Author's notes:

Merlin canon time period AU

Arthur x Merlin

During the canon events of the first three seasons (with a small alteration here and there), Merlin and Arthur became open with each other about their feelings. Maybe a little too open. Merlin was banished from Camelot after he and Arthur were caught together.

I meant for this to be a one-shot, where Merlin and Arthur were frolicking in the woods, because the nature scenes are so pretty. It was the perfect setting. But I can't have anything that is just fluff, thus it turned into this.

xxxx

Summer was fading. Though everything was still green and vibrant and the brook that split the land was running at full, it was still clear that the seasons would change. The thread that was hung between two trees had clothes hung over it, drying from having been washed less than an hour ago. A small fire burned, boiling water placed over it. A boy – no, a man, he'd been through quite enough to be considered just a boy – was tending to it. On one side a spread of twigs with the leaves separate and drying berries were set out on a cloth. On his other side lied a former prince, who clearly no longer held that title, for there were bits of dirt across his cheeks and he was sleeping on the forest ground under a ragged blanket. His blond hair stuck to his forehead from the sweat. He was sick and the other man didn't know what to do for him.

These were the times that he regretted everything. The man tending to the water with the dark hair and the wide eyes bared guilt. It was his destiny, supposedly, to protect Arthur. He'd protected Arthur, the best that he could and the best that he knew how, but he hadn't anticipated falling in love with him. He hadn't anticipated acting on his feelings. He certainly hadn't anticipated Arthur returning his feelings, or being banished from Camelot because of these feelings. Even more so, he hadn't expected Arthur to come with him when he left.

It was a blur how it even began. One day Arthur was calling him an idiot and the next he was sharing his bed with him. They were foolish for thinking that it would go undiscovered if they kept up the way they were (the two boys could hardly keep their hands to themselves). This was nearly as serious as his magic, which he tried to hide from Arthur even during their canoodling (eventually he told Arthur, and Arthur was too far taken with him to care, which was another outrageous part of the already shocking events). They were discovered and he was banished from the kingdom. Only he was, because Arthur was prince and surely, he was being tricked by his servant. Though Arthur came with him just when he had given up and thought he was completely alone.

Prince Arthur came to live in the woods with his manservant. They had both decided this was the best place for them. They had no need for society, no need for company, and no resources for their children for they were unable to conceive. All they needed was each other.

"Besides, Merlin, it's not like you can't just conjure us up something to eat. We won't starve," Arthur had said. There was the end of that fantasy.

Merlin wanted to reply with, 'Oh yes, it will be that easy.' Though it wasn't. There were certain rules with magic. You couldn't conjure food out of midair. You could change food into different foods, you could multiply food once you had it, but you could not make food from nothing. He tried to explain to Arthur that there were rules, and at first, Arthur was outraged. They thought it was hopeless, they fought, and they regretted everything in that moment. But of course, they made up later. They were hopelessly in love. Was this somehow part of Merlin's great 'destiny'? It certainly didn't seem so. Arthur was sick and he didn't know how to help him.

Merlin sighed softly as he scanned one of the healing books that Gaius had given to him as he left. He ought to have listened better, ought to have done what he was told. Maybe he would have picked something up that was useful. For now, he would make the soup he'd planned on making, which contained things for a bad stomach and aches. He reached over to place the back of his hand on Arthur's forehead, testing to see if he was as hot as he was when they'd gone to sleep (or Arthur had gone to sleep and Merlin had stayed up worrying). He wasn't, but he'd had time to cool down overnight simply because of the temperature outside.

"Morning, Merlin." Arthur said with his voice thick with sleepiness. His eyes blinked open slowly, a small smile spread over his features.

"Hi." Merlin said in response, looking at him from above, their faces turned upside down to one another. "Feeling any better?"

"I'm not sure, I've just woken." Arthur said looking up to focus on Merlin's gaze. He licked over his lips, smacked them together a little. "My mouth is dry and I'm starving." He commented.

"Probably because you puked your guts out before we went to sleep and then you slept with your mouth gaped open." Merlin said.

"Shut up." Arthur replied, closing his eyes back. He huffed, before looking back up at Merlin. "Did you sleep at all?"

"Doesn't matter." Merlin said with his words rushed together. "I'm making soup, but in the meantime, have some berries." He told Arthur. Then, he bent down to place a kiss to his lover's forehead. He sat back upright, gathering the pile of berries that weren't dried for later.

Arthur sat up to eat the handful of berries, humming a soft murmur of satisfaction. He was given a cup of water as well, and then a little later a small kiss. The former prince stopped Merlin there, keeping him close. He didn't say anything. He did this often, where he felt as if he couldn't say the words that he wanted, so he just wanted Merlin to feel him close to him. After a moment, he released him, wanting to try and stand. Merlin was worried he wouldn't be able to.

They had only been away for a few weeks. Merlin thought that maybe Arthur was suffering from such a drastic change of lifestyle. Arthur had been used to sleeping in comfortable, clean, warm living chambers and now he was sleeping on the damp, cold, dirt forest floor. He'd been used to a feast literally fit for a prince every dinner, and if not also for breakfast and lunch. Merlin usually brought him his meals, so he knew there was always something more than ruddy berries for him to eat. Their luck with hunting hadn't been very well, and with Arthur sick, Merlin really did feel useless.

He watched as the blond man stood, stretching his arms up and rolling his shoulders. His knees wobbled and he dropped toward the ground, catching himself on one hand and wincing. Merlin rushed over to help him. It pained him to see his lover suffering. He took Arthur around his waist, trying to steadily help him back to the standing position when he walked him back to the place where he was previously lying down. Merlin shook his head, softly rubbing his hand over Arthur's forehead. "I am sorry."

Arthur furrowed his eyebrows, looking up at Merlin. "For what?"

"Whatever it is that I've done to cause you to fall ill." He replied, tears forming in his usually bright eyes.

"You really are as stupid as you look, Merlin." Arthur responded, rolling his eyes ever so slightly. "It isn't your fault that I'm ill."

"I feel responsible." Merlin said, "And I don't really appreciate being called stupid when I'm trying to help you." He finished sternly, the tears not going away.

Arthur sighed, moving up from his spot to sit. He faced Merlin, looking into his eyes and finding the true concern there. Not that he doubted it before, it was only more apparent in that moment. So apparent, he felt compelled to apologize. Merlin accepted, looking from Arthur's gaze to his lap. Arthur reached forward to tip his chin up, for Merlin to look back at him. "Whatever this stupid illness is, it is no fault of yours. Stop feeling sorry for the two of us and get back to being the strong, brave, clever man that I fell in love with." Arthur said, dropping his hand and giving a sharp nod.

Merlin smiled, nodding back in several motions. "I'm sorry—"

"Stop apologizing. Just get back to the stew or whatever it is you're making. I'm going to walk the horses down to the stream so they can drink." He said, pushing himself up again.

"No, no." Merlin said, putting his hand on Arthur's knee and keeping him where he was. "You sit here. Tend to the soup. I'll walk the horses."

"But I don't know the first thing about soup."

"Now's a good time for you to learn." Merlin said, getting up this time. He dusted his knees off, gave Arthur a smile, and headed over to the horses.

xxxx

Later that day, Arthur fell back to sleep, looking peaky as he dreamed. His eyes twitched and he made quiet noises that indicated that he was having a vivid dream. Likely about Camelot. Merlin knew that Arthur had dreams about his home, about his people. He left it all for Merlin. That didn't mean it didn't stir in the back of Arthur's mind what was to happen to his kingdom. Merlin was afraid as well, wondering if he was taking this destiny of his all wrong by taking Arthur away from it.

For the moment, Merlin would ignore that thought and find a healing spell. He was paging through the healing section of his spell book, waiting until he found one that fit Arthur's symptoms well enough. Once he did, he took the time to carefully enchant the stew that he'd drawn out in a bowl for Arthur. He set the bowl aside, waking his prince. His and only his.

"Wake up, sleepyhead." He teased lightly, brushing Arthur's sweat-damped hair out of his forehead.

Arthur mumbled something about Merlin always being too cheerful. He reluctantly and slowly ate the stew, finally admitting that it was good. Some things would never change.

xxxx

The following morning worked much differently than the previous. Merlin was still awake before Arthur, sorting through herbs and plants. He always did that during his spare time, making sure they had resources and organized ones at that. Arthur surprised him though, waking up feeling loads better. He quietly rose, and put his hands on Merlin's sides. "Morning."

Merlin jumped, possibly even let out a very manly yelp. He moved to face Arthur, expression turning into a wide grin. "Morning." He said, looking over his lover. He had color back in his cheeks and his eyes had life back in them. "Wow, you look better!"

"Saying I looked bad before?" Arthur asked, quirking an eyebrow with the smile that spread over his lips. He chuckled, moving his legs over Merlin's and trapping him where he sat.

"No!" Merlin said quickly, shaking his head. He smiled back, bringing his hands up to cup Arthur's face. "Beautiful, always."

Arthur kept a smile of his face, bringing a hand up to catch on Merlin's arm and keep him where he was. Just close. He wanted to stay close to Merlin always, and hoped he always could.

After sitting like that for a moment, Arthur moved first. He stood, very stout this time. He stretched without losing his balance. He looked back at Merlin, "I'm going to take the horses. Will you come with me?"

Merlin nodded. He made sure all his things were still in order, stowed them away. He put an enchantment on their belongings, making sure they would be notified if anyone came across their campsite, because they'd yell in pain of being burned. He followed Arthur over to what they turned into their horse's stables (an area with many trees). Each of them took a horse by their reigns, down to the brook. Across the brook, there was an expanse of grass and wildflowers. It looked very inviting in the bright sunlight. The lovers knew they wouldn't be able to reside in this one spot forever, so they knew to take advantage of what they had. Arthur tied the horses where they were able to reach the water, move a little. He then took off his shoes.

"What are you doing?" Merlin asked, with his eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

"Getting my feet wet." Arthur said simply. He stepped down into the water, which only came up to his ankles, and when he reached midway it only came to his knees, but just barely. "Come along, Merlin."

Merlin only contemplated it for a moment before he joined Arthur, up to his knees in the water. It felt nice, for it was a warm day. He was enjoying the feel, tempted to get further wet. Suddenly, his temptation was given in to, and only because Arthur splashed him. He looked over at the blonde man, a shocked look on his face. He grinned after though, and moved to do the same to Arthur.

The two of them laughed as they played in the water, until Arthur took off after shoving Merlin just enough for him to lose balance and fall into the water. "You wait, I'll catch you!" Merlin exclaimed, quickly getting himself up.

"Good luck on that." Arthur said, already a good bit ahead of him.

Not minding, Merlin chased after Arthur. The men ran as if they were boys through the green expanse of land with small blurs of whites, blues and purples as they passed by the wildflowers. They ran until they were out of breath. Arthur ran out first, leaving Merlin to have an advantage and catch him. Merlin took Arthur to the ground, sitting on top of him and grinning as he breathed heavily. "Told you I would." He said between breaths, looking down at his lover.

"Yeah, yeah." Arthur breathed back, looking up at Merlin with a slight smile.

"It's time for me to pay you back." Merlin reminded him, hands moving to Arthur's sides. He moved them along his ribcage, causing the blond to squirm and burst into laughter. Merlin grinned, loving seeing Arthur laugh, and be so… free.

Merlin's advantage was short-lived, because Arthur rolled them over and straddled the smaller man's waist. "What should I do with you?" Arthur asked, a smirk falling over his features.

"I don't know." Merlin said, grinning up at Arthur a little.

"It was a rhetorical question, Merlin."

"Right."

Arthur leaned down and pressed his lips firmly to Merlin's, kissing him deeply. He brushed his tongue between the warlock's lips, and was granted entrance. He felt Merlin's arms around his neck, pulling him close. They stayed like that for a moment, never having properly caught their breaths, only to lose air in their lungs again. Arthur pulled back, only because he literally couldn't breathe properly and rolled onto his back beside Merlin.

The other man looked over at Arthur, a small smile on his slightly-swollen-from-the-harsh-attack lips. "You alright?"

"Never been better, actually." He said softly, looking back at Merlin. He sat up, rose from his spot. "Come on, I could use a bath. And so could you."

Merlin nodded quickly, getting up and following Arthur back to the brook. "Are you saying I'm dirty?"

"Yes." The blond shed his clothes, revealing his toned chest and defined abs. Merlin would never get sick of looking at that. "Going to stand there and gawk at me all day, or are you going to join me?" He asked, moving to sink down into the water.

"Join you." Merlin said, mouth quirking up to a smile. He removed his own clothing, piece by piece. He moved down into the water next to Arthur. "We didn't bring any rags." He commented.

Arthur looked over at Merlin, shaking his head. "We didn't." Arthur commented back, "Or buckets." He said.

"Right." Merlin said back, letting out a little nervous laugh. Sometimes, he still felt weird being with Arthur like this. Only because Arthur was his prince, his majesty, and Merlin was only a servant – a magic servant at that, who was supposed to be concealing his powers from Arthur. Of course, as they had found out, things didn't work out the way that they were planned.

The darker haired boy wet his hands in the stream, and then reached up to wipe some of the dirt from Arthur's cheeks. Arthur was scrunching his nose up in distaste, but not batting away Merlin's hand. He let Merlin continue, closing his eyes and feeling him so close. He opened his eyes again, bringing his hand up to stop Merlin's motions. He was clean enough. He cupped his hands, and gathered water in them. "Close your eyes." He said softly (well softly for Arthur and a lot less demanding than usual), and then brought the water up to wet Merlin's hair. Merlin took advantage of the moment, closing his eyes and letting Arthur tend to him. These were the moments that reminded him that they were equal now.

He opened his eyes up when Arthur was done, smiling still at the former prince. "I've got an idea." He said, feeling brave and confident in the moment.

"Oh yeah?" Arthur asked.

"Yep." Merlin said, before he began a spell, which caused the water to rise in a little spout, and float in the air for a moment. He was attempting to wet Arthur's hair gracefully and impressively, however, the water reached there and dropped quickly over his head.

Arthur made a face, spitting out some of it that ended up in his mouth, because he might have had it gaped open a little, always surprised at how beautiful magic could be. "Merlin!" He exclaimed, wiping the water from his eyes.

"Sorry!" Merlin said, moving closer to Arthur.

"It's... fine." Arthur murmured back, a little huffy and pouty.

"Come here." Merlin said, leaning in and kissing him softly. He felt Arthur relax against him, kiss him back. The two exchanged deep kisses and their hands eventually moved to roam over the other's body as they did. Both of them were becoming increasingly aware of the lack of clothing the other was wearing. Arthur initiated things by taking Merlin's hand and showing it to his hardened manhood. Merlin quickly caught on, sucking a little bit of his bottom lip into his mouth as he wrapped his fist around Arthur under the water.

Bathing usually got them to this point. Once, Arthur had asked Merlin to help him wash, saying he was in need of a good scrubbing. A blushing, fumbling Merlin complied, but found himself aroused from running his hands all over Arthur's toned back. He had to step out of the room. The next time Merlin helped Arthur bathe, they were on a new level, having already been intimate. Arthur had pulled Merlin into the tub with him, being playful as he was. It turned into a heated situation, and Arthur surely wasn't complaining about the temperature of the water anymore.

They were in the creek, hands wrapped around on another's erections, legs tangled together and panting into each other's shoulders. Arthur bit down on Merlin's shoulder as he felt himself reach closer to the edge. "Right there, just like that. Please." Arthur chanted against his skin. Merlin smirked, loving when he had this kind of control over Arthur, the chance to tease if he wanted. Though he didn't want to then. He wanted to get off as well. He was celebrating Arthur feeling better as well.

Nearly at the same time, the lovers reached their climax. The two caught their breath, leaving small kisses along each other's skin. Arthur leaned back to look at Merlin first, a lazy smile on his lips. He wrapped both his arms securely around Merlin's waist, keeping him close. They listened to the running water, the singing birds, and the rustle of the trees in the breeze wishing they could stay there forever.