Title: I just couldn't help myself!
Prompt/s: Camelot's knights don't approve of Arthur and Gwen's relationship
Genre: Modern AU
Author: Dannic 38
Rating: G
Word count: 513
Characters/Pairings: Arthur/Gwen, Merlin, Morgana, Nimueh, Tristan, Bors, Nimueh
Spoilers: *Optional*
Disclaimer: I don't own Merlin.
Summary: Arthur can't resist the temptation of Gwen's braids.
Author's notes: School starts soon, another 180 days of romance between elementary students. It's not pretty!

Arthur's sapphire blue eyes were mesmerized by the fluffy pink ribbons twisted between chocolate curly strands. Every day, she wore frilly, girly ribbons in her hair. Every day, Arthur wanted to touch one. A simple tug or maybe, a rough pull to get her attention. Usually, Arthur sat on his hands to control himself. He prayed every night for a new desk. Away from her. Away from her freckles. Away from the curls. Away from temptation. Away from Gwen.

"Pull me."

Arthur looked around his classroom. Everyone sat quietly reading.

"You want to. Just pull me."

Arthur rubbed his ear."

"Just reach out and pull me."

Arthur's eyes widen when Gwen's braid inched closer to his desk. "Just do it!"

Arthur wrapped his small hand around the tip of her soft braid. Her floppy ribbon caressed his hand. His hand quickly pulled.

"Ouch! Mrs. Nimueh, Arthur pulled my hair." Gwen glared at him tears in her furious dark eyes.

Arthur sat solemnly as recess watching his classmates playing kickball. Gwen sat on a merry go round with Morgana. Her hands tightly clutching the metal bars. Merlin spun them around faster and faster. He wanted to ride with them, but she was mad. She would never speak to him again. Besides, he had a note for his date. He had to write an apology letter to Gwen.

Bors and Tristan came running over.

"Arthur and Gwen sitting in a tree. Kissing in a tree. K-I-S-S-I-N-G! First, comes love. Then, comes marriage. Then, comes Gwen with a baby carriage!" Tristan and Bors laughed loudly. Arthur's face was bright red.

"Don't talk about her! "Arthur screamed. "We're not getting married. I'm only seven!"

Tristan scrunched his nose. "You like Gwen? Really?"

"Why not?"

"She's a girl. I'm going to tell everyone. Yuck."

"She's yucky!"

"No, she isn't!"

Arthur flung himself towards Tristan. They rolled around on the ground. He could hear kids yelling, "Fight!" A strong pair of arms pulled him from Tristan. Large tears streamed down Arthur's face. He didn't know why he hit Tristan. He didn't want anyone talking about Gwen, not even his teammates on Camelot Knights.

Arthur sat sadly waiting for his father to leave the Principal's office. Daddy was furious. His brow was set and his eyes were mad when he arrived at school. It was going to be long ride home.

"Arthur?"

His head moved towards her voice.

"Gwen?"

"Yes, Mrs. Nimueh sent your pack and assignments."

"Oh."

"Thanks for defending me."

"Anytime." Arthur smiled brightly at Gwen.

Impulsively, she leaned over and kissed his cheek. She giggled as she ran out of the Main Office.

"It was worth it."