Hello everyone !

First thing, I apologize for the lateness of that chapter. I promised it for yesterday but well life went that way and I really had no time. And that wonderful Merlin episode didn't helped at all as I had to take time to survive to it.

Any way, I have to be honest, I still finished that chapter and I really, really don't know where it came from. I really hadn't planned that and that's kind of scary. So I really, really, really need you to tell me what you think of it. I'm under the impression this story is just going round. Really, I'm not sure it's good at all. So I will not hate you if you tell me that's crap. Be honest !

Well, I'll let you read !

Chapter Five:

During the rest of the day, Gaius continued his work while watching Merlin with one eye. The boy will never cease to worry him. Some days he nearly wished that the boy never came to Camelot. But, well, he also had to admit that he was glad to have someone in his lonely life. Before Merlin his life had been somehow dull with only his work as a companion. Now, however, he had a more personal purpose in his life. Merlin is always proving himself to be a sort of a challenge for the old Physician. He had never had to care about somehow before and even less a child but he had learned. And he hoped that he was doing a good job with Merlin. He was proud of the boy and of what he was accomplishing every day. But the love Merlin gives him and the feeling of having a family came with nearly constant anxiety. Gaius found himself jumping each time someone came into his Chambers, worried that something had happened to Merlin or that the boy had done something reckless like using magic in plain sight and got arrested. And that was not to talk for all those time when Merlin mysteriously disappeared or followed Arthur in dangerous quests. And now, without his magic Gaius could see how lost his adopted son was. He thought that even the boy hadn't realized how much his live was dependant on magic until this day. Gaius had hoped that it was only a temporary state but he had to admit that the temporary was beginning to be a bit long and he feared that it will not be so temporary in the end. He refused to talk about this possibility with Merlin quite now however. He had still some books to read and he really hoped that he would find some answers there.

He had to wait until lunchtime for something to happen and it was a quiet knocking at the door. Gaius was sitting at his table, about to eat but still he got up to open the door. He was once more surprised to see the Prince of Camelot in front of him. The regal man was still wearing his armor and stood awkwardly in front of Gaius.

"Sire, what can I do for you? Where you injured during training?"

"What?" asked Prince Arthur looking confused. "No, in fact I… I was wondering how was Merlin… He seemed pretty ill this morning…" AndIwasworried, Arthur thought without saying it.

"Oh, that's very kind Arthur. Come in. He's sleeping at the moment. I gave him a sleeping draught. He has a pretty high fever but it is certainly because his body is fighting the cold. I believe he'll be alright in a couple days."

The Prince entered the room, Gaius following and found his way near to Merlin. Gaius could see that he was feeling guilty and worried but didn't say anything.

"I'm sorry Gaius. It's my fault. I saw that he was ill but still I made him work. I should have send him back to you immediately."

"It isn't your fault Arthur. Besides, stubborn as he can be, he probably would have found another servant to help instead of coming here."

"But still I could have tried."

Silence fall in the Chambers as both Gaius and Arthur watched the sleeping form of Merlin.

"Something else is wrong with him, isn't it Gaius?"

"What do you mean, Sire?" asked Gaius, feeling his heartbeat speed up a bit but forcing his eyes to meet the Prince's.

"I don't know but… Something is off with Merlin recently. I can't put my finger on it but… He's different… And not just because he's suddenly quiet and efficient in his work or because he's disappearing for hours… It's just a feeling… Surely you've noticed too, right?"

Gaius was quiet for a long moment after that, trying to decide what to tell the Prince. Obviously the words "Helosthismagicwhilesavingyouandnowhedoesn'tknowwhattodo" wouldn't be the best to say.

"I've noticed Sire. But I can't say I know what is wrong with him. You know how he is. He won't talk of what's bothering him. Even to me."

Arthur hummed his answer, still watching Merlin.

"Well, I'll better leave you then. Tell Merlin he doesn't need to come back until he is fully healed."

"Yes Sire."

And with that Arthur left the room and Gaius breathed a sigh of relief while seating himself back at the table.

The next morning found Merlin awakening feeling better. He was pretty sure is fever was nearly gone because he wasn't feeling overly warm anymore. His headache was nearly gone too and only his throat remained sore. Gaius made him drink another round of Potions before authorizing him to sit at the table to take a breakfast. Merlin had been starving and thus had eaten his bowl of soup in record time. Once he was finished, he went in his bedroom to change and then made his way to get out.

"Where exactly do you think you're going young man" asked Gaius from his spot at the table.

"To Arthur's Chambers of course" replied Merlin with his still sore voice. "He probably will be mad with me."

"I don't think so, no. He personally came here to tell me not to let you go out of here before being fully healed."

"But I'm healed look! I feel far better now."

Gaius arched an eyebrow at him as Merlin began coughing lightly.

"You're staying here Merlin. That's an order. And I'm sure if you go to Arthur he will tell you the same… He noticed something was wrong Merlin. He told me that yesterday."

Merlin heaved a sigh and came back to sit in front of his mentor, looking desperate.

"I'm sorry, Gaius."

"Stop saying that. It's not your fault… Maybe you could use that free time to make some researches in your magic book…"

"Gaius…"

"I know you're against it Merlin. But maybe you could find something in it. And if you don't look in it I will."

"Right… I'll go then."

"Good boy" said the Physician a little sarcastically as Merlin all but dragged himself toward his room.

Merlin sighed was more as he settled himself on his bad and took his book from his hiding place. It was hard to admit but he was slightly scared to open his book to find nothing to help him. It was also painful to read spells which he knew he wouldn't be able to try because, well, he wasn't a Warlock anymore. He forced himself to push those thoughts away and began flipping through the pages.

So ? You hated it ? Loved it ? Please, leave a review. I need to know what you think !