The Power of Love
Chapter 11
The next morning, Ennis woke up with a drowsy smile on his face. He could feel a lovely warmth pressed up to his back and he was partially aware of an arm around his waist, fingers drawing little circles on his bare stomach. Still lost in a morning daze, he didn't know who it was but he didn't care for a few moments, giggling softly and gratefully snuggling back. This was certainly a nice change from waking up to a cold, harsh chill drifting through the tent and roughly rousing him from his always more pleasant dreams.
'' Mmmm...'' he hummed quietly and leant his head back slightly, finding a shoulder to rest it on. Dark hair tickled his cheek and he smiled again, closing his eyes once more.
'' Hmmm...'' came the soft reply from behind him. '' Hmmm, mornin', Ennis...''
''...Jack?'' Ennis mumbled tiredly, now a little confused. '' Jack, what are – what are you doin' here?''
Jack laughed gently and patted Ennis's curls, kissing them. '' That's a very nice greetin', Ennis,'' he teased. '' Pleased ta see ya too...''
Ennis shook his head and then turned to face Jack, allowing him to embrace him closer in this position. '' Ah was jus' curious...'' he grinned, putting his head against his companion's chest.
'' Mmm, well, ah got some good news for ya, cowboy...'' Jack continued lazily.
'' Whasthat?''
'' Aguirre came bah the pup tent last night an' he said that the Forest Service were makin' those other ranch hands work some more...That means we git some days off.'' Jack noticed Ennis's eyes glint a little at this statement. ''...an' also, he said they saw the tent ah was sleepin' in and decided ah should come and spend the nights down here in the main camp...with you.''
'' Oh.'' Ennis didn't quite know what to say to that. He was happy, of course he was, but as always, he wasn't sure how to tell that to Jack. He didn't think he had the bravery to kiss him right there and then so in the end, he smiled slightly wider and cuddled closer into his companion, nuzzling his neck softly. ''...have we got a day off today...?''
'' Mmmm, no, ah don't think so...Aguirre or someone'll prob'ly tell us when we have. He didn't say anythin' about when last night...''
Ennis nodded and then after a couple of blissful moments embracing Jack, pulled back slightly to glance out the tent flap at the day beyond the canvas. The sky was a light grey and a sun was straining to get through the clouds, a big yellow ball in a sea of delicate mist. It didn't look particularly attractive out there but Ennis knew he must get up soon to prepare some type of breakfast. He couldn't afford to be late out up with the sheep again.
'' What you lookin' at, Ennis?'' Jack asked, his arms still around Ennis's waist. '' It's gettin' cold in here with that open...''
'' Ah have to git up in a minute, Jack...If ya want breakfast 'fore we go up to those damn sheep anyway...''
Jack moaned and lay back down again. '' Oh, Ennis, ah don't wanna git up...''
Ennis just sighed and pulled the covers from over them, scrambling about for his clothes. Jack watched him dress with a dreamy smile on his face and then finally allowed him to crawl out of the tent, momentarily letting a chill breeze float across him when the canvas was swept back. '' What is there for ta eat, Ennis?'' he teased when he heard the clink of tin cans. Ennis snorted.
'' Oh, there's a nice big Thanksgiving dinner out here, Jack,'' Ennis grinned cheekily, putting the beans over the flickering fire. '' If ah start it now, it might be ready for lunch.''
Jack laughed. '' Jus' askin', cowboy. No need ta git clever with me.''
Ennis shook his head again and sat down near the flames, pulling his jacket tighter around him. Jack joined him out there in a couple of minutes and they ate in silence, both thanking the Forest Service for their new rules. Not only did it stop Jack from constantly complaining all the time, it also gave Aguirre what he probably deserved after making them work more than required. After finishing the beans, Jack smiled at this thought and then stood up, stretching. Ennis watched him and cleared away the cans, telling him to prepare the horses. Jack did as he was told and after a few minutes, they were riding up to the pastures together, side by side and laughing comfortably in one another's company.
****
The day, like always, was slow and dreary, with the weather not much better, and the sheep their usual selves. They grazed lazily and nonchalantly on the grass without a second glance at the horses and dogs riding around them and bleated loudly when they were forced to be moved from their desired place. Ennis sighed at this, but all throughout the hours, his mind was on subjects very different from his job. Jack was going to be staying at the main camp that night and the last time he had done that, it had been the most interesting evening of his life. He had to admit that now. It had felt amazing yet describing it as interesting and unique didn't scare him half as much. There were no strong emotions in those phrases and like he had known for a long while, Ennis didn't like strong emotions. Directly saying it was amazing would have been way beyond his comfort zone.
But, still, he was anticipating spending the night with Jack again and couldn't wait for the working day to end so he could relax. Once or twice, he saw the other ranch hands out on the fields yet he didn't bother to stop and talk to them. They wouldn't have been concerned with him and anyway, walking (or riding) on up to somebody like that wasn't the type of thing he'd do. He'd leave that to Jack, if needs be.
And he was back to thinking of Jack again. Over the course of the day, Ennis had tried to stop himself doing that but he usually didn't succeed at all. As much as he tried to deny it, he was excited about the time of going back to the main camp and he couldn't resist glancing over at the fellow cowboy when he was in sight. Quite often, he caught Jack looking at him yet he tried to ignore him, feeling a little uneasy as a blush crept over his cheeks. He didn't know what was happening to him.
However, to begin with, he tried not to let the confusion penetrate his mind. That's all that had seemed to happen to him since he had arrived on the mountain and if he was honest, he was tired of it. For the millionth time, he told himself to just get on with things as normal.
****
Later that day, as the sun began to set, Ennis left the sheep in the hands of the other herders and rode on up to camp again, his stomach twisting in anticipation. His heart was pounding a little faster than usual in his chest and no matter how hard he attempted to ignore it, he couldn't in the end. He encouraged the horse on faster and faster and soon, he had reached the campsite, finding it lonely and desolate. For a couple of moments, disappointment crept over him but he tried not to let it affect him (he'd been scared if it did). Instead, he slid off the animal and walked over to the fire, lighting it again. They hadn't come up here together for lunch that day – Jack had arrived slightly later than Ennis and they had probably missed each other by a matter of minutes yet in a way, Ennis was glad of that. Strangely, he had liked the wait up until this evening, feeling an odd sense take him over.
However, as he sat there, he realised what he was thinking and shook his head, almost laughing out loud. He couldn't believe he had got excited about a tiny thing like arriving back at camp. It reminded him a little of how he had been when he had attended school – waiting desperately for the last bell to go before he could run home. And that, in itself, was a peculiar thought too – he hardly ever thought about his childhood. Now he really didn't know what was going on with him.
Yet, luckily, before he could try and contemplate further, there was a noise behind him and two arms went around his shoulders from behind, a chin resting on the top of his head. '' Evenin', cowboy,'' came Jack's soft voice and Ennis smiled slightly, unable to help himself.
'' Evenin', Jack,'' he replied, leaning back a little.
'' You waitin' for me, Ennis?''
'' Why would ah be doin' that?'' Ennis winked and then allowed Jack to sit beside him near the fire, taking off his jacket.
'' Beans fer supper?'' Jack asked after a bit, hoping – just hoping – that maybe it'd be something different that night.
'' You bet,'' Ennis replied, shattering his ideas. '' Same as always.''
'' Y'know, ya should order somethin' different when ya go down on Friday's...''
'' Well, 's either this or soup. Pick yer favourite.''
Jack shook his head and then took his can when the food was ready. Ennis ate with him and when finished, took out the whiskey bottle, offering it over. Within minutes, they were drinking but Jack stopped before they got too tipsy, pushing the bottle away.
'' Ennis...'' he warned, playfully tapping Ennis on the knee when the cowboy tried to take another sip. '' Ennis, stop it...you know what happened last time we got drunk...''
Ennis laughed, obviously already a bit under the influence, and sighed. '' Okay, okay...'' he gave in, smiling. '' Ah won't...''
Jack grinned back and patted him on the head. '' There's a good boy...''
And they laughed together, Jack loving this lighter, looser side of Ennis. In the end, he found himself wrapping his arms tight around him and cuddling him close, nuzzling into him. Ennis stroked his hair and they fell back onto the log, Jack on top. With a smile, he kissed Ennis's jaw and then down his neck, pulling his shirt collar away with his teeth.
'' Uhh, Ennis...'' he muttered as Ennis tried to hold him again. '' Oh, ah think this is a lil' uncomfortable...D'you wanna get inta the tent...?''
Ennis nodded, hardly able to say no, and then followed his companion into the shelter, collapsing onto the bedroll with him. They kissed and touched and soon, their clothes were off, scattered carelessly over the sheets. Ennis threw Jack onto his front and entered him with a triumphant cry, sending both of them into oblivion.
'' Ennis, oh Ennis!!' Jack shouted but Ennis hardly said a word after his intrusion, instead moaning and panting behind his companion. He didn't know how to turn this pleasure into any form of coherent speech anyway.
Yet, as they began to climb up to incredible dizzy heights, expletives started to now and then drip from his mouth, echoing Jack's whimpers. His partner came first, letting out a long, drawn out wail of bliss, and then he followed soon after, groaning in relief.
The rest of their first permitted night in the main camp involved them lying exhausted in each other's arms underneath the covers, Jack whispering words of thanks to Ennis before resting his head on his chest and gradually drifting off. Ennis held him close, dizzy and warm after their passionate encounter and soon followed him into dream world, knowing who would be waiting for him there.
TBC