Merlin sat on Arthur's bed, legs crossed with a book open on his lap. Arthur kept walking in and out, the steps of his shoes distracting Merlin. He tried to get up but knew it'd cause him pain.
Some kids at school had decided it would be funny to shove him up against some lockers after classes. Then they thought it'd be hilarious to kick him in the side. He probably had bruises up and down his back but it hurt too much to check.
Arthur laid himself on his bed, staring at Merlin. Merlin stared back.
"What is it?" Merlin inquired, praying he wouldn't know.
"Nothing." Merlin let out a breath, smiling down at the book. He closed the book, still sitting. "Come lay with me," Arthur whined. Merlin bit his tongue, slowly shuffling his way to lay down next to Arthur. On his back, the pain spread through his entire body. He let out the smallest wince.
Arthur drapes an arm across Merlin's waist and that was a breaking point. Merlin put in a grimace, flinching so hard. He let out a large groan, recoiling his body.
"Merlin," Arthur spoke, his voice soft. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine. It's nothing, really." Arthur stared at Merlin, his big blue eyes almost hurting. "Honest, I'm okay." He held his side, wishing the pain would go away.
"Move your hands." Merlin looked at Arthur, pain filling his eyes.
"Arthur please," Merlin begged, not wanting to bring such a burden on Arthur. Arthur's hands reached out, carefully moving Merlin's hands. He lifted up Merlin's shirt revealing a large bruise forming. He lifted up Merlin's shirt even more, looking at several bruises covering Merlin's chest.
"Merlin," Arthur mumbled out, muttering things to himself. "Why didn't you say something?"
"I didn't want to bother you." Arthur looked up at Merlin, searching his eyes. "I'm sorry," Merlin softly let out.
"Don't be. This isn't your fault. I'm going to kill whoever did this to you," Arthur promised, scooting closer to Merlin.
"Arthur what are you-" His question was cut short, as Arthur began to kiss every bruise and wound on Merlin's back and chest. It sent a shiver up his spine. Arthur was warm and Merlin was so cold. Arthur finished with the longest kiss on Merlin's lips.
"There. All kissed better." He left one soft peck on Merlin's forehead before they both started laughing, Arthur carefully holding Merlin like he was his world. And Merlin did feel better after that. He felt so, so much better.