Merlin one shots

Safe

"Merlin, I don't think it's safe for you to go back to your own room tonight," Arthur decided.
"Oh?"
"Well, I just mean, what with what happened earlier. The attack. Might be dangerous." Merlin nodded.
"Thank you sire." He returned to setting Arthur's dinner table.
"I'll get more guards posted outside and in the square. Have you eaten?"
"No."
"Well, you'd better set yourself a place at the table. I'll fetch someone to bring up dinner."

Merlin nodded. He was, as Arthur realised, a little shaken after the attack. He and Gwaine had been ambushed in the woods, Gwaine escaping, Merlin returning to Camelot beaten and bruised. Arthur had immediately had him treated- Gaius was away, but Arthur had a new temporary physician who patched Merlin up nicely.

"Merlin? Chicken or beef?" Arthur opened the door, stepping back inside.
"I'm sorry?"
"For dinner. Chicken or beef?"
"I get a choice?" Arthur nodded.
"Chicken, I suppose." Arthur nodded.
"Do you need anything else? A drink maybe?"
"I have a drink."
"Wine?"
"Wine. Yes, sure." Merlin smiled as Arthur closed the door again.

"This is delicious," Merlin remarked, wolfing down his food. Arthur just stared at him, sipping on his wine. "Thank you."
"Fit for a king," Arthur joked, smiling. Merlin smiled back.

"Dessert?" Arthur offered, finishing his drink.
"Is it a special occasion?" Arthur shrugged.
"Not particularly. But there's fresh cream cake, and the blueberry harvest just came in," Arthur offered.
"Blueberries?" Arthur nodded.
"I'll have some brought up."

"So where are we sleeping?" Merlin looked at Arthur's bed.
"It's big enough for both of us," Arthur confirmed. "Although, if you prefer, I can get another mattress brought up?"
"It's a bit late for rearranging furniture. I'll bunk with you if that's alright?" Arthur nodded.
"Of course. Make yourself comfortable." Arthur gestured to the bed. "Do you have a night shirt or something?"
"Not with me."
"Take one from the wardrobe."

Someone knocked on the door the Arthur's chambers. "Come in," Arthur called. The door opened, and a maid walked in, a large bowl of blueberries in one hand, a jug of cream in the other. "Ah, excellent." The maid bobbed slightly before leaving the room. "You want some Merlin?"

"These are incredible," Merlin said, juice dripping down his chin. "So sweet and ripe."
"Cream of the crop. Reserved just for me," Arthur bragged, taking another from the bowl. "And you," he added. Merlin grinned. "More wine?"

Merlin turned his back away from Arthur as he undressed, bundling up his shirt and picking up the one Arthur had given him. He slipped it over his head, the fabric soft and silky. He removed his shoes tucking them into a corner. Then he climbed into Arthur's bed, staying close to the edge.

"Merlin?" Arthur rolled over. "Are you cold?"
"No sire."
"You're bloody freezing Merlin. Cone on, come under the covers a bit more." Merlin obeyed, shuffling a little closer to Arthur. "How are you feeling?"
"My arm hurts," Merlin stated.
"I'm sorry to hear that. Let's hope it's better by the morning." Merlin nodded.

"Merlin, you know I invited you to stay for a reason?"
"Did you?" Arthur nodded, moving closer to Merlin.
"Yes I did." Merlin tensed up slightly, but then melted as Arthur leaned over and claimed a kiss.

"Sire, I don't know-"
"I'm sorry if that was out of order," Arthur apologised.
"No, it was, it was amazing. But really?" Arthur nodded. "No, it's a bet or something. You and Sir Leon maybe?"
"There's no bet Merlin."
"You're just mocking me. I know you are. You know I like you, so you-" Arthur cut him off.
"Merlin, you really think I'd give up half my bed, give you the finest foods, lend you a night shirt, for the sake of a joke?" Merlin nodded.

"Oh Merlin. You think I would be that cruel?"
"You're allowed to do stuff like that. You're the king." Arthur lifted Merlins chin, forcing Merlin to look into his eyes.
"Just because I'm the king, it doesn't mean I'm a bully." Merlin nodded in understanding. "I love you." Merlin coughed, choking himself slightly.
"What?"
"I said I love you, you turnip. God knows why." Merlin just blushed, stuttering.
"You love me?"
"Yes, I think we clarified that.  Now, get some sleep. I've got a hard day's work for you tomorrow." Arthur kissed Merlin again, shuffling closer. Merlin moved into Arthur's body, feeling the warmth, enjoying the soft pillows. "And you'd do well to get used to this."