After a terribly long wait that I feel really guilty about, the seventh chapter is here. I'm not going to make any excuses, for what would that solve? All I'm going to say up here is thank you to all the reviewers and everyone that has encouraged me to continue. I think you guys will like this chapter, but may hate me when you finish for leaving it the way I did. xD Anywho, enjoy!

**Insert clever disclaimer here**

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"Arthur," Merlin began hesitantly, hovering in the doorway. Arthur didn't look away from the window as he said flatly, "Come in, Merlin. It's not like you'd actually wait for permission anyway," he added under his breath.

Merlin ignored the jibe and shuffled into the room, quietly shutting the door behind him. "Look, Arthur, I'm sorry for whatever you think I did. Just so you know, I thought Morgana was too harsh on you. In a few weeks, I probably would have laughed at having to wear the hat in public," Merlin assured him in a light voice. It was true; Merlin had been sure he wouldn't be embarrassed for long over the incident, which gave him the courage to show off the hideous feathered hat. But now, after Morgana's talk with the prince, Merlin's outlook on his friendship with Arthur looked very dark and clouded.

"Do you think I'm angry with you, Merlin?" Arthur rounded on him, disbelief barely masked in the depths of his crystalline eyes. Merlin would mistake Arthur's anger at himself for anger at the servant.

Merlin's eyes widened in surprise at Arthur's question; the way he asked didn't make it seem like Merlin was his favorite person in the world right then. "Well, it sort of seems like you are," Merlin said slowly, taking a small step away from Arthur. The prince blinked, as if just realizing his behavior would frighten Merlin a bit.

"I'm sorry. You know how I tend to lash out at anyone when I'm angry, even if they didn't do anything wrong." Arthur put emphasis on the last words to hint not-so-subtly to Merlin that he needn't continue blaming himself. In fact, Arthur wasn't even mad at Morgana. Well, he was a bit upset with her, but only because when she argued with him her tone had been much too condescending. But, mostly, he was mad at himself. He was mad at his temper. It was as though it took on a mind of its own, entirely ignoring his heart as if it knew best. Arthur knew the reason he overreacted was to hide his growing…affections from everyone, including himself.

Merlin made a small noise like a cough then, dragging the prince out of his reverie. "Anyway," Arthur continued gruffly, a bit embarrassed of having been lost in thought, "I just want you to know that I'm not angry with you, and I'd like for everyone to just go on as if this never happened." He cocked an eyebrow, silently asking for Merlin's cooperation.

"Well, I'll have no problem with that-"Merlin started to reply before Arthur interrupted him with a sigh of relief. "If," he continued, ignoring Arthur's grunt and eye roll, "you'll tell me who you're really upset with."

Arthur tensed for a moment, definitely not expecting this request. He had no idea how to answer, for the inevitability of Arthur's true feelings being confessed because of the answer to Merlin's question stared both boys in the face. For a moment, Arthur was furious, because Merlin only asked because he knew what the outcome would be. However, he thought for a moment and realized he could answer and refuse to elaborate.

Satisfied with his weak plan, Arthur said, "I am angry, Merlin, at myself." The prince watched the warlock closely and did not fail to notice the flash in Merlin's all too expressive eyes that always accompanied a confirmed guess. Arthur had been correct as well.

"Why is that, sire?" Merlin asked innocently. While he expected Arthur to shrug off this question, he couldn't help but ask.

"As if you don't know, you idiot." Arthur fought a smile as he watched Merlin snicker at the contradicting words. Suddenly, the manservant's face grew serious as he watched his friend's face intently, and Arthur realized grudgingly that he would need a better way to avoid the question. So he countered with a question of his own. Not a very good question, but it would buy him some time. "Why do you care, Merlin?"

Merlin rolled his eyes. "Oh no, Arthur, you're not getting away with that. You owe me answers, and I won't give you any until you tell me why you're angry with yourself."

The challenge in Merlin's eyes stunned Arthur. Merlin had never acted like this. Sure he'd defied his prince and argued and insulted and joked with Arthur, but he had never actually challenged him on the grounds of his emotions. He almost couldn't handle it. Oh God, he thought, I have to tell him. How is this even happening? Oh God, oh God, oh God. Arthur deliberated on what could happen. He could tell Merlin and if things became too awkward he would get a new manservant. But, that was impossible for he couldn't bear to be without the raven haired boy. That option gone, he decided he could tell Merlin and if-no, when- his feelings were not reciprocated, he would order his servant to forget all about it. It hurt to think about the looming rejection, but it had to be done. The prince would just grin (or cringe) and bear it. Swallowing, Arthur opened his mouth and said, "I am angry with myself because I humiliated and hurt you just to try and hide the fact from everyone, especially myself, that I like you, Merlin. I like you," he whispered.

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Sorry about the ending! Don't be angry with me! I'm starting Ch.8 right now, I promise!

Anyway, I hope you all like it and find this chapter worth the wait. Please review and feel free to make any suggestions!

Bye for now!

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