Title: Bed role games

Rating: M

Pairings: Merlin/Arthur

Summary: Anyone wonders what will King Arthur find Merlin doing in his bedchamber after a hard day? Well, Arthur too.

Warnings: Series of related one-shots. Unbeta'd. Slash m/m Merlin/Arthur. Established relationship. CanonAU. Smut, fluff and everything you could think of. I own nothing. English is not my mother language.

Word count for this chapter: around 4,100 (I don't know how, but each one is longer than the last one).

AN: Sorry for not updating this before. I've been pretty busy with other fics and real life (and sometimes being a bit lazy, sorry ;)). I noticed someone asked in last instalment who the knight was. I'm sorry if the dynamics of the chapters is confusing. I clarify it now: it's Merlin all the time who disguises himself as a different person each time to have sex with Arthur (so Merlin was the knight, the assassin and the slave). I've tried to stick to that and try not mention Merlin's name in the first part (so that it could be read as if Merlin really is the character he plays). However, in the morning it's always Merlin who appears in Arthur's bed. This fic is supposed to be a collection of one shots with Merlin interpreting several roles. They could stand alone (as they are mostly smut), but I have the idea of putting them together and showing in the mornings' part some glimpses of how Merlin and Arthur's relationship develops. This starts with Arthur as king (unmarried, of course) and with a established relationship with his servant, Merlin. You'll have to wait to the last instalment to see how it finishes. I hope this makes everything clear. As always a big thank you for all the favourites, followings and lovely reviews. Enjoy!

-~oOo0oOo~-

4 - The Manservant

Arthur's day had been quite normal. Except for the fact that he insisted on having a late training session with his knights after dinner so that they could do their best even at night. Being a knight wasn't easy and it required lots of practice to be able to harness your abilities and react properly to all kind of situations. And the knights of Camelot were the best in all Albion. That's why by their king's request his best knights, some of them his friends, joined him in the training field at sunset to practice some skirmishes among themselves and soon they were all sweating even in the cool breeze.

The truth was that despite the late hours it had been a great success since most of his knights turned up for practice and they worked hard to learn some tricks for when fighting at night. Some hours later, Arthur went back to his rooms tired but highly satisfied with the results. The only thing he wanted now was having a hot bath to get out all the grime and sweat. It would also help him to soothe his aches. Then he would go directly to bed. With a little bit of luck his manservant would have already prepared his bath and in less than an hour he would be peacefully sleeping in his bed.

He was thinking exactly that when he opened the door to his chambers and found himself face to face with his rooms lit by some candles and a crackling fire in the fireplace, his bed opened and his sleeping clothes already prepared. But that was nothing compared to the delightful image that made his huge bathtub filled with steaming hot water and... were those even some bubbles? Gods, even his manservant was right beside the tub ready to assist him in his bathing. It was truly a sight to behold.

Arthur closed the door and unclasped his belt with his sword still in it at the same time as he walked towards the foot of the bed and waited for his manservant to help him out of his chainmail and clothes. Arthur was surprised when without him ordering it, said manservant approached him silently and started to undress him with lowered eyes. Arthur was so weary that he ignored it and didn't ask anything. It seemed he was going to get the quiet night he wanted, so better go with it.

When Arthur finally stood in his trousers and boots he sat on the edge of the bed and stretched a little to ease the soreness in his back and shoulders while his young manservant left his armour and clothes in a near table in order to sort them out later. When he came back to him, he knelt in front of Arthur and began to take his boots off. The king couldn't avoid letting his gaze wander over the boy's delicate features. He was really gorgeous. The dim light of the candles and the fire gave him an ethereal appearance brought out by his pale skin and the mop of extremely dark hair on his head, which was almost all he could see from that position.

He was so absorbed in watching his hair and face that he didn't notice at all how his servant slipped his boots off. As he finished with the boots he lifted his eyes towards Arthur and stared at him bashfully while biting his lower lip slightly. He had the bluest eyes Arthur had ever seen and his lips seemed so soft and delectable... Then the boy spoke for the first time.

"Here, sire. Your bath is ready." And he averted his gaze again. That was when Arthur realised that perhaps that night wasn't going to be as calm as he had thought and after having ogled at his manservant he wasn't sure if he still wanted it to be like that any more.

Arthur sighed and stood up trying to avoid the temptation that his manservant represented for him. He unlaced his trousers and stood naked for a moment in front of the bathtub before entering it and sinking in the bubbly water so that his hurting muscles could relax. He looked at his manservant out of the corner of his eye and noticed the boy seemed to be quite busy at the moment preparing some towels.

Arthur closed his eyes and lay back against the edge of the bathtub waiting for his manservant to start massaging his body with soap and oils. He heard a splash and then the soft touch of a doubtful hand on his shoulder made him open his eyes again and look at the beautiful boy. He had his sleeves rolled up and was trying to rub his shoulder with a wet sponge, his eyes fixed on the point he was scrubbing. And there he was again biting his lip. Arthur couldn't stop himself from peering at the boy who was so focused on cleaning his skin. It was fascinating.

Finally, the manservant noticed his master's transfixed gaze and looked back at him. When their eyes met once more, the boy blushed prettily and turned back to the task at hand.

"It's everything alright, sire?" he asked with a soft voice.

"Yeah," Arthur answered. "You're doing it quite well."

The boys lips turned up in a mild smile. "I'm glad, my lord," he continued. "This first week at your service has been hard..." Then he stopped himself and looked up at him terrified. "I... I didn't mean it like that, sire. That is... I've never worked as a servant before... but I'm happy you find my service to your taste... I really want to continue as your manservant..." the boy finished lamely.

Arthur chuckled and straightened a little so that his servant could continue with his chore of scrubbing his master's back clean. It was true that being the king's personal manservant was even considered an honour as it was a good job. It wasn't specially hard, it was well paid and it provided with stability and recognition. The boy had motives to be glad of working for him.

Arthur almost moaned when the sponge caressed his back and shoulders. He leaned back again when the boy made to clean his chest. The king tilted his head and fixed his gaze on his servant's face once more. The boy was rubbing him with diligence but with delicacy at the same time. He seemed concentrated on washing his master's chest but sometimes he stole him a glance and his cheeks flushed a delicious pink that increased as his hand descended down the water and to his abdomen.

That was the moment when Arthur decided to stop it before he couldn't control himself. The hot bath had made wonders to ease his muscles and aches but the boy had made a true miracle by bringing him to his current state just by rubbing him a bit while he stared at his angelic face. Arthur didn't want him to think he was a pervert master but really looking at that innocent face while the boy was touching him like that... who could avoid getting a hard on? That's why he had to take the boy's hand before it brushed something he shouldn't and it would be too late.

The servant seemed surprised when Arthur stopped him and looked back at him with a frown.

"It's alright," Arthur declared. "I'll take care of the rest. You may retire for the night."

He really thought that would solve his problem. The boy would be gone and Arthur would be free to stroke himself quickly to completion and sleep peacefully in his bed. The boy, however, wasn't so easy to dismiss.

"But, my lord, I haven't finished with your bath and you need my assistance to prepare for bed," he protested as a good servant.

Arthur, on the other hand, didn't think of it like that since a really good manservant would have followed his master's orders without complaint.

"Let me," the boy almost pleaded and he reached for his chest again with the sponge. Arthur moved away but then the boy lost his balance and his hand went down the water to the point Arthur was trying to conceal the most. There was no way he didn't notice that (not that Arthur was boasting about his size...) but it was evident when the boy's hand grazed his length and at the same time Arthur emitted a moan. Immediately, the boy gasped, dropped the sponge in the water and recoiled with shocked eyes.

Arthur wetted his lips and lifted his hands in an attempt to calm the confused boy that was looking at him as if he was the strangest thing in the world.

"It's alright," he repeated with his most soothing voice. "It's because of the hot water that has relaxed me and..." Arthur tried to make up some excuse.

"No... No..." the servant interrupted. "You don't have to give me an explanation, sir." He lowered his eyes just a second and then he looked back at him before saying. "I... I may help..."

"What?!" It was Arthur's turn to be surprised. Had the boy just proposed what he thought? "It's not part of your duties to..." Arthur trailed off not knowing how to define that exactly.

"It's my job to take care of my master," the boy retorted. "I... I want to."

And his glinting eyes were truly sincere. Arthur was mesmerized by them and who in the world would say no to that. But, anyway, he had to be sure, so he reminded the boy again. "You really don't have to..."

And a sweet smile graced the boy's plump lips when he stood up from his kneeling position and without looking directly at him he started to get rid of his clothes and put them in a pile on the floor. First, the red scarf and brown jacket. Then, the thin belt and worn out boots. Finally, the blue tunic and brown breeches. Little by little the boy revealed more and more of his unblemished pale skin. Arthur had never witnessed something so arousing. He would never admit it but during all the process he had been unable to close his mouth and his painful erection was already begging for attention.

The boy stood naked in front of him his head bowed out of respect and uncertainty. He had gone as far as presenting himself like this to his master but it was obvious he didn't know what else to do, so he simply stood there waiting for him to give and order. Arthur had to remind himself to move and say something. He extended a hand towards his servant, "Here," he directed, "join me."

The boy glimpsed at him for a moment. His face was redder by the moment if that was possible but he obeyed without complaint. He took his hand and the water splashed a little when another body entered it. First one leg, then the other, and now the boy was standing inside the bathtub his long legs and soft cock in front of the king's face.

Arthur pulled the hand in his and the servant slowly squat down in front of him. The bathtub was certainly big enough to accommodate both of them and yet their legs brushed. However, it wasn't enough. Arthur needed more of that lovely creature that was just there, within his reach, and offering himself for something he might not know. That's why he released the boy's hand and went to cup his face. One last chance to forget about this and then the boy might be his.

"You know it, don't you?" he asked his manservant as he caressed his prominent cheekbones. "I don't want to force you. This has to be from your own free will."

Some peaceful seconds where their eyes locked, a soft nod and that was it. Arthur's lips descended on his servant's. The first touch was slight and tender but full of promises. The second was longer and more satisfying. The boy was responding deliciously. His mouth opened to Arthur's exploring tongue and his hands reached for his chest and shoulders. Arthur's instead hugged the boy's slender frame and brought him against him so that he ended on his lap.

The wet kisses seemed interminable but Arthur's passion asked him for more so he regretfully abandoned that sweet mouth and moved down that long neck to the collarbones still licking and sucking. Soft whimpers escaped the servant's now unoccupied mouth due to the king's gentle ministrations. He really seemed to be enjoying it as much as his master and that made Arthur extremely happy as he wasn't one to force his wishes upon anybody.

The king took advantage of having distracted the boy in his arms enough to lower one of his hands caressing him softly till he reached his buttocks and fondled them a little before parting both cheeks and introducing a finger inside his hole. The boy's immediate gasp informed him he hadn't been so subtle but he didn't protest at all. The servant just moved away from his kisses a little to stare at him with furrowed eyebrows. Arthur smiled at him reassuringly to made up for the discomfort he may have caused him with his actions but the boy quickly smiled back at him and leaned down to bury his head in the crook of his neck.

Arthur interpreted that as a good sign and continued moving his finger inside that tight channel. It really felt incredible and it was just his finger. He hoped it wasn't too much for the boy and that the soap, oils and water helped to ease the way. He didn't want to hurt his bed partner but he didn't think either he would stand it much longer. He inhaled the sweet scent the boy's skin gave off and kissed his shoulder. Then, he added a second finger and was rewarded with a little moan as his manservant drew himself closer to him.

In and out, in and out, his fingers curled and scissored inside the boy. Arthur couldn't think straight any more. He felt completely overwhelmed with lust for the boy in his arms. His keen mewling, the way he started to move his hips to help Arthur's preparing fingers, his hands holding onto him and stroking his back. He put inside a third finger and a groan sounded right beside his ear. He wanted to see him so he leaned back a bit and contemplated the beautiful image the boy made. His eyes were slightly closed, his face red, his lips parted and his pale skin started to show some droplets of sweat despite the fact that the water was getting cold by the minute.

A soft peck on the lips and the boy directed his blue gaze at him as his teeth grazed his lower lip in a naïve but sensual gesture that made him lost it. Arthur leaned down again for more fevered filthy kisses as he withdrew his fingers from the boy and positioned himself on the puckered entrance. The king slid his cock in his servant easily due to the oiled water around them and the narrow passage stretched even more to accommodate his manhood. Arthur paused when he was completely in and stopped his kisses in favour of looking once more at the boy and assure himself it was alright to start moving.

Both their irregular breathings evened a little due to their stillness and their eyes locked for a good time, the master looking for any trace of doubt, the servant showing his trust through his innocent caring eyes. The until then almost calm water started to shake when the king began to thrust up into his manservant. The waves they created on the water increased violently until it finally spilled out of the tub. The splashing sounds covered the noises of flesh against flesh as Arthur picked up speed and the boy pumped his hips against him matching his pace. He even wrapped his arms around Arthur's shoulders to hold onto him as he rode him with abandon.

For his part, Arthur gripped the boys hips and grunted. He felt as if he was melting in the water, or perhaps in the boy. His senses were completely overwhelmed by the strong feelings the boy aroused in him. His hands followed a path in his manservant's back and they found themselves in his shoulders, hugging him against himself possessively. It felt as if the trembling boy in his arms was truly his, as if he was giving himself to his king, surrendering his body to his master's pleasure. And Arthur couldn't do anything more than keep on thrusting and kissing and whispering 'Mine' over and over.

However, the boy's moans told him he was also having a good time as each time Arthur reached that sweet spot deep inside him, he gasped and arched his back as if that made him see stars, what excited the king even more. Their orgasm built rather quickly, Arthur's thrusts became more erratic and the boy clenched around him uncontrollably speeding both their releases. In just a moment Arthur filled the boy with his came and his servant cried out a dazed 'Sire' as he also reached his high even without being touched. Then the boy collapsed on his chest, both of them finally sated.

They took their time to recover, but the servant was the first to try to rise and leave the tub. Arthur, of course, stopped him by taking both his skinny wrists in his hands and brought him down to his lap again with an idle grin in his face. When the boy understood it was alright he calmed down visibly and smiled back at his master who leaned down to share another languid long kiss with his servant. They could really go on like that forever, their mouths clasped together and their hands caressing, but the water was pretty cool now and rather dirty. Nevertheless, being the king meant he had an enormous bed at his disposal and not using it was a pity.

"Mmmm," Arthur moaned as he parted his lips from his servant's. "You were right. I'll need your assistance to go to bed." Arthur nuzzled his nose with the boy's. "C'mon, show me what a good manservant you are."

And that's what the servant did. He helped his master out of the bathtub and reached for some towels to dry him, but Arthur didn't let him go that far. He took both his shoulders from behind and led the boy towards his bed, leaving behind quite a mess of clothes, towels and water on the floor and a tub still full of cold dirty soaped water. Being a servant, the boy walked reluctantly up to his master's bed but he couldn't either deny his master's wishes and finished crawling in bed with him to share a long passionate night together.

-~oOo0oOo~-

In the morning...

Arthur's stomach grumbled. He opened his eyes just a crack and noticed it was already well past dawn judging by the bright light coming through the windows. Then Arthur directed his gaze to the figure beside him in the bed. The boy had his head almost buried in the pillow, his jet black hair unkempt and he was snoring softly. It was without a doubt his manservant, Merlin.

Arthur's stomach rumbled again. After all he had had a tiring night with a late training session and a... let's call it a hot bath sex session, too. Well, at least he had his servant to hand, although he was the one supposed to have woken him up and not the other way around. But that's better than nothing.

"Merlin," Arthur said quietly as he shook him a bit. Nothing, except for a new grumble from his stomach. So he decided to try with one of his manservant's methods. "Rise and shine," he almost cried in the boy's ear. Merlin stirred imperceptibly and moaned a little.

Perhaps... Arthur pulled the covers off and now actually shouted, "Let's have a lazy daisy!"

Yeah, it sounded strange coming from him but it worked. Merlin sat up on his forearms and looked at him startled with his tousled hair making him look younger and far too adorable for his own good. And did he mention he was naked under the covers?

Arthur laughed wholeheartedly while his manservant glared back at him before pulling up the covers and lying down again in an attempt of going to sleep once more.

"Oh, no," Arthur warned, "you have some duties to attend to."

Merlin mumbled something incomprehensible but the king was sure he heard the word 'prat' somewhere in there.

"I need you to bring me breakfast. Then help me to dress for the day. Take out the bathtub and clean all the mess from last night. Make my bed... Then polish my armour and my sword. It must be dull from last night practice..."

A groan interrupted Arthur's endless list. He knew he asked too much of Merlin and yet he couldn't stop himself when giving his orders for the day. It may be in part because he loved Merlin's face when listening to them.

"Where's the good manservant from last night?" Arthur joked. "Perhaps he's up for some work for his lovely master?"

"Forget about him. You destroyed him, you dollophead." Merlin sighed and looked up at him with a smile, his head still resting comfortably on the pillow. "Anyway, it was just a one night thing, you know... I can't be a bootliker all the time, that's not like me."

Arthur chuckled as he looked down at his manservant fondly. "God forbid it! Then I would get bored!" They both laughed amused at their antics. "But it wasn't that bad to know just for a night how it would be like if you weren't the worst manservant ever."

"Hey," Merlin protested and that made him finally perk up a bit and forget about his morning laziness. "As you could see for yourself last night I can be quite a good manservant... If I want to."

Arthur snorted, but deep inside he knew it was true and not because of last night. Merlin was really a good manservant. He had always been. He worried for him and cared for him far more than what his job description may specify – that's what brought them to that kind of situations. However, Arthur didn't regret anything, not in the least. In any case, he was sorry it had to be like that. Even if he was already king, Merlin had to remain being a mere servant in the eyes of everyone else.

But one day he would change that. Arthur was sure of it. He didn't know how yet but he would make everyone see what a wonderful and special person Merlin really was. One day... Anyway, in the meantime, he could still tease him. He had to admit that last night was good as a fantasy (he couldn't deny that same one had crossed his mind on occasion before they had started they relationship), but he wouldn't change their banter for anything (not even an obedient manservant).

"So, pray tell me, my 'oh awesome manservant', when do you think you will feel like bringing your 'humble master' his so deserved breakfast?" And just then his stomach rumbled again as if to make his point clear.

Merlin's infectious smile intensified. "Well... I may right now..." Arthur looked at Merlin's amused face with a raised eyebrow. "... for a price." He was expecting that.

"Don't I pay you enough then?" Arthur asked playfully. He may be interested in that price.

"Not quite, dear master." Merlin sat up a little and drew his mouth closer to Arthur's. "But perhaps tonight..."

"Yeah," Arthur said entranced by their proximity.

"You could give me the evening off," Merlin replied cheekily as he stood up and started to pick up his clothes from the floor and dress for the day.

Arthur groaned and slumped down in bed again. He definitely didn't pout but Merlin had completely ruined the mood. Well, at least he was going to get him some food and as his master and lover Arthur could make him be the one to pay the price.

-~oOo0oOo~-

AN2: I know something like this has been done before but I wanted to try my hand at some bath time smut and, really, Merlin must have this kind of kink among his fantasies, so I had to do this. Also, I don't know when I will put next chapter up (I haven't written it yet). I'm trying not to make the updates too far inbetween, but the truth is that I have plans for other stories and it will depend on how they go. I will try my best to keep regular updates for this of at least once every three weeks (or once a month, sorry...). I really hope this don't put you off. I assure you I'm not going to abandon this, just bear with me.

Thanks for reading!