Disclaimer: Standard- I own not.

Notes: Thank you for the reviews! And just getting this one up to speed over here.. a few more and it should be caught up.

Letter excerpt- Trish Stratus to Jeff Hardy

August 11th, 2005

We arrived yesterday in Nottingham, the very first out of manor stay since our arrival to Europe. As Lisa, Amy and I had talked about, it's hard to believe that we've only been here a little over a week. I can't really say that much has happened since our arrival, but, I will at least say this-- our mutual best friend has some serious denial issues! One of our faculty advisors, the one who actually met us at the airport.. Well, she claims it's because they spend so much time together since he is her faculty advisor and all that but.. She's starting to talk like him, act like him.. Jeff, it's insane! And not only that, but I mentioned the denial issue? It's pretty clear to both me and Lisa that he likes her, though Ames will argue until she's blue in the face that he doesn't. Or that he only likes her as a friend-- give me a break! You remember how John always used to act around her, right? Well picture that... I'm not trying to say that Jason (or Jay as Amy likes to call him) is anything like John, in fact, they're practically opposites. It's the way he looks at her, and again.. if you ask Amy, there is no 'way' he looks at her.. but she's ignoring it-- trust me. And, maybe it's just me, but I'm pretty sure she does like him in some way, other than the obvious you know? If she'd just come to terms with it, I don't doubt for a second that he would treat her right..

"Are you almost done with that?"

Anyway, I have to go for now. The sun just started to rise here on the farm, yes I said farm. We're staying on a farm. Ames, Lisa and I are sharing one cottage, the guys (John, Randy, Chris and our four faculty advisors are in the renovated barn) .. it's one of those self sufficient farms too, so we're pretty much responsible for making our own breakfast.. Well we would be if we weren't heading out for meals and whatever.

"Patricia Anne, come on! We've got to meet everyone for breakfast in five minutes. I really don't feel like walking to whatever restaurant we're going to."

We start our archery lessons later, so I'll write more about that.. If I can write anyway..

"Trisha, I'm serious. If you don't--"

"I'm done," Trish set the piece of paper and pen away, "are you happy now?"

Amy arched an eyebrow, "we were supposed to meet everyone outside at sunrise. It's past sunrise now. And we've got a really busy day ahead of us. The archery lessons in the morning, plus--"

"I know Ames," Trish pulled her blond locks back into a loose ponytail. "We've got that one tour of Sherwood Forest, mid-morning history lesson on the legend of Robin Hood... Afternoon, I can't remember what they said we're going to do but--"

"Then let's go," Lisa held the door open, "if we're lucky, it won't rain today which means we won't be stuck inside all day."

Amy chewed thoughtfully on her lower lip, "well.. Even if it does rain today, Jay had mentioned something about an under-ground cave attraction in Nottingham. He assured me that it does relate to the course of study, so that would provide for a suitable--"

Trish smirked, "you're doing it again.." the blond teased in a sing-song voice. "It's just like me and Lisa were trying to tell you on the way here."

"And it's like I told the two of you yesterday, I really don't see what the big deal is." Amy walked outside first, "so my speech is starting to change a little--"

"A lot," Trish interrupted as she followed behind closely. "And you also call him Jay. Not Jason, not Mr. Reso.."

Amy sighed, "what's the point of this Trish.."

Trish arched an eyebrow, "the same one I've been trying to get across to you for the past few days. He likes you, duh. And if you were willing to admit to yourself--"

Amy let out a huff, "I'm not admitting anything to myself because there's nothing to admit. I already told you two how I feel. He's my friend at the most... That's all there is to it, okay? And if you wouldn't mind, I'd rather not talk about this anymore. There's nothing left to discuss."

The blond woman frowned at her best friend's back, the redhead walking past those already gathered near the cars before entering one and promptly shutting the door. "Well that didn't go well at all."

Lisa shook her head, "great going Trish.. First thing in the morning and you've already managed to piss her off to the point where she's probably going to ignore the rest of us for the day."

"I know that Lise and I really don't mean to make her that angry, but.. I just want to see her happy." Trish sighed, the two females hanging towards the back of the larger group. "She hasn't really dated anyone since Freshman year, and yeah, maybe that isn't that long but.. The last time she was really happy? I can't remember and I'm her best friend."

"I get that much Trish, but really.. Maybe you should just back off a bit.. Let Amy sort this out for herself--"

"That will take forever," Trish said dryly, "and we don't have forever. We only have until May."

Lisa rolled her eyes, "which is still a good chunk of time, I'm sure something will happen by then."

Trish shrugged, the blond woman suddenly smirking as everyone else started to get into the waiting vehicles. "Well, if Amy won't tell me anything..."

"I really don't think that's a good idea Trishers.."

"It can't hurt.. And besides, Amy is my best friend. I'm just looking out for her."

Lisa sighed, "whatever. Just remember, it's your funeral." Having said that, the taller woman entered one of the cars. She did understand the point that Trish was trying to make but, at the same time.. It wasn't her business.

Trish, meanwhile, had managed to get into the same car as Jason and John. And maybe it wasn't such a good idea to bring up the particular subject with John nearby, but... Trish wanted answers.. "So.. Amy tells me that Nottingham has caves?"

Jason nodded shortly, "that is quite correct, Ms. Stratus. As I had informed Ms. Dumas the night prior, it is quite the popular tourist attraction, though, she still expressed an interest in viewing them at some point during our stay here in Nottinghamshire."

"I see," Trish glanced quickly to John, whom for all intensive purposes was seemingly ignoring the conversation. "Were you planning on visiting then?"

"I was going to keep it in mind, should any of you students wish to view them. There are quite a few things to see whilst in the area... Not just the famed Sherwood forest." His forehead etched lightly as he thought. "Shane had also mentioned that there will be a DH Lawrence Festival in Eastwood, which is approximately ten kilometres West from Nottingham."

Trish nodded slowly, "and you were planning to attend? With Amy and John, I meant.. since it is part of the course of study.."

Jason nodded shortly, "I had intended upon such, that is correct. It is not a mandatory visit, however."

Checking John again, Trish came to the delighted realisation that he was engrossed in his i Pod. "So you were just planning on taking Amy?"

"I have yet to bring up the event as I was only recently informed," Jason replied honestly. "Do forgive me if I seem rude, Ms. Stratus but--"

"What are your intentions towards her?" Trish nearly demanded to know, "seriously.. I know you're her faculty advisor, so I would like to think you have her best interests at heart and all that but.. What are your intentions?"

Jason arched an eyebrow, "I beg your pardon? Amy is merely a student that I was assigned to advise for the academic year. From previous conversation with her, I am inclined to believe that she would enjoy a DH Lawrence Festival, as such--"

Trish fought the urge to roll her eyes.. Why did this have to be so difficult. "Do you like her?"

A look of understanding filled his blue eyes. "As a student, I find her to be quite ambitious and well educated."

This time, she did roll her eyes. "That's not what I meant.. She claims, that because you're her faculty advisor and practically her professor for the year, it would make it awkward if you two were dating." An eyebrow arched, "so.. I want to know if you think the same.. And if circumstances were different, would you date her?"

"Whilst I am certain Amy would appreciate your concern, I confess that I do not appreciate the subject matter. If there was any cause for your concerns, Ms. Stratus, I am without a doubt that Amy would inform you." Jason fell silent after that, the blond man thankful beyond anything that they'd finally arrived to the restaurant.

xXx

While the atmosphere during breakfast wasn't exactly tense, it wasn't exactly comfortable either. Practically everyone, student and faculty advisor alike, didn't seem too eager to make any attempts at conversation... And each with their own reason. For the most part, it was just the early hour of the day.. Whilst their bodies just may be awake, that didn't necessarily mean that their minds were. With Amy, it was a matter of privacy, the redhead choosing to seat herself away from the main group once they'd entered the restaurant... And choosing to ignore any polite requests for her to please join their company. As it were, Amy was still sitting by herself; Shane, Paul, Jason, Adam and Scott seated to the left of her table, whilst the remaining students were seated to the right . The arrangements may have seemed odd, but, it was as far as Amy was willing to give at the moment. Granted, it may have been just a bit childish on the redhead's part, but.. Given how well Trish, John and Randy knew her, it was as good as it was going to get. Of course, Trish did feel somewhat guilty, the blond woman realising that she was the inadvertent cause of the apparent tension but..

"I almost feel as though I am home," Shane remarked lightly to his cousin, then addressing the three females. "Were your quarters not quite to your liking?"

Amy offered a short lived, if not polite, smile. "The cottage is quite lovely, Shane. Please do, give your father the warmest regards should you speak with him before we have the opportunity to do the same."

Shane nodded shortly, "I will most certainly do that, Amy. I do confess that it was a bit cramped in the barn, but I did find the accommodations most comfortable."

Paul chuckled lightly, "well it isn't like we could switch room-mates for our stay. Whilst my uncle perhaps had not anticipated that Shane would be accompanying us, I am inclined to believe that he would rather the ladies have the more spacious of the lodging."

Lisa smiled, "that's very nice of him to do that.. but, trust me. We're pretty used to sharing space.. No matter how cramped. If it all comes down to it, in the future anyway, putting all of us together wouldn't be that big of a deal."

"Perhaps, but father is rather old fashioned." Shane smirked slightly, "he may agree, however, if he were to realise that it would save him some money. But, I would not think he would, whence considering his way of thought."

Amy cleared her throat as she set her tea-cup down. "May I please be excused? I won't venture far from the restaurant and if you'd prefer, I'll just wait in the car."

Shane frowned a fraction, "it would ease my mind if you did not go alone, Amy.. If it is of no inconvenience, perhaps you could wait just a moment for someone else to finish?"

Trish eyed her best friend carefully, her voice laced with concern. "Ames are you okay?"

Amy nodded, a smile sent to her best friend along with a look that the blond woman would understand. "I'm fine Trish, just getting a little stuffy from being inside already."

Fortunately, Trish took the hint and also understood that everything was okay between them.. "If you're sure.. Do you want me to come with you?"

"If you would not mind my fretfully boring company," Adam spoke up before anyone else could say a word. "It would be of no inconvenience to wait with you, Ms. Dumas."

"I would hardly think your company to be fretfully boring, Mr. Copeland, for I barely know you to make such an assumption." Smiling politely, Amy added: "I only wish to get some fresh air."

The tall blond man nodded, extending his arm to her as he stood. "Shall we then?" And at Amy's affirming nod, they left... but not before Adam sneaked a quick look back. "May I inquire, Ms. Dumas.. How are you finding your stay thus far? Do you enjoy England?"

"Please, I insist you call me Amy," the redhead began as they exited. "And as I've mentioned to Jason previously, I am finding my stay quite lovely. I have enjoyed what I have been able to see thus far."

"I am pleased to hear that, Amy. It is not always easy to travel so far from home." He smiled kindly as they came to stop near the edge of the lawn. "Do forgive me if I may seem bold, but, have you traveled before?"

Amy shook her head, "not really but, I've always wanted to. Adam, if I may ask you a question?"

"Most certainly, Amy."

"Jason had mentioned that he is originally from Canada, I had only wondered if that was the same with yourself?"

Adam nodded shortly, "you are quite correct in your assumption Amy. I was born in Canada, just as my cousin. My family, however, relocated to Ireland shortly before my fourteenth birthday."

An eyebrow arched just slightly, "forgive me if this is too personal a question, but .. Were you close? You and Jason, I mean."

The tall blond was silent for a long moment, "we were nearly like brothers, my cousin and I. We are only separated by a month in age and whilst we were children, there were quite a few occasions that we were mistaken for siblings." Smiling gently, he added: "after my family moved away, relations seemed to change."

Amy nodded, opening her mouth to say more when they were approached.. The redheaded woman offering a tentative smile. "Is something troubling you?"

Jason shook his head, "nothing of major concern, my dear, I do assure you." Sparing his cousin a suspicious look, the blue eyed blond turned his full attention back to Amy. "If I may speak with you for a moment?"

Amy's forehead furrowed, "are you certain nothing is troubling you?"

When Jason wouldn't say anything further; Adam took the hint, a polite nod offered to his cousin and a smile offered to Amy. "I had wished to speak with you about an upcoming DH Lawrence Festival in nearby Eastwood. Shane had informed me only last night that the Festival would coincide with our last day here. Should you wish to attend, you need only say as such, Amy."

"I would love to attend," Amy said, a brilliant smile on her face. "Do you have any particular favourite works?" She frowned a fraction when he wouldn't say anything.. "Jason?"

"We should head to the car park, Amy.. I am fairly certain everyone will want to make an early start of it.. To fully enjoy the day, whilst taking into consideration all that has been planned for the morning alone." Politely, the blond man extended his arm. "The afternoon is to be at your leisure, if you should like, I need only speak with Shane about--"

Amy smiled shortly, "I am perfectly capable of speaking with Shane on my own.. Thank you for the offer, however, it is appreciated."

Jason nodded curtly, "if you should change your mind, you need only speak of it."

xXx

The journey to Nottingham for their archery lessons could have been in better circumstances. Whilst they'd still managed to keep a somewhat pleasant atmosphere during breakfast, conversation was practically non-existent in the cars. Perhaps, though, that was due to the arrangements whilst they were heading to their next destination. Shane had taken his cousin, Scott, Lisa and Chris with him. Amy had nearly pulled Trish's arm out of the socket trying to usher her into one of the two cars remaining with Randy just barely getting into the car before Amy shut the door. That left Adam, Jason and John to the third car, though, neither of the three men seemed overly willing to speak with the other. Not that Amy, Randy and Trish were faring much better but.. That would change soon enough. And it wasn't until they'd arrived to their destination that a few eyebrows started to raise. From what they could see from the cars, there wasn't a target in sight... It wasn't until they had actually gotten out of the cars to take a good look around that they finally saw the row of targets in the woods.

Shane cleared his throat as he addressed the students, "I am just going to speak with the owner. Father has arranged for a set of lessons for the duration of your stay here in Nottinghamshire. If you find it to your liking, we shall arrange for further instruction at the manor."

Amy tucked a few errant strands of hair behind her ears. "Well, this is a nice change of pace from the dance lessons and being stuck inside all day."

Trish eyed her cautiously, "I thought you liked being stuck inside? At least when you're in the library you don't complain.."

"Well that's different, I mean it's just nice to do something outside.."

"And pretend that there are faces on the targets?" Lisa suggested, somewhat innocently. "This could be very good for stress relief."

Chris subtly distanced himself from the three females. "I really don't know if I want to do this anymore."

Randy arched an eyebrow, "are you afraid of three women?"

"I'm afraid of three women who look ready to kill. And in case you've forgotten already? Those three women are going to have a weapon." Chris leveled his friend with a pointed look. "I might not know them as well as the two of you, but I'm smart enough to know when to keep my distance."

John rolled his eyes, "whatever. I'm not worried about Amy or Trish and you shouldn't be either."

"I don't know John.." Randy nodded towards the two females, "whatever they're talking about now? It really doesn't look good."

"They aren't taking it out on us, are they? No." John shrugged, "just relax. We have nothing to worry about."

"And that would explain why Lisa is heading over here?"

John couldn't have been further from the truth in his original assessment of the situation.. Amy and Trish were facing each other, and by the looks of it, their conversation wasn't exactly pretty..

"So.. Trish," Amy began as she pulled her hair back into a high ponytail. "I noticed this morning, once we'd arrived to the restaurant, that you were in the same car with Jason and John."

"If you had wanted to trade with me, you could have just said so.." Trish smiled, "what's up Ames? You look like something is bothering you."

Amy arched an eyebrow, "what did you say to him?"

Trish blinked, "what are you talking about? John was listening to his i Pod the entire--"

"I'm not talking about John, Trish.. I'm talking about Jason." The redhead inwardly sighed, "he's acting differently.. What did you say?"

"How would you know he's acting differently? He's acting the same to me.."

"Trish, please. Can you just tell me what you said to him?" And when the blond woman muttered under her breath, Amy narrowed her eyes. "Care to repeat that so I can understand?"

Releasing a breath, Trish met her friend's slightly angered gaze. "I might have asked him what his intentions are--"

"I can't believe--"

"And I might have asked him if he liked you.. Or, if circumstances were different if he--"

Amy shook her head, "I've heard enough, thanks. And no thanks to you, why did you do that?"

Trish let out a sigh, "I'm sorry I did it, but you wouldn't tell me anything and since I couldn't get any answers from you.. I asked him."

The redhead rolled her eyes, "right because that would be easier? He's my faculty advisor Trish and a friend. Just a platonic relationship between two people, okay? That's all. There's nothing going on, we're friends."

"You're talking normally," the blond said somewhat jokingly. "Look, Ames I am really sorry I asked but.. Just hear me out for a second.. Just going on the possibility that he might like you, that things were different?"

Amy was spared from having to reply when Shane returned with their instructor. That same instructor then informed them that each day they would meet for two hours time for their lesson. Later, as they were all aware, they were headed to Sherwood Forest for an impromptu history lesson. They were all under the impression that lunch was to be together whilst their afternoons were spent on their own time... But, that wouldn't happen until their first archery lesson had finished, Shane having decided that they would all give the traditional English longbow a shot.

"Stance," their instructor practically barked out as the students lined up, "arm position. Prepare."

"Hey Amy," John began as they prepared to fire, "you remember that one archery contest we had back in high school?"

The redhead smirked, "you mean the one that you claimed you would win? My mom has the first place trophy in my room back home."

He rolled his eyes, "fine then.. Rematch, right here and now."

"Ready!"

"You're going to lose again, John."

"Aim!"

"We'll see about that, Amy."

"Fire!"

In near sync, arrows zoomed towards the intended targets..

Lisa arched an eyebrow at the redhead, "you've done this before, haven't you.."

Amy blinked, "I was okay back then, but not that good.."

Randy glanced between the targets and the redhead. "You damn near hit the bullseye Amy."

"I can see that for myself, Randy." Amy shifted under the scrutiny, "would you stop looking at me like that? So what, I got it near the bullseye. Big deal."

Paul arched an eyebrow from a few feet back, "her stance was near perfect, arm position near perfect, practically on target.." His hazel gaze turned towards Jason. "It would appear that archery is one area of instruction that does not require as much improvement on. Perhaps a few more practice shots today or tomorrow, then I am in the full belief that she does not require further training."

Shane nodded his agreement, an encouraging smile sent to the six students. "If you should wish, one more practice shot for the day.. Then we shall journey to Sherwood Forest."

To that, both Amy and Trish nodded... the two women setting their bows aside.

Lisa glanced between their faculty advisors. "You aren't going to do anything?"

Paul shrugged, "I could always use the practice... Shane?"

"I will respectfully decline, cousin." Shane clasped his hands behind his back, the man then moving to stand with Lisa, Trish and Amy. "But you are more than welcomed to proceed."

"I wouldn't mind giving it a go," Scott said next, "I am afraid I may be rusty, however."

Paul nodded shortly, his gaze then moving between the two remaining.. "What say you to a friendly competition?"

Jason opened his mouth to say no, also making a comment about being somewhat rusty, but found himself joining in anyway when Adam stepped forwards.

Trish rolled her eyes as the guys lined up, "ladies and gentlemen... we present the good old fashioned, pissing contest."

"Ala Robin Hood," Amy added with a slight smirk. "This should be interesting though, because I highly doubt John and Randy stand a chance here.."

"I heard that!"

"I think you're right Ames, but we'll see.." Trish shared a smile with her best friend. "I really am sorry about earlier... If you want me to explain or apologise to him, I'll do that."

Amy shook her head, "it's quite alright Trish, I should have known you would do something like that. I am certain that everything will sort itself out."

At that, the three females fell silent as the friendly competition began, John the first to be eliminated followed by Randy.. Chris barely scraping by with a bit of luck before he joined the students, Scott and Shane. And then before they knew it, the three blond archers were taking steps back to prepare for the next round, the students now standing a mere foot away.

"Bloody hell," Paul grumbled as he joined the group, "I suppose it is now a matter of two cousins to battle it out."

Amy nodded to that, remarking quietly to herself.. "They're so similar.. Adam and Jason."

Unseen, Jason frowned at the comment but said nothing. "I dare say Adam, you have possibly improved."

Adam arched an eyebrow, "doth my ears deceive me or did you just pay me a compliment?"

"Damn," Randy began as the remaining two fired their arrows.

"He's good," Amy said, her tone somewhat akin to awe, "really good. He hit the bullseye right on.. I mean, Adam got fairly close as well, but--"

"We can see that," John replied somewhat dryly. "Are we done here yet or what?"

Whilst John nearly stalked away, the remaining students following at a more leisurely pace.. Amy lingered just a moment..

"I was under the impression that you were rusty?" Slightly amused hazel eyes locked shortly with Jason's blue eyes. "For someone who claims to be rusty, you did quite well."

"I am merely out of practice, my dear. Paul and myself had archery training within our morning routine until you students arrived to the manor." The hint of a smile, "not that I have fully minded the interruption to the usual routine."

Amy returned the small smile, "I see. Well, I suppose congratulations are in order? Even if it was merely a friendly competition, you still came out the victor."

Jason shrugged his shoulders just marginally as the pair finally headed back to the car park. "It would seem, Amy, that the same could be said for yourself? For one who has had little experience with archery, as you had informed the insructor.. You performed quite well."

She simply shrugged in return, the two falling into a somewhat comfortable silence as they rejoined the group. And this time around, Amy found herself in the car with Adam, Jason, Lisa, Chris and John. Granted, the conversation didn't exactly flow easily, but it was at least less tense than it had been previously... With most of the parties, anyway, John remaining silent for the duration of the trip to Sherwood Forest. And as they'd all been informed, their short history lesson commenced upon their arrival.. Jason and Amy quietly discussing the myth and folkore of Robin Hood.. Adam and Trish seperately observing the pair from a safe distance. With a smirk on her face, the blond woman turned her attention back to the speaker.. Maybe her intentions hadn't been great before but, at least it wasn't affecting Jason and Amy now. All the same, once their brief history lesson was over, the group was off once again to have lunch.. Everyone making their seperate plans for the afternoon during the meal. As Trish hoped, and somewhat expected, Amy and Jason were intending on spending their time together... They hadn't used those words exactly, but it worked well enough for the blond woman. And whilst she didn't want to completely spy on her best friend, Trish had managed to convince Randy to go to the same area.. Adam volunteering to accompany them.