Post by Regina Apple on Sept 20, 2008 22:56:27 GMT
(a/n: Title is a little misleading... sort of. I just like the words and they sort of fit. Plus, my Gavin is pantsola. The plot is not at all feesible either, just me having some fun. [Plus I was bored at college when I started this.] Some bad language ahead? I dunno, define 'bad language'.)
The villagers milled about, doing what villagers did best, and from their hiding place Regina and Gavin could see everything. In Regina’s opinion, what the villagers did best was nothing at all. They had it easy, unlike herself and her fellow outlaw. And whose fault was that? Robin bloody Hood’s. It angered Gina that Hood called himself an outlaw. He was anything but.
Now she – Regina ‘Gina’ Apple – and Gavin Bates were real outlaws. They broke the laws that were made before Vaysey’s reign (because everyone knew that he made up new ones all the time to try and catch Hood). They had few morals, felt no guilt when a petty theft turned into a petty stab. And that’s what they were in Merton for. Thieving, not stabbing. Though a stabbing could never go amiss.
Gina’s keen eyes scanned the village square, trying to locate a god opportunity to steal. Gavin, who was beside her, did the same. They were aiming to steal food, but money and jewels weren’t off the menu. Though not many peasants had jewels or money. They’d have to go to Merton Manor to get those, and last time Gavin tried to rob Lady Merton she came after him and ended up getting stabbed. Her fault really, she shouldn’t have gone after him. But it meant that if they – well, more Gavin – set foot on the manor grounds they’d be arrested and hung. And Gina was fair fond of living.
There was so much she hadn’t done as well, like convince Gavin that them being together wouldn’t be terrible. She thought it’s be great, but now wasn’t the time. They had food to snaffle, people to cheat and bad deeds to do. Not that they were having much inspiration. Judging from the grouchy look on Gavin’s face he was getting annoyed by the lacking of stealing happening too.
Gina was about to suggest moving on when the baker’s kid, a brunette girl only about seventeen, came into view carrying a basket of bread. An idea snapped into Gina’s twisted mind. She looked to Gavin, her trademark grin plaster to her face. “I have an idea.”
“Why don’t I like the look on your face, Apple?” He said, deadpan expression matching his tone.
“Because you never like the way I look.” She retorted, a little put out. If Gavin didn’t think of the plan then it was generally ‘no good’. “Look at the girl with the basket.” Rather than let him look for himself, Gina moved his head for him. She had very little sense of personal space. He protested, but she took no notice. “Baker’s daughter, far too trusting. Pitch her the right sob story and she is putty in your hands.”
Gavin shrugged Gina off and began pacing. “That’s all well and good, but what’s our sob story? We’re outlaws, we don’t do ‘sob story’. Plus, why do we even need a sob story? Why don’t we just ambush her the way we normally do, the old fashioned way?” Gavin stopped his pacing to glare at Gina, only to find her still wearing that stupid grin. “What?” He demanded of his blonde friend.
“This is where we lie. And it’s more fun to do it this way.” Regina’s line of expertise was to lie. “We could say…” Gina started to walk about herself, thinking of their story. It had to feasible, but also fun – if not for Gavin but definitely for her. The idea came to her quickly. “We’re newlyweds, traveling down to visit family but… but you’ve fallen ill!”
The look of horror on Gavin’s face was priceless. ”Newlyweds?!” Gina nodded. “Why does it have to be newlyweds? And me getting ill?”
“Because no one will care if a big strong man’s missus is dying. But, the other was round and people will be falling over themselves to give us stuff.”
“No. Give you stuff and give me medicine.” Gavin folded his arms in a huff with a shudder, medicine was no Greensleever’s friend.
“What if you were injured?” She suggested to her dark haired friend.
“No. You’ll enjoy hurting me too much.”
“Gavin! We need the food. And the baker’s kid ainna gonna hang round while we argue over this. Now let me stab you!” He really shouldn’t have been surprised by Gina’s words – she’d said worse and more terrifying things before – but he was. “It won’t be fatal or nothing. Just to get some blood. The more you bleed the more they’ll feed.” She tried her sweetest smile on him, the really creepy one.
It must have worked though, because Gavin rolled his eyes and handed Gina his knife. “I cannot believe I’m letting you do this.” As she took the blade, Gavin pulled her closer, making Gina’s heart beat just that little bit faster. “Cock this up and I’ll kill you.”
She snatched the blade, not moving an inch. They stared at each other. “Don’t worry. I’m a professional.” She gave him one last wicked grin before slicing his stomach. Gavin was bent double in pain, made worse by Gina poking the wound. The dark look he shot her questioned what she was doing. “Realism.” She answered, getting blood on her hands and sleeves.
Once content with their appearance, Gina supported Gain on her shoulder and stumbled out onto the square crying for help. Regina was a firm believer of that you had to look the part; and this part constituted of being covered in blood. More importantly, Gavin’s blood.
As she expected, the baker’s girl came rushing over regardless of how much help she’d be. “Oh my God! What happened?” The girl asked as she placed herself under Gavin’s ‘spare’ shoulder.
“Outlaws. We were traveling, to see his family. We’re newlyweds, came to tell the good news but… but…” Gina sobbed. “They came out of nowhere and threatened us. They took all stuff and… and…” She reached a suitable level of hysteria, her husband – after all – had just been stabbed. The kid would just never know that Gina had been the one to stab him. “Harry had only been trying to protect me.”
The girl cut Gina off. “Shh, it’s ok. We’ll take him to my house, it’s close. My Pa can patch him up. Harry is going to be fine ma’am.” The kid steered them towards a nearby house as Gina spoke of thanks for the girl’s kindness. When they got to the house, Gina’s hunger almost got the better of her – it smelt so good! – but she managed to keep in character. She had to admit though, she only just kept in character. Since Toddy’s arrival, the Greensleeves group had one more mouth to feed and they didn’t have much food to begin with.
They walked through a large kitchen and found Gavin/Harry a cushioned bench to lie on. “Wait here, I’ll get my Pa. Keep talking to him. He’ll be fine.” The girl put a comforting hand on Gina’s shoulder – but from the pale tone her skin had taken and the way she trembled Gina could see that she was not as together as she appeared. In fact, Gina would have gone as far as saying that she looked lost as she disappeared back into the kitchen.
“You hear that? I have to keep talking to you. And they’re expecting me to say ‘I love you’ a lot.”
An expression of dislike flickered over Gavin’s face, as he kept his eyes closed. He was supposed to be half dead and didn’t particularly want to look at Gina right now. “I hate you.” She got far too much of a kick out of torturing him.
“I love you too, honey. You’re doing great. Hang in there Harry.”
“Harry?” Gavin questioned.
“Yes that’s your name. Just be grateful I didn’t call you Eustace again.” She said, chuckling a little as she thought of the last time she’d given the group funny names. That had been a good evening.
“Whatever. Poppy.” He muttered before being quiet again. Seconds later, the brown haired girl came back dragging along an older man – presumably her father.
“Lily, what’s going on? Who are these people?” He didn’t sound angry, as such, more tired.
“Pa, he needs our help. Outlaws attacked them. They were only going to visit family.” The older man looked skeptically at Gina and Gavin.
“Please sir. I don’t want to lose my husband after only being married for a week.” Tears leaked from Gina’s eyes and the man softened. She was good! No she was better than good, she was brilliant!
The man got to work straight away. Lily, get a blanket, some water and your needle and threads. Miss…?”
“Poppy.” Gina supplied. “And this is Harry.”
“Hello Poppy. I’m David and that was my daughter Lily. I need you to make sure your husband doesn’t move. This is going to hurt him.” The young girl, lily, came bounding back with a blanket, needle and threads before dashing off again to get some water. Gina took Gavin’s hand and brushed his dark hair out of his face.
She really was enjoying this all a little bit too much, though her expression said nothing of the sort. This plan was brilliant though. Not only would they get some food out of it but she got to be touchy-feely with Gavin too! That only ever happened when he was drunk! So this plan was a little elaborate, it was worth it. Gina reckoned they’d get a meal out of it too, while ‘Harry’ ‘recovered’.
Lily returned again with the water and David went about fixing Gavin. The younger girl tied her hair back with a ribbon from her dress and offered her Pa some assistance. As Gina wasn’t particularly worried about whether Gavin would live – she’d seen people survive worse – she kept herself amused by scrutinizing her company.
She decided that the kid was weird – who kept ribbons on their dresses? – and that her Pa was a push over. He reminded her a bit of Little John; big, chunky and a complete pansy. But where was the mother in all this?
David had finished cleaning Gavin’s pathetic wound and was beginning to sow him up. Gavin hadn’t really responded to Gina holding his hand, but when the needle went in his grip tightened. Gina’s heart buzzed. It was nothing really, only an insight to how things could be. She started to stroke his hair away from his face and murmuring reassurances until David was finished.
“Just let him rest now. You should too, Poppy. If you want to clean yourself up first, go ahead. Might do you some good to wash all the blood off. If you need some clothes, ask Lily. You may not fit into her stuff, but we have some of my wife’s old clothes. The washroom’s just upstairs.”
“Oh thank you! How am I ever going to repay your kindness?” Gina silently answered herself, ‘By not killing you.’ David seemed to have his own answer though. He smiled warmly at her.
“Just tell all your friends that Merton has the best bread.” He winked at her and they both laughed. “Now go on, get some sleep.” He steered Lily out, leaving Gina and Gavin to themselves. She poked him.
“You awake?”
“No.” Gina rolled her eyes. Gavin was obviously pissed at her. This was all a little elaborate for just some bread. But what could she say? Gina had been feeling fair theatrical that morning. Plus, just robbing the bread would have been no fun. Being Gavin’s wife, on the other hand? Fun galore!
On that vein, Regina leaned forward and gave her ‘husband’ a kiss on the lips. “Now you awake?” He jerked forward; not all that surprised that Gina had taken advantage, more caught off guard. He gasped out in pain, having knocked his wound, only to have Gina clamp down on his mouth – muffling the sound as to not attract unwanted attention. The whole thing did his wound no good. Had Gavin been a girly-boy like Josh, he’d have been whimpering in pain. “You’re supposed to be asleep.”
“I would be if you stopped poking me! What do you want?”
Gina sighed. “Oh, you know. To see how my dearest darling husband is, see if he can spot anything worth nabbing-” she’d been thinking of more reasons for being here “-the usual.” Nabbing goodies was a perfectly good secondary reason, if you asked Gina.
“Stop calling me your husband.” Gavin growled, looking away from the woman who’d sliced him open in the name of bread. Who knew what crazy ideas this ridiculous plan was giving her! He scanned the room, not really believing he’d find anything. “There’s nothing to grab. Other than bread, there’s nothing. Except a nice pretty dress for you. It better be low cut, else it ain’t worth it.”
Gina smiled coyly. “Anything for my snook’ums.” She laughed heartily at the dark look he gave her. This really was far too entertaining for the outlaw. She could go anywhere she wanted with this. “You sleep now honeybun. I’m going scouting for goodies.” With that, she left him under a pile of blankets. (Lily had insisted she went back and got more, just in case.)
There was nothing much of interest in the washroom, but the master bedroom held some prizes. Gina helped herself to a dress and robbed a couple hairpins to hold her messy hair back. She had a nosey through the bedside table draws and found a jewelry box. “Bingo.” She whispered to herself, eyes lit up with greed.
It was fairly disappointing, to be honest, looking at the contents of the box. But the two wedding rings? Oh they were good! And therefore pocketed in her original clothing, which she’d been keeping tucked under her arm. Gina was tempted to take a bracelet too, but taking too much would make them suspicious – they may want to come back after all. She moved on, snaffling hidden and forgotten trinkets here and there, but there wasn’t really much. It was a peasant’s house after all, what would a Baker have worth stealing these days. Apart from bread that is.
So she returned back downstairs, almost colliding with Lily. “Oh sorry, ma’am!” The petite girl was carrying another bundle of blankets, Gavin couldn’t really need more could he? Seeing Gina look at them in a quizzical manner, Lily explained herself. “Pa thought you might want to sleep under a blanket. We’ll have dinner ready when you wake.”
“Thank you, you are too kind.”
Lily smiled. She was a nice kind, if completely barmy. “It’s nothing. One should ‘Love thy neighbour’ after all. Do you want me to take your clothes and wash them?”
Gina instantly became defensive, that’s where she’d stashed her goodies! She masked it hopefully – though, with Gina the Expert Liar it was usually a dead cert. – with a grateful smile. “No, it’s alright sweetie. I’d like to keep our stuff in place if that’s ok?”
The girl bought it. “Ok. I’ll give you a hand with these blankets though.” Five minutes later and Gina was tucked in and practically asleep as Lily left.
A few hours later Gina was woken by her growling stomach, the appetising smell in the air and someone tapping her shoulder. Had it have been Lily or David, the tapping would have been soft and accompanied by, “Poppy?” But it was Gavin, so she was getting a harsh prodding and him hissing down her ear. “Apple! Wake up!”
“Bog off. Just five more minutes.” She got a shove for that. Reluctantly, Gina sat up and faced Gavin. “How you feeling?”
“Hungry. I’ve been awake for ages and that smell is driving me crazy. So get up and ‘help’ me to the dinner table.” Gina scowled at him but got out of her cosy nest. It was a very tempting smell coming from the kitchen.
“Alright princess, keep your hair on. Remember, we do actually have to be in love right now.” Gavin grumbled at the prospect as Gina hauled him off the bench. “Support yourself a bit more this time please, fatty.” She said, exaggerating her struggle. If anything he was heavier than before – somehow – but Gina wouldn’t put it past Gavin making this as awkward for her as possible. The slight chuckle he gave just clarified things more.
“What? And ruin my fun?” Gina didn’t bother replying to that one.
Slowly, but surely – no thanks to Gavin – they made it to the kitchen where Lily and David were sat, at a large table filled with food. There was more than enough food to feed the four of them. Gina hoped they could get a doggy bag. Lily instantly started fussing over the pair and helped ‘Harry’ to the table.
“Feeling better Harry?” David asked as he served the food out.
“Will do once I have some grub in me.” Gavin replied, eying up the food. The hungry look in his eyes amused David – as did him tucking in as soon as the food hit his plate.
“Harry! Manners!” Gina scolded, giving him a stern look – and thoroughly enjoying saying that. But she was finding it very hard to not laugh. He was going to get her for this later. But it was so worth it. Gavin heeded her warning though – presumably because he didn’t want to encourage Gina scolding him – scowling as he put his fork down. David and Lily found it all very amusing.
Once the food was served and grace was said, Lily sparked up a polite conversation. “So how long you two been married again?” And so the incessant questions began.
“A week.” Gina answered, Gavin was far too busy shovelling food into his gob to be social. Plus, Gina was better at maintaining stories. “But trust me, I’ve been trying to work on his manners for far longer.” She shot a look at Gavin, making him stop mid-chew. He glared which Regina retaliated with a smile. He was certainly going to kill her later, she may as well enjoy herself.
“Oh that’s so sweet.” The meal continued in a similar fashion and by the end Gina was certain Gavin wanted to throttle the pipsqueak. She sure as hell did! Gina never knew peasants knew as many words as this one. Or one who spoke as fast and as continuously. Lily was a walking headache.
When they left to wash up, Gina rushed to Gavin’s side. “We have to leave. I can’t stand it for another minute.”
“You don’t say.” The bland expression gracing his face matched the tone he used for Gina. “I blame you for this. It was your idea.” He said, making a meal out of getting off his chair. It was put on completely. Gina reckoned his side hardly hurt now. “You got us into this, you get us out.”
“Alrighty Harry.” She said, kissing him on the cheek.
“Don’t do that.” Gina only laughed to his warning as she led him to the back room to get their stuff. When they went to the kitchen she took hold of his hand. “Apple.” He warned again.
“We are husband and wife. It is mandatory for us to hold hands, darling.” She hissed back before slapping a smile on her face. When Lily saw them carrying their stuff – all loose and with nothing to carry them in – she instantly went to find a basket for them. “Thank you so much for your hospitality, but we must be off I’m afraid. They’re expecting us the day after tomorrow, you see, and if we don’t leave now we’ll never make it. Thank you so much for everything.” Lily came pottering back and held the basket out to Gina, who put their things into the offered basket. Once everything was in, she took the wicker structure from the girl.
“You can’t go though!” Had this girl really formed some sort of emotional attachment already? “What about Harry?” It sounded to Gina that she was trying to find excuses to make them stay. Strange girl…
“I’ll be fine.” Gavin grunted. He wasn’t in the mood for Lily’s chatter. Not that he ever would be.
“Lily, over here.” David commanded of his daughter, it seemed that he understood. “Get them some of the left over food from dinner. Cannot let them go empty handed.” He smiled warmly at the ‘happy couple’. ‘Poppy’ went to protest but David held up a hand to silence her. “No, I won’t hear it. Harry will need all the help he can get to keep his strength up, so you need food. I should really be insisting that you stay until at least morning, but your minds have been made up. I can hardly blame you. Your family is everything.” Gina had to pinch Gavin to stop him from making a face at how sentimental David was being, who missed the entire exchange as he was looking at his daughter with an odd parental look on his face.
Gina smiled at the man. “Thank you, David.” Lily came back with the food basket and handed it too Gina. “And thank you too, Lily.”
“You’re welcome here anytime.” Won’t be once you find the lacking of valuables, Gina said to herself silently.
“Wonderful.” Gavin said before practically pushing Gina out of the house. Being Polite Poppy, Gina called her goodbyes as they left. As soon as they were clear of the house, Gina and Gavin ran into Sherwood – still holding hands.
They made it to the clearing before camp before Gavin had to stop. They stood there, catching their breaths for a moment. “Never make me do that again.”
Gina laughed. “It was worth it. I hit the jackpot in the dad’s room. Plus this food’ll last us ages if we don’t let anyone else have any.”
Gavin glared at her. “I’m going to kill you.”
“Can I be your wife for thirty seconds more then?” He was about to ask what mad idea she had in her twisted head when Gina stepped forward and kissed him. Not a stupid little kiss on the cheek or forehead like before, but a proper kiss. It was short-lived though, no matter how proper it was. She broke it off (if a little reluctantly), tightening her grip on the baskets. Her eyes met Gavin’s for a second. “Ok. I’m done. You can kill me now.” She grinned. “If you can catch me.” And with that, she sped off, baskets and all, cackling like a loon.
*hides*
You Taste Just Right
The villagers milled about, doing what villagers did best, and from their hiding place Regina and Gavin could see everything. In Regina’s opinion, what the villagers did best was nothing at all. They had it easy, unlike herself and her fellow outlaw. And whose fault was that? Robin bloody Hood’s. It angered Gina that Hood called himself an outlaw. He was anything but.
Now she – Regina ‘Gina’ Apple – and Gavin Bates were real outlaws. They broke the laws that were made before Vaysey’s reign (because everyone knew that he made up new ones all the time to try and catch Hood). They had few morals, felt no guilt when a petty theft turned into a petty stab. And that’s what they were in Merton for. Thieving, not stabbing. Though a stabbing could never go amiss.
Gina’s keen eyes scanned the village square, trying to locate a god opportunity to steal. Gavin, who was beside her, did the same. They were aiming to steal food, but money and jewels weren’t off the menu. Though not many peasants had jewels or money. They’d have to go to Merton Manor to get those, and last time Gavin tried to rob Lady Merton she came after him and ended up getting stabbed. Her fault really, she shouldn’t have gone after him. But it meant that if they – well, more Gavin – set foot on the manor grounds they’d be arrested and hung. And Gina was fair fond of living.
There was so much she hadn’t done as well, like convince Gavin that them being together wouldn’t be terrible. She thought it’s be great, but now wasn’t the time. They had food to snaffle, people to cheat and bad deeds to do. Not that they were having much inspiration. Judging from the grouchy look on Gavin’s face he was getting annoyed by the lacking of stealing happening too.
Gina was about to suggest moving on when the baker’s kid, a brunette girl only about seventeen, came into view carrying a basket of bread. An idea snapped into Gina’s twisted mind. She looked to Gavin, her trademark grin plaster to her face. “I have an idea.”
“Why don’t I like the look on your face, Apple?” He said, deadpan expression matching his tone.
“Because you never like the way I look.” She retorted, a little put out. If Gavin didn’t think of the plan then it was generally ‘no good’. “Look at the girl with the basket.” Rather than let him look for himself, Gina moved his head for him. She had very little sense of personal space. He protested, but she took no notice. “Baker’s daughter, far too trusting. Pitch her the right sob story and she is putty in your hands.”
Gavin shrugged Gina off and began pacing. “That’s all well and good, but what’s our sob story? We’re outlaws, we don’t do ‘sob story’. Plus, why do we even need a sob story? Why don’t we just ambush her the way we normally do, the old fashioned way?” Gavin stopped his pacing to glare at Gina, only to find her still wearing that stupid grin. “What?” He demanded of his blonde friend.
“This is where we lie. And it’s more fun to do it this way.” Regina’s line of expertise was to lie. “We could say…” Gina started to walk about herself, thinking of their story. It had to feasible, but also fun – if not for Gavin but definitely for her. The idea came to her quickly. “We’re newlyweds, traveling down to visit family but… but you’ve fallen ill!”
The look of horror on Gavin’s face was priceless. ”Newlyweds?!” Gina nodded. “Why does it have to be newlyweds? And me getting ill?”
“Because no one will care if a big strong man’s missus is dying. But, the other was round and people will be falling over themselves to give us stuff.”
“No. Give you stuff and give me medicine.” Gavin folded his arms in a huff with a shudder, medicine was no Greensleever’s friend.
“What if you were injured?” She suggested to her dark haired friend.
“No. You’ll enjoy hurting me too much.”
“Gavin! We need the food. And the baker’s kid ainna gonna hang round while we argue over this. Now let me stab you!” He really shouldn’t have been surprised by Gina’s words – she’d said worse and more terrifying things before – but he was. “It won’t be fatal or nothing. Just to get some blood. The more you bleed the more they’ll feed.” She tried her sweetest smile on him, the really creepy one.
It must have worked though, because Gavin rolled his eyes and handed Gina his knife. “I cannot believe I’m letting you do this.” As she took the blade, Gavin pulled her closer, making Gina’s heart beat just that little bit faster. “Cock this up and I’ll kill you.”
She snatched the blade, not moving an inch. They stared at each other. “Don’t worry. I’m a professional.” She gave him one last wicked grin before slicing his stomach. Gavin was bent double in pain, made worse by Gina poking the wound. The dark look he shot her questioned what she was doing. “Realism.” She answered, getting blood on her hands and sleeves.
Once content with their appearance, Gina supported Gain on her shoulder and stumbled out onto the square crying for help. Regina was a firm believer of that you had to look the part; and this part constituted of being covered in blood. More importantly, Gavin’s blood.
As she expected, the baker’s girl came rushing over regardless of how much help she’d be. “Oh my God! What happened?” The girl asked as she placed herself under Gavin’s ‘spare’ shoulder.
“Outlaws. We were traveling, to see his family. We’re newlyweds, came to tell the good news but… but…” Gina sobbed. “They came out of nowhere and threatened us. They took all stuff and… and…” She reached a suitable level of hysteria, her husband – after all – had just been stabbed. The kid would just never know that Gina had been the one to stab him. “Harry had only been trying to protect me.”
The girl cut Gina off. “Shh, it’s ok. We’ll take him to my house, it’s close. My Pa can patch him up. Harry is going to be fine ma’am.” The kid steered them towards a nearby house as Gina spoke of thanks for the girl’s kindness. When they got to the house, Gina’s hunger almost got the better of her – it smelt so good! – but she managed to keep in character. She had to admit though, she only just kept in character. Since Toddy’s arrival, the Greensleeves group had one more mouth to feed and they didn’t have much food to begin with.
They walked through a large kitchen and found Gavin/Harry a cushioned bench to lie on. “Wait here, I’ll get my Pa. Keep talking to him. He’ll be fine.” The girl put a comforting hand on Gina’s shoulder – but from the pale tone her skin had taken and the way she trembled Gina could see that she was not as together as she appeared. In fact, Gina would have gone as far as saying that she looked lost as she disappeared back into the kitchen.
“You hear that? I have to keep talking to you. And they’re expecting me to say ‘I love you’ a lot.”
An expression of dislike flickered over Gavin’s face, as he kept his eyes closed. He was supposed to be half dead and didn’t particularly want to look at Gina right now. “I hate you.” She got far too much of a kick out of torturing him.
“I love you too, honey. You’re doing great. Hang in there Harry.”
“Harry?” Gavin questioned.
“Yes that’s your name. Just be grateful I didn’t call you Eustace again.” She said, chuckling a little as she thought of the last time she’d given the group funny names. That had been a good evening.
“Whatever. Poppy.” He muttered before being quiet again. Seconds later, the brown haired girl came back dragging along an older man – presumably her father.
“Lily, what’s going on? Who are these people?” He didn’t sound angry, as such, more tired.
“Pa, he needs our help. Outlaws attacked them. They were only going to visit family.” The older man looked skeptically at Gina and Gavin.
“Please sir. I don’t want to lose my husband after only being married for a week.” Tears leaked from Gina’s eyes and the man softened. She was good! No she was better than good, she was brilliant!
The man got to work straight away. Lily, get a blanket, some water and your needle and threads. Miss…?”
“Poppy.” Gina supplied. “And this is Harry.”
“Hello Poppy. I’m David and that was my daughter Lily. I need you to make sure your husband doesn’t move. This is going to hurt him.” The young girl, lily, came bounding back with a blanket, needle and threads before dashing off again to get some water. Gina took Gavin’s hand and brushed his dark hair out of his face.
She really was enjoying this all a little bit too much, though her expression said nothing of the sort. This plan was brilliant though. Not only would they get some food out of it but she got to be touchy-feely with Gavin too! That only ever happened when he was drunk! So this plan was a little elaborate, it was worth it. Gina reckoned they’d get a meal out of it too, while ‘Harry’ ‘recovered’.
Lily returned again with the water and David went about fixing Gavin. The younger girl tied her hair back with a ribbon from her dress and offered her Pa some assistance. As Gina wasn’t particularly worried about whether Gavin would live – she’d seen people survive worse – she kept herself amused by scrutinizing her company.
She decided that the kid was weird – who kept ribbons on their dresses? – and that her Pa was a push over. He reminded her a bit of Little John; big, chunky and a complete pansy. But where was the mother in all this?
David had finished cleaning Gavin’s pathetic wound and was beginning to sow him up. Gavin hadn’t really responded to Gina holding his hand, but when the needle went in his grip tightened. Gina’s heart buzzed. It was nothing really, only an insight to how things could be. She started to stroke his hair away from his face and murmuring reassurances until David was finished.
“Just let him rest now. You should too, Poppy. If you want to clean yourself up first, go ahead. Might do you some good to wash all the blood off. If you need some clothes, ask Lily. You may not fit into her stuff, but we have some of my wife’s old clothes. The washroom’s just upstairs.”
“Oh thank you! How am I ever going to repay your kindness?” Gina silently answered herself, ‘By not killing you.’ David seemed to have his own answer though. He smiled warmly at her.
“Just tell all your friends that Merton has the best bread.” He winked at her and they both laughed. “Now go on, get some sleep.” He steered Lily out, leaving Gina and Gavin to themselves. She poked him.
“You awake?”
“No.” Gina rolled her eyes. Gavin was obviously pissed at her. This was all a little elaborate for just some bread. But what could she say? Gina had been feeling fair theatrical that morning. Plus, just robbing the bread would have been no fun. Being Gavin’s wife, on the other hand? Fun galore!
On that vein, Regina leaned forward and gave her ‘husband’ a kiss on the lips. “Now you awake?” He jerked forward; not all that surprised that Gina had taken advantage, more caught off guard. He gasped out in pain, having knocked his wound, only to have Gina clamp down on his mouth – muffling the sound as to not attract unwanted attention. The whole thing did his wound no good. Had Gavin been a girly-boy like Josh, he’d have been whimpering in pain. “You’re supposed to be asleep.”
“I would be if you stopped poking me! What do you want?”
Gina sighed. “Oh, you know. To see how my dearest darling husband is, see if he can spot anything worth nabbing-” she’d been thinking of more reasons for being here “-the usual.” Nabbing goodies was a perfectly good secondary reason, if you asked Gina.
“Stop calling me your husband.” Gavin growled, looking away from the woman who’d sliced him open in the name of bread. Who knew what crazy ideas this ridiculous plan was giving her! He scanned the room, not really believing he’d find anything. “There’s nothing to grab. Other than bread, there’s nothing. Except a nice pretty dress for you. It better be low cut, else it ain’t worth it.”
Gina smiled coyly. “Anything for my snook’ums.” She laughed heartily at the dark look he gave her. This really was far too entertaining for the outlaw. She could go anywhere she wanted with this. “You sleep now honeybun. I’m going scouting for goodies.” With that, she left him under a pile of blankets. (Lily had insisted she went back and got more, just in case.)
There was nothing much of interest in the washroom, but the master bedroom held some prizes. Gina helped herself to a dress and robbed a couple hairpins to hold her messy hair back. She had a nosey through the bedside table draws and found a jewelry box. “Bingo.” She whispered to herself, eyes lit up with greed.
It was fairly disappointing, to be honest, looking at the contents of the box. But the two wedding rings? Oh they were good! And therefore pocketed in her original clothing, which she’d been keeping tucked under her arm. Gina was tempted to take a bracelet too, but taking too much would make them suspicious – they may want to come back after all. She moved on, snaffling hidden and forgotten trinkets here and there, but there wasn’t really much. It was a peasant’s house after all, what would a Baker have worth stealing these days. Apart from bread that is.
So she returned back downstairs, almost colliding with Lily. “Oh sorry, ma’am!” The petite girl was carrying another bundle of blankets, Gavin couldn’t really need more could he? Seeing Gina look at them in a quizzical manner, Lily explained herself. “Pa thought you might want to sleep under a blanket. We’ll have dinner ready when you wake.”
“Thank you, you are too kind.”
Lily smiled. She was a nice kind, if completely barmy. “It’s nothing. One should ‘Love thy neighbour’ after all. Do you want me to take your clothes and wash them?”
Gina instantly became defensive, that’s where she’d stashed her goodies! She masked it hopefully – though, with Gina the Expert Liar it was usually a dead cert. – with a grateful smile. “No, it’s alright sweetie. I’d like to keep our stuff in place if that’s ok?”
The girl bought it. “Ok. I’ll give you a hand with these blankets though.” Five minutes later and Gina was tucked in and practically asleep as Lily left.
A few hours later Gina was woken by her growling stomach, the appetising smell in the air and someone tapping her shoulder. Had it have been Lily or David, the tapping would have been soft and accompanied by, “Poppy?” But it was Gavin, so she was getting a harsh prodding and him hissing down her ear. “Apple! Wake up!”
“Bog off. Just five more minutes.” She got a shove for that. Reluctantly, Gina sat up and faced Gavin. “How you feeling?”
“Hungry. I’ve been awake for ages and that smell is driving me crazy. So get up and ‘help’ me to the dinner table.” Gina scowled at him but got out of her cosy nest. It was a very tempting smell coming from the kitchen.
“Alright princess, keep your hair on. Remember, we do actually have to be in love right now.” Gavin grumbled at the prospect as Gina hauled him off the bench. “Support yourself a bit more this time please, fatty.” She said, exaggerating her struggle. If anything he was heavier than before – somehow – but Gina wouldn’t put it past Gavin making this as awkward for her as possible. The slight chuckle he gave just clarified things more.
“What? And ruin my fun?” Gina didn’t bother replying to that one.
Slowly, but surely – no thanks to Gavin – they made it to the kitchen where Lily and David were sat, at a large table filled with food. There was more than enough food to feed the four of them. Gina hoped they could get a doggy bag. Lily instantly started fussing over the pair and helped ‘Harry’ to the table.
“Feeling better Harry?” David asked as he served the food out.
“Will do once I have some grub in me.” Gavin replied, eying up the food. The hungry look in his eyes amused David – as did him tucking in as soon as the food hit his plate.
“Harry! Manners!” Gina scolded, giving him a stern look – and thoroughly enjoying saying that. But she was finding it very hard to not laugh. He was going to get her for this later. But it was so worth it. Gavin heeded her warning though – presumably because he didn’t want to encourage Gina scolding him – scowling as he put his fork down. David and Lily found it all very amusing.
Once the food was served and grace was said, Lily sparked up a polite conversation. “So how long you two been married again?” And so the incessant questions began.
“A week.” Gina answered, Gavin was far too busy shovelling food into his gob to be social. Plus, Gina was better at maintaining stories. “But trust me, I’ve been trying to work on his manners for far longer.” She shot a look at Gavin, making him stop mid-chew. He glared which Regina retaliated with a smile. He was certainly going to kill her later, she may as well enjoy herself.
“Oh that’s so sweet.” The meal continued in a similar fashion and by the end Gina was certain Gavin wanted to throttle the pipsqueak. She sure as hell did! Gina never knew peasants knew as many words as this one. Or one who spoke as fast and as continuously. Lily was a walking headache.
When they left to wash up, Gina rushed to Gavin’s side. “We have to leave. I can’t stand it for another minute.”
“You don’t say.” The bland expression gracing his face matched the tone he used for Gina. “I blame you for this. It was your idea.” He said, making a meal out of getting off his chair. It was put on completely. Gina reckoned his side hardly hurt now. “You got us into this, you get us out.”
“Alrighty Harry.” She said, kissing him on the cheek.
“Don’t do that.” Gina only laughed to his warning as she led him to the back room to get their stuff. When they went to the kitchen she took hold of his hand. “Apple.” He warned again.
“We are husband and wife. It is mandatory for us to hold hands, darling.” She hissed back before slapping a smile on her face. When Lily saw them carrying their stuff – all loose and with nothing to carry them in – she instantly went to find a basket for them. “Thank you so much for your hospitality, but we must be off I’m afraid. They’re expecting us the day after tomorrow, you see, and if we don’t leave now we’ll never make it. Thank you so much for everything.” Lily came pottering back and held the basket out to Gina, who put their things into the offered basket. Once everything was in, she took the wicker structure from the girl.
“You can’t go though!” Had this girl really formed some sort of emotional attachment already? “What about Harry?” It sounded to Gina that she was trying to find excuses to make them stay. Strange girl…
“I’ll be fine.” Gavin grunted. He wasn’t in the mood for Lily’s chatter. Not that he ever would be.
“Lily, over here.” David commanded of his daughter, it seemed that he understood. “Get them some of the left over food from dinner. Cannot let them go empty handed.” He smiled warmly at the ‘happy couple’. ‘Poppy’ went to protest but David held up a hand to silence her. “No, I won’t hear it. Harry will need all the help he can get to keep his strength up, so you need food. I should really be insisting that you stay until at least morning, but your minds have been made up. I can hardly blame you. Your family is everything.” Gina had to pinch Gavin to stop him from making a face at how sentimental David was being, who missed the entire exchange as he was looking at his daughter with an odd parental look on his face.
Gina smiled at the man. “Thank you, David.” Lily came back with the food basket and handed it too Gina. “And thank you too, Lily.”
“You’re welcome here anytime.” Won’t be once you find the lacking of valuables, Gina said to herself silently.
“Wonderful.” Gavin said before practically pushing Gina out of the house. Being Polite Poppy, Gina called her goodbyes as they left. As soon as they were clear of the house, Gina and Gavin ran into Sherwood – still holding hands.
They made it to the clearing before camp before Gavin had to stop. They stood there, catching their breaths for a moment. “Never make me do that again.”
Gina laughed. “It was worth it. I hit the jackpot in the dad’s room. Plus this food’ll last us ages if we don’t let anyone else have any.”
Gavin glared at her. “I’m going to kill you.”
“Can I be your wife for thirty seconds more then?” He was about to ask what mad idea she had in her twisted head when Gina stepped forward and kissed him. Not a stupid little kiss on the cheek or forehead like before, but a proper kiss. It was short-lived though, no matter how proper it was. She broke it off (if a little reluctantly), tightening her grip on the baskets. Her eyes met Gavin’s for a second. “Ok. I’m done. You can kill me now.” She grinned. “If you can catch me.” And with that, she sped off, baskets and all, cackling like a loon.
~
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