Title: Just Rewards
Rating: G
Summary: He thought his life would change once King Richard returned.
Author's Note: bitter!Much is new for me and I have no idea where he came from. Enjoy him while he's here! And please don't flame (yes, Robin-fans, I'm talking to you); it's not nice.
He thought his life would change once King Richard returned. He thought that the years spent following Robin, years where he lived in deserts and in forests, slept on sand and on rotting leaves, would be rewarded. He thought that maybe, just this once, Robin would remember his promise, would for once allow himself to be inconvenienced and Much to be rewarded.
Much should have learned long ago that Robin speaks pretty words but there is little meaning behind them.
Nothing changes for Much after the King's return. He stays with Robin, loyal and helpful but slightly less adoring than in previous years.
Robin returns home, gloriously redeemed and adored by the villagers. He marries Marian and suddenly it's like the last eight years never happened. Memories of the Sheriff are quickly forgotten and Locksley is once again the prosperous, peaceful village it had been in years past.
And Much remains quietly in the background, remembering everything, forgiving nothing.