A/n 50 reviews! Thank you, thank you, thank you! Also:SLIGHT spoilers for 3x08 "The Eye of the Phoenix". Readernurse was number 50! Ironic; as she was the first to ever even review this story, i think.

_DREAMS CHAPTER 13_

It was another normal day in Camelot. The sun was shining, the birds were singing, and prince Arthur's servant was whining. The citizens of Camelot had placed their bets on whether or not it was a hunting trip, chores, or just that he had a hangover (they knew how much time he spent in the tavern).

"But Arthur, I thought we agreed that you didn't need to hold my hand on hunting trips anymore" he could be heard moaning as he stumbled after the prince, bleary eyed as always because of how early he had to wake up.

"Um, hello? Have you forgotten that episode with the Fisher King? Seems to me like you're the one wanting to hold my hand, not the other way round" came the reply, though it was whispered as no one else was supposed to know that Arthur had had a little (ok, a lot of) help from Merlin, and Gwaine on his quest to the perilous lands.

"That wasn't holding your hand, that was saving you" Merlin retorted, fuming at the obvious ungratefulness shown by his friend. "Don't know why I bothered. The world could definitely do without your dollop-headedness"

Arthur smirked. As childish as it seemed, he was glad that he'd managed to annoy Merlin.

"Yes, and that is exactly why we need you on this trip. So that you can 'save' me. Like the useful way that you hid behind a tree last week!" he exclaimed, feigning awe at Merlin's bravery. Then his grin faltered. What if Merlin had saved him before, using magic? Was that how he had saved him on his second day in Camelot?

As they rode on, Arthur wondered whether or not he should be nervous to be alone with Merlin. Probably not; if Merlin wanted to have killed him, he would have killed him already. Why wait four years? The prince never felt any danger with the raven haired boy beside him. He just felt safe. As if as long as one of them was with the other, they would both be alright, no matter what life threw at them. Griffins;dragons;love potions, you name it, they had faced it. The other knights were his friends too, of course, but Merlin had been there through everything, and yet...Merlin had remained unscathed, even when he charged onto the battle field with no armour, unflinchingly loyal. And Arthur had honestly just believed it was dumb luck.

I'm even more of an idiot than Merlin! Arthur thought, despairing over the fact that he'd been outwitted by his fool of a servant. The fool who would put his own life in danger to rescue someone's who he hated; who he thought was an ass, a prat, a clotpole, and a dollophead. Looking back on how he had treated, mistrusted, and judged his best friend without giving him a chance to explain, Arthur felt inclined to agree with him.

He also felt something else...guilt.

Merlin had to know.

-END of chapter-

A/n Please review :) I'm sorry this was short, but i'll update tomorrow or on Wednesday, i swear!