Chapter Text
“Jack, wait.”
Jack poked his head out of his truck window before turning on the ignition. He had something akin to hope glinting in his eyes. “Yeah?”
Ennis looked down at the ground, shoving his hands deep into his jeans pockets as he shuffled over to Jack’s truck. Once he was just inches from the window, he peaked up bashfully, wincing slightly as the sun shone in his eyes. “…I want to see you again,” he said faintly.
Jack’s face broke into a wide grin and he sighed. “Oh, thank god,” he laughed, looking up at the sky. “I didn’t know what I was gonna do, never seeing you again,” he said, suddenly very quiet, smiling softly to himself. He reached a hand out the window and reached towards Ennis’. Ennis slowly took it and ran his fingers along Jack’s knuckles, still red from their fight. He squeezed Ennis’ hand tenderly, looking directly into his eyes as he did, falling in love with the way that it made Ennis’ eyes melt instantly.
Then suddenly, he felt like someone was watching them. Maybe there was, maybe there wasn’t, but either way, the hairs on the back of Ennis’ neck were standing on edge and he couldn’t ignore it. He reluctantly pulled his hand away from Jack’s, his fingertips lingering for a moment longer as they fell to his side.
“I’m sorry,” Ennis whispered.
“I know. It’s alright,” Jack whispered back, watching Ennis earnestly. “It’s alright.”
“I’m sorry,” Ennis whispered again. He looked down at the ground and shoved his hands into his pockets again, tightening them into fists.
“I don’t want to leave,” Jack said. “Not without you.”
“…Then don’t,” Ennis muttered, his eyes pleading.
A peaceful smile grew on Jack’s face.
~
Ennis was sitting on the steps of their front porch looking out at their yard as the sun rose. Their yard. In their house. Their house in the countryside, away from everyone else and with a beautiful view of the mountains. Jack found him sitting in that spot the morning after they had first moved in, and he has found him there every morning since. So, naturally, every morning, Jack brought out two mugs of coffee and sat with him. They usually sat in silence, drinking their coffee, but Jack never minded. He just enjoyed Ennis’ company, and that was more than enough for him.
“I never thought I could have this,” Ennis said one day, taking a sip of his coffee and holding it delicately with both hands.
“Me neither,” Jack answered from where he was resting his head on Ennis’ shoulder. “It’s like we’re still up there in Brokeback, every day.” He started to laugh. “Honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Ennis looked down at his drink, swirling it gently. “Do you ever think about it? About what would have happened?”
Jack nodded, taking a big gulp of coffee and staring out at the distance. “Not my favorite thing to imagine… What do you think would have happened if we didn’t?”
“Don’t even wanna think about it,” Ennis mumbled, his voice starting to tremble. “Now that we have this… fuck, I could never get it out of my mind. Get you out of my mind. Now that we have this, and I know what it’s like to have this life…”
“You’re getting carried away, Ennis,” Jack said, gently grabbing his arm and giving it a comforting squeeze. “Should have never brought it up.”
A half smile formed on Ennis’ lips, and he looked back down at his coffee. “Yeah... Suppose you’re right.” He kissed the top of Jack’s hair before messing it up a little bit, laughing to himself.
Jack sat up and looked him square in the eyes, placing his hand on Ennis’. “I know it’s hard for you. And that it was even harder back then.”
Ennis leaned in and captured his lips in a long kiss, cradling Jack’s cheek in his hand and holding him close. When their lips parted, Ennis’ brows were still furrowed in concentration, trying to pull back the tears. “I’m okay,” he whispered.
“I don’t want you to be just okay. I want you to be happy.”
“Jack,” he said, giving his hand a reassuring squeeze. “I’m happy. More than I’ve ever been.”
Jack smiled back at him, then rested his head on Ennis’ shoulder once again, snuggling in closer than before. “So am I.”
After some time, Ennis sighed and looked up at the sky. “I’m 25 now, Jack. I’m only 25, and I already have everything I could possibly want. And it’s the weirdest and best fucking life, all at the same time.” He started to laugh. “Does it really get better than that?”
Jack laughed along with him under his breath. “Maybe at 26,” he smiled up at Ennis. “And every year after that.”