It's not that Merlin doesn't want to jump for joy once Arthur and his knights crash in the dungeon, blood on their faces mixed in with - what, are those tears? or sweat? - mud and grease. It's that he very much does, but finds that the shackles holding him not only bind him to the ground, but bind his emotions in, too.

He simply stares numbly as Arthur shouts his name, some orders at his knights (who promptly disperse) and just plain shout in, what, fury? relief? horror? It's not like Merlin has a mirror and bathroom at his disposal to fix himself up. And besides, when was the last time he had eaten? 5, maybe 7 days? All in all, though, he's sure he looks like hell.

But then Arthur's there, relieving him of the chains and holding him, cradling him to his chest while rocking to and fro. Why doesn't Arthur have his armor on, anyway? Merlin's ear is against Arthur's chest and the ba-bump, ba-bump is fast paced in comparison to any other time Arthur has fought.

And what feels like warm liquid spits down in Merlin's hair, and it tickles his scalp as the (probably) sweat drip, drip, drops. Only thrice, because Arthur takes his hand away from Merlin's spine (were there soothing circles of motion a moment ago, or is he imagining things?) and swipes his face.

And Arthur's shushing him (but really, Merlin's not speaking - don't you shush him!) and muttering how everything will be okay. And Merlin realizes then that he is crying and pleading and begging and thanking and probably (but he won't ever tell) proclaiming his love to Arthur.

And maybe Arthur says the same.

And maybe Merlin kisses Arthur's arm fervently, over and over and over.

Well, maybe.

Maybe Merlin just wants to feel him with every fibre of his being just so he knows this is real.

Well, maybe.

And maybe Arthur lets him, dropping a few kisses on Merlin's head - although why, he's not sure. He's quite positive that his hair is matted with blood, sweat, and dirt.

And they probably tighten their hold on each other.

And - when did everyone else leave?

And - no, it's alright, Arthur. Merlin is quite sure he'll be able to walk on his own.

And - oh, when did Merlin break his ankle?

And Merlin collapses, sobbing once more, before Arthur picks him up gently and tells him,

"Stop crying. It's over. I'm here. You're safe."

And maybe the sobs increase because no, he's not sad anymore, but because he's so happy to hear those words he has been waiting to hear for over two months.

"I'm here"

And it's Arthur.

And he's there.