One Prison is much like another - part 24B
Author: 
archaeologist_d
Title: One Prison is much like another - part 24B
Rating: PG-13
Pairing/s: none
Character/s: Merlin, Gaius
Summary: Feeding the babies isn't all it's cracked up to be. Feels less like a noble calling and more like a nightmare come to life.
Warnings: none
Word Count: 646
Camelot Drabble Prompt #599: Balance
Disclaimer: I do not own the BBC version of Merlin; They and Shine do. I am very respectfully borrowing them with no intent to profit. No money has changed hands. No copyright infringement is intended.
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Merlin shrugged. “I didn’t have a choice.”
At that, Gaius gave another sigh, looking at him more critically. Not that Merlin was his best, at the moment. He really shouldn’t have sat down, his body already pulling at him to sleep. It had been a rough several days after all.
Gaius must have seen something in Merlin’s face. His mouth all scrunched up as if he were sucking on something sour, Gaius said, “You look as if you are about to fall down. Have you slept at all?” When Merlin shook his head, Gaius nodded as if he’d expected that answer. “Have you help at least?”
As if Gaius didn’t know. But Merlin reminded him anyway, “Kilgharrah is helping. Sort of.”
Gaius rolled his eyes, giving a little huff of annoyance. “That beast is using you.”
“He’s… he’s not a very good parent, I’ll give you that. I end up doing most of the work.” It was true, too. And it didn’t look like things were going to change any time soon.
“Well, the deed is done and cannot be undone. I do not approve but I can’t be having you stumbling over your chores or worse have Arthur realise that you are skivvying off to take care of a bunch of dragons. Uther would not see reason and your head might be forfeit. Mine as well.” Gaius didn’t look exactly happy about it when he said, “I will come with you now and assess the situation.”
Merlin perked up at that. “They are cute. You’ll love them.”
“So you said,” Gaius muttered, his face giving away just how much he didn’t believe Merlin.
Giving him a little grin as if thrilled that Gaius was coming down to see what was going on, Merlin began to pick up the brushes he’d dropped and then shaking the leather bottle, he said, “I need oil for them. For after they take their baths. Kilgharrah said their wings need a bit of softening so that they don’t get too hard too fast but he didn’t say which kind of oil so ummm….”
Gaius gave another sigh. It was becoming a bit of a tell with him. Or maybe he was just so annoyed with Merlin that it was coming out in sighs and scowls. But then Merlin would take what he could get. He really did need to sleep and any help would be better than none.
“Merlin, dragon skins are fragile at birth. Animal fats or some seed oils are best. I have some in stores. But not as much as you may need in a few weeks. Are you ready for that?” Gaius said.
“Kilgharrah promised he’d help,” Merlin muttered, although saying it didn’t make it true. He really didn’t think the dragon would help at all.
“I’m sure,” Gaius replied, his voice full of disbelief. Looking around, thinking a moment, he finally nodded. “I have some work to do first, unlike my wayward apprentice. I will come in two hours time. Make sure the Great Dragon knows this. I would prefer not to be roasted to a crisp because of a misunderstanding.”
Merlin really did appreciate everything Gaius had done for him and it was poor payment how little Merlin had done in return. Once the dragonets were a little older and needed him less, he’d make it up to Gaius.
At least Gaius wasn’t rejecting it all out of hand.
“He’ll be thrilled to see you again,” Merlin said, grinning in relief.
Gaius just gave him the side-eye. They both knew there was no love lost between Gaius and Kilgharrah but instead of calling Merlin on it, Gaius just said, “Of course. He has as much love for me as I for him. Don’t forget. Two hours, Merlin.”
Merlin nodded. It would be a new beginning for them all.
As long as Kilgharrah saw reason.
archaeologist_d
Title: One Prison is much like another - part 24B
Rating: PG-13
Pairing/s: none
Character/s: Merlin, Gaius
Summary: Feeding the babies isn't all it's cracked up to be. Feels less like a noble calling and more like a nightmare come to life.
Warnings: none
Word Count: 646
Camelot Drabble Prompt #599: Balance
Disclaimer: I do not own the BBC version of Merlin; They and Shine do. I am very respectfully borrowing them with no intent to profit. No money has changed hands. No copyright infringement is intended.
-------------------
Merlin shrugged. “I didn’t have a choice.”
At that, Gaius gave another sigh, looking at him more critically. Not that Merlin was his best, at the moment. He really shouldn’t have sat down, his body already pulling at him to sleep. It had been a rough several days after all.
Gaius must have seen something in Merlin’s face. His mouth all scrunched up as if he were sucking on something sour, Gaius said, “You look as if you are about to fall down. Have you slept at all?” When Merlin shook his head, Gaius nodded as if he’d expected that answer. “Have you help at least?”
As if Gaius didn’t know. But Merlin reminded him anyway, “Kilgharrah is helping. Sort of.”
Gaius rolled his eyes, giving a little huff of annoyance. “That beast is using you.”
“He’s… he’s not a very good parent, I’ll give you that. I end up doing most of the work.” It was true, too. And it didn’t look like things were going to change any time soon.
“Well, the deed is done and cannot be undone. I do not approve but I can’t be having you stumbling over your chores or worse have Arthur realise that you are skivvying off to take care of a bunch of dragons. Uther would not see reason and your head might be forfeit. Mine as well.” Gaius didn’t look exactly happy about it when he said, “I will come with you now and assess the situation.”
Merlin perked up at that. “They are cute. You’ll love them.”
“So you said,” Gaius muttered, his face giving away just how much he didn’t believe Merlin.
Giving him a little grin as if thrilled that Gaius was coming down to see what was going on, Merlin began to pick up the brushes he’d dropped and then shaking the leather bottle, he said, “I need oil for them. For after they take their baths. Kilgharrah said their wings need a bit of softening so that they don’t get too hard too fast but he didn’t say which kind of oil so ummm….”
Gaius gave another sigh. It was becoming a bit of a tell with him. Or maybe he was just so annoyed with Merlin that it was coming out in sighs and scowls. But then Merlin would take what he could get. He really did need to sleep and any help would be better than none.
“Merlin, dragon skins are fragile at birth. Animal fats or some seed oils are best. I have some in stores. But not as much as you may need in a few weeks. Are you ready for that?” Gaius said.
“Kilgharrah promised he’d help,” Merlin muttered, although saying it didn’t make it true. He really didn’t think the dragon would help at all.
“I’m sure,” Gaius replied, his voice full of disbelief. Looking around, thinking a moment, he finally nodded. “I have some work to do first, unlike my wayward apprentice. I will come in two hours time. Make sure the Great Dragon knows this. I would prefer not to be roasted to a crisp because of a misunderstanding.”
Merlin really did appreciate everything Gaius had done for him and it was poor payment how little Merlin had done in return. Once the dragonets were a little older and needed him less, he’d make it up to Gaius.
At least Gaius wasn’t rejecting it all out of hand.
“He’ll be thrilled to see you again,” Merlin said, grinning in relief.
Gaius just gave him the side-eye. They both knew there was no love lost between Gaius and Kilgharrah but instead of calling Merlin on it, Gaius just said, “Of course. He has as much love for me as I for him. Don’t forget. Two hours, Merlin.”
Merlin nodded. It would be a new beginning for them all.
As long as Kilgharrah saw reason.