Rating: PG
Notes: Spoilers for episode 5.
Disclaimer: I own nothing in connection with BBC's Merlin, nor do I make any money writing this fanfiction.
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Between Two
Lancelot has never seen anything like Arthur and Merlin before. Any other servant under any other master would have surely been removed from their position long ago. But somehow Merlin is able to stand that half an inch too close and allow his gaze to linger upon Arthur for that moment too long. He fumbles when he pulls on Arthur's chain mail and Lancelot is sure he sees Merlin's fingers slip on purpose. Arthur seems to allow it.
Apparently the rest of Camelot doesn't notice but it's glaringly obvious to Lancelot what is between them. He's never had anything like that and he doesn't hope for it either. Nobody will ever have anything like what there is between Arthur and Merlin.
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From the start Merlin was never punctual but since Lancelot arrived it's become worse. What adds insult to injury is that Arthur notices the way Merlin comes in smoothing down his hair and with a small smile which makes him look like some foolish love-struck maiden.
Arthur doesn't know the exact sleeping arrangements, but he is aware that Merlin's room only has one small bed. But Merlin is that scrawny he could probably get away with lying on top of Lancelot.
His thoughts turn to them at night. It's easy to imagine their tangled limbs, linked fingers and whispers of things Arthur will never know about.
His own bed feels cold.
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The more ale Arthur drinks the more he looks as though he's going to jump Lancelot right there. But Lancelot doesn't seem adverse to the sly touches and how Arthur leans in closer than necessary to speak to him.
Merlin can't go to them unless Arthur wants serving but he seems happy practically molesting Lancelot. So Merlin stays on the other side of the room and tries to occupy himself with drinking as much ale as he can as well. Until Gwen slaps his hand away from another tankard and tells him he's had enough.
He leaves soon afterwards and stumbles down the hallways. When he feels dizzy again, he leans against the wall and feels a pair of hands upon his arm and shoulder steadying him.
Merlin smiles and pushes himself away from the wall to lean against Lancelot's chest. He feels Arthur's hand upon his back and all of a sudden the things they see but can't have don't matter so much anymore.
END