WARNING - A/N: Hey guys! Just real quick…I wanted to give my apologies for the earlier chapters. I didn't realize how…well, sloppily written they were. So yeah, that last chapter was hopefully more entertaining and I'll make sure to not get lazy in the forthcoming scenes! Also, this is a longer chapter…I've thought about cutting it in half but decided against it. Later on (like the last bit after the last break) has M rated stuff, just so you're warned! Thanks guys!

Chapter 7

"Merlin…Merlin! Wake up! You're going to be late."

The warlock rolled over, mind groggy. He blinked slowly at the physician standing above him. Then he glanced out the window. The sun was just in the sky. "Gaius, it's too early," he mumbled, rolling back over and curling into his pillow.

The physician rolled his eyes and pulled the blanket off of his ward. "Merlin, please don't make me go get the bucket of water. The prince needs to be woken up."

The wizard mumbled something under his breath that closely resembled, "Stupid prince."

Gaius smiled. "Come on."

Merlin groaned once more before he realized he had no idea what Gaius was talking about in the first place.

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Arthur heard the knocks on his door and rolled over, still in bed. "Come in," he grumbled. He had woken early after a night of little rest and much tossing and turning and was not looking forward to the day ahead.

The door opened and in walked Merlin. Arthur's mood instantly lifted. He had forgotten the man was his servant, as of last night. "Merlin," Arthur welcomed with a smile. He stood up, forgetting about his half nakedness.

Merlin coughed politely and looked away. "I'm sorry I'm late…I've never been here before so I had some troubles finding the room."

Arthur turned to his wardrobe. "No worries," he said absentmindedly, not paying attention to the words coming out of his manservant's mouth. He sighed, looking through the clothes. "Will you help me pick something to wear for the festival today?" he asked, turning to smile at the man.

Merlin's eyes widened in surprise at the…tone of Arthur's voice. He walked over slowly, his heart racing at the prince's…unusual request. He picked a white shirt with gold hem-work that he thought would bring out the prince's shining hair and some black pants turning back to him and handing out the clothes expectantly.

Arthur waggled his eyebrows seductively. "Won't you help me into them? I know you've been wanting to…"

Merlin tilted his head in confusion. "Um, sire…are you usually this…friendly to your servants? Should I…I won't mention anything," the warlock asked softly, trying to abstain from looking at the smooth muscles of Arthur's chest. He swallowed and glanced down quickly, failing. His heart beat faster. This is not really happening, he thought. The prince was beautiful and apparently kind but why would he show this side of himself? Especially to a lowly servant he had just met….Merlin pinched himself to make sure he wasn't dreaming. Nope. This was real.

Arthur looked at him with wide eyes. "Whatever do you mean- oh for god's sake!" Arthur huffed, suddenly remembering about Merlin's curse. He blushed slightly to himself as he realized what a fool he had been making of himself before turning to his servant, who had stepped back some.

Arthur sighed, waving a hand to motion Merlin to him. "Come here for a moment, Merlin."

Merlin straightened, shaking his head stiffly. "No, um that's quite alright sire."

Arthur cut him off. "Just get over here you bloody idiot."

Merlin shook his head again, backing up against the wall. "I'm quite fine right here, thank you. I could go get, uh, someone?"

Arthur rolled his eyes and strutted over to the trembling warlock who tried desperately not to run…or stare. Arthur tilted Merlin's head towards him and kissed him lightly and quickly. He felt Merlin relax and sigh underneath of him and the prince smiled against his servant's lips as he returned to him. Then he pulled back just enough to see the blue of Merlin's eyes. He stared into them wonderingly.

"Better?" Arthur asked quietly.

Merlin smiled softly, his head feeling dizzily full as new colors and sounds raced through it. "Much."

Arthur grinned and walked towards the discarded clothes, tossing them to Merlin. "Good. Now will you dress me?"

"Well I'd much rather undress you but…" Merlin stopped, clamping his hands over his mouth, ears flaming at the words he hadn't meant to speak out loud.

Arthur walked back over to the servant slowly, a look of pleasant surprise on his face. He cocked an eyebrow as he pressed closer to him. Merlin took a deep breath in, trying to calm his speeding heart. Arthur's presence alone made him burn….when he was this close….and suggestive, Merlin felt on fire. Arthur slowly dragged his hand across Merlin's neck, pulling at his scarf teasingly. The warlock closed his eyes and coughed. Arthur picked up one of his love's hands and gently led it down his bare chest. Merlin opened his eyes and watched the movement, pressing into Arthur's smooth skin. Soon he needed little help from the prince. He began to trace the firm muscles, going further down, circling a small white scar with his thumb. He went a little lower and stopped, breathing hard. Arthur grinned, lust in his wide blue eyes. He guided Merlin's hand a little further down….down…tracing his waist band. Merlin took a sharp breath as he hooked his fingers into the prince's sleeping trousers. That's when Arthur let go and Merlin's hand fell. He looked up, face flushed.

Arthur grinned and took a step back, much to the displeasure of the servant. He gritted his teeth at Arthur's cocky smile. "That was quite out of your personality to say, Merlin…are you sure you meant it?"

Merlin glared at him and threw him his clothes. "You know, it's not nice to tease me like that. I really did….mean it."

Arthur's presumptuous smile faded. He went back over to Merlin, grabbing one hand and looking at him sincerely. "And Merlin, believe me when I say this will kill me to state, but…I want to wait. For you." Merlin went to stop him but Arthur raised a hand before he could speak. "I want nothing more than to be with you in all ways possible. And it makes me very happy to know you feel similarly…however, when one is…in love….I don't want to ruin anything. I want to know that it's the right time. I care more about you than just for sex and I want to do this all right…and proper."

Merlin sighed and looked away, feeling slightly rejected and embarrassed. What Arthur had said made a lot of sense…but it still hurt. Arthur frowned as Merlin saddened. He lifted the warlock's face to his gently, looking into his wintery blue eyes. Then he leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to his lips. Merlin kissed him back, just as sweetly, not ever wanting to be separated. But all too soon the prince pulled away, leaning his head against Merlin's, his heart racing. If he wasn't careful then Merlin's overpowering cuteness would make him break that earlier statement.

He took a few steps back, turning around. He dropped his trousers and pulled on the new pants quickly before turning back to Merlin. The man smiled at him. "Do you still require assistance dressing the rest of the way?" Merlin asked, holding up the white shirt that Arthur had been wearing when he and Merlin had first discussed their feelings.

Arthur grinned, glad to have Merlin's smile and humor back in place. He went back to the servant who rolled the shirt up to put over his head. Merlin dragged the cloth down over his head and arms slowly, straightening it at the bottom. He raised his hands to the buttons, all too aware of Arthur's constant gaze. He buttoned each hole carefully and slowly until he reached the last one and the prince's tanned chest was completely covered. He slid his hands down, resting them on Arthur's chest for a moment, feeling the beat of his heart. He looked up and smiled.

"I'm glad you're here," Merlin said simply. Arthur grinned.

"I am, too."

Knock knock knock. Arthur and Merlin jumped apart guiltily. Arthur coughed, trying to hide his embarrassment. "Yes?"

"The King would like you to meet him in front of the castle," a deep voice said from outside.

Arthur nodded and then remembered the guard couldn't see him. "Tell him I will be there shortly."

"As you wish, sire."

Arthur put his boots on and turned to Merlin, who stood there, wondering what he should do. The prince grinned. "Now about my revenge for last night. I have a list of work for you to do. Gaius tells me you're excellent with chores."

Merlin rolled his eyes. "Perfect. Because Gaius' word is just what I need."

Arthur chuckled and handed Merlin a piece of paper with chores on it before heading out the door. Merlin looked over the list, scowling. Royalty.

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Merlin had finished shining Arthur's armor for the knighting ceremony later. Now he was on his way to the marketplace for Gaius, having stopped by to see how the physician was doing and landing with more jobs. First, he searched for Arthur, seeing if the prince needed anything from the town while he was there. He was headed back to Arthur's room when he bumped into a group of knights laughing and messing about. Merlin recognized a few of them as some of Arthur's good friends.

Gwaine looked over at the passing servant and nudged the knights around him. They stopped and Merlin continued. "Merlin!" Gwaine called.

The manservant stopped and turned around, frowning. "Yes?"

Gwaine and the rest of the knights walked over to where Merlin stood. "I'm Gwaine. This is Lancelot, Leon, Percival, and Elyan…we've heard you're Arthur's new…servant."

Merlin raised a brow in question. "Well news does travel fast here, doesn't it?"

"Rather," Gwaine said. "Arthur is very…dedicated to you, yes?" The others laughed at this and Merlin frowned again. What were they getting at?

"Well I guess he's just a kind person," Merlin started slowly.

"Yeah, nice if he's screw-"

Lancelot cut Leon off with a glare, shaking his head.

"Look, I don't know what you think is going on but-"

"It's alright, Merlin. We approve of Arthur's choice. We've been waiting for him to get on with it. He's only been complaining about you for who knows how long. We know exactly what's going on. Just ask Lancelot," Gwaine said, interrupting him.

"Oh really, Gwaine. And what would that be?" A voice asked from behind them. The knights turned around, shock written on their face. Arthur stood there, his arms crossed with a glare on his face.

Gwaine smiled sheepishly and patted Merlin on the shoulder, much to the displeasure of the prince. "Well, we uh, you see-"

Arthur raised a hand to stop him, going to stand by Merlin's side. He blushed, embarrassed by the conversation going on. How many people had Arthur told about him? "My servant has work to be doing. You stopping him with your nonsense is not helping."

"And uh, what exactly kind of work would that be, my lord?" Percival asked with a straight face. The others cracked up at the question. Arthur glared.

"Enough! Leave us." Arthur waved the group off and they left, laughing. He turned to his servant. "I'm sorry about them…they care, is all."

Merlin laughed. "Yes, I can tell."

Arthur sighed, rubbing a hand through his golden locks. "What were you doing, anyway?"

"I was actually looking for you. I was heading into the town square for Gaius and I wanted to know if there was anything I could get for you."

Arthur looked around, making sure there weren't any guards, and smiled. He patted Merlin's cheek. "There isn't anything I am thinking of but I wouldn't mind joining you."

Merlin smiled and the two went off, talking about their day.

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The town square bustled with people. They flitted here and there, gathering things to enjoy the festival. Merlin and Arthur talked as they looked about the stalls of both home and visiting merchants. They stopped every now and then, admiring random trinkets and beautiful flowers. Merlin blushed profusely when a fair maiden in purple handed Arthur a purple Geranium Versicolor, which he in turn gave to Merlin, who had been admiring the bountiful of beautiful plants. Arthur smiled at Merlin's shy cuteness, and the warlock laughed, picking up a bluebell the color of Arthur's eyes. He held it up to the girl questioningly and she nodded, smiling. Merlin turned and tucked it into Arthur's pocket. He chuckled and pat it lovingly, watching Merlin with bright eyes.

They continued on their way, picking up the things Gaius had asked for. They continued to point out little things to each other, laughing and talking about them the whole time. They had reached the herbs stall when Merlin saw him. His heart skipped a beat as the person he was watching turned around and proved to be who he thought it was. A smile stretched upon the other man's face when he saw Merlin and without another word the two hurried to each other.

"Tom!" Merlin exclaimed, wrapping his arms around the other man.

"Merlin! What are you doing here?" Tom asked, hugging Merlin tightly.

"I could ask you the same!"

Arthur walked up to them slowly, frowning. Merlin didn't notice; his focus was on Tom, the man he hadn't seen for so long.

"I'm just passing through. I heard tell you were here…and I thought I'd come see you," Tom explained sheepishly, putting his hands in his pockets.

Merlin grinned, leaving one hand on Tom's arm imperceptibly. "I'm glad you did! It's been ages!"

Tom smiled softly, remembering the last time he and Merlin had been together. "Yes, it has."

At this point Arthur had had enough of being ignored. He coughed politely and Merlin looked to him, remembering that he wasn't alone. "Oh, Arthur, this is Tom. We were…well….uh, best friends, back home. Tom, this is Prince Arthur. I'm his, uh,"

"Manservant," Arthur filled in. His stomach had long since turned sour at Merlin's reaction to this…Tom. He crossed his arms as Merlin's attention returned to Tom. He didn't understand why he was so jealous. He was the one dating Merlin, not this Tom guy! "Don't lollygag all day, Merlin. There are still things to be done. For now, I must return to my duties. I will see you tonight." And before Merlin could say another word, he left, leaving the warlock looking after him in surprise.

Tom nudged him and he shook it off, chopping it up to Arthur being Arthur. He turned back to his friend and they started talking about everything that had happened since they had been apart. The whole time Merlin fingered his flower gently, wondering if Arthur was really okay.

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Night had come and Arthur sat at the table in his room, waiting for Merlin to bring dinner and surrounded by the books he had borrowed from the library. It had been another busy day and tomorrow would be no different. Arthur drummed his fingers on the desk restlessly.

A gentle knock came at the door and a moment later Merlin walked in, hands full with a tray of food. Arthur moved the books away so that the servant could place the food down. He nodded his thanks as he began to eat, starving from the longevity of the day. While he was eating, Merlin walked around, straightening the blankets and pillows and picking up the prince's discarded clothes. He stepped around the table, examining the books Arthur had brought from the library. Resting on one was the bluebell Merlin had given him earlier. The servant poured a glass of water and slipped both flowers into it, setting it by the window with a smile. Then he sat down in a chair across from Arthur, grabbing one of the books.

They sat in a tense silence. Arthur ate his food slowly, thinking of what to say and Merlin thumbed through the pages, only partially looking for things about the memory. He could practically feel the worry and frustration emanating from the prince. Finally, he slammed the book closed and lay it on the table.

"Arthur, what's wrong?" Merlin demanded. "You haven't spoken a word to me since you left the marketplace this afternoon."

Arthur arched an eyebrow and took a sip of wine to stall from answering. How could he admit that seeing him with Tom had made him crazily upset? "It's nothing." He pushed the leftovers of his food to the side, grabbing a book. "What are we looking for exactly?"

Merlin sighed and looked away. "Something about a memory curse…anything will do."

Arthur nodded and they started flipping through the pages, slowly and in silence. Merlin finished the first book and moved onto a second. They continued like this for the next half hour. Merlin looked up at the prince every now and then finally decided to take the book from him.

"Why'd you do that?" he demanded.

"Arthur, you'd been staring at the same page for the last fifteen minutes. As much as I think you might be that slow of a reader, I don't think that's the problem. Are you going to talk to me?" Merlin stated calmly.

Arthur sighed and rubbed his head. "If you want someone to talk to go talk to Tom. I'm sure he'd be more than willing to listen."

Merlin's eyes widened as understanding clicked in. It was closely followed by admiration…then anger. "Why are you upset with Tom? He's done nothing!"

Arthur frowned. "He was all over you and you him. I wouldn't call that nothing."

Merlin stared at him in shock. "We were not! But clearly you're too blinded by your jealousy to realize that he's just a friend!"

"You'd be jealous too if your boyfriend was all over some other man!" Arthur retorted hotly, standing up and pacing.

"Well I – wait," Merlin froze, thinking about Arthur's words. Boyfriend. Had he heard that right? "Did you just say…boyfriend, Arthur?"

Arthur paused and slowly faced the surprised voice. His anger dimmed immediately at the servant's shining eyes. "Yes….I was…I was going to ask, you know, if you would…would consider…courting me…not publically, of course, as my father…well, we would both be at the stake for it….but for us, for our sake…" Arthur dragged off nervously, not looking at Merlin.

The other man got up and went over to the prince, raising his head with one gentle hand. Arthur stared at him as he studied the set of the prince's jaw. "Courting…" Merlin said slowly. "Why didn't you just say so, Arthur?"

The prince sighed and rubbed his head tiredly. "Merlin…I don't know how to explain this but…well, you can be quite intimidating. After all of the rude remarks I've already heard from you, I wasn't sure how well this would go…"

"Arthur, you should have given me the chance," Merlin said softly. There was a pause. "Tom is a very old and dear friend, Arthur. That is all. There is nothing more between us now."

Arthur's ears picked up the last little word. "Now? As in, there once was?"

Merlin sighed and sat down on the prince's bed. "He was my first everything, Arthur. My first boyfriend, my first kiss, my first…well, you know…everything. We were close. And then he found someone else and I had to move and so we…ended. I haven't seen him in years. We were such good…friends that it was a relief to see him amongst all of this new here."

Arthur sat down by him, taking one hand into his. He rubbed the delicate fingers gently. "Merlin…I am sorry for over reacting. I just…I care about you. A lot. More than I was ever expecting when I first met you. And I know it's only been just after a week that we've known each other, however, I feel as if I've known you hundreds of times before. I shouldn't have gotten upset."

Merlin smiled. "It's alright. And besides, like you said last night. It shows me that you care."

Arthur grinned wickedly. "Indeed…maybe I should demonstrate just how much, just to be sure, you know."

Merlin stared at him suspiciously. "Arthur what exactly are you-"

Before he could finish, Arthur tackled him. Merlin rolled over, laughing as the prince kneeled over him on his hands and knees, winking seductively. "I'm not sure yet. Maybe I'll start with this." He leaned down and nipped Merlin's neck just under his ear, sucking lightly. Merlin's hands grabbed Arthur's waist. "And then maybe I'll do this," the prince whispered against his love's neck lightly, dragging his tongue lightly across the bottom of Merlin's jaw. "And I might just move up here…a little…" He kissed along Merlin's smooth jawline, going upwards. He pressed his lips lightly to the corners of the man's lips, teasing him.

Merlin groaned and he squeezed Arthur's sides tightly. Arthur brushed his lips over Merlin's sharp cheekbones, moving to his nose, his eyes, his ears, going everywhere but where Merlin wanted him most. The warlock whimpered quietly and Arthur smiled against his pale skin. He kissed his temples, slowly going back down.

"Arthur," Merlin gasped as the prince reached one hand down to palm the servant's cock lightly.

Arthur chuckled and removed his hand, finally pressing his lips to Merlin's. Merlin breathed and sucked in the sweet taste of his prince. Arthur bit Merlin's bottom lip, pulling at it gently. Merlin gasped and let Arthur into his mouth completely. He grazed his tongue along the bottom of Arthur's lip, sliding his hands underneath his shirt. His hands rubbed his smooth back muscles, squeezing every now and then as Arthur nipped and sucked at his mouth. Occasionally he would lower himself onto Merlin, grinding ever so slightly, just enough to cause the servant's breath to hitch and his heart to almost stop.

Merlin tugged at Arthur's shirt, lifting it up, trying to remove it so he could see everything. Arthur chuckled at the unspoken request and they sat up. Merlin pulled the shirt over Arthur's head, staring at him with fire in his blue eyes. Merlin bit his lip at the beautiful figure of the prince. He placed his hands on Arthur's chest lightly, taking in the feel, the reality of it all. Arthur growled at Merlin's caress and tugged at the scarf and shirt, effectively getting them both off at the same time while pushing him back onto the bed. Arthur's hands traveled lightly across Merlin's torso and hips. He pressed his waist down, staying on his elbows to kiss the warlock. He slowly nipped down the side of Merlin's face, moving to his now exposed neck. Merlin groaned in pleasure, locking his hands in Arthur's golden hair. The prince dragged his teeth and tongue alternately across Merlin's neck…then chest…down, down, down to his navel. He brushed his lips slowly across the top of the waistband, pulling it down centimeter by centimeter so slowly that Merlin wanted to scream. He continued to pull them down, stopping at the start of Merlin's shaft. The prince sat back up and watched Merlin, who frowned.

"Arthur," he whined. "That's not fair."

Arthur laughed. "I thought we had research to be doing."

Merlin growled and pushed the prince to the bed. "Well I am. Now it's my turn."

Arthur's eyes darkened. Merlin was so damn seductive…he was tempted to take him right then and there. Merlin pressed Arthur's hands over his head, holding him captive. Then he slowly dragged his teeth and tongue over Arthur's chest, rubbing and pressing into the smooth skin. Merlin lowered his hands, slowly tugging at Arthur's pants. He slid his nails across Arthur's backside, massaging his thighs. Arthur groaned, shifting his hips oh so lightly. He could feel his manhood brushing against his pants, straining against the cloth.

Merlin looked up at Arthur and grinned. "Is this alright, my lord?" he asked, batting dark eyelashes.

Arthur grit his teeth at Merlin's wonderfulness. "Merlin…are you…will you…"

The man touched his cock through his pants. Arthur gasped. "Like this, sire?"

Arthur almost bit his tongue. "Y-yes…you know it wouldn't…ruin my 'proper plans' if-if we went just a-a little farther," Arthur gasped as Merlin slowly pressed kisses to the bulge.

Merlin grinned. "Of course not. This isn't technically…going all the way, so to speak."

Arthur nodded as Merlin pulled the trousers off over his feet. He looked at Arthur's hard shaft longingly. He traced his fingers lightly upwards, causing the prince to shudder and clench the blanket behind him. Merlin leaned down, licking the insides of Arthur's thighs and the bottom of his cock, rubbing the tip lightly with one thumb. He peppered the base with kisses that slowly became more insistent, tugging, until the prince was gasping for more.

Merlin smiled and took the cock into his mouth, first just sucking and nipping at the head then taking in more. He started unbearably slow, continually dragging his nails across Arthur's torso. He could feel his cock, tight against his partially pulled down pants. Without taking Arthur out of his mouth he pulled his pants down and rubbed his shaft with one hand. He sped up, pulling at Arthur's manhood with his tongue and lips faster and faster. Arthur grabbed at Merlin's raven locks.

"God, Merlin…you're s-s-soo good," the prince gasped, his back arching into the air.

Merlin pushed Arthur's cock deeper into his mouth, swallowing. He stopped pulling at his own erection to place both of his hands on Arthur's arse. He grazed Arthur's cock with his teeth and lips, causing the prince to shudder.

"M-Merlin…I'm going to…"

Merlin pulled his lips off and sat up. Arthur grabbed Merlin's cock and Merlin his and they pumped quickly, rubbing circles and pulling tightly. Merlin was panting and Arthur had leaned his head back in pleasure.

"Arthur…I'm not going to last much longer," Merlin stuttered.

"Neither am I, Merlin," Arthur responded.

It only took a few more tugs and both boys released their fill. It squirted onto their hands. Arthur could feel Merlin's cock, warm and throbbing in his hand. He leaned forward and sucked at it, cleaning it of the cum. Merlin did the same. They both lay back, gasping for air. Arthur wrapped his arms around Merlin's waist, pulling him to him. They lay there, naked, sweating, and panting. Arthur showered the back of Merlin's neck and back with kisses.

"Merlin, that was…amazing. No, amazing doesn't even do it justice," Arthur replied, leaning over to see Merlin's beautiful face.

Merlin smiled. "Same, Arthur. It's never been better."

The prince sighed. "I'm almost sorry we didn't…go further…"

Merlin rubbed Arthur's face with one hand. "There's a way for things, remember? You wanted to be all proper?"

Arthur grinned. "Yes. And if this alone was wonderful then I am glad to wait for more."

He placed a kiss on the warlock's lips, slow and deep. He pulled back after a moment and Merlin yawned, trying to fight the sudden exhaustion. Arthur smiled at the cuteness of his…boyfriend. His smile grew at the word.

"We should get you home. You're going to fall asleep soon, which means resetting," Arthur said, sitting up away from the warmth of the bed.

He grabbed his discarded shirt and wiped of his and Merlin's stomachs and legs and hands. Merlin stood up, pulling his pants back up and taking his shirt from Arthur. He pulled it over his head and turned back to the prince, who stood watching him. He smiled and Arthur kissed him once more, walking with him – still naked – to the door. He leaned against it, displaying the beauty that made Merlin groan inside in pleasure. Arthur smiled.

"Too bad for our other research….You won't go forgetting me will you?" Arthur asked pointedly.

Merlin laughed. "How could I forget a beautiful prat like you, sire? And there's always tomorrow for our…other research."

Arthur chuckled. "Yes, alright…good night, Merlin."

Merlin touched the prince's shoulder lightly, his heart swelling with the warmth of love flowing from his eyes. "Good night, Arthur."