Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It was a normal day. Merlin was in his (shitty)house, preparing a potion for the days in which he will get sick, because he will, considering he is no longer working for the prince(well, king but if you ask him he thinks Arthur has the mental capacity of a peasant...okay that's a lie he is a great king just- nevermind).

He really can't say he blames Arthur, after all, he is guilty of treason. It just kind of sucks how fast everything got taken away from him. His father, Gaius, Arthur, all gone in a second. Gaius has tried to find Merlin on multiple occasions but Merlin made sure that he wouldn't. It was too dangerous. Sure, Arthur is not even close to being as cruel as his dead father but it was still a risk Merlin was not willing to take. Gaius had a stable life as the court physician. He doesn't deserve having that taken away from him.

Merlin misses Morgana. Misses how she would smack Arthur in the head when he would be a clotpole, which was most of the time. He misses the way Gwen would make sure to cover for him when he had to randomly disappear without giving explanations. He misses the way Gaius took care of him. He misses the way Gwaine would always hide wine in his sleeve to pass out to Merlin when Arthur wasn't looking. 

And Arthur...He-...was inside his house???

Merlin blinks at the sound of the door being kicked down and turns around with wide eyes and parted lips as he sees a sharp sword being pointed at his face.

"Where is it?" he heard the blonde man behind the sword ask. He was about to answer, he really was, but then all of the sudden Arthur decided it was training time and started swinging his sword at the sorcerer without a warning.

"What?" he manages to get out as he dodges the sword, looking confused and very offended at the fact that Arthur just broke down his door.

Arthur however does not seem to care about his rudeness, swinging the sword again, looking more angry than Merlin has ever seen him. Or, well...almost more angry.

"Merlin I knew you were stupid but I have failed to realize you were also deaf. Where is it?" He asks with gritted teeth, as he holds the sword close to Merlin's chest, just as Merlin grabs one of the brooms to block it.

"I see your arrogance has not died down with the age. Where is what?" He asks, staring back at the king. Arthur tries to cut into Merlin's left arm but Merlin dodges and hits Arthur's stomach instead with the stick end of the broom, making the older man take a step back before twirling his sword in one hand to take it close to Merlin's neck.

"The amulet. I know you have it. There have been problems. The amulet is the cause. What have you done?" Arthur groans, pretending to try to hurt Merlin but not making any move that couldn't be easily blocked by a swing of the broom.

"I don't have it." The younger replies while rolling his eyes and blocking the other's attacks.

"Stop lying, will you? It was in the castle before you left and now it's gone and all of a sudden Camelot has problems? I know you took it the night you left, Merlin." The king confesses, putting the sword against Merlin's neck and pressing Merlin's back against a wall, with his arm on the warlock's chest, staring into his eyes with nothing but hatred.

Merlin blinks at that. Arthur knew? For all these years, he knew. He did take it the night he left, not out of spite but to keep it safe. The amulet needed to be guarded by someone who could control it, not by mundane chains. So he took it to make both his and Arthur's lives easier. He always assumed Arthur never actually looked at the belongings in there to notice, apparently he was very wrong.

The warlock swallows and slowly lowers his broom. "It is not in my position." He replies after a minute, trying his best to sound composed.

"Merlin." Arthur interrupts with his usual I know you're lying because I know you and you are being really annoying and if you don't answer I might smear horse poop on your face tone.

He sighs, pursing his lips. "I don't have it." He repeats, with a voice just above a whisper. Arthur frowns and lowers his sword, putting it in his belt. "I had it, yes. It got lost." he answers, wincing when Arthur repeats his name with an exhausted groan.

"What do you mean you lost it?" He asks, slowly letting go of Merlin.

"I had it safe i swear I don't know how I might have put it in a ripped pocked but that is very unlikely since I sew my pockets, or maybe I left it on sight and somebody took it or i- I don't know" He sighs in defeat, resting his head against the wall. "All I know is that it's gone. It's been gone for a while."

"A while?"

"A few days. I kept trying to find it, with no luck."

"That's probably when problems started to arise in Camelot. Why even did you take it huh? So you could destroy Camelot as some sick revenge plan?" The king asks with a face of disgust.

Merlin knew Arthur hated him for what he did. It doesn't mean it didn't hurt, but if he was painted as a villain he might as well play along even if he did not hate-

Actually no. You know what? Merlin does also hate Arthur. How dare he?? After everything Merling sacrificed, after all those times he saved Arthur's arse, after all those times he had to listen to Arthur whine about his love life and give him advice, after all that polished armor, Arthur hated him. So yeah, Merlin hates Arthur more than he has hated anyone. He actually wishes he used the amulet to destroy Camelot, maybe that way Arthur wouldn't be standing here inside his house accusing him of evil magic after intruding.

It probably sounds ridiculous, changing your heart as fast as he does, but can he be blamed? The one person who was supposed to be his other half, as destiny says, hates him for- what exactly? Making sure he got kept alive? Hiding his identity for his own sake? Doing nothing but serve Arthur, giving his life for the other more times than he can count? And this is his reward?

"Yeah, actually." He replies nonchalantly, eyes darkening. "It's just too bad I haven't got the chance to destroy Camelot before it was stolen. Yet, I'm sure that whomever has it is doing a good enough job since you took the time to find me and threaten me with a sword."

Arthur chuckles bitterly. "I knew it. I knew i should have never trusted you. You are lucky the death penalty is no longer applied for sorcerers." 

"Glad we got that out of the way. Now get out." Merlin grits out annoyed, trying his best to not fly the other out of his house by just picturing it.

"No. You're helping me. We are going to find that amulet." The king replies determined.

"And why would I do that?" Merlin raises an eyebrow, crossing his arms unimpressed. Unbelievable, I'm not even his servant anymore and he still orders me around. 

"Because, if you do want to get revenge and destroy Camelot, you want power. You want the amulet in your hands. You can't have that power without being the one to control the amulet."

Smartass. Arthur really thinks Merlin will fall for this old and stupid tri- 

"Alright. Under one condition." 

"What is it?"

"We search for the amulet together, but the one to find it first keeps it."

"What if we find it at the same time?"

"Then we fight. Knight's code. To the death." Merlin continues with a careless shrug. He knows it's stupid and he knows that deep down if it comes down to it, he won't be able to just kill off his once best friend. Right now, however, all that he can think of is the disrespect he feels at the thought that out of all the possible answers to Camelot's issues and the amulet missing, Arthur's first choice was Merlin's Evil Revenge Plan. He hates him. More than he has hated anyone before.

"I am the king, i can't die, Merlin." Arthur replies crossing his arms as well.

"And i am the most powerful sorcerer to walk this earth." 

"Yeah, which means you are immortal. Do you expect me to duel with you when you can just do one of these-" he says flicking his wrist "and win??"

"I will not be using magic. It will be a fair fight. I can be killed by a non-mundane sword."

"Excalibur." Arthur whispers to himself as Merlin nods. "So be it. We will start when the sun rises." Arthur replies holding out his hand, which Merlin ignores, to turn his back at him.

"Get out of my house before i make you." He says coldly, to which Arthur quietly nods and leaves. 

Merlin sighs, resting his forehead on the same wall he was resting his back against a moment ago. Gaius where are you when I need you to stop me from agreeing to things like these?

Chapter Text

"Do you even know where we are headed to?" Merlin groans while holding onto the horse's harness, mouth dry from having been on this road for hours without a drop of water in his bag.

He did mean to grab some or at least find a lake but Arthur made sure they bypass every single drinkable body of water. Merlin was really considering filling Arthur's own flask with gross worms. Not yet, though. Maybe while he is actively drinking. Yeah, that will be more satisfying. 

"Stop being such a wimp, Merlin." He replies. "It's not as if the amulet has some sort of tracking device on it. We have no other option than to look where we can. Or perhaps, you have any idea where it could be. Actually, shouldn't you use your fancy magic to locate it?" He asks riding in front of him.

"It's not that easy, you dolophead. It's a powerful object, and whoever stole it knows it's power, therefore, they made sure to seal it so that it cannot be found with magic. I may be powerful but that amulet is just... something else." He mumbles.

"So what I am hearing is that you are still useless, great."

"And you are still a prat." Merlin replies annoyed, not noticing Arthur's lips form a small smile at the familiar banter.

If it was one thing Arthur missed was this. The familiarity, the back and forth, Merlin never knowing when to shut up or how to treat Arthur as a King. He missed this. It wasn't strong enough to erase the feeling of betrayal, but it was still...nice. It was good to know it didn't have to be awkward, even if one of them would have the other's head on a stick once that amulet was found. 

Arthur was lost in his thoughts when all of a sudden, the horse stops walking, refusing to continue. "What are you doing?" The king grunts trying to get the horse moving, without any luck. Merlin frowns, his horse refusing to move as well.

"Merlin what is this?" Arthur asks, kicking his horse lightly, trying to make it move again without results.

"Why do you just assume I know the answers to all of your problems?" He asks offended which makes Arthur look at him with an unimpressed look. "It's probably a magic barrier. It probably doesn't allow those who aren't from the area to enter, to keep whatever it's inside safe." 

"This is ridiculous, there has to be a way to get inside. This place being protected makes it even more suspicious." Arthur says, looking at the forest in front of them. "Can't you just- break it or something? Make it let us in?" 

Merlin rolls his eyes at Arthur's arrogance. Of course, he has no respect for people's privacy. "This is somebody's home. Magical beings live here. You can't just break into their homes-" He replies before Arthur interrupts him by saying a very determined "Can't I?" and getting off his horse to try to...what is he even trying to do? Break a magic barrier with a sword? That's ridiculous, Excalibur doesn't have that sort of-nevermind, apparently it does.

Arthur gives Merlin an annoying cocky smile before walking inside, making Merlin grumble all sorts of cuss words while getting off his horse and following Arthur inside. He swears that if this time Arthur is on the brink of death, he will let the prat die.

They enter the forest, searching for something that might lead them to the amulet, when all of the sudden the sound of arrows is heard. Great. Now Merlin is going to die because he is pretty sure there has to be some sort of exception to the whole immortal thing if you break into people's magical homes.

Arthur, like the fool he is, pulls out his sword and tries to fight the bandits, except he can't. There are no bandits. Just arrows. Fast, big arrows, all flying in their direction. One hits Arthur's arm and that is when Merlin decides, after hesitating for a good three seconds, to cast a protective barrier around them, which surprisingly works.

"Not a word." Arthur says holding onto his arm, not looking at Merlin, knowing what is about to be said.

"I told you so." Merlin shrugs, holding the barrier. "I should've left you to die, you're lucky I don't want to stain fellow sorcerers' homes with your arrogant blood which would probably infect their magic." Merlin scoffs, trying to find the source of the arrows.

"Infect- i am your king!" Arthur blinks scandalized.

"Technically, you're not. You haven't been my king since you banished me." Merlin replies, finally spotting what seems to be an old sorcerer. "Hey! Please! Stop this! We are sorry! We come in peace!" He rushes desperately, his arms tired from holding up the barrier. 

The old man seems to recognize Merlin, as the arrows stop shooting and he approaches them. "Emrys." he says with a bow, then looking at Arthur. "What brings you here?" He continues, not even acknowledging the literal King of Camelot, which Arthur finds very rude. Also, Emrys???

Merlin breaks the barrier once the arrows stop, nodding at the man. "I am looking for something. It is of great importance but I am afraid I lost it." He sighs with an apologetic look. "We did not mean to intrude, it's just that-well...the king's patience is very small." Like his brain. Merlin said in his head. 

"What is this object?" The man asks, with a look that lets Arthur know he is willing to help Merlin however he could.

Merlin is hesitant but then lets out a sigh and answers. "The amulet of Goda." The man widens his eyes as if knowing exactly what Merlin is talking about while Arthur is still holding onto his arm in pain after wrapping a cloth around it since apparently helping him was not on the list of things Merlin was planning on doing anytime soon.

"Oh goodness...have you no clue who could be responsible?" The man asks worried, making Merlin shake his head. "I am afraid I cannot help, if it got stolen it probably is well protected so it can't be tracked. I do, however, know of a place where magic seems to be more active lately." 

Merlin widens his eyes, getting closer to the man. "Where is it?" 

"Two forests down, there is a small town called Darwania. You can see mountains from the entrance of the town, you will know when you get there. It is not a lot but I hope it helps."

The young warlock nods with a relieved nod. "Thank you for being so kind to us considering the circumstances of our meeting." 

"No problem." The man nods back, bowing slightly. He glances at Arthur and then at Merlin. "Emrys I was not aware the other was still your-"

Merlin shakes his head. "He isn't. We just have an agreement." The man nods before bowing once again and leaving.

A few moments of silence pass before Arthur's voice can be heard from beside Merlin. "As much as I love sitting in a magical forest delighted by your presence, I have an arrow in my arm." Arthur grunts annoyed, breathing heavily. 

Merlin turns to look at him and tilts his head. "You should really start being nicer to me, I could leave you here." 

"My knights would kill you." 

"I think I'd be doing them a favor. We both know they like me better." Merlin says as a matter of fact while wrapping his arm around Arthur's waist and Arthur's hand around his shoulder. He helps Arthur on the horse, getting in front of him on it and enchanting Arthur's horse to follow them. "Wrap your arms around me." 

"I'm not a girl, Merlin." he grumbles weakly, at which Merlin scoffs. 

"You're surely not. They're prettier and smarter." He replies, wrapping Arthur's arms around his torso and riding the horse for a while before finding a lake. He gets down and fills his flask with well-deserved water then they continue their journey. He would've let Arthur die if he didn't know he had a greater chance of finding that damned amulet with his help.

He looks back at Arthur when Arthur rests his cheek on Merlin's shoulder, It's because he is tired and injured. Not because of anything else. And if he thinks he feels Arthur bury his head more in Merlin's shoulder he keeps quiet. They both do.

Chapter Text

Once they arrive in the town, the first thing Merlin does is search for an inn to help cure Arthur and rest for the night. He finds one not too deep in the town, and stops the horse, helping the other down, holding onto him.

After entering the place, the man who most likely owns it widens his eyes and hurries to them. "Your Highness." He says bowing deeply and looking at Merlin. 

"We need two rooms and medical supplies. I will take care of him, please hurry." The sorcerer said but the man looked at him with an apologetic look.

"I'm sorry, my Lord, there is only one room available. It has one bed but it's big and comfortable I apologize we don't have-" 

"Don't worry, my servant will sleep on the floor." Arthur smiles weakly, causing Merlin to kick his shin. 

"Lead us to the room please." The warlock says, starting to walk, still holding onto the King. They get inside and he sets Arthur on the bed, resisting the urge to push his finger in the injury. The man rushes and brings Merlin the things he needs to take care of the wound then leaves, closing the door.

Arthur grunts as the younger starts cleaning the area. "Can't you just take it out and make it heal with magic?" He asks, clearly in pain.

Merlin grins, applying more pressure on the wound. "And where's the fun in that?" He asks, grin widening at the Once and Future King of Camelot wincing like a wimp under his touch. 

Arthur breathes heavily as Merlin holds onto his arm, eyes glowing gold as he chants a spell, focusing, and Arthur, for the first time in five years, gets to look at him. He gets to really look at him.

Arthur notices how Merlin hasn't really aged, but his hair has gotten slightly longer, a bit wavier, how he still has that damned neckerchief tightly around his neck. His hands aren't really those of a servant anymore, they're more clean, which makes sense. He assumes Merlin can make a good living by being a sorcerer.

He also notices how his eyes look more tired, he doesn't smile as much as before. Even when he does, it doesn't exactly reach his eyes the way it used to. He seems stronger too, buffer. Arthur assumes he has been keeping himself in shape now that he didn't have the protection that came from being the King's servant and running his mouth could get him in trouble.

Arthur notices how Merlin doesn't look at him with the same sparkly eyes as he once was. His eyes seem empty of emotion. No happiness, no loyalty. If anything, a lot of times his face shows disgust when he looks at the older.

He can't blame him, after all, Arthur can't say he feels the same as he once did. He indeed misses Merlin at times...most times. George is a good servant, a great one even. He does his job, never talks back, respects Arthur and is- boring. So. Goddamn. Boring.

People would call him crazy if he ever admitted this out loud, but Merlin was his friend. Damn that, he was his best friend. His soulmate. They both knew it, neither said it out loud.

It's not as if it matters anyways, things weren't the same. His once best friend hates him. That's alright though, he hates Merlin too. Hates the way he lied to him for years, hates the way he pretended to be a low peasant when he had the power of life and death in his hands, hates the way his eyes are prettier when they're gold, and absolutely hates how good and comforting it feels being by his side, even if it's complete silence.

His train of thought is interrupted by the feeling of a hand smacking his head, making Arthur blink surprised and look up. "I said bring your arms up." Merlin repeated aparently and Arthur did so.

He doesn't bring up the pain suddenly being gone, and Merlin doesn't bring up the other staring at his gold eyes while he was chanting the spell.

The sorcerer takes the other's shirt off and helps him put on a new one and then they are brought food, which they totally do not fight over. 

After a while, they are in front of the bed, staring at it with their arms crossed.

"You take the floor." Arthur says lying down on the left side. Merlin raises his eyebrows offended and rests his hands on his hips.

"I am not sleeping on the floor."

"Well, neither am I. I'm the king."

"Yeah, but you're not my king." The warlock bites back, making the blonde blink, surprise visible on his face for only a split second before he recovers with a shrug. "Arthur I'm not sleeping on the floor." The younger continues, moving his hand to indicate he wants the other to make room for him.

"Are you out of your mind? Get off!" The King widens his eyes as Merlin lays down beside him nonchalantly.

"You don't get to order me around anymore." He replies coldly, turning his back to Arthur, making him stare at the back of his head. 

It's weird. They've always been like this, but it never felt like this. Merlin isn't being annoying while smiling from ear to ear. He doesn't disrespect Arthur for the fun of it or to get him to start an insult match. It's plain. Heartless. No hint of playfulness, no punchline. Just a clear message. Fuck off. That's what Merlin is saying. 

Merlin feels the tension too. He feels the change in the atmosphere when the words leave his mouth. He doesn't pity Arthur. Why would he? Arthur has Gwen. Arthur has Morgana. Arthur has a kingdom. What does Merlin have? A crappy house in a small town and loneliness. Nothing but his power and loneliness. 

He imagined reuniting with Arthur before. He always assumed it would be like in a novel. They would smile bigger than ever before and embrace each other while muttering "I'm sorry" and "I missed you". Except that's not what happened.

He was foolish to believe Arthur will have a change of heart since he allowed magic in the kingdom but still decided to kick Merlin out. He knows it was more because of the betrayal rather than the magic part of it, but it still was unfair. Arthur has been a fair king to every single person in the kingdom except him. The one person that has always been there. 

Arthur opens his mouth to say something, anything, a comeback, an apology, a scoff, but nothing comes out. He doesn't even know what he wants to say. So he decides to stay silent and quietly turns around so his back faces Merlin too. That way, maybe he'll get some sleep. Because, apparently, being in the same room as Merlin is not as comforting as it once was and maybe, if he stays up too late, he will start being unreasonable and do something as stupid as apologize and ask Merlin to come back because ruling Camelot without him had been an absolute nightmare.

They look at the walls in front of them quietly, pretending to be asleep. Merlin doesn't tear up. Arthur doesn't grip his pillow tighter. Neither of them slept for more than two hours that night.

Chapter Text

When Arthur wakes up, it's not because he wants to but because Merlin opens the curtains, blinding the other. The warlock glances at him before throwing the shoes at the king and walking out. The older grunts and lays his head back down, staring at the ceiling. Well...it could be worse. He thinks, mind going back to when Merlin woke him up by throwing water at him once. 

He shakes his head and then gets up, putting on his shoes. Merlin acting like this is new, but he supposes this is how things are going to be from now on. It would probably be easier to deal with the change if he acted the same way. Even though Arthur still has that feeling of betrayal stuck in his chest and thinks that they'll never be the same, he didn't expect something inside him to want to hug Merlin. He can't. Merlin would never allow him considering how things are currently going.

After a few minutes of consideration, the King has made up his mind. He hates Merlin, or...well...that's how he will act. After all, it's easier to be hated when you hate the person too. Even if it's just pretend.

Merlin sits at the table in the common area of the tavern and eats his breakfast that he did not pay for, thanks to being "Arthur Pendragon's trusted friend." He chuckles to himself thinking of those words. Trusted friend? All he did was kick me out for using magic before legalizing magic the very next week, broke into my house, and accused me of being a monster. Then a monster I shall be, not a trusted friend.

The sorcerer looks up after feeling the sunlight be blocked by a shadow only to see Arthur put their bags in front of him on the table. "Vacation is over. We have to go." He says not looking at him but at the food, then turning around to thank the man for his kindness. 

The younger doesn't say anything back, only finishes his plate and gets up, grabbing his things only. They leave the tavern and get on their horses, riding in silence through the mountains as the hours pass. None of them are completely sure of who they're searching for or what. For all they know, the amulet could be buried six feet under their feet.

After a while of pointless walking, Merlin turns to the other and sighs. "We should go back to Camelot, the person that stole the amulet might still be there, especially now, knowing the king is gone."

"Gwen is taking care of everything". 

Gwen. Merlin mises Gwen. Although something about her kind of irritated him. He isn't sure what it is. Maybe it's the amount of trust Arthur puts into her when the only reason she became a Queen was that before dying Uther made Arthur give his word he will give the kingdom a queen. Maybe it's because she hasn't searched for him.

No, that is not it. He knew that even if she did try to find him he will make sure she didn't. Some people were still offended that he dared to lie to the king and were still searching for him. That doesn't even compare, however, with the number of sorcerers he has managed to piss off by "leaving his destiny", which he thinks is absolute crap. He didn't choose anything. 

It doesn't matter though, all he knows is that if Arthur doesn't die because of trespassing, he will die for being around Merlin. It's also true that from the small exchange that he had with the man at the inn, he can tell that the news hasn't traveled too far. Or, if they have, people in other kingdoms don't care.

It's odd though, the man acted as if he and the king were the same two people as they were five years ago. Best friends, loyal to each other. If he knew what happened, why would he assume they were on good terms? How come no one has tried to kill him yet for being around him? Why is everyone acting as if seeing them together is the usual?

The sorcerer was absentmindedly following Arthur, not realizing that they were at the gates of Camelot, entering the kingdom he once called home.

Merlin remembers how during these years there haven't even been that many people attacking him for betraying his king, how when he'd sometimes go grab food, he would get stared at.

He always assumed it was because of the whole drama but, if it was like that, why is it that right now, when they both enter the kingdom, people whisper to each other and some give them knowing looks, as if they know something the warlock doesn't.

The younger doesn't dare to look at anyone directly and he is really grateful that Arthur had the decency to give him a cloak so that people wouldn't recognize him as easily. 

( "Take this." The king said nonchalantly, an hour or so after Merlin suggested they go back to Camelot.

"A cloak?" The other frowned but put it on.

"The incident might have happened years ago but people are still not pleased with your actions. I don't want you killed as soon as the gates open. I'd rather have the pleasure myself." He rolls his eyes before riding in front of the sorcerer.)

They stop their horses while at the entrance of the castle, and the once loyal servant of the prince can only breathe deeply at the sight of it. It was still beautiful, and it smelled like spring and flowers and he could hear the knights training in the distance. It's home. It used to be.

When he gets off the Horse, reality hits him like a rock in the head. Gaius. Morgana. Gwen. All the knights, all the servants he once was friends with, they're going to hate him. They're all going to be disgusted that he even stepped foot in the kingdom, let alone the castle. He was not ready to deal with it.

They both, walk inside the Castle and Merlin can only quietly follow Arthur to the throne room, where he knows he will find Gwen. Once the door is open, she looks up from one of the papers she was reading, places it down, and runs towards Arthur, embracing him just as she always did when he came back from almost getting himself killed.

Merlin feels like he shouldn't be there. Like he is interrupting. He winces internally, shifting from the uncomfortable feeling that sets in.

"Arthur! Thank goodness you're alright! I was about to send a search party after you! I told you, you should've taken knights with you, why on earth would you go alone and who is this and are you okay? Are you injured?" She rambles worried, checking for any signs of blood.

The warlock smiles softly. Ah, there's the Gwen he knows and loves. As worried and as amazing as she always was. He keeps his head down, face still hidden by the cloak, when he sees the king grab her shoulders to reassure her it's fine, and Merlin gets it. He sees how much they care for each other, how much they love each other, and how perfect they are together.

"I was unsuccessful in my journey but i think i found someone that could help." Arthur says, walking next to Merlin, which he takes as a sign to take his cloak off.

The queen of Camelot takes a step back in shock, widening her eyes more than he thought was humanly possible. He was ready for everything. For her to kick him out again, send him to the dungeons, say all sorts of horrible things, but he wasn't ready to find himself being pulled into a tight hug by Gwen and hearing her whisper "I missed you so much." 

Merlin takes a few seconds to pull himself together before he hugs her just as tight. "Me too. I thought you'd hate me." He says, making her shake her head fast and pull away, quickly wiping her eyes as she grins.

This only makes Arthur roll his eyes and clear his throat. "Lovely. Now if you excuse us, we have work to do." He says, about to lead them out of the room before Gwen grabs his arm and looks at him with a sweet but determined look. 

"I believe it is best you two rest for a bit. Even if it's just a day. The knights are still out in the town searching for the amulet and investigating. You had a long trip." The king knows this is just an excuse to allow Merlin to visit his old friends but he nods nevertheless(because he is tired) and leaves the room.

"You don't hate me?" The sorcerer asks quietly, fidgeting with his cloak, making Gwen roll her eyes with a smile.

"Terribly." She replies sarcastically, before continuing. "I know you did what you did to protect him. He knows it too. He's just being stubborn." 

The other hums, looking around the room, feeling strange being back in this castle after so long. "We can chat later, but I think there's someone you should see first." The queen smiles softly before taking his hand and walking with him towards a chamber.

Gaius. He gulps nervously waiting at the door in a way that he will be out of his sight when the man opens it, just to make sure that in case he doesn't want to know anything of him, he can just run away. 

"My queen, what brings you here? Are you unwell?" Merlin hears the voice of the man that he once considered his father figure. No, not once. Still does.

"Oh no, no need to worry about me. I actually come bringing good news. Arthur is back...and he has brought someone with him." 

She steps aside and the boy slowly makes himself visible to Gaius, the old man breaking into a huge grin and pulling him into a tight hug. "My boy!" he says happily and Merlin breaks down in tears, holding onto the other's clothes. He missed Gaius more than he could explain.

"Gaius...gaius I'm s-" he starts but is interrupted by the physician caressing his hair and shushing him. It feels so good. It feels like home. He missed everyone but Gaius was more than a father to him, really. He was his parental figure, his guide, his teacher, he was family. 

"I thought I'd never see you again, what are you doing here? Are you in trouble?" Merlin is about to say No don't worry I really am not but then he remembers the purpose of his visit and winces, making Gaius laugh.

"The Amulet." Gwen says softly from behind him. "Arthur believes he might be of help in finding it." 

"More like Arthur broke into my home and forced me to go on a hunting trip with him while treating me like rubbish." the warlock corrects. "He thought I had it and I was responsible for everything."

"Well...were you?" The other man asks with his infamous eyebrow rise, making the young sorcerer purse his lips.

"No! Well...Yes. But no!" He strutters, making the two give him a very confused look. "Okay I might have taken the amulet back when I got exiled—but it was because it had to be kept safe!"

"And?" they ask in unison, which very much creeps Merlin out. 

"I maybe perhaps there is a minimal chance that I uh lost it-"

"Merlin!" Gaius gasps. "You knew how important the amulet is! It holds the power of life and death, good and evil. It can either bring prosperity or misery and it all depends on the one that has it!" 

"I know! I know! I just...I don't even know how it happened or when...I swear I never took my eyes off it." he sighs sitting on the chair and looking at the other two. "We've searched everywhere, no signs of any malicious activity or suspicious person."

"Maybe it's not the amulet, maybe it's bad luck??" Gwen tries, looking at the men. "The kingdom is suffering greatly, yes, but it isn't something that can only be explained with magic. If this person had so much power why not get rid of the king or put an end to Camelot already?"

"You're right, my queen. Something doesn't quite fit. A person with evil in their veins wouldn't waste such power on kid's pranks." Gaius continues. "Perhaps we have been mistaken about the intentions or purpose of this." 

"If it's not to harm the kingdom, what else could it be?" Merlin frowns, trying his best to think about an answer. 

"Maybe it was so it would harm you." The woman says softly, making the two turn their heads to look at her. "Maybe someone knew you had stolen it and took it knowing the king would approach you and maybe they thought you'd be killed."

"But if they had the amulet they could kill me themselves. Even if you are not that powerful, that amulet can have the power to end someone's life."

He groans and rubs his face just as a knock is heard on the door, a guard opening it. "The king has requested your presence in his chambers." The man says, making the warlock whine as he gets up, saying goodbye to Gwen and Gaius before giving them a short hug and leaving.

Chapter Text

Once he enters Arthur's chambers, he catches the sight of George, Arthur's new manservant and he knows this can't be a good sign.

"Ah Merlin, good thing you're here. I have great news for you, you can take back your honorable position as my manservant. George will help you. You have exactly...two hours to get ready-"

"Woah, hold on, what do you mean manservant? I never said I wanted the position back." The warlock frowns, looking at the two confused.

"Don't get your hopes up it's only for a day. The royals from another kingdom are coming over and the situation has been a bit tense lately. They heard of the once powerful warlock being banned from Camelot and are probably trying to see if it's true."

"And I care because...?"

"Because if they discover it is true and you're not from Camelot they will try to find you and take you under their wing and then attack us." The older replies with an unpleased look, knowing this only boosts Merlin's ego.

"Mm. Alright. I'll help, but I won't be a manservant. If you want me to help, you're going to tell them I'm the court sorcerer." He smirks while crossing his arms, making Arthur take a step back in shock.

"Court sorcerer??? Are you mad??? No. No way. Absolutely not." 

"Alright thennnn I'll go search for the amulet while you do very important king things and once I find it I will make sure to show it to you so I can show off right before I separate your head from your neck!" He says cheerfully, turning around.

"I'm not falling for this." Arthur replies determined, staring at the other, making the wizard shrug in response and leave without a word. 

He wasn't lying when he said he would go find the amulet and finish this, he was already getting tired of the King's attitude. A servant. As if I have any reason to serve this absolute prat. He grumbles going out of the castle. Besides, he had more chances of finding it on his own. If he was with a band of knights after him, it would be easier for the thief to know he's searching for the amulet.

Speaking of knights, Leon, Gwaine and Lancelot are all heading towards him, talking to each other and not noticing who's in front of them. Merlin wants to keep it that way. He missed them, yes, but if they find him they'll say hi and drag him to a tavern and then Arthur will find the amulet first- oh God he really had to hide.

After passing a column, the sorcerer closes his eyes tightly and holds his breath while hiding and luckily they don't spot him. He should definitely work on some camouflaging spells that don't require a potion.

Walking around the town is...odd. People keep staring at him or glancing at each other when he passes by and he can constantly hear whispers but he can never make out what is it that they are saying. 

It's not like he minds it too much anyway, he is on the lookout for anything suspicious that might give him a sign of where the amulet is. The people look hungry and the town itself isn't as cheerful, it's as if it's slowly being drained and Merlin knows this is the work of evil magic.

He was walking until a man around his thirties gets in front of him, glaring into his eyes.

"Uhm- may i help yo-"

"How dare you?" The man starts, hands in his pockets. 

"Wha-?" the sorcerer asks, visibly confused.

"You betrayed the kingdom...you betrayed our King... everyone! You are a traitor! And now you think you can walk around freely?? This misery we live in, it's probably your doing! You're an evil man!" The stranger screams, grabbing him by the collar.

Merlin blinks surprised but all he can do is gulp because... he's right. If Merlin never stole the amulet, he'd never lose it and he'd never cause people in Camelot. He can only stare at the man with tears in his eyes, feeling more guilty than ever. 

He failed them. He failed his destiny. He failed Arthur. He was about to open his mouth when he suddenly felt a sharp pain in his stomach, looking down and seeing blood paint his shirt, as the man pulls the knife out of him.

The sorcerer coughs, falling on the floor, grunting in pain, when he hears the sound of horses and someone- Arthur yelling. Damn it, of course he followed Merlin, when doesn't he? This just might be the first time this prat having no sense of independency benefits the warlock.

"Who did this do you??" The king asks with wide eyes, kneeling next to the warlock. Maybe he's just out of it from losing blood but he could swear that's the most worried he's ever seen the other. 

He hesitates to answer but subconsciously looks over to where the man is standing and Arthur, without hesitation takes his sword out, yelling for the guards to get the younger on a horse so he can be taken to the castle.

The man tries to run away but the king already has a sword to his throat, eyes dark and pressing the stranger's back against a wall. 

"What do you think you're doing??" He spits out, pressing the blade slightly on the man's neck.

"S-sire I just- i was taking vengeance for you! He betrayed you! Betrayed us! I thought I-I-" The man chokes out, hands shaking and dropping the knife.

At this point, the sorcerer can barely focus on the conversation, but considering how loudly the other is speaking, he can keep track.

"Who do you think you are? Huh?? Who are you to seek justice for me? Who are you to harm my court sorcerer?"

He yells, close to cutting the man's skin before Merlin manages to get out a weak "Arthur...". This makes the king turn his head around and then slowly calm down, relaxing his shoulders.

The warlock meant to ask him to hurry up before he dies and not waste his time but he supposes the other understands perfectly since he lets go of the man and heads towards Merlin.

"Take him to the dungeons." Arthur orders the guards, getting on the horse with the sorcerer and rushing to the castle. "You're such a pain in the arse. One day you'll get yourself killed." He tries to joke, voice strained by worry.

Merlin smiles weakly and rests his cheek on the king's back, hating him a little less.

As soon as they arrive at the castle, he's taken to Gaius, and the king doesn't leave his side for more than two seconds when the physician asks for supplies. 

"I'll be fine, I can't die." The sorcerer chuckles weakly, grunting.

"Boy, stop wasting energy, it will get worse." The older man sighs, trying his best to clean the wound.

"No, but you can get an injury that will put you to bed for the rest of your life. And who will I annoy then?" Arthur says, preparing a potion as Gaius instructs him.

"Everyone you've ever met." Merlin says back with a smirk, feeling his eyes heavy.

"I thought he was supposed to be immortal." 

"He is, but he got hurt pretty bad, we should try to take care of it by mundane means. Using magic in these conditions will only weaken him."

"What if He-" Arthur starts asking quietly.

"He won't. It is not a lethal wound. The knife was small and he hasn't lost much blood." The other replies reassuringly although his voice slightly trembles."

Merlin feels quite offended. I am the most powerful warlock to walk the earth and these two idiots are worried about me dying because of some kitchen knife. He scoffs internally. What a pair of absolute fools.

Chapter Text

Once they both leave, Arthur, to greet the royals and Gaius to find Gwen, Merlin does the one thing he is best at, which is not listening to anyone, and starts chanting a spell, focusing on healing his wound.

It takes a while, a few good minutes, but by the time Gaius is back, he is back on his feet. "Boy, are you mad? I told you not to do this, it could be dangerous!"

"Gaius, you always told me to use magic when I need it. Well, I needed it. If Arthur goes and tells the royals I am here but they can't see me, they will believe he is lying."

The older sighs and nods, giving the sorcerer a jar of ointment for the injury. "Apply this three times a day. I know you healed by magic, but there will still be some pain."

Merlin breaks into a grin and hugs Gaius shortly before walking toward the throne room. As he gets closer, he can hear the voice of whom he assumes is the king who came to visit.

"What do you mean he got injured? He is the most powerful sorcerer making knows, you expect me to think he is unwell because of a knife? If he is not here just say so! Do not waste my time-" The man says angrily, before the sorcerer opens the doors to the room, walking in with a serious face. 

"I am here." He says in a monotone voice, walking with his hands in his pockets as the guards close the doors from behind him. "What is all this noise for?"

"A-ah-, you're here..well...good thing I wasn't lied to...otherwise-"

"Otherwise what?" Arthur asks while frowning and crossing his arms.

"Otherwise you were planning on starting a war, with the kingdom whose Court Sorcerer is not only a powerful immortal dragonlord but is also respected by all magical beings?"Merlin rasps, walking a few steps closer to the king, making him gulp visibility and Arthur has a boner.

This might just be the hottest thing he has ever witnessed. It's not like Merlin hasn't talked back before or that he hasn't bragged about his power but not...like this. No. No. He doesn't even think this is hot. This is ridiculous. Merlin looks ridiculous. It's not like there are still sweat marks on his neck and forehead from befo-no. Nope.

"You are going to let him speak to me like this???" The man, whom the sorcerer does not even know the name of, asks scandalized.

"Sire, you accused me of being a liar. I think the least you can do is understand why my trusted confidant is feeling bothered by it."  Arthur says, playing along, which makes Merlin only a bit proud and happy. Like a very little bit.

"I do apologize for that. I should have never doubted your sincerity." He nods, slightly bowing, making the warlock almost break character at how pathetic he is.

"All good. How about as a peace offer we have dinner tonight?" The younger king suggests, making the guest turn to Merlin once again.

"I apologize to you too, Court Sorcerer. I acted out of line."

"Mm. Make sure it never happens again, unless you want the entirety of the magical realm against you." He says lowly, chin slightly raised, making Arthur slightly smirk. 

The man nods and leaves to his chambers. Once they are left alone, the king turns to Merlin, annoyed. "What are you doing here, you aren't supposed to get out of bed yet!" 

"I healed myself, I'll be fine. Plus, you should be grateful I saved your arse." He responds but he feels himself being dragged out of the room, down the corridor, and finally into Arthur's chambers.  

"Lay down. Rest. I don't need you dying before we find that dammed amulet." Merlin groans but does as he is told because he could really use some rest. He never thought he would be lying in the king's bed while he takes his shirt off for him but here he is. He also never thought he would be given the king's clothes to 'be more comfortable', yet here he is.  

"Did you hit your head or something...?" The sorcerer asks dumbfounded while changing into Arthur's very comfortable clothes.

"Get some rest. You need to have energy for the celebration." The other chuckles lightly before leaving the room. 

He does fall asleep but is awakened by Morgana entering the chambers, searching for her brother.

"Merlin???" She widens her eyes grinning and rushing towards him to embrace him, being mindful of the injury. "How are you? I heard of what happened." 

"It's not a problem, I managed to heal myself but Arthur insists I should be getting rest." He sighs, making the woman give him a sly smile. "Why are you looking at me like that?? What?"

"Oh please...You don't have to try to hide it from me...I already know." She says with a teasing tone, making the sorcerer even more confused. The woman has the same look as the people in the town. 

"Know what? What do you know? What does everyone know?? Why is everyone looking at me as if I have two heads???" Merlin asks desperate, wanting an answer for the odd way people have been acting around him.

Morgana blinks, then purses her lips. "Everyone knows you and Arthur are lovers...and people assume he exiled you from the kingdom so you could lead an easier life and it would be easier to be together in private."

He didn't know humans could stop working but he is pretty sure that is exactly what happened to his brain. Lovers????Lovers!Lovers...right, as if that would ever happen. They hate each other. And Arthur doesn't even like men he's too busy being all masculine and things. He scoffs and then looks at her offended. "That is a lie!"

"You have nothing to be ashamed of, you know, love is love-"

"He's married! To Gwen!!! I would never do that to her!!" He interrupts the woman, making her giggle, the sorcerer being the one to look weirdly at her now.

"I assure you, you don't have to be worried about Gwen..." she continues, looking at him as if trying to give him a clue. "They never married, well not out of love. Remember how you were so offended they didn't invite you to the celebration? That is because there was no celebration. But the kingdom needed a queen in case anything happened to Arthur and I am not capable of taking the throne."

"But...they love each other?" The man frowns deeply, questioning everything he knows about his friends, to which Morgana lets out an amused laugh. 

"Yes, of course they do, as friends."

"But they kissed, Morgana!"

"Of course they did, Arthur kissed half of the girls in this kingdom. Listen...yes they did like each other but realized a long time ago they were better off as friends...he never told you?"

Merlin purses his lips, shaking his head and sitting on the bed. "We never really talked about these things, only a few times where he thought nothing would happen since-" he shakes his head then looks at her with tired eyes. "Even if it was real he liked me, which he doesn't, we could never be I'm just-"

"Just what? His manservant?" The other asks with a soft smile, knowing this is an excuse her brother used a lot of the time. "Not anymore." 

"I don't like him."

"And the skies are green." She rolls her eyes, holding Merlin's hand. "If you feel nothing for him, why did you agree to help, when you could very well track the amulet yourself and get it back?" 

The man presses his lips in a thin line and looks down, playing with Morgana's hands. Just as he was about to say something, the door open and Arthur enters inside the chambers, stopping in his tracks after noticing the way the two were holding onto each other. Good lord he cannot catch one break! Must Morgana steal all of his loves???

Well...Merlin is like an old flame that rose again but actually never died down and it just got stronger and now Arthur doesn't know how to deal with it but he has a kingdom to save and does not need to be emotionally vulnerable. But anyways, rude! 

The king clears his throat making the two slightly flinch in surprise and greet him. Morgana looks at him longly and then glances at Merlin, leaving the room.

"Merlin, maybe you should stop courting every woman you come in contact with, and actually do something useful like get a sword and help me find this amulet."

The sorcerer glares. He definitely doesn't like me. "It actually is both men and women." He bites back, which for some reason makes Arthur looks...happy? Weirdo. Clotpole weirdo. Dolophead clotpole cocky king. 

"Get ready. We are grabbing the knights and finishing this today." Merlin nods and gets up too fast, feeling a bit dizzy and bumping into Arthur's chest. Arthur's big well sculptured broad chest. No. These are all Morgana's stupid ideas put into his brain. He looks at the king and for some reason Arthur stays still for a bit too long before moving away. None of them mentions it.

Chapter Text

The knights very much missed the sorcerer, which it's understandable since he is lovable. Gwaine pulls him in such a tight hug he thinks he might pass out and maybe it's the lack of oxygen but he can swear he sees Arthur glare from the side, with his arms crossed and lips ducked up.

It's really ridiculous, they have searched everywhere and are now looking around the woods. They would need a miracle to find this thing. He doesn't even understand why it got taken. Whoever has it, isn't doing deathly damage but is also not doing good. It's as if they don't even know the power it holds.

Lancelot catches the glance of what seems to be a bandit and starts running after him, followed by the rest. Arthur grabs Merlin and they both go opposite the other knights, so they would be able to trap the bandit.

It's a long chase, they're on their horses, and somehow after a short while they're back in town. Arthur gets off his horse and the other rides in the opposite direction trying to trap the man. Then, luckily, Merlin remembers he's literally a warlock and makes a fruit stand fall over, but the bandit only jumps over it, making the sorcerer groan.

At this point, the king is running after him instead of riding, because this guy thinks this is some freak show and starts climbing and jumping obstacles. Seriously, who is this guy??? 

The knights manage to block every possible way out for him and Merlin gets in front of him, giving him a small smile and saying hi to him like a respectful man, before punching him hard enough that he trips, then he finds a rope, chanting it so the man gets tied down.

Arthur catches up to them and he stands there, breathing heavy and sweaty and God Merlin can definitely feel the summer heat. Arthur on the other hand definitely doesn't get turned on again. Nope. Nothing happened.

The two look at each other, sweaty and heavy breaths being let out, before the sorcerer catches a glimpse of something shiny on the ground.

The amulet.

The other seems to notice it too because the next thing he does is sprint to it, but is stopped by Merlin taking out his sword, holding it in front of him.

Right...The duel. Arthur remembers sighing internally but takes his sword out. "I don't want to do this, Merlin. You still have time to resign!" He grits his teeth.

People stopped to stare at them and the knights looked at them in shock. Percival is about to say something before being hit gently by Leon, who shakes his head. "This is between them." León says quietly.

The king and his once servant look at each other for a few more seconds, their faces getting closer, before Merlin swings his sword again, which Arthur blocks.

The other twirls his sword in one hand and swings at the warlock, which only makes him trip thanks to the sorcerer's quick feet. The knights let out a sound and Merlin gives the king a cocky smile.

"You still have time to resign." He imitates the other, which actually infuriates Arthur. Who does he think he is? To betray him then take advantage of him and play around with him like he's some dog?

His eyes go dark and he gives multiple attacks to the warlock, which he surprisingly blocks. He should have seen this coming. Merlin has been by his side for years: when he was training, when he was fighting in missions, he knows everything there is to know about his fighting style.

And as Merlin attacks him under the ribs, missing by only a bit but still managing to make a small cut, Arthur realizes. He knows how to beat me.

This wasn't anymore a sure win. Arthur failed to consider this one factor, which might be his downfall unless he is smart enough to surprise the other. 

But how can he when that someone else is his other half? Arthur's heart and mind are Merlin's too. 

He doesn't really have time to think, however, because the sorcerer is merciless. Something shifts in him because suddenly, his moves are sharper and he looks more serious and his eyes...his eyes are gold. The king shifts his eyes to the pocket of the other man, noticing a glowing light coming out of it.

He took the amulet. Which, if Gaius is right, means Arthur is as good as dead.

He takes several hits but Merlin is untouched. He moves like the wind. 

("Sire, we need to talk." Gaius says, once they left Merlin alone to heal. "Whatever happens, the boy must not touch the amulet."

"What-why?" Arthur frowns, confused.

"When he was in the possession of the amulet, he was out of Camelot. His magic is stronger here and he is weaker because of the injury. It is a very powerful tool, it might have a negative effect on him.")

He is pretty sure this is exactly what Gaius meant because every hit is being thrown at the king with more power and hatred than the last time.

The older grunts as the warlock makes a small cut on his arm. He needs to think fast. He needs to get that thing away from Merlin before it gets them both killed.

The sorcerer makes Arthur's sword fly out of his hand with a swing of his own and the king widens his eyes, glancing at his Knights and shaking his head when they offer to help. 

"Oh, what is it, my Lord? Perhaps you should spend less time being a prat and more time training." He says as Arthur dodges his hits. "Maybe that way you wouldn't embarrass yourself in front of your people." Merlin shouts. "Maybe that way you will be a worthy king!"

Arthur is taken aback. That one hurts and Merlin knows it. He's been open about feeling unworthy of ruling Camelot, but he has to remind himself that this is not Merlin speaking. This isn't the person he's known for years. This isn't the person he once...still loved. This is evil magic.

He doesn't have time to talk back and all he can do is run away before Lancelot throws his sword on the ground. Arthur is sure there is some sort of knight code being broken, but it wouldn't be the first time for Lancelot and he is actually quite glad because he runs after the sword, rushes towards his once manservant and swings but he stops when Merlin puts the sword against his neck.

"You don't deserve a crown. You don't deserve this kingdom. You don't deserve love and you don't deserve to live, Arthur Pendragon!" The warlock shouts angrily, making the king raise his hands in defeat after slowly putting the sword down. 

He stares into Merlin's eyes, not breaking eye contact, thinking of what could be enough of a surprise to catch the other off guard. 

The older man holds back a smirk and breaks contact only for a split second before he looks back at Merlin, slowly getting down onto his knees, making everyone widen their eyes and gasp while whispering to each other. 

The knights look at the scene in front of them with open mouths, except León, who looks like he knows exactly what is about to happen.

Merlin blinks once Arthur is kneeling in front of him, and that is when the king reaches forward, ripping the warlock's shirt pocket, making the amulet fall out of it.

While that happens, the sorcerer puts his knife against the other's throat, one hand holding the sword and the other gripping his hair, making him look up at him. As soon as the amulet is out of his pocket, his eyes go back to their usual color, making Arthur sigh relieved and smile lazily.

They look at each other breathing heavily, and Merlin realizes the position they're currently in and totally does not get red in the face. He slightly loses the grip on Arthur's hair and puts the sword down. 

He looks around and people have their hands over their mouths, whispering and glancing at them. Well...there goes his plan of making people stop gossiping about him. 

"Merlin, as much as kneeling in front of you has been my fantasy for the longest time, would you let go before I break each and every one of your dirty fingers?" Arthur asks grinning, making the other jerk away, standing with his hands clasped together in front of him, embarrassed and looking at the ground, hearing the knight whistle from behind him.

"Well, the royal court hopes you enjoyed this small story we have prepared for you!" Arthur says cheerfully, grabbing the amulet and making sure it's safe, the bandit was taken to the dungeons a long time ago. 

Everyone looks around confused, thinking their king has gone mad. Which Merlin starts to believe too.

"Due to the hard time you had lately, I personally prepared this segment for you, for entertainment. Give it up for Merlin, everybody!" He whistles clapping, soon after followed by everyone. 

The sorcerer glares at Arthur but the king just shrugs with a shit-eating grin. "Now, I can promise, the hard times have come to an end. You shall not worry! Starting tomorrow, supplies will arrive." He smiles and the people cheer more, chanting Long Live The King. 

Arse!I almost got myself killed and you take all the credit, again! Merlin scoffs. The other waves around and walks to the sorcerer, grabbing his arm harshly and walking towards the castle. 

"What was that for?" 

"People will worry if they know it was real. It's best they think it was a funny skit. Who knew you were such a great actor?" Arthur chuckles and Merlin pushes him away with a small laugh, the two looking at each other for a bit before looking away.

Chapter Text

Arthur still (pretend) hates Merlin, but if this is what Merlin was protecting him from, he really understands. He'd say sorry but maybe it's too late, after all, Merlin does actually hate him. What good will a sorry do when the other's heart won't change?

Merlin still hates Arthur. So much. He's so. Strong. And now he's smart too??? That trick he pulled??? He's actually mad at his evil self for even falling for that cheap trick! But Lord was it hot...God, it was so hot...have you ever had the King of Camelot kneel at your feet? He really does understand why people seek power now.

He hates Arthur so much, with his pretty smile and blue eyes and he hates that he wants to kiss Arthur. So bad. He wants it more than anything he's ever wanted. Great. Another problem Merlin needs to worry about. He holds onto the king because he knows he's quite injured even though a Pendragon would never admit it.

At the same time, he ignores the knights retelling what just happened to each other because all he can focus on is Arthur's warm body next to him and the way he holds his waist, gripping onto the ripped shirt.

Once they arrive in Camelot and everyone checks for themselves that the king is alive, the two walk into Arthur's chamber, and Merlin starts doing the one thing he's best at: taking care of Arthur Pendragon.

He starts by taking his shirt off and cleaning the wound. "You're injured too." The king whispers, looking over Merlin's face.

The warlock keeps quiet because he really does not know what his stupid brain might do if he didn't shut up, so he keeps taking care of the other's injuries quietly. Once he is done bandaging him up, Arthur himself starts cleaning Merlin's face, earning him a surprised look from the warlock.

He doesn't know what came over him but he broke the silence by asking "Is this why you never told me?". 

It takes a while for the question to really register in Merlin's brain but once it does, he hums. "Part of it. The other was that you would've killed me."

"I wouldn't-"

"When we went to Ealdor and we were saved by magic, you got so mad you were about to harm the one responsible for it. Will took the blame for me. If he didn't die while protecting you, he would've been sentenced to death." He replies slightly annoyed at Arthur's ignorance towards his and his father's opinions of magic. 

Arthur looks down, raising Merlin's shirt to wipe at an injury around his waist. "I never wanted you to feel unsafe around me." 

"It's the way you were raised, I don't blame you...I do blame you for kicking me out and then making magic legal. Low blow...prat." He tries joking, but his voice comes out more hurt than he meant to.

"It was either that or letting you get killed." The king scowls, throwing the cloth at the warlock, and getting up.

"Killed?"

The older sighs, turning to look at Merlin again. "People in the kingdom were angry about your betrayal and Mordred's people were angry you killed their golden boy." The sorcerer parts his lips slightly. This whole time...he could only think of Arthur's actions as selfish and childish he never even considered that maybe he had a good reason. That doesn't change the fact that Arthur could have told him about his great plan.

"You could've told me, you dollophead!" He says angry, getting up from the bed. "I could have helped! I deserved to know you didn't hate me!" 

"Ohh really? Because if I told you to leave for your own safety and not come back for a while you would have listened to me? The same way you always listen to me??" Arthur asks with a roll of his eyes, unimpressed by the other's tantrum.

"Well maybe if you didn't lie to me..!!!" 

"Same way you lied to me about my mother?" Arthur asks dryly, calmer than he expected the king to be considering the fact that he just admitted to knowing Merlin's whole No, you weren't born because of magic, you got lied to, calm down lie. 

The sorcerer gulps, opening his mouth to explain but the older shakes his head. "Since when do you know?"

"The day after you left."

Merlin gets closer, looking at him with an apologetic look. "I was not planning on doing it, but...you wouldn't have been able to live with yourself if you killed Uther, no matter how much you thought you hated him. I did what I did to protect you."

Merlin says softly, then frowns to himself, getting closer. "All I ever did was protect you, Arthur. I never wanted to betray you, but if betraying meant I got to keep you alive for longer then yeah, I chose to be a traitor." Arthur looks at him quietly, so he takes it as a sign to go on. "All I did was for you, and yet all you did was think of me as this big great monster. How do you think I feel hm?"

"And you think I didn't protect you?" Arthur asks, getting closer, looking into Merlin's eyes. "You think you would still be around after all that talking back if it wasn't for me? Do you know how many times I had to cover for your arse when you were Lord knows where? How many times I have risked my life if it meant you get to live? You think it wasn't hard for me knowing I had to lose you when I could barely get through the day without you??" Arthur asks, slightly raising his tone.

Merlin looks at him because that's the only thing he can do now. He can not form words, let alone sentences. Arthur breathes heavily after talking then all of a sudden, he cups Merlin's cheeks and kisses him lovingly as if his life depended on it, which Arthur could swear it did. It takes a few moments for the warlock to process what is happening, before he grips onto Arthur's shirt, kissing back just as hungrily. 

Arthur has never felt his heartbeat as fast as it does right at this moment and Merlin is quite sure he will either pass out or die. He is actually one hundred percent sure his warlock immortality will not save him. They both slowly pull away after a short while, looking into each other's eyes.

Merlin was sure he could not embarrass himself more than he does by having his face the color of a tomato, but it turns out his stupid magic makes blue butterflies appear beside him. One thing he does not notice, however, is his eyes, which are a pure gold color. The sorcerer might not notice it, but Arthur surely does, and he remembers how much he missed looking into Merlin's eyes and how he now wants to look at the gold eyes without a break.

"I still hate you. And you're still dumb." The younger tries to joke but his voice comes out just a little bit too squeaky.

"And you're still embarrassing." Arthur bites back, not letting go of his cheeks. Merlin squints then pulls the other by his collar into a passionate kiss, making him slightly trip, taking a step back, making noise in surprise before he kisses back. 

The sorcerer pulls away with a pleased sly smile and crosses his arms. "I win."

Arthur raises his eyebrows and walks to the other, picking him up and throwing him on the bed, laying on him with a grin as Merlin coughs in pain. "Get off me you brute, you will get me killed!" He coughs more, gasping for air and pulling on the king's hair.

"Finally!" The king replies with a grin but gets off Merlin, lying next to him. There is a comfortable silence for a while but then Arthur notices the other slap his own face multiple times.

"What are you doing, Merlin?"

"Making sure I'm not dreaming. Oh no! What if you've been charmed by the amulet and like you're enchanted and I just kissed you enchanted oh my god I have to learn memory-erasing spells now, do you KNOW how hard those are???" He rambles panicking, which results in the older rolling his eyes with a small smile and pinching his underarm hard then kissing him slowly, pulling on his bottom lip before pulling away.

"That answers your question?" He rasps, looking into the warlock's eyes, which makes Merlin's stomach do multiple flips, making him nod fast with a small squeak.

"Although I've seen better so..." The younger hums, and just as expected, it hurts Arthur's ego enough that the man sits on top of him, pinning his arms on each side of his head, looking down at him.

"Don't be a prat, Merlin." He smiles leaning down about to kiss the other again, before he is interrupted by a knock on the door, making him groan loudly. Right. King duties.

Chapter Text

The celebration wasn't all that special. It was a boring party, and Merlin was forced to watch Arthur sit next to Gwen at the table as he offered to help with the drinks since he saw some of the new servants were a bit overwhelmed. 

Everything was going great until he sees one of the princesses make big doe eyes at Arthur and Arthur falls for it. You might think it was scandalous, which it was, but, after all, it was common for kings to marry for the good of the country and then have an actual lover in private.

Merlin looks at them for a few minutes and it's as if he doesn't even exist. From the corner of his eye, he can see Gwen looking at him amused as if this was funny! Arthur just kissed him like 30 minutes ago and now he is flirting with some girl!

Merlin huffs to himself and completely on accident, spills some wine on her dress. "Oh my god, I'm so so sorry, my lady. Please forgive me-" He apologizes fakely with his eyes wide and then looks at Arthur, seeing the arsehole holding back a smile. 

She scoffs bothered and gets up, which makes Merlin smile to himself. "Very subtle." Arthur grins, popping a grape in his mouth., annoying the warlock more than he already was. 

"Arse." He scoffs, about to leave. He didn't even kiss Arthur because he wanted to kiss him, it was because he wanted to win. So Arthur is foolish for thinking he cares.

"I thought you were a court sorcerer, not a servant." One of the knights of the guest kingdom says. Merlin slowly turns towards him, glancing at the coup in his hand and turning the wine in it into moving worms. 

"I am," he says sharply. "But I also have some decency." He continues, changing the worms into the water again, walking back to his seat. He hears the other king chuckle as if amused by his knight's smart comment.

This only annoys Merlin more, looking at him and making the king lose his breath, holding onto his neck and trying to gasp for air. The warlock's eyes turn gold and Arthur can only stare. God, he can't believe he's been deprived of witnessing things like these for years. Cursed be his father's hatred for magic.

The knights take out their swords ready to point them at the sorcerer but the king signals them to put their weapons down after Merlin raises an eyebrow and makes the king have even a harder time breathing. 

"I thought I told you not to disrespect me again." He rasps and Good Lord Arthur can only think of grabbing the other by his shirt (well, Arthur's shirt) and kissing him against a wall. 

The king nods fast trying to apologize, and once he starts getting purple, Merlin breaks the spell, turning to look at the knights. "You represent your kingdom, have some self-awareness. I am not someone you want to have on your bad side." He growls and then leaves the room without a word. 

Arthur follows him, searching for him in the corridor, then once he finds him, he pushes Merlin against a wall and starts kissing him passionately, one hand on the other's waist and the other on the wall. 

The sorcerer makes a small noise in surprise but then kisses the other back, arching his back and wrapping his arms around Arthur's neck, playing with his bottom lip. 

The king presses his body closer and grips Merlin's waist, kissing him slowly but deeply and pressing their chests together. The warlock pulls away, breathing heavily, hands still in Arthur's hair and puts his lips close to the other in a way that they're almost touching. "What do you think you're doing? You think I'm going to let you just do this after you go around flirting with random princesses? You arse." He scoffs.

Arthur blinks and then laughs, caressing the other's waist. "I can't believe you're jealous. We kissed once." 

Merlin blinks with a hurt frown and starts slowly pulling away before the other pulls him closer, trapping him between his arms. "I knew you were stupid, Merlin, I just didn't know you were stupid enough to think I like someone else."

"You like me-?" He asks, taken back.

"Wasn't that obvious with the whole... protection and confession and kiss thing?? And people say I'm the thick one!" He scoffs, resting his forehead on the warlock. "Plus, why wouldn't I flirt when you look this hot angry?" He whispers.

"Because I can melt down your swords so the next time you have to duel, you'll have to do it with your bare hands and die." He whispers back and the king groans.

"See???" Arthur groans, making the sorcerer laugh while shaking his head. 

"You're the worst. And I hate you and hope you die." Merlin says, leaning into Arthur's lips then pulling away, starting to walk towards Arthur's chambers. 

The king stays there dumbfounded trying to process all of...this. Because when he kissed Merlin he sure didn't expect this. Oh god...he has created a monster. 

"Well, are you coming or you'd rather go back to the very interesting party?" 

Arthur gathers himself and rushes after the warlock while taking off his shirt.

The next morning, the only thing Arthur knows is that the guest king has left already and the only thing Merlin knows is that waking up next to shirtless Arthur Pendragon is a blessing and a curse at once. 

He opens one eye and catches the prince staring at him. "Weirdo." He grumbles wiping his eyes. He stares back at the king when he sees he keeps his eyes on him.

"Do you like me?" Arthur asks, only a hint of insecurity creeping into his voice. Merlin considers actually killing him.

The warlock squints his eyes, still trying to wake up. "What-"

"I said I like you, You never said it back." He says softly, as if worried. Yeah, Merlin will kill him. He takes a moment, trying his best to understand what is happening. 

Arthur does remember last night doesn't he-of course he does, his ex manservant is in his literal royal bed. "Did you hit your head-I-" Merlin is about to go on a rant about how thick and stupid the king is but then he sees the other's face form into something that can only be described as a kicked puppy. 

"Of course, I like you, clotpole." He smiles, playfully pushing the other, before getting closer to him and kissing him softly. Arthur grins and wraps his arms around Merlin's neck, playing with his hair happily. "Honestly, you are so-how even did you survive this time without me?"

"I didn't." The king mumbles, burying his head in the warlock's neck, making the younger have butterflies again...literally. 

"So about the whole court sorcerer thing..." 

"It was not a lie but I can just tell everyone you resigned if you don't want it." He mumbles and the other shakes his head fastly. 

"Mm, good. Tired of pretending like this place is any fun without you around." 

"Oh wow i never took you as the sappy type, it's kinda gross." Merlin smiles and gets his shin kicked by the king. 

"Prat. You're the worst."

"And you are a pain in the arse. Now get up, you need to do whatever it is you kings do at this hour, sit and look pretty and take people's money." He grins and Arthur pinches his arm hard, making the younger groan. "Fine, sorry! But seriously, Morgana has screamed for you like fi-"

"ARTHUR PENDRAGON!" 

"-six times." Arthur groans and gets up annoyed, giving Merlin his clothes to dress him up and God does it feel good to have Merlin dress him instead of George. George always ties everything too tightly and neatly and it's so uncomfortable. He hears a loud knock on the door and kisses Merlin once more before leaving his chambers. 

The sorcerer lays down on Arthur's bed and tries to process everything while admiring the ceiling. Yeah...he could definitely get used to this. He sighs happily. I hate you so much, He whispers to himself with a sigh while blue butterflies fill the room. 

It's no longer just him. Now, it's them again.