Disclaimer: I don't own Highlander

A/N: This was in response to the prompt:
Highlander, Methos/Duncan, Horsemen of the Apocalypse

And the World Die With You

"Mac, why do you insist on accepting challenges?" They were the first words out of his mouth other than, "Hey Mac, what… oooooh," followed by a variety of moans since Mac had arrived back at their place.

"Not that I don't appreciate the side effects." He shifted so that he could place a kiss on Duncan's chest. "I accept, reluctantly and against my better judgment, the fact that you have a moral code that insists you fight the wicked and protect the powerless, and do who knows what with the powerless wicked, but accepting stupid random challenges…"

"If I didn't accept this challenge now, he'd have come after, after someone I loved to force me to fight."

Methos jerked up right and turned so that he could look Duncan full on in the face. He glared. "You had better not be talking about protecting me."

Mac winced.

"I am fully capable of defending myself. But what do you think will happen if you die?"

"I'm not going to die."

"If you die," Methos ignored his, admittedly weak, reassurance, "the world will end."

Duncan schooled his features to seriousness, because he knew that Methos meant it seriously. "And that's why I protect you. I would be destroyed if you were hurt because of me."

Methos closed his eyes for a moment and sighed. Then he opened them and they had lost their accusation. Now they just looked old. "No, Mac, I mean it seriously: If you die, then I'll avenge you."

"I won't die."

Methos ignored him again. "If I avenge your death, then I'll get your killer's quickening, and the quickenings of all the immortals he or she has taken. In this particular hypothetical scenario, that means your quickening, which, also includes Caspian's quickening and a good portion of Kronos' quickening as well."

"You think it will be a dark quickening."

"I've taken quickenings that changed my personality before. They all do to some extent. This one would be strong, yes, and would probably have an effect, but that's not the issue at hand. If I take your quickening, then the quickenings of all four of the Horsemen of the Apocalypse will be together again. John of Patmos was as true a seer as ever Cassandra is. When the Horsemen come together, we will ride and conquer and kill, all four quarters of the Earth. It will be the end of days."

"Then don't avenge me!"

"Mac, the same is true if the four come together in you, you know. If I die, would you not avenge me?" The question is mocking. Methos would never asked to be avenged, would argue against it even, but he knows Duncan.

Duncan pulls Methos back to him, wrapping his arms around his lover, tucking his head under his chin. "I would avenge you and let the world end to give you justice."

"I know. Me, too."