How long can we keep this up? Merthur

Chapter Three

*Merlin's POV*

I wake up suddenly, coughing and gasping for air. As soon as I catch my breath, I look around my room in confusion. Last thing I remember, I was in the forest with Gwaine.
The door opens and Gaius walks in, holding a bottle of medicine. When he sees me awake his mouth gapes open and he drops the bottle, causing it to smash everywhere.
"Merlin!" he smiles happily as he hurries over to my side, hugging me tightly.
"Gaius, what happened?" I ask after he pulls away.
"You don't remember?" I shake my head slowly. "You were dying,"
I laugh before realizing he's serious. "Wait, really?"
My old friend nods. "You were stabbed; how are you alive?"
I shrug. "How long have I been out?"
"About a week and a half," Gaius answers, heading out the door to get something.
I blink. "A week and a half..." I mutter to myself.
Gaius walks in again holding a glass of water. "Please don't tell me you told Arthur I was in the tavern this whole time," I groan.
He smiles. "Don't worry, he knows you're unable to work."
My smile falters. "Did he find a new servant?"
"No," he replies, helping me sit up. "He refused to until you actually died."
I nod slowly. "Anything important happen while I was almost dead?"
Just as I say this, I hear the chamber doors open. Gaius hurries out of my bedroom to see who it is.
I wonder if Arthur cared. Probably not, I don't mean much to him. But then why didn't he get a new servant?
"Merlin?" I look up and my heart breaks. I see a disheveled, tear stained Arthur with dirty clothes on and messy hair. His voice breaks when he speaks and he rushes over to me, hugging me tightly.
I hug him back, completely surprised. "How've you been coping without a servant?" I ask, smiling.
He doesn't let go. "Awful," he mutters. "It's been awful."
I wonder what's come over him. I look at Gaius and mouth to him, 'Has he been drinking?' But he only laughs and leaves the room.
Reluctantly, Arthur pulls away to look at me. "You're alive," he says, voice still as sad as before.
I nod. "I mean, I'm breathing, so yeah."
Normally, Arthur would hit me over the head for being sarcastic but this time he just smiles. I look at him in amazement.
"Are you okay?" I ask slowly, concerned.
He nods quickly. "Yes, yes, I'm fine,"
"Have you been in the tavern?" I ask cautiously.
Arthur laughs, and it sounds as if he hadn't laughed in a long while. "No, I just thought you were dead,"
"I've been almost dead before..." I start, then shake my head. "Never mind."

*Arthur's POV*

I smile brightly at Merlin, not taking my eyes off him. "Do you need anything?" I ask, wanting to help him in any way I can.
"No, I'm alright," he smiles, obviously confused.
As I sit there with Merlin, I realize how I reacted when I saw him alive again. I don't think I would have acted that enthusiastic about anyone else, not even Guinevere.
But she's my wife. My queen.
Merlin is just my friend. This is how friends act towards each other... right?