Denial II, chapter 20: Seeds
Title: Denial II, chapter 20: Seeds
Author: robinfanatic
Characters/Pairings: Little John, Brooks (OC), Legrand, Carter, Much
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Drama, Angst
Words: 1622
Disclaimer: BBC & TA own; we just want to play in their universe
Notes: Beta'd by jagnikjen
Takes place after AU 2x13 but prior to 3x01
Introduction and chapter links for Denial II are here...
Summary: Brooks attempts to rope Little John into a scheme to get Carter and Much to talk to each other
>>-------------------->
Chapter 20: Seeds
"What are we going to do about Much and Carter?"
John was as tired as anyone of watching Much deal with his confusion over both Robin and Carter but he just frowned at Brooks. "Stay out of their business."
"I can't do that, John," Brooks said, shaking his head emphatically.
John pressed his palms against the ship's railing. "That does not surprise me."
"I wonder if a game of As Nas--"
"No."
Brooks slid his arm across John's shoulder. "C'mon, big guy. Your friend Legrand already asked..."
"No,” John replied, stepping out of Brooks’ reach.
"All you boys look rather scruffy. Wouldn't hurt to lose those clothes. Besides," Brooks grinned, "you look good half-naked!"
John felt the heat rise in his cheeks. He'd lost his shirt on his last voyage with the yeoman. That had been bad enough.
Brooks pretended not to notice John's reaction and just stared out across the water. "I bet Legrand thinks so, too. You missed the end of that game, didn't you?" He swiped his hand across his brow. "That man has the most gorgeous legs. And those thighs..."
John wondered if Brooks could hear his heart pounding. He managed to whip a scowl in the yeoman's direction. "Leave him out of this."
Brooks sighed. "All right. Let's talk about Robin. I've a mind to beat him senseless after what he's done to Much and Carter. They are both hurting."
"As is Robin." John did not have to imagine how deep Robin's despair ran. He'd seen the passion in the man's eyes when he thought he'd lost Marian to Gisborne's dagger. She'd survived that, but this time she would not come back. Her life had slipped away forever now, and she'd taken part of Robin's soul.
"So that gives him the right to ruin two other lives?" Brooks scoffed.
"How do you know he's ruined anything?"
"You can't tell me that you didn't notice how close our two blond knights were. I know you were around them for a few days before you left Acre. Did you spot the gold bands they're both still wearing? They exchanged vows. What does that tell you? I understand how Much can feel sorry for the man but Robin slept with Much just to have the comfort of a warm body - not for love. Does the man even know what that is?"
Brooks rattled off his litany so quickly that John barely had time to think. He would have argued that no matter what two men felt for each other they could not exchange vows in the eyes of God, but Brooks' accusation against Robin upset him more. "Of course he does. He loved Marian."
"But he doesn't love Much, not the way Carter does. Those two are meant for each other. I'm going to make them see that." Brooks watched John from the corner of his eye. He remembered John's reluctance to show his feelings for Legrand when he'd first met them. Something in that relationship had changed. John was good at concealing his thoughts but not good enough to keep them hidden from Brooks. He was certain that John was ripe for enlisting. "I could use some help."
John shifted uncomfortably. "Why are you looking at me like that?"
"I bet you are a man who loves deeply, John. Yeah, maybe it's a bit shocking to think that two men could share the same kind of love as a man and a woman but I think that once you get used to the idea you'd see it wasn't just a physical thing between Carter and Much."
John stared out over the darkening sea as clouds obscured the sun. "Robin cares for Much," he said quietly. "It's not just a physical thing."
"Well there's caring, and then there's caring, isn't there?" Brooks asked, pounding him on the back.
"What does that mean?"
"I'm not saying that one can't lead to the other because that's how love usually starts. But Robin will never get to that point with Much. If you talked to him I bet Robin would admit that. Much is just confusing the two, and probably denying that what he felt - and received - from Carter is different. He doesn't think he can go back after he made that little - okay big - mistake with Robin. I think you, me and Legrand could help him see otherwise."
John shook his head. "He won't see it if he doesn't want to, Brooks."
"Spoken like a man who knows, John." Brooks tossed him a grin then stretched, throwing his arms over his head, arching his back. "Excuse me. I've got a card game to organize. Can you do one thing for me?"
"What?" John asked, his eyes narrowed.
"Tell Carter to meet us in the galley in an hour."
"I told you I'm not--"
Brooks placed a hand on John's arm. "You don't have to show up, John. Just get Carter there. I'll get Much."
John shook his head, unimpressed with Brooks' plan.
"C'mon. You don't want to put up with this drama all the way to Poitiers, do you?" he pleaded.
"It's a crazy scheme, Brooks. It won't work."
"That's not been my experience, John. We have to start somewhere. First time might not be the charm, but I'm not one to give up. Get them together, they'll have to talk."
>>-------------------->
“…and you wouldn’t believe how skeptical Robin was about how I saved your life. It's good I had that old cap of yours! And Little John, he’s a tough one,” Brooks said as he and Much wandered down a dark, narrow corridor toward one of the few private rooms on the ship.
"You actually convinced him to play a game of As Nas again?"
"Wasn't easy, but I think he wants to get back at me for winnin' the shirt off his back."
Much stopped dead in his tracks. “You didn’t tell them everything about that night at the inn or at the village, did you?” he asked, his voice low.
Brooks grinned. “No, don’t worry, blue eyes. That is a memory of you and Carter that stays right here.” He tapped a fist to his heart noticing the sadness that crept across Much’s face. That was a good sign, or at least a better sign than anger, but he steeled himself nonetheless.
Familiar laughter boomed as they approached the room and the somber look on Much's face suddenly gave way to uncertainty.
"Legrand?" Much said.
"Little John must have invited him," Brooks lied as he opened the door.
"Brooks!" Legrand shouted as the other men in the room looked up. "It's about time you showed up!"
"Great!" Brooks exclaimed. "We're all here."
Much stared across the room at Carter. "You," he said, his eyes filled with hurt. Then he glared at Brooks. "You-- Excuse me. I won't be staying."
"Much," Brooks said, grabbing Much's arm, "I didn't--"
"I invited Carter," John added to cover for Brooks.
"Don't leave on my account," Carter said.
"I thought you didn't want to be in the same room with me," Much told his former lover.
Carter maintained a stony face, cool and unemotional. His eyes fixed on Much's. "I never said that."
Legrand pursed his lips, his brow raised. John averted his eyes. Brooks looked impatiently between the two knights thinking they both could use a good spanking. He wouldn't mind doing that himself but it would be better if--
"I betrayed us!" Much shouted, interrupting Brooks' thoughts. Much's voice quivered. "You want to say it, so why-- just say it! Tell me that you hate me--" He twisted round, headed out the door.
"C'mon, boys," Brooks said. "Cards are on the table and--"
Much turned around and stared at Carter. "Enjoy your game." He shoved the door gruffly and stomped down the passageway.
"Hmm," John said, "that went well, didn't it?"
Carter looked at Brooks. "This was your idea, wasn't it?" He gaze shifted to John and Legrand. "You were all in on this?"
"Not me, mon ami," Legrand said.
"I'm only doing what's best for the two people I care most about in this world." Brooks walked behind Carter and placed his hands on his shoulders. "If we could just get the two of you in a room together long enough to talk I just know you'll be able to work this out."
"Much is with Robin, Brooks." Carter took a deep breath. "I've accepted that. Maybe you should too."
"Don't give me that, Carter. We all know you're hiding your pain behind that calm Wilton mask." Brooks looked at Legrand. "Don't we know that?"
"Oui, mon ami," Legrand said. "You don't have to pretend in front of us."
Brooks shifted and forced Carter to look at him. "If you'd just open your eyes, you'd see that Much is not with Robin. Not in that way," Brooks said. "Robin is pushing him away."
Carter downed his ale. "I don't have to listen to any of this. None of it makes a bit of difference anyway. All I wanted was to share a game of cards with my friends but the rest of you had something else in mind. It's left a sour taste in my mouth. Goodnight, gentlemen."
Carter stormed from the room. Brooks collapsed at the table and buried his head in his hands.
Legrand shoved a goblet of ale in front of Brooks. "You tried, Charles," he said.
"I told you it wouldn't work," John said.
Legrand grinned at his lover. "You were in on this?" he asked.
"Stubborn, pig-headed knights," Brooks moaned. "A spanking--"
"Maybe after we play this round," Legrand said, winking at John. He fingered the deck of cards. "I'll deal."
Much is so confused... Chapter 21 this way >>>-------------->>
Author: robinfanatic
Characters/Pairings: Little John, Brooks (OC), Legrand, Carter, Much
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Drama, Angst
Words: 1622
Disclaimer: BBC & TA own; we just want to play in their universe
Notes: Beta'd by jagnikjen
Takes place after AU 2x13 but prior to 3x01
Introduction and chapter links for Denial II are here...
Summary: Brooks attempts to rope Little John into a scheme to get Carter and Much to talk to each other
>>-------------------->
Chapter 20: Seeds
"What are we going to do about Much and Carter?"
John was as tired as anyone of watching Much deal with his confusion over both Robin and Carter but he just frowned at Brooks. "Stay out of their business."
"I can't do that, John," Brooks said, shaking his head emphatically.
John pressed his palms against the ship's railing. "That does not surprise me."
"I wonder if a game of As Nas--"
"No."
Brooks slid his arm across John's shoulder. "C'mon, big guy. Your friend Legrand already asked..."
"No,” John replied, stepping out of Brooks’ reach.
"All you boys look rather scruffy. Wouldn't hurt to lose those clothes. Besides," Brooks grinned, "you look good half-naked!"
John felt the heat rise in his cheeks. He'd lost his shirt on his last voyage with the yeoman. That had been bad enough.
Brooks pretended not to notice John's reaction and just stared out across the water. "I bet Legrand thinks so, too. You missed the end of that game, didn't you?" He swiped his hand across his brow. "That man has the most gorgeous legs. And those thighs..."
John wondered if Brooks could hear his heart pounding. He managed to whip a scowl in the yeoman's direction. "Leave him out of this."
Brooks sighed. "All right. Let's talk about Robin. I've a mind to beat him senseless after what he's done to Much and Carter. They are both hurting."
"As is Robin." John did not have to imagine how deep Robin's despair ran. He'd seen the passion in the man's eyes when he thought he'd lost Marian to Gisborne's dagger. She'd survived that, but this time she would not come back. Her life had slipped away forever now, and she'd taken part of Robin's soul.
"So that gives him the right to ruin two other lives?" Brooks scoffed.
"How do you know he's ruined anything?"
"You can't tell me that you didn't notice how close our two blond knights were. I know you were around them for a few days before you left Acre. Did you spot the gold bands they're both still wearing? They exchanged vows. What does that tell you? I understand how Much can feel sorry for the man but Robin slept with Much just to have the comfort of a warm body - not for love. Does the man even know what that is?"
Brooks rattled off his litany so quickly that John barely had time to think. He would have argued that no matter what two men felt for each other they could not exchange vows in the eyes of God, but Brooks' accusation against Robin upset him more. "Of course he does. He loved Marian."
"But he doesn't love Much, not the way Carter does. Those two are meant for each other. I'm going to make them see that." Brooks watched John from the corner of his eye. He remembered John's reluctance to show his feelings for Legrand when he'd first met them. Something in that relationship had changed. John was good at concealing his thoughts but not good enough to keep them hidden from Brooks. He was certain that John was ripe for enlisting. "I could use some help."
John shifted uncomfortably. "Why are you looking at me like that?"
"I bet you are a man who loves deeply, John. Yeah, maybe it's a bit shocking to think that two men could share the same kind of love as a man and a woman but I think that once you get used to the idea you'd see it wasn't just a physical thing between Carter and Much."
John stared out over the darkening sea as clouds obscured the sun. "Robin cares for Much," he said quietly. "It's not just a physical thing."
"Well there's caring, and then there's caring, isn't there?" Brooks asked, pounding him on the back.
"What does that mean?"
"I'm not saying that one can't lead to the other because that's how love usually starts. But Robin will never get to that point with Much. If you talked to him I bet Robin would admit that. Much is just confusing the two, and probably denying that what he felt - and received - from Carter is different. He doesn't think he can go back after he made that little - okay big - mistake with Robin. I think you, me and Legrand could help him see otherwise."
John shook his head. "He won't see it if he doesn't want to, Brooks."
"Spoken like a man who knows, John." Brooks tossed him a grin then stretched, throwing his arms over his head, arching his back. "Excuse me. I've got a card game to organize. Can you do one thing for me?"
"What?" John asked, his eyes narrowed.
"Tell Carter to meet us in the galley in an hour."
"I told you I'm not--"
Brooks placed a hand on John's arm. "You don't have to show up, John. Just get Carter there. I'll get Much."
John shook his head, unimpressed with Brooks' plan.
"C'mon. You don't want to put up with this drama all the way to Poitiers, do you?" he pleaded.
"It's a crazy scheme, Brooks. It won't work."
"That's not been my experience, John. We have to start somewhere. First time might not be the charm, but I'm not one to give up. Get them together, they'll have to talk."
>>-------------------->
“…and you wouldn’t believe how skeptical Robin was about how I saved your life. It's good I had that old cap of yours! And Little John, he’s a tough one,” Brooks said as he and Much wandered down a dark, narrow corridor toward one of the few private rooms on the ship.
"You actually convinced him to play a game of As Nas again?"
"Wasn't easy, but I think he wants to get back at me for winnin' the shirt off his back."
Much stopped dead in his tracks. “You didn’t tell them everything about that night at the inn or at the village, did you?” he asked, his voice low.
Brooks grinned. “No, don’t worry, blue eyes. That is a memory of you and Carter that stays right here.” He tapped a fist to his heart noticing the sadness that crept across Much’s face. That was a good sign, or at least a better sign than anger, but he steeled himself nonetheless.
Familiar laughter boomed as they approached the room and the somber look on Much's face suddenly gave way to uncertainty.
"Legrand?" Much said.
"Little John must have invited him," Brooks lied as he opened the door.
"Brooks!" Legrand shouted as the other men in the room looked up. "It's about time you showed up!"
"Great!" Brooks exclaimed. "We're all here."
Much stared across the room at Carter. "You," he said, his eyes filled with hurt. Then he glared at Brooks. "You-- Excuse me. I won't be staying."
"Much," Brooks said, grabbing Much's arm, "I didn't--"
"I invited Carter," John added to cover for Brooks.
"Don't leave on my account," Carter said.
"I thought you didn't want to be in the same room with me," Much told his former lover.
Carter maintained a stony face, cool and unemotional. His eyes fixed on Much's. "I never said that."
Legrand pursed his lips, his brow raised. John averted his eyes. Brooks looked impatiently between the two knights thinking they both could use a good spanking. He wouldn't mind doing that himself but it would be better if--
"I betrayed us!" Much shouted, interrupting Brooks' thoughts. Much's voice quivered. "You want to say it, so why-- just say it! Tell me that you hate me--" He twisted round, headed out the door.
"C'mon, boys," Brooks said. "Cards are on the table and--"
Much turned around and stared at Carter. "Enjoy your game." He shoved the door gruffly and stomped down the passageway.
"Hmm," John said, "that went well, didn't it?"
Carter looked at Brooks. "This was your idea, wasn't it?" He gaze shifted to John and Legrand. "You were all in on this?"
"Not me, mon ami," Legrand said.
"I'm only doing what's best for the two people I care most about in this world." Brooks walked behind Carter and placed his hands on his shoulders. "If we could just get the two of you in a room together long enough to talk I just know you'll be able to work this out."
"Much is with Robin, Brooks." Carter took a deep breath. "I've accepted that. Maybe you should too."
"Don't give me that, Carter. We all know you're hiding your pain behind that calm Wilton mask." Brooks looked at Legrand. "Don't we know that?"
"Oui, mon ami," Legrand said. "You don't have to pretend in front of us."
Brooks shifted and forced Carter to look at him. "If you'd just open your eyes, you'd see that Much is not with Robin. Not in that way," Brooks said. "Robin is pushing him away."
Carter downed his ale. "I don't have to listen to any of this. None of it makes a bit of difference anyway. All I wanted was to share a game of cards with my friends but the rest of you had something else in mind. It's left a sour taste in my mouth. Goodnight, gentlemen."
Carter stormed from the room. Brooks collapsed at the table and buried his head in his hands.
Legrand shoved a goblet of ale in front of Brooks. "You tried, Charles," he said.
"I told you it wouldn't work," John said.
Legrand grinned at his lover. "You were in on this?" he asked.
"Stubborn, pig-headed knights," Brooks moaned. "A spanking--"
"Maybe after we play this round," Legrand said, winking at John. He fingered the deck of cards. "I'll deal."
Much is so confused... Chapter 21 this way >>>-------------->>