The Path.13

Drabble: 700 Words
Genre: Canon { will be A/U later on}
Pairing: Ennis and Jack
Disclaimer: AP created'em, I just play with'em out of love.

A/N: As you recall, Jack wouldn't wait for Ennis to come down to camp, went up there after him.

A/N 2: This story is being told from the point of view of Ennis Del Mar.

As the first light of day creeps up the eastern horizon, I roll up the pup tent, tie it to my saddle, then check my 30-30. The dogs are out there already, patrolling. I give a good mornin rub to Cigar Butt, talk to him while I feed him the last oat cake I have on me, then mount up and make the first circuit of the morning, looking for predators.

My stomach growls, can't take much more a this. I've gotta get to camp, get some food. Should oughta brought some with me. Wasn't thinkin at the time, just had to get away from him, from that tent.

Knew I'd have to face him eventually. I've come to a decision. He needs to know this can't go on. Never meant for any a this to happen. These feelins;

what we just done, can't be! I'm a man, need to start actin like it.

No need to keep thinkin about this . . . need to think 'bout somethin else. . .

Wonder if Alma has the weddin set for November? I'll be gettin back to Riverton 'bout the end o'September, first of October depending on how long it takes me to get paid out and then hitch a ride or two. Will need a while t'get me a job on a ranch somewhere, we'll need a place to live. Lots a things I need to be thinkin on 'cept him.

He looked at me so sad when I left . . . wished I'd said somethin then, so he don't think this is the way it's gonna be . . .

"Oh, what we got here? Found yourself some trouble didn't you little fella? Didn't you see them briars when you wandered in there? Here, let me get 'hold of you, get you out of there. Hold still . . . ya got two more thorns stuck in yer foot. There, that oughta feel better. Git along now, find your mama."

"Okay, C.B., let's head on down, get us some breakfast."

What the hell? That's Jack's horse . . . what's he up to now? Where is he? Shit! He's layin over there on the hill, waitin for me. . . shit shit shit.

I don't want to talk to him 'bout this now. Would go easier on a full stomach.

Well, maybe not. Let's get this over with.

Ain't gonna git down on the ground with him . . . he's gotta know it ain't gonna be that way. I feel stupid standing here like a ramrod, but I can't look at him. If I'm gonna get these words out, havta keep lookin off somewhere else. My throat's closin up . . . don't know if I can say it.

"This is a one-shot thing we got goin on here."

I told him right out that I ain't queer. Said he wadn't either. Then what's goin on? Why are we havin this problem? Why do I have my "situation"?

Still can't look at him. He says it's nobody's business . . what's that mean? I'm thinkin he's sayin he wants to keep on . . . oh no. He don't get it. We can't be doin this. . . doin this with another man gets you killed.

He gets up and brushes off his coat, walks over to his horse and mounts up. I still can't look at his face, I want to, oh god yes, I want to.

He says again, "See ya fer supper." I hear him ride away, only then do I turn. He's left us some food, ain't that just like my, no not my Jack. Just Jack.

Couple jars a coffee, biscuits with eggs, some smokes, food for C.B.

It's his job to feed us; it's not his job to bring it up to us. That's just Jack bein Jack. How'm I goin to get through this summer? Even work doesn't take my mind off him. I can't tell him that. Can't tell him anything that would make him think this "thing" is gonna continue . . . he'll see when time passes, we'll both forget that night in the tent ever happened.

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