This is owned to MamzelleHermy because she requested this. I hope this is what you wanted LOL

Gaius was angry at him.

When he offered the medicine it was bitterer than ever.

He made sure that Merlin really ate all of the food that covered his plate.

He said that everything was fine and Merlin was recovering fast.

Like always.

And still he locked Merlin in his room, not allowing him to move anywhere for days.

He said that Merlin was stupid when he didn't say anything about how tired he was.

Merlin apologized.

He promised that was going to be more careful, but reminded his guardian that he was the only one who was capable of protect Camelot with magic.

Gaius had to admit that.

But he still thought that Merlin was too selfless.

Finally Merlin snapped.

"Are you serious Gaius? I work for you, I work for Arthur, I protect this land, this city and its king and heir. I have nobody helping me because I can't tell anyone. Yes, there are you and Lancelot but that is not enough. "

Gaius blinked his eyes.

"I know. I hope that someday, someday you can be free Merlin." Gaius sighed. "And I'm sorry that so many depend on you so much. Maybe I'm being to harsh."

"No Gaius, it's just… That there is nobody else right now. My life is so complicated. I can't let my guard down. Let myself feel…" Merlin fall silent.

Gaius realized that there was going on much more than what he was realized. Merlin was lonely. He couldn't just trust anybody. And he still deeply loved Freya. Merlin lost so much and gained so little.

"I have to go." Merlin said.

"Merlin…"

"Don't worry Gaius. I've made my choice. But I promise that this in not going to happen again anytime soon."

He left, walked through the corridors and stopped behind the door.

Merlin took a deep breath.

Because Gaius had kept his entire friend's visiting at a minimum, he hadn't talked with Arthur yet.

Now he just had to face him.

He opened the prince's door and walked inside.

()

Arthur saw Merlin work as if he had not been gone for two weeks.

Merlin hymned that ridiculous song, but Arthur had to admit to himself that he actually missed it.

And now he knew that Merlin was okay.

But one thing was still bothering him.

"Don't you trust me Merlin?" Arthur asked suddenly.

Merlin spun around and watched Arthur, his eyes wide.

"You never told me anything about you. Not how much you work, your private life…"

"It is not important." Merlin interrupted.

"I think it is. But… I do trust you Merlin. I hope that someday you can tell me what is going on in your weird head."

Merlin smiled.

"I'm said this before, sire, that I will serve you until the day I die. You just have trust that I do so, and that everything will go just fine."

They stared at each other.

Finally Arthur coughed, breaking the awkward moment.

"Do you realize that you, being my… regent's manservant and all, that you can actually command other servants to help you? I know that your workload has raised, so why didn't you ever tell me that you need help?"

"Command other servants?" Merlin looked shocked. "You know that I can never do that."

"And that's the problem Merlin. I think that you have to. You don't have to always do that, but I don't want to repeat this situation again. Do you realize when someone had to replace you, they didn't know where anything here is? They don't know my routine. They don't know anything. It's annoying."

Arthur sat behind his worktable.

"Now I have to concentrate about this so, do something but don't bother me."

Merlin walked beside him and peeked over his shoulder.

"So, King Olaf is coming."

"Yes. Go. Now."

"If you…"

"I don't take any advice about my speech from you."

"You never aren't going to make it. I mean. You are a good knight and all but, your speeches…"

"What's wrong with them? I'm very capable to write my own speeches!"

"No. Do you know that if you write like that you can actually hurt his feelings? He is king! Look, this one…"

Merlin grabbed the quill pen and wrote something fast.

Arthur slapped hands on the table and stood up. "So, if you really can write better than me, show me."

Merlin took his seat and began to write.

Arthur stared at him. "You really are a girl Merlin."

"Shut up and do something knightly." Merlin hissed and continued writing.

Arthur looked at his armor and sword and grinned.

He glanced out the window.

It was the perfect weather for a bit of swordplay.

"Are you sure?"

"Go, away."

Arthur really didn't want to miss this opportunity.

He grabbed his gear.

He just had to find some servant to help with the armor.

He glanced at Merlin who didn't raise his head to look, focusing on writing.

"In the afternoon, in the training field Merlin."

"Yes yes, of course." Merlin mumbled.

Arthur stepped out side and dropped his gear to guards lap and commanded him to follow.

Then he stopped.

He was realized that Merlin was yet again taking over more work. He sighed.

"Maybe I just have to pay him more and that's it."