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Arthur sat heavily at his desk. His mind was a whirlwind that wouldn't stop. Incontrovertible statements flew threw his head.
Merlin had magic. And he always had. He used it to save his life. So, so many times. He loved him, even though he hadn't said it.
Merlin had left; left Camelot just to give Arthur space. Space to think. To sort through his emotions. Apparently a whole city was suitable space for an overwhelmed Pendragon...
The warlock (Arthur was still getting his head around that label) had told his king to reach him via a letter - told him to give it to one of the stable boys, that he would get it to him. So Arthur picked up his quill.
He thought about all the times Merlin had saved him, all the times he had picked him up when he fell - both literally and emotionally.
Everything they had been through together, all the times that Merlin had stuck by him even when he really should have left. Even when Arthur had failed him, failed his kingdom and himself - Merlin had stayed right by his side.
He knew why now. Destiny. Their destiny.
A dangerous beautiful hope began to grow in Arthur's chest and he began to write.
Everybody knows me. At least they think they do.
Everybody sees me. I am their king. They all want something from me.
They all have an opinion. Of who I am and should be.
But no one really knows me like you.
But nobody would see it and I can see the doubts creep in my mind; if I am who you think I am. The king you believe me to be.
You keep me believing; Merlin.
How many times have you told me that's it's alright?
How many times have you told me to just give it time?
Really, no one knows me like you do.
When my castle is crumbling, when my world is falling, you stay. You never run away.
When my world's on fire, you kill the flames - I'm sorry that I never did the same for you.
I like that you're the calm in the storm, the salve to my pain, balm to my troubles.
Most people never stay.
And I've lost so many along the way. Except for you, I refuse to let you leave.
People come and people go, but you and I? We are forever.
So let the whole world change, Merlin.
We'll stay the same.
There's something that we're made of. Call it destiny if you want.
We're greater than the distance we're apart. Even if you never come home, we will never be separate from one another.
I don't need to explain much; I think you would know better than me.
You can read me even half a kingdom away, you always could.
It's true, no one really knows me like you do.
When your world is falling, I promise I will stay.
I love all your shadows and shame, every bruise and damaged place.
Most hearts can't bear to live broken, Merlin.
You've kept me safe. You've kept me sane.
That's a debt I can never repay.
People come and people go, that's life.
But you and I, together we make things brighter. We build a kingdom worthy of the history books.
You and I, Merlin, we're beautiful.
I'm sorry it took me so long to realise it.
So let everything change, but please Merlin, let us remain.
I can't lose you. You are half of me and I didn't even notice. I'm so sorry, for everything I've done. I love you-
I really do. I love everything about you. I love you for all that you've done for me but I would love you anyway.
I love how you're always the beauty in my pain.
The bright spark in my darkness. The single candle burning bright in the depth of night.
Your love gives me breath.
I can never look away.
People think they know me, and maybe they do.
But you Merlin, I want to know you.
I see now who you have always been.
And I want to be with you to see who you will be.
Nobody knows me like you, so you decide.
Don't blame destiny or use it as an excuse.
If you come back home, to me, we will be beautiful.
Let it be for your sake, Merlin.
Let the whole world fade away.
We will never change.