A/N; This chapter's a bit longer so I hope you'll like it~. Thank you to everyone who took the time to read this and also review it! Your reviews make me smile and are the only reasons why I'm still continuing this fic. :)
A surge of pain gripped at his heart, unwilling to let it go. Thoughts and thoughts piled up in his mind clouding his vision. He needed to get rid of this feeling eating at his heart – this feeling that was growing whenever he dared to even think about him, about Merlin. Arthur flopped himself onto his large bed, a hand to his head as he tried to regain his thoughts. Was Merlin trying to kill him? Why did he come back just when Arthur was finally prepared to forget about him? Merlin was getting to Arthur and he had to stop it. Arthur panted heavily as wispy clouds of warmth escaped his lips. He needed to fight back with all he had, just as Merlin had done. He needed to get rid of this feeling overflowing in his heart – and there was only one way Arthur could do that. Even if it meant hurting Merlin more than he already had.
- - - - -
Merlin cracked his eyes open to the new morning before him. Rubbing his eyes of sleep, Merlin sat up and slowly stretched out the ache in his limbs. It had seemed like years to Merlin since that day when actually, it had only been a night. All those words were engraved into Merlin's mind. Every single one of them.
"You're the one that's in denial!" Merlin remembered the words that came out of Arthur's mouth. They floated around his head reminding him of how he was such an idiot to have done something so rash.
Merlin gave out a heavy sigh, resting his head in his hands. "Maybe he's right. Maybe I am the one that is in denial." Merlin whispered the painful words to himself as he wiped away the single tear that ran down his cheek. Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, Merlin decided that moping about it all day wouldn't help. He would wait for Arthur to see, no matter how long it was. Choosing to sleep in a bit as really, he had no job, Merlin leaned back into his warm, narrow bed and closed his eyes. Suddenly, rough fabric scratched at Merlin's face, causing him to yelp in pain. Merlin peeled the fabric off irritated by the disturbance, and flickered his eyes open, only to be staring into the piercing eyes of an angry Gaius.
"Gaius!" Merlin exclaimed in shock, sitting up as fast as he could.
A small smile tugged on Gaius' mouth. "Sleeping in are we?" Gaius asked.
"No, of course not!" Merlin cried out, as he jumped out of bed to defend him claim.
Gaius' smile grew wider as he pointed to the fabric Merlin had just came in contact with, "Good. Then you can collect some herbs for me. Put the herbs in that bag."
A loud groan rang in the room. Merlin reluctantly picked up the bag, trying to buy time.
"Come on, hurry up." demanded Gaius, pushing Merlin out of his room, creating another groan in response.
Sluggishly, Merlin forced himself to stay awake as he dragged his body out of the room. Merlin hated collecting herbs. The thorns would scratch at his legs as he plucked them from the rich soil and there were always too many people around so using magic was not an option. Merlin took another look at Gaius as he neared the door. A big grin was plastered on his face as he waved good bye to the tired Merlin. This was sheer agony, but the faster Merlin collected herbs, the more time he would have to rest. It took all of Merlin's strength to bolt out that door and dash as fast as he could. Merlin couldn't help however, taking a small detour and passing Arthur's chambers. He wanted to make sure Arthur was doing all right and that he hadn't skipped breakfast. Merlin sneakily peeked through the crack of the door, slowing his breathing. There was no one in there. Had Arthur already left?
"May I ask, what it is that you might be doing?" a sudden velvet voice crept into Merlin's ear.
Merlin's eyes widened with fear as he felt his heart stop beating along with his breathing. His ears turned a light pink as a warm breath continuously danced on his neck, tickling his pale skin. Merlin couldn't turn around. He was stuck. He was frozen. His mind was filled with shock as he tried to tell himself to answer the voice.
"Pardon me, but I ask again, what is it that you are doing?" the voice called again, patience still visible in the tone.
Merlin tried to calm himself down, taking deep breaths to try and get a beating within his chest. "I...I...I was. I'm just cleaning the doors." Merlin nervously spat out, instant regret filled him at the excuse. Using the bag in his hand, Merlin scrubbed the doors, hoping that it looked believable. He was very glad he wasn't facing the owner of that smooth voice. Merlin was shaking all over.
A light chuckle came from behind Merlin. "Oh, I see. ...Would it be rude of me to ask for your name?" Again, the haunting voice rang in Merlin's ears.
Merlin prayed in his heart that this person wouldn't turn him in. Still quivering, Merlin told himself to remain calm. "I'm... Merlin." he whispered quietly, hoping nobody could hear.
"Merlin? How beautiful. My name is Lucius. It's a pleasure to meet you." the man replied, still quite close to Merlin's shaking body.
This man...he was quite courteous. Hopefully, he wouldn't turn Merlin in. He seemed very well mannered and the least Merlin could do was face him. Turning around slowly, Merlin gasped at the sight that unfolded in front of him, mouth handing open and ocean eyes wide with utter disbelief.
Lucius gave Merlin a charming smile. "Is something the matter?" he asked with great care, smile still gracing his face.
Merlin's words grasped at his throat. He couldn't say anything and he didn't know why. There was just something about this man that stopped Merlin in his tracks. Had they met before? Merlin was absolutely sure this was their first meeting. It had to be. He had never seen this man before today, nor heard his name. "I-I'm sorry, but do you work in the castle?" Merlin gathered enough composure to ask the simple question.
Lucius' emerald eyes sparkled back at Merlin. Something glowed deeply in those deep green eyes, Merlin knew it. "Why, yes. I was only hired yesterday, however, so I haven't had much time or chance to meet a lot of people." he smiled at a mesmerised and spaced out Merlin again. His voice had a somewhat delicate touch to it. "Oh, are you going some where, Merlin?" Lucius pointed to the bag Merlin clutched in his hands tightly. Merlin suddenly fell back into reality as he averted his eyes from the tall man in front of him.
"Oh, I completely forgot! I'm sorry, I've got to hurry or Gaius will kill me. Excuse me!" Merlin cried out as he ran as fast as he could down the corridors, receiving another laugh from Lucius. Merlin knew that there was something different about Lucius, he just didn't know what. But right now, he didn't have the time to find out.
- - - - -
A gentle wind rustled in the leaves and the light sound of the water rushing down the stream filled the air with serenity. Merlin gave out a tired sigh as he pulled out more herbs from the ground. Apparently, the people in the city said that they had run out of all the supplies Gaius had needed. Merlin was very lucky indeed. Pulling up his sleeves, Merlin stuffed more and more vegetation in the rough bag. He still couldn't get that man out of his head. His image was carved right into Merlin and he was sure he wouldn't forget about him soon. Did the other people in Camelot know about him? Merlin panned the shallow woods to see if there was anyone he knew he could ask. He needed to get this off his mind before it ate at him slowly.
"Caelia!" Merlin cried out to the figure he had spotted in the stream of light. Merlin's eyes lit up as he darted to the maiden.
Caelia grinned as she saw Merlin run up the small hill to greet her. "Hello Merlin. Are you here as well? Lady Elaine asked me to-"
"No..time...to talk." Merlin panted as he shook his head. He was really doing a lot of exercise today. "I...ask you a question?"
A giggle filled the serene air. "All right Merlin. What is it?" she asked the puffed out person in front of her.
Taking a deep breath, Merlin chose his words carefully. "Do you...know Lucius?" he asked her.
Caelia's amused face instantly turned into one of adoration at the name. "Oh, yes! Isn't he amazing? He is so very nice and smart. He is quite handsome too. Couldn't you just drown in those green eyes? Oh, and that light brown hair is so absolutely radiant!" she rambled, words of love flowing dangerously out of her lips.
Merlin frantically waved his hands in the air, signally her to stop. "No, I mean, who is he?" Merlin explained to the besotted girl. Merlin was still shocked at the fact that Lucius had already made his way into all of the maidens' hearts. He was quite fast.
Caelia's mouth hung open, clearly unimpressed and offended by Merlin's lack of knowledge. "Who is he? Only the most amazing person in the world! Oh, and Arthur's new manservant." Caelia blurted out.
Merlin froze in disbelief. "What? Arthur has a new manservant? That's impossible, Caelia. Don't joke." Merlin tried his best to laugh it off, tried his best to ignore it. He couldn't admit to himself that. Anything but that.
"I'm not joking. What's impossible is that you haven't heard of it. It's been flying across the castle! A lot of people know." she informed Merlin, unaware of the broken heart that dangled in Merlin's chest.
Merlin shook his head. There was no way. It couldn't be. He won't believe it. He couldn't believe it. "Cae...Caelia, I...Sorry, I need to go." Merlin was shocked he had the strength to say anything at that moment. This time, he wouldn't be able to hold his tears in. He had to get away. Caelia observed Merlin as he disappeared into the distance, still confused why Merlin seemed upset.
Merlin ran. He ran as fast as he could, as fast as his legs could carry him. He needed to escape this hurt. He needed to escape this feeling. Was it true? Did Arthur already forget about Merlin? Streams of tears that seemed endless broke through and carried away Merlin's hopes as they dropped down his face. Merlin wanted to escape, he wanted to create a new world – just for him. A world where he could go, when his heart had broken down and his hope had faded away. Merlin wanted to believe that Arthur still cared, but how was that possible when his actions tear at Merlin's heart? Merlin runs. He runs for two reasons. To run away from the darkness that is slowly consuming him, chasing after him. The darkness that slowly creeps up and envelops his body. He runs so that he may be able to see the light that is ahead. But now, Merlin sees no more light, no more hope. But he still runs. Because even though there is no more light, the darkness is still around him. The darkness wants to eat him alive. The darkness is still there, waiting for Merlin to lose faith entirely and stop escaping so that it may consume the prey that it wants so eagerly. But Merlin, he won't stop running. Not even when he is battered and bruised. Because when that darkness finally grabs at his heart, he will never be able to get it back.
Merlin ran. He ran to the small river that flowed near the shallow woods. He needed to pick the pieces up. The ones that laid on the floor after being broken. Sitting by the edge of the river, Merlin's tears continued to shed. They wouldn't stop and he knew why. He knew but his heart didn't believe. Arthur wasn't capable of so much...pain.
"Merlin!" he heard someone call out to him. Wiping away his lost hope, Merlin looked up to the source of the voice. It was him. The man placed himself next to Merlin, a bucket in his hands. He was probably here to collect fresh water from the river. "What is the matter, Merlin? Are you feeling well?" he asked, care evident in his voice. His warm fingers brushed away the remaining tears that scarred Merlin's pale cheeks. Merlin turned his head. How could he look at him? This man...who had taken his job?
"I'm fine, Lucius. Don't worry." Merlin tried his best to be friendly. It wasn't Lucius fault. He couldn't take it all out on him.
Lucius' face filled with doubt. He knew Merlin was lying, after all, Merlin was a bad liar. But he had to respect Merlin, even when he knew that Merlin wasn't honest with him. Lucius gave Merlin his best smile. "Merlin." he called soothingly, hoping to ease Merlin's mind.
Merlin glanced at him. Lucius' light brown hair glistened in the rays of sunlight. It looked like gold to Merlin. Maybe Caelia was right – Lucius' hair was radiant. "...Yes?" Merlin managed to force himself to say, voice shaking slightly.
"There is a story that I was told when I was young. Would you let me tell it to you?" Lucius asked politely to the broken figure.
Merlin didn't know where he was going with this. Slowly and unsure, Merlin gave a small nod.
A big grin fell on Lucius' face. Merlin really wanted to listen to him. Clearing his throat, Lucius tried his best to remember the story accurately. "There was once a great storm that ravished the land. It destroyed buildings, destroyed the earth and it destroyed the people. This storm didn't last a day. It lasted near a week, dampening spirits and faith. But...Eventually, the storm stopped. There was no more harsh rain or wind. In replace was a cool breeze and...a beautiful band of colour that graced the clear skies. This band of light and hope flowed in the blue above. This rainbow – it didn't restore the buildings. Nor did it shape the lands to their original shape. But this rainbow did better than that. It restored the determination of the people. It gave them their hope back and their faith. It told them that sometimes, you can feel like giving up. You can feel broken and feel like you've lost everything. But there will always be a 'rainbow'. Someday, one day, there will be a time when we can smile with all our heart, despite the storm that has lashed at us." Lucius' smile grew brighter, his head held high as he looked at the sky above.
Merlin couldn't help but smile with him. A genuine smile. "...Lucius. Thank you." Merlin said. Lucius was just so nice to him. Even though they had only met today. That was probably what was lurking in those emerald eyes of his – kindness.
Lucius turned his head to Merlin, that grin still on his lips. "It's all right, Merlin. As long as you feel better." Shooting up from his position, he filled the bucket in his hands with fresh water. "Oh, I apologise for taking up your time. Please forgive me." Lucius suddenly realised. Bowing to Merlin, Lucius hurriedly walked back to Camelot's castle, balancing the heavy bucket of crystalline water.
Merlin's smile grew wider as he watched the man in front of him walk away. Yes, Lucius was right. There will always be a 'rainbow'. Merlin was sure of it. He just needed to wait.