A Moonacre Fanfiction Peace on Earth

It was now dusk. This was difficult to discern, but Robin's senses were attuned to the nature of Moonacre. He knew that he and Maria would indeed be spending the night here; there was nothing to be done. Not that he was going to complain. Yes, he was rather hungry and a little blurry still from drinking (drat that liquor!), but Maria was no longer angry with him. In fact, it was pleasant, sitting there with her snuggled up beside him. He was warm and oddly content and try as he might, he couldn't deny the reason.

Since the resolution of the feud, Robin and Maria had been great friends. They had spent a good deal of time together. As friends. Nothing more. Robin tried to convince himself that he was content with that. He ought to be grateful; before Maria came, life was harsh and bitter and resentful. But now he was happy. He hadn't been this happy in his life. He ought to be content with what he had been given. But nooo, Robin had to go and wish for something impossible. Why did he have to fall for Maria? For that was what he had done; there was no use denying it now; he loved her. But why did he have to love Maria, of all people? The girls back in the De Noir village adored him. But there were bland, frivolous, easy…nothing at all like the beautiful, bright, enigmatic Maria. The unattainable Maria.

It was obvious she had no interest in him beyond a friendship. She was kind, yes, too kind to trifle with him. She wouldn't play games. She wouldn't feign attraction. She wasn't that kind of person, which was good. She was sincere. When she fell in love with someone, it would be forever. But it seemed he was not that someone. They were merely friends, nothing more. Why couldn't he be satisfied with that?

But he couldn't. And now, having Maria so close, it warmed and pierced his heart. The comfort of her trust and companionship gave him security. But knowing that this sweetness could never be his…it was agony. He blew out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding.

Maria sat back, leaving a coldness where her warmth had been.

"What's wrong?" she asked, peering into his eyes as well as she could, considering the dim light. He fixed his eyes on his hands.

"Nothing." Nothing? Coward. He was such a blasted coward. Why couldn't he be a man and own up to his feelings?

"I know you better than that," Maria chuckled. "You're a terrible liar. Come on, what's bothering you?"

"Nothing of consequence." Oh, sure. Brilliant, Robin. Just bloody brilliant.

"Hm." She studied him a moment. Then, without warning, she snatched his bowler hat.

"Hey!" he grunted. "Give it back!" She scooted away. "It wouldn't even fit you!"

"Oh, I think it fits me just fine."

"Yeah, right. It covers your eyes."

"Who needs vision, anyway?" she shrugged. "I think it's overrated. But you're not getting this back until you tell me what is bothering you."

Oh, great. Just perfect. Well, there was no way Robin was going to tell Maria he was in love with her. She'd just laugh. And then she'd realize he wasn't joking. And then their friendship would be ruined. Well, Robin was a quick thinker. He cleared his throat.

"I was just thinking about the future." That was true, wasn't it? Mostly true. Maria sat in silence.

Something was obviously bothering him, but he wasn't going to tell her. That much was clear. He was thinking about the future? Maria frowned. Robin was rarely that serious. Most of the time he was just laughing and joking around. His humor was absolutely adorable, but Maria believed solemnity to be a great virtue too. It was good to be responsible, to be steady, reliable. Those were traits Maria doubted Robin possessed. Until now. She groaned inwardly. Just when she had tried to convince herself that loving Robin was impossible, that he was too immature, he showed himself to be serious and thoughtful. Why did he have to be so perfect?

"Are you going to give me my hat back?" he prodded. She caved.

"I suppose. Even though you didn't really answer my question. What were you really thinking about?"

"Stuff."

"Oh. Stuff. I see. Stuff and…?" She waited.

"Things."

"Ah, right. Stuff and things. Heavens, why I put up with you, I'll never know."

"But you still put up with me."

"It's a weakness."

"I'm your weakness?" He sounded surprised.

"Don't get all cocky now. I just might build up an immunity to your irresistible charm."

"I have irresistible charm?"

"It's becoming more and more resistible."

"And what can I do to remedy that?" He slid closer to her. Maria's spine tingled.

"Not much you can do."

"Shame." His breath rushed over her face. Maria was paralyzed. And before she could understand what was happening, Robin seized his hat, laughing with triumph.

"Scoundrel!" she scolded. "You're trying to take what I've rightfully stolen." And without warning, she pounced on him, knocking him onto his back. But he caught her outstretched hands.

"Ha! I got you!" he announced.

"Don't be too sure," she said. "I've got the upper hand right now." This was true, seeing as how she was on top of him.

"Well, you may have the upper hand, but I've got your hand! By that logic, I have your upper hand!"

"It seems we've come to an impasse," Maria said. "You have my hands, but if you let go, I'll grab your hat."

"I'm not quite sure what 'impasse' means, but if it's like a dead end, you're right." His breath was warm. He smelled of fresh pine trees.

"What do you propose we do?" she asked. He considered.

"I'm not willing to give up, and I doubt you are, either. I'm afraid we'll just have to spend the night like this." His words didn't have quite the sensational effect. Maria only chuckled.

"Wouldn't Miss Heliotrope love that?"

"No, Miss Heliotrope loves Digweed," Robin corrected.

"True," she admitted, "But even spending the night in the same room with you is highly scandalous, to her."

"Why?" he asked.

"Why do you think?" she laughed, cheeks prettily pink.

"Hm." He said thoughtfully. She waited for him to explain, but he didn't.

"Hm, what? What are you thinking?"

"I'm just wondering…well, you keep saying that Miss Heliotrope would consider it scandalous, that your tutor wouldn't approve. But what do you think?" He instantly regretted his question. He knew that she would say something pertaining to the fact that they were 'only friends,' and that would hurt him even more. Now it was his turn to wait for her answer.

"I think…" she pursed her lips. "I think it is scandalous."

"You don't seem worried."

"I'm not." She replied promptly.

"Why?"

"Because."

"Because what?"

"Because I trust you. We're both honorable. Neither of us would do anything outside the bounds of propriety."

"Are you sure? This is Robin De Noir you're talking to, you know."

"I know," she acknowledged with a slight smile, "But you're a decent knave. A respectable rogue. You may be rough around the edges, but you have a heart of gold."

"How do you know?" he asked.

"I can feel it." She murmured. She rested her head on his chest. His heart beat a steady rhythm.

Robin hoped she couldn't feel how it fluttered.

A/N: Dear reader,

Oh, I'm so excited! They're getting along so swimmingly now, it is a shame to end this chapter! Alas, for the sake of chapter length continuity, I must. At least things are beginning to look up. Perhaps you noticed my nod to 'The Princess Bride', one of the greatest movies of all time. On a different note, the title of this chapter, 'Words Unspoken', comes from a little poem: Hearts are often broken by words left unspoken. How true it is! I think you can see how this plays into our story. But do not be afraid; I shall try not to break anyone's heart. Now, let me reassure you if you are beginning to be anxious, that I would never write anything indecent. Nor would Robin or Maria ever commit anything immoral. I feel I must say this just to be on the safe side; so many stories of this nature portray romance as being merely physical indulgence, and I do not appreciate it. This love, at least, is pure. It has its complications, but lust will not be one. Sorry for the brief outburst, but I do think I ought to state my intentions. At any rate, I thank you once again for taking the time to read my little story. I thank you also for the gracious reviews. You cannot know how, as a writer, they encourage me. But enough blather. I wish you happy reading!

Yours truly,

Ponygirl7