Disclaimer: I don't own Robin Hood or any of the characters.

Black and White

Allan cast a tentative glance at the form standing near the railing. If only they could just forget the past and move forward! But Allan was experienced enough to know that it wouldn't happen. So he shoved his reluctant body through the doorway, and walked over to the railing. Will did not acknowledge his presence, and Allan swallowed hard.

"Cold day, yah?" he blurted out, louder than he had intended. He looked down and shuffled his feet, silently begging Will to answer his unspoken plea. Will said nothing, but turned and looked over at him. Allan shot a quick look in his direction, but couldn't bear the sadness he saw in his friend's eyes.

"Well, change that to former friend," he thought bitterly. He lowered his head again. He knew he should accept Will's answer and walk away, but some part of him wasn't ready to give up that easily.

"I said I'm sorry! Why can't you just…" he left it hanging.

"You didn't," Will corrected quietly.

"Didn't what?" Allan asked, almost bitterly.

"You didn't say that you were sorry. You said you were an idiot," Will said in a vacant voice.

"It's true, innit?" Allan responded. "I am an idiot." He avoided answering the unspoken question – Are you sorry?

Will ignored him, and turned back to the railing. Allan groaned under his breath and closed his eyes in exasperation.

"Look, I'm sorry, okay?" he blurted. "I'm sorry I went to Guy and I'm sorry I left and I'm sorry I…I'm just sorry, for everything, for…for…" his voice broke and he lowered his head to stare at the sea stained boards. He didn't dare look at Will, but if he had, he would have been surprised. Will was not looking at him with hatred, as he feared; but rather with a sort of regret. The moment broke, and Will looked away.

"I know," he said, so softly that Allan almost didn't hear him. Allan looked up in startled surprise, with a bit of anger.

"Then why…?" Allan waited for an explanation. Will shrugged.

"I wanted to hear it from you," he said. Allan wondered, fleetingly, if he was close enough to glare at him again, but decided against it. Allan shook his head and turned his gaze back to the boards.

"Allan?" It was a question, and so Allan looked up.
"Yeah?" he said, not meeting Will's eyes.

"Allan," It was more forceful this time. Allan looked up, fearful of what Will's eyes would tell him. Will reached out and put his arm on Allan's shoulder.

"I forgive you," he said quietly. Allan had expected blame, or quiet hurt, or devastating coldness – anything but this. Forgiveness? From Will? The man of black and white, allowing for gray! It was too much for him to handle. His blue eyes filled, as he blinked furiously to hide it. He reached up and covered Will's hand with his own.
"Thank you," he choked out in a whisper. Will nodded and withdrew his hand and his presence. Allan stood alone on the wind-swept deck, cloak blowing in the breeze. Salty tears dripped off his cheeks and mingled with the salt water spraying through the wind. He rubbed at his eyes, wishing he had better control of his emotions.

"Allan!" That was Much, taking advantage of Allan's toned down personality to boss him around. Allan grinned, suddenly. At least things weren't awkward with Much. He straightened his shoulders and moved away from the edge, new hope strengthening him. If Will could forgive the black, then there was yet hope to someday be gray, if not white.

I'm not entirely satisfied with this ending. So, if you have constructive criticism, don't hesitate to review! Or if you liked it...:) thanks.