Three D's found in previous parts. see ya on the flip side.
Note: this kentire story was written before Vengeance, when it was written Mark still had the title, I'm too lazy to rewrite the last few parts to match today's continumum.
Respect the Game (9/12)
by lirpa
The next morning...
Hunter finished putting his stuff back into his deffel bag, managing to cram a few of Mark's shirts in as well. They had been crammed in the backof Mark's dresser, and looked as though they hadn't seen the light of day in a long time; Mark wouldn't miss them. Hunter stumbled down the stairs at quarter after seven, a record for him. Sara's head popped ou tof the kitchen door.
"You're up early?" she somehow made it a question.
"I'm leaving."
"Mark thinks?"
"Mark doesn't know."
"Why not?" Sara sounded indignant.
"Because he left in the middle of the night when Vince called."
"About what?"
"Some guy being injured, or not showing up, something like that."
"So?"
Mark had to go back or loose the title, he chose the title over me."
"Oh," understanding dawned in Sara's eyes, "you poor thing."
"Don't pity me," Hunter growled.
"I don't, but when I get a hold of Mark..."
"No, he can't know I'm leaving," Hunter sounded panicked.
"Why not?"
"Because he already chose."
"He can't change his mind?"
"Not while I'm here, he'll try to talk me out of it,k and he can sound so damn sensible..." Hunter broke off abruptly.
Sara just chuckled.
"You're afraid he might convince you?"
Hunter just nodded.
"So what's the problem with that?"
"I made a promise to myself."
"Promise?"
"After ... my last lover left me that I wouldn't allow myself to be coerced into staying with someone by pretty words, it would have genuine feeling behind it."
"And you don't have that with Mark?"
"I do..."
"Only he doesn't," Sara interupted.
"Exactly."
"Then I won't phone him, but if he phones asking for you..."
"It'll be too late by them."
"Okay, I'll do what I can."
Several hours later...
Sarapicked the ringing phone up out of its cradle, nervously biting her bottom lip, this was the call she had been dreading all day. She answered it," Hello."
"Hey, Sara."
"Where are you Mark?"
"On the road."
"I thought you were home for a few days," she accused.
"So did I; it was a last minute thing. How's Hunter?"
"Upset."
"Maybe it's best if I don't talk to him then."
"Probably."
"I'll phone again later."
"Okay, Mark. Listen, I've gotta go. This ranch doesn't run itself ..."
Mark laughed, "I'll see you soon, Sara."
"Yeah, Mark, soon," she abruptly cut the connection. She turned to a stable hand, "Garcia, did he make it to the airport?"
"Si, senorita. he is on his flight as we speak."
"Good."
"Excuse me, senorita..."
"Yes, Garcia?"
"But was there something wrong with the senor?"
"He was hurting, trying to hide it, but hurting. He didn't want Mark to know he left."
"Si, senorita, he was a good man."
"That he was, that he was," she turned from Garcia, "Mark, you fool!"
Several hours later...
The phone rng again, and Sara dragged herself up toanswer it. She had started he day early, and with the tauma Hunter had suffered in her own home it feklt like the day had been 48 hours long.
"Hello," she janswered groggily.
"Can I speak with Hunter?" Mark asked eagerly.
"Do you know his cell phone number?"
"No..."
"Then I'd say you can't speak with Hunter."
"Why not, woman? Where is he?"
"He left shortly after you, or so I gather, and I haven't the faintest clue."
"You lied to me this morning," Mark accused.
"Did not."
"How do you get that?"
"Hunter was upset, so upset that he decised to leave the ranch, and you Mark. Do you see now what you've lost?"
"What do you mean?"
"He's gone, Mark. And you're not getting him back."
"Why not?"
"Did you tell him that you wouldn't leave him?"
"Yes."
"And you left him not 12 hours after you made that promise. What was the poor boy supposed to think?"
"The title.."
"Yes, the TITLE!" Sara exploded, "which is all that ever really mattered to you!"
"That isn't true, woman!"
"You left in a hurry when it was in danger."
"Where did Hunter go?"
"I've already told you, I don't know! He didn't say, I didn't ask. He's not stupid Mark."
"Obviously not."
"In fact I'd say you're the stupid one."
"Enough woman!"
"I'm just stating the truth."
The phone went dead.
Vince's office...
"I have to go."
"Why?"
"Hunter's left the ranch."
"Why would he?"
"We has an agreement, I didn't keep up my end of the bargain."
"It doesn't matter."
"What doesn't matter?"
"Hunter."
"Why the hell not?"
"He poses no threat now."
"I'm going to find him."
"No you'er not!!!"
"How are you going to stop me, McMahon?"
"I have everything I need."
"What?"
"The title."
Mark hoisted the belt, "This thing?"
"Vince nodded, " You leave now and you loose the title."
Mark tossed it onto Vince's desk, "Here, keep it. Hunter's worth far more than a hunk of metal and leather, anyways," with that Mark stalked out of Vince's office, intent on finding Hunter.
Vince stared after him, speechless and amazed.
