Since this is the tenth chapter I think it's a good time to shout out to all you reviewers.

MirrorFlower and Darkwind, Ichigo kisses and Beizanten. You three have been reviewing every chapter and I really appreciate it =) Glad that I've managed to keep you interested.

Loopstagirl and sesshouluver. You two have reviewed most of my chapters so thank you!

I would go on and mention everyones name but that would take too long. So all I can say is THANK YOU to everyone who has reviewed this story. As most people say, it's the reviews that keep the writers going.

A special mention is going out to zeza-66 who made my entire day by making a picture for this story in gratitude of fast updates. It's the sweetest thing and I didn't expect it at all! Thank you!

As for the people who now have detentions because of me, glad you're so dedicated XD Maybe start reading it at appropriate times so I don't get you in trouble? Otherwise who knows what comes after detention.

Anyway, you probably didn't even read that so on with the story! R&R if you like!

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Arthur moaned against Merlin's lips as the boy worked his magic, his hands holding Arthur firmly at the waist as he pushed his body against his, the desire to take things further quickly alighting in both of them. He had thought when Merlin had come at him that he'd get punched for sure, instead Merlin had kissed him like his life depended on it and held him against a wall that was unlikely to give way. He began to feel uncomfortable with the fact Merlin was in control here, Arthur was always in control in every situation and didn't like this situation.

Doing the only thing he could think of, he pushed Merlin away using what little strength he possessed when desire coursed through him and looked at the boy who teasingly let his tongue run across his lips. How one person could be so tempting was unreal. He'd been with a a lot of women, not as many as his reputation let one but enough that he had plenty of experience. When it came to guys, he had none. Merlin was the first man to ever tempt him past a kiss, the only one who with a single look made Arthur feel naked and most likely the only person to exist who didn't bore him after a few hours.

Merlin hooked a finger on his trousers and pulled him closer, his eyes never leaving Arthur's as he felt the drawstring being untied at his waist. "We shouldn't be doing this," Arthur whispered as he thought about how his Father would react if he knew about this. To know that Arthur had been with a thief, a male one at that, who was also a sorcerer, would probably ruin any chance of him becoming King. Morgana would take the throne and he would be disowned in the blink of an eye.

However, his doubts slowly ebbed away as Merlin dipped his head and pressed his warm lips to Arthur's neck. His teeth lightly nipping at his skin to tease him and Arthur felt his knees weaken, how could a simple touch make him feel like this? Like he had no control over his body or emotions. Even as Merlin blew against his ear Arthur knew he was doomed, there was no way he could walk away from this, from him.

"No, we shouldn't. Do you really want to stop though?" Merlin didn't give him a chance to answer because the next second Arthur felt his body shudder from the cool breeze that came from his trousers being removed. Merlin hadn't even moved his hands that now trailed across his chest. He was using magic and Arthur couldn't help but wonder what else his magic could do to him. "All you have to do is tell me to stop and I will my Prince."

Did he seriously think Arthur was capable of words when as he said it Merlin dropped his hand to wrap around Arthur's erection? The answer was no. Instead Arthur let out another small moan and grabbed onto the small table that was randomly placed against a wall, he cared little for why it was there. He was only thankful it was there because otherwise he'd be a mess on the floor right now.

As Merlin worked his hand up and down, Arthur opened the eyes that he hadn't realised were closed to see Merlin smiling at him. He didn't want that smile to be there. It was the smile he wore when he knew he was in control of the situation. His Father had always taught him to be in control, no matter what happened, as control meant power of another. Arthur was the Prince of Camelot. No one should be able to control him. It was bugging him enough that he opened his mouth to protest to what Merlin was doing but his breath was stolen when Merlin covered his lips with his own, showing him that although Arthur didn't have control, he shouldn't stop them.

When Arthur could barely breathe from Merlin's kiss, his little thief got down onto his knees and took Arthur into his mouth. Once he'd done that Arthur thought nothing more on the matter of control, let Merlin have it, he knew how to use control to satisfy them both.

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Merlin lay beside Arthur silently as the man slept, a small smile on each of their faces and even now Merlin could remember the moans Arthur had made. Arthur had managed to come twice with the help of Merlin's mouth and hadn't protested when Merlin had told him to go back to sleep. He didn't need Arthur to satisfy him, the fact Arthur had even let him do it was enough and besides, Merlin wasn't ready yet.

Feeling the grip around his waist tighten, Merlin smiled even more and snuggled his body against the Prince's sleeping form. His body was so warm, Merlin had never felt such warmth and the fact he would never feel it again saddened him. Soon enough he would have to wake Arthur so they could get safely back to the castle, Merlin would help him get to his room and then he'd leave. Never looking back at the person who he knew could make him happy.

He'd never had a person who could make him feel like Arthur did. Without even trying he brought a smile to Merlin's face and made him forget about his horrible past in the blink of an eye. How could he give that up?

Sighing quietly, Merlin gently moved Arthur's arm away from him and sat up so he could see the window. Another night had been and gone with no sleep. His companion had drifted in and out of the room during the dark hours, telling him about what was going on in Camelot outside these four walls. Apparently the guards had been searching some of the houses, mostly around the outskirts where the poorer residents lived, getting nowhere near where they were.

Merlin suddenly tensed as soft lips pressed against his exposed shoulder from his top being torn and relaxed when an arm came around his waist. The Prince now awake from his slumber. "What does a guy have to do to get you to sleep?" Arthur asked quietly as he rested his chin on Merlin's shoulder.

"Not snore maybe?"

"I don't snore!" Arthur claimed and glared sideways at Merlin from where he was. "Do I?"

"I guess you'll never know." Merlin laughed as Arthur pulled him back down onto the blankets and hovered over him with affection in his eyes. The look was enough to make him fall quiet and lift his hand so he gently cupped Arthur's face. "You're very cute when you sleep."

"Cute? I'm not cute! Handsome more like. Cute is something you call girls," Arthur claimed and dropped himself so he was lying on Merlin. His face a few inches from his own. A few minutes passed where neither of them talked, both just stared at each other, wondering what should be said about what happened last night. "Look about last-"

"When you said-"

"You go first."

"No, you go. You are the Prince after all," Merlin teased and waited for Arthur to speak.

"Alright …" there was a brief pause before Arthur's smile faded. "Last night was … amazing. It's something I'll never forget …"

"But?" Please don't let there be a but.

"I was right this morning. Me and you could never work. My Father needs me to marry a princess to form bonds with surrounding Kingdoms, I'll need an heir to take over the throne and a Queen at my side. I mean, he's paying to have you captured, not have you sharing my bed. If he heard about us he'd lock you away or banish you from Camelot. I don't want that to happen to you."

"So you'd rather I remain a thief and pretend this never happened?"

"No," Arthur cupped his face and pressed a light kiss to his lips. "This happened. It just can't happen again. I am grateful for everything you have done for me, I owe you my life and will one day repay you. I just can't be the guy you share a bed with, you know? I'm the future King. My rightful place is on the throne."

Merlin looked up at him and could see that Arthur meant him no harm, that he was just trying to be honest. So why did the truth hurt so much? He felt like his heart was being sliced into tiny pieces and that it could never be repaired. Merlin had done the one thing he promised he'd never do again and this was the consequence. He should have learnt from his past mistakes by now.

"Merlin, please don't look at me like I'm a monster, you know if I had a choice I'd have you by my side." No, he wouldn't. They'd barely been together a few days, Arthur wouldn't change his life for Merlin, no matter he thought. "Say something," he whispered and pressed another kiss to Merlin's lips.

Putting on a smile, Merlin tilted his head to the side and looked up at him. Hoping his act would fool the Prince. "I get it. It's fine. I was going to say the same thing anyway. Camelot needs you more than I do, I get that, honestly it's fine. I'm fine." Why did Merlin suddenly hate the word fine? Gently pushing Arthur off him, he got to his feet and looked down at him. "We should get going. The sun is rising and the guards will be awake soon. It's time we got you home."

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Arthur felt like the biggest jerk in the world as he followed after Merlin. He might be trying to hide it but Merlin had been hurt from what Arthur had said. No matter how he worded it, he was always bound to get hurt. Now they were heading back to the castle after saying goodbye to the family they'd been staying with. Merlin had talked to Will privately before they left, to which a quick nod was given and a wave farewell exchanged.

Merlin hadn't spoken to him since they left, Arthur liked to think it was because they had to be quiet, somehow he knew that wasn't true. In a few minutes they'd go back to being a Prince and thief. No longer would he open his eyes to see Merlin cooking something over a small fire or that goofy smile that appeared when Arthur told him another tale of how he'd defeated a beast. It was like he was losing a best friend he never really had.

"We're almost there, copy exactly what I do, understand?" Merlin looked back over his shoulder and Arthur nodded, finding he couldn't talk. What was there to say? Sorry. You have to let me go back. Stay with me. Leave Camelot so I know your safe. Everything contradicted itself.

Before he knew it, Arthur was stood in his bedroom that felt foreign and cold. The stone walls made the room look ten times bigger and the furniture was so dark compared to the bright colours Merlin had in his home. Looking over at Merlin, he saw him stood in the shadows as he waited for the guards to change their shifts, it would be his only chance to get away.

"I guess this is it then …" Arthur managed to whisper and Merlin frowned, not replying in anyway. "No final words to say to me? No, I'll see you during the nights when you chase me?"

"What is there to say, Arthur? It'll only make things more hard."

Arthur couldn't bare to have him leave, the thought of not seeing him tore his heart apart and he was going towards the dark figure a moment later. Pulling Merlin into his arms, Arthur pressed his lips passionately to his and smiled when he felt Merlin's fingers run through his hair. That small touch was enough to make him forget where they were and he pulled Merlin towards the bed that had been empty for days, neither breaking apart as Arthur pushed Merlin onto the soft sheets without a second thought.

He felt Merlin already going to remove his shirt when there was the sound of approaching footsteps coming from outside his door. Arthur got to his feet quickly, which was quickly followed with Merlin dashing for the window and then half a dozen guards appeared in his room. All with swords pointed at Merlin who backed towards the balcony.

Going between them, he held out his hands and looked at his old friends. "Don't hurt-" no other words left his lips as a knife was pressed against his throat, Merlin's body now pressed against his back as he held Arthur firmly by the arm. What was he doing?"

"Take another step and I'll kill him," came a voice that Arthur barely recognised. Merlin began dragging him backwards and every time Arthur attempted to move away the knife drew blood from his skin. "Keep moving Pendragon," Merlin whispered until there was nowhere else to go.

"What are you doing?" Arthur asked.

"Playing my part," Merlin replied and then the knife was gone. Spinning on the spot Arthur looked at the only way Merlin could have gone. Down. Leaning over, he saw no sign of his friend below, which he should have considering how bare the courtyard was.

"Search the grounds! Find him!" Sir Leon yelled from behind Arthur and joined him in searching the view. Arthur felt worry consume him at the thought Merlin could get hurt as he escaped, fear then followed at the thought Merlin wouldn't come back, that he would leave Camelot for good. "Are you alright Sire? Did he hurt you?"

"I honestly don't know," Arthur replied and returned to the empty room behind him. This place didn't feel like home anymore and he had a feeling it never would without Merlin by his side.