Work Text:
“You know everything is gonna turn out okay? We’ll make it back to Camelot safely” Merlin assured as he arrived back to camp.
He had finally gotten back from collecting firewood and putting some into the fire so it would continue to give them light and warmth. They were a few days from Camelot on a quest Merlin wasn’t too sure of yet.
Arthur was already leaning his back against a tree log, fidgeting with a tree branch. Over the years if you really got to know Arthur you would see whenever he was stressed or nervous he’d have something in his hand, wether it be a sword in training or pen on documents.
Arthur glanced up, doubtfully commenting seconds later. “I know.”
They let silence settle between them, content with the chirping of crickets and soft crackle of the fire. The fire gave off enough warmth for them to survive but when Merlin sat beside him, close enough for their legs to touch, Arthur figured he didn’t mind the close proximity. No one was ever really brave enough to be this close to the prince other than for royal purposes.
“Something is up with you” Merlin stated, no room for question.
Arthur looked over to him defensively, an insult already on the tip of his tongue. Before he could get it out Merlin was already speaking.
“You don’t have to hide anything Arthur, we’re in the middle of the woods for gods sake. What’s wrong?” Merlin’s tone was stern but held a unfamiliar softness and care.
Arthur couldn’t remember the last time he was every spoken to in that way or asked something like that. It was a little overwhelming to experience but no he couldn’t let his emotions overrule him especially after keeping them shut away for so long. Silence fell between them once again, Arthur intently watching his hands fidget with the branch as Merlin waited patiently.
Arthur broke it after a few minutes, “You know somedays I wish everything was different. I love the kingdom and would sacrifice everything for it but what if I just wasn’t born a prince? No expectations or huge responsibilities, just me and the sweet farm life”
“I didn’t think you’d fancy the farm life”
“Oh shut up Merlin. I wouldn’t expect a servant to understand” Arthur jabbed, turning his body around so his back was facing Merlin.
It wasn’t all true, Merlin was much more than a servant to him, he passed that title long ago when Merlin drank poison for him.
“Oh c’mon you dramatic clotpole. I do know a little bit about stupid destiny’s that seem impossible and expectations you don’t think you can live up to” Merlin spoke with a somber grin.
The sound of fabric could be heard throughout the trees as Arthur turned over to face Merlin, his hopeful eyes meeting Merlin’s.
“You do?” It was barely a whisper, said as if he was vulnerable and Merlin would threw it back in his face he could push it off as nothing.
“Well I always gotta keep you guessing don't I? You’d get bored of me if not” Merlin smiled, his smile widening when he saw Arthur crack a small smile.
“Never. You’re the one person I could never quite predict. From the beginning you never expected me to know everything. It felt.. freeing? You didn’t look at me like a prince that needs special treatment just because the family I was born into” he kept his eyes on the dirt ground as he spoke, afraid he’d seem to emotional if he met Merlin’s eyes.
“You’re more than just a prince” Merlin assured.
Arthur let out a breathy chuckle. “That’s not what other people seem to think”
“Well other people don't see you. The caring, brave, smart, and witty guy that would sacrifice everything for them. You’re one of the most selfless person I know. Don’t let that go to your head though”
Suddenly Arthur sat up and Merlin wondered if he said something wrong but Arthur bumped Merlin’s knee with his own. “When did you become so wise?”
Merlin pushed back and smiled. “Always have been you’re just too blind to see it”
“The only blind one here is you. At least I know hunting signs and don’t chase away every deer we hunt”
“That's not fair you grew up with it!” Merlin pushed Arthur’s shoulder this time, holding his breath as he waited to see how Arthur would react to it.
He let the breath go and relief flooded his muscles when Arthur pushed back, his cold chain mail against his skin. Oh right he still had to help him switch clothes before they fell asleep.
“You’ve had plenty years as my manservant to learn them especially with how many hunts we go on. You’re just too lazy Merlin” Arthur taunted him and if Merlin so dared called it challenging him.
“Well they’re confusing and not worth my time to learn” Merlin said, bumping his shoulder a little harder.
Apparently Arthur wasn’t as alert as Merlin thought because Arthur ended up on his back, fallen over from the rough push. It took a couple seconds of contemplative silence before Arthur was back up and wrestling Merlin to the roughy ground.
It was Merlin’s turn to be taken aback but once he realized Arthur wasn’t attacking him but using violence to show affection he fought back. Of course Arthur would win because he years of extensive training but by luck(Arthur giving him a chance) Merlin was able to get a few pushes in.
They rolled and wrestled around the campsite until they were both panting out of breath, Merlin finally tapping out after a few minutes. Arthur let go of his chokehold on Merlin and they both laid down next to each other, facing the starry sky as they relaxed on the cold soothing surface, their bodies close enough to touch.
“If I’m more than some prissy prince then you’re more than a servant. I think you’ve been more of a servant for awhile”
“Uther know that?” Merlin joked, still a little breathless.
What truly left him breathless was the genuine laugh Arthur let out before he softly(still a little rough to Merlin’s liking)elbowed Merlin.
”Oh shut your mouth Merlin”
Arthurs crooked smile slowly changed to a slight frown, his teeth biting his bottom lip as he internally debating something.
“I don’t think he’ll ever know or care. Servants are servants to him and there’s no changing that”
“If I’m not a servant then what am I then?” Merlin asked, a little eager to know. He could feel his heart speed up under his fingertips.
It took a few minutes for Arthur to respond but when he did he let out a sigh, turning over to look at Merlin, who turned his head to meet Arthur’s eyes before he whispered, “I think I love you”
Merlins heart skipped a beat and he couldn’t believe what he was hearing, he might’ve even forgot to breath. He searched Arthur’s deep blue eyes for a hint of a joke but only could find sincerity and vulnerability. It was then he could really see how scared Arthur looked, his hands were shaking and his eyes frantically searching his face for a reaction.
Merlin finally turned on his side and carefully reached out for Arthur’s shaky hands, taking them into his own. Arthur’s hands were calloused from all his training but they were still so gentle against Merlin’s own.
“I don’t think that would be so bad considering I’ve kinda been in love with you for awhile” Merlin confessed quietly.
Arthur physically relaxed, gently squeezing Merlin’s hands after he intertwined their fingers. His sigh was visible in the cold air and he bitterly smiled, a few tears prickling in his eyes.
“I can’t believe I finally said that” Arthur said, more relaxed now a weight was lifted off his shoulders
“I thought it was going to take at least another few decades before you confessed”
Merlin was sure Arthur would retort but he just pulled him closer so his arm was around Merlin’s waist, their bodies now closer than ever as they shared heat, the fire now a few dwindling sparks.
You wouldn’t catch him complaining though especially now being surrounded by Arthur’s signature scent he could never get enough of. It always made his racing thoughts slow when he was near.
“It’s not like you’d gather up the courage to do it, the guy that hides whenever bandits show up” Arthur said. His smug smile was back and Merlin couldn’t be happier to see Arthur happy.
“I have other redeeming qualities” Merlin said, losing a bit of cockiness when he looked up at Arthur.
Seeing him up this close just left him speechless, the moonlight reflecting in Arthurs blue eyes and bathing him in light made him even more stunning than usual.
“Uh huh I’m sure you do. How about you exercise some of those qualities and get us ready for bed?”
Merlin was slightly lost in thought but snapped back just in time to catch the last of the sentence, making him look like stumbling fool in his next response.
“Yeah of course. God knows you need your beauty sleep, maybe even a few more hours” Merlin reluctantly pushed away from Arthur’s arms and sat up.
The next morning Arthur wasn’t sure what he’d wake up to, last night he clung to Merlin like a needy child, wanting to make sure he’d be able to enjoy the moment as long as possible.
To his indescribable enjoyment when the sun finally rose and the birds started singing their symphonies, Merlin was cuddled up in his arms, safely tucked away under the blankets and against Arthur’s chest. His hair was wildly sticking out and Arthur was sure he was kicked at least 20 times in his sleep but he was still there and that was what mattered.
Even though his father expected him back at Camelot in half a day and their travel would take at least a day if they started now, Arthur still closed his eyes and melted into Merlin’s warmth, hugging him tightly until Merlin groaned in his sleep and slightly pushed him away. Arthur just smiled and released his hold, resting his head above Merlin’s as a drifted back to sleep.
The next time he woke up his arms were empty and the sound of snapping twigs was heard in the nearby bushes. Arthur quickly surveyed his surroundings(his worry at an all time high when he couldn't find Merlin) before grabbing his nearby sword. He was up in seconds and inching towards the greenery.
His shoulders only relaxed once he saw his idiot servant collecting rocks near the pond, a handful of rocks already in his hand as he picked up a few rocks and put them back when they weren’t up to his standards. Merlin finally looked up once he heard Arthur set down the sword and make his way over the thin twigs.
“Good morning Arthur”
“Mornin’” Arthur mumbled out after he made his way to Merlin and wrapped his arms around his waist and rested his head on his shoulder.
It felt different but so normal at the same time. It felt they were meant to simply exist together.
Merlin grinned, letting himself enjoy the new affection he never thought he’d get. Arthur was a solid pressure behind him, his warmth seeping through Merlin’s jacket and tunic. He brought his hand up to the Arthur’s blond hair and gently soothed out the knots.
Arthur sighed at the touch and curled even closer to Merlin, not caring how needy he felt and probably looked. He woke up too many mornings without Merlin by his side and now he was going to take full advantage of it.
“I didn’t peg you to be cuddly in the morning” Merlin laughed.
“I didn’t peg you to collect pond rocks”
Merlin flushed and his ministrations stalled. “When I come back from a hunt I usually bring Gaius something. Something to remind him I’ll always come back okay”
Arthur was quiet and Merlin thought he accidentally fell asleep standing up until he felt a soft kiss on his neck.
“You’re so thoughtful and cute”. His breath was raspy and warm against Merlin’s skin. A blush spread from his cheeks to his ears as he smoothed out his hair again.
“You gonna start picking up camp or am I gonna have to make breakfast with you holding on like a baby koala?” Merlin asked.
“You’ve made breakfast during worse”
“Glad you’ve noticed”