A/N: Warning!: mild sexual scenes.

Chapter Two

'Ennis Stays'

It's been two months now since Ennis returned to Brokeback Mountain and Jack. The two men never really noticed. The days just flew by, like they did on the top. Work never seemed to go away. One day, while Jack was shoveling the stalls, Ennis blurted out, "I plan on stayin', Jack."

"Shit yeah, that's ok," replied Jack, "I was hoping you would. I was wondering if this was just one of your outings to this mountain." Jack said, while throwing the manure into the wheelbarrow.

"No, Jack, it's not just a visit," said Ennis as he stopped for a quick drink of ice cold tea.

"I've had time alone on my ranching gigs to decide. I didn't want to be a lonely old man all my life." explained Ennis.

"Well, thank God, and I'm glad for that," exclaimed Jack.

They finished the barn chores before night fall. It was time to get the horses in and fed. Tonight was an early night because tomorrow was round up time. Jack had to run some cattle down to auction. The money they made would hold them over the winter.

The next day, Jack and Ennis packed the horses and headed out. Following them where the new additions, the herding dogs that were dropped off at the end of the windy, dirt lane.

Up on top of Brokeback, they found the herd exactly where Jack had predicted. On the other side of the rocky bluff was a flat about three miles across. It was usually snow covered by now, but the season was late.

"We'll set up camp here, Ennis." said Jack.

"Ok, sounds good." Ennis replied, as he dismounted Cigar Butt. He then waited 'til Jack was off the big bay mare, before tying them to the old twisted oak tree. It didn't take long for the tent to be set and a camp fire roaring. The two sat and discussed, over some whiskey, what the plan for tomorrow was.

"We need to be up at dawn and get them there cattle movin'." said Jack after gulping down some whiskey.

"How far do ya want to run'em?"

"They can run for about and an hour," replied Jack, "then they'll have to rest another hour. It'll take about a full day to get them all down to the ranch.'

"What do you think we'll get for the ones we're selling?" Ennis asked, as he finished his coffee.

"They are all lookin' good, nice and fit." Jack said. "I usually get about $2.00 a pound, and I've been selling about 35 head at auction, so roughly $35,000."

"God damn, you kidding me, right?" exclaimed Ennis as he recharged the fire. "That much at one sale!"

With all this talk, Jack could sense his excitement deep within himself. He sat listening to Ennis rambling on and on about the money, everything seemed to disappear. Through the flames, stared at a man who motivated his world. Without saying a word, he got up and walked over to Ennis, not avoiding the obvious, kissed him. Jack took Ennis's face with his hands, looked into his eyes, and laid him down.

While laying on his back, Ennis pulled Jack's shirt off over his head. Slowly, Jack unbuttoned Ennis's pants. Ennis couldn't wait any longer, but Jack whispered, "Slowly and take your time."

"I enjoy it better that way," said Jack.

Ennis sighed. This time Jack was in charged and he didn't know how to handle that. They rolled around a bit and kissed a lot. Playing and petting went on for an hour or so. Then finally Ennis couldn't put it off anymore. He turned Jack over and proceeded with the coupling. After a while, they reached boiling point. This time it wasn't like before. They actually held each other until they fell asleep.

The next morning, Jack was up early and started breakfast. He also brewed fresh coffee for Ennis. With a soft breeze, the smell made its way into the tent. Jack could hear the rustling of the bed roll, and knew Ennis was up. He finally made his way out of the tent and stumbled to the branch lying next to the fire.

"Good morning, handsome," said Jack, while preparing their plates.

"Yeah it is good, waking up to you every day." replied Ennis. "How's the cattle? Have you checked 'em?"

"Their still here, if that's what you mean," answered Jack.

They finished breakfast and cleaned up camp. Saddled up the two horses, checked to make sure they had everything and headed out. The herd was where they left them. It was time to get to work. They started rounding them up and down the mountain. Over treacherous ground, the cattle stepped carefully.

It took the whole day, but they made it. Now they had to sort them. Thirty-five head had to be checked and ready to be transported. Night had fallen, so tomorrow was another day. The two decided to turn in for the night. Finally after three days on Brokeback, they were out, deep in sleep.

Jack was now leaving for town headed to the auction. The cattle were all loaded up and the truck was running. Ennis was leaning on it, not sure if he was going with Jack.

"How long you goin' to be, Jack" asked Ennis.

"A couple of hours, two or three at most," replied Jack, while checking the cattle on board. "You staying here, Ennis?"

"Yeah, I think so." replied Ennis. "I'm thinking of feeding the horses and doing some chores while you in town."

While climbing into the truck, Jack replies, "Sounds good. I'll see you when I get home."

"OK" said Ennis, waving to Jack as he drove away.

Later that night, Ennis heard a low honking outside. 'Jack's back,' thought Ennis. He met Jack in the circular drive. In the trailer are two cows. They only sold thirty-three of the thirty-five. Jack handed Ennis a check for $33,000.

"Not bad, Jack" said Ennis as he helped unload the two cows.

"That'll still hold this place over the winter." Jack replied, as he closed the tailgate to the trailer.

Jack than parked the truck along the west side of the barn. That keeps it cool during the sunny part of the day, even though it was getting colder. Ennis waited for him on the front porch with the dogs. Ennis rose as Jack stepped on the porch and opened the door. In ran Anne and Sam. They almost knocked them down as they squeezed in.

"Dinner is in the oven, you'll have to warm it up, Jack" Ennis said while taking his boots off.

"Thanks," replied Jack as he walked to the oven.

Ennis started a fire. Jack walked in and sat on the sofa watching Ennis. The two sat together and listened to the radio while Jack ate. Along the sofa, lied Anne and Sam quietly. The fire crackled and lightened the room with a luminous orange glow. Through the living room window the year's first snow began to fall.