While this isn't my favorite chapter (I feel as if it could be better) I couldn't think of anything else to write. So, thanks for reviewing, alerting and/or favoriting last chapter. I don't own anyone. And leave me a comment if you can.
Thanks for reading!
Fury left Merlin shaking, his fists clenched tightly at his sides. He tried counting to ten, not needing to lose control of his magic, or punch Arthur in his stupid, traitorous face, but it was becoming increasingly difficult. Betrayal wrapped itself around Merlin, making itself at home, causing his heart to pound in his chest. He should walk away, calm down, but anger seemed to have taken control, and before he could stop himself, he threw the door open.
He startled Arthur and Gwaine, both men turning to look his way. Gwaine looked worried, his mouth open to, no doubt, ask Merlin if he were alright, but the younger man merely shook his head and turned his attention to Arthur.
"How dare you," he hissed taking a step towards the blond. Despite his attempt at stoicism, Arthur's eyes told Merlin he knew exactly what the warlock was talking about, and he made no moves to actually defend himself.
"What's he talking about, Arthur?" Gwaine asked slowly, cautiously, eyes darting between the two men.
"Leave us," Arthur commanded softly.
"But…"
"Gwaine." Arthur pointed at the door, his tone leaving no room for arguing, but Merlin knew Gwaine wanted to argue. So, the warlock said, "I want to talk to Arthur alone. Please."
"Alright," Gwaine stated reluctantly, still eyeing the younger men warily. "I'll be right outside if you need me."
Arthur waited until Gwaine closed the door before softly saying, "I see you've remembered."
"You told me you understood," Merlin started taking another step towards Arthur. "You told me you accepted I had magic. Were you lying to me? Is that it? Was that talk we had just you trying to appease conscience for when you had me executed!"
"Merlin…"
"No, Arthur, no," Merlin cut the king off, holding up a hand. "You don't get to talk right now. I want to get this out and get the hell away from you before I do something I regret."
"Do it," Arthur insisted taking half a step towards a surprised and speechless Merlin, holding his arms out. "Hit me, put a spell on me, do whatever you please, but no matter what you do, it doesn't compare to the guilt I feel.
"Victor may have hurt you because he wanted Lucian dead, but I hurt you worse. I betrayed you, and there aren't words that'll undo what I did to you. There's nothing I can do that'll come close to regaining the trust I no longer have, just as there's very little you can do to instill the same trust I used to have in you before this magic business."
Merlin's anger seemed to deflate at Arthur's words, and he almost turned around, almost headed back to Gaius' to pack. He couldn't work for Arthur, not when the king didn't seem to trust him, but before he could leave, Arthur caught his arm and said, "I'm not telling you this to hurt you. I'm telling you so you'll understand why I said what I said the day of your attack. But I think we can start over, you and I. I've been doing some thinking, and I have decided to bring magic back to Camelot."
Merlin's eyes widened in surprise and he took a step back, away from Arthur. He opened his mouth, wanting to say several things, but the blond cut him off. "It's our chance to work together, perhaps re-learn to trust each other, but there can be no more lies, no more secrets, from either of us. Do you understand me?"
"Arthur, I can't…"
"Yes, I realize there are some things you cannot tell me, but there's going to be other things; bigger problems, and you cannot keep them from me; just as I will tell you when talks of magic are becoming too much for me. No more secrets, Merlin."
"Are you serious about restoring magic?" Merlin asked slowly, his voice barely above a whisper.
"You have my word," Arthur replied offering his hand. Merlin warily eyed it for a moment, still feeling a small bout of anger bubbling in his stomach, but the excitement over seeing magic in Camelot trumped it.
"Fine," Merlin finally said shaking Arthur's hand. To the younger man's surprise, he was pulled into an awkward, one-armed hug.
"For what it's worth," Arthur said softly, "I am truly sorry for what happened." The blond let his servant go, turning towards the door, opening it so fast Gwaine spilled into the room. Arthur spared him a quick glanced before leaving the room.
The knight jumped to his feet, his eyes finally settling on Merlin, silently asking the younger man if he were okay. Merlin was quiet for almost a full minute before saying, "I will be." He and Arthur were far from where they used to be, and Merlin was still furious with the blond, but he felt they had taken a few, very small steps forward, making up for their giant leap back.
Merlin just hoped they kept moving forward.