I do not own Robin Hood BBC or the characters. Only my own thoughts and that's even questionable.
Knowing something of the loss of a brother-in-arms.
Dedicated to my best friend (Sasquatch). I held you as you died.
For where you have gone I have yet to follow.
(Calvin)
Prologue:
Deviations from script;
Much's talking and ignorance is only an act so he doesn't have to fight as he tends to forget not to kill.
Much survived the Holy Land and fought alongside his master as Robin said in the very first episode. Therefore, he must be at least as good, and knowing how protective he is of his best friend, probably better.
Like my twin we seem to be able to know each other's thoughts and feelings as well as where the other one is. These thoughts/feelings are represented by words here but words cannot truly describe it.
Marian didn't die in the Holy Land, and Djaq and Will returned with Robin and the gang.
For some background to my stories please read:
SilasBrandybuck, Mentor and beta reader. You-ll-Be-the-Death-of-Me
Also:
Empathise-Much
I-Was-There-When-You-Died
Closer Than Before
It's been three years to the day since the passing of his father. The new young Earl of Huntington slams open the front doors and hastily strides out of his manor with a set look on his face followed by his personal manservant and the eyes of his villagers. He strides past them and up the hill, past his and Much's favorite spot, and on into the late evening woods. The young blond man following him dashes the cloth cap from his head and tucks it under his belt as he loyally follows his best friend and master.
Robin strides single-minded deeper into the forest with his head down and eyes locked forwards. The noise of the dead leaves and debris on the ground allow him to hear the familiar stride of his best friend and servant following him and yells over his shoulder and calls back to him, "Leave me alone!" He jerks his right arm violently backwards and with a hitch in his voice and yells, "Be gone! GO AWAY!" But the sound of his manservant's footsteps persistently continues after him. Annoyed, Robin abruptly turns and takes a quick step back towards his manservant causing him to almost lose his balance as he too must unexpectedly stop.
Robin, his body slightly forward fists clinched, arms stiffly downwards by his side, yells angrily into his servant's face close enough to make his hair move, "Didn't you hear me? Be gone! Or I'll throw you out on your ear!" After his outburst the only sounds come from the cool wind through the leaves and the movements of the creatures of the forest. Robin glares at this man who's been by his side since birth and who is now staunchly standing before him peering unnervingly deep into his soul with the intense love and concern of a brother radiating from his face and eyes.
Much, having weathered these disturbingly increasing outbursts and abrupt mood swings before, gazes deep into his master's watering eyes and red face for a moment feeling his torment, then takes a firm step forward, and before his best friend can react, grips him in a fierce bear hug with their heads cheek to cheek. Robin struggles to break free but Much, being stronger from his physical work as a servant, holds on and whispers quietly into his best friend's ear, "Let it go. It's only me."
Robin begins to weep as he slowly stops struggling. He throws his arms around his servant's back, clutches his best friend to him and begins to violently sob . Much feels his master's chest heave against him as his head relaxes against his shoulder and neck and his tears slowly form a wet, warm spot on his back. They shift their arms and hold onto each other even more tightly. Much, being strong for the both of them, stands firm taking his master's weight as he leans up against him even after his grieving master's sorrow is spent.
Then, with tears of his own from his master's cruel threat, he tells him quietly, "Master, as you wish I will leave." Robin, feeling the pain he once again has caused his best friend, shakes his head against his friend's shoulder and whispers back, "No Much, I didn't mean it and I never want you to go. You're my rock, my only family and I don't know what I'd do without you. Please don't leave me."
After a few moments Robin lifts his head, gently pushes away and tries to laugh, "Besides, who else would put up with me?" Much, not feeling the humor he portrays, says, "Marian?" Robin smiles at the thought of her and replies, "Maybe, but it just wouldn't be the same." Much removes the cap from his belt and hands it to his best friend. Robin takes the cloth cap that his best friend offers him and wipes his eyes with it then hands it back grinning in thanks as Much wipes his own and puts his cap back on. They turn, and side-by-side, throw their arms around each others shoulders and walk back to the manor even closer than before.
~~~~~~~~~ FIN ~~~~~~~~~~
Knowing something of the loss of a brother-in-arms.
I held him as he died.
Dedicated to my best friend (Sasquatch).
For where you have gone I have yet to follow.
(Calvin)