That Ship Has Sailed

Merlin & Arthur VIII

Arthur lay in bed beside Merlin, playing with his hair while he slept.

He looked down at his face and smiled, "I can't believe you're mine," he whispered, his fingers delicately pushing Merlin's hair in all directions.

Merlin roused and his eyes blinked open, sleepily. When his gaze met Arthur's, he smiled, "Good morning."

"Good morning, Merlin," Arthur replied, "How did you sleep?"

"Better than I have before."

"How many years did you wonder about the comfort of my bed?"

"About as many as I've known you. Did you ever wonder about my bed?"

Arthur nodded, to Merlin's surprise, "Really?"

Arthur nodded again, "More after I started falling for you."

Which was when?"

"Regretably, not long ago."

"I started falling the moment I met you."

"Even though you thought I was a royal prat?"

"Oh, I still think that."

"Oh you do, do you?" Arthur asked with a small grin.

"You always will be. Only, now, you're my royal prat."

"And you're my sorcerer."

Merlin smiled up at Arthur and Arthur met his gaze. He paused a second before leaning down and kissing Merlin's lips. Merlin smiled when he pulled away and Arthur smiled down at him.

"It won't always be like this, you know," Arthur said, a serious tone taking over his playful one.

Merlin nodded, "I know. But can't we enjoy it while it lasts?"

Arthur nodded, "I want to. I just can't help but think of how different things will be from now on. You're going to move in with me, aren't you?"

"Not right away. You need to be crowned king first, then you'll begin ruling. Meanwhile, I must continue helping Gaius."

Arthur sighed, his hand continuing to play in Merlin's hair, "I wish we could lie here forever."

Merlin nodded, "Me too. At least we had last night. We can hold on to that until next time."

"I promise I will make time for you."

"Darn right you will," Morgana startled the two by entering, a large tray in her hands as she kicked the door shut behind her. "If you need help, I'll cover for you at any point in time."

The two didn't bother to move from their positions, but when Morgana came closer and set the tray down, they sat up to look at it.

"What's this?"

"Breakfast in bed. The entire kingdom is still talking about what happened yesterday. Arthur, I think you should address the situation sooner rather than later."

"What about Merlin? How do I explain him?"

"You don't have to. We can remain in private for now," Merlin reassured.

"I promised you I wouldn't hide anymore."

Merlin shook his head, "Camelot comes first. It's more important than our feelings for each other."

Arthur paused, but nodded, "I will make time for you. I promise."

Merlin nodded, giving a small smile, "I know you will. Go run your kingdom. They need a strong leader to fix what Uther did."

Arthur nodded and pulled the covers back, getting out of bed. He ate as he dressed and Morgana and Merlin sat on the bed, watching. Arthur asked Morgana questions and she gave her insights and opinions on how this should be handled.

He then hurried out the door and Morgana looked at Merlin, "That was fast."

Merlin smiled, "He's going to be king now. I can't expect him to be with me every moment."

Morgana was about to say something, but the door burst open again and Arthur stalked across the room quickly, heading straight for Merlin. He leaned over the bed and kissed his lips until Merlin was lying back down against the bed. He pulled away and whispered, "I didn't forget."

Merlin smiled and Arthur kissed him once more before getting off the bed and leaving, closing the door behind him.

"I guess you and him will have to be closeted for a little while. Until things settle down."

"I don't mind as long as he keeps kissing me like that," he blushed.

Morgana laughed, "Never change, Merlin."