Merlin is there for Arthur when he his threatened with poison. Arthur is there for Merlin. They are side by side, but are they condemned to always be along?
SLASH
Disclaimer – Don't own, don't sue!
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"each of us is alone; side by side but alone"
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Four days later Merlin returned to Camelot and Arthur was waiting, hiding a grin as he watched from the castle turret, the imposing figure of the Prince, watching over his kingdom. Merlin could sense him without looking, the knots within them both lighting up with happiness. Merlin grinned a little silently as he helped Guias carry the heavy baskets into his storage room. A few minutes later after the work was done a messenger came to the door, with the message that Arthur needed his servant back asap to sort out all the servant-type things he should have done during the time he was away. Merlin grinned as Guias shooed him out of the room.
Merlin knocked on Arthur's door and schooled his features into demure-servant mode as he opened it. Arthur was over by his window, trying to appear calm. It was an interesting situation for both; Arthur hadn't seen Merlin since he realised his feelings, and Merlin wasn't aware that Arthur knew that he had, in an odd sort of way, had been present for Arthur's nightime activities. Then Arthur turned and they stared at each other. The air around them visiably crackled with energy, suspense and not a small amount of magic.
"Sire" said Merlin,
"Merlin" said Arthur, then visably remembered who and where he was and waved a hand over to the two baskets worth of washing, complete with two sets of grimy armour, and grinned.
"Present for you"
Merlin scowled but headed over to the baskets.
"So…is collecting leaves an enjoyable way to spend a few days?" asked Arthur, very concious of starting a conversation with Merlin, at the same time berating himself as it had always come so naturally before.
"More enjoyable than practising weaponary for hours on end" replied Merlin with a grin, "Especially when you continouly bash me on the head" he continued.
Arthur grinned back, unsure as to whether Merlin meant he didn't like spending time with Arthur – to the extent he would rather pick leaves for days, or that he simply didn't like fighting – which was a distinct possibility. Arthur also realised he was doing it again – trying to find many meanings in what Merlin said. He also realised said Merlin was giving him a funny look.
"What?" he said defensivly, crossing his arms and walking back to the window.
"Nothing, Sire" answered Merlin who heaved one of the baskets up and moved towards the door, before pausing and turning slightly:
"Is there anything you need before I deal with these?"
Arthur turned, paused then shook his head. Merlin nodded and headed out. Arthur waited a moment then slammed his fist into the stone by the window.
"Dammit"
Out in the corridor Merlin paused as he felt the waves of frustration pouring off Arthur, it was quite painful actually, the knot in the back of his head twisting uncomfortably. Merlin debated going back and setting things straight, then continued down the corridor. Arthur had made him wait; it would do him good to wait for something for once.