A/N: The prompt for this one is "It should have been me."
Due to technical difficulties, I've got a slight backlog of chapters to add, meaning there will most likely be another update later today! Please enjoy and as always, feel free to let me know what you think!
The cabin came into view as Will and Halt rode into the clearing. They dismounted near the stable and Will caught hold of Abelard's reins. "I can take care of him."
Halt raised an eyebrow, but didn't let go. "It's just a scratch. I can still take care of my own horse."
"I can see the way you're favouring that arm, Halt." Will's words came out sharper than he intended. "Don't try and tell me you aren't."
Halt regarded him for a long moment, searching for something. Whether he found it or not, he relinquished Abelard's reins to Will and nodded slowly. "Alright then."
With furrowed brows and lips pressed together, Will watched Halt walk to the cabin. The door closed behind him and Will turned to the horses. In the stable, he made quick work of removing the tack. He rubbed them down with brisk, efficient movements.
Halt will be fine. Tug pushed his nose against Will's shoulder, but Will ignored him. After filling the water trough with fresh water, Will gave each horse an apple from the barrel by the door, then turned towards the cabin.
Halt was seated at the table, pressing a wad of cloth against his upper right arm. His shirt lay discarded on the floor beside him. On the table was a bowl of water, along with more bandages, a jar of salve, and a needle and thread.
"You said it was just a scratch," Will said accusingly.
"Turns out it was deeper than I thought." Halt gestured to the needle and thread. "My left-handed sewing skills aren't good. Will you do it for me?"
Will nodded, moving towards the table and pulling a chair around. Halt had taught him how to do stitches and had him practice until he was proficient, but it wasn't something he enjoyed. He threaded the needle and Halt removed the cloth, hissing lightly as it aggravated the cut.
Neither of them said a word throughout the stitching process. Halt retained a white-knuckled grip on the chair's armrest and let out a long, slow breath once Will finished the final stitch and began to wrap a light bandage around the wound. Will busied himself with cleaning up.
"Your stitches are getting better," Halt commented.
Will put the jar of salve down with more force than necessary and the resulting thump was startlingly loud.
"Alright Will, out with it."
Will dug his nails into his palm and worked to make sure his voice was even. "I'm fine."
Halt scoffed. "You're obviously upset and I won't have you moping about the cabin for a week. So. Out with it."
Will's frayed composure broke and he whirled around to face Halt. He avoided making eye contact though, not willing to face the judgement that would be in Halt's eyes.
"It should have been me!" The words burst from him, opening the way for the torrent that followed. "You're hurt because of me! It's my fault and it should be me who has to deal with the consequences of it. It's all my fault."
Halt opened his mouth, but Will shook his head and cut him off before Halt spoke. "Don't try to tell me this isn't my fault. I know it is."
Tears burned at the back of his eyes and Will dropped his gaze to the ground. His breath shuddered on the inhale and he clamped his lips together, fighting to regain his composure.
"Will."
It was only a single word, but Will shook his head, knowing what Halt wanted. He couldn't. Not right now. Not when he was so vulnerable that whatever Halt said next could cut him to the core.
"Will." The chiding note in Halt's voice said that Halt could, and if necessary would, wait for as long as it took.
Ever so slowly, Will dragged his gaze up to meet Halt's, afraid of what he would find. Halt's eyes were grave, but they contained none of the anger or judgement Will had expected.
Halt spoke slowly, as if choosing his words with care. "You made a bad call, but I'm not going to harp on you because of it. You're doing that yourself too much as it is."
"But I—"
"It was a mistake, Will! We're human. They happen. This isn't going to be the last time something goes wrong. So instead of beating yourself up over it, take the time to learn from it." Halt paused, and his voice was gentler when he continued. "And if what you learn today saves your life in the future—" Halt gestured to his bandaged arm— "this is a price I'm happy to pay."
