A/N I would like to thank everyone who followed and favourite the story, and I would especially like to thank those of you who reviewed. Guys, I am a real sucker for reviews, and if you liked it enough to follow it please take an extra second to send 2 words. Anything like "Good", "Keep going" or even "You suck" will make me much happier than silence.

Rant over.

As you can see I've decided to continue the story and try to get Merlin some help, so I hope you enjoy. And please, please, please review.

Chapter 2

Gwaine was just coming home from having had a good time at the bar. As he was about to turn into Arthur's corridor, a bit hyped up and tipsy he was stopped by the sound of barely audible sobs. He glanced around the corner to see Merlin resting against the door, looking miserable and even smaller than he usually does, with tears falling down from his face onto the tray full of dirty plates he was holding. As the tears were making small clinking noises, Gwaine felt his heart breaking.

He always liked the servant. Merlin was his friend, but more than that Gwaine knew that he didn't only see Merlin as a friend for a while now. He would have made a move by now, but he cared about their friendship too much to risk ruining it. Plus Merlin seemed so innocent and out of this world sometimes, that Gwaine felt guilty about his lustful thoughts.

He watched Merlin for a small while, and then abruptly Merlin willed himself to stop crying and started walking down the corridor, in the direction opposite to the one where Gwaine was hiding. The man was much tougher that most gave him credit for, Gwaine realised.

He waited until Merlin's back disappeared around a corner and resumed his walking. He was wondering what had happened with him and Arthur, that made him cry. Arthur could be harsh at times, but Gwaine couldn't imagine him actually hurting his servant.

Gwaine had noticed that Merlin was thoughtful and reserved most of time. He only rarely allowed himself out of his shell and joking around with Gwaine, lighting up his face with that beautiful smile. Gwaine loved making Merlin smile; he relished those little moments they had together.

And now Arthur made Merlin cry, Gwaine thought with a frown. He felt a pang of anger at Arthur for hurting his… No, not his anything. Merlin was just a friend; he didn't have any special claim to him.

Gwaine finally made it to his room and entered sighing internally with longing.

The next day after training Gwaine sought Merlin out when the latter was polishing the armour.

"Hey" Gwiane exclaimed, plumping down next to Merlin

"Hey there" Merlin answered a small smile colouring his lips.

Gwaine smiled in return, "So, has Arthur been running you into the ground, I haven't seen you in a while."

Merlin shuddered internally at the mention of Arthur's name, and his happy smile was immediately replaced with a wide false one.

"Well, you know, I'm just a servant. I can't complain."

Gwaine noticed the change in Merlin's composure, and wondered once again what could have happened to make the other man so on edge.

"Merlin" He started in a serious tone "You know that I'm your friend, you can trust me. You can tell me anything" He added the last sentences softly seeking out Merlin's eyes.

Merlin kept staring at the breast plate that he was polishing at the moment. He really wished that that was the case, but he couldn't tell Gwaine, couldn't tell anyone. Especially not Gwaine though, he liked Gwaine a lot and didn't want him to know that Merlin was unworthy and dirty. He couldn't bear Gwaine knowing.

"It's nothing" he murmured instead, hoping Gwaine would let it go.

"Merlin" Gwaine called out gently again, and Merlin raised his eyes to meet Gwaine's.

As their eyes met, brown on blue, Gwaine saw so much anguish and pain in Merlin's that he could not resist leaning forward and kissing him lightly.

At first Merlin froze, his pupils widening in surprise and fear. But then he closed them and leaned into Gwaines touch.

Their lips intertwined, and the mixture of Gwaine's soft lips and his pleasantly sharp stubble was intoxicating.

Merlin deepened the kiss and their tongues met. If Gwaine was surprised at Merlin's experience he didn't show it. After only a few seconds of pleasant bliss Gwaine pulled away. He smiled at Merlin and after a moment Merlin returned the smile.

Before either of them had a chance to say anything, Lancelot and Percival burst onto the field, intending to match strengths on a dare. They immediately jumped from each other. Before the others could see him, Gwaine leaned in and whispered "Come visit me in my chambers, tonight". And giving Merlin one more conspiratorial look strolled off in the direction of the other knights.