Chapter Sixteen 

Closer 

Merlin couldn’t stop staring. It had started after that first battle he and Arthur had won together, and it had yet to cease. He would try of course, to look away. To look anywhere but at the King of Camelot, but try as he might, his eyes always found their way back. Worse than that, on very rare occasions, when he could no longer stand but to once again look back at Arthur, he’d find that Arthur was also watching him. Their eyes would meet and a soft comfortable smile would spread across his face. It felt like a secret, between just them. But they hadn’t kissed since that night in Arthur’s tent. 

Rarely was there a moment to kiss when you were in the middle of a battle. Instead Merlin took to watching Arthur interact with his men. It was interesting, to see Arthur now, after everything they experienced on the battle field and off. It was odd to see him and both think of the power he could hold, and how soft his hands had felt against Merlin’s skin and how perfectly his lips fit against Merlin’s own. 

He glanced up once again only to meet Arthur’s eyes, a flurry of adrenaline running through him. Arthur kept his gaze until Fentry leaned down and whispered in his ear. He nodded and stood following him out of the medical tent. Merlin continued on with his work of healing the men’s wounds almost enjoying the lack of distraction until a hand tapped his shoulder. 

Merlin turned to find Fentry stone faced looking down at him. “The King wishes to speak with you.” 

Merlin stood and followed Fentry to the King’s tent. Merlin walked in, a grin already toying at his lips until he saw Arthur’s face. 

Arthur stood when Merlin walked in and glanced at Fentry. “Leave us.” He said quickly. 

Fentry stepped out, leaving them alone once again. Arthur stepped forward and offered a seat to Merlin.

“Why the formality?” Merlin asked sitting down. 

“Merlin, the monastery is under attack. Many have died, but the ground is being held. Apparently a new enemy seeks a weapon hidden there.” Arthur said.

“The monastery is hidden by deep protections. The only way through is if you know the ancient magic laid out by the ancient one.” Merlin whispered. He could feel his stomach drop. “Who?” 

“They don’t know, Merlin. We are unsure if these people are in league with the Thebes or if they are their own entity entirely.” 

Merlin stood quickly. 

“Merlin.” Arthur grabbed his arms. “Merlin listen to me. I want to help. Whatever you need I want to help.” 

“I need to go to them. As quickly as I possibly can. They aim to take Ezorread.” Merlin said. “It must be Ezorread. There is nothing else hidden.” 

Arthur nodded. “We leave tonight.” 

“Arthur, you need to stay with your men.” Merlin said.

Arthur reached up and let his hands rest on Merlin’s jaw, his thumbs running the length of his cheekbones. “I need to stay with you. Without you here I will not be able to defeat the monsters that look to snuff out my life. And you need me as well. Please allow me to go with you, my friend.” 

Merlin took a shaky breath in before nodding.

Arthur nodded as well and pressed their foreheads together. Merlin closed his eyes and tried to memorize the warmth that was slowly building between them. Arthur let his fingers get lost in Merlin’s hair, his jaw clenching and unclenching. 

Merlin leaned closer and pressed his lips to Arthur’s. It was quick, but they could both feel that it meant something. There was a shift in the kiss, no longer childhood desire or pent up lust. This was something far different and far more terrifying. 

That night Merlin and Arthur left with Gawain, Arthur’s fiercest knight. Fentry was left to lead the men into battle as they pressed forward. 

“I’m sorry to take you away from them.” Merlin said as Arthur looked back on the camp that held the comrades he’d grown up with. 

“Don’t apologize. I understand where I’m more needed.” Arthur turned and met Merlin’s eyes. “Lead us to your monastery Merlin.” 

They rode until morning light before finally stopping for rest, and only enough to fuel the horses once again. Gawain was far more quiet than Fentry. He kept to himself and hung back, keeping an eye out for any potential threats from behind the men. 

They rode through the heavy thick woods, so dark the only light came from Trinity’s glow. Once night fell on them again they finally stopped. Merlin helped pitch the tents and make a rabbit stew. Arthur’s eyes were on him every inch he moved until he finally came and sat down on a fallen log next to Arthur. 

They met eyes once again. “Will you retire to my tent tonight?” Arthur asked. 

Merlin glanced towards Gawain who did not so much as glance towards the two men. 

“He doesn’t care.” Arthur said turning towards Gawain. “Gawain, do you care whose tent Merlin retires to?” 

Gawain shrugged his shoulders and stood slowly. “As long as no one interrupts my sleep I care not.” He climbed into his tent across the fire. 

Merlin closed his eyes as Arthur ran a hand across his neck. He leaned in closer and pressed a kiss to Merlin’s temple. “Come to my tent with me.” He whispered against Merlin’s skin. 

Merlin turned to face him and pulled him in, crashing their lips together. Arthur stood first, grabbing Merlin’s hand and leading him into his tent. He reached for Merlin, wrapping his arms around his shoulders and pulling him close as their lips met. 

Merlin pulled Arthur as close to his own body as he could,the pull in his abdomen getting tighter and tighter as Arthur worked to get Merlin’s robes off.

“Would you like to touch me?” Arthur asked. 

“Yes,” Merlin breathed.

Arthur grabbed Merlin’s hand and guided it to his chest, pressing his fingertips against Arthur’s soft skin, before pulling Merlin’s hand down by his wrist lower against his abdomen. 

“Then touch me.” Arthur whispered against Merlin’s lips. “Please,”

Merlin met Arthur’s eyes once more before kneeling down and pulling at the legs of his trousers. 

Merlin had never done this, he was completely out of his depth, but Arthur didn’t seem to mind. 

“Be a bit gentler,” he would whisper. “Right there,” he groaned as Merlin took him deeper into his mouth. 

Arthur pulled at Merlin’s hair, guiding him away before dropping to his knees across from Merlin. “Fuck me,” Arthur whispered before pressing his lips to Merlin’s and turning around. 

Merlin could barely breath, he fumbled with his robes and trousers before Arthur reached for his hand, guiding it to his mouth before indelicately spitting into his palm. 

Merlin slowly pressed into Arthur, he could not even hide the moan that was escaping him as he did so. Arthur was so warm and ready and Merlin had never experienced anything like this before. 

Arthur groaned and leaned back, pressing himself against Merlin as Merlin fucked him slow and deep. He could feel their heartbeats begin to sync up as their breathing matched pace with one another. It was a new kind of orgasm for both as they came at the exact same time. 

Arthur gasped, reaching behind him to grasp for Merlin. Merlin met him, leaning forward and lacing their fingers together, pressing a kiss to Arthur’s neck. 

They both found their way to Arthur’s bed and collapsed into one another. 

“Are you alright?” Arthur asked. 

“Fine,” Merlin said. “Better than fine, actually.” 

Arthur smiled. “Good. We have a long day tomorrow, but I needed to get that out of the way. Enough pining.” 

Merlin could feel a sleep deprived giggle escape his hips and he leaned against Arthur. “Glad we could stop the pining then.”