Warning: Merlin/Arthur pre-slash

All That's Left Unsaid

"Nervous?" Merlin asked as he helped Arthur with the last of his armour. The tent was shadowy and dim in the early morning light and the sounds of the men moving through the camp were growing louder as the sun crept higher in the sky. "No, that's right, you don't get nervous. Not even before a battle." There was a hint of a smile on Merlin's face but when he glanced up his expression grew serious, matching Arthur's own. "Arthur? What is it?"

Arthur looked at Merlin, awkward and gangly and brave and already dressed in his own armour. He cleared his throat. "Merlin, I-" But then he stopped abruptly, feeling oddly hesitant.

Merlin went very still, one hand resting lightly on Arthur's arm after having tightened the vambrace. "Yes?" he prompted, waiting.

"I'm glad you're here," Arthur said at last. "Try not to do anything stupid today."

Merlin's eyes lit up with sudden understanding. He ducked his head shyly, a blush quickly spreading high on his cheekbones, but he couldn't hide his grin. "You too," he said, letting his fingers slip down Arthur's arm to clutch at his hand, and Arthur smiled because he understood what that meant, too.