Gwaine (Merlin 3)

Chapter 2

Cleaning Shoes

 “It’s very hard to work out if you’re eating that soup, or inhaling it.” Gaius raised an eyebrow as Merlin slurped the soup from his spoon again and again and Kiara laughed at his words. It was such an apt way of describing the speed at which he was eating.

“I haven’t had anything all day. Sir Oswald had me at his beck and call.” Merlin complained, and Kiara’s smile turned sympathetic. She’d seen him struggling with the knights heavy belongings, as he had to carry them up seven flights of stairs.

“How is he?” Gaius asked, and Merlin huffed angrily.

“Awful! He treats me like dirt,” he replied, and she frowned lightly. This was another reason why she disliked nobility and royalty, they all seemed to forget that their servants were people too.

“That doesn’t sound like the man I knew,” Gaius answered, confusion in his voice. “He always struck me as a rather kind and thoughtful soul.”

“Maybe he’s been possessed by a goblin,” Kiara grinned, remembering that happening to Gaius just a few weeks ago.

“Don’t even joke about that,” Merlin muttered darkly, having been responsible for releasing the creature in the first place. “He must have changed!”

“You must remember though, not all masters are as good to their servants as Arthur,” Gaius told them, and Merlin spat out a mouthful of soup all over Gaius’ face. Kiara burst into laughter, as he wiped away the green liquid from his face.

“Thank you, Merlin.” He muttered sarcastically.

“Sorry,” he replied, his lips twitching in amusement.

There was a light knock at the door, and the three of them turned to see Gwen pushing the door open. “Merlin, Kiara I think you need to come with me.” They exchanged a confused and curious glance, but got up from the table – leaving the rest of their dinner untouched. In the end, they weren’t overly surprised when Gwen led them towards the local tavern, where Gwaine had made himself at home. He had clearly had rather a lot to drink, and Kiara watched amused as he kept on tripping over his own feet.

“You drank all this?” Merlin questioned.

“With some help from my new friends!” Gwaine replied, and the rest of the men cheered.

Kiara couldn’t help but chuckle at the huge list of drinks, and Merlin scowled at her. “This isn’t funny. I can’t afford this!” he cried out as the owner grabbed onto the front of his clothes and lifted him up.

“Well you better find someone who can.” He replied threateningly and Kiara smirked at Merlin.

“Just as well someone I know is pretty well acquainted with a certain prince then.” she answered, and he stared at her with wide eyes.

“Oh no, we can’t do that.” He replied before wandering over to where Gwaine had collapsed on the floor. “I’ll work something out.”

Together, Merlin and Kiara managed to drag the rather drunk Gwaine back to Gaius’ chambers, and he collapsed onto the bed as soon as he arrived.

“You’re the best friends I’ve ever had!” he announced.

“You seemed to have quite a few,” Merlin told him with a laugh.

“I’d love to see Arthur’s face when he gets that bill.” Gwaine grinned, earning him a gape from Merlin. Kiara couldn’t help but laugh as she realised he’d had the same idea as she had.

“Right, what is it with you and nobles?” he asked, walking round to sit on one side of the bed while Kiara perched on the other.

“Nothing,” Gwaine replied, “My father was a knight. He died in battle leaving my mother penniless. When she went to the king for help, he turned her away.” He seemed to sober up as he spoke of his past, and Merlin and Kiara instantly looked sympathetic.