[Was expecting it, and although he hates to hear it and feel it, he also knows it's important that he doesn't hold it back. So he just holds him tight, petting his hair with his other hand, clenching his eyes shut in turn to keep himself from crying, too (because what is following his own advice)]
[Kisses his temple and the top of his head, lingering close, breathing out slowly, steadily, swiping his thumb gently over Merlin's hand, the one pressed to his heart.]