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Merlin is bothered by the whole interaction but just chocks it up to Arthur having a bad day, putting it out of his mind.
Instead Merlin thinks about the past few months, spending time with someone other than Arthur. Ever since Merlin told Lancelot about his feelings for Arthur, he has felt a weight lift off his shoulders. Lancelot simply accepting this part of him just like his magic has made his whole life so much easier and lighter. Lancelot is the only person in all of Camelot who knows every one of his secrets.
Merlin expected to wake up the morning after the wedding despising his destiny, his shackling to Arthur. That didn’t happen, when Merlin woke up early as the sun and begrudgingly got ready for his day. When he walked out of Gauis’ room, there on the floor was a little piece of parchment with a single word scribbled on it “Supper?” Merlin had thought that he would only be abe to recognise Arthur’s handwriting but something in him said this was Lancelot.
The smile that crept on his face was faint but he managed to keep it the entire day as he did his work. When Merlin returned to Gaius’ room that night with supper in hand for three and not two for the first time ever, Lancelot was already there laughing with Gaius.
“Merlin!” they both yelled as he walked in and he couldn’t help it, the smile on his face became huge. Merlin soon found the culprit for their joyous mood, Lancelot had brought a jug of mead from the tavern for them the share. As Merlin placed the food down and sat down next to Lancelot, they both started laughing again, a glint in their eyes. “You know Gaius, you really shouldn’t be having mead at your age. If you hurt yourself, I will not nurse you back to health.” Merlin teases, no malice behind his voice. “You underestimate me Merlin, I am fighting fit!” Gaius dismisses.
Lancelot turns to Merlin with a mischievous grin, “You know Merlin, Gaius was just telling me how you should practice your magic instead of just using it emotionally.” Merlin just blinks and has this knee jerk reaction to say “Me? Magic?” but he doesn't. He reminds himself he doesn’t have to hide in this room with these people. Merlin matches Lancelot’s smile and says “Yeah? What were you thinking?” “Oh, I don’t know. It would be nice to have some hot food instead of these cold leftovers.” Lancelot responds innocently. Merlin just laughs, “Sure, I’ll try.”
Merlin places his hands under the plate to try and warm the food. “Don’t burn it, Merlin.” Gaius warns. Merlin shakes his head and clears his mind. He imagines the heat in the room flowing into his arms, through his hands, plate and into the food. His eyes glow for a fraction of a second, Lancelot watches him mesmerised. In that moment, he doesn’t seem like Merlin but pure magic.
Merlin puts the plate back down on the table, little puffs of steam coming off the chicken and smiles, satisfied with himself. Lancelot clears his throat and breaks out of his trance, “Wow Merlin! I need to keep you around, this is useful.”
“And here I thought you were here for the company.” Merlin jokes back. “Obviously I’m here for the magic.” Lancelot says and starts digging into the food. The conversation flows freely throughout the night, and it feels good not to have another semi-silent meal with Gaius.
When Lancelot gets up to go back to his room, Merlin follows him out and decides to walk him back. They walk silently for a few beats before Merlin whispers, “Thank you, I needed this.” Lancelot grins at the floor, “I’m glad” he says.
He takes a breath and says what he’s been thinking about all day and night, “There is nothing wrong with loving someone just so you know and I won’t judge you for it. I’m here for you Merlin. I owe this life to you.” In the quiet of the night, Merlin lets himself feel it, he isn’t alone. A feeling he hasn’t felt this whole time in Camelot.
When they get to the knights’ wing, Merlin looks up and says again, “Thank you, I’m here for you too.” Lancelot simply nods and responds, “Same time tomorrow?” Merlin is taken aback, “I can’t ask that of you, you should have supper with the knights, like always. They might suspect something.” Lancelot determinedly says, “Merlin, I’m with them all day. Right now, my friend needs me.” Merlin nods, fighting to urge to do it all on his own. And so it starts.
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This evening ritual of theirs continues throughout the winter and into the summer.
On a spring day, Gwaine approaches Merlin at training. “Merlin, my friend! What is this I hear about you and Lancelot having supper.” Merlin feels caught, and stutteringly says, “We… we…” because how will he explain that Lancelot is trying to help him move on from Arthur by reminding him he has other friends. Gwaine laughs deeply, “Merlin, if you want to get away from old Gaius, you can always join the knights for supper.” Gwaine offers. “Sure.” Merlin says. Gwaine smiles, slaps Merlin hard on the back and walks away.
That night Merlin has supper with the knights. They’re loud and casual with him, there’s nice conversation, but Merlin finds himself looking from the outside. He never sits down with them, they expect him to serve them and then clean up. Lancelot walks Merlin back to Gaius’ tower. “Is it okay if it’s just us tomorrow?” Merlin asks shyly. “Yes, of course.” Lancelot replies, no explanation needed. If he's honest, Lancelot prefers that as well.
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About a week ago, on a blistering summer day, Merlin decided it might be nice to spend some time outside instead of in the stuffy tower. He packs the food in a picnic blanket and he and Lancelot walk out to the royal gardens where they stretch their legs and amicably enjoy each other’s company. Merlin unprompted, blows a soft breeze their way. They’re lying there when Lancelot asks, “How are you feeling Merlin?” Merlin doesn’t even have to think about it, he just says, “Happy.” They lay there until the stars come up.