Merlin/HP ch.2
Chapter 2: The Time Turner
Arthur shot up straight in his bed, not noticing the body of his manservant that had just fallen to the ground in shock. He took in deep, shuddering breaths trying to clear his mind. Just a dream, just a dream... He repeated to himself. God, it had seemed so...real. Arthur shook these thoughts out of his head. This was no time to be weak. He sighed, swinging his legs off the side of the bed.
"Merlin, where are you, you idiotic manser-" He found his answer soon enough, when he stepped on something soft that was definitely not the ground. Arthur huffed, gingerly taking his foot off Merlin's face. "Honestly, Merlin. What in the bloody hell do you think you're doing?" He shouted. "Get up and help me dress."
Merlin pulled himself up with a groan, rubbing at the red imprint upon his cheek. Oh, how he hated to dress Arthur. It was absolute torture. It wasn't just because of the fact that Arthur whined about the smallest things. It wasn't because of the fact that Arthur couldn't even put his own clothes on- no, it was the fact that Arthur's body just happened to be too irresistible.
His skin was tan and smooth and glittered every time the sun glanced upon it. And, oh, those muscles. Why in the world did the prince have to have such a bloody nice six pack? Why couldn't Arthur be some lame, fat prince or something?
When Arthur turned to face him, stretching out those toned biceps, Merlin had trouble finding enough air to breathe.
"Merlin! I'm going to be as old as Gaius by the time you get over here!" Arthur said with a scowl.
"Sorry, Arthur," Merlin mumbled, trying to keep a blush from creeping onto his face. He stepped around Arthur and grabbed a tunic from his overflowing wardrobe as Arthur pulled his pants on; at least he could do something by himself. Once Arthur stood up, Merlin helped his arms through the sleeves of his shirt, and then started to button the shirt up.
There was an uncomfortable silence as Merlin fumbled with the buttons on Arthur's shirt. His breathing was loud and erratic, and he felt like his heart was going to beat right out of his chest. He groaned when another button slip out of his fingers. His forehead creased in frustration.
Apparently, Arthur was feeling the same way, for he swatted Merlin's hands from his chest in order to do the buttons himself.
"Honestly, Merlin, you would think that this would be your first time dressing me," he muttered as he finished with the last button.
"S-s-sorry, Arthur," He mumbled once again, following Arthur over as he sat down to eat.
Arthur paused halfway to his seat, an incredulous upon his face. "Merlin, did you forget to bring my breakfast?" His tone was low and almost a growl. Merlin knew it was supposed to be intimidating, but it was more just so bloody sexy. He could barely keep himself from moaning at the sound.
Clearing his throat, he stood up. "Sorry, Arthur!" He shouted as he stood up straighter, to make himself seem like a better servant. And to distract him from his oh-so-tempting thoughts. Of course, the only thing it did was make Arthur scowl even more.
"What are you trying to do now, Merlin? Give me a heart attack? Go get me my breakfast!" The last part was accompanied by a fist banging on the table.
Merlin rolled his eyes at the childish gesture as he walked out of Arthur's chambers, "As you wish, Sire."
Merlin once again made his ways into the hall, an odd expression on his face. So many thoughts filled his head. He was thinking about his dream, then thinking about Arthur's dream, and then just thinking about Arthur….
No. No thinking of Arthur, Merlin said to himself firmly. Still, he knew it was hopeless. He had an undeniable crush on Arthur. Luckily, no one but himself knew, but he was pretty sure that some of his friends- meaning Morgana and Gwen- had a sneaking suspicion that he was interested in blokes.
Merlin himself had known since he was little that he was gay. He was comfortable with the fact; he just wasn't comfortable with having the whole world, especially Arthur, know. His first crush had been on Will, his best friend back in Ealdor. He had gotten over it fairly quickly. It didn't take long for him to realize that Will was just like a brother to him, and nothing more.
Merlin felt his chest tighten at the thought of Will; Will, who had been killed saving Arthur's life. He swallowed back his tears, knowing that Will was in a better place. Instead, he though more about his social life.
Though he was embarrassed to admit it, he had never been in a relationship with a guy, or even kiss one. He had never even kissed anyone for that matter. He was the perfect definition of a virgin. It was something that Morgana and Gwen loved to tease him about.
Of course, there were guys here and there that he was interested in, but none of his infatuations could compare with what he had with Arthur. Though he hated to admit it, he knew he was absolutely smitten with him. It was hard for him to live with the fact, knowing that Arthur would never return his feelings. Merlin was pretty sure that Arthur was not into blokes, by the fact that Arthur was like Camelot's-dare he say it?- man whore.
Arthur seemed to bed a new girl every week and Merlin had walked in on Arthur in bed, going right at it, more times than he could count.
It hurt to realize the fact Arthur never looked at him the way he wanted to, but Merlin was good at keeping his secrets and emotions to himself. Already, he struggled with keeping the fact that he was a warlock a secret. Magic was banned in Camelot, with penalty of death. More specifically, a nice public beheading. Merlin liked having his head, so he made sure to never let anything slip out. The only person who knew about his magic was Gaius, and he trusted him with his life.
Soon after these thoughts went through his head, Merlin arrived at the castle kitchens. He stepped in, and stood at the entrance awkwardly, not knowing what to do.
"Ah! Merlin! There you are. Here for Prince Arthur's breakfast?"
Merlin followed the voice, until his sight fell on one of the castle cooks, Blythe. He gave a grateful smile as she handed him a tray laden with a steaming bowl of oats, bread, and cheese.
"Thank you, Blythe." He said, hurrying back to Arthur's chambers.
Merlin had just arrived in front of Arthur's doors, when Morgana suddenly burst out of her chambers. He almost dropped the tray in surprise, but quickly regained his composure. She had a panicked look in her eyes, and worry creased her forehead until she saw Merlin. She ran over, sounding out of breath.
"Oh! Thank goodness, Merlin!" She said, relief coating her words. "I was worried you and Arthur had already left…" She trailed off.
"Morgana…." Merlin asked gently, "what's wrong?"
Morgana looked at him with wide eyes, tears threatening to brim over. "Oh, I just- I had this awful dream last night. Do you think it could have been another-vision?"
Morgana hesitated before saying the last word, afraid that someone might overhear. Only Gaius, Merlin, and she knew about these visions. If Uther ever found out that she was a Seer, he would have her head off, even if she was his ward. That was just how much he despised magic.
Merlin was feeling worried all over again. Morgana had a dream too? "What was it about?" he asked.
"It-it- oh it was so confusing!" She exclaimed, willing her tears not to come, "it was pitch black, but there were all these flashing lights," Merlin paled at her words, though she didn't seem to notice, "and-and- I saw…saw Arthur…die…" Her last words came out as a whisper.
"I don't know what it was about, but just promise me one thing, Merlin," She continued, eying him with a steely look. Merlin could only nod his head, not being able to speak, "Promise me, that you and Arthur will be careful today on your hunting trip." Morgana griped his free hand tightly, "Actually, why not just cancel the trip- you'll be so much safer that wa-"
"You know Arthur won't allow that." Merlin cut in, his voice barely above a whisper.
"Yes, yes, I know." Morgana dropped his hand, a forlorn look upon her face. "Just, be careful out there Merlin. Something feels…off."
"I promise we'll be okay, Morgana," he replied honestly.
Merlin watched her walk away, a frown back upon his face. This was no mere coincidence; Merlin knew that something bad was going to happen. He would try talking to Arthur, to persuade him to cancel the trip, but since when had Arthur listened to what he had to say?
Never.
Merlin stepped back into Arthur's room, a smile put on his face. "Here's your breakfast, Arthur," he said, placing the tray on the table.
"Back to calling me Arthur, are you?" was the grumpy reply, "Anyways, what took you so long?" he asked.
Merlin winced. "Well, um, I ran into Morgana outside your chambers." He said.
"Oh?" was the only reply he got.
Merlin was not quite sure if he should continue or not, but he did. "She said she had a, uh, dream." He hesitated. Arthur raised his eyebrows. "She said she saw you die." Merlin finished hurriedly.
The reaction Arthur had was not one Merlin expected. Arthur dropped his spoon back into the bowl, his face going white.
"She did?" Arthur's voice was low and quiet.
"She asked me to, well, ask you to cancel the hunting tri-"
"No," Arthur said, his voice cold. "We're not canceling the bloody trip. As a matter of fact, we're going now."
Merlin could only watch as Arthur got up and walked out the door, his breakfast barely touched.
"Are you coming or not, Merlin?"
Arthur, for the first time in his life, feared for his life. The dream he had was so real- feeling himself die was the weirdest experience he had ever had. He had spent the morning controlling his emotions; just as he was getting a hold of himself, Merlin just had to come and say that Morgana watched him die in her own dream.
Just a coincidence, he told himself. He was grateful for the hunting trip, as it would distract him from all his thoughts.
Arthur gave a sigh of relief when he saw Merlin walking towards him with a bundle of weapons and supplies on his back.
"Took you long enough," he snapped.
Merlin smiled. "You're insults are getting rusty this morning, Arthur." He said.
Arthur opened his mouth to reply, but nothing came out. He was still in a daze from Merlin's smile. Goodness, it was gorgeous. So wide and bright, and those dimples just made him want to-
This is Merlin you're talking about! A voice in his head told him. Remember? You're idiotic, pathetic excuse of a manservant. I repeat, a MAN.
"Whatever, Merlin. I'm in a hurry." He muttered, walking towards the forest, looking anywhere but at Merlin. He tried to think of one of the gorgeous ladies he had just bedded days ago, and her curvy body and delicious breasts, and the way she moaned when he was in her- it didn't help one bit. The only thing he could think of was that stupid smile.
"Arth-"
"What!" He snapped.
"I-y- You stopped and I thought something was wrong…." Merlin replied meekly. "You know- never mind."
"Good," Arthur said, setting off at a brisk pace. "Now hurry up Merlin, we haven't got all day."
Two hours later, Arthur and Merlin were bickering in the dense forest outside of Camelot.
"-nestly, Merlin. I'm fine. Can you be quiet? You're going to scare off all the animals."
"I'm not even the one talki-!"
"Then what do you call what you're doing right now?"
"Arguing with yo-"
"Shhh!"
Arthur's sudden burst shut Merlin up right away. Arthur held a hand up to him, telling him to stay. In his other hand, he gripped his crossbow, having spotted his prey. He wasn't quite sure what it was, but it was definitely an animal. It flitted in and out of the shadows, quickly making distance between it and Arthur.
"Come on, Merlin! Follow me."
Arthur slowly crept forward, crossbow trained on his shoulder. Merlin stayed a little further behind, wary of messing things up.
Coward, came a sudden voice.
His head shot up, startled. What was that? He turned to Arthur to see if he had heard the voice, but he was concentrating on a black shape right between the trees.
Just a little bit closer, Arthur thought. He aimed and prepared to shoot-
"Who's there?" Came Merlin's fearful voice.
The black shape suddenly disappeared, and Arthur slammed his crossbow against the ground in frustration. He turned towards Merlin.
"What in the bloody hell is your problem, Merlin? I almost had the stupid thin-"
A sudden explosion behind him stopped him mid-rant. Arthur slowly turned around, crossbow aimed. The two trees he had previously been looking through had been blasted apart. There was a smoking hole in the middle. Arthur lowered his crossbow, inching forward. He felt a hand grab his arm, trying to keep him back.
"Arthur, stay back. You don't know what it is."
"Oh, get off me, Merlin." Arthur said crossly, not noticing the hurt on his manservant's face.
He was a little more careful, however, and waited until the smoke cleared to move forward. There was a curious looking object in the hole. It looked like a mini-hourglass, and had a gold chain snaked around it. He reached out for it, ignoring Merlin's protests. He grasped it in his hand, standing back up.
"See, Merlin? It's perfectly fine."
It was apparent Arthur had spoken too soon when the chain suddenly wrapped around his neck.
"Arthur!" Merlin shouted out, stepping forward. The chain suddenly widened and stuck itself to Merlin's neck before pushing the two chest to chest.
Merlin could hardly breathe; he was so close to Arthur-
Suddenly, the world started to spin around them, making Merlin's head go dizzy. Oh, It was going too fast-
It ended as quickly as it had started, and Merlin and Arthur fell to the ground with a thud, breathless.
Arthur shot up straight in his bed, not noticing the body of his manservant that had just fallen to the ground in shock. He took in deep, shuddering breaths trying to clear his mind. Just a dream, just a dream... He repeated to himself. God, it had seemed so...real. Arthur shook these thoughts out of his head. This was no time to be weak. He sighed, swinging his legs off the side of the bed.
"Merlin, where are you, you idiotic manser-" He found his answer soon enough, when he stepped on something soft that was definitely not the ground. Arthur huffed, gingerly taking his foot off Merlin's face. "Honestly, Merlin. What in the bloody hell do you think you're doing?" He shouted. "Get up and help me dress."
Merlin pulled himself up with a groan, rubbing at the red imprint upon his cheek. Oh, how he hated to dress Arthur. It was absolute torture. It wasn't just because of the fact that Arthur whined about the smallest things. It wasn't because of the fact that Arthur couldn't even put his own clothes on- no, it was the fact that Arthur's body just happened to be too irresistible.
His skin was tan and smooth and glittered every time the sun glanced upon it. And, oh, those muscles. Why in the world did the prince have to have such a bloody nice six pack? Why couldn't Arthur be some lame, fat prince or something?
When Arthur turned to face him, stretching out those toned biceps, Merlin had trouble finding enough air to breathe.
"Merlin! I'm going to be as old as Gaius by the time you get over here!" Arthur said with a scowl.
"Sorry, Arthur," Merlin mumbled, trying to keep a blush from creeping onto his face. He stepped around Arthur and grabbed a tunic from his overflowing wardrobe as Arthur pulled his pants on; at least he could do something by himself. Once Arthur stood up, Merlin helped his arms through the sleeves of his shirt, and then started to button the shirt up.
There was an uncomfortable silence as Merlin fumbled with the buttons on Arthur's shirt. His breathing was loud and erratic, and he felt like his heart was going to beat right out of his chest. He groaned when another button slip out of his fingers. His forehead creased in frustration.
Apparently, Arthur was feeling the same way, for he swatted Merlin's hands from his chest in order to do the buttons himself.
"Honestly, Merlin, you would think that this would be your first time dressing me," he muttered as he finished with the last button.
"S-s-sorry, Arthur," He mumbled once again, following Arthur over as he sat down to eat.
Arthur paused halfway to his seat, an incredulous upon his face. "Merlin, did you forget to bring my breakfast?" His tone was low and almost a growl. Merlin knew it was supposed to be intimidating, but it was more just so bloody sexy. He could barely keep himself from moaning at the sound.
Clearing his throat, he stood up. "Sorry, Arthur!" He shouted as he stood up straighter, to make himself seem like a better servant. And to distract him from his oh-so-tempting thoughts. Of course, the only thing it did was make Arthur scowl even more.
"What are you trying to do now, Merlin? Give me a heart attack? Go get me my breakfast!" The last part was accompanied by a fist banging on the table.
Merlin rolled his eyes at the childish gesture as he walked out of Arthur's chambers, "As you wish, Sire."
Merlin once again made his ways into the hall, an odd expression on his face. So many thoughts filled his head. He was thinking about his dream, then thinking about Arthur's dream, and then just thinking about Arthur….
No. No thinking of Arthur, Merlin said to himself firmly. Still, he knew it was hopeless. He had an undeniable crush on Arthur. Luckily, no one but himself knew, but he was pretty sure that some of his friends- meaning Morgana and Gwen- had a sneaking suspicion that he was interested in blokes.
Merlin himself had known since he was little that he was gay. He was comfortable with the fact; he just wasn't comfortable with having the whole world, especially Arthur, know. His first crush had been on Will, his best friend back in Ealdor. He had gotten over it fairly quickly. It didn't take long for him to realize that Will was just like a brother to him, and nothing more.
Merlin felt his chest tighten at the thought of Will; Will, who had been killed saving Arthur's life. He swallowed back his tears, knowing that Will was in a better place. Instead, he though more about his social life.
Though he was embarrassed to admit it, he had never been in a relationship with a guy, or even kiss one. He had never even kissed anyone for that matter. He was the perfect definition of a virgin. It was something that Morgana and Gwen loved to tease him about.
Of course, there were guys here and there that he was interested in, but none of his infatuations could compare with what he had with Arthur. Though he hated to admit it, he knew he was absolutely smitten with him. It was hard for him to live with the fact, knowing that Arthur would never return his feelings. Merlin was pretty sure that Arthur was not into blokes, by the fact that Arthur was like Camelot's-dare he say it?- man whore.
Arthur seemed to bed a new girl every week and Merlin had walked in on Arthur in bed, going right at it, more times than he could count.
It hurt to realize the fact Arthur never looked at him the way he wanted to, but Merlin was good at keeping his secrets and emotions to himself. Already, he struggled with keeping the fact that he was a warlock a secret. Magic was banned in Camelot, with penalty of death. More specifically, a nice public beheading. Merlin liked having his head, so he made sure to never let anything slip out. The only person who knew about his magic was Gaius, and he trusted him with his life.
Soon after these thoughts went through his head, Merlin arrived at the castle kitchens. He stepped in, and stood at the entrance awkwardly, not knowing what to do.
"Ah! Merlin! There you are. Here for Prince Arthur's breakfast?"
Merlin followed the voice, until his sight fell on one of the castle cooks, Blythe. He gave a grateful smile as she handed him a tray laden with a steaming bowl of oats, bread, and cheese.
"Thank you, Blythe." He said, hurrying back to Arthur's chambers.
Merlin had just arrived in front of Arthur's doors, when Morgana suddenly burst out of her chambers. He almost dropped the tray in surprise, but quickly regained his composure. She had a panicked look in her eyes, and worry creased her forehead until she saw Merlin. She ran over, sounding out of breath.
"Oh! Thank goodness, Merlin!" She said, relief coating her words. "I was worried you and Arthur had already left…" She trailed off.
"Morgana…." Merlin asked gently, "what's wrong?"
Morgana looked at him with wide eyes, tears threatening to brim over. "Oh, I just- I had this awful dream last night. Do you think it could have been another-vision?"
Morgana hesitated before saying the last word, afraid that someone might overhear. Only Gaius, Merlin, and she knew about these visions. If Uther ever found out that she was a Seer, he would have her head off, even if she was his ward. That was just how much he despised magic.
Merlin was feeling worried all over again. Morgana had a dream too? "What was it about?" he asked.
"It-it- oh it was so confusing!" She exclaimed, willing her tears not to come, "it was pitch black, but there were all these flashing lights," Merlin paled at her words, though she didn't seem to notice, "and-and- I saw…saw Arthur…die…" Her last words came out as a whisper.
"I don't know what it was about, but just promise me one thing, Merlin," She continued, eying him with a steely look. Merlin could only nod his head, not being able to speak, "Promise me, that you and Arthur will be careful today on your hunting trip." Morgana griped his free hand tightly, "Actually, why not just cancel the trip- you'll be so much safer that wa-"
"You know Arthur won't allow that." Merlin cut in, his voice barely above a whisper.
"Yes, yes, I know." Morgana dropped his hand, a forlorn look upon her face. "Just, be careful out there Merlin. Something feels…off."
"I promise we'll be okay, Morgana," he replied honestly.
Merlin watched her walk away, a frown back upon his face. This was no mere coincidence; Merlin knew that something bad was going to happen. He would try talking to Arthur, to persuade him to cancel the trip, but since when had Arthur listened to what he had to say?
Never.
Merlin stepped back into Arthur's room, a smile put on his face. "Here's your breakfast, Arthur," he said, placing the tray on the table.
"Back to calling me Arthur, are you?" was the grumpy reply, "Anyways, what took you so long?" he asked.
Merlin winced. "Well, um, I ran into Morgana outside your chambers." He said.
"Oh?" was the only reply he got.
Merlin was not quite sure if he should continue or not, but he did. "She said she had a, uh, dream." He hesitated. Arthur raised his eyebrows. "She said she saw you die." Merlin finished hurriedly.
The reaction Arthur had was not one Merlin expected. Arthur dropped his spoon back into the bowl, his face going white.
"She did?" Arthur's voice was low and quiet.
"She asked me to, well, ask you to cancel the hunting tri-"
"No," Arthur said, his voice cold. "We're not canceling the bloody trip. As a matter of fact, we're going now."
Merlin could only watch as Arthur got up and walked out the door, his breakfast barely touched.
"Are you coming or not, Merlin?"
Arthur, for the first time in his life, feared for his life. The dream he had was so real- feeling himself die was the weirdest experience he had ever had. He had spent the morning controlling his emotions; just as he was getting a hold of himself, Merlin just had to come and say that Morgana watched him die in her own dream.
Just a coincidence, he told himself. He was grateful for the hunting trip, as it would distract him from all his thoughts.
Arthur gave a sigh of relief when he saw Merlin walking towards him with a bundle of weapons and supplies on his back.
"Took you long enough," he snapped.
Merlin smiled. "You're insults are getting rusty this morning, Arthur." He said.
Arthur opened his mouth to reply, but nothing came out. He was still in a daze from Merlin's smile. Goodness, it was gorgeous. So wide and bright, and those dimples just made him want to-
This is Merlin you're talking about! A voice in his head told him. Remember? You're idiotic, pathetic excuse of a manservant. I repeat, a MAN.
"Whatever, Merlin. I'm in a hurry." He muttered, walking towards the forest, looking anywhere but at Merlin. He tried to think of one of the gorgeous ladies he had just bedded days ago, and her curvy body and delicious breasts, and the way she moaned when he was in her- it didn't help one bit. The only thing he could think of was that stupid smile.
"Arth-"
"What!" He snapped.
"I-y- You stopped and I thought something was wrong…." Merlin replied meekly. "You know- never mind."
"Good," Arthur said, setting off at a brisk pace. "Now hurry up Merlin, we haven't got all day."
Two hours later, Arthur and Merlin were bickering in the dense forest outside of Camelot.
"-nestly, Merlin. I'm fine. Can you be quiet? You're going to scare off all the animals."
"I'm not even the one talki-!"
"Then what do you call what you're doing right now?"
"Arguing with yo-"
"Shhh!"
Arthur's sudden burst shut Merlin up right away. Arthur held a hand up to him, telling him to stay. In his other hand, he gripped his crossbow, having spotted his prey. He wasn't quite sure what it was, but it was definitely an animal. It flitted in and out of the shadows, quickly making distance between it and Arthur.
"Come on, Merlin! Follow me."
Arthur slowly crept forward, crossbow trained on his shoulder. Merlin stayed a little further behind, wary of messing things up.
Coward, came a sudden voice.
His head shot up, startled. What was that? He turned to Arthur to see if he had heard the voice, but he was concentrating on a black shape right between the trees.
Just a little bit closer, Arthur thought. He aimed and prepared to shoot-
"Who's there?" Came Merlin's fearful voice.
The black shape suddenly disappeared, and Arthur slammed his crossbow against the ground in frustration. He turned towards Merlin.
"What in the bloody hell is your problem, Merlin? I almost had the stupid thin-"
A sudden explosion behind him stopped him mid-rant. Arthur slowly turned around, crossbow aimed. The two trees he had previously been looking through had been blasted apart. There was a smoking hole in the middle. Arthur lowered his crossbow, inching forward. He felt a hand grab his arm, trying to keep him back.
"Arthur, stay back. You don't know what it is."
"Oh, get off me, Merlin." Arthur said crossly, not noticing the hurt on his manservant's face.
He was a little more careful, however, and waited until the smoke cleared to move forward. There was a curious looking object in the hole. It looked like a mini-hourglass, and had a gold chain snaked around it. He reached out for it, ignoring Merlin's protests. He grasped it in his hand, standing back up.
"See, Merlin? It's perfectly fine."
It was apparent Arthur had spoken too soon when the chain suddenly wrapped around his neck.
"Arthur!" Merlin shouted out, stepping forward. The chain suddenly widened and stuck itself to Merlin's neck before pushing the two chest to chest.
Merlin could hardly breathe; he was so close to Arthur-
Suddenly, the world started to spin around them, making Merlin's head go dizzy. Oh, It was going too fast-
It ended as quickly as it had started, and Merlin and Arthur fell to the ground with a thud, breathless.