Oh Summer Days: Part Five
Title: Oh Summer Days
Chapter Five: Flames of Eternal Passion
Author: Krillitanestorm
Summary: Modern AU: Merlin finds himself enrolled in the Camelot Summer Camp program. At first he believes it to be the worst summer of his life, but as the days progress he slowly finds himself wishing this summer would never end. Merlin/Arthur Slash
Rating: T
Warnings: Slash. In other words male/male. Besides that, there's nothing.
A/N: None really, besides that I'm tired and bored... Oh, and very happy that so many of you are enjoying this fic! I've updated the next three chapters if you're interested. =)
Flames of Eternal Passion
“’Doubt thou the stars are fire, doubt that the sun doth move, doubt truth to be a liar, but never doubt I love.’ Can anybody tell me what play that’s from?” Anguis asked everyone, but the room remained silent until the girl, Freya raised her hand.
“It’s Shakespeare’s, Hamlet,” she answered, Merlin looked at Anguis who was nodding his head in approval.
“Very good, but unfortunately that has nothing to do with what we will be doing today,” Freya looked slightly disappointed, but Anguis didn’t appear to notice.
“Instead, we’re going to go back a little further in time, to a place where we know very little about, a time of dragons, sorcerers and creatures of the night. Camelot, the very place where our King Arthur once ruled over fairly, a mythical castle we have all heard about, but have no idea where it once stood,” Anguis looked around the room until he spotted Merlin, who was deeply entranced by the man’s choice of words. At last, something Merlin was actually interested in, not to mention he knew a bit about the Arthurian legends.
“It doesn’t sound very exciting,” Gwen said, nudging Merlin in the side.
“Are you kidding?” Merlin replied back shocked, while Anguis continued talking. “I would do anything to live back in the Arthurian times. Life then was so simple, well, if you weren’t a sorcerer that is, otherwise your head would have been chopped off if they found out you practiced magic.”
“Pleasant,” Gwen stated sarcastically, looking slightly ill. “Well If I lived back in Arthurian times, I’d probably be a maid or something like that."
Merlin laughed and tuned back into what Anguis, who was now giving them a project to work on.
“Do not be afraid little ones,” Anguis laughed as everyone sunk down into their chairs as soon as the word ‘project,’ was used. “It is a simple task. Today you are to express your creative side, to do this I would like you to write a short narrative, about how you think life might have been back in the days when Camelot ruled over all. It can be anything from the life of a servant, to those of the royal family. You have until the sun reaches midday.”
Anguis began handing out pencils and blank pieces of lined paper to everyone. The moment Merlin had the piece of paper in front of him, he immediately let the plot bunnies take over, and began writing.
For the next two hours, no one spoke a word. Instead everyone seemed to be more interested in writing their story, though Merlin had finished his story in about an hour.
His story was pretty basic really. It was about a young man who had to hide the fact that he’s a sorcerer from the kingdom, because if anyone ever found out, he’d be dead instantly. Again, it was basic, but simple which was how Merlin liked it.
Merlin took a glance over to see what Gwen’s story was about. The first few lines were good, they were about the life of a servant girl, but halfway down the page she had abruptly stopped, and was now drawing pictures of Lancelot wielding a sword. Merlin had to admit, she was doing a pretty good job at getting his features right, though, when Lancelot turned around to face Gwen, her pencil snapped in half as she blushed madly.
“Umm... Can I have another pencil please?” she asked Angius, who strode over, handing her another pencil and collecting the snapped one.
On the other side of the room, Morgana and Arthur were sitting together yet again. Every now and again, Arthur would look over in Merlin’s direction as if he was studying him, he would then look back down at his paper and write more of his story.
“Times up everyone. Don’t worry about writing your name on the page, you can collect them up after dinner tonight if you wish,” Anguis said, breaking the silence that had filled the room. Walking around the room, he picked up everyone’s stories from in front of them, occasionally skimming through what they’d written. Merlin couldn’t help but laugh when he got to Gwen’s, as he shook his head in disappointment, but Merlin could tell he was trying to hold back a laugh as well.
“What are you going to do with them?” Morgana raised he hand.
“It depends on what you mean by, ‘do with them.’ I guess you will just have to wait until dinner to find out. Until then, farewell small ones,” Anguis mocked as he pointed to the door, indicated that class was over.
The moment Merlin walked outside, he was hit by a wave of overwhelming heat.
“It looks like it’s going be a hot day,” Gwen said, using her hand to cover her face as she looked up into the bright sky.
Merlin couldn’t but help roll his eyes; of course it was going to be a hot day. Though, it was even hotter when Arthur walked out of the room behind them, instantly Merlin felt the need to have an exceedingly cold shower.
“Hey Merlin...” Morgana said walking beside him. Arthur was on the other side of her, and so far he hadn’t spoken a word. Actually, now that he came to think of it, Arthur hadn’t said a word to him all day. “I was just wondering if you’re going to the campfire tonight.”
“There’s a campfire on?” this was the first time Merlin had heard anything about a campfire.
“Apparently,” Morgana shrugged. “I originally didn’t plan on going, but apparently there having marshmallows, and I figured we could all hang out. But if you don’t want to-“
“I’d love to come,” Merlin cut in before Morgana could finish what she was saying. “Do you know what time it starts?”
“Sure do,” she replied with a grin that spoke in multitudes. “Nine thirty tonight behind the administration building.”
“I’ll be there then,” Merlin decided.
“Excellent!” Morgana clasped her hands together gleefully. “See you tonight then,” she said slowly walking away, signalling Gwen inconspicuously.
“Sorry Merlin, I’m going to hang out with Morgana for the day. I’ll see you later tonight,” Gwen put her arms around Merlin for a light hug, whispering into his ear, “Talk to him.”
“You’re evil, I hope you realise that,” Merlin mumbled back as Gwen let go and stood next to Morgana.
“Bye boys!” they spoke in unison, giggling as they walked away down the dirt path.
“Looks like it’s just you and me,” Merlin said smiling at Arthur.
“Actually, It’s going to be just you today, I have some things I need to do,” Arthur stated, but not once looked Merlin directly in the eye.
“Oh... Okay then,” Merlin couldn’t help but let out a disappointed sigh. “See you later then.”
Instead of saying goodbye also, Arthur turned his back on him, and began walking towards the cabins until he was out of sight entirely.
*
No one saw Arthur for the rest of the day, not even Morgana and Gwen had any idea where the blonde had disappeared to. By the time dinner came around, though, there he was, sitting down at the end of the table, not speaking a word to anyone.
“Did you tell him?” Gwen asked sitting down beside Merlin.
“Sort of...” It wasn’t far off the truth, technically he had told Arthur his feelings, just not in a conscious state.
“Well you’ve obviously said something wrong,” Gwen pointed out, pouring herself a glass of water.
“But I didn’t!” Merlin exclaimed as he looked down the table at Arthur, who looked away the moment their eyes met. “I couldn’t have...”
Merlin watched as his stepsister sat next to him, but seconds later got up and walked away in fury in his direction.
“Okay, what did you do?” Morgana said sitting directly next to Merlin on the other side.
“Why do you two seem to assume I have something to do with Arthur’s personality change?” Merlin crossed his arms in annoyance, as the two girls leaned in so no one else could hear what they were talking about.
“Because it’s the only explanation,” Morgana retorted.
“Well I’m sorry to disappoint you, but I don’t...” Merlin exhaled loudly as he poured a glass of water for himself.
Before Morgana or Gwen could say something else, the booming voice of Uther echoed throughout the hall, silencing everyone instantly.
“Just a quick reminder, we’re having a campfire later tonight to those of you who are interested. Now,” Uther said glaring at Nimueh who was still chatting to Valiant, immediately she closed he mouth and listened to the camp leader. “If you could be quite for a moment, Anguis has something he’d like to share with you.”
“Fantastic...” Merlin grumbled sarcastically, but Uther overheard and shot him a deathly glare.
“If any of you have a problem with that, feel free to leave the dining hall,” Merlin almost stood up, but remained seating when Uther added, “without dinner.”
Anguis stood up from his spot at the end of the table, where all the adults sat.
“Today I asked you to write a short narrative, and I am very happy to say you all did an amazing job. Some were touching, some were humorous, but one stood out beyond the rest and if you don’t mind, I’d like to share it with you all,” Anguis smiled and pulled up a piece of paper with writing on it.
“I wonder whose it is,” Morgana asked, trying to see what was written on the paper from such a far distance.
“Well it surely isn’t mine,” Gwen replied smugly, and Merlin couldn’t help but laugh. It was quite obvious it wasn’t hers as it didn’t have any pictures of Lancelot on it. Clearing his throat, Anguis began reading the story.
Silence encompassed the prince’s chambers as Arthur slept soundly. That is, until his idiotic manservant entered the room, who walked over towards the window and pulled aside the curtains, allowing the intense sunlight to fill throughout the room.
“Close them!” the prince demanded, using his pillow to shroud his eyes from the light.
“I’m sorry, but I can’t sire, your father has requested your presence,” the servant replied, yanking the pillow away from Arthur’s eyes.
“Tell someone who cares,” Arthur snapped, grabbing the pillow back off his servant, only to throw it back at him again.
“What was that for!?” the servant exclaimed, picking the thrown object off the floor.
“Just go away, I don’t want to speak to you,” the prince grunted, turning over so he no longer was facing his servant.
“If this is because I forgot to polish your armour the other day, I’m so-“
“You know damned well that's not why I'm angry at you,” Arthur cut in, sitting up in his bed so he was staring right into his servant’s eyes.
“Believe me, I have no idea...” his servant stuttered, looking quite pale now as he backed away slightly.
“Yes you do,” he growled. “Last night you came into my room and told me something, now do you remember what you said?” Arthur glared intensely at his servant who now looked like a frightened child.
“Your delusional sire, perhaps some breakfast will make you-“
“I am not delusional! We both know what you said, all I want to know is did you mean what you told me last night, when you thought I was asleep?” Arthur asked, lowering his voice a notch as he tried to keep himself calm.
“Please don’t make me-“
“Just answer the question!” Arthur snapped, wishing his servant would stop delaying his response.
“Yes...” his servant replied, looking at the stone flooring, the walls, anywhere except where Arthur was sitting.
“Why didn’t you say anything earlier?” Arthur asked, reaching over to grab his servant’s hand.
“Because... I was afraid,” his servant admitted. “I mean look at me, I’m skinny, annoying not to mention completely incompetent!”
“Is there anything else you’d like to add to that list of yours?” Arthur said getting out of bed so he was directly in front of his manservant. If he wasn't so damn cute, perhaps he would have hit him for putting himself down.
“Umm... I’m clumsy, not to mention useless.”
“Don’t ever say that again!” Arthur snapped, feeling a slight twinge in his chest. “You are not useless,” there was a slight pause for thought before Arthur continued. “Okay, maybe you are a very lousy manservant, but that doesn’t matter. I love you. Ever since I first got to know you I loved you.”
“You don’t have to do this...” his manservant said, blushing madly, and Arthur couldn’t help but place his hand softly up on the dark haired boys face.
“Do you swear on your life that what you said was true?” Arthur asked, running his fingers down his servants face.
“I swear sire...” the boy said looking up into his eyes.
Merlin couldn’t help but listen in disbelief, the entire scenario sounded all too familiar for his liking. Looking down the table, he noticed Arthur gawping in shock as the rest of the story was read out, it was only then that Merlin understood. It was his story.
“You may all collect your stories after dinner if you wish,” Anguis said as he put the paper back down on the table.
“Are you okay?” Gwen asked, most likely noticing how pale he had gone.
Looking down the table, Merlin noticed Arthur smiling slightly as he walked over towards the kitchen to collect his dinner.
“I am now,” Merlin whispered back, before drinking down his water in one gulp.
*
Sitting around the campfire, Merlin watched the flames as the danced in the night breeze. The only other people who had decided to come were Freya, Lancelot, who Gwen was snuggling up to,and Morgana who was attempting to put a marshmallow on the end of a stick.
As the fire illuminated the small area, he couldn’t but wonder where Arthur could be. Out of the darkness, Merlin noticed the blonde walking in his direction, it was only then that Merlin felt his heart and lungs stop.
Paralysed and unable to move, Merlin tried to open his mouth to say something, but it was as if the blonde had cast a spell over him, as he found himself incapable of speech.
“Are you going to say something, or am I going to have to speak for you?” Arthur said, grabbing a stick and placing a marshmallow on it.
“I...uh...” Merlin stuttered. Of course he wanted to say something... He just wasn’t sure what to say at this current moment of time.
“I thought as much,” Arthur sighed, placing the stick on the edge of the fire, allowing the marshmallow to be heated up by the flames.
“Why didn’t you say anything when I confessed my feelings?” Merlin looked up at Arthur through his lashes as he spoke, blushing madly.
“Because,” Arthur shrugged, “I didn’t really want to ruin your moment. Plus, you sounded so cute.”
“I do not sound cute!” Merlin exclaimed which only caused Arthur to laugh.
“Fine, you sound like a girl,” Arthur corrected as a grin broadened on his face.
“I can’t win...” Merlin sighed, trying to frown, but found it almost impossible as the radiating glow from the fire illuminated all the features on Arthur’s face. Arthur’s golden blonde hair wavered in the night air almost hypnotically, taunting Merlin to move in closer.
“Nope,” Arthur replied, sticking out his tongue childishly at Merlin.
For a while Merlin just stared deep into the fire as his thoughts ran wild. Arthur really did like him. Gwen hadn’t been making it up. But why in the world would someone like Arthur - who could pretty much have any girl or guy he wanted - fall in love with a skinny, nowhere near attractive idiot?
Merlin felt something touch the top of his thigh, which caused him to flinch slightly. Looking down he realised it was Arthur’s hand that had made itself comfortable on top of his shorts, occasionally squeezing gently.
Not sure how to react, Merlin's instinct told him to did the only thing he knew, and leaned forward until he was only inches away from Arthur’s face.
“I’ve never done this before...” Merlin admitted shyly.
“Try not to think about it,” Arthur smiled and pressed his chapped lips up again his own, instantly Merlin felt a surge of mixed emotions travel throughout his body.
Before Merlin knew what was going on, his lips had parted allowing Arthur entrance to his mouth. Then the battle for dominance waged as tongues collided in the heat of the battle, eventually Merlin gave in he felt the blonde’s hand move up around his waist, pulling him closer.
Sadly, though, Arthur broke the kiss after what felt like forever. Not speaking again for the rest of the night, Merlin rested his head on the blonde’s shoulder as they both watched the fire until it burned out.
Lurking somewhere in the shadows, two figures watched the boys the entire time until they got up to leave, Arthur's hand was placed around Merlin's waist securely.
“Oh this is going to be fun,” one of them said, as they both scurried away into the darkness, carefully planning their revenge.
To be continued...
Next Chapter
Chapter Five: Flames of Eternal Passion
Author: Krillitanestorm
Summary: Modern AU: Merlin finds himself enrolled in the Camelot Summer Camp program. At first he believes it to be the worst summer of his life, but as the days progress he slowly finds himself wishing this summer would never end. Merlin/Arthur Slash
Rating: T
Warnings: Slash. In other words male/male. Besides that, there's nothing.
A/N: None really, besides that I'm tired and bored... Oh, and very happy that so many of you are enjoying this fic! I've updated the next three chapters if you're interested. =)
Flames of Eternal Passion
“’Doubt thou the stars are fire, doubt that the sun doth move, doubt truth to be a liar, but never doubt I love.’ Can anybody tell me what play that’s from?” Anguis asked everyone, but the room remained silent until the girl, Freya raised her hand.
“It’s Shakespeare’s, Hamlet,” she answered, Merlin looked at Anguis who was nodding his head in approval.
“Very good, but unfortunately that has nothing to do with what we will be doing today,” Freya looked slightly disappointed, but Anguis didn’t appear to notice.
“Instead, we’re going to go back a little further in time, to a place where we know very little about, a time of dragons, sorcerers and creatures of the night. Camelot, the very place where our King Arthur once ruled over fairly, a mythical castle we have all heard about, but have no idea where it once stood,” Anguis looked around the room until he spotted Merlin, who was deeply entranced by the man’s choice of words. At last, something Merlin was actually interested in, not to mention he knew a bit about the Arthurian legends.
“It doesn’t sound very exciting,” Gwen said, nudging Merlin in the side.
“Are you kidding?” Merlin replied back shocked, while Anguis continued talking. “I would do anything to live back in the Arthurian times. Life then was so simple, well, if you weren’t a sorcerer that is, otherwise your head would have been chopped off if they found out you practiced magic.”
“Pleasant,” Gwen stated sarcastically, looking slightly ill. “Well If I lived back in Arthurian times, I’d probably be a maid or something like that."
Merlin laughed and tuned back into what Anguis, who was now giving them a project to work on.
“Do not be afraid little ones,” Anguis laughed as everyone sunk down into their chairs as soon as the word ‘project,’ was used. “It is a simple task. Today you are to express your creative side, to do this I would like you to write a short narrative, about how you think life might have been back in the days when Camelot ruled over all. It can be anything from the life of a servant, to those of the royal family. You have until the sun reaches midday.”
Anguis began handing out pencils and blank pieces of lined paper to everyone. The moment Merlin had the piece of paper in front of him, he immediately let the plot bunnies take over, and began writing.
For the next two hours, no one spoke a word. Instead everyone seemed to be more interested in writing their story, though Merlin had finished his story in about an hour.
His story was pretty basic really. It was about a young man who had to hide the fact that he’s a sorcerer from the kingdom, because if anyone ever found out, he’d be dead instantly. Again, it was basic, but simple which was how Merlin liked it.
Merlin took a glance over to see what Gwen’s story was about. The first few lines were good, they were about the life of a servant girl, but halfway down the page she had abruptly stopped, and was now drawing pictures of Lancelot wielding a sword. Merlin had to admit, she was doing a pretty good job at getting his features right, though, when Lancelot turned around to face Gwen, her pencil snapped in half as she blushed madly.
“Umm... Can I have another pencil please?” she asked Angius, who strode over, handing her another pencil and collecting the snapped one.
On the other side of the room, Morgana and Arthur were sitting together yet again. Every now and again, Arthur would look over in Merlin’s direction as if he was studying him, he would then look back down at his paper and write more of his story.
“Times up everyone. Don’t worry about writing your name on the page, you can collect them up after dinner tonight if you wish,” Anguis said, breaking the silence that had filled the room. Walking around the room, he picked up everyone’s stories from in front of them, occasionally skimming through what they’d written. Merlin couldn’t help but laugh when he got to Gwen’s, as he shook his head in disappointment, but Merlin could tell he was trying to hold back a laugh as well.
“What are you going to do with them?” Morgana raised he hand.
“It depends on what you mean by, ‘do with them.’ I guess you will just have to wait until dinner to find out. Until then, farewell small ones,” Anguis mocked as he pointed to the door, indicated that class was over.
The moment Merlin walked outside, he was hit by a wave of overwhelming heat.
“It looks like it’s going be a hot day,” Gwen said, using her hand to cover her face as she looked up into the bright sky.
Merlin couldn’t but help roll his eyes; of course it was going to be a hot day. Though, it was even hotter when Arthur walked out of the room behind them, instantly Merlin felt the need to have an exceedingly cold shower.
“Hey Merlin...” Morgana said walking beside him. Arthur was on the other side of her, and so far he hadn’t spoken a word. Actually, now that he came to think of it, Arthur hadn’t said a word to him all day. “I was just wondering if you’re going to the campfire tonight.”
“There’s a campfire on?” this was the first time Merlin had heard anything about a campfire.
“Apparently,” Morgana shrugged. “I originally didn’t plan on going, but apparently there having marshmallows, and I figured we could all hang out. But if you don’t want to-“
“I’d love to come,” Merlin cut in before Morgana could finish what she was saying. “Do you know what time it starts?”
“Sure do,” she replied with a grin that spoke in multitudes. “Nine thirty tonight behind the administration building.”
“I’ll be there then,” Merlin decided.
“Excellent!” Morgana clasped her hands together gleefully. “See you tonight then,” she said slowly walking away, signalling Gwen inconspicuously.
“Sorry Merlin, I’m going to hang out with Morgana for the day. I’ll see you later tonight,” Gwen put her arms around Merlin for a light hug, whispering into his ear, “Talk to him.”
“You’re evil, I hope you realise that,” Merlin mumbled back as Gwen let go and stood next to Morgana.
“Bye boys!” they spoke in unison, giggling as they walked away down the dirt path.
“Looks like it’s just you and me,” Merlin said smiling at Arthur.
“Actually, It’s going to be just you today, I have some things I need to do,” Arthur stated, but not once looked Merlin directly in the eye.
“Oh... Okay then,” Merlin couldn’t help but let out a disappointed sigh. “See you later then.”
Instead of saying goodbye also, Arthur turned his back on him, and began walking towards the cabins until he was out of sight entirely.
*
No one saw Arthur for the rest of the day, not even Morgana and Gwen had any idea where the blonde had disappeared to. By the time dinner came around, though, there he was, sitting down at the end of the table, not speaking a word to anyone.
“Did you tell him?” Gwen asked sitting down beside Merlin.
“Sort of...” It wasn’t far off the truth, technically he had told Arthur his feelings, just not in a conscious state.
“Well you’ve obviously said something wrong,” Gwen pointed out, pouring herself a glass of water.
“But I didn’t!” Merlin exclaimed as he looked down the table at Arthur, who looked away the moment their eyes met. “I couldn’t have...”
Merlin watched as his stepsister sat next to him, but seconds later got up and walked away in fury in his direction.
“Okay, what did you do?” Morgana said sitting directly next to Merlin on the other side.
“Why do you two seem to assume I have something to do with Arthur’s personality change?” Merlin crossed his arms in annoyance, as the two girls leaned in so no one else could hear what they were talking about.
“Because it’s the only explanation,” Morgana retorted.
“Well I’m sorry to disappoint you, but I don’t...” Merlin exhaled loudly as he poured a glass of water for himself.
Before Morgana or Gwen could say something else, the booming voice of Uther echoed throughout the hall, silencing everyone instantly.
“Just a quick reminder, we’re having a campfire later tonight to those of you who are interested. Now,” Uther said glaring at Nimueh who was still chatting to Valiant, immediately she closed he mouth and listened to the camp leader. “If you could be quite for a moment, Anguis has something he’d like to share with you.”
“Fantastic...” Merlin grumbled sarcastically, but Uther overheard and shot him a deathly glare.
“If any of you have a problem with that, feel free to leave the dining hall,” Merlin almost stood up, but remained seating when Uther added, “without dinner.”
Anguis stood up from his spot at the end of the table, where all the adults sat.
“Today I asked you to write a short narrative, and I am very happy to say you all did an amazing job. Some were touching, some were humorous, but one stood out beyond the rest and if you don’t mind, I’d like to share it with you all,” Anguis smiled and pulled up a piece of paper with writing on it.
“I wonder whose it is,” Morgana asked, trying to see what was written on the paper from such a far distance.
“Well it surely isn’t mine,” Gwen replied smugly, and Merlin couldn’t help but laugh. It was quite obvious it wasn’t hers as it didn’t have any pictures of Lancelot on it. Clearing his throat, Anguis began reading the story.
Silence encompassed the prince’s chambers as Arthur slept soundly. That is, until his idiotic manservant entered the room, who walked over towards the window and pulled aside the curtains, allowing the intense sunlight to fill throughout the room.
“Close them!” the prince demanded, using his pillow to shroud his eyes from the light.
“I’m sorry, but I can’t sire, your father has requested your presence,” the servant replied, yanking the pillow away from Arthur’s eyes.
“Tell someone who cares,” Arthur snapped, grabbing the pillow back off his servant, only to throw it back at him again.
“What was that for!?” the servant exclaimed, picking the thrown object off the floor.
“Just go away, I don’t want to speak to you,” the prince grunted, turning over so he no longer was facing his servant.
“If this is because I forgot to polish your armour the other day, I’m so-“
“You know damned well that's not why I'm angry at you,” Arthur cut in, sitting up in his bed so he was staring right into his servant’s eyes.
“Believe me, I have no idea...” his servant stuttered, looking quite pale now as he backed away slightly.
“Yes you do,” he growled. “Last night you came into my room and told me something, now do you remember what you said?” Arthur glared intensely at his servant who now looked like a frightened child.
“Your delusional sire, perhaps some breakfast will make you-“
“I am not delusional! We both know what you said, all I want to know is did you mean what you told me last night, when you thought I was asleep?” Arthur asked, lowering his voice a notch as he tried to keep himself calm.
“Please don’t make me-“
“Just answer the question!” Arthur snapped, wishing his servant would stop delaying his response.
“Yes...” his servant replied, looking at the stone flooring, the walls, anywhere except where Arthur was sitting.
“Why didn’t you say anything earlier?” Arthur asked, reaching over to grab his servant’s hand.
“Because... I was afraid,” his servant admitted. “I mean look at me, I’m skinny, annoying not to mention completely incompetent!”
“Is there anything else you’d like to add to that list of yours?” Arthur said getting out of bed so he was directly in front of his manservant. If he wasn't so damn cute, perhaps he would have hit him for putting himself down.
“Umm... I’m clumsy, not to mention useless.”
“Don’t ever say that again!” Arthur snapped, feeling a slight twinge in his chest. “You are not useless,” there was a slight pause for thought before Arthur continued. “Okay, maybe you are a very lousy manservant, but that doesn’t matter. I love you. Ever since I first got to know you I loved you.”
“You don’t have to do this...” his manservant said, blushing madly, and Arthur couldn’t help but place his hand softly up on the dark haired boys face.
“Do you swear on your life that what you said was true?” Arthur asked, running his fingers down his servants face.
“I swear sire...” the boy said looking up into his eyes.
Merlin couldn’t help but listen in disbelief, the entire scenario sounded all too familiar for his liking. Looking down the table, he noticed Arthur gawping in shock as the rest of the story was read out, it was only then that Merlin understood. It was his story.
“You may all collect your stories after dinner if you wish,” Anguis said as he put the paper back down on the table.
“Are you okay?” Gwen asked, most likely noticing how pale he had gone.
Looking down the table, Merlin noticed Arthur smiling slightly as he walked over towards the kitchen to collect his dinner.
“I am now,” Merlin whispered back, before drinking down his water in one gulp.
*
Sitting around the campfire, Merlin watched the flames as the danced in the night breeze. The only other people who had decided to come were Freya, Lancelot, who Gwen was snuggling up to,and Morgana who was attempting to put a marshmallow on the end of a stick.
As the fire illuminated the small area, he couldn’t but wonder where Arthur could be. Out of the darkness, Merlin noticed the blonde walking in his direction, it was only then that Merlin felt his heart and lungs stop.
Paralysed and unable to move, Merlin tried to open his mouth to say something, but it was as if the blonde had cast a spell over him, as he found himself incapable of speech.
“Are you going to say something, or am I going to have to speak for you?” Arthur said, grabbing a stick and placing a marshmallow on it.
“I...uh...” Merlin stuttered. Of course he wanted to say something... He just wasn’t sure what to say at this current moment of time.
“I thought as much,” Arthur sighed, placing the stick on the edge of the fire, allowing the marshmallow to be heated up by the flames.
“Why didn’t you say anything when I confessed my feelings?” Merlin looked up at Arthur through his lashes as he spoke, blushing madly.
“Because,” Arthur shrugged, “I didn’t really want to ruin your moment. Plus, you sounded so cute.”
“I do not sound cute!” Merlin exclaimed which only caused Arthur to laugh.
“Fine, you sound like a girl,” Arthur corrected as a grin broadened on his face.
“I can’t win...” Merlin sighed, trying to frown, but found it almost impossible as the radiating glow from the fire illuminated all the features on Arthur’s face. Arthur’s golden blonde hair wavered in the night air almost hypnotically, taunting Merlin to move in closer.
“Nope,” Arthur replied, sticking out his tongue childishly at Merlin.
For a while Merlin just stared deep into the fire as his thoughts ran wild. Arthur really did like him. Gwen hadn’t been making it up. But why in the world would someone like Arthur - who could pretty much have any girl or guy he wanted - fall in love with a skinny, nowhere near attractive idiot?
Merlin felt something touch the top of his thigh, which caused him to flinch slightly. Looking down he realised it was Arthur’s hand that had made itself comfortable on top of his shorts, occasionally squeezing gently.
Not sure how to react, Merlin's instinct told him to did the only thing he knew, and leaned forward until he was only inches away from Arthur’s face.
“I’ve never done this before...” Merlin admitted shyly.
“Try not to think about it,” Arthur smiled and pressed his chapped lips up again his own, instantly Merlin felt a surge of mixed emotions travel throughout his body.
Before Merlin knew what was going on, his lips had parted allowing Arthur entrance to his mouth. Then the battle for dominance waged as tongues collided in the heat of the battle, eventually Merlin gave in he felt the blonde’s hand move up around his waist, pulling him closer.
Sadly, though, Arthur broke the kiss after what felt like forever. Not speaking again for the rest of the night, Merlin rested his head on the blonde’s shoulder as they both watched the fire until it burned out.
Lurking somewhere in the shadows, two figures watched the boys the entire time until they got up to leave, Arthur's hand was placed around Merlin's waist securely.
“Oh this is going to be fun,” one of them said, as they both scurried away into the darkness, carefully planning their revenge.
To be continued...
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