If Only for This Moment
Moonlight filtered through the open window, a gentle summer breeze wafting through the room. Arthur and Merlin lay in the Prince's bed, surrounded and tangled by the soft red blankets. Arthur lay awake, staring at the young boy's face, in complete awe of how beautiful and calm he appeared to be while he slept. Merlin was always flouncing around, bumbling on about one thing or another, never taking a moment to just breathe. It was a sight that the Prince was completely taken in by. It was the first time that Merlin had fallen asleep next to him.
Arthur knew that he had his manservant's complete and utter devotion. It had been proven time and time again, even if he was useless with the mundane tasks he was given. It was more important to the Prince to be surrounded by people he could trust, people that would challenge him. People that had the power to make him laugh.
His finger traced the sleeping boy's cheek bone as blue eyes searched his vulnerable features. Aching overtook the Prince's chest, it was suddenly difficult to breathe. As much as he was sure he had Merlin's devotion, respect and unwavering loyalty, he wondered if he really had his heart. His trust. Some deep instinctual understanding gave him an answer he didn't like.
Ever since Arthur had made the first move on Merlin, the dark haired boy had been responsive, even happy. But what did their relationship truly mean to his manservant? The one that always left after they made love, the one who seemed more worried about Arthur's reputation and future than the moments they shared right then and there.
There was something that Merlin wasn't telling the Prince, he was sure of it. Arthur swallowed hard and a silent tear rolled down his cheek. Why couldn't a person he trusted so unfaltering, return that trust in full? What could Merlin be so afraid of to tell the Prince? Surely he knew how deeply Arthur loved him, nothing would change that.
It was this constant nagging that disturbed him so deeply, always in the back of his mind whilst they were together, tainting this moment he had now. An urge took him and he gently shook the boy awake.
"Merlin," he whispered gently.
"Arthur," the boy said groggily and he began to look around, "I fell asleep, I should go,"
The words struck Arthur's heart "No, stay,"
His strong arms pulled Merlin close to him, giving him no way of escaping. He pressed his lips against his lover's and they sank into a slow passionate kiss. Merlin's hands stroked Arthur's hair as his body relaxed in the Prince's arms.
When they broke, Merlin realized the strange behaviour, "Is everything okay?" he asked as he cupped the Prince's face in his hand, his thumb stroking Arthur's cheek.
"Do you trust me Merlin?"
"Of course Arthur," the answer was sincere, but it still didn't ease the ache in his heart.
"You know you can tell me anything...I...I love you Merlin," he had to stop speaking because he could feel his throat growing tight.
Merlin bit his lower lip, his features contorted with concern and uncertainty as he studied the Prince's face in response. Arthur broke the eye contact, looking down and pulling Merlin close to his body again.
"I love you too, Arthur," Merlin whispered in his ear, holding him tightly.
Another unseen tear fell down the Prince's face as pain and joy simultaneously swelled his heart. All he do could was hope that one day, Merlin would be able to trust him in the way that Arthur trusted Merlin. With these thoughts in his mind, and Merlin gently kissing the Prince's forehead Arthur fell asleep. For the first time ever, Merlin willing stayed the night, unable to release the aching heart he held in his arms.
(A/N: I named this after I poem I wrote called "Momentary Lovers". The name of the story is the line I end it with, I thought of it when I finished writing this story. Hope you like it!)