(no subject)
“I’m leaving” had been his reply.
“What do you mean you’re leaving?”
“Isn’t it obvious?” The boy gestured his arm in an outwards arc arcross the room. The clothing, normally littered across the floor, had been carefully folded and stacked next to a large duffle bag on the bed. “You asked me what I was doing. I'm packing." Arthur cursed his lack of perception and prayed his servant would allow this latest humiliation to pass by unnoticed. Not to mention or wonder how come Merlin never managed to pack his gear with the same diligence and efficiancy as he did now.
That had been two months ago.
Yes, looking back, it did seem mighty obvious. But at the time... his mind hadn't been able to grasp the concept. It had been unfathomable, really. It just... Merlin had showed no sign of wanting to leave. And yet, he did, withpout any sort of warning or provocation whatsoever. Athur had been betrayed. Leaving. Him, of all people, leaving. At the time he had demanded answers, fought furiously for an explanation. Why? The question begged to be asked.
“If I stay I'll be caught.”
“What the hell are you talking about?" There had been fear in Merlin's eyes as tried to explain, but the words all got caught in his throat in a tangled mess of despair and agravation. Why couldn't he understand? He just had to. If he didn't they'd find him, and take him, and drag him down into the unforgiving dungeon to wait patiently for the chance to lay his neck exposed before the executioner and his axe.
"What's gotten into you? Why, why would they ever...?" A choked apollogy. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to. I swear, Arthur, I meant to tell you. But, you see, the time... there had never been a right--
"Why? Why would they ever...? What have you--?" Merlin had looked at him pleadingly, begging for... Arthur couldn't say what. I meant to tell you. "Tell me what?" I just didn't want you all to... And your father, he-- "What does he have to do with this?" By this point, Merlin had backed himslef into a corner, nervously inching away from the snarling prince before him. Please, you don't understand, you couldn't. Closer now. Leaning in. Nearly touching, and sudenly it all went wrong.
It was Arthur’s turn to let out an exasperated sigh. Merlin averted his eyes to escape his companion’s mild glare and let a somber gray wash cloud his features. Arthur watched as his servant leant over and collapsed onto his bed, exhausted. Through slit eyes he beckoned the blond to join him on his resting place. Arthur more than willingly complied. Next to him on the comforter, Merlin’s breathing eased into a slow but steady rhythm. Arthur, rolling onto his side, propped himself up on one arm and gave his friend a quick once-over before leaving him to sleep, worried that this very well could be the last he ever saw of him.