IDOM

So here's the first part of the drabble you guys! So far I have four chapters planned out, and while it is a AU! of sorts, I actually have a bit of the first episode here and the next one will actually be a divergence from the last episode however… and yeah this is based off my oneshot 'There's a Reason You Shouldn't Go out at Night' so it might be helpful if you read that just to get the idea of the backstory.. and more.

Anyway, enjoy!

1

When Merlin had left along with Gaius to Camelot, he felt like he was leaving his still heart behind in Ealdor. For all he had left because of not wanting to cause further trouble for his mother, he still felt like his feet dragging along the rough path in reluctance.

However, he did feel his heart lifting ever so slightly when Gaius had led him through the lower town, having to navigate through so many people. The hustle bustle unusual compared to the low populated village of Merlin's hometown. It was quickly dispelled though, when the duo had arrived in the courtyard to witness the execution of a man for his magic.

"So I have to hide my talents as well as who I am, here," Merlin stated, his voice a hiss in Gaius' ear so no one else would hear his words. Gaius shot him a look with his eyebrow raised high, but said nothing as they moved away, the people dispersing when no other wailing woman threatened to gather everyone's attention.

Merlin weaved through the hallways, vials in one hand and a waterskin in another. To all others, it may have seemed that Merlin was only drinking mere water, or if he opened his mouth wide enough - though he avoided talking for the most part - some sort of red wine, when in reality, the waterskin contained blood that Gaius had collected from a rabbit earlier that day in his chambers. Despite having fed only a couple of days ago when traveling through the forest with Gaius, the smell of so many humans had been overwhelming for Merlin, and he found himself having to quell his hunger again, painfully reminded of when he had first turned into a vampire and couldn't control his thirst for blood. Thankfully, Gaius had assured Merlin that soon he would be able to get used to being surrounded by so many people, and would be able to tolerate his hunger for around a week. While they hadn't put to test that theory, Merlin wasn't planning on trying to stretch himself thin any time soon. There was plenty of blood to be found around Camelot, animal wise.

He was broken out of his thoughts and automatic actions of giving vials to the assigned people when he heard a man's surprised cry, irritation masked underneath but nonetheless, Merlin's senses tuned into the man's blood rushing fast in fear. Turning, he met the sight of a blonde man, geared with weaponry, laughing with his friends as he took aim and threw another dagger at the board held by the man whose rapidly rushing blood had tuned Merlin into reality.

The board suddenly fell, and as it rolled to Merlin's feet, he stopped it by stepping on it, also stopping the servant from lifting it, beaming at the blonde as he did so.

"Hey, come on, that's enough," Merlin said, smile firmly in place despite tensing as the man started to come closer. He hadn't finished that waterskin yet, and while his stomach was full, his tongue could still taste the blood.

"What?" the blonde asked, grinning incredulously at Merlin.

"You've had your fun, my friend," Merlin said, taking his foot off the board. The servant didn't bother coming close, though.

"Do I know you?" By now, the man wasn't grinning anymore, and though it tore him to do it, his hand still rose on instinct, years of manners drilled into his head by his mother.

"Er, I'm Merlin."

The man stared at Merlin's outstretched hand in disdain. "So I don't know you," he said.

"No," Merlin said simply, lowering his hand and not smiling himself either.

"Yet you called me friend."

"That was my mistake," Merlin admitted, almost apologetically.

"Yes, I think so," the man crossed his arms, and Merlin felt himself getting irritated. If it weren't for still wanting to be humane if not human, this man would have found himself torn to pieces by now, and not because Merlin was hungry anymore.

"Yeah. I'd never have a friend who could be such an ass," he instead simply retorted, turning to walk away.

He was walking firmly and briskly, so he was several feet away when he heard the man mutter, and yet his words were clear to Merlin's highly keen senses.

"Or I one who could be so stupid."

Merlin stopped walking, but regretted it when he heard the man speak again, almost snobbily.

"Tell me, Merlin, do you know how to walk on your knees?"

Merlin reluctantly turned around, readying himself. He knew that this man was clearly asking for it, but it wouldn't do anyone any good if Merlin misestimated his strength and accidentally shoved the man into the castle wall, a good several yards away.

"No."

"Would you like me to help you?" The man started grinning again, coming closer.

"I wouldn't if I were you," Merlin said wearily, leaning back. All of a sudden, this didn't seem like such a good idea anymore.

The man chuckled "Why? What are you going to do to me?"

Merlin couldn't help the slight scoff that escaped him at that. "You have no idea," he said.

The man raised his eyes, as if surprised by Merlin's boldness, and suddenly spread open his arms, while Merlin looked on, a tad bit confused.

"Be my guest!" he suddenly exclaimed. "Come on! Come on! Come on," he goaded, and Merlin's control snapped.

He swung an arm forward, and while he really wasn't expecting the man's arm to suddenly rush upwards as if to catch Merlin's arm in a hook, he saw it, his eyes tuned in on the man's movements. Immediately, Merlin pulled his arm away, and before the man could retaliate, Merlin swung his other arm, hooking it around the man's arm that was still moving, too slow compared to Merlin's speed, and stepping around, Merlin pinned the man's arms to his back, his other hand firmly holding the man in place.

Almost immediately, Merlin felt arms tug at his shoulders, away from the man and he let go, finally registering the silence around the courtyard as he was pulled free from the man, while behind him, the men dressed in weapons were shouting in shock and surprise, as well as anger.

The man spun around, panting and stared wide eyed at Merlin, who was still held by men that Merlin finally recognized as knights, wringing out his arm.

"I'll have you thrown in jail for that!" The man just about yelled, and Merlin snorted dryly.

"What, who do you think you are? The King?" Merlin asked, but suddenly the anger on the man's face diminished, and he suddenly looked very smug.

"No. I'm his son, Arthur," he stalked forward and punched Merlin in the stomach hardly. The man felt his body retract, but it was more from shock than pain - for all his punch was strong, it didn't faze Merlin as much as the man - Arthur's - words.

He just picked a fight with Prince Arthur of Camelot.

Him. A warlock, and a vampire.

Against the son of Uther.

He didn't know why he did it. If anyone asked though, he'd probably say instinct, and it was the closest to the truth, really. One moment, there was a dagger flying in the air, heading for Arthur, and the next moment Merlin let his feet run forward, time stopping even as his vampire speed pushed him forward to drag Arthur out of the way. The prince's feet must have been rooted to the ground in shock, for Merlin felt the tiniest bit of resistance against his arms before the man was on the ground, the smell of his blood strong against Merlin's nostrils.

And when he had been awarded the position of Arthur's manservant…

He was really going to need to have a talk with Gaius about stifling his sense of smell at the very least.

So i have the second one done, and while I'm working on the third one, I'm warning you that I have nooo idea when it'll be done though i'll try my level best to finish it soon.. Hopefully by this week cuz im on spring break and stuff so.. Yeah.. R&R?