Robin Hood Rewrite Chapter 1

Disclaimers:

Any recognizable characters belong to Tiger Aspect. No copyright infringement intended and no profit is being made.

Authur's notes:

What you need to know about this story: Some additional scenes and adjustments to existing scenes start this story and then it continues after episode 11 of series 2, "Treasure of the Nation". The time between the end of "Treasure of the Nation" and "A Good Day to Die" is 2 weeks at most. It is my humble attempt to fix the plot holes and character assignations in the ending of series 2. If you recognize anything, I do not own it and this is written solely for fun.

Additional scene post "Get Carter" (I have always felt that some relationship growth must have occurred between "Get Carter" and "Lardner" in order for Robin to get to the point where he felt that he could propose. So this is my version of what happened that evening after the "truce" scene.)

Setting: Outlaw's camp at dinner time. The gang including Robin and Marian are finishing up a dinner of squirrel stew that Much has prepared for them.

Robin is sitting across the camp from Marian. He catches Marian's eye and nods towards the camp's exit, silently saying "come with me". Robin gets up, puts his plate in the kitchen area and heads out. Much starts to say something but is stopped by quelling looks from Djaq and Little John. Marian follows after and when she reaches him, Robin reaches out and takes hold of her hand. This elicits a small smile from Marian. She is happy that they are comfortable again with these gestures of affection.

Much just can't help himself and calls out, "Master, where are you going?"

Robin: "Just for a walk, Much. We won't wander far, I promise"

Marian, quietly for Robin's ears only "Much is such a worrier"

Robin: "You know he means well"

Little John stops Much from following after the pair. "Much, leave them be!" He is relieved that the tension between Robin and Marian seems to have dissipated but he knows they still have some things to work out. It's a feeling the whole gang shares. Things have been tense, distracting them from their mission.

Robin and Marian continue walking silently hand in hand for a while. Robin clearly has something on his mind and Marian wonders what it is but is reluctant to intrude on their peace. Eventually Robin says, "I never did thank you for saving my life today."

Marian, "No, you didn't."

Robin, "But did you have to kiss Gisbourne?"

"Robin, it was the only way I could think of at that moment to distract him! You really would have been dead if he had caught you in the castle!... (in a lower tone) serves you right for tying me up!"

Robin chooses to not respond to that last remark but feels better knowing what Marian's true motivation was. Of course it was her way of getting back at him as well. It was all so typical of how they related to one another, never the direct route. Starting tonight he was going to change that.

They continue walking until they reach a copse of trees by a brook. Robin sits down at the base of a large oak and gently pulls her down to sit next to him. Facing Marian he reaches out and tucks a strand of hair behind her ear and says with sincerity, "Thank you for saving my life, again."

Touched, Marian responds "You're very welcome. Even though I was angry with you for tying me up and telling me to stay at the camp, I couldn't bear the thought of something happening to you."

"About that…Marian, are you sure you are ready to join my gang?"

"Yes! I know you didn't want me to make a rash decision in my grief, but that's not what this is. I want to be a real member of the gang."

"Well, if you're sure….close you eyes", Robin responds.

"Why?" Marian asks with suspicion.

"I have a surprise for you."

"You know I don't like surprises….."

"Trust me"

Marian closes her eyes with trepidation. She hears Robin rustling around then feels him put something over her head and then untuck her hair from what feels to be a cord of some type.

"All right, open your eyes."

Marian does and looks down. Hanging around her neck on a leather cord is one of the gang's tags. She picks it up and examines it. This one is a bit smaller than the ones the rest of the gang wears. The gang's symbol is on one side and their initials, R&M are on the other side.

Robin has been waiting rather impatiently as Marian examines her "surprise". When she finally looks up there are tears shimmering in her eyes. "Does that mean you like it?" queries a worried Robin.

For once Marian is speechless, so she responds by putting her arms around Robin's neck and pulling him in for a thank you kiss. When they come up for air, Robin has his trademark cocky grin on his face but it is tempered with tenderness, "I'll take that as a yes!"

"Robin, it's the best surprise I've ever gotten. Now I'm officially a member of the gang and that can't ever be taken away from me."

Robin leans in and kisses Marian again. After the kiss ends Robin reluctantly stands up and holds his hand out for her. "We should get back before Much sends out a search party."

Marian takes his hand and stands. "Yes, can't let the mother hen worry too much."

With a last hug the pair walks back, hand in hand again, to the camp. Just before they enter the camp Robin stops them and turns to face Marian. Remembering his thoughts on changing their relationship, Robin lifts his hand to cup her cheek. Looking deep into her beautiful blue eyes, "Marian, I love you."

Marian gasps softly at this. She is a bit surprised that Robin is stating his feelings so openly and directly. But never one to back down she puts her hand over his and replies "I love you too, Robin." They share one last sweet kiss and enter the sleeping camp and retire for the night.

(End scene.)