Authors note: Hey! Was surprised by the reaction to chapter 1. A review + a few 'Favourite story's' over a night. So think I'm going to carry this story on, and see where it goes.

Disclaimer: If I owned Merlin, I wouldn't here right now, would I?

"A..A...A.." Merlin stammered

"...Arthur? Merlin what in heavens name is wrong with you. You always were an incompetent fool." Arthur replied. "So, are you going to explain to me what is going on, or are you going to carry on staring at me like a blubbering idiot?"

On the walk back to his home, Merlin did not say a word. He continued to stare at his master in complete disbelief. After all this time, Arthur, his best friend, has returned to him. Merlin didn't know how to feel. Of course, he was happy, relieved, a little sick. But it was something more than that. It was almost as though all this time, he had been longing for Arthur and had a hole in chest the size of his fist. And now..well he couldn't fully explain the sensations he was feeling. The closest he could liken it too was the love he felt for Freya all those years ago. But it could be? He didn't love Arthur! Did he?

"...So I followed it and ended up here" Arthur finished. Merlin realised that he hadn't heard a word of what Arthur had said. "So what do you think happened?"

"I..um..well...what?"

"MERLIN. Do you ever listen to anything I say? Why do I even bother trying to explain things to you when your clearly so disturbed and horrified by my presence here that you haven't managed to say a single word to me!" Arthur felt his anger rising. He had always thought of Merlin to be a very good friend (of course he wouldn't admit that to him, not again) but now his friend didn't even seem to care about his return.

"I'm not disturbed or horrified! I'm more...pleasantly surprised. You died Arthur!" Merlin blurted out.

"Yes, thank you, I am well aware of that. How do you manage to dress yourself in the morning Merlin?" Arthur said sarcastically

"Oh, your one to talk! The one time I left you to sort yourself, you ended in a complete and utter mess. Your such a dollop-head sometimes." Merlin found it hard to believe that after all this time apart, Arthur would treat him like he was still his servant. Especially considering Arthur now knew how powerful Merlin truly was.

"ugh Merlin, the ridiculous insults again. Please, your embarrassing yourself. Now, as I was saying, yes. I died. The only thing I can recall is a bright light. It seemed to absorb everything else, it took over my sense of being. Until I saw.." Arthur cut short.

"...Saw what, Arthur?" The two men stopped side by side. Arthur turned his head to meet Merlin's gaze. The warlocks breath halted. He had forgotten how mesmerizing and beautiful Arthur's eyes were, and how easy it was to get lost in them.

"I..I saw...you, Merlin. Just you. And I couldn't help but feel safe, so I walked towards your image and found myself in this place, with your face staring back at mine." the pair stared at each other for a long moment, before Arthur coughed awkwardly and turned to carry on walking. For a few seconds, Merlin could only watch the man walk away. For a moment whilst staring into Arthur's eyes, he thought he could see something in them. Something more than friendship. Desire.

"Merlin, are you coming or not? I have no idea where I'm going."

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Merlin perched in a chair opposite the one occupied by Arthur, who was currently staring into his cup, lost in his own thoughts. Merlin couldn't help but notice Arthur's incredible features. He had always had a very strong look about him, and even under chain mail, you could see the ripple of his muscles underneath. Merlin would give anything to be able to feel Arthur's chest. To have him close, to be able to give him a soft, yet passionate kiss...wait, what? No, he didn't think of Arthur that way. Couldn't think of Arthur that way.

"So.." Arthur finally spoke as Merlin's eyes darted back to the Kings face. "what year is this?"

"2013, Arthur"

"Wow. Okay, I don't dare to ask this. But, what of Camelot?" Arthur questioned hesitantly, as though he feared the answer he may be given.

"First, You must understand that she tried her best. But, Gwen..she couldn't handle the pressure. Not in the way that you could. I'm told that she was a fantastic queen, but wasn't capable of providing what was necessary to keep the kingdom alive. I'm sorry Arthur." For a brief moment, Merlin had considered not telling him the truth. Allowing Arthur to believe that Camelot had existed far longer than it had, but the last time they saw each other, Arthur found out about the biggest lie Merlin had ever told. And he couldn't risk another lie.

Arthur seemed to be staring into space, contemplating Merlin's words. Before long, he added, "I think there's something else we should discuss. I accept you for who you are Merlin. But please, you once told me that you always used your Magic for me, and only me. Tell me, when did you use it?"

Merlin was elated. Arthur had said that he accepts him for who he is, and that is all that mattered to him. He decided to start from the beginning. "Well, when I first arrived in Camelot..."

I'm quite getting into this story now. Again,I'm not actually sure where it's going to end up! BUT, I quite like the idea of bringing Mordred into it somehow? I've always loved the idea of A proper Mordred/Arthur confrontation. But what do you guys think?

Be beautiful people and Rate + Review :D