Title: Snapshots – Before Bed

Rated: T

Summary: A small conversation Arthur and Merlin have one night before bed.

Disclaimer: I do not own the TV series Merlin and any of the associated characters. I wish I did, so that even more cute Arthur/Merlin scenes would be shown but we have to make do with what we've got I suppose. Of course, it'd also be cool if Bradley James and Colin Morgan turned gay for each other… -dreamy sigh- =)

"Arthur." Merlin murmured sleepily, head comfortably pillowed on the Crown Prince's bare stomach, both men relaxing in a state of post-coital bliss.

"Hm?" Arthur questioned, a hand absentmindedly stroking through his lover's dark hair.

The other boy remained silent for a while.

"What is it Merlin, speak up." Arthur lightly flicked Merlin's nose in jest, causing him to wrinkle it cutely.

"Do, do you think we should start letting people know that we are together?"

Arthur snorted humorously. "Is this brought on by the newest rumour featuring you and me and our fated to be love story?"

Merlin laughed in response. "Yeah. I swear, just this morning I heard one version from a kitchen maid which featured us as per the usual, but this time with Lancelot and Morgana as the unscrupulous villains who conspire to keep us apart, wanting us for themselves, only to be defeated by my wonderful warlock powers which somehow brought me to the point of death only to be revived by your kiss and hereafter gentle tending."

The Prince just shook his head in amusement. "Well, it was unavoidable. I have been neglecting my duties as of late to spend more time with you."

"That just won't do at all, sire." Merlin chastised. "It's going to be my head your father will be after when he deems the missed patrols and such enough to warrant his attention."

A smirk was his response. "But I thought you enjoyed the stocks Merlin! Why, only a week ago you were telling me how popular you have become among the people of Camelot."

Merlin frowned, pouted and half-heartedly poked Arthur's stomach from where he lay. "Hmph, see if I offer to help you out ever again."

Arthur just laughed, a rough but melodious sound that warmed the heart and one that only Merlin was able to bring out from him. "Go to sleep baby, we need to be up early tomorrow for the Lady that's arriving at court."

Merlin rolled his eyes while snuggling in closer to his lover's warmth. "Love you Arthur. You better not be waking up early cause you want to see the new Lady." He grumbled tiredly.

The elder man just chuckled at Merlin's cute possessiveness. "I only have eyes for you my love, don't you worry. And I love you too."

Leaning over, Arthur blew out the candle, not minding that it was technically his manservant's job to do so. In this case however, his manservant was also his friend and lover so he supposed it was okay.

The covers were pulled up and tucked tightly around two entwined bodies, the sounds of content sleep filling the room.

A/N: More snapshots might follow if I feel like it, which I hope since I love Arthur/Merlin and there aren't enough stories on the net that feature them to satisfy my craving.

How did I do in my first one-shot ever? Drop me a review? Please?

Faith ^_^