PAIRING: Merlin/Arthur from the Television Series: Merlin.
DISCLAIMER: I do not own the TV Series. I am not making any money. This is for entertainment only. This did not happen. This story is slash fan-fiction. Slash means that the main characters are Gay. If you don't like this sort of story, don't read.
SUMMARY: Rating MA. Romance/Danger Arthur wants Merlin badly but isn't sure that Merlin feels the same so he decides to throw down a challenge. This takes place after Uther marries the Troll in Season 2. The story contains spoilers from that episode. Story contains an OC.. Story contains a male OC.
RATING: MA
AUTHOR: Rufferto9 (rufferto9 )
CHAPTER : 7 of 8

Reckless Hearts

LATE AFTERNOON (They slept all day)

The first thing that came to his befuddled brain was that he was tired and his body ached even after several hours of sleep on a bed. In spite of all that he felt rather warm and pleasant. He wondered for a while why that was as he gradually slipped back into consciousness. A bird chirped outside his small window and he yawned hugely. He made an attempt to stretch but found himself somewhat confined. He opened his eyes a crack and was found that he had a view of blonde hair and smiled, then flushed for he remembered when they had found him naked and he'd had to lie... again. "Arthur..." He murmured as he untangled one of his arms and reached up to thread his fingers through impossibly soft locks. He wasn't sure what time of day it was or how long they had been asleep like this.

Arthur was half sprawled across him. His larger frame took up most of the small bed. His whole life had been spent sleeping on small beds so he was pretty used to it but Arthur wasn't. He was surprised that Arthur was still there. He was surprised, but most certainly not unhappy. "mmm." Arthur murmured breath warm against his throat. "You're awake." He lifted his head and smiled. "Bout time."

When Arthur smiled at him Merlin felt his stomach do little flip flops and his body tingle. That smile, that perfectly beautiful morning smile was his favorite type of smile. It was a sort of vulnerable one that came just after the groggy effects of dreamland, "Hi," Merlin grinned and mock scowled. "You're heavy. Shift over."

Arthur smirked. He reached a hand up to Merlin's cheeks and playfully turned up the corners of his lips. "You aren't even mad. Besides, there's nowhere to shift to. This has got to be the smallest bed in Camelot." He grumbled. He shifted a little but any move he made would have him tumble off the bed. At any rate, he was actually feeling rather pleasant in this position. He had Merlin trapped underneath him and there was no way anyone would be able to take him away. "You can't be mad at me, you love me. I heard it. No take-backs allowed."

"That was an absurd moment of weakness or I wouldn't have added to your huge ego. I assure you, you're still a Pratt." Merlin smirked and nipped at the finger that caressed his lips. "A HEAVY Pratt. And.." He whimpered as Arthur rolled against him and caused his already warm body to flare up in a certain location.

"And you still love me anyway." Arthur gave a gleeful little chortle. "Admit it, Merlin." His finger trailed down Merlin's cheek and neck. He found a nipple, teased it and delighted in the way it caused sweet little sounds to come from the back of his lover's throat. He took the nipple between his teeth and sucked on it, an action he was sure contributed to the shudders that began to ripple through Merlin's body. "Say you love me, I want to hear it again."

"Pratt," whimpered Merlin affectionately. "How can I think when you're doing that?"

"That's the idea." Arthur countered. He went to work on another nipple. Before they had gone to sleep the night before he had dressed Merlin in a nightshirt for his dignity. As he was tugging it out of the way, it ran across his mind that the excuse Merlin had been given for being utterly nude when they found him was the most incredibly lame one he'd ever heard. Merlin hadn't even had under things on. "I should have left you naked. It would be more convenient that way."

Merlin flushed. "Did Morgana really see me like that?"

"Yes."

"Why are you thinking about Morgana when you should be thinking only of me, right now!" Arthur wanted to know. He rubbed little circles up and down Merlin's side, tickling a little.

"Only thinking of you, I promise... ahhh..." Merlin stifled a giggle and squirmed. "Stop it!" His lower lip trembled and he clutched Arthur's shoulders.

The squirming made certain areas of Arthur's body tighten more than they already were. "Damn seven kisses! I need to kiss you freely." Please Merlin. He didn't actually beg but his eyes burned with need.

Merlin smiled, and that was the most beautiful thing that Arthur had ever seen. It was a smile that said nothing, and everything. It was just for him. Arthur would hold on to that smile through every trial he would ever face. He would take it with him in his heart and use it for strength. Through everything, against everything, it would be the chance to see Merlin's smile that would keep him going. When those sweet lips parted and Merlin nodded, he was completely and irrevocably in love.

So Arthur quickly claimed Merlin's lips before the other could change his mind. He never did anything half-way and so he tangled their tongues and moved until he was fully covering Merlin's slim form. For so long he'd wanted that nod. "Don't ever scare me like that again." He commanded and kissed again... and again... and a third time for good measure. "Don't ever leave me."

"Yes, my lord." Merlin rasped between kisses. The third time Merlin felt as though his senses were swirling around him like wildfire. He was thoroughly caught and drowning in the pleasure of Arthur's light. The fourth time he really needed air and nudged away his lover's lips with an exasperated laugh. "Slow down... Arthur, please. " He whispered as he ran his fingers up and down the Prince's neck. "I need to tell you something."

Arthur kissed him a fifth time and for a moment Merlin thought that he wouldn't listen to his request until they stared at each other and Arthur sighed. "Tell me what?" He was resting on his forearms, his larger frame lifted just a little bit off of Merlin's chest and his eyes were intense. Since he had to catch his breath too, he was willing to hear what Merlin had to say.

"I need to tell you something and I need you to take it seriously before we go any farther." Merlin pleaded. "I can't do this without you knowing."

"Knowing what?" Arthur smiled as he gazed hungrily at those lips. He would devour them thoroughly before the day was over and after they dealt with the menace below the Camelot. They were /his/, he nipped at Merlin's jaw playfully and pouted as he was swatted away.

"Why Samuel is after me, specifically. Stop that—listen!" Merlin held Arthur's cheek gently with his one free hand. The other was trapped under Arthur.

"He needed to become corporeal and he was draining you for your life source. I get that." Arthur smiled. "And you have magic, so of course he wanted to drain you."

Merlin sputtered in shock. "H—h—how did you know?"

"Really, Merlin you can be such an idiot sometimes." Arthur grinned at him. "I knew a long time ago, I've just been waiting for you to trust me enough ... to love me enough ... to tell me."

"I was careful!" Merlin protested, flushing deeply.

"Hah!" Arthur scoffed, he wasn't as oblivious as people thought he was. "There were so many times that you were really not and I had to pretend I didn't notice. I know you're not evil, Merlin and of course I won't tell my father. Now, can we get on with the kissing?"

"But I don't want to come between you!" Merlin protested weakly.

"You already have, Merlin." Arthur rained a few nibbles up Merlin's jaw and Merlin gave out a little whimper. "Magic has always been between me and my father and it probably always will be. He'll get over you but you must trust me. I will protect you from him. I promise you and when I am King, Magic will be back in the land."

"Do you swear it?"

"On my mother," Arthur promised softly as he claimed a sixth kiss. "I want all of you, Merlin. I don't care that you have Magic."

The seventh kiss was Merlin's turn. When they first started doing this Merlin had made a small mark on Arthur's lower lip. It had begun to heal and wouldn't leave a scar. He craned his neck slightly and kissed that spot softly and delighted in the way his lover's lips parted. He decided to play a little more with that luscious lower lip and encourage Arthur to keep up with this kind of attention. Kissing Arthur was like tasting a dream and having it all at once. This time, he wouldn't leave a mark... not a physical one, anyway or a magical one. Once he was done with Arthur's lower lip, his Prince wouldn't be able to take pleasure from anyone else touching him there. Of that, Merlin was certain.

All the confirmation he needed was the sounds Arthur was making. He lapped and tugged and pulled and Arthur let him. That particular lower lip would be full and red by the time he was done with it.

"You're mine, Arthur." Merlin told the Prince softly. "Don't forget it."

Arthur's eyes smoldered, surprised by how much he loved hearing that. "Let's not forget who is in charge, Merlin."

"How could I possibly forget who the Royal Pratt is?" Merlin wondered innocently.

"Better not."

"Kiss me again." Merlin demanded hotly.

"Hmmm! Since you ask so nicely, I suppose I can accommodate." Arthur's eyes twinkled and he proceeded to do just that. Of course, he was going to do that /anyway/.

Their situation was not going to improve until they did something about Samuel. Gaius eyed the door to Merlin's room and grunted to himself. He at least was doing something constructive with his time. He loved Merlin like a son and hoped that he knew what he was doing. He'd been waiting for the boys to wake up all morning and sooner or later it would dawn on Uther where his son was.

Gwen, bless her heart, had been out gathering some herbs for him. It was one of the chores that Merlin usually did but he was... Gaius eyed the door again at a particularly loud sound...otherwise occupied. He rubbed his forehead and stared at the beaker. If only Uther wasn't so stubborn.

She cheerfully returned with a basket for him and inquired after Merlin. It was already late afternoon and she knew the King was asking for Arthur. Those who knew where he was had been smart enough to not say anything. She looked over towards the bedroom door and could have sworn she heard some sounds from inside. "Is he still- are they still asleep?" Her eyebrows furrowed. The door to Merlin's bedroom wasn't that thick.

Whimpers, moans and both from Arthur –and- Merlin indicated that they most certainly were NOT asleep. Gwen blushed prettily. "They aren't-" she opened her mouth.

Gaius gave her a long-suffering look. "Boys will be boys." He muttered as he fiddled with some of his test tubes. "These are not things a lady should hear. There must be something else you could be doing."

Gwen's eyes went wide as she started to know the reason. The bed was squeaking. Merlin was crying Arthur's name and her face went from a light blush to scarlet. "They are..."

"Yes." Gaius muttered. "They are ... and I don't think they're coming out anytime soon." He slapped a book down on the table.

"It's broad daylight! What if someone else other than me came in?" Gwen had half a mind to barge in and give them a piece of her mind. What a pair of idiots! Especially after everything that was going on. She squared her shoulders. Someone had to deal with this nonsense. Instead of opening the door she simply stalked over to it and banged loudly. "Merlin! It's the middle of the afternoon. Uther is looking for Arthur!

It took a moment for Merlin to register the knocking. After all, he had very good reason to be distracted. That reason was that Arthur was presently rendering his entire body to jelly. His tongue was doing incredible things to his shaft while Merlin writhed on the bed. Since Arthur was in the middle of being too full of Merlin to speak and Merlin couldn't think there was no answer at first. The sounds that greeted her made her blush turn scarlet.

"Five minutes!" Merlin's raspy breath begged at the door. Arthur looked up at him from his position and smirked. "Make that ten!" Merlin said quickly as Arthur's lips sucked and licked in places that a Prince most certainly should NOT be.

"I warned you." Gaius said pointedly and turned a page of his book.

Gwen's mouth just gaped. "Arthur's a Prince!" She wrung her hands, worried for Merlin's sake.

"Love doesn't notice titles." Gaius stated.

Gwen just stalked away. "Tell Merlin we're going to have words later about being more careful. Goodness!" Her cheeks burned.

It was a good thirty minutes later Merlin and Arthur finally emerged from the bedroom. Arthur looked smug and Merlin looked still tired but relaxed. They were at least both dressed. Gaius had some food prepared because he knew Merlin would be starving.

"If you are both done wasting time might I suggest that you eat and wash..." the old man fixed a look at Merlin that made him cringe a little. "And figure out what you are going to do about getting rid of Samuel. I have been working on some ideas I'd like to talk to you about, Merlin."

"He's right I need to go change." Arthur cheekily kissed Merlin right in front of Gaius and sauntered off. He looked completely pleased with himself in spite of everything. "Be upstairs as soon as you're ready. I'll go find out what Father wants."

Gaius turned to look at Merlin. "Merlin, I hope you know what you are doing."

Merlin gave a helpless little shrug. "It's not like I could resist Arthur forever, Gaius." He sat down gingerly and started to scarf down food. His stomach was growling and soon he found that he felt half starved. "When he sets his mind to it, there's no stopping him."

"He pursued you?"

"Yes." Merlin shrugged again and ate more food. His body still ached and he hoped there would be hot water to wash with later. "I don't really want to talk about it, Gaius. What have you figured out?"

Gaius frowned and sat down opposite Merlin. "We need to get rid of that dark magic down below and the best way you can do that is to channel it all into an object and then destroy it. Once Uther gives up the object he's been keeping all these years you can use that. It will have the most power and most connection to the energy below." He had more faith in Uther than anyone. He'd served the King a long long time and knew that any danger to Arthur would push him to cooperate. If they could make him see that if Samuel came back with all his power the first thing he would target is Arthur. It was in Uther's best interest to help.

"If you think so, Gaius... but I don't know that I powerful enough to do that?" He wondered fretfully.

"Merlin, you have done some incredible things since you came here. Why should this be any different? All you need to do is be careful that no one realizes what it is you are actually doing." Gaius warned him gently.

Merlin wanted to tell Gaius that Arthur knew but he knew that would only make the old man worry. "I think I can manage that."

"Good, now eat." Gaius nodded a bit moodily. He was intensely worried about Merlin.

Arthur was in such an amazing mood that even talking to Uther didn't bother him. He'd cleaned up, shaved and dressed himself. He always could but having Merlin help him was so much more fun. He licked his swollen lips and reveled in the memory of the sounds he'd elicited from his lover. His Lover, His Merlin. He could hardly believe it was true. He was happier than he'd ever been in his whole life.

"Arthur." Uther greeted him in his receiving room. His father looked better, less confused. In fact, Uther appeared better than he had been since Katrina. It was possible all the spells had finally worn off. "Gaius visited me earlier this morning and I must say I'm feeling better than I have been in months."

Arthur looked slightly suspicious but nodded. "That's good to hear, father."

"And I wanted to apologize." Uther exhaled. "Gaius explained how Catrina's spells had allowed Samuel to get back into my head and twist it."

"If Samuel is able to return, we'll all be in great danger, Father." Arthur stated. "He may have once been your friend but all these years surrounded by dark magic. He will not be the same person you knew when he returns."

"I know." Uther sighed and rubbed his forehead. "Gaius believes that he fed on my anger with you and your attraction to your manservant. I told him to get rid of Merlin." Arthur's face was strained at that revelation and Uther just held up a hand. "I changed my mind but Samuel was nowhere to be found. I found out this morning from Gaius that he had tried to kill Merlin in order to return to the land of the living." He looked away from Arthur with a sigh. "It was one of the worst moments of my life when I had to watch him die. The second worst moment was losing your mother. I can't lose you too."

Arthur looked surprised as he stared at his father. Uther looked a little vulnerable and he could understand the pain now. He didn't think he'd ever be able to continue on with life if Merlin were to die in front him like that.

"So" Uther reached into his glove and pulled out a small, neatly folded up wristband. It had the Pendragon seal on it. "This is his." He stared down at it sadly and rubbed it gently. "I gave it to him when we first met and he wore it ever since. I managed to visit him the night before he died and he gave it to me to hold on to. I never realized the reason why. Gaius told me that his first target would be you and he is right. Samuel may have once been devoted to me but evil magic has twisted him. Destroy it and set him free to rest in peace." Uther pressed the wristband into Arthur's hand.

Arthur was amazed that his father had finally relented. "Thank you." He gripped the wrist band.

"About Merlin," Uther frowned. "I can't seem stop you unless I have him killed. After all of this, I realize I would lose you if that happened. All I ask is that you give Camelot an heir." He seemed more than a little subdued this morning. Apparently Gaius was the master of hard truths. He held out his hand and looked at his son. "And ... try and be discreet."

"An Heir I can promise. We'll figure something out. As for Merlin... no promises there..." Arthur smiled, relieved. He held out his hand and they both gripped each other's arms. Uther pulled Arthur into a bear hug and he realized then that he had his father back.

"Now, go." Uther waved a hand. "Do what you need to do."

Arthur grinned and turned on his heal. It was really one of the best days of his life.

Uther sat down heavily and drank from a nearby wine glass. His head was finally clear and he swore then and there that he would never allow Magic to influence him again. He flung the empty glass into the fire and clenched a fist.

Morgana had also slept in restful peace for that whole morning. It would seem that the only time she got any sleep at all would be if Arthur was kissing Merlin and Uther and Arthur were on good terms.

Samuel had been recharging ever since he'd been forced to deal. He was apparently just in time too because Arthur had acquired the only object that could hinder all of his plans. He had transformed once again into Merlin and smiled when Arthur saw him.

"Merlin!" Arthur approached him and grabbed his hands. Samuel repressed a shudder. "Father gave me what we need. Now we just have to destroy it!"

Samuel grinned. "Did he now? Let's see it. I know exactly what to do with it."

"I'd rather do this." Arthur leaned in for a kiss.

There was a sharp growl down the end of the hall.

" . !" The real Merlin was furious in his anger. It was glorious to not have to hide his magic from Arthur. He stared hard down towards the other end of the hall and began to form a magical attack in one hand. The only thing that stopped him was that Arthur was in the away.

Arthur drew his sword and backed off in shock. Samuel laughed and conjured his own dark energy to fight against Merlin. What if Samuel managed hurt Merlin? Arthur would never let that happen. He swung his body and looked around wildly while the two sorcerers sent magical bolts of energy at each other. He could only hope no one got here in time to see Merlin doing what he was doing! He looked down at the wristband in his hands and quickly threw it on. This was the single worst idea he'd ever had in his life but it was the only thing he could think of. Dark magic had created the power in the wristband so only dark magic could destroy it. He hoped he wasn't wrong.

He calculated the best moment and charged forward just as Samuel was about to shoot another bolt of energy at Merlin. He flung the arm with the wristband to protect his face and before anyone knew what was happening Samuel's magic was crackling all around the wristband. It was drawn right into it and creating a burning sensation on Arthur's skin. Arthur cried out in agony and sunk to his knees and would have taken it off but he couldn't get his other hand close to it. It hurt too much.

Merlin couldn't believe what he was seeing! He drew back the energy he was going to let loose and instead rushed to Arthur's side. "Arthur!" He cried plaintively.

As far as the guards knew just then as they stormed the hallway a sorcerer who looked just like Merlin was in the middle of an attack on Merlin and Arthur.

Arthur whimpered and cried out in pain as Samuel's energy couldn't stop flowing into the wristband. Samuel himself began to lose his form and writhe in pain. Eventually all of what had been the terrible sorcerer was sucked into the wristband and it crackled around Arthur's wrist. His veins were an unnatural color of black around that area and he could feel himself stagger and ultimately collapse into Merlin's arms. "Arthur!" Merlin shouted.

The last thing he knew was the pain in his arm seemed to permeate through his entire body. He closed his eyes and slumped against Merlin. "I love you." He whispered as he lost consciousness.

As for the wristband, it was cool again to the touch and Merlin wrenched the offending thing off of Arthur's arm. "Arthur! Arthur!" He shook the Prince desperately and checked him.

He was at least breathing. That was something.

"Open your eyes, please!" Merlin demanded, "You great big stupid clodpole! How could you do that?"

Arthur simply lay in his arms.

They had at least achieved one thing. The wristband was full of all the dark energy that had given Samuel his power.

**TBC**