[Fic] King of the Roost 2/?
For class today, read Marie de France's Lanval. Such good material to be talking about today! :) That Guinevere really is a bitch/slut, isn't she? XD I mean, poor Lanval! She tries to seduce him and when he rejects her she calls him gay and then tells King Arthur that HE tried to seduce HER. *sighs* See, Lanval, you don't need that fairy lady to go off to Avalon with (and any woman, really), you need a knight! No reason to act so harshly about the fact that you have certain tendencies. lol.
ANYWHO. I am SO very pleased that so many people like my fic! It really has made me feel a lot better, which is something that I've been needing lately (rl hasn't been too bad, just a few things that are stressing me out). So thank you everyone!
So, here's part two! Enjoy. :)
King of the Roost
Chapter two
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin (and later hints of other couples)
Rating: R
Warnings & Contents: School AU wherein Arthur and Merlin are 16 and not the best of friends at first (Merlin’s bullied a bit). Will have some strong language and a smidgen of derogatory words, slight violence in later chapters, and references to certain classical literature.
Notes: The title came from Plautus' Pseudolus where the main character, Pseudolus (a cunning slave), was just loitering around and his master, Simo, asked what he was doing. Pseudolus easily answered with: 'standing here like this'. To which Simo replied: 'see his attitude, Callipho? King of the roost!'
Summary: Arthur Pendragon, the cock of the walk, enjoys tormenting/teasing Merlin Emrys. He bullies Merlin into being his personal "attendant" so that he has an excuse to hang around Merlin. Heaven forbid he actually wants to be around the nerdy bookworm out of his own free will! Then, Arthur's position as top dog gets challenged by someone whom Arthur thought was a friend. Merlin just wants to be left alone and read classic literature.
Disclaimer: I don't own any of these characters, I swear!
Part 1
**
The weekend was relaxing, and Merlin finished all his homework immediately so he could read for pleasure. On Sunday he finished Pseudolus and went on to read Beowulf. Last time he read it he wasn't even in his teens yet so hopefully he'd get a deeper understanding and appreciation the second time around. Hours later, his Mum called him down for dinner, and he reluctantly had to stop.
Hunith always made a lot of food whenever she was able, and Sunday's dinner was no exception. She kept her boy well-fed most days, but he continued to stay as skinny as a rail. So, she also made dessert.
"Brilliant pie, Mum," Merlin said as he chewed.
"Don't talk with your mouth full, dear."
She then served tea, and made it exactly the way he liked it. He was sipping it just as Hunith said:
"You should invite that Arthur boy over for tea sometime, Merlin."
Merlin almost choked.
"Are you mad?" he sputtered, wiping his chin with a napkin. "He doesn't want to associate with the likes of me. He's already told me that."
"The poor boy," Hunith tutted. "He's so in denial of his feelings. I'll bet if you paid more attention to him he'll stop poking you with his pencil."
Merlin scoffed. "I highly doubt it."
**
Monday was the same as usual for Merlin: get to class early and read at his desk. Arthur and his mates arrived minutes later, right as the bell rang, making a ruckus. Caradoc Strongarm, whom usually sat behind Merlin, was out sick today (he had a class with Merlin before this one), which meant, oddly enough, that Arthur Pendragon could sit there and put his feet on the back of Merlin's chair and wiggle it. Merlin turned to give him a dirty look.
"Stop it."
"Or else what, Emrys?" Pendragon drawled. "Will you go home crying to your Mummy? Or maybe you'll ring her and have her pick you up because you can't handle me."
"I shouldn't have to put up with your shit every day," Merlin snarled. "So piss off."
"Ohh, filthy words out of such a girlie mouth. Best watch yourself, Emrys."
Merlin ignored him best he could, even when Arthur pushed a foot into Merlin's lower spine.
"Bugger off, Pendragon!"
"Make me, Mummy's boy."
"If you don't stop it…"
"Are you going to cry?" Arthur jeered. "Nerd boy's gonna cry…"
Merlin reached behind him and grabbed onto Pendragon's ankle. He turned half way in his seat, eyes narrowed.
"Don't you dare," Arthur warned.
"Stop kicking me, then."
Before a fight could escalate, the teacher arrived. She tried to make Arthur go back to his regular seat, but he told her that the student who usually sat there- Caradoc - was absent anyway and he wished to sit closer to the front so that he could "become a better listener". Morgause actually fell for it!
Merlin nearly asked if he could sit where Pendragon usually sat then, but lost his chance to ask (out of nerves) and the teacher was starting class already.
For a while, Arthur didn't bother him, and it actually started to become worrying. He didn't have long to do much worrying, though, because a few minutes later a piece of wadded up paper flew over his shoulder and landed on his desk.
Before he got properly annoyed, Merlin recalled what his Mum had said. Blushing softly, and after making sure no one was watching he secretly unfolded the ball of paper as quietly as he could.
Arthur had simply written: Be my valet tonight. Merlin's brain had first interpreted it (because Pendragon's handwriting was atrocious) as: Be my Valentine. Merlin had to do a double take, and after realizing what Arthur was asking, he went red for a different reason. He crumpled the paper up into a little ball and stuck it angrily into his pocket.
Minutes later, Arthur poked Merlin in the back with his pencil a few times, and when he didn't get a response right away he tugged lightly on the curls around Merlin's ear, and then the ear itself.
"Emrys," Arthur said softly.
"Shh," said Merlin tersely, swatting him away. He wouldn't get in trouble because Pendragon craved attention.
"Emrys," Arthur hissed more urgently. He wrote a few squiggles on Merlin's neck with his pen. Merlin gasped softly, knowing Pendragon had used a biro instead of his pencil just by the different way it felt. He brought a hand back to stop him, slapping his own neck in the process. The teacher looked up from the sound, and Merlin sunk lower in his seat.
Did the git want Merlin to write back, then? When Arthur kept poking and prodding and pulling, Merlin relented. He got out a piece of paper, carefully tore it into fourths, and then wrote his reply on the first square. He folded it up neatly and then flung it behind him when the teacher's back was turned.
He heard Pendragon snort in derision. Merlin had written a simple 'no, thank you' back. Moments later another wad of paper was tossed in front of him. Slowly, he unfurled it. Pendragon had written:
You have no choice, nerd slave. You should be honored to have such a job.
To which Merlin wrote back: I'm not your slave, nor your valet or any kind of servant. Also, you don't pay me to hold your duffle bag and water bottle; therefore, it is not my job.
The response he got to that made him hot under the collar. He wasn't sure if it was anger or mortification or pure embarrassment.
If that was all it took, why didn't you say so? Is 20 pounds a day plenty? Or would you prefer another type of payment? And yes, Emrys, you are my nerd slave/valet. It is destiny.
I don't need your money, Pendragon. If you want a valet so badly why don't you ask Lance or Gwaine? Also: destiny? What the fuck?
Merlin hadn't exchanged notes during class since he was in primary school, which had been the first and last time he had because he (and Will) got in trouble. He was feeling both nervous and naughty by doing so with Pendragon, and felt mightily ashamed for continuing. He knew better. He was much more mature than most in his class and age group. He was sure it would be a matter of time before either of them was caught. He wondered if Arthur did this to others a lot: dragging them down to his level of maturity. Yet, Merlin had to admit it was too much fun to quit.
I can't have people from my team be my valet. That wouldn't make sense, especially when they'd be playing as well. And I can't make my own teammates act like servants; it's not on, Emrys. So what will it take to get you to be my personal assistant? If money isn't what you want, then what?
And really, Merlin Emrys, the f-word? That's not very proper for a well-read individual such as yourself.
Here was a chance for Merlin to ask for anything he desired. The Pendragons were extremely rich. Arthur's father was only the headmaster because his other high-paying job wasn't very demanding so he got restless (from what he heard). He could ask for money, but Merlin's conscience got in the way. Instead he wrote:
What I want is for you to stop bullying me and let me be! If being your 'valet' is the only way to get you to stop then so be it. And yes, I do say and write the odd swearword or two from time to time. You got a fucking problem with that?
Arthur's reply had made Merlin pause and read it a few more times:
I shall do as you ask then, and not torment or tease you anymore if you become my valet. Maybe, one day, we could be something like friends. But that might be pushing it. My reputation is at stake, after all.
Merlin didn't pen back for a while, mostly because the teacher was getting suspicious. He also felt somewhat giddy at the prospect of being friends with Arthur, even if he still thought of him as supercilious and a bullying prat.
Finally, he wrote back: Valiant won't be too happy with you. He may try to kill me, come to think of it.
Then, at the end of the day, Arthur tossed his last note on Merlin's desk as he passed by:
He'll be sorry if he tried.
**
Merlin was correct in his assumptions. That evening, after phoning his mother so she wouldn't worry, Merlin was there during Arthur's practice session holding his duffle bag, towel, and water bottle. While watching Arthur run down the pitch, covering one of his teammates who had the ball, Valiant Castillon surprised Merlin by suddenly appearing next to him. Merlin jumped, nearly dropping Arthur's bag.
"So, nerd boy's back. You mouthed off to Arthur again, didn't you?"
"None of your business," Merlin snapped.
Valiant pushed him, almost knocking him down. If it wasn't for the guard rail behind him he would have landed on his arse.
"Don't go getting too comfortable with Arthur. You don't measure up to his standards."
It was a warning, but Merlin wasn't sure if he wanted to take it to heart. Part of him actually, embarrassingly, wanted to become friends with Arthur, and another, small part of him wanted more than friends. He'd take what he could for now, even if it meant having to put up with Arthur's prattiness.
Normally, he'd be very put off by a person's attitude, but there was something about Arthur Pendragon. Sometimes it seemed like Arthur put on a front for others to see. Merlin hoped to see the side of Arthur others had not (but that could be asking for too much).
Lance quickly came over, placing a reassuring hand onto Merlin's shoulder. "Don't let Val scare you away, Merlin. I think he's just jealous."
"I'm not stealing Arthur away from anyone," he huffed. Lance patted his arm.
"I know, mate. Valiant is the one who got Arthur into throwing his weight around and giving his ego a gigantic boost. But when he's with me and Gwaine he's more like his normal self."
"You mean he's not normally a self-centered bully?" Merlin was shocked.
"Not this bad, no," said Lance. "He would tease, but you could always tell he was joking. These past few years after becoming friends with Valiant changed him."
Gwaine Layfield jogged over with a huge grin and hair swishing beautifully in the air. Merlin had to admit he was quite handsome.
"Lance, Arthur needs you."
"All right. Watch over Merlin for a moment so Val doesn't try to hurt him. We wouldn't want Arthur to blow his top right now and get into trouble."
Merlin looked from one to the other, confused. "Why would Arthur blow his top about Val trying to hurt me? And why shouldn't he get into trouble now?"
Lance smiled knowingly and winked. "I'll let Gwaine explain it," he said and ran off.
"Gee thanks, mate," Gwaine called after him. He slowly turned to Merlin who looked expectant of answers yet a little skittish (Merlin wasn't used to being around such handsome footballers for so long). "Ah, you see, Emrys, it's like this: Valiant and Arthur got into a little row the other day concerning you. I'm not sure of the details, but Val said something that angered Arthur and then Arthur warned Valiant not to hurt you or he'd make him sorry he even thought about it. Valiant isn't happy that Arthur's taken an interest in you, so we all promised Arthur we'd keep an eye on you when he isn't around."
Merlin blushed, ducking his head. He wasn't sure what to say to that. He'd like to think better of Arthur, but every time they would meet in class Arthur was still acting like he normally did; but he was still an arse.
Arthur then scored a goal, and whooped loudly and ran into a pile of his friends. Merlin wasn't staring, no.
**
Arthur was less of a git toward Merlin, but he still singled him out as if he were a needy puppy. At first, Merlin had to remind Arthur that he'd said he wouldn't torment him anymore, and Arthur looked pained.
"I'm not tormenting you," Arthur denied venomously. "I'm just… paying attention to you, like a friend of sort. Sort of." Merlin was surprised to see Arthur's cheeks bloom pink. Arthur had sat across from him and stuck his right foot into Merlin's lap. This time he had asked nicely if Merlin would be a dear and rub his foot. Merlin sighed, hating his traitorous heart.
"Pendragon…"
"Yes, Emrys?" Arthur smiled innocently, or as innocent as he could get away with, wiggling his foot in anticipation.
Merlin sighed again, despairing for Arthur. "Never mind," he said, and proceeded to massage Arthur's foot. He enjoyed watching Arthur's face contort in pleasure. Of course, the teacher-Miss Anna Morgause-told Arthur to get back to his own seat, and Arthur slumped away in a sulk, one shoe still off and in his hand.
"And put your shoe back on!" she added while he limped down the aisle of desks.
Sometime during the middle of class, Arthur had tossed a paper airplane at Merlin. It luckily landed on Merlin's desk, but just barely. Merlin opened it and sure enough it was a note.
Emrys, my next footie game will be Away, which means I won't need you as my valet tomorrow evening. I wish you could come, but my coach told me only those needed for the game is allowed. I tried to tell him you are needed, but he still rejects the idea. So, this means that tonight I want you to
There were words scribbled out and scratched with pen, and bits where he tried using his pencil's rubber. Pendragon obviously forgot you couldn't erase ink very well.
come see me right before practice. I have something I need to get off my chest.
Merlin was intrigued. He looked back over his shoulder and Arthur was leaning back coolly, arms folded and expression unruffled, but there was something in his eyes that Merlin couldn't recognize. Because Pendragon sat too far back, Merlin couldn't write back without suspicion, and he didn't want to risk his own paper airplane getting caught by someone else. Knowing Valiant, who sat beside Arthur, he'd try grabbing for it.
But then, Arthur, the idiot, flew another paper airplane note at Merlin and this time it stuck into his ear. The end was sharp, so Merlin let out a little yelp, which of course alerted the teacher. He tried hiding it, but Morgause still noticed.
"What's this, Mr. Emrys?" she said, taking the note from his hand. "Passing notes in class, or just goofing off?"
"Please, Miss, it's-" Merlin stammered.
Morgause unfurled the paper and quickly read it. Merlin wasn't sure of its context so he had no idea how much trouble he was in.
Suddenly, Arthur stood from his seat and said, "Professor, it's not his fault. I…"
"Mr. Pendragon, is this your note to Mr. Emrys?" she waved it in the air by the thumb and forefinger.
Arthur turned red, but he said in a strong voice: "Yes, ma'am."
She nodded, and then stuck the note into her own pocket. "Detention, both of you; and I'll speak with you after class, Mr. Pendragon."
Detention! Merlin's mouth gaped wide in shock. He hadn't had detention since primary school when Will thought it was funny to put glue on all the teacher's chalkboard erasers and chalk, and he'd been caught holding the glue bottle.
"Nice one, Emrys," said Kay as he walked by after the bell rang.
Valiant knocked into Merlin as he left, sneering. "Won't see Arthur's precious manservant tonight, will we?"
"Not to mention Arthur," said George. "Val, you gonna lead us in practice, you think?"
"Have no choice now, have I?" said Valiant, grinning triumphantly.
"Leave him alone, Val," said Arthur, glaring at his so-called mate. Valiant rolled his eyes and snorted.
"Yeah, yeah, I'll leave your precious Merlin alone."
"Merlin," Kay mocked and the others laughed, mimicking Kay as they left the room. "Merlin the Nerd-in." Merlin frowned, lowering his eyes.
"All right, I concede," said Arthur after a moment, standing beside Merlin's desk. "They are assholes."
Merlin laughed.
"Mr. Pendragon!" Morgause gasped.
"Oh, didn't see you there, Miss."
"I'm sure you didn’t," she said in a tone that told them she didn't believe him. "I was going to tell you off for being disruptive during class and for writing such… letters to another student, but I think it'll be much more prudent if I tell your father about this."
Arthur gaped. "No, Miss! You don't have to do that. I've learned my lesson; no more paper airplanes."
"Or note passing?" she raised an eyebrow.
"Yes, ma'am; I swear it'll never happen in class again." He gave her a beautiful, winning smile.
"I dunno if I can trust you, Mr. Pendragon. Mr. Emrys I can, since he's a brilliant student and normally doesn't engage in such disruptive behavior, but you…"
"I won't pass notes to Emrys during class time again, I swear."
"How about when you make him rub your foot?"
"Ah, but, Miss-Emrys is my… he's my…"
"Your what, Mr. Pendragon? Speak up."
"My valet," Arthur's ears went red. "My… personal attendant."
"Don't you mean 'slave'?" Merlin murmured.
Arthur shot him a warning glare.
"Whatever the case may be, or whatever arrangement you have with Mr. Emrys, I don't want to hear, see, or read about it. Is that understood?"
"Yes, ma'am," they said.
"Good. Detention starts in fifteen minutes. You have until then to use the restroom or whatever you need to do." She shooed them away.
**
While Merlin used a stall, Arthur was at a urinal. Merlin tried not to listen as he did his own business. Then Arthur flushed, zipped, and leaned against the stall Merlin was in.
"Need a hand, Emrys?" he snarked.
"Piss off, Pendragon," his voice echoed.
"We only have ten minutes left, so ejaculate already so we're not late."
"I'm not wanking!" Merlin said, mortified. "Go away! I can't do my business if you're standing right outside the door."
"So you don't need a helping hand, then?" Arthur said through the small crack in the door.
"Good lord, Pendragon!" Merlin shouted. He finished quickly, flushed, and then got his pants and trousers up. The thought of Arthur so near set his heart racing. "You're a real pervert, aren't you?"
"Just trying to be a mate. Don't have to get huffy about it."
Merlin exited the stall, eyes averted as he walked to the sink to wash his hands. Arthur watched him, still leaning against the stall, cool and collected.
Before he could stop himself, Merlin asked "What was in the note?" he kept his eyes on his soapy hands.
"Er, nothing really," Arthur said slowly. "I shouldn't have written it. It's nothing important, anyway."
"Will Morgause show it to your father?"
"I don't think so. At least, I'm sure she won't."
"Because of your promise?" Merlin looked up in the mirror, gazed at Arthur's reflection.
"Well, no. She knows I will probably go back on my promise."
Merlin turned around, drying his hands. "Then why?"
Arthur shrugged, almost nonchalantly. "Guess because she doesn't want my father to know about it either."
"It's kind of a minor thing, yeah?"
"Er, yeah," said Arthur. Merlin could tell there was more to it, though.
"So, what was in the letter, then?" Merlin tried again, but Arthur just shook his head and went to the door.
"Detention's about to start. Let's go."
**
Part 3
ANYWHO. I am SO very pleased that so many people like my fic! It really has made me feel a lot better, which is something that I've been needing lately (rl hasn't been too bad, just a few things that are stressing me out). So thank you everyone!
So, here's part two! Enjoy. :)
King of the Roost
Chapter two
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin (and later hints of other couples)
Rating: R
Warnings & Contents: School AU wherein Arthur and Merlin are 16 and not the best of friends at first (Merlin’s bullied a bit). Will have some strong language and a smidgen of derogatory words, slight violence in later chapters, and references to certain classical literature.
Notes: The title came from Plautus' Pseudolus where the main character, Pseudolus (a cunning slave), was just loitering around and his master, Simo, asked what he was doing. Pseudolus easily answered with: 'standing here like this'. To which Simo replied: 'see his attitude, Callipho? King of the roost!'
Summary: Arthur Pendragon, the cock of the walk, enjoys tormenting/teasing Merlin Emrys. He bullies Merlin into being his personal "attendant" so that he has an excuse to hang around Merlin. Heaven forbid he actually wants to be around the nerdy bookworm out of his own free will! Then, Arthur's position as top dog gets challenged by someone whom Arthur thought was a friend. Merlin just wants to be left alone and read classic literature.
Disclaimer: I don't own any of these characters, I swear!
Part 1
**
The weekend was relaxing, and Merlin finished all his homework immediately so he could read for pleasure. On Sunday he finished Pseudolus and went on to read Beowulf. Last time he read it he wasn't even in his teens yet so hopefully he'd get a deeper understanding and appreciation the second time around. Hours later, his Mum called him down for dinner, and he reluctantly had to stop.
Hunith always made a lot of food whenever she was able, and Sunday's dinner was no exception. She kept her boy well-fed most days, but he continued to stay as skinny as a rail. So, she also made dessert.
"Brilliant pie, Mum," Merlin said as he chewed.
"Don't talk with your mouth full, dear."
She then served tea, and made it exactly the way he liked it. He was sipping it just as Hunith said:
"You should invite that Arthur boy over for tea sometime, Merlin."
Merlin almost choked.
"Are you mad?" he sputtered, wiping his chin with a napkin. "He doesn't want to associate with the likes of me. He's already told me that."
"The poor boy," Hunith tutted. "He's so in denial of his feelings. I'll bet if you paid more attention to him he'll stop poking you with his pencil."
Merlin scoffed. "I highly doubt it."
**
Monday was the same as usual for Merlin: get to class early and read at his desk. Arthur and his mates arrived minutes later, right as the bell rang, making a ruckus. Caradoc Strongarm, whom usually sat behind Merlin, was out sick today (he had a class with Merlin before this one), which meant, oddly enough, that Arthur Pendragon could sit there and put his feet on the back of Merlin's chair and wiggle it. Merlin turned to give him a dirty look.
"Stop it."
"Or else what, Emrys?" Pendragon drawled. "Will you go home crying to your Mummy? Or maybe you'll ring her and have her pick you up because you can't handle me."
"I shouldn't have to put up with your shit every day," Merlin snarled. "So piss off."
"Ohh, filthy words out of such a girlie mouth. Best watch yourself, Emrys."
Merlin ignored him best he could, even when Arthur pushed a foot into Merlin's lower spine.
"Bugger off, Pendragon!"
"Make me, Mummy's boy."
"If you don't stop it…"
"Are you going to cry?" Arthur jeered. "Nerd boy's gonna cry…"
Merlin reached behind him and grabbed onto Pendragon's ankle. He turned half way in his seat, eyes narrowed.
"Don't you dare," Arthur warned.
"Stop kicking me, then."
Before a fight could escalate, the teacher arrived. She tried to make Arthur go back to his regular seat, but he told her that the student who usually sat there- Caradoc - was absent anyway and he wished to sit closer to the front so that he could "become a better listener". Morgause actually fell for it!
Merlin nearly asked if he could sit where Pendragon usually sat then, but lost his chance to ask (out of nerves) and the teacher was starting class already.
For a while, Arthur didn't bother him, and it actually started to become worrying. He didn't have long to do much worrying, though, because a few minutes later a piece of wadded up paper flew over his shoulder and landed on his desk.
Before he got properly annoyed, Merlin recalled what his Mum had said. Blushing softly, and after making sure no one was watching he secretly unfolded the ball of paper as quietly as he could.
Arthur had simply written: Be my valet tonight. Merlin's brain had first interpreted it (because Pendragon's handwriting was atrocious) as: Be my Valentine. Merlin had to do a double take, and after realizing what Arthur was asking, he went red for a different reason. He crumpled the paper up into a little ball and stuck it angrily into his pocket.
Minutes later, Arthur poked Merlin in the back with his pencil a few times, and when he didn't get a response right away he tugged lightly on the curls around Merlin's ear, and then the ear itself.
"Emrys," Arthur said softly.
"Shh," said Merlin tersely, swatting him away. He wouldn't get in trouble because Pendragon craved attention.
"Emrys," Arthur hissed more urgently. He wrote a few squiggles on Merlin's neck with his pen. Merlin gasped softly, knowing Pendragon had used a biro instead of his pencil just by the different way it felt. He brought a hand back to stop him, slapping his own neck in the process. The teacher looked up from the sound, and Merlin sunk lower in his seat.
Did the git want Merlin to write back, then? When Arthur kept poking and prodding and pulling, Merlin relented. He got out a piece of paper, carefully tore it into fourths, and then wrote his reply on the first square. He folded it up neatly and then flung it behind him when the teacher's back was turned.
He heard Pendragon snort in derision. Merlin had written a simple 'no, thank you' back. Moments later another wad of paper was tossed in front of him. Slowly, he unfurled it. Pendragon had written:
You have no choice, nerd slave. You should be honored to have such a job.
To which Merlin wrote back: I'm not your slave, nor your valet or any kind of servant. Also, you don't pay me to hold your duffle bag and water bottle; therefore, it is not my job.
The response he got to that made him hot under the collar. He wasn't sure if it was anger or mortification or pure embarrassment.
If that was all it took, why didn't you say so? Is 20 pounds a day plenty? Or would you prefer another type of payment? And yes, Emrys, you are my nerd slave/valet. It is destiny.
I don't need your money, Pendragon. If you want a valet so badly why don't you ask Lance or Gwaine? Also: destiny? What the fuck?
Merlin hadn't exchanged notes during class since he was in primary school, which had been the first and last time he had because he (and Will) got in trouble. He was feeling both nervous and naughty by doing so with Pendragon, and felt mightily ashamed for continuing. He knew better. He was much more mature than most in his class and age group. He was sure it would be a matter of time before either of them was caught. He wondered if Arthur did this to others a lot: dragging them down to his level of maturity. Yet, Merlin had to admit it was too much fun to quit.
I can't have people from my team be my valet. That wouldn't make sense, especially when they'd be playing as well. And I can't make my own teammates act like servants; it's not on, Emrys. So what will it take to get you to be my personal assistant? If money isn't what you want, then what?
And really, Merlin Emrys, the f-word? That's not very proper for a well-read individual such as yourself.
Here was a chance for Merlin to ask for anything he desired. The Pendragons were extremely rich. Arthur's father was only the headmaster because his other high-paying job wasn't very demanding so he got restless (from what he heard). He could ask for money, but Merlin's conscience got in the way. Instead he wrote:
What I want is for you to stop bullying me and let me be! If being your 'valet' is the only way to get you to stop then so be it. And yes, I do say and write the odd swearword or two from time to time. You got a fucking problem with that?
Arthur's reply had made Merlin pause and read it a few more times:
I shall do as you ask then, and not torment or tease you anymore if you become my valet. Maybe, one day, we could be something like friends. But that might be pushing it. My reputation is at stake, after all.
Merlin didn't pen back for a while, mostly because the teacher was getting suspicious. He also felt somewhat giddy at the prospect of being friends with Arthur, even if he still thought of him as supercilious and a bullying prat.
Finally, he wrote back: Valiant won't be too happy with you. He may try to kill me, come to think of it.
Then, at the end of the day, Arthur tossed his last note on Merlin's desk as he passed by:
He'll be sorry if he tried.
**
Merlin was correct in his assumptions. That evening, after phoning his mother so she wouldn't worry, Merlin was there during Arthur's practice session holding his duffle bag, towel, and water bottle. While watching Arthur run down the pitch, covering one of his teammates who had the ball, Valiant Castillon surprised Merlin by suddenly appearing next to him. Merlin jumped, nearly dropping Arthur's bag.
"So, nerd boy's back. You mouthed off to Arthur again, didn't you?"
"None of your business," Merlin snapped.
Valiant pushed him, almost knocking him down. If it wasn't for the guard rail behind him he would have landed on his arse.
"Don't go getting too comfortable with Arthur. You don't measure up to his standards."
It was a warning, but Merlin wasn't sure if he wanted to take it to heart. Part of him actually, embarrassingly, wanted to become friends with Arthur, and another, small part of him wanted more than friends. He'd take what he could for now, even if it meant having to put up with Arthur's prattiness.
Normally, he'd be very put off by a person's attitude, but there was something about Arthur Pendragon. Sometimes it seemed like Arthur put on a front for others to see. Merlin hoped to see the side of Arthur others had not (but that could be asking for too much).
Lance quickly came over, placing a reassuring hand onto Merlin's shoulder. "Don't let Val scare you away, Merlin. I think he's just jealous."
"I'm not stealing Arthur away from anyone," he huffed. Lance patted his arm.
"I know, mate. Valiant is the one who got Arthur into throwing his weight around and giving his ego a gigantic boost. But when he's with me and Gwaine he's more like his normal self."
"You mean he's not normally a self-centered bully?" Merlin was shocked.
"Not this bad, no," said Lance. "He would tease, but you could always tell he was joking. These past few years after becoming friends with Valiant changed him."
Gwaine Layfield jogged over with a huge grin and hair swishing beautifully in the air. Merlin had to admit he was quite handsome.
"Lance, Arthur needs you."
"All right. Watch over Merlin for a moment so Val doesn't try to hurt him. We wouldn't want Arthur to blow his top right now and get into trouble."
Merlin looked from one to the other, confused. "Why would Arthur blow his top about Val trying to hurt me? And why shouldn't he get into trouble now?"
Lance smiled knowingly and winked. "I'll let Gwaine explain it," he said and ran off.
"Gee thanks, mate," Gwaine called after him. He slowly turned to Merlin who looked expectant of answers yet a little skittish (Merlin wasn't used to being around such handsome footballers for so long). "Ah, you see, Emrys, it's like this: Valiant and Arthur got into a little row the other day concerning you. I'm not sure of the details, but Val said something that angered Arthur and then Arthur warned Valiant not to hurt you or he'd make him sorry he even thought about it. Valiant isn't happy that Arthur's taken an interest in you, so we all promised Arthur we'd keep an eye on you when he isn't around."
Merlin blushed, ducking his head. He wasn't sure what to say to that. He'd like to think better of Arthur, but every time they would meet in class Arthur was still acting like he normally did; but he was still an arse.
Arthur then scored a goal, and whooped loudly and ran into a pile of his friends. Merlin wasn't staring, no.
**
Arthur was less of a git toward Merlin, but he still singled him out as if he were a needy puppy. At first, Merlin had to remind Arthur that he'd said he wouldn't torment him anymore, and Arthur looked pained.
"I'm not tormenting you," Arthur denied venomously. "I'm just… paying attention to you, like a friend of sort. Sort of." Merlin was surprised to see Arthur's cheeks bloom pink. Arthur had sat across from him and stuck his right foot into Merlin's lap. This time he had asked nicely if Merlin would be a dear and rub his foot. Merlin sighed, hating his traitorous heart.
"Pendragon…"
"Yes, Emrys?" Arthur smiled innocently, or as innocent as he could get away with, wiggling his foot in anticipation.
Merlin sighed again, despairing for Arthur. "Never mind," he said, and proceeded to massage Arthur's foot. He enjoyed watching Arthur's face contort in pleasure. Of course, the teacher-Miss Anna Morgause-told Arthur to get back to his own seat, and Arthur slumped away in a sulk, one shoe still off and in his hand.
"And put your shoe back on!" she added while he limped down the aisle of desks.
Sometime during the middle of class, Arthur had tossed a paper airplane at Merlin. It luckily landed on Merlin's desk, but just barely. Merlin opened it and sure enough it was a note.
Emrys, my next footie game will be Away, which means I won't need you as my valet tomorrow evening. I wish you could come, but my coach told me only those needed for the game is allowed. I tried to tell him you are needed, but he still rejects the idea. So, this means that tonight I want you to
There were words scribbled out and scratched with pen, and bits where he tried using his pencil's rubber. Pendragon obviously forgot you couldn't erase ink very well.
come see me right before practice. I have something I need to get off my chest.
Merlin was intrigued. He looked back over his shoulder and Arthur was leaning back coolly, arms folded and expression unruffled, but there was something in his eyes that Merlin couldn't recognize. Because Pendragon sat too far back, Merlin couldn't write back without suspicion, and he didn't want to risk his own paper airplane getting caught by someone else. Knowing Valiant, who sat beside Arthur, he'd try grabbing for it.
But then, Arthur, the idiot, flew another paper airplane note at Merlin and this time it stuck into his ear. The end was sharp, so Merlin let out a little yelp, which of course alerted the teacher. He tried hiding it, but Morgause still noticed.
"What's this, Mr. Emrys?" she said, taking the note from his hand. "Passing notes in class, or just goofing off?"
"Please, Miss, it's-" Merlin stammered.
Morgause unfurled the paper and quickly read it. Merlin wasn't sure of its context so he had no idea how much trouble he was in.
Suddenly, Arthur stood from his seat and said, "Professor, it's not his fault. I…"
"Mr. Pendragon, is this your note to Mr. Emrys?" she waved it in the air by the thumb and forefinger.
Arthur turned red, but he said in a strong voice: "Yes, ma'am."
She nodded, and then stuck the note into her own pocket. "Detention, both of you; and I'll speak with you after class, Mr. Pendragon."
Detention! Merlin's mouth gaped wide in shock. He hadn't had detention since primary school when Will thought it was funny to put glue on all the teacher's chalkboard erasers and chalk, and he'd been caught holding the glue bottle.
"Nice one, Emrys," said Kay as he walked by after the bell rang.
Valiant knocked into Merlin as he left, sneering. "Won't see Arthur's precious manservant tonight, will we?"
"Not to mention Arthur," said George. "Val, you gonna lead us in practice, you think?"
"Have no choice now, have I?" said Valiant, grinning triumphantly.
"Leave him alone, Val," said Arthur, glaring at his so-called mate. Valiant rolled his eyes and snorted.
"Yeah, yeah, I'll leave your precious Merlin alone."
"Merlin," Kay mocked and the others laughed, mimicking Kay as they left the room. "Merlin the Nerd-in." Merlin frowned, lowering his eyes.
"All right, I concede," said Arthur after a moment, standing beside Merlin's desk. "They are assholes."
Merlin laughed.
"Mr. Pendragon!" Morgause gasped.
"Oh, didn't see you there, Miss."
"I'm sure you didn’t," she said in a tone that told them she didn't believe him. "I was going to tell you off for being disruptive during class and for writing such… letters to another student, but I think it'll be much more prudent if I tell your father about this."
Arthur gaped. "No, Miss! You don't have to do that. I've learned my lesson; no more paper airplanes."
"Or note passing?" she raised an eyebrow.
"Yes, ma'am; I swear it'll never happen in class again." He gave her a beautiful, winning smile.
"I dunno if I can trust you, Mr. Pendragon. Mr. Emrys I can, since he's a brilliant student and normally doesn't engage in such disruptive behavior, but you…"
"I won't pass notes to Emrys during class time again, I swear."
"How about when you make him rub your foot?"
"Ah, but, Miss-Emrys is my… he's my…"
"Your what, Mr. Pendragon? Speak up."
"My valet," Arthur's ears went red. "My… personal attendant."
"Don't you mean 'slave'?" Merlin murmured.
Arthur shot him a warning glare.
"Whatever the case may be, or whatever arrangement you have with Mr. Emrys, I don't want to hear, see, or read about it. Is that understood?"
"Yes, ma'am," they said.
"Good. Detention starts in fifteen minutes. You have until then to use the restroom or whatever you need to do." She shooed them away.
**
While Merlin used a stall, Arthur was at a urinal. Merlin tried not to listen as he did his own business. Then Arthur flushed, zipped, and leaned against the stall Merlin was in.
"Need a hand, Emrys?" he snarked.
"Piss off, Pendragon," his voice echoed.
"We only have ten minutes left, so ejaculate already so we're not late."
"I'm not wanking!" Merlin said, mortified. "Go away! I can't do my business if you're standing right outside the door."
"So you don't need a helping hand, then?" Arthur said through the small crack in the door.
"Good lord, Pendragon!" Merlin shouted. He finished quickly, flushed, and then got his pants and trousers up. The thought of Arthur so near set his heart racing. "You're a real pervert, aren't you?"
"Just trying to be a mate. Don't have to get huffy about it."
Merlin exited the stall, eyes averted as he walked to the sink to wash his hands. Arthur watched him, still leaning against the stall, cool and collected.
Before he could stop himself, Merlin asked "What was in the note?" he kept his eyes on his soapy hands.
"Er, nothing really," Arthur said slowly. "I shouldn't have written it. It's nothing important, anyway."
"Will Morgause show it to your father?"
"I don't think so. At least, I'm sure she won't."
"Because of your promise?" Merlin looked up in the mirror, gazed at Arthur's reflection.
"Well, no. She knows I will probably go back on my promise."
Merlin turned around, drying his hands. "Then why?"
Arthur shrugged, almost nonchalantly. "Guess because she doesn't want my father to know about it either."
"It's kind of a minor thing, yeah?"
"Er, yeah," said Arthur. Merlin could tell there was more to it, though.
"So, what was in the letter, then?" Merlin tried again, but Arthur just shook his head and went to the door.
"Detention's about to start. Let's go."
**
Part 3