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Merlin walks through the lines of tents, trying to find the red and gold one.
They always put in a different place every day of the tournament, so he always has to search.
As he finally sees and walks up to the tent, he can make out vague words from behind the closed flaps, but it's not like the material is very soundproof, so Arthur (he assumes that's who's inside) must be speaking very quietly to himself?
"Just ask! What- -no? He mi- -rified?"
He bursts through the flaps, just in case it's not Arthur and he can startle anyone who might be up to no good.
"Merlin!" Arthur shrieks in a very Princely way.
"Oh, just you."
"Of course it's me! Who else would be in here?!"
"Someone trying to kill you. That's how these things always go."
"Yes yes, you hate tournaments, but it's never that bad."
"Yeah, you're welcome!"
"You have my utmost gratitude."
"I'd better." Merlin grumbles, picking up a piece of Arthur's armour, and strapping it on.
This is probably the only part of his job that he actually does properly, and takes seriously.
These bits of metal are the only thing helping him out, most days.
Also, he just likes the opportunity to stand close to Arthur.
"So. Anyone trying to kill me?"
"Remember that knight that said he was trying to get away from Cenred because Cenred is so awful?"
"Yes? Was that all just a story?"
"Yeah. He was sent by Cenred. He has since dropped out."
"Thank you, Merlin. Truly."
"What do you want?"
"What?"
"You're being nice. You must want something."
"I can't thank you for saving my life? Again!"
"Think he could've bested you?"
"Not unless he was using magic."
"Of course. So since you think you would've been fine on your own, thanking me isn't normal for you. What do you want? I'm probably not going to do it, but I am curious."
"Nosey, is more like it."
"Whatever you want to call it, Sire. It gets me lots of information though."
"And by that you mean gossip?"
"If us servants didn't gossip so much, you'd be dead."
"Is that your excuse for everything?"
"Works pretty well, doesn't it? You can never try to stop me or you'll be dead."
"I'm starting to wonder if it's more a threat. As in you will be the one killing me."
"You may never know." Merlin says as he finishes the last buckle, then looking over everything to make sure he didn't miss anything.
"Alright. You're good to go. Don't die."
"You know, Merlin, most people would give more inspiring pre-battle words."
"Don't die, or else."
"Or else what?!"
"I saw a book on necromancy in the secret room of the library. I'll bring you back and kill you again."
Arthur just gives him a weird look, to which he shrugs.
Arthur shakes his head, the look falling away. He looks like he's about to speak, but is called away to join the rest of the fighters.
"Don't forget your helmet, got to protect that cabbagehead of yours." Merlin says, handing it over.
He tries to ignore the way Arthur seems to intentionally touch his fingers.
At least until he's alone.
Since the tournament only has two more days, and goes by process of elimination, there's not that many people left, but the people who are still there are good, so it takes a while before Arthur returns to the tent.
He sits for a moment, guzzling the water Merlin hands him.
"What did you think?" He asks when he's finished.
"I think I didn't know it was possible to have so many favors. That knight from Caerleon had like, five! And he's not even that good."
"I know! I even saw one of our servants giving him one!"
"Oh, was it Karl? He did say what's-his-face was handsome. But I didn't think he'd go through with it! I didn't even know knights could accept favors from anyone but Nobility!" No matter how many times he's imagined offering.
"You didn't? But haven't you seen Gwen give one to Lancelot?"
"Yeah, but they're a special case, since he's not Nobility either."
"He's still a knight."
"So if you could get one from anybody, why do you never have one? Has everyone else finally realized you're a prat?" Merlin isn't exactly sure why he's asking, considering it's usually best to not think about who Arthur may like.
"Maybe the right person has never offered me one." Arthur says evasively.
"I wasn't under the impression that you could refuse. I thought the only chivalrous answer was to accept." Now he's definitely shutting down any fantasies of Arthur with his favor.
"I'm the prince, Merlin, I can do whatever I want."
"You keep telling yourself that."
"It's true!"
"Maybe with some people."
Arthur doesn't get to respond, as he is called to fight again.
Merlin watches him best the Caerleon knight, laughing at the disappointed faces of the people who'd offered their favors.
"I'm going to have to work even harder now! That Knight's fans are going to come after you! Couldn't you have let him win?"
"I don't let people win, they don't earn it that way."
"I bet you're just jealous he's got so many people interested."
"I couldn't care less about that!" As long as it isn't you interested. He doesn't say aloud.
"Shame you beat him. Now that I know servants can give favors, I was going to offer him mine." Merlin says, just to see what reaction he'd get.
"Thought he wasn't even that good?" Arthur really hopes his voice doesn't betray his feelings.
"Anyone who whacks you around but doesn't kill you is pretty good. I know from experience."
"Well now you also know who's better and won't be wasting your time like Karl."
"Are you saying Karl should've given the favor to you? He's the right person?"
"Not exactly." Arthur says, a vague look on his face, like he's thinking about something else.
He starts to speak, but is again called away.
Merlin is getting pretty tired of that.
Once again, he watches Arthur fight and win, fairly quickly this time.
When he returns, Merlin decides he wants to know what he keeps trying to say.
"Why do you keep trying to say something at the very last minute?! Also, why were you talking to yourself when I first got here earlier?"
"You heard that!?"
"Only bits and pieces."
Arthur visibly relaxes, much to Merlin's confusion.
"Why? What were you saying?"
"Nothing, just going through strategies."
"Not what it sounded like. And why would that make you look so nervous?"
"Why do you look so nosey?"
"Because I am. I want to know what you keep trying to say."
"There's just... Something I wanted to ask."
"Which is?"
"It's, well, um, I was thinking."
"Don't hurt yourself." Merlin says, trying to lighten the weird mood Arthur seems to have gotten into.
"Why?" Arthur asks, not seeming to direct it at Merlin, as he looks up to the tent roof.
Directed at him or not, Merlin asks why he said that.
"Because I would like to know why I want you of all people to give me a favor."
"You what?"
"Don't make me repeat myself, Merlin."
"You want me to give you a favor? Why, so it looks like you have one, or...?"
"Because you're the right person. I was hoping all the talk about it would invite you to offer, but apparently you were more concerned with Sir What's-his-face."
"Oh, I just said that to see what you'd say." Merlin says, smiling the blinding grin that always makes Arthur feel butterflies.
"So does that mean?"
"Yes, you dollophead. I've wanted to for ages." Merlin says as he untied his neckerchief.
"Why didn't you?!"
"I already told you, I thought servants couldn't."
"And when have you ever been like any other servant?"
"I also thought you wouldn't want it." Merlin says softly, tying the fabric around Arthur's arm.
"I've wanted to for ages." Arthur repeats Merlin's words.
"So why didn't you say anything?"
"I don't know. Worried I'd lose you."
"How would this make you lose me?"
"Who would want to be servant to a prince who'd fallen in love with them?"
"A servant who'd fallen in love with the prince?"
"Really?"
Merlin nods, a smile playing at his lips.
Arthur watches for a moment, before looking back up to meet his eyes.
Merlin huffs a laugh, saying, "Should've known I'd have to do everything." before pulling Arthur closer and kissing him.
Arthur was a little late to his next fight, but the crowd didn't seem to mind, as they all happily buzzed with gossip about the sudden appearance of a favor on the Prince.