Having lived for many years in the modern days, Merlin was used to the world's way of celebrating the beginning of a new year. He was used to the loud bangs of fireworks being fired up into the sky and make a beautiful sight for the people on the ground to see. It was absolutely amazing and it was one of those things he just loved looking forward to the entire year.

But there was one person who was far from used to it;

Arthur.

Because it was the former king's first time experiencing such a thing, Merlin decided to make it special. Going out on a little trip, he led him to the top of a hill far away and there he sat down, looking up at the darkening sky above them, the sky where he knew beautiful fireworks would be fired up into just any minute now.

A soft smile played over his lips just from the feeling of peace surrounding them. Merlin had decided to take Arthur far from the civilisation so he didn't have to almost get hit by trucks and passing cars all the time again. Or maybe even steal a horse. That wouldn't be a first.

Turning his head and tilting it back just a little, Merlin looked up at the blond just standing there, looking rather confused which he could only find amusing.

"Come on, Arthur. Sit down," he said and patted the slightly wet grass next to him.

"What exactly is it you wanted to show me, Merlin? Especially at this time a day. It's gotten dark already." Arthur never stopped complaining but he did as he was told and sat down on the spot the sorcerer had patted just a moment ago. He was just about to complain of the wet grass he felt against his bumb but he decided not to — all because of the almost happy looking smile playing over Merlin's lips.

Shaking his head, he crossed his legs and tilted his head back to look up at the dark sky above them. There were barely any stars but it was still so beautiful, so.. peaceful.

None of them said anything for quite a few moments before Arthur turned his gaze and attention to the man sitting next to him. He was expecting something to happen, anything. Why else was he brought here?

"Say, Merli—"

He didn't get further before a loud bang and some cheering was heard and his attention was quickly moved up towards the dark sky that was — for just a moment — lit up by beautiful yellow fireworks making stars appear and slowly fade. Arthur's hand had reached to the side to grab around the sword he didn't have, out of reflex. His jaw dropped a little as he watched the bright stars fade away, only to be remade in a whole different color — blue — onto the sky. He couldn't believe his own eyes. And without taking his eyes off of the sky and the beautiful stars in the sky, he spoke.

"Is that your magic, Merlin?"

He heard a chuckle and usually, he would have smacked the back of Merlin's head. But not this time. He was too fascinated by the stars in the sky, too busy admiring the work he thought could only be the magic of his servant.

"No," Merlin responded, glancing at the man sitting next to him. "That, my friend, is called firework. People nowadays use to celebrate the beginning of the new year. Quite a beautiful way to celebrate it, actually."

Arthur finally took his attention off of the fireworks brightening the sky and looked at the man sitting next to him. He raised a hand and placed it on top of the sorcerer's head, ruffling his rough hair lightly.

They both chuckled and Merlin made the usual "Dollophead" joke, just like the old days.

But after a moment, then settled down and just watched the sky get bright with beautiful fireworks.

"Happy New Years, Merlin."

"Happy New Years, Arthur."


A/N: This is so short. I could probably have written so much more but it was just a quick little one. Originally posted on my tumblr.

I'm still not over the end of Merlin. Never will be.

Happy New Years~.