Spellbound

[ayoungboy]

This week has been fucking exhausting. He'd been consuling all week and dealing with a threat over in Norway. Somebody trying to brew mind control potions, again. Why couldn't everybody just get along and stop fussing? He's finally back home, in England, heading up the wizarding council while they go over worldwide news, and he gets an invite - no, it isn't that. It's more of a demand, from King Pendragon.

He's a bit tired, really, and didn't feel like dealing with it. "Not now, thank you. Politely decline, for me?" He told the runner. "Send him some magical candy."

He just wanted to go home and finish his book, thank you. He didn't ask for these powers, but if he took a holiday the world would flip out. People held him in high regard for some reason - he wasn't that wise, or old. He was just a young man trying to do right. Yet somehow the King was demanding his presence.

Comments

[royalpratness]

"Please don't." That would be awkward. Arthur winks at him, lifting his hand to say goodbye.

[ayoungboy]

Merlin lifts his hand as well, but then he's gone. Just...vanished. That's magic for you.

[royalpratness]

The next day, Arthur organises a phone for Merlin. A brand new smartphone, bill payed by the crown. He also finds himself thinking an awful lot about Merlin, their plans and magic in general.

Arthur is almost disappointed when Merlin doesn't show up on Tuesday evening, though he'd never admit to it. On Wednesday, he's stuck in a meeting about new defense technologies and it's almost midnight before he returns to his chambers.

[ayoungboy]

Merlin's actually passed out on the floor when Arthur returns. What? He waited, and the King hadn't shown and he...was tired. His jacket is ripped and a little dirty, and he's got a bandage on his forehead.

[royalpratness]

Arthur stops in his tracks when he enters his room, finding Merlin passed out on the floor. "Shit! Merlin!" He runs over and crouches down next to him. "Merlin. Are you okay?"

[ayoungboy]

"...hm?" Merlin groans softly, eyes flickering open when he feels Arthur's presence at his side and hears his voice. "...yeah, m'fine. Was waiting for you."

[royalpratness]

"On the floor?" Arthur's initial worry turns into light amusement. "Come on, up." He offers Merlin his hand to get up.

[ayoungboy]

"...sorry." He was tired, that much was clear. Merlin takes Arthur's hand, making a face as he was hauled to his feet. "Thanks."

[royalpratness]

"No, don't worry. I was late." He walks Merlin over to his very comfortable chaiselongue. "What happened to your head?"

[ayoungboy]

Merlin smiles and sits down gratefully. He wasn't sure where to sit...so he'd just sat on the floor.

"A flying brick." Merlin answers seriously, leaning back in the seat. "I'll live. There was a bit of a riot down south..."

[royalpratness]

"I've been told about that." Arthur frowns, crouching back down next to Merlin. "Did you see a doctor about that? You might have a concussion."

[ayoungboy]

"There was magic involved. I was called in, that's why I didn't show up yesterday..." Merlin shook his head, then winced at the motion. "No. It's not like a very well have health insurance, aye."

[royalpratness]

"Right. Of course you don't." Another thing Arthur will have to take care of. "One sec." He disappears into his bathroom, returning after minute with a first aid kit. "Let's have a look at that wound."

[ayoungboy]

Merlin made a face, looking a lot more like a child than an all-powerful warlock. "Come of it, I'm fine. Just a little bump."

[royalpratness]

"Merlin." Arthur looks at him, eyebrows raised. "Stop arguing and let me have a look." Carefully, Arthur starts peeling off the bandage around Merlin's head. The wound on Merlin's temple isn't very deep but it is a nasty looking cut. "I don't think you'll need stitches but it needs to be cleaned properly." Which is exactly what Arthur is doing right now, taking everything he needs from his first aid kit.

[ayoungboy]

"Arthur - " Merlin made a slightly frustrated sound, but allowed the man to do as he pleased. "...I just want to go and find somewhere to sleep, hm?"

[royalpratness]

"You'll stay here tonight. I'm not letting you sleep in the woods or god knows where when you've been injured." Arthur puts some antiseptic onto the wound, cleaning it properly.

[ayoungboy]

"No, Arthur I couldn't - hey!" Merlin jumps a little. "That stings!"

[royalpratness]

Arthur rolls his eyes. "Don't be such a girl." He puts a large, medical bandaid over the wound. "There. Much better."

[ayoungboy]

Merlin wrinkles his nose, rolling his eyes. "Thanks."

[royalpratness]

"You're welcome." Arthur notices Merlin's dirty clothes. "Do you want to take a shower?"

[ayoungboy]

"No, Arthur, it's fine." Merlin shakes his head and tries to stand. "I really should be off, leave you to your rest."

[royalpratness]

"You're not going anywhere." Arthur puts his hand onto Merlin's shoulders, pushing him gently back down. "I'll find you some clothes to sleep in and you're going to stay here tonight."

[ayoungboy]

"Arthur," Merlin protests, but the push sends him straight back into the chair. "I could just teleport out, you know."

[royalpratness]

"You could, but you shouldn't. There are several very comfortable beds in this palace and you look like you need a good night's sleep." Arthur rubs his hands lightly over Merlin's shoulders.