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

[royalpratness]

"Breakfast sounds great." Arthur smiles.

[ayoungboy]

"Bacon? Eggs? I think we even have powdered milk…"

[royalpratness]

"Sounds wonderful." Arthur says, resting his cheek against Merlin's chest.

[ayoungboy]

"I'll have to disappear for a minute," Merlin chuckles, stroking through Arthur's hair.

[royalpratness]

((sorry for the late reply, work is killing me atm -.-))

"But only for a minute." Arthur grins, letting go of him.

[ayoungboy]

(( I was on tours all day don't worry lol <3 ))

"Time me," Merlin teases.

[royalpratness]

((how's that competition thing going?))

"I would if I had a watch." Arthur grins, stealing another kiss. "Go on."

[ayoungboy]

((our state competition is in about a week. We'll see there if we advance to worlds! ^_^ ))

Merlin disappears in a blink, presumably to snag breakfast.

[royalpratness]

((wooho :D fingers crossed!))

Arthur sits up, leaning against the headboard and waiting for Merlin to return.

[ayoungboy]

Four minutes later, Merlin reappears right in his lap with two full plates. "Well! Here we are, then."

[royalpratness]

Arthur jumps a little, almost pushing Merlin off his lap. "Fuck!" He clutches at his chest. "Don't do that! You almost gave me a bloody heart attack!"

[ayoungboy]

"Sorry," Merlin's smile disappears. He wasn't think about it. "Sorry, Arthur."

[royalpratness]

"No, it's fine." Arthur breathes out shakily. "You just caught me by surprise."

[ayoungboy]

Merlin leans up to kiss him softly. "I really am sorry, Arthur. I didn't mean to scare you."

[royalpratness]

"It's fine." Arthur kisses him back gently. "Let's have breakfast."

[ayoungboy]

"It's good. Eggs and bacon?" Merlin offers.

[royalpratness]

"Yes please." Arthur takes one of the plates along with a fork. "Where did you get it?"

[ayoungboy]

"Mess tent. Get their early, you get the fresher stuff."

[royalpratness]

"That's convenient." Arthur grins and starts eating his breakfast.

[ayoungboy]

"Isn't it?" Merlin beams, leaning into Arthur's side.

[royalpratness]

"I have to say, I do feel a bit guilty eating a breakfast like this while people in my camp barely have enough food to live on."

[ayoungboy]

"We're willing to share. If you can convince them to accept it."

[royalpratness]

"I know. I hope that I will." Arthur sighs around his mouthful of bacon.

[ayoungboy]

Merlin laughs a little and offers Arthur a napkin. "Me too. There's no reason for anyone to starve."

[royalpratness]

"Thanks." He takes the napkin from Merlin. "We should set a time and date for the official meeting regarding the prisoners."