Arthur woke up groggily, he was surprised that Merlin was still holding him and humming slightly. "Merls?" His voice croaked slightly.
"Hey there, feeling better?" Merlin kept his voice low, Arthur wasn't asleep for a long time, but he hoped with the rest, he would take the touching that he wants a little bit better.
"Yeah thank you." Arthur could remember what had happened before he fell asleep, and blushed again.
"I want you to eat something small, and then if you want me to honour your request then we can do that." Merlin was firm. He didn't think Arthur was ready for anything without clothes on.
Arthur could only nod, he pushed himself away from Merlin's heat and felt a shiver ran down his spine.
He knows that the only way he would be comfortable if there is heat is if he is used to Merlin touching bare skin. He walked to the table where the fruits were kept, grabbing two apples. He was silent as he gave Merlin one.
Merlin was quiet as he kept an eye on Arthur, both ate their apples. Arthur was slightly slower, and Merlin could see that his hands were trembling slightly.
Merlin just waited to see what Arthur wanted to do, he knows he would need to take the lead, but Arthur would be the one to set the pace.
When Arthur was finally finished, he threw his apple core away and turned to look at Merlin, he bit the inside of his cheek slightly.
"How are you feeling?" Merlin gave a quick check-in.
"Scared." Arthur knows that he would need to answer truthfully. He stepped slightly closer to Merlin.
"Do you still want to do this Arthur?" Merlin looked Arthur in the eyes. He didn't want to scare him.
"Yes." Arthur's voice was firm. He didn't know how he would react if he suddenly goes into heat and be left alone.
A natural heat was unpleasant and burning and sore without a partner.
"Will you take off your jacket please?" Merlin kept a close eye on Arthur body language. He could see that the trembling in his hands had gotten worse. But he did take off the jacket.
"What now?" Arthur felt exposed since he wears jackets every day even when it was boiling hot.
"Will you come and sit with me, darling?" Merlin patted on the spot next to him.
Arthur felt like lead but he forced himself to move. He sat down on the bed, his eyes on the floor. He almost jumped when Merlin suddenly took his hand.
He was relieved that it was all.
Merlin waited until he could feel Arthur relaxed again. "May I touch your arms darling?" Merlin's voice was soft.
Arthur nodded, but Merlin didn't touch. "Verbal answer please." Merlin kept himself firm, he knew he would need to keep checking in.
"Yes." Arthur's voice was almost resigned, he jumped slightly when Merlin pulled back, grabbing his jacket handing it back to him.
"I think that was enough for today darling, you aren't ready for this, we will try tomorrow again." Merlin kept himself firm, he didn't think that Arthur would fight him on it since he was tense and scared.
Arthur only nodded, the extra layer of clothing made him feel more secure. This was so bloody stupid, he could allow hugs, but couldn't handle getting his arms touched.
"I'm sorry." Arthur's eyes were on the floor. His head felt like it was spinning out of control.
Merlin crouched down in front of Arthur: "You don't have anything to be sorry about darling. Off course you are scared and unsure, you went through a lot and it wasn't so long ago." Merlin gently holds Arthur's hand, rubbing shooting circles with his thumb.
Arthur just closed his eyes, he wished that he can just forget it and move on, but with Uther now looming over them as well.
"Will it hurt?" The question was asked so suddenly that Arthur's face was bright red again in a matter of seconds.
Merlin gave Arthur a confused look. "Wil what hurt?"
"To b-be taken i-in a na-natural heat." Arthur was so red that Merlin was slightly frightened that he would pop.
"No, it is supposed to be a very pleasurable experience, if you have someone with you that is taking care it is pleasurable and content." Merlin's voice lowered slightly. He had heard enough omegas talk around the castle.
Arthur was silent for a long time.
"So it wouldn't hurt?" Arthur felt stupid for asking these questions, but after all the forced heats and even when he wasn't in heat it hurt.
"No darling, there would be no pain. A natural heat hurts when you are alone because it wants you to recreate, to give life. But with a partner, it would be better since, well they will help your body to achieve its goal." Merlin gave Arthur a slight smile.
Arthur just gave Merlin a small smile that didn't truly reach his eyes.
"If we try tomorrow again, can we do it in bath time?" Arthur could feel himself relax slightly. He was safe here, Merlin would look after him.
"If that is what you want of course darling." Merlin pressed a kiss to Arthur's head.