Chapter Text
“You are without a doubt the biggest idiot to ever live.” Arthur said as he gave a particularly hard yank on the bandage on he was tying to Merlin’s arm.
“Ow!” The younger man hissed.
“What the hell are you thinking!?!” Arthur demanded. He finished knotted the bandage, checking to make sure it wasn't too tight before taking a second look at Merlin’s swelling eye.
“Nobody caught me. Its fine.” Merlin grumbled sullenly. Arthur’s hand tightened on the arm he was still holding.
“Do you think this is a joke!?!” He shouted, before remembering to lower his voice. “Do you know what they do to sorcerers here? Did somehow miss the man they executed when we walked through the gate yesterday!?!”
“Arthur!” Merlin insisted, grasping both of the blonde’s hands. “No one saw me. I promise, everything is fine.”
Arthur jerked his arms away and moved to the other side of the cramped room Merlin and he shared in the physician’s chambers. He didn't have very far to go.
“No Merlin. You picked a fight with the bloody Crown Prince of Camelot! Everything is not fine!” Arthur said, throwing is hands up in exasperation. Turning, he watched Merlin carefully tug on his blue shirt. The younger boy’s wince when he pulled the sleeve over his cut created a new wave of anger in Arthur’s gut. “And then, to make matters worse, you used magic to win!”
“Like you wouldn't have done same bloody thing!” Merlin said, standing up and coming toe to toe with Arthur. “That man is a prat and a bully. Are you telling me you could have just walked past him while he was abusing people?”
“Yes! I would have! Because I know not to draw attention to myself. Especially if I happen to be a secret sorcerer in danger of being burned at the stake for my very existence!” Arthur hissed back.
“Well you’re not! I am! And what the hell is all of this for if I can’t do something good with it!” Merlin demanded, anger coating the question Arthur knew haunted the younger man.
The blond sighed and forcibly relaxed his shoulders. Merlin's relationship with his magic was complicated. While the dark haired boy loved to use it, he resented the fear and isolation it forced on the lives of his family. Arthur knew that his friend felt quite a bit of pressure to make his magic worth the price.
“I know, I know. Just, you need to be more careful. We already left Ealdor, there aren't a lot of places left to go.” Arthur said. Merlin looked down at his feet, fidgeting with the sleeve of his shirt.
“You could have stayed. I would have been fine coming to Camelot on my own, and I know your aren't interested in physician's work. Gaius doesn't really need two apprentices anyways, but Mum could have used your help with the harvest and Sarah, she would have accepted your suit this year, I know she would have…”
Arthur stopped Merlin’s fumbling words by grasping his shoulder.
“Shut up Merlin. Like I would leave you to your own devices. Your own stupidity would get you killed in under a week.” Arthur said. Merlin rolled his eyes, but smiled back at his adopted brother.
“Clotpole.”
“Idiot.”
The two boys grinned at each other until Arthur brought his other hand up, gripping both of Merlin’s shoulders.
“Just… no more trips to the dungeon yeah? And stop giving people excuses to hit you. The blood and bruises really aren't an improvement.” Arthur said.
“Yes mother.” Merlin sighed, eyes rolling.
Naturally, later that week, the Prince of Camelot insulted Merlin in front of a group of cackling, entitled nobles. With Arthur standing right there.
Now, Arthur had been raised in Ealdor, had thought himself Merlin’s blood brother until their mother had admitted the truth of his adoption not two seasons ago. He had spent his entire childhood defending his troublesome little brother from the bullies in their village.
It was therefore only instinct to take a swing at the Prince’s ugly, laughing face.
He returned from the dungeons the next day to Merlin’s smug grin.
Whatever. At least Arthur didn't needed magic to win a fist fight.