#aconfusedmess

To a tomorrow of us. Even if it seems to be the beginning of the end, I'll call your name.

Needless to say they are as thick as thieves.

Merlin continues to (tries to) be secretive (because habit) but Lance is an expert at sussing out his plans. Two heads are always better than one.

Merlin anyway loves having a companion in his adventures.

Lance also tags along when Merlin goes to collect herbs for Gaius.

Which leads to long talks. Merlin recounting all his tales and Lance tells him about his travels.

Lance starts bringing food and they have their own little picnic in the woods.

Also Lance trying to teach Merlin how to master the sword.

'You can't always rely on your magic, Merlin!' 'You sound like Arthur would if he knew. Right, that's it. I am cutting down on your time with Arthur.'

Also Merlin making Lance read his magic books and try out spells just because he can.

Verbal sparring. Both of them absolutely love taking the piss out of each other.

Lance spending time with Merlin while he does his chores.

Scratch that. Lance standing guard while Merlin uses magic to finish his chores so that they can devise a revenge prank (to be used on Gwaine.)

Sometimes Lance takes Merlin to a quite area just so that he can let his magic loose.

Merlin reassuring and validating Lance at each and every opportunity he gets.

'Look, I know the others' safety is very important to you but you need to be safe and happy too.'

Merlin buys little things for Lance because 'Doesn't it look like that thing you saw in Mercia?'

Or simply making him something with his magic.

Also them looking at the nobles and going- 'Nah! He forged his papers.' 'Arthur says he knew him as a child.' 'Do you really expect that clotpole to remember anything properly? He can't even dress himself.'

Just them being super close and happy and validating each other at any opportunity they get. They always have each other's back.

It understood you just so far as you wanted to be understood, believed in you as you would like to believe in yourself, and assured you that it had precisely the impression of you that, at your best, you hoped to convey.

Dear Merlin,

I don't pretend I understand the grief that is haunting you. I am still mourning Arthur, I think you are too. Gaius tells me almost all that you did in your years in Camelot was for him. If you feel aimless, please let us help you. Let me help you.

The people whose life you touched- the girl for whom you sneaked dresses, the boy who saved Arthur from the arrow, the boy who came to Camelot to win a tournament and some respect- would have all wished you happiness. Lancelot would have never wanted you to blame yourself for fate's whims. My brother was extremely proud of your skills as a physician- I can see his face glowing with pride for you. Leon and Percival miss you terribly. Gwaine returned a few days earlier and longs for your hugs. Gaius wants his ward, who he has come to love as a son, to return.

I miss my best friend- the one who is fondly known as idiot and would do anything to help his friends. I am sure Arthur would have wanted you to remain the same Merlin. 

Your home awaits you. Your home misses you. Please come back.

Yours Gwen