Chapter Text
Merlin had felt guilty all week.
Because of him, because of his oversight and his distraction, Gwen had almost been killed . And not even taking responsibility, confessing that he had magic himself and was responsible for Tom's recovery, was of any use .
Why had Arthur ignored his talent like that ? Couldn't he see that Merlin hadn't lied ?
Did he think Merlin was really so incompetent that he didn't believe he could have magic?
Merlin sighed, looking up from the floor he was polishing to see Arthur sitting at his desk, his blue eyes focused on Merlin.
Merlin swallowed. Part of him had been relieved when he told Arthur the truth about him. He had bypassed Gaius' warnings and stopped lying to what was becoming his friend. And, a small part of him felt even better when he realised he finally didn't have to hide anymore.
And, now, the anxiety of being discovered was back, and so was a hint of resentment for not having been believed.
"Merlin," Arthur spoke suddenly, looking at Merlin with the most serious look he could muster. “While what you did for Gwen was brave and noble, it was also senseless. My father would have killed you both .”
Merlin swallowed, looking down. Part of him was warmed by hearing Arthur call him brave and noble , but the other part was indignant when the prince added the senseless part.
“I was just taking my own responsibility.” Merlin replied, ignoring the snort Arthur let out.
Would he really not believe him just because Merlin hadn't tried to kill him or his face wasn't old or permanently damaged? It was simply offensive.
“ Your responsibilities , of course…” Arthur chuckled, then said. “While I can understand committing stupid actions for love-” it was Merlin's turn to snort, wanting to point out that Arthur committed stupid actions for fun , “-dying isn't exactly the way to get the girl.”
“Okay, first of all, you just were very offensive .” Merlin said, raising his eyebrow at Arthur. “Secondly, I'm not in love with Gwen. She's my friend, and I love her as a friend ."
"Obviously." Arthur smiled, conceding the point.
“You don't even believe me on this, do you?” Merlin snorted, before blinking and looking thoughtfully at Arthur.
If Arthur didn't believe him, Merlin might as well be honest with him, right?
He didn't believe Merlin could have magic, so Merlin might as well be honest with him and then rub it in his face that he had magic and wasn't believed even after he confessed .
“I have a question, actually.” Arthur said, holding up the report he was writing about the magical creature he had killed to cleanse Camelot and save his people. “How did you know about the creature?”
“I went to the Great Dragon into the depths of the caverns of Camelot and asked him for a hand.” Merlin said. “He was also the one who told me to keep the elements in mind and that I was only one side of the coin.”
Arthur burst out laughing. " Really ? Did he also say anything else, by any chance?”
"The Dragon? Lots of nonsense like you are the Once and Future King and I have to protect you with my magic.” Merlin shrugged. “You're not making my job very easy , but that's okay. I know it's not really your fault. You can’t help it."
Arthur snorted, eyes sparkling with amusement. “But I killed the Creature, right?”
“It's called Afanc .” Merlin told him. “Gaius discovered this, not the dragon. And, well, you helped kill it.”
“ Helped .” Arthur repeated, trying to sound serious. “How did I help ?”
“The Afanc was a creature of water and earth, right? The dragon said to remember the elements, and therefore fire and air were needed to destroy it.” Merlin explained. “You had fire, I told you to use fire, and then I made a gust of wind to get air.”
"Obviously." Arthur nodded. “Do you mind if I don't put it in the report? My father may not appreciate your humour.”
“I'll tell him if he asks me.” Merlin said calmly. “Of course, I know you like to take credit. And your father doesn't really know about magical creatures, so you can only say you killed it.”
"Very kind of you." Arthur's voice dripped with sarcasm. “I will not forget your kindness.”
Merlin murmured.
How much could he get away with?