I missed a few days of writing, getting ready for the (now cancelled) business trip...today I feel like catching up. Hope you all enjoy an extra drabble from me!
April 1974
Ennis picked up the saddle and put it on Banshee’s back, tightening the rigging and adjusting the stirrups. “C’mon you lazy fuck,” he called to Jack, who stuck his head out of the tent.
“What?” said Jack, sleepily, rubbing his eyes.
“Get out here and get a saddle on Sioux. I ain’t gonna do all the work.”
Jack hauled himself up, fastening his pants as he walked towards the horses. “Why’d we need ta go ridin’ so early? We could stay in the tent and screw a bit more, go ridin’ later in the day.”
Ennis shook his head. “You always were the lazy one a the two a us, Jack,” he said with a smile. “I been awake for hours, watchin’ you sleep. It’s a beautiful spring mornin’, let’s get up in the mountains, get a nice ride…then,” he added, with a wink, “we can get back ta fuckin’.”
“I’m lazy and yer a workaholic.”
“Worka-what?”
“Workaholic…like alcoholic, ‘cept ya want ta work all the time.”
“Huh.” Ennis snorted. “This is my vacation, I’m just enjoyin’ myself. Ain’t work, bein’ with you.”
“Ain’t work?”
“’Course it ain’t. It’s the thing…” he paused, his voice catching in his throat. He looked down at the saddle, hoping Jack wouldn’t see the tears that had gathered at the edge of his eyes. “It’s the thing that keeps me goin’ day ta day, that keeps me breathin’, that keeps me from losin’ my mind,” he said softly.
Jack moved closer to Ennis and ran the back of his fingers along his cheek. “Me too, cowboy,” he answered, his voice equally soft. Then, straightening up and stepping back, his voice now a normal volume. “Lemme get this saddle on Sioux. Time’s awastin’.”
Ennis smiled at Jack, wiping his eyes with his hand. “Got somethin’ in em,” he said, his voice sheepish.
“Sure thing,” said Jack. “Let’s go for a ride.”
(318 words)