The Dance - Chapter 19: Shine On

[smiles_a_lot]

Genre & Rating: Canon/AU, NC-17 for cussin.

Disclaimer: Jack and Ennis were created by the Great and Mighty Annie Proulx. I'm just the dude behind the yellow curtain working the lights and using the Big Voice microphone.

Summary: This is the continuation of The Package, and takes place after Ennis and Alma's divorce. Ennis has moved to Kansas and

Comments

[tmn1966]

Oh, boy, this was a tough chapter. My dad was in the Army, but it was prior to Viet Nam. He volunteered so that he wouldn't have to serve during wartime. He made a wise choice. Unfortunately, not everyone could do that and I can't imagine what those men (a lot of them were just boys) went through.

You did an excellent job bringing the hell that Nick went through (I know that it was really much worse, how can one adequately describe it or even understand it if you weren't there), not only with the war but also having an additional load of secrets.

I also think you did a great job with Ennis and how he would be feeling to have another man kiss him.

Okay, now Ennis realizes he has to make Jack understand, I just hope Jack's ready to listen.

It's great to hear from you, Em. Thanks for another wonderful update!

Oh, and by the way, love your musical choices for the last two posts. hahahaha

Hugs,
Teri

[smiles_a_lot]

Hahaha. I know, those vids are so 5 minutes ago but every once in a while I watch them and they still make me laugh!

Montana-Crows helped me earlier on in this fic because I have such minimal experience with all things military, being Canadian. She gave me some insight into a few things, especially that don't ask, don't tell, mentality many of the Nam Viets came home with. I'm glad your father escaped that experience.

As for the Nick/Ennis kiss I was so worried about that! Thanks for your reassurance, I really need it. Your constant encouragement is so precious to me. Thanks, my friend. xx Em

Thank you!

[joetheone]

I'm happy to read this update. It was really wonderful. I so love how you flip us back and forth and the family tree was just well something special to me. I love genealogy and well I wonder so often when I find those single bachelors or single women in my family past if their should be names connected or not. I'm not sure how Bobby will feel about naming his son Jack after the news but I think in time he will anyhow. Then the open raw emotions of Nick and Ennis in the barn well that was just great work with that. Thank you so much. Joe

Re: Thank you!

[smiles_a_lot]

Hey Joe: Thanks so much, that family tree scene is special to me as well. It must have been so sad for people to go their whole lives not being able to acknowledge loved ones and life partners. It's like missing a limb, or branch, as it were. Thank you, Joe, for a great comment. xx

[eandj]

still so hard to read- poor men
I always thought perhaps Nick and Jesse had been in love, but to find out about their last words to each other sure is bad.
But I hope the confrontation with Ennis can show both men the right way. They need to move on with their lifes.
Nothing is resolved between Jack and Ennis.
Come on Ennis, call him, Jack's so lonely down in Texas without you.
Great chapters dear
thank you
Paula

[smiles_a_lot]

Thanks, Paula. I feel a bit bad for Jesse actually because I know him in my head, but readers have only been able to see the bits that have been revealed through Nick and Janie. He wasn't a bad man, just one who couldn't handle change. Hmmm...sounds like someone we know? But at least Ennis has figured out he does want to change. As for resolving what's between Jack and Ennis...that will happen very very soon!!

[bentgyro]

This was excellent! You caught the horror and the grief and the stupidness of that terrible war and the devastation it left behind. Now we want Ennis to plow on and work it out with Jack!
Thank you for this!
HT

[smiles_a_lot]

Thank HT, means a lot to me that you thought that section was done well. I've agonized over it ever since I started this story! I really appreciate your encouragement. xx Em

[suzysue2]

What an emotional roller coaster the last two chapters were! Wow - your writing just gets better and better and its so realistic. Two men both hurting in different ways, but helping each other just the same. I can't wait until Nick meets Jack - I'm sure they'll get along just great. Can hardly wait for the next chapter!

[smiles_a_lot]

Oh yes! When Nick meets Jack, that will be something won't it? Wait, maybe I should have kept you guessing. ;) Thanks for such a great comment. xx Em