Chapter Text
See you don't even laugh at my jokes anymore, seriously. I haven't seen you smile in the past three days.
Of course he had been counting, I wasn't even sure he'd noticed how awful I've been feeling, after all the attention he had been paying Mordred I'd hardly be surprised. Merlin's thoughts swam with jealously.
He thought back to a particular training session Mordred and Arthur had together, Merlin had never seen him be so complementary to someone before. That and not to forget that Mordred was seen in a vision, killing Arthur and now the rune. It was safe to say, Merlin was on edge.
I'm fine
He replied desperately just wanting to dismiss him, this was so embarrassing. Had he really not smiled in three days because he was jealous and worried about that clot pot of a king?
Merlin
Arthur says, pulling his servants shoulder to turn him. They were face to face and the king had to take a moment to compose himself. He hadn't realised how close he'd gotten.
I know you and I know you're not. Now tell me, what is wrong?
The rune Arthur, I fear for your life, I-
Merlin choked on his words.
Oh for christ sakes, just follow me.
He spun back around and walked towards Gaius's chambers, embarrassed by how much emotion came off in his voice. Arthur rolled his eyes but followed anyway with a burning concern to find out what was bothering Merlin.
I watched him closely as Gaius explained the rune to Arthur, watching to see if he'd take the warning seriously. I'm not sure if he has. Merlin wondered to himself.
Later as we head back to his sleeping chambers Arthur asks my opinion, whether he should take the warning seriously or not. As we reach the door Arthur gets it and I walk on, making his bed for the night I ponder how best to respond. I'm so tired, all I can think about is how Mordred had offered his blanket to Arthur the night before (which we had spent in the forest).
Merlin, you're doing it again.
What?
Arthur can hear through the grouchy tone that Merlin is exhausted.
Is this about the Rune, you really think it's that dangerous?
It could be, Gaius is rarely wrong about these things and that man did use his dying words to tell you of the rune.
He says yawning and ringing his hands together. Merlin seemed nervous. Arthur did not help his state by walking over, his shirt undone and his hair messy.
He hesitantly places a tender hand on his shoulder and squeezes gently, Merlin shivers, although he did not feel cold at all.
Perhaps you are right. But I am sure, whatever we have to face, we will come through
He smiles. And forces himself to drag his hand away, unfortunately he rather stroked Merlins arm in doing so but he managed. Clearing his throat he says,
Now, you should sleep, the last thing we need tomorrow morning is for you to be grouchy
He jokes in attempts to make him laugh.
Yes sire
Merlin tries a smile, though it's horribly sad and it crushes Arthur to see him like that. But he turns to watch him leave anyway, shoulders slumped and an almost grey aura emanating from him, which Arthur has never seen before.
Wait, is that all that bothers you?
Merlin turns back around.
My lord?
His voice was a whisper as he asked permission to speak.
Yes?
It is Mordred.
Merlins eyes fill with tears and he doesn't look up to meet Arthur's concerned face.
He is the one to kill you
His voice trembled and his hands shook. Arthur sat down on his bed, feeling light headed with disbelief.
Come here
Merlin looked up, suprised and confused,
Sire?
Do as a say.
He did. He stands awkwardly by Arthur's side, tears threatening to fall. Arthur sighs heavily.
Sit down, you look like you're about to fall over
Merlins knees buckle as if proof was needed and he clumsily crashes down next to Arthur. He starts to cry,
Are you sure?
I am, I am you can't ask how, but I am. You have to trust me
Words come quick to Merlins mouth before he can think.
I would never lie to you. I just want you to be safe
Sobbed Merlin.
I believe you, I believe you.
Arthur puts an arm round his back and Merlin instinctively tucks his head into the kings shoulder without thinking twice. He hears Arthur take in a breath in surprise but he's so tired and Arthur's smell is so comforting. Neither of them move.
After a moment Arthur starts to rub Merlins back and he pushes in closer to his lordships chest. The room is silent except their nervous breathing and Merlins gentle cries.
Arthur?
Yes Merlin?
What do we do now?
His voice was small and drowsy.