AN: Okay, for this chapter I am going to be giving a little bit of love to Much because I think that he doesn't get enough of that. However, I will be sure to keep the plot moving along and maybe even get some romance into the chapter as well.
PrimevalAndPapaRoachLover: Thank you so much for putting me on alert and here is the next chapter for you since you asked for it :)
Disclaimers: Anything you recognize, I don't own…although believe me, I would love nothing more. Also, I make no money from this, it is purely for my own enjoyment and love of the characters. No copyright infringement or harm meant.
Spoilers: None, except that this takes place before Allan was Guy's man so an indeterminate part of season two as everyone is still alive and Allan hasn't betrayed anyone yet.
I slowly drifted back toward consciousness, soft whispers and unfamiliar scents helping to wake me up. I rolled over on the surprisingly comfortable little bed and opened my eyes. I could see a fire blazing brightly in what I assumed was the kitchen, serving the dual purpose of lighting and heating the little camp, as someone worked over the fire. At first, I thought it was Djaq looking for something but as my eyes focused, I saw that it was the young man Allan had been teasing earlier and my brain struggled to remember his name.
"Much?" I whispered hoarsely, causing him to jump.
He spun around, drawing his sword from where it sat on the floor in the corner. He slowly lowered it before placing it back in the corner and coming over to the bunk I was now in.
"What's wrong?" he asked, when I tried to sit up.
He placed his hand on my shoulder to stop my getting up, pulling the blanket back over my shoulder once I was settled again. I smiled as my eyes drooped again.
"I'm terribly thirsty," I whispered.
He rushed over to a bucket full of water and brought back a cup full of water a few seconds later. I quickly drank down the cool liquid and then handed the cup back to him with a contented sigh.
"Thank you. That helps so much," I whispered.
"You ought to sleep some more,' he whispered.
He put the cup back and then went to sit on the end of a cot near the fire. I realized that he had moved me to his bunk and taken the cot so I would be able to sleep better. I felt a twinge of guilt at causing these obviously kind men trouble but I also felt a great amount of gratitude at the simple gesture.
"Much?" I whispered hesitantly after a few minutes of silence.
He rolled over so he was facing me.
"Thank you," I said simply with a small smile.
He smiled in return before turning so his back was toward me again and I did the same, staring up through the trees at the midnight sky and the stars that twinkled brightly. My eyes continued to droop and before I knew it, I was asleep again, dreaming of a very different pair of expressive eyes.
The next morning, I was woken up by the sound of an argument.
"Robin, you can't be serious. He doesn't bring anyone else breakfast on a tray. It's just because he's sweet on her," I heard Allan say indignantly.
" I think you are just jealous. Heather is a very pretty girl and it irks you that Much has more of a chance of winning her over than you do," Robin said, and I was sure he was smiling from the tone of his voice.
"Shh, you both are going to wake her," Much said harshly and I couldn't help smiling.
I kept my eyes closed as I slowly rolled over again, letting the sun warm my face as it filtered through the trees. I opened my eyes slowly to see Robin and Allan leaving the camp before noticing Much standing there holding a tray.
"Morning," he said shyly.
"Morning," I whispered, slowly sitting up.
"I brought you something to eat," he said, setting the tray in front of me with a flourish.
I smiled at the small bouquet of wild flowers on the tray.
"The flowers are lovely," I smiled at him as I started to pick at the food, tasting everything.
"How is your wrist?" he asked, changing the subject but I didn't miss the blush on his cheeks.
"It still hurts a little bit but for the most part it feels better," I said and this time I felt a blush color my cheeks as he smiled.
"I'm glad," he said.
"Much, this is really good. What is it?" I asked.
I noticed him starting to fidget. Before Much could answer, Robin came over with a grin on his face.
"How is the patient this morning?" he asked conversationally.
I smiled and nodded as I continued eating.
"Much, there's been a slight change in the plan. I need you to come with me and I'm going to have Will stay here with Heather," Robin said, looking over at Much.
"But master…." Much started to say.
"But nothing Much. I need you to come with me to Clun today. I'm sure that Will is just as capable of taking care of someone as you are," Robin repeated with a smile and a wink at me.
I giggled nervously and felt the blush on my face as I looked away. I heard Much sigh heavily, in resignation and I looked up at him.
"Thanks again for the breakfast and the flowers, they really are lovely," I said softly.
He smiled brightly at me as Robin walked away, chuckling to himself. Much gathered his things quickly and with more noise than may have been necessary and I couldn't help smiling as I watched him. He and Robin set off together and everything lapsed into silence. I moved to get up from the bunk but Will stopped me, rushing over and placing his hand on my shoulder.
"Do you think that is wise?" he asked softly.
"Will, it's only a scratch on my wrist," I whispered, feeling an electricity thrill through my body at his touch.
"I should check your wrist and change the bandages," Will said softly, taking the tray and setting it on the floor beside the bunk.
I looked up at him as he kneeled beside the bunk and saw him staring intently at me. Neither of us said a word as I let him take my arm and watched as he began to unwrap the bandage Djaq had put on the night before.
"So, why did Robin find my story so funny yesterday?" I asked, looking away from his intense gaze.
"Because that's the same reason he rescued myself and my brother from hanging," he said with a slight smile.
"Oh," I said softly.
"I'm sorry," he said softly, his eyes not leaving my wrist.
"Does your family still live in Nottingham?" I asked.
This made Will look up at my face.
"No, my mother died a couple of winters back and after Robin rescued us, my father and brother went to Scarborough," he said.
I sensed there was something else that he either wouldn't or couldn't say so I left it and we lapsed back into silence.
"How's it looking?" I asked to break the tension in the air.
Will grinned as he finished changing the bandage.
"It's healing well and quickly," he said as he looked up at me.
His smile faded when he continued to look up at my face and my breath hitched in my throat when he reached over and tucked a stray strand of hair behind my ear, gradually leaning closer. My eyes fluttered shut as I leaned closer as well. The spell was broken however, when I heard what sounded like a pot being banged on and Will pulled back.
"Stay here," Will whispered, before grabbing his axe and hurrying out of the camp.
So, there is chapter three. I know, I know…..don't shoot me for not giving you the kiss yet but I want them to get to know each other a bit first but it will happen soon, I swear.
Tell me what you think. Reviews are love. :)