So this isn't a drabble.. at all.. but it didn't really break up right and I feel like every word had a purpose, so here it is. This is for CastielLovesDean, who requested a Merlin/Arthur bath scene. Thought I'd try my hand at Sick!Arthur and fluffiness, which I'm not great at.
I own Merlin. It's real, I created it.
"Merrrrlin… stop it…" Arthur flapped his hand ineffectually at his manservant, trying to express his fatigue without moving more than strictly necessary.
Merlin, seeing his uncharacteristic lack of violence, checked him over and established that he was, in fact, coming down with the nasty cold circulating the town. Giving him the super fun job to keep him entertained and comfortable.
Half way through the day he would have been ready to quit, except the misery Arthur was suffering was clearly not feigned. He had spent the morning abed, alternately sweating and freezing, and was now complaining about how disgusting he was with snot and sweat everywhere.
His stupor was such that he failed to notice Merlin lugging up bucket after bucket of water and heating and filling his tub without magic, since he never knew what Arthur may or may not notice.
"Come on Arthur, bath time. Up you get." The prince allowed himself to be manhandled over to the tub, where he stood swaying as Merlin undressed him and helped him into the bath.
Arthur seemed to come to with a gasp at feeling the water, looking around coherently for the first time in hours. "Merlin, not to offend your delicate sensibilities, but I don't really much feel like washing right now." He tried and failed to come up with an adequate excuse, while Merlin set to work soaping up a cloth and washing him.
Arthur sat quietly watching him until he moved around to his back, and let out a contented whimper at the feel of the hot water streaming down. It was followed by a relaxed sigh in the back of his throat when Merlin started on his hair.
For once neither smart ass had a scathing remark concerning their compromising position, which was just as well since only one of them was still awake enough for communication.
As Arthur dozed with his head against Merlin's chest, he was conscious not of his responsibilities and relationships and shortcomings, only of a feeling of total peace and security.
As Merlin absentmindedly massaged Arthurs scalp, he was conscious not of his responsibilities and relationships and shortcomings, only of the beautiful man he was doing everything for leaning on his chest. In that moment he didn't care whether or not he noticed the light kiss to his forehead, only that he was happy.
Review Please?