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“Merlin, have you finished yet? I need some assistance with this,” Gaius asked while rummaging through an old storage box. The omega normally would have answered by now, either by way of a joke or some sound of acknowledgment. However, the only noise Gaius heard were the birds chirping outside the window.
“I know you’re tired but the day is almost over – oh,” Gaius couldn’t help but smile at the sight that greeted him when he turned around. Merlin was fast asleep at the worktable, his head pillowed on the rather large book he’d been reading trying to help find a potion recipe.
Gaius couldn’t even begrudge the poor boy for nodding off; the past three weeks had been busier than normal. Merlin had been a great help in dealing with a small breakout of the flu in the lower town, along with being tasked in delivering not one but two babies. They’d both been working late hours and Gaius knew Merlin needed a break.
Putting the box down Gaius was about to shake Merlin awake and send him up to Arthur’s chambers when the door creaked open. Looking over he was shocked to see the king. The man didn’t spare him a glance and stood frowning at Merlin. Of all the times Uther could have popped in this was not the best. Gaius had already heard from Merlin in great detail of their run away adventure. Including the alarming incident in which Uther nearly killed his own son.
Things were still being worked out in this new arrangement they’d all agreed to. Hence, why Merlin had been helping, he was Gaius’ new assistant. “Sire, I trust you are well?” Gaius asked quietly as he stepped closer to the king. Expecting a flippant remark regarding Merlin being lazy, Gaius was surprised when Uther zeroed in something unexpected.
“Is he attempting to use that tome for a headrest or can he actually read?”
“Merlin can read very well, actually,” he answered with a smile.
Uther groaned and shook his head, “Why does this omega have to be the way he is, it’s so – frustrating.”
“I’m sorry sire; I don’t think I catch your meaning?”
“Gaius, he knows magic, he’s my sons mate, he’s an omega, and now I see he can read. This boy is nothing but trouble,” Uther sighed.
Not knowing how to respond Gaius merely raised an eyebrow.
“Dare I ask how the past few weeks have been?” Uther replied still scowling at Merlin.
“Very good sire, Merlin has been extremely helpful to me and I’m grateful you thought to instate him as my assistant. I know having meaningful work will benefit him as well.”
“Has he used it?”
Gaius could only assume Uther meant magic since his lip had curled menacingly. Debating about lying Gaius figured it was best to be truthful considering the circumstances. Uther knew far more than anyone wanted at this point so why stop now. “I’m afraid it was necessary several days ago when I was attending a birth in the lower town. The baby had turned in the womb and Merlin’s magic was the only thing that saved the youth.”
Uther’s eyes widened, “And the mother, did she --.”
“She was unconscious at the time so she didn’t see; I had sent the nursemaid out of the room already to fetch hot water so Merlin’s act was not seen.”
“No, no, did the mother?” Uther asked with a grimace.
Not understanding Gaius took a moment to realize what Uther meant. “Oh, forgive me sire, the mother survived, as did the baby.”
Uther merely nodded and if Gaius knew any better would say the man even looked relieved.
“Anything else?” the king asked a moment later.
“Well he did use it to clean the leech tank last week, I made him lock the door just in case but it’s not the most pleasant of jobs and --.”
“Ugh, I don’t even want to hear about that, it sounds disgusting already,” Uther cut in with a wretched look. “I take it nothing else of note happened?”
“No sire, as I said earlier Merlin has been a great help.”
“Hmm, see that he keeps a low profile, and alert me straight away if he does anything problematic.”
“Of course, though I think he’s too tired right now to attempt anything, I’ve kept him busy nonstop since he and Arthur returned several weeks ago.” At the mention of Arthur, the king’s face softened. However, before either of them could comment further Merlin groaned and lifted his head. The second his eyes landed on Uther, the poor boy flinched and toppled off the bench with a yelp.
“I didn’t do anything wrong, I swear!” Merlin exclaimed looking fearful as he scrambled to stand.
“Do see that it stays that way,” Uther replied.
Merlin seemed lost standing there, the last vestiges of sleep not wearing off as fast as they should due to his exhaustion. “Um – do you need anything?”
Uther huffed and shook his head, “No, I’m only here to make sure you haven’t caused Gaius any issues.”
“I wouldn’t,” Merlin said quickly. “I only want to help.”
“Yes, well, that remains to be seen.”
Gaius tried to silently warn Merlin not to talk back but the omega didn’t notice.
“Is there anything I can do to make you not hate me?” Merlin asked in frustration.
“I don’t hate you, you are – you – omega, I don’t have the energy for this discussion right now,” Uther admitted in a rare display of vulnerability.
Merlin’s shoulders slumped slightly, “I only want my alpha to be happy, I don’t mean to be a burden.”
“You’re not a burden Merlin,” Gaius offered before Uther could say something cruel. The king merely hummed in response. He was clearly lost in thought but unwilling or unprepared to speak his mind. As the silence stretched on Gaius was desperate to think of something to say that would make the king leave. Merlin didn’t look like he could handle anything else, he was on the verge of falling asleep standing up at this point.
“You are such a perplexing boy,” Uther finally uttered shaking his head, then with a dismissive wave he backed away toward the door. “Do carry on; if the sickness in the lower town becomes unmanageable alert me immediately.” He added switching back into the persona of one in charge, almost as if he’d not barged in expecting disaster.
“Certainly sire,” Gaius answered bowing as the king left. The door had barely shut before he’d rushed over to Merlin and pushed him back down on the bench. “Sit, I’m sending word for Arthur to come pick you up.”
“I’m not a weakling,” Merlin whined.
“No, you are most admittedly not, but I don’t want you falling asleep on the way to your rooms and cracking your skull open.”
“Do I look that bad?”
“Yes, Uther’s visit didn’t help either.”
Merlin shuddered at the memory and ducked his head, “I honestly don’t want to cause trouble, I don’t understand why he can’t see that.”
“It’s of no matter now, you sit there and rest I’ll get a servant to fetch Arthur.
--
Attempting to walk at a normal pace was near impossible. Arthur had just been informed he was needed in the physician’s chambers, so his mind was racing as to the reason why. His first thought went to Merlin. Up until today Arthur was under the impression that things had been going well with his new role helping Gaius. Merlin was of course tired and had been arriving at their quarters later in the day than normal but he seemed happy.
If something had gone wrong Arthur didn’t know what he’d do. Everything was still on edge after what had occurred in Ealdor. Being nearly run through by his own father’s sword in an attempt to kill Merlin had changed things considerably. Now, they were both back in Camelot and taking things day by day.
When the door to Gaius’ room appeared Arthur ran the remaining distance and knocked once before barging in. Nothing seemed amiss at first glance, though one quick look at Merlin and Arthur understood why he was there. His poor omega looked exhausted.
Merlin was up a second later, his gait clumsy but Arthur had little time to judge before his mate had all but collapsed in his arms for a hug. “Gaius doesn’t think I can make it back to our rooms on my own,” he huffed clinging to Arthur’s shoulders tightly.
Arthur would have defended Merlin but his weight was heavily resting on him and it seemed as though Gaius had been wise to call him. “This gives me an excuse to see you sooner love, don’t complain too much,” Arthur chided winding his arms around Merlin’s lithe waist.
“Take care of him, sire, we’ve had a long few weeks and poor Merlin is at his limits I’m afraid,” Gaius offered kindly.
“I will,” Arthur said releasing his grip slightly.
“What time do you need me tomorrow?” Merlin asked leaning back but not letting go.
“I can manage on my own tomorrow Merlin, you have the day off.”
“Are you sure, don’t we need to check on --.”
“Shush, don’t you fret, I can handle a few visits in town by myself. Things have improved, thanks to your help. Go, enjoy some well-deserved rest.”
“Send for me if you do need me okay?” Merlin requested.
“Of course, now go, I’m sure your alpha wishes to take care of you this evening,” said Gaius as he waved them off.
Arthur didn’t wait any longer and tugged Merlin towards the door, “Come on, I’ll order us dinner and you can relax, yeah?”
Merlin nodded and smiled. Arthur assumed Merlin would release his grip but the omega kept one arm slung around his neck. Arthur in turn kept his arm wrapped around Merlin’s waist. Walking in this manner wasn’t exactly easy but they managed, stumbling through the corridors until they were safely ensconced in their chambers.
“Merlin, are you alright?” Arthur asked once the door was shut and locked behind them.
“Yeah, m’just tired and your father showed up an--.”
“Did he do anything?!” Arthur asked in a panic gripping Merlin’s shoulders carefully.
“No, he – it’s – I dunno, I’m tired of being afraid of him I guess,” Merlin admitted.
“He’s been sort of good these past few weeks, I think the shock of what happened in Ealdor hasn’t completely worn off yet.”
“Nor should it!” Merlin exclaimed. “Arthur he nearly killed you, if I hadn’t been there, I – I, oh gods I can’t even think about it,” he lamented turning away.
“Hey, don’t think like that, you saved me and that’s what counts. We get a second chance; let’s see if we can make it? Father agreed to let us court and so far he’s not changed his mind. The council already knows and they have approved now that they think your father is a lord somewhere. Not sure how father managed that one but he did.”
“How long do you think we’ll have to wait until we can have an official ceremony?” Merlin asked leaning back in for a hug.
“Honestly love, I don’t know. In the end it’s up to father, but I’d do the ceremony tomorrow if he’d let me.” Arthur announced rubbing Merlin’s back.
“Me too,” replied Merlin right before Arthur felt him yawn.
“You need to rest, let me take care of you tonight?”
“Whareyougonnado?” Merlin slurred letting more of his weight fall into Arthur’s arms.
“I’ve got everything all planned out already, just relax okay?”
Merlin hummed in agreement and let Arthur lead him further into the room. Though, it was more like dragging since he wasn’t exactly making an effort to walk. Having already decided to absolutely spoil Merlin rotten that evening Arthur steered him toward the bath first. Hopefully, the man would stay awake long enough to enjoy all the things Arthur had planned.
--
The moment Merlin realized where Arthur was headed he smiled. The bath looked inviting full of water with towels already warming by the fire. A gentle touch made Merlin focus back on his mate. Arthur was carefully untying his neckerchief and every brush of his warm fingers was confusingly energizing despite feeling so tired.
Things went a little wonky when Arthur either on purpose, or accidentally, touched his scent gland. Merlin felt his knees buckle from the rush of sensations. “R’thur,” he gasped while sinking to the floor. His alpha caught him just in time and laughed.
“Sorry, did I rub your scent gland?” he asked, though Arthur didn’t sound very apologetic about it as he maneuvered them both down to the ground.
“Yes, you prat,” Merlin huffed with a smile.
“This is better anyway, now I don’t have to worry about you falling over.”
Merlin rolled his eyes but was secretly grateful for the change in position. More so when Arthur leaned in close and began undoing the laces on his tunic. Every lingering touch from the alpha melted the tension from the day and made it even harder to focus.
A gentle press of lips to his own made Merlin snap his eyes open, when had he closed them? “Sorry, this feels really good,” he offered sheepishly.
“I’ve barely got started; don’t fall asleep yet.”
“I’ll try, but by the time we get in the bath it’ll be cold,” Merlin lamented.
Arthur sighed fondly, “Idiot, you can use your magic to warm it up.”
Giggling at the simple solution he’d been clearly unable to think of, Merlin lifted his arms for Arthur to continue. His mate took an age and a day to fully undress him, peppering kisses along the way. Finally, when Merlin was divested of all his clothing Arthur easily lifted him and waited while he heated the water.
“Are you not joining me?” Merlin asked shivering in the cool air.
“I bathed already, but I’m not leaving don’t worry.”
Sighing loudly when Arthur gently lowered him into the bath, Merlin felt all his muscles loosen pleasantly. So much so he kept sinking into the hot water and nearly had his head slip under before Arthur stopped his decent.
“Guess this means I’ll need to multitask,” Arthur grumbled mockingly.
“Wha? What else do you need to do?” Merlin asked becoming slightly more alert.
“Feed you silly, I thought you could stay awake long enough but now I don’t think so,” replied Arthur before he reached out and pinched his arm.
“Ow, why’d yo—where are you going?!” Merlin blurted as he watched Arthur stand and literally run away.
Arthur was already sprinting back over with a covered tray before he bothered to answer. “I’m not going anywhere!” he huffed with a blinding grin. “I just didn’t want you to drown while I fetched supper.”
“That’s cheating,” Merlin accused rubbing his arm where Arthur had pinched him.
“Worked didn’t it,” he teased.
“How are you going to wash my hair and feed me at the same time?” Merlin asked trying to put on his best puppy dog face while resting his chin on the edge of the bath.
As it turns out Arthur was actually skilled at completing both of those tasks much to Merlin’s surprise. It might have helped that part of dinner included apples, something the alpha had handed off to him as he worked on lathering up Merlin’s hair. Convenient finger food aside, Merlin couldn’t remember when he’d felt so relaxed. With all the stress of trying to meet everyone’s expectations with his new role helping Gaius he’d gotten a bit worn out.
Barely managing to finish his apple without dropping it into the bath, Merlin eyed the remainder of the food Arthur had brought over. It was mostly fruit with a few chunks of cheese. It didn’t look like a proper dinner, but Merlin was too far gone to really care. Reaching out he snatched a piece of cheese and munched as Arthur continued to wash him.
“C’anmn you do this every ‘mnight?” Merlin asked, mouth full and still chewing.
“What? Let you eat in the bath?” Arthur asked in confusion.
“No, bathe me and wash my hair, this feels wonderful,” he replied leaning into Arthur’s touch.
“Only if you ask me nicely,” Arthur stated softly.
Merlin wasn’t expecting such an optimistic response and could only smile dopily at his mate. “You’re the best alpha ever,” he sighed happily, “even if you only feed me apples and cheese for dinner.”
Arthur barked out a laugh and shook his head, “I have the rest of your dinner waiting on the table.”
“Oh good, I’m still hungry.”
“Idiot,” Arthur grumbled, but he was smiling.
A comfortable silence enveloped the room after that, and Merlin was content to sit and let Arthur dote on him.
--
Nearly tripping on the towel wrapped around Merlin, Arthur worked to carry his omega to the bed. He’d successfully bathed the man and managed to feed him some soup once he’d gotten out of the water. However, choosing to sit by the fireplace so Merlin could eat the rest of his dinner had only caused the omega to completely pass out after he’d finished his meal.
Thinking he’d have time to get Merlin dressed for bed after the soup Arthur was instead left with a naked, slightly damp omega. Opting to give up on clothing the man, Arthur figured tucking Merlin into the bed would be comfortable enough.
Once all the blankets had been piled up over his omega, Arthur got ready for bed and snuffed out the remaining candles. The fire illuminated the space with a soft glow, casting everything in a golden relief. Climbing into bed Arthur crawled closer to Merlin and took in the sight. Striking cheekbones were highlighted in the dying light, making Merlin look otherworldly.
It was nearly plausible that Arthur had found a fae as a mate considering Merlin’s fair looks. How someone could be so handsome was a mystery. Happy that they’d found each other Arthur settled down in the covers and gently pulled Merlin close.
Merlin mumbled something unintelligible but didn’t fully wake. Unable to stop himself Arthur shushed him and began to run his fingers through the omega’s dark hair. Only hoping to calm Merlin enough to make him fall back asleep Arthur was wholly unprepared for what happened next.
Merlin began making a soft humming noise and Arthur felt his eyes going wide when the humming suddenly morphed into a steady purr. It was the first time Merlin had ever done this and Arthur was elated. Continuing to carefully massage his mate’s scalp Arthur lost himself to the sweet rumbling sound.
Arthur had been worried that Merlin didn’t know how to purr, they’d been together for nearly six months now and he’d not heard it once. He knew omegas purred but Arthur wasn’t sure if Merlin was consciously not doing it or just didn’t feel safe.
Considering the hell his father had put them through it was no mystery why Merlin had been silent. Pushing that thought aside, Arthur continued to deftly massage Merlin’s head. Wanting to hear as much as he could Arthur almost whined when Merlin’s breathing finally evened out and the purring stopped. Satisfied at having accomplished his goal, spoiling Merlin and making him relax, Arthur drifted off with Merlin by his side.