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?

3. Chapter 2: 24 hours in heaven

Chapter 2: "24 Hours in Heaven"

It was just another beautiful day in Camelot. The birds were singing and people were making the kingdom feel alive in its early hours.

Everyone was feeling happy and the raven haired serving boy was no different. You could see the smile on his face as he made his way to the kitchen to pick-up breakfast for his beloved King.

Not long after he was already opening the doors to the royal chambers and making his way inside. He set aside the food on the dining table and walked to the big royal bed on which lay a bigrstupidarrogantcondenscendingsuperliscious spoiled-

Merlin: "Arthur! Wake up! Another gorgeous day has come upon us!"

Same as every morning the small boy only got a handful of grunts and curses in return for his lovingly, planned beforehand, wake up call.

Merlin:"You can't stay in bed forever, sire. You must eat your breakfast. We all know how moody you get without your food."

Merlin pushed aside the curtains and let some light in. He also opened the window for some fresh spring air. He finally heard some rustling voices from behind him, as he was looking at a group of knights that were just on their way for the early training. He swung around and his eyes set on the most ridiculously looking king.

He covered his mouth with his hands to suppress the laugh but a snicker escaped anyway.

Arthur: "Could you please tell me, what in the world could be so funny? You're making the most ridiculous face," he said throwing his hands in the air and then stretching his arm muscles.

Merlin: "You should've seen yours..." he murmured too captivated by his newly discovered kink -Arthur's muscles.

Arthur raised an eyebrow at him, but Merlin quickly changed the theme of the conversation.

Merlin: "The breakfast is on the table and then I think you have a short training with the knights as you wished to. Also a council meeting will occur. After that, you'll have time for another visit to the training grounds or you can once again look through this pile of papers-" Merlin said and motioned to the parchments that were on Arthur's desk with his hand. He was silenced by Arthur's words.

Arthur: "Could you please just let me get dressed and eat in peace, please. I opened my eyes only a moment ago and I already feel like I'm getting a headache."

The blonde pinched the top of his nose and rubbed the place for a bit, before he stood up from his place on the edge of the bed and then walked to the dining table his man-servant following not far behind.

The meal continued in silence from them both. The King was eating not even caring that he wasn't feeling any hunger, thinking that this is the only time he'll have for himself in entire day and the servant kept his mouth shut as his eyes followed his master's lips curl around the freshly picked tomato, before he dug his teeth in it, played with it a bit in his mouth and then swallowing, while brushing away a small trace of the fruit's juice flowing down his chin, that escaped his beautiful so very lick-able pink royal tongue-

Merlin shook his head, trying to get the dirty thoughts out of his head and also got some attention from the deep in his own thoughts king.

Arthur: "Are you feeling alright, Merlin? Your cheeks are a bit red," he said after swallowing down the last piece of meat on his plate. In response to his qustion he only got a nod and a simple "Yes, Sire." and then decided to nod himself.

With a sigh he sat back in his chair, while Merlin picked up his plates and his emptied chalice. While doing so, he noticed the weird mood he got from his fri-master.

Merlin: "Are YOU alright, sire?" he asked and then stood up straight, looking right at the man that was starring into the distance and somehow drifting away.

He got no answer.

Merlin: "Sire?"he asked again, by a contrast louder, but not loud enough.

Merlin: "ARTHUR!" this time his shout woke up the almost asleep King and their eyes met for a second before the more ocean blue ones met the hands of their owner as he tried to scrub the sleep away from them.

Arthur: "I'm sorry Merlin, what were you saying?" he asked.

Merlin only shook his head and then a smile escaped his face.

Merlin: "You really are a clotpole."

Arthur: "And what gives you THAT idea, clever clogs?"

Merlin: "I am but a servant of your highness, m'lord," he said humour never leaving his voice as he deeply bowed down putting his free hand on the back and leaving the other in the air as he tried his best to balance the dishes.

Arthur only rolled his eyes and then stood up, for one more stretch of his arms followed by the cracking of as many knuckles as a man could that early in the morning.

Merlin: "You will ruin your body like that, sire. I've heard Gaius tell that to many knights already. Better use those fingers to do some work!" he said at first with a serious voice, that soon changed into a happy one. He made his way to the doors while he kept talking to the person behind his back.

Merlin: "I already prepared some water for you, so please wash your face and hair in that exact order and then put on a pair of fresh trousers I've put out for you and your boots, while I'll go and pick up your shirt. It wasn't dried when I stopped by before," he waited a few seconds at the doors, for the usual "hurry up" and soon got it.

Arthur: "Just hurry up, would you. I don't have a whole day to waist."

ARTHUR'S POV

I was left alone in my chambers. I knew he was going to return. He always came back. Maybe out of sympathy? Maybe, he even TRULY cared. But something told me that only being with him sometimes just wasn't enough. I want more. I NEED more. I want to share my thought with him and most of all my feelings. I want to tell him just how much he means to me. I want him to finally realise he is not only a mere unimportant servant or even a sorcerer that he thinks he is. I want- It doesn't matter what I want. I wish for something not even a man of my status can have- I want Merlin to love me.

Just as a tear that I was holding in was trying to break out I heard the doors open once again. Quickly I brushed both of my eyes and then moved from my "cryingmyeyesout" spot to my "youshould'vealreadybeendressedbynow" spot.

I as quick as possible took of my trousers and hung them over the stand and put on a new fresh pair. I walked around the wooden stand and then saw my man-servant looking at me with a look that I just couldn't figure out.

Merlin: "Your moodiness... It couldn't have been the outcome of our yesterday's... conversation. Could it?"

My eyes widened as I remembered the only moment that I decided to forget in the same second it ended and set it aside as unimportant. It seemed important to him thought. I shook my head, but kept my eyes on him. I could see him let out a sigh of relief.

Arthur: "I already forgot about that, to be honest. I didn't want to make a big deal out of it. Didn't want you to feel awkward"

Merlin: "Then, I truly am sorry, Sire. I wasn't thinking."

Arthur: "No harm done. You wanted to make sure I'm alright. I appreciate that. But, you can talk to me if something I say is troubling you."

Merlin: "Of course, Sire," he chuckled emphasizing the last word, earning a roll of the eyes from me.

NORMAL POV

Soon, the King of Camelot was ready for his day and walking to the training grounds, while Merlin -under cover about having to pick up some herbs for Gaius- climbed one of the smaller towers went through the doors and after walking a few metres he found a nice place for leaning over the stone wall and observing the training grounds beneath him. His eyes followed the blonde head at all times while he was trying to figure out what was going on inside it.

Arthur was obviously out of it in the morning and he could not hide it from the young sorcerer being that or simply the fact that in the last few years he came to know the young prince more than he'd ever guess or hope for.

Spending whole 2 hours that felt like minutes to him, watching the knights swing blades and other deadly accessories at each other the raven was still unable to think of a good reason for his fri-master's moody morning.

MERLIN'S POV

I know him better than anyone else -as I already mentioned- but at times, he is still such a puzzle to me. I wish he wasn't. I wish- I wish he talked more about his feelings, even if it was out of anger and his feeling aren't... What I wish they were. It doesn't matter. I want something that's out of my reach.

Arthur made me feel like a small child reaching his hand for a star. He knows he can never reach the shining object, but it doesn't mean he'll never try. This is where we are different. I can't TRY. I know what the outcome is and I don't like it. Not one bit. I'd rather have him keep away from my actual feelings and suffer myself, than tell the true and be mocked at or hated because of what I feel. Because of WHOM I AM. I don't want to put him in the position of choosing. Again.

Arthur: "Hey! Sleeping beauty! If you have time to daydream and slack off, then I'm sure you wouldn't mind scrubbing the boots of all the knights that trained with me, polishing my armour and launder my clothes. AND while you're at it, don't forget to prepare me lunch."

I had to lower my head to actually see who was talking to me, but it wasn't necessary, I've heard the same orders with the same voice more than a thousand times already.

Merlin: "Of course, Sire. I was just on my way to do that exactly," I said, maybe a bit of sarcasm hidden in my voice.

I saw my object of interest move towards the gates to the castle and I decided to join him, as I had to take of his armour before actually getting to polishing it.

NORMAL POV

While the man-servant was dirtying his hands with his freshly set chores, the man-royal-ass was getting ready for his council meeting. And "ready" was in Arthur's vocabulary described as -anxiety, boredom, more anxiety, actual sickness, the pacinguntillyougetevenmoresick move, more sickness and then at last he brought himself to sit on the throne in the throne room, hiding his lap under the table and fidgeting his hands and fingers in his lap.

ARTHUR'S POV

It is unbelievable to imagine how nervous I get before EVERY SINGLE MEETING with the council. And there's been a plenty already and many more are to come, but I just can't... And now even Merlin's not here where he's supposed to be. He's always here. He knows how nervous I get. He should be here. He should-

The fact that it was my own fault for the clumsy feet to not be next to me hit me just as the doors of the throne room opened wide, revealing all the old heads of the kingdom including Gaius of course and Sir Leon, whose place in the court council was set by me as he represents the knights of Camelot.

They greet me, I greet them. We sit and we talk. They plead I say yes or no. We sign the papers. I get new paperwork I have to look at over night. They thank me and say their goodbyes. I nod my head and tell a guard to escort them as far as they want to be escorted. A never-ending circle of the "One and Future King" -as the Clumsy Feet once called me.

Where is that buffoon anyway? He should've been here by now. He has to at least carry all these papers, because it is not my intention to do so.

As I was deep in my thoughts about just how big of an idiot my man-servant really is, I realised that the whole council was staring at me. In addition I realised that the meeting was still not over, so I sat straight from my slumped position and cleared my throat.

Arthur: "I am sorry. Could you repeat your question?"

Sir Leon: "What should we do?" he asked a question completely new to me

Arthur: "About what?" I asked somehow implying that I really have no clue about what he was saying.

Sir Leon: "About King Johnson," he added a few words to my already huge confusion.

Arthur: "King Who?" I asked this time really proving my own idiocy as it seemed.

Gaius: "Sire, you seem a bit tired. Are you sure you're not feeling sick? Maybe a fever?" the old man on my left implied. I was happy he tried to change the situation, but there was really no need for such concern.

Arthur: "I'm alright. Thank you, Gaius. I was only thinking about something else we were talking a while back. Now Sir Leon-" I turned to look at the knight "-Could you please repeat what you said before."

Clearly happy with how I pushed everything along, the meeting continued as good as the meeting of a group of old men, a knight and a 22 year old king possibly could.

All I can say is: BUGGER IT.

MERLIN'S POV

Merlin: "And the last boot is-" I made the last brush over the tip of the leather boot in my hand and with a smile finished the sentence. "-finished. I can't believe I'm actually done."

I looked down the row of freshly scrubbed boots and released a breath that I didn't realize was held back.

I picked up the bucket with dirty water and gradually stood up as carefully as I could. I stretched the muscles supporting my back and with ache in my shoulders I walked to the kitchen. The cooking lady was already preparing the King's lunch just as I asked her beforehand and as I waited for her to finish the last touches I poured the water I brought with me, down the drain.

CL: "All finished! Merlin!"

I hung the bucket over one of my hands and then walked to her. I lifted the tray of food with both of my hands and thanked the lady for her trouble. She only shook her head saying it was not a problem since she had the time and also reminded me to come back if the King runs out of bread. I said my gratefulness once again, before she hurried me out of the room and started cutting the vegetables for another meal- probably the knight's- I thought to myself.

Remembering whose lunch I was carrying I really did hurry up towards Arthur's chambers.

I always found it weird that Arthur didn't move from his chambers to his father's- the king's- once he became king. But then again, that was Arthur I was thinking about. No one can ever understand a closed book just from its covers.

Merlin: "Arthur! I'm coming in!"

I opened the doors with a little help of my "special abilities" and then pushed them open with my back.

I made my way towards the table and like before I set the food in front of the King's chair. With the difference of him actually sitting in it this time.

Arthur: "You're late! And you missed the meeting! You could've told me you had more important things to do than be by my side!" he said not really looking me as he let out his anger on me.

I only rolled my eyes and walked away from the table .I went to the bed where I noticed a dirty shirt that wasn't there in the morning.

Merlin: "I was scrubbing the boots, polishing your armour and I washed all of your clothes. Excluding this shirt and the one you are wearing. They are drying at the moment," I said while picking up the piece of clothing and then looking around if I'll find anything else worth cleaning or washing.

Merlin: "Standing by as you were holding the meeting was not one of my duties you've given me, Sire."

I walked back to him with the clothing still in my hand. I noticed him changing expression to a bit more, even hurt, one.

Arthur: "I didn't realize you took that as a duty, Merlin," he said slowly.

I realized just what I've done wrong.

Merlin: "I didn't. I don't. I'm sorry, sire. I will make sure I am by your side when your next meeting occurs. I give you my word."

He looked at me with his two beautiful sky blue eyes giving me the most grateful look a man could actually manage to come up with. I could feel myself blushing, so I turned my head away from him and the body soon followed. I pretended to get busy with something on the wall, but could feel his gaze on me.

Merlin: "Maybe you should start your lunch, sire. You'll need energy for another training," I said still not turning around.

Fortunately I soon heard a clatter of the silverware and a sound of a man swallowing his drink. He was eating.

I was happy for a moment as I thought he will stay quiet while eating like he usually was, but happiness can never last long and it ended when I heard his voice.

Arthur: "Would you like to go for a ride with me?"

NORMAL POV

Merlin's happiness was replaced by a sudden confusion. He slowly turned around to look at his prince and coming upon the blonde head being lowered as Arthur was still eating his healthy meal.

Merlin: "You mean hunting?" the younger one said, still not really sure what was going on at the moment.

Arthur: "No, I meant what I said. A ride. 2 horses. You. Me. Riding them." he said in a slow voice as if trying to explain something to a five year old child.

Merlin: "Yeah, I understood that part, but why?" he asked trying to wrap his mind around everything that was happening.

Arthur: "I just want to... get out, you know. Lately I don't seem to get any time for myself. And you don't seem like a bad company. Or am I the unlikeable one?"

Merlin shook his head and denied that question. He still wasn't quite sure what was happening.

Merlin: "Can you explain to me what is REALLY happening?" he asked, a serious expression plastered over his face.

Arthur nodded and swallowed the piece of meat he was reproducing in his mouths.

Arthur: "Sir Leon has brought me news about some new king getting the kingdom not far from Camelot. I don't really know which. I wasn't listening. But he says that the brat wants to meet with me."

Merlin: "I'm sorry. I forgot to understand the problem," Merlin said with a really goofy expression of confusion all over his face. Arthur had to sigh at him.

Arthur: "Use your head won't you. If I say I'm away from Camelot -a hunting trip or something- the king won't be able to visit me and I won't have to deal with his stupid s**t before I even dealt with my stupid s**t," he said explaining at first, but continued with hissing at Merlin, probably imagining he was someone else.

Merlin: "So... I'm actually only a servant coming along?" he asked and got a shook of the blonde head in an answer.

Arthur: "No. This is where you're wrong. You're going as my boy- I mean friend. If you wish of course."

Merlin: "When?"

Arthur: "As soon as possible."

Merlin: "How long?"

Arthur: "Preferably a day, give or take."

Merlin: "Where?"

Arthur: "The Darkling Woods."

Merlin: "Are you sure?"

Arthur: "You doubt me?"

Merlin: "No. Of course not. But won't it be a bit too dangerous, for only a simple TRIP into the woods?"

Arthur: "Nothing to worry about. Maybe a few bandits or smugglers-" he tried to say with ensuring words, but failed as Merlin added his own opinion in his statement.

Merlin: "-that already beat you up once."

Arthur: "We might see some magical creatures. A fairy or even another unicorn-" he tried again, knowing how Merlin felt about magic, but failed once again upon hearing Merlin's comment.

Merlin: "One of those tried to be your wife and then drown you at some point and you were almost killed because of the curse of the other."

Arthur: "Maybe a troll?" he now asked the other one.

Merlin: "Please don't make me go there," he said bringing up the palm of his hand to his face.

Arthur: "It's o.k. if you don't want to go-" he started but was cut off by his man-servant's almost shout.

Merlin: "NO! I'LL GO!"

Arthur was surprised to say the least. He saw the other man suddenly blush a dark shade of pink and lower his head. He could only smile at the face the other man was giving him.

Arthur: "So? What is your final answer?" he asked again just to make sure.

Merlin's face lit up and he put on the most sincere smile he could manage, not really wanting to hold back his happiness (and love) towards the man in front of him.

Merlin: "I do. I mean- I WILL!"

Arthur nodded and then stood up from his chair already making his way towards the doors as he gave his manservant instructions about what he should do.

Arthur: "You take care of the clothing and bedding and I'll get us some food. I'll meet you in 15 minutes at the stables," he said and didn't even have to wait for an answer as he already heard the sound of opening cupboards implying to the fact that Merlin was already emptying them.

Everything went as they planned. Arthur got as much food as he could carry by themselves and Merlin was able to finish packing in mere 10 minutes. Both of them.

The King was pleased with the outcome as it only took remarkable 20 minutes for both of them to get ready and meet up at the stables. Of course the term "get ready" was different for each of them.

The blonde man had to make one last check with his knights and first of all Sir Leon. He once again briefly explained where he and Merlin will be staying for the next 24 hours.

While the royal one was making the last and the most important check over the paperwork on his desk, the servant had to make a little trip to his own home –carrying the other one's stuff with him. He packed a few healing potions he thought they might be needing and a plain warm cardigan. While walking around the messy chamber, he briefly explained his plan of the next day –at least the facts that he was familiar with- to his elderly guardian. Earning nothing but a warm smile, tight hug and a "have a nice time", he was ready to leave.

They both saddled their horse and Arthur tried to make his look as simple and "poor" as he could. He wasn't trying to look royal and bring attention to him while roaming through the forest.

Merlin also noticed Arthur's attention as he examined what the other one was wearing: a casual shirt and a pair of also worn out trousers. On his whole body, only the ring on his left index finger, given by his late mother and maybe his boots looked like they were actually worth stealing. Merlin also noticed the lack of the Pendragon crest on either Arthur or his horse.

Merlin: "Are we going on an undercover mission, sire?" he mentioned to the King.

Arthur shook his head while tightening the belt on his saddle and checking his sword that was also missing his royal shine.

Arthur: "No...O.K. Maybe. And could you call me by my name?" he said not looking at the hazy blue eyes, that were looking at him with utmost confusion.

Merlin: "Your name? Of course, if you can explain why, Arthur."

The older man only sighed and the turned to look at his man-servant. He put a hand on his horse's neck and gently pet him.

Arthur: "If this is my only chance to be with you, then we are going as equals. No ranks or statuses. And especially no one to bother us. Only you and me."

Merlin nodded, still not really sure what was happening.

Arthur: "Please, only for the next 24 hours let me believe I'm normal."

With a sweet movement he swung on the horse.

Arthur: "C'mon! I'll race you!" he said right before riding away.

Before confused servant, was now following his master's-friend's move and rode off after him.

Arthur –as he won the race- waited for Merlin right at the entrance into the forest. As soon as they were next to each other, they slowly rode under the protection of the trees, where they started their usual conversation/picking on one another.

Merlin:"So... Where exactly are we going?" he asked looking at Arthur, being a few steps behind him. He used his hand to one direction.

Arthur: "There. I'm taking you to a place where I used to hide as a kid. If I'm hiding again, this time also from the king, then it seems quite appropriate."

They rode for some while until they finally arrived to a beautiful cave with an opening with a small lake in front. As they approached it, Merlin noticed the walls of the cave were made of glass-like stone. The sun was reflecting in both the stones and the water and the view was just beautiful.

Arthur: "You like it?" the blonde man asked a bit anxious, but hiding it behind a smile.

Merlin looked at him and nodded a grin already pulling at the sides of his lips, soon forming a smile.

Arthur: "Let's get settled in."

Merlin followed Arthur as he walked on a very thin path along the left side of the lake, that made it's was to the cave. It didn't take long to reach their destination and set out a camp that included a small fireplace and 2 pieces of bedding next to it.

Arthur: "I'm quite happy with how this turn out to look like. And now-" he started and started taking his shirt off "-I'm going for a swim."

The young raven man didn't even get the chance to protest as Arthur did a few quick moves and was soon completely undressed and ran towards the end of the small cliff. With a quick jump he was under the water.

Merlin only rolled his eyes and blushed a little remembering he just saw the man he liked naked. Taking a small towel with him, he sat down at the end of the "cliff" cross legged and watched Arthur swim under the water. He came on the surface only to catch some air.

Merlin' POV

Merlin: *He is naked right here before me and there is nothing I can do, but watch him. He is so beautiful. No. No, I can't think like that. I'll have to forget about this day anyway, so there's no point in remembering stuff like this. No point at all. But he is so HOT!*

Arthur: "Merlin! Merlin! Are you awake?"

As I woke up from my daydreaming, I realised Arthur was sitting next to me –still butt-naked, but had his knees on his chests trying to cover his "manhood".

Merlin: "I was only thinking, Arthur," I said and handed him the towel from before.

Arthur: "About what?" he asked, covering his lower body with the cloth.

Merlin: "YOU. And me." I said nonchalantly.

I could see him look at me and our eyes met.

Arthur: "So tell me, Merlin, what EXACTLY were you thinking about?" He said not breaking the eyes contact.

I couldn't do anything but chuckle. As if I'd be able to tell the idiot about how much I want him. I looked away.

Merlin: "I was thinking about how there is no possible way for me to do as I want in Camelot. I sometimes feel trapped in my own mind."

When my head turned back to him he took the opportunity to join his lips with mine. I was shocked and surprised so on my own instinct I backed away.

As soon as I lost the contact I realised just what I've done.

Merlin: "Arthur, I-"

Arthur: "I'll go get dressed." He cut me off and then stood up. I wanted to stop him, but I froze. My fingers touched my mouth and brushed the bottom lip. I could still feel him.

I couldn't go to him. I was scared. I knew I hurt him and I was scared of what his reaction might be like. I realised the sun was already setting. After I couldn't hear him moving any more I gathered the guts to turn around and with a puzzled expression showing my mixed-up feeling I slowly stood up and walked to the campfire. I saw him laying on one of the beddings. He was on his side and was poking at the fire with a stick. Without any words I sat opposite of him and curled up in a small ball. I my knees to my chest and my chin rested on them.

I could see in his eyes that he was frustrated.

Merlin: "IF YOU WERE GOING TO IGNORE EVERYTHING THEN WHY THE HECK DID YOU DO IT ANYWAY!"

Normal POV

Arthur's look shot up at the man before him, but he was already leaving. The older man sat up and followed him. He found Merlin sitting on the edge of the cliff, his knees pressed to his chest.

Arthur: "I'm sorry, to say the least."

Merlin: "It was my fault... For pulling away."

Arthur :"It is your choice to what you want to do, Merlin. I cannot force you into anything."

Merlin: "I'm aware of that."

Arthur: "Can we go to sleep now?"

Merlin nodded his head and they stood up, walking to the fireplace.

Soon, both of them were asleep and not aware of it, dreaming about each other a restless dream.

The next day, Arthur was woken up by something sharp poking at his shoulder. He opened his eyes only to get punched in the face.

He didn't know what was going, but he first made sure Merlin was safe.

Arthur: "Merlin. Wake up."

He watched the younger man wake up and putting his hands behind his head once realising what was happening

The bandit: "You have a smart "Friend", MILORD."

Arthur: "Do what you want, but let Merlin go. He is a no one."

Merlin was not surprised by his words as he heard the tone Arthur used and then swallowed hard.

Merlin: "You'll regret it, if you don't let us go."

Arthur: "Merlin! Shut up, for once!"

Merlin: "You know I never listen to you."

All he earned was a punch in his stomach. They pressed the raven to the cave's wall his back turned to Arthur.

Arthur: "Merlin! Let him go!"

They tried to stop him, but Arthur broke free and ran to Merlin's side. He punched the man holding his friend and shielded Merlin with his own body.

Arthur: "Let us go and nothing will happen to you."

The bandit: "To us? Are you stupid? There are 10 of us and only you with a no-one."

Arthur: "He is much more than that."

Arthur's POV

I could sense a hand on my shoulder. I turned around only to see Merlin with a deadly glare in his eyes. He pushed me back. As soon as I saw his arm lift up I knew what was coming next. I've seen it plenty of times before.

Arthur: "Merlin, don't do this."

Merlin: "If you don't want to, don't look."

That was enough for me to turn away and wait for what was going to happen next. I heard a yell and a crash. Suddenly a hand was taking a hold of mine. Our fingers intertwined, but I kept my eyes shut. I was not ready to see Merlin hurt anyone, let alone kill them.

After what felt like hours in the dark of my own mind, Merlin brushed the side of my face and made me open my eyes.

Merlin: "My king? Are you ready to return to your castle?"

Arthur: "Y-Yes." I stuttered unintentionally.

I heard a cough from behind us. We turned around and saw the leader of the group lifting up to his knees.

The bandit: "Your end is near. Mark my words Arthur Pendragon!"

In only a second Merlin was holding my sword on the older man's throat, ready to spill the blood from it. I ran to his side and right into his arm that he threw to his side.

Arthur: "MERLIN! Put it down immediately!"

Merlin: "NO! He deserves this!"

Arthur: "NO ONE DESERVES TO DIE!"

I could see his eyes loose anger, so I used the chance to take the sword from him. I did that with much strength and visible anger in my eyes and voice.

Arthur: "Give me that! Even without a weapon you are deadly."

I walked away but he followed an excuse already ready to be sent my way.

Merlin: "Arthur, I-" he said and bit his lip not really sure what words he should choose to make me believe them.

Arthur: "You know Mer-lin, this is one of the times when I tell you to-"

Merlin: "Shut-up. I know."

Arthur: "We- Are leaving."

Normal POV

Forgetting about the dead people and the rest of them that Merlin almost killed, they got to their horses and set straight to a journey towards Arthur's "home town". In their own minds they decided to forget all about the past 24 hours. Even if that was the day that meant the most to both of them.

When they arrived to Camelot, much to the surprise of both of them, they weren't the only ones. The castle was filled with the knights of some other kingdom. Arthur remembered the annoying new-born King that-he-was-absolutely-not-running-from. In the Citadel the two men were stopped by Sir Leon and Arthur was taken away by him. Merlin got the chance to vanish with an excuse.

Merlin: "I must help Gaius. I was away for far too long, Sire," he said with a grin and bowed deeply.

Arthur: "Sire? Gaius? What?" he stuttered not really sure what is happening. He was sure of only a few things: he did not want to meet the king and he did not want Merlin to leave him.

Merlin: "I am truly sorry, Sire," he bowed once again and then left the grin not leaving his face.

The King of Camelot was left alone to suffer through the thing that he ran away from, without the person that was always with him.

Arthur: *MEEEEEEEEERLIIIIIIIINN!*