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Arthur’s dreams were confusing. For the last two years all his dreams had revolved around the life of Arthur Pendragon. But they didn’t feel like dreams. They felt real . Arthur didn’t understand. And for some reason, he couldn’t get that boy out of his head. Merlin.
He had dreamt of their time as master and servant. Watched as they developed a friendship. Had felt the affection his dream self had held for the boy.
They were in Arthur’s chambers. Merlin was helping him into his armor. Preparing to face the dragon. Merlin’s face was serious, and sad. Arthur did not like seeing him so grim.
“Well, look on the bright side, Merlin. Chances are you're not going to have to clean this again.” he tried to joke, but Merlin did not laugh.
“You must be careful today. Do not force the battle.” he said instead, voice firm.
“Yes Sire!” Arthur replied mockingly,
“I'm serious.”
“I can hear that.”
“Let matters take their course.” Merlin continued,
“Merlin, if I die please…” his voice trailed off, not saying what he felt aloud. If I die please let me hear you laugh just one more time.
“What?”
“The dragonlord today...I saw you. One thing I tell all my young knights: no man is worth your tears.” Arthur said instead, don’t cry for me, my Merlin. Merlin snorted
“Yeah. You're certainly not.” Arthur smiled, good enough I guess. But as he picked up his sword, Merlin did as well. When asked the boy replied,
“I’m coming with you.” Arthur frowned,
“Merlin, the chances are I'm going to die.”
“Yeah. Yeah, you probably would if I wasn't there.” Arthur mocked scoff,
“Right.”
“Do you know how many times I've had to save your royal backside?” Merlin asked him,
“Well at least you got your sense of humour back.” despite the fact that the raven haired man seemed completely serious. Arthur swiped his sword away playfully.
“Are you really going to face this dragon with me?”
“I'm not going to sit here and watch. I know it's hard for you to understand how I feel, but…” Merlin began, Arthur couldn’t help but hold his breath. “Well, I care a hell of a lot about that armour, I'm not going to let you mess it up.”
They laughed, Arthur gave Merlin a friendly smack on the shoulder, even though what he really wanted to do was hug him. So insanely grateful to have someone like Merlin who was ready to fight at his side no matter what, even if he didn’t need to. Arthur’s chest felt warm with affection.
Arthur blinked awake. His chest still warm with the love he felt for that man. That crazy, stupid, kind, wonderful, loyal, amazing man. Merlin. Artur shook himself back to reality. Merlin wasn’t real. But the work to do on the ranch, that was real. Arthur had work to do.
Arthur was at the pub with the stablehand. A young woman named Theresa. She was about Arthur’s age and incredibly hard working. Arthur suspected his father was hoping they’d get together. Arthur sometimes wondered if he should. After all the only one who held his heart, was just a person in his dreams. He wasn’t even real.
“Anything interesting lately?” The young woman asked, “More dreams?” Arthur sighed and nodded. His gaze moving towards the window staring at the mountains he’d been drawn to as a child.
The mountains. He’d forgotten about those.
“Ever think about hiking through the mountains?” he asked his friend,
“Not particularly. Why?”
“Not sure, I just, sometimes I feel like I need to go there.”
“Maybe we should. In the spring. Go for a ride with some camping gear.” Arthur smiled slightly.
Maybe I should.