We found love in a hopeless place

[ayoungboy]

It's been 5 years since this whole nightmare began, and both sides had sustained incredible casualties. The whole of Europe was fairly decimated, but England was definitely the worst. Perhaps the worst of it all was the fact that Merlin didn't know if Arthur was dead or alive. Yes, he thought about him often. How stupid they'd both been. Merlin was willing to fight for what he believed in, but it hadn't been about him - it should have been about them, about working it out together. It should never have come to this.

He still wears the engagement ring on his finger. He's almost lost it once or twice, but it's still there - and he makes sure to take care of it and clean it, repair it. But that's not what this meeting it about; he's been selected to represent the magical community in the negotiations. All they wanted was their freedom back. Magic wasn't inherently evil; it was people that used it for nefarious purposes, people that mistreated it. They were willing to help put those people in jail. If only the non-magic users would understand.

They're meeting on what used to be Parliament, reduced to rubble, now. Merlin's fiddling with his hands, twisting the ring nervously. They've set up wards already; there are a few other magical delegates and guards there, but Merlin is to do the central talking. Still, there's only so much they can guard against, and if the non-magic users decide to attack…well, the magic users weren't going to be too keen on reopening negotiations after that.

Comments

[ayoungboy]

Merlin slides up beside him, tucked in comfortably against his side. "My mother was a kindergarten teacher, what can I say."

[royalpratness]

"Yes, she was a good soul." Hunith had loved Arthur as if he had been her own son.

He smiles at the memory, wrapping his arms around Merlin.

[ayoungboy]

"Yeah," Merlin rests his head in the crook of Arthur's neck.

[royalpratness]

Arthur tilts his head, kissing Merlin's hair. "I think we should keep this private for know. Us, I mean."

[ayoungboy]

"That's fine," Merlin nods his agreement. Who knew how everyone would take it. Hell, maybe when they finally did make it public it could be at a time that would bring them all closer together.

"Gives us more time to plan the wedding."

[royalpratness]

"I don't care much about the wedding. Well, the ceremony, I guess. As long as we're married afterwards, I don't care how it happens."

[ayoungboy]

"There's not much to plan, honestly. I don't think there's a standing chapel anywhere in the city."

[royalpratness]

"No, I don't think so either." Arthur yawns, snuggling against Merlin.

[ayoungboy]

"Outdoor wedding. Very chic." Merlin teases, kissing Arthur's cheek.

[royalpratness]

"Fine with me." Arthur strokes a hand over Merlin's side. "I want to see you again as soon as possible."

[ayoungboy]

"Tonight?" Merlin offers.

[royalpratness]

"I was thinking next week, but tonight sounds much better."

[ayoungboy]

"I'm free whenever," Merlin chuckles.

[royalpratness]

"I'm not, unfortunately." Arthur sighs, wishing he could just stay here with Merlin forever.

[ayoungboy]

"Are you the very head of the non-magic users? I'm just our ambassador. We have a big council of elders."

[royalpratness]

"We have a council too, but I think I'm still the unofficial leader."

[ayoungboy]

"Well, tell me what works for you and I'll work around it."

[royalpratness]

"Tonight definitely works. Ten o'clock again?"

[ayoungboy]

"Yeah. I think I can swing that."

[royalpratness]

"Okay." Arthur kisses the corner of his mouth. "I better get back to the camp."

[ayoungboy]

"Can you still walk after that blow job?" Merlin teases, pressing his cheek against Arthur's shoulder.

[royalpratness]

"I'll have no choice but to try." Arthur chuckles, rubbing Merlin's upper back. "If you let me get up, that is."

[ayoungboy]

"Mm, no. I'm going to keep you as a teddy bear all day."

[royalpratness]

"Under different circumstances, I'd happily oblige." Arthur slowly disentangles himself from Merlin and sits up.

[ayoungboy]

"Soon enough." Merlin lounges back against the bed. "I'm just glad you're alive."