TITLE:  ATF/AU:  "Teacher's Pet"
AUTHOR:  Lisa (vinthing@yahoo.com)
RATING:  PG
Written:  November 2004

DISCLAIMER: Trilogy, MGM, and the Mirish Corporation own The Magnificent Seven characters. They are unfortunately not mine. The only purpose of this story is for entertainment.  No money is being made. 

AUTHOR'S NOTES:  Thank you to Sarah for betaing for me.  I really appreciate it!! 

______________________________

"Teacher's Pet"

The school auditorium was filled with anxious parents, children, and guests.  All waiting for the annual Thanksgiving play to start.  ATF Agent, Vin Tanner, was one of the guests also in attendance.  He was a regular visitor at the school, chatting with the students about safety as well as what it was like working for the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms which he didn't mind at all because he enjoyed seeing the students as well as their teacher, Miss Kathy. 

Vin tugged at the collar of his uncomfortable shirt while shifting in the plastic chair.  Why couldn't they have better seating, he thought as he notice Kathy walk out onto the stage to welcome all the guests, invite them to stay for cookies and punch afterwards, and then introduced the play.  During the next forty-five minutes the students relived the first Thanksgiving with some dressed as pilgrims, Indians, and one unlucky soul as the turkey. 

As the play drew to a close, the audience stood, applauding loudly.  The students smiled as they took their bows and then hurried off the stage, anxious to get some cookies and punch. 

___________________

"Mighty fine job you did with the play," said Vin as he surprised Kathy who was pouring punch for the children and adults. 

She looked up and smiled.  "Thank you," she replied.  "I'm glad you were able to make it . . . the students were so excited to see you in the audience." 

"Well, they're a great group of kids," replied the ATF Agent.  "I wouldn't have missed it for the world."  Then to change the topic, he asked, "Do you need help?" 

She nodded as she replied, "I'd love some . . . thank you. . ."  Together they began pouring punch for all the guests.  She watched as Vin joked with the children and complimented them on the play.  He was really good with them, making sure they each felt special. 

As the crowd began to thin out, Vin helped with the cleanup as well. 

"Looks like we're all done," commented Vin as he threw the rest of the trash away. 

Kathy nodded in agreement as she took one quick glance around the room.  "I think you're about right . . ." 

Vin escorted Kathy out of the school and to her vehicle.  When they reached her car door, she turned and said, "Thanks again, Vin, for coming tonight.  I know it meant a lot to the kids . . . and to me."  She leaned up and kissed him lightly on his stubble cheek. 

Her lips felt soft against the roughness of his cheek and as her flowery scent drifted over him, Vin turned his head ever so slightly towards her as she slowly pulled away. 

"Vin," murmured Kathy, her lips hovering so close to his. 

He closed the distance as he leaned down, his lips covering hers in a slow, intoxicating kiss.  His arms wrapped securely around her, drawing her closer. 

Her hands seemed to instinctively move to his chest, her fingers curling around the lapels of his jacket.  With her heart racing, the kiss deepened as his tongue teased hers. 

The kiss gradually ended, both Vin and Kathy finding themselves breathless.  "I should be going," whispered Kathy, her warm breath fanning his neck.  

Vin nodded in agreement as he opened her car door and helped her inside.  "Oh, I almost forgot," he said after she buckled her seat belt.  "This is for you."  He pulled out a bright shiny red apple from his coat pocket and gave it to her. 

"Thanks," she replied, shocked by the simple but yet tender gift. 

Vin grinned as he nodded and closed the door.  "I'll call you tomorrow," he said before turning to head to his jeep.  She watched him walk away while thinking just how much the quiet ATF agent had surprised her tonight.