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Merlin closed his eyes as the rain splashed against his skin. The cold dripping water wetting his hair, soaking his clothes… He loved it.
He sat back in his patio chair, closing his eyes as he leaned his head back, baring his neck as he faced skyward. He knew he shouldn’t be outside. He should be in, tucked into bed, where it was warm…
Yet, Merlin loved the rain.
He took a deep breath, inhaling the scent of the wet air.
“Merlin?” The voice almost startled the warlock. His smile widened, and he turned back to the sliding door that had been crept open.
“Yes, Arthur?” He asked, his heart and magic singing with joy that he could say that once more. After fifteen hundred years. He could say it once more.
A scowl graced the resurrected king's face as the rain began to come down harder. Merlin tried not to look to giddy as he leaned back his head and let the water roll over him.
The rain was so relaxing.
“Merlin.” Arthur’s insistent voice repeated. Merlin glanced over again, waiting for him to keep speaking. Arthur seemed to hesitate, then, he stepped outside into the rainfall. Merlin watched as he visibly shivered at the cold air and water.
“What is it?” Merlin hummed, watching as the king walked over. Arthur leaned over and grabbed his hand, pulling him out of the patio chair.
“Come back to bed, Merlin,” he ordered as he pulled him to his feet. Merlin knew Arthur would swear for years to come he wasn’t pouting, though he was. The warlock let out a soft sigh, lacing his fingers between Arthur’s as he stood beside him.
“How about a shower instead?” He led Arthur into the house, squeezing his hand.
Arthur let out a small sigh. “It’s the middle of the night, Merlin… I’d like to sleep.”
“Fine, come, let’s dry off and we can head to sleep.”
“Thank you,” Arthur mumbled. Merlin walked with him down the small hall on the way to their bedroom to grab towels. It was mainly Merlin who needed it, but well, Arthur was a bit damp too, now. Merlin couldn’t help but grin.
“And Merlin?” Arthur let go of his hand as they grabbed their towels to dry. Merlin glanced to Arthur, raising a questioning eyebrow. The ex-king just leaned over and kissed his cheek gently, before murmuring,
“Stop sneaking out to sit in the rain at night.”