The Troubles from Monsters and Men (The Secret of Moonacre Fanfiction)

Of Feelings and Admissions

Robin returned to the Merryweather Manor with a bounce to his step. His scarf fluttered merrily with the breeze and his hands were snugged comfortably in his pockets to keep the frigid night air from numbing his fingers.

"Where have you been? We've been looking all over for you!" Richard was by the gates, ready to mount a saddled horse. Robin shrugged and responded with a simple, "Just took a walk."

"Is that so?" Richard moved to stand in front of Robin with his arms crossed. "Henry said you spent all morning collecting our old clothes. Then you left to the forest lugging a trunk. Didn't happen to stumble upon the Merryweather Manor, did you?"

The corners of Robin's mouth twitched. "Perhaps," was his only response, but Richard didn't miss his sly grin.

"You rogue, you've gone out and kissed her again, haven't you?" Richard wrapped his arm around Robin's head and brought him in, almost knocking off his bowler hat.

Robin laughed and pushed his friend away. "No, no, I didn't. I was only there to make peace with her and resume our defense lessons," he said as he readjusted his hat back on his head.

Richard was watching him with a brow raised in suspicion. "You don't think I'm daft enough to believe that nonsense?"

Robin shook his head and rolled his eyes. "If this doesn't prove we were sparring, I don't know what will," he said, showing him the bruise along his side.

"I don't know... Could have been a feisty romp in the woods."

Robin's face fell, "Don't be so crass, someone could hear you! I've barely got my footing around her, I don't need stupid rumors worsening matters."

Richard studied him. "So it's true then, you're not going to run away from her any longer?"

"No. Whether believing the stories gets easier or not, this is the present. May as well make the most of it."

"And you really didn't kiss her again? You've been pinning after her for ages!"

Robin's resolve broke into a large grin. "It's true, I swear on my life. Today, I, Robin De Noir did not kiss Maria Merryweather—" He threw his hands up in resignation "—I kissed her last night."

Richard laughed and knocked into Robin's shoulder, "I knew you couldn't hold back! Once you get a taste, you're left wanting more!"

"Well aren't you two the merry fools," Henry remarked coming upon his friends. He was on his horse and looked both weary and annoyed. "You better have a good reason for disappearing. David and I missed dinner looking for you."

Richard was about to answer when Henry raised his hand to the air and said, "You know what, save it. I'm too tired." He turned his horse back around and headed towards the stables.

"Oy Henry! Where's David?" Robin called out behind them.

"He went home, did you expect him to be waiting all night for you? Also, your father needs you. He wants to finalize our plan before leaving."

Robin blew out a puff of air. His father could wait some more. After reassuring the lads he'd meet them in the dining hall, Robin turned and headed towards the castle grounds.
He approached the small cottage and stopped just before reaching its door. David did a good job with it. Unlike the black castle stone, the cottage stood out amongst the green with its brown and cream-colored stone walls. It was a quaint little home, more welcoming than the castle could ever dream to be. He raised his fist to knock and hesitated. They were still not on speaking terms. Would he want to see him? Robin considered turning back but remembered Richard's words. He owed David an apology. If David wasn't ready to accept it, well, he had every right. Gritting his teeth, Robin tapped the door lightly. He didn't have to wait long before Cecile swung it open.