Work Text:
“Gaius?”
Gaius looks up from his workbench to find Arthur hovering at his door, looking lost and awkward.
“Good morning, Arthur. What can I do for you?”
“Well…” Arthur hesitates.
“Please, come in,” Gaius waves him over, and Arthur steps forward, looking thoroughly out of place among the mess of bottles and plants and books.
“I feel strange,” he finally says.
“Strange?” Gaius raises an eyebrow. “Can you elaborate? Are you experiencing any physical symptoms?”
“Well, no,” Arthur raises a hand to rub at the back of his neck. “I just feel… sort of listless, I suppose. And my chest feels tight, but not in a painful way. And I feel… dull, I think. Or rather, like my surroundings are dull. And I’m restless, but even training with the knights this morning didn’t take that away. And –
“You’re saying you feel like you don’t know what to do with yourself,” Gaius says carefully.
“Yes! That’s exactly it. Is it some sort of ailment, or –
“Hmm,” Gaius cottons on, not waiting for him to finish, “And, remind me, how long has Merlin been gone?”
Arthur’s face turns bright red. “That’s not – what – how is that even,” he splutters, “are you suggesting, Gaius, that I –
“That you don’t know what to do with yourself when Merlin’s not here? Yes, Sire, I believe I am.”
“Of course I don’t – I mean of course not – I mean – I know what to do with myself!” Arthur snaps. “I’m going to go… practice jousting. Yeah. Good day, Gaius.” He hurries out the door.
Gaius shakes his head and goes back to his work. Merlin and Gwen would be back from Ealdor in a few more days, but until then, he supposes he’ll have to deal with –
“Gaius?” comes Morgana’s voice at his door. “Do you have a moment? I feel strange.”