Alright, finally the 10th chappie! Sorry about this people, I have just been so damn tired lately, early 6:30 am mornings are taking their toll. Well, here it is. I had to drag this chapter out, some parts were easier than others. But writers block galor, mostly cuz I was writing all at different times again.

Well, I hope you like it!

If not, I give you permission now to slap me. :p

chp.10 'warnings'

- Merlin.

I slammed Arthur's door behind me loudly. I quickly tried to wipe the tears from my eyes. I felt suddenly weak, shivery. I forced my legs to move, my legs felt like lead and wobbly at the same time. I couldn't believe what just happened. I couldn't believe what I had just done! WHY would I do that to Arthur? Why would I try to... Try to... Seduce. That was the word. Why the hell did I just try to seduce Arthur! What the HELL was wrong with me? I was in a state of semi-shock I think. I couldn't even begin to think what on earth got into me.

I remembered back to when I was all crying and had un-wittingly proclaimed my un-dying love to Arthur. Something I never wanted to do. And then instead of Arthur pushing me away, or hitting me. He'd.. Kissed me. Right there, just like that! I just couldn't believe he'd kissed me! I felt my stomach tingle and my heart beat faster thinking about it. I didn't have any experience with that kind of thing, I mean sure Gwen did kiss me that one time. Which was pretty awkward, it's not like I thought it was disgusting or anything. Just that I didn't feel anything at all, and it was over pretty quickly, thank heavens for that!

Arthur's kiss, I definitely had felt something alright! It was like there was no one else, nothing else at all on the planet other than just the two of us. It didn't even feel like the two of us, it felt like we were one. Joined. Complete. More complete than I'd ever felt in my life, even thinking about how it was for that one long drawn out moment made my heart ache of emptiness, like it was yearning to feel whole again. We were joined now, more entwined than ever before. Despite the fact that Arthur had thrown me to the ground straight afterwards, meant nothing. I knew he felt it, felt the same thing I was feeling.

I thought back to only moments ago, back in Arthur's chambers. I thought back to when I walked in and the sudden anger that bubbled in my veins, I remembered only too clearly the way Arthur and Gwen had been together on Arthur's bed. I knew the way that Arthur felt for Gwen, I knew it shouldn't have surprised me the way it did. I mean of course Arthur was going to try and reinstate his 'manhood' as fast as he possibly could after falling into that weak moment of passion with me. But it still made my blood boil, still made me bite down hard. Still made me crazy jealous.

Jealousy. It was an emotion I'd felt before, I was only human. But nothing like this. When I'd opened the door and saw them together, I wanted to grab Arthur's sword and run Gwen right through with it. I wanted to run over there and rip her off that bed, slap her and throw her from the room. It made me bite down harder as I remembered the way Arthur had his hands all over her. I hated it. I couldn't help but feeling betrayed as well, I mean Arthur went and jumped in the sack with Gwen mere hours after he'd passionately kissed me. I knew it was ridiculous to think how that would ever change anything, and was probably the whole reason as to why Arthur jumped Gwen the first chance he got. Even though I knew all this, it still hurt. A lot.

I shook my head and forced my legs faster down the corridor. I tried to not about Arthur and Gwen, it hurt and infuriated me too much. And anyway, on a lighter not. Even though what just happened was the most shocking and what the HELL moment of my life, it was still one of the best. Most exiting thing's that I'd ever experienced. I felt... I didn't even feel like me, I felt like someone else. I felt powerful. Sure I've felt powerful before, with my magic. But not like this, this was different. So different to anything else I'd ever felt before in my life.

It was amazing, I knew that I completely freaked Arthur out. Something that added to the high I think. I tried to suppress a smile as I walked past some guards as I thought back as to how I'd actually gotten Arthur all exited. One of the guards gave me an odd look, I forced my a straight look onto my face as I was sure the odd look I'd received was due to me grinning like an idiot. I knew that Arthur had pushed me away again afterwards pretty quickly, but I also knew that he could have pushed me away a lot sooner than he did.

And that thought made me grin wider in spite of myself. I knew that Arthur had probably been with more than one girl in his life, that was pretty obvious, even though he never mentioned it. But I knew that he'd been with a few fair maidens in his time. I hadn't been with anyone, well apart from.... NO! Stop right there! I will NOT think of... of...Him. I forced his face, and what he did to me almost successfully from my mind as I let Arthur flood it out. I tried to only and completely think of Arthur.

It worked fairly well, but I still had that deep sickened feeling just under the surface. I forced my mind on Arthur, and back to what I was originally thinking. I had no experience with anything. And this, well Arthur had no experience with this kind of thing either. Sure he'd been with girls. And it probably wasn't all that different. But emotionally, physically somewhat and mentally it was pretty different. Maybe not for me, but for Arthur yes. Arthur was in every real sense completely and utterly straight. But then again, what the hell was he doing kissing me? Getting sexually exited over me, and then pushing me down onto the bed? If Arthur was as straight as he liked to believe then why the hell would he do all that?

Maybe that was the thing, maybe Arthur wasn't straight. That was why he acted all macho all the time. Over compensating, maybe that was why he treated me so horrible all the time was because he actually secretly fancied me. Made sense, it made a lot of sense thinking about it. After all, if he really thought I was as useless as he always said, if he really did not like me the way he wanted me and everyone else to believe. Why then would he go out of his way to save me? To help me? Lie to his Father for me? It made no sense. He liked me, and all the words he may say, nothing could change that right in this second for me.

Obviously it was something that Arthur's been repressing for who knows how long. Arthur was just blaming me for these feelings he didn't want to be having, these feelings that scared him. That much was obvious as anything, Arthur never got scared when facing an adversary or going into battle. But this, me. Scared the hell out of him. I could see it in his eyes, his face, his voice, his body language. It scared him more than anything else had ever done before. Probably because he was so out of his element.

Arthur always has to be the leader, be in control. Be the best. And well this was something that made him feel insecure, nervous, self conscious perhaps too? Arthur had no more idea on what to do than I did. How to go about it, maybe less. I didn't know what Arthur thought about, but I certainly knew that I thought about what I wanted to do, and what I wanted to happen a lot more than I probably should. I knew that Arthur liked Gwen, that was obvious as well. So that was kinda confusing, did Arthur like maidens and men? Or was it just me?

That thought made me think, maybe Arthur didn't like other men at all. Maybe he was mostly straight. Maybe it was just me, after all there has always been that instant bond between us. And the Dragon said that Arthur was my destiny and all that stuff. Maybe there was something bigger and more mystical going on that I'd ever originally thought? Maybe the heavens, the spirits were pushing us together. I felt the pull - Arthur may deny it - but I knew that he felt it too. After all, Arthur wasn't really my type. And I'd never really thought all that romantically about him in the past. Physically yes. But no more than I would have if I was attending to and helping to dress any other somewhat attractive guy.

But now, I felt it more powerfully than ever before. Maybe something was happening? Maybe something big was happening. I didn't know what. And it was our destiny pulling us together more powerfully than ever before, this was probably why Arthur was really starting to feel it now like never before. That made a lot of sense as well. And it seemed to go with what Arthur's explanation to me when I asked him why did he kiss me. Arthur said he had absolutely no idea as to why he kissed me. He wouldn't have any idea if it were true, our destiny's pulling us together in an undefinable way. Arthur knew nothing about him being my destiny, or anything to do with us being the whole 'two sides to the same coin' thing.

If that was all true, which seemed pretty likely. Would it be wrong then to encourage Arthur? If he kissed me again - Something right now, I wouldn't completely rule out - Should I then kiss him back? Or should I push him away? Leave? Tell him no? My heart felt as if it was being crushed with an iron first as I considered that. But was it right to confuse Arthur more than he already was? If it wasn't really completely Arthur's feelings for me on his own, if it really was the heavens pushing us together, taking away our free wills. No, I knew that I would have probably loved Arthur even without the destiny thing. But Arthur wouldn't. Arthur wouldn't be feeling any of this at all.

Was it right then to just let it happen? Was it taking advantage of the situation in a way, as I had more insight into what was happening than Arthur did. But even so, even if it was destiny. That maybe it was destiny that we should be together. Maybe it would be worse, maybe it would be wrong to deny what was happening, to fight it. The Dragon did say that Arthur was my future, was this the way that he meant? I couldn't really imagine that. But you never know, what I was feeling now was impossibly strong, and it must be that way for Arthur too. Because if was really that much weaker for him, I knew he wouldn't have kissed me. I knew he wouldn't have in anyway given in to those feelings for me he really shouldn't be having.

I didn't know what to think, what to do. How to act. I wouldn't push it, I'll just let what may happen unfold naturally. And if it is destiny, and we are meant to be together. Than I guess it's just fate. Who am I to deny it? I liked that thought, I felt comfort from that thought. I felt suddenly light, happy. I didn't realise that I was half skipping when I heard someone snort from behind me. I stopped short and turned around and my heart dropped. Frederik was leaning against the wall in the corridor I'd just past. I hadn't been paying attention. I hadn't noticed him at all.

I wanted to run, I wanted to run all the way back to Gaius, no I wanted to run back to Arthur. I needed Arthur. I knew that I'd saved Arthur countless times, that I'd used my magic more powerfully than I ever dreamed I was capable of. But not now, I couldn't. When he was looking at me like that, when he was swaggering towards me. I felt nothing but numbing, all consuming fear. "Merlin" Frederik sneered my name making my skin crawl. " Why are you so happy? Just coming home after sucking your masters dick? You filthy, disgusting, depraved.. Egh." He was too disgusted to continue and shook his head in revulsion.

I couldn't move my jaw, I couldn't move my mouth to speak. I couldn't do anything. I just stared in horror as he came closer. "What scared are we? Realised that there's no Arthur coming to save you? Like the first time, nothing this time to stop me from doing what I had planned. Oh, Merlin. Your going to be screaming for Arthur to save you." He took the last few steps until he was standing right in front of me. I tried to move my feet, to run. But nothing, my joints were frozen. I couldn't move a muscle. All I could do was stare into his evil cold merciless eyes in fear.

He suddenly grabbed me by the scarf and pushed me up against the wall. I felt him brush his horrible fingers now my cheek to my jawline none to gently. I felt my skin crawl as if it was maggots touching me. I heard a voice speak and my heart began to beat fast. I recognized that voice. "Lancelot!" I managed to choke out, Frederik let me go instantally and stepped away. I forced my head to turn and saw Lancelot watching us with wide eyed surprise. Frederik just made a growl sound before he suddenly swept down the hall past Lancelot and we watched him until he was out of sight.

Once he was gone I felt my body slowly start to come back to me, I could move again. I felt breathing slow to a more even pace. It had been so close, again. This couldn't go on, I couldn't just keep living in fear of running into that horrible arsehole and getting violated. Something had to be done about it. Then I thought on how Arthur, while being a complete and utter bastard said that I belonged to him, and he didn't want anyone else hurting me. Maybe I could tell Arthur about what happened, tell him that Frederik had it out for me and that he was most likely waiting for a good opportunity to get back at me after the whole knife in the back and Arthur saving me thing.

I looked up as Lancelot spoke my name. I looked into his deep brown eyes. I'd forgotten just how amazing I found his dark dreamy save the world eyes. And then I felt kinda pissed. I knew I should be forever grateful to Lancelot for saving me just now. But I felt angry as I thought back as to how he totally ignored me when Gwen got to our camp, and then how they'd just run off together without informing or even coming back for me, to see if I was alive or not. I trusted Lancelot. I believed he cared about me, he made out like he did. But then on the first chance he got he totally betrayed and then ditched me for Gwen.

"Lancelot" I said in a frosty voice and walking away. Lancelot followed, "Merlin, I'm sorry about leaving you before. It's just that there was no other way.." - "No other way?" I cut over him and spun around. "No bloody other way! Gwen told me everything! I mean sure, ok I understand that the Bounty hunter was there and you had to flee. But how about after he was gone. Oh I don't know? Ever thought about coming back for me! I could have been dead for all you care! I thought you cared about me Lancelot! But obviously that was all a HUGE fake act that you put on! What do you expect of me? Did you think that you could just come here and suck up to me, make me believe that we were friends, and that you liked me. Just to get me to do something for you. And then on the first chance you get, you totally stick it up my arse and run off with bloody Gwen! Thanks a lot! Now leave me alone I'm not in the mood for you and your lies!" I yelled and then stormed up the corridor and away before he had a chance to speak.

I knew I probably just went a little overboard just then. I felt kind of embarrassed actually. I'll apologize later, Lancelot can have some time to think about what he did. It was only fair. After all, it was true, he came here asking for my help to save his life and then he ran off and pretty much left me for dead. What an amazing friend. I knew Arthur wouldn't have ever done that. But then I felt a hit of pain in my stomach as I remembered how it was Arthur who had left me behind in the first place. I didn't expect that from Arthur, just as much as I never thought Lancelot and Gwen would just abandon me either.

I pushed open the door to Gaius and mine living space. I noticed that Gaius was already asleep. It must be later than I thought. I yawned, I was so tired. Today had probably been the longest of my life. Too much had happened in one day. I couldn't even believe today at all. It was all like some weird strange dream. I still couldn't believe that Arthur had kissed me, actually full on out kissed me! The whole Gwen thing was the last thing on my mind, even though I still felt a pang of annoyance over finding her and Arthur together.

But then I went and got Arthur all exited just from kissing him. Plus the whole entire crazy things that proceeded. All in all, an amazing day. I tiptoed past Gaius' sleeping form and entered my bedroom quietly. I then realised that I still had to clean Arthur's armor for tomorrow. As he always trained at 10am sharp. It was well past midnight by the time I finished cleaning Arthur's armor. I was stiff and exhausted as I fell fully clothes and reeking of metal polish on to my bed. I think I had my eyes closed for exactly ten seconds when I heard a frantic banging on my window. I was too damn exhausted to even jump from the sudden loud sound. I groaned and pulled myself off the bed. I looked over to the window and saw that it was only Lancelot, he was indicating that I unlock my window.

I sighed heavily and dragged my feet over to the window to let him in. Lancelot slid through through the window and into my room with grace and ease. "What do you want Lancelot?" I asked all narky. I was too damn tired for this. "I am truly sorry Merlin, for ditching you. I really am!" He defended himself. "Ok, ok." I said, I was too tired to argue. Lancelot looked apprehensive, "what's wrong?" I asked in an expressionless voice collapsing back down onto my bed. "I know I have no right what so ever to ask you any favours, but can I stay here tonight? I promise this will be the last night, but I have nowhere to go..." Lancelot seemed incredibly uncomfortable.

I knew I should tell him no way in hell. But I really couldn't care less, "What ever" I mumbled into my pillow cutting over his ramblings. "Thank you Merlin, you know that I will forever be in your debt. You are a good friend, and I am honered to have someone like you in my life. I could never thank you enough" Lancelot said with real emotion. I felt guilty as I remembered back to how I'd yelled at him. I pulled my face out of my pillow and forced my tired eyes awake and to look at him. "I am sorry for..Well. You know, before. I didn't mean what I said, I was just mad that's all. I've been going through some stuff, and well. I wasn't in my finest mood and I'm sorry." I said sincerely. Against my better judgement I'd completely forgiven Lancelot and apologised to him. I had some serious issues to deal with. Such as apologizing to the people who actually were the ones who did me wrong.

Oh well, I was too tired to care. . I fell asleep moments after that.

When I awoke the next morning it took me a moment to realise that the suns raise filtering through my window was brighter and higher up than it should, and then a second to feel my stomach drop and I jumped out of my bed as quick as possible. Oh crap, Oh no no no. I didn't even want to know how late I was for my duties. Arthur was bound to be furious. He'd have probably been awake hours ago. I couldn't believe that Gaius didn't wake me! I threw my clothes on as quick as I could and it felt like I had my boots on the wrong feet as I dashed out of my room, past Gaius and to the door.

I was halfway out when Gaius called my name, I forced myself to stop and turn around. "Gaius incase you haven't noticed I'm beyond late for my duties! Arthur will be totally furious, and I'll probably get some sort of punishment for this! Why did you wake me up?" I suddenly demanded. Gaius was giving me a stern look, "Don't speak to me that way Merlin. Now before you yell some more and go and make a fool of yourself, the reason I didn't wake you was because Arthur sent a message saying that he didn't need your services today and was giving you the day off. I thought how you've been seeming quite down since you returned from your trip, that I let you have a lay in. As a matter of fact I was just about to wake you up now." Gaius said indicating the bowl in front of him.

Gaius was mixing something pungent up in a wooden bowl. I knew that smell and I groaned. "It is time for me to fix your wounds. Take you shirt off and lay on the bed would you." Gaius ordered. I sighed heavily and dragged my feet over to the small bed in the corner. My back was pretty much healed now. But Gaius still wanted to keep up with the bathing and that horrible burning paste he so loved to smear into my wounds. Gaius didn't want the infection to take hold or something. But I often complained that he just enjoyed giving me more pain.

I pulled my shirt over my head and laid on my stomach on the bed. Gaius started to remove my bandaging and begin to bathe my back with warm water. I couldn't help my mind but drift to Arthur. I wasn't entirely surprised or anything about him 'giving me the day off '. More like he was too humiliated to see me. I felt slightly hurt about it but then I thought back to yesterday and I couldn't help but feel incredibly smug about getting him all visibly exited. Honestly that was probably one of the best moments of my life. The best moment though was still that first kiss. Seriously wow. I still couldn't believe it. Of course Arthur had been a total prick as usual, but still. It's not like I expected him to hug me or make some declaration of love or anything. But if he was capable of kissing, who knew what else might happen?

No, that was just wishfull thinking. Arthur would never declair his undying love for me in a million years. Besides, Arthur would never feel that kind of love for me, even if it was the whole destiny thing drawing him to me. I doubted it was powerful enough for Arthur to love me. I knew deep down he would always love Gwen over me, the most I could wish for would to be his secret dirty little fling on the side that made loath himself. I felt my heart ache with sadness and emptiness at the picture I just painted. I knew it was the most likely.

Arthur might give in to our destiny, but he would hate himself for it. Be disgusted in himself for it. Hate me for it. Blame me for it. Hurt me again and again. Probably once he was done with me he'd just toss me to the side and go off and marry Gwen. Maybe he would even exile me, send me away so he would never have to see my face again. "What's wrong Merlin? You have been acting very oddly since you got back from that trip with Arthur. When you very first walked back through that door I thought that the worse must have happened from the look on your face. And then when you come back from your duties you looked as if you had been crying your eyes out, and last night I have know idea what time you got back and went to bed. Is there something going on with you and Arthur?" Gaius asked.

I felt my stomach drop, did Gaius suspect something? No, that was impossible. Gaius knew nothing, I hadn't told him about what... Well, about what happened on that trip. I wanted to tell him everything, but then on the other hand I wanted to take the secret to the grave. I felt horrified and needed his comfort but on the other hand I felt unbelievably ashamed and sickened with myself. I didn't want to hear Gaius' words about why I didn't just use my magic. I couldn't even explain that to myself. And then Gaius would want to know why it happened at all. Why did Frederik pick me to do that to.

I never told Gaius that I was that way. That I liked guy's over girls. Maybe he suspected it, I couldn't be sure. Sometimes the looks he gave me when he caught me staring at Arthur made me think that he knew. But he never brought it up. Something I was grateful for, I didn't want to have that conversation with Gaius. Gaius might accept my magic, but I didn't know if he would be as gracious with my other secret. Well, I wouldn't really call it a secret. I just didn't talk about it or tell anyone. Well, apart from Lancelot, something I really didn't want to do. My mother of course, I'd had that embarrassing discussion more than once. She'd said that she didn't care and that I was her son and she'd love me still no matter what and all that. My heart ached with sadness as I thought of her.

"Well, are you going to answer my question or not?" Gaius broke through my reverie, I'd totally forgotten that he was waiting for my answer. I didn't know how to answer. "I..." I began but had know idea what I was going to say next. I was saved however as the door was thrown open loudly making us both jump. I pulled my head up from the pillow and my stomach did a somersault. Arthur stopped short as he saw me, I noticed a pink tinge appear on his cheeks and he coughed before saying confidentially.

"Ah, Gaius your here that's good. I was pressured by my Father this morning to come and see you, I've hurt my hand somewhat and he would like you to check it out for me" Arthur said raising his bandaged hand. I could tell from the look on his face that he really didn't want to be here. But I guessed Uther ordered him to see Gaius. Gaius slapped my arse and said, "alright, your done. Jump up your great lump and let Arthur sit there." I sat up and pulled my shirt quickly back over my head. I felt embarrassed, why the hell did Gaius have to slap my arse!

I glanced at Arthur, he didn't seem to find anything funny in it. As a matter of fact he was doing his best to ignore me completely as he made his over to the bed. I pulled myself off the bed too quickly and tripped over the water bucket, I would have fallen hard to the ground if Arthur hadn't caught me by reflex. As soon as he realised what he did he pushed me roughly away and I hit the wet floor hard soaking the front of my shirt and pants. "Merlin stop playing about and clean that water up!" Gaius snapped at me. I sent him a glare that he didn't see.

I pulled myself to my feet and went to retrieve the mop from my room. When I returned Arthur had removed his bandaging and Gaius was feeling along his knuckles. "I don't think it's too serious, just a hair line fracture. So I'm going to have to wrap it tight and I would advise you to not use it for anything strenuous for at least a few weeks and I'll see how well it's healing. That means no heavy lifting, or training.." - "What!" Arthur interrupted. Gaius looked affronted, "Yes, no training. Otherwise your hand will never heal properly and you could do permanent damage. So I want you to take it easy with this hand." Arthur looked outraged and the look of utter horror and disbelief on his face made me snort.

Arthur shot me a furious glare. "But on the other hand, the fracture is minor. I wouldn't say the same to the amount of glass in these cuts" - "Guinevere got most of it out" Arthur interrupted Gaius. Gaius clicked his tongue, "I'm afraid that the glass goes in deep. I'm going to have to get it all out otherwise there will be a terrible infection and a lot of damage to the nerves in your hand as well. I will tell you right now, this won't be pleasant." Gaius said seriously. Arthur just nodded looking unconcerned.

"Merlin!" Gaius snapped at me. "Are you going to stand around all day holding that mop or are you going to put it to use and clean up this infernal water that you spilled everywhere. Honestly boy I have never known anyone more clumsy and accident prone in my life" Gaius was rambling. I started to mop up the water. Gaius went and got a pair of tweezers and there was an awkward moment when I looked at Arthur the same second he dared a glance at me. I tried to hide my smirk at the memory of last night and Arthur looked away quickly and I saw his neck burn red.

Gaius was back in a second and pulled Arthur hand towards him and feel where the glass was. Arthur tried to hide a sound of pain as Gaius had to dig the tweezers deep into his largest cut. I grimaced and tried to pay attention to my mopping. I knew I probably should be enjoying Arthur's pain after all the pain I'd gone through from those unbearable lashings. I remembered back to those words he said about me being a cry baby and that I should suck it up and be a man.

I glanced back up from my mopping and looked at Arthur's face, his expression was of forced boredom, as if he couldn't feel Gaius' who was now digging the tweezers in ever deeper and wriggling them around to get the loose glass. But it was still obvious from the tightness of his eyes and the way his jaw was set a little too hard that it was pretty painful. Good. I tried to feel. But I didn't. I didn't want Arthur to be in pain, not for this. Not because he'd punched the window from kissing me. I didn't know how he managed to fracture his knuckle though.

I half admired Arthur's grit your teeth and bare it attitude. Because if it were me, I wouldn't be sitting there so calmly and I can tell you that right now. "Would you STOP that infernal mopping! The floor is bloody DRY! Your mopping NOTHING! Your doing my head in!" Arthur suddenly exploded at me after fifteen minutes later and Gaius was now finishing off putting the stitches into the last two cuts. I forced a smile off my face, "so-rry" I said biting down on my lip to stop the smirk pulling at the corners. I knew that Arthur would not appreciate it much if I laughed.

Gaius snipped the last stitch and smeared some of that same foul paste he loved to use on my back across his cuts, Arthur tore his eyes away from glaring at me and gasped loudly. "What the hell was that?" He demanded. I couldn't help and I let out a muffled laugh as I turned around and quickly ran to my room to put the mop back in it's bucket. When I was in my room I couldn't help but laugh some more, I was suddenly in a giddy mood. When I calmed back down and came back into the room Gaius had just finished putting fresh bandaging on Arthur's hand.

Arthur shot me a furious look that made me burst out laughing again. "It twinges a bit doesn't it?" I said smirking. Arthur just made a disgusted sound and stood up. "Well, Merlin if you in such a good mood you can clean my armor" he snapped at me whiping the smirk off my face. "But Arthur, I was up cleaning it all night!" I complained. Arthur just shot me a nasty smile. "Well isn't it a good thing that I went and got it all dirty again this morning then, isn't it?" Arthur said sarcastically. I groaned.

Then I remembered something, "I thought it was my day off. Gaius told me I didn't have to do my duties today" I said. Arthur just snorted, "Well, I've changed my mind haven't I? And seeings as you missed out on all your morning chores. I advise you to hurry up with the cleaning of my armor, because I suppose now you have a lot more not to do before you can start on you evening duties." I shot Arthur a sharp look. Great. Well, at least it's not 10 lashings I told myself as I trudged to go and start cleaning all that damn armor I was up all night with.

Hours later when I was about half-way through mucking our the stables I heard a sound behind me. I jumped and swirled around smacking something with the rake that was still in my hand, and which also had a large amount of fresh horse dung caked in it's teeth. I felt a smidge of humiliation as I realised that I just smeared dung all over the front of Lancelot's shirt. "Oops. I am so sorry Lancelot! I really didn't mean that!" I apologized throwing the rake away. Lancelot just looked amused, "It's quite alright, it was an honest mistake. I'm sorry that I startled you" Lancelot said trying to hide the grimace on his face as he looked down at his soiled shirt.

I am such an idiot! I yelled in my head, as I laughed like more of an idiot to hide my humiliation. Then I suddenly remembered, "Oh, you can borrow my shirt if you want?" I said. Lancelot gave me an odd look. "No, I'm fine. You can keep yours on, Merlin" Lancelot said giving me strained smile. I suddenly realised how that came out, "No, no! I didn't mean this shirt!" I said tugging at the filthy one I was wearing. "I meant that one over there" I pointed to the corner were I had a clean shirt folded. "I bring a clean shirt with me you see, so I'm not walking around smelling like a dirty stable." I said and laughed again nervously to hide my even more utter humiliation.

Lancelot laughed and said, "I don't know? I don't want to take the clothes off your back Merlin." I was shaking my head and already running over to get him the shirt, "No, honestly Lancelot I'd be happy for you to have my shirt." I said over my shoulder before cursing myself in my head, that did not come out right. I sound like a freak. "I meant, that... I don't mind if you wear my shirt. I meant, I should give it to you as it was I, who ruined yours." I was rambling and mentally kicked myself, just shut up now Merlin! I said to myself from between my teeth.

Lancelot gave me an odd kinda of smile, "Thank you Merlin." He said and hesitated slightly giving me an odd look to match before pulling his dirty shirt over his head. I wondered what the look was. I felt my cheeks burn. I felt even more humiliated, and also slightly sick. Did Lancelot think that I wanted to perv on him? Did he think that I was so eager to give him my shirt was so that he would take his off in front of me? Did he think that I deliberately got manure on his shirt so that he'd have to change in front of me? That somehow I had all this planned?

Then I realised I was being absolutely ridiculous. Paranoid. That was the word of the day. Suddenly there was some commotion just outside the door to distract me, Lancelot and I both looked up as Arthur yelled some more at someone who'd gotten straw in his hair or something before he banged his way into the stables. Arthur stopped in his tracks as he spotted Lancelot bare chested and me standing there holding my shirt out to him. Arthur's eyes narrowed into suspicion and there was a flash of fury in his eyes before he smoothed his facial expression into one of boredom.

He strolled casually towards us. "Ah, Merlin. There you are, I was wondering were you got to." Arthur said in forced would be casual voice his eyes glancing quickly at Lancelot who had taken my offering shirt and had pulled it on. I saw the same fury and another look I couldn't quite place flash across Arthur face before he turned back to me. "If your done in here, I need you to go and wash my clothes. I have nothing to wear, I can't even remember the last time I had something clean to put on." I opened my mouth to protest, as this was utterly untrue!

But Arthur cut over me and addressed Lancelot, "speaking of clothes, what are you doing wearing one of Merlin's disgusting rags?" Lancelot glanced at me and answered Arthur honestly, "I startled Merlin, and he accidentally got mine, ah.. Dirty. Merlin then graciously said I could borrow a clean shirt of his that he had spare." Arthur didn't look convinced. "Dirty?" Arthur said raising an eyebrow incredulously, and there was also a weird edge to his voice, almost like he was trying to get Lancelot to fess up to something. Lancelot gave Arthur a searching look before continuing slowly, "He got horse manure on my shirt." I didn't blame Lancelot for being a little put off. The look Arthur was now giving him was a little too suspicious for what was really necessary.

"Well Merlin, are you going or what?" Arthur demanded roughly, but not taking his narrowed eyes off Lancelot. I sighed, "Yes Sire. I'm going, I'm going." I said but hesitated, "Maybe I should take Lancelot to the laundry and get him a new shirt of his own?" I said. Arthur was still glaring at Lancelot, who was looking extremely put out and confused by Arthur's hostility. I was confused myself. "No, Merlin. I want to have a... Word. With Lancelot about something. So run along now." Arthur dismissed me.

I shot Lancelot a guilty look before leaving. There wasn't anything else I could do. I couldn't for the life of me imagine what that was all about. What was Arthur problem? If I didn't know any better, I would say that he was jealous. But that was just stupid. Besides, if Arthur was going to be suspicious and jealous with Lancelot over someone, it certainly wasn't going to be over me. It was probably just something to do with Gwen. Arthur was probably just making sure that Lancelot being back here in Camelot better not have anything to do with rekindling his relationship with Gwen.

But then, the part of me that wanted so desperatally for Arthur to have feelings for me like that made me double back. I knew it was only wishful thinking, no, delusional thinking was more accurate. I still had Arthur's words in my head as he told me that he didn't want anyone else hurting me, or doing anything to me. He was the only one allowed. Plus I was extremely curious as to what Arthur was saying to Lancelot despite all that. I magicked a large crate to move below the high window.

I clambered on it and looked inside at Arthur and Lancelot. "...Lancelot. I'm telling you now, I want you to keep away from Merlin, he is my servent, he belongs to me. I do not feel happy with whatever it is that you want with him, I don't want Merlin running around doing any duties for you. Furthermore, I saw you this morning sneaking out of his window. If you ever go visiting Merlin at night in his chambers again, you'll have me to answer to. Do you understand that?" Arthur said all this in a cool manner, that somehow made it more intimidating.

I couldn't even believe my ears, and neither it seemed could Lancelot, who said. "Forgive my rudeness, but I don't exactly see what you problem is? It's not like I'm keeping or stopping Merlin in any way from performing those duties you set him. Also, about me sharing a room with Merlin, I don't see why this bothers you so much. But please let me assure you now my Prince. That nothing is happening and nor will it ever transpire into what you are insinuating." Lancelot seemed a little affronted and said the last part slowly deliberating Arthur's reaction.

I gripped the windowsill tighter and hoisted myself up higher. I didn't feel hurt by Lancelot's words. I knew how he felt for Gwen. Arthur didn't say anything for a second and when he spoke his voice was completely different, as if he just realised what he was saying and was making a total fool of himself. "I didn't mean anything by it. I was just saying that if a Bounty Hunter is after you, then I do not feel comfortable with you leading them straight into the castle. Merlin may be incompetent, but he is a loyal servant and I would be most displeased if his throat was slit in his sleep due to you." Arthur said smoothly.

Lancelot opened his mouth to say something, then thought better of it and closed it again quickly. I tried to reposition my footing on the crate but it was a wrong move and one of the wooden panels cracked under my left foot and I fell through it. It hurt a LOT. The wood was splintered and scraped a deep graze up to the spot just above my knee. Plus it hurt under my arms were I'd had them on the windowsill and was ripped roughly as the wood broke.

I also grazed my face on the side of the stable. There was complete silence from inside. Damn it. I didn't want Arthur and Lancelot to know that I was spying on them. I tried to pull my leg free, but the broken hole were my foot had gone through was pretty tight. The splinters were also cutting into my leg and I really didn't feel like pulling my leg out and doing more harm. Damn it, damn it, damn it!

"Merlin!" I heard Arthur's furious voice. I looked up from my leg to find Arthur staring daggers at me, and Lancelot looking concerned. "Umm... Hey. I wasn't listening in" I lied. Arthur just raised an eyebrow and gave me an incredulous look. "I wasn't!" I lied again trying to sound truthful. "I was just... I was just..." I was trying to think of an excuse, any excuse that might vouch for why I was standing on this random crate, obviously listening in through the window. Also, when I was suppose to be down in the laundry washing Arthur's clothes.

"I was just..." There was absolutely nothing I could think of. The look on Arthur's face confirmed that. Damn. "You were just..? Merlin, please tell me what you were doing standing on some flimsy crate directly under the window if you weren't listening in. Please enlighten me because I think I am missing something. Besides, I thought I told you to go and wash my clothes!" Arthur was saying.

There was really nothing I could say, "I was just.." I looked around wildly, "I was just trying to see over that wall" I said pointing to some stone wall about a yard away. Arthur didn't look convinced, no surprises there. It was pretty bad I'll admit it. "Let me get this straight, you were trying to look over that wall" Arthur pointed to the high stone wall a yard away. - "And you decided to use this crate here to do so. When, even if you had this crate anywhere near that wall, it would still be impossible to see anything. Also, the other question as would be to why you were trying to look over that wall at all, when you could have just gone through that gate" Arthur said the last part his voice turning from very sarcastic to sarcastic with anger.

My eyes looked to where Arthur was indicating, there was clearly a gate in the wall that led directly into the courtyard beyond the wall. Hmm... "Merlin, what have I told you about eaves dropping on my conversations?" Arthur asked coming closer. I shrugged, "nothing pacific" I said wincing as I tried to pull my leg free. Damn sharp splintered wood. "Hey, Arthur. I don't suppose it wouldn't be impossible to help me out would you? I'm kinda stuck" I said giving him my best winning smile.

Arthur smiled nastily. "Oh of course Merlin, it would be my pleasure." I knew this wasn't going to be pleasurable. Arthur grabbed my scruff and pulled. "Stop! STOP!" I protested loudly after a few seconds. Arthur made a disgusted sound let me go. "I thought you wanted me to pull you out? I wouldn't have bothered if you were going to complain so much about it" Arthur said.

I grimaced, "maybe the wood is sticking into my leg!" I snapped. I tried to pull the large sharp splinter from now really digging into my leg. It wouldn't budge. Arthur sighed heavily and hit my hand out of the way, he managed to snap it off but not without it hurting like crap. But at least the hole was now big enough for me to get my leg out. I stumbled of course, but this time Arthur didn't catch me and I fell on the ground.

When I pulled myself gingerly to my feet Arthur said, "well maybe that might teach you a lesson for listening in to other peoples conversation!" Arthur snapped before his expression changed and he suddenly grabbed me by the upper arm and pulled me towards the castle. I tried to pull myself free, but his grip was like iron for all the good it did me. I couldn't help but limp with every second step.

"Arthur let me go! Your hurting me!" I complained after he'd dragged me into the main corridor of the castle. Arthur finally released me. I rubbed my arm ruefully. "What was that for? I said angrily. Arthur ignored me and stormed up the corridor. "Wait!" I complained and limped fast after him. "What's wrong?" I said. Arthur looked mad. "I saw a man, he had a crossbow. He wasn't aiming it at us exactly. But I believe that he is the Bounty Hunter after Lancelot." I couldn't help but note the sour edge to his voice as he said Lancelot's name.

My thoughts of course jumped to.. "Lancelot!!" I said loudly. "Don't worry Merlin, Lancelot was gone before I saw the man." I still didn't feel comforted. "Yes, well he probably saw Lancelot! He's probably going after him right now!" I said annoyed and scared. "Yes." Arthur agreed in a grim voice walking faster. "Well, where are we going? Aren't you going to, oh I don't know. Save him?" I said outraged. It seemed very un-Arthur'ish not to pull out his sword and fight the Bounty Hunter.

That's when I noticed- "Maybe you haven't noticed but I am not carrying my sword, I left it in my room. Which is where we are going." Arthur's voice was irritable. "Ah" was all I said. I then felt incrediably nervouse, I doubted a sword would work all that well against the Bounty Hunter, Arthur didn't know that he was a powerful Sorcerer. Great. Just my luck.

Suddenly we heard running coming towards us, a moment later it was Gwen who appeared around the corner panting hard and carrying - "My sword! Guinevere your a life saver" Arthur said in relief as he took it off her. "I saw everything from an upstairs window. I saw the Bounty Hunter go after Lancelot! And I saw that you didn't have your sword" Gwen was saying breathless.

Arthur turned back around and started to run back the way we'd gone. "Merlin, Gwen. Stay there!" Arthur ordered over his shoulder. Well of course that wasn't going to happen. I followed after Arthur anyway. Arthur groaned when he noticed I was running after him. "Merlin! What did I tell you?" He snapped at me. "Stay behind, but when have I ever listened to you?" I said following him out the front doors.

Arthur suddenly whipped around. "Merlin, you are limping. You are wounded. Go back to the castle and stay there!" I opened my mouth to disagree. - "That's an order!" Arthur demanded. I shook my head. "No, I'm coming. You might need my help!" I said. Arthur made a loud angry sound in the back of his throat and grabbed my scarf, "Listen to me Merlin! Go back into the castle and do as I tell you." I shook my head. "NOW!" Arthur demanded before pushing me back towards the castle doors.

Just then there was a loud explosion and many people began screaming. Arthur ran into the frantic crowd and I followed, trying to think of a way to use magic without Arthur noticing. Going to be tricky as always. I really, really hoped that Lancelot was ok. He had to be! I... I needed him right now. I needed a friend that wasn't just Arthur, and god forbid that wasn't just Gwen.

A nother loud bang echoed through the main square. I sped up feeling a deep sense of foreboding.

Alright people, what did you think? By the end I had absolutally know idea what to write, that's why the end it pretty crapolio. Reviews are welcome, but it was a pretty cruddy chapter. There was some highlights, but not many. I liked the part were Gaius slapped Merlin's arse, that sadly was probably my favorite bit. :3

THANK YOU again for the reviews!! It still makes my day! Plus it also makes me feel guilty for not writing and up-dating faster! Sorry, peoples, really! I do care, and it does make me feel bad :'( But yeah, I hope you like ^.^