Roman & Julian

Act Three Scene One

Ben and Mark are meandering through the local farmers market. The day is hot and they are on the hunt for some good fresh produce for tonight's dinner.

"Maaaaaark," Ben whines, dragging his feet along as he has fallen behind Mark, "I wanna go hooooome. It's hot and I'm all sweaty and with all the Caps running about, I don't want to stir up any trouble. People get angry easily when there all hot and gross." Ben pauses "Except for Tim, he looks amazing when he's all hot and bothered."

Mark pauses in his steps and looks at Ben in disgust, "You're such a pig, you're the kind of guy that says he'll never ever get into a fight, but the second someone looks at you the wrong way you are all up in their face."

Ben gasps and crosses his arms on his chest, "How dare you accuse me of such blasphemy!" Turning his nose in the air.

"It's the truth, but I guess you can get just as angry as anyone else in San Francisco. Especially on the freeway, the road rage that you see here from time to time is awful."

"You right," Ben agrees.

Tim and Peter round the corner around the end of the aisle. Mark spots the pair over Ben's shoulder. Tim and Peter spotted Mark and Ben immediately and make their way, casually, over to them.

Ben turns to see what has caught Mark attention, "Shit."

Tim whispers to Peter, "Stay close to me. They're loons. I'll talk with them." Peter nods.

"Good morning, Monday's. I'd like to have a word with Ben."

Ben is about to speak when Mark cuts him off, "Ben has nothing to say to you."

"Fine then, Mark, you hang out with Roman. Do you not?"

"I do. What of it?" Mark retorts.

Mark and Tim begin to bicker back and forth when Roman enters. His parents had sent him down to check on Mark and Ben after they were gone for so long.

"Speak of the Devil and he shall come," says Tim, "Roman, I'd like to speak with you."

"You will do no such thing." says Mark, stepping in front of Roman to shield him.

Roman puts a hand on Marks shoulder, "It's okay, Mark. I have no reason to hate Tim other than he hates me."

"You do not know your crimes against me Roman," says Tim.

"How do you suggest I fix my wrongdoings?" Roman inquires.

Taking everyone off-guard, Tim punches Roman in the gut. Roman falls to the ground, clutching his stomach and trying to regain his breath. Mark draws his pocket knife, stepping between Tim and Roman while Ben goes to help Roman up from the ground. The group has now drawn a crowd of suspicious onlookers.

"That's hardly a fair fight Mark," says Tim and he draws his own pocket knife, "Now this is an even fight."

"Mark, put your knife away." says Roman.

Mark ignores Romans pleas and throws the first punch at Tim. The two exchange punches and occasional attempted swipes with the blades.

Roman, watching from the side, catches a glimpse of a gun hidden in Tim's coat and decides that he must stop the fight before it escalates too far and someone gets hurt. Tim is able to get one good swipe at Mark, cutting Mark's shoulder.

Roman finally steps in and Ben is able to grab Ben to try and calm him down.

"Mark, are you alright?" Roman asks. Mark is clutching his shoulder, blood starting to soak his shirt.

"I'm alright," Mark lies, "It's only a scratch, a flesh wound."

"I'm taking you to the emergency room. Get you some stitches."

Roman takes Mark in his car and drives to the emergency room.

Ben is left at the market with Tim and the other Caps. Ben has taken Tim into a secluded area where Tim can breathe and recollect himself.

"Tim?" Ben asks, "Are you okay?"

"I'll be okay."

Ben embraces Tim, while hesitant at first, Tim leans into the embrace, enjoying the contact.

Roman is able to get Mark to see a doctor right away. Mark ends up having to get many stitches along his shoulder to close the wound. But he lost a lot of blood and the doctors are worried about infection so they keep Mark at the hospital and send Roman home. Roman returns home and relays the information to his parents. Ben has not yet returned from the market, spending the day with Ben.

The day is coming to an end and Ben returns with Tim to the Cap manor. Ben regularly seen at the Cap Manor so no one questions his presence. The two are stopped on the way to Tim room by Lady Cap.

"Oh, Tim! I heard some news about you." she says.

"Yes ma'am?"

"I heard that you put on of those Mondays in the hospital. Is this true?"

"Yes it is. We became engaged in a fight down at the market this morning. But he started it, so he got what he deserved."

Lady Cap nods and the two continue on their way.

"Good night Tim."

"Good night Ben." The two fall asleep peacefully in each other's embrace.