Chapter 10: Don't get your knickers in a twist
"You want to go to the Yogi tonight?" Robin asked as he flopped down onto the arm of Marian's arm chair.
"Awesome!" Allan cheered.
"Yeah, great," Marian replied, rolling her eyes. "One problem – we aren't 18."
"So what?" Robin shrugged carelessly. "It's Thursday, student night. They don't ID."
"My dad would never go for it," she argued.
"Tell him you're staying at Djaq's."
Djaq snorted. "Like my parents would let me have a friend over on a school night."
"She isn't actually going to be staying over, stupid," Allan said teasingly. "Come on, haven't you girls ever lied to your parents before? Djaq, you say you're staying at Marian's. Marian, you say you're staying at Djaq's."
"And where do we actually sleep, oh clever one?" Marian asked sarcastically.
Allan grinned lecherously in response and received blows from two cushions, one thrown by each of the girls. "Oh don't get your knickers in a twist. You can all kip at mine. My dad's going to be away."
Will looked up sharply, an unvoiced question hanging in the air between him and Allan. Allan gave a tiny, almost imperceptible nod without making eye contact with him. Will knew what 'away' meant.
"There," Robin grinned. "Sorted. So who's in?"
"Me!" Allan replied immediately. Marian and Djaq eyed each other nervously then nodded slowly. Will shrugged, but inside he was thrilled to get to spend an evening outside of school with Djaq.
"Eve, do you need an alibi?" Allan asked.
"Nope, my parents don't care what I do," she replied. "Count me in."
"Much?" Robin asked. His oldest friend was sitting primly on a chair, arms folded across his chest, trying to look aloof over the rims of his glasses. "Much?" Robin said again.
"I think it's a stupid idea," Much told him flatly. "We won't get in, and we'll just all get embarrassed at the door. And if by some miracle we do sneak in, you'll get drunk, throw yourself at Marian, and make a fool of yourself."
"Then I'll need you to look after me, won't I?" Robin grinned winningly.
Much sighed. "Fine. But I want it on record that if it all goes wrong, I told you so."
"Consider it duly recorded," Robin teased him.
"Come over at seven," Allan told them. "You can have a few drinks at mine if you want."
"I have such a bad feeling about this," Much muttered, but everyone ignored him.
XX
"I really don't think this is a good idea." Much was still fretting even as he and Robin walked to Allan's house that night.
"Much, will you please relax?" Robin replied. He was used to talking his friend out of paranoid moments, but Much was really wound up about the night ahead. "You worry too much."
"But I'm not just worried about me, I'm worried about all of you! Especially – " He stopped talking, sensing that he had let his mouth run away with him again.
"Especially who?" Robin asked, instantly alert for gossip. "Especially Eve?"
Much shook his head resolutely, but his blush gave him away. "Yes," he admitted with a sigh. "I don't think a nightclub is the kind of place she should be going."
Robin raised in eyebrow. "What are you, her father now? Her moral compass? I'm pretty sure Eve can manage a night out in a club."
"It's not that simple Robin!" Much snapped. "I just think something's up with her. You saw her at our party – she was wasted! And I've heard Marian say that she gets drunk quite a lot. She's only sixteen."
"We all drink," Robin replied with a shrug. "I'm sure she can handle it."
"Well that's just it, I don't think she can! I think there's something going on at home she won't tell us about, and she's drinking and smoking and God knows what else…I just don't think a nightclub is the kind of environment she needs to be in right now!" he finished desperately.
Robin stopped walking and turned to face his friend. "Look, I think it's great that you care about her. I know you like her, and you'd be great for her. But if you keep acting like her father she's just going to push you away."
"So what am I meant to do? Stop caring?"
"You can care about her without smothering her and treating her like a child," Robin replied. "Hey, speak of the devil." He pointed ahead to where Marian and Eve were approaching them, both dressed for a night out. Robin let out a wolf whistle. "Looking good!" he shouted to them.
Marian rolled her eyes and Much leant a bit closer to Robin. "Maybe you should stop treating her like a piece of meat," he whispered.
They joined the girls outside Allan's house, a modest mid-terrace with a wrought iron gate that creaked noisily as they pushed it open. Both Marian and Eve wobbled unsteadily in their high heels as the four crunched up the gravel path, Robin and Much reaching out automatically to steady them.
"I'm impressed," Marian said to Robin as they reached the doorstep. "Acting like a gentleman, and you didn't even try to cop a feel."
"What can I say?" Robin replied, winking at her. "Maybe I'm growing up."
Marian snorted as she rang the doorbell, Allan throwing the door open within seconds. "Looking lovely ladies!" he greeted them. "You too, Robin."
Much scowled at the cocky teen as he pushed past him into the house. Allan just chuckled merrily, following him into the living room.
Will and Djaq were sitting on the sofa, Will in jeans and shirt and Djaq in a pair of combat trousers and an old t-shirt. She stood up as Marian walked in.
"I've got a few options for you in here," Marian said, patting the overstuffed backpack that was slung over her shoulder. Djaq smiled at her gratefully.
"What, you mean you aren't wearing that?" Allan teased.
Djaq rolled her eyes. "I couldn't leave the house in a skirt, not with my parents thinking I was going to study at Marians!"
"Come on, lets try these on," Marian beckoned her forwards.
"Much as I'd love a peepshow, you can change in my room," Allan offered, chucking a thumb towards the ceiling.
As Marian and Djaq trotted up the stairs Eve reached into her own bag, pulling out a sleeping bag and then a bottle of gin that had been buried underneath it. Allan had put glasses out on the coffee table and she grabbed one, pouring out the alcohol. Much threw Robin a pointed look.
Shaking his head, Robin looked over at Allan. "Where's your dad?" he asked.
"At my auntie's," Allan replied quickly, turning his back to the room as he fiddled with the CD player. Robin nodded and sat down, but Will looked at Allan's back in concern, noticing the taut muscles in the back of his neck.
XX
Upstairs, Marian and Djaq had been distracted from their fashion show, choosing instead to have a nose around Allan's room. It was surprisingly tidy for Allan, but was quite impersonal; just four blue walls, a plain blue bedspread, a wardrobe and a desk with a neat stack of books upon it. There were a couple of t-shirts discarded on the floor, and not much else
"Look at this," Djaq smiled, walking over to the desk and seeing two framed photos upon it. She picked one of them up, showing it to Marian, who laughed at the picture of Allan and Will as bright-eyed, knobbly-kneed ten year olds, both with beaming smiles.
"This must be his dad," Marian said, picking up the other photo. It depicted an even younger Allan upon the shoulders of a tall man with the same prominent nose and bright blue eyes as their friend.
"Do you know what happened to his mum?" Djaq asked, dropping her voice.
Marian shook her head. "I think she left, when he was little. I don't think she died."
"That's really sad," Djaq said softly, touching the glass that protected the image with her fingertips. "What?" she asked, realising that Marian was giving her a funny look.
"You…and Allan?" Marian asked.
Djaq snorted. "No way," she insisted, unaware that her blush was giving her away. "Besides, he likes Eve."
"No he doesn't!" Marian replied. "They only kissed. That's just Allan."
"Doesn't matter anyway," Djaq shrugged. "Come on, I'd better get ready."
As soon as she had settled on an outfit and got changed the pair clattered down the stairs and back into the living room. Will looked up and almost choked on his mouthful of beer as he saw Djaq, quickly lowering his intense eyes and surreptitiously wiping his mouth.
"Are you alright, Will?" the girl in question asked innocently, returning to her spot on the sofa beside him.
"Mmm," Will managed to squeak out, holding his arms stiffly by his sides to avoid brushing against Djaq.
After an hour spent chatting and drinking Robin checked his watch. "I think we should get going," he told them, stretching his arms above his head.
"Me too," Allan agreed excitedly, bouncing to his feet. "I cannot wait to get my dancing shoes on, show you all some moves…" He span in a circle and then did an awkward, shuffling moonwalk.
"The only move you'll be making is to the madhouse," Much muttered.
Allan froze and Will winced, waiting for an explosion that never came. Allan just grabbed his jacket and left the house, shrugging Will's comforting hand from his shoulder and ignoring everyone until they reached the bus stop at the end of the road.
"I hope the music is good," he said, plastering his usual grin onto his face. The ensuing argument about what constituted 'good' music was cut short as the double decker bus lumbered up the road towards them.
"Oh no," Djaq groaned as she fumbled in her purse for bus fare.
"You okay?" Will, standing behind her, asked.
"I forgot to get change," she replied, blushing bright red as she held up the bus. "I guess I should…" She gestured as if she was going to get off the bus, but Will pulled out his wallet.
"Here," he said quietly, dropping enough fare for the two of them into the slot.
"Thanks," she said gratefully. "You didn't have to – "
"I wanted to," he interrupted her, and sat down. Djaq sat behind him, next to Much, and stared at the back of the quiet boy's head. She didn't think she had ever met someone quite so considerate.
The bus arrived in the city centre and the gang trooped off it, butterflies beginning to flutter in more than one stomach as the prospect of sneaking into a club underage finally seemed real. Even Robin faltered slightly, before taking the lead and striding confidently in the direction of the club.
There was a short queue to get in and they joined the back of it. As they reached the bouncers Robin went first, greeting them with a cheery "Evening, mate," and walking straight past. Marian followed, then Will, Eve, Much, and Djaq, with Allan bringing up the rear. Much had insisted on an entry plan, with the rationale that bouncers were more likely to let in pretty girls, and if they were each followed by a boy they would assume that they were together. Allan was at the back as out of anyone he would be able to talk his way in.
"We did it!" Eve hissed gleefully as they congregated inside the club, looking round in awe.
"This is awesome," Robin said gleefully. "I told you it was a good idea. Bar?"
"I'm just going to the loo," Djaq excused herself, dashing off as the others made their way to the bar. When she returned she found Marian, Eve, Robin and Allan already throwing some quite interesting shapes on the dance floor. Much was sitting at the bar tucking into a bowl of peanuts, and as she smiled fondly at him Will appeared at her side. He handed her a drink silently, eyes fixed on the dance floor.
"Thanks," Djaq said awkwardly, looking down at the glass. "But I don't – "
"I know you don't drink," Will said, still staring resolutely at the dance floor, his voice barely audible over the pounding music. "It's cranberry juice."
Djaq stared at the profile of his face in shock. He had noticed she didn't drink, and what her favourite drink was?
"Well – thank you," she told him genuinely, taking a sip of the juice. "I'll get the next round."
Will shrugged as if to say it didn't matter, lifting his beer to his lips and taking a swig. Allan bounded towards them, seemingly drunk on the atmosphere, bouncing around them as if he had springs attached to the balls of his feet.
"Are you coming to dance?" he asked. "C'mon Djaq, come and dance with me!" He reached out and grabbed her hands, knocking the glass out of her grip so it smashed against the floor. "Whoops!" He gave a grin in lieu of an apology and danced his way back to the others.
Djaq stared after him, barely noticing that Will had disappeared from her side. She turned back to him and found him gone, then saw he was back at the bar. As she joined him he was ordering her another drink.
"I'll get it," she said, reaching for her purse.
"It's okay," Will replied.
"No it's not! Allan should be paying for it, he spilled it!" she replied indignantly.
"Don't worry, I'll get the money off him later," Will placated her.
They both knew that he wouldn't.
XX
Robin was struggling to take his eyes off Marian, who was dancing and giggling happily in front of him. Reaching out he caught her hand and span her around, before pulling her into him and dipping her backwards.
He pulled her back up and Marian's laughter faded as she looked over his shoulder.
"Look what the cat dragged in," she said in disgust. Twisting round Robin saw Guy and some of his friends walking into the club.
"Thought I could smell something bad," he laughed, waving his hand in front of his nose as if trying to get rid of a bad smell.
"He's seen us," Marian groaned, before turning to Robin in panic. "What if he tells the bouncers we're underage?"
"Then we tell them he is too! Don't worry, he isn't going to spoil tonight," he reassured her, before making her laugh again by twirling her in an elaborate spin.
A while later Robin went to the bathroom. He was washing his hands when he saw Guy appear in the mirror behind him.
"For one awful moment there I thought that was my reflection," he said to Guy as he turned round. "How can you cope with seeing that – " he indicated Guy's face " – in the mirror everyday?"
Guy's face twisted into a scowl. "I'd be very careful if I were you Locksley," he warned, his voice low and threatening. "You really must be as stupid as you look if you haven't realised by now that I can get you in trouble like that." He snapped his fingers together, the sharp sound echoing on the tiled walls. "A couple of quiet words to Mr. Vaysey and you can kiss Oak Tree and your precious Marian goodbye."
"Are you threatening me?" Robin asked, squaring up to him. "You may have been able to bully the rest of the school into submission before I came along, but I'm not scared of you."
Guy snorted. "Robin Locksley, freedom fighter and champion of the losers! You're pathetic, Locksley. You really thinking putting on some stupid pantomime is making a stand for justice?"
"At least I'm doing something to help other people, instead of skulking around in the shadows," Robin replied.
"All you're doing is helping yourself!" Guy spat back at him. "Putting on Snow White with Marian as the lead, and you as Prince Charming. So predictable! You, Locksley, are shallow, and transparent, and pathetic."
"It's a shame we've already cast the evil stepmother," Robin replied. "You're certainly bitter and twisted enough for that part. But don't worry, you can have front row seats and I'll wave to you after I've kissed Marian." Winking at the irate Gisborne he shoved past him and back into the club.
XX
Much watched as Eve stumbled towards him. He was worried about her, but couldn't help but smile at the grin lighting up her face.
"Hi hi!" she greeted him, hitching herself up onto the stool next to him and signalling the barman.
"Hi hi," Much returned with a laugh. "Having fun?"
She nodded. "This is brilliant," she told him. "You haven't danced yet, you have to come and dance!"
"I will," he promised. "But I'm warning you, I have two left feet!"
"Well I have two right feet, so we'll make a good pair," she said with a giggle.
Much's smile faded slightly as he watched her take a deep swig of the fresh drink that the barman had placed in front of her. "Eve, can I talk to you for a minute?" he asked her.
"Of course," she replied, looking at him in interest. "What's up?"
"Is everything okay?" he began hesitantly.
Eve visibly tensed, the grip on her drink tightening. "Everything is fine," she replied, avoiding his eyes. "Why?"
"It was just that night I saw you at your house, there was an argument…and before, you said your parents don't care what you do…" He trailed off as Eve's eyes clouded over with anger.
"Everybody argues," she snapped at him, sliding off her bar stool. "I'm fine, just leave me alone."
"I was just worried about you!" he protested.
"I'm not yours to worry about!" she hissed, before disappearing back towards the dance floor.
Much groaned, mentally slapping himself for so successfully putting his big fat foot in it. He dragged himself off his stool and followed Eve, intending to apologise to her, but stopped dead as he reached the edge of the dance floor and saw the girl march straight up to Allan, grab him, and start kissing him.
"Here we go again," Marian sighed as she saw them kissing. Robin followed her gaze, then looked round quickly for Much. He soon found his friend, who was watching the pair with a distraught look on his face.
"Don't, Much," Robin called out as Much walked past him. He reached out to stop him, but Much shrugged him off and kept walking until he reached Allan and grabbed his shoulder, pulling him away from Eve.
"Get away from her!" he snapped.
Allan raised an eyebrow. "Alright, mate? Can't you see you're interrupting something here?"
"Just leave her alone!" Much insisted, his voice faltering slightly as Allan's eyes hardened.
"I'm not doing anything she doesn't want me to do. Am I?" he added, directing his question towards Eve.
"No," she assured him, glaring at Much. "Just go away, Much."
"I won't! You –" he pointed a shaking finger towards Eve " – are only doing this to make yourself feel better! And you – " he indicated Allan " – are taking advantage of her!"
"Just back off," Allan snarled at Much. Robin quickly went to stand by his friend as he realised Allan was squaring up for a fight.
"I'm sorry – no, wait, I'm not sorry!" Much continued, even though he was clearly getting nervous. "I care about Eve, and this isn't right! Don't you care?"
"Of course I care!" Allan snapped, his eyes flashing angrily. "I'm just not a Mother Hen like you! Go and fret over somebody else, Eve doesn't need you."
Much mouthed wordlessly at him, for once speechless.
"He's right," Eve hissed at him. "Go away and stop embarrassing yourself."
His eyes filling with hurt, Much turned and practically ran off. Robin sighed and took off after him.
"You alright?" Allan asked Eve.
She nodded. "Going to the bar," she muttered, and disappeared as well.
Allan shrugged helplessly at Marian, who shook her head. Even she didn't know what was going on in Eve's mind.
XX
"I want to go home," Much insisted to Robin, who had caught him up just before he left the club. "You lot can stay, but I'm going."
Robin shook his head. "I may be a useless mate sometimes, but you aren't going home alone in this state. Look, let me go and fetch the others and we'll leave. Just wait here."
Much sighed and conceded, leaning against the wall with his arms folded across his chest. Robin disappeared back into the throng, scanning the dance floor for their friends.
He couldn't see anyone, but then noticed Marian near the edge of the floor. She was with someone, but it wasn't one of the gang…
Robin frowned as he realised it was Guy that had accosted her. He knew that Marian could look after herself but he was filled with fury as Guy reached out and touched her arm.
He pushed his way through the crowd, letting out a growl as he watched Guy drag Marian roughly towards him and plant a kiss on her lips. Marian was pushing him away but Robin lunged forward, grabbing Guy's arm and twisting it behind him, pulling him away from her.
"Don't you dare touch her!" he shouted, his fist clenching.
"Robin, don't!" Marian called from somewhere behind him. Robin's eyes darted away from Guy as he looked for her, but the next thing he saw was a fist swinging heavily towards his nose.
Author's Note: Ohhh the angst! Ohhh the teenage shenanigans!! I really enjoyed writing this chapter. I hope you liked reading it!
I'm trying to post as much as I can before I start work (booo) on Wednesday. Also, I want to get to chapter 12...you will see why when I post it ;-)
Oh, and going off on a random tangent...I found an American review of Angel of Death earlier, because it only aired in the States a few weeks ago. They dared to comment on Harry Lloyd's lack of acting skills and said he should be "seen and not heard" !! That really, really annoyed me, because if you ask me he should have more screen time! Not just for obvious reasons ;-) but because he really is a cracking little actor in the making. You only have to see things like his Doctor Who appearance, and read reviews of his theatre work, to be able to tell that. If anything, RH totally underused him - exhibit A, the love confession in the barn (sorry, but I think it was ridiculous). It just came out the blue, and we'd had no chance for any Will-character-build up, because all he does is stand and look pretty in the background. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but you know what I mean! Sorry, rant over!
Thanks the the reviews, and...review again? Please?? I plead with Will puppy dog eyes...