Arthur took a deep breath. He had gone over his speech in his mind countless times. Still he had no idea how to get from meeting to the speech.
Finally when he had the speech perfect in his head, he saw merlin. Merlin was smiling. Arthur remembered when he had said he'd change the world before changing a thing about Merlin. Because Merlin looked so perfect in the light around him.
"Hello Arthur!" Merlin said.
"Merlin. Look Merlin we have to talk!" Arthur said.
"Ok. What's wrong?" Merlin asked concerned.
Arthur looked into Merlins eyes. He felt himself die a little inside.
"Look Merlin… I love you still… I will always love you… But I just can't be together. I'm really sorry!"
"Why can't we be together? No one knows we are!"
"Everyone knows Merlin! Everyone knows… And that can't be. We… We can't be. I have to do what's good for Camelot."
"For Camelot? Arthur, Camelot is at the best it has been for years! The people are happy and there has been less crime! Camelot is at the best it has been. This is as good as it's going to get!"
"Merlin-"
"No Arthur- just… Just no."
Arthur watched as Merlin walked away. He exhaled and tried to blink the tears from his eyes.
Merlin was in floods of tears. He desperately tried to stop them so they were dry by the time he got back to Camelot.
The moment he set foot in Camelot, Gwaine grabbed him.
"What's wrong? Have you been crying?"
Then Merlin couldn't hold back. Gwaine held him as Merlin sobbed. Gwaine used Merlins neckerchief to wipe Merlins tears and nose.
"You know what you need?" Gwaine smiled gently. Merlin shook his head.
"A night in the tavern with Gwaine! Come on, I'm buying!"
Merlin allowed Gwaine to lead him into The Raising Sun. They didn't leave the same day.
When Arthur came riding back into Camelot he passed the tavern. Through the window he saw Merlin. Merlin was sitting alone drinking mead. Arthur felt guilty. Then Gwaine replaced Merlins cup with another that was filled to the brim. Merlin grinned up at Gwaine. He looked happy. Happy without Arthur.
He was so wrong.