Word: Passionate

Category: Het (Modern AU)

Characters/Pairings:Merlin/Freya

Rating/Warnings: T

Word Count: 601

Special thanks to Captain Ozone for editing.

I don't own Merlin.

Merlin's friends weren't helping. Gwaine certainly wasn't . He considered him to be one of his very best friends, but that didn't mean he wanted to listen to him gloat about the fabulous sex life he had with his girlfriend Morgana. His roguish friend`s constant pestering about why he hadn't nailed Freya yet only made things worse. He'd been dating Freya for quite a while, and he did think about it quite often. When he first met her, she was so broken, so vulnerable, and he soon learned that she hadn't had the good upbringing that he had. He loved her and didn't want to pressure her into something that she may not be ready for, so he pushed his own desires aside for the sake of her well being.

One morning, Merlin tucked a package under his arm as he knocked on the door, smiling when it creaked open.

"Merlin," Freya cried in delight, sniffling as she pulled her blanket closer to her slender frame. She stepped aside to let him in, reluctantly pulling back when he leaned forward to kiss her lips.

"I have a cold."

She laughed at his playful pout, settling for a kiss on the forehead. He followed her toward the couch, placing an arm around her once they were seated.

"I have something that might cheer you up," he said, eyes shining with affection as he handed her the package.

"Why are you so good to me?" she asked, smiling warmly at him as she slowly unwrapped her gift.

"I think we both know the answer to that."

"Strawberries !"

He chuckled at the joy she expressed over such a simple present.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome."

She happily nibbled on a strawberry, offering him the box. "Do you want one?"

He shook his head, taking pleasure in watching her eat the food she loved most. Her dark hair was pulled back in a ponytail, and her nose and cheeks were colored with a rosy hue. Freya wore pink pajamas and fuzzy, striped socks underneath the blanket. She loved those crazy socks.

"So how is your internship with Gauis?"

His smile faltered a bit before he answered in a teasing tone, "Brilliant. We're studying anatomy. And yesterday he had me clean out his leech tank . It was an extra credit assignment."

"Sounds like fun."

"Loads."

Suddenly they both burst into a fit of giggles at the sarcasm in his tone, and after composing herself, Freya said, "Well, when you become a great doctor and I'm a famous fashion designer we can live in a lovely house."

"Somewhere with mountains?" Merlin added with a wistful smile.

Freya nodded, eyes bright with excitement. " A few fields."

" Wildflowers."

"A couple of cows. you'll milk them, of course," she said, giggling.

He grinned. "Of course. And a lake".

"And a lake".

Merlin slowly rose from the couch.

"You're going?" she asked, disappointment obvious in her voice.

Her crestfallen expression made his heart swell. "I have to head off to meet Gaius at the lab. I'll be back later ."

She stood up to hug him, circling her arms around his waist. "I love you."

"I love you too."

He bowed his head, capturing her mouth before she could protest. Their kisses became more passionate with each passing moment. They pulled apart for air, still embracing, foreheads almost touching.

The desire she saw in his eyes was thrilling. Freya knew he held back when he wanted more because he was always so selfless. But this time she was ready. Thoughts of going to meet Gaius were instantly forgotten when she guided him toward her bedroom.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes."

Because this was Merlin, and he could never be anything but gentle and loving.