Summary/Notes: Takes place at some point in the future after Arthur becomes king. Mild spoilers for episode 2x12.
When the Fighting's Over
"It was amazing what you did back there," Merlin said when the battle was over, feeling guilty and strange trying to talk to her after all that had happened between them. "With the fire and the, uh. Explosions."
He smiled tentatively, awkwardly, and Morgana arched a brow. She was still dressed in her armour with her hair hanging down her back in a messy plait and she was looking at him in that uncanny way that she always had, the kind of shrewd look that suggested she knew much more than she was letting on. "I liked what you did with that wall of water," she said at last. "And the arrows. The arrows were very impressive."
There was a hint of amusement in her voice and Merlin exhaled deeply; it wasn't exactly a sigh of relief, but it was close. "Why did you come back?"
"You're not the only one who loves Arthur," she said. "But don't tell him I said that." She looked up at the castle then, tilting her head back so she could see the banners fluttering from the tops of the towers, and when she turned back to him she was smiling. "Don't you see, Merlin? You and I have always been on the same side."
And now Merlin did feel relief, a whole wave of it, and his smile was no longer hesitant. "He missed you, you know," he said. "We all did."
He knew that things would never be easy between them, not like they had been before, but maybe they could have something like the friendship they once had. When he caught Morgana's eye, she appeared to be thinking the same.
"So did I," she replied, still smiling, and together they went to meet the new king.