For A Single Night by Giselle

Chris exhaled and dropped his cheroot to the ground, stubbing it out with his boot. Buck leaned down from the porch railing Chris was leaning against and asked in his ear, "Should we break it up?"

"Maybe," the gunslinger answered ambivalently.

Vin Tanner was brawling in the dark street in front of the saloon with some drunken trail hand. The man had been making remarks about Vin's hair and when he went to touch it, Vin decked him. Usually, the tracker ignored such talk remaining as unflappable as ever. He caught everyone off guard with that punch, particularly the trail hand. Everyone except Chris. He'd been waiting his quiet friend to explode. JD tried to intervene but Chris cut him off.

"Tell 'em to take it outside," he ordered.

They did. Buck, JD and Chris followed. Ezra may have looked up from his card game for a second but Chris couldn't be sure.

Vin was getting some good licks in. He was a little drunk, too. He'd been drinking a lot the past week or so. The others noticed but following Chris's lead, let him be. Anne Henley and her daughter Abigail had died from fever, hitting Vin pretty hard. He took the death of the little girl particularly badly. He blamed himself for that one.

The Henleys lived on a small farm outside of Four Corners. John Henley was never around much though nobody was exactly sure where he'd get to. Josiah had gone over often to check on Mrs. Henley and help out around the modest holding. Vin wanted to pitch in also. She seemed like such a nice lady, never looking down her nose at Vin or anything. But the last thing he needed was folks thinking he'd done gone and fallen for another married woman. Not that he cared much what people thought, just didn't want to make trouble for Mrs. Henley. She had enough troubles already. It was Miss Nettie who got him to go to the farm once and deciding he liked helping out, he went more often. He had his own reasons for avoiding town but that was beside the point. It wasn't like he was having any feelings for Anne Henley other than friendship so he figured it was okay. If he paid special attention to anyone it was Abigail. She was just as cute as a button.

Chris cringed as Vin took a sharp blow to his jaw. The trail hand seemed to be sobering up, getting his coordination back. The blond might have to step in after all. For the moment though he did nothing.

Mrs. Henley hadn't been in town for a few days. Billy Travis kept asking after Abigail. She was a shade younger than him, and a girl, but they played together real nicely. Vin was curious, maybe a little worried, and decided to ride out to see what was up.

He found Anne Henley in her bed. She'd been dead for at least a day. Little Abigail was curled up next to her mother, bathed in sweat and whimpering softly. Vin quickly grabbed a blanket and wrapped the fevered child in it. He mounted up with her in his lap. He was making good time until just outside of town when Peso was startled by a rattler and reared up. Off balance from holding Abigail, Vin tumbled from his horse landing squarely on top of the poor girl. By the time he righted himself and calmed his skittish horse, he knew it was too late.

It was Buck who took the dead child from his arms outside Nathan's clinic. The healer ordered Vin upstairs, telling him he couldn't be around people for a couple of days in case he'd caught the fever. That was fine with Vin. He didn't want to be around anyone. Not even Chris. He most especially did not want to be around Chris.

Nathan tried to assure Vin that by the time he found Abigail it was probably already too late. It didn't help. Chris knew something about blaming yourself for things despite people telling you they weren't your fault. But he couldn't comfort Vin. Even if he wanted to the tracker wouldn't let him. He'd been distancing himself from Chris for weeks. The gunslinger understood. There was nothing he could do about it. Or more precisely, nothing he would do about it.

"Dang it!" Chris was startled from his musings by Buck's cry. "He's got a knife!"

Vin was doubled over on the ground, his opponent lunging towards him with the large knife. Chris fired once at the man's feet. He turned to look at the gunslinger, angry words forming on his lips. But he caught the hard look in those intense green eyes and thought better of it. He turned tail and ran. JD called after him halfheartedly, his concern really for Vin.

Tanner was on his feet, raging at Chris. "Goddamnit mind your business, Larabee!" He spit blood on the ground. "I kin take care of myself, don't need you interfering."

Chris nodded slowly and reached for Vin's arm. Vin shoved him violently. "Leave me be," he demanded. Chris went for him again, more aggressively this time. He grabbed his friend by the arm and clenched the back of his neck steering him toward the livery. Vin kicked and cursed in a futile attempt to dislodge Chris's hands.

Buck picked up Vin's hat and motioned for JD to follow the two men.

JD watched in shock as Chris tripped Vin up by the water trough and then dunked Vin's head in it. He held the tracker under for a few seconds. When Chris pulled his head up, Vin sputtered and tried to punch him.

"Fuck you, Larabee. Take your goddamn hands offa me!"

Chris submerged his head again. JD looked worriedly at Buck, who simply shrugged.

"Son of a bitch," Vin cursed in between coughing and gasping for air. "You arrogant self-righteous bastard--" The older man held him under a third time. After almost a minute, Chris backed off. As soon as Vin felt the pressure lifted from his neck he sprung to his feet. He stumbled a bit and Chris moved to steady him.

Vin tried to shove him again, wanted to pound out his fury on Chris's face. Instead the grief, anger, guilt and frustration merged and succeeded in overwhelming him. He lost all control over his emotions, bursting into tears.

Chris stood quietly by him, resting a hand lightly on his forearm.

JD was thunderstruck. Vin was crying! Vin, of all people. He was always so in control, so easy going. The young sheriff was completely baffled. Something was awfully wrong with his friend. He wondered if he should try to help when he felt a weight across his shoulders.

"Let's leave 'em be for a spell, kid," Buck said. He twisted JD around and they headed back to the saloon. JD turned once to look over his shoulder. Chris and Vin hadn't budged.

Chris's movements were gentle now as he placed one hand on the small of Vin's back, the other at his elbow, and started walking toward the boarding house. Vin was still crying. Chris could feel him trembling. But he offered no resistance.

Inside his room, Chris lit the lamp. He rummaged around for a small towel. Vin stood in the middle of the room, silent except for his soft sobs. Chris used the towel to soak up the extra moisture in Vin's hair and dab the blood on his lip. He then placed it around Vin's neck and removed the Tracker's buckskin jacket. He took off his own hat, his long black duster and his gun belt.

"Want more whiskey?" Chris asked. Vin shook his head, Chris brushing the damp curls off his forehead. He untied Vin's neckerchief and held it to the Tracker's nose. Vin took the cloth and wiped his face. As he clutched the material in his hand, Chris lowered his suspenders and began unbuttoning his shirt. The younger man passively watched Chris drop his shirt to the floor, the bandana going with it. He moved clumsily as Chris pushed him backward to the bed. When the backs of his legs hit the sideboard he sat. Chris kneeled down and began removing Vin's boots, speaking quietly.

"I imagine you still feel poorly about the Henleys, especially little Abigail." Chris glanced up and Vin nodded. "And I reckon you're upset that I won't be with you the way you want me to be. Knowing it ain't because I don't want you that way, too, can't be helping none." Again he looked at his friend and again Vin nodded.

Chris sat back on his heels and placed Vin's bare feet on his thighs. He stroked the exposed ankles absently with his thumbs.

"I'm gonna offer you a proposition, Vin, and I want you to think on it." Chris held Vin's sorrowful gaze. "What if just for tonight we forgot about the rules? What if you stayed here with me and we didn't worry none about what others would think or how it looks or if we'd end up gettin' ourselves hung?" He paused. Letting out a breath he asked, "What if I didn't worry? What if just this once I made love to you?"

Vin stared down at Chris in shock. This was the last thing he ever expected and maybe the only thing he ever truly wanted. He'd never raised the subject though, knowing in advance how Chris would react. Before he could respond, Chris leaned forward to rest his hands on Vin's thighs.

"I'll only do it if you want it, if you think it'll make you feel better. I don't want no part of making you feel worse." Chris locked eyes with Vin and waited.

Vin sat perfectly motionless. He'd been attracted to Chris from the first time they met. It hadn't troubled him any. Not then. He'd just enjoyed their blossoming friendship. Somewhere along the way, though, it had gotten harder and harder to be around the man in black. He toyed constantly with the idea of taking off for good, leaving behind Chris and the burning desire he felt for him.

Chris told him to think on it. He didn't need to think. He already knew he'd give his life for a single night in Chris's arms.

Still Vin could only nod, words failing him.

Chris nodded, too, and stood up. He undressed. He wasn't exactly performing a striptease or anything but Vin's eyes were riveted to him. Chris's mostly unconscious moves to take off his clothes were erotically charged for Vin. He licked his lips, feeling the blood collect in his belly and groin.

When Chris was completely naked he said, "This'd be more fun if you stripped, too."

Vin smiled sheepishly and took off the remainder of his clothing. He lay back on the bed, spreading his legs so Chris could kneel between them. He shivered when the gunslinger ran his callused hands along his inner calves and thighs. Everywhere Chris touched felt like tiny lightning bolts striking his skin. Vin sucked in a breath.

Chris stretched out on top of him. The younger man took the blond's face in his hands and inclined to kiss him. Chris tensed.

"No rules, right cowboy?" Vin asked in an uneven voice. They were the first words he'd spoken since the street. Chris stared down into Vin's eyes, luminous yet shaded with arousal. He briefly thought about the shiner Vin would have in the morning then shook his head, recognizing his need.

They pressed their mouths together. For Chris it was like hurtling back in time. One other had kissed him that way, a million and one years ago. He didn't want to think about that, though. Luckily, Vin didn't give him much of a chance to think anything. He was swirling his tongue around Chris's, pausing only to nip and suck his partner's full lower lip.

Chris pulled away, panting. One look at Vin's flushed face and twinkling eyes and he leaned in for seconds. The kiss was hot, passionate and intensely satisfying. Vin's hands swept down his back and clutched his rear end while the younger man pushed his own hips off the mattress. Chris groaned when their hardened cocks pressed against each other. He began rocking steadily against Vin's groin, their mingled precum helping them slide together. The gunslinger broke the kiss to lick and nibble Vin's throat. Vin moaned softly as Chris captured a puckered nipple with his teeth, pressing its mate between his thumb and forefinger.

Chris kissed Vin again. They moaned into each other's mouths, the movement between them building to a crescendo. Vin wrapped his long lean legs around Chris's slender hips trying to bring his lover as close as possible. Chris found it harder to move but didn't protest. He just kept kissing Vin, moving away only to take in air, mildly biting Vin's bruised jaw as he did.

Finally the friction and the heat against his mouth and pressed against his flesh became too much for Vin. He cried out Chris's name as his seed spilled out between their closely pressed bodies. He hadn't quite caught his breath when Chris sought his lips for another bruising kiss. Vin sucked ardently on Chris's tongue. The Texan felt the tension in the blond, anticipated his climax but refused to let go of his tongue. A guttural groan reverberated in his mouth. Chris jerked his head away. He dropped it into the crook of Vin's neck, calming and trying to regain his equilibrium. As he cooled, the Tracker traced lazy circles in the sweat on Chris's back, sighing contentedly. His jaw hurt but that hardly mattered at the moment. He was in heaven.

Chris eased off Vin and then the bed altogether. He searched around for the little towel. Spotting it he used it to wipe away the residue on their stomachs and cocks. He climbed back into bed, pulling the covers up. Vin watched him silently eyes still dark with passion. Chris kissed him and lay down on his side. Vin turned to face him, the older man running his fingers through the tangled curls over Vin's ear.

"Go to sleep, Vin, we'll get up," Chris said, barely above a whisper. Vin was always up at the crack of dawn and Chris, when he wasn't drinking, slept very little.

"Don't wanna sleep yet," Vin whispered back.

"What do you want?" Chris asked seductively.

Vin smiled. Whispering still he said, "When I was with the People, there was this one brave that was sweet on me. Wanted to take me."

Chris raised a blond eyebrow. "Did you want him to take you?"

"I reckon I did, 'cept that meant I had to become his wife. Sleep in a teepee with his other wives, do women's work and such."

Chris chuckled softly. "Never figured you for the domestic type."

"Yeah, that's about how I saw it."

"So what happened?" Chris ran his thumb along Vin's cheek listening attentively to the rest of the story.

"Well, he took me and I didn't wear no dress or nothin'. Seems he wanted me bad enough to forget about the rules for a bit." Vin was grinning as he emphasized the last part.

"Reckon I know how he felt." Chris leaned over and kissed his partner. He added, "I'm guessing there's a point to this." He ignored the unwanted pang in his gut at the thought of another man touching Vin.

"If'n this is really my only chance to be with ya I want ya all the way. Wanna feel ya inside me. We could use the liniment Nathan gave ya for yer knee." Vin eyed the blond expectantly all the while trying not to get his hopes up.

Chris shrugged. "Think I might like that."

Vin kissed Chris hard, pushing him back against the bed. He caressed Chris's side then rubbed the back of his knuckles against Chris's belly, swooping down to encircle Chris's cock in a warm grip. Chris growled and kicked the covers off.

"Best find that liniment," he said.

Vin rolled completely onto his stomach and waited. He felt the mattress dip then soft lips placed a tender kiss on his backside. Others followed, along his spine, across his shoulders. He shuddered, a visceral thrill shooting through him, when Chris breathed in his ear, "Turn over."

Vin's mouth curved into his most shit-eating grin. Larabee was just plum full of surprises tonight. He flopped onto his back and stared excitedly up at Chris. He had butterflies in his stomach, the anticipation suddenly driving him wild. He kissed Chris with all he had, putting his whole body into it and burying his fingers in the fine blond hair, trying to devour his lover whole.

Chris kissed and licked him all over. He swirled his wet tongue around the tip of Vin's penis causing the Tracker to groan deeply. Chris continued working Vin's cock with his mouth, stopping only to coat his fingers with the liniment. He planted a small kiss on Vin's stomach then moved his mouth back to the hardened organ in front of him. Vin thrashed about as Chris inserted first one then two fingers into his hole. He bent his legs, pushing up onto the balls of his feet to drive himself further into Chris's mouth. The gunslinger responded by sucking harder, by pushing his fingers in more deeply. He rubbed his fingertip along the small bump he found there. Vin froze, his mind abuzz. He came so fast he didn't even have a chance to alert his companion.

Chris grunted, emitting a sound somewhere between laughter and choking. "Thanks for the warning," he groused but he kissed Vin. Kissed him slowly, letting Vin explore the taste of himself on Chris's tongue.

"Want ya, cowboy. Take me now," Vin rasped.

Chris removed his fingers and grabbed the pillow. Vin raised his hips to let Chris slide it under him. The gunslinger oiled his cock then pushed Vin's legs back and braced himself against them.

"Sure you're ready?" he asked, lining his penis up with Vin's small opening.

Vin nodded, straining forward for a last kiss before Chris pushed in.

Vin squeezed his eyes shut and waited for the pain to give way. The fullness of penetration caused him to gasp harshly. But it was so sweet. Soon enough he felt the pleasure build, Chris's cock stoking the fire that burned inside him. The older man moved slowly at first but Vin urged him on. He alternately moaned and swore, his voice raw, as Chris fucked him harder. He opened his eyes and watched Chris's strained face. Vin knew that everything he felt in heart for Chris was etched in his features but he didn't care. He was too delirious, too over stimulated to try to hide. Chris didn't look away, his expression far from vacant as well, the realization of it all driving Vin crazy with delight and desire.

Somehow Vin's legs ended up on Chris's shoulders, he'd missed exactly how. He only knew he was experiencing the most intense pleasure of his life. Chris's name escaped his lips on a rough, low moan as the gunslinger slid ever more deeply into him. He tried to match the rhythm of Chris's thrusts, tried to keep pace with the long hard strokes. His hands were knotted in the bed sheets, his entire body on fire. In his wildest dreams Vin never imagined sex could be this good. He didn't think anything could ever be this good. This absolutely mind-numbingly amazing. His final conscious thought was to be thankful he was too excited to form words anymore. Otherwise he might have yelled something he'd regret vocalizing but that he'd never regret feeling.

Chris hissed Vin's name as he reached his climax. A dusty moan escaped his lips. He leaned forward, Vin kissing the top of his sweaty head. Larabee pulled back, kneeling and staying inside Vin, undulating his hips slowly. He stroked the Tracker's swollen cock, rubbing his belly lightly. Arching off the bed Vin came for a third time, so breathless he could utter only the slightest squeaking noises.

Chris chuckled, studying the enraptured expression on Vin's face. His eyes were closed, damp curls clinging to his neck and forehead. Cheeks flushed, lips parted, he tried to regain control of his senses. He looked so beautiful Chris almost couldn't stand it.

"You okay, Vin?" he asked hoarsely.

After a time, Vin croaked, "Mebbe." He peeked at Chris through heavy eyelids and smiled endearingly .

Chris's heart did a little flip-flop. He closed his eyes for a moment then gently withdrew from his lover's warm body. He massaged Vin's legs as he laid them out straight. Seeing the younger man shiver Chris covered him again with the blanket.

Lowering the lamp, the gunslinger refused to think about tomorrow. He was the one that said they could have only one night. He still believed that was for the best. There wasn't a place for them in the world, of that he was sure. But, Christ, Vin was so wonderful. Denying himself a repeat of this incredibly blissful experience would not be easy. Denying what Vin felt for him, feelings he fully reciprocated, would be even harder.

He kissed Vin's cheek. The tracker murmured something unintelligible and snuggled against Chris. The blond took him in his arms and yawned. He was sated and spent. He'd worry about the rest tomorrow.

THE END