Summary: Merlin gets drunk and asks Arthur for something he can't give.

One Too Many by frostygossamer

After a long tiring day's hunting, Arthur had treated Merlin to a few beers in the Rising Sun tavern.

Merlin, who wasn't used to drinking, had soon had one too many.

"You know what I want?", Merlin drawled, smiling like a loon. "What would be the perfect way to end a lovely evening?"

Arthur shook his head and downed his fourth pint. "No. What do you want, Merlin?"

Merlin leant forward over the tavern bench and whispered right into Arthur's left ear.

"I want you to drag me off to your bed for a night of rumpy-pumpy", he hissed, loudly.

Arthur sat back, a look of utter shock on his face.

"How can you even say something like that to me, Merlin?", he gasped. "You're a boy, for Heaven's sake."

Merlin sniggered. "What kind of nobleman do you call yourself, when you've got a perfectly good innocent young virgin at your complete mercy, and you can't be bothered to get off your arse and nail him?", he cried, and jumping up, promptly fell over.

Arthur looked around, somewhat embarrassed, and gathered Merlin up from the floor.

"Time you were getting to bed", he growled, in an undertone.

"That is exactly what I've been trying to tell you", Merlin complained. "If you don't make some attempt to diddle me pretty soon, I might as well go and give myself to Gwaine. He's dropped enough hints. Somehow I don't think HE would kick me out of bed on a cold night."

He had the whole table chuckling now, so Arthur decided it was time to leave.

"Come on, Merlin. I'll take you back to Gaius", he said pointedly, "so you can sleep it off."

Tossing a few coins onto the table, Arthur slipped his arm under Merlin's, and helped him to walk to the door. The night air was fresh and hit him like a wet fish in the face. Merlin staggered and giggled.

"Gaius will be annoyed with you. Bringing me home like this", he tittered.

Arthur guided him in the direction of the castle, and up the stairs towards Gaius' rooms. He let go of Merlin as their ways parted.

"Night, Merlin", Arthur said, giving him a little push.

"Night", Merlin replied, tottering away. Then just as Arthur turned to go, Merlin stopped and spoke.

"It's an open offer, you know? Anytime you want company you just have to ask."

"I know", Arthur answered. "I've always known."

And, with a sigh, the prince turned to go up to his own chambers, alone.

The End