Robin is skiving off work as usual, but this time Much'll let him have his fun.
This is part of my Robin Hood modern AU series of one shots which is currently an unposted WIP.
Much looked up from his computer screen as children's laughter echoed down the hall and through his open office door. He was alone in the room, his usual office mate and best friend was absent. Probably neglecting his work in favour of what he thought were more interesting things, Much though.
The laughter sounded again, this time accompanied by a lower, more masculine voice that Much would know anywhere. Robin.
With well practiced fingers he pressed the keyboard to save his file and rose to investigate his missing partner.
He passed John and Will in the corridor, carrying a crate of food from the food bank next door to the community kitchen. By the looks of it the cooking club were going to go home this evening with full bellies.
Robin laughed again, louder, joined by not only the high pitched squeals of kids but a lighter, feminine laugh. Much found him a few seconds later as he stopped in the doorway of the hall and lent on the frame, watching.
He was sat in the middle of a large plaid picnic blanket, surrounded by small children and a scattering of multicoloured cushions. A picture book lay open forgotten in his lap as he braided Marian's hair, her back to him as she played a clapping game with a pair of twin girls. A girl stood at Robin's side, schooling him in the art of braiding. It didn't look like it was going well: Marian's hair was a mess. It looked like it was going to take a long time to brush it out later, not helped by Robin dropping the half formed braid to turn and tickle his instructor. A boy, only about 5 or so, seemingly feeling left out, took a flying leap at Robin, knocking him onto his back amongst the cushions. Robin laughed and tickled him back in revenge.
Much decided to let Robin have his fun and not drag him back into the office. Robin's life hadn't been filled with much laughter since his parents had died when he was a child and Much's parents, whist loving in their own way to both their own son and their new foster son in Robin, they didn't have much time to indulge in childish antics, barely scraping enough money to feed them all from the many jobs they had.
Thinking back through their time together, their childhood, serving together in the army, competing in archery competitions, including the Olympics, working hard to first form their charity then make it successful, he didn't think he had seen Robin look happier.