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]

"She's alive?" Merlin brightens happily.

[royalpratness]

"She is. Sorry, I should have mentioned it sooner." He smiles apologetically.

[ayoungboy]

"That's fantastic! I can't wait to see her." Merlin beams, relieved his friend is okay.

[royalpratness]

"She was happy to hear that you're alive and kicking, too." Arthur smiles.

[ayoungboy]

"That's good. I still have friends." Merlin kisses Arthur again softly.

[royalpratness]

"Seems like it." Arthur strokes the back of his hand over Merlin's cheek. "She was also very happy to hear that we've rekindled our relationship."

[ayoungboy]

"You told her?" Merlin blushes a little.

[royalpratness]

"She asked and I didn't want to lie. She also asked if she'll still be our bridesmaid." Arthur grins.

[ayoungboy]

"Of course," Merlin smiles fondly.

[royalpratness]

"That's what I told her." Arthur kisses Merlin's temple. "Can't wait to see you properly tomorrow."

[ayoungboy]

"Me either," Merlin sighs a little. "Shall we get more comfortable?"

[royalpratness]

"Yeah, sure." Arthur pulls away, waiting for Merlin to move.

[ayoungboy]

"Apartment again?" Merlin asks, eyes flashing.

[royalpratness]

"Sounds good." Arthur nods, holding Merlin's hand.

[ayoungboy]

Their surroundings change, and Merlin threads their fingers together as he deposits them on the couch.

[royalpratness]

Arthur lets himself fall back against the familiar cushions of the sofa. "Much better."

[ayoungboy]

"Oh yes. I wonder if anything at all remains of the apart ent..."

[royalpratness]

"I doubt it, but we could go and check at some point if you want."

[ayoungboy]

"I don't know. It might be too depressing, honestly."

[royalpratness]

"I know what you mean. We should keep the good memories we got of it and leave it at that."

[ayoungboy]

"We'll find somewhere even better," Merlin assures, resting his head on Arthur's shoulder. "We will."

[royalpratness]

"Yeah, we will." He agrees, allowing himself some optimism for once.

[ayoungboy]

"Who else is alive? If you know who else is."

[royalpratness]

"I met Gwaine a few months back but we didn't keep in touch. No idea what happened to him."

[ayoungboy]

"I hope he's okay." Merlin frowns a little.