Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Merlin sighed from his space at the window. He took in a deep breath, before letting it out slowly, basking in the late summer breeze fluttering in through the open window. The afternoon sun warmed his face, making him smile slightly.

“I leave you alone for one hour and you’re already lazing about, I should’ve known.” Came a voice from behind him, making him jump. Merlin smiled at the sight of his Prince, his loose summer tunic revealing his tanned skin. His hair was slightly ruffled, probably from his council meeting.

“Well, what’s a man to do when he’s driven to the bone by his slave-driving master.” Merlin huffed, dramatically clutching his shirt and laying the back of his hand across his forehead, leaning back so he was sprawled across the windowsill. 

“Why you little-” Arthur said, pushing his sleeves up higher as he marched over. Merlin debated running away, but then decided that getting his courting alpha (he could say that now!) to manhandle him, would be much more entertaining. So Merlin slumped himself further down, letting one arm hang off the edge and closing his eyes. Merlin listened as the footsteps stopped beside him, peeking his eyes open to see Arthur’s unimpressed face staring down at him. He closed his eyes again, letting out a dramatic sigh as he said,

“If only there was a big brave alpha who could save me!” 

“If you think playing the alpha card is going to work, then you’re sorely mistaken.” Arthur said. Merlin could practically hear the eyebrow he raised.

“So you’re denying that you’re such a big brave alpha?” Merlin said cheekily, opening one eye. He giggled as he saw the alpha’s eye twitch. Merlin always did have the upper hand in their verbal sparring sessions. A smirk came over the blonde’s face,

“That would mean you’re implying that you think I’m a ‘big brave alpha’.” Damn, he had him there.

“Me? Complementing his graciousness? Never have I heard such a blasphemous thing!” Merlin gasped dramatically. “It would hardly be appropriate of me to make such salacious comments about my master.” Merlin grinned as Arthur choked on his breath. 

“Yes well-well-” Arthur fumbled for a moment before saying “well that would all be well and good if I were. But I’m not just that, am I?” 

“You’re not just - what?” Merlin said teasingly, wanting Arthur to say it. The Prince let out an exasperated sigh.

“I’m not ‘just’ your master.” Merlin raised his eyebrow at him.

“Well what are you then?” Merlin grinned as Arthur lent down.

“You know full well what I am.” Arthur whispered, placing his hands on either side of Merlin’s body.

“But I haven’t heard you say it.” Merlin whispered back, his hands coming to rest on Arthur’s chest. Arthur took a deep breath, before saying in a low voice,

“I’m your courting alpha.” Merlin shivered at the words and tone.

“And what am I?” Merlin whispered, unconsciously releasing pleased omega pheromones. Arthur suppressed a smile at the smell.

“You’re my courting omega.” Merlin grinned finally, leaning in to give Arthur a deep kiss, pressing their lips together and letting out a small moan as their tongues tangled. He pulled away, giving one last peck before saying,

“That’s right. Now carry me around my big brave alpha!” Looping his arms around Arthur’s neck. The alpha let out a laugh, shaking his head at Merlin’s antics before complying, lifting him in a bridal carry and swinging him round, chuckling at the omega’s shriek. 

“Well then, where to, my omega?” Arthur asked, hoisting Merlin further up in his arms so he could give his courting mate a peck on the nose, making him blush adorably. Merlin gave him a timid grin, before saying,

“Well, I would say the bed, but you know I can’t say such ‘salacious’ things to my master.”

“Well it’s a good job I’m not just your master then isn’t it?” Arthur said with a grin, walking over to the bed.

“It’s a very good job. Otherwise I’d have no one to carry me around.” Merlin said, laughing when Arthur dumped him on the bed. He giggled, pushing his boots off before sitting cross legged on the bed, waiting for Arthur to do the same, feeling like a teenager all over again. As soon as the alpha had settled back against the pillows, Merlin dived forwards, wrapping his arms around Arthur’s middle and burying his face in his chest, making a soft purring sound, which only intensified as Arthur settled a soft hand on his head, threading his fingers through his hair. He breathed in the alpha’s scent, fitting himself perfectly against the blonde.

“Eventful council session?” He asked, nuzzling his face into Arthur’s tunic.

“Frustrating more like.” Arthur sighed, leaning back even more. “All the councilmen ever seem to suggest is raising taxes. They all look at me like I’m stupid when I ask ‘What about the people’.” Merlin squeezed him tighter,

“They’re just not in contact with the common people, Arthur. What matters is that you are doing something.” Merlin sighed, feeling Arthur’s frustration. A soft smile overcame his face as he felt Arthur play with the hairs at the bottom of his neck. And to think, he wouldn’t have even contemplated the thought of courting Arthur three months ago, so sure the alpha would not return his affections. He stifled a laugh as he remembered trying to convince Arthur that he actually had gone to the future.

Arthur gave him a dubious look. 

“You’re telling me, while you’ve been lazing about, you went to the future for four weeks?” Arthur said slowly. “You haven’t been on the sloe gin have you? Are you sure you’re not ill? You didn’t have a fever dream did you?” Merlin swotted Arthur’s hand away as it crept towards his forehead again.

“Cut it out you prat! I’m not ill! Even Gaius says so!” Merlin whined. 

“Well go on then, what happens in the future, oh great time traveller.” Arthur said, leaning back in his chair beside Merlin’s bed, an expectant look on his face. The omega felt himself blush, not knowing how Arthur would react. The alpha raised an eyebrow at him.

“Well… you see-we, I-uh, we both-” Merlin stuttered, feeling his face burn.

“I’m waiting.” Arthur said, using his ‘prat voice’ as Merlin would call it. The younger man felt his annoyance flare, already missing the patience of Arthur’s older self.

“We’re mated and married you prat!” He exclaimed, silence filling his proclamation. Arthur stared at him in shock. “And-and,” Merlin took a breath to calm himself, “and… we have children.” He whispered softly, looking down, not wanting to look Arthur in the eye. A voice sputtered beside him,

“We-we have-, and-and we’re-” Arthur said, his voice faint. Merlin nodded, still looking down. 

“How-how far into the future are we talking?” Merlin looked up in confusion, not expecting this reaction.

“Well…” Merlin began hesitantly, “it was 529 when I got there. And we had one child already,” Merlin paused, taking in Arthur’s rapt face, “... and another on the way.” Arthur stared for a moment,

“So when you were there… you were-were-” Arthur seemed unable to get the words out, instead making a semicircle with his hand over his stomach, mimicking a baby bump. If it were any other situation, he would've laughed at Arthur's embarrassment but as it was, Merlin just nodded sadly.

“That was one of the reasons I was so upset when I woke up, among other things.” Merlin murmured, a far away look taking over his eyes. He jumped when he felt a hand cover his own, an unreadable look on the blonde's face. He looked at Arthur in shock, confusion filling him as he saw how his eyes began to shine.

“Are-are you okay Sire?” Merlin said, peering at his face. Arthur’s head snapped to him.

“Arthur.” He said, causing Merlin to frown. “Arthur. Don’t call me Sire. Not you, Merlin.” Merlin suppressed a smile, before saying,

“What’s wrong Arthur?” The alpha frowned at him, sliding off his chair so he could kneel next to the omega’s bed.

“Me? I should be asking you Merlin! I can’t imagine what you’ve gone through! Coming back to-to, to no children and-” Arthur sucked in a breath, “and no mate.” He paused before speaking again, “And were you happy? Were you happy there?” Arthur asked, staring at Merlin, something new in his eyes.

“Very much so.” Merlin whispered, feeling his heart ache to be with the alpha again. Arthur seemed to take a deep breath before steeling himself,

“You shouldn’t feel compelled, just because you’ve seen this possible future… but… would you be happy, if you…courted me?” Arthur asked, his voice ending in a whisper. Merlin felt his heart stop.

“You-you, are you being serious? You're not just saying this, because you feel obligated now?” He replied, not sure he’d be able to take it if Arthur was just asking out of a sense of duty.

“I mean it, with all my heart. If I thought I would've had any chance with you before this, we would've been mated months ago.” The alpha replied, a flicker of his older self already appearing, making Merlin’s breath hitch.

“It would. It would make me very happy.” Merlin replied. Arthur looked at him, eyes shining, as he stood up, making Merlin hum in confusion. Arthur straightened his back before bowing slightly, holding out his hand to Merlin, as he said,

“Merlin of Ealdor, would you do me, Arthur Pendragon, the honour of courting you. To keep and hold, for as long as it may last?” Arthur said, his alpha voice rumbling as he recited the traditional courting vows. Merlin felt his eyes sting, a hand coming up to cover his face. When a moment passed with no movement, Arthur looked up from his bowed position, taking in Merlin’s emotional state.

“I know you can be a dollophead sometimes, but this is the part where you tend to accept. My back’s starting to hurt.” Arthur said, a teasing, but worried, lilt to his voice. Merlin let out a watery laugh, sitting up and swinging his legs over the edge of the bed so he could face the alpha, batting his head in retaliation.

“You’re such a clotpole, ruining the moment.” Merlin laughed, taking a deep breath before standing, taking a hold of Arthur’s hand.

“I, Merlin of Ealdor, do accept your invitation to court with happiness Arthur Pendragon, and will keep and hold you, no matter how much of a prat you are, as long as it may last.” Merlin replied, drawing a snort out of Arthur before he pressed his lips together to keep a straight face. 

“Then I seal this vow with a kiss,” He said, placing a feather light kiss on Merlin’s knuckles, “and bless this vow with the hope it shall remain, forever untarnished, no matter how it may end.” Arthur finished, standing up straight, but not releasing Merlin’s hand. Merlin gave a timid smile, before asking,

“Would you mind… if we did the Escetiren vows as well? You don’t have to, it’s just what I always saw and thought I’d say when I was-” Merlin began to ramble, faltering when a hand came to rest on his cheek, earnest blue eyes staring at him.

“I would be honoured, Merlin.” Arthur said, causing Merlin’s heart to skip a beat. “What do we do?” Merlin grinned at him. 

Merlin had forever cherished those few moments in his heart, always smiling when he thought of them. From there, it had progressed as a normal courtship - almost. They weren’t publicly courting, Arthur didn’t want his father to harm Merlin, knowing he would disapprove of him courting a servant. However, Merlin had the sneaking feeling that their friends already suspected. 

Arthur would always walk Merlin home to his room in Gaius’ chambers before retiring, always speaking loudly of wanting to inspect the guards and grounds before he went to sleep to put his mind at ease, so that any passers by would be under the impression that he was merely fulfilling his Princely duties. He would walk Merlin to his door, giving Merlin a peck on the cheek under the watchful gaze of Gaius (they had learnt after the first time that the old physician disapproved of Arthur kissing his ward on the mouth in front of him, the alpha receiving a book to the head for his troubles whilst being scolded about ‘chivalry’) before bidding him goodnight, walking back to his own chambers. Gaius had found out about their courtship straight away, Merlin’s beaming face as the Prince left, after waking up from his time-induced lie in, telling him all he needed to know. 

Every week, Arthur would fetch something from the kitchen for them to share in front of his fireplace,

“It’s tradition.” He had said, the third week into their courtship. “The alpha is expected to bring their omega food once a week, to show that they are capable of providing for them.” Merlin suppressed a smile at the sweet gesture, giving the Prince a kiss on the cheek before saying,

“Well yes, I suppose I do need to be sure that you can find your own kitchen and ask them to make you food.” Merlin joked, a happy lilt to his voice. Arthur swotted a hand at him, smiling when Merlin giggled. When the next week came, Arthur arrived with a wonky, half burnt loaf of bread, and a sheepish smile on his face. Merlin raised his eyebrow in confusion.

“Well… I wanted to show you that I can… provide for you without asking the kitchen for assistance… but it didn’t go very well.” Arthur finished, settling the slanted bread in front of Merlin. The omega felt his heart squeeze pathetically, his inner omega purring with satisfaction. “Of course, you don’t have to eat it, it looks rather inedible actually-” Arthur started rambling, rubbing the back of his neck self-consciously. Merlin cut him off by throwing his arms around him, Arthur making a noise of surprise as he caught him.

“Oh Arthur-you’re just-you… you’re just wonderful.” Merlin said happily, so happy that Arthur was his. Arthur tightened his arms around the omega,

“I would be nothing without you. Anything good I have accomplished is down to you.” Arthur whispered, feeling touched by his omega’s gratefulness (even if his pride was still slightly wounded by his awful attempt at baking.)

“Why don’t we try together next time?” Merlin whispered, cupping Arthur’s jaw softly. “We can go down to the kitchen after it’s closed, and I can help you try again. How does that sound?” Merlin said, feeling his love for Arthur increase by the minute. Arthur nodded softly, capturing Merlin’s lips in a soft kiss.

The alpha also had a habit of leaving gifts in Merlin’s room. At least once or twice a month, he would come back to a soft blanket resting on his bed, or a pile of high quality parchment. The gifts would make him blush, and he always made sure to bring Arthur extra food for his breakfast the next day, giving him a soft smile. Merlin in return would make his own gifts. They weren’t as often as Arthur’s as they took time to make, and money he didn’t have, but they were received with as much enthusiasm as Merlin’s were. Last week, Merlin had left a small iron dragon on Arthur’s desk, a basket of his favourite sweetmeats accompanying it. He had got a raised eyebrow from Gwen when he had asked for help, but she had complied nonetheless, helping him meld it and shape it, it’s form slightly crude, but impressive for a beginner (Gwen didn’t have to know that he had used his magic to influence the metal). Arthur had grinned at him brightly the next day, picking him up and swinging him round, revelling in Merlin’s laughter.

Back in the present, Merlin snuggled further into Arthur's chest, breathing him in. 

“Have you told Morgana yet?” Arthur asked. Merlin shook his head sadly,

“No, she was busy all day today, so I didn’t get to talk to her.” Merlin replied. The omega had told Arthur how much he had enjoyed having a friend with magic in the future, (accidentally revealing Morgana in the process, but Arthur wasn’t too bothered, after having his omega go to the future, nothing really phased him anymore), so Merlin had decided he wanted to reveal himself to the Lady, however he hadn’t been able to speak to her yet. Arthur let out a sigh, holding Merlin tighter before releasing him,

“Right, I need to get ready to dine with my father.” Arthur said, sitting up.

“Oh are you having your private meal tonight?” Merlin asked. Uther had a meal with just Morgana and Arthur once a month, no servants were permitted in and the food was all laid out beforehand.

“Yes… would you like to go breadmaking tonight, afterwards?” Arthur asked, a teasing grin on his face. Merlin grinned back,

“Yes of course. I was thinking, maybe we could try a sourdough. Some of the villages a bit over from Ealdor make it. I heard they picked it up off some travellers from the Iles, it’s supposed to be nice.” Merlin said, hopping off Arthur’s bed so he could pick his evening meal attire from his wardrobe. 

“How can it be nice if it’s called ‘sour’ - ‘dough’?” Arthur said, wrinkling his nose. Merlin threw Arthur’s jacket at his face, causing him to sputter.

“Don’t be obtuse Arthur, it doesn’t suit you.” Merlin said with a grin. Arthur gave a dramatic bow and sighed,

“As my omega commands.” Merlin giggled, laying out the rest of his clothes on his bed. While undressing Arthur was now a lot more personal, he enjoyed it thoroughly - despite the fact he could never quite get rid of his blush when he did it. Arthur smirked as Merlin began to unlace his tunic, throwing it onto the bed once it was off. Arthur straightened up as Merlin turned to fetch his clean shirt, unconsciously puffing his chest out in the hopes it would catch the omega’s attention. 

It did. 

Merlin turned back, pausing as he took in the sight, not knowing whether to laugh or run his hands over the alpha’s chest. He decided to do both, letting out a chuckle as he approached,

“I suppose you’re trying to please your dear omega?” He said, not being able to help himself from laying a hand on his chest and letting it trail down.

“Is it working?” Arthur asked hopefully.

“Possibly.” Merlin said, smiling as he tugged the tunic over his head. Next was Arthur’s favourite part. The alpha watched as Merlin blushed, untying the laces to his breeches before pulling them down. He pulled the nicer pair up, not knowing why he didn’t just insist that Arthur do it himself to save his embarrassment. Arthur preened in satisfaction as Merlin began to lace up his new pair, chuckling at Merlin’s red face.

“What’s the matter Merlin? Are you afraid of the royal sword?” He asked, grinning as Merlin went redder. 

“Your royal sword is none of my concern, Sire.” He croaked, fetching Arthur’s jacket, Arthur chuckling behind him. A smirk came over his face as he thought of the perfect retaliation. Before he turned around, he snuck a hand up to his tunic laces, loosening them slightly, so that the shirt gaped when he leant forwards. He pushed Arthur to sit on the bed so he could straighten out the jacket.

“Now, is there anything else you need, alpha?” He purred, leaning forward at the waist and clasping his hands together in front of his hips, forcing his upper arms to outline and push forward his chest, which just happened to be exactly opposite Arthur’s line of sight. He saw the man swallow, his eyes wide as they remained glued to his bust, unconsciously leaning forwards.

“Uh-I-” Arthur stammered, his eyes not moving. Merlin clicked his fingers, gaining the older man’s attention.

“My eyes are up here, love.” Merlin said cheekily, watching as Arthur blushed.

“Um-yes-well…what was the question again?” Arthur said, stumbling over his words. Merlin laughed, leaning in to give Arthur a quick peck before pulling him off the bed. Storing the reaction away for safe-keeping, should he ever need something from the stubborn alpha in the future.

“You better be getting to your meal, you don’t want to anger your father.” Merlin said, gathering Arthur’s clothes and dropping them in the washing basket, arching his back as he bent over (a little trick he had learn off a fellow servant who had to serve an obnoxious master once, 'Works wonders' she had said with a grin, he could now see she had been very correct in that statement). Based on the sharp intake of breath Merlin heard, he guessed he was successful. He put an innocent look on his face as he turned round, settling the wash basket on his hip.

“Right Arthur?” The alpha’s face snapped up to his, scrambling for words again. Merlin couldn’t contain his smile any longer, laughing as he strode over to the door, ignoring Arthur’s indignant calls of ‘Merlin!’.

Chapter Text

Arthur grumbled as he sat down for his meal with Morgana and his father, still feeling abashed at how Merlin had… shown off his assets when he was with him earlier, but feeling a grudging smile take over his face regardless.

“Arthur,” Uther said, interrupting his son’s train of thought, “I’ve noticed you’ve been looking very… happy recently. Is there anything you wish to share with us?” Arthur felt his heart stop, trying not to stare wide eyed at his father.

“Ahh, no, not particularly father. I guess I’m just happy with how things are going at the moment.” He said, quickly shoving a piece of venison in his mouth. Morgana raised her eyebrow at him from where she was seated opposite, her face clearly saying, ‘is that the best you could do?’.

“Are you sure? There’s… no-one you’d like to tell us about?” Uther continued, his stare seeming to burn into Arthur’s soul. The blonde felt doubt creeping up on him, his father couldn’t know… could he? Arthur simply shook his head. Morgana frowned, looking between father and son, feeling she was missing something. 

“Oh for Heaven's sake Arthur, I know you’re seeing that boy.” Uther said, heaving a sigh. Arthur choked on a piece of carrot, coughing as he swallowed it whole. 

“W-what?!” Arthur choked out, sipping on his goblet of wine.

“I could smell him all over you when I ran into you in the halls the other week, when it was late.” Uther said, raising his eyebrow. Morgana’s eyes widened comically, both of them obviously assuming the alpha and omega had been up to something.

“Father! We haven’t-I mean-” Arthur began to sputter before Uther held his hand up.

“Is he on heat suppressants?” He asked, a bored look on his face. Arthur felt himself flush slightly, remembering a particular moment last week when he had been spending time with his courting omega in his chambers. They had been sat on the rug in front of the fireplace, when things became a little… heated. All their affections so far had been limited to kissing, but this time Merlin had crawled into Arthur’s lap, their kiss turning more passionate. It wasn’t until Merlin had bared his neck to Arthur in a sign of submission that they had realised that Merlin was in pre-heat. Arthur had rushed to Gaius’ chambers, picking up the heat suppressors before racing back, tucking Merlin into his bed while they waited for them to kick in. Sure enough, half an hour later, Merlin’s flush had gone down and he looked considerably drowsier than before, his face sheepish as he apologised but Arthur had quickly put a stop to that, reassuring him that it was okay and it was perfectly natural.

“Well, yes, of course father but we haven’t-I mean, we haven’t done anything of the sort yet.” Arthur admitted, his blush flaring bright.

“Well, whatever keeps you happy I suppose.” Uther said, drinking from his goblet. 

“You’re… you’re okay with it?” Arthur asked in astonishment. Uther raised his eyebrow,

“There’s no need to look so astonished Arthur, it’s not like you’re courting the boy.” Uther said calmly. Arthur felt his heart plummet, his smile fading. At his silence, Uther looked up, his eyes narrowing at his son.

“Arthur…” He said in a warning voice, causing Arthur to studiously look away. “You cannot be serious, Arthur.” Uther said, putting his fork down.

“What if I was?” Arthur said, playing with his food.

“I would tell you to stop being ridiculous! You’ll need to marry for the sake of the Kingdom one day, you can’t afford to be having dalliances with servants!” He hissed. Morgana narrowed her eyes at the King, and Arthur felt his anger spike,

“Then what about my mother?” Arthur asked in a low voice. Uther froze, staring at his son.

“What?” Uther said slowly.

“You say I’ll have to marry for the good of the Kingdom, but you did no such thing. You married my mother for love, so why can’t I do the same?” Arthur asked, his hand clenching his fork. His father seemed to falter, his eyes softening before they hardened again.

“I’ll hear no more of it, Arthur, you’re my son, you will do as I say.” Uther instructed. Arthur slammed his hands on the table, huffing as he stood up, causing Morgana to jump.

“You see?! You never care for what I have to say, or what I want! If I ask anything about my mother, you refuse to answer, as if she’s some forbidden taboo subject! Well, I ask you this father, what would she say if she was with you today? Would she be happy? Proud? Or disappointed that you won’t let your son have the same happiness that you had when she was alive?” Arthur said, impassioned, before stalking away. Silence followed his footsteps, the only sound being the scrape of another chair as it was pushed backwards, before the sound of heels trailed after him. Arthur stormed down the halls, only slowing slightly as he heard Morgana frantically running after him, her heels impeding her chase. 

“You’re courting Merlin!” She whispered to him, conscious of the guards at the end of the halls. Arthur nodded tersely at her, his stance softening as he thought of his courting mate.

“For three months now.” The alpha replied quietly. His head snapped up as Morgana released a ‘Ha!’ sound.

“Gwen owes me, I knew you two were up to something.” Morgana said, grinning. Arthur huffed out a laugh, feeling some of his tension ease slightly. “Are you going to see him now?” His pseudo-sister asked quietly. He nodded, huffing out a sigh,

“We were going to do something, but now… I’d rather not have him out any later with my father as he is.” Morgana laid a hand on his shoulder,

“Maybe he’ll think over your words, you never know Arthur.” Morgana said, a strange glint in her eye. Arthur stared at her, recognising the look from when she had warned him about Sophia. Maybe she had seen something… Arthur checked the hall was empty before pulling her into a nearby alcove, ignoring her quiet sputtering.

“How can you be so sure?” Arthur asked, looking her in the eye. 

“Well, I guess… call it a gut feeling.” She replied slowly, her posture tense. 

“So… I’m fine to be with Merlin now?” He asked dubiously.

“No!” Was her immediate reply. “Not yet anyway. It could be next week or even next month… but I have the feeling he’ll come round.” She said confidently. Arthur observed her for a moment more, wishing he could tell her how he knew already dammit and let me help you but knowing it would likely do more harm than good if he revealed himself now.

“I better be going then, I’ll see you tomorrow Arthur.” She said, leaving Arthur to digest her words as she began to turn away. 

“Wait!” He called out, knowing Merlin had wanted to see Morgana all day. She turned back to him with a questioning look. “I know Merlin had something he wanted to talk to you about, would you mind seeing him now? He knew you were busy all day, so he didn’t get a chance to speak with you earlier.” Morgana smiled at him, nodding her assent as they started walking together.

Merlin had begun to nod off already, drowsiness taking over as his head began to dip. He had stopped taking his suppressors a few days ago, so that probably meant he was nearly due for his bleeding. His assumptions were right, as a moment later he felt a cramp along his lower stomach, causing him to hiss as he curled in on himself, grateful that he only had to do this four times a year, unlike poor female betas, who had to do this every month (for the most part). He had unconsciously gathered a pile of Arthur’s blankets and pillows, surrounding himself with them, their smell comforting him, as he waited for the alpha. Soon enough, he had already nodded off, oblivious to the visitors entering the room.

Arthur stopped as he took in his mate, his heart melting as he observed him. He was curled around one of Arthur’s pillows, his hands grasping it. He was surrounded by the blonde’s various blankets and duvets. Arthur usually prided himself on knowing what was happening to his omega, having taken time to listen to Morgana and what other people have said about the omegan body, but he didn’t recognise this behaviour. The only thing it resembled was a nest, which was what pregnant omegas assembled before they were about to give birth, and Arthur was fairly certain his mate wasn’t pregnant. Arthur turned to Morgana, a confused but adoring look on his face.

“What is he doing?” He whispered to Morgana, hoping she would help him understand. She frowned for a moment at the sleeping omega before lighting up, making a quiet ‘aha!’. She turned to the alpha,

“He was in heat last week, right?” She said. Arthur jolted, looking at her in confusion.

“How-how did you know?” He asked unsurely. 

“Other omegas can smell when another omega goes into heat, regardless of whether they’re taking suppressors.” She explained, Arthur’s face becoming understanding.

“Well, if you don’t fall pregnant after your heat, then you have your bleeding. We tend to feel slightly more… vulnerable during our menses, so mated or courting omegas, will build a nest of sorts of their alpha’s belongings, hoping it will comfort them.” Arthur 'ahhed’ in understanding before looking contemplative.

“And are your bleedings… painful?” He asked hesitantly. Morgana didn’t hesitate as she nodded.

“It varies from omega to omega and to female betas too, but pain is almost always involved. I’ve also heard that male omegas tend to get it worse, as they have a slightly different structure.” She added. Arthur felt himself frown, why hadn’t he heard about this before?

“And… is there anything I can do to help?” Arthur asked, his voice quiet. Morgana gave him an appraising look, a smile overtaking her face.

“Courtship suits you Arthur.” She said, grinning as Arthur ducked his head. “I tend to find warm baths help, especially with the cramps. And I’ll lean more towards sweeter foods as well.” Arthur nodded, cataloguing the information away for later. “Oh, and patience, lots of patience Arthur.” She said, patting his arm. Arthur frowned at her in confusion. “Our hormones are all over the place during our time. It can lead to quite the unpredictable whirl of emotions”. The blonde thought for a moment, his respect for omegas and female betas rocketing as he realised they never let on in court.

“Thanks for the advice ‘Gana, I appreciate it.” He said, watching as her face melted, a grin overtaking it.

“No problem, it’s sweet that you’re taking care of him like this.” Before exiting the chambers, Arthur caught her by the wrist,

“And thank you again for earlier, it means a lot that you’re behind me and Merlin.” He told her, in a rare soft moment of thankfulness for his pseudo-sibling. She merely grinned brightly at him, patting his shoulder before sweeping from the room, the chamber door clanging shut behind her. 

Arthur approached the bed, unsure of the best way to wake the younger man. He silently climbed up, settling next to the younger man. He carefully placed a hand in Merlin’s hair, massaging the scalp, grinning at the purr he received. Merlin slowly opened his eyes, smiling softly at Arthur before wincing in pain, curling up slightly.

“Cramps?” Arthur asked softly, receiving a surprised nod in return. 

“How did you know?” He asked, his face scrunched up in confusion.

“I just knew.” Arthur replied unhelpfully, pulling the duvet back. Merlin gave him a doubtful look until he cracked and gave a sheepish grin, “I asked Morgana.” 

“Ahh, that makes more sense.” He helped Merlin sit up, feeling his heart melt as Merlin rubbed his eyes in a childlike manner. Arthur was about to suggest they get Merlin back to his own bed (with one of Arthur’s own blankets of course) lest he fall asleep there, when he noticed that the bedspread was a darker colour where the brunette had been laid. Arthur felt his cheeks burn as he realised what had happened.

 “Uh, Merlin, I think your, um, well you’ve…started… you know?” He stuttered out awkwardly, flushing deeper when the omega just stared at him in confusion. “Your-” He huffed a sigh of frustration before taking a deep breath, for goodness sake, it wasn’t that big of a deal, why couldn’t he just say it?! “Love, your menses has started.” He said softly, Merlin looked down to stare at the stained bed for a moment before taking it in, his eyes widening.

“Oh Gods!” He exclaimed, scrambling to his knees, looking in horror at the stained bed. “Oh Arthur I’m so sorry-I don’t, oh this is-” Merlin didn’t know what to say, feeling his face flush as embarrassment swept through him. He had bled all over Arthur’s bed! He sniffed, feeling on the verge of tears, the embarrassment turning to upset (much to his dismay.) He had heard horror stories from other omegas, about how their alphas had gotten angry with them for starting their bleeding in the same bed as their mate. Arthur quickly wrapped the omega in a warm hug.

“Hey shhh, don’t worry about it, alright? Accidents happen. It’s perfectly natural. Don’t worry, love.” He whispered, running soothing arms up and down Merlin’s body. “What-what do you use, when you’re bleeding?” Arthur asked, hoping the omega wouldn’t think he was trying to pry. Merlin gave a pitiful sniff,

“Um, I have these cloths I use, I-uh, they soak up the blood.” He admitted, still feeling mortified. 

“Are they in your room?” Arthur asked, already calculating how long it would take to have a bath prepared. Merlin nodded, uncertainty filling his face. “Okay, you tell me where and I’ll go fetch them for you along with a fresh change of clothes.” Arthur said. Merlin jumped, grasping his courting alpha’s arm.

“Arthur! I couldn’t possibly make you do that!” The omega exclaimed, feeling his embarrassment return.

“You’re not making me, I’m offering. Let me take care of you.” Arthur said softly, cupping Merlin’s cheek. Merlin was about to protest before Arthur said his last line, making Merlin all gooey inside. He sighed before whispering,

“Okay Arthur. But only if you’re sure.” 

“Of course I am, love.” Arthur grinned, giving him a soft kiss, before slipping off the bed. “I’m going to order you a bath on the way, alright?” Arthur said as he walked out the door, not wanting to give Merlin a chance to protest, leaving Merlin to sputter indignantly in silence. Merlin realised he better move if he didn’t want to get caught in Arthur’s bed by whoever was bringing the bath in. He sighed, wondering where the best place to hide was, he certainly couldn’t sit down anywhere. He huffed before deciding he’d have to do the awkward ‘waddle’ across the room, thanking all that was holy that no one was there to see him.