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Arthur and Merlin were on a hunt just the two of them. This was about the only time when the prince did not complain about poor conditions. They had stopped by a lake to rest and Arthur had decided to clean off by taking a swim. Merlin sat on the shore watching his master and friend swim. He could feel the dirt and sweat on his skin but he would wait until they got back to Camelot to bathe. Merlin, despite having grown up in a village, could not swim.

"Come on, Merlin. If you don't rinse off then you're going to smell," Arthur called to his manservant.

"I'm perfectly fine here on the shore watching your clothes and the horses, sire," Merlin answered.

"A little water won't hurt you Merlin," Arthur said annoyed.

"I can't swim," Merlin admitted quietly, looking away from Arthur. He heard splashing as the other teen moved. The wizard remained still, waiting for the blond to say something. He started when a wet hand gently touched his leg. He looked up and met Arthur's blue eyes.

"Do you trust me?" Merlin nodded. "Then come in."

The smaller male worried his bottom lip but stood and undressed. He dropped his clothes over a tree branch and then waded into the lake. Arthur guided him out until the water came up to his chest. His fear slowly faded as his lover kissed his face, lips, neck, shoulders, and chest as his hands rubbed the dirt gently from the pale skin.