Fic: Hunter's Blood (Arthur/Merlin) 3/4

[shadecat]

Arthur had barely got the words out before Merlin had flung himself at him, arms winding around his neck and lips pressing to his in a clumsy kiss. Arthur could feel the frantic energy humming through the body against him and it brought out a protective urge in him that he hadn’t thought would ever be directed at Merlin. Breaking the kiss, he held Merlin’s face between his hands as he locked eyes with him. “Slowly, Merlin.”

Merlin bit his lip and lowered his eyes, cheeks reddening. “Sorry. I just...” taking a deep breath, he tried again. “I just want you to know I don’t feel forced. Not with you, Arthur.” Merlin looked up at Arthur through the fringe of his lashes and Arthur felt the low, clenching things again as they sent the blood pooling to his groin.

Arthur smiled, moving in to slowly kiss the lips Merlin was trying to chew through. He felt the hungry thrum again and lowered his hands from Merlin’s face to wrap around his body. Arthur kept the kiss soft, gentle; moving his hands over Merlin’s back as unhurriedly as he was moving his lips. Merlin’s hands moved down to Arthur’s shoulders, fingers squeezing before they trailed down Arthur’s arms. Arthur tightened his hold, bringing Merlin more firmly against him and he felt a pulse of lust shoot through him as he noticed the press of Merlin’s rising erection against his thigh.

Arthur broke the kiss again, this time to drag his lips over Merlin’s cheek, down his jaw and along the edge of the bandage that was wound around his neck. He growled against it as the thought of what could have been passed through his mind. Kissing his way over the bandage, he reached the skin of Merlin’s shoulder and nipped it lightly before soothing it with a soft press of his mouth. Merlin sighed and shivered, head tilting to the side to give Arthur better access. Arthur smiled against Merlin’s shoulder, lifting his head and meeting Merlin’s eyes again. “Would you like to take off your tunic?” Arthur let his fingers tug at the fabric, hoping Merlin would say yes.

Merlin nodded quickly, lowering his hands and almost ripping the tunic off in his haste. Arthur chuckled. Merlin’s fingers reached for the hem of Arthur’s tunic and before Arthur could stop him, he’d lifted it up and off the prince. Arthur looked a question at Merlin, who just grinned impishly back. “You always take so long to dress and undress yourself, sire. I figured the least I could do was assist you. I am your manservant, after all.”

Arthur pulled Merlin back against him, the feel of warm flesh against his own fuelling the desire already coursing through him. “Not tonight, Merlin. Tonight we’re just ‘Arthur’ and ‘Merlin’. No titles.” The thought of Merlin acquiescing to him because of a feeling of obligation left a bad taste in Arthur’s mouth.

The grin became a small smile. “I know, Arthur. I think it’s very... nice that you’re doing this. I mean, I know you prefer women...” Merlin’s eyes dropped again.

“You think I’m doing this out of some twisted sense of duty?” Arthur asked, incredulous.

Merlin’s eyes refused to rise. “Well, why else would you... with a man...”

Arthur growled his frustration and shook Merlin’s shoulders, forcing him to look up. “I’m not doing this out of any sense of duty or because I feel I have to, Merlin. I’m doing it because I want to. Because for all your faults - and believe me, they are legion - you are mine. My completely irresponsible and inept manservant. My disgustingly loyal and steadfast friend. Mine. Duty has nothing to do with what I want to do with you or how I feel.” Arthur felt somewhat surprised at himself for the admission, but his surprise didn’t make it any less true.

Merlin’s eyes never left Arthur’s as he took in the set of his prince’s shoulders and the earnestness on his face. “And if I’d chosen Leon?” he asked with a twist of his lips, almost coyly.

Arthur blinked and took a moment to consider that option. “Then I believe I would have had to run him through.”

A laugh burst out of Merlin’s mouth. “You wouldn’t.”

Arthur’s lips twitched. “I might. Possibly.” To himself, Arthur admitted the tiny truth in that statement. The thought of someone else touching Merlin, showing him intimate things and watching him come apart for the first time sent a current of jealousy through him, along with a streak of possessiveness.

Merlin smile was as soft as his voice, “Liar.”

“I want to be the only person who gets to do this.” Arthur leaned in and touched his lips to Merlin’s, flicking his tongue out to wet them, letting them slide against each other. Merlin breathed against his mouth, pressing his chest to Arthur’s and running his hands up his arms. Arthur dug his fingers into Merlin’s back, pulling him closer - though there was no space between them. Arthur kept the kiss slow, his hands teasing as he built up Merlin’s arousal. Merlin was surprisingly receptive, willing to let Arthur take the lead, for once. They stood there in the middle of Arthur’s room, naked from the waist up, arms clinging to each other and lips melded. Arthur licked along Merlin’s bottom lip, eliciting a gasp; Arthur used this as an opportunity to slip his tongue in. He tasted Merlin fully for the first time, caressing Merlin’s tongue with his own. A breathy hum of contentment left Merlin’s throat and was swallowed by Arthur. Pulling back, Arthur felt the flutter in his chest turn into a burning pulse at the sight of Merlin’s parted lips and closed eyes; at the low whimper as Merlin opened his eyes and pouted because Arthur had stopped. Arthur smiled. “Would you like to touch me?”

Merlin’s eyes went suddenly dark as the pupils threatened to swallow every speck of blue. His throat worked a few times as he swallowed before answering in a thick voice, “Gods, yes.”

Arthur took Merlin’s hand and led him over to the bed, sitting on it and pulling Merlin in to stand between his thighs. Running his hands up the back of Merlin’s legs, he moved them briefly over his buttocks - squeezing softly before dropping his hands to the bed to brace himself. “Where?”

Merlin’s gaze seemed to try to take in every inch of Arthur all at once, flicking from his eyes to his lips, down his neck and over his chest; widening at the noticeable ridge outlined against his thigh through his breeches. “Everywhere,” he choked out.

Arthur tilted his head as he regarded Merlin. “Are you attracted to men?”

Merlin met Arthur’s eyes. “I hadn’t actually thought about it, but I am to at least one.” It was his turn to look questioningly at Arthur. “Have you ever... with a man?”

“Once, when I was younger. It wasn’t unpleasant, but when he left, I couldn’t think of any other male I knew of that I’d want to be with that way. Not until recently, that is.”

Merlin blushed again and Arthur found that he quite liked having that effect on him. Merlin lifted his hand slowly, fingers outstretched towards Arthur’s chest. “Can I... I want to...” Merlin’s fingers curled in on themselves as he struggled with the words.

Arthur caught Merlin’s hand and brought it to his lips. Smiling, he looked at Merlin over his knuckles, “You’ve touched me before, Merlin. You dress and undress me nearly every day. You’ve seen me nude plenty of times.”

Merlin’s chest hitched and he licked his lips. “This is different.”

Arthur’s smile curved wickedly. “Yes. It is.” He tugged on Merlin’s hand and had him tumbling into his lap. “Now, I finally get to see you undressed.”

Merlin grinned down at Arthur as he straddled him, both of them inching further towards the centre of the bed so neither would be in danger of falling off. “Is this something you’ve thought of often? What I’m hiding under my clothes?”

Arthur smirked. “Hardly. Although, I’ll admit to being curious as to whether you have any meat on this scrawny body.” Arthur reached up and dragged calloused fingers over the smooth skin of Merlin’s chest. He scratched his fingers lightly through the sparse patch of dark curls, trailing a finger down to tickle along the line of hair that disappeared under the waistband of his breeches. He noticed how Merlin’s stomach shuddered and gooseflesh rose under his touch. Arthur let his hand drop again as he lay on his back, cradling his head with his arms and raised a brow at Merlin. “Well... get on with it then,” he drawled. Arthur could feel each pulse of his heartbeat as it echoed throughout his body and made his cock throb. As much as he wanted to hurry this along, to watch Merlin come completely undone, he forced himself to take it slow; to ease Merlin through this momentous rite of passage.

Merlin sat on Arthur’s legs, hands at his sides. “Where should I start? What do you like?”

“Wherever you want. As for what I like, it varies. Do what you want.”

“Will you tell me if you don’t like something?” Merlin looked worried at the prospect of doing something Arthur would find distasteful.

“If I say yes, will you just get on with it?” Arthur shifted his hips under Merlin suggestively.

Merlin grinned and pursed his lips before he brought his hands up to rest on Arthur’s chest. For a moment, he just sat there, hands flexing minutely as he stared down at the man underneath him. Then he smoothed his hands up Arthur’s ribs, fingertips being tickled by the light patch of hair that covered the top of his chest. Arthur said nothing, eyes locked on Merlin’s face; enjoying the slight sense of awe that it showed. Merlin seemed not to notice the slight rocking he’d started with his pelvis over Arthur - but Arthur certainly had and was making a concerted effort not to grab onto Merlin’s hips to allow him to roll up against him. Merlin’s fingers had moved over to brush lightly over Arthur’s nipples, something that Arthur surprisingly found arousing. Extremely arousing. Enough so that he was unable to stop a breathy sigh from leaving his lips. Merlin’s eyes flicked up to his face, smiling at the contented look Arthur was giving him. “That? You like that?” Merlin asked as he gently pressed the nipples between his fingers. Arthur biting his lip and arching against his hands was answer enough.

Arthur felt the staccato beat of his heart to be a backdrop of sound against the rush of lust and desire that was pulsing through him with each light touch and smile from Merlin. Pale and delicate looking fingers ghosted over his flesh, raising gooseflesh and making Arthur ache. Merlin lowered his head and dropped a soft kiss over Arthur’s heart; it pounded against his ribs in an answering thump. Merlin kissed a line up Arthur’s chest, shoulder and neck. He nipped lightly just under his ear and smiled in satisfaction when Arthur’s breath blew out against his own. Merlin was about to continue his further exploration of Arthur when he felt hands skate down his back and grip his arse. Arthur’s lips slid over Merlin’s ear, his tongue wetting the lobe before Arthur’s teeth nibbled lightly on it. Merlin’s eyes closed as he let out a gasp at the sudden jolt that seemingly went from his ear to his crotch. Arthur let out a light chuckle against the side of Merlin’s neck. “As large as they are, I had a feeling they’d be sensitive.” Arthur licked along the edge of the shell of Merlin’s ear, letting his teeth scrape along the crease that joined it to the head. Merlin shivered, fingers clenching Arthur’s shoulder as he rolled his groin against Arthur’s. Arthur nipped the skin of Merlin’s neck and squeezed the flesh he was massaging with his hands as he refrained from rolling Merlin over; his body craving the friction Merlin was teasing him with.

Merlin lifted himself up on his arms, eyes heavy as he stared down at Arthur. He bent down to touch his lips to Arthur’s, tongue slipping past lips and teeth to dance within the confines of his mouth. Arthur pulled against Merlin’s arse, slowly thrusting his hips up. Merlin drew back, a glint in his eye. “I’m not done touching.” Arthur huffed out a frustrated breath, but smiled and lifted his hands off Merlin’s arse and back up to cradle his head.

“By all means, continue.” Arthur’s lips smirked. They flew open to let a groan out when Merlin lowered himself to take Arthur’s nipple into his mouth. “God!” Merlin pressed his tongue flat against the peaking flesh, dragging it slowly. Arthur groaned again, inarticulately this time. He lowered a hand to thread through Merlin’s hair, palming his scalp. Merlin licked Arthur’s nipple again before shifting over, pressing kisses through the patch of hair until he reached the other nub. He circled it with his tongue before taking the meat around it into his teeth, biting gently. Merlin let the flesh slip through his teeth, his tongue flicking against the nipple in his mouth as it was pulled through. Arthur’s hand fisted as he held Merlin’s face to his chest.

Merlin tilted his head up, waiting until Arthur opened his eyes and peered down. “Good?”

“Yes, you bloody... yes.” Arthur released his grip and circled his fingers through Merlin’s hair. Merlin gave one last flick of his tongue before he began nipping his way down Arthur’s ribs. Arthur felt his stomach muscles jump with each light breath and sharp nip as Merlin made his way to the waist of his breeches. Merlin sank his teeth into the flesh around Arthur’s hip bone; Arthur made another strangled cry as Merlin’s hand stroked firmly over his erection. Arthur’s hand fisted the blankets, his mouth open as he began to pant with heat and need. “Merlin...”

Merlin raised his eyes again, a smile on his lips as he met Arthur’s gaze. He rubbed his cheek over the appendage he’d stroked, like a cat scent-marking its possessions. “Yes?”

“What are you doing?” Arthur pressed his hips up, needing the contact Merlin was giving him.

“Well, you said I could touch wherever I wanted, and I very much want to touch here.” Merlin palmed Arthur through the dark material, thumb rubbing over the growing circle of dampness.

Arthur clenched his teeth to stop from making a rather embarrassing noise. “Mmmm, not that I’m complaining - good god - but aren’t you supposed to be the one being despoiled?”

Merlin’s fingers distractedly undid the ties of Arthur’s breeches as Merlin kept his attention focussed on watching Arthur and hearing all the noises he was dragging out of him. “I’m sure we’ll be getting around to that, eventually.” Merlin slipped those dextrous fingers past the spread fabric and let them flit along Arthur’s cock.

Arthur sat up, hand reaching to grasp Merlin’s wrist. “If you keep that up, I doubt I’ll have anything left to despoil you with,” he gritted out.

Merlin’s lips twisted as he refused to let go. “I may be... ‘inexperienced’, but I am aware of the recovery powers of youth.” Two sets of blue eyes stayed locked for a heartbeat before Arthur’s rolled and he flumped back on the bed.

“Fine, but I’m only human, Merlin. I can only promise finesse if I have a mind left.” Arthur draped his arm over his eyes and tried to focus on anything but the light touches sending jolts through his entire body. He lifted his arm when he felt the touching stop. Peering down, he saw Merlin standing by the bed, reaching for Arthur’s boots. Arthur allowed them to be pulled off, and then raised his hips as Merlin grabbed the edge of Arthur’s breeches, tugging them down and watching his cock bob as it was released. Merlin slid the breeches the rest of the way off, his eyes touching on every piece of flesh revealed. Arthur lay there, naked and obviously aroused, and Merlin drank the sight in. Arthur arched a brow. “If you’re just going to stand there...” he dragged his hand down and started copying the light touches Merlin had been doing.

Merlin’s eyes blazed and Arthur could have sworn he felt the heat of it on his flesh. Merlin managed to toe off his boots and shuck his breeches faster than Arthur thought possible before scrambling onto the bed. Arthur made to lean back, but Merlin caught his hand. “Don’t stop... please.” The hungry look on his face sent another wave of lust through Arthur. Eyes on Merlin, Arthur continued touching himself, shivering from the combination of Merlin watching him and the sensations of his barely-there ministrations. Merlin had straddled Arthur’s legs again and Arthur let his eyes drift down the body over him. Merlin’s body was dainty, although Arthur would bite his own tongue off before saying it at this particular moment. He reminded himself to bring it up later. Well, maybe lean was a better description - but compared to the meaty bodies of the men Arthur had grown up around and was used to, ‘dainty’ came to mind more easily. Merlin was also pale, although Arthur would attribute that to genetics rather than lack of sun or a frail constitution. His arms and legs were limber, lightly muscled. The line of hair that Arthur had been toying with earlier continued down to a thatch of dark curls framing a rather impressive erection. Merlin saw Arthur’s brows rise and grinned at him. “I told you I wasn’t dainty.”

“I stand corrected. You are most definitely not dainty. Now come here.” Arthur reached out and pulled Merlin to him, fusing their lips together. Arthur’s hands greedily played over Merlin’s body as he manoeuvred him down onto the bedding, rolling so that Merlin was partially under him.

“I wasn’t done...” Merlin started before Arthur sucked his lower lip into his mouth, silencing him with his tongue and lips. The dance of tongues was matched by the questing and conquering hands, each man trying to touch as much of the other as possible. Each wanting to mark and claim the other as their own. Merlin’s hand reached over to wrap around Arthur’s erection again, grip firm as he began a slow rhythm. Arthur nipped Merlin’s lower lip, leaning his forehead against Merlin’s, as he couldn’t help the shudder down his spine while he gave a few short, sharp thrusts into the hand encircling him.

Arthur reached a hand down and pulled Merlin’s hand away. “Stop.”

Merlin frowned as he looked up at Arthur. “Was I doing something wrong?” Merlin made to back away.

“No, lord no, Merlin. But I set out to despoil you tonight and I fully intend to do a thorough job of it. Starting with this...” Arthur lowered his head and nipped Merlin’s nipple. Merlin’s hands flexed spastically as he tried to both pull away and press into Arthur’s mouth.

“Ah. I see why you - gods yes - like that so much.” Merlin arched up, fumbling with his hands against the bedding. Arthur traced his tongue over the outline of Merlin’s ribs, nipping gently and soothing the bites with a lick. Arthur’s hand clenched once on Merlin’s hip before moving in to softly fondle the heated flesh that pulsed with each heartbeat that pounded through him. “Arthur...” It came out as a moan and had Arthur tightening his grip before continuing his movements.

Arthur’s head dipped lower, the tip of Merlin’s phallus nudging under his chin. Merlin lifted his head and stared down his body and burned the image into his mind; Arthur naked and with one leg thrown over both of his, large calloused sword hand pumping him and his golden-haired head so close to his groin. Arthur let the head of Merlin’s cock slip over his cheek and onto his lips, a smear of creamy white staining them. He slipped his tongue out to sweep the pre-come into his mouth. Merlin choked. Arthur used his grip on Merlin to slide the foreskin of his cock down, and then he let his tongue linger over the exposed head. Merlin threw his head back on the bed and gave a strangled cry that may or may not have been Arthur’s name. The reaction had Arthur grinding his crotch against Merlin’s leg, leaving his own glistening trail. The thought of this as some sort of marking only intensified Arthur’s lust. Lips closing around musk-scented skin, Arthur sank his mouth down over straining flesh. He growled when Merlin’s hand tangled in his hair; not in warning but in heat... need.

Merlin’s back bowed off the bed, his hips tilting to try to move more of himself into the wet warmth of Arthur’s mouth. Arthur held the base of Merlin’s erection with one hand to steady himself as he went lower, as he took more. This time Arthur was sure the name cried out was his own. Starting a slow and torturous tempo, Arthur let his lips meet his circled hand before pulling back up; tongue swirling under the foreskin and toying around the slit. The salty taste of Merlin was heavy on his tongue and Arthur couldn’t think of a stronger aphrodisiac. The breathy cries and moans only added to the heavy fog of wantneedcrave that seemed to fill the room. Merlin’s fingers continued to clench and unclench in Arthur’s hair as his head bobbed. Arthur shifted himself, using his thigh to spread Merlin’s legs while still keeping Merlin’s cock in his mouth. Settling himself comfortably between splayed legs, Arthur added a stronger suckle to his methods.

Merlin had set up a steady keening whimper which was driving Arthur insane. The image of himself rising up and plunging his own throbbing cock into Merlin was ricocheting repeatedly through his head. Again, Arthur refrained. He did, however, raise his other hand to begin cradling and massaging Merlin’s sac. It seemed to add a new pitch to the keening whines. It also added a fine tremor in Merlin’s thighs. Letting some saliva trickle from his mouth, Arthur felt it drip down over his fingers and into the crack of Merlin’s arse. Moving his hand from the soft skin of Merlin’s sac, he dragged his finger through the liquid, tracing the line it followed. He let his finger circle the hotter flesh that ringed Merlin’s hole and felt Merlin’s thighs jerk in response. Arthur gently nudged at the puckered ring, growling when Merlin arched up again and tried to shove himself further down Arthur’s throat. Swivelling his head to the side, he tongued Merlin’s prick from another angle. When Merlin raised up again, Arthur pressed his finger slowly in. He felt the muscles clench around it, unused to the intrusion. Letting more saliva drizzle down, he pulled his digit out; coating it liberally before again, slowly inserting it.

Arthur set another pace, slowing his head’s motions. As he began his downward stroke, tongue folding around Merlin - his hand matched the pace; finger sliding in slowly as he let Merlin acclimate to the new sensation. Each thrust had his finger sinking in deeper until, after the space of a few minutes, he was up to the knuckle; Merlin pressing himself against the intrusion. On the next rise and dip of his head, Arthur waited until his lips met his fist again before turning the hand entering Merlin and crooking his finger. Something close to a shriek burst out of Merlin’s throat as he tried to simultaneously press up into Arthur’s throat and back down upon the stroking digit. “Ar-thur,” he stuttered.

Arthur lifted his mouth long enough to nip the hollow of Merlin’s hip. “Come for me, Merlin.” Merlin brought his head up again to watch as Arthur continued to swallow as much of Merlin as he was able. They kept their eyes fastened on each other as Arthur worked Merlin with hand and mouth. Merlin’s breath started coming in ragged pants as he fought not to close his eyes, wanting to memorise the sight of Arthur as he was. Perfect. Naked. Glistening. Hungry. Wanton. And for now... his. The prickles of pleasure that were fissuring out from his groin through the rest of his body were building, growing in intensity. They were sharp, almost painful but with a sweet edge that had Merlin craving them.

“I think - ah - I think I’m going to...” Merlin bit his lip and reached down to touch whatever part of Arthur he could reach; one hand fisted in damp hair and the other grasping at a broad shoulder. Eyes still locked, Arthur let the tip of Merlin’s cock hit the back of his throat as he plunged his finger in and twisting it to hit the sweet spot he’d found, flicking rapidly. Merlin’s mouth gaped open, his throat closing around the scream that wanted out; the scream that would tell the world how brilliant and mind-numbing and cataclysmic and ohlordyes perfect Arthur could make him feel. How no magic he’d ever performed could feel as powerful as this. His heart thundered as he came; pouring himself down Arthur’s throat, body bucking spastically.

Arthur kept his lips clamped around Merlin, swallowing the thick ejaculate that jetted into his mouth. He took in Merlin’s fogged and glazed eyes as he worked his mouth up and over Merlin’s twitching member. They fluttered as he dropped back to the bed, arms spread and chest heaving. Arthur chuckled and kissed his thigh. “I believe this is a first; you not jabbering relentlessly about nothing.”

Merlin’s arm lifted weakly, finger pointed at Arthur. Then a puff of air left his mouth and the hand fell back to the bed. Arthur’s chuckle became a laugh. Arthur bent his finger, which was still inside Merlin and bit his thigh as Merlin’s back bowed. “We’re not quite done yet...”

Merlin’s heart stuttered at the almost feral heat in Arthur’s gaze. The fluttering Arthur’s finger was causing was quickly building and coursing through him again; proof of Merlin’s statement of quick recoveries. Merlin made to sit up and reach for Arthur’s still engorged cock, but his hand was batted away and he was pressed back to the bed. “I thought you said we weren’t done. You obviously aren’t...”

“True, but as I said, I plan to be thorough. Meaning I intend to ensure you’ve been properly de-virginised. Meaning...” Arthur swirled his finger inside Merlin, pleased at the full-bodied writhing it elicited.

Merlin looked up at Arthur, a hint of fear tingeing his eyes. “Will it hurt?”

Arthur freed his finger and moved up Merlin’s body, eyes soft. “It might a bit, at first. But I swear we’ll go slowly. I want to despoil you, Merlin - not break you.” He smirked. “Although, we might have had a bit of a problem if I was as... endowed as you are.”

Merlin seemed to weigh Arthur’s words seriously. He brought his head up and pressed a tender kiss to the lips hovering over his. “Alright,” he said softly, “but first, I want to do something.”

Arthur nuzzled under Merlin’s chin, licking at the sweat-dappled skin that was surprisingly sensitive. “Mmm, I suppose I could acquiesce to a small request.”

“Good,” Merlin said before rolling Arthur over, sprawling over him, “because I’d like a taste now.” He began to lower himself down Arthur’s body.

“Resiliency notwithstanding, I don’t think I’m capable of a second round tonight.” Arthur tried to tug Merlin back up, but as most limber and ‘lean’ people were, Merlin was quite apt at wriggling out of tight and confining places; including the grasp of an aroused and needy prince.

“I want a taste, Arthur - not the whole meal.” Merlin licked a stripe up Arthur’s cock before fitting his mouth over the glistening cap. Arthur bit his lip and raised his hips against the mouth suckling him. Merlin let his tongue dip into the slit, tasting the heavy tang that coated his mouth. He bobbed his head once, flicking eyes up to watch Arthur’s reaction. The clenching hands and bitten lip, closed eyes and head flung back was a jolt to Merlin’s libido. He felt his spent appendage begin to swell again, filling with the need to touch and be touched by Arthur.

“If I’d known you had such a talented tongue, I would have found a better punishment for your impudence besides the stocks.” Arthur groaned and skimmed his hand over Merlin’s head. Merlin bobbed down again, choking when he took Arthur too far in. Arthur pulled Merlin up by his hair, “I’d rather you not die just yet, thank you. You’d be doing your prince a grave disservice - killing him via sexual frustration.”

Merlin licked reddened lips and directed heavy-lidded eyes up to Arthur. “I’ll get better...”

Arthur’s heart fluttered in his chest at the implication that this wouldn’t be the only time - just the first. He growled and sat up, wrapping arms around Merlin’s shoulder and half throwing, half rolling him onto the bed and under him; exactly where Arthur felt he belonged. “I’ll hold you to that.” He rolled his hips, catching his erection in the crease of Merlin’s thigh. “You’ve had your taste, now will you just let me have my way with you?”

Merlin’s hand grasped the back of Arthur’s neck, pulling him down to meet the kiss waiting for him. Arthur continued the slow arches of his pelvis, feeling the intense desire to sink into Merlin rightbleedingnow blaze through him. “Do I need to do anything?” Merlin asked against Arthur’s open mouth.

Closing his eyes to regain focus, Arthur licked Merlin’s bottom lip. “Only relax. And trust me.” Arthur got up onto his knees and crawled over to the table beside his bed. In one of the lower cupboards was a container of oil that had first been given to him as a dirty joke by Morgana when Arthur had started ‘showing’ signs of pubescent arousal. Arthur had used it once out of curiosity; he’d since made sure that it was kept properly stocked. He crawled back over to Merlin with it, punching a dip into the bed to rest it in. “This will help.”

Merlin took the ceramic pot, opening it and giving it a curious sniff. “It’s olive oil,” he said, surprised.

“You’ll find there are plenty of things in this castle that can have multiple uses.” Arthur gave a wicked smile as he dipped his fingers in the pot. He lifted them out and let the oil drizzle from his hand down over Merlin’s stomach, making a pool.

Merlin flinched. “It’s cold!”

Arthur’s mouth twitched into a grin. “It will warm quickly.” He let his hand trail through the slick mess, moving it further down Merlin’s body. He wrapped his hand around Merlin’s refreshed erection, giving it a few quick slides through his palm. Merlin closed his eyes and pushed his head back into the bed.

“Gods, that feels different. Smoother...” Merlin opened his eyes and looked down at Arthur, who was reclaiming his spot between Merlin’s spread thighs. He quirked a brow. “Comfy, are we?”

Arthur moved his hand back down to the cleft of Merlin’s arse, smearing the oil as he went. “Quite, thank you for asking.” He slipped one finger slowly into the puckered heat. Gently, he had to be so gentle as he did this; he had to earn the trust being given him. His other hand came up to lightly fondle Merlin’s sac as he set a rhythm with his hand. When his finger wasn’t being clenched so tightly, he began moving it to hit the spot that had Merlin seeing blinding colours behind his eyes. Merlin started rocking his hips to the same timing Arthur had set. Withdrawing his finger completely brought a mewling whimper from Merlin, only to have him stifle a groan as Arthur added a second finger to the first. He worked those two slowly as well, his other hand moving from Merlin’s testicles to his prick. Arthur kept his hand on the head, gently squeezing as he made more room for his fingers in Merlin’s arse.

Merlin rotated his hips against Arthur’s penetrating fingers; his hand reaching down to rest on top of the one Arthur was tormenting his erection with. “More,” he breathed.

Arthur’s body shuddered as he again kept from taking Merlin now. “Patience, Merlin. I still have to -“ he was interrupted as Merlin reared up. Dipping one hand in the oil, he lowered it to encompass Arthur’s cock, the other reaching down to push the inserting fingers further in. Merlin moved his hand over Arthur, covering him in the thick lubricant.

“Now,” Merlin growled and bit Arthur’s lip, just this side of hard. The growl ended on a keen. “Now, Arthur. Please. I want... you. I want you.”

Arthur bit back the multiple profanities that flooded his mind. He tried one last time for a semblance of decency. “Are you sure?” He stilled his hands to give Merlin the ability to think coherently.

Merlin’s hand slid further down Arthur’s body until he cradled Arthur’s testes. He rolled them once before moving his hand back up to the head of Arthur’s cock, catching the droplet of pre-come that had leaked out. He brought it to his mouth and lewdly suckled it as his eyes stayed locked on Arthur’s. “Yes.”

And Arthur’s brain blew out of the back of his head. Or at least, that’s what it felt like, watching Merlin taste him like he was a delicacy. “Christ,” he muttered as he removed both hands from Merlin, adjusting his position so that he was nestled between long legs; one of them moving to hook around his waist. He gripped himself in one hand, guiding the head of his cock to the glistening ring of Merlin’s arse. Resting there, he looked back up at Merlin questioningly.

Merlin’s answer was to wrap his other leg around Arthur’s waist, using both to pull Arthur closer. Arthur took a breath and pushed; the head slipping past the tight muscle, its passage eased by the oil. He felt the immense craving to press further, faster, harder; he held himself back and continued his slow penetration. He felt Merlin clench around him and he paused, waiting. “Don’t stop.” Merlin circled his hips, drawing another swear from Arthur.

“You’re making this very difficult...” Arthur bit out. He began to pull out, head just barely in before he pressed back in, managing to sink further this time. The heat of Merlin’s arse, the tight clenching of his inner walls was wreaking havoc on Arthur’s control. He breathed heavily as the oil-slicked confines of Merlin’s hole was loosening, welcoming him in. Arthur felt his thighs hit the meat of Merlin’s arse and looked down to see that he’d buried himself as deep as he could. He groaned as he leaned down, pressing a kiss to Merlin’s chest before lifting to delve his tongue into Merlin’s mouth.

Merlin’s arms reached up to wrap around his prince, their tongues twining as Arthur pumped himself into Merlin. At the deepest part of his thrust, Arthur felt Merlin clench around him as he rode over his prostate. The coiled desire that had been simmering in his groin was unfolding, shooting bolts of almost electric pleasure through him. He quickened his thrusts, growling into Merlin’s mouth as Merlin scraped fiery lines down his back. Pushing himself back up, he grabbed Merlin’s thighs and dragged him - still joined - to the edge of the bed. Lowering his feet, he stood by the bed, hands clenching Merlin’s legs for leverage as he pounded into him. Merlin’s hands closed over Arthur’s on his legs, mouth open as he arched his neck back and cried out.

Arthur released one leg to reach down and grab Merlin’s cock, tugging it to the same rhythm as he was thrusting. Merlin’s hand scrabbled uselessly on the blankets, wordless cries slipping from him. Arthur moved Merlin until he was flush against his own stomach, the angle and size different from his own but the motions ingrained. His toes curled on the floor as he felt the first beginning pulses of his orgasm. “Merlin,” he panted, “are you...?”

“Arthur!” Merlin screamed out as his legs locked around Arthur, his body bowing back as he came. Arthur felt the heat of the ejaculate as it sprayed against his chest and it felt as though Merlin had marked him; branding his scent and ecstasy into his brain and body.

Arthur pushed Merlin up to allow him to brace one knee on the bed as he bent back down to nip his chest. His hips started to stutter as the blinding godyesMERLIN tore through him and had him erupting into the clutching heat of Merlin’s arse. Arthur pumped a few times more, milking himself and wringing another moan from Merlin. He grinned as his arms lost their strength and he collapsed onto the slim form beneath him, smearing Merlin’s ejaculate over both of them. “That was...” Arthur blinked. “That was bloody brilliant.”

Merlin made a feeble grunt that may have been an agreement. Arthur moved up enough to slide himself out of Merlin, both of them making a noise of discontent. Through a series of shuffles and wriggles, they managed to get under the covers, hearts finally slowing from the thunderous beats of attained pleasure. They settled with Arthur curling up behind Merlin, arm around his waist to hold him close. “Arthur,” Merlin mumbled as they both began to drift off into an exhausted sleep.

“Mmm?”

“It was brilliant.” Merlin reached a hand up to curl around the one resting on his chest.

Arthur let out a breath against the nape of Merlin’s neck, nuzzling him with a smile before laying a soft kiss against it. Then both men fell into a deep and restful sleep, not waking until the sun blazed high in the sky.

~

Arthur woke to the strange sensation of a hot body pressed against his. He cracked an eye open and peered down to see Merlin nuzzled against his chest. Images from last night flooded his brain and he groaned as he felt the rush of blood that flooded his lower region. Merlin moved in his sleep, his arm roping around Arthur as he cuddled closer. Arthur tried, and failed, to banish the delirious grin that was plastered on his face. “Merlin,” he whispered into the ridiculously charming ear by his mouth.

“Mmm... smell good,” Merlin murmured against his skin.

Arthur squashed the flutters in his chest. “Get up, you lazy oaf. We have a hunt this morning.” He softened the words with a kiss against the burrowed shoulder.

Merlin frowned and stubbornly cuddled closer, leg sliding between Arthur’s. He stopped when his knee nudged Arthur’s arousal. Opening his eyes and tilting his head up to Arthur’s, he grinned and waggled his eyebrows suggestively. “I think you’re up enough for both of us, sire.”

Arthur snorted and pushed at the arm caging him. “You’re ridiculously incorrigible. Now get up. We both need a bath before we even think about leaving this room.” Arthur wrinkled his nose as he rubbed at the hardened evidence of last night on his chest.

Merlin whinged and hid his head under the pillow. Arthur rolled out of bed and pulled on the dressing gown that had somehow stayed draped over the foot of the bed. He opened the door and called a passing servant to arrange a bath and breakfast for him. A large breakfast. He saw Merlin’s head peek out from the pillow at that. “Food?”

Arthur just rolled his eyes and went over to his wardrobe to grab a change of clothes. He piled them on the table for after his bath. Merlin made to pull on his fresh clothes he’d packed in his satchel. “Merlin.”

Merlin stopped with one foot in his breeches. “Yes?”

“Bath first. You’re not coming on a hunt smelling like you’ve been well and truly had.” Arthur folded his arms and smirked.

Merlin’s grin spread over his face. “But I have been well and truly had.” Merlin stopped and blinked at Arthur. “Wait, I’m coming with you? What happened to me being useless?”

Arthur came over and draped a second dressing gown over Merlin. “I may have been a bit hasty with that remark. Besides, I’m not leaving you here when it can track you. The best of Camelot is coming on this hunt. You’ll be safer with us. With me.”

A flush of red spread over Merlin’s face as he lowered his eyes. “Yes, sire.”

Arthur tipped Merlin’s head up with his finger under his chin. “We’re alone, Merlin. It’s just ‘Arthur’.” He gave Merlin a short but sweet kiss. “At least, until you do something remarkably idiotic that forces me to send you to the stocks.”

Merlin snorted before leaning into Arthur, following him to offer a more lingering return kiss. “Yes, Arthur.” He looked over at the door as a knock sounded, tying the robe tightly around him as he went to open it for their breakfast and the large wooden tub. Their food was quickly placed on the table and a line of servants emptied the steaming buckets of water into the tub. Arthur almost sighed in appreciation. When the last of the servants had left, leaving two buckets close to the newly stoked and blazing fire, Merlin closed the door and eyed the large platter. “Food?” he asked again, hopefully.

“Oh, go on then. It’s obvious your brain doesn’t work without some form of fuel in the morning. I expect there to be some left for me when I’m done with my bath.” He mock-glared at Merlin as he slipped out of the robe, tossing it over the chair.

Merlin stared, a mouthful of fresh bread sitting forgotten in his mouth. His eyes tracked the prince as he lifted a foot and tested the temperature. Merlin swallowed convulsively when Arthur brought his other leg in, sighing as he sank down into the hot water. Arthur looked up and noticed the stark desire on Merlin’s face. “Food?” Merlin grabbed something randomly and held it out to Arthur.

Arthur laughed, tipping his head back and resting it against the edge of the wood as he shifted and sank lower. “Incorrigible.” He closed his eyes and relished the feel of the heat seeping into his body. He blinked when he felt a touch on his arm. Merlin had brought the platter over, setting it on the floor by the tub. He lifted a piece of cut apple to Arthur’s mouth. Arthur took it with his teeth, feeling his waning desire suddenly flare up. “Incorrigible can be good.”

Merlin nodded as he leaned in and licked at the line of juice that escaped Arthur’s mouth. “Good...” he mimicked absently. He licked and nibbled at Arthur’s lips; who chewed the piece of apple in his mouth hastily. Swallowing, Arthur reached out and grabbed the back of Merlin’s head, holding him still as he slid his tongue over soft lips and into a needy mouth.

Arthur ran his hands under Merlin’s borrowed robe, feeling the heat of him. Moving his hand down, he stroked Merlin’s erection, capturing the moan that crawled from Merlin’s mouth into his. “Off.” He shoved at the robe. Merlin blindly pulled it off, moving closer. “In.” Arthur tugged on Merlin’s arm.

“But,” he spluttered, flailing as Arthur ignored his protest and hauled him onto his lap, which happened to be immersed underwater. “We’re going to make a mess.” He belied his argument by pressing his mouth to Arthur’s.

“Shut up.” Arthur wrapped his arms around Merlin, manoeuvring him until he straddled his lap comfortably. He scraped his nails roughly down Merlin’s back as he plunged his tongue in to play with Merlin’s.

Merlin whimpered into Arthur’s mouth, already starting to roll his groin against the firm flesh he sat on. “My bandage is getting wet.”

Arthur growled, fingers unwinding the soiled and damp cloth and tossing it on the floor. “Sod your bandage.” He returned to kissing the mouth against his, hands lifting water from the bath and pouring it over Merlin. Merlin grinned and wriggled on Arthur’s lap, drawing another appreciative noise from him. The rocking motions they set began to slosh water over the dangerously full rim of the tub.

“You’re going to get the food wet,” Merlin breathed against Arthur’s ear before suckling it.

Arthur groaned. “Sod the food.” He reached a hand between them and pressed Merlin’s erection against his own. Holding them together, the rolling of Merlin’s hips and the lifting of his own sent delicious jolts through the both of them.

“We have to be - ah - getting ready for the - oh yes -” Merlin thrust himself through Arthur’s hand, shivering from the press of Arthur’s hardness against his own.

“Sod everything.” Arthur tightened his hand as he gave a few sharp jerks, making sounds come from both their mouths.

Merlin whimpered, teeth scraping the taut skin of Arthur’s neck. “Would you...” Merlin sighed as Arthur swept a thumb over the head of Merlin’s prick.

Arthur licked the water from Merlin’s chest, dragging teeth and lips over wet flesh. “Would I what?”

“Would you do like last night?” Merlin moved his mouth over to Arthur’s, kissing him messily. Arthur surged against him, the desire to agree burning in his chest.

Taking a few calming breaths, Arthur drew back to catch Merlin’s eye. “I very much would like to, but I don’t know if you’d enjoy it as much. Water doesn’t ease the passage very well and... you might still be sore from la- GOD IN HEAVEN !” Arthur’s hands reached down to grip Merlin’s hips hard enough to bruise.

Merlin had had quite enough of tender excuses, well meaning though they were. He was craving the wonderful explosion of pleasure from last night and he knew from the blown pupils and thrusting cock that Arthur was too. He’d quickly lifted himself up, hand reaching down to guide Arthur to his arse. Just as quickly, he’d lowered himself. Merlin threw his head back, hands holding onto Arthur’s shoulders to keep him steady. A few stuttered thrusts down and he was fully impaled, the burn worth the trembling waves that were pulsing through him. Raising his head to look blearily at shocked and widened blue eyes, he grinned. “You were saying?”

Arthur’s hands squeezed Merlin’s waist again. “Bloody incorrigible. You unrepentant, cheeky little...” Arthur trailed off as he pulled Merlin into a fast and jarring tempo. Water sloshed over the rim as Merlin bounced on Arthur’s cock, head dropping to rest on Arthur’s shoulder. Arthur felt something blaze through him, not entirely related to their actions. Fierce and solid, it speared his erratically thumping heart and he realised he might be in trouble. The word began to form in his mind and he slammed the door on it. He opened his eyes and focussed on Merlin instead. Lifting his hands, he cradled Merlin’s face and angled it for a kiss, as deep and as penetrating as the joining of their lower halves.

Merlin’s hands covered Arthur’s, holding them both in place as the trembling waves began to crash into blinding orgasms. Arthur felt as though it would go on forever, both of them emptying their passions - Arthur into Merlin and Merlin into the now-tepid water. Spent, they sat exhausted; Merlin resting his head on Arthur’s shoulder and Arthur nuzzling under Merlin’s chin. When the roaring quieted in his ears, Arthur happily settled for listening to Merlin’s heartbeat which went from a haphazard pounding to a measured and regular thumping. “Is it always so... so... that?” Merlin asked drowsily.

Arthur chuckled weakly into Merlin’s skin. “I don’t think anything can ever compare to that, Merlin.” Arthur almost bit his tongue at the implication of those words. He sincerely hoped Merlin hadn’t noticed. From the contended sigh and soft kiss placed on his shoulder, he guessed it had slipped by.

“We should...” Merlin began to lift himself from Arthur. Arthur leaned forward and bit Merlin’s shoulder as the clenching of his arse sent new shivers through his over sensitized cock. Merlin fell back down, moaning at the minor bursts of pleasure it caused. “Oh, wow.”

Arthur was torn. He would very much like to stay in his chambers all day, cataloguing what sounds and reactions he could pull from Merlin. He also felt the tugging of his obligation to his kingdom and its people; to protect them from the beast that was still roaming free. Raising his eyes to the healing wound on Merlin’s neck, he frowned and strengthened his resolve. Hunting first, mind-blowing orgasmic sex for the rest of his life after. Grabbing the lip of the tub, he gritted his teeth. “Up, quickly... before I change my bloody mind.”

Merlin placed a quick kiss on Arthur’s frowning mouth as he hoisted himself up. A loud groaning filled the room when he did; Merlin’s through bitten lips and Arthur’s as he tipped his head back. His legs quivered as he stood in the tub, feet on either side of Arthur and body bent towards him of its own volition. Merlin looked over at the table, which was so far away, and he wasn’t sure he’d make it without falling or stumbling. Arthur ran his hands up Merlin’s legs, kissing his knee. Merlin glared down at him. “That’s not exactly helping, you prat.”

Arthur smiled as he nipped above the kneecap. “I’ll make sure you don’t fall.”

Merlin rolled his eyes. “As if you’re in any better shape to move,” he snorted derisively.

Arthur’s smile grew as he flicked his tongue higher up Merlin’s leg. Merlin breathed out a moan as he tangled his hand in Arthur’s hair. “I’ll have you know I’m in excellent shape.” Arthur shifted in the water, coming up to his knees. “You are going to have to move your scrawny self, though. I have prior obligations today and you’re distracting me, as usual.”

Merlin laughed. “Yes, my lord.” Arthur felt the low clenching sensation again at the connotations behind those words. Mine, his mind whispered. Merlin must have noticed the dark glint that lit his eyes because he stopped laughing, his hand clenching in Arthur’s hair. “Clothes...” Merlin stepped out of the tub, “clothes would be good right now.”

Arthur took a deep breath and held it, shoving the thoughts of all the things he wanted right now far into the back of his mind. He jumped at the loud rap on the door. “What?” he called.

“Sire, the horses and men are ready to ride.” Leon’s voice was muffled by the heavy wood.

The presence of Leon and the reminder of his obligation allowed him to bottle his lust. “Saddle an extra horse for Merlin. We’ll be down shortly.” Arthur stood, motioning to Merlin to hand him one of the pails of heated water. As he lifted it and dumped it over his head to rinse off the residue of dirt and semen, he tried to ignore the feeling of Merlin’s eyes tracing the water’s path down his body. Shaking his head, he peered at Merlin from under the sopping fringe of his hair. He was standing by the tub, a drying cloth held forgotten in his hand as he gaped. Feeling churlish at having to refrain from acting out his desires, he snatched the cloth and motioned to Merlin as he stepped out of the water. “Rinse yourself then get dressed.”

Merlin blushed and lowered his eyes, walking over to grab the second bucket and do as he was told. Arthur tossed him the second drying cloth and obstinately refused to look at him as they both dressed. Buckling his belt, Arthur turned to say something else when he noticed the dejected look on Merlin’s face. He stood there and stared until Merlin looked up. “I’m sorry, sire. I just...” Merlin went over and grabbed Arthur’s sword belt, coming over to hand it to the prince.

Arthur huffed and grabbed Merlin’s arm instead. “I’m not angry at you, you idiot. I’m annoyed at how I can’t seem to look at you without wanting to do very improper yet immensely delicious things to you. I’m also annoyed that I’ll have to sit on a horse - which I’m imagining is going to be extremely uncomfortable given my state - and go hunt and kill a monster instead of keeping you in here naked and writhing all bloody day.”

Merlin blinked, then his customary lop-sided grin spread onto his face. “Oh.” He leaned in and gave Arthur a quick peck. “Is that all...” Still grinning, he reached around and buckled the sword belt around Arthur’s waist. His fingers skimmed daringly over the front of Arthur’s breeches.

“Merlin...” Arthur growled warningly. “Get the door.”

Merlin smirked before dipping a short bow with his head. “As you wish, sire.”

~

Part 4