Right, here is the next chapter. High five to everyone reading this story.
Disclaimer: If you're reading this story, you'll know by now that I don't own Merlin.
"Arthur, this is a sick joke." Gwen shook her head, not looking at Arthur. She had her arms crossed over her chest.
"I'm sorry, Guinevere, but I'm joking." Arthur took hold of Gwen's shoulders, she remained looking at the floor.
"I-I... I don't understand. This is Merlin we're talking about... he's... he's always..."
"Fine." Arthur finished. He pulled Gwen into a hug and she sobbed into his jacket.
They stood like that for a while until Gwen pulled away, her eyes where red from crying. She sniffed, stood up straighter and breathed out.
"I want to see him."
"Er... okay."Arthur gently opened the door and Gwen padded into the huge chamber. Gwen walked slowly to the bed where her closest friend lay. He had his eyes open but his eyelids kept drooping. Despite the situation, Gwen couldn't help but laugh at Merlin's desperat attempts to stay awake. There was no chair, so Gwen went round the other side of the bed and crawled onto it. Arthur just stood in the doorway, hanging back so that Gwen and Merlin could chat.
"Hello there, sleeping beauty." Gwen snuggled up next to Merlin and shook him gently.
"Gwen...?" Merlin looked at her, sleepily and smiled feebily.
"Yes, Merlin. It's me. How are you feeling?"
"Slee... sleepy..." Merlin closed his eyes. Gwen smiled, lovingly. Arthur decided to move in.
"Come on, Guinevere." He whispered. "Let him rest."
"No, I'll stay." She whispered back.
"But-"
"Arthur." Gwen gave him a death glare. "I'm staying."
"Okay." Arthur shrank internally at Gwen's menacing look. Gwen snuggled into Merlin and closed her eyes. Suddenly Gwen felt someone on the bed, she turned her head and saw Arthur next to her, looking away sheepishly.
Merlin was the only one underneath the blankets (Gwen and Arthur both lying ontop of them) and Gwen could only imagine how Arthur felt. It was funny to think that the master was lending his bed and blankets to his servant.
"Arthur? What're you doing?"
"Lying on the bed with you and Merlin, of course."
"Yeah, I know that, what I meant was why."
"Honestly, Guinevere, this is my bed. Just because you and Merlin are currently occupying it, it doesn't make any difference to the fact that I want a nap, and this is the only bed in the room. I'm not here because I love you and want to be with you and Merlin to keep you safe, if that's what you're thinking."
"I wish you'd call me Gwen. I don't call you King Arthur Pendragon every time I say Arthur. It's the same thing for me." Gwen said to him. She reached out and clutched his hand, her face still nuzzeled into Merlin. Arthur squeezed back.
"If that is what you'd like, Gwen." Soon, all 3 were asleep, andhappy in each others company.
Hope you liked! As always, R&R etc. Love ya!