Spoilers: None that I can think of. If you see any, please contact me and I will fix it.

Disclaimer: I do not own "Merlin" or Merlin.


Chapter one

There are few things Merlin hates more than being sick. He hates the chills, the fever. The runny nose and coughing are a pain to deal with.

Speaking of pains to deal with…

"I'm going to be late," he mutters, pushing himself out of bed on the third try. He nearly falls over reaching for his boots, and has to lean on the door on his way out of his room.

Gaius is putting together a potion in the larger room.

Merlin tries to sneak out without the older man noticing, but unfortunately, he gets dizzy and in the process of leaning against the table for support, he knocks off a book that had been balancing precariously on the edge.

"Ah, Merlin. You're up. Just in time, too. Had you slept in any longer, you would be late."

Merlin nods. He silently prays that he can get out without Gaius noticing anything off about him.

But Gaius is a physician, and of course he notices.

"What is wrong, my dear boy?" In three strides, he is at Merlin's side, studying his ward's pale face and red cheeks. "You are ill," he comments.

With a sniffle, Merlin shakes his head. "Nothing I can't ignore."

As though to say otherwise, a cough bubbles up from deep in his chest and throws him into a fit.

Gaius hands him a glass of water and he downs it, soothing his cough and his burning throat at the same time.

"Thanks," he croaks out.

Gaius shakes his head. "That's it. You're going back to bed."

"But-"

"No buts!" interrupts Gaius. "It is not fair for you to have to work while you are unwell."

Merlin looks as though he is going to protest further, so the old man adds, "Besides, it would be best if you did not cause the prince to become sick."

Merlin has no choice but to nod and allow Gaius to help him back to his bed.

"Now, I will let the prince know that you are unwell. I will be out most of the day, delivering potions, seeing patients, and collecting herbs. However, I will stop by from time to time in order to check in on you. There is a glass of water in the other room. I want you to rest, understood?" He gives the boy a pointed look. "No getting up and trying to work."

Merlin shivers, despite being covered by three blankets. "Understood."

"Very well." Gaius pats his shoulder. "Try and get some rest."

Before the physician has even left the room, leaving the door partially open, Merlin is drowsing off.