Howdy all! yes i'm back with a new chapter, as i believe it's time for a new one. and as my friend NayClem's MSN icon so accurately states, Arthur/Merlin because the dragon said so!!! And i am now offering my services as a Beta, so go check out my beta page!
Disclaimer: I do not own Merlin, the BBC does, but damn! I want to own Bradley James, or as we fondly know him, Arthur!
Five hours later, Arthur was still sitting on Merlin's bed, with Merlin still curled up in his arms. Arthur was rather uncomfortable, but he knew if he moved, Merlin would wake up, and would be unable to get back to sleep. Then, without warning, Gaius looked in Merlin's room, surprised that the door was on the floor, and when he saw the position that Arthur and Merlin were in, his jaw hit the floor. For starters, seeing Merlin asleep, and then seeing the position Arthur was in. It was a rarity to see Arthur, Crown Prince of Camelot helping someone in need. But then again, Gaius had rationalised to himself, Arthur and Merlin were closer than most master and servant partnerships, even if they weren't quite as close as friends. But, seeing Arthur in this particular position made Gaius think that Arthur actully cared for the young warlock more than he cared to admit. When Gaius walked up to the door, Arthur had not looked up, as he had not heard Gaius come in. This allowed Gaius to observe Arthur, and the position he was in with Merlin. Gaius made particular note of the expression on Arthur's face, which was a mix of pity, and love. Gaius had immediately backed out of the room quietly, and pulled the door up and made it at least appear shut, with a small smile on his face. He just knew that everything would begin to get better now.
Just as Gaius came out of Merlin's room, leaving both in the position they had been in when he had opened the door, the door to his rooms opened and Uther stormed in.
"Gaius, have you seen my son? He hasn't been around all day, and is neglecting his duties!" Uther half shouted at Gaius. Gaius knew that Arthur would be able to hear every word of the conversation, and also knew that if Uther kept yelling, Merlin would wake up, and then all hell would break loose.
"Unfortunately, Sire, I haven't seen your son, but if I do, I will make sure to tell him that you request that he attends to his duties for the day. Also Sire, my charge has had a rough few weeks, as he has just learnt some grave news from back home, and this is the first time in nearly 3 weeks that he has been able to sleep, so both he and I would appreciate it if you could please make your voice just a little bit softer in volume. I mean no offense Sire, it just would help both him an I greatly if the poor boy was able to get some sleep." Gaius replied to Uther.
"Very well Gaius, I will go find someone to continue my search for my son, as I too have things that need attending to today." Uther said in a lower volume, and then walked out of Gaius' chambers. Gaius sighed in relief, and gathered the medicines he would need for the rest of the day, and walked out of his chambers to go make his deliveries.
In Merlin's room, Arthur tightened his arms around the young warlock when he heard his father enter Gaius' chambers and start yelling. He heard every word of the conversation, and then after they had finished talking, both the older men had left the chambers to go about their business for the day. After the men had gone, Arthur had slightly let up on the pressure in his arms which were still wrapped around Merlin. But, as Athur was letting up on the pressure, Merlin burrowed into Arthur's body and pulled Arthur's arms tighter around himself. At this point, Arthur looked down at Merlin's face, and even though he still looked deathly tired, he had a small smile on his face, and Arthur noted this. He knew from this point on that he would do anything to see that small smile on Merlin's face during his waking hours, and to make that small smile into Merlin's usual big goofy grin that he displayed whenever he was truly happy. Arthur grinned at the thought of coming up with new ways every day to make Merlin smile. With that thought, Arthur streched out on Merlin's very small bed, bringing Merlin along with him, so the warlock was half draped over Arthur's body. At the movement of Arthur, Merlin had stirred and protested a small amount even though he still slept, but as soon as Arthur had settled down, Merlin burrowed back into Arthur's chest, and held him tightly, as if he was afraid Arthur would leave. Arthur wrapped his arms around Merlin, and the younger man smiled in his sleep slightly. Arthur grinned, and fell asleep, his last thoughts before he slept of Merlin.
Gwen entered Gaius' chambers to check on Merlin. She hoped he was a little bit better. As she walked toward the room that Merlin stayed in, she noticed it was at an odd angle. So instead of opening the door, she looked through the slot between the door and the door frame, and saw Merlin curled up against Arthur's body, asleep. Arthur too was asleep, and they both had smiles on their faces, and looked content. Gwen walked away from the door, a smile on her face, because she was happy that Merlin had finally begun to heal. As she walked out of Gaius' chambers, she ran into Morgana who was also coming to check on Merlin, grabbed her hand and walked away from Gaius' chambers, saying softly "He's fine, he'll start to get better now."
Well? what did ya'll think? (yes i know, again with the american type talk! i cant help it i get bored so easily!) be kind! Review!!!