Best of Both Worlds

by MJPaAnda

What would happen if Arthur survived but Kilgharrah didn't and the two boys started to think about family while Merlin fell into the darkness of his own thinking?

2. Chapter 1: The beginning

Chapter 1: "The Beginning"

NORMAL POV

Merlin: "Up and at 'em, sire!"

Arthur was woken up by his man-servant's nosy voice. He refused to open his eyes, so he only rolled over so his back was turned to his man-servant and covered his head with one of the many pillows he owned.

Merlin: "Arthur! Wake up already!" Merlin shouted looking at his asleep master.

The blond man only cursed and complained into the pillow in an answer.

Merlin knew that the young last Pendragon was not a morning person, but he somehow didn't really care. He first took a grip of Arthur's hand and started pulling his towards the edge of his bed. Arthur tried to free himself from Merlin, but the younger man was not having it. This time he held him under his arms and pulled again.

The only thing he gained was them both falling on the cold stone ground, the royal one on top of his man-servant. When Arthur opened his eyes he found himself laying on the now blushing raven boy because he also realized what position they were in.

Arthur snapped himself backwards and gradually got up on his feet. He held out his hand and Merlin gladly took it and Arthur soon brought him up to a standing position with such ease as if he was picking up a feather. The young Warlock blushed a darker shade of red and the King soon followed him. They both avoided the other one's look.

Merlin: "You must get ready, sire" he soon broke the awkward silence and walked away from Arthur, who was happy for Merlin to break the silence, but also didn't want him to leave. To his own luck, Merlin only walked to one of the chairs next to the "royal dining table". He picked up a pile of clothes that he left there before the whole situation. The man-servant walked to his master and handed them to their rightful owner.

Helping Arthur to dress-up was something they were both used to already and this time it was no different; Arthur was standing straight while Merlin was putting on him different pieces of clothing, while trying to hold a conversation with the still awkward manservant.

Arthur: "I don't feel like going out of my room today," he said.

Merlin handed him his belt and while watching his every move he continued the conversation.

Merlin: "Are you feeling sick, sire? Shall I call Gaius?" he asked with a glimpse of concern in his words.

Arthur: "No. No need. I just... I'm tired Merlin. So, so tired," he confessed.

Once his belt was secured around his hips, he found Merlin's eyes hazing right into his own. The raven had his arms crossed in his chest and a serious expression on his face.

Merlin: "To tell the truth, today I wanted to ask you for a free day, but now I just don't have the heart to leave you alone, Arthur."

Arthur: "A free day? You mean duty- free? There is no such thing for you, Mer-lin."

Merlin: "And you didn't even care to hear my reason~"he said humorously.

Arthur turned around and walked away from him towards the table that had his breakfast on it. He sat down and started his first meal of the day.

Arthur: "No reason is more important than me, I am the king after all," he said with a glimpse of arrogance, but then a smile escaped his lips and Merlin rolled his eyes.

Merlin:"I'm sorry to let you know this, but there is ONE reason."

The younger man walked up to Arthur and positioned himself on his right side, where he promised to always be.

Merlin: "My mother is now living in the Lower town of Camelot. She came a week or so ago, but I didn't get a chance to visit her yet. That is the reason for my request."

Arthur:"Your mother-Hunith if I'm not mistaken!"

Merlin: "That's her name yes."

Arthur: "Maybe I could go with you? I still haven't thanked her for sheltering us after you saved me. She was really nice to me. I must tell her how grateful I am."

Merlin only shook his head, getting a shocked almost hurt expression from Arthur.

Merlin: "I am sorry, Sire. I wish to spend this day alone with my mother. She is very important to me and I miss her a lot. There is still so much I want to talk to her about."

Arthur: "Of course..." he exclaimed trying to hide the hurt from his voice, but he soon changed his mood when he put down his fork and stood up from his seat. Excitement clearly shown on his face, he walked to one of the cupboards next to his bed. He searched through its insides and pulled out a small wooden box, he opened it and once seeing what was inside he smiled a big sincere smile.

He walked back to Merlin and opened the box towards him, showing what was inside. Merlin's eyes opened wide when the insides revealed a small red cushion and a 1.2 inches big silver hair pin with a dragon on the front side.

Arthur: "A dragon for the mother of the last dragon lord," he said smoothly.

Merlin Blinked a few times to clear his vision and look at Arthur with such love in his eyes it made Arthur almost loose his focus and weaken his knees. Regardless of the power leaving him, he added a few words to his already powerful statement.

Arthur: "Give this to your mother. It is supposed to bring good luck to its owner, and tell her how grateful I am to her. For EVERYTHING she's done so far."

Merlin: "I'm not sure I know what you mean by that..." he said while taking the now closed box from Arthur.

Arthur: "You are not the one who is supposed to know, Merlin. I'm sure she will understand what I mean."

Merlin: "Does this mean I can go?" he asked with a glow in his eyes.

Arthur:"Your request has been approved."

Merlin's face suddenly lighted up and his lips curled up into a big goofy grin. He pulled Arthur into a quick hug and then turned around walking to the doors.

Arthur: "I expect a warm bath in the evening after the sun sets and IF I hear even a single WHISPER about you being in the tavern, I WILL KILL YOU MYSELF."

Merlin bowed his head saying a quick "Sire." and then left.

Once the doors closed, Arthur was left alone to continue his meal and smile upon remembering how beautifully Merlin's eyes shone with excitement and gratefulness.

MERLIN'S POV

Once I got my permission and got to Gaius's chambers I got welcomed by a pleasant smell of unknown nature, but there was no clue of Gaius being at home.

Merlin: "Gaius?! Are you here?!"

I took a quick look into his room, but didn't find him there either. I walked up to his work desk that was the source of the mesmerizing smell. I found an opened book with different orange flowers scattered all around it, that I will probably have to clear up alter and a bowl on a stand above a turned off burner. I took a look into the book and read aloud the name of the recipe.

Merlin: "A spell for healing a 2nd degree cold? Does that even exist?"

The surprise was not hidden from my face.

Merlin: "How could a potion for cold smell that good? It always tastes terrible."

Thinking about that I went to my room and changed my clothes, putting on a fresh pair of trousers and the only pair of socks left in my possession. I also slipped into a blue T-Shirt combined with a red handkerchief. I took my bad and pulled it over my head on my shoulder.

Walking through our little house I filled it up with pieces of bread that I found on the dining table and two apples. I also picked up Arthur's gift for my mother and placed it next to other things.

NORMAL POV

Upon deciding that he's all set, he decided to leave a small note for his guardian on the open book and then he left the room through the wooden doors. He left the Citadel in slow, but big steps and soon arrived to the Lower Town of Camelot.

It was a sunny day somewhere in June. The whole city was awake and lively. Merlin walked through the market that was now out on the streets and while greeting some people he recognized and also some knights, he got a sudden idea. He decided to buy something for his mother. Searching his pockets and a pouch that was a gift from Arthur himself, he gathered just enough money in his hand to buy a neat looking blue thin head scarf from which edges were embroidered by a silver thread.

The young man continued his way to the end of the market and arrived to the quieter place of the town, soon reaching his mother's house. He walked up to the front doors, took a deep breath and then knocked on them three times.

The doors soon opened, revealing an older woman that looked beautiful and healthy no matter her age, which gasped when her eyes met with Merlin's. With a whisper of his name, she held out her hands for him and got into a tight hug with her only child.

Hunith: "Is it really you Merlin?"

Merlin: "It is me, mother. Are you Happy to see me?" he said with a somewhat daring voice and she smacked the back of his head gently.

Hunith: "Of course I missed you!"

They were now only a step away from each other and she remembered what she was doing before the surprise visit.

Hunith: "I was just on my way to the market. Do you mind accompanying me?"

Merlin: "Of course not!"

She smiled at her son and then vanished for a few moments going into her house and soon returning with shopping basket hung on her hand. She locked the doors and then they headed towards the market.

Hunith:"How are you feeling Merlin?"

Merlin: "Feeling? As usual I suppose... Great now that I'm with you, knowing you're safe."

Hunith: "Are you sure? You don't seem too excited about magic being allowed. You didn't even mention it to me. Gaius was the one to tell me."

Merlin: "Yeah, I guess it's O.K. Nothing really changed."

Hunith: "But YOU are the one who influenced kin's mind and made him change the laws."

Merlin: "I think it was because he's rather change the laws of Camelot than have to deal with banishing or executing ME."

Hunith: "I am glad he chose to do that instead of going through with the execution. And how is the king?"

Merlin: "Arthur? I don't know. He doesn't like to talk about his feelings. He barely even mentions the battle."

Hunith: "Maybe he's just scared. Many people don't want to show their weaknesses in order to appear strong to others. And to themselves alike."

Merlin nodded and expired a gush of air from his lungs.

Merlin: "I almost forgot-" he said looking through his bag, soon pulling out a small wooden box with a beautiful engraving on the lid covering it. He opened it in front of his mother and made her loose her words.

Merlin:"It is a gift from King Arthur. He wanted to show you his gratitude for what you've done. His exact words are: It is supposed to bring good luck to its owner. Tell her how grateful I am. For EVERYTHING she's done so far. or something of that sort. He said you will understand what he meant?"

The woman only smiled when she put aside the wooden box into her basket. Followed by a few eggs that she received after paying the man behind the booth.

Merlin walked in silent next to her and observed her as she talked about her journey to Camelot and her new job at the nearby Tavern, while they were walking from one booth to another sometimes buying food and other times only admiring the many goods that were set out for citizens to buy.

He only vaguely heard her words and sometimes nodded or hummed a "yes" or "no" to her said statements or questions. He did whatsoever become very interested in her words when she once again mentioned the King's name.

Hunith: "Arthur is such a brave and kind man, but he's gone through so much. You did together. Loosing both of his parents must've been tough. And also his sister and uncle as you've told me. And then Gwen's double betrayal..."

Merlin:"We are not allowed to mention her name, mother."

She smiled at Merlin.

Hunith: "You really are all he's got left, just as he's told me."

Merlin: "HE said that?" he asked confused.

Hunith: "Of course. The day when I was treating him at Ealdor."

Merlin: "There is no way, Arthur would say such thing."

Hunith: "Maybe you've judged him too soon, son."

Merlin: "Mother, please. I know him better than he knows himself. And thus it is really hard for me to believe that he would say such a thing. Let alone to my own MOTHER."

Hunith: "He needs someone to fulfil the place of his mother. He needs someone he can talk about his feelings."

Merlin: "He can talk to me..." he said a bit hurt.

Hunith: "Would you talk to him about me and your father? Would you talk to him about who you like?"

Merlin:"I guess you're right..." he said shaking his head.

He noticed they've arrived to the gates of the Citadel.

Hunith: "This is where we separate, Merlin."

Merlin: "No. I can take you home. There's really-"

Hunith: "-No need for you to do that. I am not as old and defenseless as I might seem."

Merlin :"You are not old," he said and hugged her. "-or defenceless."

Once they separated, Merlin handed her the bag that he was carrying all this time saying;

Merlin: "Some bread and apples, 'cause I know you like them and also something you can wear with that hair-pin."

Hunith: "How thoughtful of you. Thank you Merlin."

Merlin: "And there was also something else I wanted to ask you..." he said while looking at his mother as she pulled HIS gift out of the bag and looked at it with a smile. She turned to look at her son, once she heard the concern in his voice.

Hunith: "You can ask me whatever you want."

Merlin: "Do you think it's wrong for two men to share a bed?"

Expecting hurtful denying words from his mother or even a smack, he shut his eyes and waited for the blow, but received a soft and sincere answer in return.

Arthur: "There is nothing wrong with loving someone. The gender shouldn't matter. But you have to be aware of the fact that some people might not accept that."

He smiled at her and gave her another loving hug, before he left her side, heading for the main gates of Citadel, noticing that the sun was already setting.

MERLIN'S POV

Once I finally reached the castle and got to the King's chambers I went straight to work. With a few sacred words and a flash of my eyes, the fire has started and the bathtub was ready, filled with warm water, now only waiting for the king's arrival. I did so by sweeping the floors and making his bed. Just as I lit up the candles, the wooden doors of the room swung open and brought in an angry, worn out and tired knight.

Merlin: "Sire, you are... Dirty."

Arthur: "There is REALLY no stopping to you intelligence, Mer-lin. What gave me away, I wonder. The dirty armour or the actual DIRT ON MY FACE!?"

I already knew that this isn't gonna end well. I kept my mouth shut as I walked up to the now sitting Arthur and helped him get rid of the heavy armour. Without any more words I took a wet cloth so I could clean the dist and grass off of his pale face.

Arthur: "What on Earth are you doing, Mer-lin?"

Merlin: "Cleaning you face, sire. We don't want you any of your cuts to get infected, now do we," I said as if he was a child, slightly mocking him.

Arthur: "Can't you just let me get infected, ill and then die? Just so I can finally get through with it."

Merlin: "I am sorry, Sire. That is not one of the options."

Arthur:"Then, could you please enlighten me with the options I've got that don't include me thinking too much."

I pointed to the bathtub set next to the fire.

Merlin: "You could take the bath that you wished for."

Arthur understood the hint and he slowly stood up, the pain showing on the features of his face even thought he tried his best not to show it. I followed him with my eyes as he walked from the chair to his bed and stopped there.

Arthur: "If I go into the soapy water with open cuts, they will most certainly hurt, right?"

Merlin: "That is one of the possible outcomes of course."

Arthur: "Now that I think about it, one day without a bath won't kill me right?! I'm going to bed."

Merlin: "You're acting like a girl.

Arthur: "No, I'm not. I'm just- I'm not in the right mood for this.

I made a few steps towards him and then tugged at the bottom of his shirt. That was enough for Arthur to lift his arms and let me undress him from the waist up.

As soon as the blonde was bare chested, my eyes widened in shock. His usually smooth and spotless skin was covered with big blue bruises and cuts. With my fingers I gently brushed across the King's chest and then his arm on which I found another quite deep cut. I lifted my look, but Arthur's was settled in another direction, his face shoving obvious annoyance, but also a glimpse of pleasure.

Merlin: "I don't remember scheduling you with any battles today, Arthur: "I was planning on it either."

Merlin: "What IT?" I asked and then gently pushed him into a sitting position, down onto the soft mattress of his bed, while observing his body and cleaning his wound with another wet cloth I had nearby.

I could feel his chest move under my touch when he took a deep breath in order to start his explanation of his day.

Arthur: "I went for a ride..."

Merlin: "ALONE, I assume?"

Arthur nodded not answering.

Merlin: "You are the king you know. You can't just ride alone whenever you wish!" I said not even caring to hide the concern.

Arthur:"I know that, but.. I don't even know. I wanted to go away. But you weren't next to me, like you usually are, to stop me from doing stupid things. I guess I needed you right there..." he said with a smile escaping his lips.

Merlin: "It was only one day, Arthur, and you already got into trouble. I knew it was a bad idea to leave you alone."

Arthur: "If it wasn't for the damn smugglers, this wouldn't happen."

Merlin: "So, THEY did this to you?"

Arthur: "Yes. First I thought they were only a group of travellers of some sort, but once I asked them to show me what they carried in the cart, they attacked. Of course I was no match for them once they all attacked me at once. They beat me up, stole my gold, got my sword... I was unconscious until just before I got here."

I listened to the whole story in silence. Once he went quiet I decided to say something completely unrelated, so I could shift his mind away from the battle that he lost.

Merlin: "I can use magic to heal you, Arthur," I said still concentrated on cleaning his wounds.

Arthur finally looked at me. He was surprised to some degree that I mentioned magic to him. It was still something we haven't truly talked about.

Arthur: "Will it hurt?"

I chuckled at his question that clearly revealed him being inexperienced with magic.

Merlin: "Usually it doesn't..."

Arthur: "It can't get worse right? Give it a try, Merlin."

I nodded and put down the cloth. I positioned myself next to Arthur, putting my left hand to his chest and my right hand on his back. I mouthed a spell that I've been practicing for a while now and after a gold shine in my eyes, me and Arthur observed most of his bruises and cuts gradually vanish.

Arthur: "You did it!" he said probably happy that at least some of his pain was gone. I could feel my lips curl up into a smile. I was proud of myself.

Merlin: "I'm afraid that is all I can do. The cut on your arm is too deep for this spell."

He nodded the happiness still not leaving him.

Arthur: "I'll make sure to visit Gaius tomorrow. Maybe he can finish your work."

Merlin: "Are you now prepared to take you bath, sire?"

The blonde nodded.

With only a nod and a few movements from one side of the roo to another, Arthur was undressed and laying in the once again heated water. I was sitting on a small stool next to him, just watching him, while his eyes were closed.

I could not believe how beautiful the man before me was. I've seen his skin so many times in the last years, but he never failed to disappoint my eyes. Each day his muscles got a tiny bit bigger and once I saw hum flex and then relax his arms I couldn't let unnoticed the fact that I liked them.

I wasn't a fan of muscles. Let alone a man's. But I was very fond of seeing Arthur shirtless as much as I could.

Arthur: "And how did you spend your day, Merlin?" he suddenly asked, his eyes still closed and his head held back, leaning on the edge of the wooden tub.

Merlin: "My day... It sure wasn't as exciting as yours," I said and received a chuckle in return for my words.

Arthur: "How is your mother? Is she doing alright?"

Merlin: "Yes. She's got a job and a roof above her head. That is all she needs."

Arthur: "So, she is happy?"

Merlin: "Yes, I mean..." I stopped myself from saying anything else. I could easily lie to Arthur and make it seem as if everything was great, but I couldn't. I had to at least try being honest with him and hope he'll do the same.

My silence brought his attention and he looked at me, waiting for my next words that he did not receive.

Arthur: "Is everything alright? You went quiet all of a sudden."

Merlin: "I just... I'm not sure I should be concerning you with my problems. They are my responsibility after all."

Arthur: "I am the King. You were the one that taught me to care for others and I fail at doing that, if I don't make sure that the people closest to me are feeling the best that they possibly can."

Merlin: "Yes. I understand that, sire..."

Arthur: "Can you, only for tonight... Use my name?" he said, sounding a bit vulnerable. I looked at him with a puzzled look, but nodded anyway.

Merlin: "If that is what you wish, s- Arthur." I said.

He smiled once again and then changed the theme.

Arthur: "Did you give my present to you mother, Merlin?"

Merlin: "Yes, ARTHUR. She was very happy to receive such a gift from the king."

Arthur: "I suppose you also told her what I asked you to."

Merlin: "I sent her your best wishes."

Arthur: "You told her the news about you joining the round table?"

Merlin: "No. That must've slipped my mind."

Arthur: "It is very important news, Merlin. You might be the most important person there."

Merlin: "After you and all the knights of course."

Arthur: "No. Even before me. The fact that you decided not to be a part of any of our meeting and declined my intention to bring you up to a worthy knight that you could be, does not change the sole fact, that your place is by my right hand at all times."

Merlin: "I know that and I'm sorry for putting my selfishness above everything else, Arthur."

Arthur: "Selfishness you say?"

Merlin: "Yes..." I said not sure if I should continue.

Merlin: "If I were to become a knight, you would soon find another servant and if I were to be replaced, I-"

Arthur: "EVEN IF YOU DIE, THERE IS NO WAY SOMEONE COULD REPLACE YOU. NO ONE, MERLIN."

NORMAL POV

Merlin's bowed head slowly straightened and the raven's look caught his master's. They shared a moment of pure love while starring into each other's souls and talking without needing to use any words.

Arthur: "I am sorry for keeping you with me this long, Merlin. I keep on talking about heavy stuff right before bed," the older man said breaking his gaze for a mere second before locking it with Merlin's again.

Merlin: "It was my pleasure to accompany you and your words, Arthur. There is nothing I'd rather do before sleep," he accidentally let the words slip out of his mouth.

Merlin: "I'm sorry I-" he said and slowly stood up and made a step back. Arthur sat up and followed Merlin with his eyes.

Merlin: "I'm tired. I should be going now. Do you need me to put you to sleep?" he said looking away from Arthur as much as he could, but he felt the other man's gaze on him all the time doing so.

Arthur: "No. It's alright. You can go. I'll deal with this myself."

Merlin: "Thank you," he said and then left his current spot with another few steps towards the wooden doors. He opened them and then stopped in the doorway.

Merlin: "Good night, have nice dreams, ARTHUR," he whispered before leaving. A man that was not listening could not hear his words, but luckily one blonde man heard him and responded with a whisper himself.

Arthur: "Good night, love."

END of chapter 1