OOM: Kate, post-row

[the_gene_genie]

He doesn't drag his feet on the way down to the stables, though he's still not sure this is a good idea. But, fact is, much as he's tried to ignore the last row, it won't go away. He's told himself he doesn't care until he's blue in the face, but he's called himself a liar too. And yeah, he was really angry and he's still pissed off when he thinks about it. But he's not as pissed off as he was, and there's a lot he doesn't understand.

Gene doesn't like not understanding things. And he has no intention of hiding away from her either. When he has a problem, he either buries it until it goes away (doesn't seem to be working), or he faces it head on. Seeing as the first option seems to be a non-starter, the second it is.

So there's no trepidation as he walks into the building. None of his usual striding arrogance either though.

'You in here?'

Comments

[the_gene_genie]

The grin turns to a frown, quicker than blinking.

'Wha's wrong with Duncan?'

He's got used to not falling off Duncan. He likes Duncan. Insofar as Gene Hunt will ever get friendly with a horse, anyway.

[ikissdhimbck]

"Duncan doesn't belong t'me. I can't take him off the premises."

She's actually not sure if she could or not, but with the uncertainty of her world she wouldn't dare bring someone else's mount out.

[the_gene_genie]

He opens his mouth to argue...and then shuts it again, when he finds he can't.

'Oh.'

Beat.


'Who's he belong to, then?'

Better not be someone he hates. He'll be well pissed off.

[ikissdhimbck]

She hesitates.


"Doc covers his expenses."

She suddenly spies her hat by his feet, and bends to fetch it.

"Whomever brought him in has left, an' given him t'the bar for public use. Him an' Rachat both."

[the_gene_genie]

'Oh,' he says again.

Awkward. For her, at any rate. He's not sure if he's supposed to be bothered or not.

'Well, if they've left, an' he's a donation, then why can't I ride him?'

[ikissdhimbck]

"It's not up t'me to decide. If you're so bothered, take it up with the Miss. But Concession'll hold you. 'Least until y'get a mount of your own, if y'so choose."

[the_gene_genie]

His eyebrows go up. His own horse? He'd never considered that.

'Well. Whatever. Fine.'

Annnd it seems like he's annoying her again. Seeing as it wouldn't do to spoil the even patch of ground they've discovered, he figures now would be a good time to take himself off.

Plus, he really wants a drink.

'Anyway. It's beer o'clock. You stayin' out here, or comin' in?'

[ikissdhimbck]

The ground they're on is as steady as ever. Kate has a lot to think about now, but the remnants of a smile are still hanging around the corners of her mouth.

"I'm gonna haul that out first," she says, nodding toward the bag of feed. "Clean up a bit. But I'll be seein' you again."

Her voice rises on that last syllable, just enough to make it unclear whether or not she meant for it to be a question.

[the_gene_genie]

''course you will.'

His retort could be a reassuring we're OK response. Or it could be a swaggering, testosterone-laden why wouldn't you want this?, delivered with the usual Gene Hunt macho pout. It's unclear which he was going for, but he's pretty sure she'll make up her own mind regardless.

'Well then.'

He dithers just for a second. And then leans down to kiss her once more.

[ikissdhimbck]

She starts to chuckle, but she's cut off by his mouth. It descends upon hers, making her stomach constrict and her shoulders tense, and yet her hand is brushing by his cheek on its way to his hair. Her fingers slide through the sandy locks, gently holding him to her.

To make up her mind on Gene Hunt is nothing short of an affair; to decide what his intentions are is practically impossible. He is so often an enigma that the only thing to be done is to take things one day at a time.

Brick by brick, my citizens. Brick by brick.

She breaks, pulling back enough to catch his eyes, and calmly searches him out. She smiles again — small, and a little unsure. Nodding to the door, she whispers:


"Get."

[the_gene_genie]

He grins, his eyes full of mischief as he tips an imaginary hat and affects a fake Southern accent.

'Yes, ma'am. Anythin' you say.'

He leaves with considerably more spring in his step than when he entered, that's for sure.