Fic: Beyond the Round Table 1/2
Apr. 25th, 2010 07:06 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
This was supposed to be a gratuitous PWP, but Merlin wouldn't cooperate. I apologize on his behalf for the angst, but there will be a happy ending.
Title: Beyond the Round Table
Author:
drippingcherry
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin, Arthur/Knights of the Round Table, Lancelot/Merlin
Rating: NC-17
Genre: PWP-ish, flangst, future!fic
Disclaimer: Merlin belongs to the BBC. I make no profit from this fiction. No copyright infringement is intended.
Warnings: Roundtable!pr0n, gang bang (consensual), voyeurism, shapeshifting
Wordcount: 2500
A/N: Depending on the legend, there were anywhere from 12 to 150 Knights of the Round Table. For Arthur's sake, I've gone with twelve. For the purposes of this fic, I'm assuming Leon will be back. I'm also pretending Arthur and Gwen won't end up together.
Summary: When Arthur took the throne, he created the Order of the Knights of the Round Table. The establishment of the new order was celebrated with a ritual symbolising the unwavering trust and loyalty between the King and his Knights. A year has passed, and it is time to renew that bond. But where does the Court Sorcerer fit in?
"I wish you'd call it off."
The silence that followed Merlin's softly spoken words seemed to confirm that they hadn't reached their intended target. Only a verbal response could have let Merlin know for sure that Arthur had heard his plea, for he couldn't bring himself to look at the man. Not when Arthur had just informed him on such short notice that the Round Table Ritual was to become an annual event. Once had been enough; Merlin had no desire to relive that ordeal.
"Why?" Arthur asked only after he had set his goblet back on the table.
Merlin continued to stare at his plate. Roast duck had never looked or smelled so unappetising. "Because it's my destiny to protect you, and I can't do that when you're locked alone in a room with that insatiable horde."
That wasn't the real problem. Even though Arthur had forbidden Merlin from being present—a ritual celebrating trust would be meaningless if the Court Sorcerer watched over the proceedings—Merlin had found his way in last time, and he would do it again. No, it was having to see and listen to Arthur get fucked by all the members of the Order that posed a threat to his sanity.
"Watch that tongue of yours, Merlin," Arthur said. "You are talking about the Knights of the Round Table. Those men have sworn their fealty to me, and they have never let me down. I trust them with my life."
"That doesn't mean I have to," Merlin muttered. Thinking he might have spoken too boldly, he looked up to see Arthur's reaction. All his words had earned him, however, was The Glare, which had little effect on him after almost a decade in Arthur's service.
Arthur returned his attention to his plate and picked at his food. "There's no need to be concerned. I can take care of myself."
Not when you're so vulnerable, Merlin thought, but he knew better than to say that out loud.
They ate in silence for a few minutes. Then Merlin noticed that Arthur's teeth were worrying his lower lip as he ran a finger along the rim of his goblet. "Something on your mind?"
Merlin's eyes traveled from Arthur's mouth to the wine-moistened fingertip and lingered there until he realised he was licking his lips.
"Tomorrow night—" Arthur glanced up and their eyes met. A faint blush coloured Arthur's cheeks. He didn't need to finish; Merlin knew what he was going to ask.
"I'll be there."
♥~ ♥~ ♥
During last year's Ritual, Merlin had spied on the group as a fly. Not the most exciting of creatures, but the form had served him well. He'd been able to fly around at will and view the scene from whatever angle he desired. He'd also managed to put a damper on the fun by landing on the Knights' arses, thereby irritating them to no end. The swatting hands had been a real danger, though; he had barely escaped with his life a few times that evening.
Merlin had something broodier in mind for tonight. He entered the off-limits room a couple hours before the ritual to build his web. It didn't take him long to decide that being a spider was a nasty business. He was exhausted, and his silken net was a knotty, thready mess. If Arthur noticed him in the dark corner of the ceiling he would surely say Merlin was the most incompetent spider to ever have plagued Camelot. But the amateur web was a good hideout and a surprisingly comfortable bed. So comfortable, in fact, that Merlin drifted off to sleep almost as soon as he settled down.
He woke to the sound of Arthur delivering the final words of some ridiculous speech proclaiming how grateful and honoured he was to have such brave and loyal warriors in his service. As the Knights began to cheer loudly, Merlin decided that he too was grateful—for having eight eyes to roll.
Merlin climbed up higher in his web to watch. Spiders didn't have great eyesight—something he had learned as soon as he'd changed into one—but as a shape-shifter he had the ability to retain one or more of his human senses if he so chose, which he had. He was here to keep an eye on things. It didn't matter that the sight of Arthur being ravished by twelve knights once again was sure to poke at all of his old wounds.
In a matter seconds, the Knights were on Arthur like a pack of famished wolves. Okay, maybe that was an unfair statement—they were peeling, rather than tearing, his clothes off—but they were too eager for Merlin's taste.
Arthur stood with his hands at his sides and let his men do as they pleased. Merlin had never seen him so relaxed; there wasn't a hint of tension in his shoulders. Lancelot's expert massage was probably responsible for that. Merlin knew firsthand.
Arthur sighed and let his head loll back against Lancelot's chest while Mark sought Arthur's mouth and tugged on the laces of his breeches. No doubt he would want the first helping. The pig.
Hands reached out from all directions for some kind of contact with Arthur's bare skin. Gawain earned himself a gasp by pinching Arthur's nipple while he sucked his earlobe in between his lips. Merlin watched, seething, as Mark sank to his knees, ran his hands up and down Arthur's thighs, and darted his tongue out to taste the bitter essence of Merlin's fantasies.
"Yes," Arthur whispered, thrusting forward into Mark's mouth.
Lancelot slid an arm down to Arthur's hips to hold him still. The fingers of his right hand dipped into an open jar on the table, then disappeared behind Arthur. Merlin glared at him with all eight eyes when Arthur moaned into Kay's mouth; but Lancelot, oblivious to his presence, only smiled and nuzzled Arthur's neck.
Leon must have decided that Mark had had his fill, for he nudged the younger man out of the way and took over. Arthur didn't seem to have noticed. He was too busy pushing back on Lancelot's hand and opening his mouth for anyone who sought it. For the first time, Merlin wondered if this annual ritual wasn't just a pretense for Arthur to submit to other men without feeling like his masculinity was in question.
Lancelot whispered something in Arthur's ear. Arthur laughed and let Lancelot and Gawain lift him onto the Round Table. The room grew eerily silent as the knights looked at their king with bated breath. Merlin remembered from last time that this was the part where Arthur got to choose who would take him first. Last time it had been Tor.
Arthur's eyes settled on the youngest of the group. "Parceval."
Parceval, the only knight Merlin thought had shown any dignity so far stepped up slowly in front of Arthur, who leaned back on his elbows and spread his thighs. Merlin looked away.
A moment later, the sounds strangled breathing, mostly Arthur's, filled the room. Merlin suddenly felt hot. He began to wonder if he'd shapeshifted into the right species of spider. Maybe this wasn't the appropriate climate for him.
By the time Merlin chanced another look, some of the men had joined Arthur on top of the Round Table. Bors was sucking Arthur off while Gareth pumped his own cock in and out of Arthur's mouth. Lancelot and Leon were licking Arthur's nipples and sucking them into their mouths. They stopped intermittently to kiss each other. A few of the men were content to just watch the scene in front of them, each one stroking his own cock as he waited for his turn.
Perceval gave a few more thrusts, then he tensed and grunted his release. As soon as he stepped away, Cador took his place, moaning as he plunged his cock in Arthur's come-slicked passage. Arthur wrapped one leg around Cador's waist to pull him closer. He watched, mouth agape, as Kay's tongue joined Bors's on his cock. His fingers tightened their grip on the edge of the Round Table as he thrust up, desperate for more contact with their mouths.
Kay took pity on him and, with a satisfied smirk, swallowed the entire length of Arthur's shaft. The wantonly contorted face Arthur made as he came etched itself into Merlin's memory. No doubt it would accompany him on future dates with his right hand.
Merlin hadn't even noticed when Mark had replaced Cador in between Arthur's legs. It went on and on, no matter how fervently Merlin wished that it would stop. Each of the men joined with Arthur for about five minutes before stepping aside for the next in line.
The vile mixture of the knights' come oozed out of Arthur's hole and onto the edge of the stone table. Gareth's thrusts produced a rhythm of depraved wet sounds that made Merlin involuntarily imagine what it would be like to bury his own cock in Arthur's overfilled arse.
Then Arthur changed positions so that he was on all fours on the table. Merlin saw his arse cheeks glistening in the torchlight and was sure he would faint. His spindly legs clung tightly to the silken threads of his web. Arthur opened his mouth for Leon's cock, and moaned around it as Kay pushed into him from behind.
Lancelot waited until the end. He sat in one of the chairs and pulled Arthur, who looked as if he'd been waiting for this moment all year, onto his lap. A hint of discomfort showed on Arthur's face now that he'd been passed around for well over an hour, but Lancelot seemed aware of this and was gentle. He fucked Arthur slowly as the others felt him up and sucked his cock. They climaxed together, strangled cries tearing through their throats.
Arthur stayed in Lancelot's lap while he gave each Knight of the Round Table a lingering kiss that promised a repeat next year. When it was over and they all went about getting dressed, Merlin began his tedious descent down the wall. It was unfair that his lust should begin to subside so quickly when he knew that the jealous ache in his chest would stay with him for days to come.
♥~ ♥~ ♥
"You're late," Arthur said by way of greeting as Merlin levitated the tub into his bedchamber. "I was beginning to wonder if you'd gotten lost." He was already in a towel, sprawled out on the bed.
Merlin forced a smile. "Serves you right for making me take over your manservant's duties."
"I didn't make you do anything." Arthur laid his head back against the pillow, but not before Merlin noticed how swollen his lips were.
"I know." Merlin didn't miss his old work, but he was unexplainably glad that Arthur was too embarrassed to have his manservant around on these nights, and that he preferred Merlin's company instead.
Merlin set the jar of salve he'd brought from Gaius down on the table and filled the tub with hot water. The task took up much less time now that he was able to use magic openly. "It's ready," he said.
Arthur jumped up from the bed as if he couldn't get in the bath fast enough. The scent of sex followed in his wake.
"I must say you're a lot more efficient than my manservant."
Merlin's lips twisted in a rueful smile. After all these years, he still latched on to every compliment he could get out of Arthur as if there was no other joy in life. "I'm glad I can draw a bath fast enough for you."
Arthur shot him The Look, then dropped his towel and stepped into the tub. As he lowered himself into the water, he winced a little and sucked in a breath. Merlin turned away. He spent the next few minutes tidying up Arthur's chambers to keep his mind preoccupied. When Arthur was ready to leave the bath, Merlin picked up the towel and patted his skin dry. It took all his willpower not to drag his fingers down the smooth skin of Arthur's back.
"Don't want you dripping water all over the floor," he explained, as if he would need to lift a finger to clean up any such mess. His eyed followed Arthur's round, naked arse as he walked over to the bed and lay facedown on top of the mattress.
Merlin picked up the jar of healing salve, took a deep breath, and followed. As he approached the bed, Arthur buried his face in his arms. The tips of his ears were red.
Merlin opened the jar and dipped his fingers into the salve. His hand trembled slightly. Arthur tensed when Merlin's fingers dipped into his cleft and smeared the gunky balm around his arsehole.
Picture Gaius wearing nothing but a towel, Merlin told himself as he scooped up some more salve. He needed to keep his treacherous cock under control somehow. It almost worked, but then Arthur sighed when Merlin's finger slipped inside him, and all Merlin could think about was stripping off his trousers and...
"Merlin—"
"Hmm?"
Arthur turned his head. "I said that should be good enough."
"Oh." Merlin withdrew his finger and, having forgotten to bring a cloth, wiped it discreetly on the sheets. "Is there anything else you need before I go?"
"I think that's it." Arthur turned onto his back, pulled the covers up to his waist, and then looked at Merlin. "Thank you for doing this, Merlin. I appreciate it."
"No problem," Merlin said as he stood up. There's nothing I wouldn't do for you.
Merlin was almost at the door when Arthur called his name. There was a hint of hesitation in his voice, as there usually was when he had something nice to say. Merlin's heart fluttered with hope as he turned to face him. "Yes?"
"You've served me well over the years, Merlin," said Arthur. "As well as any of my knights. I wouldn't be here today if it weren't for you."
Merlin could have pointed out that the opposite was also true, but instead he gave a nod and said, "I try my best."
"I just want you to know that I'm grateful for everything you do, even if I've never done anything...formal to show it."
A smirk played on Merlin's lips despite his best effort to behave himself. "Like today, with the Knights?"
But Arthur's expression remained thoughtful. His eyes searched Merlin's face. "We don't need anything like that, do we? We're close enough that--"
"Absolutely," Merlin agreed. The lunacy that had taken place earlier that evening wasn't at all in his taste; a private admission of gratitude was more to his liking, and sex was better saved for conveying mutual love, or at least attraction.
But therein lay the problem. Merlin's love was unreciprocated, so the sex could never be more than a fantasy.
Merlin feigned a smile. "Goodnight, Arthur."
Tbc...
Title: Beyond the Round Table
Author:
![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin, Arthur/Knights of the Round Table, Lancelot/Merlin
Rating: NC-17
Genre: PWP-ish, flangst, future!fic
Disclaimer: Merlin belongs to the BBC. I make no profit from this fiction. No copyright infringement is intended.
Warnings: Roundtable!pr0n, gang bang (consensual), voyeurism, shapeshifting
Wordcount: 2500
A/N: Depending on the legend, there were anywhere from 12 to 150 Knights of the Round Table. For Arthur's sake, I've gone with twelve. For the purposes of this fic, I'm assuming Leon will be back. I'm also pretending Arthur and Gwen won't end up together.
Summary: When Arthur took the throne, he created the Order of the Knights of the Round Table. The establishment of the new order was celebrated with a ritual symbolising the unwavering trust and loyalty between the King and his Knights. A year has passed, and it is time to renew that bond. But where does the Court Sorcerer fit in?
"I wish you'd call it off."
The silence that followed Merlin's softly spoken words seemed to confirm that they hadn't reached their intended target. Only a verbal response could have let Merlin know for sure that Arthur had heard his plea, for he couldn't bring himself to look at the man. Not when Arthur had just informed him on such short notice that the Round Table Ritual was to become an annual event. Once had been enough; Merlin had no desire to relive that ordeal.
"Why?" Arthur asked only after he had set his goblet back on the table.
Merlin continued to stare at his plate. Roast duck had never looked or smelled so unappetising. "Because it's my destiny to protect you, and I can't do that when you're locked alone in a room with that insatiable horde."
That wasn't the real problem. Even though Arthur had forbidden Merlin from being present—a ritual celebrating trust would be meaningless if the Court Sorcerer watched over the proceedings—Merlin had found his way in last time, and he would do it again. No, it was having to see and listen to Arthur get fucked by all the members of the Order that posed a threat to his sanity.
"Watch that tongue of yours, Merlin," Arthur said. "You are talking about the Knights of the Round Table. Those men have sworn their fealty to me, and they have never let me down. I trust them with my life."
"That doesn't mean I have to," Merlin muttered. Thinking he might have spoken too boldly, he looked up to see Arthur's reaction. All his words had earned him, however, was The Glare, which had little effect on him after almost a decade in Arthur's service.
Arthur returned his attention to his plate and picked at his food. "There's no need to be concerned. I can take care of myself."
Not when you're so vulnerable, Merlin thought, but he knew better than to say that out loud.
They ate in silence for a few minutes. Then Merlin noticed that Arthur's teeth were worrying his lower lip as he ran a finger along the rim of his goblet. "Something on your mind?"
Merlin's eyes traveled from Arthur's mouth to the wine-moistened fingertip and lingered there until he realised he was licking his lips.
"Tomorrow night—" Arthur glanced up and their eyes met. A faint blush coloured Arthur's cheeks. He didn't need to finish; Merlin knew what he was going to ask.
"I'll be there."
During last year's Ritual, Merlin had spied on the group as a fly. Not the most exciting of creatures, but the form had served him well. He'd been able to fly around at will and view the scene from whatever angle he desired. He'd also managed to put a damper on the fun by landing on the Knights' arses, thereby irritating them to no end. The swatting hands had been a real danger, though; he had barely escaped with his life a few times that evening.
Merlin had something broodier in mind for tonight. He entered the off-limits room a couple hours before the ritual to build his web. It didn't take him long to decide that being a spider was a nasty business. He was exhausted, and his silken net was a knotty, thready mess. If Arthur noticed him in the dark corner of the ceiling he would surely say Merlin was the most incompetent spider to ever have plagued Camelot. But the amateur web was a good hideout and a surprisingly comfortable bed. So comfortable, in fact, that Merlin drifted off to sleep almost as soon as he settled down.
He woke to the sound of Arthur delivering the final words of some ridiculous speech proclaiming how grateful and honoured he was to have such brave and loyal warriors in his service. As the Knights began to cheer loudly, Merlin decided that he too was grateful—for having eight eyes to roll.
Merlin climbed up higher in his web to watch. Spiders didn't have great eyesight—something he had learned as soon as he'd changed into one—but as a shape-shifter he had the ability to retain one or more of his human senses if he so chose, which he had. He was here to keep an eye on things. It didn't matter that the sight of Arthur being ravished by twelve knights once again was sure to poke at all of his old wounds.
In a matter seconds, the Knights were on Arthur like a pack of famished wolves. Okay, maybe that was an unfair statement—they were peeling, rather than tearing, his clothes off—but they were too eager for Merlin's taste.
Arthur stood with his hands at his sides and let his men do as they pleased. Merlin had never seen him so relaxed; there wasn't a hint of tension in his shoulders. Lancelot's expert massage was probably responsible for that. Merlin knew firsthand.
Arthur sighed and let his head loll back against Lancelot's chest while Mark sought Arthur's mouth and tugged on the laces of his breeches. No doubt he would want the first helping. The pig.
Hands reached out from all directions for some kind of contact with Arthur's bare skin. Gawain earned himself a gasp by pinching Arthur's nipple while he sucked his earlobe in between his lips. Merlin watched, seething, as Mark sank to his knees, ran his hands up and down Arthur's thighs, and darted his tongue out to taste the bitter essence of Merlin's fantasies.
"Yes," Arthur whispered, thrusting forward into Mark's mouth.
Lancelot slid an arm down to Arthur's hips to hold him still. The fingers of his right hand dipped into an open jar on the table, then disappeared behind Arthur. Merlin glared at him with all eight eyes when Arthur moaned into Kay's mouth; but Lancelot, oblivious to his presence, only smiled and nuzzled Arthur's neck.
Leon must have decided that Mark had had his fill, for he nudged the younger man out of the way and took over. Arthur didn't seem to have noticed. He was too busy pushing back on Lancelot's hand and opening his mouth for anyone who sought it. For the first time, Merlin wondered if this annual ritual wasn't just a pretense for Arthur to submit to other men without feeling like his masculinity was in question.
Lancelot whispered something in Arthur's ear. Arthur laughed and let Lancelot and Gawain lift him onto the Round Table. The room grew eerily silent as the knights looked at their king with bated breath. Merlin remembered from last time that this was the part where Arthur got to choose who would take him first. Last time it had been Tor.
Arthur's eyes settled on the youngest of the group. "Parceval."
Parceval, the only knight Merlin thought had shown any dignity so far stepped up slowly in front of Arthur, who leaned back on his elbows and spread his thighs. Merlin looked away.
A moment later, the sounds strangled breathing, mostly Arthur's, filled the room. Merlin suddenly felt hot. He began to wonder if he'd shapeshifted into the right species of spider. Maybe this wasn't the appropriate climate for him.
By the time Merlin chanced another look, some of the men had joined Arthur on top of the Round Table. Bors was sucking Arthur off while Gareth pumped his own cock in and out of Arthur's mouth. Lancelot and Leon were licking Arthur's nipples and sucking them into their mouths. They stopped intermittently to kiss each other. A few of the men were content to just watch the scene in front of them, each one stroking his own cock as he waited for his turn.
Perceval gave a few more thrusts, then he tensed and grunted his release. As soon as he stepped away, Cador took his place, moaning as he plunged his cock in Arthur's come-slicked passage. Arthur wrapped one leg around Cador's waist to pull him closer. He watched, mouth agape, as Kay's tongue joined Bors's on his cock. His fingers tightened their grip on the edge of the Round Table as he thrust up, desperate for more contact with their mouths.
Kay took pity on him and, with a satisfied smirk, swallowed the entire length of Arthur's shaft. The wantonly contorted face Arthur made as he came etched itself into Merlin's memory. No doubt it would accompany him on future dates with his right hand.
Merlin hadn't even noticed when Mark had replaced Cador in between Arthur's legs. It went on and on, no matter how fervently Merlin wished that it would stop. Each of the men joined with Arthur for about five minutes before stepping aside for the next in line.
The vile mixture of the knights' come oozed out of Arthur's hole and onto the edge of the stone table. Gareth's thrusts produced a rhythm of depraved wet sounds that made Merlin involuntarily imagine what it would be like to bury his own cock in Arthur's overfilled arse.
Then Arthur changed positions so that he was on all fours on the table. Merlin saw his arse cheeks glistening in the torchlight and was sure he would faint. His spindly legs clung tightly to the silken threads of his web. Arthur opened his mouth for Leon's cock, and moaned around it as Kay pushed into him from behind.
Lancelot waited until the end. He sat in one of the chairs and pulled Arthur, who looked as if he'd been waiting for this moment all year, onto his lap. A hint of discomfort showed on Arthur's face now that he'd been passed around for well over an hour, but Lancelot seemed aware of this and was gentle. He fucked Arthur slowly as the others felt him up and sucked his cock. They climaxed together, strangled cries tearing through their throats.
Arthur stayed in Lancelot's lap while he gave each Knight of the Round Table a lingering kiss that promised a repeat next year. When it was over and they all went about getting dressed, Merlin began his tedious descent down the wall. It was unfair that his lust should begin to subside so quickly when he knew that the jealous ache in his chest would stay with him for days to come.
"You're late," Arthur said by way of greeting as Merlin levitated the tub into his bedchamber. "I was beginning to wonder if you'd gotten lost." He was already in a towel, sprawled out on the bed.
Merlin forced a smile. "Serves you right for making me take over your manservant's duties."
"I didn't make you do anything." Arthur laid his head back against the pillow, but not before Merlin noticed how swollen his lips were.
"I know." Merlin didn't miss his old work, but he was unexplainably glad that Arthur was too embarrassed to have his manservant around on these nights, and that he preferred Merlin's company instead.
Merlin set the jar of salve he'd brought from Gaius down on the table and filled the tub with hot water. The task took up much less time now that he was able to use magic openly. "It's ready," he said.
Arthur jumped up from the bed as if he couldn't get in the bath fast enough. The scent of sex followed in his wake.
"I must say you're a lot more efficient than my manservant."
Merlin's lips twisted in a rueful smile. After all these years, he still latched on to every compliment he could get out of Arthur as if there was no other joy in life. "I'm glad I can draw a bath fast enough for you."
Arthur shot him The Look, then dropped his towel and stepped into the tub. As he lowered himself into the water, he winced a little and sucked in a breath. Merlin turned away. He spent the next few minutes tidying up Arthur's chambers to keep his mind preoccupied. When Arthur was ready to leave the bath, Merlin picked up the towel and patted his skin dry. It took all his willpower not to drag his fingers down the smooth skin of Arthur's back.
"Don't want you dripping water all over the floor," he explained, as if he would need to lift a finger to clean up any such mess. His eyed followed Arthur's round, naked arse as he walked over to the bed and lay facedown on top of the mattress.
Merlin picked up the jar of healing salve, took a deep breath, and followed. As he approached the bed, Arthur buried his face in his arms. The tips of his ears were red.
Merlin opened the jar and dipped his fingers into the salve. His hand trembled slightly. Arthur tensed when Merlin's fingers dipped into his cleft and smeared the gunky balm around his arsehole.
Picture Gaius wearing nothing but a towel, Merlin told himself as he scooped up some more salve. He needed to keep his treacherous cock under control somehow. It almost worked, but then Arthur sighed when Merlin's finger slipped inside him, and all Merlin could think about was stripping off his trousers and...
"Merlin—"
"Hmm?"
Arthur turned his head. "I said that should be good enough."
"Oh." Merlin withdrew his finger and, having forgotten to bring a cloth, wiped it discreetly on the sheets. "Is there anything else you need before I go?"
"I think that's it." Arthur turned onto his back, pulled the covers up to his waist, and then looked at Merlin. "Thank you for doing this, Merlin. I appreciate it."
"No problem," Merlin said as he stood up. There's nothing I wouldn't do for you.
Merlin was almost at the door when Arthur called his name. There was a hint of hesitation in his voice, as there usually was when he had something nice to say. Merlin's heart fluttered with hope as he turned to face him. "Yes?"
"You've served me well over the years, Merlin," said Arthur. "As well as any of my knights. I wouldn't be here today if it weren't for you."
Merlin could have pointed out that the opposite was also true, but instead he gave a nod and said, "I try my best."
"I just want you to know that I'm grateful for everything you do, even if I've never done anything...formal to show it."
A smirk played on Merlin's lips despite his best effort to behave himself. "Like today, with the Knights?"
But Arthur's expression remained thoughtful. His eyes searched Merlin's face. "We don't need anything like that, do we? We're close enough that--"
"Absolutely," Merlin agreed. The lunacy that had taken place earlier that evening wasn't at all in his taste; a private admission of gratitude was more to his liking, and sex was better saved for conveying mutual love, or at least attraction.
But therein lay the problem. Merlin's love was unreciprocated, so the sex could never be more than a fantasy.
Merlin feigned a smile. "Goodnight, Arthur."
Tbc...
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Date: 2010-04-26 01:32 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-04-26 03:40 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-04-26 01:44 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-04-26 03:42 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-04-26 01:50 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-04-26 03:44 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-04-26 01:52 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-04-26 03:45 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-04-26 02:13 am (UTC)*\o/* Whahae Lancelot! that's the way!!! *\o/*
poor Merlin :'-(
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Date: 2010-04-26 03:46 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-04-26 11:23 am (UTC)Must again give a "whoop" for Lancelot, that's the way I'd do him should I have a dongle! On my lap pretty boy, NOW!
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Date: 2010-04-26 01:43 pm (UTC)Yeah, Lancelot definitely knows what's up ;)
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Date: 2010-04-26 02:55 am (UTC)Arthur and his knights together was really hot
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Date: 2010-04-26 03:46 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-04-26 01:00 pm (UTC)HK
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Date: 2010-04-26 01:41 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-04-26 03:44 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-04-26 05:50 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-04-26 05:47 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-04-26 05:54 pm (UTC)Thanks!
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Date: 2010-04-26 06:32 pm (UTC)Now I'm eagerly awaiting part 2...
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Date: 2010-04-27 04:21 am (UTC)Thanks for reading and commenting!
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Date: 2010-04-26 06:51 pm (UTC)Can't wait for the next part!
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Date: 2010-04-27 04:22 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-04-27 09:55 pm (UTC)moar plz
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Date: 2010-04-27 10:57 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-04-28 09:23 am (UTC)Please update soon or i'll swear i'll die!
I think it can go on for more then two chapters, but that's up to you ^^;
Love it!
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Date: 2010-04-28 06:22 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-04-28 08:47 pm (UTC)As long as there a happy ending..err...yeah >.>
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Date: 2010-04-28 09:03 pm (UTC)*ahem*
So, this was RAWR and I'll be awaiting part 2!
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Date: 2010-04-30 04:49 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-04-30 05:10 pm (UTC)Thanks!
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Date: 2010-05-05 06:26 am (UTC)w.w.w.
no subject
Date: 2010-05-06 08:35 pm (UTC)