Thanks to: dreamcatcher33, Pip3, Mari, Onefreetoroam, Valandil Eluch, and kipperoo453 for all the fabulous reviews :) This double update is for you guys.

Title: A Comfortable Silence
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: See chapters 1 and/or 10

The ride home was much more comfortable than the ride to the hospital, even though it was just as quiet. This time Jack didn't talk, leaving Ennis to his thoughts. And Ennis was too busy thinking to talk.

The radio sang through static quietly and Jack had his window rolled down, wind blowing over his almost totally healed face. He whistled, the shining sun reflecting his happiness. He was going home, and he hoped he never had to leave again.

Finally they came upon a road made of gravel that looked familiar. Jack closed his eyes, knowing the welcome that awaited him. "Ennis," he was hesitant to break the peaceful calm that had accompanied them the whole way home, but this conversation was inevitable, and better done sooner than later. "What did yeh tell Jr. 'bout us?"

Ennis grunted and pulled onto the side of the road before glaring incredulously at Jack. "What d'ya mean?"

"I mean, what 'oes she know?" Jack raised an eyebrow and leaned closer to Ennis.

"I...uh...I tol' her you were my fishin' buddy, yeh had got beat up an' I was takin' care of yeh."

"Yeh didn' even tell 'er we was...partners?"

"No." Ennis stared at his knees, ashamed that he would be embarrassed because of Jack.

"Well, we gotta. Say she asked where I slep' all the time? Or why all our clothes are in one drawer? Yer daughter ain't stupid, yeh know."

"I know that!"

"Good. 'M glad yeh do. So how do we go 'bout tellin' her?"

"I dunno. How'd yeh tell Bobby?"

"Bobby 'n' Jr.'re very different. You 'n' me're very different. Gotta tell 'er a different way."

"Guess so."

"But I tol' Bobby I loved you, 'n' if you were a man, so be it. Jus' tol' him the facts, 'n' answered his questions."

Ennis' eyes widened, "You don' think Jr.'ll ask-"

"I don't think she'll ask anythin'. She's a pretty quiet girl."

Ennis nodded, and then pulled back onto the road. Once again, Jack respected the silence.

-------------------

Francine was waiting on the front porch; Ennis had called right before they left the hospital. She smiled at the familiar green truck, which Jack was leaning out of, lapping up what little sun he had gotten in the past few days.

Ennis carried Jack inside like a child. Jack wrapped his legs around Ennis and held onto him, resting his chin on his shoulder, while Ennis held a firm grip on Jack's ass. He used Jack's rounded back to open the door, which Jack responded to in mock anger.

"How rude!"

But Ennis was not in a joking mood. He set Jack on the couch. "Francine! Junior! Come 'ere!"

Francine came running, dragging along a reluctant Junior. "Yes, Daddy?"

"Sorry I had ta leave yeh two here over night. Yeh eat ok?"

"We ate fine. We can cook." Jr. was cold and hostile with her father, as though he was holding her there against her will.

"I know yeh do. Now we gott talk."

"What's there to talk about?" Tears were filling her eyes, but she held her ground. She would not let anger make way for fear and weakness.

"Me 'n' Jack. I don' think yeh know what's goin' on..."

Junior glared at him. "I KNOW WHAT'S GOIN' ON! I KNOW WHAT YOU DO!" She narrowed her eyes before whispering words that she knew would hit Ennis hard, "I know, Daddy, I know what you do in the bed," she pointed to the bedroom.

Jack closed his eyes and lowered his head. He didn't say a word, but it was easy enough to know he was ashamed. He knew what he and Ennis did was sinning, he didn't mind. But he hated to make Ennis do something bad, especially if it would jeopardize his relationship with Jr.

"What did you jus' say ta me, Alma Junior Del Mar?"

"You heard me! I know what you do in the bed," she pointed more forcefully at the room, "I know what it is yer doin'! I ain't stupid!"

"What do we do in there that me 'n' yer Mama ain't done, Jr.?"

"HE'S A MAN!"

Ennis shook his head at her.

"An' yeh expect me ta sleep in there!"

"Yeh can sleep out here, if yeh please."

"I DO!"

"Then ya can!"

Jr. glared at Jack, who fidgeted uncomfortably on her new bed. Ennis glared at Jr. before shoving his shoulder under Jack's armpit and helping him up, "C'mon, Jack."

A/N: Just to let you guys know, I'm planning on about 30-35 chapters. I thought I'd make you aware, so you know what a mess you're getting yourselves into :P