Category: Slash (mild, barely)
Characters/Pairings: Merlin/Arthur
Rating/Warnings: K+
The Meaning in a Kiss
"Arthur? Arthur?!" Merlin shouted frantically, running over to the fallen prince. "Wáce ierlic!" he roared, raising his hand toward the enemy. The archer was thrown backward with a force so strong, he hit a nearby tree and ceased to move. In an instant, Merlin was at his master's side. "Arthur! Please answer me!"
The young wizard rolled Arthur to his side, revealing an arrow buried in the prince's back. "Oh, Arthur..." he breathed, softly touching the bloodied chainmail. He placed his other hand on Arthur's chest, feeling the irregular, weak rise and fall of his chest. His breathing was definitely laboured. Sweating, Merlin began reciting all the healing spells he knew, but to no avail. For some alarming reason, none of them were working. He swore loudly, placing his head in his hands.
Before he knew it, he was choking back a sob. Why was nothing working? Merlin looked at Arthur's brow, covered in perspiration. He was obviously fevered, among other things. Merlin wiped at his wet face and then moved closer to Arthur and brushed back his sweaty hair from his face. Without thinking, Merlin leaned in and kissed him on the cheek.
Almost immediately, Arthur's face twitched. Merlin was so surprised, he fell over. "Arthur?"
The prince groaned. "M-Merlin..." he stammered weakly. "Did you just... kiss me?"
Merlin's face blossomed red. "I did, sire." he mumbled. Arthur's eyes remained closed. "It felt... nice."