Work Text:
Opening the curtains as the sun's rays beamed through the window, Merlin admired Arthur’s face as it was illuminated by the light. His once constantly furrowed features had been smoothened out with sleep, a soft grin tugging at his lips unconsciously. Golden hair sprawled around his pillow with the blanket half covering him. In this moment, Merlin thought, he wished it never stopped. He wanted to capture this moment forever.
“Merlin, where are you?” Arthur’s voice was soft, barely above a whisper. But its tone was sad, wanting Merlin to come back to bed, like he belonged there.
Like he belonged next to Arthur.
“Sorry Arthur, but you must get up now. It's improper for the King of Camelot to sleep in.” Merlin had replied rather fondly, a grin beginning to form on his face as he watched Arthur’s sleep-addled mind attempt to think.
Truth be told, Merlin and Arthur had been ‘seeing each other’ for a couple of months now. Ever since Arthur's sudden coronation after the event of Uther’s death, Arthur had been more forward with Merlin. Openly wanting to spend more time with him, talking to him about nonsense he had heard only because he thought Merlin would be interested and even going so far as to hug him on more than one occasion.
At first Merlin had simply thought that Arthur had felt lonely and for that he couldn't blame him. While he knew Uther wasn't a good man, he was still Arthur’s father and the grief he felt at his death wasn’t just going to disappear. So Merlin allowed Arthur to continue with his behaviour, rarely questioning his actions. But then Arthur had summoned him to his chambers one cold day and they chatted. Laughs and tears were shed and before long it had reached nightfall. But Arthur didn't want him to leave and Merlin didn't either. So Arthur, blunt and honest to a fault, had proposed that Merlin sleep in his bed. After all, it was far too late for him to return to his own room safely. Merlin, despite the many excuses he made, had given up and agreed. That day was the first of many to come, not that Merlin had known at the time.
Now here they were.
Merlin staring at Arthur, not afraid to hide his affection.
What a sight to behold.
“-lin… Merlin?” Arthur's voice; he seemed confused?
“Ah, sorry Sire. I was thinking.”
“Well don't think too hard, I wouldn't want you to hurt yourself.” Arthur had been quick to reply with a tease, the banter between them had always been entertaining. They knew deep down they didn't mean it but it was fun to have a laugh. Not having to think about more pressing matters, like Morgana, or the fate of the kingdom.
Here in Arthur’s chambers they weren't a King and his servant. Here they were Arthur and Merlin, a duo bound by fate, two sides of the same coin Kilgharrah had said.
Cracking a smile, Merlin’s resolve had crumbled and without further spoken, he carefully moved the blankets from Arthur and climbed back into bed, content and happy to be near him.
“Five more minutes, alright. Then you have to get up.” Merlin knew he wouldn't stick to what he said but that was Arthur. Never has and never was going to listen to Merlin.
“Mm~... ‘ove you Merlin.” Sleepiness had claimed Arthur's voice once more but that didn't matter. He sounded heavenly to Merlin’s ears and that was what mattered.
“I love you too Arthur”
Maybe five more minutes didn't hurt. Especially when it meant being with Arthur, safely tucked away from the horrors of the world. Next to each other, where they belonged.
What a nice way to start the day.