That Ship Has Sailed

Merlin & Arthur

The hooves clopped against the wooden floor of the stables as Merlin spent the evening cleaning and locking up. He whistled as he worked, filling the silence so he didn't feel so alone in the darkness of the evening.

Suddenly, he heard a car door slam shut and running footsteps. He held his pitchfork up in defense until he saw a young, blonde, man reach the light in the doorway.

"I'm so sorry I missed today!" the man said.

"Arthur, you scared me," Merlin said, "It's all right, I was on a roll with cleaning, so I just did Destiny's stall as well."

"Let me pay you extra," Arthur said, shoving his hand into his back pocket to reach for a wallet.

"No," Merlin said, "Really, it's fine. Your lease is expensive enough as it is."

Arthur leaned against one of the stall doors, "At least let me help you finish? I feel horrible, but I totally spaced it today. My sister's friend was visiting and my father was on my back again--"

"It's fine, Arthur," Merlin gave a reassuring smile, "Just stay late tomorrow night to make up for it."

Arthur nodded, "Of course. I will, I promise. Can I see Destiny before I go?"

Merlin nodded, "Of course."

Arthur went to his horse's stall and entered, clicking his tongue to gain the attention of the sleepy creature. Destiny whinnied peacefully and nuzzled Arthur's shoulder as he pet her, "That's a good girl. I'm sorry I didn't visit today. My father has been acting up lately ever since I told him. He didn't speak to me for a week, then he threatened to not pay for this month. I had to work late at my first job to earn enough for the lease..." Arthur continued speaking softly to Destiny, unaware that Merlin could hear almost every word. He politely ignored it and went about his work, finishing the last stall and sweeping the hall before going to Destiny's stall.

"Time to lock up," he said quietly.

Arthur turned and nodded, "Okay. Thank you for letting me see her. I feel like it's a sort of therapy, you know?"

Merlin nodded, patting Destiny's nose gently, "I know what you mean. They're so strong and gentle and listen to every word you say. When I was a teenager, my horse was my only friend. I told her everything..."

Arthur smiled slightly, both still petting Destiny gently as they talked, "What was her name?"

"Star," Merlin replied, "I had a thing for astronomy. I would lie against her back and watch the stars shift in the sky all night long sometimes. My parents fought a lot and when they separated, I got put with my mother. She was a cruel woman. When she died, though, she left me her farm. It was a blessing in disguise."

Arthur nodded thoughtfully, "My father is much the same. He's aloof and passive aggressive. My sister had a friend over today and he spent the entire day spoiling them while completely ignoring any request I asked of him. All I needed was the money for my lease this month since the cutbacks at work. I do have the money, but you'll have to wait until Friday to cash the check."

Merlin shook his head, "Don't worry about it. I know you're good for it."

Arthur nodded, "Thank you, Merlin. You're the only one who's been kind to me recently."

"I make a point to be kind to anyone," Merlin replied, "There isn't enough of that in the world."

Arthur nodded and fell silent for a few moments, then he drew a sharp breath and said, "My father disowned me today because I came out to him last month."

Merlin's gaze snapped away from Destiny and to Arthur's. He had no words, but his sympathetic and pained glance was all Arthur needed.

Arthur shook his head and wiped a tear that had touched his cheek, "I'm sorry, I don't know why I told you that. I guess I needed to tell somebody I trusted..."