These are two separate stories, but since they're both short and thematically similar, I figured I'd post them together. As usual, I don't own the characters, and this is just for fun and no money is made through it.

1. Waiting

It's another long, tedious banquet, and Merlin's incompetence is a welcome distraction. Arthur smirks as Merlin freezes when – and this isn't the first time this night – one of the hat's many feathers dips into the freshly refilled wine-cup. He'd suspect him of trying to ruin his ridiculous uniform on purpose, but Merlin knows he'd find a replacement that's even worse. He's looking forward to it, in fact.

"Get me a new cup," he orders, tone haughty but hushed, amused by the way Merlin is, literally, biting his lips.

If they were alone, he'd be raging against prattlish princes already; but as they are in public, and his father the king within earshot, he only obediently takes the cup that's being thrust at him. It's probably not that good an idea to provoke him, but...

One day, Arthur swears this to himself, Merlin will sit by his side at this very table, instead of jittering back and forth behind him; and he will be free to make single feathers soar away through the sky like live birds, and have cups overflow with liquid with a mere blink of his eyes!...

But until then, he doesn't see why he shouldn't enjoy himself.

2. Hats

"You can't be serious," said Merlin, the feeling of déjà vu exercising its inexorable hold over him.

But Arthur looked way too amused and expectant not to be serious as he dangled the huge, bright red, pointy hat in front of him tauntingly.

"Don't you think it's a little, I don't know, conspicuous?" Merlin tried a different angle, trying not to sound too sarcastic: now wasn't a good time to provoke the prince.

"Most people won't even think of wizards when they see you with it," Arthur waved that away. "And you already admitted it in front of the whole council, look how that went over." He looked, if that was possible, even smugger than before.

"I could..." Merlin thought for a moment. "...magic you into ridiculous clothes," Merlin warned, doing his best to sound threatening rather than desperate.

"Of course you could," Arthur agreed pleasantly, not looking worried in the least (and wasn't that much trust nice?) "Now put this on, you still have to get me dressed."

Merlin sighed resignedly, and held out his hand. It just figured that when he finally found out about his magic, Arthur would react by making him wear a stupid hat. Again.