Arthur pressed his fingers against Merlin's ice-cold neck and a pulse thrummed weakly under his fingers in response. Sighing in relief he gathered Merlin into his arms and started his trek back to Camelot. Luckily it was only a short distance away so it didn't take long to get back. Upon entering the gates the guards didn't question the king carrying his servant as they had all learned to never question their relationship, so they let him past with concern lacing their eyes. Everyone knew how much Arthur cared for his selfless, loyal, idiotic, clumsy, lovable manservant- everyone loved the boy. Arthur ordered a guard to inform Gaius that his services were needed and started into a jog to the physician's chambers.

A Month Later

It had been a month. A long, painful month. Gaius had said Merlin was in something called a 'coma'. Every day it hurt to see him, lying there, in a, maybe, endless sleep. His body had stopped accepting food and drink and he was wasting away, Gaius said he wouldn't last the night. Hunith, Gaius, Gwen and Arthur sat around Merlin wanting to spend their last moments with him. The knights waited outside in the main chamber as there wasn't enough space in Merlin's small room. Even so, everyone was here, except Morgana. Arthur held Merlin's hand in his as his breathing became shallower until it ceased altogether and the room fell into a dead silence.

*~/0\~*

Arthur stood looking over Camelot from the battlements lost in thought, so lost that he didn't notice someone sneak up behind him.

"Don't think too hard, you might hurt yourself, prat." Merlin quipped.

Arthur's brows shot up but softened as he realised he must be imagining him, he smiled at the memory of Merlin's witty comment. It was something he would say. Turning around to go back inside he jumped back upon seeing Merlin smirking at him.

"Merlin?" This must be a dream, it couldn't be possible, he watched him die.

"Hello Arthur," He replied so simply.

"Is it?" He was lost for words.

"I'm real Arthur, not some really messed up fantasy."

Arthur took small steps towards him before tightly embracing the man. His mind couldn't quite comprehend the fact that Merlin was actually here, safe, and alive. He hadn't seen that smile for so long, he pulled him tighter afraid he might disappear.

"Arthur," Merlin whispered, his breath tickling Arthur's ear. "I'm here, I'm not going anywhere."

Arthur quietly sobbed into Merlin's shoulder. "I know," He choked out. "I'm just afraid that if I let go I will lose you again." Screw Arthur's dignity and pride, he thought he had lost his best friend forever.

Merlin broke away and placed Arthur's hand against his chest. "Can you feel that? That's my heart, beating. I'm alive, you can't get rid of me that easily." He grinned his signature cocky smile.

Arthur kept his hand there, telling himself he was really there. "You have no idea how much people care about you Merlin, how much I care about you. Your loyalty is far beyond that of duty and stronger than all the knights. I trust you with everything without realising, and, I never knew how much I needed you until I lost you. You've changed me from the arrogant prince I used to be, to a king people respect. You made me see the goodness in people and treated me as a human and not a title. Without you I wouldn't be the King I am today, in fact, I wouldn't even be a king, I would be dead, mere worm food. But promise me this Merlin, you will stay by my side." Arthur and Merlin were both in tears as Arthur spoke how he truly felt. Merlin placed his forehead against Arthur's, looking into his eyes with his cerulean ones, he promised." I, Merlin Ambrosius, swear to you Arthur Pendragon, that I will never leave your side for as long as I live." They both pulled away but their hands found each others, reminding them everything would be okay.