AN: Ok, this is where you'll start seeing a different side to Robins personality…more manipulative and cruel. Don't worry he'll learn his lesson eventually.

Oh, and Allan makes an appearance )

Body language

Reciprocating feelings that aren't there

Sometimes I think you're aware

Your body language it gives you away

Maybe I should run

Turn my back

Head for the sun

His eyes sought her out in the crowd almost involtarely. He found her by the south side of the back porch, leaning against the railing with some blueish-purple drink in her hand, looking out of place, troubled and wonderful. Ruby red lips and, flowing dark hair and a smile that could make your knees go week. Tonight though her eyes didn't mach that smile. She seemed nervous but he didn't blame her. Not only was this her first visit to his home but it was also her first time meeting his friends. Everything else, though, was going exactly according to plans, at least as far Robin could tell from his position on the balcony overlooking the backyard. The soft glow from the low-hanging sun and the growing dark shadows made the scenery below him look inviting and eerie at the same time.

This last-minute improvised barbecue dinner party of his had turned out to be a success. The lawn shaded by two giant oaks was crowded with friends, co-workers and business associates. The food had been delicious…(well eatable anyway), the drinks flowed freely and his guests were all in a happy mood.

Everyone except Marian that is… Which was kind of ironic considering that the whole event had been carefully planned entirely for her benefit. The purpose of the evening was to gradually introduce her to the hectic frenzy that was his every day life. But it wasn't going as smooth as he had hoped it would.

Inviting her sister to tag along had obviously been a big mistake. The tension between the two sisters was so thick you could slice it with a knife and serve it with gravy to the other guests. Robin had a nagging feeling that it was more than likely his fault.

In retrospect, he probably should have told Sarah off from the beginning. But he hadn't…instead he had encouraged her with heated glances and subtle hints. And now her flirtatious behaviour around him had gotten them both into some serious trouble. Marian was not stupid, she was on to them… The damage was already done….

He could see the suspicions and unspoken questions in Marian's eyes….Hell in everyone's eyes. They were all wondering the same thing. What was he doing with chubby sullen one when the other sister was so… so obviously into him …and so obviously more his "type"?

He didn't have an answer, not an acceptable one anyway and that's why he had been hiding on the damn balcony for over 10 minutes now.

He couldn't stay there forever though…Neglecting his duties as host would only get him into more trouble. It was time to return and he knew where he needed to be…where he wanted to be… standing proud by the side of his girlfriend. GIRLFRIEND. Funny how that word takes on a whole new meaning once it's said out loud he thought.

--

"Hey Robin, where did you disappear to? I have been looking all over the place for you!!"

Robin winced and paused midstep on his way down the stairs. Standing before was Allan , his long-time friend and stock broker.. . Uh uhh, so much for trying to sneak back down without being noticed….

"Uhm… well… eh… I had to check up on Nemo…"Robin said, gesturing vaguely behind him and took the remaining steps two at a time. "He doesn't like guests in the house... especially not female guests. He gets all jealous and competitive when he doesn't have my full attention."

"Gee, I wonder why?! That dog of yours is spoiled rotten, you know that right?!.. .Anyway, speaking of female guests, the girls have been asking for you."

"Who, Marian?" Robin asked quickly and pulled his friend with him into the kitchen with a nervous look over his shoulder.

"Yeah and the evil step sister. What's the deal there, mate? One sister isn't enough for you?".

"Don't ask, it's a looong story." Robin sighed as he went straight for the refrigerator and took out two beers.

"Okay fine, but I already know about the meeting." Allan admitted as he hopped up on the counter and helped himself to some snacks.

"What meeting?" Robin replied in a poor attempt at acting all clueless.

"With that image consult… Much told me all about it. I never thought you'd go through with it though...I mean, the girl has feelings."

Robin looked away and nodded slowly. "Yeah, I know. I feel complete fucking creep for doing this."

"So it's all true then?" Allan asked curiously.

"Yes...but please shhh...don't say anything to anyone." Lowering his voice to barely a whisper he added, "She's been hurt pretty badly before. Guys using her, asking out as bets and dares and stuff… She may not be the girl of my dreams but she doesn't deserve that sort of treatment. I don't want her to ever find about this, okay?! "

"Just be careful, man. Im not being funny but these things have a way of coming back to bite you in the ass." Allan stated knowingly.

--

Two beers and a bag of peanuts later, Robin left Allan and the kitchen behind him and ventured out on the back porch. He approached Marian slowly not wanting to piss her off more than he was sure he already had.

Their eyes met for a second before Marian averted her face and looked back down at her feet. Her long straight hair fell forward, hiding not only her eyes but also her true feelings. But he could tell by just looking at her posture that she was upset with him. Scratching his head, he tried to decide on how he could phrase what he wanted to say to her…but she beat him to it.

"I'm leaving!" she shouted to him loud enough to be heard over the music blaring out of the sound system.

"What? Why?" Robin felt obliged to ask even though he already knew.

"Isn't that obvious?! Your wandering eyes have been everywhere but on me this evening. I may be a pathetic fool but I'm not blind, Robin. I can tell that you're not as interested in me as I thought you were... Enough is enough… I don't need any further embarrassment. I just want to go home and pretend I never met you."

Robin couldn't believe what he was hearing. This was a major setback. He hadn't expected her to be quite that quick to dump his sorry ass. "I am NOT letting you break up with me… " he protested and slid his arms around her waist. She stiffened as she always did at his touch but he ignored it and pulled her tight against him. "You're the only woman here tonight that I feel any kind of attraction for. It's true, I swear… I'll show it to you, baby."

He gave her no time to respond as he pressed his lips forcefully against hers, his tongue making it's way in her mouth. Marian grabbed his shoulder and tried to shove him away from her, but she wasn't strong enough. Splaying his hands on her lower back and buttocks he pressed her even closer to him, making sure she was fully aware of the effect she had on his body…. Let's just say his one-track minded crotch monster didn't need much encouragement to come alive. Almost two weeks of celibacy can do that to a man.

Marian seemed impressed by his wordless display of emotions or at least she stopped fighting him and relaxed in his arms. By the time Robin finally broke the kiss she was panting hard and clinging to him like she would be utterly lost without him.

Robin had to admit he wasn't as unaffected as he liked to appear. His head was spinning and his stomach kept doing somersaults - partly from excitement but mostly from the overwhelming feeling of guilt that was taking over his body..

"Marian...look at me." He said, lifting her chin with his finger. "You're the only one I want…. " he whispered, thankful that his acting skills were good, because the words coming out of his mouth wasn't exactly 100 true . "I love spending time with you. Can't we just put all of this behind us and dance the night away together, please!" he pleaded and gently kissed her forehead.

"I'm sorry..," she laughed softly, sniffling a little, but not willing herself to cry. "It's just hard for me to believe that a guy like you would want anything to do with someone like me."

"Dance with me." he repeated and pulled her back into his arms.

"I can't stay Robin. I mean I want to but I really can't. I have to be up early tomorrow. I promised my aunt I would baby-sit for -…"

"Just one dance," he pleaded almost sounding a tad bit desperate.

Marian looked into his blue eyes and she was lost, "Okay...fine...we'll stay with you for a while..."

He closed his eyes, relief flooding his body. Thank you.