The last chapter…*sobs*

I have enjoyed writing this story so much! Getting into Will's head has been quite an experience (and made me love him even more)!

Thanks to all who visited my story, and most of all, thank you to those who left a review. You've no idea what your kind words did for me.

So, here it is—a final conversation between Will and Robin, where their relationship is cemented in place.

Enjoy!

Unable to bear the festivities any longer, Will slipped away, escaping to the river where he first encountered Robin of Locksley, his brother.

Brothers—how long would that bond remain, now that Robin was married?

"Nothing can break the bonds of brotherhood, Will," came a voice from close by.

Will tensed, drawing his knife and whirling to face whoever was behind him.

"Peace, brother," said Robin, holding his hands up in surrender.

Will visibly relaxed.

"This is where we first met," he stated, motioning to the river. "I'm sor—"

"Don't apologize for anything, Will," said Robin. "To you, I was just another traveler through the woods. You were just doing your job."

Will had been fearful, at first, as Robin spoke, expecting a reprimand. Now, he offered Robin a half-hearted smile. He still hadn't forgotten the reason as to why he was there.

Robin moved to stand by Will, placing a comforting arm around him. The two stood in companionable silence.

Staring out at the flowing river, Robin said, "You're wondering what will happen now that I'm married. You're still worried that our newfound family ties will be broken."

"You say that as if you can read my mind," Will admitted softly.

Will didn't want to anger Robin by doubting him, but he'd been on his own for most of his life, free from the constraints brought about by friends and family. He wasn't used to depending on others, yet Robin had quickly become more important to him than anyone ever had before, save his mother. He didn't want to lose that—he didn't want to lose Robin. He'd narrowly avoided death, twice, and both times his regret had been for not getting to know Robin while he'd had the chance. Upon being given another chance at life, Will had vowed to be a better brother, starting with understanding what made Robin who he was.

"Being family makes it easier to tell what one is feeling," explained Robin. "So, no, I can't read your mind. But you inherited some of Father's facial expressions that give away your emotions."

"Oh," Will said, ashamed at being so easy to read. He'd always prided himself on closing off his emotions from the others. Yet Robin came riding in and tore his mask away, leaving him exposed.

Robin shot Will a confused look as to why he would sound disappointed.

"I'm glad there's a part of Father in me," Will reassured him. "It's just…I've always closed myself off from everything. My cockiness isn't who I am, or who I want to be. It's what I choose for others to see. I've never been comfortable with…this," he said, motioning between the two of them to indicate the closeness that they had developed. "Yet, when you came into my life, you tore my walls down and left me an open book. It's just…a new experience for me."

"It's alright to let others in, Will. It doesn't make you any less of a man. You're still Will Scarlett, fearless outlaw of Sherwood Forest."

Will laughed at the title Robin bestowed on him.

"Thank you, Robin," he said. "You always seem to know what to say to make me feel better."

"Anytime, brother," said Robin, pulling Will into a quick hug.

Deciding that they had been absent long enough, Robin and Will turned back towards camp.

They walked in silence, for the most part, unwilling to spoil the sense of loving camaraderie that had settled between them.

They arrived to a rousing chorus of cheers and toasts.

Robin was dragged in the middle of the group to tell a story. He pulled Will with him, making sure to include him in everything.

From a distance, Marian watched the brothers interact: Robin, affectionately ruffling Will's hair, and Will, putting up little to no resistance at Robin's actions. She smiled, glad to see Will laughing and enjoying himself. With Robin there to guide him, his true colors would shine through, soon enough. And when they did…Marian could only hope that she would be around to see the brilliance that was sure to be Will Scarlett.

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Keep an eye out for a sequel, coming soon…