Archive of Our Own

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Merlin. A man born of magic. Made servant to a Prince.
The Prince of Camelot.
The same kingdom that outlawed magic many years ago.
Any who practice magic are put to death.

Yet, Merlin remains in service to the royal family.
Loyally protecting their prince with the same magic he would be put to death for.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It has only been a little over a year since Merlin was put in charge of the prince's care.
Yet it feels like a lifetime since they first met.

His daily chores were difficult enough. Yet with the added stress of being the protector of the prince's life?
It made everyday seemingly impossible.
Yet, he's managed.
Does he get any thanks for this? Absolutely not. Did he mind? Maybe a little...
He didn't save the prince's life for the glory of it. Arthur was his friend.

However, repeatedly and thanklessly risking his own life to save Arthurs.
It's started to wear him down.
A simple thanks would not go unappreciated.
But it can never be.
If he was ever discovered to have magic. He would be hanged.

So. He just goes on with his life, unappreciated.

Merlin hurries to the kitchen to grab the prince's breakfast. He didn't want to be late again. Arthur was starting to get annoyed with him.
One would think that with the amount of chores on his plate. Arthur would cut him some slack.
But alas.

He grabs the prince's plate from the kitchen counter. The cook yells something about him being late again, and how the food is going to get cold. But he doesn't pay attention to her scolding. He's heard it a million times before.
He balances the plate, being careful to not drop any of the food as he speedwalks to the prince's chambers. If he's lucky, he can still make it there before Arthur wakes up.

He pushes open the prince's door. He was in fact, not lucky.
A very agitated Arthur sits in his bed. He looked like he was about to chew him out.
"Rise and shine~" Merlin says in a singsong tone. Hoping to get out of the scolding.
He places the plate on the table in the middle of his room.

"Can't you think of anything new to say? You say that everyday." Arthur says irritated.

"You're in a fine mood this morning." Merlin says sarcastically. He goes to open the curtains, letting the morning sun into the room.

"You're late again." The prince gets out of bed in a huff.

"You know how busy mornings can get." Merlin shrugs.
"Or do you? You actually stay in bed most mornings."

Arthur glares at him. And sits down to eat.
"We're riding out this morning. Ready the horses."

"I thought we had training this morning? I've already set out your armor." Merlin says irritated.

"Well. Obviously. Plans have changed." Arthur says as he puts a piece of food in his mouth.

Merlin slumps his shoulders.
"You should've told me sooner!
I stayed up last night polishing your armor. Like you asked." Merlin scoffs

"The armor will stay polished Merlin." Arthur rolls his eyes.
"There's been reports of a suspected sorceress, spotted in the woods of the lower town. We're going to investigate."

"I don't see why you drag me along to these things." Merlin says as he crosses his arms.

"For protection." Arthur says flatly.
"You don't expect me to go looking for a sorceress alone. Do you?"

"You have the knights for protection?" Merlin says, annoyed.

"Well, we need SOMEONE to use as live bait if it comes down to it." Arthur teases.

"Thanks."

"Hurry up Merlin."

"Fine." Merlin sighs.
He walks past the prince in a huff. But as he's about to leave the room, he turns on his heels.
And approaches the man's table.

Arthur looks up at him and raises a brow.

"I'm taking this." Merlin says as swipes a cherry tomato off of the prince's plate.

Arthur gives him an annoyed glance, but does nothing to stop him.

Merlin gives him a triumphant look as he plops the vegetable into his mouth, and turns on his heels.
He quickly leaves the room before the man can scold him.

Arthur watches as Merlin quickly leaves the room with a stupid smile on his face.
The door slams shut.
Arthur taps his finger on the table. A smile creeping onto his own face.

That boy was an absolute idiot.
And he was completely enamored by him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Merlin rides his horse alongside Arthur. Two knights ride behind them.
The ride to the lowertown was already a long one. With the added investigation. It was looking to be an overnight trip.
An annoying thing to pack for on such short notice. Luckily, Merlin was quite used to it by now.

"Again. I don't see why you bring me along every time."
"If you're afraid. Just say so." Arthur teases.
"I am not." Merlin says flatly.
"You're a very unconvincing liar Merlin. It's a good thing you don't have anything important to keep secret."
"Oh please. You're so dense one wouldn't even have to try." Merlin says proudly.

Arthur puts his hands up.
"Shut up."

"That's another thing-" Merlin starts.

"No. Really. Shut up." Arthur says, his voice barely above a whisper.

Merlin realizes that the Prince was listening for something. He quickly does the same.
They both hear the sound at the same time. The sound of a branch breaking.
They both look at each other.
Arthur then turns to the knights riding behind them.
He gestures for one to go to the left, and one to the right. Protecting their flank while Arthur pushes forward to investigate.

The knights quickly get in position. Leaving the two of them alone.
Arthur starts pushing forward. Merlin purposefully trails behind, protecting him from the rear.

As they ride forward. A small house appears in their view.
A small, dilapidated, stone cottage. Something no one would bat an eye at.
If it wasn't for the fact that it was in the middle of nowhere.
Whoever lived here obviously didn't want to be found.

Arthur looks to his left for the knight. He spots him a few feet away.
He gestures to the knight to stay out of sight, he does the same to the knight on his right.
It was better to have the enemy think it was only a group of two, and surprise them with backup if needed.

Arthur nods at the knight, then places his hand on the handle of his sword.
He turns to Merlin. "Ready?"
Merlin nods. And they both dismount their horses, and approach the house on foot.

They walk the small dirt path to the front door.
Merlin recognizes the plants that have been purposely planted along the path.
They were mostly common medicinal herbs.
Although he spotted a few rare ones.
He spots Morning Glory flowers.
In small amounts it was harmless, and decorative.
However, It could also be used as a hallucinogen. Concentrated, it could even be used as a poison.

Merlin's knowledge on botany was little to none before moving to Camelot.
However, after living with Gaius, the local, and ONLY physician in town.
He's quickly learned a lot.

"Watch out. Some of these plants are dangerous." Merlin warns, pointing to a patch of Stinging Nettle.
Worry briefly shows on Arthur's face as he steps out of the path of the plant.

They reach the door. It was old and the wood seemed to be rotting.
There was a particular smell wafting from the house that Merlin couldn't put his finger on.
It was strong, medicinal, and quite unpleasant.
Arthur also makes a face at the smell.

Then, Arthur knocks on the door.

There's the sound of clattering on the other side of the door.
Then the sound of silence.

Arthur knocks again, louder this time.
The door swings open as he's knocking.

An old woman appears from the other side of the door.
She was gangly and sickly looking. Her hair looked as unkempt as her clothes.
She had an unpleasant expression on her face.
"What do you want?" She croaks.

"We've heard reports of witchcraft being used in the area." Arthur says firmly.

"What the hell does that got to do with me?" She says bitterly.

"Well. The reports have been accusing you." He says bluntly.

"RUMORS. Only rumors. You're going to HANG an old woman based on the rumors of some bored townsfolk?" Her tone pitches awkwardly as she talks.

"Of course not. You will be given a fair trial."

"You're arresting me?"

"I'm afraid so." Arthur says sternly.

"I'd like to see you try." She chuckles deeply as she steps out the door.

Merlin instinctively takes a step forward. Placing himself in front of Arthur.
Arthur draws his sword.

The woman steps in front of them.
"It's true. I'm a powerful sorceress. TRY and arrest me and I'll put a curse on you" she says dryly.

Merlin looks her up and down.
He didn't sense any magic in her.
Not to mention that she spoke as if she knew nothing of magic.
Something was wrong.

Arthur looked as if he did not believe her either.
He puts his sword away.
"I do not wish to harm an old lady.
Come quietly with us. And you will be escorted to Camelot where you will await trial." He says gently.

The woman didn't believe him, she glares at Arthur bitterly.
"You WILL not drag me away from my home. I have no heirs. Who will look after my CHICKENS my crops?!
I will not let my homestead fall because of your idiotic laws."

Arthur sighs, and slumps his shoulders.
The woman was not going to come with them without a fight.
Usually he would just leave her be, he saw no signs of magic.
However, she had admitted to being a sorceress. Although he didn't believe her...
He now needed to bring her to trial.

Arthur looks off in the distance, and gestures for the knights.
The moment Arthur looks away. Merlin notices that the old woman moves her hand. She was holding something.
A cup of some sort.

Before Merlin realizes what she's doing, the old woman throws the cup at the prince.
Merlin quickly uses his magic to push the cup away from Arthur. But the trajectory of the liquid was already set.
A decent amount of the liquid splashes on Arthur's chest. Seeping into his chainmail.

He slowly turns his head. Glaring at the old woman as one would an unruly child.
He feels the warm liquid seep into his clothes and against his skin.
A horrible sensation really.

"I warned you." The old woman squawks.

"Excuse me?" The prince scoffs.

"You've been cursed." The old woman fibs.
Wiggling her finger theatrically.

Merlin and Arthur look at each other in disbelief.
Then look back at the woman.
"Do you keep all your curses in tea cups?" Merlin says sarcastically as he points to the pile of broken glass in front of them.

"Yes?" The old woman says hesitantly.

"If you are as powerful a sorceress as you claim. Then surely you would know that you can't put a curse in a tincture." Merlin says deadpan.

"Of course I know that!" She scoffs.
"It's more of an ailment than a curse." She quickly tries to make an excuse.

Arthur tries to brush the liquid off of his chainmail with his glove.
"And what exactly is this ailment supposed to do?" He says, disinterested.

"It's a..." She hesitates.
"Love potion. yes!"

Arthur looks up at the woman, his attention now fully on her.

"Yes. Yes.
You SHOULD be worried!" The old woman says triumphantly.

"One cannot produce a true love potion.
Magic and hypnosis, could cause such an effect, maybe.
But definitely not from a potion.
You're lying." Merlin says aggressively.

Witch or not. He didn't appreciate this old woman throwing strange substances at his friends.
He was QUICKLY growing tired of her.

"Since when were you such an expert Merlin?" Arthur says sarcastically.

"Gaius told me." Merlin says quickly.

"Right." Arthur says dryly.

The knights finally show up on horseback.
"Take her. She's to be put on trial in the morning." Arthur says annoyed.

The knights pick up the woman, taking one arm each.

"WAIT!" The old woman yells suddenly.

Everyone turns to look at her.

"Although it may not be a true love potion. It is STILL a potion.
A potion of infatuation, I call it." She says proudly.

Merlin and Arthur both look at her, annoyed.
She acted like a child. Rapidly telling lies, spinning wilder, and wilder, stories to convince them of said lies.

"I might not be able to make you fall in love with a stranger. BUT I can make you fall deeper in love with someone who already has your attention." She chuckles deeply.

"What do you mean?" Arthur says quickly.

"The one you love won't be able to get out of your head. You'll be too distracted by your affections that you will not be able to tend to Camelot. And it will fall.
Fall by my hand!" She says quickly.

Arthur turns to Merlin. He studies the other man's face. Then a look of worry falls on his own.
He turns back to the woman. And draws his sword.

"Reverse it!" Arthur says aggressively.
He points the blade at the woman's throat.

Merlin is shocked by the man's reaction.
This was completely out of character for him.

"Hey." Merlin says, putting a hand on Arthur's shoulder.

Arthur shrugs his touch off.
"Reverse it." He repeats.

The woman smiles.
"I'll gladly reverse it. Once you release me."

"You know I cannot let a sorceress go.
You have proven you have magic.
And will be put to death." Arthur says bitterly.

"Then you shall live with the aliment for the rest of your life." The woman says boastfully.

"Take her away." Arthur says frustrated.

The knights put her in restraints. And place her on the horse to be taken back to Camelot.

Arthur drags his hand down his face.

"What was THAT?" Merlin says in disbelief.

"She's admitted to having magic. We can't treat her like any other old woman." Arthur says flatly.

"I DOUBT she has magic."

"I don't."

"Do you really believe that story about the infatuation potion?" Merlin teases.

Arthur stares at the man.
He doesn't respond.

"I wouldn't worry about it." Merlin says, in a reassuring tone.

Arthur was in fact, not reassured.
He stares at the treeline. At the long ride home.

Merlin playfully punches his shoulder.
"What? Are you actually worried?"

Arthur doesn't respond. Worry was evident on his face.

"Why? Is there someone back home that's caught your fancy?" Merlin teases.

"No." Arthur says dryly.

"Well there you are then.
Even if that lady was a witch. Which I doubt.
You'll be fine." Merlin says, trying to cheer him up.

Arthur just stares ahead.
"We need to hurry if we're to make it before sundown."

"What?" Merlin scoffs.
"We'll have to make camp. There's no way we'll make it back before sunset."

"We'll make it in time."

"But-" Merlin starts.

"Who gives the orders around here?" Arthur says conceitedly.

Merlin deflates.
"Fine. But if we get stuck in the dark, I'm blaming you."

"You do that." Arthur says sarcastically.

Merlin starts packing up to leave.
Glad that Arthur seems a bit more like himself.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It was night.
They did in fact, not make it to Camelot before sundown.

"I don't want to hear it." Arthur says as he dumps a handful of sticks onto the fire.

"You think after constantly being proven wrong. You would listen to me for once." Merlin says smugly.

"Forgive me for not wanting to sleep in wet clothes, soaked in a mysterious liquid." Arthur scoffs.

"You're forgiven." Merlin says with a mischievous smile.

Arthur looks at him, annoyed.
And sits by the fire.

Merlin starts digging through his bag.
"Here. I've packed myself an extra shirt. You can borrow it."

"No." Arthur says firmly.

"Just take it." Merlin rolls his eyes.
"I don't want to hear your complaining all night."
Merlin pulls the blue shirt from his bag, and tosses it to Arthur.

Arthur grabs the shirt, and quickly realizes that it's not Merlin's size. It's his.

Arthur groans.

"What." Merlin says annoyed.

"Nothing.
I just don't want it." Arthur says quickly.

"Don't be stubborn. Just change your shirt." Merlin sighs.
"Or I'll do it for you." He threatens

Arthur freezes.
And stares at the other man.

Merlin didn't know why Arthur reacted strangely. He dresses him all the time?
It was part of his duties after all.

Arthur's gaze was stuck on the other man's features.
The way the orange and yellow light flickered off of his face was mesmerizing.

For the first time, in a long time.
Arthur felt truly nervous.
These feelings he was so desperate to keep buried all this time. Was becoming unbearable.
He prided himself on his high pain tolerance, and ability to shove down any and all feelings that were deemed unnecessary.
Yet this was quickly becoming too much for him.
This must be the witches doing.
It had to be.

Arthur finally looks away from Merlin.
His grip on the shirt tightens.
He looks to the knights who's set up camp a couple hundred feet away from them.
They were cautious about holding their prisoner so close to the prince.
So they agreed on setting up two separate camp sites.

Arthur feels a hand on his chest.
Merlin starts unbuckling his armor to get to the shirt underneath.
"If this chainmail rusts. I'm going to be livid." Merlin talks mindlessly as he undresses the man.

Arthur stares at the man as does his work. Merlin has removed his armor a thousand times. So why did it feel so awkward now?

"You're quiet.
Are you sure you're okay?" Merlin says quietly.

When Merlin doesn't get a response, he looks up at the prince.
Arthur looked nervous.
There was definitely something wrong.

Merlin lifts the heavier piece of solid metal over the man's head, and puts it to the side. He then works on the chainmail.
"Want to talk about it?" Merlin says cautiously.

"How do I know if what the witch said was true?" Arthur says suddenly. His voice was a mix of worry and disdain.

"Love potions aren't a real thing." Merlin says condescendingly.

"So you've said.
But the witch said that the potion only amplified the feeling, not create them.
Is it possible, that feelings of fondness could be morphed into feelings of affection?
Could such a thing exist?"

"I'm unsure. But possibly?
We'll have to ask Gaius once we get home." Merlin says as he removes the chainmail from the man's torso.

Merlin places his hands on Arthur's chest, and starts to remove the shirt.
But Arthur quickly places his hands over Merlin's, stopping him.

"I think the potion worked on me." Arthur says quickly, his tone frantic.

Merlin feels his heart drop.
"So there IS someone you care for?" He says mournfully.

Merlin dreaded hearing those words. He tried to not let it show on his face.
It doesn't work.

Arthur gently pulls Merlin's hands away from his chest.
But he keeps a tight grip on the man's hands.

"Not exactly. But I do care for them, deeply." Arthur finally answers.

"How long?" Merlin says, looking away from him.

"Over a year."

"Do I know her?" Merlin says quietly.

"You know him."

There's silence between them.

Arthur finally lets go of Merlin's hands.

"I shouldn't be telling you this." Arthur says quickly, starting to panic.

"No. It's okay. I don't like secrets between us." Merlin says softly.

Merlin was desperately trying to not let his own feelings get in the way.
Arthur was upset. Arthur needed him right now.
He didn't have the luxury of dealing with his own heartbreak.

"I know him?" Merlin reiterates.
Trying to think of anyone it could be. But his mind draws a blank.

"Yes." Arthur says wistfully.

Merlin couldn't think of who it could be.
Arthur never showed any signs of liking anyone like that.

Merlin felt his chest pounding.
He KNEW this moment would happen.
When someone would finally take Arthur away from him.
Yet it hurt worse than he imagined.

"Okay." Merlin says quietly. Scooching away from Arthur.
Trying to get a grip on his feelings.

"And you say this potion is working?
That your feelings are stronger?" Merlin says, steeling his expression.

"Yes." Arthur admits.

"We'll see Gaius in the morning. He'll know what to do." Merlin says firmly.

Merlin held feelings for the prince.
He's noticed the feelings growing over the past few months.
But what can he do? Arthur was the prince.
He was a servant. And a wizard.
Not to mention the other glaring issue.

It would never work out. He knows that.
But that won't stop him from enjoying the time they had together.

He hopes that Gaius can snap Arthur out of this, and things can go back to normal.
That it'll be just the two of them again.

Merlin notices that it's been quiet between them for a while.
And looks up.
Arthur was already staring at him.
Desperately trying to read Merlin's expression.

Arthur had a tint of red spread across his face. His expression was softened, his eyes filled with fondness.
Merlin has never seen Arthur like this.
Whoever this person was, Arthur cared for them greatly.
He couldn't get in the way of that...
No matter how much it hurt him.

Merlin looks away from him.
He feels the weight of the situation hit him all at once.
His breathing became rapid, he felt dizzy and nauseous.
The thought of Arthur being with someone else was torturing him.

Merlin quickly stands up.
"I'll get some more firewood." He says quickly.
An obvious lie. But he didn't care.
He just needed to get out of there.

"Of course." Arthur says flatly.

Merlin walks into the woods with clench fist. Quickly trying to get out of earshot before his emotions took over him.
It wasn't working, tears started to burn the corner of his eyes.

From frustration from the situation, or from heartbreak. He didn't know.
All he knew was that his chest HURT.

He didn't think that when the moment came, it would affect him this much.

Merlin leans against a tree. He tilts his head up and looks at the night sky.
The moon was bright. He prays that Arthur couldn't see him in the dim light.

Merlin just stands there, trying not to succumb to his emotions.
It wasn't working very well...

After a few moments, and a couple deep breaths.
Merlin aggressively wipes his face with his sleeve.
He needed to pull himself together.

He'll deal with these emotions once he gets home.
For now, he just needed to focus on helping Arthur.

He picks up a few sticks, and heads towards the camp.

Once he steps into the ring of light from the fire. Arthur's gaze lands on him.
Merlin notices that Arthur had changed his shirt.
Arthur notices the man's eyes were red.

Merlin tosses the handful of sticks onto the fire.
The flames briefly grow taller before settling. Smoke and ash swirl around him.
Merlin always enjoyed the smell of fire. He tries to focus on it. Grounding himself, ignoring the feelings clawing at his chest.

"Well?" Arthur says suddenly.

Confused, Merlin turns to looks at him.
Arthur has a look on his face like he was expecting an answer.
Merlin must've missed what the other man said while he was zoning out.

"What." Merlin says, his tone coming out more aggressively than he had wanted.

"How do you... feel about the situation." Arthur says cautiously, and slowly. Like the words on his tongue were foreign to him.
He wasn't one to talk about his feelings often.

Merlin tilts his head at him.
Why was Arthur asking HIM about his opinion on the matter?

"It has nothing to do with me." Merlin says coldly.
He tries to mask his sadness with anger.

Arthur bites his bottom lip in nervousness.
"I wouldn't say that."

Merlin stares at the man in confusion. Arthur can practically see the cogs turning in his head.

Arthur pats the grass next to him. Gesturing for the man to sit with him.
Merlin does so hesitantly.

Arthur looks at the fire, avoiding eye contact.
"Look. This is a difficult situation.
But we're both adults. We should navigate the situation as such."

"What are you talking about?" Merlin sighs.

"I want you to know all of the facts of the situation. So we can find a solution.
I'll tell you who it is that's affected me.
However. I don't want you to laugh when I tell you." Arthur says slowly. Embarrassment evident on his face.
He looked like he wanted to die.

"I won't.
Why would you think that?" Merlin says, slightly offended.

"Promise?" Arthur says, deadly serious.

"Promise." Merlin says, matching his tone.

Arthur's eyes finally meet Merlin's.
Arthur hesitates. He starts fidgeting with his gloves.
Suddenly, he can't find the words.

Merlin's eyes flicker across the other man's face. Trying to search for an answer.

"I think it's obvious." Arthur says quietly, desperation in his tone.
"Don't make me say it." Arthur pleads.

"I can't think of who it could be.
You've never showed interest in anyone. Not that I've noticed.
You're busy, you keep to yourself. There's not that many people you choose to have in your company. " Merlin rants.

"Are you saying that I don't have many friends?" Arthur jokes.

"Most of your friends are women.
I can't think of a single man you spend any significant amount of time with." Merlin says flatly.

Arthur hums in acknowledgment.

"I think I'm the only male friend you have." Merlin says sarcastically.

"And you say I'M dense." Arthur rubs his face in frustration.

"What?" Merlin says, growing frustrated.
He didn't understand why Arthur wouldn't just tell him, instead of playing whatever stupid game this was.

Arthur keeps his hand on his face. Hiding his expression.
"Merlin?"

"Yes?" Merlin says annoyed.

"It IS you." Arthur says with a sigh.

"I'm what?" Merlin says confused.

Then it clicks.
"oh..." Merlin says in quiet disbelief.
"OH?!" He yells, his brain finally catching up to reality.

Merlin lunges forward, and grabs the man by the shoulders.
Arthur's hand slides away from his face.

"You're joking." Merlin scoffs.

"I wish I was." Arthur says deadpan.

"ME?!" Merlin shakes him by the shoulders.

"Quit that." Arthur says as he shoves off the man's touch.
"I don't like it anymore then you do. Once we talk to Gaius, I'm sure we can sort it out."

"ME?!?!" Merlin reiterates.
He didn't listen to a word of what Arthur just said.

"I said it was." Arthur hisses, embarrassment in his tone.

Merlin laughs, a single, dry, chuckle of disbelief.

"You're saying you like me?" Merlin says, pointing to himself. A stupid look on his face.

He didn’t feel like explaining to Merlin that he’s had these feelings for a while.

Arthur takes a deep breath.
"I've always cared for you Merlin.
It's just that this potion has morphed these feelings into something other than platonic." He fibs.

Merlin leans forward to read the other man's expression, to look for any sign of a lie.
Arthur freezes in place.
Their faces were dangerously close.
Arthur's gaze flickers down to Merlins lips, then back to his eyes.

Arthur plants his palm on Merlin's chest, and gently pushes him away.
"Don't do that!" He scolds.
However, his hand never leaves the other man's chest.

"What? Are you afraid of doing something?" Merlin teases.

"This isn't funny Merlin." Arthur hisses.

Arthur's hand leaves Merlin.
There's a certain sting in Arthur's chest. He felt slightly betrayed that Merlin wasn't taking this seriously.

Merlin notices the way Arthur's face drops.
He assumes that Arthur is upset that he would suggest such a thing.

"Only joking. I know you wouldn't do anything." Merlin says, trying to backpedal.

"That's not the problem!
The problem is that I WANT to do something!" Arthur snaps.

Arthur then immediately freezes.
Shocked from his own sudden confession.

They both sit there, frozen.
Waiting for the other to break the silence.

"Well." Merlin starts. He feels his own face start to warm.
"Now what?" He says, avoiding eye contact.

"I don't know." Arthur says quickly.

"I'm not quite sure I understand.
The potion was only meant to amplify feelings not create them.
How did this happen?" Merlin says, still processing.

"Merlin."

"Hmm?"

"Shut up."

"Make me." Merlin says instinctively.

Something he's said a million times before.
But after Arthur's silence, he knows that he said something wrong.

Merlin turns to look at the other man.
Arthur was staring at him attentively. Longingly.

Merlin has seen Arthur look at him like this before.
He briefly wonders if the other times held the same meaning.
Or if he's just getting ahead of himself.

"You never answered my question." Arthur says suddenly.

"Which question?"

"How do you feel about all this?"

"Strange." Merlin answers quickly.

Arthur looks away.
He doesn't know what he was expecting.
At least it wasn't as harsh of a rejection as it could've been...

"Not. Bad, strange." Merlin corrects himself.
"Just... Strange, strange. You know?"

"Can't say that I do." Arthur laughs nervously.

"I suppose what I'm trying to say is...
That, I don't mind."

Arthur looks at him, surprised.

"If it had to be anyone. It might as well be someone I trust." Merlin says, flustered.

Arthur hums in acknowledgment.

Merlin was torn. He didn't know how much he should say.
He wanted nothing more than to confess his own feelings that have been growing. That have been gnawing at him.
Tell Arthur everything.
Confess to his magic.
Finally, be honest with him.

Get this huge, suffocating, weight off of his chest. Before it killed him.

But...
What happens when Arthur's feelings fade. And his doesn't?

"It really doesn't bother you?" Arthur asks, quietly.

"It's just the work of magic.
It'll fade soon enough." Merlin says sadly.

"What if it wasn't?"

"I still wouldn't mind." Merlin answers honestly.

Arthur laughs dryly.

"What?" Merlin says embarrassed.

"I just didn't expect that from you." Arthur says, picking up a stick, and throwing it into the fire.
"You surprise me sometimes." Arthur says gently.

"Yes, well, there's a lot about me that you don't know." Merlin says, getting upset.

"Merlin. You're an open book." Arthur scoffs.

He can't take it anymore.

"I have magic." Merlin blurts out.

Merlin's heart sinks.
He instantly regrets it.

Silence falls between them.

Merlin is too afraid to look at the man.
How could he be so STUPID.

He didn't want this.
He didn't want to put Arthur in this position.
He didn't want to force Arthur to choose between his morals, his kingdom.
And the life of his servant.

Merlin trusted that Arthur wouldn't send him to his death.
But banishment was an option.

How could he fulfill his destiny to protect him. If Arthur wanted nothing to do with him?

How could he throw it all way over a spur of the moment decision?

Would Arthur hate him for this?
For being born with magic.
For lying to him all this time.
For betraying him.

He wouldn't blame him.

Merlin feels his heartrate quicken.
His lungs felt like they were full of sand.
He was frozen.
He couldn't breathe.

He jumps when he feels something touch his shoulder.

"Merlin." Arthur says gently.

Merlin finally looks at him.
Arthur's hand slides to Merlin's back, trying to comfort him.

"I know." Arthur says bluntly.

"I don't think you heard me." Merlin scoffs.

"I've known you've had magic."

"How." Merlin says, not believing him.

"You literally burst into the courtroom. And announced it?" Arthur scoffs.
"But I knew, even before that."

Merlin scooches away from him. Arthur's hand that was on his back falls.

"And you didn't think to tell ME that you knew!?" Merlin says angrily.

Many emotions were swirling inside Merlin.
Anger, relief, betrayal, confusion.

"I figured you'd tell me whenever you were ready." Arthur says softly.

"You KNEW?!" Merlin reiterates.

Something Arthur was quickly realizing Merlin did when he was in shock.

"Yes." Arthur sighs.

"And you didn't do anything about it?
You're just OKAY with it?" Merlin says irritated.

"Of course.
I've never quite agreed with my father's complete ban on magic.
I understand his fear of it.
How it could be used for evil. To hurt people. It's dangerous.
But...
That doesn't mean everyone who practices means harm."

Merlin sits there, in shock.

"You've proven as much.
You're no danger to Camelot.
To me. To anyone.
You're the kindest, and most patient person I've ever met." Arthur says, his tone sincere.

"How long have you know." Merlin says quietly.

"About a week of knowing you.
Strange things happen around you.
You think I've been stupid enough to not put the pieces together?
There's only so many times I can watch an arrow unexplainably fly the opposite direction, after narrowly hitting me. Before one gets suspicious." Arthur laughs.

"I thought I hid it so well." Merlin says in disbelief.

"Do you really think I would've brought you along to all these dangerous adventures, if I didn't think you were capable of defending yourself?
Your magic comes in handy.
If it didn't, I'd leave you at home." Arthur teases.

"Thanks." Merlin says sarcastically.

There's a brief silence between them.

"You should've said something!" Merlin pleads.
"Do you have any idea how stressful it's been hiding such a thing!"

"It wasn't my place to force a confession.
I knew you would've told me eventually."

"Arthur." Merlin whispers his name. His hand lands on the other man's forearm, trying to ground himself.
He was confused, overwhelmed, his head hurt.

Merlin looks at Arthur. Their eyes meet.
They were closer than he thought.
Their faces inches apart.

Arthur's body starts acting before his mind catches up.
He starts leaning towards the other.

Their foreheads touch.
"I still think you're a clotpole." Merlin says quietly.

Their noses touch.
"You're annoying." Arthur says breathlessly.

"Oh please. You want to kiss me so bad, it makes you look stupid." Merlin smirks.

Then, Arthur closes the gap.

Their lips meet.
Merlin leans into him. His hands finding the prince's sides.
Arthur's hand travels to the small of the other man's back, his other hand lands on the nape of Merlin's neck.
His finger tips tangling into his hair.

Arthur leans into him more.
Intensifying the kiss.

Merlin eagerly reciprocates.

He never imagined things would end up like this.
He wouldn't allow himself to even fantasize about such a thing.
Not only did Arthur accept him. ALL of him. Magic included.
But Arthur returned his feelings.

...
Or did he?

Merlin is then jolted back to reality.

Merlin puts his hands on the other man's shoulders and pushes him to arms length.
"This isn't right!" He quickly yells.

Arthur frowns, his disappointment was evident.

Merlin wipes his face with his hands. Trying to come to his senses.

Rejection sat in Arthur's guy uncomfortably.

"You're enchanted. You're not thinking clearly." Merlin says in a firm tone.

"Oh please. I'm fine." Arthur scoffs.

"If the situation was reversed.
What would you do?" Merlin asks, conflict.

Arthur hesitates. Then slumps his shoulders.
"Wait for you to be better."

"Then that's what we'll do."

"It's not fair." Arthur says irritated.

"I know."

"I've had these feelings for a while." Arthur says suddenly.
"I don't think this is the fault of the potion."

"I thought you said that your platonic feelings morphed into something different?" Merlin argues.

"I may have been exaggerating."

"Exaggerating WHAT exactly." Merlin says flatly.

"I'm not entirely sure that my feelings have changed at all.
It's simply... Harder to ignore." Arthur says, flustered.

Merlin looks at him in disbelief.
"You're saying. You liked me before this?"

Arthur nods slowly.

Merlin sits in silence, trying to wrap his head around the idea.

Merlin scans Arthur's face. Trying to read the other man's expression.
Trying to see if he could sense any magic lingering from the potion.
But he can't sense ANY magic.
He doubted that the potion was real at all.
But then why would Arthur behave this way?
Unless...
What he said was the truth.
Arthur's feelings were genuine.

"You liked me?" Merlin says, thinking out loud.

"Don't use past tense." Arthur scoffs.
"I still do."

"Due to the potion."

"No.
I've liked you for a while.
The potions only made it harder to ignore."

"What happens when the potion fades?
If Gaius cures you?" Merlin says sadly.

"My feelings will remain the same." Arthur says flatly.

"How can you be sure?" Merlin says, growing frustrated.

"I care for you." Arthur says bluntly.

"What?" Merlin says quietly. His face warming.

"The potion. Magic. Has nothing to do with that." Arthur says firmly.

"I'm confused."

"I'm saying I like you... A lot." Arthur says gently.

They both know what he was really saying.

"I'm more confused." Merlin says quickly.

There's a brief pause. Both of them too nervous to continue the conversation.

"I've been an idiot." Arthur breaks the silence.
He flops down, his back hits the grass.

"Well. That's nothing new." Merlin says, joining him.
He lays next to the man in the grass.
Looking up to the moon.

"If it's any consolation..." Merlin starts, then hesitates.

When he doesn't finish his sentence, Arthur looks at him.

Merlin looks at him intently.
"I feel the same way." He confesses.

Arthur blinks at him, his brain processing the words.
Burning it into his memory.

Then, Arthur gets a stupid smile on his face.
"Okay." He laughs nervously.

"Okay?" Merlin laughs.
"Is that all you have to say?" He teases.

"I'm nervous." Arthur argues.

"Nervous? YOU, the future king of Camelot? Never." Merlin says sarcastically.

"You're right.
What should I be nervous about?" Arthur  says sarcastically back.

Merlin grabs his hand.
"You're doing great." He says, his tone genuine.

Arthur laughs.
"Well, I'm glad YOU think so."

"It'll work itself out." Merlin says quietly.
All though.
He felt like he was trying to convince himself as well as Arthur.

"I thought..." Arthur hesitates.
"That I could just ignore all this.
Ignore you. Ignore my feelings.
Just keep my head down and do my duties as the crowned prince."

Merlin hums in agreement.
Unsure what to say.

"Now?
I don't know what to do." Arthur sighs.

"Nothing we can do until we see Gaius."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Arthur wakes up.
He doesn't even remember falling asleep.
His eyes adjust to the dim light of the sun.
It was just before dawn.

He feels some sort of pressure on his chest.
He looks down.

Merlin was fast asleep besides him.
He was curled against him, his arm laid across Arthur's chest.

Arthur stares at the other man's face for a moment.
His free hand brushes the stray hair that's gotten stuck to the other man's forehead.
Arthur smiles at the scene.
He knows that he'll have to move before the other knights wake up.
...
But for now.
He'll just enjoy the moment.

A couple minutes pass.
The sun was starting to rise.
It was time for him to move.

He starts to gently pry himself away from the man.
But as soon as he moves.
Merlin's grip on his shirt tightens.

"Merlin." Arthur says gently.
"We have to move."

"Don't want to."

Arthur would be agitated, if he didn't find the man's morning voice so enduring.

"We have to move before the knights find us like this."

"Like what?" Merlin says quietly.
He opens his eyes, and squints at the dim light of dawn.

Merlin then turns to Arthur.
The man was MUCH closer than he had imagined.
Merlin now realizes that he was practically on top of the man...

Merlin blinks a few times.
Then quickly sits upright.

"Sorry" Merlin quickly apologizes, embarrassment evident on his face.
He puts his hands up in surrender.

"No harm done." Arthur says as he rubs the sleep out of his eyes.

Arthur quickly realizes that the area next to him felt jarringly empty.
He already found himself yearning to feel the warmth of the other man.

Arthur slowly sits up.
Already annoyed with the day.
He wanted nothing more than a few more minutes together.
Yet such a simple request was impossible.

He wonders if once they get back home. If he can convince Merlin to stay with him for the night...

He quickly shakes the thoughts from his head.

No! Certainly not.
That's QUITE improper.

Arthur only intends on sleeping next to the man.
But asking such a question holds some scandalous implications.

This was becoming ridiculous.

This was the witch's fault.
He only hopes that Gaius will have a cure for this.
Dim the intensity of his wants.

He knows that his feelings for Merlin aren't due to magic.
But any relief from the intensity of his feelings would help.

"Ready?" Merlin's voice suddenly pulls him from his thoughts.

"What?" Arthur says quickly.

"The sooner we reach Camelot, the better." Merlin sighs.

Arthur looks around, and realizes that Merlin has already packed up their camp.
He must've zoned out.

"Yes, of course." Arthur says, standing up.

~~~~~~

Neither of them mention what happened on the long ride home.
They're both happy to return to their usual status quo of bickering and taking jabs at each other.

Once they reach Camelot.
Arthur and the knights take their prisoner to the jail.
Leaving Merlin the dreaded task of explaining their situation to Gaius...

Merlin walks into his and the physicians' shared home.
A less than pleased look on his face.

"I'm back." Merlin says, exhausted.

"Your back early." Gaius says cautiously,
noticing Merlin's tone.

"Yup." Merlin says. Flopping down into a chair.

"Everything alright?" Gaius says, putting whatever tincture he was working on down.

"Couldn't be worse." Merlin sighs.
He places his forehead on the table, unable to look at the man.

Gaius places a hand on Merlin's back.
"You've been through many trials.
I doubt that this is the worst."

"Arthur knows I have magic." Merlin says flatly.
His voice muffled from the table.

Silence fills the room.

"How did he find out?" Gaius says carefully.

Merlin finally sits upright, and looks at the man.
"I told him."

"How did he take the news?"

Merlin chuckles a dry, almost sarcastic, laugh.

"That's the annoying bit.
He told me he already knew!" Merlin says, his tone a mix of frustration and disbelief.

"He already knew?" Gaius says confused.

"He said he knew a week after knowing me." Merlin scoffs.
"Although, knowing him. That's probably an exaggeration."

"What is Arthur planning on doing?" Gaius asks, concerned.

"Nothing I suppose." Merlin shrugs.

"Arthur knows you have magic.
Yet he does nothing about it.
Isn't this a good thing?
Why would you be upset?" Gaius asks, confused.

"That's not the bit I'm upset about."

"What could POSSIBLY be worse than Arthur finding out you have magic?" Gaius asks sarcastically.

"I kissed him." Merlin says bluntly.

"That...
That is much worse." Gaius sighs.

"Gaius!" Merlin pleads.

"How did it even happen." Gaius says shocked.

Merlin scrunches his face.
"The sorceress.
I didn't sense any magic in her, I let my guard down.
Then, she threw some sort of tincture at Arthur.
'A potion of infatuation' she called it.
Arthur has been acting strange ever since." Merlin says sadly.

"I've never heard of such a thing.
I doubt such a thing even exists." Gaius sighs.

"That's what I thought as well.
But Arthur is clearly affected by it."

"He told you this?"

"Well.
He told me that he had feelings before the potion..."Merlin admits, embarrassed.
"However, it's intensified after the potion."

"I see..." Gaius says cautiously.
He knew no such thing existed.

"He's going to hate me." Merlin says suddenly.

"Why would you think that?" Gaius says gently.

"He wasn't thinking clearly.
I should've done more to stop it!" Merlin says in a wobbly voice.

"He can't possibly be upset with you." Gaius tries to reassure him.

"He hates me. I know he does!
And I don't blame him...
I can't go back to working for him after this.
I ruined EVERYTHING!" Merlin snaps

"Arthur is responsible for his own actions. Not you." Gaius says firmly.

Merlin goes quiet.

"Do you have a sample of the potion that was used on Arthur?
I would like to confirm its validity myself."

"I don't." Merlin says, embarrassed by his outburst.

"You said it was thrown on him?
Do you still have the shirt he was wearing?"

Merlin perks up.
"I do! I packed it in my bag to wash later."
Merlin quickly stands up, and starts rummaging through his bag.
He pulls out the red shirt Arthur was wearing.
He hands it to Gaius.

Gaius immediately recognizes a certain, familiar, herbal, smell coming from the item.

"I'm going to do some tests.
You go find Arthur and bring him to me.
I'll see what I can do to help." Gaius sighs.

Merlin nods.
Then, he walks out the door.

Gaius rolls his eyes.
He knows that no such thing exists.
However, for Merlin's sake.
He'll test the potion.

Gaius gets to work.
He's not even a few minutes in when he hears a knock on the door.

He knows it's not Merlin, for that boy never knocked.

"Come in." Gaius says, exhausted.

To his surprise, Arthur opens the door.
He hadn't expected them back so soon.

"Is Merlin here?" Arthur asks

"No. I sent him to fetch you."

"Oh." Arthur says quietly.
He enters the house awkwardly.

"Did he...
Tell you the situation we're in." Arthur says embarrassed.

"Briefly, yes." Gaius hums.

"How much did he tell you?" Arthur asks cautiously.

"He told me you two kissed." Gaius says, amused by the situation.

Arthur drags his hand down his face.
"Of course he did." He sighs.

"How long have you two been an item?"

"We're not.
Or at least... We weren't?
I'm not quite sure where we stand." Arthur says flustered.

"Merlin is like a son to me.
I don't want to see him getting hurt." Gaius warns.

"Of course not." Arthur says nervously.

"I don't like your wishy washy attitude towards him.
I refuse to approve of a relationship where the other party is uncertain.
You have to be certain you want to pursue this relationship.
Merlin deserves as much."

"I know." Arthur says, his tone genuine.

He then looks away from Gaius, embarrassed.
"Look, we can talk about all that later.
For now, let's just focus on the potion." Arthur says quickly.

Gaius gives him an annoyed glance.

"Have you figured out what it is yet?" Arthur asks, trying to steer the conversation.

"I haven't done any conclusive testing yet.
However.
From the smell, I'm quite certain I already know what it is." Gaius says proudly.

"Really? Are you sure?" Arthur says excited.

"I'd recognize the smell anywhere."

"What is it!" Arthur says eagerly.

"Chamomile." Gaius says deadpan.

Arthur pauses.
"Like...
The tea?" He says confused.

"Precisely."

"That's impossible." Arthur scoffs.
"HOW would a tea cause all this?"

"It didn't." Gaius bluntly.
"You have not been enchanted.
Your feelings are entirely your own." Gaius says exhausted.

"That doesn't make sense." Arthur says breathlessly.
"I was enchanted.
Why else would my feelings suddenly intensify like that?"

"You thought you were enchanted.
So for the first time, you allowed yourself to truly consider how you feel about Merlin.
And it seems you've found your answer." Gaius laughs.

Arthur stares, trying to comprehend what's being said.

"Although.
It's been painfully obvious to everyone else." Gaius grumbles.
"You appear to be the last person to realize that you're fond of the boy."

"I don't understand-"Arthur starts.
But is interrupted when the door flies open.

"I can't find Arthur."Merlin says quickly, worry evident on his face.

Merlin's face then falls when his eyes meets the prince's.

"You!" Merlin says angrily.
"Do you have ANY idea how long I've looked for you!" He scoffs.

"How is it my fault?" Arthur says annoyed.

Their bickering was already starting to grate on the older man's nerves.

"Arthur.
YOU tell him." Gaius says suddenly.

Arthur slowly turns towards the old man.
"I don't think that's a good idea." He says quickly, worried.

"Tell me what?" Merlin says intrigued.
"Did you find out what the potion was?"

Arthur turns back to Merlin.
"Not exactly." He says cautiously.

He turns back to Gaius, looking for help.

Gaius simply crosses his arms.

Arthur gives him an annoyed look.
Then turns back to Merlin.
"You see...
There's a problem."

Merlin gets a worried look on his face.

"The potion. It's worse than we thought.
Well... Not WORSE, per say.
Just. More complicated?" Arthur tries desperately to explain without revealing his feelings.
And fails horribly.

"What?" Merlin asks concerned.
"Are you sick? Are you going to be sick?
Is this potion dangerous?" He asks in rapid succession, worried.

Arthur feels dread well up in his chest.
He was going to have to tell Merlin the truth.

Arthur groans.
And runs his hand down his face.

"C'mon." Arthur says as he grabs Merlin's hand.
"I'll explain it in private." He says as he starts dragging Merlin off to his room.

"Keep the door cracked." Gaius says firmly.

Arthur pauses.
Then turns on his heels.

Arthur gives Gaius a look.
Something along the lines of, you cannot be serious.

Gaius gives him a serious look back.

Merlin looks hopelessly confused.

Arthur rolls his eyes.
But complies.

He practically shoves Merlin into his bedroom.
Arthur lets go of the man, and closes the door.
Although not completely.

Arthur sits on Merlin's bed.

"What's going on?" Merlin asks concerned.
"Why did you drag me in here?
Are you dying or something." He says as he places both his hands on the other man's shoulders.

"Worse." Arthur says sarcastically.
Merlin looks at him confused.

"I'm in love with you." Arthur says, matter of factly.

Merlin freezes.
His eyes flicker across the other man's face, trying to read his expression.

"What are you talking about?" He says quietly.
His hands never leaving Arthur's shoulders.

Arthur's hands land gently on Merlin's waist.
"The potion isn't real." He says carefully.

Merlin stays in place, confused.

"Gaius says it was only chamomile.
It was her afternoon tea." Arthur scoffs.

"What are you talking about?
You're enchanted." Merlin says cautiously.

Arthur shakes his head.
"My feelings, my actions.
They have only ever been my own."

"So what you're saying is-" Merlin starts.

"I'm in love with you." Arthur finishes his sentence.
"I have been for a long time. I've just realized it recently is all."

"Okay." Merlin says breathlessly.

"Okay?
Is that all you have to say?" Arthur teases. Repeating the other man's words back to him.

"I have something I need to tell you."

"Is it that you have magic? Because we've already been through this." Arthur laughs.

"No, it's not that."
"although that's a part of it."

Arthur looks at him expectingly, waiting for him to continue.

Merlin shift his weight, suddenly feeling nervous about how close they were.
He hesitates, then sighs.
"You're annoying and arrogant. You never listen to me, and you can be a little mean at times.
And yet.
I've never met someone as kind, or brave as you. You're a good person Arthur.
You sacrifice so much for your people, your kingdom.
I don't want you to sacrifice any part of yourself just so we can be together." Merlin said sadly.

"What are you talking about." Arthur scoffs.

"You have a duty to your kingdom. I have a duty to protect you.
I cannot allow you to risk everything just so we can be together."

Arthur falls silent.

"You're the prince. Your father will have you married to a princess, or someone else of royal status. For the good of the kingdom.
I cannot imagine him allowing you to court a man. Much less a servant."

"I do not seek, nor need his permission." Arthur says sternly.

"Arthur." Merlin warns.

"I need you." Arthur says gently.
"Without you, I feel stupid and afraid.
You're the only one who treats me like a friend. Like a person.
You're the only one who challenges me, who speaks to me freely.
You tell me when I'm being stupid. I tell you when you're being reckless.
We're different sides of the same coin.
I need you." Arthur pleads

Merlin feels his chest tighten.
He wanted nothing more than to be with Arthur.
But, he couldn't bear to see Arthur get hurt.
No matter how much it hurt him in return.

"It'll never work." Merlin sighs.

"I'll make it work.
I'm the crowned prince. One day I will be king.
Then, who can stop me?" He says smugly.

Merlin falls silent.
His heartache, but his brain was screaming this was a bad idea.

When Merlin fails to respond.
A look of sad realization spreads on Arthur's face.

Arthur places his forehead on Merlins.
The grip he had on Merlin's waist tightens.

Merlin can feel the desperation in his touch.

"Arthur." Merlin says quietly.

"It's okay. I know you don't feel the same.
I won't push any further.
But.
Just let me have this moment... Please." Arthur says sadly.

Merlin can feel his own heart break.
Something in him snaps.

"That's not true." He says aggressively.

Arthur pulls away from the man, putting space between them.
He looks at Merlin, concerned.

"I love you." Merlin says with unwavering resolve, a hint of red on his face.

Arthur blinks at him.

"What?" Arthur says flustered.

"I love you." Merlin repeats.
"That's why I don't want to see you get hurt."

Arthur laughs a single, dry, laugh.

Arthur removes a hand from the other man's waist.
And ruffles his hair.
"I won't get hurt, you dunce." He says with stupid smile.

"Dunce?" Merlin laughs.
"That's a new one."

Arthur's hand leaves the top of Merlin's head, his fingers finding the hair at the back of his neck instead.

"Even if I do get hurt. It'll be worth it." Arthur smiles.

"That's exactly what I was afraid of." Merlin frowns.

"You're worth the risk." Arthur says bluntly.
"Besides. Being without you would bring much more pain, then whatever consciences being with you would bring~" He says in a gentle tone.

Merlin found it impossible to not kiss him in this moment.
So he does.

Merlin leans forward, closing the gap. Kissing him.
Arthur pulls Merlin closer into him, and deepens the kiss.

Merlin is the one to pull away first, he needed air.

Arthur runs his hand up Merlin's back. And rests his forehead on the others.

"Does this make us official then?" Arthur hums.

Merlin feels his face warm.
"I suppose."

"It'll make Morgana happy.
She's been saying I should date you for months now." Arthur laughs.

"What?" Merlin laughs in disbelief.

"I feel like she knew I had feelings for you before I did."

"You can tell Morgana if you wish.
However, we should keep our relationship secret from most people."

"I don't like it." Arthur pouts.

"What other choice do we have?
If the king finds out. I'd be banished for sure.
If not worse..."

"Once I'm king. We won't have to hide it." Arthur promises.

Merlin sighs.

"Will you wait for me?" Arthur says cautiously.

"I would wait thousands of years for you if I had to~" Merlin says with a smile.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

The next morning Merlin finds himself waking up with a strange weight on his chest.

Merlin stretches his arms above his head.
Savoring the feeling of the plush blankets under him.

Arthur's bed was significantly more luxurious than his.

Arthur makes a sound of dissatisfaction when he's jostled around as Merlin stretches.
Merlin's hand finds the top of Arthur's head, his fingers find the ends of the other man's head.

Arthur was sleeping face down on Merlin's chest. Using him as a pillow. His arm wrapped around his back as they slept.

"We should move before someone finds us." Merlin says, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes.

Arthur was annoyed at being woken up so early.
However, he found it impossible to stay mad once he heard the other man's morning voice

Arthur's grip on the man's shirt tightens.
"It's barely dawn.
The only person who would enter my chambers this early would be you.
We're fine for a few more hours."

"You might not usually be up this early. However, people will notice if I don't start my morning duties~" Merlin says condescendingly.
"Besides, Gaius will be looking for me. He'll notice that I didn't sleep in my own bed last night. I don't want him to worry."

"Oh, I'm sure he can guess where you are~" Arthur says smugly.

Merlin rolls his eyes, and starts to sit up.
He tries to act annoyed, but the smile on his face was evident.

"NooOoO" Arthur complains half heartedly.
Both his arms wrap around the other man's torso in protest.

Merlin covers his mouth with his hand, trying to stifle his laughter.
"I've got to go."

"I order you to stay." Arthur says, his tone lighthearted.

"You know I never follow your orders~" Merlin says smugly.

"Blegh." Arthur complains.
He rolls off of the man, and flops on the bed, landing on his back.

"I need to go home and at least change my clothes." Merlin sighs.
His fingers brush along Arthur's forehead, brushing the hair out of his face.

Merlin pulls his hand away, and stands up.
Arthur frowns.

"I'll be quick.
Then I'll bring you your breakfast." Merlin says as he starts tidying up his appearance.

"I suppose I'll just be here. Alone." Arthur says dramatically.

Merlin rolls his eyes.
"I'll be back soon." He says as he walks quickly for the door.

"Good." Arthur says bluntly.

Merlin is about to leave, he has his hand on the doorknob.
"Wait." Arthur says quickly.

Merlin turns around, confused.
"Come here real quick." Arthur says, sitting up.

Confused, Merlin complies.

Merlin reaches the end of the bed where Arthur sits.

Arthur reaches up, and grabs Merlin gently by the back of the neck.
He pulls the other man towards him.

Merlin, realizing where this is going.
Eagerly closes the gap.

Their lips meet only briefly.
Arthur pulls away.
Disappointment is evident on Merlin's face.

"Hurry back~" Arthur says in a low voice.

Merlin feels his face warm.

"Right, right." Merlin says, waving his hand dismissively.
Trying to keep his cool.

It didn't work, Arthur saw right through him.
He smiled at the sight.

"I gotta hurry, see you in a bit!" Merlin says quickly, leaving for the door.

"Bye~" Arthur says in a singsong tone.

Merlin quickly opens the door before the urge to turn around overwhelms him.

As soon as Merlin walks out the door, and closes it.
He takes a deep breath.
And tries to regain his composure.

Trying to keep this relationship a secret was going to be difficult if he turned into a mess anytime the prince turned his attention towards him.

Merlin reaches up and touches his lips, already missing the sensation.

He quickly shakes the thoughts from his head.
And gets to work.

He quickly walks down the hall.
He's hoping he's lucky enough that no one will see him walk home.

Today however, was not his lucky day.

"Walk of shame?" Morgana's voice suddenly rings out.

Merlin jumps out of his skin.

He slowly turns towards the woman, a guilty look on his face.
"Whaat? No?" Merlin says nervously.

"Who's the poor girl~" Morgana teases.

"There is no girl." Merlin scoffs.
He didn't even have to lie about that part.

"Oh really? You're wearing the same clothes as yesterday.
Did you just forget to change~" Morgana says sarcastically.

"No.. I just–" Merlin tries to think of an excuse.
But another voice cuts him off.

"Merlin!" Arthur's voice calls for him down the hall.

Merlin covers his face in shame.

Arthur catches up to them.
"I'm glad I caught you." He says before quickly falling silent.
Realizing the woman's presence, and realizing what this looked like.

Silence falls between the trio.

Morgana looks to Merlin, then back to Arthur.
Any suspicion that this wasn't what it looked like was quickly squashed when they both fell into guilty silences.

"Merlin. You can do much better than my idiot brother." Morgana sighs. Disappointment evident in her tone.

"I'm the prince?!" Arthur says offended.

Morgana ignores him.
"Although, if anyone can keep him in line. It's you." She says mischievously.

Merlin smiles awkwardly, not knowing what to say.

Morgana then turns to look at Arthur.
"Take good care of him."

"Why wouldn't I? What?" Arthur stammers.

Morgana ignores him again, and turns to Merlin.
"I'm happy for you two." She says with a smile.

"Thanks?" Merlin says nervously.
She was taking the new surprisingly well..

"You two better get going before anyone else sees you." Morgana says amused.
"Although, it's not like you two are a secret." She mumbles under her breath, as she turns to leave.

Arthur hears her, and gives her the side eye.

Morgana starts walking the opposite direction.

"Well, that went well." Merlin says, slumping her shoulders in relief.

"Yeah." Arthur says annoyed.
The last thing he wanted was his sister budging into his love life.

"What was it you wanted to tell me?" Merlin says, bouncing on his feet.

Arthur finds the movement endearing.

"I just wanted to tell you.
When you get my breakfast, bring yourself a plate,
We'll eat together." Arthur says, slightly embarrassed.

"Oh!" Merlin lights up.
"I'll see if I can sneak something."

"See you in a bit." Arthur says, placing a hand on Merlin's shoulder.
Arthur slowly drags his hand across him as he pulls away.
Indulging in the small moment of touch between them.

Merlin gives him a thumbs up, and turns to leave.

Arthur watches him leave. His smile fading.
Keeping their relationship hidden was going to be harder than he had anticipated...

Merlin walks down the hall. Trying his best to not look back.
He nearly bumps into someone as he walks.

"Sorry!" He quickly apologies.

"Don't worry about it." Gwen quickly dismisses it.
"Your mind occupied with something else?" She asks innocently.

"Something like that." Merlin shrugs.
He quickly walks around her, trying to escape before she asks questions.

"Okay. See you later!" She says, suspicious of his odd behavior.

Merlin quickly walks.
He needs to get home before he runs into anyone else.

"Oh Gwen!" Merlin overhears Morgana's voice.
"You'll never believe what just happened!" She says excited.

Merlin groans.

The whole palace was going to know about them before he finished his breakfast...