Preparing a Bath

By : Kana

Challenge : "During the first days of his duties as Arthur's manservant, Merlin discovered that preparing Arthur's bath brought on a lot more difficulty than he bargained for. Even his magical powers couldn't help him here. Or could they?" -- What I have in mind is partially or completely naked Arthur teasing Merlin about Merlin's comfort. And from there on it is up to your imagination.

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"Merlin. Clean the horse stables. Merlin. Sharpen my sword. Merlin. Bring me my breakfast. Merlin..."

"Merlin!"

Surprised the boy turns around. For a second fearing that Arthur has heard his muttering.

"Prepare my bath."

The future king doesn't even look at his servant. Not a single glance. He just walks past him, towards his wardrobe. And Merlin discovers he doesn't really mind. For the expression on his face and the look in his eyes would have easily betrayed him.

"Of course."

There is a small note of defeat to be heard in his voice when he walks towards the room next door. And he doesn't notice Arthur turning his head to look at his disappearing back.

The young warlock wonders how he could have ever believed that perhaps Arthur was just misunderstood. That perhaps he just needed a friend. Someone to be close to. Someone to help him. Someone ... Why had he ever believed he could be that to him? Because, face it. Arthur was just a prat. A spoiled young prince. And Merlin was just ... A servant.

Sighing he empties another bucket of hot water into the wooden bathtub.

"Merlin. Is it ready?"

He closes his eyes for a second before replying.

"Yeah, this was the last bucket."

Turning around again, he is willing to walk away. But his eyes open wide when he sees Arthur, pulling off his shirt.

"What? Like what you see?"

It's only Arthur's misschivious voice that brings him back. He blinks his eyes to stop staring at the naked chest of the prince. His cheeks coloured slightly when he bows his head.

"Merlin..."

The poor young warlock doesn't even dare to raise his head again, knowing the other one will just tease him.

The silence in the room isn't broken until Merlin hears some more clothing being dropped to the floor, and his head shoots up when he hears Arthur chuckle outloud. There is a victorious smirk on the prince's face when Merlin's cheeks flush bright red when his eyes take in the complete naked form of the other boy.

"That would be all for now Merlin."

Arthur smiles contently when he steps into the hot water.

"I'll call you when I'm in need of you again."

And the prince knows, of course he knows, that there is a shocked expression on his servant's face, and that the red on his face will definately be back when he calls for him. Another chuckle leaves his lips when Merlin nearly runs out of the room, slamming the door behind him.

"You are so easy to tease Merlin..."

Outside the young wizard leans against the door. Wondering why his magical powers could save and protect him from alot, but not from Arthur ...

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The End