All Make-Believe

'There! As good as new, or at least as good as I can get it. I've never really been that good at needlecraft,' Marian smiled apologetically.

Robin nodded in response, not trusting himself to speak. For the past five minutes he had been closer to Marian that he had in a long time. Not just physically, he thought. Although having her hands on my arm is definitely listed as a positive for being shot in the arm! It was more than just the contact; it was almost like she didn't want to fight me anymore, which, I must say, is rather desirable. With that thought, he reached his hand out and grasped Marian's. As her eyes flew up to his face, eyes wide in surprise, he softly squeezed her hand and quietly said 'Thank you'.

Unsure of what was actually happening; Marian, who had unconsciously adjusted her position on the bed so that the limited space between them was almost non-existent, gently stroked his hand with her thumb, searching his eyes for some sort of explanation.

In response, Robin traced her cheek with his other hand. 'Marian. I …'

Before he could get any further, the door opened and Amy walked in, carrying a tray. They broke apart and tried to look as innocent and natural as possible.

Sensing she had just disturbed something, Amy turned beetroot and stammered, 'Oh, I'm sorry. Um … I just heard the baby crying and thought that … well I hope you don't think me rude my Lady, I just thought that he might be hungry and I had some milk left from baking earlier and … I'm rambling, sorry, I'll just leave it here. There's some cheese and bread for you too. The Mother's got to keep up her strength as well you know. It's not easy looking after a wee one. Well you probably know that already. I'll just leave you to it. Sorry again!'

Only once Amy had hurried out of the room and closed the door did Marian and Robin looked at each other. Each wore smiles as bright as day, trying to hide their glee and pride that Amy had thought them a family, although neither would admit to that fact.

'Um, so do you actually know how to feed a baby?' Robin asked sheepishly, hoping to break the slightly awkward atmosphere that had crept into the room. 'Because I barely know how to feed myself! I eat only what Much gives me!'

Marian smiled and walked towards the tray Amy had left. Throwing Robin the bread she said, 'Here, you need feeding more than me. Eat this whilst I see to Aaron.' As she began sorting out the milk, Robin brought Aaron to the bed and gently lay down next to him.

This has definitely got to be one of the best days of my life! Robin thought, as Aaron grasped one of his fingers. Here I am, lying on a bed, with a tiny baby next to me, and the love of my life fixing milk for him. OK, so the baby isn't ours and I haven't told Marian that I love her, not that she would feel the same anyway. But for now, this will have to do.

Oh God! Marian sighed. What am I doing? Right, I'm fixing milk for a baby that is currently lying on the bed next to the man of my dreams. What I would give for that baby to be mine, and this to be our house. Father would think it foolish to be jealous of the poor, but they are allowed the simple pleasures of raising their own children, and marrying for love rather than politics. Marian picked the bottle up, and turned round. The sight that met her was one that was so similar to that of her dreams; there was Robin, the most wanted man in Nottingham, the fearless Outlaw, the honoured soldier, asleep on the bed, protectively holding a young baby that was playing with his tag, staring at him with love evident in his little eyes. As Marian walked forward, Robin started awake. He glanced around, obviously confused by his surroundings, but visibly relaxed as he saw Marian. He grinned, 'You best not tell anyone about this Maz, the lads, especially Allan, would never let me live it down!'

Marian smiled at his openness, and the use of his childhood name for her. 'Well, you'll just have to convince me not to, won't you Rob!' she retorted, as she settled down on the other side of Aaron. Gently she took him from Robin's arms and gave him the bottle. For a while, they stayed in that position, with Marian feeding Aaron and Robin lying on his side, slowly eating bread, just staring at the two of them with an expression that Marian found hard to read. Trying to gain control of herself, Marian broke the silence, 'So whose child is this anyway?'

For a moment, a flicker of confusion crossed Robin's face. Whose child? But it's … oh yeah. Disheartened, Robin replied 'Not sure, Roy said the mother lives in Knighton. Don't know anyone who was expecting do you?'

What was Robin just thinking? He has no idea how much it hurt remembering that this is all make-believe, that we are not together, not parents to this gorgeous child. We aren't anything. Marian shook her head, more to get rid of her thoughts than to answer Robin's question.

With enormous effort, Robin reluctantly rose from the bed and walked to the door. 'I'll just be outside. The others will be arriving soon, and I don't want them to wake up Aaron.' He opened the door, but before he walked out, he hesitantly turned to face Marian again, 'Thanks for today. Not just for looking after Aaron or for stitching me up, but for making me remember. Thank you, my Lady' he added, before striding out and closing the door quietly, leaving a surprised Marian holding a sleeping Aaron close to her chest, while unchecked tears silently fell down her cheeks.