Warlock in the Iron Mask

Chapter Seven

Arthur could feel the tension in Merlin as they slowly made their way back to the Physician's Quarters.

When they were finally out of earshot from others, Merlin pushed him away and glared at him. "I don't even know what happened, Arthur. Does the King really expect me to go upstairs and have dinner with you three? What the heck does he expect me to talk about? I don't even have clothes for that. I can't properly function at a dinner table. Arthur, I can't do it. I can't go up there. There's got to be a way to change his mind."

It was clear that Merlin was going to work himself into a panic attack just as it was also clear that once his father set his mind to something nothing short of a miracle would change it. "I'll be there with you, it won't be so bad." Arthur tried to reassure him.

"What do I wear, Arthur? I can't wear this."

"You can borrow some of my clothes from when I was younger. They'll probably fit you." Arthur suggested.

"Ugh." Was Merlin's response to that idea, "Fine. You're right, I can't say no to a King." He sat down with a sigh.

Arthur reached over and stroked his neck gently without thinking.

It seemed to have a positive effect on Merlin who leaned into him. "Feels...that's nice." Merlin murmured. His neck was awfully sore and it was nice to be able to freely move it again. What was he upset about again? Arthur's fingers felt rather marvelous.

Arthur sat down beside Merlin on the bed and arranged himself slightly. "Let me?" He coaxed gently.

Merlin nodded. "Please."

Arthur smiled to himself and let his thumbs start working into Merlin's neck. "Tell me if it hurts too much." He was trying to be gentle and at the same time realized this was probably the worst idea he'd ever had. Being this close to Merlin, massaging his neck ... he really was a masochist. But that's what he proceeded to calmly do. He gently massaged and worked his fingers up and down his neck, and his shoulders until finally the tension slipped away.

"Aaarthur..." Merlin whispered softly. He didn't even realize he'd spoken aloud. The massage was doing wonders for his upper body and tense muscles began to relax.

His name on Merlin's lips... just like that. Arthur grinned.

Then Merlin titled his head back and rested it on Arthur's shoulder. His lips parted and he gasped slightly when Arthur's fingers kneaded a particularly sore muscle. "Arthur!" he whimpered and licked his lips.

The damn mask made it impossible to look into Merlin's eyes to find out what he wanted. "Can I kiss you?" Arthur felt humble asking but he couldn't do it abruptly or he might ruin the progress they'd made. He did not stop what he was doing and continued to work on Merlin's shoulders.

Merlin didn't answer right away. It took him a very long time to respond to the point where Arthur wasn't even sure he'd heard the question. He had heard the question. He'd also said before that he wasn't ready to deal with Arthur like that. He knew he wasn't ready but his body was. Maybe if he just shut off his emotions like during... that time. Maybe he could handle it, just this once. The taste of Arthur's lips would be worth a little pain, a little fear. Wouldn't they? Eventually there was a breathy response. "Yes."

That was all the encouragement Arthur needed. He adjusted their positions very slightly and lowered his head. His heart pounded with anticipation, he didn't know what to expect, what it would be like, it was like all of his fantasies converged on him at once. Their lips met.

And it was heaven. Arthur's whole body felt like it had suddenly been lit up. It was a soft gentle thing, the kiss at first but then Merlin opened his mouth and invited him in with a gentle whine. He'd kissed people before but it was nothing compared to this. He was afraid to grip Merlin too hard so he simply held the back of his neck gently and was thrilled when he felt fingers in his hair. Merlin sucked on his tongue and he groaned from the intensity of it. He couldn't help the urgent sounds that he made and he wanted to feel more but he was afraid of hurting Merlin. He gave a sharp gasp of surprise when he felt Merlin move his free hand and place it between his legs. Arthur broke the kiss and panted gently against Merlin's lips. "Do you really want?" Arthur had to be sure.