Law and Love
folder
1 through F › Brokeback Mountain
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
16
Views:
2,252
Reviews:
2
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Category:
1 through F › Brokeback Mountain
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
16
Views:
2,252
Reviews:
2
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Disclaimer:
I do not own Brokeback Mountain, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.
Confrotation and regret
Author’s Note: Thank you so very much for my friend Kathy (kittie8571) who is the Beta of this story!
__________________________________L&L__________________________________________
Chapter Five: Confrontation and regret
Ennis sat on the couch of his living room looking at the cell phone lying in his right hand. There was an important decision waiting to be made. He needed to take action and start solving the problems he had created for himself.
Beginning with the consequences of last night and his position at the firm, and his position as Jack’s partner and colleague.
Ennis sighed and quickly dialed the recently memorized phone number. At the second ring, someone picked up.
“Mrs. Noris? It’s Ennis.” He said trying to sound calm.
“Hi kid. Is there something wrong? Don’t tell me you and Jack got into some trouble with Mr. Santos?”
“No. The case with Mr. Santos went pretty well. Actually, I'm already in my apartment.” Ennis went silent, he didn’t know how to proceed. Jack was Elizabeth’s best friend, she seemed to love him like a son or a brother.
“Wait, you and Jack weren't supposed to arrive this early, were you? What’s happening Del Mar?” She sounded concerned.
“I… We… “Ennis swallowed hard, no words coming out of his mouth.
“Come on kid, you’re my protégé, but I'd like to think we already share something more. You sound scared and you’re frightening me! Come on, talk that all out.”
“It’s me and Jack. Last night we… I don’t know… it just happened.” Ennis couldn't find more words. The way the older woman breathed out loud on the other side of the line told him she had somehow understood it all, even the words that he hadn’t been able to say.
“I see. From the sound of this call, I would say you’re not very happy.” She wasn’t trying to hide her disappointment.
Ennis stayed in silence thinking about how he could get to the point. He needed to make this clear to Elizabeth. But before he could say anything, Mrs. Noris spoke again.
“Ennis, I don't know what happened but I'm sure you've noticed that Jack was gay before. I know Jack too well to know he would never hit on a straight guy, especially his firm partner. What have you done, kid?”
“I don’t know what passed through my mind! One minute we were talking, and then … Elizabeth, I need your help on this.”
“Kid, I’m not gonna clean this emotional mess up for you. Have you talked with Jack? Is he furious because of your regrets? Is he still talking to you?”
“Actually, I just ran away and took the first flight back to New York.” Ennis quickly answered back.
“Good work kid! You left a nice guy like Jack alone and confused on the other side of the world. I’m trying to ignore the fact that the guy is my best friend. You know what that means? Forget all about the partnership between you two, it’s ruined! Destroyed by your personal libido!”
“I know, that's why I’m calling you. Mrs. Noris, I need you to find me someone else to work with, another case, anything.” Ennis pleaded.
“First, kid, you are going to talk with Jack. My advice is for you to think long and hard about this. You’re confused now. You’re dealing with mixed feelings. Believe me I know what you’re going through. Ennis, are you sure what happened was a mistake? Were you drunk or something?”
“I just know, I can’t be working with Jack anymore. At least not in the near future.” Ennis was desperately trying to avoid any direct answer.
“Ok. I’m going to do what you’re asking me. Prepare yourself because Jack is the Magnet’s prince, whether you like it or not. If this gets out, a lot of things are going to change in the firm for you. People won’t be friendly for a long while. I’m sure Enrique Twist will gladly fire you if he finds out.”
“Do you think so?”
“No. Jack won’t tell him. He's a fair man. He doesn’t like to mix business with pleasure. He must have some strong feelings for you to have let this happen. Damn it Ennis!”
“You don’t know how sorry I am.” Ennis replied sadly.
“You'd better be! You lost a friend and a great partner. I'll admit even some of my respect. I thought you knew better than this.”
“I…”
“Go take a shower and eat something kid. If I know Jack well, he’s going to appear in your apartment in a few hours. And I guarantee you, you’re not going to like it.” Elizabeth said in flat tone.
Ennis stood a few more seconds looking at the screen of the phone. He could understand Elizabeth’s disappointment, he was certainly serious disappointed with himself.
__________________________________L&L__________________________________________
Elizabeth looked at the phone again, wondering if she should call her best friend. Ennis's call had been unexpected. Surely she had noticed the compromised looks Ennis and Jack usually shared, but she had taken it as growing friendship.
Ennis didn’t seem comfortable around new people and Jack was the person he knew best at the firm. Of course, Jack had told her of his secret attraction but Elizabeth figured no harm would come from it.
Obviously, she was mistaken.
She wondered how much this was going to change things between Jack and Ennis. They were ending the partnership but they were still working at the same firm. How much damage would this do for Ennis's reputation? What if Enrique found out?
Elizabeth couldn't help but fear for her protégé.
__________________________________L&L__________________________________________
Jack passed the eight hours of the flight thinking about Ennis’s reaction. He was now a furious man. How could he have been such a fool? Falling for the charms of the typical straight guy who fancies a different experience in his sex life. Jack had had his share of guys who only wanted to have some kind of sexual adventure with a gay man. A small part of him was telling him that Ennis was different but he couldn’t stand the pain in his soul. He was heartbroken.
During the entire flight, he tried to put himself in Ennis’s shoes, trying to understand what could have passed trough Ennis’s mind. Nothing seemed to help ease the sorrow. He almost screamed at the adorable old lady sitting next to him who only wanted to show him her granddaughter’s photos and have a conversation.
“This is what Ennis Del Mar does to me,” he thought silently, trying to be nicer to the sweet elderly woman. The poor woman had absolutely nothing to do with the misfortunes of Jack’s personal life.
Now, stepping out of the airport, the memory of his thoughts made him tremble. Wiping some tears from his eyes, Jack entered the taxi already waiting for him. He was determined to confront Ennis with the truth.
__________________________________L&L__________________________________________
Ennis felt a shiver all over his body when the bell rang. Jack had arrived and the inevitable talk was coming right his way. He moved slowly to the door and opened it. Jack passed right past him like a hurricane, without a single word. The calm natured man that Ennis liked so much was not here. Jack was like a man possessed.
“ENNIS! WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU THINKING? LEAVING WITHOUT SAYING A SINGLE WORD! LEAVING ME THERE ALONE LIKE SOME CHEAP WHORE!” Jack’s blue eyes were somehow darker and the expression on his face was a mix of pain and desperation.
“Jack, I didn’t meant it that way.” Was the only thing Ennis could say.
“Ennis, please tell me you’ve come to your senses. Tell me you were scared and confused. Tell me you want to figure this out with me. But please don’t tell me you are sorry or that you regret last night.” Jack was calmer but the pain in his eyes was now more visible. Ennis couldn’t look anymore.
“Jack I didn’t want to hurt you. But last night was a mistake. I’m not gay!”
“I can’t believe it.” Jack laughed sadly. “You’re telling me that you’re not gay? Me? The one you fucked senseless last night! Face it, Ennis. You were pretty determined for someone who's straight!”
“Jack I don’t know what possessed me. I felt this attraction that I could not control.”
“Ennis, you seduced me! You took me to bed and then dumped me. You didn’t even think about our partnership, about the implications in our work. All because of an attraction?”
“It's never happened to me before. I lost it completely!”
“Ennis, is that all you’re going to tell me?”
“No. I phoned Elizabeth, you don’t need to worry. We're not going to work together anymore. I’m ending this partnership.”
“No Ennis. I’m the one ending our partnership. I thought you were better than this. I thought we were going to be good friends.” Jack was now almost crying. “I was hiding my attraction for you because I thought you weren’t comfortable with my homosexuality. Ironic that after all it seems you were a little too comfortable with it. Comfortable enough to play with my feelings.”
“You don’t know what you’re talking about! Do you think I wanted any of this? Do you think I wanted to lose you as my friend?” Ennis asked, his voice shaking.
“Ennis, as far as I can tell, you did it all. Last night wasn’t just physical and I’m not talking about my part. You have feelings for me that you simply cannot handle.” Jack was now facing Ennis, just a few centimeters from each other, almost feeling each other’s breath.
“I… Please, Jack, go away.” Ennis mumbled, turning to the window on the other side of the living room.
“You’re a coward, Ennis. And I don’t work with cowards. God knows I don’t even talk to cowards” Jack moved to the door but stopped just before he left. “I don’t want to work with you ever again. Hell, I don’t want to face you ever again!”
“Jack, just go!” please, Ennis thought.
“You’re just another disappointment in my life.” And with that, Jack slammed the door loudly after him.
What Jack didn’t say was that this was the most painful disappointment of his life.
What Jack didn’t see were the tears falling from Ennis's eyes as he fell to the floor, gasping for air.
__________________________________L&L__________________________________________
On the next chapter: Ennis and Jack avoid each other for more than a month. A whole month for Ennis to reflect about himself and made some serious decisions. But when Jack comes back from Greece, how much things are going to change?
__________________________________L&L__________________________________________
Chapter Five: Confrontation and regret
Ennis sat on the couch of his living room looking at the cell phone lying in his right hand. There was an important decision waiting to be made. He needed to take action and start solving the problems he had created for himself.
Beginning with the consequences of last night and his position at the firm, and his position as Jack’s partner and colleague.
Ennis sighed and quickly dialed the recently memorized phone number. At the second ring, someone picked up.
“Mrs. Noris? It’s Ennis.” He said trying to sound calm.
“Hi kid. Is there something wrong? Don’t tell me you and Jack got into some trouble with Mr. Santos?”
“No. The case with Mr. Santos went pretty well. Actually, I'm already in my apartment.” Ennis went silent, he didn’t know how to proceed. Jack was Elizabeth’s best friend, she seemed to love him like a son or a brother.
“Wait, you and Jack weren't supposed to arrive this early, were you? What’s happening Del Mar?” She sounded concerned.
“I… We… “Ennis swallowed hard, no words coming out of his mouth.
“Come on kid, you’re my protégé, but I'd like to think we already share something more. You sound scared and you’re frightening me! Come on, talk that all out.”
“It’s me and Jack. Last night we… I don’t know… it just happened.” Ennis couldn't find more words. The way the older woman breathed out loud on the other side of the line told him she had somehow understood it all, even the words that he hadn’t been able to say.
“I see. From the sound of this call, I would say you’re not very happy.” She wasn’t trying to hide her disappointment.
Ennis stayed in silence thinking about how he could get to the point. He needed to make this clear to Elizabeth. But before he could say anything, Mrs. Noris spoke again.
“Ennis, I don't know what happened but I'm sure you've noticed that Jack was gay before. I know Jack too well to know he would never hit on a straight guy, especially his firm partner. What have you done, kid?”
“I don’t know what passed through my mind! One minute we were talking, and then … Elizabeth, I need your help on this.”
“Kid, I’m not gonna clean this emotional mess up for you. Have you talked with Jack? Is he furious because of your regrets? Is he still talking to you?”
“Actually, I just ran away and took the first flight back to New York.” Ennis quickly answered back.
“Good work kid! You left a nice guy like Jack alone and confused on the other side of the world. I’m trying to ignore the fact that the guy is my best friend. You know what that means? Forget all about the partnership between you two, it’s ruined! Destroyed by your personal libido!”
“I know, that's why I’m calling you. Mrs. Noris, I need you to find me someone else to work with, another case, anything.” Ennis pleaded.
“First, kid, you are going to talk with Jack. My advice is for you to think long and hard about this. You’re confused now. You’re dealing with mixed feelings. Believe me I know what you’re going through. Ennis, are you sure what happened was a mistake? Were you drunk or something?”
“I just know, I can’t be working with Jack anymore. At least not in the near future.” Ennis was desperately trying to avoid any direct answer.
“Ok. I’m going to do what you’re asking me. Prepare yourself because Jack is the Magnet’s prince, whether you like it or not. If this gets out, a lot of things are going to change in the firm for you. People won’t be friendly for a long while. I’m sure Enrique Twist will gladly fire you if he finds out.”
“Do you think so?”
“No. Jack won’t tell him. He's a fair man. He doesn’t like to mix business with pleasure. He must have some strong feelings for you to have let this happen. Damn it Ennis!”
“You don’t know how sorry I am.” Ennis replied sadly.
“You'd better be! You lost a friend and a great partner. I'll admit even some of my respect. I thought you knew better than this.”
“I…”
“Go take a shower and eat something kid. If I know Jack well, he’s going to appear in your apartment in a few hours. And I guarantee you, you’re not going to like it.” Elizabeth said in flat tone.
Ennis stood a few more seconds looking at the screen of the phone. He could understand Elizabeth’s disappointment, he was certainly serious disappointed with himself.
__________________________________L&L__________________________________________
Elizabeth looked at the phone again, wondering if she should call her best friend. Ennis's call had been unexpected. Surely she had noticed the compromised looks Ennis and Jack usually shared, but she had taken it as growing friendship.
Ennis didn’t seem comfortable around new people and Jack was the person he knew best at the firm. Of course, Jack had told her of his secret attraction but Elizabeth figured no harm would come from it.
Obviously, she was mistaken.
She wondered how much this was going to change things between Jack and Ennis. They were ending the partnership but they were still working at the same firm. How much damage would this do for Ennis's reputation? What if Enrique found out?
Elizabeth couldn't help but fear for her protégé.
__________________________________L&L__________________________________________
Jack passed the eight hours of the flight thinking about Ennis’s reaction. He was now a furious man. How could he have been such a fool? Falling for the charms of the typical straight guy who fancies a different experience in his sex life. Jack had had his share of guys who only wanted to have some kind of sexual adventure with a gay man. A small part of him was telling him that Ennis was different but he couldn’t stand the pain in his soul. He was heartbroken.
During the entire flight, he tried to put himself in Ennis’s shoes, trying to understand what could have passed trough Ennis’s mind. Nothing seemed to help ease the sorrow. He almost screamed at the adorable old lady sitting next to him who only wanted to show him her granddaughter’s photos and have a conversation.
“This is what Ennis Del Mar does to me,” he thought silently, trying to be nicer to the sweet elderly woman. The poor woman had absolutely nothing to do with the misfortunes of Jack’s personal life.
Now, stepping out of the airport, the memory of his thoughts made him tremble. Wiping some tears from his eyes, Jack entered the taxi already waiting for him. He was determined to confront Ennis with the truth.
__________________________________L&L__________________________________________
Ennis felt a shiver all over his body when the bell rang. Jack had arrived and the inevitable talk was coming right his way. He moved slowly to the door and opened it. Jack passed right past him like a hurricane, without a single word. The calm natured man that Ennis liked so much was not here. Jack was like a man possessed.
“ENNIS! WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU THINKING? LEAVING WITHOUT SAYING A SINGLE WORD! LEAVING ME THERE ALONE LIKE SOME CHEAP WHORE!” Jack’s blue eyes were somehow darker and the expression on his face was a mix of pain and desperation.
“Jack, I didn’t meant it that way.” Was the only thing Ennis could say.
“Ennis, please tell me you’ve come to your senses. Tell me you were scared and confused. Tell me you want to figure this out with me. But please don’t tell me you are sorry or that you regret last night.” Jack was calmer but the pain in his eyes was now more visible. Ennis couldn’t look anymore.
“Jack I didn’t want to hurt you. But last night was a mistake. I’m not gay!”
“I can’t believe it.” Jack laughed sadly. “You’re telling me that you’re not gay? Me? The one you fucked senseless last night! Face it, Ennis. You were pretty determined for someone who's straight!”
“Jack I don’t know what possessed me. I felt this attraction that I could not control.”
“Ennis, you seduced me! You took me to bed and then dumped me. You didn’t even think about our partnership, about the implications in our work. All because of an attraction?”
“It's never happened to me before. I lost it completely!”
“Ennis, is that all you’re going to tell me?”
“No. I phoned Elizabeth, you don’t need to worry. We're not going to work together anymore. I’m ending this partnership.”
“No Ennis. I’m the one ending our partnership. I thought you were better than this. I thought we were going to be good friends.” Jack was now almost crying. “I was hiding my attraction for you because I thought you weren’t comfortable with my homosexuality. Ironic that after all it seems you were a little too comfortable with it. Comfortable enough to play with my feelings.”
“You don’t know what you’re talking about! Do you think I wanted any of this? Do you think I wanted to lose you as my friend?” Ennis asked, his voice shaking.
“Ennis, as far as I can tell, you did it all. Last night wasn’t just physical and I’m not talking about my part. You have feelings for me that you simply cannot handle.” Jack was now facing Ennis, just a few centimeters from each other, almost feeling each other’s breath.
“I… Please, Jack, go away.” Ennis mumbled, turning to the window on the other side of the living room.
“You’re a coward, Ennis. And I don’t work with cowards. God knows I don’t even talk to cowards” Jack moved to the door but stopped just before he left. “I don’t want to work with you ever again. Hell, I don’t want to face you ever again!”
“Jack, just go!” please, Ennis thought.
“You’re just another disappointment in my life.” And with that, Jack slammed the door loudly after him.
What Jack didn’t say was that this was the most painful disappointment of his life.
What Jack didn’t see were the tears falling from Ennis's eyes as he fell to the floor, gasping for air.
__________________________________L&L__________________________________________
On the next chapter: Ennis and Jack avoid each other for more than a month. A whole month for Ennis to reflect about himself and made some serious decisions. But when Jack comes back from Greece, how much things are going to change?