Saying goodbye
Arthur had managed to look after himself for most of the day, after having a few of the maids helped him with his clothing but otherwise he'd been fine. But all throughout the day he couldn't help wondering about how Gaius was. He didn't know how bad he even was, except the fact that Merlin was upset, and he hadn't been around all day, indicated that it must be bad. He decided that he would go and see them to make sure everything was alright.
It wasn't far down to Gaius' chambers but it felt like a long time, as Arthur constantly had a funny feeling in the pit of his stomach, but put it down to his dinner before. Once he reached the door, he knocked but there was no answer.
"Merlin, you in there?" he called, again no answer. He pushed the door just so he could get in. what he saw, he was slightly expecting, Merlin was asleep on a chair next to the small bed, every time he came in here, he still couldn't belief how Merlin and Gaius lived like this. Speaking of Gaius, he caught sight of him lying on the bed. He was also asleep, for a bit at least until he opened his eyes at Arthur moving into the room, he gave him a small smile.
"I was beginning to wonder when you'd come looking for Merlin." He sighed and turned to face Arthur. "In a way, I'm glad I could see you one more time." Arthur looked shocked; he didn't really know what to say.
"G…Gaius, what are you talking about, are you leaving Camelot?" Gaius looked at him and gave a small chuckle.
"Not…Not exactly…Sire" he paused and looked at Merlin "I didn't want him to find out, he's still young, and I was never sure how he would take the news." Arthur was starting to get a bit of a picture but was still confused.
"Gaius, you're not... you know… dying, are you?" The old man managed a nod of his head as he spoke to the prince. Arthur was in total shock now. "But, Merlin. What would he do without you, you've looked after him, gave him a home, taught him things others couldn't." he paused "And loved him like a son. Gaius, before he knew the truth, Merlin considered you to be the best father he ever had. And he still does" Gaius felt a few tears roll down his cheeks at those words. Yes, Merlin did mean a great deal to him, but, as he told Merlin, everyone leaves someday. He wanted to say one last dying wish but he was still weak, so Arthur had to listen in
"Arthur, I want you to wake Merlin up, just so I can say one last goodbye," Arthur moved towards Merlin and went to shake him, when Gaius grabbed his arm. "And Arthur."
"Yes Gaius" he felt tears stream down his own cheeks
"Look after him, protect your little brother, I know you're destined for great things together." Arthur nodded and shook Merlin, just enough to wake the sleeping boy up. Merlin let out a small groan and his eyes started to flicker open
"What…A…Arthur, what are you doing here?" the poor boy had no idea as to why he had awakened him, or about anything else for that matter. He then looked at Gaius, the man's old eyes flickering gently so the young warlock could see them. "G…Gaius, what's going on, I… I thought you were going to be fine." Gaius started to cough violently, Merlin went to help him but other took his arm and shook his head.
Eventually Gaius stopped coughing, and turned to face both boys, but mostly at Merlin.
"As, I was saying to Arthur before" he tried to say it lout as he could but his voice was still weak. "Merlin, you and Arthur are destined for great things together" Merlin couldn't help but sob, as he realised at what Gaius was saying.
"Gaius please, I can't do this without you, I…I need you Gaius, I really do, and not just for Magic teachings." Merlin continued to sob.
"He's taking this worse than I expected!" Arthur suddenly thought, as he held his younger brother close to him, Gaius watched the two boys with his eyes in awe. Without warning Gaius suddenly close his eyes, but silently moved his lips to mouth the words I love you Merlin. Merlin saw this and knew he was gone; he felt like he couldn't breathe and collapsed onto Arthur's chest.
"NO, NO…He…He…shouldn't be gone…He can't be gone, it's not true Arthur, please tell me it's not true." Merlin's words scared Arthur, it made him realise, how much Merlin and Gaius meant to each other. And now Gaius was gone, forever.
