When albion needs it most

Chapter 12

Chapter Text

Say Something by A Great Big World

Arthur accepted Robert's offer, allowing him to spend as much time away as he needed. The modern knight had offered him to stay with him for a few days, wanting him to have some place to ride things out in the next few days. But Arthur refused. He did not want to be dependent on another person. And leaving would change his relation his Merlin beyond repair. The King was still unsure if it was worth repairing, but until he did, he would not leave the flat, even if he had to live with the awkward silence

Merlin was trying his best to fix things, he had to admit it. Every day he came to him, trying to explain, to justify, to talk things threw. He did anything to get them to at least try to communicate. But Arthur told him off every time, his heart aching with every turndown. His persistence was confusing the blonde even more. He wanted to hate, he wanted to storm out and leave, never looking back. He wanted not to care.

But Arthur cared. He was hurt, confused, betrayed, and in love with the man. The King still loved the man, after all this he loved Merlin more than he should when he had betrayed him, and that was why everything was so god damn complicated.

The truth was he really wanted to talk things threw and speak to Merlin. He wanted to fix things and go back to the way they were, he just did know how to start. Arthur was never comfortable confronting his feelings and openly admit what he was going through. So instead the knight avoided his feelings, pushing the needed conversation aside. That was what he had always done. He buried his pain in training and swordfights, spending as much time as he could at the fair.

Robert and Julian were understanding, taking their time with the King's "job training". They had to follow the protocol of hiring someone and show the blonde the moves and techniques the modern knights promoted and thought in their school. They called it Arthur's training for the union, but it truly was the other way around. The King was the one pointing out their flaws and showing them how to increase their skills. Arthur was giving himself to the work completely, anything to get his mind off the troubles that were waiting for him at home.

***
"Arthur please say something," the sorcerer begged. "Anything. Yell at me, insult me, call me an idiot. Just say something."

The blonde did not respond, he didn't even shake his head. With his eyes closed, he hoped that the brunet would leave. Arthur wanted to insult, to yell, to fight. He also wanted to turn towards the man, embrace him in his arms. Even after all this, he still loved and cared for Merlin and seeing him in this pain was heart breaking. The conflicting emotions were pulling him apart and he did not know how much more he could take. "Just leave" he whispered lowly, barely audible.

"I'm going to take a shower," he said, hoping for a response that never came.

Arthur listened to the sound that his footsteps made as he turned around, to the door clothes. He listened to the sounds that were around and worried for the sounds that were not, the ones that were supposed to come, but never did. He waited for the water that fell from the tap, worrying as it failed to start. Instead it was replaced with violent coughs. Arthur turned around, looking at the cracked open door with worry that filled his chest. The cough did not stop. Instead they were followed by a loud crumbling noise and crash. The figure behind the door hurled and complained painfully.

"Merlin," the King screamed as he rushed into the room. The sight in front of him made his heart skip a beat. The warlock had fallen to the ground and was barely conscious. He was surrounded by a pool of vomit and was shacking violently.

"Merlin," he shouted again, hoping to get a response from the brunet, but hearing nothing but a whimper escape his trembling lips. "Oh Merlin," he exhaled as he pulled his head up.