Title: Love Struck (1/3)

Rating: NC17/ Mature/ 18 (that cover everything?)

Pairings: Arthur/Merlin

Spoilers: So many, me bad. Probably every thing up to and inclusive of 'Excalibur'. Would probably really help if you have seen this episode. Won't make much sense, but you're welcome to read anyway.

WARNINGS: Bit of blood, bit angsty, bit sappy, Arthur kinda OOC but because of the situation I think I can get away with it, bit of Merlin abuse just because I can, oh and PORN. Though in my opinion not some of my better stuff -_-. Think that's all… maybe…

Disclaimer: Merlin not mine *sob* It's the BBC's though I want to rob them and get away with Bradley and Colin ^_^

Summary: Merlin's magic gets him into trouble… again.

Notes: My 'ye olde English' is really bad so the spells probably are in the wrong tenses and all sorts of rubbish, so I apologise to anyone who does understand it. Any notes I've made will be found at the bottom of chapters!

-Chapter 1. Sparks-

"Now stay out of trouble Merlin." He raised an eyebrow knowingly. He had a feeling that his advice would be pointless. It was Merlin after all. Trouble followed him like an obedient dog. "For once, please."

"Yeah, sure Gaius." The dark haired sorcerer grinned.

"I don't like it when you say that." Merlin continued to grin as Gaius picked up his bag then turned and walked out of his room.

Merlin's grin widened as he walked into his own room. It was a chance to study. Arthur didn't need him at the moment so it was 'him' time. He knew exactly what he was going to do. He sat crossed legged on the floor, reached under his bed and pulled out a thick book. His book of spells.

He had hidden it a lot more carefully since the time that Arthur had hunted through his room and had nearly found it. But had found a cupboard instead. Merlin had not been overly impressed with that. Gaius had given him the book when he had first come to Camelot and it was the one book he was truly interested in. It was full of secrets of magic, some of which he may never understand. But he was working his way through it, trying to broaden his knowledge. With everything around him silent, he began to study.

-x-

He flipped the page over and ran his fingers over the words there. Merlin cleared his throat and sat up straight before pronouncing the strange words.

"Ámeldian his éage lóca áncyn mec. Ámeldian his lic gád áncyn min. Ámeldian his gehygd áncyn mec. Ámeldian our heortan menge."(1) The words rolled strangely as any spell did. But what did this one do? He had no idea; he could read it but not understand it. He would just 'know' if he ever needed it. It was one of the strange ways how his magic worked. It was more like the magic controlled him rather than the other way around. He gazed off into the distance and an unbidden image of his master appeared. Merlin found himself smiling like an idiot.

"Merlin? Are you here?" He was dragged away from his vision abruptly. It was Gwen. Merlin panicked. He shut the book quickly and shoved it back in its home.

"Hold on Gwen." When he was sure the book was safe, he stood up and walked into Gaius' study as calmly as possible. The hand maid, dressed in her usual yellow, gave him a bright grin as he entered. "Uh hi. What can I do for you?"

"I saw Gaius earlier and he said you were in here so I thought I would come and say hi and keep you company." The girl replied happily.

"Ah, ok." He grinned nervously. So much for 'him' time, not that he minded Gwen. She was a sweet girl and had everyone's best interests at heart.

"Were you busy? I can come back later." She looked into the room he had just rushed from. Merlin was slightly worried by what she thought was 'busy'.

"No! No honestly. I like that you came." He said perhaps a little too quickly. Her smile returned full force.

"Oh and I wondered if you wanted to come to dinner later with my father and I. We haven't seen you for a while. He always asks about you." Merlin blinked before smiling again.

"Yeah, alright," Then he frowned in thought. "Unless Arthur needs me." He said that with a grimace. Gwen giggled.

"Of course, wouldn't want to keep you away from your 'duties'." Merlin rolled his eyes.

"He knows his duties." A bold voice made them jump. Arthur casually strolled into the room. "Which of course, he must attend to. The horses need cleaning out, my sword needs sharpening and my armour needs a good polish." Merlin's shoulders sagged.

"No rest for the wicked."

"Never for you Merlin. You are my servant after all." He rested his hand on Merlin's shoulder in a friendly gesture but his smirk remained mocking. At that moment Merlin sneezed right on Arthur's arm. He noticed the sparks that went with it. His eyes grew wide. Oh dear, that wasn't good. The spell he had been reading hadn't been finished, it had been left open. The spell must have needed a sneeze to end it. That was unusual. He looked at Gwen and Arthur; they didn't say anything about the sparks. Perhaps they hadn't noticed.

"I am so sorry!"

"Well that was very pleasant. Thank you for that Merlin. Idiot!" Arthur grimaced with disgust. Merlin smiled nervously. "Anyway, chores. Now."

"Uh, yes right away." He watched as Arthur walked out of the room again, scowling at the sneeze sprayed shirt. Gwen giggled behind him.

"Oh well, I suppose I should leave you to your duties." She smiled and wandered to the door. "I hope you can join us." She smiled brightly at him.

"I'll try." She smiled once more then left the room, no doubt to attend Morgana. Merlin quickly returned to his room and dragged the book out once more. He flicked through the pages, trying to find the last spell he had read. He finally recognised the page then stared in dismay. He couldn't understand it at all, almost as if the words were trying to remain unreadable. He hoped that he hadn't accidentally put a death curse on Arthur. Then he really would be in trouble.

-x-

In the forest outside Camelot a creature blinked open her large, green eyes. The slit pupils grew almost round in the dark cave, capturing what little light there was. She carefully licked her paws before stretching and standing up.

She had had a long journey and had been resting. But she had been summoned and was now ready to do what was asked of her. She sniffed the air then licked her lips. A growl escaped her fearsome jaws, her extended canines shining in the dim light. The scent of magic hung thickly around this area. Magic and death, she loved both. With a natural elegance she padded out of the cave into the sun lit forest. The air was damp and cool. Far from what she was used to, but it would be no problem for her.

Slinking into the shadows cast by the looming trees, her silver and black striped coat becoming one with the darkness, she began to make her way towards Camelot. She would feast on flesh and blood.

-x-

Merlin decided he couldn't do anything. He had begun pacing around the room worrying. He then decided that wasn't achieving anything. So he had started his tasks for the day. He was cleaning out the stables and worrying instead. Much more productive. Because he was clamouring in his mind for help and trying to figure out what to do, he didn't notice that someone had walked into the stables. Merlin was humming nervously to himself, which became a loud yell when that someone tapped him on his shoulder. To add to his embarrassment he also dropped the broom.

"You could have given me a heart attack!" He turned to face Arthur, who was smirking at him, his voice a little on the high side from his shock.

"I seriously doubt that." Merlin gave him a quick glance over. The Prince appeared to be all in one piece. It seemed he was off the hook… for the moment at least. "What are you looking at?"

"Me… oh… nothing." Arthur took a step forward and a strange smile appeared on his face.

"You know I don't mind you doing that." Merlin looked at him worriedly,

"Wh-what sorry? Don't mind what… exactly?" Arthur took another step forward; there was very little space between them now.

"That way you look at me Merlin. I don't mind." Merlin took a stumbling step back.

"Ah… right." Arthur grabbed his wrist. It was a firm grip but not a painful one.

"Don't be afraid of me Merlin." Merlin held his head high but noticed to his horror how high pitched his voice sounded.

"I'm not afraid." A very predatory grin spread across Arthur's face.

"Your eyes say other wise." The blond glanced over Merlin's face. "You have such lovely eyes Merlin. They are what draw me to you. That, and your smile." Merlin couldn't help but stare. Arthur had gone completely mad. What was he talking about?

"I don't understand." Arthur sighed loudly.

"Don't you see Merlin? I absolutely and completely love you. I love you more than the sun, the moon, the stars. Your voice is brighter than birdsong. Your eyes are bluer than the sea. Your smile is brighter than any star I have ever laid eyes upon. You are the sun, breaking through the night to grace my life with another bright day. You are my very life's breath. I would lay my life down to protect you. I love you more than life itself." He said that far louder than the young sorcerer would have liked. His cheeks and ears glowed bright red.

"Yeah that's funny. You're teasing me. Do I honestly look that stupid?" He wasn't sure if he wanted an answer to that, but a simple 'yes you do, you idiot' would at least prove Arthur was messing around. No such reply came. Only a kicked puppy look appeared. That wasn't very Arthur, it was almost frightening.

Merlin tried to pull his wrist out of Arthur's grip but only succeeded in stumbling backwards and tripping over the broom he had dropped there earlier. Arthur's grip on him slipped and he fell hard on his butt and all the air flew out of his chest. He winced from the pain. Arthur stood over him, looking worried.

"Are you alright? I didn't mean for you to get hurt." Merlin looked up at the blond, completely taken aback by his show of concern. He had never looked at him that way before. In fact this whole situation had never happened before. Arthur declaring his love was never even in his wildest dreams. Still not being able to breathe properly he nodded. Arthur knelt down beside him. He brushed a gentle thumb across Merlin's cheek. "Shall I kiss it better for you?" He asked in all sincerity. Merlin shifted back as if the touch had burned him. It may as well have considering the heat that was once again flaring up in his cheeks.

"I- I- I'm fine." He managed to stammer, continuing to move backwards until his back hit an obstacle. A wall. Arthur, now on hands and knees crawled over to him. The smirk had become predatory. Merlin suddenly felt very small. The blond prince finally stopped a breath away,

"I still need to apologise." Merlin frowned. Ok there was definitely something seriously wrong here. Arthur willing to apologise so easily, and getting so close that Merlin could only focus on his eyes. Such amazingly, beautiful, blue eyes. Where had that thought come from?

"You don't need to-" Merlin's objection was halted in mid sentence as firm lips took advantage of an open mouth. Merlin suddenly found himself with arms full of lustful prince and he found he couldn't fight back. After the initial shock, Merlin quickly began to kiss back.

He couldn't deny that he had an attraction to Arthur, but he knew exactly how dangerous that could be. It was as punishable as magic. But he didn't want to let go either. He had what he wanted right here. Arthur kissing him like there was no tomorrow. If they got caught like this, there wouldn't be, not for him at least. He ran his fingers through blond hair, enjoying the feel of it, slowly sliding down a strong neck to powerful shoulders.

He had a rough idea of what muscles lay there. He was, after all, Arthur's servant, he had to prepare him for battle, dress him in his armour. It was hard to miss the toned muscles beneath the covering of clothes, even if they were only fleeting touches. To be able to touch the prince in a way he wanted… well… That thought quickly brought him back to his senses.

He pushed at Arthur with all his strength, which wasn't much, as the kiss had made him very light headed. Finally Arthur pulled away.

"What's wrong?" The prince asked with concern.

"I- I, it's just… we can't do this." Now his voice sounded throaty. Damn the gorgeous man. Arthur looked put out, that kicked puppy look returning.

"But I want-" Merlin pushed him away fully this time and managed to stand on wobbly legs that he wasn't sure would hold him upright.

"Just because you're a prince doesn't mean you always get what you want." Merlin couldn't even look at him now. Afraid that he might jump straight back into his arms and let him kiss him senseless once more. "Besides Arthur, this is a stable." He could hear the smirk in the reply,

"Never heard of a roll in the hay, Merlin? Being a country boy and all I would have thought you would have had plenty of practice." Merlin was at a loss and he wasn't too sure how to react to that last comment.

"Look, I don't know what's wrong with you," A partial lie, he had a good idea, "But I don't want this." Complete lie. "Arthur, this isn't the place, especially for you. You should, um, go play with your sword." He winced as he walked out of the stable before he got put in the stocks again for the comment and for calling Arthur by name rather than title, even though the prince hadn't objected even once. However, that was probably not the best thing he could have told Arthur to have gone and done.

-x-

"Gaius, are you back?" Merlin called out hopefully.

"Up here Merlin." Merlin looked upwards to find Gaius where he had first met him in Camelot. He hoped that he wouldn't have to repeat that moment.

"You are back! You need to help me." He asked in a rush.

"Why do I not like the sound of that? I told you to stay out of trouble." Gaius made his way back to the ground floor. Merlin sighed.

"I know, but it was an accident."

"I like the sound of this less and less." He raised an arched brow at his 'apprentice'. Merlin looked around him before whispering,

"I was practicing magic." The look Gaius gave him was deserved and Merlin knew it. "I know, I know, but Gwen came in asking about having dinner tonight, not just her and me but her father too, no that sort of sounds wrong, anyway, then Arthur came in telling me about my chores for the day, I sort of sneezed on Arthur and it must have finished a spell but I didn't understand the one I was reading, there were these sparks, no one saw them so that was ok but I thought Arthur might die but he hasn't and now he's acting, well, weird, really, really weird." He took a deep breath. Gaius took a moment to just take in all that Merlin had rushed through.

"What do you mean weird?" Merlin was brought up short. He blushed heavily. How could he tell Gaius that Arthur had confessed his love and had kissed him… and he had kissed back. "Anyway what spell?" He let out a sigh of relief, that one had been narrowly avoided.

"Hold on, I'll grab the book." He went into his room and dragged the book from under his bed. He plonked it on the table, to Gaius' displeasure. He quickly flicked through the pages until he found the problematic spell.

"Hierdung lufu galdor." Gaius read out loud. He turned his gaze back to Merlin. "Do you know what this is?"

"If I knew that I wouldn't be asking would I?" Merlin sighed.

"Merlin, that's a love spell."

"A- a- what?" He blinked a couple of times then moved next to Gaius to look at the book once more.

"In fact it's a 'Strengthening love spell'. Roughly translated it says; Let his eye see only me. Let his body want only mine. Let his mind need only me. Let our hearts combine."(2) Merlin gulped. That wasn't good. Also it sounded… wrong coming from Gaius' mouth. Oh god he had been saying that and cast it on Arthur! "According to this," The old man continued, "It should only last for a day, then the effects will wear off." Merlin breathed out a sigh of relief. That would mean he only needed to avoid Arthur for the rest of the day then everything would return to normal. A sad fact, but a necessary one. It wasn't much good for the only heir of Camelot to be lusting after a mere servant boy.

"That's good." He finally sighed. Gaius looked at him curiously.

"But I can't help but wonder, who was Arthur after? You said Gwen was here, that would be a curious match." Again Merlin blushed heavily.

"Uh- uh- It wasn't Gwen." He took a deep breath, this could ruin his life or even end it, but he trusted Gaius. "Like you said Gaius, let his eye see only me and so on. It was me. Arthur was after me." He sighed heavily once more. Gauis raised his eyebrow before speaking again,

"Well that is intriguing. This spell is used by women who want to… prove their husband's loyalty. It would be their way of finding out if their partner actually loves them. You see Merlin; this spell only works on people when they actually love the caster."

-x-

Blood. Warm, fresh blood, walking so close. Stupid. So incredibly stupid. She waited for her prey to move to her. Why make an effort, when they will do it for her? Her green eyes shone with glee. She crouched low to the ground. She could feel the beat of hooves and of heartbeats through the soil below her paws. Soon she could hear voices. Just a little further. She saw them now. Men. Men on horses dressed in red. She could feel the drool falling from her mouth.

The group of knights were returning from their scouting of the area surrounding Camelot. It had been a long ride but they were now heading for home. They had noting to report to the king. All was quiet for once. Uther could rest happy in the knowledge that he was safe for now. As they rode along they laughed and joked with each other, their attention completely distracted. None of them realised that they had become prey. The horses became skittish and began rearing. Being trained riders they managed to stay in the saddle but having to concentrate on their horses meant that they couldn't see what had spooked their steeds. It was only when the screams began, did they have any idea what they were dealing with.

She watched with glee as the horses began rearing. Fear always added that extra flavour. She picked her target quickly and pounced. As her elongated canines sank into flesh and fresh blood filled her jaws, she purred with delight. She watched as others looked at her with fear in their eyes and determination on their faces as they came at her with swords. She dropped her feast and sniggered at their ridiculous, so called, bravery. Again she thought 'stupid'. Swords could not harm her. She crouched ready to pounce once more. She would be well fed this day. Her hunger would be abated but her lust for magic still needed to be appeased.

-x-

Merlin sat down heavily. He wasn't sure what to think about Gaius' revelation. Could Arthur really care about him, love him in fact. It was almost too much for him to take. He sat with his head down, staring at the floor. How could all this trouble come from one little spell? It was bad enough knowing that if he ever got caught using magic that his life would be forfeit. Nobody seemed to think he was capable of it. He had admitted to using magic before, to save Gwen's life and they hadn't believed him. But this… Arthur loving him was a far more daunting thought some how.

He was a prince for heavens sake. Way out of his reach. It was that aspect he couldn't get over. Then, of course, Arthur was male. It was strange that that fact didn't really bother him as much as it should. Arthur was all male, no denying that. Broad shoulders, tight muscles, it all came from his training. Watching Arthur train was definitely one of his hobbies. From a distance of course. Not quite such a pleasurable experience when he was up close and personal and definitely not in the way he wanted to be. Being beaten to a pulp was definitely not fun. Although taking a long, hot bath afterwards with Arthur carefully massaging his shoulders would be. The prince kissing his neck, running hands down his chest, then below the waterline.

Merlin groaned at the image. He tried to push the very tempting picture out of his head. When a hand rested on his shoulder, he nearly hit the ceiling. He turned wide eyes up to look at Gaius. That was the second time that day. He needed to learn to be more aware of his surroundings. The old man had a small smile on his face.

"You care about him don't you?" Merlin wanted to deny it but found he couldn't lie to Gaius. Not this time. He simply nodded and looked down once more. "You are like a son to me Merlin. I don't want to see you get hurt. I don't mind that you love him-"

"I never said love." Gaius gave him a knowing smile.

"You might not have said it, but I can see it in your eyes." Merlin looked up once more his face a picture of horror. If Gaius could see it, who else could? His eyes must be an open book. It worried him, hie eyes were where his magic was so obvious. That had been two people in the same day saying they could read his eyes. And one of those had been Arthur, Prince 'I can't see it until it's shoved in my pretty face'. "All I suggest is that you be very careful. That's a dangerous position you are in." Merlin rubbed his eyes.

"I know. I always manage to do this. I'm going for a walk." He stood up and walked out of the room. Gaius' voice trailed after him,

"Stay out of trouble!" Merlin rolled his eyes. How much more trouble could he get into?

-x-

"Morgana?" Arthur poked his head around the door. Uther's ward was standing at the window, her sapphire blue dress almost glowing in the light. A moving statue of pearl skin and shining, jet hair tumbling down her back, she was the epitome of beauty. She spun around, looking at him with a bright smile.

"Arthur? What are you doing here?" Arthur put on a hurt face.

"Can't I just come and see you?" The dark haired beauty put a delicate hand on her hip and tilted her head slightly.

"You never want to 'just come and see me'. You always want something." Arthur moved into the room, carefully closing the door behind him. He dropped his voice to a whisper.

"Gwen isn't here is she?" Morgana frowned then shook her head no; now her curiosity had been peaked. It was unlike Arthur to worry about the servants. He took a deep sigh and ran his fingers through his hair. "I have a problem."

"I knew there was something." She said confidently. "So, why don't you talk to Uther? He is your father." Arthur took a few large paces, crossing the room. He grasped the tops of her arms.

"You cannot talk to him about this. He'll- he'll… I don't know what he'll do but it won't be good. You cannot tell him anything." Morgana was surprised at the Prince's conviction. She didn't think she had ever seen him in quite this state. It unnerved her, but she would not tell a soul about what Arthur was about to impart to her.

"Alright. What you say will not leave this room. You have my word. I have had many secrets here. What is one more?" Arthur let go of his breath he hadn't even realised he had been holding. He began pacing the room, wondering what to tell her exactly.

"Morgana- I'm- I'm in love." So he couldn't be anymore exact than that. Morgana looked doubtful.

"You've said that before and it didn't work out." She was referring to that time with that strange blond girl… Sophia.

"This is different. It's someone… special. Someone I really care about. Yesterday, I wouldn't have said a word. Today… something happened and it feels like my heart will explode in my chest and I can't stop it. It was so painful, I couldn't bear it anymore, I had to tell him-"

"Him! You're in love with Merlin aren't you?" Morgana interrupted, she knew there wouldn't be any other 'him'. Arthur looked at her, stunned.

"How did you...?" A short laugh escaped her lips.

"Oh Arthur. I've seen the way you look at him. The way you trust him implicitly. You have never treated another servant like that. It is as clear as day to me." Arthur frowned.

"I don't like the way you said that."

"I wouldn't worry about Uthur. He is blinded by his hate. As long as you keep this hidden, don't make a song and dance about it, he will be none the wiser." She gave him a supportive smile. Arthur looked at her as if she might bite him.

"You're not having a go at me?" She rested a slim, pale hand on his arm.

"You are like a brother to me, a conceited, stuck up ass sometimes, but a brother none the less. As long as you are happy, then who am I to argue? I just hope for your sake and Merlin's that you know what you're doing." Arthur sighed deeply,

"So do I."

-x-

The forest was cooler now. The sun, having hidden behind clouds, was slowly setting. The lake, a large mirror, lay silently before him. A swirling mist had formed itself over the water and had crawled its way up the bank and had curled around the trees and into the forest beyond. Merlin found it relaxing to be away from the hustle and bustle of Camelot. He had needed to get away from there. He had needed to get away from Arthur. At least out here he could think. Unfortunately, now all he could think about was that kiss in the stables. What would have happened if he hadn't stopped Arthur? Would the prince have…?

He decided not to let his mind wander there, as much as his body craved it. He turned his thoughts to more sombre subjects. If he and Arthur were caught, for example. Kissing would be one thing. He might get away with a light punishment if Uther was in a merciful mood. But if they were caught doing anything else… Arthur would be severely reprimanded. But there was no way Uther's precious son would be properly punished. That would be entirely his burden to bear. Of course, he would have bewitched his son, or something similar. It would be his blood colouring the square of Camelot that would appease Uther's anger. And the king would unknowingly kill yet another magic wielder. Two birds, one stone. It made Merlin's heart sink.

There was no possible way a prince and a servant could ever be together, let alone two males. It was doomed to begin with. So why was it his heart craved Arthur so much? He knew it couldn't be and yet… It wasn't fair, but life wasn't fair. If life was fair Uther wouldn't have a ban on magic, Arthur wouldn't be a prince and he would be a girl and not a servant… Ok that sounded like Arthur thinking. He didn't want to be a girl, damn it! Perhaps he should just march straight up to Uther declaring his undying love for his son, just so that the king could end his misery, without even physically involving the prince. But he didn't think he could do that to Arthur. He was certain it would break his heart, spell or no.

All Merlin wanted was to be wrapped in those strong arms and be told he had nothing to worry about. To be kissed with those firm lips until all his fears disappeared. To have that well built body between his thighs and-

"Woah, Merlin. Now you're getting carried away." He berated himself out loud. "This is not the time for fantasies." But now his body desired it, all his blood was travelling to his groin and making him feel a little light headed. He tried to think of other things to get his mind away from that subject. "Alright. Chores. Cleaning. Horses. Stables. Arthur kissing me in the stables. Oh God." He winced and tried again. "Fighting. Armour. Polishing armour. Sharpening Arthur's sword…" His mind quickly recalled the last words he had said to the prince before he left the stables. His mind quickly changed that image and he was back to square one. He slapped his forehead firmly. He was severely tempted to jump in the lake. At least it would be cold. Even if he had saved Arthur's life from those very waters. Holding Arthur close… He groaned loudly.

It was then he heard it. His mind had been so occupied with thinking about Arthur and trying not to think about him, he hadn't realised that he had been watched. And now the watcher had sneaked up on him, it had never made a sound. He heard the slight rustle of leaves and what sounded a little like purring. He turned around quickly and only had time for his eyes to grow wide before the hunter pounced.

-x-

-End Chapter 1-

Ok I know spells in this series Merlin uses tend to be very short e.g. one word. However Nimueh uses longer ones. So I figured I could get away with that. If it makes any sense at all.

So I wrote this first before I translated it. I hate languages by the way. Needless to say I skipped as much as I could and just did French. Humanities were gone to so anything remotely historically accurate is pure damn luck!

P.S. Lots of reviews means quicker updates ^_^ hugs!