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Still can't sleep?

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There was a shift of air in the flat, and Merlin knew he wouldn't find Arthur in his bedroom. He could sense an awake presence, whether by magic or by simple human senses. Arthur's bed indeed was empty when he peered into the room - the sheets rumpled and creased, telling a story of great, exhausting restlessness, the covers pushed aside.

Merlin headed towards the living room, his footsteps barely audible in the deep, all-engulfing silence. In the dark (dark, darkest - before the dawn...) room, Arthur's silhouette sat resigned on the sofa, head hung in static, heavy surrender. He was still, unmoving, and yet his presence provided an almost constricting thrum of life. A life of suffering, loss and unanswered questions. Tormented.

Merlin swallowed, quiet, knowing Arthur was aware of his presence.

"Still can't sleep?" he asked finally, trying for a less than depressing tone. He wasn't sure he succeeded.

Arthur slowly shook his head, eyes down, motionless.

"I can't..." the King spoke very slowly, as if his mouth didn't yet fully remember how to work. "I can't do anything. Everything is so different... there's a royal family, out there. Albion... I don't know it anymore, none of it. The whole world has changed. Even the air tastes different. And I can't do anything by myself. It took me three days to get how to make tea," there wasn't even a speck of humour - not even a bitter one - in his voie.

Merlin bit his lip.

"Well... you got the hang of those video games pretty fast," he offered, trying for one of his tomfool grins.

Dark blue, shining eyes glanced up in hesitation, as if peering down from a precipiece into the depth.

"Get the hang of..." Arthur mouthed quietly, contemplatively. "I don't even get the language anymore."

He looked back down. Just breathing, nothing more. He always did it, this heartbreaking thing - silent, passive, not wallowing in rage of sadness, just sinking in it. Staying still while tears rolled down his cheek.

Merlin hesitantly walked over, sitting beside him.

"We'll get through it, Arthur. One day at a time. One day at a time."


...and then they proceed to cuddle up :XD:

Ah, the feels! The ending of Merlin was brutal! But beautiful, to be honest it was everything I was expecting it to be - from Arthur's amazingly done death to the legend of his return.

So yeah, I figured coming back would be hard for Arthur. But I'll be also doing sketches/doodles with the better sides of his return :)

And look at me, I did an interior background! *pride*

Anyway, I did this on my laptop (so darkness-light contrast might be a bit wonky, sorry if it is) rather than studying. Sunday evening I found out I have an exam Monday afternoon and spent the whole time frantically studying, and have to study for 2 more exams this week, while also writing a less-than-easy essay. After which, four more exams still to go :iconimsodoneplz:

Anyway, hope you enjoyed the quick pic and the ficlet :D Comments are loved :D
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Mysteriousity1's avatar
Gorgeous, just beautiful. Would you mind if I used this for a fanmix with credit to you?