Disclaimer: I do not own Merlin or any of the characters. I simply write what I see, and what should be in the frickin show!

Story: I took the first part of a conversation Merlin and Arthur have in episode two – "Valiant" and I changed what happens.

"I know I'm just a servant and my word doesn't count for anything. I wouldn't lie to you." Merlin's voice was low and even, but great stress had been put upon the final sentence, and Arthur knew Merlin to know that he wasn't the type to lie.

He opened his mouth, closed it, and opened it again to say – "I want you to swear to me that what you're telling me is true."

Merlin's face, in that soft atmosphere was the epitome of gentle emotion; a small smile beautifully softening his features into that of gratitude. "I swear it's true."

"Then I believe you."

"That-That means a lot to me, Arthur," Merlin said, suddenly fighting to get the prince's attention back – Arthur had already lowered his gaze as if the conversation were over. Merlin didn't want it to be over.

But then Arthur looked back up and his eyes met Merlin's as the young country boy uttered his name. His eyes were conveying something so powerful Merlin didn't think it could be real, and he was the first to break the contact by lowering his gaze self consciously.

"Merlin."

Looking back up Merlin barely had the chance to breathe in as Arthur pulled him close and he felt something soft and warm pressed against his lips. He was pulling back just as Merlin actually realised he had kissed him. Somehow he was unable to process this, still stood reeling as Arthur spoke.

"I've been wanting to do that for a long time," Arthur admitted, his hand falling from where it had gripped Merlin's arm. He was turning away from Merlin.

"I should go."

Merlin's heart hammered faster and faster as Arthur began to walk away. He was almost to the door. Willing his feet into action he stumbled forward.

"No! Arthur, wait!"

But in his haste to get to Arthur, Merlin paid no heed to anything else around him, and his leg caught on a chair. It was quite close to where Arthur was and in falling Merlin caused Arthur to fall in front of him too.

As soon as he was done registering the pain to his body Merlin scrambled up, crawling over to Arthur.

"Arthur! Arthur! Are you alright?"

"Mmmnnnn...." With a low groan, Arthur sat up, rubbing his head, which darted back in shock at how close Merlin was. "Honestly, Merlin, are you trying to win an award for the clumsiest boy in Camelot?"

Merlin instantly opened his mouth to apologise, but shut it with an angry blush at seeing the wide grin on Arthur's face.

"I was just trying to..."

"Knock me over?"

"...Kiss you back..." Merlin finished his answer at the same time as Arthur did, but his voice was actually slightly louder than Arthur's, just enough for Arthur to clearly hear the words.

"Well, Merlin, you certainly have a way of doing it! Get over here then!"

Cheeks burning, Merlin awkwardly edged a little closer, closer still, panicking about a million things at once especially as he'd never kissed someone before. Not for a longer period of time. What had happened earlier had almost been too quick for him to register.

Then he flew up to another world as Arthur's lips were suddenly gently encouraging his apart.