After Lancelot defeated the Griffin, The Camelot gained a new knight. The knight and prince's servant have more than just friendly feelings toward each other.
Yes, there will be mistakes, grammar or others, Sorry for that :)
Also I do not own Merlin or any of the characters there, this amazing piece of art belongs to BBC ;)
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"You did it, my son. You did it" Uther said proudly when Arthur entered the council chamber
"Not I Father. It was Lancelot" Arthur shook his head and looked over to Lancelot who just entered the room
"What's he doing here?" Uther looked from Arthur to Lancelot and back
"Father, I can explain..." Arthur started
"You! Wait outside" Uther interrupted him while pointing at Lancelot who nodded and quickly left the room.
"You had no right to..." Lancelot heard the king shouting when he was closing the door
"What are they doing?" Merlin who just walked from behind the corner asked
"Deciding my fate" Lancelot signed a bit, but gave Merlin little smile
"Come on, let's sit down shall we?" Merlin pointed at a wooden bench that was standing by the wall. Lancelot nodded and followed Merlin to sit down
"Trust me this will take ages" Merlin said and looked at the door to council chamber. Lancelot smiled a bit, but then his smile faded away
"Is there any chance that..." he started
"Lancelot... you've killed the griffin. They'll restore your knighthood, of course they will" Merlin interrupted him
"But I didn't kill the griffin... You did" Lancelot said and looked at Merlin
Merlin nervously laughed
"What? That's ridiculous" Merlin said with even more nervous laughter
Lancelot looked around to make sure that there are not any guards that might hear them, but they were alone in the hallway
"Bregdan anweald... I've heard you Merlin. And not just heard, I saw you" Lancelot said quietly but certainly.
Merlin's expression was pure panic and nothing else when Lancelot said that
"Don't worry, your secret's safe with me" Lancelot assured him and placed his hand on Merlin's shoulder
"But I cannot take the credit for what I did not do" He continued
"You did it Lancelot" Merlin said firmly
"I might have provide the weapon but it was you and you alone who faced that beast" the boy continued
"Merlin..." Lancelot started
"Lancelot you deserve to be the knight more than anyone else... no... The Camelot deserves to have a knight as fine and noble as you are, trust me" Merlin interrupted him and smiled at him and Lancelot could not help himself and smiled at Merlin as well. He was begun to hope that even if the king will not see Lancelot fit for being the knight he might allow him to remain in Camelot because Lancelot would want to spend more time with Merlin than they did until now.
"We have no other choice but to wait and see what the king will decide that should happened now" Lancelot said and looked at the wooden door.
In the council chamber Arthur was not giving up
"I confess it, Sire. I released him and I'll take the consequences. But surely Lancelot's actions change things or not?!" the prince asked
"His actions change nothing. He broke the code!" The king snapped
"He laid down his life for me! He served with honor sire. He might not be of noble family, but he has more nobility in him than some lords I've met"
Uther was thinking for a moment while looking at this son
"I see you feel strongly about this, Arthur. Under the circumstances? A pardon, perhaps..." the King started, but Arthur was not happy with this at all.
"No, not good enough, Father. You must restore Lancelot to his rightful place, as a knight of Camelot" he interrupted his father
"Never" the King said immediately
"The law is the law. The Code bends for no man" he continued
"Then the code is wrong" Arthur said firmly
"I beg your pardon? The laws has been this way for many years why should..." Uther asked as he was not sure whether he heard right
"Just because something is been some way for many years does not make it right father... if we would have more men like Lancelot in our army it would only made us stronger" Arthur said
"So you planning on let any peasant to just walk in here and became the knight of Camelot then?" Uther raised an eyebrow
"No father" Arthur shook his head
"Only the ones who deserves it of course. Only the ones who will prove themselves to be worth the honor" he continued
"And surely you have to agree with me that Lancelot more than just proved that he is worth it" The prince added
The king was thinking about what the prince said
"Don't worry Lancelot. Everything will be alright. I know it" Merlin was not sure whether he is trying to convince Lancelot or himself
The door opened and Arthur gestured Lancelot to enter the room. Lancelot took a deep breath and looked at Merlin before he stood up and went in the council chamber.
Merlin was watching Lancelot disappearing behind the wooden door praying to any Gods that might be there for Uther seeing that there is not a better man that should become a knight of Camelot.
Lancelot bowed down before the king
"You killed the beast... is it true?" The king asked and Lancelot nodded
"Why?"
"My lord?" Lancelot asked confused
"It was not your duty to go there and risk your life so why did you do that?" The king asked
"I do not believe that protecting the ones in need should be a duty sire, it's a privilege for those who are able to do so" Lancelot replied. The king was not saying anything for a moment while looking at Lancelot.
"Kneel" he said quietly. Lancelot did not know what to expect, but he rather followed king's order and fall on his knees
The king made a few steps towards Lancelot and took out his sword. Lancelot was trying to remain calm, but the king with a sword in his hand was not very calming sight, specially when you do not know what king's intentions with the sword are.
The king raised his sword.
Lancelot nervously swallowed but did not move.
Arthur was not sure what exactly is the king planning to do, so he was getting ready just in case.
The sword was getting closer to Lancelot and then the man felt the blade firstly on his right and then on his left shoulder.
"Arise, Sir Lancelot, Knight of Camelot" The king said when he moved his sword from Lancelot. Lancelot was so shocked at what just happened that it took him a few seconds to do as the king said.
"You are now officially the knight of Camelot" The king said
"Thank you sire" Lancelot said with a smiled and bowed down
"You should thank Arthur not me. He's the one who pointed out that maybe not all laws are right" Uther said
Lancelot turned over and smiled gratefully at the prince who had a big smile on his face as well knowing that the Camelot just gained one of the finest knights possible.
"To go in the battle against a beast such was the one you slain takes a courage Lancelot" Uther said
"Truly a deed fit for a knight" he added and Lancelot who did not know what to say to that just smiled little bit
"Thank you, Arthur for not giving up on making me realize that" The king looked at his son
"I thank you for being willing to see that" Arthur smiled at his father
"I now see that you'll make a great king one day my son. The king that will do what it's best for his kingdom and his people even if the others will disagree with him" Uther said with a proud smile. Uther's words make Arthur blush with pride
"And that your knights will be brave and noble men that will serve you and the kingdom not out of duty, but because they wish it" the king looked at Lancelot.
Merlin was nervously sitting on the bench looking at the door to the council chamber wishing to know what is going on behind the door
Surely the king have to see that... but what if not? What if he will send Lancelot to exile? Merlin liked having Lancelot around. They maybe knew each other just for a couple of days, but Lancelot was nice and kind person and Merlin would surely miss him a lot if the king would order him to leave the kingdom. Merlin was actually staring to considering that he might go with Lancelot when the wooden door opened.
Merlin jumped to his feet and went to Lancelot and Arthur who walked out of the room
They both have very serious expressions so Merlin had no idea what had happened in the room.
"I am sorry Lancelot. I wish there is something I can do" Arthur said and sighed
"Oh no..." Merlin mumbled and looked from the prince to Lancelot who did not say anything
"The training starts in the morning and even if it was you who slayed the beast you can not be excused from it" The prince said with a growing smile happy that they managed to fool Merlin. Lancelot could not help himself any longer and had to smile as well.
"What?" Merlin asked
"Merlin... you are looking at our newest knight of Camelot... sir Lancelot" Arthur said with a happy smile
"What?! Really??" Merlin exclaimed and did not even bother to wait for the confirmation and hugged Lancelot who laughed and hugged Merlin back
Arthur watched it with a smile for a few seconds but then decided to leave
"See? I told you that it will happened" Merlin said with a big smile when he unhugged Lancelot.
"Thank you for having a faith in me" Lancelot smiled at him
"We have to celebrate it!" Merlin realized
"But let's slow down this time alright? Arthur was right, the training is in the morning and I have to be there" Lancelot said with some worries that he will end up in the same state as he did after the knighting ceremony... his first one knighting ceremony that is.
"Don't worry the hangover I had the next morning is something I really do not need to experience again... like ever" Merlin assured him immediately
Lancelot and Merlin ended up in Merlin's small chamber. They were sitting on the bed and drinking wine.
"I can not thank you enough Merlin... for what you did for me" Lancelot said
"You saved my life first Lancelot" Merlin reminded him with a smile
"That was truly nothing, you'd do the same thing if you'd see someone in danger" Lancelot assured him. Merlin blushed little bit while hearing how highly Lancelot thinks of him.
"You probably can have your bed back now Merlin" Lancelot realized
"W-what?" Merlin asked
"I mean... as a knight I have a bed in the knights chambers, so I will not occupy your bed anymore I guess" Lancelot said, but did not look really happy about it.
Merlin did not like this eider. He enjoyed the night talks he and Lancelot had until they fall asleep. And frankly he got use to it very quickly and if Lancelot would be staying on the other side of the castle... well... Merlin will miss him.
"You can stay in here if you'd want to... I mean... I wouldn't mind if you did" Merlin said shyly.
"Merlin I can not take over your bed. You need to get proper sleep at night" Lancelot said. Of course, he would like to stay in Merlin's chamber, but Merlin's job can be very tiring so Merlin have to have the chance to get proper rest in night.
Merlin nodded. He knew that Lancelot is right, but he would still prefer Lancelot to stay in his room, just like he did until now.
"And... ehm... so the training is in the morning huh?" Merlin tried to change to quite sad topic
"Yeah...may I hope to see you there" Lancelot smiled at the boy, knowing that Merlin very often accompanies Arthur at the training.
"Arthur told me to sharpen his sword, so I'll be there" Merlin nodded with a smile
"Good... just be careful with it" Lancelot asked him.
"I will. Promise" Merlin nodded again.
They did not even finish the bottle of the wine because they did not want to get too drunk before Lancelot stood up and looked at Merlin.
"Good night Merlin, and really thank you for everything you've done for me" Lancelot said honestly
"Good night Lancelot" Merlin said back with a smile on his face. He was little bit sad that Lancelot is leaving his room, but at the same time he knew that now when Lancelot is allowed to stay in Camelot he will be able to spend with Lancelot as much time as he wants to.
Lancelot left the room wondering if what he feels towards Merlin is just gratitude or also something else. He'd do anything to make Merlin smile because when Merlin smiles the whole room seems to light up, so he had a feeling that there is something else he feels towards Merlin. He was not sure if expressing that feeling is a good idea or not. He'd hate to lose a friend such is Merlin in case the younger boy did not feel the same way towards Lancelot.
The next morning Merlin entered Arthur's chambers to get his sword and the prince, so they could go to the training grounds.
"Merlin... you're early" Arthur said surprised. This might be the first time Merlin managed not to be late.
"What? Oh... well... I am here so let's go alright?" Merlin urged the prince. He wanted to go to the training because the other knights are... well... Lancelot is already there.
"Merlin I am telling what we will do, not the other way around" Arthur reminded him amused
"Yeah... yeah I know... so can we go now?" Merlin nodded and looked at the door wishing to use them already and go to the training grounds to see Lancelot.
"You seem eager to go to the training... normally you'd be complaining that you have to sit there and watching the thick knights hitting each others with swords and making tons of noise while doing it" Arthur pointed out
"I... ehm... it's just a really nice weather today, so I want to... go outside" Merlin tried to come up with something.
Arthur tried to hide his smile. He knew exactly why is Merlin so eager to go to the training. The prince couldn't not notice that Merlin seems to like their newest knight a lot, and he does not blame him, Lancelot is a good and kind man, so he's happy for Merlin of course. But watching Merlin acting like a puppy that just can not wait to go for a walk is equally funny and endearing.
"Alright... I think we can go" Arthur said
"Great!" Merlin smiled and almost ran out of the room
"Merlin!" Arthur called the boy back and the boy surprisingly did return, but did not look happy about this delay.
"What?" Merlin almost whined
"Didn't you forget something?" Arthur raised an eyebrow.
Merlin frowned a bit while thinking about what he could forgot about.
"That thing you were coming in here for in the first place?" Arthur helped him and Merlin seemed to released what the prince is talking about. He quickly went and grabbed the sword he was suppose to sharpen while Arthur and the knights will be training
"Well done Merlin" Arthur appreciated that Merlin actually remembered, and they finally left the chambers.
"Oh and I need you to do the laundry today I will need the white shirt by tomorro..." Arthur was listing today's chores for Merlin while they were walking towards the training grounds. The prince stopped talking however when he turned around, expecting to see Merlin following him. Merlin did not followed him. Merlin was walking towards Lancelot absolutely forgetting that Arthur... just his master and the prince really, no big deal, exists.
Arthur sighed but had to chuckle and shook his head in amusement. He followed Merlin then.
"Good morning Merlin" Lancelot smiled at him when he got to him
"Good morning Lancelot" Merlin replied with a smile
"Merlin when your prince is telling you yours chores for the day don't wonder off" Arthur tried to sound at least little bit seriously
"Chores?" Merlin repeated
"Good morning my lord" Lancelot greeted the prince
"Lancelot" Arthur nodded with a smile
"Ready for the training?" the prince asked
"Of course" Lancelot nodded
"Alright then... let's go. Merlin... the sword will be sharp by the end of the training ok?" Arthur looked at the boy who almost seemed to forget that the is holding any sword
"Let's talk more after the training alright?" Lancelot told Merlin before he followed the prince
"I have to... Gaius asked me to gather some herbs for him so I have to go to the forest" Merlin remembered
"Would you mind if I'd accompany you then?" Lancelot asked hopefully and smiled when Merlin shook his head, clearly happy that Lancelot and him will spend more time together.
Lancelot walked away to join the prince and the other knights at the training.
Merlin went to sit down in the grass, so he could watch the training while sharpening the sword.
Merlin actually managed to finish the sharpening the sword before the training ended.
"Well done Merlin" Arthur nodded while taking the sword.
"Gaius asked me to gather some herbs for him so do you think I could..." Merlin started
"You'll be back before the lunch ok?" Arthur interrupted him
"I could just take something with me so..." Merlin started
"Lunch for me Merlin" Arthur said
"Oh... oh right of course" Merlin nodded quickly
"Alright then... try not to get attack by any griffins or other beasts this time" Arthur chuckled and Merlin rolled his eyes, but was amused as well and walked away to get the list of herbs Gaius needs. He and Lancelot agreed to meet up at the gate to the city because Lancelot needed to get chance after the training.
When they both arrived to the gate they began to walk towards the forest. While talking about anything that just came to their minds Merlin was leading the way because he knew where to find the herbs. Merlin was looking for the right herbs with a smile on his face which made Lancelot who was looking at him smile as well.
"How about these?" Lancelot asked and pointed at bunch of flowers. He was trying to help Merlin as much as he could, but he did not know much about herbs so his biggest help was carrying the basket Merlin was putting the herbs he picked in.
"Too poisonous" Merlin shook his head with a smile.
"Oh... you are excellent with recognition of them" Lancelot said impressed and Merlin blushed a bit
"It's nothing" the boy muttered.
Lancelot decided that while Merlin was picking up the herbs Gaius needs he could use the time to pick some flowers as well... not for Gaius of course but for Merlin. He decided that he don't want to hide how he feels towards Merlin. Last night while thinking about it, Lancelot realized that even if Merlin will not feel the same way towards Lancelot their friendship is not in any danger, because Merlin would not give up on it that easily. And even if Merlin will not reciprocate Lancelot's feelings at least Lancelot will be able to stop thinking about what might or could be but will know for sure where he stands.
Lancelot was working on his little bouquet made out of forest flowers. He was trying to pick bright colors because it would suit Merlin's personality the best.
"I think I am done... finally" Merlin returned to him
"Me too" Lancelot smiled at him and handed him the little bouquet
"Aww... Lancelot that's nice" Merlin smiled and took the little bouquet.
"You had to got really bored while waiting for me I guess?" Merlin joked a bit
"No, that's not why I..." Lancelot wanted to explain but a sound of steps interrupted him. Him and Merlin both turned to see who the steps belong to and saw Leon and other two knights who were on a patrol.
"Good afternoon gentlemen" Leon greeted them
"Hello Leon" Merlin smiled and waved at the knight and his fellow knights who smiled at the boy
"On a patrol?" Lancelot asked and the knights nodded
"And how it's going? Anything unusual?" Merlin asked friendly.
"Everything in order sire" one of the knights that were with Leon said with a smile and Merlin clearly seeing that the use of the title was just playful laughed.
"That's good... well done gentlemen" Merlin nodded almost seriously but him and the men ended up laughing again.
"Merlin are you sure you're not going to be late?" Leon asked with a smile
"Late? Late for what?" Merlin asked but then realized for what
"Oh no... Arthur's lunch..." Merlin muttered and without saying anything else he grabbed the basket and ran back to the castle leaving Lancelot with Leon and the other knights. Lancelot just shook his head in amusement.
"Don't you want to join us Lancelot? We're heading back to the Camelot now anyway" one of the knights asked him
"Gladly thank you" Lancelot nodded and joined his fellow knights.
Merlin went as quickly as he dared to with the plate in one hand and the basket with the herbs, because he did not have the time to carry it to Gaius yet. When he opened the door Arthur was already sitting at the table
"Not good" Merlin thought.
"Ah Merlin... nice of you to stop by" Arthur said with a smile, that like Merlin knew now was not exactly honest.
"Sorry Arthur" Merlin muttered and quickly went to place the plate in front of the prince and the basket with the herbs on the table so he could quickly go and bring Arthur the pitcher with the wine.
"I would swear that I told you to make sure to be here with the lunch on time before you left picking up pretty flowers in the forest" Arthur said and began to eat
"I was not picking up pretty flowers Arthur" Merlin replied immediately and placed a goblet with wine in Arthur's reach
"No? What is this then?" Arthur asked and reached in the basket for the little colorful bouquet that was laying in top of the other herbs
"Oh that... Lancelot gave it to me" Merlin said
"I presume he was just trying to kill some time while waiting for me" he added
Arthur had a hunch that that was not the reason why Lancelot decided to give Merlin the flowers, but decided to not saying anything... not yet anyway. He looked at the little bouquet and noticed that most if not all the colors there are the ones Merlin likes so if Lancelot would just trying to kill some time he surely would not bother to pick specifically Merlin's favorite colors.
"So did you manage not to attract any creatures Merlin? A troll... or maybe even a dragon this time?" Arthur asked almost seriously and places the flowers back in the basket. Merlin rolled his eyes a bit
"As if I planned to be attacked by that griffin Arthur" he said and Arthur chuckled a bit
"You should be grateful that it did not kill me you know?" Merlin said while going to make the bed and pick up some clothes that were no the floor.
"Oh yes... what on Earth I would do without you" Arthur said amused
"I might even have my meals on time" he added teasingly
"Do you know how huge this castle is? And... and the kitchen in like on the other side of the castle so it takes some time to get in here with the meal..." Merlin was trying to defend himself and his delays.
"The other servants doesn't seem to have a problem with that Merlin" Arthur pointed out, clearly having a good time with this debate.
"Yeah... but you'd... if you think that the others are so much better why don't you hire some of them then? George for example? I bet he'd love to became you man servant" Merlin asked without any worry about his job while picking up the clothes from the floor.
"Don't even joke about this Merlin" Arthur said immediately horrified just by the idea of having George as his personal man servant. George is surely a very good servant, but Arthur would rather do his own chores himself than be forced spend his days in a company of George and his jokes about brass.
Merlin chuckled pleased with proving his point that he is the best servant Arthur could ever have.
Merlin finished cleaning up the room while Arthur finished his lunch, so he could take the dishes back to the kitchen. Then finally got Gauis the herbs he asked Merlin to bring.
It's been a few days now where Lancelot tries to express romantic feelings towards Merlin. The problem was that Merlin does not seemed to view Lancelot attempts as romantic, but purely friendly. So Lancelot is becoming quite desperate.
When he tries to compliment Merlin's appearance Merlin clearly thinks that Lancelot is being just nice and nothing more. Any gift Lancelot tries to present Merlin with is view as a friendly gestures. And the knights is reaching the point where he has no idea what else he should do to show that his feelings towards Merlin are not just friendly, but quite romantic as well.
"Lancelot are you alright? You seem to be distracted" Arthur said when Lancelot was not focusing on the training like he usually does.
"Sorry Arthur... yes I am fine" Lancelot quickly smiled at the prince
"Are you sure?" the prince asked concern, because Lancelot is usually one of the best during the training.
The knight just nodded and assured the prince that everything is alright with a smile, but when he noticed Merlin going out of the armory he was unable to suppress the sigh expression his despair.
Arthur looked over his shoulder to see what Lancelot was looking at and when he saw Merlin he just had to chuckle. He now knew for sure that the feelings go both ways and that the knight liked his manservant as well.
"Lancelot, please meet me after the training in my chambers" he looked at the man
"Sire? Is something wrong?" Lancelot asked concern
"No, not at all, don't worry. Just... there is something I would wish to discuss with you, nothing more" Arthur assured him and the knight nodded
After the training ended Arthur managed to came up with something for Merlin to do to keep him out of his chambers, so he can talk to Lancelot in private.
When the knight entered his chambers Arthur
"Lancelot, please sit down" the prince said. Lancelot went and sat down at the table. The prince joined him with a pitcher of wine and two glasses and when he filled one he handed it to Lancelot.
"I should be the one doing this Arthur" Lancelot said, feeling little bit embarrassed that the prince is pouring him drink and not the other way around.
"Lancelot... I don't think there is any subtle way of talking about this, so I am going to just say it." Arthur started while pouring a wine into his goblet.
"Say what?" Lancelot asked
"You like Merlin, don't you? And I do not mean as a friend, but... you do have feelings for him, am I right?" Arthur asked calmly
Lancelot could feel himself blushing
"I... I just..." he started.
"It's alright Lancelot, don't worry. Merlin deserves a kind and caring person such is you in his life" Arthur said quickly so the knight does feel like he is in trouble.
"I do sire...like Merlin" Lancelot confirmed and Arthur smiled at hearing that
"But I don't think he feels the..." Lancelot started
"He does, trust me" Arthur assured him
"Really? He... did he say anything to you?" Lancelot asked curiously
"No" Arthur shook his head with a smile
"But I can't not see how he looks at you and also how he pretty much kicks me out of my room, just so we can go to the training grounds... where you would be" he added with a chuckle. Lancelot had to laugh a bit at hearing that.
"You have to really care about Merlin when you do not overlook things like that" he pointed out
"I... yes, he is like a little brother that I never wanted... and whom I want to kill most of the time for him getting on my nerves, but also want to protect all the time" Arthur admitted, knowing that Lancelot will not share this confession with anyone else.
Lancelot smiled at hearing that
"And because I do care about him, I want him to be happy. Long story short Lancelot, Merlin is an idiot and even thought he likes you very much he will not say anything to you or do anything about it, because he probably does not think about himself as a... let's say appropriate match for a knight... that he is not good enough... and for that very same reason he is oblivious to that you as I presume try to show an interest in him for some time now" The prince told him simply
Lancelot could not believe that Merlin could actually think he is not good enough for... well anyone, but he had to admit that this is something Merlin might do, to not see that is worth more than most of the knights in the Camelot.
"I see. Thank you, Arthur" Lancelot said gratefully
"Now I suggest you to go and tell Merlin about how you feel, he is in the armory, sharpening one of the old swords I managed to find for him to keep him busy, so we can have this conversation. No hints, no implications, just tell him, ok?" Arthur told him. Lancelot nodded and stood up
"Thank you" he said and wanted to leave the room
"Lancelot..." Arthur stopped him so the knight turned around to look at him
"If you'll hurt him... you better run and don't stop until you will cross the borders of the kingdom because there is not a place in my kingdom where I would not find you..." the prince threaten him. He maybe looked and sounded calm, but the knight knew the prince is being dead serious.
"I would never forgive myself, if I would hurt Merlin sire" Lancelot said seriously. And he would not, he would hate himself if he hurt Merlin in any way.
"Good" Arthur nodded with a slight smile.
Lancelot nodded, and left the room to find Merlin. He was not surprised by Arthur's threat, he was actually glad to see that Merlin has a master that is also being his friend that cares about him.
Lancelot indeed found Merlin in the armory. He was just putting the now sharp sword on the table.
"Hello Merlin" He said with a smile that grew bigger when Merlin turned about and when saw Lancelot smiled happily.
"Hi" Merlin said
"Merlin, do you have a moment? I would need to talk to you about something"
"Sure. About what?" Merlin smiled
Lancelot went closer to him, not wanting to make his love confession while standing on the other side of the room
"Merlin. You are the most amazing person I have ever met. You do so much for the others without expecting anything in return. You would do anything for the people in your life. I have never met anyone like you and... Merlin I like you... a lot" he said, while looking in Merlin's beautiful blue eyes
"W-what?" Merlin asked confused, thinking he must be misunderstand what the most noble knight in Camelot is saying.
"No hints, no implications, just tell him, ok?" Lancelot heard Arthur's words in his mind
"I love you Merlin"
Merlin was not saying anything, too shock for that
"Merlin?" Lancelot asked slightly concern and made a stop closer to him
"W-why would you... I am just a servant and..." he started to studded
"Merlin..." Lancelot shook his head, not letting Merlin continue in that ridiculous sentence.
"I would feel the same whether you would be a king or just a servant. As long as it would be you... your personality... your laugh... your stubbornest" he continued, with a little chuckle at the end of that sentence.
Merlin could not help himself and giggled quietly.
"May I hope then that you're feeling... something towards me as well?" Lancelot asked hopefully and Merlin nodded quickly
"I do. For some time, but I never thought that... like I said, me being just a servant and you..." Merlin started
"None of that matters at all Merlin" Lancelot shook his head and leaned closer to kiss the other man. Merlin made a shocked noise, but immediately kissed Lancelot back. He could feel his cheeks turning to pink at the realization that the man of his dreams is kissing him, and even that he did imagine how it might feel like, more than once, the reality is a thousand times better.
"Oh... sorry I didn't know..." Someone said, making the men end the kiss. Merlin now with his cheeks not pink, but bright red looked at Leon standing in the door frame. The captain of the knights mumbled an apology and quickly walked/ran out of the room.
Lancelot laughed a bit at that and Merlin, still blushing, joined him.
"Do you have any other duties for today?" Lancelot looked back at Merlin and gently stroke his cheek with his thumb. Merlin shook his head
"Not until the evening when I have to bring Arthur his dinner" he said
"Would you want to go for a stroll in the forest then?" Lancelot suggested. Knowing that Merlin does like the forest quite a lot.
The servant nodded eagerly and smiled at the knight
When they left the armory Lancelot took Merlin's hand in his
"Lancelot! There are people" Merlin pointed out and wanted to let go of his hand, but Lancelot did not let him
"So?" he smiled
"What would they think of you? You, with a servant?" Merlin said
"They are probably going to wonder how I managed to be so lucky to be able to hold your hand" Lancelot said with a smile and Merlin blushed.
"Merlin, accept that you being a servant does not make you lesser in any way, alright? And if anyone would think that, tell me... or Arthur and I assure you that whoever would think that will regret that thought very much"
Merlin did not know what to say to that, so he just smiled. And blushed again when Lancelot leaned to him and kissed him on a cheek while they were walking.
Arthur saw them while looking out of his window and was happy to see that Lancelot's confesion went clearly well, consider that him and Merlin are walking hand in hand.
