Merlin's Son: A Tale old as Time • Merthur

4 - A Baby's Cry for his Father

Gwaine's POV

     So, having saved the Prince of Camelot in a normal, everyday fight in a tavern... He is now in the Citadel, in the castle itself, with the most unlikeliest of company. The fact that Merlin had a son was something else. He had only known the man for a few hours yet he felt like they would know each other for a long time to come. When Merlin said who's baby it was, Gwaine could see the trust, the risk that Merlin was having to go through to tell him.

"How...?"

Gwaine raised an eyebrow when Merlin smirked in response, amusement in his eyes. "Gwaine... Do we need to have the talk?" Merlin teased and Gwaine coughed out of shock, as Merlin continued with a grin, "When two people love each other..."

There was a knock on the door just as Gwaine was about to chuck something at Merlin to make him shut up. Merlin froze. "Who is it?"

"It's me, Gaius. The Prince is on his way." Gaius stated and Gwaine watched in concern as Merlin contemplated what to do with his Son. Gaius had an idea, though.

"Merlin, behind your wardrobe there is a secret passage way out of the castle. Step in it and wait till Arthur leaves. I will say you are out collecting herbs. Go!" Gaius said waving Merlin off and all Gwaine could do was stare as the scene played out before him. He watched as Merlin disappeared with his child, just in time as Arthur opened the door.

"I see you're awake, that is good to know." Arthur said with a grin and Gwaine sighed. "I did not know who you were when I saved you -" Arthur put his hand up to silence Gwaine, who frowned in annoyance and confusion.

"Where's Merlin, Gaius?" Arthur questioned and Gwaine's eyes widened slightly, before looking at Gaius. Arthur followed Gwaine's eyes and stared at Gaius expectantly. "He is running an errand for me, Sire, why do you ask?" Arthur was about to reply when he heard a soft, very faint cry.

"Did you hear that?" Arthur questioned with concern and Gwaine swore inwardly. He knew for a fact if Arthur knew Merlin had a son... Well... It wouldn't go down well. Thinking quickly, he came up with a terrible, terrible excuse.

"Yes, that was my stomach. Ergh, I'm just starving!" Gwaine said loudly and cheerfully, maybe a little too cheerfully as Arthur looked at Gwaine with suspicion. "Gwaine? What's going on?"

"The fact that I'm hungry and in need to go to the tavern? Not much." Gwaine said convincingly. Arthur still looked uncertain, Gwaine thought he had got away with it when they heard a much louder cry, something that surprised Gaius the most as he did not know that Leo would be able to make such a noise. What happened to Merlin? Surely Leo was with Merlin, right? Gwaine thought, frowning.

"I demand that you both tell me what is going on right now!" Arthur said with authority and clearly he wasn't in the right mood to be messed around with.

Gaius sighed. They couldn't keep Leo a secret forever. But, they could bend the truth a little. "There is a baby in the castle, Sire -" Gwaine groaned out loud. Merlin was screwed. Not in the good way, either. "Gaius, don't!" Gwaine warned but it was clear Gaius had already made up his mind.

"It is family to me, Sire... I was babysitting and told Merlin to take him out of the castle for a walk, to collect ingredients. I don't know why the child would cry like that, unless -" Gaius didn't need to finish his sentence, as Arthur finished it for him.

"Unless something has happened to Merlin.  Thank you for being honest with me, Gaius. Now, in which way did you send him?"

Arthur's Point of view

       Now, as he opened the trapped door, all Arthur was worried about was Merlin. He didn't necessarily believe Gaius, but he let it go at this point in time... The door creaked open, like it hadn't been used in about a decade. Was this really safe? Why didn't Gaius just tell Merlin to use the window?  Arthur pulled a face as he walked through cobwebs, he followed the sound of the baby crying, being careful to watch his step. Where did this secret passage way even lead? How did Merlin get lost, it was literally a straight line. Wonders never cease. He thought.

The crying got louder so he knew he was close to the child. He took a few more steps and sighed with relief as he saw the baby looking in perfect health. Arthur picked him up carefully and smiled when the child stopped crying, looking at him a little confused. Who does he remind me of?

"I'm Prince Arthur, little one!" Arthur spoke, letting his guard down he spoke in a baby voice and smiled when the baby giggled and blew raspberries at him. Arthur raised his eyebrows, amusement in his eyes. "You know, you shouldn't do that to me," He said with a grin, rocking the baby in his arms.

"Now where is Merlin, huh?" He spoke to the baby and to himself. I hope he hasn't gone and hurt himself. If he is injured... I wouldn't know what to do. Arthur blinked once when the child giggled, pointing down. As I looked down, frowning, my eyes widened when I saw a break in the stone floor. Had Merlin fell? Fell where? Arthur crouched down, in attempt to move the tile. He managed to lift it away from him and his eyes widened. It lead to the cave where the Dragon had once been held.

"MERLIN!" Arthur shouted as loud as he possibly could.

Arthur.... Can you hear me? Arthur frowned deeply, looking around, unsure how he could hear Merlin yet Merlin did not reply out loud to him. Yes? Where are you? He questioned with concern. In the cave. I fell but do not worry. I'm not hurt. Arthur took a sigh of relief. Thank Camelot for that. I wasn't worried... He responded jokingly and even though he wasn't face to face, he could practically hear Merlin's scoff. Have you got Leo? Is he okay? Arthur was about to nod in reply when he realised Merlin wouldn't be able to see. Yes, he is fine. Now, can you get out, or do you need a hand? A hand to hold, maybe? Arthur finished his own thought off, not realising that Merlin heard every word. I'll be fine, thank you, Arthur. Take Leo back to Gaius, would you? I think I have found another way out.

Arthur went without a second thought. Well... Until he realised they had just been communicating through their minds...

~Edited 21/10/19