So here is the second update of the evening! I hope its not OOC, and that you enjoy it. i dont own these guys i just use them to satisfy my curiosity and cure your boredom! Hope its up to standards and you like it- mistakes are mine, if they annoy you feel free to point them out! x

"Hilda?" Merlin called, looking at the quiet kitchen.

"Merlin- sorry the kings out to night, as you probably know, so we were taking a break. Are you hungry? The king isn't working you too hard is he?" she caught a look at his cloak. "Ahh I see not- here, I made some earlier." She passed him some bread, cheese and a few raw vegetables as well as a slice of cake. "It's for the nobles but it's your birthday and they wouldn't notice if I cut it all up anyway." She winked, before giving the same to Gwen. "And make sure you eat all of it dear- you are far too skinny." Gwen laughed as she ushered the male out of the kitchen- leading him to a shady spot. Lying in the sun caused time to fly past as they chatted about topics from Lance to the food and inevitably back to Lance. Soon the sky got a little darker and they headed inside, flush from the enjoyment of the afternoon. With another tight hug the two friends parted, with Merlin gaining some confused and envying looks as he wandered back to Gaius'. Getting ready didn't really involve anything but with all the knights he didn't fit in so Merlin did put in a little effort. He spelled away some of the grime, once in the room with his door shut, and brushed his hair. He pulled on a clean light blue shirt and breeches before donning a new purple neckerchief and his cloak. He was pretty sure Gwaine would collect him and sure enough the rouge turned up at his door- not having knocked- whistling appreciatively.

"Getting ready for someone Mer?" the nickname was not welcome but Merlin still flushed.

"No, but it is my birthday- I mean its one day."

"Whoa, I didn't mean it like that. Looks good Merlin- I mean noble suits you." Merlin smiled a little.

"Thanks Gwaine. Shall we go?" the other nodded.

"Now Merlin I know you don't frequent these places regularly so here is what happens. Rule one- it's your birthday. Drink. Rule two. If a girl comes up to you don't turn her away. It's your birthday. Have fun. Third rule." He received a bony elbow to the ribs.

"Alright Gwaine I get it. Have fun, it's my birthday. But unlike you I don't spend my time in acts of debauchery nor am I full of your shamelessness." The other pouted before seeing Percival.

"Perce Merlin's using big words on me." He moaned and the other smirked.

"Like?"

"Debauchery." Percy grinned.

"Poor you. Come on Merlin let's get going. This one doesn't need any more encouragement." Increasing his pace to the taller man's stride Merlin smirked as Gwaine was left behind them complaining. "About this morning, no hard feelings about what I said about the king. I mean he is a little protective but I didn't mean to insinuate anything." Merlin nodded.

"I know. I mean I know Arthur's a good guy but I don't see what you guys are on about." Merlin shrugged as the conversation reached its end. Fortunately they were just entering the busy pub. As usual the knights gained strange looks- to be hanging out with commoners, but the barmaids and tenders, as well as usual patrons, were more than used to this. Already drinking were Elyan, Leon and Lance. Percival parted the throng of people- allowing his smaller counterparts access.

"Happy birthday Merlin." They crowed in unison and the others flushed, pressed on a bench in between Leon and Gwaine. The latter had swung an arm around the servant and was downing ale at an impressive rate.

"Excuse me sirs." they turned to see a young barmaid, who some of the other patrons were leering at. "Is it one of your birthdays?" they pointed to Merlin and upon seeing the rich embroidery she bowed.

"Oh I'm just a servant. Please don't do that- its bit strange." She flushed at her mistake.

"Sorry, it just with all that fancy garb I thought you were in favour with the king." Merlin shrugged.

"I'm Arthurs servant- what did you come here for?" the blonde woman handed over a tankard, exposing cleavage which Merlin ignored.

"It's your birthday, it's on the house." Her ambiguous meaning had Gwaine grinning but Merlin just smiled politely.

"Thank you Miss." Gwaine pulled her over at the incredulous look on her face.

"He's just like that. He wouldn't have taken it even if you had been direct. He's pretty innocent our Merlin." She smiled at the man joking with his friends.

"I think decent is more the word sir." She said before weaving through the crowd. Gwaine sat stunned. As much as he ribbed Merlin and teased he didn't know how innocent the boy was. He was certainly polite- except to the king, but then their relationship was complicated in the most serious sense of the word. Gwaine was pretty sure they were unknowingly dancing around each other.

"Oi Leon whens the princess getting here?"

"Right now." A voice muttered to his left and Gwaine saw a hooded man who definitely was his king. Gwaine shuffled over and left him in. At this Arthur took the hood down, avoiding the stare of his subjects.

"Arthur." Merlin yelled loudly- alerting anyone who didn't know that the king was here. The pales boy's cheeks were flushed due to the tankards of ale forced upon him in the hour he had been there. Gwaine allowed him to scramble over his lap and hug the king who reciprocated, before settling his head contentedly on Arthurs shoulder, smiling.

"Having a good evening?" the king remarked wryly and Merlin beamed.

"Yes, we've had funny jokes and the barmaid is giving me free drinks- not Gwaine though and he has to actually pay this time, and everyone's been nice."

"Except that tosser." Leon muttered and Arthurs eyebrow quirked. "One of the trainee knights called him a whore and made to attack him. Gwaine and I sorted it out quickly."
"Yeah with Merlin making sure we didn't rough him up. Not even a little." Gwaine's complaining ceased as he saw something akin to rage in Arthur's eyes.

"He called you a whore?" Merlin ducked his head.

"Yeah, said your presents were payment. It's fine though."

"It's fine?" the king repeated and Gwaine made crazy motions behind Merlin's head.

"Yeah I've got it before. I mean they're just annoyed they don't see you as much. I don't know why- you're a git in the mornings. Besides I do sometimes act promiscuously with these guys to confuse and annoy people so it's my fault really." Merlin's ability to brush it off caused Arthur to glare, his next word ice.

"Who?"

"A few dukes, some of the other servants, knights, visitors. I mean normally they don't actually threaten me but it's just nasty comments. I mean the other servants generally have my back and these guys so is fine. Can we just drop it? It's my birthday?" he held up some ale as a peace offering and Arthur downed it in one.

"Fine. But we are going to talk about this." Merlin waved him off, drawn into a conversation with Elyan and Percival. Gwaine punched him in the arm from over Merlin's shoulder.

"Calm down. Just ignore it for tonight." The king nodded, that was the sensible course of action.

Pretty soon they were in a comfortable lull, Merlin the only one seriously affected by drink.

"Hey Merlin, your pretty tight lipped normally right, so seeing as your tipsy..." Merlin shook his head over enthusiastically and Arthur laughed.

"Am not."

"Sure. Anyway Mer, we were wondering have you fucked someone?"

"Gwaine!" Merlin exclaimed. "Don't use that language." The knights grinned. That was Merlin all right even when he was slightly inebriated. Sober he would tolerate some of their foul language but mostly it embarrassed him.

"Fine fine, have you slept with someone?" Merlin grinned mischievously.

"More specific please- I don't understand." Arthur chuckled at the fake innocent and ruffled Merlin's hair- the man leaning into his touch.

"He's asking you if you've had sex, made love, screwed. Need any more words?" Merlin shook his head- trying not to focus on the way Arthurs blue eyes hadn't moved from his and that this vulgar language from his king was kind of unusual.

"Not exactly. I've gotten very close but I didn't want to." The majority of the group choked on their beer.

"Never? Seriously?" Gwaine stated, wiping the spilt drink from his chin.

"More like how close and with who." Elyan said and Merlin flushed.

"None of your business." In response all the men stared at him. "Guys." He whined.

"We'll just get you drunker and then you won't remember what you've told us." Gwaine threatened. "Besides you've heard our sordid stores."

"Yes, too many of them." Merlin quipped before kissing Gwaine on the cheek-with surprising accuracy to the group's confusion. "It's sweet though- I mean it's like you are searching for someone rather than letting it happen." Percival let out a snort of disbelief at Merlin's view of the situation whilst Leon watched two of the other members instead. Gwaine was in shock- sure he'd got close to Merlin but the man's scent had sort of enveloped him and it had been so on the spur of the moment. He doubted it meant anything but the glares in his direction told him he could be in trouble. Without really knowing why Arthur felt a strong sense of protectiveness and his eyes narrowed at the rouge who paled. Instantaneously Arthurs arm wound round his servant, pulling him so he was sitting right up against Arthur's side, leaving his hand dangling on the slighter man's thigh gently. In response Merlin leaned against him.

"Actually I think Gwaine is just horny and wants relief." He muttered into Merlin's ear and Merlin blushed.

"Really Gwaine? That's not fair on them is it? I mean women get ostracized for not having their womanhood intact and you go round defiling people like that." Leon smirked. Merlin was always trying to protect others even helpless as he was.

"They want me." Merlin rolled his eyes.

"Not an excuse."

"But I have needs."

"Then find a man or do it yourself." The group looked at the supposedly innocent of the group.

"Merlin are you into guys?" Merlin uncharacteristically buried his head into Arthur's shoulder- as though trying to hide. Leon expanded the situation at Arthur's confused expression.

"Merlin drunk is like everything emphasized. If he's happy he's ecstatic. If he's feeling mischievous you watch out. If he's shy like now… he is basically at an extreme. Hence weird behavior."

"Merlin." Big blue eyes stared up at Arthur ad he shook his head. "Are you going to answer the question?" the other shook his head also and buried it again. Arthur sighed, giving into the urge to stroke Merlin's hair. "What do you think guys?"

"Maybe he's fooled around."

"Not fooled around." Merlin stated and the group grinned. It was an easy trick they often used on Merlin. In correcting them he gave a lot of information away.

"So what was it then Mer?" Gwaine asked, eyebrows waggling suggestively.

"A consensual kind of relationship. We both got something out of it and it wasn't a one off." He flushed more.

"In Camelot?" he shook his head.

"No. but there have been a few people here."

"Both?" Arthur queried and Merlin nodded.

"Don't know why. They don't normally last though; people move on, I lose interest. It's not like we have a full relationship like Lance and Gwen." The attention turned to Lance who rubbed his head awkwardly.

"It's not official."

"You're lovers with my sister unofficially?" Elyan asked threateningly and Merlin laughed.

"Don't be an idiot. Lance hasn't done more than a peck on the cheek. He's too gentlemanly."

"Thanks." The relief of Elyan's face was obvious.

"You better not make a dishonest woman out of her." He warned and Lance gulped, nodding.

"I would never. Am I like that?"

"Well no. That is Gwaine's position right?" They laughed as Gwaine acted outraged.

"Hey I am very proud of that you know." He grinned at Merlin. "I can make every lady swoon- men too." Merlin just smiled.

"Prove it." He stated and Gwaine faltered slightly.

"On who exactly Merlin? Your ideas aren't known for being brilliant." He would be lying if he said he didn't want Merlin to point himself out but it was highly unlikely.

"I don't know. One of the younger dukes?" This time Arthur chocked on his drink, lowering his tankard.

"Seriously? Merlin do you just like messing with them." Blue eyes lit up with a mischievous nature.

"What about one of the ones who called me a whore?" he suggested. "I mean it will confuse them and then they couldn't call me one and then you could have blackmail material because everyone knows Gwaine sleeps around so it wouldn't work against him and…" he grinned up at Arthur who was sorely tempted to give in. "please Arthur. It will be funny and prove if Gwaine is as good as he says."

"Hey now, all you'd have to do is have a night with me and mphhh…." Merlin has clamped a hand over Gwaine's mouth as he looked imploringly at his employer, who was trying his hardest not to glare at Gwaine, he'd gained a sudden rush of belonging. That Gwaine couldn't just have Merlin- especially not now he had come out as innocent.

"Only because they called you a whore and it's not true." He stated, wishing he hadn't been reminded of that. Merlin gave him a quick hug, as a thank you before turning to a new conversation with Percival. Leon- sensing Arthurs need to talk came and sat next to him.

"What's wrong Arthur?" the older man had always been a good mentor and Arthur just let out a sigh.

"How have I not noticed how bad they treat him? I mean I knew a few of the dukes were out of order but not on this scale. Is our friendship harming him?"

"Look at him Arthur and think for yourself." Arthur turned to see Merlin, dressing in his gifted clothes, laughing and joking with the knights- a part of the group. He wasn't the sad boy from the previous night. He wasn't unhappy overall. Yet it still troubled him.

"No but… I'm a king; I'm not used to this friendship thing. Even the hugs aren't usual."

"Are they bad?" Leon was shocked it had turned personal so suddenly and was thankful for the loud crowd tonight, hiding their muffled words.

"No, just different. Lively. I don't know- I enjoy having him so close I wouldn't have got him those if not. He's important I think. He's a good friend."

"We've been telling you that for a while now. But Arthur I would seriously think about how you feel about him. I don't even want to know how much you spent on his present but I am sure it's more than you spend on anyone." With that he left, realizing the king needed his space. Arthur sat and just watched at his troop- they all had their own special characteristics. He saw Percival laughing, talking more than usual, Gwaine spiking everyone's drink with a hipflask, Lance talking quietly to Elyan about Gwen. And Merlin. Merlin whose bright eyes were alight with enthusiasm. The man was gesturing wildly as he spoke, grinning broadly with no care- a large change from the sobbing Merlin he had dealt with the previous night. Arthur yawned, it was late- the bartenders were kicking people out to shut.

"Guys it's time to go home." He said standing; glad his alcohol consumption hadn't been as vast as his companions. Groans of complaint went up as they fished for money, refusing Merlin's offer to pay his share. It had been on the house but none of them seemed to remember that- resulting in a large tip. As they exited, some with more grace than others, Gwaine winked at the barmaid before being dragged off.

"Hey, I was just having fun Perce." He complained.

"Yes, but you're so inebriated I'm sure she wouldn't want you at the moment." They were interrupted with Merlin's giggles; he was struggling to stand and being supported by Leon and Lance.

"Arthur." He called grinning.

"Yes Merlin."

"Why you fuzzy?" he asked in a childlike manner and the blonde sighed- it was partially influenced by the smirks from the others. Dealing with Merlin drunk was clearly going to be amusing for them.

"Because your drunk Merlin." Merlin shook his head before becoming dizzy and stopping.

"No no no. I not drunk you clotpole." He held his head. "World spinning." He muttered before breaking free of this two 'crutches' and walking unsteadily to Arthur before leaning heavily on him. The king looped an arm around his waist to hold him up. "Hello."

"Hello Merlin. Come on let's get you home." Merlin giggled again.

"But it's fun out here. Look at the stars." He pointed upwards, the sudden movement almost toppling him over.

"Yes very nice. Now come on Merlin walk." Merlin shook his head again.

"But they're so pretty. Reminds me of small fires. I like the stars." Arthur just gave a sound of consent trying to ignore his knights who were watching in an amused fashion.

"I like stars too. Now Merlin please walk."

"But I'm sleepy. Can you carry me?" As though to prove his point Merlin yawned loudly and snuggled into Arthur's side. "Please Arthur." Begrudgingly- seeing as he knew how stubborn the man was, Arthur bent down and scooped the tall man's legs up. Fortunately Merlin was very light due to his thin build.

"Not a word." Arthur cautioned to his grinning companions.

"Never princess." Gwaine's eyes were full of mischief and Arthur just knew this would be held over him for a while. They moved almost quietly, the occasional burst of laughter erupting form one of the knights.

"Is he asleep?" Lance asked and Arthur nodded, Merlin had curled himself into Arthur's top, hands clenched in it.

"Good, he struggled last night. I sat with him for a few hours before he finally dropped off." Gwaine stated, on Arthurs other side.

"He's going to beat himself up about being so happy today isn't he?" Percival mentioned and Lance groaned.

"Of course. It really hit him hard. I'm glad he even decided to come out tonight." Lance murmured, stroking the ebony hair gently.

"Well we'll just have to help him forget about it." Arthur decided and the knights grinned.

"So we need a plan of action. First we need to get those idiots off his back- Arthur you can deal with them." Leon looked to the others for confirmation and they nodded. "Right then we need to make sure he's happy. Maybe a trip to Ealdor or I don't know. A meal with us." The knights rarely got together in the evening- having seen each other all day.

"A picnic at lunch after training- that will teach the younger ones to lay off." Lance suggested, to Gwaine's amusement.

"A picnic. You're too sweet Lance. Gwen should worry about the manliness of her suitor." Lance flushed.

"I just thought it would be nice." He protested and Gwaine's laughter was hushed in the residential streets.

"I think he's right. That would show them that Merlin's ours." Arthur stated and Gwaine raised eyebrows at Leon- mouthing 'ours'. "It would get them to leave him alone. I just need to make it more obvious to some of the nobility that Merlin isn't some harlot and it should improve things."

"He'll still be upset. Maybe we could make a trip to check up on the other patients. After all the hard work did pay off and they did have a cure. It would maybe show him that the one loss was bad but he saved others."

"I agree Elyan, it does make sense. And getting Merlin back into the people he spends his free time is will be good. I need to check with Gaius if the illness was witchcraft- maybe if we can solve that he would be a little happier." They were nearing the castle now. "We don't want to smother him." the others nodded agreement before waving goodbye as Arthur headed to Gaius' chambers. He looked at the man he was holding. His eyelashes were a sharp contrast to the pale skin and purple of his neckerchief. Arthur was glad he had won the items given to him. To only did he look more respectable but it also filled him with a sense of bizarre belonging. He supposed this was his way of showing the nobility not to touch Merlin, though he wasn't sure why- he hadn't even been aware that they were being that harsh to him. Pushing the door open, Gaius asleep but stirring gently as he entered, Arthur took Merlin up to his room and laid him down. The elder man made no comment, choosing to leave his ward and the king alone. Arthur tugged Merlin's boots off, his neckerchief and tucked him under the cupboards- glad his manservant's room was somewhat tidy. The only problem he had were the hands that were currently clasping his shirt. He pried them off, only to see Merlin's eyes flutter open.

"Arthur?" he murmured sleepily.

"You fell asleep, I brought you back."

"Mm…thanks. It was nice to have you there." Merlin murmured before curling onto his side, his breathing mellowing. Arthur knew that, especially with the little sleep he had gotten the previous night, his manservant was likely straight back in the world of dreams and he walked quietly out. He couldn't get Merlin's words out of his head- did he enjoy this evening more because or Arthur? Or was he just glad the king had ventured out of the castle? Did he not expect Arthur to go? The blonde paused in his step before continuing. Merlin was practically half asleep; he probably didn't even know what he had been saying. It meant nothing, he was sure.

So a bit of dancing around each other- finally its all coming together in my head s well so i actually know how this is going to go! Hope you enjoyed it feel free to review! if not see you next time (i hope...) x