Actions

Work Header

Why are you walking with a limp?

Chapter 5

Notes:

I've started to write it yesterday because I've always wanted to write smutty Merthur, today I realised if I'm making it into one chapter it will be a really-really long one.
So, I've decided to split it into two.

Chapter Text

Though Arthur felt like he was burning up- he could all but feel the lightning flaring beneath his skin - his eyes were cool and fixed unmoving on the road, for the whole time back to Camelot

The scene of Gwaine touching and kissing Merlin wormed straight to the center of his mind, taunting him, refusing to leave.

The most puzzling part of it was that it made no sense. Why should he care what company Merlin kept? It was no affair of his. He knew he had no right to poke his nose in Merlin’s personal life.

He didn't understand how things could get so out of his hands any more than he could understand why.

Why Gwaine’s attentions to Merlin did vex him so much?

Arthur felt at complete loss.

It didn't make sense.

But that didn’t stop his hand to grab the reigns in a white-knuckled grip as -Gwaine’s hands resting so possessively on Merlin’s hips, his mouth touching Merlin’s lips-overwhelmed his vision over and over again, making his stomach twists into tight, slick knots.

He was married and in love with his wife.

There had to be some explanation.

And there was Gwen’s sudden departure to Ealdor to add into the bargain.

~ ~***~~

Arthur recalled that Gwen was telling him she wanted to visit Merlin’s mother. Then giving Arthur a kiss on his cheek, she ensured him about her love and that she will always be his queen, no matter what. And with a small smile, she murmured something about giving him his chance and her consent to find a way to his true love.

What the hell was that? Supposedly, he might not have heard it right, because he was still half asleep.

******
The second time he woke, it was to Merlin’s stupid ‘rise and shine’, that left him frowning into his pillow.

‘’Merlin," he whined, rapidly descending into a sulky toddler and not caring one bit because it only seemed to creep out if he was with Merlin. His nose buried into his pillow, he tried to indulge himself with a promise of five more minutes of sleep… until Merlin started to bubble about his duties.

‘’ Merlin!’’ He tried again, interrupting Merlin’s rant with a painful twitch-- all too well used to his manservant's morning’s word-vomiting.

‘’Hmmm? Yeah...Where was I?”

And because Merlin was an insolent brat and totally ignorant to his King’s wishes, he came over, stole Arthur's cover, and gave his royal shoulder a not too gentle squeeze.

‘’Come on Arthur, wake up, the time for sleep is over.’’ Merlin shouted loud enough for the dead to rise. Which made Arthur groan and flop over onto his back, all the while cursing Merlin with everything he got.

‘’Leave me be.’’ He groaned in pain, peaking up with one eye.

‘’Yes, sure, whatever you say.’’ The cheeky bastard said with a treasures laugh.

Did he really ever let himself on, that in their relationship it was Merlin who was his servant?

When Arthur opened his eyes fully; it was to see Merlin looking down at him, arching one expectant brow with a fond smile playing on his lips.

And though, Arthur usually tried to push that fact aside, he could admit as much, that over the years he developed a slight addiction to that ridiculous smile. The one, that managed to transform Merlin’s whole face into something soft and shining. The one, that made Arthur smile back and though he was aware of how fond he must've looked, he couldn’t bring himself to care. Well... at least, not until his brain fired up enough to connect the dots, and make him acknowledge his status.

So he threw his pillow at Merlin, then fussed and glared angrily at him through the entire dressing routine. After that, he made him go through again the list of his meetings while shoveling his breakfast into his mouth. Eager at the prospect of a delay, he was hoping for Merlin to spill something on him as he usually did. But miraculously Merlin, incorrigibly clumsy Merlin, on this morning, decided to be a faint example of a good servant. Though Arthur made sure to check his garment profusely, twice, being strongly disbelieved, there was no spill.

Then no matter how Arthur frowned, Merlin - whose heart certainly was made of stone- with a small push on Arthur's arm, made them head for the council room.

So, how is it that from that utterly normal, domestic morning this day became a complete chaos? Arthur wondered, bringing himself back to the present.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When they entered Arthur’s chamber-- more precisely, Arthur stormed in and Merlin followed--Arthur tried to undress with jerky movements, letting half his armor fall from his body like a discarded half of a shell. Giving up, he stood before the window and rubbed his temples with anger.

Patience might not usually be one of Arthur’s virtues, but what he lacked in that regard; he made it up in sheer stubbornness, while he tried to get rid of his armor on his own again.

Letting out a long sight, Merlin stepped up behind him, touching a hand to Arthur's shoulders to loosen the straps. ‘’You want to tell me what just happened out there?’’

‘’I don’t need your service this evening.’’ Arthur shot back, quickly and fiercely shaking Merlin's fingers off after he removed his armor.

Merlin felt the Pendragon temper rise.

Maybe It’d be a huge surprise to everybody else in Camelot, but Merlin, being the sole witness, was well used to the occasions when their cool headed, considerate, stoic King recessed into an overgrown, sulky child. And as Merlin came to realize, he had an enormous soft spot for that child. Because that part of Arthur was open and straightforward, brutally honest, compassionate and trusting... though a great deal intrusive and utterly selfish. Something about those qualities appealed to Merlin, and it wasn't the fact, that he knew, he was the only one ever allowed to watch. Okay, maybe that was a part of it.

‘’Why are you so pissed?’’

Arthur whirled back on him and snapped. ‘’I’m not pissed, yet. Believe me, you’ll know when I’ll be. Right now, I’m just asking you to leave.’’

And even though Merlin's own bubbling temper which was warring with amusement, it was fascinating to watch Arthur simmer and spew like an angry cat. Struggling to keep his face composed, Merlin tilted his head.

‘’What’s wrong Arthur? Why are you like some fire-breathing Amazon…man ?’’

Arthur shut his eyes, evidently fighting back his rage. He looked like a volcano trying to cap itself. After a few seconds, he opened his eyes and fixed his gaze on Merlin. The swirling fury in those blues buckled Merlin's knees. Alright..So much for a try.

When Arthur shifted into his path, Merlin was genuinely surprised.

‘’What is with you men and blocking my way today?’’ Merlin asked half annoyed and half curious.

………………..................................................................................................

‘’It doesn’t bother you, being stared and drooled over like that?’’ Arthur asked suddenly, out of the air.

The question was so unexpected Merlin took a slow, deliberate breath before he answered.

‘’Not especially.’’ He said slowly, gnawing on his lower lip, pretending to think some more about it.

Gwen does the same thing with her lips, but when she does, I’m not distracted at all. How is that? Arthur mused with a fleeting thought.

‘’So, you enjoy it.’’ He snapped annoyed, and he knew he was prodding where he'd no right. He knew that much, but he couldn’t stop.

Someone has to be calm, Merlin told himself. Obviously, the way Arthur’s eyes were blazing it must be him. So, he only lifted a brow to that ridiculous statement.

‘’And if you enjoy it, you’d allow and you’d enjoy their –-‘’ Arthur broke off, staggered by what had nearly come out of his mouth. He’d had no idea it was in there.

Merlin didn’t so much as flinch. His chin rose in a gesture Arthur now recognized as an indicator of his temper simmering. But he stared at Arthur with cool and blank eyes.

‘’Now that you brought it up...’’ Merlin let it trail off with a lazy, careless shrug, despite the anger streaking through him. ‘’Though I fail to see how is that a business of yours.’’

Arthur caught the tone and with a glance the martial look in Merlin eyes.

‘’It’s not.’’ He barked. ’’Unless you behave like a man whore, because you’d better get it through that thick head of yours... That you are my manservant.’’

For an instant Arthur saw hurt mixing with rage in those too blue eyes. And it shamed him. He was about to apologize but it dried on his lips at Merlin's retort.

‘’Oh. That’s coming through loud and clear.’’ Merlin tossed back and now there was only rage, viciously controlled. ‘’What’s next? You will choose who will be the one I’ll be allowed to bed?’’ He asked, angling his chin in fiery determination.

‘’Don’t you speak to me in that tone of voice.’’ His blood shimmering, his voice rising, Arthur demanded. ‘’And stop aiming that chin at me before I throw you to the stock.’’

Merlin watched, quietly fascinated as Arthur paced the room. He looked like a lion that’s just about to strike. ‘’And you should stop poking into my love life.’’ He snapped back.

‘’Get out.’’ Arthur shouted, thumping his fist against the hard surface of the wall, better than throwing Merlin around.

And despite the shitty situation, Merlin felt somehow mesmerized; because the way Arthur’s lips peeled back, he wouldn’t have been surprised to see fangs.

‘’I won’t.’’ He braced his hands on his hips and tilted his head to the side, expression caught somewhere between anxious, angry and confused. ’’Not until you tell me why are you mad at me,’’ Merlin demanded. ’’I didn’t do anything to---‘’

‘’No, you didn’t do a damn thing. You just keep getting yourself caught in a very compromising situation and damn near fucked in public as soon as I turn my head away.’’ Arthur cut in. ‘’Why the hell should that bother me?!’’

As soon as the words left his mouth Arthur knew they were cruel and unfair and vulgar and false, and they should never have been directed at Merlin. And even though there was a voice in Arthur's head, telling him he should apologize, he couldn’t. It was like a dam broke inside him and the destructive flooding carried a raging need to hurt, because for reasons unbeknown to him, he was bloody hurt, his chest tight and his heart felt funny.

Something stuttered around Merlin’s heart. He wouldn't be surprised if it was bleeding from the stab of Arthur’s barb. He could control his voice, but he was certain, Arthur could see how shattered he was.

Could there have been a worse, most inappropriate time, Merlin wondered ironically, for him to realize, how hopelessly in love he was with the bastard?

‘’That’s the way you think of me.’’ Merlin state-asked, even to his own ear sounding broken and sad.

They stared at each other for long seconds, Merlin felt like eons.

Arthur opened his mouth and realized he could think of nothing to say. Because If he said the words choking his throat, he’d fall to pieces.

Merlin bit his lips, clenched his fists against the small tremors in his hands and the hurt in his chest. The thought of it, just the thought of it, that Arthur could possibly really meant the words, made his blood ice over. So, he waited for some kind of explanation.

But Arthur said nothing, he just stood there, jaw clenched, fingers biting into the bedpost so hard, Merlin feared it might crack.

The air was taut and crackling with static.

Merlin took a shuddering breath. He’d be damned if he’d let Arthur see how much he’d wounded him where he’d never expected to be wounded. Not by him.

Right...

***

The change in Merlin’s demeanor was abrupt and alarming. His back snapped straight, the blood drained from his pale face and the hurt in his eyes sliced through Arthur like a blade: splitting him in two, one part fury, one part misery. His eyes still locked on Merlin's face, he took a cautious step toward him.

‘’Merlin,’’ he creaked, then stopped cold when Merlin backed off. Knowing his advance'd do no good.

Merlin smiled, but it never reached his eyes, which were no longer hot but level and cool...Too cool. '‘Oh, that’s what bothers you... The reflection it has on you.’’

Who the hell is this man, Arthur wondered with a kind of panic. He hated that too stiff, straight back. He never realized how much he preferred Merlin’s anger over this calculated, cold distance.

‘’Excuse me, your Highness. I must apologize.’’ Merlin went on, for the first time ever with a proper bow. ‘’I apologize for stepping over the line. My Lord."

The strain of manners was tearing at Arthur’s stomach. Merlin never called him like that unless they were in public and he knew, he must obey the rules. But he called him Sire in private when he wanted to be a brat, in that tone of voice - that barest hint of sarcasm. And Arthur must admit how not only he expected but liked it, every time Merlin was sulking or fighting him over something.

But not Arthur, no Sire this time. It made Arthur desperate to reach out and pull Merlin back. The distance between them felt painful, making Arthur ache in his bones, muscles and in his chest. How odd that he hadn’t realized that, either, until this moment, how cold, how miserable and alone he felt-- as soon as Merlin’s attitude changed. And, hell, it was frightening and demoralizing to realize, how strong he had that craving, that vulnerable need inside.

‘’I won’t make the same mistake again.’’ Merlin continued, ice dripping from his words. He felt very calm, very empty and very fragile. He feared if Arthur touched him now, he would've cracked like a dropped glass. ‘’Next time I try to hold back until we’ll get into private before I let anybody between my legs.’’

It was difficult for Arthur to combat the shaking of his hands as his body trembled with barely suppressed rage. It was difficult, all but impossible, to not visualize what Merlin said. He felt a tide of red overwhelming his mind, picturing somebody’s hands spreading Merlin's long, white thighs.

For an instant Merlin saw nothing but Arthur’s face: pale, hard as a rock, eyes fired like torches and sharp enough to murder in one vicious slice.

The pounding of his heart was a frantic beat in his ears.

The next second he debated running out of the room and slamming the door behind, hoping to wake up tomorrow, and having all this be nothing more than a weird, frightening dream.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

He might have had a chance if he’d moved sooner.

A slim one.

But Arthur moved with vicious speed, and Merlin was slammed into the wall, inches off the ground, Arthur’s hands like a vise on his body and Arthur’s lips on his, teeth scrapping his bottom lip before Merlin could draw a second breath.

No room for reasons, not for tenderness, Arthur’s mouth was fire on his. All of that iron-minded control and enormous power blown up and suddenly on him, and Merlin's pulse rocketed beneath his skin from the unexpected arousal.

It was teeth and nails, bites and tangled tongues what drove them into a frenzied and frantic need over the edge of reason and pride. Merlin's brain was a chaos of want and heat and wounded pride. Rocked to the core, he gripped Arthur’s hips, fingers digging into muscled flesh. Arthur was moving against him, sliding, rocking, turning him to iron.

...

Arthur couldn’t breathe, couldn’t think, just battered himself mindlessly into Merlin, pushing him into the wall. Both his mouth and hands were hard, raging in possessiveness.

His hands streaked under Merlin’s shirt, exploring the skin there, then sneaked down under Merlin's pants to grab his ass. The flesh in his greedy hands was firm, smooth and hot. The heat burning through Arthur engulfed him like a fire in the wood. Each rough, impatient touch sent fresh shocks of desire through his body.

He wanted to taste Merlin's skin, craved it with mindless hunger. His heart pounding in his ears, his mouth released Merlin's to slid down onto his throat. There was a hiss of sound, and it took a long moment and an annoyed huff of disagreement for him to realize, that it was Merlin’s neckerchief tearing in his hands. Pressing his lips on Merlin's pale neck, Arthur captured the delicate skin between his teeth.

‘’Mine.’’ He grounded, sucking in a deliberate mark.

"Oh, well...” Merlin’s gasp sounded stunned.

"You are mine, Merlin." Arthur marked him with a bite. Merlin breathed a strangled sound against his ear, and Arthur bit down harder. ‘’Only Mine.’’

Blind with need, Arthur could only think of branding Merlin his. He had to claim him and he had to know that Merlin was as helpless, as unable to stop, as pathetically needy as him.

And he could feel the need riot through Merlin’s quivering body as he crushed him even closer. Claiming Merlin's lips, he could taste Merlin's need through every tremble of his lips, each time he dragged Merlin's mouth back. He knew, by the way Merlin's heart raced against his, that whatever it was that raced through him, it was racing through Merlin as well.

But he had to see him, see Merlin's eyes.

His breath was ragged and he gulped for air when he jerked back his head. "Look at me." Arthur's voice came out raw, brittle, like broken glass, ‘’You just look at me.’’

Those sky blue eyes opened and Arthur... well.... he was lost.

………...................................................................

His heart stuttered than kept up to lodge in his throat, making it ache and tight.

His love for Merlin swamped him. All but destroyed him.

Arthur realized in that exact moment, how much he not only liked or genuinely loved this man but…. Oh. God!- how devastatingly in love he was with him.

His tensed fingers going limp on Merlin's body, eyes shutting closed, Arthur buried his face in Merlin's messy, ebony hair, trying to process that major discovery.

Of course, Arthur almost laughed out from its simplicity.

Of course, he was in love with Merlin. He fell in love with him the minute they met, maybe even before that.

The feelings were floating up from deep, deep down, from the deepest crevices of Arthur's soul, banned there, out of consciousness. But they were always present, in every sight, every touch, every jealous feel and every thought of fierce protectiveness.

There was no point of denying it anymore. The damage was done.

He was in love with his manservant.

That’s what Gwen tried to tell him. That’s the reason she left, giving him time and space to find out.

About his true love.

How could he be so oblivious to his own feelings? He really is a big clotpole Merlin always calls him.

"Merlin," The name melted his tongue as he said it out aloud. ''Merlin,'' he repeated, nosing the smooth skin of Merlin's neck.

The love of his life.

The thrill of its meaning sprinted through him, something hot blossomed in his chest then settled, deep and warm.

Arthur was in awe and wonder as he’s began to form some kind of sense of what it felt like to have one's chest filled and overflowed with love. And though the desire remained, burning and demanding, everything in him softened. He felt tenderness, so strong, so unexpected.

Merlin” He said again, his voice slurring slightly, turning into husky whisper as he breathed in the other man's scent.

He trailed his mouth over Merlin’s neck in soft, gentle kisses, over his jaw, cheeks and eyes, wrapping himself around Merlin in a possessive hug.

He held him tight but no fumbling, no grabbing this time. His hand skimmed lightly up Merlin’s spine, over his long, lovely, clumsy arms. He cupped Merlin's face in gentle hands, thumbs stroking over delicate cheekbones. And leaning in again slow and soft, he kissed again that so long craved, beautiful mouth.

Merlin opened for him as if he’d touched him hundreds of times. The press of Merlin's body against his, every firm curve, every sharp angle, every taste a homecoming.

He tangled his fingers in Merlin’s hair, slowly tugging his head closer to savor. And as Merlin’s mouth moved warm, needy on his, Arthur discovered what it was to be savored in return.

After long minutes, slowly, more than a bit hazy, Arthur drew back, cradling Merlin's head.

It struck him, hard, that he'd never in his life had anything more precious. There were no words, none strong enough to tell how much Merlin mattered.

~~***~~

Merlin never thought in his life he’d be kissed like that. Of all the people in the world he’d be kissed like that by Arthur.

He felt the change in Arthur and it made him weak and woozy, his blood shimmered and his heart surrounded.

When Arthur pulled back and looked into his eyes, Merlin's heart stuttered from what he saw there.

Neither of them needed words.

Merlin felt treasured.

~°~

"For God’s sake Merlin, you are driving me crazy.’’ Arthur moaned, thumping his forehead against Merlin's.

"That’s always my first plan in the morning." Merlin’s smile was slow and soft and just a tiny bit teasy.

‘’You most definitely succeeded, because if I can’t have you tonight, I’d be insane by morning.’’ Arthur whispered hotly, running his hands down on Merlin’s sides.

‘’Won’t be much change then.’’ Merlin said laughing.

‘’Merlin!’’ Arthur groaned, warning. Heightened, urged, he grabbed Merlin's hand. ‘’Get a blanket.’’

‘’A blanket.’’

‘’I want you in the woods.’’ Arthur stated simply.

Swallowing tightly, Merlin wet his lips. It’s answer enough, Arthur thought, and pulled Merlin in for an other searing kiss. "I think I’ve always wanted you in the woods.’’ He cracked.

Reeling from ten years waiting worth' kiss, Merlin stared at Arthur, incredulous. ‘’This was the real reason for all your stupid hunting trips?’’ he asked, brows reaching his hairline.

‘’Oh, just shut up.’’ Arthur tugged at Merlin's hair.

In the next second Arthur was in the middle of the room, all business again, throwing things into his bag with single minded determination.

"That’s definitely the right words to keep my libido up.’’ Merlin murmured with sarcasm.

Arthur stopped and pinned Merlin with a pointed look. One eyebrow arched, he licked his lips, eyes full of power and sex.

Merlin swallowed hard.

With his annoyingly inhuman speed Arthur lunged, his hands fisted in Merlin's hair and kissed him insane again.

Alright, no more libido problems, Merlin thought with weak knees.

Arthur looked over at Merlin's face and flashed his teeth. ‘’Better.’’

Eyes shiny, impatient and edgy, he was dragging Merlin towards the door.

Merlin caught his hand.

‘’Arthur we can’t.’’

Arthur let out a painful breath. ‘’Shall I fix your libido again?’’ He asked, leaning closer.

"No. Thank you very much. My libido is alright, no need to shoot it to the stars." Merlin rambled. "But what about Gwen Arthur, you are her husband, we can’t do that to her.’’

Arthur laughed at that.

Was Arthur telling the truth about having gone insane, Merlin thought suspicious, giving Arthur assessing looks.

"I always told you she is a remarkable woman. She knows Merlin.’’ Arthur said with a small, slow smile, shaking his head in disbelieve. "She knew it long before I realized. She told me as much today's dawn, before her departure. She gave us her consent. Now, come on!’’

Merlin was trying to process this information through his astonishment. He was so engaged in his thoughts he let himself hauled away by Arthur, never realizing how they got into the woods, under the canopy of a tree. When he got back from his foggy mind, Arthur was flipping down the blanket and lightening candles.

Before Merlin could raise a brow, Arthur glanced up with a frown. "What?! I want to see you." He clarified, matter-of-fact.

Did he ever think Arthur wasn’t a romantic?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In a single, predatory movement Arthur pounced. He curled over Merlin, kissed him deep and filthy, his hands everywhere at once, tugging Merlin's shirt over his head and tossing it aside.

Bloody Hell, he’d meant to seduce Merlin, to take him slowly apart. He hadn’t meant to eat him alive.

...

Arthur caught him off guard for the umpteenth time this evening. Merlin had no idea, that after all these years; Arthur could still catch him off guard. But he was in Arthur’s hands, those strong, wide palms all over his body, and being thoroughly kissed before he could blink. Arthur was swinging him around so his body cushioned his, and to Merlin’s giddy amazement they landed on the blanket.

Arthur rolled over him and with a gentle hand to his chest, he pushed Merlin firmly down onto the blanket. He slid his hands lower over Merlin's knees, making him bend and open his legs. He knelt between Merlin's tights and looked down into Merlin's face, and for seconds just looked, his blue eyes too wide, feverishly bright. His gaze flicked and slowly strayed over Merlin's bare chest.

The oath, shuttering through Arthur's lips was brief and reverent.

When his eyes flipped back to search Merlin's face, Merlin recognized the fresh, wild desire bolted back into Arthur's darkened gaze.

And he reveled in it. He had always been shy of his body, too gawky-too bony-too long. But now, watching the way Arthur looked at him, with sizzling, hungry eyes- - Merlin felt desired.

Looking a bit fascinated, Arthur’s hands framed his face. His fingers traced Merlin's cheekbones, brushing over his forehead, eyes, and nose. They were traveling down through Merlin's neck, along his side to hip, then up again over the quivered muscle of his stomach. On the end of journey, Arthur's fingers spread wide on the skin over Merlin's heart and Merlin's chest rose and fell in small pants, his feelings mirrored in Arthur’s shaking hands.

‘’God, you are beautiful.’’ Arthur’s voice was hoarse and thick and Merlin couldn’t help the blush. Something kindled inside him, simmering with desire and flamed around his heart.

‘’And you are still overdressed.’’ He said once he found his voice, his smile slow and more confident than he really felt. With his eyes on Arthur's face, he sat up, hooked his hands under Arthur’s shirt and expertly freed him of it. And though he saw Arthur’s bare chest countless times, it still did things to him, making him crave to touch. But like reading his thought, it was Arthur who gasped.

‘’Touch me.’’ His voice was raw and rough. ‘’Touch me, Merlin.’’

So he touched.

Explored it inch by inch. His hands slid over strong muscles on Arthur’s chest, his back, over hills and valleys of lower back, then swept down to fondle that beautiful ass-making Arthur close his eyes and suck in his breath in the process.

‘’You have no idea how long I’ve wanted to do this.’’ Merlin whispered into Arthur’s skin, pressing his lips to Arthur's neck, nipping at his skin. He dragged his teeth over Arthur’s collarbone, then lapped his tongue down and over that perfect chest.

"Merlin," Arthur hissed, his breath caught on two indrawn gasps.

The sound of it, the taste of him and the way Arthur’s heart pounded like a thunder under his lips, burned Merlin with love and yearning.

In one fluid movement Arthur curled his fingers into Merlin’s hair to drag his mouth to his, tipping him down on his back, trapping Merlin's body with his.

***

Arthur watched those soulful eyes glaze, felt the moans of pleasure in his mouth as his lips fed on Merlin’s and his blood stirred. Basking in Merlin’s beautiful responsiveness and the taste of his mouth, Arthur kissed him with a fervor that made his own head spun. He rushed his lips down over the line of Merlin’s throat, down to his chest, a small smile curving his lips at the way Merlin’s hands clutched at his shoulders.

Merlin's skin was as smooth as he imagined it'd be. It was scented with the unique mix of earth, wood and herbs which always seemed to clung to him, and just how many times, tempted Arthur's senses.

So finally free to taste, Arthur feasted.

Merlin’s nipples already tight buds, he nipped and sucked them. Merlin's breath hitched, ‘’Arthur,’’ he panted, grabbing hold of Arthur’s biceps, fingers biting into his flesh.

Arthur let his mouth, wet and open, slide all over Merlin’s chest, and Merlin's heartbeat raced under his lips. Kissing his way down, his teeth sunk into muscled, sensitive flesh of Merlin’s abdomen. His tongue teased until Merlin was warm and trembling with want, his breath came in tearing gasps.

He was nosing at the line of hair under Merlin's navel and Merlin arched his back, his hands fumbling in Arthur's hair, then those incredibly long fingers hooked over his shoulders. Merlin was bucking desperately, his body strained, pulsed beneath Arthur's lips.

He was so wonderfully sensitive, Arthur felt flames leaping and burning inside him. Merlin’s responsive body heightened his arousal to the point it was almost unbearable. The thought that anybody could see Merlin like this…

Blinded with jealousy, his blood shimmering with hunger Arthur wanted more, wanted Merlin naked and screaming his name.

His hands skimmed possessively along Merlin’s sides, over his hips, yanking down Merlin's pants. His mouth chasing after them, his teeth scraped over Merlin's hipbones. When his hands freed Merlin of the last of his cloth and boots, he looked down, and the punch of heat in his gut caught his breath.

His heart pounded against his ribs as his eyes feasted on the sight.

Here he was, naked, needy and exposed, the desire of his ten years. All long, seductive lean lines, flawless, pale skin- looking almost eerie in the moonlight. Merlin's cock was thick and full, rigid with attention. The head pink and shining with precome.

Arthur's mouth watered. It took a minute to remember how to take a breath. "You are the most painfully beautiful thing I have ever seen." He whispered with a shaky breath.

His hands skimmed up, from ankle to knee, stroking his fingers along those wonderful, pale limbs then followed with his lips.

Never in his life had he known such magic and generosity of love as the one he felt for this man, while his mouth was sliding over Merlin's beautiful, trembling tights. His teeth grazed the skin in the crease of Merlin's thigh, sucking a mark there, his cheek brushing Merlin's dick.

‘’Whoa, Arthur stop it. One more touch and I’ll be gone.’’ Merlin moaned, scratching at Arthur's back.

Darkly pleased, Arthur lifted his head and looked into Merlin's desire clouded eyes, his fingers curled around the base of Merlin’s cock… then he used his mouth.

…………..............................................

Arthur’s lips slid over his cock, taking his length into his mouth; and Merlin’s head fell back with an awed rumble as a hot-whited pleasure coursed up his spine. He trembled and gasped from the wet heat surrounding him, with a fair amount of bewilderment thrown in it.

God...It was Arthur and Arthur’s royal mouth, wet and hot, that closed around his cock.

Arthur replaced his mouth with his hand and glanced up.

‘’Look at me Merlin.’’ He demanded husky.

Staring down into those blazing, passion darkened eyes and Merlin felt he could come from just that what he saw on Arthur’s face.

Eyes holding his, Arthur fisted around the base and flicked out his tongue to lick a slow, long stripe along his length- wrenching out a choked off cry of Merlin's chest.

‘’Tell me you are mine, Merlin.’’ Arthur demanded, fixing him with a burning look while he was slowly swirling his tongue around the head of Merlin's cock.

Merlin let out a sobbing breath, “Yes.’’ Arthur tongued the slid and sucked lightly on the head, and Merlin could barely keep his eyes open. ‘’Yes, I am.’’ He choked. ‘’I am yours. I always have been Arthur.’’

Arthur’s eyes softened but for some reason, the bastard was still not satisfied, because he blew hot breath on his cock, but apart from that, his eyes were unblinkingly fixed on Merlin's face.

‘’Promise me from now on-nobody, but me-touches you again.’’

‘’Yes, Alright.’’

Merlin sighed in bliss when at last Arthur parted his lips, bent his head and sucked hard on the head, then his lips slid down again over his throbbing cook. Letting out a shuddering breath Merlin's eyes fluttered closed and his head fell down as his pleasure overtook him.

Arthur’s lips slid up and down, using his tongue, licking and sucking, stripping away Merlin's breath and his cognizance.

When Arthur's nose nuzzled into his pubic bone, he slid his arms under Merlin’s hips to keep it in place and swallowed him down to the root.

‘’Holy shit.’’ Merlin yelped and tried not to buck as Arthur consumed him up. The pleasure was so intense he saw stars going off his vision.

‘’You taste delicious.’’ Arthur hummed satisfied, the sound reverberating through Merlin's cock, a delicious vibration that made his spine turn into jelly. ‘’I want to taste your come,’’ Arthur said, just like that, with his usual arrogance.

Merlin gasped then gulped, ‘’God, Arthur.’’

‘’Alright. You can call me that.’’ Arthur’s teasing voice was a low purr around Merlin's shaft. Then he popped off his mouth, slowly licked along the side and added with a roguish smile. ‘’ If I knew all it took, to make you show respect….’’ he rumbled, voice deep and full of promise.

Merlin was about to fire back when he realized his brain cells left, and the remaining few were vacated with the feels Arthur’s devious mouth did on his cock when it resumed it's job.

Arthur redoubled his efforts, sucking hard, he used his tongue and lips for best effect. He pumped and sucked, licked and hummed with the bloody-minded determination and intensity he did everything once his mind was set up- In this case with the singular goal of making Merlin come. And Merlin couldn’t help but buck his hips into the perfect heat and suction of that beautiful mouth. His hands grabbed Arthur’s hair and slid down to his face, his fingers tracing over Arthur's hollowed cheeks.

He looked down and couldn’t tear his eyes away. Mesmerized, he watched Arthur’s red, swollen lips move up and down on his shaft, with incredible skill ripping him apart.

Bloody hell, he was going to have wet dreams for years to come.

He touched the tip of his fingers to that luscious, talented, red mouth, and when Arthur groaned around his cock, he fell apart.

He cried out, bucking hard, pouring into Arthur’s mouth. His pleasure exploded inside him like a lighting, overwhelming every bit of his senses. His body jerked from the unrelenting force of his orgasm, he was sure his bones melted. He felt Arthur swallow him down, his tongue lapping around him for the last drops of his cum.

Wrung out, he collapsed back onto the blanket, panting and dazed, and not altogether sure whether he was only dreaming one of his impossible, painful fantasies - which has been plaguing him for years - or not.

……………………………

Pulling of him, Arthur’s eyes shone and he chuckled at the way Merlin’s body went boneless.

He slid up on Merlin's body and cupped Merlin's face, then leaning in, he kissed his forehead. ‘’I’m not done with you, yet.’’ He threatened.

His body still reeling from his orgasm, Merlin gave a small smile and closing his eyes, he leaned his cheek into Arthur’s palm. ''I‘d never have thought your big mouth was so talented apart from your insults.’’

Arthur pulled back and looked down into Merlin's face, his brow crinkling a little at the implied compliment. ‘’You alright? It must have hit you really hard.’’ Arthur said, but he couldn't hide the smile in his eyes and the twitching of his lips.

He stroked his thumb at the corner of Merlin's mouth, then brushed it over Merlin's lower lip, then with a groan he leaned down and captured Merlin's lips with his.

Moaning, the sound curling around Merlin's name, he slid his tongue along Merlin's lips to coax them open. Pushing his tongue inside, Arthur was holding Merlin's face between his palms as he plundered Merlin's mouth, slow and lush and deep.

Both of them were breathing heavily by the time it ended and Arthur lifted his head. Yeah, really talented.

When Merlin opened his eyes, startlingly blue, passion darkened eyes blazed down into his.

‘’I'm going to taste you--’’ Arthur said sinuous, voice gone octaves deeper, ''every inch of you, the way no one ever has.''

Merlin’s eyes widened, he stared, then swallowed hard, "Oh,"