You're Safe With Me
Arthur woke up in the dead of night thinking he heard a scream in the distance. He didn't know why, but against his better judgment he got dressed and went to go investigate. He had forgotten how quiet Camelot was when everyone was asleep. It was like he was a ghost haunting the very kingdom that he ruled. That's when he saw a torch fire lit in Gaius's chambers and he felt his heart drop to his stomach, was Merlin the reason why he felt the need to wake up?
Before he could knock on the door to come in, the door swung open and Merlin ran into him in the hall. Causing the two men to fall down onto the ground on their sides while they clutched their foreheads that had crashed into each other. Shaking his head, Arthur looked to Merlin who stared at him in surprise.
"What're you doing up so late?" Merlin asked with soft astonishment, not wanting to wake Gaius in his room.
Arthur gave a huff and roll of his eyes. "I could ask you the same question."
"I was...just going out to get some fresh air. That's all." Merlin said quickly, Arthur didn't like the shifty look in his eyes but he could tell that something was troubling his servant more than he was willing to admit.
Sighing heavily, Arthur got up and offered Merlin his hand. Once they were both back up from the cold ground Arthur wrapped a hand around Merlin's neck and lead him towards his chambers. If they were going to talk then they needed to talk someplace where they wouldn't be disturbed.
"You're going to tell me what's the matter and you're not going to lie to me." Arthur said once they entered his room and he shut the door behind them. "And don't tell me that nothings bothering you. You're excuses are the worst."
Merlin pursed his lips and looked away. He didn't want to look into Arthur's eyes, if he did then he would've seen right through him. "I just...had a nightmare. I woke up with a start and I couldn't go back to sleep."
Arthur stayed silent. He waited for him to continue with his explanation.
"It was about something that had happened in my past before I came to Camelot. Something I never thought I'd ever think about ever again but somehow it's come back to haunt me. To be completely honest, I don't feel like retelling that horrible stormy night." Merlin said as he fixed his ruffled shirt and finally gained enough courage to look Arthur in the eyes. They were glossed over from holding back tears and Arthur felt a twinge of brotherly protection for him.
Arthur stepped forward and wrapped an arm around Merlin's shoulder. Bringing him into a hug that caught even himself off guard with. He didn't question his story and he didn't need to hear his explanation for being awake. All he knew was that he needed to be comforted and the one way his Father cheered him up from a nightmare was through a hug and just holding him until he felt better.
Merlin's eyes were wide with surprise at the sudden physical affection. Arthur wasn't the hugging type, at least he didn't think, so he was never expecting him to give a brotherly hug like this. They stayed like that for quite some time before they drew apart and Arthur gave him a smile.
"Well. You're safe here in Camelot, you're older and more experienced and you're with me." Arthur said in the warmest voice Merlin had ever heard. "You're safe when you're with me."
Merlin nodded his head and for the first time he felt like his relationship with Arthur had grown from just being servant and master. This was the first time he had become like his brother.