Rolling his eyes at the given explanation, Arthur slunk into the withdrawn seat, plucking at the food without eating any of it. He slumped forward onto his elbows and pushed out the chair on the opposite side with his foot, gesturing magnanimously at it. If they both were sitting, there was less of a chance Arthur would smack Merlin hard around the head.
And it was a very tempting thought.
Had Merlin ever trusted him? Did he even deserve that trust? Arthur brought his gaze up to Merlin's earnest face and scowled. Anger simmered low down in his stomach, churning acid and whatever was left in there from breakfast.
"What I'd think..." Arthur trailed off with an audible sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose. Stressed was not an accurate description of the tension settling along his shoulders. He cupped his hands over his mouth and stared at Merlin for an unsettling moment.
"Fine."
And Arthur lifted a fragment of bread to his mouth and bit it. He was sick of arguing with Merlin. It was completely pointless to try. Every time he did the end result was always his fault.