Merlin sighed as he tossed and turned in his bed. He had waited for Arthur for several centuries and he was tired. He had witnessed such a change over them and he hadn't aged one day since Arthur died, at least not physically. His heart felt heavy from the loss still. He couldn't really sleep any more so he decided to wait for Arthur to wake up from his sleep at the bottom of the lake.

When it was clear that sleep would elude him he got up and went to the door of his flat. He pulled on jeans and a hoodie and walked to the door. He stayed close to the lake where he had held Arthur in his arms as he had slipped into death. There was something about tonight, a feeling in the air, that he couldn't quite put his finger on.

Merlin was walking by the lake. He stared out to what they used to call the Isle of the Blessed though it had long since lost that name. Merlin took off his shoes and socks and waded out for a little bit. He felt closer to Arthur when he was here. He wasn't sure why, his friend was logically going to be bones by now but maybe the magic was still strong.

Arthur woke his eyes all of a sudden and one thought occupied his mind, Merlin. Where was Merlin? Merlin should be there, Merlin was always there. And, thinking about it, why was he looking up at a surface, and why were his lungs struggling for air. Underwater. He was underwater. Arthur kicked his legs until his head broke the surface.

He saw a small figure ankle deep in water, the figure looked so familiar and so small and lonely. Arthur started swimming towards the figure. Merlin, it had to be Merlin. Who else could it be? And what was he wearing? The surge of emotions almost drowned him when he saw his loyal idiot standing there.

Merlin looked up as he heard a distant splashing sound. Something was coming towards him, and fast. For a moment he panicked and then the truth dawned, "Arthur." It was a whisper to himself and after a moment he started running towards the splashing. "Arthur!" It was a shout this time. Merlin ran clumsily towards the shape moving towards him.

Arthur lost consciousness just as he reached his old friend. "Merlin," he said just slipping under the water.

Merlin grabbed the sinking king from the embrace of the water. When they were back in the shallows he cradled him in his lap until he regained consciousness. "Arthur!" He then realised how awkward it would be, the love that he had felt for Arthur hadn't gone anywhere and there was no way that Arthur loved him the same way that Merlin loved Arthur.

Arthur looked up at his old friend who he hadn't seen in a long time. "Merlin? What on earth are you wearing?"