It had been a long day training and Arthur was beyond tired, not only had his father been going on at him again about how one day the Pendragon business and estate would be his, but he had hockey training for three hours as well… It was his birthday tomorrow and he still hadn't heard or seen from his best mate all week, something was up and he didn't like it one bit. Walking upstairs he opened his bedroom door, throwing his bag and jacket in the corner and sprawling out on his bed he took out his phone.

Send To: Merlin Emrys

'Merls, where are ya mate? It's my birthday tomorrow and I've not seen or heard from you since… '

- cancelled.

Now he came to think of it, when was the last time he saw Merlin? Sudden realisation hit him, breaking his heart slightly in panic as it did so… Last time he had seen his best friend, the man he loved, had been at Freya's funeral, he didn't really know her much but he had been there for Merlin. The flashbacks came flooding back into his mind, images haunting him of the night before the funeral…

'Merlin sat there on the edge of the bed, the photo of a young girl in his hands, his favourite black shirt next to him… Arthur walked over to him, sitting down on the other side of him, the look in Merlin's' eyes when he turned to look at him, the look of need, seeking comfort, he looked so scared… Putting his arm around him Arthur pulled him close, and layed them down on the bed, he held him all night as he felt the warm tears run down the other boys face, slipping onto his own t-shirt, there was nothing he could do for him except hold him and tell him everything was going to be okay'

That was a week and a half ago…

Send To: Merlin Emrys

'Merls, where are ya mate? I know you've been ignoring my voicemails but, just let me know you're okay yeah, I need to see you, or at least hear your voice… I'm missing you mate - although if you tell anyone I said that… Well you know the rest ahahaha, Love you, A xxx'

- Sent.

Placing his phone on the bed next to him he didn't expect to get a reply so quick…

Message From: Merlin Emrys

' Sorry Arthur, I didn't mean to worry you. Can I come round?

Love you too, M xxx'

Sending a quick message back telling him that's fine Arthur looked around his room, deciding that while Merlin has seen it in a worse state he should probably tidy up a bit.. And check what food they have in his stomach told him. Running downstairs he found some ice cream in the freezer, so grabbing two spoons and the tub he made his way back up to his room, putting the door on the latch in the process..

Less than 20 minutes later he heard the door click shut downstairs, and footsteps he would recognise anywhere running up the stairs before a head popped round his bedroom door. He could tell Merlin had ran all the way here by the flush in his cheeks, and he had never seen him look more beautiful!

Smiling as he stood, he walked over to the boy as he walked into the room, breathing still heavy from the run over, cheeks a rosy pink-red, warm with the blood in them, his dark hair sticking to his face from the rain that was still dripping down onto his face making his blue eyes glisten, Arthur's breath caught in his throat. He didn't mean to think out loud but it was too late, before he realised it the words had already slipped out his mouth; 'lets get you out those wet clothes.' This time it was his turn to blush, but Merlin just chuckled, 'Good to see you too Arthur…' as he took his coat off, hanging it over the chair by the desk.