Chapter 1: Prologue
Chapter Text
Little John
It's been about six years since Robin, Scarlett and Mathilda came to us. The war that kept King Richard away has ended not too long ago. Everyone had hoped that meant he'd return, so that Prince John would be stopped. It's not like the Prince has changed much for the worse, but he keeps collecting ridiculously high taxes as always.
Unfortunately it quickly turned out the king would stay away for even longer. A war is a war after all, and King Richard has to deal with its consequences and clean up the messes it caused. So, Prince John stays on the throne for now. Luckily we have Robin - without him, we'd probably only reclaim half the gold if he wasn't here.
But as Prince John stayed almost the same selfish boy he is, some things have changed for us since Robin's arrival. They showed up shortly after Marians tenth birthday - and now she'll turn sixteen. She has been practicing magic for years now, and despite her difficulties in the beginning, she's gotten pretty good at it. Now she and Tuck sometimes work together to create new gadgets, and the results are astounding - a mix of magic and Tuck's extensive technical knowledge.
There's been some romantic developments as well. After dancing around each other for a long time, Scarlett finally had enough and asked me out. And now we're officially together. Sometimes I still can't believe it, because she is amazing. She's smart and loyal to the people she loves, and a little bit wicked. We spent a lot of time cooking, and now we occasionally create delicious meals together.
But not all relationships are blossoming like ours is - Marian and Robin have become a little distant from each other. They're not less close, but they've stopping using every single opportunity to do things like 'coincidently' sitting next to each other or something like that. Maybe it's because they think we'd notice less, but honestly, that's just a waste of time. Everyone knows they like each other. Their relationship has sort of gotten stuck. Maybe Marians birthday party will finally give either her or Robin the push they need to get their little romance moving again.
Chapter Text
Robin
"Where on earth are you all?", Robin hears Marian calling from somewhere below him. His heart makes a little jump. Quickly going down the small wooden staircase, he yells back: "I'm here - and you're a little early."
"Sorry", she grins as soon as Robin reaches the lower platform. She throws her hair over her shoulder. "I was bored."
"Well, Scarlett and Little John are not done with the cake yet." Robin immediately feels like his tone was inappropriately harsh, even though he didn't intend to sound like that. His nerves are not great today. Continuing in a friendlier note, he tells her he has no idea where Tuck is, which is quite problematic because his friend was supposed to do the decorations.
Marian doesn't seem to mind Robin's snapping. She looks around the hideout, which looks the same as always. "I see Tuck is doing a great job at decorating."
Robin sighs. "I'm sorry, this is not a great start for your birthday party."
It just now hits him how good she looks, with a blue and white flower crown in her dark red hair. Her light blue dress is matching perfectly with her silky gloves. It's almost annoying to him. Everything could be so easy.
But now is not the time to mourn over what could have been. It's Marians sixteenth birthday, and Robin is not going to ruin it by being sulky. He pulls her into a hug and says: "Happy birthday."
Out of nowhere blossoms are raining down on them from somewhere above. Scarlett and Little John step out of the tree trunk with a gorgeous cake, just as Tuck appears at the top of the stairs.
"Happy birthday!!!", they all scream in unison.
Garlands made from flowers and leaves fall from the tree top and get caught in the branches around them. In a matter of seconds the entire main platform is beautifully decorated with yellow, pink and light blue elements. Robin has no idea how the hell Tuck had managed to do this, but it's amazing.
Marians smile has grown bigger and bigger. "This is- just, wow. Thank you so much." She starts going around hugging everyone.
Robin uses the opportunity and takes the cake from Little John, carries it to the table and sets it down. Then he quickly claims one of the seats for himself.
As everyone settles around him, Scarlett happens to land next to Marian on the sideways barrel. Robins cousin does a double take and asks: "Don't you want to sit next to Robin?"
Robin is already mentally preparing himself for an awkward cake eating, but Marian surprises him. "I like sitting next to you, too", she declares and smiles at Scarlett.
Everyone stares at Marian in surprise for a moment, before turning to Robin. He feels his face heating up and all he wants to do is run away. Since that isn't an option, he clarifies: "Marian can sit next to whoever she wants. I don't mind."
Little John shrugs, hands a knife to Marian and bows. "You may cut the cake, dear princess."
Marian rolls her eyes, but the cake is too tempting for her to start a lighthearted beef. She carefully sinks the knife into the soft dough. "This looks amazing. How did you make it so glossy?"
Scarlett and Little John look at each other. "Secret", they say at the same time, then share a loving smile.
"Since Scarlett got Little John into cooking he's become infuriatingly good at it", Tuck complains. "Together they're unbeatable."
Little John blushes, but Scarlett just snickers to herself. Now that the attention is away from him, Robin can relax again. He watches his friends as Marian cuts off five pieces of the cake and hands them out. They seem to already have forgotten about their sitting incident, and he is absolutely not gonna remind them of it. He really needs to talk to Marian.
"I almost forgot", Marian recalls between to bites. "Prince John is loosing his mind right now trying to clean up the castle."
Scarlett furrows her brows. "Why? The castle is always cleaned up just fine."
Marian grins. "Yeah. But apparently some royal is coming to visit, and our dear Prince wants everything to look presentable."
Interesting. Why would anyone come here if the king isn't there? Then it hits Robin: "Shouldn't you two be at the castle for something important like this?"
"Scarlett is - I'm sorry Scarlett - just my maid. She's not expected to be anywhere. And it's my birthday - I can do whatever I want." Robin wants to disagree, but Marian cuts him off. "I asked Prince John, he said my presence is not required. As if he was scared I'd steal his spotlight or something."
"You would steal his spotlight", Robin comments, because she would. Then he realizes what he just said and wishes he could disappear into thin air. Instead he concentrates very hard on the rest of his cake.
Robin can hear Scarlett, Little John and Tuck giggle, until Little John wonders: "And you don't know who that royal is?"
"No… but it means Prince John won't notice we're gone until maybe in the evening." She high-fives Scarlett. "We can stay as long as the sun is up."
・•●☽☾●•・
"Check this out! My newest invention." Tuck pulls on a rope, and something falls from a branch.
They all stare at a small ball made out of what looks like parchment. It's hanging from a branch with a rope, and dangles at a height a little bit higher than their heads.
"Uh… cool", Scarlett says, clearly as confused as Robin feels. "What is that supposed to be?"
"A new party game. You" - Tuck points at Marian - "are going to hit the ball with a stick."
Marian looks a little startled. "Why would I hit the poor ball?"
"There's a surprise inside." Tuck delightfully turns to Robin and hands him a piece of fabric. "You have to blindfold her."
Then Tuck winks at him and Robin almost gags. Trying his best not to show any emotion, he walks over to Marian and hastily puts the blindfold on her. He cringes so hard that he unintentionally takes multiple steps away from Marian. Fortunately Tuck and Scarlett are too distracted by the new invention to notice. Little John on the other hand shoots him confused glances.
Robin leans against the tree trunk and watches Marian trying her best to hit the ball without seeing it. To her visible displeasure, her best is not good enough. After many failed attempts, Marian demands: "Give me my wand."
"Oh, absolutely not, that is cheating", Scarlett protests.
"Robin, why don't you help her?" Tuck laughs.
If Robin is being honest, he's a bit disappointed his friends are not picking up on how uncomfortable it makes him when they try to bring Marian and him closer. Little Johns brows are furrowed, which means he knows something's not right, but he's not doing anything about it. Tuck and Scarlett seem to be absolutely clueless, and Marian… well, he can't figure her out anymore.
"Marian", Robin starts, but he doesn't move an inch. "Try finding the ball with the stick… yeah, exactly. Now hit it! You can do it yourself, trust me. You don't need me or anyone else."
Marian gives him a thumbs up, aims and hits the ball perfectly. Everyone stares at her for a few seconds, stunned. Then she lifts the blindfold, sees the ball is still in one piece and puts it back on. Taking a step back, Marian reaches back to prepare for another strike. She swings the stick - and hits her target with full force.
The ball breaks open and a flood of candy pours out of it. Marian rips the fabric off of her eyes and joins everyone else cheering. Robin is proud of her, but he keeps that to himself, since the others would interpret that the wrong way. Instead he tells Marian: "I'm sure this would be even better with some magic sparks."
She nods enthusiastically and immediately starts a very technical conversation with Tuck, that Robin has no chance of following. So, he picks a few candies off the floor and joins Scarlett and Little John, who have returned to their board game at the table.
・•●☽☾●•・
The whole day they've had a blast celebrating. But now the afternoon sun is slowly starting to sink. It's time. The moment Robin has been dreading the entire day. Like every year on Marians birthday, they are going to hop onto the elevator and go up into the crown of the tree to spend a little moment alone together, just the two of them. But this time it's different.
He motions for Marian to go onto the sack first. She shoots him a glance and steps onto the elevator. Robin follows her and they descend toward the top of the tree. There's an awkward silence between them, and he knows they're both thinking about all those times he carried her up there. Bridal style. Robin feels bad because he's not carrying her now, but it doesn't feel right anymore. He likes Marian, he really does, just not in that way.
A slight wind catches their hair when they reach the very top of the tree. The sun is still poking through the leaves, painting playful patterns on their faces. Robin and Marian settle down on the small platform they've built up there. They're sitting close together, but not close enough to touch accidentally.
Just when Robin had worked up the courage to start speaking, Marian beats him to it. "Robin… okay, so, uhm… I know everyone expects us to… be a thing. To be together. Whatever." She awkwardly pulls at her glove. "I- I don't feel that way I used to feel about you… I simply am not into you anymore."
It's like as if there had been something heavy lying in Robins stomach, and now it's gone. Warm waves of relief wash over him. Marian's not into him anymore. This is good. It makes everything less complicated. He looks into her eyes and suddenly knows she's just as scared as he was a few seconds ago.
Robin quickly reassures her: "I am so happy you told me that. I- I feel the same way."
Marians face lightens up. Her whole posture straightens, and she looks much better than a few moments ago. "Oh Robin, you don't know how scared I was you were gonna hate me for this."
"Unfortunately I do know."
"What?"
Fear rises inside him again. Robin absently rips a leaf from a nearby branch and tears it into tiny shreds. He's got another confession to make. "I know that fear, because there's something else I need to tell you. There is more reason to why I'm not interested in you." He runs a hand through his hair. "I really hope you don't hate me."
Clearly Marian can tell how much this means to him, because she just looks at him questioningly.
"You know how Scarlett is into Little John? And Little John is into Scarlett? And you used to like me - anyways. It's just like all the girls are swooning over boys and all the boys are swooning over girls. I don't- I'm not swooning over girls. Well, I thought I was, but- oh my god." He feels tears pricking in his eyes. "I'm swooning over boys. I'm into boys, Marian."
The girl - the princess he was supposed to love just looks at him while tears are streaming down his face. Robin feels a pull in his stomach as new waves of anxiety crash over him.
Marian moves - and pulls him into a tight hug. "You didn't decide this, did you? Like I didn't choose to suddenly not like you anymore?"
"No", he breathes, relief washing over him. She doesn't hate him, doesn't think he's weird. Robin wipes over his eyes and huffs out a laugh. "Why would we decide that? We had a wonderful romance lined up. The princess and the king of thieves."
Marian chuckles, and they just hold on to each other, happy to be understood. Robin feels like he could fly, because Marian is still here, because she doesn't seem to care that he's different.
"Does anyone else know?", Marian asks after a while, breaking them apart.
"Well, not really. Little John has definitely noticed today that I'm not into you, but I don't think he knows about the me-being-into-boys-part."
She looks into the distance, the wind playing with her hair. "We should maybe tell them we're not dating, at least. It's very annoying when they try to ship us."
"Yeah, that makes sense. I'd leave my preferences out of there for now, though. It's kinda scary to tell people." Understatement of the century.
"I can tell Scarlett if you want", Marian offers. "If she doesn't understand I'll make it clear to her that she didn't actively decide to fall for Little John either."
"Thank you." Robin smiles. "That would help. But I'd wait a little while for them all to get over the shock of our breakup."
"We were never together, you oaf."
"I know, I know", Robin giggles while half-heartily defending himself against Marian poking him into his side.
"Actually, you know what? If anyone is mean to you about this, I'll turn them into a frog." She gets up and straightens her dress. "Let's go inform the others about our new relationship as just friends."
Robin jumps to his feet. "Yes. Let's do it."
Prince John
Prince John falls into his throne and unrolls the letter from his brother once more. He has spent all day making the castle look presentable, even though it should always look good. And it does, he just wanted it to be even better. Since the king is still dealing with the aftermath of the war, Prince John gets to have the honor of welcoming one of the most powerful royals into the castle: the Earl of Locksley.
Prince John is excited to get to meet someone this important. That man owns almost half of central England. Sorting through layers of clothing, he makes sure his cape is perfectly draped around him. The Earl could be there any minute.
The doors swing open to reveal a middle-aged man, flanked by two guards that are not from Prince Johns garrison. He's stunning, with his ginger hair falling into his face and his green cape flowing behind him as he struts through the throne room. As the Earl of Locksley comes closer, Prince John notices his face is spotted with freckles, and he has a scar over his left eyebrow.
"Welcome, Earl of Locksley", Prince John says, trying to sit as straight as possible on his throne.
The Earl bows and Prince John wants to tell him about what he can expect from his stay in the castle, but gets cut off.
"Where is my son?", the Earl demands.
Prince John is taken aback, firstly by the audacity of interrupting him. And secondly because he has no idea what the Earl is talking about.
"I've been told my sister and niece live and work here", the Earl continues. "What about my son?"
"…your… son?" Prince John is still clueless.
"Yes, my son." The Earl is getting impatient. "When the war began, I've sent him here, along with my sister and niece. His name is Robin. Robin of Locksley."
It takes a few seconds for Prince John to process this information, but when it finally clicks, he can't stop himself. "WHAT? Robin is your son?!"
"Ah", the Earl says calmly. "So you do know him."
"Oh, I wish I didn't - he keeps stealing my gold, my- my everything, and I can't catch him, he's way too good at hiding-" Prince John makes a full stop in his rant as the new information hits him again. Robin is the son of the Earl of Locksley. Oh shit.
He stares at his visitor for a long moment, conflicted between his despise for Robin and not making enemies with a powerful royal.
The Earl's eyebrows have wandered higher and higher during Prince John's little rage speech. "So? Where is he?"
"I suppose he's out in the sherwood forest", Prince John says grumpily. "All those years and yet no one has ever found his hideout."
"My son has been living in the woods?"
"Uh - yes."
"I demand to see him. Right now." The Earl is properly outraged.
Prince John debates his options. For one, it's quite irritating that the Earl allows himself to speak this way to him. He's a Prince, god damn it. But since his brother, the king, and the man standing in front of him are quite good friends, he supposes there's a sense of familiarity. Even further, the Earl of Locksley's area of influence is huge. Prince John doesn't want to be the one who gets on his bad side.
Waving his hand at a guard, he lets out an annoyed huff. "Fine. We'll get him. The guard will show you to one of our guest rooms."
・•●☽☾●•・
After the Earl has left - not without giving Prince John a bewildered look - the sheriff turns to him. "How do you want to get Robin here?"
Prince John sinks into his throne. "I don't know. He stole all my gold already, so we can't lure him here with that." He thinks for a moment. "I can't just simply send out guards to get him. He'll think it's a trap and that I want to throw him into the prison… Well, I still wanna do that, but I can't while his god damn father is here. Fuck." This is all still quite a shock.
The sheriff scratches the back of his neck. "Perhaps you could come with the guards."
"What- Why would I do that?"
"Robin might believe you because he knows you don't leave the castle if it's nothing."
That is ridiculous. Unfortunately, the sheriff's got a point. Even worse - Robin probably will know if Prince John is being genuine or not. For some reason Prince John has been having a hard time lying to Robin recently. He just feels like Robin knows when he's not telling the truth anyways, so Prince John messes up his words and makes the lies very obvious. "Fine. Set up a carriage. I'll leave with two guards this evening."
Chapter Text
Robin
As soon as Marian and Scarlett are gone, Tuck disappears into his bed. Robin debates doing the same, but Little John turns to him and looks him straight in the eyes.
"Robin…" Little Johns voice is full of worry. "You look like you've been crying."
"Um… no?", Robin says weakly.
"Robin. Come on. Your eyes are all red and puffy." Little John carefully searches for words. "Is this because of Marian?"
And that's when Robin breaks. It's all too much, finding out he's different and isn't in love with Marian, keeping up an act… the party today had been great, but exhausting, too. And now that he can see how worried and confused Little John is, Robin doesn't have enough resources left to keep it together.
Little John catches him and slowly lowers them both to the ground. Now they're just sitting there, in the soft grass at the bottom of their tree. Robin buries his face in Little Johns shoulder and tries to stop shaking. His best friend just holds him, for a long time, until he stops sobbing.
When Robin has calmed a little bit, Little John lifts his face up and wipes his tears away. "You wanna tell me what's going on?"
"Yeah, but… It's kinda difficult", Robin admits. He gets a horrible vision of Little Johns kind eyes lookin at him with disgust.
Little John waits, but when Robin just keeps sniffling and not saying anything, he guesses: "You still like Marian even though you're not acting like it at all?"
Even though Robin is completely wrecked right now, he laughs and drops his head against Little Johns chest. "No." He decides to use this little moment of delight and - "I like boys."
"Oh." Little John is quiet for a moment. "That explains a lot."
Robin snaps his head up and stares at him. "What?"
"Well, firstly you and Marian, obviously. Then the way you acted around that one blonde guy that stayed at the village last year…. Or when Prince John hired that actor and we got him out of prison."
During Little Johns explanation, Robin notices two things. One, his best friend doesn't seem to mind his preferences. Two, apparently Little John had been noticing things long before he was. "How do you even- the blonde guy? No way."
Little John laughs and ruffles Robins hair. "Sure. You were just coincidentally blushing all the time and you also coincidentally always had to practice shooting arrows when he was around."
"Oh my god", Robin whines. "How is it possible you noticed and I didn't?"
"I'm your best friend, Robin. And, to be fair, I noticed you were acting certain ways, but I didn't understand why." Little John takes his hand. "You can tell me anything. I don't care if you like boys. That's just a part of you, I suppose."
"I- Thank you." Robin squeezes his best friend's hand while a calm and comfortable warmth floods him. If Marian talks to Scarlett, he only has Tuck left to tell, and he wonders what happened to keep my preference out of there for now. It wasn't his intention to let everyone know so quickly. Maybe it's for the better.
"I don't think Tuck's gonna mind either", Little John reflects, trying to blow one of his black curls out of his face. "He doesn't even think about things like that at all, I believe. His mind only has room for his gadgets at the moment."
"Huh. I hope so." Robin looks up into the sky, which is currently turning from purple to dark blue. "It means a lot to me that I can be myself with you, Little John."
"If there's something getting on your mind, please just- you can always tell me."
Robin smiles. "Thank you. You too, please."
Little John gets up and holds out a hand. "I was gonna tell you to go to sleep, because honestly, you were a wreck a few moments ago, but now you look like a lighthouse."
"What?"
"You're beaming, Robin. You look like you've won a jackpot just now."
"Well I just won a best friend", Robin replies, as he lets Little John pull him up.
"What on earth are you talking about? I've always been here and will always be, you prick." Little John pretends to be offended.
Robin can't help it, he breaks out into a fit of giggles. He's feeling absolutely amazing right now. First Marian, now Little John - they don't care that he likes boys, that he's different, and they're not leaving him. He does a little spin and keeps laughing. Little John shoots him a weird look, probably because Robin has been switching through multiple heavy emotions very quickly, but he can see the corner of Little Johns mouth twitch upwards.
・•●☽☾●•・
They're still standing under the tree, Robin giggling like an idiot and Little John laughing at him, when Marian and Scarlett return.
"What's going on here?", Marian smirks.
Robin takes a deep breath, wipes over his eyes and replies: "I could ask you the same thing."
"We just came back to tell you that Prince John is looking for you. You specifically, Robin." Scarlett takes her hairband off and reties her black ponytail.
Robin says: "Wait, what?" at the same time as Little John muses: "Isn't he always?"
They look at each other and start laughing again. If Robin didn't know any better, he would have believed Little John and him were drunk. He feels a bit like it. Everything is just so great right now that he finds everything inappropriately delightful.
Marian and Scarlett roll their eyes at each other, and Scarlett tries again. "Prince John is riding around in a carriage and calling for you."
"Calling for me? As in RRROBIIIN?"
"Well, not exactly." Marian helplessly extends her arms. "He's more like Robin! I need to talk to you! I know you're there!"
"And he sounds like he really doesn't want to do it", Scarlett adds. "He's almost sulking."
That is indeed quite unusual. What could Prince John want from him? At this time? The sun has already set. If Robin's thinking about it, the idea of Prince John grumpily sitting in a carriage and yelling his name even though he isn't there is very entertaining.
"I need to see this" Robin declares. From the way Little John immediately moves to his side, he knows he is as curious as him.
"Are you sure that's a good idea?", Marian worries, but the looks Scarlett and her are sharing tell Robin they know they've already lost this fight.
"We're just gonna go see what he's up to", Robin insists. "If he's lucky I might even fulfill his wishes."
"You are insane." Scarlett points at Marian and herself. "Guess who's gonna have to get you out of prison again."
"Oh, come on. If that's really what Prince John is here for - which it doesn't sound like if you ask me - I'm not just gonna let him catch me."
Marian accusingly gestures at Robin and Little John. "Why are we even trying, Scarlett? They're not listening to us anyways."
"You're so right." Scarlett makes a grimace. "Please, just be careful, boys."
"Alright, alright", Robin tries to be reassuring. "You think we should wake up Tuck?"
Little John shrugs. "I don't think it's worth it. We'll be right back anyways." He gives Scarlett a kiss on the cheek. "You two better head back to the castle now."
And with that they take off into the woods, Marian and Scarlett in the direction of the castle, Robin and Little John into the other.
It doesn't take long until Robin and Little John can hear Prince John calling through the darkening forest. His voice echoes between the trees, and he's doing exactly what Marian and Scarlett had told them.
As they approach the carriage, Robin counts exactly two guards. Weird. Prince John is out in the woods at night with barely any protection and calling for his mortal enemy. This is very bizarre. Hopping from tree to tree, Robin and Little John watch as Prince John grows increasingly frustrated.
Eventually he throws his arms up and complains: "How are we supposed to find Robin? This is pointless."
The guards don't dare to answer, so Prince John lets himself fall into the cushions at the back of the carriage and annoyedly crosses his arms. "We have to find him. Stop the carriage and look for him by foot."
"But, my prince-"
"NOW!"
The guards quickly scramble off of the vehicle and hurry into the woods. Robin motions for his friend to follow him. This is probably a stupid idea, but he feels invincible right now, with Little John by his side and darkness as his cover. They climb on a branch directly over the back of the carriage. Then Robin lets himself drop right into the cushions next to Prince John.
The Prince lets out an impressively high scream, then only flinches when Little John joins them. "What even-"
"Hello, my Prince", Robin purrs and makes himself comfortable in the pillows. "You've been calling for me?"
"My goodness." Prince John tries to regain his composure. "Why would you scare me like that?"
Robin finds a hand fan between the pillows and flicks it open. "Because it's funny."
Fixing his blonde hair, the Prince huffs as Little John watches them with amusement. Then he puts his fingertips together and makes a serious face. "Robin, your father is here and he wants to see you."
They're all quiet for a second. Robin even forgets to fan. Eventually Little John breaks the shocked silence. "The Earl?!"
"YOU knew that?", Prince John snaps. "How come I didn't know?"
Robin swats the fan at him. "Maybe someone wasn't paying attention when I told you why we came here all those years ago. Also, that is my best friend, you think I wouldn't tell him who my father is?"
The meaning of what Prince John just said seemed to have taken a while to reach his brain, because it's only really starting to dawn on him now. His father. Here. A storm of emotions breaks out inside him. He's euphoric to see his dad again, obviously, after all this time. And he came here for Robin. Warmth floods through him. But then again - this might mean his dad wants him to return home, away from all of his friends.
Robin looks at Little John, who stares back at him with a slightly worried expression. "My dad is here! I- I think I want to go see him."
"You should", Little John agrees, then side-eyes Prince John. "But maybe… maybe you should wait until tomorrow. You've already had enough for today."
Robin decisively shakes his head. "I know, but- I really want to see him again. I'm sorry."
"Don't be sorry." Now his best friend is almost offended. "Of course you want to see him. I'm not going to stop you. Just- are we sure this is not a trap or something?"
Right. Robin had almost forgotten. Turning to Prince John, he simply asks: "Is this a trap?"
Prince John looks like he's disappointed it's not, and defeatedly says: "No, it's not."
"Okay. Well, then - take me to the castle, your majesty."
Both look equally surprised, then Little John blurts: "You're just gonna take his word for it?"
"Well, not usually. But if he were lying, you could tell. He's a horrible liar."
"Fine." Little John climbs out of the carriage. "I'm gonna tell Tuck what happened."
"You better leave before the guards get back", Robin suggests. "I suppose I have some sort of immunity for now, but I'm not sure if they'd arrest you."
Little John nods and disappears into the dark. As soon as he's gone, Prince John quietly says: "You're a royal."
"Yes I am", Robin agrees and makes a show of sitting as gracefully as possible, using the fan to sway his ginger hair out of his face. He's actually having fun right now.
Prince John stares at him for a while. Then he huffs disapprovingly and yells: "GUUAAARDS!"
The two men appear shortly after, their armor slightly dirty and a few leaves stuck in it. What they see must shock them a little bit, because they stop for a moment before getting back on the carriage. Robin can't blame them - their prince is sitting in the cushions, back to being annoyed, and his sworn enemy is sprawled out next to him, clearly delighted.
・•●☽☾●•・
As the ride takes him through the now almost pitch black sherwood forest, Robin takes his time sorting out his thoughts. He had expected Little John to insist on staying with him, but now that he's thinking about it, it's probably better this way. It's gonna be a shock for his father to learn how contrary his life has been compared to what was before. If he now overwhelms him by directly exposing his dad to the 'robbers' he's been hanging out with, it's not unlikely that'll eliminate his chances of staying almost completely.
Because Robin already can feel that's what he wants - staying where his friends are, he won't just leave what he's built here. Everyone he loves is here - Little John, Marian, Scarlett and Tuck. Not to forget about Mathilda and Derke. And he loves the village and its people, the sherwood forest and their hideout… They've built it over the first year he came here, and it's amazing. Robin would take his hammock in the hideout over his bed back at their manor anytime.
He hasn't thought about the manor in a long time. Robin doesn't dislike his old home because it's gigantic and posh, or because of his dad. He doesn't like it because everyone there treats him like he's a royal - well, he is, but like he's worth more than them just because he happened to be born as the son of the Earl of Locksley. He's always hated it. Even when he ordered the people that worked for him to stop putting him on a pedestal, they couldn't help it. And on top of that, it was just incredibly boring. That is also the reason Robin is so good at archery - there simply wasn't anything else to do.
Feeling like he's being watched, Robin looks around - and realizes Prince John had been staring at him this entire time. He can feel heat rising in his cheeks. Unsure of how to interpret Prince John's gaze, Robin studies the Princes expression. He doesn't look despising or mischievous like usually, more like - he looks fascinated. Robin's face burns even more, and he increases the speed of his fanning. The cool night air helps a little.
Prince John is another reason to stay, Robin realizes. If he's gone, who should protect the village from the Prince? Or more specifically, his endless greed and ridiculously high taxes. As much as Prince John would disagree with this - Robin grins - he doesn't think the Prince as a person is dangerous. He's just a boy with too much power in his hands and an abnormal obsession with gold. If he didn't have a whole garrison under his command, he would just be pining after riches and not do anything about it, because he's way too lazy and insecure. But that's not the case, so there has to be someone to put Prince John back in his place.
Of course, his friends would still be there, but - not to be narcissistic - Robin is the heart of the group, and if he's ripped out of there… They would keep fighting, but there'd be a major part missing. If Robin had to leave, it probably means Scarlett and Mathilda had to come with them, and then there's only Marian, Little John and Tuck left. And Marians hands are partly tied, she is the princess after all.
As the trees start to lighten, Robin glances at Prince John again. He's still staring.
Chapter Text
Robin
The carriage slowly rolls into the castle courtyard. In the flickering light of the torches, Robin spots a familiar figure in front of the well. His father.
Robin doesn't wait for them to stop moving, he simply jumps over the side of the carriage and runs towards his dad. The man extends his arms and catches Robin, spinning them around.
When they've finished hugging, his dad puts him back on the ground and looks him up and down. "Robin. I'm so glad to see you. Are you all right?"
"Honestly, I'm great right now", Robin answers. "And I'm very happy to see you too."
"Oh, you don't have to be so modest, Robin." His dad strokes through Robins hair and makes a confused face. "You look surprisingly neat and clean for living in the forest."
It doesn't take Robin long to piece together what his father is thinking. "My life has changed a lot. When we came here, we thought we were gonna live in the castle, but it just didn't work out."
"So you decided to live in the woods instead? On your own?"
Robin chooses his words carefully. "Not on my own, no. Two of my best friends live with me… we built us or own home. It's honestly one of my favorite places. We have everything we need."
Now Robin is faced with a choice - either reveal he's been stealing from people just like the Earl, or make up a lie that sounds reasonable enough for his father to determine why he has to stay. He wrecks his brain and finds absolutely nothing. So, the truth it is. Doing his best to sound reasonable, Robin explains what he's been up to in the past six years.
The Earls face changes into something closed off. "That is all great, fighting for justice and everything, but maybe now it's time to leave this behind." Looking directly into Robin's eyes, his dad says with a warm voice: "I want you to come home with me. You're sixteen now, old enough to start preparing for your future. You will be my successor, after all. The next Earl of Locksley."
"No", Robin hears himself say before his brain has even processed most of what his father just said.
"I already told you to stop being so modest", his dad huffs, now slightly annoyed. "You've been living in the woods. Seemingly it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, but it's barely appropriate for a royal."
"Do not make this about me being a royal" , Robin snaps, then they both are quiet in shock. As the son of an Earl, Robin can allow himself a lot, but being harsh to the Earl himself is not one of those things. Robin regains his composure. The next Earl of Locksley? No way. "I know I was born with a name that gives me privileges and power. But I don't want those. I want to stay here, where my friends are, where my home is. I want to keep protecting the village. I don't want to own huge lands and dozens of subjects." He decisively pushes his chin up. "And if that means I will loose that name, then so be it."
The Earl looks at him for a long moment. "You're not the boy that left my home six years ago." He straightens out his cape. "I will have to think about this. We'll speak again tomorrow." And with that he rushes off.
Unbelievable. His father seems to think Robin is still a child. That is all great, fighting for justice and everything - as if they were stealing candy from old people that pretended not to notice. Robin is mad - and scared. He really doesn't want to leave, he can't. But his father is literally an Earl, and he can force Robin to bow to his will. That's not how his dad usually treats people, but now, if his son denies continuing a reign…
At least now his dad knows Robin is not happy with his plans. It's probably not a great look for him, the way he just took the wind out of the Earls sails. But he can't take it back - and hopefully, if his dad doesn't take his words to heart, he at least knows Robin's not gonna make it easy for him.
Then Robin realizes he just potentially disowned himself. If that means I will loose that name, then so be it. Does he care about his name? No, Robin concludes. It just brings him privileges and duties he's not going to make a use of anyways. For six years now - being away from his former home - he wasn't Robin of Locksley, he was just Robin. And that's enough for him, he even prefers it by a lot. If the Earl actually disowns him, it wouldn't change a lot, he thinks. Of course it would hurt, cast out by his own father, but if he truly would be willing to go this far, Robin doesn't want to be around him anyways.
A bit of sadness starts to shimmer through Robins rage. He just got his dad back - and they only had such a short conversation. That ended with his father leaving him furious and scared. It's worse than he thought it would be. Now Robin stands in the castle courtyard, his shadow twitching from the light of the torches, and he's all alone. What a great reunion.
Prince John
Prince John was halfway convinced all of this was some sort of fever dream. Somehow it was impossible for his brain to process that Robin is a royal. But now, after watching Robin throwing himself into the Earls arms, Prince John has finally realized it's actually real. He doesn't know why it bothers him so much. Does it change anything? Not really.
After Robin had left him alone in the carriage, Prince John went back into his castle. He didn't plan on watching this bizarre reunion. But now that he's alone in the dimly lit throne room, his curiosity is getting the better of him.
He sways out of the beautifully decorated balcony door and rests his arms on the balustrade. From here he can see Robin and the Earl and hear that they're talking, but he can't make out what they're actually saying. That's not a big issue, he just wants to see what's happening. He lets his thoughts drift away.
Prince John hopes Robin didn't notice him staring during the ride before. He simply couldn't help himself - it was just so fascinating. Prince John had seen oil paintings of the Earl of Locksley, but he had never noticed the similarities to his son, even when he was right in front of him all this time. The same ginger hair color, identical sparkling eyes, the freckles… the same beautiful face all over.
Wait a minute. Beautiful? Prince John just called Robin beautiful. No, no, no, no. Robin isn't beautiful, he is his arch nemesis, and that's about it. His looks don't matter.
But Prince John still can't quite wrap his brain around the fact that the boy he's been trying to capture for years is royalty. Robin is a fucking royal. Every time he remembers that it's another little shock, and something in his gut makes a weird little twist.
A gust of wind ruffles his cape - and carries a few words up from the courtyard. …you to come home with me. You're sixteen…
Come home? What's that supposed to mean? The Earl wants Robin to come home. So he wants Robin to come with him. Away from sherwood.
Prince John is annoyed at how slow his brain is today. He's definitely out of it, and he doesn't know why. If Robin is gone, that would mean there's no one left to get in his way of collecting taxes. That is - that is great. Anticipation fills his stomach. Prince Johns mind provides him with images of seas of gold, glittering gemstones and sparkling jewelry. With the major obstacle eliminated, he might not even need his guards to go into the village - he could just do it himself.
Prince John should be doing leaps of joy. But for some reason he doesn't feel like it. If there's no Robin, he could just collect the villagers money whenever and how often he wants. And that would be a bit boring. No more challenges. No more extensively plotting when it would be the best time to strike.
Wait. What is he thinking? This is what he always dreamed of. Prince Johns intrusive thoughts are truly having the time of their lives right now. He's lucky no one can hear what he's thinking - they might have thought he would actually be unhappy with Robin leaving. The day has been long - maybe he's just too tired.
Prince John watches as Robin backs away from the Earl a bit, seemingly unintentional. Then Robin snaps at his father. Prince John huffs disapprovingly. Who does Robin think he is? That's not how you treat a royal of such high standings. Even if they're your own father.
The Earl says something, then he crosses the courtyard with quick steps and disappears through the main entrance below Prince John. He looks back at Robin. His mortal enemy is standing next to the well, sadly looking after his father. A tiny bit of pity wells inside Prince John. Something is very wrong with him, if he's even having sympathetic feelings towards Robin. He should ask Mathilda to make him some medicine.
It's the middle of the night. If he kicks Robin out now, the Earl would probably not be pleased. Much to his displeasure, Prince John decides it would be the best if he lets Robin stay here for the night. Great. Now he's already letting this thief sleep in his castle. He throws all his dignity overboard and makes his way down to the courtyard.
・•●☽☾●•・
When he steps through the massive wooden doors, Robin is still standing in the same spot. He looks horrible - his arms hang at his sides, and his entire posture has collapsed into itself. When Prince John gets closer, he notices the dark rings under Robins eyes. Were they already there when they were sitting in the carriage? Prince John can't remember, but maybe he just didn't notice because he was busy studying Robins features.
Robin must have had a rough day, even before he came here. As Prince John moves towards him, Robin questioningly lifts his eyebrows, but doesn't say anything. Strange. Usually Robin always has something cocky to say.
Prince John tries his best to find a phrasing that would match the situation, fails, and then just says: "Follow me. I'll show you to a guest room for you to sleep at."
Robins eyebrows move up even higher. "Why are you being so nice to me?"
Because you're clearly completely drained right now, a voice inside Prince Johns head whispers. He ignores it and instead tells Robin: "If I leave you to go back into the woods right now, in the middle of the night, you'd probably loose even more sleep. Your father wouldn't appreciate that."
Robin huffs. "I can sleep perfectly in the woods, thank you."
"Look at yourself." Prince John rolls his eyes. "If you went back to your hideout now, wherever that is, you'd fall asleep while walking."
"I could take one of the horses."
"Have you completely lost it? Riding a horse is demanding, and you know none of my horses well enough to put all your trust in one of them. You can't just expect any horse to notice when you fall asleep - you might just fall off and get hurt."
"Why do you all of a sudden care?"
Prince John does a double take. Right - why does he care? "Because-" He grips the first explanation that crosses his mind. "Because the Earl is already very upset with me, because you've been forced to live in the woods. And, before you ask, I'm not going to imprison you, I can't afford doing that with the Earl breathing down my neck. I- Just come with me, I'll show you a room where you can stay at, just until tomorrow."
"Fine", Robin gives in. As he follows Prince John back into the castle, he mutters under his breath: "No one forced me to do anything. Yet."
"Yet? What do you mean by that?", Prince John asks before he can stop himself. His overbearing curiosity is becoming very annoying.
To his surprise, Robin answers him. "It's possible my father will force me to come home with him. He wants me to become the next Earl of Locksley." Robin pulls a very displeased frown.
Prince John is sort of blown away by that information. Robin has the chance to become an incredibly powerful personality, and yet he doesn't seem to appreciate it one bit. "And you don't want that?"
Robin gives him a weird look. "No. Obviously I don't."
"Why not? You'd own almost-"
"Exactly. I'd own overwhelming amounts of things. Owning land and riches is one thing. That's just not for me, but if there's no other way I could live with that." Robin runs a hand through his hair and side-eyes Prince John. "But owning people? That's just - no. I don't want that. I hate it when people treat me as if I were worth more than others. That's just not the truth. And besides that, I don't think people should be owned by other people."
"You look at me like I own people."
"You do own people", Robin snaps.
"No, I don't", Prince John insists. "They just work for me."
"Is that so?" Robin sounds everything but convinced. "I'm pretty sure I've heard you tell people you own them. At least some of the castle staff."
Prince John can feel his face heating up. "That's just to display power. I don't actually own them." The truth is, he himself doesn't own anyone, all the staff belongs to King Richard. Prince John has never thought about this before. But now that Robin is coming at him, he feels the need to agree with him.
"You tell yourself that." Robin smiles a weak smile. "You could treat them like they aren't your possession. Like fellow human beings. Maybe then people would actually like you."
"Excuse me?", Prince John scoffs. Robin is allowing himself a lot, he thinks. "Everyone likes me just fine. I'm their Prince."
"No shit", Robin says equally disapprovingly. "They're scared of you. They fear you might kick them out for any little mistakes they make, because you're impulsive and cynical."
Prince John stops walking. He feels like something sliced right through his heart. What Robin just said actually hurt him. Robin notices and stops as well, turning back around to him.
"Do you really think that's how it is?", Prince John asks, his voice unfamiliarly thin. Is that really how he comes across? He likes if the people have respect for him, and that sometimes goes hand in hand with fear. But he doesn't want to be viewed as a monster.
The light of the torches flickers over Robins face. Prince John thinks he can see realization in Robins eyes. "You seem to think it's different", Robin concludes. "Well, to be fair, most of the staff just fears losing their job, they aren't actually afraid of you yourself. The only person in this castle you treat with mutual respect is Marian, because she has the same status as you. But everyone else is also a human being, just like her, and like you. You are also a human, Prince John."
Prince John is completely baffled. Feeling like he just discovered a new world, he opens his mouth and closes it again without making a noise.
"Please don't tell me you actually never thought about this."
"Sometimes you feel like your life is already planned down to the last detail", Prince John mutters quietly. That's how he interprets his lightheadedness. His entire life had been laid out for him, the way he's supposed to act and react to the world around him. Now he feels like Robin just broke open the cage he had been in.
"I never thought I would say this, but-" Robin comes closer and places a hand on Prince Johns arm. "I think we are in a similar position right now. With the only difference - if you actually listened to anything I just said - you can break free from that prison. I have to disown myself first, I fear."
"How can you-", Prince John chokes and has to restart. "How can you give such emotionally high demanding speeches even though you're completely wrecked at this point?"
Robin laughs. "I've been thinking about this a lot since I came here six years ago. It's basically burned into my brain. I know you're not an evil person. I can see through your facade."
"I have a facade?", Prince John wonders, confused.
"Yes, and I think it's kinda ugly. You should tear it down and build a new, prettier one." Robin strengthens his grip on Prince Johns arm and pulls him forward. "Now show me to my sleeping chambers, your majesty."
For some reason that makes Prince John laugh, and he brings Robin to one of the guest rooms. That boy is going to be the end of him. He's gonna have a lot to think about now.
Chapter Text
Robin
Robin didn't think he'd get much sleep, but the exhaustion got the better of him. It's been a lot - celebrating Marians birthday, coming out to Marian, then to Little John, reuniting with his father, his father revealing his stupid plans, and last but not least Robin giving Prince John the you-can-do-better-speech.
In the morning, Marian and Scarlett found his room and they held a crisis meeting. The first half hour they just spent being upset and complaining about Robins father. Then they made escape plans, just in case. If Robin actually had to leave, they wouldn't just let it happen.
Marian is just as scared as Robin, because she would loose her two best friends at the same time. Obviously, if the Earl wants his family back home, Scarlett and Mathilda have to follow too. They don't know about Mathilda, but Robin and Scarlett are prepared to fight for staying. Not physically, only if there's no other way, but they won't let themselves get dragged away just like that.
Now Robin is alone again. Marian and Scarlett have left, after almost getting caught by the guard that showed up to tell Robin the Earl will come to speak to him soon. As Robin waits, he thinks back to the strange walk to his room he had yesterday with Prince John. It's good the Prince finally got to hear what he's doing wrong, but he looked like he had no idea until Robin told him. Could he really be that obnoxious? Yes, his life has been pre-determined by his standing, but Robin is a bit shocked Prince John never actually questioned any of it.
There's a knock on the door, then it opens and Robins father steps through. Robin mentally prepares himself for the worst. Nervously burying his fingers in the pastel yellow sheets, he sits down on the edge of the bed.
"Good morning", the Earl says politely. "Have you slept well?"
"If you'll force me to come with you, you can just say so", Robin says dismissively.
"Robin", his father cations. "Please just listen to me." He settles down in the posh, yellow armchair next to the bed. "I have been thinking a lot. Yesterday I was simply overwhelmed with rage towards the Prince, since he made you live in the woods and clearly is not capable of treating his subjects with respect. And I was overflowed with gratitude to see you again."
The Earl presses his hands together. "I didn't get to see you for such a long time. And then, when you said you didn't want to come with me, I was scared of loosing you. But now…" He casts his eyes down in remorse. "Now I see forcing you to do anything is the not right the way. That's how I loose you."
Robin is stunned. He didn't expect that. He opens his mouth to say something, but his dad isn't finished.
"Robin. I'm very proud of who you've become. If you don't agree with something, you speak up instead of silently submitting to fate. I like that. You stand up to a Prince that is corrupted by gold and riches."
"I- thank you." Robin doesn't know what to say. The words his father said comfort him. He feels pride rising inside him and dares to hope again.
"I would love if you joined me when I leave. If you don't want that, then you don't have to. I won't make you do anything you don't want." His dad looks back up at him, an apologetic smile on his lips.
Robin is ecstatic. His father won't force him to leave, won't rip him out of the live he's been living. This is wonderful - Robin could've danced across the room right now. Instead, he walks up to the Earl and takes his hands.
"Thank you, I…" He's at a loss of how to express his gratefulness, so he just murmurs: "I love you, father."
"I love you too, Robin", the Earl replies and presses his forehead against Robins. "I would never want you to be unhappy."
Robin smiles, and for a moment they're just silently enjoying each other's company. After a while, Robin leans back and lets go of his father's hands. "What about Scarlett? And Mathilda?"
The Earl thinks before answering him. "Mathilda has not explicitly said she wants to leave, but as far as I can tell the Prince is not the greatest employer. I haven't talked to Scarlett yet, but from what I'm hearing, she's quite happy to be Marians maid. If Mathilda wants to come back home with me, I believe she would take Scarlett with her."
"Scarlett doesn't want to leave, I already talked to her. We even made escape plans together", Robin admits.
His father looks guilty. "I'm sorry I put you in this position. I wasn't aware how much you're attached to this place." He affectionally strokes over Robins hair. "I fear Mathilda will want Scarlett with her if she leaves. But I wonder - is it worth the effort of trying to take Scarlett with us?"
Robin grins. "No, definitely not. Scarlett has become quite lethal. She'd be gone even before you're out of the sherwood forest."
The Earl laughs a low, amused laugh. "Well, then… I think she should at least try to talk to Mathilda first, she can run away later if Mathilda thinks she can hold her daughter back. She's always been a feisty one."
A feisty one. Robin spends a moment internally laughing at that wording. That's one way to describe Scarlett. "I'll go find her and then we'll talk to Mathilda together."
"Okay", the Earl smiles. "And after that… maybe we can spend some time together? Go out for a ride? Or practice a bit of archery like we always used to?"
"Oh, I'm absolutely gonna destroy you at archery."
"We'll see about that," his father says confidently.
Robin is still grinning when he leaves his room to find Scarlett. His dad has no idea what he's up against.
・•●☽☾●•・
When Scarlett and Robin arrive in the kitchen, the delicious smell of freshly baked bread fills the air. Mathilda is sitting at the long wooden table, preparing sandwiches. Interesting. It's way past breakfast time by now. Robin settles down opposite of his aunt, and Scarlett sits next to her.
"Mum", Scarlett immediately gets to the point. "Robin is allowed to stay, so I won't leave either. If you force me to come with you I will break out."
Mathilda puts her knife away. "Is that so?"
"I don't have to become the next Earl of Locksley", Robin confirms. "As you know, I never wanted that. I prefer staying here and putting Prince John in his place. And Scarlett is determined to stay and help."
"Oh, my dear daughter." Mathilda pulls Scarlett towards her and ruffles through her black hair. "I would have loved to have you by my side if I leave. Unfortunately I don't think it'll end well for me if you don't want that."
"So you won't drag me away", Scarlett says approvingly, then the corners of her mouth turn downwards. "Does that mean you'll leave?"
"I don't know yet", Mathilda confesses. "I like it here. I have everything I need, I get to see you almost every day… Prince John is a bit of an unreliable employer, but every time he has kicked me out so far he changed his mind very quickly."
"That's because you're the best cook in the whole of England", Scarlett claims.
Mathilda laughs, flattered. "I very much doubt that, but thank you."
Robin confidently places his hand on his hip. "I think the Prince will be a lot nicer to you in the near future."
Mathilda and Scarlett pull exactly the same face, a mix of surprise and confusion. Then Robins cousin leans forward, intrigued. "What makes you think that?"
"I have a feeling", Robin says mysteriously. He doesn't know why, but his conversation with Prince John felt kind of private. The look in Prince Johns eyes when Robin confronted him with the truth… Robin hadn't seen him so vulnerable before.
"Something must have happened", Scarlett concludes. "You don't get your so called feelings based on utterly nothing."
On the other hand - since when does Robin care about protecting Prince Johns feelings? Exactly. He doesn't. "Our Prince might feel a little bad now."
"Robin! What did you do?"
"Um… so… I may or may not have given Prince John a good talking-to." Robin scratches the back of his neck. "I told him how he is scaring most of his people and that he should do better. He had no idea."
Mathilda puts her hand in front of her mouth. "Oh dear."
"He needed to hear it", Robin defends himself and Scarlett approvingly nods. "I don't think he'll do a full one-eighty, but at least he's gonna have my words at the back of his mind from now on."
"Now I feel like I should stay just to see if anything happens."
"You should", Scarlett immediately says and innocently bats her eyelashes at her mother.
Mathilda thoughtfully swats crumbs from her apron. "I think I might actually stay for now. After all, if I change my mind I can still leave, now that my brother is back."
"YES!" Scarlett jumps up and throws her hands in the air, just to then hurl herself at her mother and capture her in a fierce embrace.
Robin can't help but smile as he watches them, he too is happy Mathilda stays as well. His gaze drops to the halfway prepared breads. "Who are the sandwiches for?"
Mathilda rolls her eyes. "Prince John didn't leave his room until about half an hour ago. He missed breakfast."
Oh. That might have been Robins fault. Or actually - it's not. He didn't make Prince John stay up late to escort him to a room, that was Prince Johns own decision. And if he didn't sleep after that because he was so devastated by Robins speech, well, that's good, Robin supposes.
Noticing a movement to his right, Robin turns around. Marian is standing between the wooden pillars of the open kitchen space. Robin quickly checks if there are any guards in sight, then beams at her. "Hello."
"Hello", she says reluctantly. "Can you- are you staying?"
Right. In the haze of working out who stays and who leaves he forgot he didn't tell Marian they didn't have to become pen pals. "I am officially staying", Robin declares solemnly.
Marian breaths out in relief, and they move towards each other to unite in a loving hug. Robin is glad they already told Scarlett they're not a thing anymore, so she wouldn't interpret it the wrong way. Now Robin and Marian can just embrace without people seeing a romantic couple.
"Scarlett and Mathilda are staying too", Robin informs Marian when they break apart.
Marian actually tears up a little bit. "Wow, I - I'm so relieved. I thought I'd loose you all at once." She opens her arms to catch Scarlett, who comes running from across the room. "Oh Scarlett, I don't know what I'd do without you. You're my best friend."
Robin feels a warm, comforting feeling well on his inside. He is so thankful to be allowed to stay here. Here are all of his friends, here is where he grew out of the form he was supposed to fit in. This is where his home is.
Prince John
Prince John is standing on his balcony again, watching Robin and his father mount two of his horses. The Earl has gotten archery equipment from somewhere, and Robin, as always, is carrying his bow and arrows. They’re laughing together, the Earl motions at Robins bow and makes a dismissive hand gesture. He seems to think he can beat Robin at archery. Prince John grins. Robin will tear his father to shreds.
Letting out a defeated sigh, Prince John turns and walks back into his throne room. Since yesterday his thoughts towards Robin have been drastically different - not nearly as negative as they used to be. He’s not exactly fond of this change, but it’s not like he can do anything about it.
To make it even worse, Prince John suspects he agrees with Robin - he’s just not ready to admit it yet. But now is not the time for an extensive personality crisis. Robin is distracted bonding with his dad, and that means it’s the perfect time to strike. Prince John excitedly claps his hands. The villager’s gold is his.
He gingerly sits down on his throne and calls for the sheriff. As always, the sheriff immediately shows up and positions himself on the red carpet in front of the stairs that lead up the platform that the throne stands on.
„Sheriff“, Prince John greets. „Get a few guards and go into the village. Robin is not paying attention, so you can collect the taxes without any obstacles.“
The sheriff leaves and Prince John happily throws his legs over the arm rest of his throne. His treasure chests will be full again. The gigantic wooden doors creek open again and Marian enters. She approaches him and stands next to his throne, as she does sometimes.
After watching him for a while, she speaks up. „What’s on your mind, Prince John? You look upset.“
Damn it. He thought he could cover his doubtswith a joyful act. He should have known Marian would see through him. Though he really is looking forward to his gold, underneath that is a sea of unresolved emotions.
„I don’t know what to think anymore“, Prince John admits truthfully.
„About what?“
„Well, firstly about Robin. We had a very strange conversation yesterday… the more I think about it, the more it makes me think he was actually kinda nice to me.“
Marians eyes grow wide in surprise. „I- uhm… maybe he’s actually nice?“
„Wow, great input, Marian“, Prince John says sarcastically. „I would have thought it was a lead up to some sort of trap, but honestly, I don’t think it was. The things he said really wouldn’t fit that sort of play.“
„What did he say to you?“
Prince John doesn’t know why he tells Marian all of this, but it feels good to talk about it. He’s been alone with his wildly spinning thoughts for a night and half a day now. So, he repeats what Robin accused him of in the middle of the night. „For some reason I feel obligated to agree with him.“
„Maybe it’s your morality speaking.“
„Are you trying to say I don’t have morals?“
„You do have morals“, Marian corrects herself. „They’re just not that great.“
Prince John doesn’t feel as offended as he should be. Maybe it’s because Marian is wearing a certain smile that tells him she knows she right and he’s not. Fuck, why is he so bothered by something Robin said? Prince John helplessly runs his hand through his blonde hair. „What do I do now?“
Marian pretends to think for a moment. „You could start with simply not yelling at people when they do something wrong.“
Prince John absently nods. Imagining someone screaming at him, he realizes it’s probably not the most pleasant feeling. But how was he supposed to know that? He’s the Prince, no one can allow themselves to raise their voice at him. He never thought about this, it’s always been this way - but maybe he can try something new. If Marian thinks it’s a good idea, it probably is.
Chapter 6
Notes:
This one's a bit shorter unfortunately
(in case anyone is confused) I gave Prince Johns horse a name, she is called Ashanti now
Enjoy :D
Chapter Text
Robin
Robin is standing at the castle gates, watching his father and his guards ride away. Next to him stand Mathilda and Scarlett, who's next to Marian. They made an effort to make it look like Marian is just accompanying her maid, so that they don't blow their cover. Unfortunately, the Earl already has to leave again.
Robin and his dad had a great time together yesterday. They went on an hour long ride through the woods. The Earl actually thought he had a chance against Robin at archery, but was quickly proven wrong. Robin smirks. His father's eyes almost fell out when he saw what his son was capable of. Later, Robin made his dad wear a blindfold so he could show him their hideout. He was highly impressed.
Little John and Tuck were there, obviously, and the Earl let Tuck explain some of his inventions to him. In contrary to his dad, Robin didn't understand a word his friend was saying, so he updated Little John on everything that had happened instead. Robin was very pleased his dad seemed to like his friends. All in all, it had been a great day.
After that, they returned back to the castle, and Robin stayed in the yellow furnished guest room for another night. He's sad his dad is leaving already, but he also misses his hammock in the hideout already.
"It's been fun in the castle and all", Robin muses. "But I think I'd like to go home as well. The woods are calling me."
"Interesting. What does that sound like?", Marian wonders.
"It sounds like Derke when he demands you to turn him back into a dragon", Robin fires back, grinning.
"Oh no." Marian holds her hand in front of her mouth. "In that case I recommend you to hurry."
Scarlett chimes in and they keep bickering until a loud scream from somewhere inside the castle interrupts them. It takes a few moments for Robin to understand that it's not just a scream, it's words that are being roared in the throne room. MY GOOOOLD. The content makes it clear who's yelling.
Gold? Why does Prince John have gold again all of a sudden? Robin quickly sorts through his memories and concludes Prince John must have gone for a tax round yesterday. When Robin was distracted hanging out with his dad. Well. Shit happens.
Now Prince John doesn't have the gold anymore anyways. But - who has it, then? Robin and all of his friends didn't even know there was something to steal back, so they certainly don't. That only leaves one option - the thieves. It's almost impressive they managed to pull this through. The thieves are good thieves, but Robin didn't expect them to succeed in breaking into the castle.
Prince John storms out of the castle, a few guards at his heels. They all mount the ochre colored horses that have already been prepared in a hurry.
Prince John dashes past Robin on his black, cold-blooded mare. "To the thieves hideout!", he screams, confirming Robins suspicions.
When the dust settles after the guards have galloped away, Robin is determined to not let either the thieves or Prince John have the gold. "Marian, Scarlett, can you go to the hideout and tell Little John and Tuck to meet me near the thieves hideout? I want to get the money back to the villagers."
"I have a better idea", Marian declares. "Scarlett, Robin, come to my room with me."
Robin shoots a quick look at Mathilda, but she just waves them off. They run into the castle.
・•●☽☾●•・
Marian bursts through her door and immediately pulls out her wand. Robin quickly kicks the door shut before anyone can see it.
"Cricetus ripio temporis!" Marians hands start glowing. A circle forms itself mid-air, made from turquoise beams of light. A picture appears inside the sizzling shape.
Robin can see the table in their hideout, Tuck sharpening something on it and Little John sitting opposite of him. Both of them are clearly startled by the same circle that must have appeared next to them.
Little John gets up. "Marian! What's going on?"
Robin plants himself next to Marian. "The thieves stole gold from Prince John. He already has quite the head start, so trying to get to the thieves' hideout is pointless. But can you meet me near there? I want to get the gold when the Prince is on the way back to the castle. Or, if the thieves manage to escape him, get it from them. Doesn't matter, as long as the gold gets back to the villagers."
"Okay. We'll meet you there", Little John says. Tuck gives a thumbs up in the background.
Marian ends the transmission. Scarlett looks at Robin. "How are you going to get there? You'll never be quick enough by foot."
Marian sways her hand around. "You can take my horse. If someone sees you with it, just say you stole it."
"Thanks", Robin kisses her cheek. It's a habit, unfortunately.
Scarlett lifts an eyebrow. Maybe it's for the best if Marian tells her Robin likes boys soon, Scarlett is getting the wrong ideas again.
Prince John
Prince John reins in Ashanti from a full gallop and she rears up. Perfect. Dramatic entrance: check.
All three thieves had been sitting at their table, but now they've scrambled to their feet. Jack, Doug and Filcher. Three men Prince John finds, compared to Robin, just mildly annoying. But now they have HIS gold and that's unacceptable.
Prince John pushes his chin forward. "I want my gold back."
Doug laughs dismissively. "We don't have it."
"Bullshit. Give it to me."
None of the thieves move.
Prince John tries a new approach. "If you give me what I want, I might consider not throwing you into prison."
A long silence follows. Then: "Guards! Arrest them!"
Jack runs towards a very familiar chest. "Quick! Doug, Filcher, get the gold! Time to leave!"
Doug and Filcher follow Jacks commands and lift the treasure chest off the ground.
"Through the bushes! They can't get through there with their horses!"
Damn it. The thieves may be much less wicked than Robin, but they're not stupid. Now they have to follow them by foot.
"Dismount!", Prince John orders and jumps off of Ashanti. He knows she won't go far away, he can just come back later and pick her up again. She's a loyal horse. The other horses might run away, but that's not Prince Johns problem right now.
He takes off running after the thieves, ducks under bushes and sways around low hanging branches. The heavy footsteps behind him tell him the guards are on his heels. When they get to a more open area, Prince John sees the thieves disappear towards a familiar spot. He stops in his tracks and the guards do their best to not trip over each other.
"That way is another path. I'm sure they'll go right and try to loop us." Prince John wastes a few seconds considering, then he declares: "You all go right and cut them off. I'll follow them directly."
"All alone, my Prince?", one of the men asks.
"Do you think I cannot defend myself?", Prince John snaps.
"No, my Prince." The guards hurriedly do what Prince John demanded.
Prince John himself picks up his pace again. He might not be able to face three grown men alone, but - he wants to do this on his own. He should be capable of at least this one thing. And he wants his gold back.
Robin
When Robin, Little John and Tuck got closer to the thieves hideout, they saw them hurrying away with the treasure chest. They must have gotten away from Prince John for now. But not from Robin and his friends - so they took up the chase.
As Robin is running, Prince John appears next to him. Robin has no idea where he came from, but now they're running side by side. The guards are nowhere to be seen.
„What are you doing here?“, Robin asks without slowing down.
„What does it look like I’m doing?“, Prince John snarls. „I’m getting my gold back.“
„Save yourself the trouble. Little John and Tuck are cutting the thieves' way off to the left. We’ll get the gold back to where it belongs.“
Prince John lowers his pace after all. „You think the thieves will go to the left?“
Unintentionally, Robin also slows down his steps. „Yes, that’s where the tumulus is. They always do that.“
„Damn it. I thought they’d try to loop us and go right.“
„So that’s where your guards are? Off to the right?“, Robin assumes. That’s good. They’re not going to surprise Tuck and Little John then.
Prince John doesn’t answer him, just picks up his pace again. „You’re just trying to distract me.“
Robin grins and follows. He had no idea Prince John would appear, so distracting wasn’t exactly part of his plan. But if Robin can slow him down and give his friends more time, he might as well do that. What a funny coincidence. Now they unintentionally surrounded the thieves, even though they're not working together. Robin is a bit surprised Prince John didn't take a single guard with him. Does he think he could face all three thieves alone? Probably, but Robin doesn't think the Prince's chances would be that high. Classic overconfidence.
Suddenly the floor under their feet is gone. For a very short second Robin feels like they're comically floating in the air, then they fall.
Pain fizzles through Robins right leg when he hits the ground. As he lays there, he realizes they must have fallen into one of those ditch traps the thieves love to set up. That's certainly frustrating. He should have known they'd try to lead them into a pitfall.
Prince Johns face appears in his vision. "Great. Now we even fell into this damn hole." He doesn't sound very pleased. Understandable. "Are you gonna get us out of here or what?"
"A bit friendlier, if I may ask, dear Prince."
Prince John just rolls his eyes. Robin scrambles himself into a somewhat standing position, but then he places his right foot on the ground. A piercing pain ripples through his limb. He inhales sharply and immediately collapses again. When the pain fades a bit, Robin hurls himself over the ground until he can rest his back against the cool earth wall.
The shocked look on Prince Johns face is priceless. Clearly he expected Robin to just shoot one of his many special arrows, get them out of the ditch somehow and then they'd continue their hunt. But Robin can't even stand on his own feet.
"Err… are you alright?", Prince John asks, even though he already knows the answer.
"No, but thanks for your concern", Robin says sarcastically.
"I assume you can't get us out of here like this?", Prince John concludes , crosses his arms and leans against the wall a few steps away from Robin.
Robin shakes his head in resignation. "No."
"What if I lift you up?" Prince John pulls an unwilling face at that imagination.
Robin inspects the walls, calculating their hight. "I don't think that's going to work. If I stood on your shoulders, I might be able to see over the edge and safely shoot an arrow with a rope attached to it."
"But you can't stand right now."
"Exactly."
"I thought you could hit your targets blindly."
"I can", Robin insists. "But if I don't know what my target is it's a bit hard to hit. Besides that, it's reckless to just shoot around in hopes of hitting something. One, because if I do actually get my rope around a tree or something, there's no way we can check if it's stable enough. I can't climb like this anyways. And I'm not getting you a way out, because you'd just leave me here."
Prince John innocently bats his eyelashes. "I wouldn't dare."
"Of course." Robin laughs. "And two, it's unlikely, but there could be people up there. I don't want to hurt anyone."
"Well, that's just great." Prince John lets himself slide down the wall until he's sitting, knees pulled up to his chin. "My guards have no idea where I am. They won't be able to help m- us."
Robin sighs. "It probably will take a while until Little John and Tuck notice I've gotten lost along the way - and then they'll have to find us first."
Fantastic. Now Robin and Prince John are stuck in a ditch together.
Chapter Text
Robin
Robin is in pain. It's not an unbearable amount of pain, but the kind that just makes you really uncomfortable. He tries to distract himself by studying his surroundings. Unfortunately, that's not very entertaining - dirt to his left, dirt to his right, dirt in front of him, dirt behind him, dirt underneath him. Everything is just dirt. The only thing that's not dirt is Prince John. So, Robin takes a closer look at him instead.
Prince John is still sitting with his legs pulled up to his chest, his arms wrapped around them. His chin is rested on his knees, and he stares straight at the wall opposite of him. Robin never noticed how perfectly Prince Johns unusually pointy nose complimented his sharp chin. Remembering how he heard some people say Prince Johns nose made him look like a pig, Robin finds himself disagreeing. He actually thinks Prince Johns nose is kinda cute.
The realization that he called something about Prince John cute shocks Robin much less than it should have. He's hurt - he's allowed to think stupid thoughts. When he recovers, he can laugh about it with his friends. So, he continues.
The birthmark on Prince Johns cheek reminds Robin of a single drop of chocolate. Robins intrusive thoughts tell him to put his thumb on Prince Johns cheek and wipe it away. Obviously, that's not going to happen, for multiple reasons. One, because it's a literal birthmark. You can't just remove it like that. Two, it would be very weird if Robin just randomly stroked over Prince Johns face. And three, Robin doesn't want it to be gone - without the mole, Prince Johns face wouldn't be Prince Johns face anymore.
He wonders if freckles would look good on Prince John. Not small ones like Robin has, but bigger dots - like the back of a baby deer, just with inverted colors. Robin ponders on that idea for a bit, then writes it off as pretty but unrealistic.
Robin doesn't understand the physique of Prince Johns hair. How does it hold up like that? Surely he has some special tincture back at the castle that he throws into his hair every morning. What an effort. But honestly, Robin doesn't judge Prince John for that. The hairstyle has a ring to it. It's unique - Robin likes it when people don't blindly follow the masses.
He spends a while getting lost in Prince Johns eyes. Or, more specifically, he tries to find something that matches their color. They're blue, but not an ordinary blue. Not dark blue, not sky blue, they have a little bit of a green touch-
"What?"
Oh no. Prince John caught him staring. Robin quickly grabs the first thought that crosses his mind. "Why are you so obsessed with gold?"
Prince John splutters. "I'm not obsessed."
Robin raises an eyebrow. "Are you sure?"
"I just- I like it."
"Who would have thought", Robin mutters. Then they're quiet again.
How interesting. Prince John doesn't think he's obsessed with gold. Robin would love to know how Prince John sees his relationship to everything that's shiny and has a certain worth to it. But it's not like he can ask - Robin feels like if he puts Prince John under pressure, he might as well forget about it immediately. So, he continues his inspection of the Prince.
You'd think a red cape over a red top wouldn't look good - but somehow Prince John makes it work. Robin shouldn't be judging here, he himself is wearing multiple layers of green on top of each other. But that's not a problem, he looks fabulous and his ginger hair is such a strong contrast that it restores the balance. Prince Johns hair is blonde, a very yellow blonde, so definitely not a contrast. And yet, it blends with the yellow stripes on his top, and all in all, the Prince looks really good in his royal gowns.
Just when Robin warns himself that he has already complimented Prince John enough, his subject of inspection turns back to him.
„Everything in my life belongs to my brother. The castle, the castle staff, all of the finances, the crown, everything. And all the things that don’t belong to him used to be his, and he gifted them to someone else. All the things I own he got for me - there’s nothing I achieved myself. Except for the gold. I made the taxes, so the villagers give me my gold. It’s the only thing I ever made myself.“ Prince John makes a dismissive hand gesture. „That’s how it started. Over time it really has grown on me. My gold has big sentimental value to me.“
Robin is a bit overloaded by the flood of words that came out of Prince Johns mouth. He isn't sure he understands either - he gets the beginning, the want to accomplish something, but not how this could have grown to such an extent that it became what it is now. But maybe he will never relate. Robin is the opposite of materialistic, and Prince John clearly is.
"Don't you think you've gotten carried away a bit?", Robin asks carefully.
A shadow moves over Prince Johns face. "I don't want to talk about it."
"Okay. But if you want to achieve something…" Robin does his best not to sound rude. "Why don't you, like, I don't know… build something?"
"I tried to build many things." Prince John looks like he thinks Robin is being oblivious, and gives an accusing side-eye. "A certain someone always stopped me."
Right. That's not untrue. But… "You always chose places to build where other important things are."
"In what way are the old ruins important?"
"Uh- sentimental value", Robin quickly claims. One of the many places Prince John has tried to tear down for his projects. Which, of course, Robin and his friends always stopped, because that's where Derke lives. Obviously he can't tell Prince John the old ruins are the home of a dragon that got turned into a hamster.
"Sure." Prince John drops it. "And where would be a place that's not of great sentimental value?"
Robin takes a while to think, but he only finds one place that's logical to him. "The castle."
"Where am I supposed to build something in the castle?"
"Not in the castle. On the grounds around it. There's plenty of space there."
Prince John looks sad. "All of that belongs to Richard."
"He's your literal brother. And I don't think he's an evil person. If you build something on his grounds and it's good, or useful, or maybe even just pretty, I'm sure he won't mind."
Prince John doesn't respond, just stares at the ground. Robin watches for a few minutes as the Princes skeptical frown slowly fades aways. Then he asks something he is genuinely interested in: "Let's say you actually want to build something. What would you build?"
Again, Prince John takes a long time to answer. But when he does, Robin can see a determined glint in his eyes. "A croquet field. I would build a croquet field."
・•●☽☾●•・
Robin and Prince John have been sitting in the ditch for what feels like hours. They haven’t talked much after the conversation they had before, but somehow the silence was peaceful.
Robin thinks he could hear faint voices just now. He listens closely to the sounds around them. Nothing. Just the quiet rustling of the wind. When he almost writes it off as an illusion, the voices appear again, this time louder.
Prince John must have heard it too, because he immediately jumps up. Robin tries to warn him, but it’s too late. „Help! Is someone there? I- we need help!“
Robin slaps his hand to his forehead. “Why did you do that?”, he hisses as quietly as possible. “We have no idea who that is.”
“And?”, Prince John snaps back, but at least he’s lowered his tone.
To be fair, Prince John has nothing to worry about. If it’s the guards, then he’s safe. If it’s Robins friends, Prince John knows they’re not going to hurt him. The thieves wouldn’t be stupid enough to follow Prince Johns voice right after he tried to arrest them.
Footsteps approach. Then Tucks face peeks over the edge of the ditch. „Oh, who do we have- Robin!“
Robin breathes out, relieved. “Hi.”
Little John also appears above them. “What pleasant company you have down there. How did this even happen?” He pauses, confused. “And why are you still in here?”
Robin frowns. "I hurt my foot when I fell. I can't stand up."
Little John and Tuck exchange a concerned look. They're probably thinking about how Robin has been in an unusually vulnerable position, now that he can't properly defend himself. To Robins luck, Prince John seemingly hasn't been in the mood for a serious conflict.
"Well, then. Let's get you out of here", Little John finally says. He lowers himself to the ground. Lying on his stomach, Little John pushes half of his upper body over the edge of the pitfall and hangs his hand down. When Prince John doesn't move an inch, Little John prompts him: "Come on. Take my hand, I'll pull you out."
"Hold on", Tuck interferes. "What about Robin? If he can't stand up, he also wouldn't be able to reach your hand."
Little John pulls his hand out of Prince Johns grip. "You're right. How do we get Robin up here?" He playfully swings his hand around, evading Prince John, who's angrily jumping up and down to grab Little Johns hand again. "Oh, I know. Prince John, stop playing squirrel, you have to lift Robin up high enough so he can reach me."
Prince John immediately stops hopping around and crosses his arms. "I'm not doing that."
"Why not?"
"Because- because I don't want to help you."
Tuck rolls his eyes. "Don't be so childish. Just pick him up."
"Absolutely not." Prince John pushes his eyebrows together.
Little John shrugs, as far as it's possible while lying on the ground. "I won't pull you out and leave Robin down there. Robin has to go first."
Prince John helplessly looks at Robin, as if Robin would agree with him. It's so ridiculous that it makes Robin laugh.
The Prince huffs. "I couldn't even pick him up. That's too much for me."
Robin pouts. "Oh, come on. I know you're strong." He innocently blinks at Prince John. "I've seen you lift insane weights when it’s about your gold."
Prince John stares at him, his arms still crossed, and Robin thinks he can see a light blush on Prince Johns cheeks. Robin smiles a self conscious smile.
After a long moment, Prince John finally lets out an annoyed huff and moves over to Robin. He loops one arm around Robins torso and places the other one under Robins knees. Even though he looks very displeased about it, Prince John is surprisingly gentle as he lifts Robin off the ground.
It's now Robins turn to blush - he's being held by the Prince in bridal style. The moment doesn't last long, only until Prince John has stepped back to where Little John and Tuck are above them. Prince John carefully lifts him higher, and Robin places a hand on Prince Johns shoulder to push himself up. When he reaches up as far as he can, Little John is able to grab his hand.
His best friend pulls him up, and Prince John supports him from below. When Robin is up high enough, Little John and Tuck finally lift him completely out of the ditch and set him down on the ground.
"Thanks, guys", Robin smiles. He feels a little stupid sitting in the grass with his friends looking down on him, concern visible in their faces. Motioning to his foot, he explains what the problem is.
"Are you guys going to leave me in here or what?", Prince Johns voice echoes out of the ditch. It sounds like he intended to sound annoyed, but it heavily leans towards fear.
"You know, we could actually leave him in there." Little John points his thumb over his shoulder, at the pitfall.
"No", Robin immediately says, without even thinking about it. Then he exchanges surprised looks with his friends. This would be a great opportunity to get rid of Prince John for a while. So why not take it? Three reasons pop into Robins head. One, when they were down there, they actually had a deeper conversation, and Robin thinks Prince John actually has potential to change. Two, if Robin is already lecturing the Prince about being a better person, it's quite contradictory if they pull this act of blatant disrespect.
Robin speaks his third reason out loud. "Prince John helped me get out. We should return the favor."
"Are you sure you didn't hit your head as well?", Tuck asks, but Little John is already on the ground again.
When Prince John is standing on solid ground again, he looks at his feet and very quietly says: "Thank you."
"Sorry we didn't find you earlier", Tuck apologizes. "We had to escape the guards first, and then we had to sneak back here. We weren't sure what happened, so we didn't know where to look for you."
"Unfortunately the thieves didn't go to the tumulus like we thought they would. They went right." Little John gives Robin an apologetic smile.
"HA", Prince John exclaims.
Little John side-eyes the Prince. "The guards caught the thieves long before us, I guess they were waiting for Prince John then. When we showed up, they obviously tried to catch us."
"And where are my guards now?", Prince John demands.
Little John looks between Robin and Tuck, and seemingly gives up. "Back with the thieves and the gold."
Robin thinks he can see Prince Johns eyes start to sparkle.He takes a few steps away from them, and when no one holds him back, he starts running. Before he disappears between the trees, Prince Johns slows down again and turns, looks straight into Robins eyes. The moment is over as quickly as it came, and Prince John is gone. Robin is so confused. What the hell was that about?
"Why did you just let him go?", Tuck says accusingly.
"Robin is hurt. Getting him to the hideout is more important now." Little John gently wraps his arms around Robins torso and pulls him up, then moves to his side so Robin can lean against him. "Does that work for you?"
Robin carefully takes a few steps with Little John. "Yeah. I think that'll be alright. We're just very slow."
"We better get going, then", Tuck says. "Or, you know, Little John could carry you."
"I've been carried enough for today-" Robin objects, but Little John has already swept him off of his feet. "This is really not necessary."
"Too bad", Little John grins and carries Robin out of the clearing.
Chapter Text
Robin
Little John sets Robin down on the barrel next to the table. He immediately disappears to make a pain soothing medicine. Robin is relieved that he is on the ground again, he had been complaining the whole way back to their hideout. Not because he hates being carried by Little John, but because it gave him flashbacks to when Prince John held him like that in the pitfall. It had been stressing him out the entire time, but he never would have told his friends that.
Scarlett walks through their door, coming back from collecting herbs to put on Robins foot. Robin, as he does often, asks himself why they even have that door. The hideout doesn't have any walls. So why the door? He doesn't even remember whose idea that was.
His cousin places the herbs in a bowl on the table and gets herself a small stick. Then she starts mushing the green mix like it personally offended her. "So what exactly happened? Tuck just told us you were hurt."
"We were chasing the thieves and split up. I ran into Prince John and then we fell into a pitfall."
"Who is we?" Scarlett has created a mass of wet, dark green. She takes the bowl and comes over to him. Robin can smell the herbs, the scent is piercing but still good.
"Me and Prince John", Robin says simply. That has enough shock value to it.
Scarlett indeed looks like she doesn't like what she's hearing. "At least he didn't use this chance to kill you."
Robin laughs out loud. "Prince John wouldn't kill me."
"Yeah, he's too much of a coward for that." Kneeling down next to him, Scarlett tries to take his shoe off. Robin winces and reflexively pulls his foot away.
Scarlett slaps his leg. "Stop squirming." At least she's more gentle when she tries again.
When the shoe is finally off, she inspects Robins ankle. It's red and swollen, and Robin feels like it's pulsating. Scarlett carefully feels the ankle, and Robin presses his lips together so that no sounds of pain can escape him.
"It's definitely not broken", Scarlett observes and begins to apply her ointment. "But you have to keep it still for a little while."
The mushed plants feel cool against Robins skin, and he can relax a little bit. He decides to bring up Prince John again, if he's haunting Robins thoughts now he might as well talk about it. "You know, when we were sitting down there, Prince John was actually not unbearable."
Scarlett just shoots him a questioning look and continues her work.
"I asked him why he is so obsessed with gold. He doesn't think he has an obsession. Can you imagine? I don't think he knows what being obsessed means."
Little John pops out of the tree trunk, another wooden bowl in his hands. "What did I just hear? Prince John is not obsessed with gold?"
"That's what he told me." Then Robin tells his friends what Prince John had said about achieving something himself.
"What a weird approach", Little John says and hands the bowl to Robin. Inside is a dark yellow liquid. "Drink it. The pain will be gone very soon."
Robin skeptically lifts an eyebrow, but downs the entire medicine anyways. Surprisingly, it almost tastes like nothing. Right as Scarlett has finished applying the ointment, Marian and Tuck come down from one of the upper platforms. Tuck is carrying a fresh bandage, and Marian holds her magic book and wand.
Marian and Scarlett have a quick exchange about injuries and healing, too quick for Robin to follow. Then Marian kneels on the wooden floor next to Scarlett and points her wand at Robins ankle. Before he can object, she says a spell and the herbs start glowing in a soft green, then return to looking the same as before.
"A strong enhancement spell", Marian explains. "The healing effect of the herbs is much, much higher now. Without it your ankle would take at least a week to heal. Now it's more like two days."
Robin is fascinated. As Scarlett wraps the bandage around his leg, he wonders why they never used spells like this before. Probably because no one got seriously hurt recently, and before that it would have been a bigger health hazard to let Marian magic you than the injury itself.
"We still have to get the gold back", Robin reminds his friends.
"Okay", Tuck says. "Marian and I actually just finished a new gadget. You wanna see?"
Robin nods, and Tuck pulls a something out of his trouser pocket. He holds it out to Robin, in his hand are… pebbles? Marian grins at Robins visible confusion and takes one of the small stones. Then she throws it on the ground, where it creates a little flash of light.
"Where did it go?" Robin stares at the spot where the pebble just was. "And what exactly does that do for us?"
"I magicked them to disappear as soon as they have been triggered. So no one can find any traces." She twirls her wand between her fingers. "You have to throw them with a little bit of force though, so they crack open. We can use them as signals. Way harder to spot than your arrows or fireworks. When it's dark, you can see them much better."
That makes sense. Robin complements his friends on their inventiveness. The magic pebbles brought him an idea, and a plan forms inside his head.
"I have a plan", he announces, and everyone makes themselves comfortable around him. "Marian, Scarlett, you have to make sure the guards are under control so we", - Robin point at himself, Little John and Tuck - ,"can get into the courtyard."
Marian nods, Scarlett gives a thumbs up. "The usual."
Robin turns to Little John and Tuck. "You wait in the courtyard. Maybe hide in the kitchens, I don't know. I climb up to the balcony, and go see if anyone is in the throne room. If it's clear, I'll throw one of the magic pebbles, and you can come up and get the chest."
"What if it's not clear?", Tuck asks.
Robin thinks shortly, then says: "If I can lure whoever is there away, or distract them, I'll throw two pebbles, so you know to be more careful. If there's no chance for us, I'll just come back down."
All of his friends nod approvingly. It's not a bulletproof plan, but when have their ideas ever been?
"How are you feeling, Robin?", Marian changes the topic.
Robin wants to describe his pain, but it isn't there anymore. "Great, actually."
The medicine and the magic herbs are working wonderfully. He doesn't feel any pain. Robin jumps up - and Little John catches him before he lands on the ground. Too impressed to ask for a reason, Robin just goes limb in Little Johns grip. How did he even do that? Robin wasn't even a foot high in the air.
"Where do you think you're going?" Little John places him back onto the barrel.
"We have to get the gold back!" Robin is determined.
"Yes, but not today." Marian disapprovingly motions at his foot. "You need to rest."
"Fine." Robin leans back. "Tomorrow, then?"
"Forget it." Scarlett waves him off. "Tomorrow absolutely no walking, not to mention running. Or climbing. The day after tomorrow is not great either, but at night your foot should have healed enough. The magic pebbles work better at night anyways."
"But how am I supposed to get anywhere if I'm not allowed to walk?"
"You don't have to get anywhere", Scarlett insists.
Robin pouts. "But I have to eat and drink. I can't get to the table like this. Or to my hammock."
Little John smiles. "We'll bring you food to your hammock. If you insist to eat at the table, I can carry you there as well." He steps closer to the barrel. "Speaking of - I'll get you to your hammock now."
"Not again", Robin says dramatically as Little John lifts him up and pictures flash through his mind once more. Prince John instead of Little John. The way he held him to his chest, the way their faces were close - too close.
"Bedtime for Robin", Tuck yells after them as they descend up the stairs.
"What? But it's the middle of the day", Robin whines.
"Don't worry, you don't actually have to go to sleep", Little John chuckles. "You can just relax. I know that's not your thing, but if you try to get up again, I promise we will tie you down."
Prince John
Prince John has tried to count his gold multiple times, and failed. He's just too distracted. I'm not obsessed. That's what he's been telling himself over and over. The gold just represents his own achievements, something he did himself. Right? He doesn't even know why it became such a big thing.
Prince John irritatedly throws the coins back to the others, creating a familiar clinking noise. Maybe he can clear his head with a little walk. He starts wandering the halls. To Prince Johns great annoyance, his memories provide him with Robins face. Right when he said build something. Prince John tries to push it away, into the last corner of his brain, but it keeps coming back.
How could Robin know Prince John actually would've liked to build something? He didn't even know himself that his wish to build, to create was so strong. Now it looms over him like a shadow. Stupid Robin. Why is he so smart?
Prince John had been so lost in his thoughts that he didn't even notice he walked out into the courtyard. Looking around, the sun blinds him a little bit. His gaze falls at the drawbridge, and it's almost like as if an invisible force is pulling him towards it. Giving in to his intuition, Prince John starts walking again.
"Where are you going, my Prince?", one of the guards asks him when he gets closer.
"I… just outside", Prince John says absently, passing them.
As he passes the wooden shack after the drawbridge and has taken a few more steps down the path, his intuition tells him to stop. Prince John takes in the view: a flat, open space, covered with grass, closed off to one side by the trees, to the other by the moat.
As he stands before the meadow, pictures start to form inside his head. Little arches, slopes, ramps… a croquet field. The inspiration hits Prince John hard, and he decides to give it a try.
"GUUAAARDS!"
The two guards from the drawbridge come running towards him.
"Bring me parchment and coal", Prince John orders. He hesitates, then adds: "Please."
Both men blink in surprise, then one of them says: "Of course, my Prince."
The other guard stays with Prince John, visibly confused.
Prince John swallows the What are you waiting for and says: "You can go back to your post."
The guard leaves as well, and Prince John turns back to the meadow. It's time for a new project.
Chapter 9
Notes:
Listen. I KNOW Romeo and Juliet was written two centuries after Robin Hood (supposedly) existed. But my artistic vision was too good :D
So, for those who don’t know, in Romeo and Juliet is a scene where Juliet is on a balcony and she confesses her love for Romeo. In some adaptations he climbs up to her and they kiss (in the original Romeo stays on the ground).
I know almost nothing else about Romeo and Juliet haha
Enjoy :)
Chapter Text
Robin
It's been two days. Now Robins ankle is fully healed, and he's currently dangling from a rope that's attached to the throne room balcony. The darkness around him makes him feel safer, no one can see him. Not even Tuck and Little John, waiting for his signal between the pillars of the kitchen. Climbing even higher, he gets in front of the elaborate stone balustrade. Almost there.
Robin places his feet on the edge of the balcony, so he doesn't have to carry his entire weight with his arms. When he looks up, he looks directly into two blue eyes. Robin only manages to suppress a surprised shriek with difficulty. Why is Prince John on his balcony in the middle of the night?
Robin expects Prince John to scream for the guards any second, and braces himself for the incoming tinnitus. But nothing happens. Prince John just looks at him, his face twisted into something Robin can't quite place.
Suddenly a row of images flashes through Robins mind. He sees himself hanging at the rope and Prince John on the balcony. Leaning forward, Prince John takes Robins face into his hands and kisses him. It reminds Robin of that one story he had to read once, Roman and Juliet or something like that.
He's so distracted by his vision that he doesn't pay attention for a moment and loosens his grip on the rope. Robin is struggling to find his balance again. A fall from this height will kill him. It feels like time is going slower when the rope slips through his fingers and he slowly tilts backwards. Robin franticly tries to get ahold of the rope again, but it's too late.
Prince Johns hand rushes forward and grabs Robins collar. For a second Robin just hangs in the air, then Prince John yanks him back towards him. Now their faces are only inches away from each other.
"Thank you", Robin whispers, and suddenly finds his comparison to Romeo and Jenny not too far fetched. Robin and John.
Wait. What is he doing? This is not a scenario he is prepared to think about right now. And besides that, it's a ridiculous idea. The Prince and him? No way.
Robin quickly climbs over the balustrade. An awkward moment passes by, where they just stand there and look at each other. Prince John is still not calling for the guards.
"What are you doing out here in the middle of the night?", Robin wonders eventually.
"Wouldn't you like to know", Prince John says dramatically and leans against the balustrade.
Robin is so confused. Prince John doesn't take this opportunity to catch him and now he's being all sassy? Robin looks around and finds half of the balcony floor covered with parchment. Taking a closer look at them, he sees complicated, detailed drawings. Finding two magic pebbles in his pocket, Robin decides to take a risk. If he wants to distract Prince John long enough, he has to engage him in a conversation that will last a while. Unfortunately, it's not exactly easy to make small talk with someone who has declared you their arch-enemy.
"You drew this?", he asks and leans against the railing as well, letting the pebbles roll off of the balcony.
Prince John looks between him and the drawings before he nods. Robin kneels down, picking one of the papers up to inspect it. Fine lines, precisely drawn angels and accurately shaded areas form a row of small hoops that lead to a ramp. On the ramp is a little flag. It looks like a part of a croquet course.
Wait. The croquet field. Prince John is actually making sketches for a croquet field. Which means he listened to Robin. Except - these are much more than just sketches. Robin looks up at the Prince. "I didn't know you could draw."
Prince John looks away, a faint hint of red on his cheeks.
"No, seriously", Robin continues. "These are really good."
"You think so?", Prince John asks, distrust evident in his voice.
Robin shuffles through some of the other papers. "Some of these are like actual plans. And the drawings are almost three-dimensional." Robin is actually highly impressed by Prince Johns art. "I never thought I would say something you made is good, but you proved me wrong."
When Robin squints, he thinks he can see Prince Johns face turning even more red and decides to cut the compliments for now. If he makes the Prince too uncomfortable, he might change his mind about not calling for the guards. "That still doesn't explain why you're out here in the middle of the night, though."
"I have a great view over the space where I want the field to be here."
"At night?", Robin wonders and motions to the general area of the field, which is right now hidden by pitch black darkness. "You can't even properly see what you're drawing."
"It's fine."
"No it's not", Robin insists. "You can't see shit out here."
"I don't need to see shit to draw it." Prince John grins and, to Robins surprise, joins him on the cool stone floor.
"This is not shit", Robin says, almost a little too vehemently. "You're talented."
Prince John wipes over his face, but Robin is sure it's just to hide his blush. Robin grins to himself. Who would have thought Prince John wouldn't be able to take a genuine compliment.
"Truth is", Prince John starts, "I couldn't sleep. Obviously I can't see the field in the dark, you idiot."
"Hey", Robin complains. "You made me think you were ruining your eyes on purpose."
"Well, the light of the torches is not great, I admit. But my mind was overflowing with ideas and I didn't want to forget them. I can imagine what the area looks like from here just fine." Prince John gestures into the dark.
Robin is amazed. Not only about the fact that Prince John has actually taken his words to heart, but also about the passion with which he now sets to work.
"Do you mind if I look through them?", Robin asks. Then he stops short, dumbfounded. He never asked Prince John for permission for anything. Where is this coming from now?
Equally surprised, Prince John stutters: "No, um… you can look."
Prince John
Inspecting the drawings attentively, Robin leans forward. Prince John tries to analyze Robin's expression, but the flickering light of the torches makes it difficult for him. Does he really think they're that good? Prince John knows he can draw, but Robin is exaggerating a bit. Or is he?
Robin reaches for a paper across from him, brushing his hand against Prince Johns arm in the process. The touch leaves a tingling feeling. What’s wrong with him? Maybe he should actually ask Mathilda for a medicine, Prince Johns body is doing weird things. Hopefully he isn’t sick.
"Ohhh, I like this one." Robin holds the sketch closer to his face, maybe in hopes of seeing better. "It's not too easy, but also not too difficult… it's perfect- but wait. If you put just a little more space between those two hoops…"
Robin generally seems so fascinated by Prince Johns drawing that he doesn't know how to react to it. Prince John is overwhelmed. Finding one of the coals on the floor, Robin almost starts to draw on Prince Johns sketch, but then takes a blank piece of parchment. He quickly traces Prince John's sketch on it and then marks what he means.
Prince John views his suggestions and - damn it - Robin is so right. Why didn't he think of this himself? Making a mental note to add the correction later, Prince John leans back against the balustrade. Robin is so enthusiastic that Prince John doesn't even want to get involved. Instead, he watches as Robin looks at one drawing after another and, to Prince John's satisfaction, declares only a few of them to be in need of improvement.
From the way Robin is talking, Prince John assumes he knows how to play croquet, and even more, can't be too bad at it. Which makes Prince John wonder when and where he learned that. Can you play croquet in the woods, out in the wild? Looks like it.
"This one though…" Robin points at another sketch. "This one’s really difficult. Only very skilled people would be able to make that course."
"I can do it."
"I know, but-"
"How do you know that?", Prince John interrupts. Robin has never seen him play croquet.
"I- uhm- remember when you played croquet against Enitmus? I heard you lost, but it was very close."
Prince John laughs bitterly. "The reason I didn’t build a croquet field years ago."
"Yes. Anyways. What I was trying to say is - you play croquet against someone else. If all your courses were like that one, no one would have a chance." Robin lifts one of his eyebrows. "Except for me, of course."
"Hah. Sure." Prince John rolls his eyes. An idea forming in his head, he can't help but ask: "Would you play croquet against me?"
Robin considers. "Why not? Could be fun."
Prince John disappears into a daydream for a short while. Or, well, since it's definitely not day, a nightdream? He sees himself playing croquet against Robin, and Imagination-Robin is good, but not as good as Prince John. Imagination-Prince-John twirls over the field and destroys Imagination-Robin with highly impressive croquet moves. But that's just wishful thinking, Prince John fears. However, he thinks the chances are not too low he might actually have a chance against Robin at croquet. Finally. Something he might be better at than his… enemy?
Suddenly it strikes Prince John that he's sitting here with Robin. Robin, the thief that keeps stealing his gold. Robin, the jerk that keeps destroying everything Prince John has been trying to build. Robin, the boy who he - much to his displeasure - stopped hating.
"Why are you here?", Prince John inquires, then feels the need to specify. "Surely you didn't climb onto my balcony in the middle of the night just to compliment my drawings and give me croquet advice."
"What if I was?" Robin smirks. Then he runs his fingers through his hair and calmly reveals: "My friends are getting the villagers gold. They're probably gone by now."
No. No, no, no- not his gold. Not again. In every other instance Prince John would've jumped up, run to reclaim his gold, call for the guards, whatever. But for some reason, he's not as bothered as he should be. Of course it sucks, a lot, but it's so calm and comfortable right now that he doesn't want to do anything.
"And how am I supposed to build my croquet field without any money?" Prince John wanted to snap at Robin, but it came out sounding more lost than annoyed. Now that his project is in danger, he realizes how much he loves doing this. He got so caught up in the process that he didn't notice the peace and happiness that creating something brings him.
"You still have money", Robin says lightly.
"Where?" Prince John doesn't know what Robin is talking about. If he has a secret gold deposit, he wants to know about it.
"The royal treasure chamber?" Robin looks like he thinks Prince John is being oblivious.
Unfortunately, it's not that easy. Prince John sighs. "I don't have the key for that. Richard took it."
"Oh." Robin tries to hide his grin but fails. He thinks for a moment. "Surely there isn't only one single key for the treasure chambers."
"No, the sheriff has one too, but he has the strict order to not let me in- wait. Are you trying to say I should break into the royal treasure chamber?"
Robin shrugs. "I'm sure King Richard wouldn't mind if you used the gold for something meaningful."
"Unbelievable. You are telling me to steal gold."
"It's not stealing", Robin insists. "Even if you don't have access to it, the gold still belongs to your family. Call it borrowing, if you will."
Prince John weights this idea in his head. It would solve one problem, but create a new one as well. "I have to pay the amount I take back at some point. How am I supposed to do that if you keep taking my gold away?"
"I won't take your gold if it's not from taxes that are more or less illegal", Robin claims.
Prince John doesn't know how Robin thinks this could work. "And where do I get gold from, then? If I'm not allowed to get taxes?"
"We'll figure something out." Robin stands up, takes his bow off his back and shoots an arrow with a rope towards the trees next to the castle.
As Robin tests if the rope is stable enough and climbs up onto the balustrade, Prince John realizes that Robin said we. We - as in Robin includes himself in this solution-finding?
"What do you mean, we?", Prince John demands, but Robin just winks at him, smiles, and jumps.
Using his bow to slide down the rope, he disappears into the darkness. He leaves Prince John sitting on the balcony, flustered. Why did Robin wink at him? He's such an overconfident twat. At the same time, the way Robin said we feels like the beginning of something new. It feels like a promise.
Chapter 10
Notes:
Hii
Now that we’re halfway into the fic, I would like to say thank you for every single read and every kudos I got <3
Your support means a lot.And at this point I got to see season 2 - so obviously Richard has to be included into this story.
Have fun :D
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Robin
It's late morning when Marian and Scarlett arrive at the hideout. They want to discuss how the mission went yesterday. And also Robin is itching to tell the others about the newest, highly interesting Prince John news. But first, he has to do something different.
Robin places a hand on Marians arm. "Can I talk to you for a second?"
She nods and they retreat to the table while the others are still standing around in the entrance area.
"What's up?" Marian looks a little concerned.
"Have you already talked to Scarlett about me- about me liking boys?"
"Oh, yeah, that." She relaxes immediately. "I told her the day before yesterday, when you were still recovering."
"And?", Robin presses. He's scared of the answer.
"She understands and doesn't mind. Like, at all. But she asked why you keep kissing me on the cheek then."
Robin lets himself fall into the wooden chair behind him, relieved. "Do you mind if I kiss you on the cheek?"
Marian shrugs. "No, not really. We kind of established it to say 'thank you'. I do it to you too, so…"
Robin agrees, then tells her: "If you don't want that, then tell me, please. I don't want to do something to you that makes you uncomfortable." Or to anyone else, obviously.
Marian smiles, before asking: "Back to business, then?", and when Robin gives his approval, she calls for the others to get over to them.
As soon as everyone has settled, Robin begins. "The gold has successfully been brought back to the villagers." He gives Little John and Tuck a grateful smile.
Before he can continue, Scarlett reports: "The gold is gone, but Prince John is not devastated. Or, at least, he's not snapping at everyone. I never heard a 'MY GOOOLD' or a 'RROBIIIIN' either." She does very accurate impressions of Prince Johns iconic screams.
Things are starting to piece themselves together. Robin isn't sure what to make of this, but there's a certain hope glimmering inside him, a hope that Prince John might actually change for the better. "Maybe it's because he already knew it was gone."
"What? How?" Little John looks just as confused as the rest. "We didn't meet anyone on the way in or the way out."
"You remember I threw two magic pebbles? The signal for 'you can go, but there's someone there and I'm distracting them'?"
Marian draws in a sharp breath of air. "And that was Prince John."
"Correct. He was on the balcony when I climbed up, and didn't scream for the guards." Robin almost laughs at the stunned faces that surround him. Maybe this story needs a little more context. "When we were stuck in that ditch together three days ago, Prince John told me he wants to create something. I already told you that part. Anyways, I asked what he wanted to build, and he said a croquet field."
Robin decides to skip the almost-falling-and-getting-saved-by-Prince-John-part. It's a bit embarrassing. On top of that, his friends absolutely do not need to know about his brain putting him into Robert and Juliet scenes with the Prince.
"He was doing sketches for a croquet field next to the castle. I decided to distract him by talking about it, which turned out to be quite easy. Because the drawings were, like, insanely good. Did you know he could draw?" He directs his question at Marian and Scarlett, who both shake their heads.
"Anyways. We were almost having a normal conversation, as if he had forgotten who I was. But then, eventually, he did ask me why I was there and I just told him the truth. He didn't even freak out."
With everyone listening intently, he finishes the story. Then: "Scarlett, can I ask you a favor?"
"Uhm- yeah, sure."
"You're good with finances, right?"
"Well…" Scarlett tucks a black strand of hair behind her ear. "I guess so. I'm pretty good at numbers and with budgets."
Robin nods approvingly. That is exactly what he needs. "Can you help Prince John finance his project? Make sure everyone gets paid fairly?"
"Err… okay?" Scarlett mirrors the dumbfounded expression of everyone else. "Are you sure this is a good idea?"
"It's worth a try", Robin says confidently. "I think Prince John has potential to change. And if he doesn't, he'll at least be distracted for a while."
"I get what you're saying", Tuck acknowledges slowly. "But… this quickly? He was a menace a week ago."
"Everyone has their own pace." Robin leans back, crossing his legs. "When we were stuck in that ditch together-"
"You know", Tuck says to Little John, "I'm starting to think some wild things happened when they were stuck in that ditch together."
That earns a laugh from all of them, including Robin. Wild things might be a bit of an exaggeration, but there was definitely something.
Robin tries to prove his point once more. "What I was trying to say is… I think this change is not just beginning now. I think it - or the real John, without the Prince - whatever - has always been there, and it's starting to show now."
"Are you sure you aren't biased because you think he's cute?", Little John teases.
"WHAT?!" Robin is outraged. "No he's not. No, no- I- uhm- he's not cute." He remembers the column of thoughts he had in the pitfall. Unfortunately, this speaks heavily against his reasoning. Robin pushes the memory far away. A simple dropout.
To Robins annoyance, his reaction seems to have been way too frantic. Now everyone is giggling at him.
"I can't believe it", Scarlett laughs. "Robin thinks Prince John is cute."
"That's my cousin", Marian tells her, and for some reason that makes the girls laugh even harder.
"No, you guys are getting this all wrong-" Prince John is not cute. Ridiculous.
"Just look at him. Robin is blushing." Scarlett is having the time of her life.
His friends continue to tease him, until Little John shuts them down, still grinning. "Enough. Otherwise we can forget about Robins help for the next month. Give the poor boy a break."
Robin crosses his arms and pretends to be genuinely upset. They all have lost their minds. Prince John is not cute.
Prince John
Prince John is sitting next to his throne. On the floor. Like a peasant. The reason for that are his sketches, spread out all around him. He can't sit on his throne and work on them at the same time, which is very annoying.
"Hello, cousin." Marians voice startles him, he was so absorbed in his work that he hadn't heard her coming.
"I heard you have a new project." She sounds unusually friendly. "Can I see?"
Prince John squints at her to determine if she has mischievous intentions, but lets her view her drawings anyways. Just like Robin the night before, she looks highly impressed when she gets a closer look. His sketches cannot be that good.
"Do you know how much this'll cost you?", she wonders.
Prince John overlooks the chaos on the floor. He has only thought about how he's going to pay for it, but not how much. "No, I don't. And I don't know how to calculate that."
"Me neither." Marian lets out a resigned sigh. "Scarlett would know."
"Scarlett? As in, your maid Scarlett?
"Yes, Scarlett. She's much more than just my maid." Crossing her arms, Marian looks offended.
"No, I didn't mean-" Prince John just thought… he doesn't even know what he thought. "Okay. Can you get Scarlett for me?" To appease Marian, he adds: "Please?"
Seemingly she has forgiven him immediately, because she nods approvingly. "I'll find her and send her to you."
·•●☽☾●•·
The first thing Scarlett says is: "Damn. Marian was right. These are actually impressive."
That's enough now. They're all exaggerating.
Scarlett motions at the mess on the floor. "This is not a good workplace. You need a table or something."
Prince John orders the sheriff to get them a table. A big one. When it's set up, Scarlett and him spread the drawings all over the table and sit down on the chairs the sheriff brought as well.
"Well then. Let's see…", Scarlett mumbles absently and starts inspecting the drawings closer.
Meanwhile, Prince John finds the sketch Robin made and compares it to his own. Then he redraws it with Robins adjustments. Now it's perfect.
After a while, Scarlett has finished her analysis. "Okay. So. This is what I would do: make a list of all the materials you want to have and tell me where each one is used. I can calculate the amount you need and approximately how much that would cost. I can make you a budget plan, if you want."
"Okay." That doesn't seem so hard. Prince John feels excitement rise inside him. Finally, one of his projects is coming together. And the best part Robin is not going to stop him. If now Scarlett is helping him with the finances, he doesn't even have to break his brain over numbers. "Please make me a budget plan. And a shopping list, while you're at it."
Scarlett blinks, once, twice, clearly surprised by his enthusiastic outburst. She collects herself, then starts: "Obviously you have to pay the workers as well…"
Prince Johns anticipation is dampened slightly. "How much do I have to pay the workers?"
"Only so much that it matches their performance. Might seem much to you, but compared to your wealth, it's nothing." The way Scarlett says it, it's clear she won't tolerate an objection. "The higher the quality, the higher the price."
"Fine", Prince John sighs, resigned. "Obviously I need the best quality. This is the god damn royal castle, after all."
Scarlett fails at hiding her grin. "Okay then. Let's start with the materials. From what I'm seeing here you're planning on a lot of wood…"
·•●☽☾●•·
The doors to the throne room swing open, interrupting their concentrated working. A young man with brown hair, kept out of his face by a golden hairband, walks in. On his head rests the crown of the king of England. Richard.
Richard is back. Prince John is surprised to find himself not annoyed, rather happy to see his brother again. One week ago he would've just been displeased because he would have to step away from the throne. But now… he doesn't mind as much. The enthusiasm that his project is giving him is overshadowing his usual longing for power.
"Little brother!" Richard comes up to them beaming with joy. "I'm so glad to see you again. How are you?"
"Richard", Prince John greets, unsure of how to handle this situation with his new feelings of appreciation. "I'm… not too bad, actually."
"What mischief have you been up to in the meantime?" Richard sees the drawings on the table. "Wow. What's all of this?"
Prince John isn't sure how to tell Richard he wants to build something on Richards grounds for himself, even worse, with Richards money.
Scarlett beats him to it. "Prince John wants to build a croquet field on the meadow in front of the castle, your majesty."
"Really? Is that true, little brother?"
Prince John braces himself for a scolding, and quietly says: "Yes."
Richard laughs out loud. "What a great idea. I always wondered if I could make permanent use of that space. We can play croquet together!"
Wait. Richard is not mad? Prince John thought… he isn't sure what he thought. Maybe that Richard was possessive over his lands. Clearly, he's not.
Richard speaks up again. "Anyways. First things first, I have to announce I'll be here for a few days. I have to leave again for a short while, but that's unofficial."
"Nottingham will be very happy to have you back, your majesty", Scarlett promises, not without flashing Prince John a wicked grin. Rude.
"Sure hope so", Richard beams.
His brother is always in such a good mood. It makes Prince John jealous. He wonders if he had been projecting because of that. Richard might not be the aloof, materialistic person Prince John convinced himself he was while Richard was gone. Now that he's here, right next to him, he sees how wrong he was.
Richard leans over the table to take a closer look at the drawings. Prince John buries his face in his hands, dreading what's to come.
"Little brother! Your drawings are astounding. I'm impressed, truly."
Notes:
This one is also a bit short unfortunately, but the next few chapters are going to be longer and VERY fluffy.
<3
Chapter Text
Prince John
The late morning sun gives Prince John an excellent lighting as he sketches away. The grass beneath him tickles his legs. He's sitting on the ground, in front of him the meadow next to the castle entrance. Already having determined where most of his courses are supposed to be built, he gives his attention to a new sketch. While he thinks about if he should do more hoops or another ramp, he lets his gaze drift over the woods behind the field.
A familiar figure appears between the trees. The green of his clothes blends with his surroundings, but his ginger hair gives him away. Robin.
Prince John is sure Robin is showing himself on purpose. If he didn't want to be seen, then nobody would be able to see him. He slowly comes closer, and when he seemingly determines it's safe, picks up his pace.
A bit confused, Prince John finds himself excited to see Robin. He's not cooking with rage or overflowed by disappointment. No. He's happy. A strange feeling. Not the happiness itself, the fact that Robin is the cause of it.
"What are you doing out here all alone?", is the first thing Robin says.
Prince John needs a few seconds to understand why it would be unusual that he’s alone. "Oh. Right. I let the guards stay at their usual posts. I’m not that far away anyways. It’s kinda hard to focus when there’s people watching you constantly."
Robins eyes wander to the papers in the grass. "So you’ve been drawing more?"
"Yes", Prince John says proudly, making Robin raise an eyebrow. Maybe he said that a little too enthusiastically. He clears his throat. "I’m also working out where which course should be built."
"Does that mean you know how to pay for this?"
"I do, actually. You know, Scarlett is helping me with the budget, which is GREAT, because every time I look at numbers my head gets all fuzzy and now I don’t have to do that anymore, who would have thought she’s so good at that, and now that I’m officially allowed to build on Richards grounds-"
"Whoa, hold on", Robin interrupts Prince Johns excited ramble, laughing. "What was that? You’re officially allowed?"
"Yes! Richard gave me permission to build here and take gold from the royal treasure chamber." Prince John can’t help it. His voice gives away all the happiness he’s got beaming inside him right now.
"What did I tell you?" Robin pokes Prince John into the chest. "Richard is a good person. He sees that you have potential to be that, too."
While they're standing there, grinning at each other, Prince John realizes what a stupid situation this is. He's supposed to be upset Robin is here, right? This is all very strange. He decides he needs to have an excessive talk with himself later.
Suddenly Robins face twists to a mask of confusion. "Wait- how did you get the letters to go that fast? We talked the night before yesterday. I don’t think even carrier pigeons can go that fast…."
Whoops. Prince John had completely forgotten Richard hadn’t officially announced he’s back yet. "Richard is here. But that’s not official, though I think he’ll make an appearance in the village later today."
Robins smile grows wider. "That’s so cool. I’m glad we finally have our king back."
The thought of Robin not liking it when it was just Prince John on the throne is a little stab to Prince Johns heart. But it’s fine. He can’t be mad at Robin when he’s beaming at him like that.
What? Prince Johns subconsciousness is going on wild rides again and thinking strange thoughts without his permission.
Luckily, Robin changes the subject and picks one of the drawings up. "Do you already know where you want to put this one? It needs a little hill or something so that the ball can roll over here…"
Prince John grins proudly. "There is a subsidence in the meadow over there, it’s perfect for this course."
Robin squints at the lawn. "Where?"
"Right there, can’t you see?" Prince John points.
"No, I can’t. Where the fuck do you see a subsidence?"
Prince John rolls his eyes, grabs Robin by the wrist and pulls him over to the place he’s talking about. "Look, here. How can you even shoot your arrows if your eyesight is that bad?"
Letting out an offended huff, Robin stares at the ground. "This is supposed to be a subsidence? It’s barely five inches deep."
"It’s enough for the ball to roll downhill!"
"And how was I supposed to see that from over there?" Robin motions back to where they were standing before.
"When you know where it is you can tell from the way the grass grows in a different direction in some spots", Prince John explains. It’s quite simple, he thinks.
Robin face palms. The sudden motion reminds Prince John of his own hand, that is still clasped around Robins wrist. He awkwardly lets go and hopes Robin didn’t notice they were close to holding hand this entire time.
If Robin did notice, he doesn’t mention it. "You know, I think you see certain things - for example small details like this - differently because you’re an artist."
Prince John scoffs. "I’m not an artist."
"Yes you are! Have you looked at your own drawings?"
Why is everyone so obsessed with his sketches? Rolling his eyes, Prince John decides to change the subject. "Do you want to know where I want the other courses to be?"
Clearly amused, Robin wiggles his eyebrows, but smiles anyways. "Sure. Go ahead."
·•●☽☾●•·
Robin and Prince John spend a while walking around the field together. Eventually, they pass the spot where the devastating shot of Enitmus happened. That's what Prince John likes to call it secretly. It's still nagging him when he thinks about it. Getting beat in one of his favorite sports by a fucking jester was a big hit to his ego.
"I still don't understand how Enitmus did that…", Prince John mumbles.
Robin looks intrigued. "Did what, exactly?"
"That last shot", Prince John answers. "The one he beat me with. In the tournament that determined if I'm allowed to build a croquet field at the old ruins years ago."
"Maybe I can show you."
"How?" Robin wasn't there to see it happen. How would he know what kind of shot that was? And, besides that, Prince John doubts Robin is that good.
"Tell me how the setup was and how Enitmus' shot went."
Well, if it's that easy… Prince John gives his best to reconstruct the scene without any physical materials. He makes a small hole in the ground. Hopefully Robins imagination is good enough to picture what he needs.
After a few moments, Robin nods knowingly. "Okay. I think I know how he did it."
"Can you show me?" Prince John has to know how that jester managed to beat him.
"I could, but… it would be much easier if we had rackets and a ball."
"GUUAAARDS!"
Robin looks startled, and it takes Prince John a few seconds before he realizes why. The guards probably see him as a threat. To comfort him, Prince John places a hand on Robins arm. Robin flinches at the touch, but stays where he is.
When the two guards from the drawbridge reach them, they share a surprised look, then one of them exclaims: "You've caught Robin Hood! Congratulations, my Prince."
"What? No-"
The two men reach for Robin, but Prince John instinctively steps between them. "He's not my captive today", he says firmly. "I want you to bring me two croquet mallets and a ball."
The guards hurry off, but Prince John still hears one of them say: "I don't know what's going on. He's been acting so different lately."
Prince John wants to be mad at first, but then he concludes they're probably right. His gaze falls on Robin. There used to be a raging fire inside him when he saw Robin, but now there's something new, something different. Prince John can't quite place what it is yet-
"What?" Robin crosses his arms and smirks.
Fuck. Prince John has been staring. "I- Nothing."
Robins grin grows even wider. "I didn't know you were so protective. The way you just stepped in front of me-"
"I can't just let them arrest you", Prince John defends himself.
"Aww. That's cute."
"I- just- shut up." Prince John feels his face heating up. "I just need you to show me how to win in croquet."
"Excuses. You already know how to win in croquet."
Prince John is so overstimulated that he doesn't know how to respond anymore. Robin is teasing him and he doesn't know how to cope with it. How is he - why - his brain has stopped working.
The guards returning with his equipment save Prince John from his misery. As soon as he has the mallet in his hand, his confidence returns. In no world would Robin be able to recreate that insane shot.
Robin lets Prince John show him once more where he has to start, then gets himself into position. Prince John grins at the thought of Robins cocky smirk getting wiped off of his face. There's no fucking way Robin can do it.
Robin pulls back and hits the ball with a satisfying tock. It takes off, hits a tree, then another two, flies back towards them and falls perfectly into the marked spot.
Prince Johns drops his racket. "HOW?!"
Robin proudly places the mallet over his shoulder. "Do you want me to explain?"
Still in awe, Prince John just nods. He sees Robin motioning in different directions, pointing at the ball with his racket, but he doesn't hear what he's saying. He just watches as his lips move…
Robin stops short in his explanation. "Are you even listening to me?"
"I don't get it", Prince John says weakly.
Grabbing the ball out of the grass, Robin comes over to him and picks Prince Johns mallet off of the ground. "Maybe I need to show you more physically."
Prince John complies, takes his racket that Robin is holding out to him and steps to the starting point.
Suddenly Robin is directly behind him. Prince John can feel Robins breath hitting his neck. It sends a shiver down his spine. Robins arms reach around him, and Prince John almost thinks Robin is hugging him, when he grabs the racket instead.
"You have to, just…" Robin says something about calculating angles and wind, but Prince John is too distracted by the fact that Robin is quietly talking directly into his ear.
Robin moves his hands so that they're directly on top of Prince Johns. Prince John feels like he might die. Or something. He doesn't know what's going on anymore.
Robin and Prince John swing the mallet together, and just like before, the ball hits the target perfectly.
They drop the racket simultaneously to throw their hands in the air, cheering. Robin holds up his hand and Prince John high-fives him.
For a short moment, Prince John is pulled back towards reality, the reality of this unusual situation, but he doesn't care enough to think about it right now. Thinking is for later.
"Come on", Prince John says happily. "There are a few new sketches you haven't seen yet."
·•●☽☾●•·
"Keep it together, cousin", Marian says. "I think this will be fun."
Prince John is caught between Marian and Scarlett, currently walking over the wooden drawbridge of the village. He originally wanted to send his guards to do the shopping for him, but the girls have insisted they go together. Without any guards.
"I still don't understand what this is supposed to be good for."
"This is good for many reasons", Marian grins. "Should we tell him the truth, Scarlett?"
"I think we should tell him the truth, dear Marian."
The clearly fake politeness between them two is annoying him. It’s very obvious they’re making fun of him. But Prince John doubts they are not aware that he knows they’re making fun of him.
"Ugh, just tell me already", he huffs.
"Well. Firstly, this way you can learn how to deal with money appropriately", Marian tells him, imitating Richards voice.
"This was Richards idea?" Prince John feels betrayed. Why does his brother want him to go shopping with Marian and Scarlett? This is stupid.
"It was King Richards and Marians idea", Scarlett corrects him. "Don’t worry, they thought this through. Another reason would be for you to interact with villagers like actual people, not your subjects."
Prince John just lets out a frustrated grumble.
"And, last but not least, you need to have some fun", Marian concludes.
"I already have plenty of fun with my project."
"That’s great for you, but you can’t spend your entire life drawing croquet fields", Scarlett says pointedly.
"Might as well", Prince John mumbles in a last attempt at saving himself, but Marian already pulls him towards a market stall.
The old, broad man behind it recoils at the sight of Prince John. Then he looks at Marian and Scarlett – or at least Prince John thinks he does, because his eyes are completely hidden behind his bushy eyebrows. "What can I do for you, your majesty?"
"Err…" Prince John doesn’t know what to do. Scarlett hands him the shopping list. "I need four buckets of red, blue, and yellow color, two of white- what?" The question is directed at both Scarlett and Marian, who have started giggling.
"Prince John, this is our woodcutter", Marian enlightens him, still laughing.
Prince John looks between the man and the girls. "Oh. Right. Then I need… uhm… oh, there it is." He starts listing all the different kinds of woods Scarlett wrote down.
The woodcutter takes a quill and writes everything down. "Is that all?"
Prince John checks the list once more. "I think so, yes." Marian and Scarlett motion for him to continue. He sighs. "Alright. How much do you want for that?"
The man hurries with his answer. "Nothing. Because it’s you, my Prin-"
"No." Scarlett cuts the woodcutter off mid-sentence. "Tell us the actual price."
Scarlett can be very scary sometimes. Seemingly, the woodcutters fear of Scarlett overweighs his fear of Prince John in that moment, because he tells them his price. With an innocent smile, Marian holds out a sack of gold to Prince John. He takes it and reluctantly places it on the counter. Then he quickly sways around before he changes his mind and reclaims the money. He would have rather kept it to himself, but it’s gone now.
To distract himself, he asks Marian a more logistical question. "How are we going to get all of the materials to the castle? We came here by foot."
"We’re going to carry it, obviously", Scarlett answers instead. "What did you think?"
"WHAT?" Prince John stops short in his tracks and holds up the list. "You seriously expect me to carry all of this? Entire logs of wood?"
"Don’t worry, we might also carry a bucket or two", Scarlett says genuinely.
Prince John is almost convinced they’ve lost their minds when he sees Marians eye twitch. "HAH." Jumping into a fighting stance, he points at the girls. "You’re playing a prank on me."
Marian and Scarlett break out into laughter. It’s infectious. Failing to fight it, a grin spreads across Prince Johns face. It’s a stupid prank, but he admits it was kinda funny.
"I’m sorry, your reaction was priceless", Marian smiles after they’ve recollected themselves. "Richard will bring a carriage when he comes here later. We couldn’t expect you to carry anything after the straining experience of shopping."
Prince John lets out a huff and pretends to be offended. "I’m not that bad."
"We’ll see about that", Scarlett says. She points at a woman further down the main square. "This is where you can buy the color."
"I’ll show you I can shop like a professional", Prince John claims and runs off towards the painter.
This time he fails because the woman doesn’t have all of the colors he needs in stock and Prince John wants to simply move on. Marian explains to him he has to order it to be delivered as soon as the supplies are restocked.
At the next attempt, at the blacksmith, he gets the amount wrong, but he swears it’s just because of Scarletts handwriting. For the most part, it’s pretty, but sometimes he can’t quite figure out which numbers the thin lines are supposed to be.
"I think he’s getting better", Marian says to Scarlett when they walk towards another stall.
"I’m right here", Prince John reminds them. "No need to talk as if I weren’t there."
"Are you sure you’re improving? How can you think a five is a nine??", Scarlett laughs.
"I’m bad with numbers", Prince John pleads. "And of course I’m improving. There was nothing less to be expected."
The sound of hooves on stone makes Prince John turn his head. Richard is riding through the arch at the village entrance with two guards. The entire village starts humming from all of the people whispering to each other. Their King has returned.
"Greetings, dear residents of Nottingham!" Richard speaks in a soft tone, but somehow his voice fills out the entire main square. "I have now finally returned from the war."
The villagers break out into cheers, while all of them scramble to get on their knees.
Richard looks a bit taken aback. "Oh, no need to bow. Thank you, thank you. Please, get back up." He readjusts his crown. "I have been absent for horrible reasons. I want to celebrate the end of that. What do you say to a village festival tomorrow evening?"
Again, the King is met with a wave of cheers. The villagers truly love him. Prince John is proud of his brother. That unfamiliar feeling doesn’t even catch him off guard anymore. He just accepts it. It’s much easier that way anyways. Suppressing feelings is exhausting.
Chapter Text
Prince John
Prince John enjoys the light, warm wind as he stands on his balcony. It plays with his hair and ruffles his cape. Thoughtfully he looks down on the meadow in front of the castle. Soon, there will be his croquet field. His own creation. Prince John hears the colorful glass doors behind him open and close again.
"Well, little brother? Are you already looking forward to your croquet field?" Richard joins him and leans against the balustrade.
"I am", Prince John says genuinely.
"Who even got you this idea?", Richard wonders.
"What do you mean? It was my own idea."
Richards eyebrows rise up. "Well then why haven't you started this project way earlier?"
Prince John sighs. "I gave up on stuff like this because it was clear Robin would destroy it anyways. But then…" He takes a moment to consider if this is worth telling Richard. "We got into multiple situations where he told me to be a better person and all that crap."
Richard grins at that. "I know you are pretending like you've always been a great person, but for everyone else, you're really starting to change for the better."
"Pfff." Prince John crosses his arms. In a lack of what to say to that ridiculous accusation, he continues his story. "Anyways, Robin claims everywhere I wanted to build were sacred places or some shit. Whatever. He told me he wouldn't destroy my work if I build it on the castle grounds. So, here we are."
"I'm sure Robin has his reason to not let you destroy specific places in the woods", Richard hums. "So, tell me more about those situations you got into. Sounds interesting."
"Absolutely not."
"Why not?" Richard smirks and it annoys Prince John. Like he knows something Prince John doesn't.
"Because- because they're embarrassing. Moments of weakness."
"My goodness, little brother." Richard pats Prince Johns head. "Moments of weakness are nothing to be ashamed of. It happens to everyone."
"We fell into a pitfall together!"
"How is that a moment of weakness?", Richard says, an amused undertone in his voice. "You just don't want to admit Robin said something and you followed his advice."
Prince John has given up trying to be offended towards his brother. "Alright. Fine. It was technically also Robins idea. The croquet field." He does a double take. "Wait. No, it wasn't. It still was my idea. He just encouraged and helped me."
"He helped you?"
"Yes, he did. Can we stop talking about this now?", Prince John whines.
"Alright, alright", Richard chuckles. "But I think you should thank him."
"I should thank Robin?", Prince John says, baffled. "Do you know what that's going to look like?"
"It's going to look like you and your mortal enemy have finally freed yourselves from the spiral of hate you've been in."
"That's a little exaggerated." Prince John uncrosses his arms again. "Spiral of hate sounds very negative."
"It does. But the overall vibe is like what I said. No one will burn you at the stake for not hating someone, little brother." Richard smiles warmly. "How about you thank him at the village festival? There will be many people and not everyone is going to pay attention to you."
"Okay", Prince John finally gives in. Slowly, the idea of publicly talking to Robin like they did on the balcony, or on the future croquet field, starts feeling different. It doesn't feel so wrong anymore.
He thinks of Robins face when he is going to thank him, and expects to find his shocked look very funny. Instead, his stomach does a very weird pull. Or at least, that's what it feels like. Prince John doesn't know what this is about, but suddenly he can't wait anymore. When does the festival start again?
Robin
Robin adores the colorful lanterns that the entire village is decorated with. Their soft light gives the main square an almost magical touch. The music from the band next to the big tree floats through the air and attracts people to the dance floor. The chattering of the villagers melts into a low hum.
Currently, Little John and Robin are looking at the assortment of a stall offering exotic fruits.
"Look at this one." Little John holds up a fruit. "It looks just like you."
"No it does not", Robin laughs.
"It has the exact same color of your shirt."
The trader comes over to them. "That is a lime, sir. On its own, it’s not the most enjoyable, but I can offer you a drink made from it. Mixed with sugar, it creates an astonishing taste experience."
Little John looks a little bit taken aback by the trader calling him sir.
Robin laughs at him and answers in his place. "That sounds interesting. Can we get two of those drinks?"
"Of course, sir." The trader gets to work, and Robin watches as they squeeze out the lime into two cups. Then they add some sugar, stir it and hand it to Robin.
Little John gives the trader their money, and they make their way through the people. Tuck has already gotten himself a drink from somewhere and is waiting for them next to a barrel. Little John and Robin join him and make themselves comfortable around the barrel, using it as a table. It’s a great spot, at the edge of the square but not too far away. It provides a good view over the place.
Their light bantering dies out when the villagers make way for someone. Prince John, flanked by Marian and Scarlett. And they're coming straight towards them. Robin signs to Marian if they should leave, but she shakes her head, almost unrecognizable. A small smile lays on her lips. Very strange.
Robin, Little John and Tuck just stand there, a little confused, until the other group reaches them. At least most of the villagers have returned to doing their own business instead of staring at them.
"Good evening, Robin." Prince Johns voice is dripping from friendliness. "Little John, Tuck", he greets, before focusing back on Robin. "How has the festival been so far?"
"Uhm… not too bad, I guess?", Robin says, confused. What is this supposed to be?
Prince John dramatically places the back of his hand to his forehead. "Are you trying to say it just got worse with me here?"
Well. One week ago Robin would've absolutely said that. But now… He decides to be honest. "No, actually. I don't mind that you're here."
Robin can almost see the tension fall off of Prince John. "Good. Because I need to tell you something." His voice sounds normal again.
So all of this dramatic show just in case Robin rejects Prince John immediately? Grinning, Robin motions for Prince John to continue.
Prince John casts his eyes down. "I wanted to thank you. For encouraging me to do something I actually enjoy for once. It has brought me so much appreciation. You- it's almost like you made me see things in a different light." Prince John looks back up at Robin, directly into his eyes. "So, thank you, Robin."
Robin slowly lowers his glass. This is coming very unexpected. Sure, he has seen Prince John change, just like everyone else, but this is a whole other level. He even made an entire speech just for Robin. Awkwardly scratching his neck, Robin manages to say: "I- uhm. I don't know what to say. You're welcome?"
"I mean it." Prince Johns serious expression erases every last doubt Robin had. He's actually being genuine.
Robin smiles. "Me too. It's been a pleasure lecturing you." He takes another sip of his lime juice. "And even more, helping you."
Prince John chuckles, then pushes a hand through his blonde hair. "So, what does this festival have in store? We haven't looked around yet."
"Well… there are many traders here that came from further away, so you can buy plenty of rare and exotic stuff here." Robin thinks for a moment. He realizes Prince John probably has never been at a village festival as a simple guest. To be fair, he's not a simple guest right now, but he's not the host.
In an attempt to get the overall vibe across, Robin concludes: "There's not much else that you can't do every other day. What people usually do at events like this is hang out with their friends and chat most of the time. And obviously, you can go dance over there."
Prince John eyes the dance floor, then turns to Robin. "May I ask you for a dance?"
Robin almost chokes on his drink. "What?!"
Amused, the Prince blinks at him, then repeats: "Do you want to dance with me?"
Prince John extends his hand towards him. Robin reflexively lifts his arm to take it, but stops halfway. "Are you sure this is a good idea? I mean- we’re two boys… dancing together…"
"I’m the god damn Prince." Prince John confidently grins. "I can do whatever I want."
Robin looks at his friends and finds them to all have exactly the same look in their faces: surprised and very intrigued. Though Little Johns stare also has a twinge of I-knew-it.
"And you’re not exactly known to obey to rules", Prince John continues and stretches his hand out even further.
Robin smiles shyly and takes it. The leather of the glove feels smooth against his skin. Prince John leads him through the crowd. Robin can hear the people whispering, feels their stares, sees them secretly pointing.
When they reach the area that has been determined as the dance floor, Robin is glad the lanterns don’t make the greatest light source. Otherwise everyone would have seen that his face probably has the same color as Prince Johns cape.
Robin looks back, spots Marian through the crowd, and forms "help" with his lips. He doesn’t hear what she’s saying, but he guesses it’s a spell. Suddenly no one is interested in their Prince dancing with their local hero anymore. The villagers just continue their conversations they were having before, return to the dance floor or wander back to the market booths.
Prince John places his other hand on Robins hip and they slowly start spinning to the music. The song has a slow, calm rhythm. Robin tries his best to comprehend the current situation. He's dancing with Prince John. Publicly. And no one cares. The pieces of this puzzle just wont fit together in his brain. But maybe… maybe that doesn't matter right now. The only things that matter are Robin and Prince John directly in front of him.
Robin faintly remembers always claiming he couldn't dance in front of Marian, and feels a bit bad. Of course he learned how to dance before he left the manor in Locksley. If the son of an Earl couldn't dance, it would paint a bad picture. He knows all of the moves Prince John is currently leading him through.
In the first few moments, Robin is a bit worried because both him and Prince John only got taught the leading role of dancing. Since they're both boys, no one ever considered they might get into a situation where they would be lead by someone else. Which is stupid. Even if he would be dancing with a girl, he sees no reason why a girl shouldn't lead the dance. This train of thoughts makes Robin realize two things. First, he doesn't have a problem adjusting to being lead by Prince John. And secondly, he needs to test something.
Robin flips them around, so now he's leading the dance. It takes Prince John a few confused steps to readjust, but then it works just as well as before.
Prince John grins. "I see how it is."
"How is it?", Robin smirks back.
"You want to be the dominant one." Prince John switches them again, and twirls Robin around.
"This has nothing to do with dominance", Robin says a little dismissively. "I just want to see if you can dance as well as me and adapt to a new situation."
"Excuse me? I'm the best dancer this kingdom has ever seen." Prince John willingly lets Robin lead again.
Robin lifts Prince John lightly, and he floats for a heartbeat before touching the ground again. "I have to admit, you are pretty good at this."
"You're not bad either", Prince John acknowledges.
They settle on switching the lead every other minute, twirling across the cobblestone floor. Occasionally, Scarlett and Little John cross their path. Robin finally can fully relax, as they sway around between all the other people, completely unnoticed.
The song picks up on speed and they spin faster. In a moment where Robin doesn't expect it, Prince John dips him and Robins heart almost stops. Obviously, Prince John knows what he’s doing and doesn't let him fall to the floor, but it still catches him off guard.
"John-", Robin complains, but immediately stops himself. Oh no. He just called Prince John John. This is very bad.
He carefully watches Prince Johns reaction unfold. First, it's pure surprise, but it doesn't stop them from moving to the music. Then, to Robins shock, Prince John smiles at him. A genuine, warm smile.
Relief washes over him. Prince John is not going to call him out for his mistake in front of all of these people. But Robin is also highly perplexed. He never would've expected Prince John would let anyone call him his first name without his title. Except for Richard, of course.
"Is this… is it okay for me to call you John?", Robin asks quietly.
Prince Johns face softens. "It's fine. Don't worry."
As if to show Robin it's okay, Prince John pulls him even closer. Robin almost swoons over the way Prince John holds him gently. At the same time, Robin is very aware of his rapid heartbeat, and he's glad the music is so loud, otherwise the entire village would've heard it.
Prince Johns eyes have the color of a kingfishers feathers.
Their faces are so close.
No.
Get yourself together, Robin.
If this would have been anyone else, Robin would've called this situation romantic. And it is. It is very romantic. If this actually were to be something, Robin probably would’ve taken the first steps, or better, said something, but - this is the literal Prince of England. Robin simply cannot afford to make a move and be potentially wrong. If he miscalculates this, it could have fatal consequences for him.
So, he lets Prince John lead him for now, and laughs internally at the irony of it. Robin leans back as Prince John guides him into another dip. It's so stupid. Robin really likes this new version of Prince John, but he can't do anything about it. His hands are tied.
·•●☽☾●•·
After what probably has been hours, Robin spins Prince John one last time, cape flaring, before they rejoin in perfect harmony and simultaneously stop moving. As if they had planned it. For a moment, they just stand in the crowd of dancing people, close together.
"I think I would like a break from the music", Robin says.
"Yeah", Prince John agrees. "Let's get out of here."
They make their way out of the center of the village and wander the small alleys. The music and the noise of the festival faintly follow them. Prince Johns hand keeps brushing against Robins, and it drives him almost crazy that he can't just take it.
He leans his head back. "Have you ever looked at the stars?"
"Of course I have looked at the stars, you idiot", Prince John says, but it comes out compassionately. "They're so beautiful out here."
"Yeah. This is my favorite constellation…" Robin points at a section of the sky where many small stars are crowded together, forming something like a cloud of mist.
Suddenly Robin feels Prince Johns hand in his. Their fingers interlock almost automatically. It feels like the ground beneath his feet is giving away. Robin scolds himself, because he just spent hours in very close proximity with Prince John, so his mind shouldn't have such heavy reactions to them holding hands. Wait. They're holding hands. Oh god.
Prince John gently pulls Robin forward, and they continue their walk through the empty backstreets. Though to Robin it feels more like he's floating. At the same time, Prince Johns hand is like an anchor that keeps Robin sane.
Prince John trips over something on the floor and dangerously tilts forward. Robins sharp reflexes come in handy, and he uses his other hand to grab Prince John by the waist and stabilizes him. Now they're facing each other, standing very, very close.
"Thank you", Prince John whispers and Robins gaze drops to his lips.
He feels Prince Johns gloved hand on his cheek. The leather is pleasantly cool, in contrast to his burning face. He unintentionally melts into the touch.
Prince John leans in.
It takes Robin a moment to realize that Prince John is kissing him.
And it's good.
Robin reacts to the kiss, pulls Prince John closer, starts moving his lips.
When they break apart, they just stare at each other, shook by the fact that they just kissed their ex-worst-enemy. But they're also smiling.
Robin didn't get enough. He pulls Prince John into another kiss.
"My Prince! Where are you?", the sheriffs voice echoes through the alleys.
Robin and Prince John immediately jump away from each other.
"I have to go", Prince John says softly and beams at Robin. Then he spins around and runs off towards where the sheriffs voice had come from.
Robin lifts his hand to lightly touch his lips. He still can't quite believe it. Prince John and him just kissed. As he slowly wanders back towards the festival, he plays the past few minutes over and over in his head. Robin seems to have forgotten how to stop smiling.
Chapter 13
Summary:
some platonic fluff <3
Chapter Text
Robin
As Robin opens his eyes, he sees the grey sky poking through the lush green leaves above him. He gets out of his hammock, yawning, and stretches his back. Hearing faint voices drift up from the lower platform, he remembers Marian and Scarlett have said they want to come over in the morning after the village festival. Robin makes his way downstairs. Different to their usual routines, he seems to be the last one to get up.
When he approaches his friends at the table, their conversation dies out and they all turn to him. The curiosity in their faces tells Robin something happened, and it has something to do with him.
"What?", he says and stops walking, unsettled.
"Oh, come on. Don’t tell me you forgot everything that happened yesterday." Scarlett almost looks offended.
Oh. Right. The village festival. The memories of yesterday flood his brain.
Prince John.
Them dancing together.
And… the kiss.
Robin has to hold on to the tree trunk because his knees go wobbly. How could he forget? The entire evening yesterday feels unreal to him. At the same time, he feels a strong wish to go back and relive it. Be this close to Prince John again-
Hold on, he reminds himself. Take it slow.
Robin hurls himself over to the table and falls into the chair next to Little John. "Oh man. Yesterday was crazy."
"Oh yes", Tuck laughs. "It was."
"Soooo…." Marian puts her fingertips together. "Tell us. How’s it been dancing with Prince John?"
Robin searches their faces to determine if they’re upset with him for what happened. To his relief, he only finds them to be genuinely curious and a little bit teasing. "It was fun", he finally admits.
"Looked like it", Tuck chimes in. "You were dancing for HOURS. And you even stopped fighting over who is allowed to lead."
"You saw that? Have you guys been watching me this entire time?" Robins face is burning. Why are his friends like this? It wasn’t that big of a deal. Alright, fine, it was a pretty big deal. Robin and Prince John dancing doesn’t happen every other day.
"Noo", Scarlett smirks. "It got pretty boring watching you two adore each other."
Why. Robin debates just running away. But then he remembers no one else was watching them and tries to stir the conversation away. "Speaking of. Why didn’t the villagers, like, care at all?"
"I put a protection spell on you and Prince John", Marian explains. "Did you see Scarlett and Little John dancing?"
"Yes?"
"And? Did you think anything of it?"
"No? They’re allowed to dance, they’re a couple-"
"That’s not untrue, but Prince John was right there. He could have caught them - but he didn’t. He probably saw them, but he didn’t feel like it’s worth thinking about it. The spell protects picked people and makes everyone around them unaware of them. I can exclude people from that unawareness, too."
"Why didn’t you exclude me from the spell for Scarlett and Little John?", Robin complains.
Marian grins. "I didn’t want you to get distracted."
Well. Topic change has failed.
Little John takes over. "I saw you leaving the main square at some point. Together with Prince John, but then you came back alone, all smiley and giggly. What happened there?"
Oh god. Robin gives up on his dignity and surrenders to his friends’ thirst for gossip. "John and I-"
"Oh, so it’s John now?", Scarlett cuts him off, giving him a knowing smirk. "No more Prince?"
Robin buries his face in his hands. "We- we kind of kissed."
"I knew it", Little John claims, at the same time as Scarlett and Tuck go "ohhhh" and Marian says: "What does that mean, kind of kissed?"
"We just kissed- there’s actually no kind of-" Robins voice breaks because he’s so embarrassed. Not by the fact that him and Prince John kissed, but by this interrogation they’re having here.
Marian and Scarlett seem to be finding this very entertaining, because they’re giggling and whispering to each other. Tuck is trying to listen to them gossip and Little John just looks pleased with himself. He just knows Robin way too well. Robin waits for them to process this shocking turn of events.
Eventually, Little John asks: "And do you actually like him, Robin?"
Yes. Yes, he does. But Robin can’t just admit that in front of his friends like it’s nothing. "I might?"
"Okay. So you do like him." Damn it. Marian also knows him too well. "Do you think he likes you, too?"
Robin replays their moments together in his head. "I mean… he’s been giving me signals, but I don’t know. It’s kinda hard to tell."
Marian twirls a strand of her dark red hair around her finger. "I remember when I talked to him on the second day that the Earl of Locksley was here… he said: ‘I don’t know what to think anymore about Robin.’"
Scarlett hums. "That implies he at least is thinking differently of you. But… was there nothing in the time between then and yesterday? You didn’t go from mutual despise straight to kissing, right?"
"No, they were stuck in a ditch together", Tuck tells her.
"We had our moments", Robin clears them up, but says nothing more. He won’t tell them about every little detail about what happened on the balcony or on the croquet field. They don’t need to know more.
His friends once again break out into chattering. Robin lets them speculate. There’s nothing he can do about it anyways. Eventually, they conclude Robin must’ve been sneaking around to secretly meet with Prince John. Which is wrong. The only time Robin ever left without telling anyone is when he went to see the croquet field. And meeting Prince John there was just a coincidence, nothing more.
"Robin, what are you going to do with this whole thing?" Tuck sounds concerned. "We all know Prince John is a twat."
"If anything, this just proves I didn’t decide this. I didn’t choose to like John. It just happened."
Marian agrees, but she also has her doubts. "We have all watched Prince Johns entire demeanor change. But who says this is permanent? He could relapse into his usual menacing self any moment. No one is able to control who they like. But you can decide if you want to pursue a romantic relationship with Prince John."
Robin nods. "Couldn’t have said it better myself, Marian. I would be lying if I said I don’t want to see if this could be something. I don’t think this new version of John is something that’ll just disappear again, but I can’t be sure." He clasps his hands together. "I just have to wait and see what he’s doing."
"Interesting. Usually our Robin would be the one to take the first steps", Little John correctly assumes.
"I can’t", Robin says defeatedly. "It’s unlikely in my opinion, but I could be miscalculating."
"You literally kissed!" Scarlett throws him a disbelieving look.
"Yes, but, in this case the stakes are much higher." Robin sighs. "What I’m trying to say is, if I’m wrong, the consequences would be much worse than if it were not the god damn Prince of England."
His friends share a concerned look. It seems like they finally understand why Robin is being so reluctant.
"No, you’re right", Marian finally admits. "You should figure out if he’s being genuine first."
"I need to talk to him." Robins tone makes it clear that he will not accept objection.
"That’s probably a good idea", Little John says sympathetically. "Just… be careful."
Robin smiles at his friends. His gratitude for them overflows him. They don’t judge him for liking someone that, with all honesty, has been making life difficult for many people. Even more, they’re looking out for him, and will support him through this mess. "I love you all so much, do you know that?"
Prince John
Prince John has spent the entire night tossing and turning. The raging storm of thoughts had kept him awake for most of the time, and when he actually drifted off into a restless sleep, he woke up again soon after.
In spite of everything, the evening itself had been so wonderful. Prince John wouldn't have wanted it to stop before the bloody sheriff turned up. The entire way back to the castle Prince John basically floated with his head in the clouds.
But as soon as he was alone in his room, he started doubting his own perception. Because nothing of this makes sense. He had asked Robin to dance with him because he wanted to show him that he is actually grateful for his help. And then it spiraled from there.
His mind had already been doing weird things when Robin was around, but yesterday it was a new level. Prince John couldn't get enough of Robin being close to him, and Robins presence made him so happy. And when they wandered off into the alleys… Prince John kissed Robin. He just looked so beautiful in that moment, with the light of the stars reflected in his eyes. Prince John just gave in to his subconsciousness.
And this is exactly what's bothering him. Prince Johns brain is providing thoughts he never thought he would think. He doesn't understand what's happening. Why would he want to hold Robins hand, to kiss him-
There's a quiet knock on his door. When he doesn't answer, the person outside knocks for a second time, louder. Prince John hums.
"Can I come in?" Richards voice sounds muffled through the thick layer of wood.
"Yeah", Prince John sighs, defeated.
Richard carefully closes the door behind him and comes over to Prince Johns canopy bed. "You didn't come to breakfast. I wanted to check if you're alright." He notices the dark circles under Prince Johns eyes. "Oh, little brother… have you slept at all?"
"No", Prince John just says. "Not really."
Richard sits down on the edge of the bed. "Do you want to tell me what's going on?"
Staring at the patterns of his canopy ceiling, Prince John just lays there. He doesn't even know himself what's going on. How is he supposed to tell Richard? To his horror, Prince John feels tears building in his eyes. Why is he crying now? He quickly buries his face in one of his many pillows and hopes Richard didn't notice.
His brother patiently waits until Prince John remerges from the pillow mountain. Slowly sitting up, Prince John blinks a few times to make sure his eyes are dry again. Richard puts an arm around him in an effort to comfort him. It takes Prince John another long while to bring himself to speak.
"I don't know what to do", Prince John finally admits. "I think I… I think I like Robin."
Richard chuckles and pats him on the head with his other hand. "I always knew you didn't hate him as much as you pretended to."
"I used to hate him", Prince John claims. Articulating this is quite difficult. "But that's not what I meant. I like Robin like- as in- as if he were a girl?"
"Oh. Okay." Richard looks a little bit surprised, but still smiles at him.
Okay? It's not okay. This doesn't make any sense. "But he's a guy."
Richard lets his gaze wander through the room. "Some male people are attracted to male people. And that's okay, too."
"But I'm not- I don't- I always liked girls! I just- now I like Robin."
"There are also people who like multiple genders."
"Really?"
Richard nods. Prince John rethinks everything that happened yesterday. Every situation him and Robin have been in together recently. The way he can just let go of everything he's been taught to do. Nothing else is quite the same as he feels with Robin at his side. That would explain a lot.
Prince John asks again, just to be sure. "So it is possible that I like girls and boys? That I… that I like Robin?"
"Yes, little brother." Richard pulls Prince into a tight hug. "And I love you regardless."
Prince John is a little overwhelmed, and the tears return. He returns the hug, looking for support. "Thanks, Richard. I… uhm… I love you too.", he sniffles and buries his face in Richards creme colored top.
"It's okay, little brother." Richard gently strokes his back. "It's okay."
Prince John desperately tries to get himself back together. It doesn't work too badly, because he finally, finally knows what's happening to him. He likes Robin. Romantically. "What am I supposed to do now?"
Richard carefully detaches himself from Prince John to look into his eyes. "Well, what do you want to do?"
That's a good question. Listening into himself, Prince John tries to piece together what he wants. Firstly, everything inside him is screaming to see Robin again. Then, he has a longing to be close to Robin, to hold his hand. To hug him, hold him… Now that Prince John is aware it's possible to be into girls and boys, he almost feels a little stupid he didn't understand his feelings earlier.
Obviously he's not going to tell Richard how much he misses Robin already. Instead, he says: "I think it's best if I talk to him. But I think I have to wait a little bit so we both can fully understand what happened yesterday."
"Oh?" Richard raises his eyebrows in amusement. "What happened yesterday?"
Oh no. Prince John slaps his hand in front of his mouth. This is going to be an embarrassing conversation. But- how is it possible Richard didn't see them dance? Everyone saw them walking to the dance floor together. But then again - suddenly no one cared anymore. Weird. It was almost like magic.
"We danced together. Me and Robin." Prince John leaves the kiss out for now. Richard absolutely doesn't have to know about this.
His brother tries to hide his surprised smile, but he's not doing a good job at it. "Wow- well done, little brother. That's a first step into the right direction."
That makes Prince John grin as well. If Richard only knew what happened after.
Chapter Text
Prince John
Prince John throws himself onto his bed. It's been an entire day and another night since the village festival. He's a bit of a loss at what to do, it's not like he could just run into the forest and go looking for Robin. Or can he? It's really nagging him that he doesn't know where this whole thing is going, he couldn't even concentrate on his lunch before. Prince John studies the patterns on the curtains of his canopy bed - until his gaze drifts to something on his door.
It's an envelope, pinned to the dark wood with an arrow. One of Robins arrows. Prince John jumps up and almost falls over hurrying to the door. He quickly snatches the arrow and the envelope, then stares at the letter in disbelief. How the hell did Robin get into his bedroom without anyone noticing?
Carefully pulling the arrow out of the paper, Prince John walks back to his bed and sits down on the edge. Then he opens the envelope, and his heart is racing. There's only one sentence.
We need to talk.
Prince Johns heart drops. We need to talk is not exactly the kind of love letter he definitely didn't hope for. What if Robin hadn't been giving him the signals Prince John thought he was seeing? What if- No, it can't be. Robin had looked so happy, smiling all along, and he had kissed him back.
Prince John flips the letter around and finds a location and a meetup time on the back of it. The big willow in the flower field next to the creek - if that's not a romantic spot then he doesn't know what is. Hope starts rising inside him once more. He's only got two hours left if he wants to meet Robin on time. And being late is definitely not an option for this.
He scrambles together a new set of clothing and throws his pajama on the ground - he had been so restless the entire day that he hadn't even gotten out of his night gowns. Someone will have to clean up the mess he's making right now, but he really can't do it himself at the moment. This is an exceptional situation.
As he puts on his beloved white tights, Prince Johns intrusive thoughts seem to be determined to stress him out even more. What if this is a trap, if Robin just wants to lure him there? Prince John pulls his red and yellow striped top over his head. But what would they get from that? All his own gold is gone now anyways, and he has been doing everything Robin suggested. Putting his belt around his waist, he decides a setup is very unlikely, considering how long this has been going on. That would be a huge amount of commitment as well, staging an entire (possible) romance. Prince John sways around his room a bit, to check if his cape is falling the right way. When it sits perfectly, he ties it together at the front and moves over to his mirror.
His eyes meet his own - filled with hope, and something he can't quite place yet. Something deep inside him lets him suspect Robin is the reason for this new, unfamiliar glitter in Prince Johns blue eyes. Inspecting his face, he realizes he doesn't even have any eyeshadow on. That is unacceptable. He can't go meet Robin without his beloved eyeshadow. Prince John quickly grabs a brush and gets to work.
·•●☽☾●•·
When Prince John walks out of the gigantic wooden door into the castle courtyard, a stable hand already made Ashanti ready and is waiting for him. As he reaches them, he gently strokes over Ashantis soft mouth and she quietly snorts. Then he nods at the stable hand. "Thank you."
The boy's surprised look almost makes Prince John laugh. He takes the reins and leads Ashanti a few steps away before mounting her. As he lets her trot towards the gate, he looks her over. Her black fur is shining in the sun, and her mane and tail are neatly brushed. The hair over her big hooves is as white as snow. Perfect. Showing up to a meeting with Robin on a dirty horse would be quite unseemly.
Prince John doesn't stop at the gate. The guards know he's leaving, but they can't let him pass without making sure he's safe. That's their job - but now Prince John really doesn't need them where he's going.
"My Prince, are you certain you don't want at least one guard to accompany you?"
"No, I'll be fine", Prince John says over his shoulder. "No one follows me. That is an order."
Then he signals Ashanti to go faster and she falls into a calm trot. Her black mane hops up and down. Prince John would rather have galloped away immediately, but that would look even stranger than it already does. So, he waits until they've passed the first rows of trees of the sherwood forest and the castle is out of sight.
Prince John shortens the reins and presses his thighs against Ashantis sides. She takes a few seconds to get her heavy cold-blooded body going, but then she shreds through the forest in long jumps. Trees and bushes fly by them and the wind rushes through Prince Johns hair. It's amazing - his heart beats in the rhythm of the heavy thumps Ashantis hooves make when they hit the ground.
By the time they reach the point where they have to leave the path, Prince John has managed to relax completely. Riding is one of his favorite things to do. When he flies through the woods or over fields with Ashanti, he can let his mind go for a while. He slows his horse down and leads her off the path. Soon after, the trees start to lighten and give way for an opening.
·•●☽☾●•·
The creek flows through a meadow filled with long, lush grass, spotted with white flowers. A big willow stands near the water, its branches swaying softly in the wind. And leaning against its stem - Robin.
Somehow he makes it look like the sun is shining only for him, the way its rays fall on his ginger hair and make it glow. He looks so beautiful, almost magical, and the butterflies in Prince Johns stomach are having the time of their lives.
Prince John snaps out of his trance when the reins get ripped out of his hands. He was so distracted by Robin that he hadn't noticed Ashanti stopping and burying her nose in the grass. They're already halfway through the meadow, so he might as well unmount her.
Prince Johns fears slowly creep back into his mind as he approaches Robin. If he's being honest, there's literally no reason for someone like Robin to like him. Robin could have anyone he wants. Well, not anyone, but most. So why would he like Prince John?
Finally standing before Robin, Prince John doesn't know what to say. Robins face is completely blank, not showing any expression, but his eyes have a certain twinkle in them.
Beautiful, hazel eyes.
Before he can get fully lost in them, Prince John tries a careful smile.
It's as if the sun breaks across Robins face, the way he's beaming at Prince John. Then he catches himself and cautiously says: "You came."
"Yeah", Prince John breathes and then they just stand there, smiling at each other like two idiots. God damn, he likes this guy even more than he thought he was.
A low snort from Ashanti takes them back to reality, and they settle down on the ground, facing the creek and leaning against the stem of the willow. The sun makes the water glitter.
"So… do you…", Robin starts, then hesitates. "Do you actually like me?"
Oh, if you only knew. Prince John takes a deep breath. "I do. A lot."
Robins entire body goes limb as lets out a relieved laugh. "I like you too, you know."
"You do?" Prince John can't believe his luck.
Robin picks a daisy. "Yes. I'm so glad you're not- well, that you feel the same way."
"You have no idea how much this has been stressing me out. I didn't know what to make of my feelings", Prince John admits.
Robin uses his fingernail to slit the stem of the daisy. Then he picks another one and sticks the thin stem through the other. Prince John questioningly raises his eyebrows, but Robin just bats his eyelashes at him and keeps working.
Prince John needs to know something. "How did you know that… you know… you can be attracted to boys?"
"It took me a while to realize, but…" Robin smiles at his flowers. "I always found boys prettier. Girls are just not doing it for me."
So that means Robin is only into guys. Prince John is still fascinated by this new world. He takes in Robins features once more. It's kind of funny, actually - Prince John has always had a preference for ginger girls. And now he's here, with a very ginger boy.
"What about you?", Robin asks.
Prince John takes a small rock and throws it into the water. "I always liked girls. But then I started liking you. I was so confused, because I didn't understand what was happening. I didn't know it was possible to like people of the same gender."
"And then? Who enlightened you?"
"Richard." Prince John laughs at Robins surprised face. "He was very sweet. I now know I'm into girls and boys."
"Congratulations", Robin says, partially sarcastic but still lovingly.
They fall into a peaceful silence. Letting his gaze wander over the meadow, Prince John compares Robin to his past crushes. He finds more similarities. The freckles. The tendency to disobey to rules. The fierce demeanor.
"Here", Robin smiles. "I know you really love your brother's crown, so… I made you a daisy crown." He lifts the crown up and carefully places it on top of Prince Johns head.
Prince John feels his heart warm. His longing for the real crown has ended long ago, but he feels like this flower crown represents how he has changed. Robin has awakened what's beneath his materialistic side. Or his facade, like Robin had called it. It reminds him that Robin is a much better person than Prince John.
"I don't deserve you", he says quietly and looks at the grass between them.
Robin places his hand on Prince Johns, and offers: "Maybe you don't - but I've seen you change over the past weeks." He shifts his entire body, so now he's facing Prince John. Then Robin gently touches Prince Johns cheek with his other hand. "And I believe there's a lot of good hidden somewhere inside of you. We just need to bring it out."
Prince Johns gaze drops to Robins lips as he's speaking. He's still not entirely convinced by Robins words, but if he actually gets a chance with Robin, he's not gonna miss it. Wondering if it would be appropriate for him to kiss Robin after his sweet motivational talk, Prince John doesn't dare to pull through.
And then Robin kisses him.
Prince John melts into the touch, responds, moves his lips against Robins. Robin pulls him closer, and it's everything.
The kiss leaves a soft glow, a sweetness that spreads through Prince John. After they break apart, they put their foreheads together and just take in the other's comforting presence.
Robin gently strokes over Prince Johns cheek with his thumb. "I never thought this would happen to me."
"What do you mean?", Prince John asks, keeping his voice low.
"This." Robin pulls away to properly look into Prince Johns eyes. "To have someone I like like me back. I mean, I dreamed, but the chances of a boy I like being into boys is very small, actually."
Prince John feels like his heart is breaking into a million pieces. The fact that Robin always had to keep his expectations so low in order to shield himself from heartbreak pains him. In a lack of words, Prince John wraps his arms around Robin and holds him tight. "I promise I actually, really, genuinely like you."
Returning the embrace, Robin nuzzles his face into Prince Johns shoulder. "I also like you. Very much."
They stay like that for another long moment. Then they lay down in the lush grass, looking at the small clouds in the mostly blue sky. Two yellow butterflies fly around them. For a while, all you can hear is the wind brushing gently through the grass, accompanied by the low murmur of the creek.
"You know", The sadness in Robins voice pierces through Prince Johns heart. "There is a bunch of people that are not exactly fond of people who are attracted to the same gender."
"…Why?"
Robin sighs. "I don't know. It's not like we're harming anyone."
Prince John grabs Robins hand and interlocks their fingers. He's at a loss of what to say. What Robin just said really upsets him. Deciding to use his position of power, he wants to make sure Robin stays unharmed. His title has to be good for something at least. "I will do everything in my power to protect you from those people."
Robin gently squeezes his hand. "And yourself."
Right. Prince John returns the squeeze. "I will throw everyone that ever says anything into prison."
Robin hums. "That sounds more like you."
Thinking for a moment, Prince John runs his other hand through the grass. "Do you think it's better if we keep this - us - a secret?"
Robin takes his time to answer. "It's not like no one knows. All my friends know already. But maybe we don't have to like, I don't know, make out on the main square."
Prince John snorts, amused. "Okay, so if we happen to meet in the village or around someone that is not your friends, we stay at least ten feet away from each other."
"Sounds like a plan."
"So that would be… anyone expect for Little John and Tuck. And Richard", Prince John analyzes.
After a few seconds, they both add: "And Marian and Scarlett."
Equally surprised, they turn their heads to look at each other. Prince John raises his eyebrows. "Why would you want Marian and Scarlett to know?"
"In case you have forgotten, Scarlett is my cousin." Robin rolls his eyes. "Why would you want them to know?"
Sheepishly, Prince John admits to himself that he actually had forgotten. "Well… in case you have forgotten, Marian is my cousin. No, I'm just kidding. I… I just had fun spending time with them, recently. I figured maybe I could tell them eventually."
"Okay then. So that's settled. No romance around anyone except for five special people."
Prince John scoffs. "We're not going to make out in front of anyone."
"No!" Robin sounds equally horrified. "Obviously not."
Looking back at the clouds again, Prince John remembers the evening two days ago when they danced together. The entire village had seen them. And yet - somehow it felt like they didn't. "Did you notice how no one cared we were dancing all of a sudden?"
"Yeah." Robins answer falls unusually short.
"Do you have any idea why that happened?"
"I know, actually." Robin hesitates. "I can't tell you, though. Maybe one day."
Debating if he should press on, Prince John tries to understand what could've caused the sudden lack of interest of the villagers. Was this one of Robins tricks? Unlikely. "Well, but then… doesn't the entire village know anyways?"
"I can assure you they don't. But I can't say more." Robin lets out a soft laugh. "But even if they had payed attention to us, they would've only seen us dancing. Which is not ideal, but doesn't immediately lead to the assumption that we're… romantically involved."
Prince John decides to drop the villagers mystery. One day Robin might tell him. Or not. It's not his biggest worry right now. Feeling like it's only appropriate to mention another relationship related issue, he slightly changes the topic: "Sometimes people come to the castle to ask me to marry their daughter."
Robin makes a disapproving sound. "I will throw them out of Nottingham myself."
"That's not very discreet." Prince John chuckles at Robins jealousy. "Don't worry, I can just tell them no and they give up eventually. I am the Prince after all."
"Fine. But only if you promise you don't marry yourself away in some sort of panic response." Robin pushes himself onto his elbow and looks down at Prince John. "You're mine."
Prince John grins up at him. "I always thought you weren't possessive."
Robins face hovers over his own. "Only about things I really like."
Then Robin lowers his head, and their lips connect for another kiss.
Chapter 15
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
Robin
Robin waits for John at a parting in the way. As he listens for the sound of hooves, he scratches Sorayas white fur. He's lucky she was willing to let him ride her today. A joint horse ride could've been quite difficult without a horse. As soon as Robin hears the steady rhythm of a horse galloping towards them, he snaps his head up.
John is riding towards him, his red cape flaring in the wind. Somehow his blonde hair stays in its usual shape overall, even though it sways with his movements. He's leaning forwards, effortlessly moving with Ashantis jumps. Obviously, Ashanti is part of the stunning picture too, but Robin only has eyes for Prince John.
As soon as they come to a halt in front of Robin and Soraya, Robin beams at John. "Hello."
John pulls a smug smile. "Couldn't wait to see me, huh?"
"Of course not", Robin says in a mocking, but friendly tone.
Letting his gaze wander over Soraya, John asks: "Who's your companion?"
"Meet Soraya." Robin pats his horses flank.
John leans over to stroke over Sorayas mane. "I didn't know you have a horse."
"I don't", Robin explains. "She's technically a wild horse. Somehow Little John has convinced her and Tapan - who is another wild horse - that we can ride them if we need to."
"What do you mean, convinced?"
Robin shrugs. "I don't know either. He just befriends any animal he can find."
John looks impressed, but then pulls a disgusted face. "Even slugs?"
Robin breaks out into giggles. "No. Okay, let me rephrase. Little John befriends any mammal he can find, and occasionally some frogs, lizards, butterflies and dragonflies."
Robin laughs even more at Johns relieved expression. Then, he turns Soraya around so they can ride next to each other. For a while, they calmly trot through the forest, chattering about casual topics. Eventually, John decides to bring up a more serious matter.
"I asked Richard about people who were against same-gender-relationships. He told me there were laws against that. Laws! That is- that is horrible." He looks like he still can't quite believe it.
"I know." Robin is conflicted between smiling at Johns rage and being upset himself.
"Richard got rid of those laws as soon as he became king. So, the legal threat is gone, but some people are still assholes. I swear to god, I could crush every single one of those-" John goes on a full blown rant about what he thinks of people that hate others for things they can't change.
Robin listens to the speech for a while. "You're so cute when you're upset." Now Robin is actually laughing. "I mean, obviously I'm unbelievably grateful Richard banned those laws, but still."
Robin sometimes has his moments where he spirals and looses his mind over the hate some people hold against people like him - like them. But he doesn't want that to be now. This is supposed to be a date, not a shared anxiety crashout.
The wood opens up into a field. The long grains of the wheat appear golden in the afternoon sun. The path of the forest continues through the wheat and disappears between the trees again, creating a straight that's almost a mile long. A perfect place for a long gallop.
John seems to think the same thing, because he shortens his reins. "Catch me if you can."
Ashanti bolts away. Robin will not have that. He signals Soraya to pick up her pace, and races after John. Soon he catches up with them, but decides not to overtake, instead lets Soraya stay at Ashantis side. They fly through the field together.
It feels so freeing. Robin lets go of the reins and spreads his arms out. John follows his example and their fingers touch. Taking Johns hand, Robin enjoys this moment very deeply as they dash past the golden wheat plants.
The horses slow down automatically when they reenter the forest. John and Robin are laughing, not because of anything in particular. Maybe because they just let go of everything in those past few moments. In the cool shade of the trees, they slowly ride up a hill. Robin is already looking forward to when they reach the top. He has a special surprise prepared.
·•●☽☾●•·
On top of the hill is a small clearing, with the woods opening up to reveal a stunning view over the treetops. While Robin rolls out the picnic blanket and lays out everything Little John and Scarlett have packed for them, John stays with the grazing horses. When he's done, Robin allows himself to watch John and Ashanti cuddle for a while. It's very adorable.
"Surprise, surprise", Robin finally announces. "A picnic."
"Ohhh", John pretends to be shocked and comes over. "I totally didn't see you set all of this up."
"Couldn't get your eyes off me, huh?", Robin teases as he sits down on the white and red checkered blanket.
John rips out a flower and throws it at Robin.
"You even brought me flowers!", Robin continues his playful mockery. "How gentleman of you."
"Of course I am a respectable gentleman. Am i supposed to sit on the floor? Like a peasant?", Prince John grins, but Robin can tell he's just saying this to be petty.
"I've seen you sit on the floor many times, John." Robin grabs Johns arm and pulls him down. "Quit being dramatic and sit down."
John complies and settles next to Robin. "Okay, now genuinely, thank you for this. That's very sweet of you."
Robin feels warmth spreading inside him. He leans in to give John a quick little kiss. "To be fair, I didn't make all of this food. That was… Little John. He is much better at cooking than I am."
Inspecting the dishes, John decides for a piece of blackberry cake. After swallowing the first bite, he comments: "This tastes exactly like Mathildas secret recipe. How come Little John knows how to make that?"
Robin quickly searches for an excuse. Scarlett probably stole the recipe one day and memorized it. Obviously he can't tell John that without revealing that they're friends with Marian and Scarlett. One day Robin will tell him, but not today. "Maybe he got a look at it during one of our heists."
"Sometimes I forget how much you've stolen from me." John reaches for the bowl of cherries.
Robin also gets himself a slice of cake. "I only stole what you illegally took from others."
"Not all of my taxes are unjustified."
"No", Robin agrees. "But most."
John zones out for a while. When he speaks up, he sounds remorseful. "I think I hurt many people."
Robin wants to comfort him, but he can't. Because it's true. Prince John has hurt many people with his once so menacing longing for gold and power. "You did", Robin eventually says, carefully picking his words. "How do you feel about that now?"
"It was wrong", John mutters. "I think."
If John actually feels any hint of regret, Robin thinks, he can help him make it alright. He touches Johns fingertips with his own. "You know, maybe you can redeem yourself."
"You think so?" Hope glitters in Johns eyes.
"It's going to take a while. A long while." Robin looks at the view. "A lot of patience. And many, many small steps."
"I guess it's worth a try", Prince John sighs reluctantly. "But I fear I might not be good enough for that. There's too many things people can hold against me. I'm surprised you don't do that."
Robin smiles softly. "Don't let yourself get trapped in your past. I won't let these scars tear us apart. If I have to, I'll safe you from yourself."
"Okay. Now you're exaggerating."
"Maybe a little bit." Robin resorts to grinning. "But I won't give up on you that easily."
Prince John
"Look", Robin hums. "The sun will set soon."
He points to where the now pink sky meets the low hills in the distance. The evening sun coats the dark green treetops with an orange shimmer. It looks almost unreal.
"I see why you picked this spot", Prince John comments.
"Only now? I think the view was really beautiful before, too."
Prince John laughs. "Well, yes. But now it looks… magical. It's almost like a painting."
Sitting close together, they watch as the sun slowly sinks towards the horizon. The sky fades from pink into a bright orange, intensifying the effect on the trees even more.
A memory pops into Prince Johns mind. For some reason it's giving him a weird feeling, even though he would've expected from himself to find it empowering.“I’m dating the next Earl of Locksley.”
“I will not be the next Earl of Locksley.” Robin says, enunciating every word. “You know that.”
It takes Prince John a few seconds to understand why he's relieved. That means Robin won't leave Nottingham for now. “So… you won’t go back to Locksley? Like… ever?”
“No.” Robin stares into the distance. “I don’t think I ever want to become a royal.”
“You could be the best royal England has ever seen.”
“I’d rather not.”
“Well, I don’t think anyone would manage to get you to do something you don’t want to, but… I think there’s a major flaw in your logic.” Prince John waits if Robin wants to give input, but when he stays silent, Prince John continues. “You’re dating a Prince.”
“Oh.” Robin sounds like as if he had actually forgotten about Prince Johns standing.
Prince John wonders if that is because of the way Robin sees people. Standing means nothing to him. He probably forgot about Prince Johns title the moment they became closer. Prince John realizes he's actually kind of impressed by Robins world view. He just sees everyone as equal by default - maybe Prince John should learn from him. If he would ever get to redeem himself, maybe that wouldn't be the worst place to start.
"Does that make me a princess?", Robin rips Prince John out of his thoughts.
"What?"
"If I'm dating a prince. Wouldn't that make me a princess?" Robin sounds slightly amused.
Prince John thinks for a moment. "I wouldn't say our relationship is… usual. So maybe it doesn't have to follow normal rules."
"I like that thought." Robin puts his head on Prince Johns shoulder.
Maybe they don't have to decide all of these things right now. Time will tell. At this very moment, they can just sit together, enjoy each other's company and watch the sunset. Prince John buries his nose in Robins hair. It's so soft. He smells like a mixture of pine trees and something sweet. Just… really good.
"Do you ever, like, bathe?" Prince John has been wondering this for a while now.
"Well, I don't get to have a fancy bathtub and scented soaps. But we do still have the creek." Robin shifts slightly. "I wash frequently, actually. I don't like being stinky."
That makes sense. Now that he's thinking about it, Prince John remembers he never thought Robin smelled bad when they were close. And he's sure if it were different he would've noticed. Prince John lays his head on top of Robins. He doesn't know how Robin is doing it, but he makes Prince John feel safe. Just by existing. All cuddled up together, they watch as the sun disappears behind the hills.
·•●☽☾●•·
Robin and Prince John have parted ways at the branch-off where they met in the afternoon. It's dark now, as Prince John lets Ashanti trot through the forest. He has a weird gut feeling. Like something is wrong. Convincing himself it's just because he hasn't gotten into familiar territory yet, he makes Ashanti go slightly faster.
It's eerily quiet. As if the animals were being extra careful not to be too loud. Prince John can't help but look around every other minute. The afternoon had been wonderful, but now… he feels like there are eyes on him. Like someone is following him.
A branch snaps behind him. Prince John flinches and instinctively presses his thighs against Ashantis sides. She jumps forward.
There. Prince John remembers this tree. Now it's not far until he reaches the tumulus, and then he knows where he is.
Another crack behind them. Prince John keeps spurring Ashanti on, even though he tells himself it's probably nothing. He is in the literal woods. There are wild animals everywhere. And animals make noises. Everything is fine.
A movement between the bushes gets his attention. As they race past the spot, Prince John tries to see what or who has caused it, but they're too fast. For a split second, Prince John thinks he heard someone whispering. But that was probably an illusion, the wind making the leaves rattle. Those movements were just shadow from the trees.
The parting towards the tumulus comes into his view. Prince John is overcome with relief. He's had enough. Now he'll be at the castle soon-
Ashanti makes a full stop from galloping and rears up.
"What?" Prince John hisses, frantically. "What's wrong?"
Then he sees it. A shadow is standing in the middle of the path.
A sudden, sharp pain on the back of his head interrupts his attempt at trying to see who it is.
Then the world fades into darkness.
Notes:
oh no poor Prince John :(
blackyfoxey on Chapter 4 Mon 18 Aug 2025 10:43PM UTC
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RainFalls4422 on Chapter 4 Tue 19 Aug 2025 12:01AM UTC
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Leeeelll (Guest) on Chapter 13 Sat 20 Sep 2025 04:36AM UTC
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RainFalls4422 on Chapter 13 Sat 20 Sep 2025 03:31PM UTC
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Leeeelll (Guest) on Chapter 13 Sat 20 Sep 2025 03:34PM UTC
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Leeeelll (Guest) on Chapter 14 Sun 21 Sep 2025 11:42AM UTC
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Leeeelll (Guest) on Chapter 15 Mon 22 Sep 2025 06:02PM UTC
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RainFalls4422 on Chapter 15 Mon 22 Sep 2025 09:17PM UTC
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