It's just a look, it doesn't mean anything.
Arthur is in a meeting, frustrated beyond belief that his nobles have their heads so far up their arses, that they can't see reason. Magic. Isn't. Dangerous. He's just about to pull his sword when he glances sideways.... And there's Merlin. A quick nod and Arthur feels that rubber band in his chest loosen. That need to scream dissolve.
But it's just a look.
Arthur is out on the training field with his Knights, and nobody is listening. So naturally, he pushes harder. All he hears are complaints. He's about to knock Gwain upside the head when he looks up, and there's Merlin. Smiling at him. Suddenly his shoulders relax. He takes off his helmet and calmly adresses the knights. Going forth they have a good training session
But it's just a look.
He's in the great all for a feast, thrown for a visiting Duke. This man has asked him no less than 4 times why he's not married yet. And isn't his daughter just so beautiful. You need a queen you know. Arthur has had his fair share of wine, in an effort to tolerate this conversation. He's feeling more than a little drunk when he raises his cup to be filled again, and it's Merlin at his side. But wait, he's filling it not with more wine, but water? A quick glance up and Arthur sees a softness. A longing. Arthur Thanks him, and excuses himself to bed a half an hour later.
But..... it's just a look?
Later that night, alone in his chambers he lay in bed and remembers all the emotions he's read in Merlins eyes over the years. The disappointment, the frustration, the humor, and more recently, the soft longing. The love. He wants to see more of that he thinks.
Jumping from bed he puts on a robe and starts for Merlins chambers.
Maybe it's not JUST a look.
