Sorry I hadn't realized I didn't click complete...awkward, but to keep to my accidental word I have decided to turn this into a Trilogy of sorts.

Two Ways To Keep It Hidden

Waking up with Arthur's arm around his waist was how Merlin wanted to wake up every morning for the rest of his life. As the events of the previous night played in his mind he could feel his blush returning. He trailed his fingers on Arthur's arm in hopes of getting him to release his grip so Merlin could get going on chores since it was morning after all. But no such luck his new lover just tightened his embrace around Merlin's waist.

Eventually he was able to squirm out of Arthur's protective arm. Only to remember that his clothes were tossed around the bedroom and it was bloody cold since there was no need for a fire the night before.

Merlin was half way dressed when Gwen knocked and opened the door to a bare chested manservant.

"Oh! Merlin?" She quietly exclaimed, "Why are you half dressed in Arthur's room. Wait! I'm sorry it's not my business to prod. You need not tell me due to the fact that it does not effect me. I'm sorry for asking it's just that I was curious. I hadn't seen you this morning and Gauls said you were back from Arthur's and I was concerned he had you up all night with chores and-" Gwen rambled a little longer and Merlin just chuckled as he pulled his shirt on.

"I am fine Gwen. Arthur had me stay and help him a little into the night and by then it was too late to be walking by oneself so he offered me his floor. And that is why I am still here."

Gwen smiled at the thought of Arthur not being a prat and doing something nice for the over worker and under appreciated Merlin; who was no longer going to be under appreciated, though probably still over worked.

"But it is cold and you were on the floor. Why was your shirt off? Honestly Merlin you could catch a cold if you are not careful." Merlin smiled at Gwen's mothering knowing her questioning was only for his benefit and well being but there was nothing he really wanted to say now the morning after he shagged the man he loved. And lies were to hard to remember especially when only one of them knew them and the other asleep.

"Um my shirt yes. I was using my shirt as a pillow because this floor is way to hard!" Merlin stated. And unfortunately Arthur chose that moment to be disturbed by the noise.

"Merlin? Merlin where are you?" Arthur called his voice clogged with sleep but cleared with worry. "Merlin get back here."

Merlin thanked his lucky stars that they had yet to find pet names for each other besides prat and idiot. Even still Merlin paled at the statement.

"Um, one moment, sire." Merlin called nervously over his shoulder and turned back to Gwen, "I'll talk to you later-"

"Sire?" Arthur chuckled as he sat up to face his new lover, "Is that the best you can- Gwen!"

The prince of schooled features and keeping his mind together obviously never had to quickly recover the day after admitting his feelings to his love; his mouth gaped like a fish looking for water and Merlin couldn't help but laugh forcing to Gwen to join him in his avoidance of why he was there to begin with.

"Why- Why are you here, Gwen?" Arthur managed to ask after the laughing subsided.

"Well, I hadn't seen Merlin and I know how hard you work him," Gwen started towards the door, "so I came to make sure he was unhurt."

Both Merlin and Arthur were completely red in their faces by the time Gwen finished her sentence both the boys were stealing glances at each other. She didn't miss their looks or their obvious red faces; she wasn't quite sure what was going on between them, but she was now sure that Merlin was going to be fine in Arthur's service. While the two boys exchanged glances Gwen quietly left the room, unnoticed by Arthur who was admiring his new boyfriend's pink hue already so soon after waking up, though rather late morning bordering early afternoon. Merlin, of course, noticed Gwen's departure, but was too enraptured by his new lover's eyes, sparkling in memory of the words that were whispered in the dark to actually care that she was no longer in the room.

"Arthur," Merlin started, "about last night-"

"Merlin you can say anything about last night, but," Arthur interrupted Merlin as he shifted his position on the bed to sit with the sheets still covering him, since Gwen had come in Arthur was taking no more chances, "please do not say you regret what we did and said. I meant every word I said- and gasped." He added blushing.

Merlin smiled and walked over to Arthur running his fingers through the golden mane on the prince's head.

"That was no where near what I was going to say." Merlin never finished as he brought their lips together and they lapsed into previous activity.

oOo

"Arthur?" Merlin cooed softly as they cuddled on the floor in front of the fire still wrapped in Arthur's sheets.

"Yes?" Arthur murmured into Merlin's neck. He was quiet for a little while.

"Arthur, are you sure you are okay with me? Being magic I mean." Merlin asked softly and hesitantly. He squeezed his eyes closed fearing the response.

Merlin felt Arthur shift so he was no longer hugging Merlin around his waist. The dark haired man cringed at the lack of contact, but sat silently waiting for the words to end his bliss.

"Merlin. Merlin look at me," Arthur's voice was so soft it made a tear escape Merlin's eye, but he obeyed, "Merlin you have been more loyal than anyone I have ever known and that proves to me that not everyone who posses magic is evil. Which thinking back on it is something I believe you have always been trying to tell me."

"Oh, one more question." Merlin stated as he leaned his forehead against his lover's again.

"Oh and what question does you magical brain conjure?" Arthur asked teasingly nipping at Merlin's neck the other man leaned his head to the opposite direction opening himself to his lover's teasing teeth. Merlin lead Arthur's mouth back to his own and once they were out of breath, not for the first time, Merlin pulled back again leaning their heads together again.

"My question is what do I tell Gaius for not sleeping in my chambers? I at least assume there will be nights where I will not need to use my own bed." Merlin looked at Arthur.

"Merlin," Arthur laughed sending vibrations through his boyfriend, "You idiot, of course you won't."

And that was where they spent the rest of their night.

"Honestly, though, are we going to tell anyone or not?"

"Merlin! Shut up!" And he did, with incentive of course.