Of Swordplay and Time
Summary: Robin and Marian have a brief argument about how they are raising their son. Fluffy AU oneshot.
Timeline: AU
Disclaimer: I don't own anything
Author's Note: Written three years ago (before season 3 aired). If only this is what happened on the show...
The first thing Marian saw when she entered the room was her husband, sitting on the bed, half-naked and bleeding.
"Hello, love," he greeted her, dabbing at his arm.
"What on earth happened to you?" she asked, joining Robin on the bed and taking hold of his arm.
He tried to wave her away. "It is nothing, Marian," he protested. "Just a scratch."
She let go, satisfied that the wound was not deep. "What did you do?"
Robin took on an injured air. "Why do you always assume that I am to blame?"
"Because I am usually right," she retorted. "What happened?"
This time, his expression turned sheepish. "I was teaching Edward some basic swordplay, and he ... surpassed my expectations."
"Robin!" She pushed off the bed and glared at him.
"Marian, I am perfectly fine, and so is our son."
"You know I do not want you teaching him such things until he is older. Edward is only five!"
"I know that, but he asked, and I could not refuse my own son."
"Yes, you can, Robin. If you cannot say no to your children, how will they learn discipline?"
"From you, apparently."
"Could you please be serious?" She released an exasperated sigh. "I'm tired of having this argument over and over again."
"I know you are." Robin reached for his wife's hands and pulled her back down to the bed. "I'm sorry. I didn't think it would upset you. But I do believe that I should begin teaching Edward now, because you know as well as I do that life may change and he will need these skills."
Marian pursed her lips and gazed at him for one long, tense moment. "I know," she said finally. "But you should know better than to give a sword to a child. I don't want either of you to get hurt."
"I know," he said again. "I wasn't thinking. I'm sorry." His hand cupped her cheek and he drew her to him, lips finding hers. Her own hand slid up his arm to his neck as she sank into his kiss.
"Now," Robin breathed as he broke away, a crooked smirk appearing on his face. "Edward has run off to tell Much all about how he bested his famous father, so we have some time to ourselves..."
She rolled her eyes. Gently, she placed her palm on his bare chest and pushed him away. "Not now." She stood up and began to walk to the door.
"Marian..."
She paused with one hand on the doorframe, looking at him over her shoulder. His wounded expression was betrayed by the mischief sparkling in his eyes.
"We are married, Robin," she pointed out, smiling. "We have all the time in the world."
Fin