Lazy Day

It was funny how quickly they got used to this sleeping arrangement; every night Merlin would just climb in, they would get comfy, and that would be that.

It was also funny how, even when the weather changed and it was no longer cold, so technically there was no longer a need for it, it didn't stop.

And, finally, it was funny how just such a small thing could set such a big thing into motion. Because, gradually, they got more and more confident towards each other; they would get closer, pull the other closer, entwine and entangle their bodies more than was thought humanly possible.

But, every morning, they would wake up together, share pleasantries with toasting smiles upon their bright faces… and then Merlin would slide out of the bed and go and get breakfast and their day would go on like normal.

But Arthur wanted more.

He didn't know exactly why. Or in what way. Or how. He just knew that he did. He just knew that when he woke up with Merlin in his arms, that was the best part of his whole day. And he was the bloody prince for God's sakes. His life was amazing… most of the time. But then Merlin had to show up and make everything else seem a little dimmer to his shining light of… I don't know… Merlin-ness.

And then, one morning, his chance came.

Groggily, the pair opened their eyes, blinking the sleep away in the early summer light. Merlin sighed happily, and Arthur couldn't help but think that he would do anything to have that cute, little, happy sigh happen because of him.

"Good morning, sleepyhead." Arthur slid one arm around the brunette's waist.

"Morning, Arthur." Merlin replied cautiously. Arthur could already see that he was preparing to depart and so spoke quickly.

"What are the plans for today?" he asked.

"Erm…" Merlin thought, knowing that he really should know this, but was too distracted by having Arthur this close to think properly. "Erm… Nothing. I think."

He expected a cutting remark, sarcastically questioning what Merlin was actually good for, but surprisingly nothing like that came. Instead, Arthur just yawned contentedly.

"Ok." He smiled and flopped back onto the bed.

"Ok?" Merlin repeated, confused.

"We're having a lazy day." Arthur nodded, drowsily.

"We?" checked Merlin, surprised.

"Yes, we. Now get back here." Arthur commanded, opening his arms to pull Merlin back into bed.

"But… what about breakfast? And your father? And your knights? And breakfast? You love breakfast." Merlin protested, although weakly because in all honesty there was nothing he would like more than a lazy day with Arthur.

"But I love you more." Arthur opposed, and pulled Merlin against him. Somewhere in the back of his mind, he knew he probably shouldn't have said that, but he was the prince and so Merlin could just deal with it. Of course, Merlin never treated him like royalty, yet another reason he loved him so. Wait… was this really love? Mentally, he shrugged, casually, and flopped his head back.

"What?" Merlin practically whispered, understandably surprised.

"Shut up, Merlin. Don't ruin the moment. Let's go back to sleep." Arthur muttered, although his face was flaming, realising what he might have just done, and might have just realised.

He expected Merlin to protest, demand an explanation, but, for once, he did what he said, and allowed himself to be cuddled by Arthur.

Merlin felt Arthur's breaths deepening and evening out, and whispered "I love you too, Arthur." Without even thinking.

He had thought Arthur was asleep but he gained a drowsily sighed reply of "Merlin." Followed by a light kiss to his forehead.

Then a light kiss to his lips.

And that was that; it wasn't dramatic or perfect or expected, but it was very… them. In their own special, strange, loving way.

This is just a little addition chapter, to round things up nicely, because I got such positive feedback, and hannahbbug3 gave me a really good idea. Thank-you all so much for reading and for all your lovely reviews and favourites and follows and everything! It means a lot! I hope you enjoyed.