Maximus bit out an apology, his hand gripping Wyatt's shoulder almost as tightly as Wyatt gripped his leg, but he didn't stop. He was determined to at least keep Wyatt from falling to pieces under his hands - determined to keep as much of him within his skin as possible.

His teeth were clamped down hard enough to make his jaw ache.

After what seemed like an eternity, the needle stopped, tossed useless into the sand by the fire. They were out of thread.

"There. I'm sorry, Wyatt."