Summary: Someone is stealing Arthur's blankets and he will find out who the mysterious blanket thief is.
Obviosly Merlin is going to help him
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Arthur had a quite stressful day and all he wanted now was to fall into his bed and sleep the whole next day away. Unfortunately he was king and sleeping longer than after the first rays of sunshine was forbidden somewhere in the laws.
Without thinking he plopped down on his bed and blindly reached for his blanket. However his hands haven't found his blanket and he was starting to get annoyed.
He was too tired to stand up or open his eyes so his hands just reached for a nearly visible thread and pulled twice at it. He smiled when he heard the little bell outside his chambers alarming his guards to bring his manservant in. This was the best idea he ever had. It came after he screamed his throat raw when he was looking for Merlin.
It took longer than he liked for his magical manservant to arrive but at least he came with new blankets. The only good part in this blanket stealing thing was that Merlin brought him blankets smelling of the omega. Somehow he slept better then but nobody had to know. Maybe that's the reason he hadn't done anything yet to capture this thief.
Merlin arrived loudly as always and slammed the door just for good measure.
"You know I'm not your manservant anymore, do you?" He asked as he walked over to the bed. Arthur turned around to look at him with one eye.
"I don't remember sacking you, Merlin."
"That's because you didn't. You just gave me a new job. As court sorcerer, I might add. And what about George? I bet he is sad because you give him no work." He scolded the king.
"I won't spend my time with him if he wants to joke about brass. You'll have to do. Can't you just be glad you don't have to polish my armour anymore? Anyway, give me my blanket." He demanded with his outstretched arm.
Merlin huffed but complied. He threw the blanket over Arthur and roughly tucked him in. The king let out a content sigh and snuggled deeper into the mattress.
"Anything else, sire?" Merlin said impatiently.
"Come in." His sleep-addled brain let out and suddenly Arthur was wide awake.
"What?" Merlin squeaked. Shit, that's not how he wanted his evening to go. Well, maybe, but without the humiliation.
"Cup wine." He rasped then maybe a bit too quickly but as serious as he could muster.
"Oh. Yeah, wait a minute." Merlin turned and Arthur let out a relieved sigh. He took the cup from Merlin with steady hands but inwardly he was still shaking. How could he be so stupid?
Merlin left shortly after but Arthur stayed awake for a while thinking what possessed him to say what he said. The answer was easier found than he would like to admit. He wanted Merlin. In all possible ways.
It wasn't the first time he thought about it. Even before he found out Merlin was an omega but since then the thoughts only increased. Yet he was careful with his feelings. He hadn't thought much about love but with every day passing it became a truer possibility.
He knew he couldn't act on that though. They were friends and that was much better than being rejected and enduring the awkward tension.
Thinking wouldn't get him anywhere so he just curled around his blanket and let Merlin's scent lull him to sleep.
******
As every morning he was greeted by Merlin throwing the curtains open and saying whatever silly remark he thought of that morning. Merlin didn't seem to say anything about yesterday and Arthur decided that was a good sign.
With a groan he stood up and paddled to the table. Waiting for Merlin to join him. Since he was named court sorcerer they usually ate together. He looked over his shoulder noting with a pleased smile that Merlin was going through his clothes deciding what Arthur would be wearing today. He grimaced as he thought this task to be handled by George.
He took a sip of water. He didn't want to make it obvious he was waiting with the food until Merlin sat next to him.
When Merlin was seated he took some bread and asked with a full mouth, "What are we doing today?"
Merlin made a thoughtful sound and took some strawberries.
"I think we actually have a free day. Why? Do you want to go hunting?" Merlin asked dreadfully.
Arthur smirked and took another bite, chewing slowly and then pointing the rest of his bread at Merlin.
"We Merlin, are going on a hunt. We are going to find out who stole all my blankets." He said as if he had already found whoever was stealing his blankets. Not that Merlin knew who this mysterious person was. He hadn't had the slightest clue.
Merlin groaned. This wasn't how he wanted to spend his free day. Not when he knew they wouldn't find anything anyway.
"Is that really necessary? As much as I hate to bring you new blankets every other day, can we use our free day for something more fun? Maybe we can go to the lake or something." Merlin whined and shoved more food on his plate.
"That is not possible, Merlin. My rut will come next week and if I want my den to be perfect I need my blankets. Also I have this urge to hunt. So that's exactly what we are going to do." Arthur explained casually.
"I still don't understand why I have to help you with this. It's your rut, not mine. And anyway, you don't want to impress anyone with your den. Can't you just use what you have right now? Or maybe I can ask Gwen if she knows about some fluffy blankets here in the castle." Merlin tried to convince him but to no avail.
"No Merlin. And I have the fluffiest and softest blankets anyway. And what if this thief steals my new blanket right before the rut hits?" Although it didn't sound that bad when Merlin would bring him new blankets and he could spend his rut with Merlin's scent. No, not bad at all. Arthur scolded himself. He had to concentrate.
"We are doing this. There is no way around it. In hindsight I can understand why anyone would want my blankets. But they are mine and I have to get them back." Merlin sighed. He knew he was defeated but he hoped if Arthur would have his fun today maybe he will leave Merlin alone tomorrow. Not away from him just away from his stupid ideas.
"And how do you want to do this? I mean the blanket thief was here yesterday. Surely they won't come today again."
"Good point. We will start with the guards. Then the maids. Maybe one of them was just so allured by the fluffiness and the smell of my blankets that she couldn't help herself."
"Of course." Merlin scoffed. Six years and Arthur is still the same arrogant prat he used to be. "Can we at least finish eating?" Arthur laughed at that.
"Honestly Merlin. No. Take what you want to eat with you. I don't want to waste another minute." Arthur said and stood up walking to the door.
"You also don't want to dress?" Merlin suppressed his laughter.
"I am the king of Camelot, I can do what I want. But if you insist." He walked back and stood in the middle of the room waiting for Merlin to dress him.
Merlin rolled his eyes and wondered why he even complied.
After they were finished they walked out of Arthur's chambers and the king led them out of the castle.
"I thought you wanted to begin with the guards."
"We will do that after we visit the hunting dogs. They can smell even better than we can and maybe they find my blankets faster."
When they finally arrived the dogs ran forward and surrounded the two men, happily wiggling their tails.
Arthur immediately crouched down and cooed at them.
"Arthur, let them sniff your wrist. I can tell them to come back to us as soon as they find your blankets."
Merlin said and Arthur easily obliged.
He didn't even watch as Merlin worked his magic, just stared at his dogs in wonder.
"Done. Now do you want to talk to the guards or not?"
With a sad sigh Arthur stood up and then walked forward. "Come on Merlin, we don't have all day." He called over his shoulder.
"Prat." Merlin cursed and walked after him
"I heard that."
*****
"So you are saying you haven't seen anybody."
"Yes, sire. The only person running around with an armful of blankets is Merlin." The guard said as he looked at the court sorcerer. No one was really bothered by the fact that their court sorcerer was still tending to the king and Merlin wasn't sure if wanted to know why.
"Thank you." Arthur said and Merlin couldn't fathom how he was not tired of this whole hunt yet. Instead he just rushed away sure in the knowledge Merlin would follow him.
Merlin let out a tired sigh and followed. Arthur's next target were the servants' quarters. Maybe he could convince Arthur somebody took his blankets for washing.
When Merlin arrived Arthur was already talking to the servants. A handful of women were standing a bit close to his liking so Merlin strode over and took his place next to his king. Arthur didn't seem to notice the change.
"I'm sorry, my Lord. But if you would consider one of my blankets. I mean my mother is a seamstress and it would be a pleasure to make a new blanket for our king." One of them said and Merlin surpressed the urge to throw up.
"No, I want my blankets but thank you for the offer," Then he turned to Merlin and added, "maybe if we hand out free blankets the thief wouldn't steal mine anymore."
Merlin wasn't as foolish as to hope this was over yet. But at least they got away from those needy maids.
They walked away then but after a while Arthur asked, "do you know if the dogs found anything?"
"No. If they had they would come find us." Which wasn't very likely since Merlin told them to roam the forest for the rest of the day.
Arthur sighed but he wasn't done yet. The hunt has only just begun.
They found themselves in Arthur's chambers again and Merlin promptly flopped down in one chair. Arthur glared at him but then turned his attention back to the room.
"So what do we know? The blanket thief had to come during the council meeting. It was right before I went back to my chambers to watch over the patrol reports. I should give that duty over to Leon." He added as an afterthought.
Merlin knew the thief hadn't come during that time but better let Arthur believe just that.
"Merlin!" Arthur screamed with a smile. Oh no. He had an idea. And it seemed Merlin was part of it.
"Can you do something with your magic? Like a tracking spell?"
Yes he could. But he didn't really want to. Nonetheless he stood up and gestured for Arthur to give him something of his.
Arthur got his favourite pillow from his bed and placed it in Merlin's waiting hands. Merlin marvelled at the softness. It would be perfect for his nest.
He concentrated again and pointedly showed Arthur his glowing eyes.
"Nope. Sorry. Maybe they aren't really yours anymore. I mean the thief probably scented them enough to erase all your traces." Merlin said as convincingly as he could.
"Okay, then we have to take this hunt on the next level." Arthur exclaimed excitedly. Maybe he should have told another lie. This was going to be a long day.
"Why do you think the thief would come? He just stole your blanket yesterday." Merlin tried to argue but Arthur wouldn't be swayed.
"Merlin, it's a trap. Trust me they will come." He went over to his bed and took one of the many pillows and rubbed it against his wrists to properly scent it.
Merlin watched and thought he had to get this pillow.
"Come on. We need to set a trap."
"Arthur" Merlin whined, "You are the hunter. You are the alpha about to go into rut. Why do I have to come with you?" Not that he minds spending time with him but this hunting thing wasn't particularly what he wanted to do, at all.
"Stop whining and come. We don't have all day."
With a few curses Merlin rose and trailed after the pratish king.
They walked a while until Arthur found an empty corridor. He carefully placed the pillow on the ground after he made Merlin attach a thread to it. He fussed five minutes with the pillow not even bothered by Merlin's annoyed huffs, just telling him he should be patient. The pillow has to appeal to his prey or the trap would be useless.
Then finally he rose to his feet again but instead of this whole thing being over he just dragged Merlin into the supply closet, thread in hand and then squeezed himself in there too.
"What now?" Merlin whispered and mentally slapped himself when he noticed.
"Now we wait. A good hunter needs a lot of patience."
Arthur whispered in reply and Merlin laughed. "Right. Patience." Arthur smacked him in return.
They had to be in the closet for about an hour now when their stomachs began to grumble. Luckily for Merlin he did pack some bread in his pockets and offered part of it to Arthur.
Arthur scowled but took it. It was his job to keep his omega fed make sure they had enough to eat. The urge only grew as a pre-rut symptom.
The hours passed by yet nothing happened. Arthur felt Merlin beginning to fall asleep. He wanted to say something but then the other's head fell on his shoulder and every coherent thought left his head.
At least he had enough mental strength to stop himself from sniffing Merlin's hair. No, that wouldn't do.
With a tense body he focused on the pillow and the thread in his hand.
It seemed that all that concentrating took a lot of strength because he too soon fell asleep beside Merlin.
*******
Merlin woke up with a soft sigh. He was warm and not ready to open his eyes yet. Snuggling deeper into the warmth he noticed the cramped space but he wouldn't concern himself with that now.
A few more more minutes wrapped in Arthur's- And suddenly Merlin was wide awake.
With wide eyes he tried to look around but it was dark. Then he remembered the hunt and Arthur pushing him into the supply closet. Not the good kind, his brain remarked bitterly.
He found himself with his head resting on the king's shoulder and the rest of his body practically in Arthur's lap. Arms draped around eachother.The other man seemed to be sound asleep.
Merlin let out a relieved sigh. He couldn't let Arthur wake up to this. He would tease Merlin or worse, ignore him.
Merlin let his magic work and carefully extracted himself from Arthur's surprisingly tight grasp.
When he was free he saw the light shining through the doors of the closet. He pushed it open, mindful not to make any noise.
The pillow lay still on the ground where Arthur had left it. The omega remembered how Arthur scented it and a shiver ran down his spine. He looked back trying to make out Arthur's features. Surely the prat would sleep a few minutes longer.
Mind made up Merlin exited and walked quickly over to the pillow. Before he lifted it he let his magic cut the thread and then squeezed it tightly inhaling Arthur's scent. Yes, that would be perfect for his nest.
He quickly walked to Gaius' chambers. He had his own since he became court sorcerer but he still built his nests and spent his heats there.
He walked into his old room and looked at his nearly perfect nest. It lacked a bit of pratish king but apart from that it was as perfect as a nest could be.
Gently he placed the pillow near the wall where Merlin's head would usually lay. One last sniff and he walked out again. It wouldn't do if Arthur found out he was the blanket thief.
When he came back Arthur was still sleeping. Merlin settled next to him as if he was never gone and then loudly made a show of waking up which caused the king to wake up as he elbowed him in the gut.
"Merlin!" The prince rasped out. "Could you be a little more careful?"
"Sorry, sire." He said and then watched as arthur's eyes widened. He probably remembered what happened yesterday.
He threw the door open running to where his pillow was no longer on the ground. The king turned around as if the thief was still there.
Merlin scolded his features and then joined Arthur as he examined the crime scene.
"So your trap worked, huh. I have to admit I didn't think it would."
Arthur turned around with fuming rage.
"Merlin, this is not the time for your witty remarks. Just do your magic and find my pillow. It can't have changed the scent this quickly." He said and continued to look around but there was nothing to help his hunt.
"I can't." Merlin said quickly. "I mean, I can but you can't. I mean….You have a knighting ceremony. Right now. If you want I can perform the spell and you go do your kingly things. when you come back I will tell you what I found."
"I agree but if you haven't found my blankets then I will have you collect every free blanket in the castle. And your own so you know what it feels like to sleep without them. Understood?" It was probably said less threatening than he intended but Merlin seemed to get the message.
"Yes, sire. I better get going." He said and dashed off.
******
The knighting ceremony took two hours and after that his round table knights, actually was it only Leon, wanted to talk to him about some bandit or another.
When he was finally free he first went to his chambers. He was fully intending to talk to Merlin about his blankets but he wasn't there.
Arthur took a calming breath. His idiot was hopefully taking care of his problem. Not wanting to take any chances he decided to ask Gaius about it. The old man would know what Merlin's doing.
The walk to the physician's tower was long and tiresome. If he wasn't on a hunt he would have just rang his bell. Who did even decide to have Gaius' chambers so far away? He would change that if the old man wasn't so fond of his tower.
When he arrived he threw the door open without preamble as always but he was careful that it didn't hit the wall.
"Gaius. Where is Merlin?"
The man winced at the noise but made an effort to stay respectful.
"He's not here. Haven't seen him." Gaius said and Arthur thought he could lie better.
He took a sniff of the room and immediately knew Merlin was here.
"I know he is here." He said and walked over to the adjoining room.
"Sire," Gaius stooped him with a hand on his chest, "You shouldn't go in there. He's exhausted."
Arthur just shrugged him off and went in anyway.
He was ready to scream something at Merlin but the right he was met with stopped him dead in the tracks.
Merlin was asleep. That wasn't something new but the nest he slept in was. The nest which consisted of Arthur's blankets. And his tunics. He had to admit he didn't notice they were gone. And in the middle of it all was Merlin. Curled up and asleep, clutching Arthur's pillow close to his chest.
There were only two answers to this. First Merlin could have found the blankets. Second Merlin was the blanket thief.
Whatever the case Arthur couldn't ignore the fact that Merlin had build a nest. Almost only consisting of Arthur's blankets. It meant Merlin felt safe with Arthur. He favoured his scent. If he wanted anyone to share his nest with it would be Arthur.
Maybe Merlin even wanted to mate him. A smile spread over his face and he closed the door again. Merlin would need his blankets much more than he did but maybe if the plan forming in his mind worked in his favour he could get them back.
"Send him to me when he woke up. But not before dinner." Arthur said as he walked out.
On his way he told two servants to call for Lancelot and Leon. The bonded pair would be of great help for him.
He arrived at a door and waited for them to come. He didn't have to wait long for the knights.
"Arthur, why did you want us to come to Merlin's chambers?" Leon asked as soon as they came into view.
Arthur smirked and let them inside.
"I need your help. And I figured you two would be less likely to gossip."
"And what do you not want us to gossip about?" Lancelot asked as Arthur walked to Merlin's bed.
"All you need to know is that I would like for you to carry this mattress into my room."
"Congratulations, Arthur. It was about time. I mean your cycles are in sync since the moment you laid eyes on each other six years ago. There couldn't be a more obvious sign." Leon said and clapped Arthur's arm.
Arthur smiled and cast his eyes down.
"Thanks, but your assumptions are false. At least for now."
"Well, at least you finally accepted to be in love." Lancelot comforted and Arthur was glad it wasn't obvious how long he thought about this.
"Okay, so do you want us to do more? Anything else we can help with?" Leon asked but Arthur shook his head.
"No, this is my den, it really is just the mattress. I can do the rest." He answered. "I will wait for you in my chambers." Arthur finished and then made his way to his rooms.
Once he arrived he looked for a partially hidden door near his bed. He opened it was met a small, slightly dusty room. He went in and immediately opened the windows. The room was bare apart from a few shelves on the walls.
If Arthur didn't experience the pre stages of rut he probably wouldn't do what he did next. He took a broom and began to clean. Usually alphas didn't care that much about a bit dirt but he wanted to impress an omega so he cleaned the room.
By the time he was finished with the dust Leon and Lancelot came in with Merlin's mattress. He thanked them and theiy left leaving the mattress outside of the little room.
Arthur then began to take his own mattress off the bed and brought it in first and then settled Merlin's on top.
When that was done he went back to Merlin's room to steal some of his clothes whatever blanket and pillow Merlin left. With his new treasure he went back into his own room and threw the things on the mattresses.
He gathered everything Merlin hadn't stolen and tried to arrange it in a nest but it wasn't quite enough.
He let a servant call for Gwen.
"My Lord, how can I help you?" She asked politely.
"Ahh, Gwen. Where are the blankets stored?" He asked. Gwen didn't seem to be shocked.
"Still haven't found that blanket thief?" She ask with an amused smile. Arthur smirked at her.
"Actually I have." He said triumphantly.
"Really? Why do you need more blankets then?"
"Let's just say it's a trap." The smirk came back and Gwen raised am eyebrow at him.
"Do you want me to bring you some?"
"No, if you'd just show me the place, that would be enough."
Gwen showed him the way and soon left him alone again. Once Arthur had picked the softest blankets he returned to his chambers to arrange them.
He was sure Merlin would do a better job, he had seen Merlin had done a better job but as long as his blankets weren't here this would have to suffice.
Arthur noticed the sun was about to set and Merlin would be here soon. He made his way to the kitchen a couple of times to place jugs of water and plates of fruits on the shelves in the room. He would need to get more when the rut hits but for now he wanted to show Merlin he can take of him and keep him safe. He would have a sword on display but maybe it would remind Merlin of violence so he would hide it in a corner later.
Finally he lightened the many candles and admired his work. Merlin won't be able to resist this. Least of all when all smelled of a mixture of their scents.
He got back to the main room where he placed their dinner earlier on the dining table. Here too he lit candles. Now he just had to wait for his prey.
As predicted Merlin was late. He came into his room without knocking but he didn't seem to be as cheerful as usual.
"Did you find my blankets?" Arthur asked seriously and inclined for Merlin to take a seat.
"Uhh. Your blankets. Blankets….Your blankets. No haven't found them." Merlin said as if he wasn't even trying to think about a good lie.
"Is that so?" Merlin nodded and squirmed uncomfortable in his seat.
"Well, I might not need them anymore. I built my den. Do you want to see?" Arthur made sure Merlin knew he wouldn't get out of this. He stood up and walked to the little room.
Merlin followed with a wild heartbeat. During the years he had seen Arthur's den a couple times. Caught glimpses here and there but he had never invited him to see it. As if he wanted to show Merlin. To impress him.
As soon as Merlin entered he stopped again. The den was beautiful. With wide eyes he took every thing in. Arthur thought of everything. Merlin had to admit the nest in the middle could use a bit work still but it looked soft and cosy and added charm. Then he noticed something. It looked familiar. It was a piece of blue cloth. One of his neckerchiefs! After that he saw more and more of his own in the nest.
"There is only one thing missing." Arthur said as he took hold of the awe struck Merlin and guided him to sit on the nest.
"Perfect." Arthur said from a few feet away as he looked over his work.
Merlin still didn't know what to say. He probably looked like a fish right now. Much to Arthur's amusement.
"You know, maybe my blankets would make a good addition. Don't you think? Are you sure you don't know where they are?"
Shit. Arthur knows. Merlin opened his mouth again but nothing came out.
"Honestly Merlin. Just get those blankets back here again so we can make good use of them."
"You...you. what?"
Arthur sighed and kneeled before Merlin.
"Merlin, I know you are the blanket thief. I also know what it means and I would like it very much if you would accept my offer and built your nest in my den so we may spent your heat and my rut together. Nod if you understood." Merlin nodded. "Great. Now nod if you accept." Another nod. Arthur beamed at him. "Now nod if you accept to be my bonded mate."
Merlin didn't know if he heard correctly. He locked his eyes with Arthur's.
"You want me as your mate?" He whispered.
"Merlin, literally everyone knows. Did it never occur to you I would reciproke your feelings?"
Merlin shook his head.
"No? Tell me why and I immediately change my behaviour."
Merlin shook his head again with an insecure expression. "It's just...I'm not like you."
At that Arthur had to laugh.
"Really? Merlin," he began and took the warlocks hands, "I am already me. Why would I want a second me. Do you know how much work that would be?" Arthur's inner alpha purred in delight when he saw he made Merlin smile.
"I can imagine"
"So is that a yes?"
"Yes, you prat. It's a yes." Merlin exclaimed and Arthur wasted no more seconds and held Merlin close.
And when at the end of the next week there was a mating bite adorning both their necks Arthur made sure everyone knew.
After all, the hunt was successful.
By babbling_duck on ao3