"...quit if he had to..." - 11, Final

[morrobay1990]

Title: “...quit if he had to...” - 11, Final
Author: morrobay1990
Genre: au
Warning:
Word count: 345
Disclaimer: Jack & Ennis are AP's
♥ Jack

This will be followed up by the next series, “...sparks flying up with their truths and lies...”

Follow me, muses (inside joke).







Ennis went back to ranch work, hired on here and there, not getting much ahead but glad enough to be around stock again, free to drop things, quit if he had to, and go into the mountains at short notice.













“What is it?”

Jack stared straight ahead as he walked back to the room, Michael in his wake, opened the door and threw the map on the bed.

“He was here...he saw us...he must have seen us come in last night.”

Jack was visibly upset, the pit of his stomach was like ice.

Michael picked up the map and Jack had a sudden irrational urge to rip it out of his hands – he shouldn't touch something that was Ennis's.

But it was a little too fucking late for that, wasn't it.

He looked at Michael and said, “I gotta go.”

But he was seeing right through him, already miles away, his mind racing as he tried to figure out how to fix it.

Michael sat on the bed, map still in his hands, “Yeah, well...figured I never stood much of a chance anyway.” He tried to smile.

Jack's face softened...he went over and sat on the bed next to him.

“I'm sorry...I never meant for it to happen this way...I never thought he'd come here...he don't never...he hasn't ever...”

All he wanted to do was get away to Ennis, but he couldn't leave Michael like this. He hated being in this position...being the one dishing out the hurt...how did Ennis do it?

“Michael, if things were different...you know, if we met at a different time...I mean, I like you...but I just can't...”

“Yeah, I get it...maybe if things were different.”

Jack stood...what else could he do? There was nothing.

He threw his clothes in his bag and walked to the door, then turned around to face Michael...he hesitated.

Michael said, “Get goin...but don't forget my number...never know – you might need it someday.”

Jack put his bag down and walked back to him, didn't touch him, but looked in his eyes and smiled, “You know a lot for somebody young enough to be my...real good-lookin younger brother.”

Then he turned and left the room, got in his truck and drove away to Ennis.

Comments

So this is Jack's life?

[zhouhua00.livejournal.com]

So this is it? Jack threw away his second chance, and happy and contented to be Ennis's dirty little secret for the rest of his life?

If Jack crawls back to Ennis I would despise him. It means he has no self-confidence, no self-respect, and he is perfectly happy to be Ennis' dirty little secret FOREVER, and content with any bones Ennis cares to throw to him.

I really can't feel sorry for your Jack because he has chance to chooses someone and share a life but throw it away. It is perfectly clear Ennis does NOT want a life with him.

Of course Ennis is going to treat him bad, and if Jack crawls back to him like that, Ennis would laugh at him and treat him like a dog. I mean, who would treat some poor soul with no self-confidence and no self-respect good? Certainly not Ennis.

Re: So this is Jack's life?

[morrobay1990.livejournal.com]

so I guess it's fair to say you didn't like the OS or the movie...AP had Jack "crawl" back to Ennis for 16 years.

Re: So this is Jack's life?

[zhouhua00.livejournal.com]

...AP had Jack "crawl" back to Ennis for 16 years.

Not at all.

The only time Ennis accused Jack to be 'unfaithful' is during their final big fight, and Jack went back to his parents and told them he planned to bring someone else back.

No, Jack is NOT going to crawl back to Ennis and beg for forgiveness.

Dirty little secret

[zhouhua00.livejournal.com]

Since Ennis treats Jack as a dirty little secret, he has absolutely no right to request Jack to be 'loyal' to him.

I have to say I despise stories to depict Ennis as the cheated husband, and Jack as the unfaithful spouse. Ennis never gives any promise or any recognition, he treats Jack as bad as possible, and he has to have very thick face to request Jack be 'loyal' to him.

And the idea of Jack crawling back to him and begging for his forgiveness, oh my goodness I am rolling my eyes.

Maybe Jack owns Ennis a lot of debt in the previous life and therefore in this life he has to serve as Ennis's slave to pay him back.

Re: Dirty little secret

[morrobay1990.livejournal.com]

One thing I never do is waste my time reading something I despise.

Reading should be enjoyable, not a burden...there's a lot out there...one should only read what one finds pleasurable.

Or try writing...it's very empowering to have characters say and do exactly as you wish.

Re: Dirty little secret

[zhouhua00.livejournal.com]

Gee, I am sorry if my frank comment upset you. I know many authors only welcome compliment comment.

I was a little upset because Ennis treats Jack bad enough and poor Jack a very pathetic feature in the OS, I hate to see Jack acts like a soulless poor thing.

If you don't like my comment please delete it. I do apologize for any inconvenience.

Re: Dirty little secret

[morrobay1990.livejournal.com]

no inconvenience, and I'm not upset...and for God's sake, why APOLOGIZE for your opinion! Have it or don't have it, but at least stand up for yourself, Jack...

I would only delete a comment if it was offensive, saying you don't like what I wrote is not offensive to me.

I do like to see all types of comments, not only positive ones, (although I am obviously happy to know that people spend some of their precious free time reading my stuff because they like it) I learn a lot from people who leave their thoughts here. This whole series was sparked from a comment left on one of my other stories.

My reply was simply to suggest you read something you actually like...otherwise, what's the point? If you read something only so you can complain about it - that's odd...but that's only my opinion.

I will concede that if everyone here felt as you do, I would have to consider that there was something wrong with me for continuing to write about 2 characters who everyone else despised...thank God that's not the case...

Feel free to leave rebuttal, but this is the last I'll reply.

suffering

[joetheone.livejournal.com]

Love is full of suffering and well Jack did what he could to comfort Michael and that was thoughtful of him of course our Jack is always thoughtful and caring and full of life. He is just put in a closet by his life in so many ways it is hard to see this sometimes. As for Michael I feel for him but I think he knew that Jack's heart was someplace else and well maybe he hoped but knew. I hope Jack finds Ennis but, what if he goes to Riverton and Ennis comes back looking for him again at the hotel and finds just Michael I would love to hear what Michael has to say to him. Although I think in either instance we have a tough road ahead of us. Joe

Re: suffering

[morrobay1990.livejournal.com]

It's sort of hopeless for all of them right now...but I didn't think of your suggestion - that Ennis and Michael talk - well, Michael would be the one doing all the talking!

thanks, Joe

[yummyje.livejournal.com]

I have to admit I kinda like Joe's idea about Ennis meeting up with Michael in the motel and talikng (or?). He might obtain some wisdom from a "youngster". Though Ennis's actions in general tend to piss you off, this one was showing some initiative - at least trying a little to change things up. Truly looking forward to this third segment of this trilogy(?). I'm thinking the "dirty little secret" will need to come clean...

[morrobay1990.livejournal.com]

well, hell, now you've both got me thinking of E & M talking.

And what is this "(or?)" You're bad! :)

yes, they both piss me off, but I have to remember that they're both just trying to get along the best they know how...

thank you!

[soulan.livejournal.com]

Or punching Michael's lights out is what I'm sure she meant. ;D

[morrobay1990.livejournal.com]

oh...right

why is it, whenever I think of 2 guys now, it always = sex?

[sliveredmoon.livejournal.com]

What I've gotten from this entire series, is the opportunity to really examine the costs of the kind of lifestyle both were forced into either by circumstances or by their own emotional limitations.

You've taken a "sidebar" from the original story, the fact that Jack can't get by on a couple of "high altitude fucks" a few times a year, and shown what it was like for him, to steal some comfort in someone else's arms.

The burden of the emotional pain both Ennis and Jack were subjected to, and that they inflicted on one another, because of the lives they lived was pretty profound. You've captured that very effectively. Thanks.

[moyaima.livejournal.com]

yes, I also think this story is really profound , it's not just about being jalous, or treating the other one bad, one has to try and put oneself in the characters' shoes and try and understand why they are the way they are instead of judging their actions ... I do like the idea of E meeting up M, just to make it even more complicated, lol ☺ thanks for updating so fast, can't wait for next series though (me being me, lol) ☺ happy weekend everyone ☺x

[mazaher.livejournal.com]

OK, so I doubt it can get any worse than this. One solid fact to build on is, now Ennis has seen exactly both what happens when Jack is on one of his trips, and what his own reaction is to that. One ghost has been trapped and exposed to the harsh light of day, so to speak. Ennis has been haunted by ghosts all his life; it may feel like a reprieve, in a bleak sort of way, to be facing actual facts for once.
Also, I agree with you that life is too short to waste it reading something one doesn't like. That's why I'm sticking with this story/stories.
You seem to be keeping a very even balance between the strong and weak points of both E&J; on top of that, they are very much in character imo.
And thank you for making things not quite too bad for Michael.

[eandj.livejournal.com]

I really think Ennis has to make a decision now. He has seen something he can't unsee, something he never wanted to think about.
And poor Jack- on top of this mess with Ennis there's his guilt now over Michael
I'm glad there's a 3.series to look forward to
amazing writing- short and to the point but oh so telling
thanks
Paula

[soulan.livejournal.com]

For me, canon is a love that will never go old. After five years, only the really talented can tackle it and find something new to do with it.

This Jack would not be anything like the OS one if he didn't go after Ennis now. How could he not, if it's the first time Ennis has ever come towards him. And while it would be fascinating to see how Ennis would react to meeting Michael, that kind of scenario has been done before. The real challenge is having them hash it out together with no outside interference and come to some resolution.

[ramona4jake.livejournal.com]

I'm torn apart.... on one hand I wish Jack would stay with Michael, because he will give him everything he ever wished for from his lover, but on the other hand I know he couldn't enjoy it because it doesn't come from his one true love ! And how Jack must feel right now, knowing Ennis came out of his comfort zone to meet him, and he was...

I'm happy to hear there will be a sequel series, cannot wait to read it, although I'm afraid that Jack will receive first a punch and then will fight against the same wind mill !....

[heathyluv.livejournal.com]

Love this series, Nancy, so much. Kick ass job you're doing here.

Calm down, my lady

[zhouhua00.livejournal.com]

Gee, calm down, my lady. Is this really the first time you receive a negative comment from your readers?

I have actually left you plenty of complimentary comments in the past. You deleted your Underground stories, and obviously you don't remember I told you how much I enjoyed the story and how much it touched me.

The funny thing is, when I left complimentary comments you seldom reply me. Now I left a negative one you immediately jumped up and told me how stupid I am to read a story I don't like.

Do you know that William Shakespeare and Leo Tolstoy have critics as well? Do you think all the critics are stupid and waste their time?

You can write whatever you like and I can comment whatever I like. If you are so sensitive to criticism you should put a big sign on top of your story ONLY complimentary comments are allowed here! :)

Re: Calm down, my lady

[morrobay1990.livejournal.com]

you got my title right, and I expect you to address me as My Lady in all future correspondence

Re: Calm down, my lady

[zhouhua00.livejournal.com]

Are you sure you are satisfied with such a meager title as My Lady? It doesn't sound regal enough.

If you prefer, I can address you as Your Eminence, Your Royal Highness, or Your Imperial Majesty.

Actually how about Your Holiness? Does that sound grand enough for your mega ego? :)

"quit if he has to ..."

[argentine65.livejournal.com]

The only thing Jack can do is go after Ennis, because he loves him and when you love somebody you can ask forgiveness. Thank you so much for sharing this story. Martha

[rimasworld.livejournal.com]

I really love Michael. If Jack could be with anyone else I would definitely choose him.

[juliathecat.livejournal.com]

I like where you decided to end this part of the story. As much as I love Michael, I still want you/Jack to give Ennis another chance. I can see you labeled this series as "AU" so I'm willing to hope that Jack won't be disappointed. Eventually.

Thanks, I'm looking forward to the rest. Soon, right?

JC

[blackbird-y.livejournal.com]

Ugh...being told you could be the younger brother... poor Michael *sigh*


Michael picked up the map and Jack had a sudden irrational urge to rip it out of his hands – he shouldn't touch something that was Ennis's.

But it was a little too fucking late for that, wasn't it.


Loved this. Well put.