Merlin Short Stories

Coward

Summary: Merlin, Arthur and the Knights are on a hunting trip, trying to both hunt animals and herbs. When Merlin and Arthur have an argument that soon gets too heated, they end up not talking. When Merlin offers to take first watch, he hears something in the distance and ends up going to see what it was, he gets kidnapped. It is up to Arthur and the Knights to find him before something bad happens.

----------

For some reason, today was a day both Arthur and Merlin seemed to be on edge. Merlin was getting annoyed at everything Arthur seemed to do and vice versa. They couldn't explain why they felt this way, possibly being spent up anger from the previous knights that stayed that put pressure on their relationship. When they left, Merlin and Arthur just didn't seem to be agreeing or goofing off as much and it was evident to the other Knights.

  Currently Arthur was trying to shoot a deer for some dinner, but Merlin was trying everything in his power to piss Arthur off. Coughing, clearing his throat, shifting his feet as loudly as possible and the worse, rustling nearby bushes all while just muttering a sad sorry.

  But when he sneezed, Arthur was fed up. "Will you shut the hell up Merlin?!" Snapped Arthur his voice coming out louder than he anticipated.

  Merlin scoffed. "What do you mean? Ik not doing anything." He snapped back.

  Arthur looked over at Leon who was shifting his feet uncomfortably as well. Arthur shot up, throwing the crossbow towards Merlin who nearly missed catching it. "Carry that." He demanded. "Seems the deer isn't here anymore thanks to antsy over here."

  Merlin glared at him. "Says the one who can't even aim." Merlin whispered but Arthur heard.

  "Cant aim? Shall I show you how well I can aim? Would you like to be my next target practice?!" Arthur shot.

  "If it keeps you from hurting innocent animals sure. I would be delighted. Not like you haven't used me as Target practice before." Merlin threw the crossbow over his shoulder, flinching at the weight he currently held on his shoulders. Three heavy bags and now a crossbow, Odin help him.

  Arthur just rolled his eyes. "My god what a coward." Arthur mouthed, turning around to walk away.

  Merlin was hurt by that comment. He could withstand a lot of hurtful words from Arthur but a coward was not one. Arthur doesn't even know what he has done in order to keep Arthur safe. He's killed, almost been killed, kidnapped and poisoned all to protect him and Arthur had the nerve to call him a coward.

  Merlin scoffed loudly. "A coward? I'd like to see you suffer what I've been through and watch someone call you a coward." Merlin spat, tears brimming his eyes. He watched Arthur freeze in his spot, but Merlin wasn't having it. He stomped off towards the horses, leaving uncomfortable Knights in his wake and a confused and pissed of Arthur.

  Once Merlin made it to the horses, he broke down, tears flooding out of his eyes, but as quick as they started, they stopped. He wiped his eyes, composed himself before strapping down the horses.

  Once he was done with the horses, Arthur entered the area as well as the Knights, but none of them talked as they got on the horses and rode.

  For most of the day, they rode in silence, once in a while Gwaine would try to liven it up, but it didn't take too well and he was shot down fast. As the sun was starting to set, Leon finally spoke up.

  "We should camp here. The sun is about to set." He explained.

  Arthur nodded. "You are right. Leon, you, Percival and I will collect firewood. Gwaine and Elyan will do the camp." He looked at Merlin who was still glaring at his hands. "And Merlin just... do whatever." He said before walking into the forest with the others.