It was stupid.

A stupid slip up.

Why did it happen? Because he was stupid.

When Merlin reached across the table, of course his sleeve would pull up, revealing… everything. It was stupid of him. A stupid slip up.

Of course Arthur would notice, and he instantly grabbed Merlin's wrist and demanded to know what happened. So Merlin merely muttered something. "Gaius… remedy gone bad…spilled."

But Arthur wouldn't buy that. And Merlin started wincing in pain as Arthur's fingers kneaded into the red and torn flesh.

So now Merlin is pressed up firmly and harshly against the wall, Arthur's hands gripping the scratchy fabric of his shirt and yelling at him while spit is flying all over the servant's face. He is screaming, saying "How could you be so stupid?"

Because that's all he is, really. Stupid.

And when Arthur presses even harder, Merlin whimpers and flinches as his shirt coarsely runs over his stomach.

That was stupid. A stupid slip up.

Because now Arthur notices and instantly rips off Merlin's shirt; revealing the cuts and scrapes and anger. Arthur steps back in shock, and shoves a fist to his pressed lips. Tears are brimming in the eyes of both men. Embarrassed, Merlin turns around to pick up his shirt.

That was stupid. A stupid slip up.

Because now Arthur can see Merlin's back, and it is, indeed, no better than his front. Arthur wants to cry, but he draws his eyes back up to his servant's face in utter disbelief.

"I- I'm sorry…" Merlin says as he pulls the shirt over his head. "It… I… it was stupid."

Because that's all he is, really. Stupid.

But Arthur says nothing. Silent tears parade their way down Merlin's face as Arthur gently places him on his bed and tends to each and every wound. Each wordlessly praying that the tears will heal them immediately. When he's done, he pulls Merlin into his chest and demands an explanation from the hysterical boy.

And Merlin chooses his words carefully. Explaining about almost losing Gaius, his mother, even Arthur (And the prince himself is shocked to hear how willing his servant is to die for him), and Freya… talking about the supposed illness she developed and supposedly dying from it. Nevertheless, Arthur nods in understanding and realizes that he truly has underestimated his servant.

That was stupid.

But they never do it again.