Arthur backed Merlin against the nearest tree and brought their lips together for a crushing kiss. Merlin eagerly returned the kiss, his hands roamed over Arthur's back as their hips ground together.
"Maybe we shouldn't be doing this here," Merlin whispered. Arthur chuckled and began kissing down Merlin's neck.
"They're all asleep, no one knows we've slipped away," Arthur said. They were in the middle of a week long hunting trip with some of the knights, and each night after everyone had fallen asleep Arthur and Merlin snuck away, desperately needing to be alone.
Instead of his usual "what if someone catches us" argument Merlin let himself get lost in Arthur, enjoying the comfort they brought to each other.
Spent and exhausted the two men had collapsed onto the ground, curling up together as tightly as possible.
"Merlin, I love you. More than I ever thought I was capable. It kills me to think that things can't stay like this forever."
"I love you too, Arthur. So much that I can't stand the thought of you with anyone else." He sat up and looked Arthur in the eyes. "Everyone knows about us, except your father. It's only a matter of time before we have to end things."
"How do they know?" At this Merlin giggled and then rested his head in Arthur's shoulder.
"The way we act around each other it's very...intimate. Like we know something no one else does. You touch me more than is necessary, and when you speak to me it is always gently. Also Gwaine saw us kissing once." Arthur ran his fingers through Merlin's hair then planted a soft kiss on his forehead.
"I only want you, Merlin. Forever and always."
The following night they snuck away again. Arthur pinned Merlin against a tree and kissed him as he had every night before, but this night was different. Everything was softer and less needy than the previous night.
"Arthur…" Merlin kept saying Arthur's name softly. Arthur buried his face in Merlin's neck to muffle his groans. He didn't want anyone to find them and ruin this perfect moment. Eventually they would have to go back to Camelot, Arthur would marry a boring princess and Merlin would continue to wait on him. It would never be like this again, but in that moment none of that mattered.
"What's wrong, love?" Merlin whispered. They were lying in the grass looking at the stars. Arthur rolled onto his side, nestled his head on Merlin's chest and slid one of his legs onto Merlin's.
"That was...different than usual. Great, but different. And you've been quiet for a long time." Merlin threaded his fingers through Arthur's hair softly. "You better not be thinking about breaking up with me. Not unless you want cold baths and dirty clothes." Merlin said this with a smile, though a part of him worried it was true.
"Never, I'm just memorizing this. Us, together and happy." Merlin chuckled, then gently tugged on Arthur until Arthur was on top of him.
"Let me give you some more things to memorize." The kiss was tender and loving, though soon it grew heated and desperate. They had been gone longer than usual but neither of them was in a hurry to get back to the camp. If everyone already knew about them there was no reason to ruin a perfect night.
A/N: It was short and sweet, but the idea has been bouncing around in my head for a while. I have a few more ideas for continuations of these short pieces so don't be surprised if you see more from me.