Drabble.
If he was so damn important, then why was Merlin always the one getting picked on by Arthur? Left to clean up his messes? Being his "wing-man"? Always the one standing in the audience watching Arthur play the hero?
Screw it all. Arthur was the one with the fame, and the good looks and the power. Naturally, he got all the girls. Vivian, Guinevere, and anyone else he wanted. Merlin had had Freya. Broken, hunted, unstable, perfectly imperfect Freya. But now she was gone, and he was alone again.
Someday, Arthur would be the king. And it would be that instantly, all of his little mistakes (all of the larger ones scramblingly cleaned up by Merlin) would seem to be forgotten. Because he was king, and kings were great and wise. But without Merlin, Arthur might (no, would) be dead. For Merlin had saved Arthur's sorry ass more times than any reasonable person deserved.
And someday, Arthur would be remembered as the amazing leader, the one who lead Camelot to prosperity. But someday, if Merlin was remembered at all, he would be remembered as the pitiful serving boy who had done a half assed job of waiting on Arthur (because he couldn't even do that right).
Every time Arthur fought (and honorably won) one of his battles, be it actual or moral, Merlin was standing on the sidelines, watching him as people congratulated him, watching as he was confirmed, once again, to be the one come to bring them all to the age of greatness that they were waiting for.
Every time Merlin screwed up, he would have to stand on the sidelines and watch as he was lectured or punished or Arthur took the blame.
So Merlin supposed it evened out. But still. Sometimes, he would like to be allowed to be the one in the limelight.
This is a much shorter and worse version of a fic I have a really good inspiration for. Please review, and maybe I'll actually write that fic. Or just review anyway.