I don't own Merlin.
"We must hope not, for Arthur's sake." Gaius sighed, but Merlin cut him off.
"No! Don't!" He desperately clapped his hand over Gaius' mouth, his eyes darting around the room.
Gaius' eyebrow rose, if possible, even higher. "Merlin," his voice came out a bit muffled and Merlin guiltily let go of Gaius. "What in God's name...?"
"I'm sorry!" Merlin blurted. "It's just every time you say that, everything seems to go wrong!"
Gaius clapped a hand on Merlin's shoulder and offered him a small smile. "I'm sure there's no way Uther's going to send Arthur out alone against a hydra-"
"Merlin!" The door burst open suddenly, startling them both. "You're late again, you idiot," barked Arthur.
Merlin's face transformed in an instant, the worry disappearing behind a wide grin. "I was just about to bring your breakfast, your Royal Pratness," he ran his eyes over Arthur's wrinkled shirt and half-donned vest. "Let me think, you tried to dress yourself this morning?"
"Shut up, Merlin. And there's no need for breakfast. I need you to grab my sword and armor and pack the saddle bags. There's a magical beast attacking a nearby village." He turned around and darted through the door before Merlin could say a word, reappearing just as suddenly. "Oh, and Merlin? Where the hell did you put my socks?"
After Arthur left, Merlin turned to glare at Gaius, who shrugged as if to say "It's not my fault."
Merlin sighed. "I told you this would happen," he griped. "If you hadn't said..."
"Well, at least he's not going alone. He's taking you along. You should be able to handle it, at least I hope so, for both your-"
"No!" Merlin shouted.