Title: Losing My Grip
Category: Angst and some hurt/comfort thrown in (because I love it!)
Pairing: Jack/Ennis
Disclaimer: I don't own these cowboys!
Summary: Jack counts the days before his next meeting with Ennis. His longing for Ennis results in some reckless behavior that leads to an explosive confrontation. What will be Jack's fate?
A/N: This is taking place within the actual story, but I needed to change some things in order to make this idea work. I guess we'll have to say it's AU. So please excuse anything I may alter. Feedback is definitely welcome! I hope you like the first chapter!
Jack Twist ran a shaky hand through his hair as he painfully lowered himself onto the bar stool, wincing at his protesting joints.
"What'll it be?" The bartender hollered over the noisy bar, country music blaring in the background.
"A beer," Jack mumbled as he folded his arms carefully over the counter-top. The bartender hurried away, and Jack slowly surveyed the room.
"There ya go, cowboy." Jack nodded, and took a long swig. On a second glance at Jack, the bartender let out laugh. "Shit, what'n the hell happened t you, boy?"
"Rodeo," Jack grumbled, already half-way through his first drink.
"Looks like that bull got ya good, huh?" The bartender stated, more than asked.
"I reckon so," Jack said through a wry smile knowing what he must look like. The bartender left to help another customer, leaving him to his thoughts, which mostly dealt with Ennis Del Mar. In just a few days, Jack would be driving 14 hours in his pick-up to Wyoming for another "fishing trip."
The months had gone by painfully slow for Jack, which he sarcastically noted had led him to his current state. Jack was sure that his longing to be with Ennis would drive him insane or get him killed one of these days. Finishing off his beer, he quickly ordered another one as he shifted uncomfortably on the stool.
"Shit, that looks pretty nasty," the bartender winced as he slid another beer in front of him.
"Hurts like hell, it does," Jack said hoarsely, taking another swig.
"I reckon so. Yeh best find a new line a work, boy," the bartender said shaking his head before turning towards another customer.
However, Jack had found a new line of work and had stopped being a rodeo the moment he married Lureen. Working for his father-in-law was no picnic, but it sure as hell paid the bills and a lot of other things being a rodeo didn't. No, the only reason Jack had recently taken up his previous past time was because of one, Ennis Del Mar.
Only seeing Ennis three or four times a year weighed heavily on Jack's heart. He needed some way to pass the time quickly, and thought that between his current job and taking up his previous line of work he would be distracted. Unfortunately, it was only after his face had connected with the dirt that afternoon that Jack realized his plan was flawed. Ennis was always in his head, which made riding a bull near impossible, Jack thought bitterly.
TBC
A/N: Please review!
