Don't You • Merthur ✔️

VI: Delicate

"Merlin!"

The dark-haired servant turned back to see that familiar smile he knows all too well. Leon trailed close behind him, a content look covering his face. As they got closer, Arthur paced quicker and quicker. There he was. Thriving, okay. Thank God, Merlin thought.

"MERLIN, YOU'RE ALIVE! HAH-", Merlin froze as he felt strong arms on his back, snaking around his body. A wave of heat sheltered his torso then slowly climbed up his neck and face, he almost felt shameful.

He was startled by the rush of it all, unable to comprehend these eager arms over him.

He couldn't help but wrap himself around him. Cautiously, he thought. And as soon as he did, he decided he did not intend to let go. Inevitably, the rest of his body followed. His eyelids flutter closed, his shoulders and head began to melt against his like pieces falling into place. It felt almost involuntary. Its as if he's never experienced this warmth before. Merlin has, hasn't he? Perhaps, he is only acting this way from drowsiness.

Merlin once again felt powerless, but this time it was different. It was a kind of vulnerability that he has never shown to anyone before. They've never really been in such close proximity with each other, because the new scent of Arthur's hair just made him grasp even tighter.

In all of Merlin's struggles and hurt with destiny, he stood there and felt like shouting at the tip of the tallest mountain that it was all worth it. Maybe this was all the strength he needed.

Arthur was in front of him, alive, warm, breathing, and its all he ever hoped for. No matter what, that's what's most important.

Arthur pulled away, and it felt as if the world slipped through his fingers. Merlin's arms lingered from his body. He certainly didn't want it to end and the young warlock wondered if they had thought the same thing.

"Surprisingly, that felt quite nice."

He could get used to this.

He swore he glimpsed in his blue eyes, as they locked with a shared understanding.

"You've never once done that before.", he added, voice just loud enough for Arthur to hear.
"Don't be stupid, Merlin. I'm almost thankful you're not dead."

"Almost.", Merlin retorted.

Leon chuckled and ruffled Merlin's hair. "We're entirely grateful you're not dead."

He knows Arthur's actions will always betray his words.

"What happened back there, by the way?", he continued, tone completely in disbelief.

"I distracted them and hid before they could see me. Don't worry, they won't be coming for us anymore. I ran quite the distance."

"You managed to overrun those men?", Arthur placed his hands on his hips, raising an eyebrow.

"You underestimate me and as I keep saying, I have many talents."

"You could've gotten killed, you idiot.",

"Well, you know I never listen to you."

"Why would you do that?"

"You still don't know?"

It's a little wondrous how dense this heir to the throne can be.

"I think maybe because you were badly injured, Sire.", Leon beamed, pointing to the bloodied bandage on Arthur's side.

Arthur stared with a flush of sheepishness.

"We can't get sidetracked again. We walk back to the horses.", he ordered with a flat tone.