The Man: A Merthur Fanfic

Chapter 5

Dear readers, I have noticed that my reads are dropping for each chapter I publish, and I feel that maybe its due to my short chapters. So here's a nice, long one. Is there anything else I can work on? Please leave any suggestions in the comments. Thank you!!!

The hoofbeats of Arthur's chocolate horse echoed in the kingdom as he raced past the gates, and along the cobble path. Tears brimmed his eyes, and he struggled to squint them back as he gallopped into the forest. His chainmail rattled and faded as he dissolved into the trees.

Merlin awoke, throwing off his covers before he knew what he was doing. He muttered a few ancient words, an orb of light growing in his palm. He sought out his trousers and pulled them on, as well as his worn coat. Gauis snored on the couch, and Merlin winced as the floorboards creaked beneath his feet. "Bloody hell.." He murmured, rushing out the door. A cold wind made him shiver as he jogged to the stalls, climbing upon his steed.

The silence of the night air was broken as the agitated snorts of a horse echoed through the trees. Arthur sniffed as he tugged on the reins, steering his horse into a clearing. Sliding off the saddle, he reached into his knapsack, pulling out an apple. The horse chewed on it greedily, Arthur caressing its mane. He left tearstains on the animal's neck, shuddering as he slumped onto a rock.

The crisp air stung his face as he studied his surroundings. Soft, green grass, lush plants, a sparkling pond in which his horse was drinking from. Relaxing. No cobble. No gray, castle walls. No brown, polished wood. Just green. Green and blue. Nature had always calmed Arthur. He had been the type of boy to capture butterflies, pick flowers, and climb trees. He had wanted to be an explorer as a child, and told his father so.

No, Uther had said. You will be a prince. Then you will be a king. You will be a man, Arthur. This memory only threatened to bring more tears, so the prince took a shaky breath, and lay back on the smooth, flat rock, studying the sky. The stars sparkled, the moon a glowing, milky white orb. The sky behind it was a deep blue, fading into black. "Beautiful, ain't it?"

A soft voice startled Arthur, and he gasped as a thin body rolled next to him. "See those stars, right over there?" He asked, paying no attention to Arthur's stare. "That's the big dipper. And there's the little one, too. When the village ran low on food, and I would go hungry, my mum would tell me a story. She would say that the big dipper was god's spoon, and if I prayed hard enough, he would send us down a whole spoonful of stew, or porridge."

Merlin sighed deeply, and continued. "So every night I prayed. I prayed for eleven years, asking god to send down his spoon. He never did, but it didn't matter. Praying gave me hope, and made me the strong man I am today." As Merlin finished, Arthur suddenly burst into laughter, tears streaming from his eyes.

This time, tears of joy. "What are you laughing about then, Dollop-head?" Merlin asked, annoyed. Arthur managed to respond, giggling like a schoolgirl. "Strong, he says...Man!" More laughter. "Shuttup!" Merlin shoved him to the ground, where the prince rolled around in the grass-straight into the pond. Arthur's horse whinnied, galloping off towards the castle in fear.

Arthur resurfaced, gasping for air. His hair stuck to his face, darker from its exposure to water. Merlin liked it. Arthur's armor was floating beside him, leaving the prince only in a blue cotton T-shirt. Merlin chuckled, leaning over to help his master from the pond. Arthur narrowed his eyes, gripping Merlin's wrist.

"Arthur..." Merlin warned, shaking his head. Arthur stared his manservant down, mischief dancing in his eyes. There was a splash as he tugged Merlin into the water, and he laughed as his friend struggled to stay afloat. A chestplate floated over, and Merlin clung to it, gasping for breath. "Let me help.." Arthur embraced Merlin, who shivered under his touch.

Arthur pulled him to the edge of the pond, placing him on a bed of lily pads. Merlin blushed, waiting for the prince to let go of him. He didn't. "Which one's the Big spoon, then?" He asked, hugging him tighter. Merlin melted. " Er-that one. R-right over there." He pointed. "And it's the Big Dipper, not spoon, Idiot."

Arthur looked hurt for a moment, then turned Merlin's face. "I thought it was princess," He whispered, and for a second time that day Merlin felt a sensation in his body. His eyes flickered gold, and he closed his eyes. He pressed his lips against Arthur's, a mental smile forming in his mind. Arthur broke the kiss, grinning as he climbed onto the grass, Merlin clinging to his back.

They lay in the grass, side by side, their clothes soaked. Arthur rolled onto his side, studying Merlin's face. "What?" He asked. Arthur shrugged. "What?" Merlin repeated, nestling into Arthur's chest. Arthur listened to the snorts of Merlin's horse, his eyebrows climbing his forehead. He opened his mouth, three words tumbling out. "I love you." Merlin didn't feel any element of surprise or shock. He only rested his head on a pillow of grass, easing Arthur's nerves with his response.

"I love you too."

A gentle smile crossed Arthur's face, and he shut his eyes, listening to Merlin's deep, even breathing.

The sun threw splashes of pink and gold into the white sky, as if announcing its arrival. It shone on the two figures intwined on the dewey grass, drying off their damp clothing. A rooster crowed in the distance, and Merlin stirred. His eyes fluttered open, and he felt Arthur's body behind him.

Last night's events flooded his mind, and a truly large grin covered his face. He had been in the pond. With Arthur. And made out. With Arthur. And snuggled. With Arthur. He had, Merlin thought, sliding Arthur's hand off his waist, shared a few words. This arrogant, spoiled prat had told Merlin that he loved him. And he had said I love you back. Merlin couldn't stop smiling as he dipped a hand into the pond, splashing water too his face.

He glanced to his left, relieved to see his horse snoring beside a shrub. Merlin cupped his hands, letting the cold, clear water fill his palms, and bringing it to his lips. As he drank, two hands rested on his shoulder, and Merlin let the remainder of his water trickle back into the pond. "Good morning," Arthur whispered, his voice husky. Merlin craned his neck, pecking Arthur on the lips.

The prince wore only his shirt, his boxers, and socks. Merlin searched the grass for his hankercheif, tying it around his neck and running a wet hand through his jet black curls. Arthur fished his armor from the pond while Merlin saddled the horse, and within minutes they were riding through the forest, the sun warm on their faces. Merlin sat in the back, his legs on either side of Arthur, who held onto his servant with one hand.

Merlin rested his chin on his master's shoulder, watching the autumn leaves fall from the trees. "Did you mean it?" He suddenly whispered, and Arthur's knuckles whitened as he tightened his grip on the reins. "What?" He asked, already knowing the answer. He blushed as Merlin continued. "Do you really love me?" Arthur stopped the horse, turning to face Merlin.

He placed a kiss on his forehead, speaking in a low, soothing voice. "Yes. I meant it. Do you think I'd give up my reputation for any commoner?" He chuckled, urging the horse to trot forwards. Merlin didn't respond, only wrapped his arms around Arthur's chest, staring off into the light of day.