Arthur winces slightly, twitching his shoulder as he carefully adjusts the bandage on the wound. It still hurts terribly, but he can't complain — not only because his pride won't allow it, but because it's truly nothing. He much more appreciate life.
If Merlin had been here, he would have made him do all sorts of nonsense, justifying his condition, but unfortunately, this idiot is always wandering around somewhere, leaving his master to continue to sit bored alone.
Arthur goes to the table to pour himself a drink as his throat is terribly dry when the door opens. The Prince looks up and sees Merlin.
"Oh," he says with a slight grin. "Merlin."
His servant slowly closes the door behind him without turning around.
"How are you?" he asks.
"Good."
Arthur takes the mug and heads back to the chair. He wants to make a joke about the knock — Merlin has burst into the room again without him — but he's too tired for that.
"I'm pleased," Merlin says.
"Yes," Arthur says calmly, sitting down in a chair. "I owe it all to Gaius."
He doesn't notice the sad smile on Merlin's lips.
For a while, they exchange their usual barbs. Merlin even dares to call him the same insult as when they first met. Arthur can't help but chuckle, hoping that Merlin didn't notice that he remembered and still remembers it all clearly.
However, of course, Merlin notices — he sees it in his eyes, and his own ones start to shine with joy, but for some reason they quickly grow dim.
Then, after uttering strange compliments and instructions, he leaves. Arthur looks after him blankly. Yes, Merlin never ceases to amaze him.
He sighs, his spirits rising after Merlin's visit. Of course, he didn't want his strange servant to change, and he certainly didn't want to change the servant himself, no matter what he said to him.
Suddenly the door opens again, and Arthur looks at Merlin, who has returned, looking quite determined.
"What is it?" Arthur frowns.
Merlin takes a deep breath and slowly stands in front of his chair. Arthur continues to watch him in confusion.
"Merlin?"
"Forgot to do something"
Arthur raises an eyebrow. He's already getting sleepy, and the pain is draining the last of his strength. He is vaguely aware that Merlin is carefully sitting down on his lap, placing his feet on the sides of the chair.
The warmth from the fireplace merges with the warmth of Merlin's body, and Arthur waits uncomprehendingly for more. He feels a slightly trembling hand slide into his hair, and another that gently touches his cheek.
Merlin is not heavy at all — the pressure of his body is barely felt, even when he is sitting on Arthur. The Prince continues to stare at the servant's glittering eyes, which in turn wander over his face, as if absorbing every detail. Arthur notices that the glint in Merlin's eyes is the result of tears, and this completely confuses him.
"Please," Merlin whispers softly, moving closer to the Prince's face, "don't forget me."
He breathes the last words into Arthur's mouth, and he unconsciously greedily absorbs them. Merlin leans forward, cuts the last few millimeters, and gently kisses his parted lips.
Arthur, unlike Merlin, does not close his eyes; the kiss is so light and ticklish, as if a butterfly just landed on his lips.
Merlin involuntarily moves his hand from Arthur's hair to his shoulder, and he winces in pain — the servant immediately looks up from the kiss, startled.
"S-sorry..."
For the last time, he quickly touches Arthur with his lips, which are dry with excitement — but Arthur's, in turn, so soft and pliable. Then he reluctantly pulls away and slides easily off the Royal lap.
Merlin doesn't wait for the stunned Arthur to say anything, and hurries away. Outside the door, he awkwardly touches his lips with thin fingers and smiles sadly.