Merlin one shots

A small taste

"Merlin? Taste this for me." Arthur was sat at the table in his room, Merlin fixing blankets on the bed.
"I beg your pardon?"
"You heard me. Get over here." Arthur slid the plate across to Merlin, along with a fork.
"Well, it's your cake."
"Would you see me poisoned Merlin?" Arthur raised an eyebrow at Merlin.
"No sire. Of course not." Merlin scraped a small amount onto the fork, putting it into his mouth. Instantly, the layers melted in his mouth, the sweetness of the cream mixing with the sour raspberry.

"Is it safe?" Merlin handed the bowl back to Arthur.
"That's delicious." Arthur put the bowl in front of himself, wiping the spoon on his tunic.
"Yes, but is it safe?" Merlin nodded. "Well, you aren't dead yet. I'll give it five minutes." Arthur handed Merlin his cup.
"This too?"
"Yes. That too. In fact, why don't you sit down?" Arthur pushed the chair opposite himself out with a foot.
"I feel I really shouldn't."
"You can, and you will. As I ask, Merlin. Sit." Merlin obediently sat down, sitting forward in the chair so as not to disrupt the sheepskin on the chair. "Relax. And drink."
Merlin tentatively picked up the goblet, taking a sip.

"Tastes fine. The cake should be good too." Merlin turned to stand up.
"Hm. Fancy a slice?"
"Oh, I couldn't possibly. It was for you." Arthur pulled the cake towards himself, cutting a large chunk for Merlin.
"Well I'm hardly going to eat it all myself, am I?" He haphazardly put the slice onto his empty dinner plate, crumbs spilling everywhere.
"I suppose not sire." Arthur passed Merlin the plate, along with a spoon. "Thank you."

"I'm still a little hungry. You in the mood for strawberries?"
"I don't need any more food sire. Besides, where would I find strawberries?" Merlin laughed.
"The palace gardens keep a ready supply." Arthur shrugged, taking another drink of wine.
"Yes, in a cage kept under lock and key."
"Ah, but you forget Merlin. I have that key." Arthur slid the keyoff his belt, waggling it under Merlin's nose to prove it. "Come on."

Arthur handed Merlin a cape: a rich, dark velvet tied with silk ribbon. Arthur tied one around himself, checking his sword in its hilt. "Let's go." Arthur ducked out of his chamber door, taking a torch from the wall.

As he and Merlin were crossing the square, a group of guards was also crossing. "Halt. Show yourselves," Percival said, Merlin and Arthur stopping. Arthur turned around, taking his hood down. "My lord, I'm sorry, I didn't realise you..."
"My fault entirely," Arthur conceded, smiling.
"You shouldn't be out so late sire."
"We're just going to the gardens. Fetching some fresh strawberries in." Arthur nodded, turning to leave. "Sleep well Percival."

Arthur slid the key into the lock, twisting it. The lock clicked open, Arthur pushing open the small gate. There were wire walls on all sides, and a roof. Arthur took out a basket from under his cape. "Take whatever you want. Strawberries, fresh currants, apples." Merlin began to fill his basket, smiling.

"How come you get all the nice food?" Arthur and Merlin were back in Arthur's chambers, Merlin gorging himself on the ripe, juicy fruit as Arthur sat watching.
"I am the king, Merlin. As you seem to forget."
"Well, you do seem to enjoy reminding me." Merlin bit into an apple, the juice running down his chin. Arthur just smiled.

"Merlin?" Arthur was lying in bed, reading a book as Merlin rushed around his chambers. "Relax. Here, come sit by me."
"Do you need something sire?"
"Only your company, Merlin. Come, lie with me awhile." Arthur nodded to the bed beside himself.
"Sire, I don't really think that's appropriate." Arthur blinked.
"You don't get it Merlin, do you?"
"Get what?"
"I love you," Arthur murmured, low enough that Merlin had to strain to hear. He dropped the plate he was polishing, it landing with a clatter by his feet.
"What?"
"I love you. Even though you're, you know, you, and I'm me." Merlin just blinked, remaining silent.
"You love me?" Arthur bit his lip, hard, and nodded.
"Do you love me?" Arthur whispered, his words barely carrying to Merlin, who had moved to by his bed. Merlin nodded, smiling.
"Is this a joke?"
"No."
"Prove it."

At that, Arthur knelt up on the bed, eyes in line with Merlin's, and caught his lips in a mind-melting kiss. Merlin's eyes widened, and then closed, as Arthur moved against him, lips hot, skin smelling like vanilla and strawberries. Arthur stood up, putting a hand on Merlin's back and pulling him closer.

"Come on then. Into bed." Arthur pulled back the covers, Merlin working off his own shirt. Arthur slipped his off easily, Merlin setting eyes on his abs, his chest, and fell into the bed.

"So Merlin," Arthur panted, lips swollen and red from the kissing. "You've been eating all my nice food all evening. How about you eat something else?" Merlin grinned, Arthur moving closer to him.
"I'd be honoured, my lord."