Chapter Text
Merlin blinked and just looked at the face before him, the face that is kissing him right now.
This couldn't be true, he must be dreaming because Arthur, his King, is kissing him oh so gently on his lips. He dreamed of this moment for so long, so long in fact, that he never expected something from Arthur, just loving him from afar was enough.
But now that he has the chance, even if Arthur regrets everything afterwards, he will take it and kisses him back. The moment seemed to last forever, but as suddenly as Arthur's lips touched his, they were gone.
"I am so sorry, Merlin. I didn't know how hard it was for you. I am such a fool for not noticing your suffering earlier. I am so sorry for not seeing how much you do for me. You are the only person I would do everything for. When I saw you lying there, it was horrifying. I thought you were dead. I thought I lost you forever and I never want to experience this feeling of losing you ever again."
Arthur also began to cry while pouring out his feelings for the first time.
"I was stupid, no I am stupid for not noticing my feelings earlier and hurting you in the meantime. I love you, Merlin. I love you so much that it hurts. I hope- I hope you can forgive me." Merlin didn't know what to say. Arthur just said the words he always wanted to hear. It was overwhelming.
But it seemed like he was silent for too long because Arthur turned away, looking like a kicked puppy.
"Arthur, look at me." He gently took Arthur's face in his hands and wiped the remaining tears away like Arthur did for him, although Merlin himself was still crying softly.
Arthur looked at him with a vulnerability he normally would never let himself show. It was important what he would say now.
"You- I- I always wanted to hear that." Merlin giggled while saying that, he still couldn't believe this was real.
"What does that mean?”
"That means, you idiot, that I also love you. I loved you for so long, I never thought you would feel the same as me." And now it was Merlin's turn to look away, he couldn't bear to see how Arthur would react to his confession, but for the second time this day, he felt soft lips on his.
The second time was even more fantastic. Arthur was now fully sitting next to him on the bed with his hands in Merlin's hair, so he could hold Merlin closer.
It lasted longer than the first kiss and left both of them breathless. They looked each other in the eyes and smiled and laughed together.
"Merlin I love you so much. I hope you know that now. I want to spend the rest of my life by your side." Arthur spoke confidently and hopfully with his hands still in Merlin's hair, massaging his scalp in a calming manner.
"Rea- really?" Merlin couldn't believe what he was hearing, it was perfect, it was all he ever wanted, so he began to cry again, but this time they were happy tears.
"But of course, would I ever lie to you? I don't know why it took me so long to realize my feelings, but now that I am sure about them, I want to spend every second of my life with you. I know it's not easy, but I am sure it will be worth it." Arthur's eyes were overflowing with love.
He was beautiful, well he always is stupidly handsome, but right now he sees Arthur, just Arthur, no King, no Leader, just Arthur.
"Well?" Arthur now sounded unsure.
"You prat. Of course, I want to spend the rest of my life with you! That's what I always wanted, I dreamed of this moment for so long!" While Merlin talked, Arthur's face grew brighter and brighter.
When Merlin finished, Arthur's smile was so wide and bright he could be the sun.
After that, they started to kiss again, now that they could kiss any time and for however long they wanted. It was wonderful, but soon Merlin was getting tired and sleepy after all, he was still ill.
"I think it's better if you rest now, you are still exhausted." Arthur spoke with a serious voice.
"Ok, my king," he giggled, which earned him a playful sigh from Arthur.
He was being moved and tugged in bed, so he was comfortable, but now that he's being tugged in, he is feeling cold again. Not only that, but now that he's over the fact that his love is actually requited, he is realizing how unwell he feels. Now he just wants to rest.
As if Arthur could read minds, he shifts Merlin so that he can fit right beside him. As soon as Arthur lays down, he starts to snuggle up around Merlin like a Koala.
Merlin feels warmer just because Arthur is by his side, and he happily lays his head on Arthur's broad chest. His heartbeat works like a lullaby for Merlin.
"Now sleep, and when you wake up, I will be right here." And with Arthur's hands around him, he feels at home, so it doesn't take long for Merlin to fall asleep.
Now that Merlin was asleep, Arthur had time to think. He was so happy, no happy doesn't even express it right, he feels over the moon, he can't remember the last time he felt so good, but now with Merlin in his arms, he feels like he could go against every monster and obstacle there is. When he realized his feelings, he never thought about this outcome.
Arthur knows not everyone will be as happy about their relationship as he is, but he is determined to fight for Merlin and their love.
He is right before falling asleep and looks at Merlin again, he looks cute, like a cat cuddled up against him.
Maybe Merlin will tell him about his magic, maybe he trusts him enough now to tell him about this huge part of himself.
Yeah, there is still a lot they need to talk about, but Arthur knows they will make it together.
He falls asleep with a bright smile on his face.