Rawhide Chapter 5
Title: Rawhide
Author: PetiteMiel
Pairing: Jack/Ennis
Rating: NC-17(eventually)
Warning: Contains harsh language, violence, m/m sexual encounters.
Disclaimer: All characters from Brokeback Mountain belong to Ann Proulx. I am just borrowing them and make no money from their use. No copyright infringement is intended. All other characters are mine.
Summary: Au!Au. This story takes place in 1867. Ennis is an eighteen year old wrangler at the Triple T Ranch in Texas where Jack, a sixteen year old runaway is hired for the upcoming cattle drive to Montana.
AN:This is the first time I've written BBM fanfic. The story is un beta'd so all errors are mine.
Arlene, Texas
Spring, 1867
Breakfast the next day was a quiet affair, Jack and Ennis struggling to wake up, the other men equally tired and silent except for Billy. He was none too happy at having to complete the fence work and grumbled as he ate shooting daggers at Jack all through the meal. Jack did his best to ignore him as he was having enough trouble keeping his head out of his plate and didn’t have the energy for much else.
Afterward they all headed out to their assigned tasks with Walter and Bull fixing the roof on the storage shed and Hank and K.C. helping Jack and Ennis with the horses.
With thirty new mounts they had their hands full and they set to work right off feeding them, grooming them and making sure they were all well shod. They worked steadily throughout the day; Ennis making sure each horse was fit and well tended to.
By lunchtime they had worked their way through them and stopped for a brief respite before building up a fire for branding. It was a normal part of working with stock, useful and necessary but the thing both Jack and Ennis liked least about ranch work.
Walter and Bull had finished with the roofing and joined the others over near the corral. They split into two groups; one roping the horses while the others did the actual branding. They had several irons in the fire allowing them to brand three horses at the same time making the work go much more quickly which suited them all.
Each horse was roped, walked from the corral and hobbled so it couldn’t bolt. Once branded, they were returned to the corral with the other mounts as another three horses were chosen. The smell of burnt flesh wafted through the air but they tried their best to ignore it instead concentrating on the task itself so they could finish for the day.
When they were down to the last horse Jack entered the corral to get her, his lasso circling high above his head. He once again showed his skill with the rope as he caught the mare with one try but as he started to lead her out of the corral the horse balked pulling back on the rope making Jack turn.
Something red caught his eye and Jack looked down for a second at a large ball rolling on the ground between him and the horse. He didn’t have a chance to wonder what it was doing there or where it had come from before a small girl dashed in front of him after the ball causing the horse to suddenly rear back on its hind legs. Jack was knocked flat on his back as the horse pulled free, looming over him and the girl who stood frozen in fear as the buckskin’s legs flailed wildly just above her head. Jack managed to grab hold of her calico dress pulling her out of the way as he rolled both of them aside just before the horse’s hoofs hit the ground where he’d been laying.
“Emily!” A high pitched shriek rang out across the yard as the other men ran into the corral, Walter managing to grab the rope dangling from the horse’s neck and get the animal under control while K.C. pulled Emily off of Jack, who she was clinging to and set her back on her feet.
“Jack ya all right?” Ennis asked, his voice tight with concern as he reached out a hand to pull Jack up, his eyes wondering over him looking for any sign of injury.
“Oh, I’m OK.” Jack answered brushing the dust from his clothes.
A second later Mrs. Taylor was rushing passed them to her young daughter, her face ashen and etched with fear.
“Emily! Emily! Oh thank the Lord.” She said franticly hugging the girl as she knelt down beside her.
“How many times have I told you not to go near the horses?” She asked as she took hold of Emily’s shoulders forcing her to stand back as she tried her best to keep her expression stern.
The six year olds green eyes narrowed as she looked back at her mother and her forehead creased as she considered the question.
“I don’t know mama, a lot?”
Her mother bowed her head saying a silent prayer for strength then let out a deep sigh.
“Yes Emily a lot. Don’t you ever do that again. Do you hear me young lady?”
Emily nodded her head vigorously, her golden pigtails bobbing as she did and her mother just shook her head then stood up turning toward Jack.
She was a striking woman, taller then most but delicate and pale. Her eyes were the color of green fields and her hair that of the earth. She wore it atop her head with small ringlets down the back ending at her shoulders and her smile was warm and honest.
“I don’t believe we’ve actually met. I’m Mrs. Taylor.”
“Uh…Jack Twist ma’am.” He said pulling his hat from his head, remembering his manners. He glanced down at the little girl who was smiling up at him, her nose crinkling as she did.
“Well I don’t know how I can ever thank you. If you hadn’t gotten to her in time…I…I shudder to think what might have happened.”
“I’m just glad she wasn’t hurt ma’am.“
“Well it wasn’t for lack of trying I can tell you that. I swear she finds more ways to worry me then I coyote can find to worry sheep.” She paused for a moment looking down at Emily smiling at her then shook her head once more before she continued.
“Well I guess we’ve caused enough trouble for one day. We’ll let you men get back to your work but…thank you again Jack.” She said reaching down to take hold of Emily’s hand.
“Mama, my ball.” Emily said pointing to the other side of the corral. Her mother let her go watching as she retrieved her toy then stood patiently as her daughter waved at the men before she led her to the ranch house on the other side of the yard.
“Never a dull moment around here.” Jack said watching them walk away.
“Not with you around.” Ennis replied as he stepped toward the gate.
Jack smiled wide at the comment as he followed him out passing Walter and the troublesome mare on the way back into the corral, new brand visible on her rump.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ennis sat on the rickety bench outside the bunkhouse whittling, his belly full from a heavy meal. Bull and K.C. sat on the two chairs the other side of the porch deep in conversation. It was a warm evening with just a hint of a breeze and they took the opportunity to enjoy it knowing tomorrow’s roundup would leave them too worn out for much but sleep.
Ennis looked up from his carving for a moment, his eyes finding Jack where he stood in the yard with Emily. Her mother watched them from the porch of the ranch house as Jack placed his hat on Emily’s head, the girl giggling as the hat covered most of her face. Then Jack took her hands in his swinging her around in circles and Ennis smiled at the two of them listening to their laughter until the sound of Bull and K.C. arguing drowned them out.
“I don’t see why we gotta go that away. Why can’t we just go up through Kansas an Nebraska?” K.C. asked packing his pipe.
“Cause I ain’t never been that way and since I’m trail boss on the drive I’d rather go the way I know. Don’t worry I’ll git us there.” Bull answered calmly.
“Git us scalped more like.”
“Hell, I ain’t afraid of no Injuns.” Billy said from where he leaned in the doorway.
“Yeah but you ain’t too bright.” K.C. replied as he lit the pipe in his hand. Billy just scowled.
Ennis looked over at Bull and K.C. wondering how they had ever become friends. They had known each other for years but were nothing alike either in appearance or demeanor.
Bull was twenty-seven years old but he seemed much older. He had been on his own since he was a boy and his experience as a horseman and a ranch hand was unmatched by any of the other men in their outfit. He was taller then Ennis by at least two inches and outweighed him by about seventy pounds. He had a barrel chest and arms like tree trunks, which suited a man with a neck as wide as his head. He had long black hair and eyes like midnight and although his appearance was somewhat daunting Ennis had discovered he was generally soft spoken and kind, rarely letting things rile him.
K.C. was two years younger with short blonde hair and green eyes and his handlebar mustache was the only memorable thing about his face. He was shorter then most of the men at only five feet ten and he was lean, though strong. He had a sense of humor, which he liked to show off and a quick wit to match. He was loud and friendly where Bull was quiet and reserved and Ennis guessed that maybe friends didn’t always have to be just alike just compliment each other instead.
“Emily, come on now. Time for bed.” The sound of Mrs. Taylor’s voice made them all look up and Jack set the girl on the ground holding on to her shoulders as she weaved slightly feeling dizzy.
“Aw mama.” She whined.
“Emily, I don’t want any fussing now.”
“Yes ma’am.” She answered as Jack knelt down beside her, lifting up the hat and placing it back on his own head. She leaned forward giving him a quick peck on the cheek before running across the yard.
“Bye Jack.” She said waving as she went. He waved back then turned toward the bunkhouse, his head down feeling slightly embarrassed by the affection she had shown him.
“Well, well look who has himself a little girlfriend.” Billy said sneering.
“Shut up.” Jack said as he looked up, his eyes narrowed, the smile slipping from his face.
“Oh looky here boys the pup done growed some teeth.” Billy laughed.
“I ain’t no pup.”
“Well ya look like a pup to me, hardly dry behind the ears.”
“Yeah well you look like a man but I guess we’re both wrong.”
Billy’s face turned red at the insult and he came out of the doorway tackling Jack before the other men even knew what happened. They tussled for a second Billy throwing a punch while he had Jack on the ground but Jack had spent a lifetime learning to avoid such things and he put that know how to work.
He grabbed hold of the front of Billy’s shirt and rolled him away jumping to his feet but Billy came at him again. Jack stood his ground, his fists clenched at his side ready to do some damage of his own. He never got the chance though as Bull grabbed hold of the back of Billy’s shirt pulling him up short and Ennis got in between them.
“Jack, just calm down now.”
“Git out the way Ennis.” Jack demanded trying to get around him.
“I ain’t.” Ennis yelled grabbing hold of Jack’s shoulders trying to hold him back.
“Ya boys don’t wantta be doing that. Red catch ya fightin’ he’ll fire ya sure.” Bull said, as Billy pulled free of his grasp, spit on the ground, sneering at Jack.
“Hell, that little pissant ain’t even worth it.”
Jack made another lunch for him but Ennis grabbed him around the middle as he half pushed half carried him toward the stable.
“Ennis let me go!” Jack yelled but Ennis wasn’t listening.
Billy just laughed at him and went back inside as Bull sat back down shaking his head.
“Billy really aught to watch his mouth that boy gonna whoop his ass one day.”
“Ya think Jack can take him?” K.C. asked surprised by the notion.
Bull just nodded leaning back in his chair setting his hat over his eyes as he rested his head against the side of the wall.
“Ya wantta bet?” K.C. smiled.
Bull moved his hat looking over at the other man a smile spreading across his own face.
“I’ll bet ya two dollars that before we git to Montana those two have at it and Billy comes out on top.” K.C. said setting the terms of their wager.
“Two dollars huh?”
“Yep.”
“Well I could use two dollars. You’re on.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As they burst through the stable doors Jack was fit to be tied. He struggled against Ennis yelling at him the whole time but Ennis just ignored him as he pushed him down on the bale of hay where they had sat reading the night before.
“Ennis what the Hell did ya do that for?” He asked getting to his feet, hands resting on his hips, breathing heavy.
“To keep ya from losing your job. Bull’s right, Red don’t cotton to no fightin’ between the men. Ya hit Billy tonight and you’d be gone tomorrow. I’m tryin’ to help ya!”
“Well I don’t need your help! I can take care of things just fine all by myself.”
“Is that so? Well, ya go do what ya want then. I won’t stop ya this time.” Ennis said stepping out of his way. Jack stared at him for a minute, his eyes stormy, his jaw set then he huffed loudly and turned away kicking the nearest stall.
“God damn it!” He yelled before slumping down on the hay bale once more, leaning forward, his head in his hands.
Ennis stood in front of him for a second longer then sat down beside him.
“Ya shoulda let me hit the son of a bitch!” Jack said angrily as he looked over at Ennis whose eyes had grown wide.
“What?” Jack asked seeing the surprise on his face.
“Notin’, I just didn’t know ya swore so much is all.”
“I can swear if I want to.” Jack said defensively.
“Oh I know. I can see that ya can.” Ennis said trying to hide the small smile playing at his lips.
“It ain’t funny Ennis.” Jack said sullenly, nudging Ennis in the shoulder.
Ennis nudged him right back and Jack looked over at him an evil expression replacing his scowl.
“Oh so that’s how it’s gonna be huh?”
Ennis just smiled and nodded his head. Jack tried not to smile, determined to stay mad as he nudged him again and Ennis nudged back once more this time so hard Jack had to grab the edge of the hay bale to stay on.
“Why ya little…”
Jack didn’t finish what he was about to say just turned pushing at Ennis’ shoulder with both hands determined now to knock him off. Ennis dug in his heels, turning his back to Jack pushing against him laughing the whole time. Soon they were pushing and pulling at each other trying their best to knock the other off the hay bale, Jack’s fight with Billy all but forgotten.
It didn’t take long before they went toppling off both continuing to wrestle until Ennis got the better of Jack and pinned him to the floor. Jack squirmed beneath him laughing as he tried to get lose but Ennis pressed his full weight against him as he grabbed his wrists and held him down.
They were breathing fast, the sound rushing in their ears blocking out everything else and time seemed to stand still. Jack stared into Ennis’ face; just inches away from his own and swallowed hard. His heart was pounding in his chest and he couldn’t help licking his lips as he noticed Ennis’ was staring at his mouth.
Ennis looked down at Jack feeling like he couldn’t breath, his eyes fixated on the pink tongue that had slipped between his teeth. He leaned closer without thinking wanting to taste it, wanting to feel the warm wetness against his own.
Jack wanted to kiss him more then anything but he couldn’t give into that desire and he arched upward trying to push Ennis off him, afraid of doing something Ennis wouldn’t want. His hips pressed against the other man and he could feel the hardness between his legs rubbing against Ennis’ own.
A soft gasp slipped from Ennis’ lips and he let go of Jack quickly getting to his feet as if he’d been scorched. He didn’t look at Jack just stood there staring at his boots as Jack stood up.
“We best git to sleep. Got to be up early tomorrow, with the roundup and all.” Ennis said, stuffing his hands in his pockets, his face flushed and his breathing ragged as he tried to pretend nothing had happened.
“Sure enough.” Jack replied, his voice almost a whisper.
He reached down picking up his hat from where it had fallen on the floor then he followed Ennis from the stable to the bunkhouse neither saying a word. They undressed in the dark their backs to one another then slipped under their blankets in silence.
They both lay there staring at the bunks above them the same thought running through their minds. “Had he wanted me to kiss him?” They had no way of knowing for sure of course short of asking but the evidence of their attraction was pretty hard for either one of them to miss. Still there were a hundred reasons not to act on what they were feeling the least of which was being wrong, the worst of which was getting killed.
They both sighed, rolling onto their sides, trying to forget the ache throbbing between their legs. Neither had found a solution to their dilemma and they realized they probably wouldn’t unless they talked about it, something neither was prepared to do just yet, preferring to keep their own counsel on things they were still too unsure of and longed for too much.
TBC
Author: PetiteMiel
Pairing: Jack/Ennis
Rating: NC-17(eventually)
Warning: Contains harsh language, violence, m/m sexual encounters.
Disclaimer: All characters from Brokeback Mountain belong to Ann Proulx. I am just borrowing them and make no money from their use. No copyright infringement is intended. All other characters are mine.
Summary: Au!Au. This story takes place in 1867. Ennis is an eighteen year old wrangler at the Triple T Ranch in Texas where Jack, a sixteen year old runaway is hired for the upcoming cattle drive to Montana.
AN:This is the first time I've written BBM fanfic. The story is un beta'd so all errors are mine.
Arlene, Texas
Spring, 1867
Breakfast the next day was a quiet affair, Jack and Ennis struggling to wake up, the other men equally tired and silent except for Billy. He was none too happy at having to complete the fence work and grumbled as he ate shooting daggers at Jack all through the meal. Jack did his best to ignore him as he was having enough trouble keeping his head out of his plate and didn’t have the energy for much else.
Afterward they all headed out to their assigned tasks with Walter and Bull fixing the roof on the storage shed and Hank and K.C. helping Jack and Ennis with the horses.
With thirty new mounts they had their hands full and they set to work right off feeding them, grooming them and making sure they were all well shod. They worked steadily throughout the day; Ennis making sure each horse was fit and well tended to.
By lunchtime they had worked their way through them and stopped for a brief respite before building up a fire for branding. It was a normal part of working with stock, useful and necessary but the thing both Jack and Ennis liked least about ranch work.
Walter and Bull had finished with the roofing and joined the others over near the corral. They split into two groups; one roping the horses while the others did the actual branding. They had several irons in the fire allowing them to brand three horses at the same time making the work go much more quickly which suited them all.
Each horse was roped, walked from the corral and hobbled so it couldn’t bolt. Once branded, they were returned to the corral with the other mounts as another three horses were chosen. The smell of burnt flesh wafted through the air but they tried their best to ignore it instead concentrating on the task itself so they could finish for the day.
When they were down to the last horse Jack entered the corral to get her, his lasso circling high above his head. He once again showed his skill with the rope as he caught the mare with one try but as he started to lead her out of the corral the horse balked pulling back on the rope making Jack turn.
Something red caught his eye and Jack looked down for a second at a large ball rolling on the ground between him and the horse. He didn’t have a chance to wonder what it was doing there or where it had come from before a small girl dashed in front of him after the ball causing the horse to suddenly rear back on its hind legs. Jack was knocked flat on his back as the horse pulled free, looming over him and the girl who stood frozen in fear as the buckskin’s legs flailed wildly just above her head. Jack managed to grab hold of her calico dress pulling her out of the way as he rolled both of them aside just before the horse’s hoofs hit the ground where he’d been laying.
“Emily!” A high pitched shriek rang out across the yard as the other men ran into the corral, Walter managing to grab the rope dangling from the horse’s neck and get the animal under control while K.C. pulled Emily off of Jack, who she was clinging to and set her back on her feet.
“Jack ya all right?” Ennis asked, his voice tight with concern as he reached out a hand to pull Jack up, his eyes wondering over him looking for any sign of injury.
“Oh, I’m OK.” Jack answered brushing the dust from his clothes.
A second later Mrs. Taylor was rushing passed them to her young daughter, her face ashen and etched with fear.
“Emily! Emily! Oh thank the Lord.” She said franticly hugging the girl as she knelt down beside her.
“How many times have I told you not to go near the horses?” She asked as she took hold of Emily’s shoulders forcing her to stand back as she tried her best to keep her expression stern.
The six year olds green eyes narrowed as she looked back at her mother and her forehead creased as she considered the question.
“I don’t know mama, a lot?”
Her mother bowed her head saying a silent prayer for strength then let out a deep sigh.
“Yes Emily a lot. Don’t you ever do that again. Do you hear me young lady?”
Emily nodded her head vigorously, her golden pigtails bobbing as she did and her mother just shook her head then stood up turning toward Jack.
She was a striking woman, taller then most but delicate and pale. Her eyes were the color of green fields and her hair that of the earth. She wore it atop her head with small ringlets down the back ending at her shoulders and her smile was warm and honest.
“I don’t believe we’ve actually met. I’m Mrs. Taylor.”
“Uh…Jack Twist ma’am.” He said pulling his hat from his head, remembering his manners. He glanced down at the little girl who was smiling up at him, her nose crinkling as she did.
“Well I don’t know how I can ever thank you. If you hadn’t gotten to her in time…I…I shudder to think what might have happened.”
“I’m just glad she wasn’t hurt ma’am.“
“Well it wasn’t for lack of trying I can tell you that. I swear she finds more ways to worry me then I coyote can find to worry sheep.” She paused for a moment looking down at Emily smiling at her then shook her head once more before she continued.
“Well I guess we’ve caused enough trouble for one day. We’ll let you men get back to your work but…thank you again Jack.” She said reaching down to take hold of Emily’s hand.
“Mama, my ball.” Emily said pointing to the other side of the corral. Her mother let her go watching as she retrieved her toy then stood patiently as her daughter waved at the men before she led her to the ranch house on the other side of the yard.
“Never a dull moment around here.” Jack said watching them walk away.
“Not with you around.” Ennis replied as he stepped toward the gate.
Jack smiled wide at the comment as he followed him out passing Walter and the troublesome mare on the way back into the corral, new brand visible on her rump.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ennis sat on the rickety bench outside the bunkhouse whittling, his belly full from a heavy meal. Bull and K.C. sat on the two chairs the other side of the porch deep in conversation. It was a warm evening with just a hint of a breeze and they took the opportunity to enjoy it knowing tomorrow’s roundup would leave them too worn out for much but sleep.
Ennis looked up from his carving for a moment, his eyes finding Jack where he stood in the yard with Emily. Her mother watched them from the porch of the ranch house as Jack placed his hat on Emily’s head, the girl giggling as the hat covered most of her face. Then Jack took her hands in his swinging her around in circles and Ennis smiled at the two of them listening to their laughter until the sound of Bull and K.C. arguing drowned them out.
“I don’t see why we gotta go that away. Why can’t we just go up through Kansas an Nebraska?” K.C. asked packing his pipe.
“Cause I ain’t never been that way and since I’m trail boss on the drive I’d rather go the way I know. Don’t worry I’ll git us there.” Bull answered calmly.
“Git us scalped more like.”
“Hell, I ain’t afraid of no Injuns.” Billy said from where he leaned in the doorway.
“Yeah but you ain’t too bright.” K.C. replied as he lit the pipe in his hand. Billy just scowled.
Ennis looked over at Bull and K.C. wondering how they had ever become friends. They had known each other for years but were nothing alike either in appearance or demeanor.
Bull was twenty-seven years old but he seemed much older. He had been on his own since he was a boy and his experience as a horseman and a ranch hand was unmatched by any of the other men in their outfit. He was taller then Ennis by at least two inches and outweighed him by about seventy pounds. He had a barrel chest and arms like tree trunks, which suited a man with a neck as wide as his head. He had long black hair and eyes like midnight and although his appearance was somewhat daunting Ennis had discovered he was generally soft spoken and kind, rarely letting things rile him.
K.C. was two years younger with short blonde hair and green eyes and his handlebar mustache was the only memorable thing about his face. He was shorter then most of the men at only five feet ten and he was lean, though strong. He had a sense of humor, which he liked to show off and a quick wit to match. He was loud and friendly where Bull was quiet and reserved and Ennis guessed that maybe friends didn’t always have to be just alike just compliment each other instead.
“Emily, come on now. Time for bed.” The sound of Mrs. Taylor’s voice made them all look up and Jack set the girl on the ground holding on to her shoulders as she weaved slightly feeling dizzy.
“Aw mama.” She whined.
“Emily, I don’t want any fussing now.”
“Yes ma’am.” She answered as Jack knelt down beside her, lifting up the hat and placing it back on his own head. She leaned forward giving him a quick peck on the cheek before running across the yard.
“Bye Jack.” She said waving as she went. He waved back then turned toward the bunkhouse, his head down feeling slightly embarrassed by the affection she had shown him.
“Well, well look who has himself a little girlfriend.” Billy said sneering.
“Shut up.” Jack said as he looked up, his eyes narrowed, the smile slipping from his face.
“Oh looky here boys the pup done growed some teeth.” Billy laughed.
“I ain’t no pup.”
“Well ya look like a pup to me, hardly dry behind the ears.”
“Yeah well you look like a man but I guess we’re both wrong.”
Billy’s face turned red at the insult and he came out of the doorway tackling Jack before the other men even knew what happened. They tussled for a second Billy throwing a punch while he had Jack on the ground but Jack had spent a lifetime learning to avoid such things and he put that know how to work.
He grabbed hold of the front of Billy’s shirt and rolled him away jumping to his feet but Billy came at him again. Jack stood his ground, his fists clenched at his side ready to do some damage of his own. He never got the chance though as Bull grabbed hold of the back of Billy’s shirt pulling him up short and Ennis got in between them.
“Jack, just calm down now.”
“Git out the way Ennis.” Jack demanded trying to get around him.
“I ain’t.” Ennis yelled grabbing hold of Jack’s shoulders trying to hold him back.
“Ya boys don’t wantta be doing that. Red catch ya fightin’ he’ll fire ya sure.” Bull said, as Billy pulled free of his grasp, spit on the ground, sneering at Jack.
“Hell, that little pissant ain’t even worth it.”
Jack made another lunch for him but Ennis grabbed him around the middle as he half pushed half carried him toward the stable.
“Ennis let me go!” Jack yelled but Ennis wasn’t listening.
Billy just laughed at him and went back inside as Bull sat back down shaking his head.
“Billy really aught to watch his mouth that boy gonna whoop his ass one day.”
“Ya think Jack can take him?” K.C. asked surprised by the notion.
Bull just nodded leaning back in his chair setting his hat over his eyes as he rested his head against the side of the wall.
“Ya wantta bet?” K.C. smiled.
Bull moved his hat looking over at the other man a smile spreading across his own face.
“I’ll bet ya two dollars that before we git to Montana those two have at it and Billy comes out on top.” K.C. said setting the terms of their wager.
“Two dollars huh?”
“Yep.”
“Well I could use two dollars. You’re on.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As they burst through the stable doors Jack was fit to be tied. He struggled against Ennis yelling at him the whole time but Ennis just ignored him as he pushed him down on the bale of hay where they had sat reading the night before.
“Ennis what the Hell did ya do that for?” He asked getting to his feet, hands resting on his hips, breathing heavy.
“To keep ya from losing your job. Bull’s right, Red don’t cotton to no fightin’ between the men. Ya hit Billy tonight and you’d be gone tomorrow. I’m tryin’ to help ya!”
“Well I don’t need your help! I can take care of things just fine all by myself.”
“Is that so? Well, ya go do what ya want then. I won’t stop ya this time.” Ennis said stepping out of his way. Jack stared at him for a minute, his eyes stormy, his jaw set then he huffed loudly and turned away kicking the nearest stall.
“God damn it!” He yelled before slumping down on the hay bale once more, leaning forward, his head in his hands.
Ennis stood in front of him for a second longer then sat down beside him.
“Ya shoulda let me hit the son of a bitch!” Jack said angrily as he looked over at Ennis whose eyes had grown wide.
“What?” Jack asked seeing the surprise on his face.
“Notin’, I just didn’t know ya swore so much is all.”
“I can swear if I want to.” Jack said defensively.
“Oh I know. I can see that ya can.” Ennis said trying to hide the small smile playing at his lips.
“It ain’t funny Ennis.” Jack said sullenly, nudging Ennis in the shoulder.
Ennis nudged him right back and Jack looked over at him an evil expression replacing his scowl.
“Oh so that’s how it’s gonna be huh?”
Ennis just smiled and nodded his head. Jack tried not to smile, determined to stay mad as he nudged him again and Ennis nudged back once more this time so hard Jack had to grab the edge of the hay bale to stay on.
“Why ya little…”
Jack didn’t finish what he was about to say just turned pushing at Ennis’ shoulder with both hands determined now to knock him off. Ennis dug in his heels, turning his back to Jack pushing against him laughing the whole time. Soon they were pushing and pulling at each other trying their best to knock the other off the hay bale, Jack’s fight with Billy all but forgotten.
It didn’t take long before they went toppling off both continuing to wrestle until Ennis got the better of Jack and pinned him to the floor. Jack squirmed beneath him laughing as he tried to get lose but Ennis pressed his full weight against him as he grabbed his wrists and held him down.
They were breathing fast, the sound rushing in their ears blocking out everything else and time seemed to stand still. Jack stared into Ennis’ face; just inches away from his own and swallowed hard. His heart was pounding in his chest and he couldn’t help licking his lips as he noticed Ennis’ was staring at his mouth.
Ennis looked down at Jack feeling like he couldn’t breath, his eyes fixated on the pink tongue that had slipped between his teeth. He leaned closer without thinking wanting to taste it, wanting to feel the warm wetness against his own.
Jack wanted to kiss him more then anything but he couldn’t give into that desire and he arched upward trying to push Ennis off him, afraid of doing something Ennis wouldn’t want. His hips pressed against the other man and he could feel the hardness between his legs rubbing against Ennis’ own.
A soft gasp slipped from Ennis’ lips and he let go of Jack quickly getting to his feet as if he’d been scorched. He didn’t look at Jack just stood there staring at his boots as Jack stood up.
“We best git to sleep. Got to be up early tomorrow, with the roundup and all.” Ennis said, stuffing his hands in his pockets, his face flushed and his breathing ragged as he tried to pretend nothing had happened.
“Sure enough.” Jack replied, his voice almost a whisper.
He reached down picking up his hat from where it had fallen on the floor then he followed Ennis from the stable to the bunkhouse neither saying a word. They undressed in the dark their backs to one another then slipped under their blankets in silence.
They both lay there staring at the bunks above them the same thought running through their minds. “Had he wanted me to kiss him?” They had no way of knowing for sure of course short of asking but the evidence of their attraction was pretty hard for either one of them to miss. Still there were a hundred reasons not to act on what they were feeling the least of which was being wrong, the worst of which was getting killed.
They both sighed, rolling onto their sides, trying to forget the ache throbbing between their legs. Neither had found a solution to their dilemma and they realized they probably wouldn’t unless they talked about it, something neither was prepared to do just yet, preferring to keep their own counsel on things they were still too unsure of and longed for too much.
TBC