Chapter 14 – Thanks a lot.
Disclaimer – Don't own Merlin if you hadn't already guessed by now :/
A/N: I'm sorry to those who want Methur, but some people didn't like the idea so i've decided to go with just a friendship at the moment (but my next fic will be merthur :D) So sorry to those who wanted Merthur!
Also, sorry about the slow update, this week has been soo busy.
And, this fic might be at its end in a few chapters, but there might be a sequel sometime in the future if anyone wants one : )
Arthur was in such a state of worry now he didn't know what to do. Suddenly, he realised where Merlin must have gone, he hit himself on the head with his palm at his stupidity (then regretted it because it bloody hurt.)
Stripping out of his jacket and tunic and pulling off his boots he took a head breath and jumped into the river. Opening his eyes underwater he swam as far down as he could until he reached the bottom kicking his legs powerfully.
At first he couldn't see Merlin anywhere and began to get stressed, he was running out of air and quickly so pushed up to the surface. He took another deep breath and dived down again, this time spotting Merlin slightly to the right of the river (He squealed like a girl from joy but of course was too 'manly' to admit that.)
The prince grabbed his manservant under the arms and dragged his up to the surface and over to the river bank. Thankfully Merlin was light enough for Arthur to basically throw onto the side while he clambered out afterwards.
"Oh crap I've killed him" Arthur muttered when he couldn't see Merlin's chest rise and fall. He crawled round to sit behind Merlin and pulled his top half onto his lap, not caring what others thought or if it was a princely thing to do, he just needed to be close to his friend. A tear rolled down Arthur's face (although he swore it was only a water drop) and held Merlin tightly to his chest.
" You supercilious fat lazy daisy dollop headed bumpkin clot poled prat! You could have killed me!" Merlin spluttered out.
Arthur let out a shaky sigh of relief and a small laugh. "Firstly, don't speak to me like that" Merlin could tell he was only joking. "And secondly, you could have died Merlin! I mean how skinny are you? The wind could blow you away if it tried hard enough."
"Don't blame this on me you shouldn't have pushed me so hard!" Merlin replied laughing. He sat up and clutched at his head, when he pulled his fingers down to his eyes he saw crimson blood.
"So that's why my head hurt!" Arthur exclaimed
"Erm, just incase you hadn't noticed... this is my blood and I'm the one who hit my head not you." Merlin stated, a puzzled look crossing his features.
"Yes, of course I know that Merlin, what do you think I am? Stupid?"
"Well yeah" Merlin responded causing his to get a swift playful punch to his shoulder.
"Shut up; when you hit your head I obviously felt it through the bond!" Arthur grinned showing just how proud of his 'amazing intellectual ability' he was (as Arthur put it.)
Merlin sighed at Arthur's love of himself and stood up, a pain shooting so sharply through his head he almost fell over but Arthur was right there behind him to catch him when Merlin most needed him. That's when he realised that he needed Arthur just as much as Arthur needed him... it was their destiny.
Supporting Merlin they made their way back to Hunith's house and upon entering they found Hunith sitting at the table tapping her fingers obviously anticipating their return. When she heard the door bang shut she jumped up and rushed over, the smile fading from her face as she saw he was soaking wet and blood was coming from his pale forehead.
"It's alright mum, stop fussing it's just a bit of blood!" Merlin tried to knock her hands away as he made his way over to the table.
"He fell..." Arthur started.
"You mean you pushed me." Merlin interrupted.
"Well, we were mucking around and I pushed him a bit too hard so he tripped and fell into the river and banged his head at the bottom, which caused the cut." Arthur explained as Hunith wiped the blood from her son's head.
"And Arthur jumped in to save me." Merlin finished. Hunith stopped trying to get rid of the blood and ran over to hug Arthur who patted her on the back awkwardly.
"Thank you! So have you two kissed and made up?" Hunith asked.
"MUM!" Merlin almost shouted.
"Oh I didn't mean it like that, so are you going back with Arthur? Sorry Prince Arthur." Hunith turned back to her son.
"That's ok Hunith, Arthur is fine." Arthur commented with a smile. "Merlin is way more than welcome to come back with me, I really hope he will." He added.
"Ermm, yes ok I think I need to come back, I didn't even say good bye to Gaius properly, but do you mind if we stay for today and leave tomorrow?" Merlin asked.
"Of course if that's ok with you, Hunith?" Arthur turned to see a beaming Hunith staring at him.
"Yes yes, I'd like nothing better!" Hunith walked over to Arthur and brought him to the table.
"Well then that's settled. May I just ask why you want to stay longer?" Arthur asked doing a good impression of Gaius, one eyebrow raised half way up his forehead.
"Well I've seen where you grew up, I'd love to show you where I grew up and show you around." Merlin smiled at Arthur who returned it with such honest.
"Oh that's a wonderful idea Merlin! But have some lunch before you do anything, you need your energy!" Hunith fussed moving over to the kitchen.
Merlin simply rolled his eyes making Arthur laugh.
A/N: Sorry this took so long D: Review?