A/N: What's up guys? Okay, so an update, but just because it was already sitting on my computer. I'm fighting writer's block something fierce right now, but this was nice and easy to write. Hope you guys like it! If you have any suggestions/prompts/episodes you'd like me to take a look at for the "unspoken" conversations between our favorite prat and idiot, leave a review and let me know!
Arachnide: Glad you liked it! And here you go! ;)
Merlin swore inwardly as he started, dropping the candles. He watched as one rolled over to rest under the shadow of the curtain. He turned back to Arthur, who was watching him with raised eyebrows.
You alright there, Merlin?
"I thought I saw something," Merlin shrugged, making an excuse. He turned away from Arthur's bemused, concerned stare, blowing out the match.
"What was it, a spider?" Merlin ignored Arthur's tired quip. "Just pick it up." Merlin bent, gathering up the basket, not turning as Arthur walked to his side.
"Do you want me to get one of the maids to do it for you?"
"It's not a joke."
"Yeah." Softer this time, gentler. Arthur strode over towards the curtain. He hesitated for a moment before brushing it swiftly away with the flat of his sword. Merlin let out a sigh of relief as Arthur picked up the candle.
"You see, Merlin, I could never be like you. Could never let myself look so spineless."
"Oh, you see, I'm different. I could never let myself look heartless."
"What?" Arthur frowned in feigned confusion. That's a bit harsh, don't you think?
"Well, all right, thoughtless."
"Never."
"Definitely humorless."
"That's because you're not funny." Arthur handed him the candle. Merlin sighed, shaking his head. He glanced up at Arthur. I'm serious about this. But thanks. Arthur turned abruptly to look at the window as the sound of the screeching Dorocha came from outside. Merlin looked up sharply, swallowing.
"You're not scared?" A beat of silence.
"Oh I am, Merlin." Of course I am. "Maybe more than you." I know this is serious.
Merlin stared at him a minute before scoffing quietly. Arthur smirked at him, clapping him on the upper arm lightly before he walked away.
We'll be alright, old friend. We'll get through this.
"All the things I've faced, I've never been worried about dying." Arthur glanced at Merlin, shivering and blowing out his breath harshly.
"I don't think you should now." Because I'm not going to let you.
"Sometimes you puzzle me."
"You never fathomed me out?"
"No." No, you're strange. You've still got your secrets.
"I always thought if things had been different, we would have been good friends."
"Yeah." I'm sorry they weren't different. Especially now, at the end.
"That's if you hadn't been such an arrogant, pompous dollop-head."
Arthur laughed. Only you, Merlin. Merlin grinned, shaking his head. You know it's true.
"We will defeat the Dorocha. We will, Arthur, together." I promise you that.
"Well I appreciate that." You know there's nothing you can do to stop this. "You know you're a brave man, Merlin." Oh don't look at me like that. "Between battles." Arthur smiled softly.
"You don't know how many times I've saved your life."
"If I ever become king, I'm going to have you made Court Jester." And they both laughed. Because the dead were freezing people with their touch, and it was highly unlikely they were going to survive this. But they were here, together, like they always were, facing impossible odds, and laughing. Side by side. Like...brothers.
"They say the darkest hour is just before the dawn." Fear and desperation trickled into Arthur's voice.
"It's pretty dark right now." Merlin's voice was quiet, trembling with terror. He swallowed hard.
"It can't be long then." Arthur's eyes widened as he shivered.
The Dorocha screeched, flying through the cracks in the door. Arthur moved to stand. Merlin gripped his shoulder, forcibly pushing him back.
WHAT ARE YOU DOING?
"It's going to be fine. Everything will be alright." Merlin's voice was steady, sure.
Arthur shook his head. "I'm just tired." I'm okay, Merlin. I'm not worried.
"You don't have to sacrifice yourself."
Arthur arched an eyebrow at him. Don't start. "I have to save my people."
"I will take your place."
"Merlin…" Do you honestly think I'm going to let you do that, idiot? Stop trying to be a hero, Merlin.
"What is the life of a servant compared to that of a prince?"
"A good servant's hard to come by." I'm not letting you die for me. Shut up.
"I'm not that good." Why won't you let me do this?
"True." A small smile. Thank you for trying. They were silent for a moment. "One thing." Merlin met his gaze. "Look after Guinevere. I want her to be happy in her life, she deserves that."
"Don't worry. I'll make sure."
Arthur nodded. Thank you.