Chapter 8: Show Me More!

Thank you for the reviews from Aniki-xvi, Absentminds, and fariedragon. This is set a few days after the Tavern incident & before the heart to heart (last chapter).

I don't own Merlin.

...

Just do it. Idiot. How long are you seriously going to stand outside the door before someone comes by?

He knocked looking up and down the hall. A faint "come in!" led him to open the door and step inside.

"Gwaine! To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?"

The knight smiled, slowly closing the door. "I wanted to talk you about Merlin."

The older gentleman waved him in. Gwaine took the open stool. Gaius looked curiously at the man before him.

"So…"

Gaius just raised his eyebrow until it melted into his hair. Distracting Gwaine that had to try and not laugh

Playing with some things on the table, "How do you deal with it?"

Gwaine looked up, "With what exactly?"

"Everything. The fact that he has it in Camelot. The fact that he doesn't have a large number of confidants. He's been through a lot Gaius. I don't know how to help him."

What a wonderful friend Merlin has. He's worried about something that has yet to come. "It's not easy. There are days that do take quite the toll. Try to understand where he's coming from, all the choices he's made since he's arrived do have large impact. You need to remind him why he's doing what he's doing."

"I don't quite get that."

"There's a prophecy. .." Gaius explained it to him.

The knight chuckled, answering the other man's raised brow. "Of course the two of them are destined to be together- it makes so much more sense why they act like an old married couple!"

The other man got a good laugh. "There are some things that Merlin needs to tell you."

"Yeah I know. I'm kinda of tired of waiting for when he thinks is the perfect moment. I figured you could put my mind at rest."

"I will try my best. You've spoken with Lancelot I assume."

"Yes, but he was very vague, if it is even possible to be more so than Merlin.

"This is new territory for them both. It took a while for the knight to even come speak with me. He's very concerned about keeping Merlin safe, yet has no trouble following the boy's interesting schemes."

"Like what?"

Lowering his voice, "The two of them took care of the cup of life."

"Ah! That makes sense. I always thought it was particularly interesting that the two of them went off & obviously didn't handle the warning bells. Magically the undead dissipated."

"Well it's something Arthur has gotten used to. He accepts the coincidences."

"That's good. Any suggestions for getting him to share?"

"He may feel more comfortable outside the castle grounds."

"Right."

Gaius smiled at the knight concentrating on concocting a ruse to lead Merlin out of the castle without alerting the others. After a few minutes, he offered a solution. "How about going with him as he does some errands for me?"

"Perfect!" Gwaine embraced the older man in his exuberant enthusiasm.

"If you have any other concerns do not be afraid to come to me."

The knight nodded and headed out. He had a lot to process before dinner.

...

The next day (before Freya reveal):

"So Gaius said you could show me some things."

Said man had also insisted the knight travel with Merlin to gather herbs. Due to a recent string of bad luck and chance of bandits. Merlin thought he put up quite the battle to Gaius' insistence, but then Gwen walked in. She does tend to worry and he agreed there was no need to create more concern.

"And…"

"Well get on with it."

Merlin stared. They hand barely been in the woods ten minutes.

"It's not like anyone is going to see you. Why not get it all out here instead of accidentally bursting in Camelot after Arthur goes off about a whole lot of nothing?"

"I do have control over it. What exactly did Gaius say?"

"That matters not. Just show me!"

"No."

"I thought you had control over it?"

"I do."

"Why not just show me a little bit of this an' a bit o'that," Gwaine waived his hands around.

Merlin rolled his eyes, "Really, what did Gaius say?"

Gwaine sighed, "He said you would be so relieved to do magic and show me all the cool tricks you've got."

"I bet he said those exact words."

"He might've said you may be more inclined to talk about magic outside Camelot."

"Uhuh. That sounds more like it- fibber."

"Might've elaborated on some of his words, but it's not like you ever really bend the truth to fit your desires."

Merlin turned around and picked up the pace stomping through the trees.

Gwaine felt ever more inclined to get the lad to share. After catching up, he grinned "How about now?"

"You just want me to do some magic tricks?"

"Yes. Do you really think I have grown a desire to learn more about the art of herb picking?"

"I thought you were coming to protect me so Gwen wouldn't worry."

"Well, I may have fibbed a bit about the threat. I figured you'd be a bit more reasonable out of Camelot but you're quite ornery."

"Ornery?"

"Indeed."

Merlin huffed, "Well I'm not a court jester."

"Obviously, you are way more than that." The other man continued to mutter, " a little bit too paranoid buddy."

"Yes, I'm a …."

"Manservant? Stubborn man? Ornery man."

"No, I'm a warlock."

"I am a knight-what of it?"

"And I can't do whatever I fancy in a land that punishes magic!"

"Well we're in the woods. Quite far from people."

"I am a what?" Merlin had about enough. He wanted to get the herbs and be alone.

"You're a Warlock."

"Yes. Very good. No, no one else is out here, so I don't technically have to listen to you and I can properly defend myself if you get any smart ideas."

"What is wrong with you? You're grouchy."

"Magnificent deduction mate," Merlin moved on.

"Stop acting like such a girl!"

"You're the one acting like a girl following me around everywhere, being nosy and wanting to share feelings."

"What did Arthur say?"

"Nothing" was the mumbled reply.

"Yeah, okay as though I'm actually going to believe that response. Come on Merlin. I know if he did something you'd be complaining about it to your boots and trees till your face turns blue. What is the matter?" Gwaine was truly frustrated with the man.

Merlin turned, angrily throwing down his satchel. "Gwaine can't you learn to leave something well enough alone? Not everyone enjoys talking as much as you do! I just want to get these herbs and get on with the day!"

"Merlin, mate calm down. What is it?"

"I'm not exactly comfortable with showing you my magic so close to Camelot," he turned his back to Gwaine and grabbed his bag. Merlin knew if he saw his face, the knight wouldn't believe a word.

"No one is out here."

"You can never be too careful! Last time I did a little whisper of smoke for a few seconds and Uther brought in the witchfinder."

"Oh. Maybe we can go a little more in the forest?"

"Arthur and Gaius are expecting me back."

"Merlin can you stop making excuses. You think I talk in circles, but you are the real master of turning and twisting words. I am going to ask again. What is the matter?"

"Nothing."

Shoulder punch, "Liar!"

"Ow!" he rubbed the shoulder.

"Well, you deserved it. C'mon Merlin. Sharing is caring," the sing-song voice was ignored by the manservant avidly looking through the brush.

"Ohh who lives with a physician in Cam-e-lot

Mer-lin the warlock!

Secretive and helpful and loyal is he.

Mer-lin the warlock!

If magical nonsense be something you wish,

Mer-lin the warlock!

Then stop by for dinner and he'll serve you a dish.

Mer-lin the warlock!"

"Gwaine! Shut up!" Merlin finally hit the knight with a stick, who knew Gwaine dodged so well?

"Whoa you're beginning to sound and act like Arthur!"

Merlin tried to be upset. He really did, but started laughing at his companion's serious face.

"Oh you just needed a good laugh to brighten your spirits! See I'm a good guy to have around! Now what are you looking for?"

Merlin muttered, "I can see how Arthur gets annoyed with me sometimes."

"What?"

"Oh it's a blue flower with red thorns."

"Right, I'll be on the lookout oh so wise warlock." He bowed dramatically and fell over after a shove from the gangly servant.

"That'll keep him busy," Merlin muttered.

"What?"

"Let me know if there's anything suspicious you see!"

"Will do!" Gwaine knew there was something more and wouldn't rest until he figured it out. Right now he just needed space.

Merlin couldn't stop thinking about Gwaine's relentlessness. It was a tad annoying, but comforting. There was someone else to confide in. I didn't need to burden Gaius or Lancelot more than necessary. Everything piling on from Arthur, destiny, and Gaius. I don't have time to sort out my feelings or understand my magic. The days are flying by. He continued to pull out different plants and herbs. Listening to Gwaine hum and tell stories definitely kept his mind and body busy.

...

Gwaine stomped in the physician's chambers.

"Blue flower and red thorns? Have you heard of such a thing Gaius?"

"Not in all my life, Sir Gwaine. Why do you ask?"

"Merlin!" he slammed his fists on the table as he sat down.

Gaius laughed, "I'm guessing you've been searching for the impossible."

"Exactly! All I wanted to do it see some cool moves and he pulled a number on me!" the knight stood up. "I'm going to get him back!"

"Now is that really smart? He has quite the advantage to you."

Gwaine bashed the table again.

"What was it you said to him?" Gaius looked curiously over his bubbling pot of potions.

"I only asked what was wrong and told him he needed to tell me because we're friends and sharing is caring."

The physician rolled his eyes. "Be patient- listen for once. You do so much talking, you forget to listen sometimes. Really show him you be there for him. This isn't easy for him, never has been. Don't take pity on him. Make him stronger, more confident."

Gwaine nodded and got up to leave, but stopped at the door, "No wonder Merlin is so wise. You keep him grounded and protect him from the worst. He's lucky to have you."

Gaius smiled as the knight left. Merlin found another dedicated friend. His time for ultimate freedom could be closer than expected.
_

A/N: Please review- they motivate my writing!

Guess the basis of the song! I had so much fun writing this one