Milestones part 8- by Trekfan (aka Linda)

Disclaimer in part 1

This one was a hard one to write, one part of this hit very close to home but I had to write it this way (namely Ennis' problem with Alma) in order for the story to go in the direction I wanted it to and for it to make sense.

ANGST WARNING

It was after six when Jack drove up to the trailer. The first thing he noticed was Ennis' truck parked in front. Just the sight of the truck gave him a warm feeling inside. When he opened the door the sight that greeted him made the warm feeling migrate to his groin.

Ennis was lying asleep on the couch. He was on his back his head was pillowed on his arm. His hair was it's usual disheveled mess that most women would probably complain about but Jack could care less. Ennis was one handsome cowboy, his handsome cowboy and that's all that mattered to him

Jack was tired from his drive so he sat down on the other end of the couch and managed to squeeze in next to Ennis until his head rested on his chest and he felt Ennis' arm go around him and he drifted off to sleep too.

Jack was slowly coming back from slumber, he could feel Ennis' hand combing through his hair. "Come on, rodeo, it's supper time. Jack looked up into Ennis' chocolate brown eyes and smiled.

"Hi cowboy I saw ya sleepin so nice and peaceful I thought I'd join ya."

Ennis bent over him and kissed him both men sat up and got off the couch.

"I saw yer note, how did things go?"

"I think I found us a perfect house Ennis." He went into details about the place. "I told Travis we'd go up on Saturday to see it. That okay with ya?"

"S'kay with me."

Jack was thinking about going out to eat but then thought about how tired they both were. And besides it was nice to have a private dinner for two.

"Hey let's fire up the grill and make us some hamburgers."

"Okay," Ennis agreed.

Jack put the grill together and Ennis put the hamburgers together. For two men that professed years ago about not being able to cook on Brokeback Mountain their culinary skills had grown since moving in together.

Jack brought two bottles of beer and set up two fold out chairs. They kicked back and ate their burgers and then they sat side by side looking up at the stars. Just like they did on Brokeback Mountain. They didn't say a word just enjoyed each other's company. Jack didn't tear his eyes from the sky but he reached out and met Ennis' hand that was also reaching out for his. Their fingers intertwined and melded like two vines growing together.

'It felt so strong, so right,' Ennis thought. For the first time in the twenty years they'd known each other Ennis felt complete like the empty space in his heart had finally been filled by the man sitting next to him. Their eyes met and they put the chairs away and moved their activities inside in case any nosy neighbors were watching.

They didn't do much more than snuggle on the couch and then went to sleep.

Ennis roused from his sleep first, he was lying on his side, his back to Jack. Jack was a sound sleeper and could sleep in just about any position. Ennis was feeling rather horney and in a move reminiscent of their first time together, reached behind him and grabbed Jack's hand and brought it to his crotch. His cock molded into the palm of Jack's hand. He turned his head and moaned into the pillow as he moved Jack's hand on his burgeoning staff. It didn't take long for Jack to become fully aroused in every way and have a big smile on his face.

"Mornin, cowboy up for a little romp I see." He kissed Ennis' neck and scooted over so he was spooning him. His other hand was supporting Ennis' head and he gently moved it so he could kiss his lips. Their hands were still clasped over Ennis' erection and they moved their joined hands under his PJ bottom and began pumping the cock hiding underneath.

Jack had pulled off his own PJs and Ennis had pushed his off as well, they were both naked and pressing their bodies tightly together. Ennis had pushed his ass up against Jack's cock and was rubbing him.

"Want ya Jack," he said between clenched teeth, "want ya real bad, rodeo."

It was very rare that Ennis ever wanted to bottom and at first refused to do it at all cause he thought it meant he was being submissive and losing control. He remembered telling him that it didn't mean any of those things. Jack showed him, quite graphically, just how much control he had during their coupling.

"Yer sure, Ennis?" Jack whispered in his ear and looked at his face.

Ennis looked intently at him, "Yeah, please Jack."

"Okay," Jack found the tube of K-Y jelly they kept near the bed and coated his fingers. "I'll go slow Ennis, real slow." His fingers slowly entered Ennis, he was tight, "Relax Ennis, ya gotta relax cowboy." With his other hand he massaged his neck then his back and finally at the base of his lower spine. "I wanna make this good for ya." He stuck another finger into him and Ennis started pushing back.

Jack poured K-Y jelly all over his cock and slowly slid into Ennis' passage. He didn't move, waiting for Ennis to get accustomed to the fullness. Then he felt Ennis' impatience as he pushed back against him. "Come on Jack, move rodeo. No wonder ya couldn't stay on them bulls."

"Oh yeah, cowboy, yer not gonna be able ta walk once I'm done with ya." Jack moved over Ennis and thrust deep into him and snaked his hand around and grabbed Ennis' cock and pumped him in time to the thrusts.

His lover's hand reached around and grabbed his butt cheek and pushed him deeper into his dark channel.

"Jack, oh gawd, ah yeah," he could barely catch his breath. "Yeah," their hips undulated in a synchronized rhythm that the lovers instinctively fell into.

They were both sweating, Jack kept thrusting until he exploded inside his lover. Filling Ennis with his essence.

They lay there for several minutes trying to catch their breaths, their bodies were still entwined. "I didn't hurt ya, Ennis?" Jack was concerned about his lover.

"Naw, lil darlin, ya make me so happy I could burst." He leaned forward and gave Jack a big thank you kiss.

They went into the bathroom, shaved then showered and ate breakfast.

"So ya ready to go see our new home?"

"I ain't seen it yet, rodeo, suppose I don't like it?"

"Always ready to see the dark side of things ain'tcha? Well just wait till you see this place it's gonna knock yer socks off. Come on cowboy, let's hit the road."

They loaded into their new truck, Jack took a cooler packed with sandwiches and some sodas. Jack got in and looked over at Ennis who was lighting a cigarette.

"Ready?"

"Yeah, let's go." He passed the cigarette to Jack and lit another one for himself.

Jack started the truck and they headed out.

They settled into a comfortable silence on the drive up and found a rest stop to have lunch. It offered a beautiful mountain vista. Jack got out first and hopped up onto the bed of the truck and opened the cooler and passed a sandwich and a soda to Ennis. Ennis sat on the edge of the cargo area of the truck and Jack joined him. After finishing their meal they sat there for a few minutes enjoying the view.

"Ready to go home, cowboy?" Jack tried to keep a straight face at the inevitable response he knew he was going to get.

"I said I ain't seen this house yet, don't go getting yer hopes up boy."

"Ennis! Why you gotta rain on things? I know yer just yankin my rope. Let's get goin."

A short while later Jack stopped the truck and looked over at Ennis.

Ennis looked around puzzled. "Why the hell we stoppin here Jack?"

"Look at the sign Ennis."

He looked at the town sign and then at Jack. "We've been living like recluses every time we'd take off to the mountains ta be together. Don't ya see, this is it Ennis. This is a sign were we're meant to make our sweet life. Right here in a town called Recluse."

Ennis didn't comment but Jack could tell that he was chipping away at Mr. Pessimist. They drove up the long driveway and Jack parked next to Travis' car and got out. He went to the front of the truck and watched Ennis exit slowly. He looked at the house, taking it all in.

"You must be Ennis," Travis came over and shook Ennis' hand, "Real pleasure to meet ya. My cousin here's been telling me about ya." Ennis couldn't tear his eyes away from the house to look at Travis.

"Yep," was his only response and he walked over to the house. Travis looked over at Jack and Jack smiled and joined Ennis.

"Let's go inside Ennis." Jack led the way through the front door and showed him around. Travis decided to hang back and answered questions but didn't do the usual spiel he had gone into with Jack.

They went out to the barn and Ennis' face lit up. "I made sure we had a nice place for horses, I know how important it is to ya cowboy."

Ennis looked at him, Jack could tell what was on his mind just by looking at his face.

"How about taking a ride around the property?" Travis suggested.

After they made a circle around the property they ended back at the house. They stood outside the building, Ennis was leaning against the front of the truck, his arms were folded in front of his chest and his head was bowed. His hat was hiding his face.

"Well, whattya think Ennis?"

Ennis cleared his throat and grunted. "When can we move in?"

"Woo wee" he pushed at Ennis like he had when he shot the elk up on Brokeback "Ya mean ya like it?"

"Whatta I gotta spell it out for ya ya dumbass. When can we get the keys?" He looked at Travis.

"I'll let the seller know and I'll get the paperwork going and call you when we need payment and then set a date for the closing."

"Thanks, Travis," Jack shook his hand.

"Ennis came over and shook Travis' hand too. "Thank ya," he said quietly.

They stayed a while longer after Travis had left.

"Take a good look, Ennis, we've finally found us a home." They fell into each other's arms and hugged fiercely.

"I know you'd like it, Ennis."

"Yep love it, like I love ya." Ennis grabbed Jack's head and kissed him.

They headed back to Riverton and made it back by evening.

By the time Monday morning came Jack was biting at the bit to get to Stoutamires.

"Take it easy, rodeo, I haven't even shaved yet." He clapped Jack on the back.

"I cain't help it Ennis I've been cooped up in this trailer for weeks, I'm itchin to work."

"Just take it easy today, okay? Don't go liftin nothin, doc ain't said ya could yet."

"Stop babying me I know what the doc said I was there member?"

Ennis had such a pained expression on his face that Jack came over and put his hand on his arm.

"I'm only lookin out for my man."

"I know ya are, I'm sorry I snapped at you."

He kissed Ennis softly on the lips. "Come on let's get to work." They used Ennis' truck, they drove up the ranch and went into Mr. Stoutamire's office.

"Hi Jack, are ya ready for some branding? Stock just came in over the weekend."

"Sure am."

"Okay, Ennis you show Jack over to the pens. Bills' already there."

"Sure thing." Ennis walked Jack over to the branding area and introduced him to Bill Watterson. He was the foreman in charge of the cattle.

"So you're the new man, huh? You ever brand cows before?"

"I helped my Pa branding cows back home."

"I'll see ya later bud," Ennis patted his arm, their eyes met for a moment and he left.

"You and Ennis friends?" Bill asked.

"Yeah, we've known each other a long time."

He set Jack up with the branding irons and the another guy held the calves and Jack branded them.

Later in the afternoon Jack was called into the office.

"You wanted to see me Mr. Stoutamire?"

"Yeah, Jack, I need you to go to the post office and mail this for me." He pointed to the box on the desk. "Here take the truck it's parked next to Ennis'" he gave Jack the keys and gave him some money to pay for postage.

While he was in town he bought some soda and jerky and then drove back to the ranch. He was only a few miles away when he heard a thumping noise. He pulled off to the side of the road. "Damn." He saw the tire was flat. He got the tire iron and crawled under the truck to get the spare from under the bed. The bolt proved to be a bit stubborn but he finally got it off and pulled the tire down. Then he loosened the lug nuts and jacked up the truck and pulled the flat tire off and rolled it aside.

Jack was sweating in the hot sun and he was feeling kinda dizzy for a moment. He stopped long enough to take a swig from the bottle of soda, catch his breath and swung the tire up onto the axle.

"Oh gawd," Jack felt a sharp pain in his chest and had to grab the rim of the truck bed to steady himself. He stayed in a bent over position for a several minutes till the pain lessened enough for him to stand up again. He knew he shouldn't have lifted that tire but he didn't have a choice. He got the lug nuts back on and took the flat tire and rolled it as best he could into the back of the truck. He gingerly sat in the cab of the truck his chest was throbbing, he waited until he was able to drive again.

Jack could see the main office building from the road he was on. He stopped the truck and took a deep breath. The pain had subsided and he could see in the side view mirror that he wasn't pale anymore. He was still sweaty but that could be explained away due to the hot weather.

He pulled the truck next to Ennis' and got out then went into the office to give Mr. Stoutamire the receipt from the post office and to let him know about the tire.

"Thanks, Jack, I'll have to have that tire taken care of. Why don't you go see what Bill has for ya to do."

"Okay, Mr. Stoutamire." Jack slowly made his way back to the branding pen, his chest felt sore but the pain he had felt was lessening. He figured he'd done too much when he lifted that tire. He didn't want to hear any flack from Ennis over pulling a muscle so he was going to have to suck it up. It was a good thing Ennis was out in the pastures fixing fences.

"Jack, glad yer back, I could use your help checking the feed inventory. We need to know what has to be ordered.

"Sure nough Bill." Jack went out to the barn where the feed was kept and took out the inventory sheet that showed what their supply count is supposed to be and began looking over the bags of feed and bales of hay and straw. About an hour later he heard. "Hey Jack," Bill came into the barn, Jack got up off the bale of hay he'd been sitting on, the movement made him grimace.

"You okay?" Bill asked with concern.

"Yeah," he plastered a smile on his face. "Just think I pulled a muscle changing that flat."

"Well here's a soda for you."

"Jack gladly took the soda, "Listen, Bill, can ya not mention the flat tire to Ennis, he'd never let me hear the end of it."

Bill smiled in understanding, "Sure Jack I won't mention it."

"Thanks."

Quitting time was at six and Jack was sitting on the bed door of Ennis' truck when the truck that was carrying Ennis and a group of workers back to the main office drove up.

Ennis almost smiled when he spotted Jack but caught himself. He jumped off and came over.

"Hi Jack,"

"Hey Ennis, yer ready to go home?"

"Yep." He and Jack put the back door up and locked it in place then got into the truck.

When Ennis drove far enough away he stopped the truck in an isolated area and turned to Jack and gave him a kiss.

"I missed you too, cowboy." He smiled.

"How did it go?"

"Things went fine." He told him about his day including going to the post office, but left off the incident with the flat tire.

They stopped at the market and picked up something for dinner.

Jack was making spaghetti when he heard a grunt from Ennis. He saw that Ennis had opened the mail and didn't look happy.

"What's the matter Ennis?"

"Alma sent me a letter." Ennis was sitting in his recliner, he pulled off his reading glasses and pinched the bridge of his nose in distress. The letter fell onto the floor and Jack picked it up and read it.

Alma was giving Ennis grief about back child support. Jack knew that Ennis had stopped paying for Junior last year when she turned eighteen and only had one more month to go on Jenny. Her birthday was coming up.

"What happened Ennis?"

"I got behind in my payments. My truck broke down and I had to get it fixed, needed it to get to work. So I didn't have enough to pay Alma. Now she's threatening to take me to court."

"Do you have the money to pay?"

"No, dumbass, if I did don't you think I'd a given it to her? Damn." He got up and went into the bathroom. Jack went over to the stove and turned off the spaghetti. He put a portion on a plate for himself and some for Ennis.

Jack thought for a minute and then came to a decision. Ennis came out of the bathroom and sat at the table. They ate in silence and when they were done Jack passed something to Ennis.

Ennis picked up the blank check.

"What the hell is this?"

"It's a blank check made out to cash. I know I should've opened up a joint account, we'll do that when we move. All ya gotta do is put the amount ya need and go to the bank and give Alma the money."

"I'm not taking your money, Jack." He abruptly got up and threw the check onto the table and walked over to the window in the living room.

"Ennis I'm tryin ta help ya get Alma off yer back. Here take this." He held out the check to him. Ennis grabbed it and tore it up.

"I told ya I aint takin yer money."

"I told ya it's OUR money." Jack was reaching for the checkbook to write another check.

"Put the fuckin checkbook down, Jack. I ain't takin the check. I've been supportin my girls for eight years. Ain't never asked for help and I ain't doin it now."

"Ennis do you want to go to jail? Cause that's where ya might end up if Alma decides to be pissy and I wouldn't put it past her seeing how she don't like me and might want to punish ya. I don't want to see my man in jail, now let me help ya."

"I told ya, Jack, I don't want it."

"Well, whattya gonna so?" they were both yelling now and Ennis was getting more agitated by the minute.

"I don't fuckin know!" Ennis stormed out and slammed the door behind him. Jack could hear the sound of his truck engine starting and tires rustling the gravel as he peeled away. Whenever Ennis got upset he tended to go off by himself. There was nothing Jack could do but let him be and hope he'd come to his senses and take the money. "Damn stubborn fool." He said to himself.

A few hours later Jack looked at the clock, it read ten. Ennis had been gone for three hours and Jack was getting angry and concerned.

"To hell with it." Jack took his shirt off and his pants he left the boxers on. He could feel a slight pain in his chest when he bent over to get the pant legs off.

He finally settled on the bed and managed to doze off. He wasn't sure how much time had passed before he heard the door open and Ennis come in. Instead of crawling into the small space on the bed Ennis slept on the couch.

'Fine let the sum a bitch sleep on the couch.' Jack thought to himself.

It was shortly after midnight when Jack turned over in his sleep. "Hahh." He cried out as he felt a sharp intense pain hit his chest and radiate down to his abdomen. "Oh gawd," he clenched his teeth, the pain increased the more he moved to try to find a comfortable spot.

"Ennis?" he said painfully through his clenched teeth.

"Shut the fuck up, Jack. I ain't talkin to ya. Just leave me alone."

"Ennis, please."

"Jack, I swear I'll walk out that door again if ya don't quiet down."

Jack moved to try to sit up and moaned then collapsed back onto the bed. "Ennis, something's wrong. Please help."

Ennis had already gotten off the couch at the sound of Jack's moan and scrambled over to the bed. He turned on the lamp and was dismayed to see Jack's condition. His eyes were tightly shut, he was pale as a sheet and he was soaked in sweat.

"Oh my gawd. What's the matter Jack?"

"Pain in my chest. I-I can't breath." He looked helplessly at Ennis and grabbed his arm.

Fear and concern for Jack immediately replaced any anger Ennis felt.

"Come on let's get you to the hospital." He didn't' bother trying to get Jack's pants back on. But the struggle to get Jack to their truck made him finally have to carry him there and place him in the passenger side.

Ennis must have broken every speed limit driving to the hospital.

"Jack yer still with me, bud?" he took a glance over at his friend and lover. Jack's breathing was more ragged and he didn't seem to hear him.

"Jack?" Ennis reached over and took Jack's hand and squeezed it.

"Ennis," Jack was breathless, his head was pressed against the seat cushion facing Ennis "I" he took a deep breath, "love ya for.." he took another shuddering breath, "always my sweet cowboy." The last part was barely a whisper. His eyes were closed and he was very still.

"JACK!" Ennis cried out like someone had yanked his heart out of his chest.

Ennis pushed their truck for all he could. "Don't you die on me Jack Fuckin Twist, ya hear me!" He could see the hospital sign looming up ahead. "We're here lil darlin, please don't leave me."

TBC