Forge

[servant]

"Hello? I don't have to polish this thing, do I?"

Comments

[servant]

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?

[king]

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?

[servant]

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...]

[king]

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?

[servant]

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

Dare.

[king]

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.

[servant]

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

[king]

Strip off, obviously.

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

[servant]

Oh.

[There's a smile in Merlin's voice, sympathetic.]

That's not even a very good dare.

[king]

I'm well aware, Merlin.

[ He sighs, discontent. Normally he'd jump at the chance to humiliate Merlin a little, but right now he just wants him present and close. ]

All right. You have to ask Morgana if you can borrow one of her dresses, and if she'll help you find one that fits. And you can't tell her it's a dare.

[servant]

...You can't be serious.

[king]

Well, my last dare wasn't very good.

[servant]

Arthur, do you know Morgana will do if I ask her to help me find a dress?

She will help me find a dress. And probably make me go shopping with her for matching jewelry and things!

[king]

Should have just taken your clothes off, Merlin.

Don't worry, I'm sure you'll look lovely.

[servant]

I'm not poking holes in my ears. And I'm not wearing anything too short or low-cut. Or shaving my legs again.

[king]

I rather liked it when you did, though. They were all soft.

[servant]

No. Forget it. Absolutely not.

[...]

Maybe we should think of another game before I end up in braids.

[king]

I'll let you off the dress-wearing hook if I'm allowed to refrain from humiliating myself before a commanding officer.

[servant]

You're such an arse! You arranged that entire dare just to get out of your own!

[For a moment, things feel almost normal. Merlin almost expects to look over and see Arthur: head thrown back as he laughs, hands halfway raised to block a pillow.]

[And then he remembers.]

It hurts all the time without you.

[king]

[ Arthur is laughing, because it isn't quite true — more like he'd managed to create a win-win situation. And then Merlin's voice goes small and hurt and Arthur can see his face fall in his mind's eye. His laughter stops abruptly. ]

I'm right here, darling.

[ But he's not. It's just a Forge, and miles between them. Arthur rubs over his face, tired. ]

Tell me how I can make it better.

[servant]

Let me storm the island and break you out?

[He's joking. Sort of. But still glad that the walls of Arthur's chambers have been proven to be soundproof.]

I just miss your smug face and your big rough hands and your snoring - gods, I even miss your snoring.

[king]

I'll snore as much as you like when I'm out.

[ And he will get out. He's certain to be acquitted, certain, because he's going to try so very hard. This stent has done him a world of good in that it's shown him just how painful time in Themis was, the hours stretched into days. He will walk out a free man, and then he can get back to making Merlin's life simultaneously miserable and wonderful. ]

I miss you too. In every possible way. But we'll see each other again soon.

[servant]

Good, because I think we're both going to need a nice long nap.

[And Merlin thinks he could sleep, even with Arthur's snoring. He feels his fatigue acutely, worn down physically and otherwise.]

I don't suppose there's any way of carving out initials in that cell.

[king]

I don't think I'd want to.

[servant]

Or you could always carve out Gwaine's forge number.

['For a good time, call:']