Chapter Two
"Merlin," he said, "we need to talk."
"A - alright." Merlin stuttered, still shaken from Arthur's sudden awakening.
"Merlin, I... I just wanted to thank you, for you know, always being there for me. It seems that no matter what I have to face, you are always right behind me. It means a lot." Arthur turned away from Merlin, hiding his face.
"Arthur - " Merlin began.
With a quick jab, Arthur shoved Merlin off his bed, leaving him sprawled on the cold floor.
"What was that for?" Merlin yelled.
"What made you think I'd let you stay in my bed? You've got work to do!"
"Way to ruin the moment." Merlin mumbled.
"What was that?" Arthur said, getting out of bed.
"Nothing, my lord." Merlin looked up at Arthur from where he had been making the bed and smiled. He could hear mumbled curses from where Arthur was trying to dress himself. Must be having troubles with the ties again, thought Merlin.
From behind the screen, Arthur called out to Merlin. "Come here and help with me this shirt!" Smirking, Merlin plumped the final pillow on Arthur's bed and went behind the screen where Arthur's large fingers were tangling the strings tying the neck of his shirt together.
"Stop, you're making it worse." Merlin mumbled. "Let me."
Gently, Merlin's adept fingers untangled the strings and carefully tied them. He let his hands rest on the prince's chest when he was finished. Realizing how close they were, Merlin let his gaze slowly wander up from Arthur's chest into his eyes, blushing when they met. Merlin's lip trembled as he whispered, "Arthur - "
Before he could finish his thought, Merlin gave in to temptation. Stretching his neck slightly he pressed his lips against Arthur's, locking them into place as he tugged gently on Arthur's shirt. Pulling away slowly, he could see Arthur's face was flushed and his eyes were clouded with confusion. "I - I'm sorry - " He stammered before turning and running from the room.
"Merlin!" Arthur called after him, but he was already gone.