Disclaimer: I own nothing. The characters should pray for their good fortune.
Title: A Sacrifice for a Friend
Summary: Merlin takes up a second job to help Gaius pay off a debt, but this job involves serving the desires of other men, especially the knights of Camelot. How will Arthur react when he finds out about this? Possibly slash Warning: violent sex
Author's Note- I want to thank everyone for your votes, and everyone voted for slash so the story will definitely be slash. I will try to update this story frequently, but it may be a few days before I can get another chapter up. I apologize in advance for the delay, or possible delays.
~[~ (Merlin's POV)
Before Merlin even opened his eyes he was overtaken by agony the next morning. The pain coursed through his entire body, though it was focused mainly in his backside. The light from the sun also blinded him and made him groan, but then a thought hit him. He was supposed to be serving Arthur. Right now.
With that thought he was jolted awake and tried to get up, but discovered that the pain and weakness that he was experiencing prevented it. The sudden hysteria subsided with the pain, and was replaced by a new emotion entirely: fear, more specifically the fear that the news of what he had done would spread through Camelot and to Arthur.
He took a moment to calm down and assess his physical being before panicking. He had a headache that was only made worse by his previous actions and panic. Also, his backside felt like it was on fire no matter what position he lay in, and he found that he could not get comfortable. Furthermore, the bite on his shoulder looked as though it was becoming infected, and needed immediate treatment to prevent that. Bruises and scratch marks lined his body from his chest to his thighs, and they were painful to touch. Finally, the weakness in his body made him feel heavy and tired, but the pain was keeping him awake. All in all he was a mess, and not going anywhere for a day at least, which meant Gaius was going to have to take care of him. He knew he could not tell Gaius about what he had done, and so that meant hiding it from him the best he could.
His thoughts were interrupted as said man walked into his room. Merlin was shocked for a moment and quickly thought of an excuse. "Gaius I don't feel well. I feel sore and achy, so I don't think I will be able to serve Arthur today. Could you get someone to tell him for me?" He tried to look as innocent as possible since that always seemed to work to his advantage.
Gaius regarded him carefully for a moment before responding. After a tense moment he nodded his head and gently held a hand to Merlin's forehead to check for a fever. Even though the touch was gentle Merlin still had to fight the urge to pull away. He knew that he needed to get used to being touched and manhandled, but it was still difficult, especially with the previous night's experience hanging over his head. He relaxed a bit more onto the pillows as the physician began lightly stroking his hair. While performing the comforting gesture Gaius spoke. "You do look rather ill, and it would probably be best to remain here where I can keep an eye on you." He could see the genuine concern on the old man's face as he continued, and he wondered if it had anything to do with the fact that Merlin would be all alone in Camelot if he were gone. After all a very real threat was made yesterday, and so Gaius concern for him was greatly appreciated. "I'll make you a tonic to help you feel better, go back to sleep." Gaius continued to play with his hair as he nodded and began to slowly drift off thanks to the soft ministrations.
Merlin was awoken some time later by Gaius who had brought him the tonic, some water, and even a light meal. Though Merlin still felt sick about the night before he was appreciative, and would at least try to eat some of it. Gaius spoke to him again in a gentle tone. "Here drink this." With that the physician helped ease him into a sitting position, which caused pure agony to race all the way up his spine. He cringed but Gaius fortunately passed it off as his aching body, and comfortably rubbed his arm as the pain passed. When it did the cup was lifted to his lips and he drank slowly and carefully until it was completely gone. Then the meal was placed on his lap along with a fork and a napkin. He flashed Gaius a grateful smile and took a small bite of the soup. Gaius sat with him for a moment before continuing. "I'll draw you a bath so that you can relax in it while soothing your aches and pains." Merlin froze and almost dropped the spoon.
He had to think fast to come up with an excuse. It wasn't that he didn't want a bath, in fact the idea of one sounded wonderful. He had only managed to wipe himself down quickly the night before and he wanted to get the residue of sex off of himself so badly, but then Gaius would see the marks, and he couldn't allow that. "Thanks but I don't think I'm up for one. I'd rather just stay in bed today and rest."
Gaius flashed him a suspicious glance but nodded. "Okay I'll just leave you to your rest then. Call me if you need anything okay." The look of concern was back and it pained Merlin to think about how much Gaius cared for him.
It was then that Merlin remembered the money and quickly snatched it off the bedside table. In fact he was too quick and jolts of pain spread throughout his body. He cringed but held the bag of coins out to Gaius. "Oh, I wanted to give this to you to help with your debts. I hope it is enough to help." Merlin smiled but Gaius looked shocked.
"I can't take your money Merlin. Keep it, I'm sure it will be of use to you in the future." Gaius gently reached out and pushed his had back. "Where did you even get this?"
Ignoring the question Merlin pushed again reaching out to clasp Gaius's hand to his other one while shoving the money into the physician's hand. "No Gaius please accept it. It is just that you have been so good to me that I want you to have this. Please take it."
Merlin knew his eyes were pleading because Gaius's expression softened considerably. The physician sighed and gazed downward before bringing his other hand up to take Merlin's. Gaius gently held Merlin's hands in his own while running his thumb along the backs of them. It was a very generous and gentle gesture that sent a shiver up his spine, followed by pain from the movement. The look of gratitude that Merlin received was well worth all the pain and eased his suffering a bit. "Thank you." Gaius told him and he was truly grateful.
After Merlin was helped back into a comfortable resting position Gaius let him be. He had stroked his hair a few more times and as they looked into each other's eyes. Merlin could see the concern there and he wondered if the pleasant feeling that settled over them was like a bond shared between father and son. Gaius did treat him very well, and even told him that he considered him to be like his own child. After he was gone Merlin began to drift into a peaceful sleep feeling safe and protected. The tonic was also starting to numb his pain, and that helped numb his mind.
~[~ (Merlin's POV)
Unfortunately, Merlin did not to rest comfortably for long. Arthur was livid at the news he had received this morning and practically broke down the door to Merlin's room. Gaius was trying to stop him but it was no use, after all he was the crown prince. Merlin panicked a bit at the look Arthur wore as he nearly tore down the door. The prince stalked over to the sorcerer and Merlin knew he was going to get it this time.
Arthur grabbed him and roughly pulled him into a sitting position. He was frozen for a moment as he waited patiently for the pain to pass. Arthur was oblivious to Merlin's current situation, and began berating him for his behavior. "What are you still doing here? Have you any idea how long I have waited for my breakfast, my lunch even? I'm starving and all the while you sit here and sleep!" Merlin moved to object but Arthur cut him off before he started. "I heard you were sick, and while you look horrid and feeble I'm sure that it would not impede you from doing your duty. I have chores for you such as cleaning my room and polishing my armor. Also, I require a bath." Arthur held his nose for a moment as he stepped closer to Merlin. "So do you, in fact, I want you to take one before reporting to do your duties for the day. Merlin are you even listening to me!" Arthur was beginning to turn red as he yelled with his voice rising informing anyone within a close distance to the room of their predicament.
All Merlin could think of as he listened to Arthur's rant was that it was typical Arthur, blunt and unyielding. He knew he really should respond but his head was in the clouds, and he really couldn't think with all the yelling, which had intensified his headache. Finally he managed "Please Arthur, there must be someone else who could do it." His voice was weak and tired, but he felt like he got his point across. "Please, I really am unwell."
Arthur sighed giving up, and looked Merlin straight in the eye as he said "Fine, but you better be in my quarters at dawn tomorrow with a breakfast fit for a king." When Merlin nodded Arthur fixed him one last glare and then stalked out the door cursing.
After he left Merlin laid down again to try to rest, hoping to catch at least a few more hours of sleep.
~[~ (Arthur's POV)
He was very angry at Merlin for leaving him high and dry this morning. He had waited for a while and became annoyed with each passing moment. Merlin was usually late but this morning had just been excessive. Not only had he been hungry, but all his servants morning duties were still undone, preventing him from moving on with his day. Though he wouldn't admit it he was bit concerned for his servant, and hoped that no mistidings had befallen him. However, he was a prince and scoffed at his concern for his servant, after all Merlin was just a simple servant. This he repeated to himself many times a day and sensed today would be no different.
He eventually got up and picked out his own clothes and then went to the kitchen to receive his own breakfast. It was there that he was finally informed of the reason for Merlin's absence. When he found that he had waited all morning because Merlin wanted a sick day though, that rid him of any concern and he found himself walking toward said man's chambers fully prepared to chew him out.
When he arrived he had been prepared to drag his servant out of bed and back to his chambers. Many chores were left undone, and that did not sit well with Arthur. He hated the incompleteness of it all, and he preferred a servant who would at least make his day entertaining over the boring types who were stuffy, uptight, and proper, all so opposite of Merlin.
His resolve broke slightly at the sight of him and though he had ranted, he now thought better of it. Merlin was clearly unwell, but he still did not believe it would prevent him from doing a few simple chores, and Arthur really wanted a bath. Merlin did look sick though, and Arthur thought a bath might do him some good as well. He knew he had been blunt and a tad unfair, but he was the prince so he was allowed that privilege.
Manly though he was incredibly bored and just wanted some decent company. He would never tell Merlin, but he preferred to spend his time with him over anyone else in the kingdom. It was true that Arthur believed there was something special about him, and Merlin was a mystery that Arthur tried so hard to solve but was always thrown for a loop in the end. Merlin made his life entertaining and everyone else in the castle, aside from Gwen he supposed, was dreadfully dull. Merlin had a completely different life than Arthur, and some of the things that he had gone through fascinated Arthur. However, since he was a prince, the two could never be friends, and certainly nothing more than that. They would remain master and loyal servant until Arthur grew bored of him, or became too annoyed at his incompetence.
His train of thought was interrupted by Morgana who happened to pass by at that moment. He grumbled to her about Merlin and his sick day. Then he complained about all the chores that were still undone and the bath that he would not get to take. Morgana gave him a sly look and promised to find someone to help him out.
Arthur then went to speak with his father quickly about a few important and un-Merlin related matters before returning swiftly to his chambers intent on taking a bath even if he had to draw the water himself.
Nothing could have rivaled Arthur's surprised gaze as he entered his chambers only to behold Gwen cleaning his room and drawing his bath water. He was blushing now he knew it. Of all the people Morgana could send to help him for the day she would choose her, sweet and innocent Gwen. Well this was going to be an awkward bath that was for sure.
Gwen just smiled pleasantly at him as she finished pouring the water. "It is all ready for you. Morgana asked me to help you out for the day, and don't worry I have already started to clean your room. You can take your bath now, and I promise I won't be a bother."
Great so now he had to deal with not only the embarrassment of Morgana sending her personal servant as a replacement for the day, but now he had to strip naked, get in a tub, and bathe in front of her. So much for modesty he thought as he changed and awkwardly stepped out from behind his dressing area. Gwen looked at him and flashed him a smile while starring at him amusing before averting her eyes quickly. Yep, today was going to suck. He could already feel it.
~[~
I hope you all liked it, and I had to add the last scene after I thought of the episode "A Servant of Two Masters." If you haven't had a chance to watch it yet I definitely recommend it. I know at the moment Arthur is being a prat, but I plan to make him less arrogant as the story goes on. Any comments, thoughts, or ideas are welcome, and I am trying to incorporate as many of your ideas as I can.