*Author's Note*
This is my first fanfiction so please be kind! I'm going to ignore the fact that Arthur likes Gwen in series. Set in season 4, episode 4.
"Merlin you have no idea how it to make the decisions that affect the future of this kingdom!" Arthur snapped at Merlin.
"That may be true, but I can see how they're affecting you." Merlin replied.
Arthur sighed. "What would you rather have me do Merlin?"
"Be true to who you are Arthur! You're a great king. You're people respect you. I respect you. You don't have to prove your strength."
Arthur looked up to find Merlin's earnest gaze fixed upon him. He ran his hand through his blonde hair. "It's hard Merlin. I wish my father was here to guide me through this."
"I know… If it's any consolation, I'm still here" Merlin joked lightly hoping to ease the tension.
Looking straight into Merlin's blue eyes, Arthur said slowly "And you have no idea how glad I am for that every day."
Merlin gulped. "We should… Um…"
"Merlin?"
"Yes Arthur?"
"If I wasn't king, do you think things between us would have still been the same?"
"Oh no. I always felt we would be really good friends if you weren't king."
"Just friends?"
Merlin felt his cheeks heat up at Arthur's question.
"Maybe more. At least I would have a chance then." Merlin finally said in reply.
"What makes you think you don't have one now?"
"Well, for one you're the king and I'm just a servant. And I a man, so are you." Merlin shrugged stating what he told himself every night.
"So?" Arthur asked raising a single eyebrow.
"So nothing can ever happen between us." Merlin sighed.
"Huh. Okay." Arthur said smiling.
"What are you smiling about?"
"Nothing!" Arthur said defensively.
"Liar! Tell me!"
"I'm smiling at you Merlin"
"Why?"
"Because you're adorable."
"I am NOT"
"Yes you are. And every time I look at you, it takes everything I have to not just bend down and kiss you like there's no tomorrow."
"Y-you w-wh-what?" Merlin stuttered.
"You heard me." Arthur grinned as he got up and strode over to Merlin. He lifted his hand and brushed it against Merlin's cheek which now looked like as though it was on fire seeing how red it was.
"Arthur?" Merlin finally looked up.
"Yes Merlin?"
"Will you just kiss me already?"
"Yessir" Arthur grinned as he leaned in to press his lips against Merlins.
Soon enough they had to pull away for air. Merlin pressed his forehead against Arthur's.
"This is what being true to myself feels like Merlin. Being with you." Arthur said simply. Merlin grinned before he leaned back in to kiss Arthur again.