Work Text:
It starts casual.
Jack’s brushing dust off his jeans, pretending nothing’s changed after that kiss. Trying to act normal.
Ennis leans against the truck and just looks at him.
“Pretty.”
Jack freezes.
“Don’t start.”
Ennis pushes off the truck, walks a slow circle around him like he’s inspecting something valuable.
“Hair’s a mess.”
Jack rolls his eyes. “Yeah, I work for a livin’.”
Ennis reaches up and smooths a piece of it back anyway.
“Still pretty.”
Jack’s ears go red instantly.
“You’re doin’ this on purpose.”
“Am not.”
Beat.
“Got real nice eyes.”
Jack looks away. “Ennis—”
“Long lashes.”
“That ain’t fair.”
“Good mouth.”
That one makes Jack actually sputter. “You gotta quit.”
Ennis just steps closer, lowering his voice a little.
“Why?”
Jack’s cheeks are burning now. Full blush. No hiding it.
“You keep sayin’ stuff like that and I ain’t gonna be able to stand up straight.”
Ennis’ mouth twitches.
“Don’t see the problem.”
Jack tries to glare, but it’s completely ruined by how flustered he is.
“You’re mean.”
Ennis shakes his head once, softer now.
“Ain’t mean.”
His thumb brushes along Jack’s jaw again.
“Just think you oughta hear it more.”
And that’s when Jack’s expression shifts — just a little.
Because maybe he hasn’t heard it enough in his life.
So Ennis says it again. Not teasing this time.
“Pretty.”
Quieter.
And Jack doesn’t argue anymore.
He just leans into him.