Dedication: see prolouge
Disclaimer: see prolouge and part 2
Distribution: see part 1
Now, without further ado, chapter 7 ;)
Respect the Game (7/?)
by lirpa
Next morning...
"Wake up, Hunter," Mark cooed.
"Don't wanna."
"You have to."
"Why?" Hunter queried
"Becuase it's morning."
"So?"
"So we have things to do."
"Things that can't wait 'til afternoon?"
"Things that can't wait 'til afternoon," Mark confirmed.
"Like what?"
"Things."
"You don't tell me I'm not getting up."
"I don't have to tell you, boy."
"Then I'm not getting up."
"Yes, you are."
"Make me."
Mark didn't reply, instead pickig Hunter and the sheets up and carrying them to the bathroom where they were promptly desposited in the tub. Before Hunter could process what was going on Mark had turned the cold water on full blast. Hunter did what any sensible man would dio in his situation, he shrieked.
Sara's head pooped through the door, "What's going on here?" she questioned.
"He soaked me," Hunter spluttered.
"He wouldn't get up," Mark defended himself, acting innocent.
"so what?"
"So I had to get you up."
Sara smiled, "There are more humane ways of waking someone up, Mark."
"but they'er nmot as fun."
"Sadistic, you mean," Hunter interupted.
"Fun, sadistic, it's all the same to me," Mark agreed pleasantly.
"Ignore him, Hunter. He's joking, aren't you Mark?" Sara turned to glare at Mark.
Mark just whislted innocently while Hunter glared.
"Anyway, breakfasy's ready. Mark, conme with me and let Hunter get dry."
"But he'll go bck to bed," Mark whined.
"He won't, will you Hunter?"
Hunter continued glaring at Mark.
"Will you, Hunter," Sara repeated
Hunter never stopped glaring at Mark, but this time he answered, "No."
"See, Mark, come on," Sara wrapped her hands around one of Mark's biceps and pulled. Mark allowed her to lead him away, his gaze never leaving Hunter's.
In the kitchen...
"Markie's in love. Markie's in love," Sara's eyes danced.
"Where's the food, woman?"
"Answer a question first."
"Make it quick."
"Why are you doing this?"
"I told you, Vince..."
"Besides that."
"No other reason," Mark stated confidently.
"There is," Sara insisted.
"Like what?"
"You care for him."
Mark snorted.
"He's sleeping in you rbed because?"
"He's beautiful."
"I knew it! Markie's in love. Markie's in love."
"Am not."
"Are too."
"Am not."
"Are too."
"Where's the food?"
"It's coming."
"Make it come faster."
"I've only got two hands.'"
Mark's eyes danced, "I've heard there's a doctor somewhere sewing extra arms on people."
"Hah, hah, funny," Sara set the plate she was holding down with a clatter.
"Where's Hunter?"
Hunter launched himself into the kitchen at that very moment, "Right here."
Sara pushed a plate into Hunter's hands, "Sit there," she said pointing to the chair on Mark's left, "eat that."
Hunter sat and ate. he didn't want Sara angry with him. A moment later Sara sat on the other side of Mark and broke the silence, "So what are you doing today, Hunter?"
Mark interupted, "He's coming with me. We're touring the ranch.
"That'll be fun," Sara said with enthusiasism.
"Yeah, fun," Hunter repeated dully.
"Truck's outside," Mark almost chirped, his voice was so bright.
Hunter got up and left without a word.
"Take him to the stables," Sara advised.
"He likes horses?"
"He hasn't said."
"Then why take him?"
Sara smirked, "It's dark, parts of it are secluded, it's romantic."
"I'm not seducing Hunter in the stables!" Mark sounded outraged.
"Why not?"
"He deserves better."
"That's why he's sitting in the truck right now, pouting."
"I'll be with him in a second."
"Take him to the stables."
"Woman, you're crazy."
4 hours later...
"'Take him to the stables.'" Why were Sara's words haunting him? Hunter's voice interupted his thoughts, "Are we done yet?"
Mark spoke without thinking, "I want to see my horses."
"You have horses?"
"Yes, boy, I have horses. In fact they're in the barn."
"Really? I never would have guessed," Hunter replied sarcastically.
"I know. I know," Hunter added a moment later.
"You know nothing, boy."
"I know you Mark," Hunter replied chillingly, before adding, "Can we just get on with it?"
"Very well, boy," Mark pulled the truck to a stop outside the stables, "Here we are."
Hunter climbed out of the truck reluctantly.
"Don't worry boy, this won't take long."
Hunter said nothing, perferring to sulk.
Mark lead the way, patting noses thrust into his path. He fed and watered those that needed tending to, Hunter following behind him like a stray. Finally Mark gestured to a bale of hay, "Sit there."
Hunter sat, and watched, eyes never leaving Mark's form.
Mark began to walk around aimlessly, pondering Sara's advice. Hunter followed him.
"Where are we going?"
"Nowhere."
"Then why are we dong this?"
"Because I need to think."
"About what?"
"About this," with that mark wirled around and grabbed Hunter. befoer Hunter knwe what was happening Mark had melded their mouths together.
