The Lost Ballad of Sherwood Forest - Chapter 5 of 7

[gentleice]

5 Racing against the Tide of Time


Since the first day they met, Noah had featured regularly and prominently in Luke's fantasies. He had only seen Noah fully clothed, but his imagination was fully capable of filling in the gaps. In the last weeks, his dreams had been filled with images of Noah's naked form, long-limbed and graceful, with a torso that would make a sculptor weep.

Last night, he had caught a glimpse of the real thing. Just before they turned in, Noah had changed from his work clothes into a tunic that he wore to bed. The only light in the room had been a flickering flame from a lamp. But Luke had seen, just for a moment and indistinctly, Noah's bare torso, muscled and lean. He had slept next to Noah last night, his dreams fueled by erotic images of Noah's body pressed against his own, skin sliding on skin.

Now in broad daylight, he groaned as he stroked himself. He imagined that it was not his own hand encasing his erection but Noah's, or better still, Noah's mouth; that it was Noah's finger thrusting inside him instead of his own. He bit down a scream as he came with almost violent ferocity, spending himself into a piece of rag. He would wash it out and hang it by the window. By the time Noah returned in the evening, it would be dry and all evidence erased.

While he was fastening his belt, he heard the door to the outer room open and someone coming in. He hurriedly smoothed down the front of his tunic and left the bedroom, expecting to see the maid or the valet. Instead, it was Sir Guy of Gisborne, lounging in one of the chairs as if he owned the place. Sir Guy smiled when he saw Luke and he was every bit as good-looking as Luke remembered. If not for the color of his eyes, he really could be the twin brother of Brian Kinney.

Still, good-looking or not, such an intrusion into Noah's personal space could not be countenanced. Putting on the voice he used with his younger brother, Luke said sternly, "Were you never taught to knock before you enter a room?"

"I did knock but there was no answer," Sir Guy explained and his voice was dripping with leering insinuations. "I suppose you were otherwise preoccupied."

"If there was no answer, you shouldn't be here," Luke riposted. "Weren't you taught not to enter a room uninvited?"

"A lesson best forgotten. What's the fun in waiting for an invitation? Had I waited for you to let me in, I would have missed seeing you so fetchingly flustered and with your tunic half untucked. But I should have walked in a little earlier, it seems. I might have seen something even more delightful." Again, Sir Guy was using a knowing tone laden with innuendo.

"I don't know what you're implying," Luke said, trying not to let his embarrassment show, gladder than ever that he did not blush easily. It was impossible that Sir Guy knew what he had been doing in the bedroom.

Sir Guy smiled and in a flash, he was right in front of Luke, looming over him from his great height. "Oh, I think you know exactly what I mean. The next time you touch yourself, I hope you won't be the only one in the room. While your right hand might be perfectly serviceable, it's always more pleasurable with someone else's hand. Or better still, with someone else's mouth."

Luke was too shocked to move and was unprepared when Sir Guy bent down and brushed his lips over Luke's. It did not quite amount to a kiss; Sir Guy was breathing on his lips rather than actually kissing him. But it sent tingles down the back of his neck, and it was then that he noticed Sir Guy's thumb stroking his nape. He shivered even as he pulled away. Clearly Sir Guy was not only experienced, but also highly skilled in playing the seducer. Luke was far from being a blushing virgin, but he had never been subjected to such a full-on come-on.

"Sir Guy," he said with admirable equanimity, "it's rather too early in the morning for this, but I'm very flattered nonetheless. Was there any other reason for this unexpected visit?"

"I came to pay my respects to the new guest in the Sheriff's house," Sir Guy answered, returning to his seat. It was as if the last few seconds had never happened. "And to learn more about you. You were recently suspected of hunting the royal deer and my man Henry Packard still believes you're one of Robin Hood's men."

"He's free to believe what he wants. Just as he's free to be wrong in his belief."

"You're unwavering in your insolence and in your conviction. I like that. And I like you very much, Luke Snyder," Sir Guy pronounced with a grin. "I'm also inclined to believe you. I suppose Robin Hood's man wouldn't be on such friendly terms with the Deputy Sheriff. Tell me this, what is your relationship with Noah Mayer?"

"We're friends, from a time before we came here," Luke answered, honestly if not quite accurately.

"No more than friends?"

"I don't see how that's any of your concern," Luke brushed aside the question. "It's my turn to do the asking, Sir Guy. Is it true what they say of you? That you're Sir Guy the Victorious and that you've never lost a fight?"

Sir Guy stood and walked over to Luke, approaching like a tiger stalking its prey. He took hold of Luke's wrists, pinning his hands to the side of his thighs. Leaning in very close, he very deliberately kissed Luke on the upper lip, tracing his tongue over the outer edge of Luke's mouth.

Then he nipped Luke's earlobe and said softly, "Not only do I never lose a fight, I always get what I want."

Sir Guy returned his attention to Luke's lips, his tongue probing more insistently now. For the briefest of moments, Luke allowed the kiss but then he heard an echo of himself talking to Maddie a lifetime ago. He had sworn to hold out for something more than just "a hot guy who likes me". No matter if the hot guy was dangerously magnetic and looked almost exactly like Brian Kinney, Luke would not fall so easily into a meaningless fling.

He turned his head away, evading Sir Guy's attempt to deepen the kiss. Although quite flustered, he managed to assume an air of worldly sophistication as he said, "You shouldn't always get you what you want. Accepting the occasional rejection will build your character."

Sir Guy loosened his grip on Luke's wrists and Luke took the opportunity to put half a room of distance between them. This appeared to amuse Sir Guy whose face now wore his customary smirk.

"Luke, I'll have you know that my character is fully built. As is another part of me." Sir Guy's gaze then lowered to the apex between his own legs. His groin was sporting a noticeable bulge and he lazily stroked himself there. "This is to your credit and I hope to thank you for it. Soon, and in person."

Then Sir Guy left the room and Luke could only stare after him, his mind spinning from bewilderment. To be propositioned by Sir Guy of Gisborne was probably a highlight of his already quite eventful life. Of course he was flattered and he would be lying if he denied that he was also half-tempted. But it was a different proposition he wanted, from a different person.

Thinking about Noah made him smile. Despite the accompanying frustration and confusion, not to mention the futile yearning, he was happier when he was with Noah than away from him. It went beyond camaraderie and friendship. It went beyond the fact that they were allies in this strange adventure. It went beyond mere physical attraction, strong as that was, at least on Luke's side of the equation.

He sighed and sat down at Noah's work table, sorting through the scraps of parchment with studied concentration. This was what he needed; a spot of mental exercise after weeks of physical exertion in Sherwood Forest. A part of him missed the routine of roaming the woods with the Merry Men, but he was glad to be rid of the daily archery practice sessions. It was nice to hold paper in his hand, rather than a bow and arrow.

Several hours later, he rubbed his temples and vowed to never again disparage a computerized spreadsheet. It was a wonder that Noah had resisted burning the pile of tax records. He put down the quill and decided to go for a walk.

The door swung inwards while he was reaching to push it open. He stumbled back, startled by the unannounced arrival of two large men hauling a mattress into the room. Mary, the scullery maid hovered behind them.

"Mr. Snyder!" she exclaimed when she saw Luke. "I didn't think you would be here. Pardon the interruption. I should have knocked."

"It's fine, Mary. What's this about?" he asked, gesturing at the mattress that the two men were positioning in an empty corner of the outer room.

"The Deputy requested for another mattress to be brought to his quarters," Mary explained.

"But why would he ask for such a thing?"

"I don't know, sir. But you may ask him yourself. Deputy Mayer was downstairs and he said he would be coming up here soon." Mary curtseyed and left with the two men.

When Noah came in five minutes later and saw Luke, he said with surprise, "Luke? It's market day, I thought you'd be checking out the stalls."

"Aren't you supposed to be in Edwinstowe?"

"Something came up and the Sheriff needed me to stay in town today. I'm actually supposed to be working, but I came up to see if they've brought in the extra bed."

"Yeah, they have. It's right there," Luke said, more scathingly than he intended. "What's the meaning of this, Noah? Is this your way of telling me to get out of your way?"

"Not at all! Luke, it's nothing like that. It's just more convenient if I sleep out here. I get up really early on the days when I have to go to Edwinstowe. This way, you won't have your sleep interrupted," Noah explained, clearly taken aback by Luke's annoyance.

"I never said I minded it." Luke gritted his teeth, squelching an urge to shake Noah, who was only being considerate after all. As far as Noah was concerned, being considerate was simply standard operating procedure.

"I know you didn't complain, but I wanted to make things more comfortable for you."

Luke knew he was acting like a brat but he scowled and said curtly, "I wish you'd consult me before making these types of decisions."

Noah noticeably stiffened. "Excuse me, I didn't know I had to ask your permission," he bit out, uncharacteristically acerbic.

"Noah, I'm sorry, I didn't mean...," Luke tried to apologize, immediately overcome by remorse.

"Forget it," Noah cut him off. "I don't have time for it anyway. I've to go. I'll see you later, Luke."

He abruptly walked out of the room, leaving Luke feeling guilty and uneasy. He realized that this was the first time he had felt on edge while talking to Noah. Something between them had changed and he was terrified of losing what they had before.

He set off in pursuit of Noah, taking the private entrance via the pantry, exiting to the back courtyard of the house. He scoured the compound, circling the house to the front entrance, but Noah was nowhere to be seen. Instead, he saw Sir Guy of Gisborne grooming a horse outside the stables.

"Noah's not here. I saw him ride off just a minute ago," Sir Guy said, uncannily reading Luke's mind.

"I see. Thank you." Luke turned to return indoors but felt Sir Guy's hand clamping onto his shoulder.

"My brother's horse has been sorely underused since we got here to Nottingham. You look like you're handy with a steed. Would you like to take a ride with me? The lands beyond the Castle are particularly beauteous at this time of the year." Sir Guy smiled as he made the offer, and for once it was a genuine smile with no trace of smirking in it.

Luke considered his options. Going back inside the house would only remind him of his minor altercation with Noah and the strange tension that had sprung up between them. Going with Sir Guy meant riding freely with the wind in his face.

"I'd be glad to join you," Luke said and Sir Guy handed him the reins.

***

Noah deposited the last bag of coins in the counting house and followed the Sheriff out. Together, they bolted the door shut and fastened the lock. It was the end of another work week and Noah was looking forward to his day of rest.

"You look tired, Noah," the Sheriff said kindly as they walked back to his house.

"I'm fine, sir. It's nothing to worry about."

"Have you been sleeping well?"

"Well enough, but perhaps insufficiently," Noah conceded.

"Of course, you've been traveling back and forth to Edwinstowe. It's a long journey to make almost every day and you must rise earlier to undertake it. But I understand why you do it. While Luke is here, you wish to spend time in his company."

"He's my guest. It'd be rude to leave him here. I'm afraid he might become bored and impose on your hospitality."

The Sheriff nodded approvingly. "You're a good friend, Noah. But I assure you that Luke is neither an imposition nor in any danger of being bored. My children adore him and my wife thanks him most kindly for taking them off her hands. And of course, Luke often keeps company with Sir Guy. They seem to get along very well indeed."

"So I've heard," Noah said, his heart sinking.

When Noah got back to his quarters, Luke was not there. It was almost two weeks since Luke came to stay. Ironically, Noah saw less of him now than in the past when Luke was living in the forest with Robin Hood's gang. When they did see each other, Noah was usually tired from work and riding, and Luke was unusually taciturn, almost sullen. Something had changed between them and Noah was afraid that bringing it up would further strain the situation.

He looked out of the bedroom window which overlooked the back compound and the stables. Luke and Sir Guy were there, both dismounting from their horses. They were speaking to each other and Noah could see that Luke was smiling and animated. Luke started to walk towards the house, but Sir Guy stopped him by catching his hand and pulling him in. Their chests collided and Sir Guy bent to whisper something into Luke's ear. Whatever it was he said, Luke laughed and shook his head. Then he turned to walk back to the house.

Noah waited for Luke's return, his chest tight with despairing regret. He should have said something sooner; told Luke that he wanted something more than friendship, confronted the attraction that they both refused to acknowledge. He should have said something long before now. It was too late now, because Luke was proving himself susceptible to Sir Guy's brand of charm.

When Luke came in, he said, "Noah, you're back early."

"I'm done for the day. I thought we could hang out, maybe take a ride to the western border. They say the view is pretty great at sunset."

"I wish you'd told me earlier," Luke said, crestfallen, "I already promised Sir Guy to go to the Archdeacon's house later. They have a visiting balladeer who's something of a big deal in London. He's giving a private performance for the Archdeacon and a few invited guests."

"And Sir Guy invited you, did he?"

"Yes, just now when we were riding together."

"You're seeing rather a lot of him," Noah pointed out, trying and failing to sound non-committal.

"So what if I am?" Luke shot back defensively. "He's interesting and I have fun when I'm with him."

"Just be careful, okay? I told you about him and Thomas, what they were doing in the servant's quarters. I think that's still going on, Luke."

Luke shrugged. "Probably. Sir Guy thinks that men who have sex with other men should fuck with impunity. On QAF, that was also Brian Kinney's philosophy. It's a prerogative that comes from being gay."

"And you're cool with that?" Noah was surprised by Luke's apparent nonchalance.

"I don't personally subscribe to the idea, but there's no harm in the occasional purely physical fling. It's definitely less messy than dealing with feelings and emotions."

Noah was sinking further into dejection but he managed not to show it. He asked dispassionately, "And is that what's going on between you and Sir Guy? A purely physical fling?"

"Who said there's anything going on between us?" Luke said heatedly, his eyes flashing with anger.

"Isn't there? It's not like you're denying it."

"If there is, what is it to you?" Luke asked coldly.

Noah wondered how the situation had degenerated so quickly. The tension in the room was ratcheting up with every word they exchanged. He took a deep breath and tried a different line of reasoning.

"Luke, I just don't want you to get hurt, okay? It might be just a fling now, but you could start to develop real feelings for Sir Guy. When we go back to the future, you'll have to leave him behind. That won't be easy and I hope you can be spared that kind of unhappiness."

"Don't worry, Noah. Nothing of that sort is going to happen. I assure you I won't develop real feelings for Sir Guy, as you put it."

"But, Luke, you can't know that. You..."

"Noah, I know for sure, alright?" Luke interjected with his voice raised. "I'm not going to fall for Sir Guy of Gisborne, or lose my heart to him, or whatever romantic notion you may think of. There's no chance of it happening. Zero. Zilch."

"You sound so certain," Noah said and he could not prevent doubt creeping into his voice. He wanted to believe Luke but he had seen how Luke behaved around Sir Guy.

"But not certain enough for you to believe me," Luke surmised. His face hardened momentarily before he said in a more conciliatory tone, "Let's not argue, Noah. I'm sorry I lost my cool like that. We'll talk later, okay? I'm heading downstairs to borrow some boot polish and then I'm going to the Archdeacon's house. I may be late coming back. Don't wait up for me."

"Okay," Noah said, feeling desolate and helpless. "Have a good time."

***

After the balladeer had sung and was applauded, the party of invited guests adjourned to the Archdeacon's dining room for a spot of supper. Instead of joining them, Sir Guy led Luke out to the garden which graced the back of the house. It was a landscaped garden in the formal Roman style, with symmetrical lines of trees and sculpted hedges, several stone fountains and an assortment of statuary.

"This is beautiful," Luke said, admiring the scene before him, which was bathed in a glow cast by the setting sun. A cluster of lilies were blooming in a section of the garden and he smiled, reminded of his mother. Then he became conscious of Sir Guy staring at him.

"The scenery befits the beholder," Sir Guy said, stroking his chin with his forefinger, lips curled into something between a leer and a smile.

"I suppose you speak of yourself," Luke suggested with a laugh.

"A boy as pretty as you are need not fish for compliments."

"Maybe I'm complimenting you, Sir Guy. Have you considered that possibility?"

Sir Guy pulled Luke to him and planted a bruising kiss on Luke's lips. Luke did not kiss him back but enjoyed it while it lasted. As technique went, Sir Guy's could not be faulted.

"Were you anyone else," Sir Guy growled against Luke's throat, "I would have you on your hands and knees by now."

Gently pushing Sir Guy away, Luke said, "If I were anyone else, you would have accomplished it two weeks ago."

"True," Sir Guy agreed. He grabbed Luke's right hand, trapping it in his own and refusing to let go. It was rapidly turning dark and Sir Guy, raven haired and dressed all in black, seemed to rise like a apparition from the shadows. For the first time, Luke found him menacing and felt the stirrings of fear.

"Let go of me," Luke said, trying in vain to pull away.

Sir Guy loosened his grip but still held on to Luke' hand. "You've kept me waiting a long time, Luke. I'm not accustomed to waiting. Tomorrow afternoon, my brother is traveling to Mansfield and he will stay the night there. Save for the servants, I'll have this house to myself. You'll have a choice of five different rooms, each with a bed that will cushion your knees."

"Sir Guy, I..."

Luke trailed off, not knowing what it was he should say. Even now, with Sir Guy holding his hand, and Sir Guy's breath tickling the side of his neck, he thought of Noah. If he was to be bluntly honest with himself, he was a hypocrite. He had called Robin Hood wishy-washy for not telling Marian how he felt. Luke was no less wishy-washy; he should have said something to Noah before this. Now it was too late. Noah had seen Luke with Sir Guy, and drawn his own conclusions. He was still a loyal friend to Luke, because loyalty was essential to his nature. But that loyalty was now tinted with disgust and contempt, and Luke only had himself to blame.

"Luke, after all this time, are you unable to give me an answer? Are you still so undecided?" Sir Guy asked. His free hand was now stroking along Luke's collarbone, slipping below his smock and tunic to touch bare skin.

Luke shook his head. "No," he said calmly, "I have an answer for you, Sir Guy."

***

During breakfast and then again at morning service, Noah glanced several times at Luke, trying to gauge his mood. Since returning from the Archdeacon's house last night, flushed and out of breath as if he had been running a marathon, Luke had been quiet but manic. His facial expression had swung wildly between restlessly edgy and beatifically calm. He said nothing about what had transpired at the Archdeacon's house beyond praising the balladeer's fine singing voice.

As they filed out of the chapel, Luke suddenly pulled Noah to one side and asked, "Did you have any plans for today? I was thinking we could ride out to the river, the part where there's a small waterfall. I'm dying to take a proper shower. What do you say?"

"Yes," Noah agreed quickly, stunned but pleased.

"Great. Let's get Sally saddled and get out of here."

It was like their awkward conversation from the previous day had never taken place. Noah knew it was avoidance but he was happy to have a reprieve from the tension that coiled and churned inside his chest. Walking in companionable silence, they headed for the stables. There, Luke fastened the saddle onto Salamander and the mare nuzzled his neck in response. Noah realized with a start that she missed Luke, having seen little of him in the last two weeks. It was something she and Noah had in common.

While they were preparing to leave, Thomas the valet came out of the house and approached Luke.

Bowing his head, he said, "Mr. Snyder, I have a message for you from Sir Guy of Gisborne. It's regarding what you discussed with him last night." Thomas's face betrayed little, but Noah could tell that he was upset.

Luke smiled, seemingly quite unperturbed. "Thank you, Thomas. You may tell Sir Guy that my answer remains the same. I haven't changed my mind."

The valet nodded and left them. Luke's attention was already back on Salamander, checking the saddle and reins one last time. He hoisted himself up onto the horse's back and shifted to make space for Noah behind him. Still distracted by the exchange between Thomas and Luke, Noah stood uncertainly for a few seconds. Then Luke bent down and held out his hand to Noah, palm facing up. For some reason, the simple gesture calmed Noah's jangling nerves. He took Luke's hand and mounted Salamander.

They rode at a gallop south to where the River Trent flowed through Sherwood Forest. This area of the forest was less densely vegetated and stood at a elevated height, offering a scenic view of the Nottinghamshire plains. After they stopped, Luke wasted no time in dismounting and plunging his hands into the river.

"Running water, how I've missed it," he sighed happily. He stood up and took in the view. "The sky looks different in this century, don't you think, Noah? Clearer and bigger, somehow. Maybe it's the lack of air pollution."

Noah was still approaching the river and he paused, studying the curve of Luke's back where the fabric of his tunic clung to his sweat-slicked skin. He gulped, wondering if Sir Guy of Gisborne had touched the line of that curve and run his fingers across those shoulder blades.

"Luke," he said in a strangled voice, "that discussion with Sir Guy that Thomas mentioned, what was it about?"

Luke did not turn around to face Noah, offering his answer to the river. "The Archdeacon is going out of town today. Sir Guy wanted me to spend the night at his house."

"Oh." That single syllable was distilled from the multitude of thoughts and emotions clashing inside Noah's mind.

Here was confirmation that he had run out of time. He should have said something to Luke when he had the opportunity to do it, during those mornings at Edwinstowe or that one night they shared his bed, or those subsequent nights when they were only separated by an open door. He had said nothing and now he had lost something which was never his to begin with.

Driven by a sudden desperation, he hugged Luke tight from behind, crushing Luke's back hard against his chest. Luke was startled but did not struggle.

"Noah, what..." he began tentatively.

Noah immediately released Luke. Still driven by adrenaline and impulse, he blurted, "Don't go to Sir Guy tonight. Please, Luke, don't go."

Luke turned around and faced him for the first time since they arrived at the river. He could not meet Luke's eyes, overcome by embarrassment as the weight of his own words dawned on him.

"I'm not going," Luke said. "I already told him I'm not going."

Noah's heart leaped and he momentarily forgot his embarrassment. "You're not?"

"No," Luke affirmed.

"Okay. That's good." He tried to downplay his reaction by laughing lightly.

But Luke was already on the trail. "Noah, you asked me not to go. You didn't want me to go. Why?"

For much of the last few weeks, Noah had felt like he was running dead last in a race with only one lap remaining and no time to catch up. Now, he found himself in a better position than he had envisioned; it was not too late after all. Perhaps he might not finish first, but he had nothing to lose by trying.

He kept his eyes averted from Luke so he could keep his voice steady. "I was jealous. I kept thinking, if you're going to do that sort of thing -sleep with someone- it shouldn't be with Sir Guy. You should be doing it with me."

He lifted his head to see Luke's reaction but Luke was already hurtling into his arms. Their chests collided with a bone crunching thud and then Luke was kissing him. The kiss was hard, like Luke really wanted it, but also gentle, like Luke really meant it. His hands came up to cup the back of Luke's head, and he returned the kiss. For so long, he had felt tongue-tied and inarticulate, unable to tell Luke how he felt. But where words might fail him, he could communicate this way, through his lips and finger tips.

Luke finally broke the kiss, breathless from the exertion. He absent-mindedly ran his fingers through his hair and said ruefully, "So much for my summer's resolution."

"What resolution?" Noah asked, bewildered by this unexpected turn in Luke's mood.

"I told Maddie I was swearing off relationships this summer. My recent track record doesn't exactly inspire confidence. Nothing ever lasted very long, probably because I was getting involved with the wrong guys for the wrong reasons. Usually because he was a hot guy who liked me."

"That doesn't apply in my case," Noah pronounced, his confident tone belying the nervous pounding in his chest.

Luke's eyebrows shot up in a mix of surprise and skepticism. "It doesn't? You think you're not a hot guy? Trust me, Noah Mayer, you're hot. Smoking hot. Scorching, sizzling hot."

Noah flushed with gratification and in anticipation of what he was about to say. He had not only caught up to the pack, he was now leading the race. One final dash and he would sprint across the finishing line to claim glory. There was no point in holding himself back.

Having made the decision, he felt settled, anchored by a sense of calm. Then he said, "Luke, I'm not a guy who likes you. I'm a guy who loves you."

Luke's reaction was to once again launch himself at Noah. This time, he almost knocked Noah over onto the ground. Fortunately, Noah stumbled back and his fall was broken by the opportune presence of a tree. He found himself pinned against the trunk, being kissed with great enthusiasm.

"Shit, Noah, why didn't you say something before?" Luke demanded when he finally let Noah go. Then he slapped his own forehead and said, "Sorry, that's not the right thing to say at a time like this. Me too, Noah. I love you too. I've been in love with you since the first week we got here, even when I thought you were straight."

"Yeah, I'd put it at the same point myself."

Luke punched him lightly on his arm. "Then why didn't you say something earlier?"

"Once bitten, twice shy, I guess. The last time I made a major confession, I ended up getting disowned. Besides, you never said anything yourself, Snyder. Don't put all of this on me!"

"Yeah, I was just as bad, if not worse," Luke agreed sadly. "It's too late now, but I understand why Robin Hood didn't tell Marian how he felt. I gave him a hard time about it but I did exactly the same thing with you. I just thought you couldn't possibly be interested in me. And even if you were, you'd just come out and I didn't want to pressurize you into anything that you're not ready to deal with. I'm told I can be somewhat pushy."

"I appreciate the concern, Luke. But next time, let me tell you if I can't deal, don't just assume it. If you'd been more pushy, we wouldn't have wasted so much time before having this talk. I've been going crazy the past couple of weeks."

"Yeah, I know. So have I. It was torture, lying in that bed with you so nearby and not being able to do this."

Luke wound his arms around Noah's neck and began kissing him again, slowly and sensuously this time. It quickly became heated and they were soon moaning. Noah could feel Luke's hardness against his thigh and his own arousal was rubbing uncomfortably against the scratchy fabric of his underwear. Keeping their mouths fused together, Luke began throwing off his clothes and Noah quickly followed suit.

Sanity intruded when he felt the coolness of a late summer breeze against his bare body. Reluctantly, he pulled away from Luke and said, "We're outdoors, Luke. We can't do this."

Luke just reached for Noah again, his hands roaming down Noah's back. Just like that, Noah abandoned his earlier misgivings about doing something so private out in the open. In any case, the place was deserted and they were unlikely to be interrupted.

They rolled onto the grassy riverbank and Noah traced the curve of Luke's back, like he had done a million times before in his fantasies. His hands came to a rest at the side of Luke's hips, enticingly near the firm mounds of Luke's buttocks. When he moved to touch them, he felt Luke freeze and immediately stopped.

"Aaargh," Luke groaned. "We can't do this. No condoms or lube. I'm sorry to be such a killjoy but I'd rather we be responsible, you know?"

Noah smiled and reached between Luke's legs, ascertaining that his ardor had not cooled. "We can't do that, but we can still do this."

Then he took hold of Luke's erection, rubbing the tip which was already wet and engorged. Luke's mouth fell open in a silent scream and his head fell back, but he quickly raised it again, looking down at where Noah was touching him. He lifted his hips off the grass, pressing his groin against Noah's.

"Hold them both, jack us off at the same time," he panted and Noah hardened even further at the very thought. "Here, let me help you."

They positioned themselves so that the lengths of their erections were lined up side by side, circled by Luke's right hand and Noah's left. Together and in synchrony, they began stroking, long and slow at first, then increasingly frantic. Noah's vision turned blank, taken over by a wall of white space. He was dimly aware of Luke's cries of pleasure but he mainly felt, rather than heard, the roar of blood thundering through him. Their bodies rushed together to the finishing line, surging uphill, reaching and scaling beyond the peak.

A long while later, Luke said hoarsely, "That was... wow."

Noah ruffled Luke's hair and teased, "How articulate. But yes, wow about sums it up."

Luke raised himself off the grass and hugged the breath of out Noah. "God, I can't wait till we get back to our time. If doing this feels so good, can you imagine what we can achieve with a lubricated condom? I wish we could do without, but I'd be a hypocrite if I did that. Back home, I volunteer at a group that advocates for safe sex. I have this spiel where I go on about protection, responsibility and disease prevention. Gotta practice what I preach."

Unable to help himself, Noah lightly flicked his finger against the side of Luke's head. "And you were thinking of sleeping with Sir Guy of Gisborne? The man has to be a walking venereal disease!"

"Ouch!" Luke protested playfully, rubbing a spot three inches away from where Noah had actually made contact. Then he became more serious as he continued, "I never intended to sleep with him. You have to believe me, Noah."

"You were getting pretty cozy with him," Noah pointed out, aware that he sounded more jealous than was warranted, given that Luke was in his arms, and they were post-coital and naked.

"I thought I was nursing an unrequited grand passion! He was amusing and he took my mind off pining for you. Not that it really worked, but while it lasted, it was nice to be pursued."

"If you want to be pursued, let me do the pursuing from now on. You got that, Snyder?" Noah said as sternly as he could while smiling widely.

Luke laughed, nodded, and tilted his head up for a kiss. "Yes, sir, Deputy Mayer. But it doesn't count as pursuit when I'm not running away."

And then Noah chased after Luke as he ran to the river, and caught him before they reached the waterline.

***

When Noah returned to the post after his daily collection duties, there was an unfamiliar young woman waiting for him. In his three months here, he had become acquainted with most of the village folk who sought his help as the Deputy Sheriff. By and large, they were the usual suspects and it was rare to see a new face.

"Good afternoon, ma'am," he said politely.

"You're Deputy Mayer, are you not?" she asked and he nodded. "May I speak with you inside?"

"Of course."

He led her into the hut and offered her the single chair in the room. She declined and they both remained standing.

"Deputy, my name is Marian of..."

"Maid Marian!" he exclaimed abruptly. After all this time listening to Luke's stories, he was face to face with Marian herself.

"You know me. I suppose Luke mentioned my name to you."

"Yes, Luke speaks very highly of you."

She smiled and the film-buff in Noah was immediately reminded of the old movie star Myrna Loy.

"Then you are indeed his friend," Marian said. "I'm so glad that Alan-a-Dale was correct in that regard. When Luke left camp, we had no idea where he could go. I knew he wouldn't trouble any of the villagers who barely have enough room for themselves. And I thought he didn't know anyone else in Nottinghamshire. Then Alan mentioned that Luke seemed to be friendly with you. I don't know who else to ask, Deputy. Do you know where Luke is?"

"He's staying with me, and has been these three weeks."

"Staying with you, at the Sheriff's house?" Marian's eyes widened with astonishment.

"He hasn't divulged anything about Robin or the men," Noah quickly assured her. "As far as everyone is concerned, he's a friend of mine who's in Nottingham to visit me."

"I'm simply glad that he has a place to sleep at night. He wasn't very fond of sleeping without a roof over his head," she said.

"He made his displeasure known in no uncertain terms," Noah said with a smile, prompting Marian to laugh as they shared a moment of camaraderie. "Do you have a message for Luke? I will bring it to him tonight."

"There's someone who has a message for Luke, but it isn't me. If you will wait a moment, Deputy, I'll bring him here to you. He should say it to you in person."

"Yes, of course."

Marian went outside and Noah waited with mounting excitement. It must be Robin Hood whom she was bringing.

When Marian returned, she was with a young man who carried himself with athletic grace, but was otherwise quite unremarkable. As Luke had described, he had brown hair and brown eyes. He also looked nothing like Kevin Costner or Russell Crowe.

"Deputy Mayer, I know you by name but we've never been introduced. I'm Robin of Locksley, also known as Robin Hood."

"Please call me Noah. I prefer to dispense with formalities. And it's an honor to meet you. The villagers here greatly admire you and your men."

Robin bowed to acknowledge the words of praise. "They valorize the Robin Hood of their own imaginations. I'm sorry to say that the real Robin is not so worthy of admiration. Marian would tell you no less."

"You're a good lad, Robin, but too stubborn to see beyond the tip of your arrow," Marian said kindly, patting Robin on the shoulder. "Still, we're all rather fond of you and wouldn't trade you for ten men with better temperaments."

Robin accepted her teasing without rancor and flashed a small, rather sheepish smile. Noah watched them exchange a sidelong glance and knew that one aspect of the Robin Hood legend was accurate. Robin and Marian were together and would one day marry.

"Marian tells me that Luke is staying with you," Robin said solemnly. "I suppose you've heard of my transgressions when I ordered him to leave camp. I behaved foolishly and without honor. Will you convey to Luke my sincerest apology for what happened that day?"

"You should know that Luke doesn't bear any grudges against you. But I will gladly convey to him your apology."

"Thank you. Were it not for the Archdeacon's presence in Nottingham Town, I would tell Luke myself. In fact, it's the right thing to do and but I should not risk it, for the Sheriff's sake as well as my own. It's dangerous enough that I'm here. It will be trouble for you if any of the foresters see us together. But I have done my best to remove the threat. My men scoured the area before we came and they're on watch even as we speak."

In that moment, Noah's estimation of Robin Hood rose. The man was not particularly impressive in person, that was true. But he was a man of honor and Noah respected that.

"It's kind of you to think of me," Noah said.

"It was kind of you to take Luke in when Robin chased him off so heartlessly," Marian said and gave Robin a pointed look which was received with a grimace and a nod. She reminded Noah of his Aunt Ruth and he found himself quite in awe of her.

"There's something else I wish to tell Luke," Robin said. "If he's of a mind to do so, we'd very much like him to return to camp. The men have missed him since he left. Out there in the forest, we're all brothers in solidarity. When I wrongly sent Luke away, we lost a member of our family."

"I will bring your message to him."

When Robin and Marian left to return to the forest, Noah went outside to see them off. He tried to spy the Merry Men among the trees but they were well-hidden. While they were walking, Marian leaned into Robin and rested her head on his shoulder. Robin's arm went around her waist, pulling her closer.

Noah thought of Luke and his heart lifted. Smiling to himself, he prepared Salamander for the ride back to Nottingham Town, where Luke was waiting for him.

***



Continue to Chapter 6