Worry lines

Merlin awoke to the sunlight steaming through the window into his face. He was about to roll over and try to get back to sleep when he remembered, today was Gaius's birthday. Getting up and dressing in a rush he slunk out of his room, trying to make as little noise as possible. Gaius was still asleep, and there was a golden glow in Merlin's eyes as the blanket that had fallen to the ground in the night snaked its way up the bed to cover Gaius's sleeping form.

10 minutes later and Merlin and Gwen were just adding the finishing touches to the cake Gwen had made yesterday, and were beginning the awkward task of ferrying all the presents and cake to Merlin and Gaius's rooms.

The place was spotlessly clean; Merlin had made sure of it after he was certain Gaius was totally unconscious the night before, so he could not be reprimanded by the old man for using his magic for "menial tasks" as he liked to call them.

Merlin and Gwen had thoroughly enjoyed seeing the physicians surprise and delight upon waking to find a small pile of presents and a large cake all for him. He had made short work of the presents, and was now wearing the new scarf Gwen had made for him, while perusing through the science books from Merlin, and enjoying a large slice of cake – a slightly unhealthy breakfast, but excusable on your birthday.

A soft knock on the door interrupted them followed by Morgana's head poking around the door.

"Oh good, you're up, happy birthday Gaius!"

She handed him a small parcel wrapped in lavender coloured paper.

"I'm sorry it's not much..." she said trailing off. Gaius however was grinning happily at the new eagle feather quills and ink.

"Milady, you are far too kind" he said quietly.

"Nonsense Gaius, you've treated me since I can remember, this is the least I could do" Morgana brushed off his thanks with a wave of her hand.

They remained in this fashion for a few hours, happily chatting and reminiscing, till Merlin remembered Arthur, and rushed out the door before the others even had time to register what was happening.

"I'm sorry I'm so late sire, I-"Merlin began, before noticing that Arthur was still asleep, with his blonde hair messed up and sticking out at strange angles. Merlin looked at Arthur for a few moments, a fond smile playing on his lips, before backing out of the room silently to get the prince's breakfast.

Arthur woke to find his breakfast all laid out for him, and clothes and shoes ready on the chair by his bed, room cleaned and a bath waiting for him, still hot. He usually awoke to see Merlin stumbling around the room incompetently, he wasn't sure he liked waking up to find everything done properly, it was unnerving somehow.

When Merlin returned he found the prince standing by the chair near his bed, still in his nightclothes, and staring at his outfit for the day as if it were a complicated puzzle he couldn't quite figure out.

"There you are Merlin! What do I do?" he asked a note of panic in his voice.

Merlin couldn't help noticing that the prince looked different somehow. Was it just the bright sunlight shining on him that made Arthur look paler than usual? Was it just the heat of the sunny summer afternoon that had caused the sheen of sweat on his forehead? Was it just his recent late nights from summer feasts that had formed a purplish tinge around his eyes?

*

That day, after helping Arthur to dress, Merlin cleaned the stables, washed the princes' clothes, scrubbed the floor, remade the bed with new sheets and got the princes lunch. Arthur had been unusually quiet all day, not once insulting Merlin, and always saying "please" after ordering him to do something. This was not usual behaviour and Merlin was about to ask what was wrong when…

"Merlin"

"Yes Arthur?"

"I...Uh…it's just that…"Arthur began, looking slightly dazed.

"Yes?" Merlin prompted him, worry lines forming on his forehead

"Nothing" Arthur sighed, falling back with a thud to lie on his bed, closing his eyes and murmuring incoherently about tiredness and needing sleep. Walking over to sit by him, Merlin laid a hand on the princes' head, checking for a temperature. If Arthur was acting strangely he might be ill, Merlin reasoned. Almost unconsciously he began to stroke the princes' hair, smoothing it back from his face, as Arthur sighed sleepily again, this time whispering…

"Night night Merlin…lo…" whatever he had been about to say was cut off as he rolled over, smothering his words with his pillow.

Merlin stood up and walked to the door, carrying the leftover lunch dishes with him. As he looked back one last time he couldn't help but think how pale the prince looked, with huge shadows under his eyes as if he hadn't slept in a week. He looked even worse than he had that morning. Frowning slightly with worry, Merlin turned to leave, making a mental note to ask Gaius to check up on him later that evening. If Arthur didn't look after himself better, Merlin was going to get a permanent worry line between his eyebrows.

The door closed with a quiet thud just as Arthur murmured in his sleep again

"M…Merlin"