Forbidden - A Merthur fic

Chapter 9

Arthur holds Merlin in his arms, trying to stop his hands from shaking. He was scared- more scared than he'd ever been in his life. Every few minutes or so, he'd lean over to move his lips beside Merlin's ear, asking him if he was okay, just to make sure he was still alive. Each time he heard Merlin's weak voice answer him, an overwhelming relief would flood through Arthur's chest, causing him to hold Merlin tighter.

Merlin was growing cold. Even though Arthur clutched him to his chest, an icy hand gripped Merlin's heart, the coldness spreading through his veins. His head lolls back against Arthur's shoulder, his face pale, his eyes closed. He was scared. He knew he was dying...and he didn't want to. Tears form beneath his closed lids. He didn't want to go.

Arthur looks down at Merlin when his servant's head hits his shoulder, his stomach twisting in fear. "Merlin?" He instantly whispers by Merlin's ear.

Merlin's eyes flutter open, a few tears spilling down his cheeks. Arthur raises a hand to brush them away. "Arthur..." Merlin's voice is hitched, cracked. "I'm....I'm not going to make it....."

Arthur's vision goes blurry at Merlin's words. "Shut up." He shakes his head firmly. "You are. You're going to be fine." He holds Merlin tighter, his arms trembling.

"I....I want to tell you something...." Speaking is becoming harder for Merlin, but he needs to say this. He struggles to lift his dimming eyes to Arthur's face. "I love you."

In that moment, Arthur could swear his heart skips a beat. He stares down at Merlin in shock, blinking rapidly to attempt to keep his tears at bay. "Oh, you idiot......I love you too. I always have." He presses his lips to Merlin's forehead, his stomach flipping with excitement and fear.

A faint smile touches upon Merlin's lips briefly. Happiness makes the pain a little less intense. "I wish you'd've told me sooner..." His eyes drift shut as the walls of darkness begin to close in around him. "Arthur?" He feels Arthur's chest heave with a sob and he reaches back, taking one of Arthur's hands and interlocking their fingers. "Dying....here with you....'s not so bad..."