Merlin and Arthur are soul mates, because a soul mate doesn't have to be romantic, it is just the person who is the other half of you, completes you, and they are whole with each other.

My random musings.

"Hey Merlin, think fast."

Merlin turned in the chair he was sitting on at the pitted table to see an apple sailing towards him. Automatically his hands went up to catch it but thanks to his usual clumsiness he didn't quite manage to keep a hold of it and dropped it with a thunk onto the floor.

"So you really are a klutz." said Arthur, standing in the doorway with his hands on his hips.

"I've always had magic Arthur," said Merlin, standing up, walking to the middle of the room facing Arthur, "It doesn't make me a different person just because you know now." Merlin tried to sound cross, but was so delighted that Arthur was actually acting like his old self that he couldn't quite pull it off.

Gaius who had been sitting across the table from Merlin smiled and shook his head slightly. Without a word he stood and left, leaving Arthur and Merlin alone.

Arthur stood aside to let him pass, walking in and closing the door behind him. "You know, it took me one person telling me off and another reminding me of some things to get me here after only one day."

"Somebody other than me told you off?" asked Merlin, genuinely startled.

"Yes, Gwaine."

Merlin didn't know what to think about that.

"I didn't say it before, but thank you. " Arthur rubbed the back of his head, moving farther into the room and obviously trying to piece together whatever it was he wanted to say, "Merlin… I just want you to know-"

"It's fine, you don't have to say anything." Merlin interrupted him quickly; not wanting Arthur to feel any obligation to endure a conversation straying into uncomfortable topics. For Arthur these mainly consisted of any kind of conversation in which he had to state how he really felt about something or towards someone. Feelings weren't his strong point.

But Arthur surprised him by waving his comment away "No, I do. When you died in my arms- in that moment I knew what mattered most in this whole mess of a situation: you. I can't pretend that how you lied to me didn't affect me. But I can't help thinking about how, whenever I actually listened to, you never led me astray." He looked Merlin straight in the eye, "Merlin, can I continue to trust you?"

"Always." Merlin answered without hesitation.

"Why should I believe you?" replied Arthur promptly.

Focusing his complete attention on Arthur, Merlin stared intently into his eyes, "I know that I've lied to you about my magic, but please believe me when I say that I didn't want to. I would do anything for you Arthur, give anything." There was a long pause, and when Merlin next spoke it was almost in a whisper, "Even if you were to ask me to leave and never return… I would."

There was a moment's silence as Arthur contemplated him "When you died I could believe you wouldn't just bounce back like you always seem to. I just kind of assumed you would always be there with me, the thought that I could lose you was just…" Arthur let the sentence trail off, leaving it unfinished. "But then I did lose you and it was the worst thing that could have happened. But you came back and I know that I don't ever want to lose you again. I want you to stay." clarified Arthur, "And if magic is part of what makes you who you are Merlin, then I wouldn't have you any other way."

Taking a deep breath Arthur let it out slowly, "I'm going to lift the ban on magic".

Merlin froze; staring at Arthur in disbelief. This was more than he could have hoped for considering everything that had happened; especially how Arthur had been acting the first time he had come to see Merlin after he had just woken up. He had a feeling that Gwen was the person who had reminded him of some things- he would have to thank her at a later time.

"I'm going to have George take over the majority of your chores" continued Arthur, "You know him, he'll probably think it's an honor to muck out the stables ad polish my armor. Now that magic will soon no longer be banned, I will need you to assist me with matters regarding the magical world. Think of yourself as a kind of, court Warlock to the King."

Merlin's mouth fell open in shock but Arthur didn't pause, "However, you will still be expected to wake me in the morning and bring me my meals, wait on me at feasts, and accompany me on hunting trips and other various outings."

Arthur paused then, as though expecting Merlin to say something. When he didn't he plowed on, though speaking gently and less formally, more like friend, "From now on, you must realize that you can talk to me as an equal if you have suspicions." There was a pause, "And Merlin, you can always talk to me if you need someone other than Gaius to listen to your problems, magical or not. It's always been that way, but I don't think you ever really comprehended it."

Merlin felt rather overwhelmed and sat there, absorbing this sudden rush of information. Was he dreaming?

Arthur looked at him significantly, one side of his mouth curved up in a smile "Well Merlin, this is the point in the conversation where you thank me, and in gratitude show me some of the respect that you so often lack."

"I- I don't know what to say…" managed Merlin at last.

"Here's the thing," began Arthur, and Merlin probably imagined it but he rather thought Arthur said it fondly, "You are rather annoying, clumsy, stubborn, and pretty terrible at your job but I've grown fond your mindless chatter. And besides, I've wasted too much time on you. Where do you think I'd find the time to train another servant"?

"Well George seems pretty capable" muttered Merlin, unable to think of anything else to say. It was rather alarming, the abrupt change from how Arthur was yesterday to how he was acting today. What on Earth had happened?

"Yes he is… but he's not you." Arthur walked closer, folding his arms and looking slightly uncomfortable, "Look Merlin, I know I'm not always that appreciative of you. But I want you to know, that…" Arthur paused, glancing away, "I want you to know that you are my best friend, and I don't know what I would do without you. I need you Merlin. "

Merlin swallowed hard, eyes stinging. "Really?"

"Yes."

Merlin knew Arthur had never been any good with emotional discussions, indeed if he HAD to say something nice he would usually turn around after and counter it with an insult. He had been rather repressed by his upbringing and had always had a natural reserve that made meaningful conversations a struggle for him, so Merlin waited for the inevitable change of subject. But the atmosphere was much lighter now, and Merlin felt a warmth inside that Arthur had actually accepted him for who he was. Sure it would take some getting used to, he would have to earn some trust back, lots of things would change, but life would go on and he would truly have a place in Camelot.

Arthur considered Merlin for a few moments, raising one eyebrow, "So, have you ever actually been to the tavern?"

Merlin grinned, "Maybe once or twice."

It's done! Thanks again to Zendog who beta'd for me, and always gives me support!

The cover art is done by MaverikElf on deviantART

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