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4. "Great. I Got a Cold For My Birthday."
“Good morning, love,” Arthur whispered in Merlin’s ear as he wrapped his strong arms around his husband. He nuzzled his nose under Merlin’s jaw and peppered his neck with kisses, moving down and then back up behind Merlin’s ear to the spot Arthur knew he loved.
Merlin groaned and turned towards Arthur, snuggling against the king’s body. “Arthur?” His voice was hoarse and he sounded congested.
“Happy birthday, Merls,” Arthur said. He squeezed Merlin in a hug and kept kissing his neck.
Merlin groaned again and pulled away from Arthur as he woke up. “Ugh,” he said, bringing a hand up to rub at his head.
“What’s wrong?” Arthur pulled back a little to give Merlin some space.
Merlin pushed himself up and leaned back against the headboard. “Great. I’ve gotten a cold for my birthday,” Merlin said. He coughed harshly into his fist and let his head thunk back against the wood of the headboard.
“Are you sick?” Arthur asked, suddenly stopping his seductive act. He reached up and felt Merlin’s forehead. “You’re not feverish.”
“It’s just a cold, Arthur. I’ll take a tonic and be right as rain.” Merlin pushed back the blankets and made to get up.
“No! Stay in bed! Where is it, I’ll get it for you.” Arthur jumped out of bed and waited for Merlin’s directions.
“In the cabinet by the bath,” Merlin replied. “I can get it, Arthur.” He still had trouble letting Arthur do things for him, despite not being the king’s manservant for almost five years now.
“Nonsense. I’m ordering you to stay in bed and rest today.” Arthur went over to the cabinet and grabbed the bottle Merlin pointed out. “Besides, what better to do than stay in bed all day with your husband on your birthday?”
Merlin smiled as he watched Arthur walk back to their bed. “Thanks, love.” He uncorked the bottle and took a swig with a grimace. Setting the bottle down on the side table, Merlin snuggled back under the blankets and smiled as Arthur climbed in next to him.
“Now,” Arthur slid up next to Merlin’s body, his nose pressing at that spot behind Merlin’s ear and dotting it with kisses. “Where were we?”