Brokeback Mountain AU - Handshake
This will be a quick and short series - This first one’s rly short
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There Johnny was again, he promised himself he wouldn’t be back working for Shepard, not after last summer. Not after he risked his fucking life for those sheep, only to get his pay cut by a month. But here he was in front of that rusty excuse of an office again. Because money was tight - when wasn’t it? - and his sisters could barely support his poor ma alone.
His name was Simon Riley - at least that’s the name he gave Shepard when Johnny walked into the trailer - but in the Rodeo world they knew him as Ghost. Like the bulls didn’t even know he was there. Johnny recognized him instantly. What the fuck was he doing here? He couldn’t be low enough on cash that he’d need to be here of all places?
Regardless, it seemed they’d be working together. Shepard gave them the spiel, one stays back and cooks, one stays on the mountain, with the sheep. Only at camp for meals, downright illegal. But you couldn’t unionize with two people. ‘specially two desperate people.
As they exit the trailer Johnny holds his hand out.
“Johnny MacTavish.” He says as the trailer door shuts and he gets a firm hold on Simon’s hand.
They shake as Johnny raises his brow, waiting for a response. When he doesn’t get one he squeezes Simon’s hand harder and waits for one.
“Simon” He grunts, hoping that’ll be enough for Johnny. It’s not.
“Y’parents stop at Simon?” He smirks.
“Riley.” He states promptly, never once looking Johnny in the eyes.
“Well Simon Riley I’ll see you up that mountain.” Johnny smiles waiting for a response before turning.
Simon gives what could be considered a nod. And Johnny accepts it, for now.