Chapter - 7

Merlin realized after about two hours in Arthur's company that Arthur seemed a bit too…clingy for the lack of a better word. It was not so obvious if you didn't know to look for it but the way his eyes were always focused on Merlin today was unnerving.

Merlin had tried asking Arthur if something was wrong but Arthur just shrugged and said he was absolutely fine.

His hands on Merlin's waist were ever present even when they were not being photographed or followed by the press; Arthur also made it a point to come wherever he went which he supposed was the point of the whole trip except Arthur never spent the whole time with Merlin if he could help it. He'd always be close by but he'd usually distance himself and do things on his own.

And they were in freaking Disney land for heaven's sake and Merlin truly couldn't see Arthur enjoying a place like this because Merlin was blocking all the fun by not stepping his foot on even a single ride and Arthur had made no fuss about it, he had not insulted Merlin's cowardice either, instead he seemed happy to just follow Merlin around like he was one of his body guards.

Merlin's ankle wasn't protesting too much as Arthur's massage had worked wonders on it and they spent the better part of the day touring around Disney land with Arthur looking at Spice mountain and other such rides with a look of deep longing.

"Oh come on Arthur, you can go on a ride whilst I tour around, I don't need you to baby sit me."

Arthur who'd been forlornly staring at the ferris wheel turned to Merlin as if he'd been startled.

"No, no. its fine Merlin, I've been here a hundred times already."

Ah, and there was that politeness too now that Merlin thought about it. Idly he wondered if Arthur was using his immense mannerisms to distance himself from Merlin.

The thought made a frown appear on his face but then Merlin shrugged saying "Suit yourself" It was for good too that Arthur was not being pratty, Merlin should be happy about it, shouldn't he? Why then was he feeling like something was out of place ever since the day started, Arthur had barely talked to him for the entire day making Merlin feel out of sorts as he wondered what happened since yesterday to turn Arthur so surly.

Frankly this version of Arthur was quite boring, usually he'd be having fun pulling Arthur's leg with his snarky comments and they would be well on their way to a third light hearted banter by this time around. Today though, nothing of Merlin's repartee seemed to get to Arthur.

"You know I think I'd like the water games, not the sildes but flopping around in the pool atleast."

"Do you even know how to swim?"

Merlin looked sheepish before he admitted, "No…not really."

"Then you're not going." There was finality in Arthur's tone and Merlin didn't like the sound of it.

"What? Why not? It's not like I'm going to drown."

"With your luck Merlin, I wouldn't be too sure."

"The pools are probably not too deep."

"Obviously you've never been to Disney Land in Paris."

"What's the point of me coming to Disney land if I'm not even going to experience anything?"

"Well that would be your incompetence wouldn't it? Why did you never learn how to swim?"

Merlin dodged Arthur's gaze then and snapped "You can't stop me from going if I want to."

"Oh yes I will."

"Why do you care?" asked Merlin accusingly.

Arthur patted Merlin's head with a patronizing smirk and said "I don't, I simply don't fancy jumping in to save your hide."

"I don't need saving, least of all from you!"

Arthur lost his smug countenance at that and looked for the entire world like Merlin had said something that gutted him.

"Obviously…" muttered Arthur and Merlin couldn't properly hear the next part except for 'do that for you' while Arthur had whispered 'I forget you certainly have future dukes to do that for you'

Merlin pouted and then he smiled a bit mysteriously "You'll have to catch me if you want to stop me." He took off running speeding away with his spindly legs just as Arthur realized and gave chase.

Merlin quickly entered a walk way that had the sign Aqua Kingdom at the front and though he never had a chance of getting away from Arthur fate seemed to be on his side as he found himself running straight to a pool, he jumped in before Arthur could get a hold of him and to his relief it was not the deep end of the pool.

Arthur was out of breath by the time he reached Merlin who was happily splashing away in the water in his Calvin Klein jeans.

"I told you that the pool had a shallow end!" exclaimed Merlin triumphantly.

Arthur shook his head at the wide smile playing on Merlin's face and the obvious excitement in his eyes. "You are a foolish nitwit. You don't have a change of clothes and you just jumped in there without a thought in your jeans."

Merlin's grin melted off his face and he frowned in dismay then gave Arthur his best puppy dog eyes, "Won't you get something for me to wear? I wasn't really thinking."

Arthur looked outraged and then crossed his arms in front of himself before saying "You should have just listened to me."

"Arthur, I can't walk around in sodden clothes!"

Arthur gave him a beguilingly sweet smile which made Merlin grit his teeth as he knew what the outcome of that smile would be. "Apparently you're going to have to."

"Arthur!" protested Merlin but Arthur paid him no mind whatsoever as he sat himself in a bench on the sides of the pool, Arthur's body guards flanking him on either side.

Merlin began to think of his predicament and of the Camelot's prince refusal to be considerate. He really didn't fancy walking in wet clothes all day long and with the weather at this time it was hardly likely to dry soon.

Then he had a wicked idea, well if he was going to have to spend the day with wet and heavy clothes then so was Arthur.

With that thought in his head he sank himself inside the water to get himself nicely wet before he pasted a smile on his face and swung his legs up and climbed up. Arthur was just eyeing him with a self satisfied air when Merlin took three quick steps smiled widely at Arthur showing all his teeth and then planted himself quite firmly on Arthur's lap and shook his head vigorously so that the droplets fell onto Arthur's rather expensive shirt.

Arthur's mouth gaped open at the audacity of the bratty little prince before he growled low in his throat, "Those were Gucci made pants Mer-lin."

"Oh, I'm so very sorry I made them wet, I just didn't like you missing out on all the fun. You've been a mind numbingly tiring today; I thought you needed to cheer up."

With every word Arthur was getting more and more irritated at the way the heavy wet weight of Merlin on top of him made him want to quite possibly strangle the young Prince or flip him over and kiss his wet long neck which had rivulets of water running down the pale length mocking Arthur's self control. Didn't Merlin understand he was playing with fire?

While they were arguing they had failed to notice the attention they'd gathered and the people who were now surrounding them along with the reporters who'd somehow got wind of their location.

Only when the French murmurs of 'How romantic?' 'Ah, they're not like all the other stuck up royal couples, 'Oh they are so cute together' did they notice and Merlin blushed despite being chilled to the bones in his wet jeans and t-shirt which stuck to him like a second skin.

Arthur couldn't believe he'd been distracted enough to not notice something as obvious as the press people, he knew he had to make it look good so that the people and the papparazi would buy it. He winded his arms around Merlin pulling him closer just as Merlin turned heated eyes on him, "What are you doing Arthur?"

Arthur rolled his eyes and whispered "Just follow my lead, you asked for it anyway." He smiled for the cameras and Merlin after a bit of hesitance did his best to mask his grimace and gave a thin lipped smile.

'A kiss!'

'Kiss him for the photo Prince Arthur!'

'That would so go over the cover of every magazine in Britain!'

'Oh kiss each other already!'

They were French and English demands for them to kiss and Arthur looked to Merlin to find him looking absolutely scared out of his wits.

He leaned towards Merlin and whispered "Trust me Merlin, can you do that?"

Merlin turned to look at Arthur then and a bit hysterically whisper shouted "You can't be serious! We're not going to kiss in front of them! It's like promoting exhibitionism…and it would give them ideas that we're…we're…" Merlin would have jabbered on more if it weren't for Arthur planting his lips squarely on top of Merlin's cold ones.

Arthur's mouth was hot compared to Merlin's and that's the first thing that registered in Merlin's mind, then Arthur tilted Merlin's head guiding him to perfectly fit their lips together, Arthur began to move his lips against Merlin's and Merlin's mind went blank not hearing or perceiving the cat calls and whoops of joy or the camera flashes clicking away pictures in every angle they could take. All he could feel and see was Arthur's lips on his gently pushing his lips against Merlin's and sucking a bit on Merlin's lower lip before retreating.

Though it was by far the chastest kiss Merlin ever had it still left him reeling at how much it made him shudder with desire. That Arthur could kiss so gently, so tenderly left him feeling astonished and he couldn't get rid of the surprised almost besotted expression off his face when Arthur turned back to the cameras to give his signature charming devil smile.

"Oh my god, oh my god, I can't believe you did that in front of all of them!"

"It's called kissing Merlin, you can say it" said Arthur in a tone which showed he was highly amused.

"Oh shut up! You do know what this is going to look like right? If they'd had any doubts at all before…"

That Merlin was so against being seen with him in such a situation made Arthur disgruntled, "Stop griping, we accomplished what we came here to do" the tone was cutting like Arthur was closing a rather important business deal.

To hear Arthur admit that he was doing this only for pretense sake made Merlin chest ache and he turned quiet. Why else would Arthur kiss him, he had only about fifty thousand women and men who'd gladly sleep with him without a second thought.

And Merlin took heart and promised himself he would not be one of Arthur's countless conquests, 'No Merlin, just no, you can't give in no matter how deliciously he kisses you! You can't!'

They'd stopped at the hotel for a couple of hours of rest before they planned to go to Champs Elysees in the evening. No trip to Paris was complete without being to Champs Elysees and Merlin was trying to muster up some enthusiasm for the evening but Arthur's kiss kept replaying in his mind not allowing him to have a wink of sleep or think of anything else at all.

Just when he was about to give it up as a lost cause and get up from his bed his phone rang and he rolled on the bed to get to it, he expected the call to be from his mother but then the caller id showed him that it was Gwen.

"Hello"

"Merlin!"

"Gwen, hai, how have you been?"

"Merlin! You naughty little weasel!"

"What?" asked Merlin unsurely trying to comprehend?

"Here you were complaining about having to get married to Prince Arthur and now you can't get your hands off of him, is it?"

"Gwen, what the hell are you talking about?"

Gwen's tone was accusing and exasperation mixed into one "I'm talking about you and Prince Arthur kissing in Paris' Disney Land."

"Oh that…that was just posing Gwen, and how did you get to know so soon?"

"It's all over the news Merlin, seriously though you both look so hot together!"

"Gweeeen" Merlin moaned as Gwen tsked.

"It was just posing for the press okay, nothing has changed! I still do not like the prat."

"Uh huh, I can see the pictures Merlin, doesn't look like posing to me. And you've evolved from hate to 'not like' which I take it to be a good sign."

"Look it was posing, he said so himself and I know so."

"Anyway, is it official then?"

"What do you mean?"

"Merlin!" Gwen was speaking in exasperation again and Merlin knew she must probably be rolling her eyes on the other end of the line.

"What?" he asked still clueless?

"Well, has Prince Arthur proposed to you yet?"

The reality of the whole convoluted situation slammed into his head at Gwen's urging and he felt like he was about to choke. So far he'd carefully avoided any and all talk about marriage but now as the days of their trip came to a close it was no longer a distant prospect anymore and he wasn't ready, couldn't be ready to face this now.

"Gwen, I really really don't want to talk about that alright."

Gwen's voice was soft as she questioned "He is treating you right isn't he Merlin?"

"Yeah…but Gwen I don't want to think of the arranged marriage alright, it feels like thinking about dooms day to be honest."

"He can't be that bad."

Merlin sighed thinking back on how Arthur had acted to him on throughout the week, "He is not a totally bad person. Still doesn't mean I want to be married to him."

"Looked like you're both getting really close…" Gwen teased and Merlin groaned before telling her promptly to shut up.

"Alright, I'm off to school now, talk to you later Merlin."

"Later Gwen"

Did he even want to know how it had all blown out? Merlin thought as he fiddled with the remote in his hands. Then berating himself for being a coward Merlin switched it on and settled back.

News today was broadcasting something about a terrorist attack and he rolled through all the channels finally settling on BBC. For a time nothing came up about them and he was relieved but just as he was about to give up the screen made his eyes boggle at how Arthur and him looked like they were…were cuddling in front of the whole world. And though he knew they were arguing at the time, the way there were so close to each other and whispering in each others ears looked for all the world like they were exchanging garishly romantic nuisances with each other.

What in the world made him think that throwing himself on top of Arthur in a theme park was a good idea?

And then there was the news reader saying "If there were any doubts before about the nature of Prince Arthur's relationship with Prince Merlin, there are none now. The couples were spotted at Disney Land in Paris looking quite chummy…."

Merlin did not hear anything after that as the screen panned in to show him and Arthur kissing languidly. The image brought up the memories once again and Merlin turned the tv off quickly before he covered his face with his hands in shame, god the whole world was going to know, his mother was going to see, he'd never felt so embarrassed in his entire life.

Arthur was once again being too handsy with him as they roamed the streets of Champs Elysees that evening. Now that the cat was out of the bag the reporters seemed to be everywhere at once and Merlin's nerves were fraying.

"Oh god, can't we do anything about these people? I'm sure it must be illegal to follow us around every minute of the shoddy day."

Arthur looked contemplative, "We can sue them if you like."

"No, like that's going to help anything, there will just be more."

"Or I could ask the guards to distract them."

"They can do that?" asked Merlin eager now.

Arthur nodded and then signaled for his guards, he left Merlin for awhile to talk to his guards and Merlin breathed a sigh of relief having been constantly watched by Arthur all day long.

Merlin felt his mind boggle at Arthur's behavior towards him, sure Arthur constantly insulted him because of his age, it was always 'you're so petulant, don't be difficult, or the ever famous you're not even street legal Mer-lin.' However, Arthur had never actually treated Merlin like he was just some kid constantly needing attention and guarding.

The man in question gripped his hand tightly before leading him swiftly away through streets occasionally ducking in to hide amongst the tourists before he led them through a right turn and then an another two streets before they stopped to catch their breath.

Merlin wondered at their location and glanced around to see a rather charming street filled with a yellow luminescent light courtesy of the tall lamps above, there were a group of people dressed in various garish robes who looked to be celebrating some festival and then there were also some tourists roaming around the different shops.

"Seems like we've escaped the wolfs, are you happy?" asked Arthur after his heart had stopped beating out of its chest.

Merlin surveyed their surroundings and indeed they'd managed to evade the papparazi after all. He felt a relieved grin tug up at the corners of his mouth and smiled at Arthur acutely aware of the fact that Arthur was still gripping his hand in his.

"Yes, so how come you know this place so well?"

Arthur hesitated, wondering if he should reveal such a cherished part of his childhood to Merlin before he realized there was probably no harm in it, "My mother used to take me and Morgana here during our holidays when we were young, this is only about my twentieth time in Paris."

"Wow, this is only my second time being here."

They walked hand in hand through the streets, Arthur not wanting to let go and Merlin reluctant to pull away from the hold just yet.

"So what do you do when you're not being Camelot's Prince?" questioned Merlin after the silence got to be too awkward.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean what do you do for a living aside from pawning off of rich parents?" asked Merlin rolling his eyes but tempering the insult with a soft tone.

"I do not pawn off my rich parents Merlin! I'll have you know I'm managing director of Pendragon Corps, I earn my keep."

"I'm also commander of a fleet in the navy; I'm a member of the high council and represent the King whenever he cannot be in council."

Arthur would have gone on except Merlin looked overwhelmed already and he did not want to scare him too much with his various prowesses.

"Close your mouth Merlin, you'll catch flies" Arthur said while trying really hard not to stare at the tempting sight.

"What's your favorite place in Paris?" asked Merlin not being able to contain his curiosity any longer.

"What are we playing twenty questions now?"

"Maybe, what else have we got to do?"

"It's a childish game Merlin."

"You find everything I say to be childish, doesn't mean it's not fun."

"Fine, but then don't I get to ask questions too?"

Merlin looked reluctant then said "Yes, as long as they are reasonable."

"And what exactly is your definition of reasonable?"

"Arthur, just shut up and answer the question will you?"

"My manor"

"You have a manor in Paris?"

"Yes Merlin, well my mother does but that's just technicality."

Merlin felt disappointed that they'd not stayed there though he could sense that if they were to stay there together before the marriage the press would have a field day with it.

"My turn' said Arthur, Merlin who was in deep thought was brought out of his reverie on seeing the rather intense scrutinizing look directed at him, 'Did you enjoy kissing me today?"

Merlin narrowed his eyes in irritation while Arthur just looked expectant, and Arthur had made sure to phrase that question well leaving no loophole either so Merlin gritted his teeth and blurted out "Pass"

"What?"

"Pass, next question, voila!"

"You can't just pass the question Merlin; I answered every single one of yours!"

Merlin rolled his eyes and with the most defiant expression he could muster he bit out "NO!"

"No?" needled Arthur just to tease Merlin as he knew Merlin really did enjoy the kiss.

"Yes no!"

"Yes or no Merlin?"

"NO!"

"You're lying."

"I am not!"

"Are too!"

"Am not!"

"You wouldn't have avoided the question in the first place if you could answer truthfully."

"Oh bugger off, I have had far better kisses from far better people" proclaimed Merlin saucily though that was a complete stinking lie, he'd never had a kiss that felt so bone melting, ever and he didn't like the revelation either.

"Oh yeah? From who? Mordred?"

"Oh don't tell me you're jealous again!"

"Why would I need to be? You didn't sleep with him after all and even if you did it's not cause enough for me to be jealous."

"What?" asked Merlin turning to look at Arthur faking incredulousness?

Arthur sighed, "I know what happened that night Merlin, you couldn't have had sex with Mordred when you were sedated enough to put down a small animal."

"Arthur…how? Did Mordred tell you?"

Arthur then released Merlin's hands and came closer giving Merlin a pointed look, "You should have" there was indictment in his demeanor.

Merlin's eyes refused to meet Arthur's, after a while though when Arthur didn't look like he was going to drop it Merlin looked at him, "I didn't have to say anything, I am not your responsibility."

"I'd beg to differ."

Merlin got angry then and pushed Arthur back with both of his hands and Arthur who certainly wasn't expecting it stumbled back a few steps and then looked at Merlin with astonishment.

"Just because we're being forced to be married doesn't give you the right to barge into my life and demand things!"

"I am not demanding anything, I was just looking out for your worthless arse!" snapped Arthur equally nettled now.

"It's not your right to look out for me! I am capable of taking care of myself."

Arthur snorted ruthlessly, "Yes that was demonstrated with how you almost got raped by Valiant!"

Merlin experienced a turbulent torrent of emotions then shame, anger, denial but he focused all of his thoughts on anger and said "And I wouldn't have if it weren't for you!"

"So it's my fault now?"

Merlin's ice were cold as ice when he said "Yes it was, I would have known to be on my guard if it weren't for you and your cruel comments at the fundraiser, and you were the one who sent my body guards away like you had permission to do that without asking me!"

Arthur turned away shamed into accepting the truth in Merlin's words.

Merlin walked away from Arthur tears blurring his vision and making him remember again the night of the fundraiser and what almost happened. He pretended to be fine on the outside because he had to but inside he was squirming with fear everytime the face of the brute came to his mind and Arthur had done nothing except to make it worse.

He had never wanted Arthur to know of what happened, Arthur had accused him of being a scared little child that night and he'd felt like one when Valiant had cornered him and caught him unawares, he didn't want to be as defenseless and pathetic as Arthur must surely think him to be, not on top of being so vastly unaccomplished when compared to Arthur.

How must Arthur look at him now? Merlin thought, probably as a pitiable weakling who couldn't even watch his back to save his life. He heard quiet footsteps following in his wake and now he realized this must be the reason why Arthur was so keenly following his every movement today, despite himself he felt his hear soften towards the blond haired prat though he wanted to hold on to his anger.

Arthur on the other hand was remembering his confrontation with Mordred as he kept an eye on Merlin following silently allowing the Mercian Prince to keep his distance.

'He didn't tell you because he didn't want you to know, so don't go asking him about it.'

'Don't presume that you can tell me what to do.'

'Oh cut the crap Prince Arthur, you don't deserve Merlin, I know Merlin enough to know he would not be stupid enough to get caught unawares by Valiant, and I saw you both at the fundraiser...you upset him.'

'It can't be helped if he's a delicate petal, however I find it interesting that you care so much...too bad isn't it? That in the end it doesn't matter if I deserve him or not...at the end of the day I'm still going to have him.'

Mordred's blue eyes shot him a bone chilling glare and his countenance spoke of deep bitterness and Arthur wondered what was the real deal between Merlin and Mordred if Mordred considered himself in a position to act the jealous lover. Arthur didn't like it one bit, it was already a blow to him that Mordred was the one to save Merlin from Valiant when it should have been Arthur. Merlin was his responsibility, he may have not wanted it in the beginning but he'd come to grow some affection for the young Prince and as long as he was with him, Merlin was his responsibility, his to protect, no one else.

'Stay away from him , if you know what's good for you.'

Please review?

Not a happy ending to this chap, and don't you worry about the Valiant matter, I will have Arthur set him straight.

So how is the story so far? Am I being too repetitive, am I keeping Arthur and Merlin in character?

I would so like to hear your comments, thankyou for the reviews I hope you all enjoy reading this one.