I do it because I love you.
Title: I do it because I love you.
Author: slowroad93
Rating: g
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Prompt: Pursue
Summary: Arthur rides off into the forest after having an argument with his father. Merlin is not about to let him deal with things on his own.
Warnings: None
Word Count: 646 words
Disclaimer: Merlin is owned by the BBC and Shine. No copyright infringement is intended and no profit is being made. Don't send us to the dungeons.
Merlin watched as Arthur had yet another argument with his father, this time about the too-heavy taxes that he was trying to impose. Uther was furious. He told his son that he had no idea what he was talking about. When Arthur protested, he ordered him to get out. Arthur had known that there was not much point in opposing his father on this issue, but he hadn’t been able to keep quiet. He nodded stiffly, turned and left. He saw the concern on Merlin’s face as walked towards the door. He stepped out of the castle, and noticed that Merlin and a few of his Knights had followed him.
“Don’t come after me,” he told them firmly, as he made his way to the stables, saddled up, and rode off.
Merlin watched him go. He knew that Arthur was headed to the forest. He turned away when he saw Arthur ride past the gates of the citadel. He realised that Leon, Gwaine and Lancelot were watching him expectantly.
“What?” he said.
“Aren’t you going to go after him?” Gwaine asked.
“We can’t,” Lancelot said.
“Not after he gave us a direct order,” Leon continued.
“But surely, that doesn’t apply to you,” Gwaine said.
“It doesn’t.”
“Well?”
“I’m not letting him go anywhere by himself, not when he's upset. But I'll give him a bit of a head start. Let him work out some of his frustration before I catch up with him.”
...
Arthur rode into the forest, his mind churning. He knew that arguing with his father was futile, but he couldn’t stand by and watch his injustices, not any more. At least he’d voiced his objections in front of the council. Hopefully, his arguments would have an effect on a few of them…
The further he rode into the forest, the calmer he became. Somehow, out here, under the trees, surrounded by bird song and all the other little sounds of the forest, his burdens didn’t feel as heavy. He came to one of his favourite parts of the forest, a clearing surrounded by a circle of ancient oak trees. It was a beautiful place, a peaceful place. He got off his horse and tied her up.
He wandered about the clearing, wishing things were different with his father. But they weren't, and there was no point in that kind of thinking, so he let it go after a bit. He was not in the mood to go back to Camelot, at least for the next few days, so he decided to stay in the forest.
He hadn’t brought any supplies with him, but he knew that he didn't have to worry about that. He gathered some firewood, started a fire, and settled down to wait. Before long, he heard the sound of hoof beats. He smiled in spite of himself.
...
Merlin rode into the clearing and found Arthur sitting on the thick grass, leaning against a tree.
“I thought I told you not to pursue me.”
“When have I ever listened to you that I’m going to start now?”
Merlin got off his horse and unloaded it. Arthur watched him for a moment before going over to help. Merlin set out the food and poured them a glass of ale each. They ate and drank in a comfortable silence. That was the best thing about their relationship, Arthur thought, the easy silence that punctuated the honest conversations.
Arthur held his hand out, reaching for Merlin, when they were done. Merlin scooted over and snuggled into his prince’s arms. Arthur kissed him on his forehead.
“Thank you,” he said.
"What for?”
“Looking out for me, taking care of me, for knowing what I need even when I don’t know it myself."
"You don't have to thank me for that. I do it because I love you."
“I love you too."
"I know."