A/N: Warning! The later part of this chapter has an M rated scene! Thanks for reading this far, guys!

Chapter 9

Arthur was numb.

He hadn't spoken to anyone since the meeting with his father that morning. The meeting where Uther, simply put, told the prince to get over Merlin's death. Apparently people would be dying for him all the time and Arthur should 'just get used to it'.

He had stormed out after that, too furious to argue. And too scared. He didn't want the king to find out that his son was into other men. Arthur had been hurt enough.

Now he roamed around the market place, dead to the world. He was tired of being a prince. He was tired of having all eyes on him but no one listening to a single word he said. He was tired of what they expected.

So he stopped caring.

Around him, people went about their normal habits, oblivious to the dark hole walking around them. He was separate from the world, black and white in a place of color, out of space, out of time. And there was nothing he could do about it. He was surrounded by people but unbearably alone.

"Ha, I can do you one better! Remember that stormy night? We were 7 and you got so scared because of the shadows from the storm that you jumped when my mother came in to quiet us!"

Arthur's ears twitched. That voice….

"Merlin, that doesn't count! We were 7!"

"It does too! I thought it was hilarious!"

Arthur glanced up, searching. It couldn't be…yet he would know that voice anywhere, even if it was just a whisper floating on the wind. He looked around frantically, not believing his ears, needing to see his face, even if he was hallucinating.

Arthur turned, ignoring the frowns from the people he bumped into and – there. Arthur froze, taking in the sight of his love, standing, breathing. Alive. Before Arthur knew what he was doing, his feet carried him to the man, his heart pounding. He was halfway there when he saw Tom and stopped dead in his tracks. Anger boiled in his veins at the thought that the first person Merlin had gone to was Tom. His feet carried him forward with a different purpose now, one of angst and fear and fury.

He pushed Merlin to the side and Tom's eyes widened as Arthur's fist headed straight towards his face.

Whumpf.

Tom fell to the ground, unconscious. The crowd around them stopped to stare at the prince, shocked. But Arthur ignored them. He only had eyes for Merlin.

"Why didn't you come find me first?" Arthur demanded. "Why did you go to him!" He pointed at the man on the ground, passed out.

Merlin took a step back, alarmed and confused. "Who the hell are you?" He asked, backing away from Arthur's rage.

Arthur threw his hands in the air in exasperation before remembering that the curse might still be in effect. Anger and hurt filled him, mixed with love and want and joy that Merlin was still alive His mind was a tornado, blurring every rational thought into one word. Merlin.

Arthur pulled the man towards him and placed his lips on his before he could even think about it. Merlin's tension slowly melted. Arthur felt his shoulders relax, felt him leaning in, pushing towards Arthur's lips hungrily.

It was the whispers that made Arthur pull back.

The whole of the market place had gone dead silent, so quiet that you could hear Merlin and Arthur's breaths, quick and exhilarated. Merlin took one look at Arthur's panicked face and pulled the prince forward. They raced towards the woods, past the people who were pointing and whispering, wondering if that really was who they thought it was.

They didn't stop running until they were completely alone. Merlin stopped first, panting from the run. "Maybe I should start training with you. I didn't realize such a run would wind me." Arthur had his back turned, not looking at him. Merlin stood up, worried. "Arthur?"

Merlin reached out a hand but Arthur turned before he could comfort him. He held Merlin's face in his hands, looking at him worriedly.

"You're really here," Arthur whispered.

Merlin brought one of Arthur's hands to his chest so he could feel the beating heart underneath, so he could help the prince realize that Merlin was truly alive and there. Arthur clutched the cloth tightly, not ever wanting to let go. He pulled Merlin towards him and crushed his lips to his.

The kiss was fervent, heated. Arthur kissed Merlin like he should have every single time they touched. He kissed him deeply, hard, pushing, not letting go. Merlin's heart sped up. Arthur had never kissed him like this. It was filled with an undeniable urgency and panic, as if the prince was terrified that if he didn't kiss Merlin then he would be gone forever. Merlin locked his hands in Arthur's golden hair, opening his mouth to Arthur's desperation and need. All he wanted was to soothe the prince's nerves, to calm the fear that was driving him.

Arthur backed him against a tree, holding his waist, getting as close as he could. He only ever moved his lips from Merlin's for a fraction of a second at a time, just enough for them to gain breath. Arthur held Merlin tightly, knowing he would never let go. Flashes of Merlin, dead in his arms, raced through his head. The thoughts brought tears to his eyes, wetting his cheeks and he pushed closer to the warlock.

"Arthur," Merlin murmured around the prince's soft lips. He could feel Arthur's tears on his skin, could taste the salty drips that made their way past their lips. "Arthur," the warlock mumbled again, putting a hand to Arthur's chest. The prince stopped but didn't pull back. He just brought the servant into his arms, hanging his head sadly over Merlin's shoulder, his body wracking with sobs.

Merlin held him close, rubbing his back gently, kissing his ear and neck, whispering that they were fine. It was okay. Everything was alright. After a few shattered moments, Arthur's body stilled. His breath slowed and he wrapped his arms tightly around Merlin before pulling back, eyes still slightly red.

"You were dead," Arthur stated, looking away.

Merlin nodded and squeezed Arthur's hand. "I know."

Arthur looked at him quizzically. "How? How are you back? What do you remember?"

The servant shook his head. "I remember dying….and then nothing. Then I woke up and didn't remember what had happened. Gaius wasn't there so I figured he was busy…and I kind of went about my day. I didn't realize what had happened…not until you kissed me."

Arthur took a step back, pacing. "Do you think it's the curse? Do you think it brought you back?"

Merlin bit the inside of his cheek. He wasn't sure what to tell Arthur….but the curse idea was safer than anything. He nodded. "We need to figure out what's going on. Do you remember anything…about yesterday that stood out?"

Arthur flinched when he thought about it and Merlin winced. He hated to cause the prince pain but every little bit of information would help them. Arthur went through the painful memories. "No, there's no-…wait…." Arthur paused his walk, thinking. "Purple…smoke," he said hesitantly.

Merlin frowned. "What would purple-" He stopped as a wild thought struck him. The witch from the feast….she had disappeared in a purple fog…and she had promised she would be seeing Merlin again…maybe that was what she had meant. "Arthur, do you remember the witch? The one from the feast who tried to kill you?"

Arthur glanced at the warlock. "Yes…she said…she knew you," Arthur stated, confused. "You think she did this?"

Merlin shrugged. "We need to look up some things before we can decide anything….but it's possible she's tangled in this somehow."

Arthur nodded. "First we need to get you to Gaius. I want to make sure you're alright. And besides…he must be worried why your dead body is gone."

Merlin smirked at the thought. "Yes, that's probably for the best."

The two walked back to the castle, holding hands. When they were out of the cover of the trees they regrettably untwined their fingers. Arthur wasn't letting it go that fast though. He stuck as close as he could to the warlock, brushing arms and looking out for any danger. Merlin sighed. He had the slight suspicion that the prince wasn't going to let him go anywhere alone for a very long time.

When they reached the castle, they saw the group of knights. They were unusually quiet and when they saw Arthur and Merlin, what little talking there had been stopped. Elyan was the first to speak.

"Sire, is that…Merlin?" he asked. The other knights stared, confused.

Arthur smiled grimly. "Yes. Do not speak a word of this to anyone. I will explain it all soon enough."

They all nodded, worry in their eyes.

"Glad to have you back, Merlin," Gwaine called out.

Merlin gave them a small smile before continuing with Arthur. "They saw me, I take it?"

Arthur bowed his head guiltily at the way he had acted yesterday. "Yes…I gave them some worry…yesterday."

Merlin touched the prince's arm gently, hoping to comfort him. Arthur smiled his thanks before they stopped outside of Gaius' chambers.

Merlin went in first. Before Arthur could follow him, Uther appeared, grabbing his son's arm. "Enough of this nonsense, Arthur. We need to talk."

Arthur frowned. "Father, I really must-"

"No, Arthur. This is a matter of great urgency and you will speak with me."

Arthur bowed his head in respect and sighed. "Yes, father."

They trudged to the throne room in silence. Uther sat down and waved the guards and servants out. They bowed and obeyed. Arthur stood there quietly, waiting for the king to speak his mind.

"Arthur, some information was brought to my attention about this afternoon. One of the guards and several of the peasants have attested to you…kissing some boy," Uther stated flatly.

Arthur looked up, his heart trembling. He had to lie and he had to do it quickly. "Father!"

Uther arched a brow. "What do you have to say for yourself?"

Arthur looked at the king like he was moronic. "Do you really believe such nonsense? They were rumors, surely. Lies and sick stories by the peasants. I would never do such an outrageous act!"

Uther stroked his chin, contemplating his son's words. "Yes…I hadn't considered this…but I swear, Arthur, if I find out that these…stories are more than just the rumors you claim them to be, I will throw you in a cell myself and toss away the key."

Arthur nodded grimly and left without another word.

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Arthur didn't dare return to see Merlin until it was night, fearing the king or a guard would catch him. It was only a few hours at most, but even then, it killed him to be separated for so long. He almost feared that he would return to Gaius' chambers only to find that Merlin had never come back at all.

The moon was high in the sky when Arthur crept out of his room towards Merlin. He hid as a guard passed before continuing down to the physician's chambers. Slowly opening the creaking door, he tiptoed past the sleeping man, thinking back to the first time he had done this and wondering how many more times he would. As he reached Merlin's door he prayed that the servant was awake. He walked in slowly, jumping slightly when Merlin sat up quickly.

"Arthur!" Merlin whispered excitedly.

Arthur grinned. "You're still awake."

Merlin nodded, crawling out of bed. "Couldn't sleep. I was worried about you. Gaius told me that Uther had caught you."

Arthur waved the thought away. "He was worried…about this afternoon."

Merlin seemed to shrink, thinking back to how Arthur had kissed him in front of all of those people. He hoped the prince hadn't been in too much trouble. "What happened?"

Arthur rubbed his neck. "I told him the peasants lied. He believed it…for now. Do you want to…um, go back to my room? There's more privacy…"

Merlin smiled. "Yes, of course."

Arthur grinned and the two snuck back out, making sure to stay in the shadows in case any guards came by. Once back in Arthur's room, they turned to each other.

"So…what should we do?" Arthur asked, unusually shy and nervous.

Merlin smiled and walked over to him. "Just kiss me already you stupid prat."

Arthur grinned. "That I can do."

He pulled Merlin towards him. The warlock reached up and kissed him lightly before pulling away teasingly. Arthur growled and kissed him, hard, pushing him back until his back hit the bed pole. Merlin groaned as Arthur's mouth moved downwards. His teeth tugged at the scarf, pulling it off so he could nip at Merlin's sensitive neck. The servant gasped as Arthur traced circles along his neck with his tongue. He grabbed Arthur's dark golden locks, holding him close. Arthur growled and lifted Merlin up so the servant could wrap his legs around his waist.

Arthur nipped here and there, tugging at one earlobe gently before returning to Merlin's plump and soft lips, glowing in the moonlight. He tugged at them carefully, licking at them before sucking. Merlin gasped and let Arthur in, breathing him in. Shivers rose on his neck as Arthur pushed forward, rubbing against Merlin's hips ever so slightly.

"Arthur," Merlin gasped. "Bed."

The prince complied and carried the warlock to the downy soft blankets, laying him down carefully. He unhooked himself from the man to pull off both of their shirts before leaning back down to steal a quick kiss, taking his lips downwards. He teased Merlin's nipples lightly, sucking at different places on his chest, dragging his tongue lower…and lower….He pulled Merlin's trousers down, looking up at the warlock for agreement. Merlin sat up on his elbows and nodded. Arthur pulled the pants off and began licking the inside of Merlin's thighs, avoiding his already hard cock. He brushed his lips over it lightly as he moved to the other thigh, causing Merlin to squirm. He smiled, squeezing the man's waist. All in good time.

Arthur slowly made his way to Merlin's cock, licking it over gradually. Merlin's hips twitched and Arthur had to hold them down so that he could continue. He pulled at the head of Merlin's shaft with his teeth before bringing as much of him into his mouth as possible. Merlin gasped and his back arched into Arthur's mouth in pleasure. He twisted his fingers into Arthur's hair, begging for more.

Arthur pulled and tugged with his tongue, speeding up ever so slightly until Merlin was practically bucking. "Arthur," he gasped, clutching the velvety red blanket behind him.

Merlin's cock throbbed in his mouth, hot. The prince pulled back, standing up to take off his pants as well. He pulled Merlin onto the bed and hovered over him, smiling as he whined that Arthur was gone.

"Merlin," Arthur whispered, looking over the milky white skin glowing in the moonlight. He placed his palms lovingly on his chest. "I want to make love to you, Merlin. I can't take the chance that…you might not remember me when I kiss you next…or that you won't wake up from the next wound. I love you, Merlin, and I want you. I need you."

Arthur's eyes were like boiling water, blue and hot and frantic. Merlin clasped one of his hands in his own. "Arthur, I love you, too. I am yours. I always have been."

The prince smiled softly and leaned down to kiss Merlin. It was a kiss to match all others; sweet and small. Simple but so very amazing. Arthur leaned over to his bedtable drawer, pulling out the bottle of oil. He squirted some on his fingers first to prep the beautiful man underneath of him. He slipped one finger into Merlin first, moving it around slowly in a circle, stretching him slowly. Merlin gripped his arms and nodded at Arthur to continue. Arthur slipped a second finger in, then a third, scissoring room for his manhood. Merlin grunted and panted, watching Arthur with wide eyes that begged him to enter.

Arthur pulled back and rubbed some of the oil on his hard shaft, his breath hitching at the feel of the cold on his sensitive skin. When he was slicked enough, he pressed the head of his cock to Merlin's arse, spreading his bent knees gently. He pushed in slowly, letting Merlin grow accustomed to the feel of him before going all the way in. Merlin bit his lip, taking a deep breath in and Arthur leaned down to kiss him softly, whispering how beautiful he was and how much he loved him. He squeezed Arthur's arse tightly to let him know he was ready.

Arthur started slow, pulling out and then pushing in carefully so as to not hurt the man. He watched Merlin's face for any sign of pains but pleasure was written all over it. The prince slowly sped up, pushing in harder and faster, gripping Merlin's legs tightly.

Merlin rubbed at his cock with one hand, his other hand biting into Arthur's skin as the prince pounded into him. He gasped as Arthur continually rammed into his sensitive spot, making him see stars.

"Arthurrrr," Merlin groaned, biting his lip, arching towards the man, driving himself even crazier.

The prince was panting heavily, not slowing down. He could feel himself throbbing and felt like he could explode. His blood was on fire, his heart was racing in excitement. Merlin was perfect. Merlin was beautiful. Merlin was his.

He groaned as he could feel himself coming soon. "Merlin," Arthur gasped. "I can't…wait."

Merlin nodded. "Can we do it – uhng – t-together? Pressed against mine," Merlin gasped.

Arthur knew what he wanted and shivered pleasurably at the sound of it. He pulled out of Merlin and held their cocks together, rubbing them fast and hard. Merlin moaned and squeezed them.

"A-Arthur!"

The prince panted and his heart almost stopped as their manhoods spit white cum onto their stomachs, pulsing. Arthur rubbed them both slowly, in circles, pushing the last of the liquid out, feeling the throb of each of cock in his hands. Merlin let out a hard breath, grasping Arthur's hips and pulling him downwards. He complied, smiling, and kissed Merlin deeply and slowly, savoring the taste of Merlin's sweet, soft lips. He hovered over the servant, rubbing into him slowly, never separating their lips. Merlin caressed Arthur's back lightly. Finally, the prince pulled back, breathing hard once more. Merlin pouted and Arthur laughed, grabbing a discarded shirt to clean themselves up with. He wiped them down carefully before laying down on his side, bringing Merlin to him and wrapping his arms around him. He nuzzled into the servants neck and Merlin clasped his hands with Arthur's. Arthur intertwined one leg with Merlin's, wanting to be as close as possible still. Merlin smiled.

"Arthur…that was perfect. Thank you," he whispered.

Arthur kissed Merlin gently. "Thank you, Merlin. You keep surprising me with how wonderful you are. I love you."

Merlin smiled, his eyes falling closed, exhaustion running through his mind. "I love you too," he whispered before the darkness took him and his mind was lost to sleep.