Title: These Are Our Lives

Fandom: Merlin

Rating: K

Pairings/Characters: Merlin and Arthur

Spoilers: Not unless you haven't seen Series 4

Warnings: Arthur throwing stuff?

Disclaimer: If you're looking for the owners of Merlin in this corner, I'll tell ya right now: go fish.

Summary: "Was it too much for Arthur to ask that his manservant at least keep a civil tongue when speaking with those that actually wouldfollow through on their threats?"

AN: Hello. I get a lot of ideas for one-shots, so I decided just to make a 'dumping ground' (if you'll excuse the expression) for them. Just a little information before I let you go: although the overall rating of this story is T - because I really never know what's coming in the next chapter - the rating above is chapter-specific, as are the pairings/characters, spoilers, warnings, and summaries. Just thought you should know. Also, this story is marked as complete, because these are one- or two-shots, and therefore, most of the time this story will be complete.

Chapter One: The Best Punishment

"MERLIN!"

Because really - was it too much for Arthur to ask that his manservant at least keep a civil tongue when speaking with those that actually would follow through on their threats?

He'd promised Princess Aurora that he would punish Merlin for his rudeness to her, though he'd been very careful not to specify what the punishment would be. Because he wasn't sure she would be consider 'cleaning-every-single-boot-in-Camelot' as suitable, no matter how much Merlin whined.

Merlin already knew - or thought he knew - what Arthur had called him for. He stepped into the room with a respectful but defiant expression on his face, and the king knew he was ready to defend his way of thinking to the last.

It was only years of experience that saved him from a broken nose, as Arthur's smelliest boots came whistling through the air. He ducked; they met the wall and bounced off onto his back.

"What-" he started to demand, but had to dodge again as Arthur continued the assault. "Wait-"

Arthur's footwear was lined up by his desk, in easy reach, and he didn't stop as he spoke. "You are going to go find" -toss- "the Knights, and tell them to" -throw- "give you their boots to clean, because so help me Merlin" -he hurled a boot with especial deadliness- "I will have the princess appeased!"

There was a lull, and Merlin stared. "Arthur, she kicked me! What was I supposed to do, take it lying down?"

Arthur raised another boot, but the younger man did not even flinch. "I don't care what she did, Merlin, but you'd better grovel for forgiveness, otherwise things are going to get very unpleasant around here!"

Merlin ducked again, then hurried forward to take the other boots out of Arthur's hands. "Fine, fine," he snapped, "I'll clean some boots as my penitence. But if you expect me to beg at the feet of that woman-"

Arthur shot him a warning look. "Merlin. You do realize we're in the middle of renewing a peace treaty, don't you? If she tells her parents what you said . . ." He trailed off, hoping Merlin had gotten the point.

"Oh yeah, the treaty," Merlin said gloomily, heading for the door. He took a moment to swallow his pride. "Alright, I'll go and apologize if it might help the treaty."

Arthur sighed in frustration. Obviously he would just have to go right out and say it. "It's not just that," he said. "You don't know Aurora; she'll probably demand that you be publicly flogged, and her parents will go with it, you can be sure. But if you are sufficiently humble - and never do it again- she might be 'gracious' and forgive you."

Merlin turned, enlightenment coming to his eyes. "Oh, so it's me you're worried about?"

Arthur's mouth thinned, though one corner was twitching. "Don't be ridiculous, Merlin. The treaty's far more important than you are."

But Merlin saw how it was, and he left the king's chambers with a spring in his step and a determination to give the best apology ever.

"In spite of this difference in status, they were in terms of perfect equality."

-Agatha Christie

Yes, I agree: that is the most perfect quote ever seen.

So, how did you feel about it? Dull? Lovely? Could use a lot of work? I'd like to know what you think.

I can't say when I'll update next. Basically, I'll post when I have inspiration for a one-shot. I really don't know when that will be. I'll try to make it soon, and I try to make it good;)

Reviews are appreciated.