The Man: A Merthur Fanfic

Chapter 6

Sup People! StampyCat_Lover a.k.a. Maiya here, and I just want to thank everybody for the support on Chapter 5! Sorry for the long wait, but here it is! Chapter 6! Shout out to MasterSkyWalker for his comments and support! Now, without further delay...CHAPTER 6!!!

Arthur trudged through the muddy floors of the stable, ushering Merlin's horse into a stall. "You know," He grunted, pushing the horse from behind. "You should be doing this..Manservant." He smirked as he shut the gate and joined Merlin on the dirt path. "Hungry?" Merlin asked, picking hay out of the prince's hair. "Mm.." Arthur licked his lips, and slid his hand into Merlin's. Merlin pulled his hand back as if electrified, and hissed, "What are you doing!?" He looked around, clearly embarrased.

Arthur remained calm, and grabbed Merlin's hand again. "I don't care." He whispered into his ear, and pressed his forehead against Merlin's. Gasps arose around the two, followed by whispers as Merlin pressed his forehead to Arthur's. Their lips grazed, and Merlin leaned in, only to find air. "Come on!" Arthur yelled, tugging Merlin through the disgusted crowd.

They ran to the castle, shoving people out of the way. "Ugh! Despicable!" The villagers muttered, and as they reached the castle, Arthur turned. "Screw you!" He called, pulling up the drawbridge. Merlin laughed as Arthur pulled him through the halls and into the dining room. They tumbled into seats, Arthur ordering a butler to fetch them two chicken breasts, as well as two ciders.

After dinner, the two wandered the halls, talking endlessly. They soon ended up in Arthur's chambers, both woozy from their big meal. "Fetch me some pajamas.." Arthur slurred, and Merlin froze. it had been a while since Arthur had ordered him around. He had forgotten that he used to just be a servant, no more, no less.

"Yes sir," Merlin murmured, handing the prince a folded pair of silk pajamas. Merlin brushed his teeth as Arthur changed, and collapsed into bed. In moments, they were asleep, but not before Arthur could mumble a good night. Merlin smiled. Arthur suddenly sat up and ran his fingers through his hair.

"We can't keep doing this." He said, and Merlin's eyes snapped open as his heart sank. "What?" Arthur pulled the sheets up to his chest and leaned against the headboard. "Having this secret relationship. I'm sick of hiding it." Merlin was silent. "I'm gonna tell him." Arthur hopped out of bed, pulling on some jeans(if they had jeans back then..), and Merlin pulled him back down.

"What? You can't mean Uther! What'll he say?" Arthur shook his head. "This is my life. My life. I do what I please, so I should be able to love whomever. He has to know that." Merlin nodded, understanding. "OK..OK, fine. But, can't you wait until morning?" Arthur grinned at Merlin's whining, and lay back down. "No more secrets.." He yawned, his head sinking into the pillow.

"No more secrets," Merlin repeated, his eyes wide open. His eyes flashed gold.

Merlin groaned as sunlight burned his eyelids, and pulled a pillow over his head. As he was drifting back off to sleep, he became aware of a foul smell, and sat up in bed. Arthur was setting two bowls down on the table, a proud look on his face. "Morning," Merlin said slowly, cautiously approaching the bowls.

"G'morning!" Arthur beamed, pointing to the bowls. "I made breakfast!" "Oh.." Merlin smiled gently at the prince's attempt and gripped a spoon in his hand. "Go on," Arthur said, grinning. Merlin spooned what looked like curdled milk into his mouth, and his face looked as if he had been chugging liquid warheads.

"What is it?" Arthur asked, concerned. "It's oatmeal!" Merlin gulped, and attempted not to vomit. "Nothing! It's just so delicious!" Arthur nodded, pulling a T-shirt on. "So.." Merlin quickly dumped the 'oatmeal' into the trashcan and flung open a window to air out the room. "You off to see Uther then?"

Arthur wore a poker face as he pulled his boots on. "Yep. Like I said, no more secrets." Merlin sighed, pulling at his short black curls. "About that..Arthur..there's something I have to tell you.." Arthur shrugged on a vest. "What's that?" Merlin tensed. "M-maybe you should sit down."

Arthur froze, and turned to face him. "Everything alright?" Merlin didn't respond, but just motioned to the sofa. Arthur sat. "You said..no more secrets. So, I'm going to tell you mine." Arthur nodded gently, urging him on. "You see..t-there's this thing..that I can do."

Arthur chuckled lightly. "Get on with it, Merlin!" "M-magic." Merlin stuttered. "What?" "Magic," Merlin repeated. "I can do magic.." Arthur said nothing, and Merlin braced for his punishment. Maybe Arthur would tell Uther, and he would be executed, or maybe he'd be thrown into a cell.

"Haha!" Merlin popped an eye open, surprised at Arthur's laugh. "Ha! You crack me up, Merlin. Really, you do!" He chuckled, and Merlin joined him. "Heh..yeah." He scratched his head, and Arthur wiped away a tear. "Right then, funny boy! I'm off to do some errands, but I'll be back for you. We're gonna tell Uther together. Merlin nodded, and Arthur waved goodbye before shutting the door.

After tidying up the room, Merlin left the chamber and wandered the village, ignoring the looks he was receiving from the villagers. He ended up visiting Gaius, whom he hasn't seen in a few days..not since the..incident. " Hello..?" He called, and Gaius appeared, a glass tube of bubbling liquid in his hand, a purple flower in the other.

"Merlin!" He gasped, setting down his items. "Its been a while..I was just making some medicine..Mr.Jones has a fever." A puff of smoke appeared as Gaius dropped the flower into the glass tube and began to mix it. "This outta help it go down.." Merlin sat awkwardly on the couch, and Gaius capped his potion.

"I was with Arthur." Gaius scratched the back of his neck. "Hmm." Merlin stood. "I don't care if you disapprove, we are going to tell Uther." Gauis' eyebrows flew up, and he stared Merlin in the eyes. "I'm proud of you, Merlin." Merlin froze.

He had been living with Gaius for years, knowing he was talented and impressive with his magic, but never had he heard Gaius actually say it. Merlin rushed forward and embraced his mentor, staying that way for several minutes. "I've gotta go.." He finally muttered, and Gaius nodded as Merlin left.

As Arthur made his way to the tavern to meet up with Merlin, as he endured the disgusted stares of the people, a thought struck him. So many people knew. So many people knew about them. So many people saw then together. Yet Uther hadn't said a thing. How could he not know? Was everyone that uncomfortable with them being gay? If they had such a problem we with it, why not complain?

These thoughts swirled around in Arthur's head as he entered the tavern, spotting Merlin in the corner. "Hey, Love." He smiled, sliding into a booth. Several men moved away, but the two ignored them. "Here you go," Merlin said, sliding a mug of ale across the table. "Thanks."

Arthur chugged it, slamming the empty mug onto the table. Merlin chuckled, sipping at his glass of cider. "You ready, then?" Arthur asked after Merlin had finished. "..Yeah." They slowly stood, Arthur gripping Merlin's hand as they left. The walk to the castle seemed quicker than usual to Merlin, and soon they were at the hall doors, his heart pounding.

"It's OK." Arthur assured him, and pushed open the doors.

Hello, Everyone! I am aware that this chapter took forever to come out, but I plan on updating more often now. I never thought this book would get far, so I thank you immensely for your support. I love to hear your tips and suggestions, so just leave some in the comments for a shout out! Thank you again! -Maiya