Merlin one shots

Sleepy?

Arthur pulled off his boots, scattering flaked of dried mud across the newly scrubbed floor. Merlin sighed, closing the curtains and walking over, grabbing a brush from the corner. "Good evening sire."

"Evening." Arthur nodded, fiddling with his armour, before giving up in frustration. "Help me?" Merlin rushed over, helping Arthur to stand up, before undoing Arthur's belt.

"How was training today?" Arthur shook his head. "Not good?"

"I've got a bit of an injury that needs seeing to," Arthur told him, raising his arms so Merlin could take off his chainmail. "Would you take a look for me?"

"Of course." Merlin saw the blood stain on Arthur's shirt. "Looks bad. When was this?"

"About half an hour ago," Arthur guessed, sitting back on the bed.

"It's bleeding a lot. You should have come to see me."

"I know, but I was winning. And I'm here now, aren't I?" Merlin frowned. "It isn't that bad. A mere scratch." Merlin shook his head, picking up an empty fruit bowl and filling it with water, taking a clean piece of cloth and dipping it into the water. "Do I need to take my shirt off?"

"I'll help you."

"Can't you just magic it better?"

"Yes, but that won't eliminate the possibility of an infection." Merlin put the bowl of water down on the bed, Arthur raising his arms. Merlin helped with his shirt, bundling it up and putting it down on the floor. "This might sting." Arthur nodded, watching as Merlin wrung out the cloth. He winced as Merlin began to clean around the wound, however gently Merlin pressed. "Sorry."

"It's fine."

Merlin finished cleaning, and asked one of the maids to fetch a pot of honey. Merlin pressed the folded cloth onto Arthur's wound. "Can you hold that?" Arthur did as he was asked, moving slowly. "Are you feeling feverish?"

"A little. Hungry, too."

"Ah, right."

"Well, run along and fetch it then."

"I don't want to leave you alone."

Arthur shooed him away. "Go on. I'll be fine." Merlin nodded, lips pressed together, and left Arthur's rooms.

Merlin returned with two plates of food, and a jar of honey pressed under his chin. Arthur sat up slightly as Merlin came in, the smell of roast beef reaching his bed. Merlin went to put it down on the table, but Arthur shook his head. "I can't get up. Over here." Arthur beckoned with two fingers, taking a deep breath.

"You're very red."

'Hm. Put the fire out."

"Then we won't be able to see," Merlin pointed out, beginning to slice up Arthur's food.

"I know that, clever clogs, but you can magic up light orbs or whatever."

"Only if I concentrate."

"You'll have to concentrate then, won't you?" Arthur arched his eyebrow, taking another deep breath.

"I'll keep you cool." Merlin conjured up a large wet cloth, then another smaller one. He put the smaller one on Arthur's head, careful not to get it on Arthur's eyes. "I need you to sit up as much as you can."

"You're really overreacting Merlin."

"You're the one saying you can't move. Now, sit up for me." Merlin put a hand behind Arthur's neck, sliding the wet cloth under his back. "Alright?"

"Thank you Merlin."

"Eat first, then I'll patch up your injury."

"You should be ashamed of yourself sire," Merlin commented, cleaning Arthur's wound again with a cloth.

"Why?"

"You haven't even been to war, and you get an injury like this?" Merlin shook his head. "Who were you fighting?" Arthur rolled over slightly, letting Merlin finish cleaning. Merlin go the honey, pouring a little onto the cloth, dipping it into the water. "Might sting."

"I was fighting Gwaine. I think I've upset him." Merlin laughed, beginning to spread the honey onto Arthur's cut. The cut wasn't deep, but it was long, running from Arthur's belly button to the bottom of his right hip bone. "Merlin, magic it please."

"I can't. I'll bandage it, and then see what I can do. It will hurt though."

"Hurts anyway. Magic, that's an order." Merlin scowled. Arthur knew that healing charms used up a lot of energy. "Come on."

"Arthur, you know it's exhausting," Merlin complained, taking a bandage from his pocket.

"I am your king, and you will do as I ask. Now, fix it." Merlin sighed, placing his hands over the cut and muttering. Arthur felt a tingling sensation in his side, and looked down at the healed cut. "There we go. Now, is there any dessert?"

"No, sire," Merlin mumbled, head flopping down.

"You sleepy?" Merlin nodded. "Get me into my nightclothes then, and you can pop off to bed." Merlin grunted. "Merlin, what's wrong with you? Get my nightclothes from the wardrobe. Now." Merlin didn't reply, but began to breathe softly, eyes closed. "Are you asleep?" Arthur took the wet cloth from his forehead and smacked Merlin's face with it.

"Ow!"

"You're awake then. What's wrong with you?"

"Healing spells. Tires me out," Merlin said, resting his head on the edge of Arthur's pillows.

"Merlin? Get off." Arthur slapped Merlin again, Merlin jolting awake.

"Sorry, sire." Merlin got clumsily to his feet, clutching at Arthur's bedposts for support. "I'm just a little hungry. And I've had a long day."

"Well then," Arthur said, leaning close to Merlin. "Get me changed, to bed, and then you can get yourself dinner, and have a nice rest." Merlin moved away, nodding.

"Yes. Sorry." Merlin took out Arthur's nightshirt from the wardrobe, unfolding it. "Arms up."

Merlin was arranging Arthur's pillows, Arthur scribbling at his writing desk. "Now Merlin. Knighting ceremony tomorrow, and then a banquet in the evening. I need my armour and ceremonial sword cleaned. Oh, and I'll take a bath first thing tomorrow." Merlin nodded wearily, folding back Arthur's bedspread.

"Ready." Arthur replaced his quill in the desk, rising from his chair. Merlin waited for him to climb into the bed, before pulling up the covers, the soft blankets resting on Arthurs chest. Merlin yawned.

"Seriously though, are you alright Merlin?" Merlin nodded, yawning again. "Off to bed then." Arthur nodded toward the door.

"Goodnight sire." Merlin sank down to his knees, putting his head back on the mattress.

"Merlin!" Merlin woke up again, blinking.

"Oh, sorry, but I just, my bed is being used by Gaius, and I'm so sleepy." Arthur pushed Merlin off, Merlin snapping back to life. "And this is so comfortable ans soft."

"That's because I'm the king, Merlin. Remember?" Merlin nodded slowly. "Although I do need you well rested. Take a pillow." Arthur lifted his head, taking out a soft feather pillow for Merlin.

"Thank you sire." Arthur wacked Merlin in the stomach with the cushion. Merlin gasped for air, frowning.

"So where are you sleeping?"

"Floor," Merlin replied, tucking the pillow under his arm. Arthur bit down on his lip, thinking. "Are you alright?"
"Fine. Um, do you want to use one of the guest chambers? If you don't have a bed."
"They're all full. Guests."
"Of course. Well, goodnight then."
"Goodnight." Merlin began to walk away, pillow held firmly under his arm.