Log: ‘I think you're my everything cure’

[better_thanthou]

Who: Merlin mydestinysucks and Arthur better_thanthou
When: The morning after this
Where: Arthur’s chambers
What: Coming clean and being randy teenagers
Why: Had to happen eventually, NC17

Merlin yawned, blinking awake blearily before shutting his eyes, deciding the room was too bright as he snuggled into the Arthur-shaped pillow he'd fallen asleep on. Of course, he also wasn't awake enough to register that it was actually Arthur.

Arthur scrunched up his face, aware of a dull pounding in his head that wouldn't go away, while his stomach was doing things it really shouldn't. It took him a few moments more to realise someone was snuggling into him, and a few minutes after that to realise that was very out of the ordinary. The prince opened one eye and caught a shock of black hair. For one horrible, horrible moment, he thought it was Morgana, until he realised it was Merlin shaped. He blinked in confusion, before his hungover brain gave him a memory, and his eyes widened. Oh crap.

Merlin murmured a few words under his breath that sounded nonsensical as he snoozed, causing a few things to fall haphazardly off a nearby shelf. The noise startled him awake, and he blinked again, the fuzzy form of Arthur coming into view. He groaned, his head also pounding. "S'it time for work already? What'd I do?" he mumbled, not bothering to move yet. He was comfy right where he was. Which was on Arthur, but he still hadn't registered the fact, even though he could see him.

Arthur was too busy trying to think if he had clothes on or not to notice the things falling off the shelves. Glad that he was still wearing them, he tried to speak. It came out far to high and sounded like a 'mreellj'. He cleared his throat and tried again, attempting to wriggle out from under Merlin. "Frrskinghit!"

Merlin shut his eyes again, curling his fingers into Arthur's shirt. "Stop movin'," he murmured sleepily. "You're comfy an' my head hurts."

Arthur took a deep, calming breath. "Merlin you are sleeping on top of me," well, at least he was speaking English now.

"Mhmm," Merlin agreed, nuzzling him a bit like a kitten. "S'nice. Comfy."

Arthur squeaked again in an un-princely manner and tried to scramble out from under him. "Get off, we might get caught!"

Merlin rolled off, landing on the floor with an ungraceful thump. "Ow," he groaned. "Wasn' very nice. You...Arthur?" he realized finally, blushing brightly.

Arthur scrambled to his feet, glancing, panicked, towards the door. Once he decided no one was coming in, he ran a hand through his hair, his head starting to pound again. "Oh God....what happened last night?"

Merlin's blush deepened as he attempted to remember. "We got drunk?" he supplied helpfully. "I brought you ale."

Arthur sat on the bed with a thump, putting his head in his hands as it all came rushing back. "Oh no..."

Merlin hid his face in his knees, wrapping his arms around them as he remembered as well. "Gaius has a hangover cure," he said quietly, not knowing what else to say.

Arthur nodded silently, staring at the floor, his brow furrowed in worry.

"Arthur?" Merlin frowned, glancing at him.

"Yes, Merlin?" Arthur replied not looking up.

Merlin got up, stumbling as the world spun around him and landing in Arthur's lap. "I'm sorry," he squeaked, unintentionally locking his gaze with Arthur's. "Lost...my balance..."

Arthur took in a quick breath, staring at Merlin for a moment, before steadying him. "Merlin......" he sighed. "What was said.....it's best you forget it."

Merlin froze. "What?" he asked quietly, hurt creeping into his voice.

Arthur watched him, then lowered his head. "..If my Father found out.....you'd be seeing the hangman's noose," he said quietly. "I'm a prince, Merlin....I can't..."

"I understand," Merlin replied quietly, gathering up all the nerve he could muster to press a soft, inexperienced kiss to Arthur's lips before standing up. "I'll get the drink from Gaius."

Arthur watched him, before reaching out, grasping his wrist gently. "I...I'm sorry, Merlin," he whispered, trying to keep the waver out of his voice. "He was willing to let you die just for me disobeying him....I don't want to think about what he'd do to you if he found out about this." He watched him sadly. "I can't be responsible for your death, Merlin."

Merlin sighed. "Arthur...you wouldn't be responsible. It would be his responsibility alone," he murmured. "He would likely lose his court physician if he killed me, Gaius is like my father," he pointed out. "And I have ways of protecting myself, if I must."

"You fight like a six year old girl," pointed out Arthur, a small smile crossing his face before it vanished. "I don't even know if losing Gaius would stop him...and me..." He sighed. "I'm expected to marry whomever it would be most beneficial to Camelot at the time, to produce a heir...he wouldn't allow this."

"I don't see why you couldn't do both," Merlin shrugged. "If whomever you married was understanding."

Arthur laughed bitterly. "Because it's against the rules," he muttered. "Love isn't an option when you're royalty."

"Arthur," Merlin murmured, tilting his chin up. "Tell me when you've ever given a damn about the rules."

Arthur watched him. "Okay....you have a point," he murmured. "But, Merlin....if we were caught..."

"We won't," Merlin replied firmly. "And if we are?" he shrugged again. "Let me deal with the consequences."

"I don't want you to be hurt," Arthur murmured softly, watching him.

"I'm stronger than you think, Arthur," Merlin reassured him. "Trust me when I say I can protect myself."

Arthur chewed his lip, glancing down, his hand still holding onto Merlin's wrist gently. "I do trust you."

Merlin glanced down at Arthur's hand, the blush returning to his cheeks. "I lied about Lancelot," he confessed quietly. "We didn't do anything."

"You.....didn't?" Arthur asked gently, a small smile crossing his face.

"No," Merlin chuckled, shaking his head and regretting the action. He took a deep breath to steady himself again. "We simply talked. I think that was a poor, drunken attempt at making you jealous."

"Oh," Arthur's smile widened, watching him. "Well, it worked."

"Really?" Merlin grinned sheepishly.

"Yes," Arthur ducked his head, blushing a little. "I broke one of my training dummies."

Merlin laughed. "I'm surprised you didn't hurt yourself while you were at it," he teased.

"No, the Griffin did enough of that for me," Arthur chuckled throatily, looking up at him.

"Still sore?" Merlin asked, giving him a concerned look.

"I'll heal," Arthur smiled. "My head hurts more than anything, how much did we drink last night?"

"Um," Merlin replied, glancing around at all the empty ale mugs. "A lot?"

Arthur winced. "Let's not do that again, mmm?"

"Agreed," Merlin replied, groaning a bit. "I think I might be sick."

"Yeah....that was a really stupid idea on our parts," Arthur chuckled, before standing, moving to pull Merlin gently down on the bed. "Lie down, might help."

Merlin sighed with relief as he sat back down on the bed, choosing to lean back against Arthur rather than lie down completely. "Should get that cure, but I don' wanna move."

Arthur let him cuddle up. "I can go, if you like," he murmured. "I can say..umm.. you fell asleep in the hallway or something."

"That involves you moving," Merlin pointed out. "I don' want you t'move either."

Arthur rolled his eyes. "Then we're not going to get anywhere, are we?" he said, moving to lie down, pulling Merlin with him. "We can at least lie down."

"Mm, lying down's nice," Merlin agreed, snuggling close to Arthur. "It's a nice bed. Comfy."

Arthur let him snuggle in, pausing a moment before wrapping his arms around him. "Of course, Prince, remember?"

Merlin smiled when Arthur wrapped his arms around him. "My bed's less comfy," he muttered. "Feels like a brick."

"Well, that's because you're a servant," Arthur shrugged. "I don't make the rules."

"Stupid rules," Merlin grumbled, nuzzling him again. "Should have comfy beds for servants when you're king."

"Hmmm," Arthur smiled, running his fingers through Merlin's dark hair. "I'll make a note of that."

"That feels nice," Merlin murmured, glancing up at him.

Arthur watched him as he continued the gentle action, steeling himself a moment, before leaning in, pressing a gentle kiss on Merlin's lips.

Merlin's eyes widened in surprise at the kiss, but it wasn't long before he was returning it hesitantly.

Arthur sighed softly as he kissed Merlin, slow and careful, his own movements slightly hesitant.

Merlin made a noise of contentment into the kiss, his actions a bit clumsy, but certainly heartfelt.

Arthur shivered at the noise, his hand brushing along Merlin's cheek before he carefully pulled away.

Merlin leaned into the touch, giving him a disappointed look as he pulled away.

"What?" Arthur asked with a soft chuckle at his look.

Merlin flushed. "Nothing. It was just...nice," he admitted quietly. "Not to inflate your overgrown ego or anything."

"Are you making fun of my ego?" Arthur grinned, leaning in to kiss him again. "Mocking your prince?"

"Me? Never," Merlin chuckled, kissing him back happily.

"Liar, you always do," Arthur retorted against his lips.

"That was sarcasm," Merlin pointed out, initiating another kiss as his lips brushed against Arthur's. "And someone's got to keep you on your toes."

"So, that's what you call it, is it?" Arthur whispered, deepening the kiss carefully.

"Mhmm," Merlin murmured against his lips, returning the deep kiss softly.

Arthur shivered a little, his tongue slipping over Merlin's lower lip as he kissed him with teenage ardour.

Merlin squeaked at the introduction of Arthur's tongue, parting his lips instinctively.

Blue eyes closed as the prince tentatively slipped his tongue inside Merlin's mouth.

Merlin whimpered at the new sensation, his eyes flickering to gold briefly before he shut them, brushing his tongue back against Arthur's.

Arthur groaned softly, his tongue massaging over Merlin's, shivering at the feel of something being complete within him.

Merlin moaned, that same sense of completeness echoing in his voice. He eventually pulled back reluctantly, his face flushed and lips parted as he gasped for breath, his eyes open and golden.

Arthur panted softly, watching him, before his hand brushed over Merlin's cheek. "They did it again," he breathed.

"Who did what?" Merlin murmured, leaning into the touch.

"Your eyes," Arthur whispered softly. "They're golden again."

Merlin ducked his head in embarrassment. "I'm sorry, I can't control it."

"Don't be sorry," Arthur smiled. "It's amazing."

Merlin decided his face must resemble a tomato. "You really think so?"

Arthur smiled, watching him. "Have I ever said anything that I didn't mean?" he asked.

"Point," Merlin chuckled, as his eyes slowly shifted back to normal. "I'm not used to people complimenting them."

"Well, clearly you've been talking to the wrong people," Arthur smiled.

"Obviously," Merlin grinned, then paused. "We're never going to be able to hide this from Morgana," he groaned.

Arthur hid his face in the crook of Merlin's neck. "Damn," he muttered. "How she KNOWS everything is beyond me. She....might not turn us in? I mean....she's always been on our side before...."

"I'm hope she won't," Merlin sighed, running his fingers through Arthur's hair calmingly, copying the prince's gesture from earlier. "But even if she does, she's never going to let us live it down."

Arthur sighed, leaning into the touch, breathing in the other young man. "No, she won't."

"Arthur?" Merlin murmured quietly. "I...what if..." he trailed off, shaking his head. "Never mind."

Arthur lifted his head, watching him. "...What, Merlin?" he asked gently.

Merlin glanced away. "I can't say," he whispered. "And that's the problem."

"Why can't you say?" Arthur asked gently.

Merlin rolled his eyes. "If I could tell you, I wouldn't not be able to tell you," he replied logically.

Arthur frowned. "Oh.......alright," he murmured.

"I want to," Merlin sighed. "I really do, but...my life would be in even more danger than if your father found out about us."

Arthur's frown deepened. "I......" he faltered. "Alright, Merlin. I trust you."

"You shouldn't," Merlin whispered. "You would hate me if you knew."

"I couldn't hate you," whispered Arthur softly. "But if you don't want to tell me, I'll trust you have a good reason for it."

"You would," Merlin replied, shaking his head. "And I can't. But it's the only thing I can't tell you, I can promise you that much."

Arthur watched him quietly, before leaning in, kissing his forehead. "Alright, Merlin," he whispered. "As you wish."

Merlin pulled Arthur into a hug, soaking up his warmth. "I'm sorry," he murmured.

"Don't worry about it," Arthur murmured, hugging him close. "We're all entitled to our secrets."

Merlin nodded, resting against him. "That stupid dragon is going to gloat so much," he grumbled.

"Oh yes....the dragon," Arthur chuckled. "You were serious about that?"

Merlin blushed again, nodding. "He's been speaking to me since I first arrived," he confessed. "Telling me to help you."

Arthur blinked. "Is that how you knew about.....with Lady Helen?"

Merlin shrugged. "Kind of. He's very vague, in an annoying dragony kind of way."

Arthur chuckled softly. "And he thinks I need you to protect me?"

"He seems to think you're my destiny or some such nonsense," Merlin grinned. "Gaius agrees with him."

"My destiny?" Arthur arched a brow. "I can see how he'd be smug about this."

"Of course, Gaius also thinks Lancelot is my destiny," Merlin smirked.

"Hmm," Arthur said, his smile fading a little. "Except he's gone."

"Yeah," Merlin sighed, nodding. "He'll be back though, I'm certain of it."

"Assuming Father doesn't have him hanged for doing it," said Arthur softly.

"I wouldn't let him," Merlin muttered darkly.

"You wouldn't have much of a choice," said Arthur quietly. "Not even I can stop him."

"There's always a choice," Merlin murmured thoughtfully.

"Not against the king," said Arthur darkly.

"If it came down to saving an innocent person's life, with no other option? I could stop him," Merlin replied after a few moments. "But at the cost of my own."

Arthur watched him quietly for a few moments. "You are far too much like me, sometimes," he murmured. "And that's a dangerous thing."

Merlin blinked. "What do you mean?"

"I get thrown into the cells for my disobedience," pointed out Arthur. "You wouldn't be as lucky."

Merlin shrugged. "I've already died once, Arthur. I'm not afraid of it. Granted, it wasn't entirely pleasant, but...I don't know. I don't consider the threat of it a reason not to do something necessary."

"Please....Merlin...be careful," Arthur murmured softly, resting his forehead against Merlin's. "I don't want to lose you."

"I don't want to lose you either, Mr. I Jump Into Heroic Situations Without Thinking," Merlin replied pointedly. "I'll agree to be careful if you will."

Arthur laughed, ducking his head. "I'm a prince, I can't lead knights without being heroic," he said. "But...alright, I'll be careful."

"Good," Merlin murmured, kissing him softly. "There's only so much I can do to help."

Arthur smiled, returning the kiss. "You who fights like a girl."

Merlin grinned. "Morgana and Gwen could beat you to a bloody pulp if they wanted to."

"Could not," laughed Arthur, poking him.

"They could too," Merlin chuckled, poking him back.

"I am a prince," said Arthur with a smirk, catching Merlin's hands and pining them down. "I'm well trained in combat."

Merlin squirmed under him, blushing a bit at the position. "Is that how Lancelot beat you so easily?" he teased.

"Lancelot," intoned Arthur with a low chuckle. "Used a dirty trick."

"He still beat you," Merlin pointed out, smirking a little.

"By being sneaky," said Arthur mirroring his smirk, keeping Merlin pinned.

Merlin wriggled under his grasp, glancing over Arthur's shoulder and moving a book or two off a shelf on purpose those time, hoping to cause a sufficient distraction.

Arthur blinked at the noise, glancing over his shoulder worriedly in case someone was coming in, loosening his hold on Merlin a little.

Merlin grinned, slipping out from underneath him, using the element of surprise to pin him down. "I think we have a ghost," he chuckled, his eyes shifting back to normal again.

Arthur yelped as he was pinned down, blue eyes widening as he glanced up at Merlin, watching his eyes change. "A ghost that's on your side, apparently," he chuckled, trying to squirm out.

"Apparently so," Merlin smirked, looking down at him. "I've got a ghost friend and a dragon friend," he winked. "Better not mess with me."

"Hmmmm, it appears I'm doomed," Arthur chuckled low, watching him his hands clenching and unclenching as his attempts to escape slowed.

Merlin felt the heat rise to his cheeks again as Arthur's attempts slowed, and he gave into the overwhelming urge to kiss him again.

Arthur returned the kiss moaning softly into it as he deepened it, his eyes closing.

Merlin shivered at Arthur's moan, shifting a bit on top of him as he kissed him slowly.

The prince's moan deepened at that action, his tongue slipping up into Merlin's mouth.

Merlin's tongue slid back against Arthur's, his actions a bit more confident this time as he kissed him deeply, still pinning him to the bed.

Arthur arched up to him a little instinctively, his tongue battling against Merlin's, though still not trying to escape his situation.

Merlin whimpered as Arthur arched into him, shifting again to tried to hide the rather embarrassing bulge in his trousers. "Arthur," he gasped against his lips.

Arthur shivered at Merlin's voice, before opening his eyes, now a darker shade of blue. "Merlin?" he asked throatily.

"I...you..." he flushed, his own eyes gold-tinged.

"I....what?" he breathed, lost in those eyes.

Merlin glanced down, completely embarrassed.

Arthur blinked a few times, before following Merlin's gaze, a chuckle escaping his lips. "Oh....that."

"I've never....I mean I don't know what..." Merlin attempted to reply.

Arthur looked at him curiously for a few moments, before realising what he meant. "Oh.....right...um," he coughed. "We don't have to..."

"No, I...I'd like to," Merlin replied shyly, rolling off him. "I just don't know what I'm doing," he admitted.

Arthur smiled, watching him. "So you've......never?"

Merlin shook his head, blushing brightly. "I'd have thought that was obvious."

"Well....not really, no," chuckled Arthur, sitting up. "Do you want me to show you?"

Merlin squeaked again. "You would?"

"Of course," Arthur smiled. "If you want me to."

"Again, I'd have thought that was obvious," Merlin chuckled, gesturing.

"Well, what's in your head and what's in your pants might be two different things," chuckled Arthur, pushing him gently down on the bed.

Merlin's breath caught in his throat as he looked up at Arthur. "I really don't think they are right now," he murmured.

Arthur chuckled, climbing over him, supporting his weight on his arms as he looked down on Merlin. "Seems not," he teased, dipping his head to kiss Merlin's neck, his hand sliding under the other teen's shirt.

Merlin gasped again, tilting his head as he arched up into the touch, at a loss for words.

Arthur grinned, continuing to kiss his neck as his hand brushed over Merlin's bare stomach.

"Arthur," Merlin moaned, shivering as his eyes turned a deeper shade of gold, his fingers clutching him and tangling in his hair.

Arthur caught the colour change out of the corner of his eye, smirking as his hand descended decidedly lower.

Merlin's hips rose up at the touch, another whimper escaping his lips as he tugged him into a real kiss.

Arthur returned the kiss, deep and needy as his hand slid under his clothing, grasping Merlin lightly.

Merlin groaned, pressing eagerly against Arthur's hand as he kissed him deeply, hesitantly sliding his tongue over Arthur's lip.

Arthur opened his mouth allowing Merlin's tongue entrance as his hand pulled at his errection in strong, firm strokes.

Merlin explored Arthur's mouth curiously, moaning helplessly as he thrust into Arthur's hand.

Arthur groaned softly, his tongue encouraging Merlin's to explore, his thumb tracing the length of Merlin's errection, sliding over the tip.

Merlin shuddered, biting Arthur's lip accidently in surprise at the sensation. "Sorry," he gasped. "Feels so good," he groaned.

Arthur chuckled low. "Don't worry about it, and if you liked that...." he smirked, pulling Merlin's clothing down, moving downwards, watching him for a moment, before taking him slowly in his mouth.

"Arthur!" Merlin exclaimed, trying not to thrust into his mouth. "I...nnngh!" he moaned incoherently, squirming on the bed.

"Shhhhhh," Arthur said around him, pressing his lips around his shaft and pulling up. "You'll have the guard running in here."

Merlin whimpered quietly, tangling his fingers in Arthur's hair again. "Arthur, I'm gonna...I can't..."

Arthur smiled, taking him in deep, giving a powerful suck, his tongue pressed on the underside of Merlin's arousal.

Merlin let go with a soft cry, arching off the bed and spilling into Arthur's mouth as a few more things fell onto the floor.

Arthur swallowed him down greedily, running his tongue along his length to clean him, before blinking. "I'm running out of things on my shelves," he grumbled, before smiling at Merlin. "You still with me?"

"Nghh," Merlin replied eloquently, panting for breath, staring down at him with a dazed expression.

Arthur chuckled low, climbing back up, smirking a little as he rested his chin on Merlin's chest. "Enjoy it?"

"You know I did," Merlin chuckled, tugging him up into a soft kiss. "You?" he murmured.

"Hmmm, very much so," Arthur smirked into the kiss.

Merlin blushed, deepening it a bit. "You've done this before, haven't you?"

"Perhaps," chuckled the prince ruefully.

Merlin raised an eyebrow.

Arthur smirked. "Like you said, I'm good at breaking the rules."

Merlin laughed. "Anyone I know?" he chuckled.

"No, he left before you arrived in Camelot," said Arthur with a chuckle.

"Ah," Merlin replied, smiling. "Good. Then I won't have to get jealous," he winked.

"Nope, not even a bit," chuckled Arthur.

Merlin smiled, snuggling him a bit and glancing over, making sure he hadn't broken anything important.

Arthur followed Merlin's gaze, an amused smile on his face. "What?"

"Nothing," Merlin chuckled, shaking his head.

Arthur smiled, leaning in and nipping his jaw gently. "Hm, that ghost of yours, apparently."

"Yes, him. The ghost," Merlin nodded, mentally berating himself. He was never going to be able to keep it hidden at this rate.

Arthur arched a brow, watching him a moment, before sighing, brushing a hand through his hair. "They'll be expecting me soon."

Merlin groaned. "And Gaius is probably wondering where the hell I've been all night," he sighed.

"Very likely, yes," Arthur watched him.

"Still in need of a hangover cure?" Merlin asked, smiling.

Arthur smiled, kissing him slowly. "I think I found something better."

Merlin laughed into the kiss, returning it happily. "I'm your hangover cure?"

"I think you're my everything cure," chuckled Arthur ruefully.

Merlin blushed deeply. "Am I really?"

"Hmmm, well....there is one thing, but I think I'd better handle that myself before someone comes looking for you.”

"Oh really?" Merlin chuckled, trailing a hand down Arthur's chest lightly. "You sure about handling it yourself?" he asked teasingly.

Arthur shivered, watching him. "Why? Do you think you're up to it?" he responded.

"I'm a quick learner," Merlin winked, his fingers undoing Arthur's trousers slowly after brushing against the bulge there.

Arthur groaned, leaning into his touch, taking a deep, calming breath. "So I see."

Merlin smiled, pushing the fabric aside gently before brushing his fingers along his length curiously.

Arthur gasped softly, lying back on the bed, arching to Merlin's touch.

Merlin grinned, stroking him slowly with light touches as he leaned up and kissed him gently.

Arthur returned the kiss, moaning softly, arching up off the bed. "You...you do learn quick."

Merlin chucked into the kiss, deepening it a little before pulling back, sliding down, and replacing his fingers with his tongue, tasting him slowly.

Arthur gasped, scrabbling at the bedclothes. "Merlin!" he hissed under his breath.

Merlin smirked, taking Arthur into his mouth and moaning around him.

Arthur bit on his lower lip in an effort to keep quiet, shifting under Merlin's actions.

Merlin took him in deeper, looking up at him with a golden gaze as he pleased him, sucking on him gently.

Blue eyes locked on gold as Arthur groaned softly, struggling to still his hips.

Merlin echoed the groan, pressing his tongue against Arthur experimentally as he sucked him, brushing his fingertips against his prince's hips in encouragement.

Arthur stifled a cry, his thighs trembling, thrusting weakly as his body trembled.

Merlin sucked deeply, drawing Arthur farther into his mouth, his eyes focused on Arthur's as he encouraged him to let go.

Arthur's breath hitched, before he cried out softly, his hips bucking a little as he released into Merlin's mouth, his fingers gripping tightly to the bedclothes.

Merlin's eyes closed as he drank Arthur's release, or as much as he could swallow without gagging. He lapped up the rest sliding up and resting against him, grinning as he caught his breath. "I told you I was a fast learner."

Arthur gasped softly, closing his eyes for a moment, before chuckling, pulling him up for a kiss. "That you are."

Merlin returned the kiss with a smile, snuggling close. "I could get used to this," he murmured softly.

Arthur smiled happily, snuggling in, the door knocking before he could reply.
"Sire?" came a guard's voice. "Are you alright....we heard banging."
Arthur winced.
"Yes, I'm...I'm fine. Leave me be," he called out, waiting for a few moments, before untensing.

Merlin gave him a worried glance. "Will I be able to get past them alright?"

Arthur cuddled him close a moment, before nodding. "Yes...if you use the servant's passage," he murmured. "If anyone asks, tell them you were fetching me something."

"Alright," Merlin replied, nuzzling him with a sigh. "I should probably go, otherwise I won't be able to leave," he chuckled.

"Hmmm probably for the best," whispered Arthur, pulling him into another deep kiss before releasing him.

Merlin returned the deep kiss happily, reluctantly getting off the bed and re-situating his clothes, running a hand through his hair. "How do I look?" he chuckled.

Arthur chuckled. "Like you've been dragged through a hedge backwards, but that's normal for you."

Merlin chucked an empty mug at him. "Hush, you," he grumbled, before grinning and exiting the room through the servants' passage.

Arthur caught it, laughing, watching him vanish, before getting up and perparing himself for another 'exciting' day in court.