A/N: This isn't my favorite thing I've ever written, but then again, I kind of like it, despite the fact that it's more obscure than what I usually do… So here's another of my famous short one-shots. It's not very emotional, either…
You'd Have to Kill Me
"I suppose if you told me, you'd have to kill me."
"Immediately and without hesitation."
Immediately.
Without hesitation, without any at all.
"I suppose if I told you, you'd have to kill me. Immediately."
Funny how similar that would have sounded. Only it was never said. He never said it, but he knew it all the same.
If he'd told his secret, Arthur would've had to kill him.
Kill him.
But he never told. But now Arthur knew anyway. Now Arthur had his sword in his hand, and his manservant in front of him.
Immediately and without hesitation.
It wasn't hard. End of sword to front of chest, and push. It was a motion Arthur had done before. It wasn't hard.
Why was it so hard?
I can't hesitate. Just strike.
Merlin's chest was moving, was expanding and contracting in rapid, nervous movements. A sword would end that. If Arthur just focused on his goal, his command, his order, and didn't look up into the innocent blue eyes, then a sword would end it.
He couldn't hesitate.
So why wasn't his arm moving?
Um, I'm pretty sure this counts as hesitation.
And then for a moment his will failed, and Arthur's eyes flickered up, locking on the other pair.
Immediately and without hesitation.
Arthur's arm lifted, and his sword glinted dangerously in the light. With a slight whistle, as though it sliced through the air and left a scratch, the sword arm surged forward in the direction of the sorcerer.
And then the clean steel was striking the floor with an echoing clang, ringing with an air of finality.
And then Merlin was sagging; he was smiling in relief.
And then, though he'd never admit it, Arthur was crying in the same relief.