Prompt number: 30 - "just say it"
Fandom: Merlin [bbc]
Rating: G [General Audiences]
Warnings: None.
Notes: This prompt did not go the way I planned it. I began writing fully intent of having Arthur say the prompt when I suddenly found Merlin saying it XD Those sneaky boys taking control of this drabble like that XD
"Is that all?" Merlin turned to him, clearly unsure of what he was hinting at. "There's nothing you have to tell me?"
"Not that I know, Arthur, but you sure seem to think so. Why not enlighten me?" The tone was teasing, a hint of a taunt in there. Clearly Merlin did not suspect anything important. Well, he was about to be surprised.
"So you don't have some secret you've yet to share with me?" Finally a reaction. Merlin shifted uncomfortably, but his face betrayed nothing. Arthur never noticed how good a liar Merlin actually was, though as it turned out that was a good skill to have in Camelot in his circumstances.
But not anymore. Camelot had changed, Arthur had changed and he was done having his best friend -yes he'd admit it, Merlin was his best friend- walk around him terrified of being himself.
"Arthur, I don't really have time for this. If there is something wrong, just say it."
Alright, sure. Just say it. Arthur was curious how his friend would react though. Merlin gave him that impatient look he'd perfected over the years. Alright, no more stalling then.
"You have magic."
Merlin turned as white as his freshly washed bed sheets, grabbing hold of the back of a chair as he stumbled, his legs no longer firm but wobbly. "Wh-what...w-why would, w-why would you th-think that?"
Teasing Merlin was one thing, but seeing him afraid of him, that Arthur did not like, at all. "Merlin, it's alright. I'm not angry and I'm not gonna hurt you." He quickly reassured him. But Merlin did not seem to believe him, instead choosing to pretend.
"I don't have...m-magic. I'm just Merlin, your idiot servant. Not sure where you heard this n-nonsense."
"Merlin, I may not have noticed for a long time, but I know now. I've heard you and Lancelot and I saw you in the forest a few days ago. I know."
Did he seem pale before? It was nothing to his colouring now. Arthur dashed forward to catch him as Merlin's legs completely stopped supporting him. He actually flinched at Arthur's touch, as if expecting violence rather than help. It broke his heart to see.
"Merlin, calm down. I'm not going to hurt you. My father is gone and it's time for Camelot to change. I already have. Magic, it's not the enemy. I see that now. You are alright, you don't have to be afraid."
"I d-don't...I don't understand. You're not a-angry?"
"I was at first, but I've had time to come to an understanding, to grasp what you've gone through all these years. I've seen a lot of magic in my life, often in an attack but I've also seen magic do good. I just wanted to talk to you first before I legalized magic."
"You what?!"
"Don't tell me you're against it?" He couldn't resist but tease. At least the shock had muted the fear in his friend somewhat. Confused and shocked was a better look on him.
"Is this really happening?"
"Yes, Merlin. This is very real. It's about time you got some recognition. Don't think I haven't figured out you've been saving me ever since I met you. Once I found out you had magic, a lot of things began making sense. Just how many times did you save my life?"
Merlin actually smiled at him, finally. "Far too many times to keep track of."
"Well, I want to hear about all of it, what you can remember at least."
Hesitant once more. "Are you sure? I mean, are you really...?"
"We're alright, Merlin. Better than ever."
fin
