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]

"Mm?" Arthur opens his eyes, looking at Merlin. "I think they're just mostly scared. There have been a lot of incidents lately."

[ayoungboy]

"There have been. But we're so very close to the path to recovery."

[royalpratness]

"I really hope so. People are so scared."

[ayoungboy]

Merlin kisses his way up to Arthur's lips. "There's nothing to be afraid of. Not anymore. We'll make sure of that, yeah?"

[royalpratness]

"Honestly?" Arthur softly kisses him back. "There are times when I'm scared myself."

[ayoungboy]

"Of what?" Merlin asks, stroking through Arthur's hair, concerned.

[royalpratness]

"That it won't work out. That I'll fail these people who rely on me." Arthur admits.

[ayoungboy]

"You're the best man for the job," Merlin assures.

[royalpratness]

"Thank you." If Merlin says so, it's easier for Arthur to believe it.

[ayoungboy]

"You're very welcome," Merlin steals another kiss.

[royalpratness]

"Sorry, I'm not much fun tonight." Arthur stifles a yawn.

[ayoungboy]

"Mm, I'm sure I can have plenty of fun with you," Merlin teases, snuggling up against him.

[royalpratness]

"I might fall asleep half way through." Arthur warns.

[ayoungboy]

"Then I'm not doing my job right," Merlin tilts his head for another kiss. "Mm, not but really. We can just sleep, love.'

[royalpratness]

"If you don't mind?" Arthur smiles. "I can barely keep my eyes open."

[ayoungboy]

"Of course I don't mind." Merlin assures, tracing Arthur's smile with his fingertip. "I just want to be with you."

[royalpratness]

"Are you going to disappear again in the middle of the night?" Arthur kisses Merlin's fingertip.

[ayoungboy]

"I'll try not to," Merlin says honestly. "Bloody curses."

[royalpratness]

"That's good enough for me." Arthur yawns again, snuggling up against Merlin.

[ayoungboy]

Merlin laughs softly, kissing Arthur's cheek. "See you in the morning."

[royalpratness]

"Goodnight." Arthur tightens his hold around Merlin as if to make sure that he won't disappear.

[ayoungboy]

Merlin strokes Arthur's hair until he drifts off, dozing in his arms.

[royalpratness]

Arthur sleeps soundly through the night, waking up early the next morning to find that Merlin is still there.

[ayoungboy]

Merlin looks a little ridiculous, mouth ajar, smushed against Arthur's chest.

[royalpratness]

Arthur smiles down at Merlin, wishing he could wake up like this every day. He reaches out a hand, stroking Merlin's hair.