any moves. LeBirds stepped back as Johnson moved forward, taking up some of the slack in the rope. Just then, Vin slipped in the dark mud, causing him to jerk the rope to keep his balance. Johnson tightened his hold to avoid losing his grip, pulling him forward right into LeBirds' shoulder.
Chris saw his possibly last chance almost handed to him. As Tobin turned his head to watch Johnson and LeBirds battle for their footing on the slippery ground, Chris brought his now free hand up. Gathering every last ounce of his strength, Chris balled his fist and threw it forward into the man's throat. Tobin fell back, gasping as he tried to force air past his aching throat. Chris felt that broiling anger that had touched him so many times since their capture burst into flames. It blocked the pain his tired body was sending out and finally allowed him the strength he needed.
With a savage cry, Chris jumped at Tobin, wrapping his blood-covered hand around the other's throat while reaching for the knife with the other. Larabee heard Vin yelling from behind him, he couldn't lose his focus. With three bangs of his fist, Tobin lost his grip on the knife and it landed in the dirt beside the two. Chris howled as Tobin brought his knee up, barely missing his groin, instead landing on his sliced middle. The blonde agent dropped to his knees, barely dodging the follow-up kick that would have taken his head from his shoulders. But, he couldn't escape the double blow from Tobin's fists that made his vision swim and brought the taste of blood to his mouth.
A flash of silver caught his blurry gaze as he stared at the ground to get his balance. As Chris reached down to grab the knife, he caught a glimpse of Johnson and LeBirds fighting to untangle themselves from the rope that Vin was tied with. From the splashing sounds he heard, Chris figured Vin was still in the bloody water.
"I'm going to enjoy this, Larabee," Tobin hissed, his voice still scratchy from the trauma Chris' quick punch had caused. Chris watched as the man brought a gun from behind his back that Chris supposed he'd had in his belt. I'm gonna enjoy this too! Chris thought as he wrapped his fingers tightly around the handle of the knife. With a forceful lunge, his arm shot up, driving the blade deep into Tobin's gut. Chris forced himself to stand, dragging the sharp edge up as he did so, slicing hard and deep into the other's body. Tobin's hand went limp, dropping the gun as he all but collapsed into Chris' arms. Larabee turned to the side, pulling the knife out as he used his hip to give him the leverage he needed to throw Tobin aside and into the water.
"Chris, look ou...!" Vin's shout ended in a choked gasp followed by a splash. The senior agent turned just in time to catch Johnson's boot firmly in his chest. The force sent him rolling back to the ground he had just risen from. Chris gasped, not having the breath to cry out the rage and pain he was feeling. His chest ached down into his ribs and clear through to his back, making it feel as if something was digging into it. What the... Suddenly, Chris knew what was making his back hurt. He rolled over quickly as Johnson closed in, grabbing the gun that he had been laying on. Without hesitation, Chris leveled his weapon and pulled the trigger, the shot echoing loudly in the air.
Johnson shuddered as the bullet entered his body, a look of shocked horror passing through his dying eyes as he fell. Chris swung his head drunkenly, searching for his final enemy. His burst of angry adrenaline was quickly running out. The coppery scent of blood was all over him, mixing with the stark smell of his own fevered sweat to create a shell of musty pain around.
A movement caught his eye and Chris turned to see LeBirds standing about ten feet away. The man's pale blue eyes were flashing with madness and anger at the unexpected turn his revenge had taken. His hands, however, betrayed none of what was in his eyes as they steadily held the gun that was pointed in Chris' direction. A slow smile crossed LeBirds' face as he looked over to where Vin was kneeling on the bank, his arms wrapped protectively around his ribs.
"Like I said, Larabee, you failed!" With that, the dark haired little man swung his gun around and pulled the trigger. Chris fired just a second slower, his bullet passing into LeBirds' brain before the other could even see if his shot had gone true. Chris turned in time to see Vin rocked back by the force of the slug and then slammed back into the water.
The last resounding echoes of the shots were drowned out by Chris loud scream of denial as he watched Vin's head slip beneath the water.
+ + + + + + +
Ezra looked up as a slight rustling in the brush came from their left. They had paused beside a tall weeping willow while Kit and his partner, a tall, stocky man named Hocken, scouted for a scent further up. The long branches that hung down around the tree parted and the southerner had to smile at the mud covered pair that came through. Kit was positively soaked, and Hocken looked in even worse shape. Ezra's smile died however as he heard what the man had to say as he moved towards DeVareau.
"I'm sorry, Jack. Kit did his best, but he didn't have a chance." Ezra felt Buck come up behind him, placing a hand on his shoulder, as the other man fished a small bag from his pocket. "This was all over the place." A somewhat dismal, yet furious look came into DeVareau's brown eyes as he took the bag and opened it, sifting and sniffing the contents.
"What is that?" Buck asked, his blue gaze trying to figure out anything important from the small bit of dirt he could see through inside the bag. DeVareau gave a small snort as he moved the bag away, sealing it before he put it in his pocket.
"Pepper." DeVareau ran a hand through his now matted hair. He pursed his lips as Ezra
came closer, absently swiping at a smidgen of dust on his soiled jacket.
"And what, may I ask, is this particular condiment doing spread out all over this infernal area?" A slight breeze whisked the long, leafy branches around them, and Ezra swore quietly as one wrapped itself around his forearm as he gestured at the ground. As he fought the green vine, he missed the first half of DeVareau's answer. "Beg pardon?"
"Pepper ruins the dogs' sense of smell. Makes it all but impossible for them to keep to a scent. Anyone that works with dogs on a trail knows it." Hocken squatted down to scratch Kit's head as he finished his statement. The weight of what he said caused Ezra and Buck to lock eyes. Someone who works with dogs... There was only one person left that had fit that criteria that hadn't checked in was...
"Joe Birds." DeVareau spoke the name as soon as it hit the two ATF agents' minds. The older man looked up into Ezra's emerald gaze, seeing in his eyes that he hated being right about the man's fellow officer. With a quick move, DeVareau turned and parted the long branches surrounding them from the rest of the swamp. There was a sad, but firm, conviction in both his voice and his movements.
"Come on. Larabee and Tanner are undoubtedly in this section, or... Joe... wouldn't have spread pepper. Nor would he have called in saying this Lot was clear. Since Kit won't be of much help, we'll just have to work on what we can see, ourselves." Just as DeVareau turned to delegate who would go searching with who, three loud cracks traveled through the air, followed by a loud cry.
Buck and Ezra shared a look for the briefest of moments before they both pushed through the green leafy curtain, heading in the direction of the fading echoes. The others were just behind, but the two hardly noticed as they headed towards the sound, both hopeful and fearful of what they might find there.
+ + + + + + +
Before the last traces of his cry was gone from the air, Chris was forcing his body to race towards the blood-stained water. He threw the gun away from him as he hit the edge, leaping out to where he could see Vin floating lifelessly in the water. The waves he made caused the younger man to rock a bit, floating away from him. Chris stretched, ignoring the sharp, biting pain his injuries gave off as he latched onto Vin's wrist and pulled him to his body. The senior agent's green eyes glanced out on the water to check what motion had caught his attention. He began to back-peddle, making sure that Vin's face was out of the water as he pulled him, his eyes staying fastened to the sleek, dark, and deadly objects that had already found one treat. The government wouldn't have to worry about burying Tobin, Chris thought grimly as he watched the man's body being rolled violently by the crocodiles.
Chris finally felt the water becoming more shallow and dug his heels in all the more fiercely. He dared let his gaze leave the reptilian predators in the water to check on his partner. Vin's face was deathly pale, his long hair plastered to his cheeks in places. His once white shirt was now covered in mud and grime. And blood, Chris added, cringing. The sharpshooter's features were lax in his unconscious state, making it even easier for Chris to manhandle his body without seeing the grimaces of pain that would have been there had Vin been awake.
Once out of the water completely, Chris kept dragging Vin back from the edge, not wanting to risk being close enough to the water for a curious croc to come up for a look. Chris dropped to his knees beside Vin's inert form, his hands quickly pressing under the tattered tuxedo jacket as he felt for the bullet hole he knew LeBirds had managed to give the other man. Vin's eyes were just beginning to flutter when Chris' hands, following the warm, sticky flow of blood, located what he sought.
Vin hissed, confused at the pain that wracked his body. He could feel his wet clothing sticking to his body, the chilled cloth made warm in spots by his blood where it mixed. Vin's gaze finally settled on Larabee as the man pulled him up briefly to check and be sure there was an exit wound. His mind raced to remember why he hurt and why Chris' face and shirt was covered with new and old blood stains. When he did, his blue eyes widened with worry, glancing about to locate their attackers. He vaguely remembered three shots...
"LeBirds?" Vin gasped, his shoulder sending out waves of white heat as Chris lightly fingered it. Vin half growled and Chris smiled at him. He gently let Vin down, tearing open the man's shirt to get at the fiery hole. Chris couldn't help the smile he'd shown the younger man. For one, he had finally awoke, which had to be a good sign. And second, the bullet had done no damage. LeBirds had always been a lousy shot, and, although he had cursed that while the man was in the agency, now, he mentally shouted loud thanks for the other's lack of skill. The bullet had passed through the meaty flesh just above Vin's collarbone. Once he stopped the flow of blood and got Vin to proper care, the only harm it could do would be small pain. Finding a section of his own shirt that wasn't as soiled and dirty as the rest, Chris tore enough off to stuff in the front and back of the wound.
"Dead," Chris finally answered, feeling the relief he saw in Vin's eyes sweep through his body with that one word. The man who had kidnapped them, hurt them, and tried to kill them was finally dead. Now all that remained was to get back to the rest of his team. Of course, his brain told him, trying to dampen his feeling of light-headedness, That's assuming you can find out just where you are to get headed back. Chris shut the door on that small voice. He knew it spoke the truth but he figured he'd tackle that mountain when he got there. For the moment, he was concerned merely with finding the strength to move rather than just fall down next to Vin and sleep for a week.
Just then, a loud squeal came from LeBirds' body, followed by muffled voices. Chris almost kicked himself for forgetting the radio the man had slipped into his pocket. Crawling, the blonde made his way to his recent enemy's corpse, ignoring the blank stare of those pale blue eyes as he reached inside pocket after pocket until he found what he was searching for. Chris made his way back to where Vin was trying to sit up, pushing the man back down before examining the radio. It was flashing a series of channels over the view-window, apparently scanning for any signal. Chris took a chance that the device was programmed to a certain frequency and pushed the button on the edge, smiling slightly as he saw a channel number stay steady on the screen.
+ + + + + + +
Buck listened to DeVareau impatiently as the man pointed out various features on the map, assigning places to search. It had been almost fifteen minutes since they'd heard the shots. JD had radioed in with reports that the other team had also heard the noise and was currently working towards them. His normally happy blue eyes were hollow with worry and he twirled an end of his mustache as DeVareau refolded his map.
"This is agent Chris Larabee of the ATF calling for assistance. Anyone read this channel?" Buck stood completely still for the briefest of moments as a low cough was heard on the radio before the message was repeated. He was afraid that if he moved, he might find out he was only dreaming. There was a mad scramble as the team re-assembled around DeVareau, listening as JD ecstatically answered his boss' call. Chris sounded bone weary and Buck cringed from the sound of the normally strong voice so weak.
"It's good to be heard, JD," Chris said, answering the boy's cry of welcome that Buck had missed. He could almost hear the smile in Larabee's voice. His eyes twinkled a bit as Ezra moved to stand beside him, the southerner's face revealing the complete relief and joy he felt in hearing their leader on the radio. Buck just smiled, knowing now was not the time to needle Standish about showing his feelings.
"Where are we?" Buck paid attention to the conversation again as he began to realize this was reality. His friends were alive and...semi-well. "That's a damn good question, JD. "ll I got is the name of lagoon, Bloody Water Lagoon, and a bait shack about ten minute's walk from there." DeVareau nodded as he heard the name. He gestured with his hand the direction they needed to go, the men turning to move while still staying in a cluster to here the rest of the transmission. Buck winced as Chris listed both his and Vin's injuries, knowing that it was pure will and stubbornness that was keeping the man awake.
Chris ended his transmission by stating that he and Vin would be waiting at the bait shack, not having any desire to stay around the hungry crocs and bloody bodies of their late enemies. Buck almost laughed as he'd heard Vin's vehement No! at the thought of them staying there. As the radio conversation ended, the men began to move in earnest towards their destination. It would take almost an hour at a walk, but nobody seemed interested in taking the slow pace. Buck shared a glance with Ezra, seeing the southerner's emerald gaze alive again for the first time since the ordeal had begun. With a cock of his head, he let his quirking lips speak for him. Ezra nodded.
A loud Rebel yell was heard throughout the swamps as Standish and Wilmington took off at a run towards where their friends were waiting, the others not far behind.
+ + + + + + +
Chris looked over to where Vin lay on the one small cot inside the bait shack before staring back out the window. He'd said it was about a ten minute walk back from the lagoon, but that had been when both could walk. Seeing as how he'd had to support most of Vin's body weight a good deal of the trip, it had taken almost twenty. The trek, combined with everything else, had finally taken its toll, causing Vin to fall into an uneasy sleep once they reached the shack.
The sharpshooter mumbled slightly and Chris did his best to ignore it. The last time he'd paid attention to the man's unconscious talk... You would have found out sooner or later, Chris told himself. He kept his eyes focused on the dark shape of the german shepard that lay outside, tied to the porch railing.
"Halen, you sonofa... No!" Chris couldn't ignore the loud cry that came from Vin's throat. He moved as quickly as possible to the younger man's side, laying a hand on his un-injured shoulder. Vin struggled against whatever demons were inside his brain, his mumblings growing in volume until he finally jerked awake, his hands coming up in a defensive stance. Chris tried to soothe his taxed mind as Vin lay back, moaning softly through gritted teeth at the pain his movements had caused.
"It's alright Vin. Nobody's here." Chris remembered the name Vin had shouted and took a chance. "Halen's long gone by now." For a moment, Chris thought he'd made a mistake by mentioning the name, but then Vin's eyes lost that wild look of pain and hatred. And then, the smallest light of confusion entered.
"How'd you know about Halen?" Vin couldn't remember ever talking to Chris about the man that had been his guardian for a brief time before he was removed from the home because Halen's abuse. His blue gaze followed Chris as he took a wet strip of cloth that looked suspiciously like the fabric of a tuxedo coat, wet it, and began to run it over his fevered forehead. Chris looked slightly embarrassed and slightly... Sad? Vin thought.
"You talk in your sleep." Chris smiled bitterly as he recalled just how vocal the man became in his dreams. He was sure it would be an interesting case study as to why someone so quiet all the time was so damned talkative when he slept. He felt Vin shift a bit under his hand and was reminded of a worm squirming on a hook.
"I say anything important?" Chris moved to re-wet the cloth in a small bucket beside the cot, feeling strangely like that worm he'd just compared Vin to. What would the man think if he knew he'd been eavesdropping on him? Vin was a man who enjoyed his privacy, as Chris could well appreciate seeing as how he himself treasured that luxury. Chris kept his face turned away as he answered.
"Like what?"
"Like... Aww, hell..." Vin silently continued his cursing as he shifted slightly on the cot, trying to ease some of the pain that was encroaching on his concentration. How could he find out what he'd said without saying it? He watched as Chris paused in mid-motion of wringing out the scrap of cloth. Then, that solid mask of stoic calm that Larabee seemed to have patented was back in place as the man turned to him. Damn! It looked as if he didn't have to guess at what he'd said. Vin cleared his throat, his fingers unconsciously clutching the thin mattress he lay on. "Damn, Chris... I didn't mean for you to find out this way."
"It's alright, Vin. I woulda found out sooner or later." He dared make eye contact with the younger man, hoping the pain of his heart wasn't betrayed there. Chris was taken aback by the emotion that radiated out from those blue orbs. He knew Vin hadn't wanted to cause him any pain and that he was obviously worried about his reaction. Well, I can at least put that to rest, he thought before continuing. "Don't worry, I won't stand in your way."
"Hell... Chris, I'm sor..." Vin kept on as if he hadn't heard the other man until his last words clicked in his brain. "You won't stand in my way? Of what?" Chris stared at him, confusion obvious in his eyes, almost hiding, but not quite, the look of sadness there.
"Of you and Mary." Vin jerked his head back, paying no heed to the small pounding that had started up again. His mind was trying to figure out what had made Chris think he had any intentions towards Mary at all? The whole reason for this conversation suddenly came to the front of his whirling thoughts. 'You talk in your sleep.' The dream he'd had. If he talked about Halen, perhaps he'd talked about... Like a 2X4, Vin's memory slammed the words he'd said in his mind. Vin silently groaned. His attention came back to the present as he heard Chris quietly mumbling about his past episode of talking in his sleep. Without waiting for the man to stop, Vin jumped in, quickly explaining where the words had come from. Vin was careful to leave out the fact that his original statement would have ended with 'Chris, I love you!'.
"A dream?" Chris echoed, a light seeming to shine in his eyes. Vin became a little worried as a feverish tint began to color the other man's face, making his features seem not so pale.
"More like a nightmare," Vin mumbled. He couldn't stop the shudder that wracked his body. He felt the cold compress back on his face, but it couldn't compare to the coldness inside him. If Chris was upset cuz he thought I was going after Mary, that must mean... Tanner couldn't stop his mind from completing the thought. Chris wants Mary himself. He sighed quietly, his eyes suddenly dull as he looked to the older man beside him that softly spoke.
"So, what were ya wantin' to tell me in that dream of yours?" Vin mentally swore. He'd been doing that a lot lately. Chris hadn't missed the fact that Vin had hesitated during his story. The man knew he was leaving something out. "Or maybe you could tell me what dream you was having just before that?" Chris was staring intently at him now, his green eyes holding him immobile. Vin thought back to his heated dream of Chris' ravenous attack on his body and blushed heavily, his pale face making the redness all that more obvious. Chris smiled and his hand dropped the cloth. Vin couldn't help but notice the slight shaking there as Larabee gave his cheek a soft caress. "Maybe it was something along these lines?"
Chris took a deep breath before leaning down and pressing his lips to the man below him. He heard Vin's gasp, but before he could draw back to see what had caused it, his mouth was being explored with all the softness of a piece of silk. Vin's tongue traced his lips, pushing a little until Chris hesitantly let him inside. The intruder swept through his cavern, becoming familiar with every inch. When it retreated, Chris quickly let his tongue slide through to Vin's mouth, repeating the motions. Vin whimpered slightly and Chris felt a shiver go through his frame.
"Chris! Vin!" The two men broke apart, breathing heavily. Vin held his ribs tightly as the butterflies danced in his stomach. They could hear Jesse barking at the men that were obviously coming towards the shack and another dog answering. Chris gave Vin's face one last caress before he stood and moved to the door, their eyes never parting until the door opened and the rescue party rushed inside.
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