Sparring with Maria

[will_scarlett]

There are days when the fight seems neverending and the only hope exists in Robin's eyes that see a better future for Nottingham. Now though there are rumors of Richard returning and he wants to believe that that the king will help. But he knows and he saw in Doc's eyes that they're outlaws, happy endings aren't usually given to them.

That's why he's out at the punching bag with his shirt off and hitting all the things that he can't change.

Comments

[holds_her_own]

He may find that she's not like any woman he's known before.

She likes it when he's on his toes.

"You better."

She runs her thumb along her lip, satisfied when it comes away with more sweat than blood.

Not a bad afternoon.

"Do I need to carry you in?"

[will_scarlett]

"Nay, I'll be fine," Will has some new bruises but he came by them fairly and he grabs a towel to wipe down before pulling on his shirt.

"Though 'rhaps I should clean up 'fore takin' ye to dinner."

[holds_her_own]

Hill collects her jacket and sidearm, but only takes care to put the necklace back on.

She's without her gym bag, and eager to get inside for a glass of water.

"I've dined with worse."

Besides, the look suits him.

"But if there are showers around here, I guess it couldn't hurt."

[will_scarlett]

"Aye, I've a room 'ere an think I've seen showers round 'ere, ne'er looked for 'em,"

But if she doesn't mind him being a little smelly, he won't change and just wipes his hair once again with the towel before rebuckling his belt.

[holds_her_own]

She watches him skim another layer of sweat off, and grins.

"Come on. I need a drink, and it wouldn't be fair if you went off to freshen up and left me smelling like low tide at the pier."

Has Will had the pleasure of visiting San Diego?

Some things you can never forget.

[will_scarlett]

"Ye smell far nicer than aught to do with water. Shall we, milady?"

He slings the towel in the laundry basket and bows to her before offering his arm.

[holds_her_own]

Is this real life?

God, sometimes Hill can't tell.

She at least manages not to laugh at him. She's charmed, but seriously.

When was the last time she met a gentleman?

"Let's shall."

She doesn't even fake a curtsy, but she does take his arm.

Why the hell not?


Once they're back in the bar, she asks for a towel and a bottle of water, but lets Will decide on seating.

[will_scarlett]

In his mind, he's about as far as you can get from a gentleman and heads to a quiet booth after ordering a simple dinner of that's partly of his time.

Bar also gives him another towel which he's glad of, he does want to look his best.

[holds_her_own]

She drains her bottle of water, and takes the seat opposite him.

Her hair is sticking to her temples, but she towels off most of the sweat and leaves the terrycloth draped around her neck.

"Can I ask you a question?"

She leans forward on her elbows.

"Actually, make that two."

[will_scarlett]

"Oh aye, what's that?"

He's glad to answer but he's not sure what to make of her intensity.

[holds_her_own]

Her eyes are smiling.

"What exactly are your intentions here?"

Intense, yes.

Direct, always.

But there's an edge of femininity in the way she looks askance, idly running her fingertip around the mouth of her water bottle.

"And are you ever going to ask me out?"

[will_scarlett]

"Oh aye, 'ave some 'appiness an aye. Would ye like to 'ave a proper date?"

Going out on dates isn't something that happens much in his time so he forgets about it.

[holds_her_own]

She shrugs noncommittally.

"Maybe."

(Odds are good she's screwing with him.


What can she say? She likes the way he pouts.)

She flashes another smile, resting her elbows on the table.

"I'm just trying to figure out where you're coming from."

[will_scarlett]

"I'm comin' from a place where I may get killed an wish for 'appiness but na to weight anyone down. Life's too short an Milliways too strange to rely on,"

He's tried longer relationships here and they ended badly.

[holds_her_own]

Her waggish expression shifts to something less playful.

She hadn't expected such a serious answer.

(It is one she can relate to, though.)

"I hear that."

She cocks a smile. She doesn't want to scare the guy off.

"Look, I'm not hunting for a commitment. Not that I want you to march off to your death anytime soon, but I understand the position you're in."

She glances down, snorting quietly.

"As for how much happiness I could give you... I can be a lot of fun, but I wouldn't rely on me either."

[will_scarlett]

"Fun's a good place to start an 'rhaps we'll find some 'appiness as well,"

Its how he tries to live.