Chapter Four
Taking a deep breath, Arthur slowly crossed the room to the door on the other side. With another calming breath, he gently swung the door open.
"Gaius," Merlin mumbled, "I just need some time alone to think."
Arthur gave a slight cough and said, "Merlin... I..."
Hearing Arthur's voice, Merlin jumped up with a start. "Arthur!" He exclaimed, alarmed. "What are you doing here?"
"Is that any way to address your prince, Merlin?" Arthur said mockingly with a smirk.
"I'm sorry, it's just I didn't expect to see you after - " An awkward silence fell across the room.
"Right.." Arthur's voice trailed off. "Merlin, about that."
"No, Arthur, please. Let's just forget it ever happened. I'm embarrassed enough as it is. We really don't need to bring it up ever again." Merlin turned his head away from the prince, ears burning with shame.
"Merlin," Arthur began, taking a step towards his manservant.
"Arthur! Just drop it!"
"Merlin, look at me." Stubbornly, Merlin kept his face hidden from the prince, even as Arthur took another step closer.
"Please leave me be," Merlin pleaded.
"No." Arthur simply stated before placing his hand behind Merlin's head, turning it to face him, and kissing his soft, trembling lips. Pulling away gently, Arthur whispered, a smile playing on his mouth, "Now will you listen?"
Merlin stared, open mouthed, at the prince. "Good." Arthur said. "What happened in my chambers, well, you left before I could get my thoughts straight. I was certainly surprised."
"I'm so sorry, Arthur, I didn't mean to just," he hesitated, "kiss you like that. I don't know what came over me."
"Merlin," Arthur said calmly, "please let me finish."
When he was certain Merlin would be quiet, he continued. "I was shocked, but that does not mean I didn't like it." Merlin blushed.
"Maybe - maybe you did the right thing. I can't pretend that I haven't... noticed you a bit more than I have any other servant. Perhaps this," he said, stroking Merlin's cheek, "is something we should try."
Bringing his hand up to hold Arthur's against his face, Merlin replied, "I can't think of anything that would make me happier." Quickly, he closed the distance between their lips.