Some people are just made for each other, while others work hard to keep their relationship above water. Some people however, just spend sleepless nights together under the covers. To some people, the idea of a sweaty, sexed-up sleeping companion was what was appealing. Or at least, that's what they tell themselves. This was the case for Arthur Pendragon, prince of Camelot, and Merlin Emrys, the prince's servant.
God knows how many time's Arthur had called the skinny little awkward boy to his chambers with some excuse. A random chore to convince those around them it was a strict servant to master relationship they had. Arthur didn't get protective when another servant flirted with Merlin. He didn't secretly rage when a knight took up all of Merlin's attention either. He didn't even confront Merlin when a servant girl from another kingdom planted a kiss on his cheek. Arthur never seemed bothered by much of anything, but in the night, he'd hold Merlin so close, the sometimes feared he'd snap the boy's bones in half.
Merlin, on the other hand, would try his best to avoid the advances of other people. He didn't really care much for their touch. It was Arthur who drove him crazy. He'd always have to excuse himself when the prince practiced with a sword in the afternoon. Some summers Arthur would practice in the heat without his chainmail or armor. 'Practice for light travel purposes' he called it. Sweat would make his red shirt start to cling to his muscles. The same muscles that flexed over Merlin when the moon came up. The same ones that became specially tones with sweat every time Arthur held him. Whenever he saw that stupid shirt stick to his chest, Merlin had to excuse himself. He had different excuses sure, but he was sure Arthur would figure it out eventually.
It was under the archway of the caste's hall that Arthur ambushed him. Pressing Merlin roughly up against the cobblestone of a hidden corner. He trailed light kisses along Merlin's neck at first, but the love pecks soon turned into desperate bites. Arthur branded him with bruises that Merlin struggled to hide beneath his scarf. "Arthur!" Merlin panicked, "Do you know how hard it is to hide these?"
"No one will see them unless they look for them." Arthur stated happily.
"What's got you so happy today?" Merlin giggled.
Arthur grinned, "I just came from a duel with Sir Tanaf."
Merlin smiled, "Did you win?"
Arthur leaned to Merlin's ears as they walked along the empty hall, "Kicked his arse."
As much as he hated it, Merlin always smiled when Arthur took pride in winning duels against men like Sir Tanaf. Sir Tanaf had trapped Merlin in a corner of his chambers the other day just before Arthur had strolled in. Sir Tanaf had immediately withdrawn, but Arthur didn't say anything. Sometimes it bugged Merlin that Arthur never got even a little bit jealous, or at least never showed it. He sometimes fantasized that Arthur took pleasure in defeating them in combat on his behalf, but it wasn't like Arthur to act on jealousy. Merlin was always convincing himself that it was solely because of Arthur's pride.
Sometimes he even tortured himself with the thought that maybe Arthur loved him.
"Arthur I don't feel so good tonight so-"
"Are you okay?" Arthur asked, sitting up on the bed.
Ping. Right to the heart. "Y-Yeah I'm fine, I just feel a little sick is all..." Merlin couldn't lie for the life of him.
"Is something wrong?"
"No. Not really. Maybe..." Merlin babbled.
Arthur just chuckled a little, Merlin was always adorable when he stumbled or blubbered. It was one of the reasons he was attractive to Arthur. He placed a light kiss on Merlin's forehead before falling back into the pillow. "Would you rather just sleep then?"
Merlin instinctively got up to lock the door. It was routine now, he always got up to lock it before they went to sleep. Arthur found himself laughing again. Merlin faked a little smile, but hesitantly crawled back into the plush, red covers. They never said goodnight either. That bothered him a bit. He never wanted to say it himself though, so he just cowered into Arthur's naked side, greedily basking in the prince's warmth.
Another day passed, and then a week. They'd started seeing each other less during the day, and even a little less during the night. One night, Arthur called for Merlin, but Merlin hadn't come at all. "Merlin." Arthur angrily spoke as he slammed Merlin up against the chamber walls the following morning.
"Why didn't you come last night?" he asked.
"I wasn't feeling well."
"You've had the same excuse for a little over a week. Whenever I try to touch you, you reject me." Arthur licked his lips nervously, "Are you getting tired of this?"
Merlin pushed Arthur off of him before walking back to the chamber door, "Are there any other chores I can help you with sire?"
"Merlin-"
"If that will be all I'll be going."
Merlin wasn't exactly sure why he was being cold, but he'd decided he didn't want to just be Arthur's whore anymore. He wasn't satisfied with empty sex. He wanted Arthur to love him back as well. That's what started the entire affair. The one that killed him.
