Fic: Too much trouble
Too much trouble
“I’m not bein’ funny mate, but you can have her.”
“What?“ Much stopped chopping the carrots and looked up at Allan as he stormed into the camp.
“I mean it! No girl can be worth that much trouble. I’ll end up having to spend every waking second rescuing her, and not even being thanked for it! No, you can have her.“ So, he was talking about Kate then. Much really wished Allan would have realized this weeks ago, when he hadn’t already reached the same conclusion.
“I don’t want her either,” he said and started chopping the carrots again.
“What?! C’mon, you used to be crazy about her! What’s changed?“ Allan said with a tone that made it clear some sort of explanation had to be given.
“Well, it’s like you said. She’s too reckless, and I have enough things to worry about as it is. And she made it pretty clear she does not want me or my help, and why should I risk my neck all the time for someone who clearly doesn’t want it. It’s enough that the rest of you don’t appreciate me. Plus she’s really starting to annoy me, and if I think she’s annoying that’s saying something! “ Much said while cutting the carrots more viciously than necessary.
“Couldn’t agree more!” Allan said with a smile. “So let’s let Robin have her then. Although I’m not sure he wants her either,” he added almost as an afterthought. Now it was Much turn to smile.
“No, he has better taste than that,” he said with a conviction he did not really feel. Robin had fallen for Isabella after all. And apparently Allan was of the same opinion.
“I don’t know about that mate. Robin doesn’t always know what’s good for him if you ask me, especially if the way he’s been treating you lately is any indication. ” Allan said with a wink, and Much felt his face go red at the unexpected complement. He tried to hide it by looking for some cabbage, but judging from the smug look on Allan’s face he had not succeeded.
***
Kate did not understand what was happening. First she had slipped on her way to the camp, and no-one had helped her up. Then, during lunch, Much had not given her a plate like he normally did, so she had to go get it herself! And when she announced she was heading to Locksley, neither Allan nor Much had offered to accompany her. Nor Robin, come to think of it, but she didn’t really like to think about that. So now she was forced to go there all by herself, having refused Tucks offer. Not that it mattered. She was a big girl, and she could take care of herself. Just like she always did.
***
John was watching the camp with relief. It had been so much calmer this past week now that Much and Allan had stopped falling over themselves trying to impress Kate. He guessed they had finally realized she would be more trouble than it was worth. And now she was in Locksley, leaving the camp in peace for a few hours. Not that he had anything against the girl, but her presence had definitely made things more complicated. She certainly had a talent for catching the attention of both men and guards, and he was glad both Much and Allan finally seemed to be over her. Sadly, he guessed it wouldn’t be long until Robin took their place. Thankfully at least Tuck seemed immune. If only the guards would be too, he was getting too old for constant rescuing attempts.
He looked down at Much and Allan as they practiced with their swords. Much had just managed to get Allan on the ground, but the former poacher was quick and knocked Much over with a swift kick. They started tumbling together and ended up with Allan on top in a pile of leafs. Allan stayed put a bit longer than necessary before pulling himself up, and Much didn’t look too unhappy about it. John smiled to himself. Perhaps it wasn’t all the trouble that made them stay away from Kate after all, but something else entirely.