Here it is! So, this will be the last chapter for a while because my easily distracted brain has fallen into a lapse and I can't think of the next one. I have ideas, but no word flow. I'm going to sit down and watch the entire first season in one shot one of these days. That should help me write. It is driving me nuts, but enough of my problems. Here is your story:

Disclaimer: I own nothing. Seriously. (Though if I did own some of these actors, I would have to rent closet space from a friend. you know, to keep them in. my closet is full.)

Chapter 4 in which the problem solves itself, with a little help from those involved

Where is he? thought Djaq worriedly. It was almost dinner and Will had still not come back. Maybe he'll come back for the food. He has to eat, right? He stuffed a roll into one of her pockets, just in case. The food was going fast.

-zzz-

After dinner (bread and cheese tonight, thankfully no dishes) the group began to talk. Djaq was distracted. She couldn't stop thinking of Will and felt as if she was about to explode. Being Djaq, she decided to take matters into her own hands.

"I'm going for a walk." Djaq announced and walked off into the forest. If he's not coming back, then I'm going to look for him.

-zzz-

As soon as Djaq was out of earshot, discussion of "the talk" began.

"So how did it go?" asked Allan.

"We all know how Robin's talk went." little john growled.

"Ok, yeah, we do," agreed Much. "Robin, what did you say?"

"Nothing." Robin sounded innocent. The others glared. "At least, nothing he didn't deserve."

Little John growled and shot a dangerous look at their leader.

"They are going to split this group up!"

"It doesn't matter." said Allan, for once being the voice of reason. "We can't change it. How did yours go little john?"

He would never know what made him do it, but little john decided not to tell them.

"She didn't get that mad," he said, with every syllable thinking Lord, I'm turning into Allan!

-zzz-

Djaq had been wandering aimlessly for a while. She had no idea where he would be, but she could not stop looking. Djaq realized that the stream was nearby and, noticing for the first time how thirsty she was, headed in that direction. And there he was. She had finally found him.

Will turned as she approached. They stood there for a moment, the Djaq suddenly blurted out "I'm so sorry!"

"Why?" Will looked confused. "It was my fault. I'm just stupid, I guess"

"You're not stupid."

"Yes, I am, because I made you hate me."

"Hate you?" Djaq laughed. "Why would I hate you? I was just surprised, that is all."

'Surprised…?"

"Well, you didn't give me any sort of warning at all. It just… happened. And then you left."

"What kind of warning did you expect?"

"I don't know! You could have said can I kiss you… or… or something!"

"Did you honestly expect me to say that?" Will was fighting laughter just to get the words out. It occurred to Djaq just how absurd that sounded. And, suddenly, they were both laughing, holding on to each other to stay standing, and finally, collapsing onto the ground in a fit of mirth. When at last the two could catch their breath, they looked around. The sun was nearly set.

"We should get back." Will said, a touch of resentment in his voice. He stood up and put out a hand to help Djaq. She smiled and took his hand.

"Don't get used to it" she said, half jokingly. Will was euphoric, just from the knowledge that she didn't hate him. That she might even like him. They headed back to camp, holding hands and walking slowly, extending the moment as long as they could.

They arrived at the edge of camp all too soon. There was only a thin layer of trees between them and everyone. Both stopped.

"What should we say?" Will asked.

"I don't think we should tell them just yet."

"Why?" Will looked at Djaq questioningly. Then he thought about it. "You're right. Robin would be upset and they don't really need to know."

"Of course I'm right. Wait a few minutes before you come." Djaq kissed his cheek, then walked into the clearing. Will could hear then welcoming her back, asking where she'd been. He smiled. Nothing would split this group. He took a last moment to bask in his newfound joy, counted to ten and entered camp.

so cute and fluffy, aren't they? you know, you could probably end it right there. however, i'm not going to. i swear i'll finish it!

please review. and please nothing along the lines of " i hate you for not updating faster." or any like that. my life is busy. i try. that's the best i can do. :)