A/N: So, just to let everyone know, there actually is a plot to this story. It's not just sex. Well, the sex is most of the plot but there are other elements. Also, I don't know why I have such a fixation on the neckerchief. I really don't. I know no one has mentioned it but I do seem overly obsessed with the bugger.
So…. ABOUT MY NECKERCHEIF FIXATION:
I've concocted 3 explanations, you can choose one or combine them all into one super explanation, I don't care:
I have a weird and erotic association with neckwear. And, while I'm not yet ready to discover the psychological implications of it, I'm perfectly willing to admit it.
In relationships there's usually one object that has an associative quality to it. An object that reminds you of the other person and as a result comes to represent them. The neckerchief represents Aldwin (or Arthur, I'm not sure yet. I've never been very good at symbolism.)
The neckerchief is a metaphor for Merlin's virginity. (You know, I meant that as a joke but it's disturbing how much sense it makes. Oh yeah bitches! My story, like Shrek, has layers.)
P.S. For those of you who don't know Crème Chantilly is basically whipped cream with vanilla and sugar. I mention it briefly in this chapter. But it may show up later. Fun fact: While Arthur takes place in the 6th Century, Crème Chantilly wasn't invented till 1671. However, since sugar didn't arrive in Europe till the 12th Century – Actually, you guys don't care about my weird interest in the history of desserts. On with the story!
Chapter 4; 'Back in My day...a rubber was an eraser.'
Merlin stared ahead blankly, eyes glazed and unfocused. The sun hung high in the sky, and Merlin watched the light as it bounced off the stone. After a long while he moved, turning his head to look at the rag on the floor. It looked innocent enough, simple red fabric that he'd wrapped around his neck happily for years. But now it was soiled. He'd thought about putting it on again, at least to cover the hickeys, but now it just seemed wrong. He felt disgusted as he looked at it, wishing that Aldwin had taken it. Merlin angrily grabbed the neckerchief and threw it. It didn't fly very far, instead fluttering innocently to the ground barely a foot away. He tried to ignore it; which, of course, didn't work. Feeling annoyingly aware of its existence he picked it up, burying it under a pile of straw. At least this way he wouldn't have to look at it.
Exhaustion settling in he collapsed back onto the stone. While it was still too early in the day to sleep it still felt nice to lie down. He stared up at the stone ceiling, mind wandering.
Aldwin's tongue-
Merlin quickly tried to push the thought from his mind before he'd even finished it.
Aldwin's fingers…
No, he refused to think about it.
Aldwin's mouth…
Groaning he covered his face. He could feel the heat of his blush on his fingertips. He rolled onto his stomach, closing his eyes and trying to clear his mind. It was no use. His body tingled in remembrance as images danced in his mind. Shivering he struggled to make sense of the situation in his head.
He came up blank. All he could say for sure was that Aldwin was a raging pervert and for some bizarre reason that turned him on. Which by default would make him a pervert. At least…he thought it did. But he wasn't overly obsessed with sex. And he didn't think of it on a daily basis. At least, he thought he didn't…Quickly, and with an air of panic, he tried to recall what he thought about most of the time. Well that was easy: Arthur and food. There was nothing sexual about that…actually, now that he really thought about it…
Merlin coughed awkwardly as an image involving Arthur and a royal delicacy called Crème Chantilly danced in his head. That was definitely not something he'd ever thought of before. He blamed Aldwin.
"Merlin!" The Brunette jumped as his name was yelled from outside the dungeon. "Merlin!" Gwen burst into the room, breath ragged as she hurried over to him.
"What is it?" He asked, worried.
"Put on your neckerchief!" She exclaimed.
"What? Why?"
"For God sakes, just do it!" She yelled. Something in her tone of voice spurred him into action. Rushing towards the pile of hay he felt desperately before grasping the material. He heard steps coming down the stairs and quickly wrapped the material around his neck, tying the knot just as Uther walked into the room.
Merlin felt a rush of gratitude towards her. He couldn't imagine what sort of punishment he would receive if the King discovered his…marks. He was even afraid to do so much as think the word around the king.
"Leave us." The King ordered Gwen. She nodded her head respectively before rushing from the room.
Merlin prepared himself for the worst as the King turned to him. Uther let out a small sigh, reluctance displayed all over his features.
"You are an idiot." The King growled. "I can not stress how much havoc you have wreaked on my life since you've showed up in my Kingdom." Merlin felt irritated. If anything it was the complete opposite. The Pendragons were a breeding ground for trouble and his life had been far more peaceful without them. Yet they kept trying to blame him for it. Prats. "You are a lowly servant and I would have dispensed of you long ago. I just want to make that absolutely clear before I continue. Do you understand?"
Merlin nodded slowly, unsure where this was going.
"It seems that while I find you completely useless, Arthur does not. You help him and are obviously an important part of his maturation." The King looked almost in pain as he talked, struggling to get the words out. "You seem to possess the ability to talk Arthur out of stupid decisions. Though you are the cause of most of them." Uther paused for a long while before he continued. "I am willing to let you free right now." Merlin felt hope swell in his chest. "On one condition." Uther added. The hope drained right out of him. "You are to be kept under constant supervision at all times. If I see you wandering around by yourself it's right back to the dungeons." Uther looked at him very seriously.
"Yes, sire." Merlin said, happiness filling him.
Uther looked at him for a few seconds before nodding. He quickly called a guard in, ordering him unlock the cell and escort Merlin back to Gaius'.
Merlin walked behind the man, following him up the stairs and through the halls. As he walked happy to be let loose from the dungeons, he couldn't help but wonder why he was being let free. Especially if Uther was just going to place him under supervision. He might as well be left in the cell.
Earlier that Day:
Uther sat in his court, reviewing the treaty from last year's meeting of the Kingdoms. The other royalty was currently being treated to a hunt as the King had taken time to prepare for today's meeting. He sighed as, though the task at hand was infinitely important, he felt his mind stray. He really wanted to take a nap.
He was brought back from thoughts of his bed when he heard footsteps approaching his study. He quickly straightened from his slumped over position, schooling his face into one of sternness and composure. The door opened and Arthur walked into the room, looking furious, though he tried to hide it.
"Father." His voice shook slightly.
"Yes, Arthur?" Uther asked, curious what his son wanted.
"How long are you planning on keeping Merlin in the dungeons?" There was a hint of challenge in Arthur's voice that Uther rarely heard. Except for when he was talking about his servant.
Uther heaved a sigh. In all honesty he'd forgotten about Merlin.
"As long as I deemed fit." He said, not in the mood to deal with the situation.
"Father, we need all the help we can get. With the meeting the servants are overworked as it is." Arthur said. He fidgeted a little as he looked up at Uther pitifully.
"Why don't you leave the decision making to me." Uther was beginning to feel frustrated.
"Father, I just…" Arthur ran a hand over his face. He was far less composed than usual and clearly his mind was anywhere but here. "I just don't like Merlin being in there." He froze up quite suddenly, focus on the window. Uther turned but only saw Aldwin. When he turned back Arthur was gone, door swinging shut behind him. It soon opened again though, Gaius shuffling in and giving him 'the look.'
"I suppose you heard all of that." Uther said, familiar enough with 'the look' to know what it meant. "And you too think I should release Merlin." It was more of a statement than a question.
"I think it would be prudent, sire." Uther mentally groaned, knowing when he'd been beat. The unintentional puppy dog eyes from Arthur combined with Gaius' influence always got him in the end.
"I'll consider it." He sneered, but they both know that meant he'd given in.
Naturally, a few hours later he found himself going down to the dungeons, prepared to set Merlin free. And, as he'd gazed down at the boy and caught sight of familiar kiss inspired bruises peaking out from the neckerchief, he began to realize exactly why Arthur wanted him released.
A/N: OH, and I forgot to ask, one reviewer asked about the possibility of a threesome. Okay, frankly, I would fricken love to write a threesome. I mean, yeah, in the end it would be Arthur/Merlin in a permanent relationship, but the idea of Merlin squished between a sweaty Arthur and Aldwin while they fondled and licked and squeezed until he couldn't take it anymore and then they- (cough) well, as you can, I very much like the idea. Plus, then I would have an excuse to write about Aldwin doing naughty things to Arthur and I have to admit, I find the idea very intriguing (and outrageously and inexplicably hot. I mean, picture Aldwin pinning Arthur to the table, making him shudder in pleasure as he licked along Arthur's skin, Arthur wondering if this is how Merlin felt in the dungeons but then completely distracted as-OMG, I WANT TO WRITE IT SO BAD!) Still, I don't mind not writing it. So, leave a review and tell me what you think. By the way, this chapter;s so short because if you guys are totally for the threesome thing the next chapter will have Aldwin/Arthur naughty goodness. I'm holding out.