Only For You

Chapter 21

"I'm a sorcerer...........I have magic."

The silence that followed Merlin's words was so loud he could hear his own heart pounding against his ribcage. With each second that passed Merlin felt sicker and sicker, his stomach twisting. Arthur wasn't saying anything. Merlin desperately wants to pull back and look at Arthur's face, search his eyes for anything, any hint of how he was taking this but he couldn't. He was frozen stiff. Petrified. Say something, Arthur! Merlin begs silently, tears beginning to well up in his eyes. Please....

As if Merlin's silent plea had worked, Arthur takes in a slow breath. He doesn't loosen his hold around Merlin, which Merlin takes as a good sign. Arthur wets his lips, trying to gather his racing thoughts. "Are....are you serious?" 

Merlin nods slowly, still too scared to say anything. 

Arthur exhales, closing his eyes for a moment and shaking his head. "I don't believe it." He says quietly. "I can't.......I can't believe this." 

To Merlin's surprise, Arthur starts laughing. Merlin's eyes widen and he pulls back to stare at him, feeling his mouth go dry. Out of all the reactions he'd expected from Arthur, this hadn't ever crossed his mind. "Why....why are you laughing?" He whispers.

"Because it's brilliant!" Arthur exclaims, beaming widely. "My Merlin....a sorcerer!"

Merlin's jaw drops. He couldn't believe this was actually happening. "You're....you're not mad I kept it from you?" He asks hesitantly, watching Arthur warily.

Arthur shakes his head rapidly, looking surprised that Merlin would even think that. "Mad? No. Why would I be mad, Merlin? You've every right to keep it hidden. I can perfectly see why you never told me. But....." He pauses, a smile crossing his features. "I do have one request...."

Merlin's stomach sinks. Here it was. Arthur was going to tell him to leave Camelot and never return. "Anything...." His voice comes out hoarse.

"Show me."