brunettepetTitle: Too Close
Rating: PG
Pairing/s: Arthur/Merlin
Character/s: Arthur, Merlin
Warnings: Fear, Injury, Angst
Word Count: 100
Prompt: 148, Embrace
The hug went on a beat too long but Merlin couldn’t pull away. Seconds passed but instead of loosening his hold, he clutched Arthur tighter. The bandage under Arthur’s sternum shifted under the pressure, making him gasp in pain.
Merlin loosened his embrace but didn't let go. “If that arrow had been an inch closer, I would have lost you,” he said, voice thick with unshed tears.
“I’m fine,” Arthur whispered into his hair, hands rubbing soothing circles on Merlin’s rigid back, willing the fear away with each breath. “I swear I’ll never leave you.”
It was an impossible promise.