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There was a witch. She cast a spell. Merlin is out of Camelot at the moment. Leon’s life could not get any worse. What did he do to deserve this? Did he step on a sacred bug that was the last of its kind? Was he a monster in a past life? Maybe he was just a handful as a child. Anyway no one deserved a fate like this.
“So let me clarify.” Elyan asked attempting to keep a straight face. The knights sat around the round table and he could feel their eyes go from him to... his face. “You and Gwain have swapped bodies?”
Leon nodded solemnly. “I am afraid so my friend.” Gazing around the table he met each of the knight’s eyes and watched as they managed for almost three seconds before bursting out laughing. Sighing he had to admit they’d lasted longer than he presumed they would.
“It is not that amusing.” He huffed. Gwain was pushing the hair out of his eyes trying to manage it the way he usually would. Looking exasperated, he turned towards the king, but this just made the man laugh harder.
“Sorry Leon.” King Arthur snickered. “It’s just strange to see your manners on someone like Gwain.” Smiling softly, he supposed he could see how odd it would be. His hands were folded politely in his lap and his feet were on the floor. Gwain was constantly running hands through his hair and putting his feet on the table so it would be strange to see him so polite.
Gwain scoffed. “Oh, put a sock in it princess. I’m plenty polite especially compared to your royal ass.”
The whole table snapped their heads in Gwain’s direction. Leon felt horrified to hear such a phrase leave his own mouth. Percival was the first to start laughing once more, then Elyan, Arthur, and to Leon’s horror Mordred and Lancelot.
“Sire! When is Merlin set to return.” Leon pleaded. Arthur didn’t answer, too busy laughing.
It seemed that he would get no help from Gwain who was looking startled. Starting to chuckle he met Leon’s gaze with a grin that spelt trouble.
“What is it, Gwain.” He ground out.
“Nothing” Gwain smirked. “I just realised I can make you say or do anything I want.”
Oh no.
The whole table was snickering at them. Leon attempted to give Gwain the sternest look possible. He hoped it still looked intimidating on Gwain’s face. “You will not be doing that.” He ordered.
“Oh I think I will.” Gwain laughed evilly.
The next four days until Merlin’s return were horrible. He could deal with Gwain being disrespectful the crown in his body. Everyone in the throne room knew it was Gwain, and that Leon wasn’t saying these things. It was slightly therapeutic to watch his body mock the king in ways he’s only every done in his head. He figured it was likely equally as strange for people to see Gwain sitting still, being polite, using titles, etc. He didn’t want to act as Gwain would because he wasn’t him; really, he understood the desire for self expression. The twitch in Leon’s eye started because Gwain seemed to be trying to see how far he could take it. Who all he could make laugh, but Leon wasn’t laughing.
The first day Gwain went around the castle flirting with the maids in his body. He walked in on himself making out with a woman named Jenny who was giggling. He informed her of the situation and she told him to let her know when they switched back so she could slap Gwain properly. She ran away with burning ears, and he tugged Gwain away by the ear lecturing him the whole way. That night much to his annoyance rummers were abuzz about him and Jenny. The other knights found it extremely amusing. Leon swore he wouldn’t let Gwain out of his sight unless he had to.
That revelation was not kept. During the second day there was a council meeting that everyone had to attend. Gwain showed up halfway through the meeting completely drunk complaining about Leon’s low alcohol tolerance. He was covered in food and drink, clearly in a recent bar fight. The council was trying very hard to practice court etiquette, but he could see their shoulders shaking with laughter. Asking the King to excuse him he dragged Gwain to his chamber demanding he change, wash, and never show up in dirty clothing again. The man was trying to humiliate him.
The third day Gwain to his credit didn’t show up in dirty clothing he just didn’t bother putting on a shirt. Strutting about the castle half naked for almost an hour until Leon heard from one of the maids who knew about the situation. Leon had had enough. He understood Gwain wasn’t going to act like him but at this point it was like he was trying to ruin his reputation. Marching out into the courtyard he spotted himself chatting with some very flustered village girls. They were trying very hard to not look at his chest which he appreciated.
“GWAIN!” Leon roared. Storming up to the man in question.
He turned and spotted Leon rather quickly, grinning he waved. Leon liked to think he had a long fuse; wasn’t quick to anger but he couldn’t take it anymore. He kicked out Gwain’s legs and caught him over his shoulder walking quickly before the other man could register his kidnapping. He was pleased to find that Gwain’s muscles had some difficultly carrying his own body. Dumping Gwain in the nearest empty hall he glared down at his own face.
“Stop.” Leon demanded.
Gwain stuck out his tongue like a complete child. “You can’t make me Leon.”
Oh, he was sooo done. Anger flaring up he unsheathed his sword and held it to Gwain’s hair; the only thing he truly held dear.
“LEON!?” Gwain screeched bolting to his feet. He took one step closer, and Leon moved the blade closer to the black strands. Gwain froze immediately and Leon smirked.
“I will fucking cut it. I will fucking cut all of it you little shit.” Leon threatened. “Quit trying to antagonize me. Don’t do things you know I won’t like. I know you’re uncomfortable in my body, but at least I’m not trying to actively make you miserable. You will extend me the same courtesy. Understand you complete ass?”
Gwain nodded and Leon lowered the blade. Fury fleeing from him quickly replaced by satisfaction and relief.
“I’ll go put on a shirt.” Gwain muttered. He turned to walk away but stopped after a few steps.
Gwain turned around to look at him. “Wait—You swore!” He grinned looking astonished. “Mr.Perfect-Model-Knight just swore!” He coloured slightly at the strange nick-name but looked at Gwain with a smirk.
“No, I believe you swore actually.” He corrected slyly. Gwain gapped and Leon continued lowering his voice. “And no one will believe you.”
Turning and walking the other way Leon heard Gwain laugh in his voice. “We’ll See!” He yelled down the hall.
On the day of Merlin’s return Gwain attempted to convince the other knights what Leon had said. Leon hid a smile in his goblet as he watched.
“I’m not kidding!” Gwain pleaded shaking Lancelot’s shoulders. The others simply gave him exasperated looks as he repeated what Leon had said.
“Leon what did you actually say?” Arthur sighed.
“That he was being inconsiderate and rude.” Leon answered with pretend annoyance; really he was quiet amused.
“You called me a ‘little shit’!” Gwain shouted. “And threatened to cut my hair!”
“I did threaten to cut his hair” He acquest. Percival gave a low whistle of appreciation and Mordred snorted.
“As I thought” Arthur huffed. “Leon’s too proper for that kind of language.” The others nodded.
Muffling a shout of frustration in his hands Gwain put his head on the table.
“Gwain swore a lot though.” Leon continued; face perfectly black. He watched with great joy as Gwain shouted into his hands again. Maybe this is why the other knights acted like children; it was very fun to make someone else frustrated at your antics.