If We're Honest With Ourselves

by Sminky

If Merlin was truly going to be honest with himself, he felt more for Arthur than was normal. Lots of fluff and angst. Originally called "Merlin Short!fic" so the chapters are very short. Note: this story is about male characters involved romantically. AU

22. Chapter 22

Chapter Twenty Two

"Talk?" Arthur said coyly, reaching to pull Merlin back towards him. "What could we possibly need to talk about?"

"Don't be ridiculous, Arthur-" Merlin rolled his eyes and sat back on the foot of the bed. "-everything!"

Arthur crossed his arms across his chest with a huff. "Fine. What do you, with your infinite wisdom, think we need to talk about?"

"Well for starters, Gwen." Merlin said, looking off to the side.

"Ah. Gwen…" Arthur said, dragging out the sounds in her name. "Right."

"And even more importantly, what are we doing here, Arthur? No-just listen to me. What is going on here? What are we to each other? I need to know because I can't handle just wondering. It's killing me."

"Well," Arthur ran a hand through his hair. "We're this."

"Oh, you're just as eloquent as ever aren't you." Merlin said, rolling his eyes.

"Hey!" Arthur snapped, offended.

There was a pause as both men were consumed with their thoughts. Suddenly Merlin looked at Arthur and asked, "Arthur, do you love me?"

"I - Merlin - Of course I do."

"Then that's that." Merlin smiled.

"You were the one who left! You were the one who said I had to focus on my duties to the kingdom and not be with you."

"Yes. I did. And during that time I realized that I can't truly be happy with anyone else because I love you, Arthur."

Arthur beamed at Merlin and couldn't resist pulling him in for another kiss. He was ecstatic as he realized he could now do this whenever he wanted. He was the king, after all.

"Arthur, wait." Merlin pulled back again.

Arthur groaned. "Urg! What is it this time?"

"You'll still need to talk to Gwen, and BE NICE. It doesn't do to spring this on people. I will need to find and talk to Gwaine, but I think he saw this coming."

"Gwaine?" Arthur shouted. "What does Gwaine have to do with anything?"

"While I was away Gwaine found me and…" Merlin looked awkwardly at Arthur.

Scowling, Arthur grunted, "I suppose that is behind us now."

"Yes." Merlin chirped. "Definitely."

Smiling, Merlin leaned forward again and kissed the scowl off his face.