YEAH, NO SLASH... EVER LOL :D
Disclaimer : I only own the Floofs and the Keeper of the Forest and Fethryn. I unfortunately do not own Merlin. If I did, *sigh* if I did, then David Tennant and Matt Smith and SO MANY other people would guest star. More than once.
Warning : Set after season four, Reveal fic
May Contain : A band of Floofs, UNICORNS, Terribly written spells, Cliffhangers to annoy the heck out of you, Aithusaaaaa (and Kilgharrah), Catboy!Merlin, King Arthur Pratdragon, the Knights of Camelot, GWAINE, and a whole lot of MAGIC~
I'm still really sorry if anything seems out of character! No one's able to quite attain the peak of perfection, after all ^^
Thank you xXMistressMadHatterXx for letting me steal so many ideas from your reviews XD I'm going to say this at the beginning, now. It's become a permanent fixture.
Gwen is told, magic ensues! Sorry if this is becoming something of a crackfic, I've been constantly listening to the huge Owl City playlist on YouTube as I write... lol
Merlin spluttered as Arthur went to get his wife. His makeshift hat fell off as soon as his ears twitched with nervousness, and he pulled his tail back out when it started hurting. He wanted to tell her, of course he did, but... he had no idea how to tell her. He could just outright throw a goblet at her without touching it, or he could explain first and then show her his ears, or he could just walk up to her, as a cat, and explain then... He didn't know what to do. Would she hate him?
"Mate, Gwen's coming. You might not want to just stand in the middle looking worried," Gwaine suggested helpfully.
Merlin snapped back to attention. "Right yes. I... I still need a hat..."
No one spoke as he looked around furtively, looking for something to hide himself with. He couldn't find anything.
"Merlin, I may not know much about magic, but... can't you just, you know, use that spell again?" Gwaine asked, waving a hand around for emphasis.
Merlin turned to him, shaking his head. His ears twitched as he spoke, getting more frantic with each moment. "It doesn't work like that; spells like that don't last very long unless you have a source of power somewhere; a source of magic that is not your own, to help sustain that which you already have. And, since I've already used that spell today, and it's worn off, there's very little chance that it would work again, and-"
"Okay, okay," the knight said, holding up his hands to cut off the next bout of rambling. "I get it." In all honesty, he was more confused than before, but there was nothing he could do about that. There were more pressing matters to deal with.
One of which being the fact that Lady Guinevere had just walked through the door.
Merlin froze, eyes wide, back facing the door. He dared not move for fear of attracting the attention of the Queen.
Gwen gave a start when she saw Merlin. More importantly, she saw that Merlin had a tail. A long, smooth black tail, swishing merrily through the air. Her attention was brought to his head when she saw something triangular twitch. Peering at the top of her friend's head, she saw two black cat ears poking through his hair, twitching in harmony with his tail every few seconds.
She gaped openly, suppressing a smirk as she was reminded of when Gaius had been possessed by a troll and had given Arthur donkey ears.
She quickly composed herself, staring at Merlin's back. "Merlin?" she asked quietly. It probably was Merlin, but it could also be someone else, after all. Then again, there was that ridiculous yet somewhat endearing red neckerchief around his neck.
Merlin was apprehensive as he slowly turned to face the Queen, ears twitching nervously. "Erm, hello, Gwen..."
Gwen said nothing, striding forwards on the polished floor to stand before him. He stared at her with slotted pupils, eyes widening even more as she simply reached up and felt one of his ears, as if to determine its legitimacy. When she was confident that it was, in fact, real, she thereupon began rubbing at his ears, grinning when Merlin hummed pleasantly and leaned into her hand.
When it was determined that Gwen was not going to freak out, Gwaine took that moment to stand up indignantly, gripping Merlin's shoulders and yanking him away from the Queen.
"I'm sorry, my Lady, but Merlin doesn't like his ears to be scratched."
Gwen smiled, raising an eyebrow at the knight's behaviour. "You sound almost jealous, Gwaine."
Gwaine gasped. "Perish the thought!" he exclaimed, subconsciously pulling Merlin closer to him in an awkward hug.
Merlin stiffened under his grip. He really had to get his cat emotions under control if he was in the same vicinity as a certain friend of his known quite blatantly as Gwaine. It was alright when Percival did it; Percival probably had experience with cats. Gwen was okay too; she was a good friend, and she was sweet. She'd already been doing things like that before he even was a cat. But Gwaine... Gwaine was... The knight was too forceful, in an oh-my-God-my-friend-is-a-cat-I-must-make-him-love-me-the-most kind of way. It was honestly pretty frightening.
There were few things worse than a jealous Gwaine.
"Em, alright, Gwaine, could you..." Merlin asked awkwardly, wriggling out of his grip. "Okay. Gwen, I have a lot of things to tell you, so... you may want to... sit down."
Guinevere frowned but sat down compliantly, not interrupting, but not able to refrain from glancing at the adorable twitching ears every now and then as she listened.
Gwen was at a loss for words as Merlin finished his tale, feeling a frenzy of emotions rushing through her.
Merlin gazed at his friend's face, trying to determine what she was feeling. He deduced, quite happily, that she didn't seem to feel betrayed as Arthur had, but there were still the expected emotions; surprise being the strongest. The cat stood up straight, waiting for the Queen's words.
Gwen stood up, but she didn't speak. She rushed over to Merlin, and, to his surprise, enveloped him into a hug. Merlin, not quite knowing what to do, wrapped his long arms around her awkwardly.
"I am sad that you didn't tell me earlier," she said, pulling away, "But I'm glad to hear it from you, and I understand why you hid it from us."
Merlin grinned. Gwen was always the most understanding one. He shouldn't have been nervous; this was Gwen, giving-flowers-to-strangers Gwen, lighting-up-the-world-with-her-smile Gwen.
"Thank you," Merlin said, not really sure what he meant, but he was grateful.
Gwen frowned. "What for?"
Merlin beamed, shrugging. "I've no idea."
Gwaine chose that moment to step in. "Well, Gwen, I know you're too polite to say anything, so I'll say it. Merlin, show us something."
Gaius tutted disapprovingly while Gwen gasped, quickly shaking her head. "No, no! Not at all! I mean... Merlin, you don't have to, it's... it's not right, we're in Camelot, you could be seen, and-"
"Do you want to see something?" Merlin asked innocently, cocking his head.
Gwen opened her mouth, but hesitated.
"You know, it's really not that bad. It wouldn't be the first time I..." He paused as he saw Gaius' dangerously raised eyebrow. "Er... I mean... If you want to see something, it's really no trouble."
Gwen hesitated a little more, before letting out a timid, "Yes," before quickly adding, "I mean, not here, it's too... open. People walk into the physician's chambers all the time... Could we go somewhere else?"
Merlin smiled, shrugging. "Wherever you want, my Lady."
Guinevere paused pensively. "Arthur's chambers," she decided. Merlin didn't question her choice; she had yet to move out of her chambers, which were very close to Morgana's old ones. The room was kept clean, but the people were wary of entering, always expecting the witch to have left a surprise. Gwen's heart was still sore from the betrayal, and wanted to stay as clear of the room as she could. Merlin gave her a nod, beckoning for her to lead the way.
Gwen scratched his ears again as she passed, and Gwaine tried to as well when he followed, but Merlin leaned away. He turned around and waved to Gaius, giving him a small smile. Gaius read all the tiredness and excitement and utter shock behind the smile, and he nodded back.
Merlin sighed as he stepped through the door, scrubbing a hand across his face.
"Boo."
Merlin let out a squeak and jumped at the voice, spinning around wildly, tail sticking straight up in the air. He smoothed down his tail angrily when he saw who it was.
"Arthur!" he growled.
The King let out a laugh, ruffling his manservant's hair. "Oh Merlin, don't act like a lion; you're still just a kitten."
Merlin let out an indignant noise and flattened his hair. "At least I'm not a pompous idiot," he muttered under his breath.
Arthur pushed him forwards. "Well, you may not be pompous, but you're still half of that statement, don't worry."
"Prat."
"Idiot."
"Were you standing by the door the entire time?"
Arthur flushed. "No."
"Aww, Arthur," Merlin cooed, "You should have told me you missed Gwen so much; I would have gladly given you your wife for you to spend some time with," he continued, winking.
Arthur rolled his eyes and looked away, but his face was still red. "Shut up Merlin."
Merlin smiled easily. "Yes Sire."
They were about to turn into the next corridor when Arthur stopped. "Merlin."
Merlin stopped as well. "Yes, Sire?"
"You still don't have a hat."
Merlin's smiled melted and he groaned.
Just then, a serving girl walked by, arms full of laundry. Her mouth fell open at the sight before her. Arthur quickly stepped in, planting a rough hand over Merlin's head, effectively hiding his ears, and grabbing his tail to still it. "You saw nothing," he said authoritatively, pulling his manservant to the side. The servant quickly nodded and about-faced, scurrying off in the other direction.
Arthur took his hands away as soon as there was no one in the hall. "I have an idea," he stated.
"No," Merlin groaned. He started to step away, but Arthur grabbed the back of his neckerchief, practically choking him.
"Don't move." Arthur untied his neckerchief and unfolded it, so it was displayed in all its raggedy glory. He lowered his hands to Merlin's hips, quickly tying the scarf like a skirt. Merlin spluttered and tried to shy away, but Arthur grabbed him again, securing the wrinkled red skirt-thing. He then stepped back to admire his handiwork. The tail was a little too long, but if Merlin didn't move it, then it probably wouldn't be noticed. He then placed his hand back on Merlin's head, hiding his ears. Merlin glared at him and tried to undo the 'skirt'.
"No, don't. It's only to my chambers; you can survive."
"I look ridiculous," Merlin grumbled uselessly.
"Good for you. Now come on. Gwen's probably thinking we ran away or something."
Merlin and Arthur only passed a confused guard on their way to the King's chambers.
The sight of the guard resulted in Arthur having Merlin walk directly in front of him, helping to hide his tail, and clamping his hand almost painfully on Merlin's unsuspecting ears, resulting in a startled squeak from the manservant. The guard sped up on his way when the King shot him a glare.
Arthur never released his hand from Merlin's head, even when his ears twitched relentlessly beneath his palm.
They managed to arrive at Arthur's chambers without further disturbing anyone else, thankfully.
Arthur went to push the door open, without knocking, but he felt it hit something heavy. He jumped back in surprise as he heard a thump on the other side of the door.
After a long pause, Merlin stepped forwards carefully, prodding the door with a finger. As it swung open, both men peered inside, seeing Gwaine sprawled on the floor in front of them and Gwen standing close behind with both hands covering her mouth in shock.
Merlin leaned over through the door, peering at his friend. "Gwaine?" he questioned.
Gwaine grunted and rolled over, crossing his arms and nestling his head in his elbows. "Hey, Arthur... is it alright if I just, you know, stayed here for a while?" he groaned, making no move to get up.
Arthur pursed his lips and shrugged, stepping over the knight's body. "Merlin, shut the door."
The manservant complied, still looking down at his friend on the floor. Once the door was closed and there was little chance of anyone overseeing, Merlin untied his scarf from his waist and wrapped it messily around his neck.
"No, Merlin, you look better in a skirt!" Arthur laughed.
Merlin glared at him. "Hey, Gwen?"
"Yes, Merlin?"
"Arthur's been telling me that he'd love to try on one of your dresses." He grinned cheekily at Arthur, walking over to the big bed and picking up one of the fluffy white pillows. He puffed it up a little as he walked back over to Gwaine, who had not gotten himself off the floor. He crouched down next to the knight's long hair, gently lifting his head and depositing it on the pillow. Gwaine sighed.
"Aaah, thank you, Merlin. You'd make a great housewife," he garbled. Merlin ignored him and walked back to the royal pair by the window.
"Right. Em... what are we doing?" he asked, nervously wringing his hands.
Gwen smiled fondly. "You were going to show us some of your... talents," she said softly, testing the word out.
Merlin grinned. "Well, Arthur, do you want me to do that thing I did in the forest, or...?"
"No."
"Why? What did you do in the forest?" Gwen asked curiously.
Merlin's eyes lit up with glee. "You see, Arthur wanted to see-"
"Shut up, Merlin."
"But Gwen, he really-"
"Merlin!"
"Yes Sire."
Gwen giggled at the exchange. Even if Merlin was the most powerful warlock to ever live, he was still Merlin. "Well, Merlin, I don't know much about... this, so, you could... surprise me?" she inquired timidly.
Merlin beamed, and she gasped softly as his eyes effortlessly lit up, taking on a golden hue. Fethryn, he called quietly with his mind, could you take the flowers out of your mouth for a second? I need them.
As you wish, Merlin, the unicorn hummed, not questioning his friend's intentions. He dropped the blossoms in front of him. Just as soon as he'd let them go, they disappeared in a flash of light, reappearing in Merlin's outstretched hand. The unicorn thought nothing of it; he was a creature of magic, after all. He was used to such things. Merlin held out the purple flowers to the Queen, who was staring at them with wide brown eyes.
Merlin let out a laugh, eyes fading back to blue. "For you, my Queen," he said, bowing respectfully.
Gwen shook herself from her stupor, smiling gratefully at the manservant and politely accepting the flowers. She sniffed them deeply, taking in the scent. "Oh, Merlin, thank you! They're lovely." She stepped forwards and planted a kiss on the warlock's cheek, earning a blush and a goofy grin.
Arthur glared at him. That's my wife, Merlin, his eyes said. Merlin quickly composed himself, but it took great effort as he was grinning like an idiot.
"Hey, Gwen," Gwaine drawled from the floor. "I think Arthur's jealous."
Arthur spluttered, but was cut off from a retort when Gwen met his lips. Merlin grinned and looked away.
The cat sat down next to Gwaine, who was staring off in a daze.
Gwaine started giggling uncontrollably. "Arthur has a giiiiirlfriend," he murmured to his friend.
Merlin stared at him, worried. "Oh, Gwaine, you... you don't have a concussion, do you?"
Gwaine smiled and rolled over.
Merlin groaned, rubbing a hand through his hair. "Great. There's no knowing with you."
Is your friend ill? Peter's voice asked from somewhere Merlin couldn't see.
Merlin sighed. It's more of a mental affliction, really.
Peter jumped out of the shadows, landing on the knight's head.
"Merlin... get off my head," Gwaine groaned, not moving.
Merlin chuckled. "I'm not on your head, Gwaine."
Gwaine paused thoughtfully. "Whoever you are, get off my head."
"I think Peter had a thing for heads, Gwaine. Just let him be."
Sorry about that ending... I didn't know what to do otl
That was kind of... not a cliffhanger. Wow, I think I could pull off ending the fic right here! I won't, of course. I hope you're not getting too bored with me lol
Yeah, I've figured out something; when I write, I write about half a chapter one day, half the chapter the next and submit it, and then I don't write for the rest of the day, and then I repeat. It's weird, because I feel like I take so long... but these are just my headcanon ramblings *sigh* and probably won't happen in the show...
I know some of you hate Gwen (for the life of me I don't know why... she's so nice!) but I don't, so Gwen will be an awesome Queen-person-thing in this story. Expect more of her. Okay I'm done bothering you now.
Please review!