Authors note: New Years present for you guys :) Okay this chapter is slightly longer, yay! Sorry about all the suspense in this, it is a bit angsty, but Merthur will happen soon. And also, sorry if Gaius seems a bit OOC, I have a soft spot for Merthurshipper!Gaius so I had to include it, plus I thought Merlin needed someone to talk to.
"Merlin."
Merlin just looked at the locked bedroom door, while Gaius stood patiently outside.
"Merlin, Arthur's gone now."
Merlin breathed a sigh of relief. He unlocked the door magically, not moving from his position in the corner. Gaius walked in calmly.
"Hello Merlin."
"Hello Gaius."
And Merlin burst into tears again.
Gaius sat on the bed, listening patiently while Merlin wailed and cursed, blamed his feelings, cried out about how it wasn't fair to be gay AND magic, said how much of an outcast he felt, and how perfect Arthur is, until Gaius finally spoke.
"Just tell him."
Merlin stopped mid-wail.
"Really?"
"Yes. I think you'd rather like his reply. Although how Camelot will cope with Arthur being gay, I'm not sure, but I've known for years so I'm sure people will get over it. "
"What? But.. but Arthur's ..not.. And even if he was.. like.. me.. no way.."
"Merlin. Get some sleep. you'll probably have a big day tomorrow. "
Gaius smiled, and walked out of the room.
Merlin did as he was told, putting the blanket back onto the bed and crawling into it. But his head was buzzing, he wouldn't get any sleep tonight.
Arthur couldn't sleep. He tossed and turned, trying to get comfortable, but all he could do was think about the raven-haired man on the other side of the castle. Questions danced through his head, wanting to be answered.
What had been wrong with him?
Was it the whole Gwen thing?
But why would that bother Merlin?
And what did Gaius mean?
Did Merlin… feel that way.. towards him?
No... Dream on mate, Arthur thought sadly. But something was wrong.
What if someone has hurt him, been cruel in some way?
Arthur felt his heart pound as he pictured Merlin's face again, covered in tears, those beautiful blue eyes full of sadness.
His fists clenched by his sides uncontrollably. He sighed.
He would just have to try to talk to Merlin again tomorrow. He couldn't hide away forever.
Arthur rolled over, and tried to get some sleep.