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.

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[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.