Summary: Just a little scene. One-sided merthur, Modern AU.
A/N: Just a little thing that came to me over breakfast.
Beans On Toast by frostygossamer
"Merlin, I love you", he said.
Merlin paused for a moment, spoon hovering over the pan of baked beans he had been warming on his single ring. There was a second's pregnant pause, before the silence was broken by the sound of toast popping out of the toaster.
"Oh, really?", he responded, a little to late.
Behind him, his best friend shuffled awkwardly. Merlin could tell he was wishing he hadn't opened his mouth.
"I thought...", he began. "Merlin I..."
Merlin realised his friend had been expecting a more enthusiastic response. Poor boy. He put down his spoon and turned around to face him.
"It's OK", he said, trying to be reassuring. "I sort of guessed. It's just... I'm sorry but I'm not gay. I thought you knew that."
Arthur looked down at his shoes. "I've made a fool of myself, haven't I?", he whispered.
Merlin suddenly felt like a real bastard. He walked over to his crestfallen friend and drew him into a hug.
"It's OK", he repeated.
Arthur's strong arms pulled him closer. Merlin could feel Arthur's heart beating against his own skinny chest He was controlling his breathing with difficulty, trying manfully not to sob.
Merlin's heart melted. If there was anyone in the world that could test his resolve as a confirmed heterosexual, it was this man.
"Listen", he whispered into his friend's ear. "Let's just sit down and have our beans on toast."
Arthur pealed himself away from his Merlin and sat at the kitchen table, while Merlin dished up their breakfast.
Sitting down opposite him, Merlin cheerfully remarked, "Thousand-Men-On-A-Raft always seems to make things look better."
Arthur smiled despite himself. "Old Gaius used to say that", he said. "I miss the old fart."
"Me too", Merlin agreed sadly.
They finished their meal in silence.
"I suppose I should go home then", Arthur said, eventually.
Merlin eyed him for a moment. "No need", he replied.
Arthur looked confused. "I just thought...", he said. "I thought after what I said..."
Merlin smiled gently. "It doesn't make any difference, Arthur", he explained. "I said you could move in with me, now that Gwen's gone, and I still mean it. I'm not going to kick you out on the street just because you blurted out something stupid."
Merlin reached for Arthur's hand and gave it a squeeze.
"You know, Gaius used to tell me we'd end up together", he said. "I told him he was a nutcase, but he was a wise old bird."
"But he knew you weren't gay, right?", Arthur queried, looking puzzled.
"I don't think that actually matters", Merlin replied. "It's not about gay or straight. It's about belonging, my friend. It's about... us."
The End
A/N: Hope you liked it.