For Your Entertainment

[ayoungboy]

The circus comes into town in the late afternoon. It's a quiet caravan, but the whispers start immediately. It's not a regular circus. This one - this is the Camelot circus. One of the most esteemed traveling acts in the country, and not for the faint of heart. This one has a flaming sword eater and a terrifying magician.

A few brave people try to peek at the preparations, but once the big tent is up, all that can really be seen are food stands being set up, and a few podiums for acts unknown. Everything else is hidden from view. You want to see? Come buy a ticket.

Comments

[royalpratness]

"Yes." Arthur's answer comes right away. "You're not exactly hard to look at."

[ayoungboy]

Merlin gives a somewhat nervous laugh. "You're not so bad yourself."

"Well I've never - I don't really know what I'm doing." Merlin warns.

[royalpratness]

Arthur shakes his head, rubbing a hand over Merlin's foot. "Don't worry about that. I'm not exactly an expert either. We'll...take it slow. No rush."

[ayoungboy]

"Alright," Merlin agrees softly, looking up at Arthur. "I - you're very nice, Arthur."

bed time for me o/

[royalpratness]

"I like you too, Merlin." Arthur grins. "We're not going to do anything until you're fully recovered though." He gives Merlin a stern look.

Night dear! <3

[ayoungboy]

"Not even..." Merlin hesitates to ask. "...not even a kiss?"

[royalpratness]

Arthur smirks, sliding up to where Merlin is sitting. "Oh we can do that." He cups Merlin's cheek with one hand, running the other through his messy hair.

[ayoungboy]

Merlin blushes pink, watching Arthur and trying to figure out where exactly to put his own hands.

[royalpratness]

Smiling, Arthur leans in, pressing his lips to Merlin's in a soft kiss.

[ayoungboy]

Merlin gasps a little, sparks igniting in his lips.

[royalpratness]

Arthur finds himself melting into the kiss, very much enjoying the feeling of Merlin's lips on his own. He strokes his hand down over Merlin's shoulder, letting it come to rest on his waist.

[ayoungboy]

Merlin makes a soft sound and presses up against Arthur's chest, lips moving in sync.

[royalpratness]

Instead of pulling away, Arthur slips his hand under the hem of Merlin's shirt, running it over his chest.

[ayoungboy]

Merlin groans in pleasant surprise, pressing into Arthur's touch.

[royalpratness]

"I have a feeling this is going to work out nicely." Arthur grins, very pleased. He pulls his hand back, looking at Merlin.

[ayoungboy]

"Me too." Merlin breathes, cheeks a pleasant pink.

[royalpratness]

"Good." Arthur presses one more chaste kiss to Merlin's lips before getting back to his feet. "I better go to my own room now. My staff can be quite... nosy."

[ayoungboy]

"When can we - I mean - " Merlin watches him closely, doe-eyed.

[royalpratness]

"Eager, aren't you?" Arthur smirks. "Soon, I promise. I want you to fully recover at first. A few days, give or take."

[ayoungboy]

"No I meant - ah - yes - " Merlin's a little flustered.

[royalpratness]

Arthur grins. "We'll have to be discreet.. which might be difficult, considering that almost my entire staff lives here, too."

[ayoungboy]

"Of course." Merlin nods seriously.

[royalpratness]

"Good. I'll see you later." Arthur smiles and turns to leave. He has an important meeting with another landowner in a few hours and needs to get ready.

[ayoungboy]

Merlin is in a state of bliss. He touches his lips every few minutes, marveling.

[royalpratness]

Over the next few days, Arthur makes sure that Merlin gets enough rest and accompanies him for short walks around the garden. He also informs the staff that Merlin will be staying with them over the winter as he can't possibly return to the circus and live in a tent when it's snowing outside, due to his fragile health.

A week later after dinner, Arthur pulls Merlin to the side. "If you want, you could come to my room tonight.."