The Sorcerer's Secret (a Merlin story)

16

     "Something is not right with Leon." Merlin declared.

"You just don't like that he likes Celeste. More that Celeste likes Leon." Gawaine said with a knowing tone.

"It's not just that." Merlin said quietly. Gawaine shot him a look. "I was making serious progress with Celeste and now... that's not the point!" He said irritated. "Something is not right with him."
"Fine, I'll bite. What's not right about him?"
"Well..." Merlin thought for a moment. Gawaine let out a laugh. "I can't put my finger on it but it's just not right. I'm telling you!" Gawaine rolled his eyes as he prepared breakfast.

"Well find some proof before you go running your mouth to Celeste or God forbid you decide to open your mouth to Arthur about your concerns."

After Merlin's conversation he realized Gawaine was right. He needed proof or else no one was going to believe him. Leon would seamlessly infiltrate the palace and Celeste's heart and Merlin couldn't let that happen.

"What are you wearing?" Gawaine questioned Merlin when he emerged from his room.

"Nothing." Merlin said suspiciously.

"You look ridiculous." Gawaine informed him. Merlin looked down at his outfit.

"I'm just wearing black." Merlin said confused.

"You never wear black. What are you up to?"
"Nothing," Merlin looked down at his clothes.

"Suspicious." Gawaine said before flipping a fried egg onto Merlin's plate. "Before you head out for some probably stupid acts would you like some breakfast?" Merlin sat down and picked at his eggs.

"I'm not doing anything wrong."

"Correct. Right now all you've done is wear a dark outfit and creep around our room." Gawaine informed him.

"I'm fine, you're fine. No is doing anything foolish. Just leave it be." Merlin instructed.
"Just don't get yourself killed, that's all I ask."

"Don't worry. With my special skill set..." Merlin winked. But Gawaine shot him a glare.

"You are the only family I have left besides your mom, Merlin. Since she is not here it's up to me to protect you."

"I don't need protection. I should be the one protecting you!" At that Merlin stomped off, slamming the door behind him.

"What are you doing?" Merlin couldn't go anywhere without being questioned. He spun around only to see Arthur, arms crossed over his chest, his face puckered.

"Nothing."
"Oh, really?" Merlin nodded hesitantly. "Because from where I'm standing it looks like you should be cleaning up my room, and fetching me my breakfast from the kitchen. Not lurking around the halls... and what are you wearing?"

"I'm trying a new look."

"Why are you bickering outside my door?" Celeste rubbed at her eyes emerging from behind Arthur.

"Merlin was just about to get me breakfast." Arthur said gesturing towards the hallway to the kitchen.

"You trying a new look?" Celeste questioned. Merlin looked down at himself. Did he really never wear black?

"Yeah, just trying something new." Celeste nodded slowly. "You don't like it?" Celeste shrugged.

"I've just never seen you in black."

"Except for when we were rescuing you from Rau." Arthur reminded her.

"Oh yes, did you like their uniforms better?" Celeste questioned, scanning him.