Chapter Text
Ennis stirred awake as the sun began to rise, its rays sneaking past the thin curtains. Ennis pulled his arm away from where he was holding Jack. He rubbed his eyes open to wake himself up. He sat up and looked down at the other man’s sleeping figure. Ennis huffed and got out of bed, taking one of the corners of the blanket to cover Jack’s foot that stuck out.
After cracking his back beside the bed, Ennis moved to the bathroom and shaved the stubble that grew around his face, splashing the extra shaving cream off with cold water. Ennis stepped out of the bathroom and looked at Jack who was still asleep. He opened his closet and grabbed a shirt off of one of the hangers, putting it on and working the buttons shut. He then pulled a pair of jeans on, tucking his shirt underneath the waistline and buckling his belt.
Ennis gazed at Jack again who was shifting around in the blankets. He stood there, watching as Jack woke up. “Mornin’, rodeo.”
Jack blinked a few times before he sat up with a long yawn. “Mornin’,” He responded, his voice raspy with sleep. “It’s Saturday... Why’re ya up so goddamn early?”
“I’m goin’ to the store.” Ennis answered, tugging on his boots and pulling the bottom of his jeans over them.
“Well… Can I come?” Jack asked. He gave Ennis a small smile. “Reckon I need to grab a few things myself.”
Ennis nodded. “Yeah, but we’re drivin’ separately,” He stood up straight before adding, “I don’t want nobody makin’ assumptions.”
“C’mon, Ennis. If we drive together, it’ll save some gas money.” Jack tried to persuade. Jack didn’t really need to go to the store, he just wanted a pack of cigarettes and to spend some time with Ennis.
Ennis sighed, thinking over Jack’s reasoning. He hated to admit it but he was right. He crossed his arms and looked at Jack. “Fine. But hurry up ‘n get dressed.”
Jack got out of Ennis’ bed with a grin and scrambled to throw on his jeans. He quickly zipped them up and asked Ennis, “You got another shirt I could borrow? Mine’s got a stain on it.”
“Yeah, check the closet.”
The blue eyed man walked over to the closet and grabbed one of the shirts. He buttoned it up, tucked it in his jeans and tugged on his boots. He didn’t waste any time approaching Ennis, still grinning. Both of their hats were on a hanger by the door. Ennis grabbed his hat and Jack did the same.
“I'm drivin’,” Ennis mumbled as he stepped outside, heading toward his truck. It was dirty as hell, the windows dusty and the tires were covered in dirt.
Jack smirked. “Goddamn! Friend, your truck is dirty as hell,” Jack looked around the small house, chuckling to himself. “You got a hose?”
Ennis scoffed quietly and ignored Jack’s teasing question. Ennis pulled open his own door and got inside the truck. He shut the door and watched as Jack got in the passenger seat next to him.
The two men sat in comfortable silence as Ennis backed out, away from his small home and onto the road into town. Jack tapped and drummed his fingers on the dashboard, bored that nobody was talking and the radio wasn’t on. He hummed and asked, “Can I turn the radio on?”
Ennis shook his head, keeping his eyes on the road in front of him. “Nope. Damn thing’s been busted for ages.”
Jack didn’t say anything in response. He looked out the window. They passed multiple ranches and large fields. That was exactly what Jack wanted. A small–or big ranch with Ennis. He didn’t care if they grew crops or the kinds of animals they’d own. He just wanted a good life with him. But for now, Jack could only settle for whatever it was he had for now.
Ennis pulled up beside the sidewalk, behind another truck. Jack looked out the window again. There was the town’s grocery store. “This it?”
“Mhm,” Ennis got out of the truck and shut the door behind him, making his way toward the sidewalk. Jack got out as well and shoved his hands in his pockets, following Ennis into the store. Ennis walked away from Jack, heading toward one of the aisles.
Jack figured Ennis didn’t want him to follow so he started making his way to the back where all the liquor was. The selection was small which was not unexpected for a small down. Jack didn’t mind though as he grabbed a bottle of cheap whiskey and inspected it in his hand. He smiled to himself in satisfaction and walked around the small grocery store to find Ennis.
He peered around an aisle and Ennis was standing there, taking some canned veggies off of the shelves and placing them in his basket. Jack walked toward him, whiskey in his hand. “I got some whiskey.”
“I can tell,” Ennis muttered as he reached for another can of veggies. He wasn’t really paying much attention to Jack since he was occupied.
Jack huffed, a slight pout on his face as the other man didn’t fully acknowledge him. He examined the whiskey bottle again out of boredom as he wanted to go back to Ennis’ place. “You almost done, cowboy?”
Ennis nodded as he leaned over to grab a can of sugary peaches on the bottom shelf. Like all the others, he put it in the basket. He stood back up to his full height and looked at Jack with a sigh. “‘M done.”
Jack grinned and headed to the register. He placed his bottle down on the counter and tipped his hat to the young woman who was working the register. “‘Mornin’ ma’am.”
The woman smiled and cheerfully greeted back, “Mornin’ to ya too! Find everythin’ ya need alright?”
“Yes ma’am. Can I get a pack of uh,” Jack looked at the counter behind the woman. Just like the liquor, the selection was small. “Camels please?”
The lady nodded and turned around to take a pack off of the back shelf and placed them on the counter where the whiskey was. She counted the total and said, “That’ll be six dollars and seventy-two cents.”
Jack pulled out his wallet and fished out a five dollar bill and counted his coins. He gave her the exact amount and took his items. “Have a good one, miss.”
Jack walked to the exit with his whiskey and cigs. He sat down on a bench, waiting for Ennis to finish paying since he was in line behind him. Jack sat the bottle down next to him and opened the pack of cigarettes. He pulled his lighter out of his pocket and lit the cigarette that hung out of his mouth.
Right as Jack sucked on it, Ennis walked out the door, turning to Jack with two paper bags which held his groceries. “C’mon now,” Ennis grunted as he began walking toward his truck. Jack blew out some smoke as he stood up with his bottle of whiskey in one of his hands.
The two cowboys both got in his truck. Jack turned to Ennis who was starting the car. “Figured we could light a fire outside a’ you’re house and drink this,” He said, holding up the whiskey. “Kinda like our time on Brokeback.”
Jack missed being next to Ennis at night out in the open with nothing but the big night sky with them, the stars clear and bright outside. Jack had tried doing it by himself but he liked it better with Ennis next to him.
Ennis began to drive down the road, back to his home. “Sure, bud.”