(no subject)

[e_delmar]

Ain't nothin' but a normal room. Pretty one, too, if'n you don't think too hard on what's goin' on in there. Ennis' sleeping more now, at least -- the drugs help with that -- but he's still awake a lot (and damn grumpy about it, too. But he ain't no less grumpy about the sleep, neither).

But he's there, and at least that's something.

Comments

[e_delmar]

"While."

And that's as close as he can get, hard to remember, hard to tell time, hard to figure out even if that feeling's the pain or the ghost of the pain.

[true_desire]

There's another soft sound from Ennis's companion, halfway between the expected tch and a tut of concern. "Here."

Fever-warm fingertips pause against Ennis's lips, a familiar shape resting there for him to take. A dull slosh of water nearby tells that Desire still has the partial glass at hand, perhaps to wash that small mouthful down.

[e_delmar]

Ennis' mouth opens, taking it willingly (Good Boy, he can hear his mothersisterAlmaJackSallie) and waiting, mouth dry for the water to bring something to help the pain or the thought of the pain and it's all the same anymore anyway. His hand comes up, shakin' just a little, and he places it on top on Desire's, eyes falling closed as he swallows.

[true_desire]

The water is doled out slowly, just enough to wash the pill down Ennis's throat without choking him: The edge tips up, away, but the fever-touch of skin remains beneath the dying cowpoke's hand, awaiting any signal for more. Were it anyone else, it would be a touching moment.

As it is, if Ennis had a clear thought in his head aside from ending the pain, he might ask why Desire chose this moment to be kind, to help him.

He might even ask if this was really helping.

[e_delmar]

There's no signal, there's no word. There's nothing but a sigh of relief (or something like it) and Ennis relaxing under Desire's touch.

He doesn't smile up at Desire, he ain't nearly so stupid even though the pain and the drugs, and he don't say much, the coughing and the wheezing's doing that for him aplenty.

If he'd had a clear thought in his head, he wouldn't've let Desire half so close to him. As it is, there's quiet and peace, of a sort, while he lays there, feelin' the heat, smelling the cigarettes.


(craving)


Until he opens his eyes, wide and (for once) clear.

[true_desire]

"So tell me, del Mar. What do you want now?"

[e_delmar]

There are a lot of things Ennis' wanted through the years.


Most of 'em don't seem so important no more. But when he looks up at Desire again (with a look that River would recognize) there ain't no question in his mind.


"To make sure Jack's alright."

[true_desire]

This close, there's no mistaking the look on Desire's face: For the span of an eyeblink, he's stunned.

And then Desire throws back his head and laughs.

"Ayuh, gunslinger -- Take the dead from the dead, the old proverb said; only a corpse may speak true prophecy. And here, on your deathbed, you finally think of someone else. Lesson learned?" Desire's mirth is short lived, and he settles Ennis as best he can while drawing his hand away: Luckily for the cowboy, it doesn't seem the Endless's aim to mock him. Not now.

"I think that can be arranged, Ennis."

[e_delmar]

"For what?"

The words croak out, fighting their way from his throat. Ennis may never've been the brightest in his class, but he ain't so stupid as to not be skeptical of Desire's help.

[true_desire]

"Tch. Consider it done."

There's no hesitation, which might be more frightening than any attempt at haggling. "I think Jack's a fair sight better at taking care of himself than you give him credit, del Mar."

The smirk returns, wicked and cutting-sharp. "... Of course, it might cost you if you want to specify who gets to take care of your oft-denied love."

[e_delmar]

"Don't got nobody specific in mind."


As opposed to people he don't want taking care of Jack.

He clears his throat, frowning.





"Don't want you botherin' him none."

[true_desire]

Desire laughs quietly.

"I don't bother him, Ennis. We're friends, of a sort."

[e_delmar]

"Ain't what I mean."

And Desire knows it.

[true_desire]

"Of course not." Desire ignores the look Ennis shoots his way, instead pulling out a fresh cigarette and lighting up.

"Tell me, del Mar. And how, exactly, do you plan on holding me to 'not bothering him' when Desire is what I am -- what I do -- and you've taken my sister's cold, white hand?"

[e_delmar]

If Ennis could punch Desire right now, changes are good he would. 'Course, maybe he's learned a thing or two in the years since the last time, but maybe not.

Instead, he clenches his hands much's he can, and forces words out, dry and raspy.

"Guess I don't have no way of makin' sure."

[true_desire]

"I don't understand why it's so important to you that I leave him be, Ennis. What: You've played the on and off game for thirty-some years, left yourself cut off from happiness and proper companionship, and now you want him to be as alone and miserable as you are 'til he gives up and fades away? Tch."

Desire's gold eyes swim into focus as the Endless leans close.

"And you think I'm cruel."

[e_delmar]

Ennis swallows, and it ain't dryness or a pill he's having trouble swalling around.

There's something in his eyes like anger, something like truth.

"He deserves more."

A cough turns into more, and he struggles to get the words out.

"But he don't deserve you."

[true_desire]

"He doesn't have a choice, Ennis: Desire is the very essence of man. He's only human."

Desire grins -- a nasty, predatory look.

"And so are you."



The Endless moves, standing up and trailing too-sweet cigarette smoke as he leaves.