this summer had been a whirlwind. jack and you, alone on a mountain tending to sheep. it was a blur, everything that had happened between you two. jack barely registered all of it; barely registered the fact that he loved you and now the walls were closing in.

the man you worked for had called the job off early, some nasty storm he didn't want to risk. this was supposed to be a simple goodbye, but jack could feel his heart break and resolve slipping.

"so i'll see you next summer?" he swallowed thickly, rubbing the back of his neck as his blue eyes peered up into yours. he couldn't take no for an answer. it was killing him knowing he wouldn't see you tomorrow or the next day or the day after that. a year without you? unimaginable. but he'd make it work if he had to.

brokeback mountain was all you two had. maybe it would stay that way; jack already knew the risks if anyone found out what happened between you two. two men? together? unheard of.

"please," jack swallowed, shuffling a foot closer as he stuffed his hands into his pockets, "just tell me yes. even if it ain't true. gives me somethin' to look forward too."