"sure is beautiful," jack spoke around a yawn, a half empty bottle of whiskey draped in his lap. the sun was just starting to set, casting oranges, pinks and yellows across the sky. the fire crackled, the hot coals sending sparks and bits of ash into the air occasionally.

while you nodded in agreement, jack's gaze was anywhere but the surrounding wildlife. no, his eyes were stuck on you. that was, until you lifted your own gaze to him. he darted his attention away, clearing his throat and bringing the bottle up to his lips before offering it to you.

"you ever wish things could be like this always?" he asked after a while. maybe it was alcohol talking; that's what he'd like to think. "no bullshit. just this. livin' free always."

something in his expression became bitter. he could never pinpoint these feelings he had. did he love you? hate you? resent you? he felt like punching you in the mouth and then kissing you. why couldn't anything be easy?

clearing his throat, jack didn't hesitate to place a cigarette between his lips. something, anything to pull you away from his thoughts. though, of course, it didn't help.

"i mean," he started, fidgeting with the lighter in his hands, "it could be. you and me... lil cabin. a garden. some cattle. nothin' would have to change."