Title: Stay Here
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Summary: Merlin and Arthur are both stubborn, so a new habit is formed after every battle.
Notes: I own nothing.
Merlin never listened to orders, not when his life depended on it. Yes, he would do his chores and fulfil his duties, albeit with plenty of snark and backtalk, but whenever Arthur was just looking out for his servant's best interests, it was in one ear and out the other.
How many times had Merlin gotten away without a scrape? Certainly not as many times as when he returned with cuts and bruises dotting at least one part of his anatomy. His servant would brush the injuries off, making sure Arthur was completely uninjured before he would think to wrap up his arm unless Arthur managed to get it through his thick skull that his wounds were much worse than Arthur's.
It became habitual for Arthur to poke and prod his manservant when they had a moment alone, checking him over for injuries. Merlin complained and squirmed every single time, but he slowly got an idea of how worried Arthur was, and he had already known how stubborn Arthur would be before he would admit to that.
"Seriously," Merlin huffed, though the annoyed tone he was trying to convey was dashed by fondness and the fact that Arthur's fingers were currently exploring a particularly ticklish place. "I'm fine."
"I found three bruises already," Arthur said, although they weren't particularly nasty bruises, so Arthur didn't sound very cross. Merlin rolled his eyes, but allowed Arthur's fingers to continue across his skin.
Arthur rolled his eyes right back, but performed his inspection as quickly as possible. As nice as it was to feel Merlin's skin beneath his hands, there was time for that later. He finished his search and straightened up until he could into Merlin's eyes. There was a softness there as he smiled at Arthur.
"Satisfied?" Merlin asked.
"For now," Arthur replied, pressing a quick kiss to Merlin's lips. The other man melted into his embrace, mindful of Arthur's own bruises, kissing him back eagerly. Arthur knew Merlin would keep jumping back into battle, regardless of whatever armour or weapons he went without.
Arthur just had to make sure Merlin was able to jump back out.