Without A Gift

Merlin looked at the Prince with wide eyes as his old name was used. No one knew that name. Well, apart from one person, but he was unlikely to tell Arthur and he had no idea Arthur even knew him. "Don't need to look so horrified that someone knows your name," Arthur commented and tapped him softly on the nose. "It's not like any harm can come from it."

"How?" Merlin asked with a cold tone and this caused a frown to appear on the Prince's face.

"Your symbol fired up, the one with the eye closed, saw what I presume is a memory." Merlin went to ask which one when Arthur lightly trailed his finger down the scar he knew ruined his face and he knew instantly which memory he'd seen. "I thought I told you to stay away from my hands."

"I didn't think they'd act up again. You were dead Merlin, stone dead, not even on the brink of death. Next time you die, I'll remember not to touch them, okay? Of course, I'm not going to let you die again." A determined expression crossed his face and Merlin melted inwardly, no one had ever looked so protective over him apart from his mother. "Next time you feel like you did, tell me alright? Would save us a lot of trouble if I was already here Mer-"

"Stop calling me that. My name's Emrys, need me to spell it out to you? E.M.R.Y.S." Merlin turned his head away and glared at his feet.

"More like I.D.I.O.T." Arthur muttered and was suddenly grabbed by the scruff of the neck to be pulled close to the sorcerer who had been dead only a few minutes ago.

"Don't think that just because you did something to bring me back, it means you can do anything you want. I can still send you back to your Father in the blink of an eye or have you killed without moving. You can act all strong and powerful, but at the end of the day you're just a Prince who has found something that fascinates him. One day you'll get bored and I'll expect Camelot's knights to start searching this place for me."

Arthur shoved Merlin against the chest so he was lying down on the bed and glared down at him, "You think you're just something that fascinates me? That I could toss you away like you mean nothing? I went against my Father, the King of Camelot, to get here. I climbed out of my bedroom window, galloped across leagues and I haven't even gotten a thank you yet. Instead you threaten to send me home or kill me. Ask yourself this, Merlin. Is it that you're afraid that someone might care for you or that you might care for someone other than yourself because it means you could get hurt? Well guess what, I do care what happens to you and I have a hunch that you care about me too."

"You don't know anything about me so don't presume to know how I feel," Merlin replied bitterly and tried to push Arthur away. Except it was like pushing against a brick wall. Impossible. "I don't care what happens to you. I feel nothing for you. To me you're just another person I've saved, that's all." So why when he said those words did it feel so far from the truth?

"Then kill me," Arthur whispered quietly so only Merlin could hear and his hand tightened around the cover he held beside them. "If you don't care what happens to me, kill me. If you think that one day I'll turn against you Merlin, then just get rid of me now so you can rest easy at night-" Merlin went to say he would anyway since Arthur wasn't a threat but the glare in the Prince's eyes stopped him "-do it now so I know that the words you speak are the truth."

"Or I can just send you back so your Father can do the job for me," Merlin replied and the word of the spell he needed ran through his mind. However, instead of the Prince finding himself facing an angry King, he remained hovering over him. Frowning in confusion, Merlin tried again and nothing happened. "Geleórednes," Merlin now said loudly and grabbed Arthur by the arm so the magic knew where to go. No magic went through him and the two men remained together. "What did you do?"

"I haven't done anything."

"What have you done?" Merlin launched himself at Arthur and tackled him so their heads were now at the foot of the bed. "You took my magic didn't you? Is that how you brought me back-"

"Merlin, I haven't-"

"I told you to stop calling me that!"

"You need to calm down-"

"No, what I need to do is show you exactly who you're messing with." Merlin grabbed him by the arm and rolled over, throwing Arthur over him with a lot of effort so he landed on the ground. The Prince was quick to get back to his feet and put a hand out to warn Merlin off as he climbed from the bed. Merlin having every intent to kill the Prince for taking his magic from him.

"I'm not going to fight you Merlin," Arthur said softly and it was almost enough to make Merlin stop. Almost.

"Then sit back and enjoy getting beaten to death."

"What's going on here?" Morgana was suddenly by Arthur's side and looked between them in worry, the shock then registered across her face as she saw Merlin up and about. "Emrys! You're alive! How? Why are you looking at Arthur like you're going to kill him?"

"Because I am." Merlin took a step forward so he could throw a punch but the little girl stood between them with her arms outstretched, "Get out of my way Morgana."

"No. This isn't you Emrys. You don't kill people, especially those who you care about-"

"Would everyone stop going on about me caring about people. I don't care about anyone. I never have and never will. Arthur especially. If you're not going to let me kill him, get out!" Merlin was yelling now and the other two backed away towards the door, "Now!" The final word was enough to get them both to leave and Merlin grabbed a nearby chair in an effort to hold himself up. He didn't have any magic. He was … normal. Something he had always wanted to be when he was little. Dreamt of being since his mothers passing. It would have saved so many lives if he was normal.

And now it was happening, Merlin couldn't fear anything more than what was to come.

Riding into camp days later, Arthur leapt off his horse and was greeted with Morgana who jumped up into his arms. "Welcome home!" Morgana exclaimed and he couldn't help but smile. She was right, this place was feeling more like home every day he came back. "We didn't think you would come, it's almost time for our evening meal."

"I'm sorry Morgana, my Father has decided my punishment should be to train harder than ever and live without a servant, it means it takes a lot longer to get away from the castle. I've told him I'm on a hunting trip though so I can stay here for a few more days." Setting her down on the floor, he was greeted by other people, including Gwen, and then glanced towards a specific tent. "How's he doing today? Any better?"

Gwen glanced over her shoulder and sighed, "Yesterday he actually came out for a meal. Today he's gone back to smashing things and yelling at anyone who bothers him. We don't know what to do Arthur, after all, none of us know him." She picked up a bowl of soup and held it out to him, "Maybe you could convince him to eat something? He's wasting away in there."

"I'll give it a try," taking the bowl from her, Arthur smiled in gratitude and walked past her. Slowly heading up the hill, he winced as he heard something smashing into pieces and wondered what he would find. He had left for home the day after Merlin had come back, saying he needed to speak to his Father and get things straightened out. He'd returned the next day and Merlin had refused to talk to him. For the past week he'd been going back and forth, Merlin hadn't spoken a word on any of his visits. Now he'd given an excuse to be here a few days he'd make it his goal to get him speaking. Hopefully eating.

"Arthur!" He heard Gwen yelling his name and he looked back at her, "Be careful yeah? He could do anything." Arthur nodded and pushed back the tent door, her words not worrying him. Merlin wasn't at all threatening without magic. He was just another person who didn't stand a chance against Arthur. However, saying that, when he looked inside he saw that most of Merlin's possessions were smashed and all the books he owned lay out across the floor. Arthur could barely see the ground. As he looked further into the tent, he saw Merlin sat on the floor with his cloak on, reading a book intensely.

"Merlin," he said his name to let him know he was there and instantly the ex-sorcerer tensed. Yet he made no effort to acknowledge his presence otherwise. "Gwen gave me some soup to give you, apparently you went out yesterday…" he glanced at the table to see a full bowl of food. "You have to eat Merlin." Picking up a few of the books along the way, Arthur set them and the bowl on the table. "Come and eat."

Of course he was ignored again and Arthur picked up a few books, setting them on the table to get them out of the way. He kept doing this until he reached where Merlin sat. Crouching down, Arthur grabbed the top of the book he was reading and pulled it away. "Stop reading and eat something. Don't make me make you." Instead of doing as he was told, Merlin turned to read another book, ignoring Arthur completely. "Right, that's it."

Hooking his arms underneath Merlin's arms, he pulled him to his feet and began to lead him to the table. At least that was the plan until Merlin made himself go limp and Arthur was forced to hold his entire weight. "Merlin!" The man didn't let up and Arthur ended up throwing him back to the ground in anger, receiving a moan in response as Merlin smacked his head against a book. "Serves you right. Now, are you going to come eat or are we going to try that again?"

"Piss off," Merlin replied and pushed himself up. "I don't need a royal prat telling me what to do. I've taken care of myself most of my life and that's not going to change anytime soon." He pushed his hood off and glared at Arthur, "Thanks to you I have to find a way to get my magic back. You should have just let me die."

"I didn't do anything. Maybe if you ate something and relaxed, you'd have a clearer mind. You've clearly not slept and after what you've been through, I'm surprised you aren't dead again." Arthur offered out his hand and smiled encouragingly at him, "Let me help you."

"Why? Feeling guilty for taking my magic?"

"I didn't..." Arthur moaned and pinched the bridge of his nose. This was getting them nowhere. "Do you want me to get the elder in here? She isn't as lenient as me." Merlin was on his feet a second later and suddenly swayed from the quick movement. Arthur was there with his arm around his waist to support him. "See, you do need someone."

"Doesn't have to be you," Merlin muttered and was soon sat at the table. He looked terrible to be honest. There were dark circles under his eyes, his skin was pale and there was no fat on his bones. Merlin was a walking corpse. "How was your Father?" Merlin asked and Arthur was shocked he was speaking that it took him a moment to reply.

"Better then expected. It doesn't matter, all that matters is that we get you back to your normal self. Now eat up," Arthur pushed the bowl in his direction and smile when he started eating. "Have you found out what the stone does?"

"All I've found out is the obvious. It drains the life of the person it's used upon and is broken when the person's name is said. Normally this isn't a problem and broken quite quickly, therefore it's not mentioned in a lot of books. However, because of my history … well, you know the rest." He put his spoon back in the bowl and glanced at Arthur, "Thank you. I know I haven't seemed grateful, but I know you were doing what you thought was right and one day I'll probably agree with you. So thanks."

"My pleasure."

Merlin pulled down the top of the cover and slipped inside his bed as Arthur went to get him some water for during the night. The Prince had stayed with him all through the evening and had only slipped out once to say goodnight to Morgana, how close the two of them were getting was honestly beginning to bug him. At first it had been sweet. Now he was feeling something that he didn't recognise or name. All he did know was the thought of Arthur spending time with her made his blood boil, what was worse was when Gwen came into the conversation or she popped in to say hello. The way she looked at him … it just wasn't right in Merlin's eyes.

Lying back in bed, he turned on his side and gently traced the symbol with the closed eye. With his magic gone, neither of the symbols worked and it had meant the gloves had been untouched for days. However the habit of not touching anyone still occurred and every time Arthur had come close, he'd put his hands behind his back. Merlin had always found it funny how his symbols never worked when he touched them himself. He could never look into his future or see into his past, only others who touched him got to reveal that.

"I'm back," Arthur announced as he entered the tent and Merlin shoved his hands beneath his pillow. The Prince passed under the drape and set the drink on the bedside table, looking down at Merlin with a soft gaze as he did so. "Now tomorrow you're going to eat all three meals, leave this damn tent and speak to other people apart from me. Sound like a plan?"

"Yes Sir!" Merlin replied and smiled. "Where are you sleeping tonight? Your tent is taken by Gwen last time I heard."

"I'm just going to share with her. There's no other free beds and the tent is big enough for the two of us." Arthur reached down and pulled the cover up around Merlin's neck like he was tucking in a child. "Sleep well Merlin." Merlin watched as he turned to leave and the image of Arthur sleeping beside Gwen entered his mind. The close contact. The darkness. The temptation to do more than talk. Before he could stop himself, Merlin brought his hand out from under the cover and grabbed Arthur's wrist. The Prince looked from the hand to Merlin, "What's the matter? Do you need something?"

Merlin's mouth opened to say something, to make an excuse for his actions but nothing came out, anything he said would make him sound like, dare he think it, a jealous lover. He wasn't though. To Arthur, he was just someone he wanted to help. They were barely friends. "Merlin?" Arthur tried to get his attention back and Merlin tightened his hold, causing the Prince to sit down on the edge of the bed so he wasn't bent over. "Use your words," Arthur teased.

"Bed," he managed to get out and a blush covered his cheeks a second later as Arthur laughed a little.

"Yes, I'm going to bed. You're in a bed. Bed's are fascinating."

"No, I mean…" How on earth was he meant to convince Arthur to stay without sounding weird? "You complained when you had to sleep on the hard ground. I might need you during the night to get me something and this bed is big enough for the both of us … you don't have to go stay in Gwen's tent." He didn't meet Arthur's gaze as he spoke and only when a hand covered his own did he look up.

"Are you jealous Merlin?"

"Jealous? As if. Just forget it, go to your cold tent and I'll see you tomorrow." Merlin shoved Arthur's hand away and rolled over, putting his back to the Prince. However instead of hearing Arthur leave, the bed dipped behind him and a hand came against his shoulder.

"Move over," Arthur murmured. He moved onto the other side of the bed but kept his back to the Prince, his heart pounding in his chest as the lights dimmed due to no one standing in the tent. Merlin clutched the edge of his pillow and stared out into the darkness. That last time this had happened, it hadn't been awkward and it wasn't now. There was another feeling the air.

Tension.

"What's with the cold shoulder? Here I thought you wanted me in here."

"I do. I just prefer sleeping this way," Merlin lied and was suddenly pulled onto his back by a firm hand on his shoulder. Turning his head, he saw Arthur on his side and smiling at him. Why was it that whenever Arthur smiled at him, Merlin felt like all his problems melted away? Arthur didn't even look at him differently since his magic went. He was just Merlin in his eyes. "You really like getting your way."

"Yes, but especially with you. There's this small line that appears," Arthur reached out and traced what Merlin guessed was the line on his forehead. "Just here. It's extremely cute and tells me I'm beginning to touch a nerve. Seeing as everyone says you're so emotionless, I find it quite an achievement in my day. Imagine if people knew you let me sleep in your bed, they'd have a field day."

"Well it can be our little secret."

A soft chapter here. M&A needed a small break from the drama and Merlin needs a little time to heal. The magic has yet to return too.

Thank you sooooo much for all the reviews, the most yet for the last chapter.

My updates might not be every 24 hours for everyone like someone pointed out, but it's daily for me. Seeing as it's 11:50pm, I have 10 mins left of today. I would get it out earlier but at the weekend I do a lot of revision during the day for exams, weekdays it's the opposite. So tomorrow will most likely be a late update too. Sorry!

Hope you enjoyed and please review. If anyone has ANY suggestions for the story, send them my way. I have lots of ideas myself so people's opinions help.