Chapter one
There was an unsettling but yet unspoken tension that hung in the air. At least, that was what it felt like for Merlin personally, especially now that these unmistakable bright green eyes shifted to meet his once in a while. Thousands of words unspoken between them, they carried a heavy weight upon both of their shoulders but neither of them seemed eager to clear the air. There was a certain comfort in not treading into the unknown and dangerous, even though they both knew it was inevitable; wise even. Arthur's words filled with oblivious delight cut through the tense air like his own sword. Morgana smiled at Arthur: her eyes had a certain glint in them and it bothered Merlin to a great extent. It was a glint of competitiveness laced with determination. A look he had observed on Morgana many times before and had always admired and adored. Now it sent shivers down his spine in fear of what was coming and what it meant. Yet another thing left unspoken.

"I still cannot believe. I simply can't express how much I've missed you, Morgana. I'm so glad to see you okay." Arthur swallowed a growing lump in his throat away. Merlin his presence in the room seemed to go unnoticed by Arthur. on the contrary, Morgana seemed well aware of his existence. Merlin tried to avoid eye contact at great extent, but his quest was proving to be more difficult than he expected. Morgana was determined to match his gaze and was always the last to look away. Only Arthur's words could make her revert her attention from him for a while. Arthur's kind words didn't seem to resonate with her at all, all she gave him in return was an obligatory smile and nod, before reverting her eyes to the ground.

Arthur just stood there, never taking his eyes away from her. Almost like he was afraid she would disappear again, the guilt was eating away at him. Now that he could see what had become of her up close. Even Merlin felt a tinge of remorse whenever he looked at her solemn frame, so he tried not to. Morgana hadn't said a word ever since she entered her room, so Merlin didn't expect her to speak when she did.

"Arthur." She met his eyes, her words friendly. "I'm glad to be back, I missed you too." They were staring at each other now, the two siblings looked at each other like they were communicating without words. Merlin would feel like he was intruding on something intimate if it weren't for Morgana's balling of her fists in her bed sheet and the venom in her voice when she uttered the words 'miss you'. what Merlin noticed, Arthur seemed oblivious of. His eyes were full of relief and his posture as relaxed as Merlin hadn't seen it in a while.

"Alright now. I'll give you some time to rest, okay?" Arthur finally acknowledged his presence in the room by gesturing Merlin toward the door. Morgana's head snapped in his direction in a sudden frenzy, she wasn't done yet.

"No, that's okay. I need to speak with Merlin for a second. you can leave." Morgana ordered him in a way Arthur would never have accepted weren't it for the current situation. Arthur raised a surprised eyebrow at Merlin, expecting a response from Merlin or some sort of clarification. Merlin had his suspicions about Morgana's intentions, but no incentive to share it with Arthur whatsoever. He opted for a dismissive shrug in Arthur's direction, feeling Morgana's accusing eyes burning on his back like needles. Arthur seemed discontent with the entire situation but headed for the door in quick strides anyway. Neither Morgana nor Merlin said anything until the wooden door slammed shut and Arthur his footsteps faded into the distance.

The tension in the air rose to a critical level. The hairs on Merlin's hair stood up and Morgana's gaze didn't falter. It was getting difficult to breathe almost. Merlin wanted to clear the air.

Please speak.

No.

Please don't say anything.

The bed creaked when Morgana moved towards him slowly. Merlin didn't dare to look, his gaze transfixed on the dark hardwood floor. Although he didn't look; he did feel. He sensed her every movement; every single breath he felt and his insides were on fire. Did Morgana feel the tension just like he did? He dared himself to look. He could not bear the temptation any longer.

She lounged on her bed, her body facing his direction, slightly leaning forward and supporting herself with one arm. Their eyes met finally, proper. Blue clashed with green in a war of gazes, and there was no real winner; only two losers. He wanted to ask her so many things. most of all: are you really okay? So he did.

Her face held an unreadable expression. He understood her so well just now. Saw right through her every move, but now she seemed raw and real. The unfiltered version of Morgana a year gone by. A lot can happen in a year. and Merlin was truly afraid for the first time in a long time.

"Merlin." His name rolled off her tongue like it was a curse. "it's been too long." There was a hint of something darker behind these words. Merlin didn't want to understand.

"What happened to you, in that year. honestly." Merlin felt a sudden surge of bravery: the pain of the loss of a true friend ignited a fire in his heart. He wanted to fight for her. He wanted to show her that he cared and undo his mistakes. He dared to touch the hand that she held outstretched in his direction. It felt like an invitation: please touch me, comfort me, you know the real me. They both felt their magic stirring inside them when they touched. Reacting to one another like they had a certain connection that was unexplored. Morgana didn't flinch or move away. Her eyes faltered for a split-second. It became clear to Merlin she was putting on a brave front: she felt the tension too.

"I can't tell you. just know that I'm here now. and that you reap what you sow, Merlin." Her mood shifted completely. As if Merlin's question reminded her of their history. She removed her hand from his grasp with force and pushed him off her bed.

"Get away from me!" She shrieked, she buried her face in her hands but didn't cry. she seemed lost, she didn't know where she could express her rage. Merlin initially took offense to her words but he quickly understood what it all really meant. Even though he hurt her greatly, she still showed her true emotions to him. To Arthur, she put up this great facade, make him believe everything was okay. that she didn't need saving. But Morgana was falling deeper and deeper into something she didn't want to be, with no way out. Merlin let himself be pushed. he stared at her from the foot of her bed and admitted to himself that he was definitely responsible for his whole mess. he should fix it, no matter the cost.

Merlin turned around and exited the room with a clear goal in mind: save Morgana properly this time.

A/N: Thanks a bunch for reading! This fic will probably stay rated T since I have absolutely no experience writing M fiction, but I might give it a try if people really want me to. Constructive criticism and suggestions are greatly appreciated; reviews in general actually. Thanks again :)