Archive of Our Own ^beta

''Thank you all for comming here in such a short notice.''

Richards voice echoed through the throneroom, strong and calm. The people present, which are both the prince and princess, as well as Scarlet and all 3 of the Outlaws, all raised their heads once Richard spoke.

''Usually I would refrain from asking you lot to help me, but this situation is an exeption.'' The King sighed, opening the letter that was carefully placed on the table, next to a map of sherwood. Everyones heads turned to it once Richard revealed the contents for all to see.

''Baron Fitzwalter is going to pass through Sherwood while transporting a wagon full of various of his valuables.'' He started explaining, taking one of the figurines besides the map and placing it on the very start of the road. Prince John, who stood besides Richard let out a scoff.

''The Baron? That is almost definitively a trap to scam us out of our gold again.'' The blonde let out, gaining a few nods from everyone else.

''I am aware. That is why we will make sure absolutely nothing happens to that convoy until it is out of Nottingham.'' The King explained, turning to everyone else at the table.

''And that is why I need all of you.'' He said, adressing them all. Little John raised an eyebrow at the statement.

''Us? What are we compared to your army?'' The boy spoke up, crossing his arms.

''My guards can only do so much to protect the convoy. But you all know Sherwood forest and its bandits better than anyone.'' Richard answered.

''And we know how to deal with their attacks.'' Robin finished, snapping his fingers. The King nooded in agreement.

''So now we just have to set up a plan on how we protect the wagon.'' Maryan added.

''Exactly. The baron will arrive at the border at noon, so we have a couple of hours to prepare.'' He informed them, and shortly after this, the plotting began.

Most of the planning was done by Richard, Little John and Scarlett. Maryan and Tuck added the one or other comment from time to time, but still better than Robin and John who were both sitting on the couch a little seperate from the rest. They still listened in and answered any questions they were asked, but both for the most part stayed out of the conversation.

Eventually, John turned to Robin.

''You're tired aswell?'' He asked casually, gaining a nod from the ginger that was followed by a yawn.

''Spend the night hunting the bandits. If I had known we'd be up so early I wouldn't have spend the night outside.'' Robin chuckled dryly, leaning back and facing John.

''And you?'' He threw back at the blonde, gaining a huff from the prince.

''Woke up. The letter arrived shortly past midnight and I didn't get any sleep since''. He sighed, mimicing Robin and leaning back on the couch aswell now. The ginger hummed, crossing his arms and looking ahead at the others at the table, still heavy in the discussion.

''I'm suprised Little John and Richard acually get along for once.'' Robin snorted, gaining a chuckle from John.

''Maybe miracles happen after all.'' He responded, both of the giggeling.

Some more time passed, John zoning out completely at some point. He caught himself a few times almost falling asleep, shaking his head to try and stay awake. Eventually, he turned towards Robin again, deciding if he started a conversation he'd be more awake.

''Hey-'' But that plan quickly fell into the water, since Robin was dosing off to the side of the Couch himself. John blinked a few time, watching the soft rise of the gingers chest as he layed there, fast asleep.

John eventually turned back, deciding if Robin is gonna sleep then he can too. So he closed his eyes, leaned back and finally let the exhaustion seep out of his body, slowly drifting to sleep.

Meanwhile, the others were still plotting and planning, ensuring the savest possible transport a convoy could have. They were making progress already, only having to decide where to position themselves.

''And I'd say Robin stays watching in the trees and follows the convoy so he can warn the others.'' Scarlett eventually said, pointing to a marker on their map. The others nodded, agreeing with her. After getting comformation, Scarlett let out a few words directed behind her.

''Is that good Robin?'' She asked, waiting for a response while still staring at the map. But when there was only silence, she turned her head fully, confused on why he wasn't answering.

''Robin?'' She said again, but her eyes quickly widened when seeing her cousin. The shocked expression quickly turned into a devious smirk as she jabbed Little John slightly with her elbow, causing him to turn around aswell.

''Look at them.'' She snickered, pointing at Robin and John on the couch, laying on top of each other while sleeping peaceful and soundly. Robin was even holding onto John, while his other hand was dangeling off the couch. The prince was just comfortably laying on Robins chest, without a care in the world.

Once Little John saw this he had to hold back a laugh. The others quickly noticed Scarletts and Little Johns amusement and their eyes also caught on the view of the two boys on the couch. The first one to say something was Richard.

''Seems like it was a bit too early for those two.'' He mused, chuckeling slightly himself. Everyone else also giggled, taking one last look before focusing back on their plotting, soft smirks still present on their faces.

''Who's gonna tell them when they wake up?''

''Let's just let them figure it out by themselves.''

Everyone silently nooded in agreement.