Chapter Text
Merlin waited, coughing, for the smoke to clear. It was frustrating that when he and Lancelot had finally managed to steal a few hours with the intention of spending some quality time together, they were accosted by a magical creature that spoke in riddles and eventually vanished with a cackling laugh. Although Merlin was thankful that it did vanish because he really had more important things to do.
As soon as he could see again, he started to scramble to his feet and immediately noticed that something was not right. His body felt different, unfamiliar as if he hadn’t used it for a while, and yet he was certain that only a few minutes had passed. He looked down and frowned. Why was he wearing Lancelot’s gambeson? They weren’t in the habit of exchanging articles of clothing (except shirts, sometimes, but never the gambeson—Merlin preferred it on Lancelot or, better yet, discarded on the floor of his room). Also, it fitted him very snugly now, not like that one time he had tried it on to amuse the knight. Strange…
‘Merlin?’
He looked up sharply and saw himself sitting on the ground a few feet away, blinking stupidly.
‘What the–’ he started to say but got distracted by the fact that he was speaking in the rich voice that always turned him to jelly.
‘What’s going on, Merlin? Why are you… me?’
Lancelot was lying, was his first, quite absurd thought. I do not look cute when I’m confused.
‘Merlin? Was it that cryptic creature? Did it enchant us?’
The warlock pulled himself together. He needed his wits about him for this one, although it was going to be difficult.
‘I assume so. Do you remember what it said? Maybe there was some clue in those stupid riddles?’
Lancelot furrowed his brow and appeared to concentrate.
‘I think there was something about “changing your perspective,” “trying something new,” and… strawberry jam?’
Merlin stopped staring at the very strange and disconcerting sight that was his ‘thinking face’ and nodded.
‘Yeah, there was definitely something about strawberry jam.’
Lancelot looked at him expectantly.
‘Does it convey anything to you?’
‘Apart from the fact that we have once again managed to get ourselves into the most extraordinary pickle? No. Also, I feel like I’m having this conversation with myself, which is weird.’
‘Tell me about it,’ Lancelot sighed and ran a hand through his (well, Merlin’s) hair, somehow still managing to make it as unconsciously charming as always.
Focus, Merlin, focus.
‘Well, I think we’ve covered the “changing your perspective” part, although I’m not sure what it was supposed to accomplish. Unless it was to confirm that I’d much rather look at you than at myself.’
Okay, he had to admit he blushed adorably, but that was probably Lancelot shining through. Merlin was certain the knight could make a troll look appealing.
‘My sentiments exactly,’ Lancelot murmured and even said not in his voice it sounded amazing and made the warlock feel all warm inside. ‘Although I feel I should clarify, in case Gwen is somehow listening, that it’s not because of my low self-esteem. I’d simply rather look at you than at anybody else.’
‘If you were wondering, that’s how you look when you don’t know what to say,’ Merlin muttered, averting his gaze in very pleasant embarrassment and feeling his cheeks burn.
‘Do I really turn so red when someone pays me a compliment?’
Merlin nodded vigorously with a teasing smile.
‘It’s like you’re trying to match your cloak.’
‘And now I’m probably matching your neckerchief.’
Merlin cocked his head to one side.
‘Hmm, it’s actually a good look on me, so keep it up.’
Lancelot’s response was immediate and as sincere as he could make it with a face that was not his own.
‘Every look is good on you.’
Merlin groaned inwardly. At this rate, they were going to be solving this situation until the next century.
‘You know you’re being the opposite of helpful right now?’ he chided gently.
‘Whatever do you mean?’ Lancelot was apparently going for wide-eyed innocence, but if that was what Merlin’s face looked like when he told Arthur he had no idea how something had happened, it was a miracle the Prince ever believed him.
‘As fun as this is, I would really like to get back to my body and our original plans. So be a good sorcerer’s assistant and help me figure out how to reverse this spell.’
There was a pause as Lancelot visibly switched to his thinking-hard-because-Merlin-needs-my-help mode.
‘You know what usually breaks such enchantments?’ he said slowly after a moment.
Merlin’s eyes widened when he realised what the knight was implying.
‘Absolutely not. I’m sorry, I’m not kissing myself,’ he said firmly, eliciting a soft laugh from Lancelot.
‘It would be “trying something new,”’ the knight pointed out with a grin. ‘Just close your eyes and pretend it’s me. Because it is. And if it works, you’ll get strawberry jam for your troubles.’
It was Merlin’s turn to grin.
‘Nah, if it works, I’ll be busy enjoying my preferred version of you.’
‘Sounds good to me.’