Disclaimer: I don't own an inch of Robin Hood, that honour belongs to the BBC but I would point out that if I did all main characters would be living and breathing in series 3

The girl heaved her suitcase the last few steps to the bus stop and flung it down on the already large pile. Turning around she caught the eye of a pretty girl with short black spiky hair and a mischievous demeanour and smiled. Many of the male population of the crowded bus stop tried to catch the girl's eye as she walked over to Djaq, but failed as their eyes slid from her intensely blue ones, over her milky skin, rosebud lips and down to her curvaceous yet leggy physique. Her chocolate curls tossed when she walked as did her hips causing the hem of her grey school skirt to gently rise and fall. Marian realised none of this as she reached her friend and gave her the usual hug hello. Granted she had turned down more than one offer to carry her suitcase to the bus stop but the attention she received rather bemused her. She had always been seen as attractive as far back as such things had mattered but over the past year her beauty had grown more elegant, her body eliciting thoughts in boys and men that passed her that would have made her blush if she knew.

"I didn't expect to see you here, I thought you'd hitch a lift with your dad." Djaq stated "Wanted to blend in with the rest of us?"

"Well I didn't expect to ever see you in a skirt" answered Marian looking her friend up and down, noting her athletic legs. Djaq scowled, she hated the new uniform. "Not that it doesn't suit, and what do you mean rest of us? Makes it sound like I'm different to everyone else here, you couldn't be making more elusions to my father surly?"

"Well having a teacher as a parent is hardly the norm but I think the thing that really sets you apart is the way he places you on a pedestal, not that others don't do the same." Marian turned around on Djaq's "he" to see the all too familiar site of a gleaming black Rolls Royce slowly passing the bus stop, the number plate proudly declaring "SH3R1FF". The Rolls suddenly stopped and one of the black tinted windows rolled down to reveal a pale boy with dark features.

"Marian" he called out beckoning her to him. Marian gave Djaq one of their looks and walked over to the car, knowing she couldn't ignore the boy.

"Hello Guy" she answered when she reached the window. "Good summer?" It was the only question that came to her uncomfortable mind when he didn't reply, choosing instead to let his eyes roam hungrily over her waist and neckline.

"Parts were" he growled back lifting his eyes to look into hers. She cursed herself for not thinking before she spoke as he carried on. "Are you taking the bus, I thought you would have driven. Why don't you get in the car with me as you really shouldn't have to ride around with them." Not one part of what Guy said had been a question, but Marian decided she still had a choice.

"Thanks for the offer but I really couldn't." She saw he was about to protest and added "Besides I'd have to find my bag amongst the others and that would hold you and Mr Sheriff up." She motioned to the pile where she could see her bag planted at the very top, easily obtainable. It was obvious that Guy still wasn't deterred but the man next to him cut in.

"I haven't got all day for you to chat to your lady friend Gizzy so wrap it up."

If Vaisey hadn't been their Guy may have contemplated getting out and going with Marian on the bus, even if it meant sitting near the filth. But he knew his uncle would sneer at him for it, besides he had all year to spend with Marian.

"I'll see you in lessons then." he said with a final look at the stunning girl, still watching her as the tinted glass rolled-up obscuring his face as she turned round.

As Marian turned she caught sight of three familiar faces bouncing towards Djaq and hurried over. They noticed her moving away from the car and shouted greetings that had previously been aimed at Djaq. When they were all together the girls swapped hugs with Allan, John and Will and the five of them fell into easy conversation. There was no need to ask about each others summer holidays as they had spent most of them together, so instead they reminisced savouring the sunny days.

"I could swear it's already turning arctic" said Allan blowing on his hands and giving a melodramatic shiver. "School is already sucking the warmth out of the days." His eyes shifted to Djaq and down to her legs. "Although some of us obviously aren't feeling it. Even in the height of summer you were never out of jeans. Seems such a shame now." Djaq glowered at Allan while Will looked on, half angry and half agreeing with the comment.

"Its not my fault Vaisey's subjecting us to a sexist new uniform policy." She answered sharply. Marian's earlier comment had received less of a stinging reprimand as the two girls had an understanding that they could cheek each other where others would receive a swift kick.

"Well you have to admit compared to some of our beloved headmasters other new rules its not too bad." said Will believing that maybe the man who put Djaq in a skirt wasn't entirely evil.

"Really, well I don't see why I have to wear a skirt and v-neck when you get away with trousers and a blazer." She retorted.

"I can see many reasons why it should be so." said Allan looking around happily at the different groups of girls at the bus stop. Marian shook her head in disgust.

"I don't see what you're shaking your head at me for, it was probably Gisborne who persuaded Unky to change the uniform. It'll make it easier for him to perv on you." She scoffed at him raising her eyebrow in a way that was practically famous at the school.

"Yeah sure Allan, I think your perving skills may outstrip even Guy's."

"Really? Then why do the new jumpers and blazer's match the colour of your eyes exactly." Marian looked at Allan with a mixture of embarrassment and revulsion.

"What did he want with you anyway?" asked John trying to get the subject away from uniforms. It was bad enough still having to wear them, but debating them was even worse.

"Oh nothing just offered me a lift."

"You should be careful with him Marian, he doesn't strike me as a gentleman." Will said seriously. Djaq smiled at his concern, she loved how protective he was of his friends.

"I can handle Guy." was all she said in return. Djaq raised her eyebrows at this looking at her friend while the boys exchanged glances that said that if she couldn't then they definitely would.

"Not being funny Marian but why don't you get a lift, with your dad I mean, not Guy" asked Allan.

"Simple. The bus is more fun" she replied as the mentioned vehicle turned the corner. "It's the start of the school. The bit when we can catch-up and mess around."

"You mean the bit with no lessons or teachers"

"Exactly" she said hopping onto the bus first and securing the back row. The rest of the gang hung back slightly.

"Where's Much?" asked Djaq searching the boy's faces.

"Think he's still visiting Robin" answered Will. "Last time I spoke to him he sounded a bit funny, said he had to go. I'm sure he'll turn up sometime this week." The gang all nodded hurrying to the back to join Marian.

"Whose ready for Year 12?!!" Allan called out joyfully.