ATF Universe
ONE
Chris woke to the screaming of grackles outside his window. Some times he wished he could shoot those damned birds. He rolled on to his back and stretched. A number of joints popped and protested the move and Chris just shook his head. Vin had given him a pretty good work out last night and Chris smiled like the Cheshire cat remembering. Vin's lovemaking could get a little wild sometimes and last night was no exception.The only thing Chris wished for was to wake up in the morning to find him still in bed. Chris knew he would have to get up pretty early if he wanted to find his lover still in bed beside him. Chris smiled as he glanced around the room and saw Vin had drawn all the curtains so the sun wouldn't wake him. The others were coming over for a BBQ tonight and Chris knew exactly where he would find Vin, in the kitchen. Chris learned early in their relationship that Vin was one hell of a cook. He was surprised and Chris asked him how he got so good. Vin told him since it was always just him he learned to cook things that tasted good. Chris certainly wasn't complaining. The only thing that worried him was that Vin's cooking was going to make him gain a few extra pounds.
Chris rolled off the bed and padded into the bathroom as naked as the day he was born. He turned on the shower and stepped in. When he was finished he came out with a towel wrapped round his waist and got dressed. With his hair still wet he walked down the hall to the living room. He could hear Vin clanking pots in the kitchen. Chris wandered in and leaned against the archway leading to the kitchen. He watched in appreciation as Vin bent over the oven to pull out a cookie sheet. The lean sharpshooter was dressed in a pair of cut off jeans and nothing else. Chris waited for him to place the cookie sheet on the stove before he wrapped his arms around the younger man.
"Was wondering how long you were gonna stand there," Vin said.
"Was admiring the view," Chris said as he kissed Vin's shoulder. "So what's cooking?"
"Well for starters oatmeal cookies," Vin answered trying to ignore Chris's exploring fingers.
"Mmmm.... smells good," Chris said snuggling against Vin's neck.
"What me or the cookies?" Vin asked teasingly.
"Both," Chris said nipping his ear.
"Not now, cowboy, I don't want the cookies to burn," Vin said in reluctant protest.
"Alright but I'll expect payment later," Chris warned.
"Don't worry you'll get it," Vin smiled.
"So what can I do?" Chris asked. "And don't make it anything too difficult."
"You can cut those tomatoes into small chunks for the salsa," Vin said pointing to the bowl of plum tomatoes.
"That I can do," Chris smiled.
They spent the morning in the kitchen getting the salsa, cookies and sushi ready for the party. Vin never tried to make sushi before and he was eager to try it out on Ezra. He only made the vegetable kind not trusting himself with the raw fish. Chris watched in amazement as Vin tried everything he made. Chris shuddered as Vin ate a piece of sushi with the wasabi mustard after he had just finished licking the batter from the oatmeal cookie bowl. Vin then tried the salsa to see if it needed anything. He made two separate bowls. One was hot and the other mild. Chris cringed as he added more Jalepeno's to the hot salsa. When Vin was satisfied they were finished Chris put them in the refrigerator. He wasn't surprised to find the chicken and ribs marinating. Chris's mouth watered as he smelled the marinate and couldn't wait to start cooking. When the kitchen was all cleaned they both went out to the porch to set up the table. As soon as they walked out side the horses ran to the edge of the fence and neighed.
"You beggars," Vin called. "I already fed you."
Chris laughed as the horses gave them 'well it couldn't hurt to try' look before they trotted away. They were setting up the grill when they heard Josiah's deep baritone call from the living room.
"We're out here," Vin yelled.
"Can you use a hand brothers?" Josiah asked.
"Nah got every set already," Vin said. "You did bring the chili right?
"Yup," Josiah smiled. "It's on the stove getting ready to simmer."
"Gotta go try some," Vin declared and disappeared into the house.
"God how does he do it?" Chris asked.
"Do what?" Josiah asked puzzled.
"He spent the morning eating oatmeal cookies and sushi with that damned hot mustard," Chris explained. "Now he's going to sample that five alarm chili of yours."
"Just be thankful the lord has given him an iron stomach," Josiah laughed.
"May I assume we are referring to Mr. Tanner," Ezra said as he walked out. "I just left him in the kitchen sampling Mr. Sanchez's contribution to gastronomic distress."
"Damn Josiah you trying to kill us?" Buck said as he came out fanning a hand in front of his mouth. "That stuff is hot."
"No it ain't Buck," JD said. "It's just right."
"Could use more Tabasco if ya ask me," Vin commented as he followed JD out.
"You put anything in my chili and I will have to hurt you," Josiah warned. He went to swat Vin when the phone rang.
"I'll get it," Vin called and ran in the house.
"Did I smell oatmeal cookies when I walked in?" Buck asked eagerly.
"Yeah you did," Chris smiled.
"Damn," Buck said. "Vin's gonna make me lose my girlish figure."
"Ain't never seen a girl with a figure like yours," JD teased. "Except if they were pregnant."
JD quickly dogged Buck's arm as the others laughed. Buck vowed to get JD for that and the younger man stuck out his tongue. Vin walked out on the porch and shook his head
"That was Nathan," Vin said. "Seems Rain came in for surprise visit. When she found out we were having a cook out she didn't want to ruin his plans and told him to come. Nathan didn't want miss her visit and asked if he could bring her."
"You said yes right?" JD asked.
"Hell no I told him this was a guy thing," Vin said seriously.
"You didn't?" JD said shocked.
"Of course he didn't kid," Buck laughed. "So when they coming?"
"Should be here in about an hour," Vin said. "I didn't want Rain to feel out of place so I called Nettie to see what she was doing. Her and Casey should be here shortly."
"Cool!" JD exclaimed.
"Damn I better give Mary a call," Chris said. "If she finds out she wasn't invited they'll be hell to pay."
Chris walked inside and JD gave Buck and odd look. They all knew Vin and Chris were lovers and JD was surprised Chris would want Mary around. The newspaperwoman would like to have Chris as more than a friend. Vin noticed JD's look and smiled.
"I ain't got no problem with Mary comin'," Vin said.
"Yeah but Vin isn't it sort of awkward?" JD asked.
"The only one it's awkward for is Chris," Vin laughed.
"Yeah she'll try all her feminine wiles and find they don't work," Buck smiled.
"It's just weird," JD said.
"Look JD I'm comfortable with me and Chris's relationship," Vin explained. "Just cause we decided not to tell everyone doesn't mean we're trying to hide it. We knew y'all would understand and still be our friends."
Chris came out to tell the Mary and Billy would be here in an hour. The leader gave Vin a look as if to ask if he was OK with that. Vin smiled and nodded. Buck cuffed Vin on the back of the head and told him to cut that out. Chris went inside to get the ribs while Josiah fired up the grill. Vin followed Chris and to get some of the sushi and other snacks. Buck saw that Vin had the cooler filled with ice and he put the beer in that he brought. Chris came out carrying a huge platter of ribs. Vin followed behind with the sushi and JD carried the chips and salsa. Ezra tried the sushi and Vin waited expectantly. The undercover agent chewed thoughtfully then put his fingers to his lips and kissed them.
"Excellent Mr. Tanner," Ezra said.
"Thanks Ez," Vin smiled as he popped a California roll in his mouth. "Blech how can you two eat that?" Buck said grimacing.
"The same way you can eat that," Ezra said indicating the salsa and dip.
They spent the next hour arguing over who would win the World Series. Buck insisted it would be the Mets and the other said no way. They were still arguing when Nettle showed up with Casey.
"Hello boys," Nettie said as she walked outside. "I see you started without us."
"Sorry Nettie we're growing boys you know," Vin laughed.
"I'll say," Nettie said as she patted Buck's stomach and they all laughed.
"What is this, the pick on Buck BBQ?" the ladies man asked.
"Hey JD," Casey cried as she came out.
"Howdy," he smiled.
Nettie didn't come empty handed and she added a fresh salad to the table. She said she would have brought a desert if they had given her more warning. But she did bring something they could all appreciate, more beer. Josiah went to check on his chili as they started in on their argument. Nettie jumped right in and Casey shook her head. They were all enjoying themselves when Nathan walked in with Rain.
"Sorry we're late," Nathan said. "Rain insisted on making...."
"Is that Indian Fry bread I smell," Vin said jumping up and moving over to rain.
She laughed and pulled off the tinfoil and held the plate out to Vin. He pulled off a piece and took a bite. Vin rolled his eyes and kept chewing. When he was done he leaned over and kissed Rain on the cheek.
"You make the best fry bread," Vin said taking the plate.
"I'm glad someone likes it," Rain said smiling. "Nathan refuses to eat it."
"That's cause it's deep fried," Nathan said. "It's not good for you."
"It doesn't seem to hurt them," Rain said indicating Vin, Buck and JD.
The party got into full swing when Billy and Mary showed up. She contributed a bottle of wine, for which Ezra was truly grateful, and chocolate chip cookies. Vin took Billy, JD and Casey down to the barn to show them what he taught the horses. Mary looked up in alarm when she saw one of the horses chasing Billy in the corral.
"Chris look!" she cried out.
"Oh don't worry," Chris said. "Vin taught them to play tag."
"Oh that's useful," Buck laughed.
"Tell me about it," Chris said in disgust. "Whenever I go out to catch them they run away."
Buck disappeared inside and came out carrying a huge water pistol. It was one of those high powered long shooting jobs and he smiled at the others as he stalked down to the barn. Ezra rolled his eyes as the others laughed. It was a warm summer afternoon and Buck always started a water fight. Suddenly they heard a scream from the barn and Buck came running out. He was being soaked by Billy, JD, Casey and Vin holding their own super soakers. Buck made a beeline back to the porch with the others close on his heels. Ezra made the mistake of leaving the porch to retrieve the fork he dropped and got blasted by Billy.
"I'm really sorry!" Billy said in apology.
"It's quite alright," Ezra said reassuring him. "It's to be expected when you must deal with these men. If you will excuse me."
"I didn't mean it mom," Billy said as he watched Ezra walk in the house
"I know it was an accident," Mary said.
"Why don't you children go play away from the porch," Chris suggested. They took Chris's advice and continued closer to the barn. Rain was watching their antics when she noticed Ezra walk around the side of the house. She started laughing when she saw the water gun he had. The others turned to look and were surprised. Ezra had a tank strapped to his back and a hose leading from the tank. Ezra pumped the nozzle a few times to load the gun and opened fire. He nailed Vin right in the back and the sharpshooter yelled. That's when they realized they were in trouble. Buck, Vin and JD started to attack Ezra. Billy and Casey wisely joined on Ezra's side. After a few minutes they surrendered since Ezra was the only one left with 'ammunition'. They called a truce and headed back to the porch.
"That was fun!" Billy yelled. "Never knew Mr. Standish was so cool."
"Billy," Mary admonished.
"And I never knew you had such a bright son Mrs. Travis," Ezra said. "He knew siding with me was in his best interest."
"Yeah Casey too," JD said wringing out his shirt. "Traitor."
"Nope," Casey said smugly. "Just smart."
Vin came out of the house carrying towels and passed them out. He told Casey she could put on Chris's robe and he'd throw here clothes in the drier. She said thanks but she'd do it. Vin shrugged and cam back out to sit with the other in his wet clothes.
"Don't you think you should change?" Nettie asked. "Everyone else is."
"Why it's hot out here,' Vin said. "I'll dry quick enough."
They spent the rest of the afternoon eating and enjoying each other's company. As evening approached they started cleaning things up as everyone decided it was time to go. Buck laughed as they watched Mary kiss Chris on the cheek good night. Rain thanked them for inviting her and promised Vin she would give him the recipe for her fry bread. Nettie kissed Vin on the cheek as she waited for Casey to say goodbye to JD. The young couple was standing by the car and JD leaned in to kiss her on the lips. Buck swore and handed Era ten dollars. He was sure JD would only peck her on the cheek. Nettie laughed and headed for the car. Josiah left with his now empty chili pot and said they would have to do this again. Ezra agreed but he hoped they would leave out the cleaning of his clothes the next time. Buck and JD were the last to leave and they helped Vin and Chris clean up. Once everything was relatively put back in its proper place they left also. Chris went down to feed the horses as Vin put the food away. Vin bent over to put the left over sushi in the fridge when he felt a twinge in his stomach. He sighed thinking he ate too much. By the time the food was all away Vin had an upset stomach. He went into the bathroom and took some Tums thinking it was just gas. He came back out to the living room and plopped on the couch. Chris joined him a few minutes later and they watched some TV. Around ten o'clock Vin said he was going to bed.
"I'm beat," he said as he walked back to the bedroom.
Chris wasn't really sleepy but decided to join Vin. He gave Vin a few minutes to get finished in the bathroom before he went to the bedroom. When he finally entered the bedroom he found Vin curled on his side tucked under the covers. Chris quickly washed up and joined Vin in bed. He was surprised to find Vin still had on his boxers. That was OK with him he liked undressing Vin. Chris spooned in behind Vin and began to suck along his shoulder.
"Not tonight Chris," Vin said as he turned towards him.
"What you have a headache?" Chris chuckled looking at Vin.
"Nope, "Vin smiled. "A stomach ache."
"A stomach ache," Chris said raising his eyebrows. "You?"
"Yeah guess it was the combination of the hot chili and sweet fry bread," Vin said sighing.
"And the watermelon and the salsa and the cookies," Chris added.
"OK so I over did it," Vin chuckled. "So as much as you want to have sex I just ain't up to it."
"You know Vin you gotta get used to the fact that I'm not only after your body when we go to bed," Chris said and smiled when Vin gave him a 'yeah right' look. "OK I am but it's not just your body. I like just being with you even if we don't have sex."
"I'm glad Chris," Vin said. "I like just hanging out with you too."
"You can tell me anything Vin," Chris said and hugged him. "I'll try my best to listen and understand."
"Thanks Chris," Vin said and lay across his chest. "Good night."
"Night Vin," Chris said and kissed the top of his head.
It didn't take long for Chris to feel Vin's breathing even out as he got heavier as he fell asleep. Chris decided he wasn't really sleepy yet and turned on the TV. He turned the volume down and watched some stupid show until the news came on. When the news was over he turned off the TV and hugged Vin closer. Vin snuggled against him and Chris smiled as he closed his eyes and drifted off the sleep.
TWO
Vin's stomachache woke him early and he quickly but quietly made a dash for the bathroom. He was just glad Chris wasn't curled around him when he woke. When he was finished Vin rummaged in the medicine cabinet looking for something to take. He found the Pepto Bismol and took a swig from the bottle. Vin gagged as the thick medicine went down. Once he was sure he wasn't going to throw it back up he brushed his teeth to get the horrible taste out of his mouth. Vin sighed as he turned on the shower thinking this was going to bed a long day.Chris woke to the sound of the alarm clock. He rolled over and swatted it to turn it off. Chris reluctantly got out of the bed and into the bathroom. He noticed the Pepto Bismal bottle on the vanity and guessed Vin still wasn't feeling too good. Chris took a quick shower then got dressed. He walked towards the kitchen and smiled, as he smelled coffee and pancakes.
"Mornin' Vin, how ya feeling?" Chris asked and waited for him to say fine.
"A little better," Vin said with a smile. "Thought I was gonna say fine."
"You usually do," Chris laughed as he poured himself some coffee. "Did you eat?"
"Some toast," Vin answered. "Wasn't sure I could handle anything else."
Vin handed him a plate of pancakes then turned back to the sink to do the dishes. Chris noticed Vin was dressed in the black outfit they usually wore on raids. The black T-shirt with the yellow ATF on the back hugged his lean torso and Chris smiled. The black combat pants were tucked into Vin's black combat boots. The sharpshooter was used to wearing outfits like this from his Army days. Chris had no problems getting Vin to wear the uniform during a raid. Ezra was another story. He insisted that black just wasn't his color and that he wouldn't be caught dead with those hideous yellow letters on his clothes. Chris chuckled remembering the time before a raid when Vin replaced the black combat outfit for one in navy blue with gray pin stripe. Chris shook his head remembering Buck almost busting a gut laughing so hard when Ezra walked out of the locker room. Chris finished his breakfast and they headed out.
Vin was quiet for the ride into town but that wasn't unusual. He liked to just sit back and watch the scenery go by. Chris flipped down the sunvisor and pulled a CD from the holder. He pushed it into the CD player and JoDee Messina's "Because you Love Me" came out of the speakers. Vin looked over at Chris and smiled. Chris gave Vin the custom CD for their anniversary. A half-hour latter Chris pulled up to the gates of the underground parking garage. He pulled out his card and swiped it and he waited patiently as the gate went up. Once it was up he pulled in and parked. As they climbed out Cuervo jumped off the roof of Nathan's Cherokee and trotted over.
"Hey Cuervo," Vin said squatting down to pat the cat.
"Vin, I'm heading up," Chris said. "I'm expecting a call from AD Travis."
"OK," Vin said as he continued to pet the cat.
Vin visited with Cuervo for fifteen minutes then stepped into the elevator. He pushed the button for the eleventh floor and got a queasy feeling as the elevator went up. Vin leaned against the wall and wrapped his arms around his stomach. He wanted to scream when the elevator made three stops before opening on his floor. Once out of the elevator Vin quickly made his way to the bathroom and into one of the stalls. He locked the door and braced his right hand on the back wall as he hung his head over the toilet. Vin didn't throw up but it sure felt like he wanted to. He shivered in the Air conditioning as he washed his hands and slashed water on his face. He left the bathroom and headed for the bullpen. The others greeted him as he walked in and sat down at his desk. Chris's door was closed and Vin figured he was talking to Travis. The only one that was missing was Ezra. Vin tried to get comfortable in his chair as he waited for the computer to boot up. Vin concentrated on his report as he tried to ignore the pain of his up set stomach.
"Hey, Ezra, bout time you got here," Buck declared as the southerner strolled in. "Bring us anything?"
"And why would I wish to feed you Mr. Wilmington?" Ezra asked as he sat at his desk.
"We should have a rule if you're going to be late you have to supply breakfast," JD said. "Ain't that right Vin."
"Mr. Tanner, " Ezra called when Vin ignored JD.
"What?" Vin said as he turned to his friends. "I wasn't paying attention."
"Something wrong Brother Vin?" Josiah asked.
"Nope," Vin smiled. "Just working on my reports."
"Then we'll leave you alone," Nathan said. "Ain't that right Laurel and Hardy?"
"Who us?" Buck asked pointing to himself and JD. "We would never bother Vin."
The easy banter quieted down and Vin just started at the report on his screen. The pain was now a burning sensation and Vin wondered if he had an ulcer. Maybe Nathan was right and he should change his eating habits. Vin promised to start tomorrow as he sat in misery.
Ezra watched as Vin stared at the same page for an hour. He could tell the Texan wasn't paying attention to the computer. Ezra just figured he was working out in his head what to type. The under cover agent wasn't surprised when Vin got up a few minutes later to walk around. Vin could never sit in one place for too long. Ezra didn't worry as Vin wandered out of the bullpen.
JD was coming back from the copy machine and wasn't paying attention as he knocked into Vin's right side. JD was surprised when Vin cried out and leaned heavily against the wall.
"Damn Vin, I'm sorry," JD said grabbing his arm.
"Shit!" Vin cursed guarding his right side with his arm. "Get me back to Nathan."
JD pulled Vin's left arm over his shoulder and wrapped his right arm around his waist. Vin hissed in pain and doubled over as JD touched his side. JD struggled to hold Vin up as he grabbed the waistband of his pants and dragged him back to the office. Vin tried his best to help JD but it hurt too damned much. The younger man cursed the fact that the copy machine was down a seldom-used hall since it made too much noise.
"We're almost there," JD said encouragingly. He never realized how heavy Vin was.
"Sorry JD," Vin gasped as he took shallow breaths. "I don't know what's wrong."
"Good Lord," Ezra cried as he exited the mailroom and saw Vin. "What happened?"
"Not sure," JD admitted. "I bumped into him but not that hard."
Ezra went to take Vin from JD but Vin wouldn't straighten up. He said it hurt too much. JD said it was all-right he had him. Ezra helped as best he could as they walked the rest of the way to the office. Their entrance had Nathan instantly at Vin's side. Buck went to get Chris as Josiah moved to help also.
"What is it Vin?" Nathan asked as they sat him in a chair.
"Ain't sure," Vin admitted as he doubled over in the chair. "Thought I had a stomach ache. My right side is killing me."
Nathan had and idea what was wrong and reached over to touch Vin's right side just above the pelvic bone. Vin cried out as he tumbled out of the chair. Josiah caught him and eased him to the floor.
"What the hell happened?" Chris bellowed as Buck followed him.
"I think Vin has an appendicitis," Nathan said. "Ezra want to call an ambulance."
"Of course,' Ezra said and quickly picked up the phone and dialed.
"Hey, cowboy," Chris said as he knelt next to Vin and brushed the hair off his face. "Why don't you stretch out and try to get comfortable."
"Reckon not," Vin said staying curled tight and breathing rapidly.
"It's OK Chris," Nathan said placing a hand on Vin's leg. "Whichever way he's comfortable. Josiah can you find me something to cover him with?"
"There's a blanket in the locker room," JD announced. "I'll get it!"
"Damned kids always running," Buck complained as he watched JD dash off.
"Hey Vin," Nathan said checking his pulse and finding it rapid. "When did the pain start?"
"Got real bad when we got to the office," Vin said vaguely.
"He was complaining of a stomach ache last night," Chris said.
"Last night," Nathan said in alarm.
"I take it that's not good," Josiah said solemnly.
"It's not great," Nathan said. "But that's how it happens sometimes."
"Damn, I knew it!" Chris cursed. "Vin never gets a stomach ache."
"It's OK Chris," Vin said.
"Here's the blanket," JD said as he rushed in. JD's running around started a crowd to gather outside.
Chris took the blanket from JD and covered Vin. He tucked the blanket around Vin's shoulders and left his left hand resting there to reassure Vin.
"Damn, Nathan," Vin hissed. "This hurts worse than when I got kicked by one of Chris's horses."
"That's cause you got kicked in the head," Buck teased to ease the tension. "Ain't nothing that can hurt that head of yours."
"Jesus, Buck!" Vin said gasping. "Don't make me laugh."
JD hit Buck as the older man apologized to Vin. The phone rang and Ezra picked it up. They heard him say thank you before he hung up.
"Paramedics are on their way up," Ezra announced.
"JD go meet them at the elevator," Chris instructed.
"Right," he said and dashed off.
He returned a few minutes later followed by two paramedics pushing a gurney loaded with equipment. They all stepped back from Vin except for Chris. They stopped the gurney close by and took down some of the equipment and placed it next to Vin.
"Excuse me sir," the younger of the two men said to Chris.
Chris reluctantly moved away from Vin as the paramedics got to work. The older one made Vin lie on his back. Vin protested until he bent Vin's knees to ease the tension in his abdomen. The younger paramedic placed and oxygen mask over Vin's face and checked is vitals. The older one cut open Vin's T-shirt so he could examine his abdomen. He touched his right side and Vin punched him in the leg.
"One more person touches me there and I'm gonna kill them," Vin's muffled growl of pain could be heard through the mask.
"Sorry kid," the older paramedic laughed. "Names Hank and you can punch me all you want. Just don't go punching the kid you're liable to break him. Tony what's his vitals?"
"Pulse 110, respiration 25, BP 95/70," Tony answered.
"OK," Hank said. "He's a little shocky. I'm going to start an IV. He allergic to anything?"
"Yeah penicillin," they all said together.
Hank laughed as Vin rolled his eyes. The older paramedic expertly started Vin's IV and handed it to Chris to hold.
"Can't you give him something for the pain?" Chris asked.
"Can't. If I give him pain meds the docs at the hospital might miss something when they examine him." Hank said.
They loaded Vin on the gurney and Hank piled the pillows under Vin's knees. They covered him with blankets but left his arms out so they could check his blood pressure and d because of the IV. Hank said they could take one in the rig and Chris went with them holding Vin's IV. The others said they'd meet him at the hospital. They walked with Vin to the elevator and waved as the doors closed. They quickly returned to the bullpen and grabbed keys.
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