Merlin's Kisses
By Unknown Book
Chapter 2: Lancelot
(A/N: I enjoyed writing this chapter a lot; in fact, I've probably done the least amount of editing to this one. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!)
The bet is simple. It isn't a matter of who can get the most Merlin kisses, it's just to prove that all the other knights can get them. Gwaine might want to "up the ante" later and bet who can get the most; but for right now, the knights only need to prove they're capable of it.
Lancelot doesn't join the bet to prove Gwaine wrong. He just wants to do something nice for his, coincidentally, affectionate friend. And earn a cheek kiss of his own.
He and Percival have a run-in with the Druids on a scouting mission. The two knights set their weapons aside, and it becomes clear that neither party wishes to harm the other. Due to their passive nature, the knights are welcome within the Druid hearth. The two remove their Pendragon red and sit down for refreshments with the elder of the camp.
Before they became knights, Lancelot traveled with Percival. He knows the gentle giant's stance on magic. There was a time when he and Percy could enter an encampment and see the smiles, laughter, and magic roam almost free. It's different now that they're knights of Camelot.
He won't out Merlin, but he knows that if Percival suspected anything, Merlin would still be safe. These druids are also safe, but even still, the hearth is skittish in their presence.
Lancelot wants so desperately to ease their fear, but he knows he can't. For now, he has something different in mind; something that might improve their comfort in the future.
"You have been very kind to us as we pass through, thank you for that. But as a knight, I know we could never earn your trust, and I don't expect it. I know your people will pack up their lives and move once we've passed." Lance is taking his time. It wouldn't do well to offend this druid elder.
"A nomadic life for a druid is no great tragedy. It only becomes that, when we move out of fear, rather than love for our earth and goddess." The elder speaks wistfully. There's a knowing glint in her eyes that speaks wisdom. "Somehow, young knight, I sense you know change will one day take foot."
"I've heard a few tales of destiny through the years, and I'd love to help it along in any way I can." Lancelot smiles at her. "I have a friend of mine, and forgive me for such a strange request, but I know he would be honored to learn from your teachings. They may help him reach his destiny."
"You are requesting a book on magic." It isn't a question. "That's an offense punishable by death in this kingdom, young knight, but I sense you know what you're doing. After all, there are many magic users hidden throughout Camelot, no matter what Uther wanted to believe. King Arthur has been more concerned with justice than blind hatred. We would be happy to grant your request." She looks off to the rest of the hearth, and without speaking a word, someone brings her a book.
"Thank you. If there's something I can give in return—" Lancelot gets cut off, but it isn't in an unkind way. He knows the elder only wishes to quell his formality.
"No need. We only ask that you and your friend remain as safe as possible."
"Then in return, I can assure you, your generosity is worth it. With the help of this book, my friend is sure to save many lives." Lancelot and Percival, who'd been kindly silent throughout the exchange, thank the druids once again and wish them safe travels before departing.
It's in Gaius's chambers, without Percival, that Lancelot presents this gift to Merlin. The look on his friend's face is so full of awe and adoration, as he runs his hands over the ancient tome.
It isn't made with animal skin. Instead, magic binds the book with material Merlin can't place, but it looks like leather. The pages are tinted with age, but not damaged in the slightest. He opens the book to find glowing gold letters shining back at him; and when Lance glances over his shoulder, the letters disappear. The book is enchanted to hide itself from non-magic folk.
When Merlin is finished admiring the book, he lovingly sets it on the table before locking eyes with Lancelot. Lancelot notes that his friend is speechless.
"Do you like it?" He asks with a small smirk.
Rather than answering, Merlin releases a breathless, tearful giggle, as a wide grin appears on his face. Making no effort to contain his excitement, he throws his arms around Lancelot and weightlessly laughs.
"Yes! I—Yes!" He carefully jumps back from the hug to place one kiss on each side of Lancelot's face.
"Goodness Merlin, you sound as though Lancelot just proposed." Gaius teases from the corner of the room, where he carefully mixes a potion.
"I-is that what just happened? Why would anyone want to marry Merlin." The eyes in the room drift over to see the newcomer. Arthur is standing there, looking both dumbfounded and flustered. Gaius can't contain his snickering. Lancelot just smiles.
Pulling back from Lancelot completely, Merlin grabs his new book and eagerly bounces toward Arthur. "Look what Lance got me!" He hesitates as he remembers what the book is, but he eventually opens it, trusting the magic to work.
"It's blank. You're excited—" Arthur pauses briefly to drive home his confusion, "—for a blank book." The befuddled royal hardly notices as everyone's shoulders sag in relief.
"Yes, yes I am. I couldn't possibly torture people with stories of your prattiness, so it'll all go in here." Merlin slams the book closed in Arthur's face. "Too bad I'll have to burn the book afterwards. It's not like I'll want to revisit those moments." He twists on his heels and stalks towards his bedroom, pausing to touch Lancelot's arm on the way.
"Don't worry, I'm never burning it. It's never leaving my sight." He doesn't bother lowering his voice to uphold the jab he just made at Arthur. He's far too excited. Merlin skips up to his room and turns once more to thank Lance before he slams the door shut for some quiet reading time.
Arthur shakes his head as he leaves the room, and Lancelot follows shortly after, glad that his gift was well received.
It's a good thing Gwaine didn't bet on who could get the most kisses. If he had, Lance would be winning.
(A/N: Thank you to all the lovely commenters from the last chapter! I love reading your comments! They almost make me want to write a sequel, even if this fic took me a year to polish… We'll see. )
(A/N: If you'd like to leave a comment, I'd love to hear from you!)