A/N: K. This is the second chapter and second kiss. WA!

Disclaimer: I don't own BBC Merlin

The second time was as a surprise to Merlin.

Arthur, on the other hand, saw it coming. Merlin could have seen it coming if it wasn't for the fact that Arthur had been "pinning" (Bloody sot of a manservant. No one was pinning after anyone.) after Gwen. The truth was quite simple. Arthur recognized that Merlin had a point. Arthur needed a queen and an heir to the throne. Gwen was beautiful and kind, and in a way, Arthur was falling in love with her.

But not in the way he was already in love with Merlin. Gwen was almost like an older sister, wise and sweet, and Arthur did look to her for approval and advice. But Merlin, gods, Merlin. It had been months since that first kiss. Back then Arthur would wake in the middle of the night with Merlin's name as a scream on the tip of his tongue out of terror. Now, Arthur woke in the middle of the night with Merlin's name on his tongue for a completely different reason.

He did not know when the feelings of lust and affection had turned into love. Perhaps, it was when Merlin wanted to drink the poison for Arthur, again, at the end of the Labyrinth of Gerdef. Perhaps, it was when he knocked him out with a block if wood to stop him from marrying Sophia. Perhaps, it was from everyday, when Merlin would wake him up with a cheerful "rise and shine." Perhaps, it was when they were in danger for the umpteenth time and Merlin was standing steadfast at his side, even when he didn't have to be.

That was certainly what caused the second kiss, anyway. Arthur had just gotten all of his armor on to face the dragon. Probably the last fight he would ever go into. Arthur strode to the door and saw Merlin pick up a sword and stand next to him. His shocked "You're actually going to face this dragon with me?" Was only to be expected. When Merlin confirmed and then admitted to caring about Arthur as a reason to go, Arthur could only stare at his manservant. Brave and loyal were what came first to Arthur's mind. Also handsome and beautiful, delicate and strong all at once. It took his breath away.

This time, Arthur made the conscience decision to kiss him.

Arthur grabbed Merlin and pulled him to his chest for a kiss that he had been wanted to give ever since the first time. The kiss was meant to be quick and Arthur had wanted to pull back and stride out the door before Merlin could even understand what had happened. But Merlin's reaction was immediate. He grabbed on the Arthur and kissed him like a man who had been walking in the desert and had just gotten his first drink of water. Arthur could have sworn that Merlin was seeking comfort in the kiss. Maybe for the death of the Dragonlord earlier that day that seemed to upset Merlin. Arthur didn't care. He was kissing Merlin.

Then, just like the first time, it was over. This time, though, Merlin pushed Arthur away almost violently. Not enough to hurt him physically, but enough to make him stumble back in surprise. Merlin turned his back on Arthur.

Immediately, Arthur tried to apologize, "Merlin, I'm sorry-"

"No." But Merlin wouldn't let him. "I can't Arthur- I'm sorry." Arthur saw Merlin shift and take another breath like he wanted to say something more. But he didn't. There was a beat of silence and Arthur reached out a hand towards his- (friend, manservant, love, whole world)- Merlin, with a thousand questions buzzing in his head.

Why can't you? You clearly want to. What's wrong? Don't turn your back on me, please. Why? Why? Why won't you-? Why can't we-?

But then he looked down at this gauntlet covered hand and froze. Now was not the time nor was it the place. There was a dragon to kill, and a kingdom to save. But if not now then-No. Time for action. Arthur switched back into his solider fighting mindset almost immediately. He turned his back on Merlin and strode out the door. For a second, Arthur faltered. What if Merlin wouldn't want to follow. But, within seconds, Merlin was trotting along side him, silently, but steadily.

They slayed the dragon. Camelot was safe. Things went back to normal. There was no tension between them because they would not let there be. They went about their lives, Arthur deciding that the reason that Merlin wouldn't kiss him was because of his father. His father would execute Merlin (or at least try, Arthur would not let him) if they were caught in that situation. That was the reason that Merlin "couldn't." He respected Merlin's concern for his own life. It hurt, but he decided that he would never kiss Merlin again.

But it didn't stop him from wanting to.

A/N: Yeah, that's about it for this chapter. R&R, if you please, lovelies.