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King Arthur decided it was a great time for a hunt. It was a way to get out of the castle, has become way too suffocating for its size. Because of all the stress of Morgana, Arthur needed something he was used to. Something to relieve his aggressions. Something to focus on. He hasn’t gone on a hunt in maybe a year. He has been way to busy ruling a kingdom. Arthur had Merlin clear everything off his schedule for the next few days. He left Gwen, one of his most trusted advisors, in charge while he is gone. This gives Arthur complete reassurance that his kingdom will not burn to the ground in his absence.
Even though he has combated this for as long as he can remember, Merlin’s presence is such a comfort to Arthur. One that he has grown quite dependent on over these past few years. After Merlin’s magic was revealed to Arthur and the knights, the calmness of Merlin’s presence did not waver, unlike what Arthur expected to happen. It, on the other hand, just clicked into place and made some scenarios make much more sense. Honestly, Arthur thinks he knew for a while. Maybe even before his father passed. Even if there were any negative emotions when he first was told, they dissolved quickly as he observed Merlin’s behavior. It’s still Merlin. Always will be. And Arthur can’t bare to live without Merlin by his side, magic or not. Honestly, he was more curious than anything; how many times did Merlin save his life or protect Camelot? He has only gotten a few stories about Merlin’s nights spent “at the tavern”, but he believes he will hear them all with time.
So of course Arthur brought Merlin along for this hunt. Arthur knows how much Merlin dislikes hunts for sport, so Arthur promised to use any game they might capture in the kitchen, which he was planning to do anyway. Arthur has shared Merlin’s beliefs about hunting for sport ever since the Unicorn. He now sees precious life in all creature, and has made it so that their sacrifice will be worth it.
The Knights of the Round Table tagged along too. Arthur thinks they miss the simplicity of exploring a forest and being away from formality and duties. Arthur definitely feels that way himself. He has missed the brotherly love the group shares, all the late night stories around the campfire under the stars, and the endless teasing Gwaine seems to always have on hand. There was no hesitation in Arthur as he requested the knights’ presence during the hunt. They all seemed glad to join.
As they walked a familiar path to the designated hunting ground, the chatting was ever flowing. A constant buzz that flooded Arthur’s ears.
“So then I said: ‘Get your hands off that lady, scoundrel!’” As Gwaine recounted one of his many tales in the tavern, he deepened his voice slightly to mimic his past self.
“You don’t sound like that,” Perceval pointed out.
“I totally do!” Gwaine protested.
“No… I would say you’re more high pitched.” Perceval lightly taps his chin as he looks up at the sky to mimic a genuine revelation.
“Whatever!” Gwaine waved him off and continued. “We are getting off track. The man looked up to me and began stomping in my direction.”
Arthur was only half listening to the conversation behind him as his focus drifted. Merlin decided to lead the group along the path to “scout out potential threats.” Arthur, of course objected.
“Merlin, you can’t be serious,” Arthur gawked at him.
“I am. I have been protecting you all this time, and I’m not going to stop now. Might as well take advantage of you knowing about my magic by using it,” Merlin rolled his eyes as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.
“You don’t have any armor! How are you supposed to protected me if you can’t protect yourself!” Yes, Arthur was gripping at loose ends. He just didn’t like the idea of Merlin in more danger than necessary. If it was up to Arthur, Merlin would be completely out of harms way, maybe even locked up in a tower. When Merlin raised his eyebrow and slightly tilted his head as if saying: ‘Are you fucking stupid?’, Arthur knew his argument wasn’t getting him anywhere. “Fine! But I’m riding behind you.” Merlin just nodded and started on the path.
If Arthur is completely honest, he wasn’t really complaining. Riding on his horse behind Merlin gave him an extremely excellent view. Each step Merlin’s horse made caused his hips to sway. Each sway caused Arthur’s stomach to lurch and imagination to wonder. He would do anything to feel those hips underneath his hands. To slip his fingers down his thighs-
“-own!” Was the only thing Arthur heard before Merlin was dismounting his horse with incredible ease and grace. It wasn’t even a second later when Arthur felt a sharp pain in his calf. That shot his attention completely back to the world around him. Arrows flying, swords clashing, men being tossed. Bandits.
“GET OFF YOUR FUCKING HORSE YOU CLOTPOL!” Merlin shouted at what seemed like almost inside his head. Instantly, he threw his right leg, which also has an arrow sticking out of it, around the horse’s back to dismount. His landing wasn’t as smooth as he would have liked because of his injury. The pain hasn’t hit him yet out of sheer adrenaline, so Arthur uses that to his advantage. As he spun away from his horse, he was met with a sword coming directly to his face. He was able to pivot on his left foot out of the downwards arch of the enemy’s sword. As Arthur spun, he unsheathed his sword, turned it to point behind him, and stabbed the bandit. After the grimy guy fell, Arthur quickly scanned the path around him.
The knights used their training to easily take out the bandits that originally outnumbered them. At least he assumed they were outnumbered buy the amount of enemy bodies on the ground. However, before Arthur could spot Merlin, another bandit was hurling towards him. He continued to cut them down till they stopped coming. He counted six. Once the commotion died down, his eyes scanned for his friends, and hopefully landing on an alive Merlin. After the failed attempts of flailing eyes and desperate glances pointed to the knights, who are all thankfully in tact, he began shouting his manservant’s name. No response. His heart began to pound and breaths became rapid and raspy as he continued to call out.
A hand gently settled on his shoulder and he twisted his neck so fast that he felt it pop, next his body followed the quick movement. His eyes landed on Merlin’s beautiful blue eyes and a small thin cut on his sharp cheekbone. Arthur was about rest his hand on Merlin cheek out of sheer relief until he took in the rest of Merlins state. There were four arrows piercing his body: two in his shoulder, one in his leg, and the last in his chest; thankfully opposite his heart. Merlin’s shirt was scorched and ripped, holes littering its entirety. One of his pant legs was completely missing all the way up to the knee showing cuts and scrapes covering from his ankles to his calf. Did he step in a thorn bush!? Wait, he has arrow sticking out of him!
“Holy mother of all!! Merlin, are you aright! How did this happen!?” Arthur’s moment of relief long vanished and he was starting to breathe heavily again. How was Merlin smiling! Arthur watched as confusion crossed Merlin’s features. The man before him glanced down at his own state and let out a startled laugh. A Laugh!
“Oh, would you look at that. Seems I missed a few,” Merlin replied calmly. Arthur was about to say something else until Merlin started to pull the arrows out! His expression never left bored amusement.
“MERLIN!” Arthur shouted, because what else is he supposed to do. Merlin looked up with indifference. The first glance was confusion as he took in Arthur’s reaction. Arthur saw Merlin’s confused gaze flicker to the knights behind them. He followed Merlin’s line of sight to see that the all the knights have mixed expressions of horror, worry, and disbelief. Gwaine’s mouth hung the lowest. A small smile was tugging at his lips. Arthur turned to look at Merlin again.
“What…?” Merlin sounded genuinely confused. A loud whistle sounded behind Arthur, which could have only came from one person.
“HOLY SHIT, MERLIN! YOU’RE A BADASS!” Shouted Gwaine with a scoff of genuine awe. He shook his head slightly when everyone turned their gaze to him, still all confused. Gwaine looked around, slightly offended. “What? You know I’m right,” Gwaine pointed at Perceval, who shrugged in agreement.
“Okay, whatever, look. Aren’t you in pain!? Do you need me to get the medicine bag you packed?” Although Merlin is showing a lack of distress, it did nothing to soothe Arthur’s nerves.
“Me? No,” Merlin waved his hand in a dismissive gesture. “I’ve had worse. My nerves have basically been so shocked by the injuries I’ve endured in the past that I don't feel a thing beside a small discomfort.” When Merlin sees their confusion, he simplifies it. “Basically I am desensitized to the pain. I have also learned that I can reroute me magic to stop blood flow to certain areas of my body so I don’t bleed out,” Merlin explained, sounding all too pleased with himself.
“Doesn’t those ”certain areas of your body” need that blood?” Leon pointed out. He always asked the important and relevant questions.
“Well, yes. However, I am magic, so those body parts can survive off my magic flow instead, at least till I can get everything patched up and can return the blood.” This was all a lot to take in. It isn’t something Arthur can fathom; not feeling pain. He can almost feel the pain just looking at Merlin’s injuries. The hand returned to his shoulder like before.
“Arthur, look at me. I’m fine. Trust me,” Whispered Merlin, almost quiet enough for only Arthur to hear. A small, genuine smile formed on Merlin’s lips, which unsurprisingly had a small cut as well. Seeing that smile made Arthur physically relax. Merlin was alright. He wasn’t going to lose him. Merlin continued after seeing Arthur’s breathing deepen. “Let’s set up camp,” he directed to everyone. “There is only a few more hours of light and I would like to use that to patch myself up and anyone else who is injured,” Merlin glanced down at Arthur’s leg. He had completely forgot about his own injury during his panic. Now that the adrenaline was wearing off, the pain has started to settle over. Arthur nodded. He is too tired and shocked to correct Merlin shouting out orders like usual. Obviously, Merlin deserves more credit than he is given… Don’t tell him that of course.
The group walked to the nearest clearing to set up for the night. The lush grass was a refreshing change compared to the beaten down, dirt path. They moved out of habit to set up like they have hundreds of times. Only this time, Arthur keeps a closer eye on Merlin. No blood has seeped into his torn clothes from the injuries. He is working at his normal pace. By now, he has removed all the arrows from his torso and leg. After the bedrolls are laid out and a fire has been started, thanks to Merlin’s magic sparks, Merlin walks over to where Arthur is sitting on his bedroll, rubbing his impaled leg.
“Let’s get this fixed, shall we?” Merlin sat opposite to Arthur. Even though he had seen Merlin fix up patients of Gaius, other knights, and even Arthur himself; something feels different as Merlin rest his hands on his leg to inspect it. Merlin’s long fingers move efficiently as he begins to tear Arthurs pants away from the wound. An expertise that would make even a well versed physician jealous. Arthur’s mind starts to wonder as Merlin continues his work. He can’t help but wish these were slightly different circumstances and Merlin’s hand were working towards a slightly different goa-
“I’m sorry.” Arthur snaps his head up feeling heat blanket the back of his neck.
“What?” Asked Arthur, trying shake his daze. He looked at Merlin’s eyes that remain focused on his wound. Unlike other times where determination grace his features, it’s guilt that Arthur recognizes.
“I should have seen that arrow coming. The whole point of me being in the front was to keep a look out. I redirected one for your head but I should have seen that one too. I could have. If only I didn’t let my guard down and allowed my mind to wonder, we wouldn’t be in this mess. This was supposed to be rel-“ Merlin was cut off by Arthur gripping his chin by two fingers and lifting his gaze from Arthur’s leg to his eyes, his grip tight. It was obvious in Merlin’s rambling, which Arthur had heard many times before, that he would only continue to berate himself. Arthur would have no more.
“Now listen here, Merlin,” Arthur’s gaze is intense and determined. “I am not going to sit here and listen to you talk shit about yourself. Now listen carefully because I wont say this again, and if you tell another soul, I will have you put in the stocks for a month,” Arthur waited for Merlin to nod and guarantee he is listening. Arthur’s hand never left Merlin’s face.
“If it weren’t for you, we would probably be dead, or at least mangled. So by my standards, you did absolutely incredible. I am the king so that is the highest standard you could ever reach. I am in awe of you every time you use your magic to protect the people around you. To use a gift that you are born with, especially after being hunted for who you are, is the greatest example of perseverance and courage I may ever see. Only you, Merlin, can save a man’s life for the hundredth time and feel guilty about a small inconvenience that you may or may not have been able to prevent,” Arthur shook his head fondly and let a small smile take form on his lips to get his point across. “I would not be here nor the man I am today if it weren’t for you. I wish I have said this to you sooner, but I am going to say it now.” Arthur looks into Merlin’s eyes. They have changed from guilt to… a mix of emotions. Surprise. Mocking. Adoration. All of that aimed at Arthur was almost too much, but he continued.
“Thank you.”
Merlin’s eyes widened slightly, and then he let out what sounded like a scoff, however, a face of pure joy was partnered with it. Arthur finally took notice to the position they were in. Arthur was leaning on his left hand while gripping Merlin’s chin with his right, his legs extended out. Merlin’s hands are on either side of Arthur’s right leg, which still had an arrow sticking out of it but somehow didn’t hurt. They were leaning so close. Arthur wanted nothing more than to kiss him senseless. He glanced down at Merlin lips, which were slightly smooshed from Arthur’s grip. Looking back up, he saw that Merlin seemed to have the same idea. Somehow, Merlin knew what Arthur was trying to ask and simply nodded the best he could while his face was being held in place. Arthur needed no more than that.
Their lips met quickly, if a little desperate. Arthur sat up more and slid his hand from Merlin’s chin to caress his cheek. This allowed Merlin more freedom and he took the chance immediately. As Merlin deepened the kiss, Arthur allowed himself to be pushed on his back. A small moan, which couldn’t seem to be held back, escaped Arthur’s lips. Before anything could escalate, a throat being cleared behind then caught their attention. They separated quickly, blush spreading between both of them in embarrassment as Leon looked down at them, a tired and exasperated expression on his face.
“I am happy both of you finally realized your feelings, but this probably isn’t the place nor the time when Arthur still has the arrow in his leg,” Leon all but pleaded. Merlin and Arthur glanced down and, sure enough, a sharp wooden stick is still in Arthur’s calf. Merlin cleared his throat, trying to suppress a laugh but failing at a small smile.
“Uh, yes. I’ll get right on it. Thank you, Leon.” Merlin sat up and away from above Arthur and sent a sheepish smiled at the knight. Leon nodded and excused himself. “Well, um, this wont hurt a bit since I’ve already numbed it with magic before we… ya know,” Merlin rambled. Arthur couldn’t help but look at Merlin with the most fond and dazed expression. Merlin, as carefully as he could, removed the arrow from Arthur’s calf. Thankfully, it was only the arrow head that pierced him. It would have been for difficult if the leg was fully impaled.
“Now, I’m going to stop the majority of the bleeding with magic but healing magic has never been my strong suit, so I shall do everything else the old fashioned way.” Arthur found a new thing he loved: Merlin’s magic. Specifically, when his eyes glowed. It was like honey or turpentine. He would have to ask Merlin to show him more, if he was alright with that of course. If not, he would just have to take in every blessed moment he was lucky enough to witness Merlin’s beauty. Arthur had been lost in thought long enough that Merlin finished treating his leg and was about to fix up himself. Arthur rested his hand on Merlin’s before it could leave Arthur’s leg. They both looked at each other with such longing that anyone looking at them might get a tooth ache.
“We shall continue this in the privacy of my chambers as soon as we get the chance,” Arthur whispered for only Merlin to hear. He bled all his honesty into his expression so hopefully Merlin knows that he meant every word. Merlin smiled, Merlin winked, and Merlin walked away to get himself patched up. Arthur knew then and there he would not survive this.