SO THIS IS WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENED OKAY HOW DID YOU ALL MISS IT ARE YOU BLIND
Merlin stood knee deep and shaking in the water as he watched Arthur's lifeless form drifting slowly away from him. He turned his back on the river, unable to watch any more but unable to leave the place, to leave Arthur and return to Camelot.
The boat jerked to a halt, bumping into the stones at the shore of the small island in the middle of the lake. Arthur's eyes flew open and he gasped in lungful's of air, finally able to breathe properly after two days of agony. His vision was clearer, brighter than before and the searing pain in his side had vanished. He turned to look at Merlin only to find his back was turned.
Even from this distance he could see Merlin's small form shaking with sobs. Arthur flung himself from the boat and began swimming towards shore as fast as he could. Merlin heard the splash and spun around, nearly tripping himself over in his desperation. When he saw Arthur swimming towards him he gasped in disbelief, fresh waves of tears now streaming down his face, but this time from joy.
"Arthur!" He all but yelled as he ran out to meet him, soaking his clothes in icy water but not caring in the slightest.
Merlin flung himself at Arthur, clinging to him as if his life depended on it and Arthur held him back, face pressed into the crook of Merlin's neck. The water was up to their waists now and they were both shivering violently but neither of them wanted to move.
"You're alive," Merlin whispered shakily.
"Appear to be," Arthur laughed. Merlin pulled back and looked him in the eyes.
"Don't ever do that to me again you prat." He said before pulling Arthur into a kiss.
"I won't." Arthur breathed into the kiss before breaking away, "We should head back to Camelot or you'll catch another cold. Merlin laughed and leaned in for one more kiss before taking Arthur's hand and wading back to the shore with him.
So me and my friend decided this is what actually happened at the end okay this was literally the only way I stopped crying let's just pretend this is what happened
Also I'm really sorry I haven't edited or even read through this but I will have another breakdown I'll do it at some point okay just ignore any mistakes thank you have a good Christmas I hope Merlin didn't ruin it for you…who am I kidding here of course it did
Anyway, thank you for reading, I hope this makes it hurt a little less 3