servant | Forge

I'm bored. Are you asleep? I'm never sure what time it is out there. These books are dull, this work is dull, and nobody here knows how to put together a proper dinner plate. Not to mention my bed is too small. ... And colder. I didn't realize how warm you were. It is nice not to be kicked awake every second night, though.

[It is good to hear his voice, but even better to hear it sounding so normal.]

[Maybe too normal.]

Arthur, you haven't been annoying the guards with your complaints, have you?

Shut up.

[ It's dismissive, and wholly doubtful, but then he immediately takes it back. ]

No, I didn't mean that. Don't.

Wasn't going to.

[There's a smile in Merlin's voice, but intense longing too, no matter how much he tries to hide it from him.]

Anyway, it's early morning here. Maybe I should apply for a job as a guard, since none of them know how to treat you properly.

It would certainly be a lot less dull. Don't think I could take you seriously, though.

[ A sigh. ]

I want to go riding.

[Merlin frowns at how miserable he sounds. He knows Arthur doesn't like being idle. He likes being outside, likes physicality.]

You'll ride again, soon. And hunt too. We've gotten a bit overrun with cute, defenseless animals since you've been gone.

[He tries to inject a smile into his voice.]

Until then, why don't we play a game to help you pass the time. We could try that 'truth or dare' one that's always so popular!

[ Arthur isn't sure that his dares are going to be particularly fulfilling when he's in a cell, but it does sound like it could be somewhat entertaining. ]

Seems a shame to play it when we're not in the same room.

[ More physicality that he misses. ]

Truth or dare, Merlin?

We might just have to get creative, that's all.

[Merlin lays back on the bed, grabbing Arthur's pillow and holding it to his chest.]

Hm. Truth.

[Always the more challenging for him anyway.]

[ Arthur lies back on his own cot, letting the Forge rest on his chest and closing his eyes so he can imagine Merlin's really there. ]

Are you all right?

[ He should have started with something easier, but it's eating at him. ]

[It wasn't the sort of question he was expecting, at least not to start off with. But Merlin doesn't avoid it.]

It's better when I can keep busy. But I've been tired for a couple of days now. I can't walk as far or as fast. And I don't have you here to carry me.

[He smirks a little.]

I won't be entirely all right until you're back.

[ That's better than he expected. ]

And you're eating all right?

[ Because he remembers what it was like coming back from death to find Merlin thin and unwashed and reeking of cheap drink. ]

At least once a day.

[Which for Merlin might as well be not eating.]

Gwen and I meet around midday. She makes sure I eat something and I make sure she takes a break from her forge work.

[He tries to be stronger now. Some days he succeeds better than others.]

That's more than your turn. Truth or dare?

[ The thought of Merlin and Gwen comforting each other gives Arthur confusing feelings. He's glad they have each other, but wishes he could be there for them. ]

Dare.

[ It's an absent answer, and his default one, though after a moment he realizes it's quite limiting, under the circumstances. ]

I dare you to call Byakuya and ask about your conjugal visits.

[What? So maybe he's been reading some law books too, just in case.]

[ There's something about Merlin's tone... ]

I'm fairly sure you can visit any time you like.

[ That sound? Is the sound of the joke going over his head. Apparently Arthur hasn't read quite as many law books. ]

But those aren't visits of the private sort

Private, as in... private.

[ Oh. ]

Hang on, you want me to call and ask Kuchiki about our personal life?

[ Worst dare. ]

Right now we're not having any sort of life, but if conjugal visits are allowed, I reckon we can have that remedied by nightfall.

[It sounds like Merlin's trying to hold back a laugh.]

[That doesn't mean he isn't serious.]

So?

Nightfall.

[ That's longer for him than it is for Merlin, but he doesn't point that out. ]

I didn't realize you missed me that much, Merlin.

[ He's flushed at the thought of having to ask Byakuya, though. Possibly even explain the terminology. ]

What if he refuses?

Of course I miss you, you prat.

[Merlin rolls his eyes, unsure if Arthur's really that oblivious or just wants Merlin to say it. It isn't just the conjugal stuff that he misses, of course. But he likes the conjugal stuff. Thinks he's gotten pretty good at it, if he does say so himself.]

Well, if he refuses, you remind him that you still have rights. You haven't been convicted of anything yet. And you mention rehabilitation. In the event that you're acquitted or even serve a short sentence, it's good to know that you can still carry on your normal relations in the outside world.

Plus it encourages good behaviour.

[Merlin's starting to think he should be the one to make the call...]

I'm not saying any of that. I think I'll just say you can't go without having me for two weeks.

[ The smirk is evident in his voice, even though Merlin's the one throwing around a lot of big words and knowledge. Who said "normal relations", anyway? ]

Now. Truth or Dare?

I really don't think that'll help you any. He's never liked me very much.

Dare.

He lets you partner his sister, I'd say he likes you plenty.

[ Arthur shifts, tries to think up something for Merlin to do — his mind is now stuck firmly in the gutter. When he can't, he gets impatient. ]

This is a ridiculous game to play when I can't actually see you.

Tolerate might be a better word. And come on, what would you dare me to do if you could see me?

Strip off, obviously.

[ He sounds impatient, but it's with the situation and the separation, not Merlin. ]

Edited 2012-07-06 09:40 (UTC)

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whoa, you changed your layout...

the other one was pretty but it hurt my eyes. x.x

idk if light-on-dark will help...! maybe turn custom comment pages off?

done! and yeah, it's a lot better on my eyes. esp. since the font size is normal now.

yay!!.

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