I wanted to something sad, short, and sweet, so here it is. I dunno if it's very good, and I'll probably delete it, but.
Happy reading! =)
Death welcomed him. From somewhere safe and beautiful it opened its arms and whispered promises sweeter than the breeze in springtime.
The trees above him danced and swayed as warmth cradled his body. His fingers curled around Arthur's hand, the one on his chest, and he smiled.
Arthur held him tightly, face twisting in despair, lips moving desperately, mouthing pleas that he felt rather than heard.
Don't go. Please, don't leave me.
Merlin's lips parted, a gentle breath of air escaping him. He lifted his other hand, the one that didn't hold Arthur's, and brushed Arthur's pale cheeks with trembling fingertips. Arthur's hand caught his own, holding it to his face, capturing it, protecting it.
He sighed quietly, knowing Arthur's pain.
Forgive me.
Arthur's eyes closed tightly. Tears cascaded down his skin, dampening it slightly as he rocked back and forth. He cradled Merlin as the warmth cradled Merlin; safe and comforting and with a vow of it will be all right, it will be all right.
It was strange to know that he was dying and yet be completely unafraid. But Death spoke of wonderful things, and he wondered what he had ever even thought there was to fear. Perhaps the grief of the ones closest to him, or the unknown world into which he would be slipping. But it was peaceful here in the forest, and though Arthur wept now as he clung to Merlin, he would be okay in the future, and Albion would see no greater king in its midst.
Gaius and Gwen, the knights; they would mourn for him, he knew. But life would go on and they would manage, though they wouldn't forget him. No, they would never forget him.
Merlin stroked the wetness from Arthur's cheek and pulled the hand that rested on his chest up to press a sweet kiss to the palm.
Forgive me.
Arthur's eyes shone with unshed tears as he looked down brokenly upon his friend.
Don't go.
But he had to; Avalon's Keeper called to him. And it wasn't goodbye, not really. He would return to Arthur, someday. Someday. For now he needed to rest.
White lights danced across his vision, dazzling him. He lifted his gaze to the trees that were beginning to fade into white at the edges.
And Merlin was happy.
Because life was tedious and so was breathing, because there was no pain anymore, because Arthur's tears fell like crystal promises, and he was safe. Finally, finally, Arthur was safe.
And Death was so beautiful.