"Sir…," Merlin said softly, pulling the curtain in the bed open to look down at the occupant. Arthur was sprawled out over the bed, all the covers kicked off to one side. His head was at a funny angle, on the edge of a pillow, and his mouth open. Letting out snoring sounds.

It was kind of amusing seeing Arthur this way. Obviously sleeping off his overindulgence from the night before. Merlin's eyes scanned downwards, froze for a second, and then yanked the bed cover back over Arthur.

It was perfectly normal. Most young men woke up in that state, with their nightshirts tented out. Arthur was just like any other man. But Merlin had woken him up every day since he'd been put into this role, and never noticed anything before…

Had he been hiding it below the bedclothes? Then going behind the screen to wash up and dress… and take care of himself? Or maybe he did so in the evenings, when he was alone? And then didn't need to in the mornings? But didn't last night so now needed to?

Merlin shook his head, stopping all the questions and images racing through his mind. It was perfectly natural, and he was Arthur's manservant. He was bound to see the more intimate parts of Arthur's life sooner or later.

"Sir… Arthur…, time to wake up," Merlin said firmly, putting a hand on his shoulder to shake him a little.

Arthur groaned, cracking an eye open, and grimacing. "Go away. I'm sick." And he rolled on his side, facing away.

Merlin backed off, shrugging. It wasn't his job to force the Prince out of bed if he wasn't up to it.

Going to the hallway, he shut the door behind him. Luckily, Gwen was leaving Morgana's and he waved her over.

"Um, the Prince isn't feeling that well today," he said, trying not to chuckle.

Gwen's dark eyes crinkled in the corners. "Morgana as well. It means a much quieter day for us then."

"What do we do?"

"Let them sleep. Check in them in a few hours. Bring them broth, tea and toast, like they were really sick. It's probably all they can handle now anyways."

Merlin nodded. "That's it?"

Gwen shrugged a shoulder. "Sometimes a bath in the afternoon helps. A real bath. Let them soak for a while." And she explained how to get it set up.

Merlin went back to check on the fire. He peeked in at Arthur, who was still sleeping soundly. The breakfast was laid out, and he knew Arthur wouldn't eat it.

'Waste not, want not,' Merlin thought, sitting down at the table and spreading jam over the fresh bread.

…

"This is awful," Arthur groaned, dropping his spoon into his bowl. The thin broth splashed a bit.

He looked very unkempt, with his hair sticking up in a few places, the dull pallor of his skin, and his grouchy expression.

Merlin passed a triangle of toast to him. "Your stomach needs plain foods today. If you eat this and keep it down, you can probably eat a normal supper tonight."

Arthur grumbled under his breath but did eventually finish the light meal. "What now?"

"Would you like another nap? Or I can get a bath brought in here. You can have a long soak."

"Ugh, remind me never to drink again," Arthur groaned, putting his hands on the small of his back and stretching a few different ways. "Maybe a hot bath will make me feel more myself."

…

"There, I think the temperature is good now. Let's get you in here," Merlin said, feeling hot from the steamy water and being so near the fireplace.

Arthur pulled his robe off, and Merlin tried to avert his eyes from anything too personal as he helped him into the tub. Arthur braced his hands on each side, lowering slowly into the water. "Oh, so hot, so good," he moaned, as he settled all the way in.

Merlin scooped up some water in a jug. "Lean forward, and I'll wet your hair."

He set a stool beside the tub, behind Arthur, poured the water over his head, and then worked the soap into his hair. It was nice from this position, so he took his time, rubbing the pads of his fingers in little circles against Arthur's scalp. He felt pleased when the Prince let out a contented sigh.

After rinsing his hair, he left Arthur to soak in the tub. He straightened the bedcovers and tidied up the room.

Eventually, Arthur was ready to get out. Merlin help him, wrapping him in towels, and combed his hair.

Arthur felt sleepy again, so went back to bed. With his hectic schedule, it was him good for him to have this day of rest. He needed it.

"I guess I'll leave the bath for an hour or two. Let it cool off before I empty it," Merlin said, shutting the curtains around the bed.

"If you want, you could take a bath too," Arthur said. "You could probably use one."

"Are you saying I stink? I wash everyday." Merlin acted affronted to amuse Arthur, glad he was acting less grumpy.

"You smell fine. Just thought you might like it. The water isn't that dirty," Arthur said, pulling the curtain shut.

Merlin was a bit stunned. It was a strange offer. He had never actually had a bath, a real bath, before. Most families didn't own a bath tub, and didn't have the time or firewood to heat that much water. Sometimes, there was a special occasion, like a wedding, so they went through the effort to prepare one. Each member of the family used it, one after another.

Arthur had certainly seemed to enjoy his bath. And Merlin knew the water wasn't that dirty, since he helped Arthur bathe the regular way yesterday.

But to strip down, here, naked? In Arthur's chambers? What if someone walked in? What would they think?

At least he knew Arthur wouldn't see anything. He was sleeping and the bed curtains were shut.

Before he could think himself out of it, Merlin decided to do it. He braced a heavy chair against the door, to delay anyone who tried to come in. Then he took his clothes off, made sure there was a dry towel nearby, and got in the tub.

It was amazing. Incredible. Merlin was naturally slim, and always felt a bit cold in the castle. But now he felt warm right to his core. To his bones. It enveloped him, like the warmest blanket. He may have let out a moan.

Dunking under the water, he got his hair wet and washed it, using the Prince's fine soap. It felt nice against his skin as well, lathering up much better than his regular soap, and was lightly scented with sandalwood and patchouli.

Eventually, he got out, towelling off. He sat by the fire, wrapped in the towel, as he combed his hair. He got dressed and was about to leave the room when he stopped. How could he explain his wet hair if anyone saw him?

"Merlin," Arthur called out from the bed.

Going back, he opened the bed curtain. "What?"

Arthur noticed his wet hair. "You did it! You had a bath. Did you like it?"

"Best bath I've ever had," Merlin said, smiling. Arthur looked sleepy and lazy, curled up under those covers. "Well, the only one I've ever had."

"Aren't they great? And you feel so sleepy and relaxed afterwards. Nice to nap."

"I don't get much time to do that either," Merlin said.

Arthur arched an eyebrow. "Today is a quiet day," he said softly, and he patted the bedcovers beside him.

Merlin was shocked. This wasn't drunk Arthur saying it. It was well rested, sober Arthur.

To get into that bed. Arthur's bed. With him. To nap?

"Come on. Just for a bit. Let your hair dry," Arthur cajoled, leaning over to open the curtain on the other side of the bed.

Again, Merlin just went ahead and did it. Didn't let himself overthink it.

He was back in Arthur's bed, just like last night. But with a very awake Arthur.

"How about I tell you a story this time? Help you relax and fall asleep?" Arthur said softly, pulling the bed curtain closed on his side.

Merlin mirrored his actions. At least if anyone came in, they wouldn't see him on the bed so easily. He laid still on top of the covers, staring up at the canopy. His heart was thumping with nerves, and he was starting to regret his impulsive actions.

"Close your eyes, relax," Arthur said, lying on his side, facing Merlin. He pulled a loose blanket up over him. "There once was this rich boy who grew up in a castle. His mother had died when he was a baby, so his father raised him."

Merlin smiled a little, shocked that Arthur remembered the format of the story from last night.

"He explored the castle, learned how to ride, shoot arrows and play with swords. He had many other rich boys to play with, but never felt like he fit in."

"Because he was a Prince?"

"Partially… but… maybe because they always talked about marrying a girl someday and having a family," Arthur said softly.

It was dark in the curtained-off space, but Merlin couldn't resist turning on his side to look at Arthur. Try to read his expression in the dim light.

"And you don't think you will do that? I know most of the ladies the King brings here are annoying, but sooner or later, I'm sure one will-"

"I'm not so sure, Merlin," Arthur said firmly.

Merlin didn't quite know how to take that. Or what to say.

"You have been my manservant for a few weeks now. And it feels different than with the previous ones," Arthur finally said, holding Merlin's gaze.

"Different how? Worse? I'm learning, aren't I? Getting better?"

Arthur shook his head. "Not in that way. You do the job fine. I meant between us. It doesn't feel like you are my servant-"

"Because I've called you a prat and a royal ass?" Merlin smirked.

"Well, that is pretty unusual. Most people don't talk about me that way."

"To your face," Merlin grinned even wider.

Arthur's eyes widened. "Do people say bad things about me around the castle? Other places?"

Merlin rolled his eyes. "No, no. You are well liked. Just yanking your chain."

"That's just it," Arthur said, shifting a bit closer. "With you, you treat me like an equal. A friend. You tease me like a friend."

Letting out a big sigh, Merlin considered why this was. "I guess my mother never seemed to care that much about the class system. She treats everyone with respect, treats them the same, from the poorest to the richest."

"I like that," Arthur said, and seemed to move even closer. "I like you, Merlin."

"I like you too, Arthur. More than I expected I would. I'm sorry for judging you as a rich prat that first time we met-"

"Well, I was one," Arthur smiled.

"But I see now how hard you work. Every day you put on that heavy armour and fight for hours, come back here dripping with sweat and exhausted. But then you go to all those meetings, learning how to run the country, and make alliances," Merlin said. "You take your duty seriously."

"You see me as I really am, and still like me," Arthur said, his eyes dipping down to Merlin's lips, and then meeting his gaze again.

Suddenly, it felt really warm in the enclosed bed area. And Arthur was so close. Merlin blinked, shocked again. Did he want…. No, no, it couldn't be.

"Tell me if I'm completely wrong, Merlin, but you seem to stare at me quite often. Seem to like to touch me, be close to me," Arthur said, his eyes flicking down, before meeting Merlin's again. They were huge and dark.

"It's this job, we are together so much. I'm sorry if I did things I shouldn't. Overstepped some boundaries. I didn't mean-"

"You didn't. I liked it. I like you," Arthur whispered, moving closer still.

Their faces were almost touching, and Merlin could feel Arthur's breath against his lips, making them tingle at the sensation. His heart was thumping hard. He was so close, so beautiful…

Merlin did it again. Moved before he could overthink it. Pressed his lips against Arthur's. A full, deep kiss. Something he had been wanting for a while, without even admitting it to himself.

Arthur's arms came around him, pulling him in even closer, deepening the kiss. Merlin couldn't believe it, could only kiss him back, hug him back.

They finally broke to catch their breath, still holding each other tightly. Merlin was tucked against Arthur's neck, and he could feel Arthur panting against his damp hair.

"You smell like me," Arthur chuckled.

"Oh, is that why you kissed me? It's like kissing yourself?"

"Brat," Arthur said affectionately, pulling back to look in his eyes, his gaze searching. "Did we really do that?"

"I'm not sure. Let's do it again," Merlin said, leaning in to kiss Arthur. He sunk a hand into his hair, like he'd wanted to for ages.

They got lost in it, kissing, touching. Arthur kicked his bedcovers away, and pulled Merlin on top of him. Only a few layers of fabric were between them, as they rocked together. It felt incredible.

"Wait," Merlin said, pulling away. His clothes were half off, his hair a mess, and he was breathing hard.

He jumped out of the bed, with Arthur trying to grab him, stop him. "Don't go…"

Merlin was back a few seconds later. "You keep saying that," he said cheekily. He showed Arthur was he was holding in his hand.

"Mmmm, you are brilliant," Arthur said, taking the jar from Merlin. "Now get your clothes off."

Arthur pulled off his nightshirt, lying naked on the bedsheets. Looking delicious.

Merlin felt so aroused he could hardly get his clothes undone. But soon enough, he was crawling over Arthur, bare skin everywhere.

Arthur took some of the thick hand cream from the jar, and reached down. Merlin jolted against him as the cool cream covered him, but it soon warmed up as Arthur began stroking. Then he moved his hand away and they were gliding against each other, kissing, laughing. It felt so good.

…

"Go get me some supper. I'm much too sick to go down myself," Arthur said, giving Merlin a nudge.

"But well enough to eat a big meal?" Merlin chuckled, sitting up on the edge of the bed.

"Maybe you could say I have a slight fever. Feed a fever, right?"

"You might need days in bed to recover. Maybe a week," Merlin said, grinning as he leaned down to kiss Arthur again. Still shocked that he could.

Arthur stretched out on the bed, yawning. "Nah, I have to go back to my normal life tomorrow."

"Oh, right," Merlin said, getting off the bed and searching around for his clothes. His eyes seemed to sting and he turned away.

"Hey-" Arthur said, sitting up to grab Merlin's arm, yanking him back on to the bed. "I didn't mean we would go back to normal. To how it was before. Unless you don't want-"

Merlin met his gaze, blinking hard to keep from letting a tear escape. "What can we do? We can't be together-"

Arthur shook his head. "We are alone in this room a lot. Maybe you could come a little earlier, stay a little later…"

Merlin grinned. "You sure do need your manservant a lot."

"Don't know how I'd get by without him," Arthur said, and seemed to mean it. "Now go get us some food."

…

-A/N: That's it! Short & hopefully sweet. I just wanted some pining & explore the chemistry between them.

-Bathing: I hope I didn't make you go 'Eww!' at the idea of Merlin using the bath after Arthur. Before hot water plumbing was common, having a bath was a lot of work. A wooden or metal tub was placed in front of the fire and then servants would haul buckets of hot water in to fill it. It was a luxury for the rich, who had enough servants to do this work. When poorer families indulged in one, they all used the same water, from the eldest to the youngest. This is where the saying "don't throw the baby out with the bathwater" comes from. People did wash their hands before meals, do 'sponge baths' (rubbing a damp soapy cloth over your dirty bits), and washed in lakes/rivers when possible, so were reasonably clean.

-Sandalwood and Patchouli: Patchouli is an oil from a plant that's a member of the mint family, and has an earthy, musky scent. It was originally used in Southeast Asia, and would have come to Europe with the trade routes for silk, spices and fragrant oils. It became very popular with hippies in the 1970s, often used in incense and perfumes. Like cedar, cinnamon wood and rosewood, sandalwood belongs to the category of aromatic woods, which are also called perfume trees. The oil has been used for centuries, like by Ancient Egyptians in embalming mummies. It has an earthy, woodsy scent that combines well with florals and vanilla.