|Two Worlds Apart|

Chapter Twenty One•

Merlin and Arthur were getting used to the new age they were living in. It was great to be so open and in love without judge. Or much judge. It confused them that some individuals would still sneer.

But they also needed to get back to Camelot. It would be lost without their King. It had been almost a month, they had not yet heard from the great dragon, and were beginning to question what exactly they had to do to get back.

"Do you miss it?" Merlin asked, as he was making himself some crumpets.

"Camelot...Of course. I have no idea who runs this place. Everyone seems to do as they please." Arthur replied. Merlin shook his head and jumped as his crumpets popped out.

"It says these go best with Nutella. Might try some." Merlin smirked as he pulled a butter knife from the drawer. He spread almost a tablespoon of Nutella onto the crumpets until they were completely covered in chocolate and slid his tongue across his top lip as he bit into one.

"That is the best thing I've ever tasted. Have some." Merlin blurted with his mouthful. Arthur rolled his eyes and snatched it from Merlin's chocolate covered hands. His eyes rolled back as he too bit into the food.

"Don't even say it, Merlin." Arthur sighed.

"I told you so." Merlin smirked. Arthur looked at him head to toe and make a disgusted face.

"What?" Merlin frowned.

"I miss your little red neckerchief." Arthur replied. Merlin smirked. Cute. He missed something about him. Merlin raised his brows at Arthur whom was pacing around the kitchen. Still no news from the dragon, but then an unexpected knock came from the front door.

Merlin opened it; his face still covered in chocolate.

"Hello, boys."

"Giuas!" Merlin yelled. He threw his arms over the old man and squeezed.

"Time in Camelot is frozen. I wondered why I didn't freeze, but then I realised I was apart of the great dragons plan. He came to me and sent me here to find you. You may not like this, but your mission is to accept your love. I don't know what that means, Merlin. But he said as soon as I told you, I'd start to fade, fade in both worlds slowly until you do. You have until sunset in a weeks time."

Merlin was letting the information sink in. Giuas felt no different, maybe a little weak but nothing extreme was happening at the moment. Merlin and Giuas were so happy to see each other, and Merlin smirked as he saw Giuas in a brown checkered blazer, baggy brown jeans and brown daps with a hat.

"I like your outfit Giuas." Merlin laughed. Arthur walked over to the door to greet him as well as Merlin did.

"It's nice to see someone else other than this dollop-head." Arthur groaned. He didn't mean it.

Each morning after Arthur had expressed his feelings towards Merlin he'd pushed it to his in-conscious mind and forgotten all about it. Even though they knew they loved one another, they never truly accepted themselves for it; fear riddled their bodies.

Merlin shrugged it off, as per usual and offered Giuas something from the kitchen. Merlin was excited to show Giuas everything about this new world.

But first, they needed to concentrate on the mission.

Arthur insisted he had an idea, he threw on a red checkered shirt and threw Merlin a grey top and walked out of the house. Merlin sighed and told Giuas to stay as he followed Arthur. "What on earth?" Merlin began, but Arthur disrupted him.

They finally found themselves at the dock. Boats were coming in and out, and the smell of fresh sea air was taken in by them both. It was like being at home.

"There." Arthur said, walking towards a little row boat.

Merlin was confused. Arthur was completely out of his mind, but he got into the boat with him anyway.

As they sailed out until they could barely see the docks anymore, Merlin asked where they were going.

"I remember where Camelot was." Arthur said. Now Merlin knew he was in trouble.

"Arthur. It doesn't matter. We need to accept our love, okay." Merlin said, clearly getting frustrated with Arthur.

"I can't! I hate myself for letting my father down. My kingdom." Arthur spat. He regretted it straight after. After announcing their engagement to the kingdom, people started to avoid them. Arthur looked away from Merlin and allowed a tear to roll down his face.

Merlin put his head in his hands and rubbed his eyes until they hurt and he couldn't do it anymore. Arthur was watching his despair. He didn't want to admit it to himself.

"Listen, you prat. There's something about you that makes me feel like I have a purpose. Every time we leave the castle for a hunt, or a journey. You're there. And somehow I'm stronger. Somehow you always manage to give me the right advice and be there for me. I know I shouldn't, well especially not in our age, but I-Merlin." Arthur said, looking at the distressed Merlin.

"I do accept how I feel." Arthur swallowed and sighed.

Merlin exhaled purposely. "I too accept."

Arthur scowled at him and grabbed his face softly, without even thinking, he placed a kiss upon Merlin's lips.

"So how exactly are we supposed to find love when we already have found it?" Arthur complained.

"Giuas said accept it, not find it." Merlin said.

"But I just did accept it." Arthur replied.

Merlin huffed and took Arthur's hand.

"We'll get there eventually, Arthur. Let's go back now before we get lost at sea."

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