The other Knights were deep in sleep, and Merlin and Arthur wondered through the desolate castle, eyes darting; watching for Dorocha and collecting firewood. They reached a desolate, closed corner of the ruins, and paused for a moment's rest.
'I'm glad you're safe, really, Merlin.' Arthur clapped his hand on Merlin's back, the light from his flame illuminating Merlin's pale face.
'I'm glad I'm safe... I need to look after your royal backside.' Merlin joked, to ebb away the sentimentality of the situation. Arthur stared at Merlin for a moment, not saying anything.
'Merlin,' Arthur dropped his eyes to the ground finally. He spoke in a low voice, 'please; never do that for me again.' Merlin opened his mouth to protest, but Arthur drew his head up and glared fiercly at Merlin. 'You are my most loyal servant, and I never, ever want you to die for me - for anyone.'
'Arthur - '
'What would Gaius do without you Merlin? If you had died, what would I - ' Arthur broke off and sighed. Merlin was frozen in his gaze, unsure of how to respond. 'I don't want you to die, Merlin. Can you promise me that you won't ever try and save me again?' Arthur asked tentatively, anticipating an answer he knew himself.
Merlin stood still, unable to divert his eyes from Arthur's hold. 'No, Arthur, I can't. Bad habits are hard to break' Merlin half laughed out. Arthur closed his eyes in contempt.
'You are not here to protect me Merlin, why can't you understand? You need to just leave me be - I can take care of myself.' his voice rose.
'But you don't need to - '
'Oh, don't be an idiot Merlin, you're not a hero.' Arthur spoke coldly. Merlin raised his eyebrow, and leaned back against the wall.
'I'm not the hero, Arthur, you are. But I can't exactly let the hero of the story die, can I? You are going to be the greatest King of Camelot, and I would give my life to make sure that you get there - you have a destiny ahead, Arthur.' Merlin paused, 'And me, you have me, too.' he added, a smile playing on his lips.
'But don't you want to be there with me?' Arthur asked quietly.
'As if I won't be, no matter what happens.' was Merlin's simple answer. Arthur contemplated Merin in silence, briefly.
'How can you be so sure that I will be this King you have dreamt of? Sometimes I wonder how you know so much about my destiny, Merlin, let alone yours.'
'Your destiny is mine; if I know where you're going, it's because I know I'll always be there with you.' Merlin shrugged. Arthur looked up at this.
'Christ, Merlin - maybe you are the hero.' Arthur smiled crookedly, stepping closer to Merlin.
'So then...which one of us needs sacrificing? Or was it saving?' Merlin laughed, feigning mock-confusion. He kicked away from the wall, closing the gap between him and Arthur, as he thought to return to the knights.
'I promise to always save you.' Arthur breathed hoarsely, stepping an inch closer to Merlin; who, not expecting this, was once again frozen. Arthur swiftly laced his hands around the back of Merlin's neck and bought his face to his servant's. The Prince kissed Merlin, now slowly running his hands through his hair. They stood embracing for a few moments, and Merlin's breathing became deep, his own hands moving down Arthur's back, perhaps to part, and their lips and limbs blurred as one. Finally Arthur drew back, a satiated smile spreading, and Merlin inclined his forehead against Arthur's.
'Don't be stupid Arthur, I'm the one who saves you.' Merlin mumbled against the Prince's ear. Then he suddenly picked up the torch which Arthur had dropped and began towards the distant fire, where the Knights were resting. Arthur stood alone for a fleeting moment, and then set upon following Merlin back.