Carry on my Wayward Servant Chapter 10
Title: Carry on my Wayward Servant Chapter 10/?
Rating: NC17
Warning/Spoiler: Slashy and some spoiler up to 2X4
Summary: Arthur finds a new punishment for Merlin, and a series of accidents lead them to discover they could be more than master and servant.
Disclaimer: I sadly don't own
Carry on my Wayward Servant
Chapter 10: Seed of Doubt
“Can I borrow some clothes?” Merlin asked, stretching up in the bed as Arthur continued to lay beside him. They had slept for what seemed like three hours, and in that time Merlin was sure he had only been asleep for about 20 minutes. He had had nightmares the entire time, waking up and having to bite back screams. His mind was riddled with possibilities on what had happened to him the night before, but one thing was for certain...he had done something horrible, and maybe it was a good thing he no longer remembered.
Arthur rolled onto his back, staring up at the ceiling. “Merlin...I can't exactly have you trollaping through this castle in my clothes. What do you think that would look like?” Even with everything going on, he still had the grace to be offended.
“What it would look like?” He asked, turning round to look down at him.
“Don't look at me like that.” Arthur said, raising an eyebrow. “You know I can't very well let the person I'm bedding walk around wearing my clothes.” He reached up, fisting his hand in shaggy dark locks. “No one can find out about us Merlin.”
Arthur rubbed the spot behind his ears, twirling a stray hair between his fingertips, and Merlin tried not to be hurt by that statement. After all he was quite aware they couldn't be discovered, but when it came from Arthur's lips, with such the smooth finality, he was sure that if they were discovered it would take the Prince all of two seconds to end it.
“Should I just put the blood soaked ones back on then?” He asked light heartedly, but at the same time with a bitter edge that he knew Arthur could pick up on. He was tired, he was scared, and he couldn't handle this right now. He glanced to the floor, the thought of putting on the mysterious blood soaked clothing was beyond repulsive.
The prince rolled his eyes, pushing himself up on his elbows and letting the blanket slip down to his hips. “Obviously not Merlin...just make sure no one sees you, and if they do say its because your other clothes are covered in blood.”
It was Merlin's turn to raise an eyebrow, mouth tilting in a smile. “But you are letting me borrow clothes because my other ones are covered in blood.”
“Precisely.” Arthur teased, leaning in and kissing his lips. Merlin turned his face though, causing his lips to fall to his chin. The prince didn't seem to mind the deterrence, using this new position to his advantage as his kisses moved down to his neck, kissing along his collarbone and ending back at the juncture of his throat. Merlin tried not to be enthralled, really he did, but by the time Arthur had reached his destination the sorcerer's eyes had drifted shut, and his breathing had become almost erratic.
“Don't you have to see the King?” He tried, voice faltering as Arthur began to suck on his neck. No matter how much he might like to pretend, they were in a serious situation, and he hardly thought the thing to be doing now was spending the day in bed.
Arthur purred against his throat, pulling his body into him so that Merlin was practically straddling his waist. “How is it you make me want you so bad?” He asked, fisting one hand in his hair and pulling his head forward until their lips were mere centimeters apart.
Merlin was drawn into those eyes, the ones that were looking at him with such sudden sincerity that it made his head spin. “I dunno...I honestly have no idea why someone like you would want someone like me.”
He had expected for Arthur to agree with him, to poke fun at him for being such a worthless servant, but he didn't. “Merlin...you idiot.” ...not exactly. He positioned Merlin so that he rested on his hipbones, and the sorcerer was fully aware that at the moment Arthur was in no state to see the King. “Didn't I tell you...I finally found something you're good at.”
,,,,,,,,,,
Merlin stretched the sleeves of the dark red shirt Arthur had let him borrow. They seemed to fit together so well when entwined together, he had began to forget how much bigger Arthur was than him. He had to roll up the sleeves because they completely covered his hands, and to fit into the pants he had to do the belt as tight as possible, and he didn't even want to talk about the boots. All in all, he felt very out of place as he made it back to his and Gaius's chamber to change and bring the Prince's clothes back to him as soon as possible. ...Arthur had agreed whole heartedly with him that the other ones should be burnt, and Merlin had never been happier to see anything go.
“Where have you been!?” Was what greeted him the moment he opened the door. Gaius was huddled over a sick bed, nursing a girl who seemed to have a long gash up her arm. He had forgotten they were still here. How could he have been so selfish? He had gone and slept with Arthur in every sense of the word, while Gaius was up all night nursing the wounded.
“I'm sorry Gaius...The Prince detained me.” That was one way of saying Arthur and him had been having sex for the better part of the day. “You go rest. I can handle everything here.” He didn't want to handle anything. He wanted to go back out to that valley. He needed to know what had happened to him in those hours he knew nothing about.
“Whose clothes are those?” He looked down at his outfit again, actually blushing as he was subject to Gaius's scrutinizing gaze.
“Mine were covered in blood, and so Arthur lent me some.” He stuttered out, telling the truth, and yet at the same time it seemed like such a lie. Gaius raised an eyebrow at him, and he was sure the distrusting look had something to do with home shifty Merlin was being.
“That was very kind of the Prince.” Gaius stated slowly, still raising an eyebrow. “You'll be sure to get those back to him?”
to be
“Of course!” Merlin shot back almost immediately, already turning away from Gaius to go grab more bandages. “Now don't worry about it Gaius and go get some rest. You can use my bed.” He offered, looking around to see that Gwen and Morgana had retired as well. Gaius looked as if he was about to fall over, and Merlin once more felt guilty that he had left him on his last leg to go be with Arthur.
He walked over, pushing Gaius towards his room. “Go. Sleep. Please.” He shoved him up the stairs, the physician only making mild protests. “You make me tired just looking at you. I swear I can handle it here, and you're not very far away if there's an emergency.” He said, quickly adding. “Which there won't be.”
“Alright.” Gaius finally agreed. “But if anything happens, wake me immediately.” Merlin nodded, waving as he shut the door behind Gaius, glad that his guardian would finally be getting some sleep. Though as soon as he was gone the weight of the world collapsed back on him, and as he tended to the injured he was once more left to his thoughts.
Merlin sat down to blot out a fevered boy's forehead, thinking of the night before and all that blood. The last thing he remembered was talking to Morgana, but he had no idea what about. Then it was as if someone had gone into his head and whisked it until all of the memories were gone. Why was he missing his shoes? Why had he ended up so far away from Camelot? It had to have something to do with the snake, of that he was sure of.
He worked for hours, running back and forth in the room, tending to the yells, comforting the distraught. He had no idea so many people had been affected, so many lives lost. Arthur would be dealing with the casualties now. He was sure that they were scattered in the square as they had been during the sickness. He had no idea how the snake had caused such damage. There was no denying it was powerful, but it had to have had help. That was the scariest part of all, because the snake had help, and he couldn't remember why he was covered in blood. He refused to put the pieces together, no matter how clear the puzzle might become.
Rubbing his forehead, he rested his chin in his hands as he stared at a bowel. His blue eyes were rimmed with black rings and blood shot, and as they stared at him, his head tilted...even though he had never moved it. He shot back, staring alarmingly at the silver bowel, and chest heaving as his image smirked at him.
“Merlin! Merlin!” He was aware of someone yelling at him and shaking his shoulder, but it felt like he was underwater. “Merlin what the hell is wrong with you? What are you doing here?” He knew that voice...that voice belonged to.
“Arthur?” He asked, dazed. The shaking had stopped.
“What are you doing here?” Merlin blinked, turning to stare into worried blue eyes. Merlin knitted his eyes, not quite understanding the question. Honestly, what did Arthur think he was doing here?
“Helping Gaius tend to the wounded?” He said it in almost a question, head spinning as he looked around. Arthur was crouched down in front of him in what looked to be an area of loose dirt. “I'm not in the castle...why am I not in the castle?” He asked, his mind finally catching up with him as he shot up from the ground, looking around to see that he had somehow made it out into the woods. Not as far as the field of flowers, but it seemed to be in the same direction.
He looked down at his hands, they were filthy. His nails were caked in dirt, and as he looked down at his borrowed clothes they seemed to be too. His eyes were wide as saucers, and he began to shake as he looked down at Arthur. “What time is it?” He feared the answer, because as he looked around to the soft hue the sky was at, he was sure he already knew.
“It's morning.” Arthur replied softly, standing up himself to turn mistrustful eyes towards Merlin. “Where have you been all night? Gaius woke to find your chambers empty. He was fearful you had run away, and so I came out to search for your worthless hide...all night I might add.” His stuff? Why was his stuff gone? Why had he been out all night!?
“There's something wrong with me.” He said, backing away from the Prince. He didn't know what he was saying, and he didn't even think to hide this from Arthur now. “...I don't know how I got here.”
Arthur's eyebrows knitted together, walking over to Merlin and reaching out, but the other stepped away, wrapping his dirty hands around himself. “Merlin...what do you mean you don't remember?”
“I don't know how I got here!” Merlin yelled back, taking a few more steps back. He took a deep breath, hating how Arthur was looking at him. He deserved worse though. “I'm sorry Sire. I...just...I'm scared.”
Arthur took another step, and Merlin backed up again. “Merlin...it's okay, you probably just hit your head yesterday.” Merlin rubbed his head, still shaking it back and forth.
Yet at the same time he couldn't deny it. Because what was he supposed to say? That he could hear a snake's voice in his head? That this was the third time he had done this? No, because if he did then Arthur would know that he was magical. He would know he had something to do with the attack...whatever that was. “Maybe I did.” He said, not believing a word of it as he turned a fake smile up to his Prince. “I'm sorry to have worried you Sire.”
“I thought you left Merlin! I wasn't worried, I was furious.” He ran a hand through his blond hair. “I wouldn't have ever believed it if Morgana hadn't said you had told her you were going to, and then I thought it was because of what that harlot had said.”
This only brought about a million more questions. Most of them streaming on what Morgana had said, and how was it she had known he was leaving when he wasn't at all aware of that fact himself. “That must have been terrible for you. To think you would have to polish your own boots until you found my replacement.” He said sarcastically, his mind far away.
Arthur still looked mistrustful, raising an eyebrow when Merlin visibly flenched when he placed a hand on his shoulder. “Let's get you home. I'll let you share my bath.” Merlin couldn't help it, he snorted. Leave it to Arthur to think of sex at a time like this.
“Yes, because nothing gets me in the mood like feeling like I'm losing my mind.” He sarcastically bit back with, glaring as his head was ruffled.
“Full of ourselves, aren't we?” Arthur teased, hand staying in his hair. “I do have standards you know, and one of those is not to hop in bed with crazies, and you obviously fit into that category.” He pulled away, walking in the direction of the castle. “The closest you'll get to my bed is to change the sheets.” He laughed to himself, not even looking behind him to see if Merlin would follow.
They made it back to the castle in silence, and Merlin was aware of how rigid Arthur's back seemed to be as he followed him. He didn't blame him. He had just found him out in the middle of nowhere with no memory of how he had gotten there. He knew full well that as soon as they got back to the castle Arthur would want nothing to do with him, and he would go back to just being his servant. It was in Arthur's genes to fear anything strange, and what had just happened he was sure more than qualified for strange.
“Why don't you head up to my chambers to prepare the bath, and I'll be up in a bit.” The words jarred Merlin from his head, and he turned to see Arthur giving him the same mistrustful look he had since the moment he had found Merlin in the woods.
“Sire I...” His breath hitched in his throat, and he wanted to reach out to him, anything to stop him from pulling away. His eyes were glued to the floor, and no matter how much he wanted to stamp out the look of betrayal in those blue eyes, he couldn't even bring himself to look into them. He knew for sure it would be there though. Arthur hated anything out of the ordinary, the idea being drilled in him since birth, and he knew without a doubt that what had just occurred was anything but ordinary. “I remember why I was out there now.” He lied.
Arthur turned then, raising an eyebrow at him. “Oh really? Do tell Merlin. I would very much like to know why I missed out on a night of very much needed sleep.”
“Well...” Merlin started, eyes rolling up as he tried to come up with some sort of story. “My mother...” He nodded, smiling. “Yes that's it...I was going to see my mother! She..wrote, and asked for my help with the crops.”
Arthur's face had gone from inquisitive to down right pissed. “You were going toEaldor?” He practically hissed. “Our kingdom was just attacked, there's a magical beast roaming the streets, and you were going to abandon us to go till some crops?”
“Oh...well...yes I suppose that might seem a bit odd.” Arthur was still glaring, and all Merlin could do was shake his head. “...I don't get a bath now, do I?” His shoulders sagged in disappointment, and Arthur looked as if he wanted to throttle him.
“No! You most certainly do not get a bath Merlin!” He barked. “But I do, so go prepare the water, and if I so much as see you step foot outside the castle walls I'll have you thrown in the stocks!” He turned on his heel, but spun back just as quickly, shoving Merlin in the shoulders and pushing him into the wall before throwing up his hands. “Gah!...I could just kill you sometimes!” He turned back around, stalking down the hall towards his destination, and rubbing his shoulder, Merlin couldn't help but smile at the Prince's antics. He may be angry now, but that was infinitely better than mistrustful, he would take this Arthur any day.
His smile soon faded as he headed to fetch the water, his mind darkening as he thought of just what could have happened for the 15 or so hours he had no recollection of. He wanted to go back out to the field him and Arthur had been in, but he knew that if he left now the Prince would have his head. It probably hadn't been the best idea to tell him he was heading back to Ealdor. As a matter of fact he hadn't even stopped to think about why Ealdor had popped into his mind, or for that matter why Morgana had thought he really was leaving. Perhaps he had spoken to her? Maybe she could fill in some gaps. He would have to go see her as soon as he was done with Arthur's bath, because he wasn't about to test out Arthur's ire any further.
It had to be the snake's doing, that's all there was to it. The attacks and his memory loss couldn't be a coincidence. But what could possibly be that powerful that it could manipulate him in such a way? He felt as if he was losing his mind, and where normally he would tell Gaius about this, he couldn't help but bite his tongue. After all if he told Gaius, and it turns out he really did have something to do with the attack, then what? How would Gaius look at him if it turns out he somehow had a part in the slaughter of all of those innocent people?
He methodically worked on gathering water from the well and trucking it up the stairs, thoughts filled with horrible images on what he might have done last night, and the night before for that matter. Night...maybe that was it. Both occurrences had happened at night, hell even when he had fallen asleep in Arthur's bed without remembering it had been night then as well. He had seen Lady Katherine that night, maybe she could give him some answers. He needed to talk to Lady Morgana as well, and he needed to talk Lancelot. His heart swelled at the name. Yes. He needed to talk to Lancelot, because the would be knight already knew about his predicament, he knew about the snake, and he knew about his magic. He could tell him everything, and unlike with Gaius, if it did turn out that he was somehow involved in all of this, Lancelot wouldn't judge him for his darkness. ...At least he hoped he wouldn't.
Merlin held his hand over the now full tub, whispering the words and watching the water steam. He stared almost longingly into the clear depths...he really had wanted a bath. Even if it was just physical, at least part of him would be clean. His shoulders slumped as he leaned over the water, allowing his fingertips to ghost over the surface.
“Don't even think about it.” Arthur said from behind him, making Merlin jump and splash the water, soaking his own face.
“...Well it's warm.” He grumbled, wiping the water from his eyes. “Do you have to do that all the time?” He griped, leaned up and wiping off his face.
“Do what?” Arthur asked, smile playing at his lips.
“Be sneaky! You're always sneaking around, giving me heart attacks!” Arthur walked in, slipping off his shirt as he eyed the tub.
“Oh, you're one to talk about being sneaky.” He rose an eyebrow at the warlock. “You have a shifty look about you that never seems to go away, unless you're moaning underneath me of course.” He walked forward, grabbing Merlin's hip and dragging him towards him as the other blushed. “You're always so vocal and honest when you're screaming for me.”
Blood flew from his face to another part of his anatomy. “I distinctly recall you being angry and distrustful of me just a bit ago.” Arthur bit his bottom lip, pushing Merlin against the tub as his hands went down to work on his pants.
“Oh Darling I am angry at you, and make no mistake I don't trust you as far as I can throw you...which isn't very far, you may look like a twig but you have some muscle too, but right now I want to see you naked and wet in my bath.” He leaned in, biting at Merlin earlobe. “I want to be buried inside you, and I want to hear you scream.”
Merlin threw his head back. “I hate it when you talk dirty.” He said, trying not to become embarrassed as Arthur's lips began to attack his neck.
“You love it...” He teased along his skin, ripping his shirt down the front and lifting him into his arms. Merlin's mind was in such a haze, that he jumped when his back was lowered down into water, the staggering heat enveloping him and sending his mind into a frenzy.
His arms were around Arthur's neck as he followed. Just when had he taken off his pants? Not that he was complaining of course. No word of protest could escape his lips when Arthur's hot soaked body slid in on top of him, their legs intermingling as his lips finally met his own. He moaned into those lips, opening up his mouth and letting the Prince's tongue slip in. His naked body slid along his as the water splashed unnoticed onto the floor.
All thoughts of snakes, memory loss, and death was erased whenever he was in Arthur's arms. He wondered vaguely when it had come to this. When he had begun to rely on something so completely that it took his very breath away? When had he fallen so hard in love? Had it been the first time they kissed, first time slept together, or had it been when they first saw each other? Had their fates mixed so completely that when he kissed him he didn't know where he ended and Arthur began?
His legs rose of their own accord, wrapping around the blond's hips as Arthur thrust against him. “Weren't we...ahhhh.” He became distracted as he bit his pulse. “Weren't we supposed to be getting cleaner? If we keep this up...filthy...” He finished distractedly, turning his head to meet Arthur's lips.
“Can't help it.” Arthur moaned, hand going in between them to grab at Merlin's cock. “I want to do such dirty things to you.” Merlin screamed, the sound getting swallowed up by Arthur's mouth. “I should hate you right now. I should have you locked up, questioned, reprimanded, but I can't...” He stroked harder. “I can't keep my hands off you. ...I'm completely infatuated.” He wrapped two strong palms around Merlin's cheeks, cupping them as he brought his eyes to the front. “If I didn't know any better I'd think you'dbespelled me.”
Merlin gave a nervous chuckle, head falling back in the tub as his entire body arched. “You could always have me beheaded.” He joked, fear secretly traveling to his gut as Arthur licked up his abdomen.
“No...we can't have that. It would be such a waste of a talented mouth.” Merlin began to pant as Arthur's cock pushed against his entrance, his body nothing but a bundle of nerves. His magic was stirring inside of him, and his toes were beginning to curl as he fought of the change in his eye color. “Mmm it's getting hot again...did you leave the coals on?” Arthur bit his neck, starting to push inside of him as Merlin began to panic. “I'll have you know if you burn me in my bath one more time I'm fileting you.”
“Oh no!” Merlin cried, thrusting to get away right when Arthur pushed in. “Let me out!” The water was getting hotter, and the last thing he needed was to boil Arthur in the bath again. He knew better! He knew that his magic gets out of control.
“What the hell Merlin!?” Arthur exclaimed, trying to hold on to the slippery body as he struggled to get out of the tub.
“I don't want to have sex with you!” He fell over the side, his soaked body slamming into the floor as he struggled to his feet. “It's gross! You in a tub, wet, naked, jizzy...just awful!” Arthur's face screwed up in absolute offense as Merlin grabbed a towel, covering his very sensitive body as the prince glared.
“Did you just call me gross and jizzy?” Oh...maybe he shouldn't have said that last part. Arthur looked mad enough to kill as his hand gripped the edge of the bathtub, bottom lip trembling in anger.
“I meant it in the nicest way possible.” He tried, nodding his head as he slowly backed out of the room. “It's just sometimes when you go...it's a lot, and well...” Figurative steam was billowing out of Arthur's ear by this point, but he still didn't stop. “It's sick...it is.” He looked away, cringing as he heard the splash of the water, pulse racing as wet footsteps came closer and closer to him.
He flinched when a hand landed on his bare shoulder, squeezing it until he winced. “Right. If you think having sex with me is so unappealing, feel free to not do it anymore.” He leaned in, teeth clenched as he hissed in his ear. “And to get the hell out of my chambers.”
“Arthur...”
“Sire!” Arthur hissed, shoving his chest. “It is Sire to you Merlin, and you best not forget it.” He shoved him again, pushing him towards the door. “Now I am tired, I am pissed, and now, thanks to you, I am very very hard, so get out of my chambers!”
“Right. You're upset, and I understand why you would be, but can I at least have some clothes?” He received another push as a reply and he hit the door.
“Get out!” Arthur barked, ripping open the door and shoving him out. Merlin tumbled out of the room, hard, embarrassed, and with nothing but a towel wrapped around his waist. ...That definitely could have gone better.
He walked down the hall, shivering from the cold and misery that had befell him. It was all his own doing though. He had pushed Arthur away with his lies, and now the Prince was furious with him. He still had no idea what was happening to him, and now he had no clothes. His life was even crazier than it normally was, and he wasn't sure what way was up at the moment.
“I'm such an idiot.” He said to himself, rubbing his hand through his short dripping locks. His body had begun to calm down, but blue balls at the moment didn't even cut it. Just what was Arthur doing to relieve this feeling? He groaned again, maybe he shouldn't think of such things...that definitely wasn't helping that particular problem.
“Merlin? What in the world are you doing?” A voice asked, and Merlin's heart stopped. That voice...he would understand. Relief rushed through him like the very oxygen he breathed as he spun around, coming face to face with Lancelot and almost crying in relief.
“You're here...you're back!” Without thinking of the consequences, or of the fact that he was half hard and in only a towel, he rushed towards the man, flinging his arms out and around him. His warm body stiffened against his own, before the would be knight hesitantly wrapped his arms around him.
“Are you alright? You look...well you look like you're half crazed and in a towel.” Lancelot stated, hand coming up to pet the back of his hair. “What has happened? The city is in shambles?”
“So much...” Merlin replied with, body practically falling into the other's arms. “I have so much to tell you. So much that only you will understand...I've been scared.” He pulled away, looking into his dark chocolate eyes. “You can help me.” And he could. He could tell Lancelot things he couldn't even tell Gaius. Lancelot could help him figure out what was wrong with him. “I've never been happier to see anyone in my entire life.”
“Shhhh It's alright now.” Lancelot cooed, wiping at his eyes. Just when had he started crying? “You can tell me, and I'll help you Merlin.” He pet his hair. “I would help you with anything.”
“Dammit Merlin I didn't really intend for you to walk off without your...” Arthur paused, coming around the corner, only to see Merlin held in Lancelot's arms, and the warlock knew right then he was in trouble. “Clothes...” The Prince finished with, face calm in that way he knew it to be right before he killed something. His eyes were icy as he scanned the scene, and Merlin pulled away from Lancelot, realizing quite quickly what this could all seem like.
“I can explain!” Merlin shot back with quickly, eyes wide with terror as he looked between the two.
“Oh Merlin...” Arthur said, voice shaking with a calm fury. “I really don't think that you can...”
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A.N- (Wears the cone of shame) I know that took forever! And honestly it wasn't even very good, very piecy and I'm ashamed, but next chapter will be good! I promise! I just had the HARDEST time getting this one out, but I finally did! I hope you guys enjoyed it just a little bit!
Rating: NC17
Warning/Spoiler: Slashy and some spoiler up to 2X4
Summary: Arthur finds a new punishment for Merlin, and a series of accidents lead them to discover they could be more than master and servant.
Disclaimer: I sadly don't own
Carry on my Wayward Servant
Chapter 10: Seed of Doubt
“Can I borrow some clothes?” Merlin asked, stretching up in the bed as Arthur continued to lay beside him. They had slept for what seemed like three hours, and in that time Merlin was sure he had only been asleep for about 20 minutes. He had had nightmares the entire time, waking up and having to bite back screams. His mind was riddled with possibilities on what had happened to him the night before, but one thing was for certain...he had done something horrible, and maybe it was a good thing he no longer remembered.
Arthur rolled onto his back, staring up at the ceiling. “Merlin...I can't exactly have you trollaping through this castle in my clothes. What do you think that would look like?” Even with everything going on, he still had the grace to be offended.
“What it would look like?” He asked, turning round to look down at him.
“Don't look at me like that.” Arthur said, raising an eyebrow. “You know I can't very well let the person I'm bedding walk around wearing my clothes.” He reached up, fisting his hand in shaggy dark locks. “No one can find out about us Merlin.”
Arthur rubbed the spot behind his ears, twirling a stray hair between his fingertips, and Merlin tried not to be hurt by that statement. After all he was quite aware they couldn't be discovered, but when it came from Arthur's lips, with such the smooth finality, he was sure that if they were discovered it would take the Prince all of two seconds to end it.
“Should I just put the blood soaked ones back on then?” He asked light heartedly, but at the same time with a bitter edge that he knew Arthur could pick up on. He was tired, he was scared, and he couldn't handle this right now. He glanced to the floor, the thought of putting on the mysterious blood soaked clothing was beyond repulsive.
The prince rolled his eyes, pushing himself up on his elbows and letting the blanket slip down to his hips. “Obviously not Merlin...just make sure no one sees you, and if they do say its because your other clothes are covered in blood.”
It was Merlin's turn to raise an eyebrow, mouth tilting in a smile. “But you are letting me borrow clothes because my other ones are covered in blood.”
“Precisely.” Arthur teased, leaning in and kissing his lips. Merlin turned his face though, causing his lips to fall to his chin. The prince didn't seem to mind the deterrence, using this new position to his advantage as his kisses moved down to his neck, kissing along his collarbone and ending back at the juncture of his throat. Merlin tried not to be enthralled, really he did, but by the time Arthur had reached his destination the sorcerer's eyes had drifted shut, and his breathing had become almost erratic.
“Don't you have to see the King?” He tried, voice faltering as Arthur began to suck on his neck. No matter how much he might like to pretend, they were in a serious situation, and he hardly thought the thing to be doing now was spending the day in bed.
Arthur purred against his throat, pulling his body into him so that Merlin was practically straddling his waist. “How is it you make me want you so bad?” He asked, fisting one hand in his hair and pulling his head forward until their lips were mere centimeters apart.
Merlin was drawn into those eyes, the ones that were looking at him with such sudden sincerity that it made his head spin. “I dunno...I honestly have no idea why someone like you would want someone like me.”
He had expected for Arthur to agree with him, to poke fun at him for being such a worthless servant, but he didn't. “Merlin...you idiot.” ...not exactly. He positioned Merlin so that he rested on his hipbones, and the sorcerer was fully aware that at the moment Arthur was in no state to see the King. “Didn't I tell you...I finally found something you're good at.”
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Merlin stretched the sleeves of the dark red shirt Arthur had let him borrow. They seemed to fit together so well when entwined together, he had began to forget how much bigger Arthur was than him. He had to roll up the sleeves because they completely covered his hands, and to fit into the pants he had to do the belt as tight as possible, and he didn't even want to talk about the boots. All in all, he felt very out of place as he made it back to his and Gaius's chamber to change and bring the Prince's clothes back to him as soon as possible. ...Arthur had agreed whole heartedly with him that the other ones should be burnt, and Merlin had never been happier to see anything go.
“Where have you been!?” Was what greeted him the moment he opened the door. Gaius was huddled over a sick bed, nursing a girl who seemed to have a long gash up her arm. He had forgotten they were still here. How could he have been so selfish? He had gone and slept with Arthur in every sense of the word, while Gaius was up all night nursing the wounded.
“I'm sorry Gaius...The Prince detained me.” That was one way of saying Arthur and him had been having sex for the better part of the day. “You go rest. I can handle everything here.” He didn't want to handle anything. He wanted to go back out to that valley. He needed to know what had happened to him in those hours he knew nothing about.
“Whose clothes are those?” He looked down at his outfit again, actually blushing as he was subject to Gaius's scrutinizing gaze.
“Mine were covered in blood, and so Arthur lent me some.” He stuttered out, telling the truth, and yet at the same time it seemed like such a lie. Gaius raised an eyebrow at him, and he was sure the distrusting look had something to do with home shifty Merlin was being.
“That was very kind of the Prince.” Gaius stated slowly, still raising an eyebrow. “You'll be sure to get those back to him?”
to be
“Of course!” Merlin shot back almost immediately, already turning away from Gaius to go grab more bandages. “Now don't worry about it Gaius and go get some rest. You can use my bed.” He offered, looking around to see that Gwen and Morgana had retired as well. Gaius looked as if he was about to fall over, and Merlin once more felt guilty that he had left him on his last leg to go be with Arthur.
He walked over, pushing Gaius towards his room. “Go. Sleep. Please.” He shoved him up the stairs, the physician only making mild protests. “You make me tired just looking at you. I swear I can handle it here, and you're not very far away if there's an emergency.” He said, quickly adding. “Which there won't be.”
“Alright.” Gaius finally agreed. “But if anything happens, wake me immediately.” Merlin nodded, waving as he shut the door behind Gaius, glad that his guardian would finally be getting some sleep. Though as soon as he was gone the weight of the world collapsed back on him, and as he tended to the injured he was once more left to his thoughts.
Merlin sat down to blot out a fevered boy's forehead, thinking of the night before and all that blood. The last thing he remembered was talking to Morgana, but he had no idea what about. Then it was as if someone had gone into his head and whisked it until all of the memories were gone. Why was he missing his shoes? Why had he ended up so far away from Camelot? It had to have something to do with the snake, of that he was sure of.
He worked for hours, running back and forth in the room, tending to the yells, comforting the distraught. He had no idea so many people had been affected, so many lives lost. Arthur would be dealing with the casualties now. He was sure that they were scattered in the square as they had been during the sickness. He had no idea how the snake had caused such damage. There was no denying it was powerful, but it had to have had help. That was the scariest part of all, because the snake had help, and he couldn't remember why he was covered in blood. He refused to put the pieces together, no matter how clear the puzzle might become.
Rubbing his forehead, he rested his chin in his hands as he stared at a bowel. His blue eyes were rimmed with black rings and blood shot, and as they stared at him, his head tilted...even though he had never moved it. He shot back, staring alarmingly at the silver bowel, and chest heaving as his image smirked at him.
“Merlin! Merlin!” He was aware of someone yelling at him and shaking his shoulder, but it felt like he was underwater. “Merlin what the hell is wrong with you? What are you doing here?” He knew that voice...that voice belonged to.
“Arthur?” He asked, dazed. The shaking had stopped.
“What are you doing here?” Merlin blinked, turning to stare into worried blue eyes. Merlin knitted his eyes, not quite understanding the question. Honestly, what did Arthur think he was doing here?
“Helping Gaius tend to the wounded?” He said it in almost a question, head spinning as he looked around. Arthur was crouched down in front of him in what looked to be an area of loose dirt. “I'm not in the castle...why am I not in the castle?” He asked, his mind finally catching up with him as he shot up from the ground, looking around to see that he had somehow made it out into the woods. Not as far as the field of flowers, but it seemed to be in the same direction.
He looked down at his hands, they were filthy. His nails were caked in dirt, and as he looked down at his borrowed clothes they seemed to be too. His eyes were wide as saucers, and he began to shake as he looked down at Arthur. “What time is it?” He feared the answer, because as he looked around to the soft hue the sky was at, he was sure he already knew.
“It's morning.” Arthur replied softly, standing up himself to turn mistrustful eyes towards Merlin. “Where have you been all night? Gaius woke to find your chambers empty. He was fearful you had run away, and so I came out to search for your worthless hide...all night I might add.” His stuff? Why was his stuff gone? Why had he been out all night!?
“There's something wrong with me.” He said, backing away from the Prince. He didn't know what he was saying, and he didn't even think to hide this from Arthur now. “...I don't know how I got here.”
Arthur's eyebrows knitted together, walking over to Merlin and reaching out, but the other stepped away, wrapping his dirty hands around himself. “Merlin...what do you mean you don't remember?”
“I don't know how I got here!” Merlin yelled back, taking a few more steps back. He took a deep breath, hating how Arthur was looking at him. He deserved worse though. “I'm sorry Sire. I...just...I'm scared.”
Arthur took another step, and Merlin backed up again. “Merlin...it's okay, you probably just hit your head yesterday.” Merlin rubbed his head, still shaking it back and forth.
Yet at the same time he couldn't deny it. Because what was he supposed to say? That he could hear a snake's voice in his head? That this was the third time he had done this? No, because if he did then Arthur would know that he was magical. He would know he had something to do with the attack...whatever that was. “Maybe I did.” He said, not believing a word of it as he turned a fake smile up to his Prince. “I'm sorry to have worried you Sire.”
“I thought you left Merlin! I wasn't worried, I was furious.” He ran a hand through his blond hair. “I wouldn't have ever believed it if Morgana hadn't said you had told her you were going to, and then I thought it was because of what that harlot had said.”
This only brought about a million more questions. Most of them streaming on what Morgana had said, and how was it she had known he was leaving when he wasn't at all aware of that fact himself. “That must have been terrible for you. To think you would have to polish your own boots until you found my replacement.” He said sarcastically, his mind far away.
Arthur still looked mistrustful, raising an eyebrow when Merlin visibly flenched when he placed a hand on his shoulder. “Let's get you home. I'll let you share my bath.” Merlin couldn't help it, he snorted. Leave it to Arthur to think of sex at a time like this.
“Yes, because nothing gets me in the mood like feeling like I'm losing my mind.” He sarcastically bit back with, glaring as his head was ruffled.
“Full of ourselves, aren't we?” Arthur teased, hand staying in his hair. “I do have standards you know, and one of those is not to hop in bed with crazies, and you obviously fit into that category.” He pulled away, walking in the direction of the castle. “The closest you'll get to my bed is to change the sheets.” He laughed to himself, not even looking behind him to see if Merlin would follow.
They made it back to the castle in silence, and Merlin was aware of how rigid Arthur's back seemed to be as he followed him. He didn't blame him. He had just found him out in the middle of nowhere with no memory of how he had gotten there. He knew full well that as soon as they got back to the castle Arthur would want nothing to do with him, and he would go back to just being his servant. It was in Arthur's genes to fear anything strange, and what had just happened he was sure more than qualified for strange.
“Why don't you head up to my chambers to prepare the bath, and I'll be up in a bit.” The words jarred Merlin from his head, and he turned to see Arthur giving him the same mistrustful look he had since the moment he had found Merlin in the woods.
“Sire I...” His breath hitched in his throat, and he wanted to reach out to him, anything to stop him from pulling away. His eyes were glued to the floor, and no matter how much he wanted to stamp out the look of betrayal in those blue eyes, he couldn't even bring himself to look into them. He knew for sure it would be there though. Arthur hated anything out of the ordinary, the idea being drilled in him since birth, and he knew without a doubt that what had just occurred was anything but ordinary. “I remember why I was out there now.” He lied.
Arthur turned then, raising an eyebrow at him. “Oh really? Do tell Merlin. I would very much like to know why I missed out on a night of very much needed sleep.”
“Well...” Merlin started, eyes rolling up as he tried to come up with some sort of story. “My mother...” He nodded, smiling. “Yes that's it...I was going to see my mother! She..wrote, and asked for my help with the crops.”
Arthur's face had gone from inquisitive to down right pissed. “You were going toEaldor?” He practically hissed. “Our kingdom was just attacked, there's a magical beast roaming the streets, and you were going to abandon us to go till some crops?”
“Oh...well...yes I suppose that might seem a bit odd.” Arthur was still glaring, and all Merlin could do was shake his head. “...I don't get a bath now, do I?” His shoulders sagged in disappointment, and Arthur looked as if he wanted to throttle him.
“No! You most certainly do not get a bath Merlin!” He barked. “But I do, so go prepare the water, and if I so much as see you step foot outside the castle walls I'll have you thrown in the stocks!” He turned on his heel, but spun back just as quickly, shoving Merlin in the shoulders and pushing him into the wall before throwing up his hands. “Gah!...I could just kill you sometimes!” He turned back around, stalking down the hall towards his destination, and rubbing his shoulder, Merlin couldn't help but smile at the Prince's antics. He may be angry now, but that was infinitely better than mistrustful, he would take this Arthur any day.
His smile soon faded as he headed to fetch the water, his mind darkening as he thought of just what could have happened for the 15 or so hours he had no recollection of. He wanted to go back out to the field him and Arthur had been in, but he knew that if he left now the Prince would have his head. It probably hadn't been the best idea to tell him he was heading back to Ealdor. As a matter of fact he hadn't even stopped to think about why Ealdor had popped into his mind, or for that matter why Morgana had thought he really was leaving. Perhaps he had spoken to her? Maybe she could fill in some gaps. He would have to go see her as soon as he was done with Arthur's bath, because he wasn't about to test out Arthur's ire any further.
It had to be the snake's doing, that's all there was to it. The attacks and his memory loss couldn't be a coincidence. But what could possibly be that powerful that it could manipulate him in such a way? He felt as if he was losing his mind, and where normally he would tell Gaius about this, he couldn't help but bite his tongue. After all if he told Gaius, and it turns out he really did have something to do with the attack, then what? How would Gaius look at him if it turns out he somehow had a part in the slaughter of all of those innocent people?
He methodically worked on gathering water from the well and trucking it up the stairs, thoughts filled with horrible images on what he might have done last night, and the night before for that matter. Night...maybe that was it. Both occurrences had happened at night, hell even when he had fallen asleep in Arthur's bed without remembering it had been night then as well. He had seen Lady Katherine that night, maybe she could give him some answers. He needed to talk to Lady Morgana as well, and he needed to talk Lancelot. His heart swelled at the name. Yes. He needed to talk to Lancelot, because the would be knight already knew about his predicament, he knew about the snake, and he knew about his magic. He could tell him everything, and unlike with Gaius, if it did turn out that he was somehow involved in all of this, Lancelot wouldn't judge him for his darkness. ...At least he hoped he wouldn't.
Merlin held his hand over the now full tub, whispering the words and watching the water steam. He stared almost longingly into the clear depths...he really had wanted a bath. Even if it was just physical, at least part of him would be clean. His shoulders slumped as he leaned over the water, allowing his fingertips to ghost over the surface.
“Don't even think about it.” Arthur said from behind him, making Merlin jump and splash the water, soaking his own face.
“...Well it's warm.” He grumbled, wiping the water from his eyes. “Do you have to do that all the time?” He griped, leaned up and wiping off his face.
“Do what?” Arthur asked, smile playing at his lips.
“Be sneaky! You're always sneaking around, giving me heart attacks!” Arthur walked in, slipping off his shirt as he eyed the tub.
“Oh, you're one to talk about being sneaky.” He rose an eyebrow at the warlock. “You have a shifty look about you that never seems to go away, unless you're moaning underneath me of course.” He walked forward, grabbing Merlin's hip and dragging him towards him as the other blushed. “You're always so vocal and honest when you're screaming for me.”
Blood flew from his face to another part of his anatomy. “I distinctly recall you being angry and distrustful of me just a bit ago.” Arthur bit his bottom lip, pushing Merlin against the tub as his hands went down to work on his pants.
“Oh Darling I am angry at you, and make no mistake I don't trust you as far as I can throw you...which isn't very far, you may look like a twig but you have some muscle too, but right now I want to see you naked and wet in my bath.” He leaned in, biting at Merlin earlobe. “I want to be buried inside you, and I want to hear you scream.”
Merlin threw his head back. “I hate it when you talk dirty.” He said, trying not to become embarrassed as Arthur's lips began to attack his neck.
“You love it...” He teased along his skin, ripping his shirt down the front and lifting him into his arms. Merlin's mind was in such a haze, that he jumped when his back was lowered down into water, the staggering heat enveloping him and sending his mind into a frenzy.
His arms were around Arthur's neck as he followed. Just when had he taken off his pants? Not that he was complaining of course. No word of protest could escape his lips when Arthur's hot soaked body slid in on top of him, their legs intermingling as his lips finally met his own. He moaned into those lips, opening up his mouth and letting the Prince's tongue slip in. His naked body slid along his as the water splashed unnoticed onto the floor.
All thoughts of snakes, memory loss, and death was erased whenever he was in Arthur's arms. He wondered vaguely when it had come to this. When he had begun to rely on something so completely that it took his very breath away? When had he fallen so hard in love? Had it been the first time they kissed, first time slept together, or had it been when they first saw each other? Had their fates mixed so completely that when he kissed him he didn't know where he ended and Arthur began?
His legs rose of their own accord, wrapping around the blond's hips as Arthur thrust against him. “Weren't we...ahhhh.” He became distracted as he bit his pulse. “Weren't we supposed to be getting cleaner? If we keep this up...filthy...” He finished distractedly, turning his head to meet Arthur's lips.
“Can't help it.” Arthur moaned, hand going in between them to grab at Merlin's cock. “I want to do such dirty things to you.” Merlin screamed, the sound getting swallowed up by Arthur's mouth. “I should hate you right now. I should have you locked up, questioned, reprimanded, but I can't...” He stroked harder. “I can't keep my hands off you. ...I'm completely infatuated.” He wrapped two strong palms around Merlin's cheeks, cupping them as he brought his eyes to the front. “If I didn't know any better I'd think you'dbespelled me.”
Merlin gave a nervous chuckle, head falling back in the tub as his entire body arched. “You could always have me beheaded.” He joked, fear secretly traveling to his gut as Arthur licked up his abdomen.
“No...we can't have that. It would be such a waste of a talented mouth.” Merlin began to pant as Arthur's cock pushed against his entrance, his body nothing but a bundle of nerves. His magic was stirring inside of him, and his toes were beginning to curl as he fought of the change in his eye color. “Mmm it's getting hot again...did you leave the coals on?” Arthur bit his neck, starting to push inside of him as Merlin began to panic. “I'll have you know if you burn me in my bath one more time I'm fileting you.”
“Oh no!” Merlin cried, thrusting to get away right when Arthur pushed in. “Let me out!” The water was getting hotter, and the last thing he needed was to boil Arthur in the bath again. He knew better! He knew that his magic gets out of control.
“What the hell Merlin!?” Arthur exclaimed, trying to hold on to the slippery body as he struggled to get out of the tub.
“I don't want to have sex with you!” He fell over the side, his soaked body slamming into the floor as he struggled to his feet. “It's gross! You in a tub, wet, naked, jizzy...just awful!” Arthur's face screwed up in absolute offense as Merlin grabbed a towel, covering his very sensitive body as the prince glared.
“Did you just call me gross and jizzy?” Oh...maybe he shouldn't have said that last part. Arthur looked mad enough to kill as his hand gripped the edge of the bathtub, bottom lip trembling in anger.
“I meant it in the nicest way possible.” He tried, nodding his head as he slowly backed out of the room. “It's just sometimes when you go...it's a lot, and well...” Figurative steam was billowing out of Arthur's ear by this point, but he still didn't stop. “It's sick...it is.” He looked away, cringing as he heard the splash of the water, pulse racing as wet footsteps came closer and closer to him.
He flinched when a hand landed on his bare shoulder, squeezing it until he winced. “Right. If you think having sex with me is so unappealing, feel free to not do it anymore.” He leaned in, teeth clenched as he hissed in his ear. “And to get the hell out of my chambers.”
“Arthur...”
“Sire!” Arthur hissed, shoving his chest. “It is Sire to you Merlin, and you best not forget it.” He shoved him again, pushing him towards the door. “Now I am tired, I am pissed, and now, thanks to you, I am very very hard, so get out of my chambers!”
“Right. You're upset, and I understand why you would be, but can I at least have some clothes?” He received another push as a reply and he hit the door.
“Get out!” Arthur barked, ripping open the door and shoving him out. Merlin tumbled out of the room, hard, embarrassed, and with nothing but a towel wrapped around his waist. ...That definitely could have gone better.
He walked down the hall, shivering from the cold and misery that had befell him. It was all his own doing though. He had pushed Arthur away with his lies, and now the Prince was furious with him. He still had no idea what was happening to him, and now he had no clothes. His life was even crazier than it normally was, and he wasn't sure what way was up at the moment.
“I'm such an idiot.” He said to himself, rubbing his hand through his short dripping locks. His body had begun to calm down, but blue balls at the moment didn't even cut it. Just what was Arthur doing to relieve this feeling? He groaned again, maybe he shouldn't think of such things...that definitely wasn't helping that particular problem.
“Merlin? What in the world are you doing?” A voice asked, and Merlin's heart stopped. That voice...he would understand. Relief rushed through him like the very oxygen he breathed as he spun around, coming face to face with Lancelot and almost crying in relief.
“You're here...you're back!” Without thinking of the consequences, or of the fact that he was half hard and in only a towel, he rushed towards the man, flinging his arms out and around him. His warm body stiffened against his own, before the would be knight hesitantly wrapped his arms around him.
“Are you alright? You look...well you look like you're half crazed and in a towel.” Lancelot stated, hand coming up to pet the back of his hair. “What has happened? The city is in shambles?”
“So much...” Merlin replied with, body practically falling into the other's arms. “I have so much to tell you. So much that only you will understand...I've been scared.” He pulled away, looking into his dark chocolate eyes. “You can help me.” And he could. He could tell Lancelot things he couldn't even tell Gaius. Lancelot could help him figure out what was wrong with him. “I've never been happier to see anyone in my entire life.”
“Shhhh It's alright now.” Lancelot cooed, wiping at his eyes. Just when had he started crying? “You can tell me, and I'll help you Merlin.” He pet his hair. “I would help you with anything.”
“Dammit Merlin I didn't really intend for you to walk off without your...” Arthur paused, coming around the corner, only to see Merlin held in Lancelot's arms, and the warlock knew right then he was in trouble. “Clothes...” The Prince finished with, face calm in that way he knew it to be right before he killed something. His eyes were icy as he scanned the scene, and Merlin pulled away from Lancelot, realizing quite quickly what this could all seem like.
“I can explain!” Merlin shot back with quickly, eyes wide with terror as he looked between the two.
“Oh Merlin...” Arthur said, voice shaking with a calm fury. “I really don't think that you can...”
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A.N- (Wears the cone of shame) I know that took forever! And honestly it wasn't even very good, very piecy and I'm ashamed, but next chapter will be good! I promise! I just had the HARDEST time getting this one out, but I finally did! I hope you guys enjoyed it just a little bit!