A/N: Here is chapter 2 of my friend's story!

I will pass any comments on to him.

As always, feel free to contact me!

ENJOY

Of Duty or Love

Chapter 2:

"A Knight Of Enjoyment"

"Father," Arthur began in the meeting room. "I am to believe that we are running low on a few of our supplies. Might I suggest that I go out on a hunt."

"Yes, I suppose you're right, take a few men."

"I think that stealth would be appropriate, I shall go with Merlin. He and I would be more likely to acquire more than going with a group, wouldn't you agree father?"

"Yes, well I suppose you're right, a good hunt needs to be plentiful and have stealth. Go, leave at dawn." Uther said coldly.

"Thank you, father." Arthur said as he left. The prince hastily walked down the numerous hallways and corridors that separated his chambers from the meeting hall. He ran through the doors and nearly slammed them shut scaring Merlin.

"Arthur!" Merlin said shocked. "What's going on?"

"Merlin, I just got us a free trip out of the castle and all to ourselves, with one price." Before Merlin could utter one complaint, Arthur quickly said, "It's only that we need to be able to bring back some game. I told my father that you and I are going for a hunt, but," Arthur brought Merlin in close to himself. "You know why." he finished as he kissed Merlin.

The prince cupped his cheek to deepen the kiss and amplify their ever increasing passion. As they broke their kiss Merlin's cheeks turned red hot as he stared at a fixed point on the ground. Arthur lifted his chin and looked into his eyes. "Merlin, my love, don't be ashamed."

"Ashamed? No! Never. It's still just so surreal that you love me. I spent so many years watching as a new woman would take your heart, knowing that I couldn't. I'd sit idly by and watch as you got close and intimate while I was there crying because it wasn't me. Then, you'd go off on a quest and get wounded or nearly die, with me there almost about to die because of the thought of losing you. I'm just still somewhat nervous about us, but it's not you! I would never be ashamed of loving a man like you." Merlin said before giving Arthur a peck on the lips.

The sorcerer turned around to start packing for the trip, scouring through Arthur's closest was like digging for gold, but with a little work, Merlin is able to find enough appropriate clothing for the next few days. That was only one part of the picture, now he had to find food, water, and pack his own materials. When he arrived home, Gaius wasn't in. He was off with patients. Meaning he could immediately get ready and start packing. It wasn't too late in the evening, the sun was only starting to set when Merlin heard a knock on the door.

The sorcerer walked over, seeing that a cloaked figure was sneaking around. The figure looked left and right for what could only be guards of the king. The sorcerer slowly opened the door and the stranger tumbled in and closed the door. Panting deeply, the cloaked figure removed their hood, revealing none other than the prince himself who gave Merlin a small, passionate kiss.

"So are you ready?" He asked.

"For the hunt? Dawn is hours away and we need sleep before going, don't want to miss any game do we?"

"Then come back to the castle. Please? Sleep with me," Arthur said hugging Merlin from behind. Whispering in his ear, Arthur continued. "Merlin, please. I want my boyfriend next to me." His voice making Merlin melt as he nibbled his earlobe for extra emphasis.

Shrugging Arthur off his back, "Fine, I'll go. You're lucky I already had my stuff packed earlier today." he said as he headed off to his room and grabbed his packed satchel. "Lead the way, my lord." Merlin said causing Arthur to laugh.

As they arrived back to Arthur's chambers, Merlin hopped into the giant bed, that he himself had made earlier that day. "I never knew the bed was this soft!" He exclaimed. "I know I make it almost daily, but seriously!" Arthur just looked and laughed as Merlin played and wrapped himself in the blankets of the bed.

"Merlin, come on," Arthur said as he started to untie his shirt and take it off, causing the young sorcerer to blush at the sight of his lover. As Arthur approached the bed Merlin smoothed out the covers and made room for his prince. Merlin got out of the bed and looked at Arthur. "Merlin? What are you doing?"

"Sorry. I…" he stuttered. "I still feel a little strange being here."

"Don't worry my love." He said kissing Merlin's forehead. "It is different. But," he hugged Merlin. "But with you, it's better. Now, we best be going to bed. Agreed?"

Yawning, Merlin agreed and kissed his boyfriend, laying his head down on his chest. As their breathing began to synchronize, Merlin closed his eyes and feel off into a deep slumber.