Title: Stance
Author: Bruceybabe
Fandom: BBC's Merlin TV series
Pairing: Merlin/Arthur
Rating: pg
Spoilers: vauge for ep2
Summary: It's always good to know where you stand.
Word count: 425
Warnings: Un-betad bit o' fluff.
Disclaimer: Don't own either Merlin or Arthur, regretfully.

Author's note: Another quick fic from my latest bunny. I can't seem to get past the pg rating though, sorry.


Arthur watches as his manservant swings the mace and then strike out at the practice dummy. It hits the upper right shoulder of the dummies breastplate instead of the helmet as it was supposed to.

Merlin lets out a frustrated sigh. “This isn't working”

Arthur releases a sigh of his own. “It takes time and practice. Now do it again, and keep your movements as smooth as possible”

Merlin does so, desperately trying to remember everything he's been taught.

The mace head sails out ....

....and misses completely.

The weapon's momentum causing him to overbalance and he has to quickly drop the weapon to prevent injury. One hand grabbing the dummy to keep his footing.

He looks back at the Prince who tells him seriously. “That's amazing”

Before adding with a grin “I think you might actually be getting worse!”

“You're enjoying this way too much” Merlin complains.

“No such thing” Is the response.

Merlin turns to face Arthur. “Why must I do this again? Other then you're a sadistic excuse for a master who enjoys seeing his manservant humiliated at every opportunity.” He pauses for a moment before belatedly remembering to add “Sire”.

Arthur chooses to ignore his servants rudeness and instead smirks “Actually I'm pretty sure that's the only reason that matters. You do what I want you to, or I have you flogged and put in the stocks.”

Neither of them believes the last part. Arthur has always allowed Merlin to get away with more than he should.

Merlin pretends to take him seriously

“So, if I don't do fight training with you I'll be beaten and humiliated and if I do I'll be ...

...beaten and humiliated? Not much incentive Sire”

“Well at least in this you have a chance of improving. Eventually.” He says before he glances to where the discarded weapon lies at the base of the practice dummy.

“Maybe” he adds.

Arthur retrieves the mace, returning to place it in his servant's hand and curling Merlin''s fingers around the handle. He moves to stand behind Merlin placing his hands on the other boy's shoulders. Slowly running his hands down the body in front of him as he moves it into the correct battle stance.

He feels Merlin's body tense and breathing quicken.

“But if you're really looking for incentive?”

He leans forward to purr into one slightly over sized ear.

“If you hit the target three times, I'll give you a rub down you'll never forget.”

Then the prince steps back before calmly ordering his servant to begin again.