Disclaimer: Merlin is still not mine; a big surprise to you all, I'm sure. :P

I'm so sorry for the shortness (and poor quality) of this - my mind has been occupied with study for upcoming exams (eek!) and also with Sherlock, which I finally have got around to becoming obsessed with...

That and the fact the BBC provided me with very little slash material this week (it honestly took me a while to come up with something!). However, I've made do and added a bit extra in. I hope you like. :)


Keep The Relationship Secret - Episode VII

Merlin would never admit he was jealous. At least not out loud. But Arthur's sudden concern in Gwen's affairs was beginning to worry him. For a while at least, until it occurred to him that Arthur was that sort of man and the prince would have done the same (if not more) for Merlin. Besides, the manservant also shared the concerns for Gwen; it made him sick to see his friend so sad and broken. And he wouldn't stop until something was done to fix it. Their shared worry had resulted in a trek out to an abandoned castle in order to rescue Gwen's brother from Cendred's grasp. Both Gwen and Morgana (much to Merlin's disapproval) rode with them, meaning Arthur and Merlin would have to keep their facade up. Arthur managed a brief, adoring glance back at Merlin on the ride out, but that had been all.

At their camp site, Arthur had even sent Merlin off after Morgana so as not to arouse suspicious. Besides, they both knew that if allowed one moment alone at the campsite while the two women collected firewood, they would not be able to keep their hands off each other.

As it eventuated, their infiltration of the Castle Fyrien had resulted in their capture and Arthur and Merlin were faced with some alone time in the prison cells. But much more was at risk then and both Arthur and Merlin knew it. Escaping from their brief spell in prison, however, proved easier than expected. Arthur was only slightly surprised at how well Merlin acted; the manservant had proved himself more than efficient at role-playing in the past...

Their escape from prison also gave Arthur a chance to show off his proficient sword skills (again). It also allowed for Merlin to find a slightly more sensible use for the spell that dropped the recipient's trousers (a revelation he was quite surprised by, since he had been certain that little trick had been for amusement's sake only).

~ *XX* ~

It was only on the way back to Camelot when they finally were able to talk privately together. The others were all asleep as Arthur and Merlin sat in comfortable silence around the glowing embers of the fire.

"You went back after me," Arthur whispered and Merlin met his gaze.

"Of course." While Merlin had been against going back for Morgana, he never would have let Arthur go off on his own like that.

"You could have been hurt," Arthur leaned forward.

Merlin smiled slightly, "you'd have done the same if our positions had been switched."

"Yes, I would have," Arthur admitted. "But thank you, Merlin ... Not that you were any use back there, mind."

Merlin quirked an eyebrow in faux indignation at Arthur's teasing, "Hey! I did say I'd watch your back."

"That you did." There was a comfortable pause before Merlin spoke, his voice hitching slightly.

"Well, it's like Gwen said; that's what you do when you love someone."

"You overheard that conver- wait, you... you love me?"

Merlin smiled, relieved when Arthur returned the gesture. The prince didn't need to say anything back: Merlin could read it in his face. Merlin then mock frowned, "don't let it go to your head, though."

Arthur grinned widely and ruffled Merlin's hair slightly. "Wouldn't dream of it."

Somehow Merlin knew that wasn't quite the truth.