RULES- Gwaine, BBC Merlin

SIX.

Grunts echoed across the Great Hall, scrubbing back and forth, back and forth as both Merlin and Gwaine sat. Both had the same unimpressed expression.

Aggressively cleaning the boot, Gwaine stopped to rest his cramped and crippled fingers. ''Arthur is a thoroughbred little braggart!''

''Why?''

''For making us do this.'' He stated, matter of factly, staring at Merlin with incredulity.

Merlin shrugged, continuing his cleaning. He was privy to Arthur's long ending and tiring tasks and this felt no different to many of his punishments. ''I think it's fair''

''For the entire army?!'' Waving his hands up, he picked up the instruments and continued with his task. Perhaps letting his wandering mind to a certain Princess, wondering what she was doing whilst he was getting well acquainted with that of the tavern.

''If you admitted your father was a knight, you wouldn't have to!''

This was out of the question. Nobility? Nothing but aristocratic power-hungry people, happy to exploit those around them. Except one, of course.

''Maybe. But I'm not making the same mistakes that he did. Anyway, my father always treated his servants well.''

Merlin was confused here, attempting to think back to previous conversations they'd partaken in. '' I thought you didn't know him.''

Gwaine aggressively scrubbed a boot, the loss of his father still strong despite the meeting between the two never coming to be. ''Well I like to think he did!'' His aggressive scrubbing ceased here, softening as heels hit stone, making its way towards the door.

''What about yours?''

A sombre tone hit here. Washing over the pair in a deep trance. Bereavement hanging heavy in the air.

''No, he didn't have any servants. He didn't have...well...anyone.''

Aphrodite entered here, catching the end of the conversation and rather than interrupting, she gathered the deep sapphire of her skirts before perching at the bottom of the stairs. She picked up a brush and joined in with the task. Somehow, she was more beautiful than the last time he'd seen her. Her skin glowed in the sunlight that poured from the windows, dancing across her skin in a light, choreographed dance. The deep blues fell delicately, lighter blues of ribbon tying her corset up. She truly was Aphrodite. But her kindness, it radiated from her as she joined the task, the look of true sympathy swimming in the cerulean of her eyes. She knew much of the late Dragonlord and she too, wished that Merlin had spent time with his Father. Eliana knew far too well the gaping hole of missing a parent. The feeling of loss. Of drowning.

Clearing his throat, Gwaine moved his eyes away from Eliana and continued in his conversation. ''When did he die?''

''About a year ago. I just wish that I had the chance to know him better. So much he could've taught me.'' Merlin looked down to Eliana, both sharing the same thought. Knowing, that Balinor would've nurtured his son's great talents, share in the magic of... magic.

''But you did get to meet him.''

''Yeah.''

Gwaine spared a glance to Eliana, her brow furrowed in concentration, scrubbing with determination. Aphrodite truly was something he'd never met before. Selfless. Clever. Beautiful.

''If there's one thing that I learned from my father's life, is that titles don't mean anything. It's what's inside...'' He slapped Merlin's knee (who hissed in pain) ''that counts.''

''I don't know, Gwaine. I know many a knight who possess the fine qualities... of a massive pig head!''

''Sir Darius has been bothering you again?!''

Scoffing, Eliana (Medusa) threw her brush down. Vipers exploding round her. ''He tried to give me flowers! Disgustingly smelly flowers. He won't leave me alone! And besides, I prefer daisies.''

She took a side glance to Gwaine, who's look of jealousy melted away and matched her look of adoration. Aphrodite appeared from Medusa's icy grip.

At this, the sound of Arthur's yells summoned Merlin from afar, who left the blossoming lovers together. Scrubbing.

''Now what's a Princess like you cleaning boots with the likes of me?''

Shuffling up and taking Merlin's seat (perhaps...to get closer to him, but she'd deny this). ''Maybe I enjoy cleaning boots for the entire army.''

''Maybe. Or maybe you wanted to see me again.'' He winked.

''You flatter yourself!''

They fell into a comfortable silence, slowly without noticing, leaning closer and closer together. Shoulders brushing together, knees touching. The rope of connection pulling them tighter and tighter together. Destinies intertwined.

''I've read so many books. Stories of dragons, magic, adventure. I've never experienced it.''

Gwaine turned and looked into her eyes, stopping his movements. ''It sometimes gets lonely.''

Gripping his hand Eliana shuffled closer, cerulean of the deepest ocean, meeting the deep umber of his eyes intense emotion swimming beneath. ''You should stay here.''

Curling a flyaway curl from the twist of her plaits that twisted behind her head, Gwaine held his thumb to her cheek. ''I've never been very good at fitting in.''

He swore she nuzzled into his hand.

''Maybe, but neither have I.''

They continued to hold the stare that they usually held. Stars twinkling. The sun danced around in them in a glittering spotlight and the world stopped its spinning. Destiny. They leaned forward, noses brushing against each other and their hot breaths hitting their cheeks. The shadows of their faces were closer than they'd ever been, Gwaine could smell her honey sweet breath. He gazed at her expression of aesthetic delight, losing himself in it.

His brow cleared, and his eyes turned to honeyed fire as they drifted down to her lips, which, Eliana noted, were now parted. It was like her body was this traitor, acting without her brain's permission. But when Gwaine dipped his head down and pressed his mouth to hers, his rough stubble scratching against her chin in the most delicious way, her brain shut up entirely. His arms wrapped around her waist, cinching her to him. She wound her hands into his hair, as she'd wanted to do since the first time she'd seen him. His hair curled around her fingers, silky and fine. Her heart was hammering, and there was a rushing sound in her ears, like beating wings. His lips softened. She could feel the rapid beat of his heart, taste the sweetness of apples on his mouth.

In that kiss was the sweetness of passion, a million loving thoughts condensed into a moment.

A/N: they kissed! Yes it seems early but I'm bad at slow burn and I thought with their instant connection and chemistry, a slow burn wouldn't fit. I've never written a kiss scene before so I hope it was adequate!