A/N: Some slashy things... WARNING: it will get almost disgustingly sweet and adorable. Also, insert disclaimer here and enjoy.

Camelot's Hopeless Romantics

Merlin's voice was soft, yet dedicated as he relayed the fantastical story to his master, the price of Camelot, "-were defeated that day by the dashing king and his army of brave and noble knights. And thus, the kingdom was rid of evil forever and peace and prosperity reigned in the kingdom for the next two-hundred years. The end."

Merlin looked over the top of the book and looked down at Arthur lying tucked in beside him, and smiled softly to himself. Merlin looked curiously towards the door, but looked back to the book and went on, "Here's another story, Arthur. This one is my favorite."

Merlin turned the page and cleared his throat dramatically and started reading, "In a land of myth, and a time of magic, the destiny of a great kingdom rests of the shoulders of a young boy, his name...." Merlin's voice trailed off.

"Arthur," Merlin asked tentatively, "Do you think Gwen and Morgana are still listening by the door?" They had indeed left, in fact before Merlin even finished his first story.

"No," Arthur said drowsily, "they must have left. They seemed rather embarrassed by something."

"Arthur, do you think they know?" Merlin squeaked.

"How could they?" Arthur dismissed lightly, "Merlin, I feel we've been rather discreet*. Don't you agree?"

Merlin nodded quickly, reassured. Looking back at Arthur, Merlin laughed at Arthur fighting to keep his eyes open, "Why don't I continue this story tomorrow. I have it on good authority it's more interesting when you're awake to hear it." Merlin closed the book quietly and placed it slowly on a night table.

"Sure, Merlin. Your first story is just putting me right to sleep."

"And your massage?" Merlin asked with a voice deep and seductive.

"I won't need it," Arthur paused, but quickly added, "But, you can give me a special one later..." Arthur's voice was laced with innuendo.

Merlin gave a snort and muttered, "Oh, I'll make it special, you prat."

"I can hardly," Arthur yawned, "wait."

Merlin's voice softened, "Let's just get you to sleep." Merlin got off the bed quickly and crossed to the candles, putting them out quickly and darkening the chambers.

However, the one thing, Merlin thought, that was still bright was Arthur, who was still lying tucking in bed. He seemed to shine in the dark like a beacon.

Merlin paused admiring the prince in repose before remembering how to use his voice, "Well, we should both get some sleep..."

"Mer-lin," Arthur purred from the bed, "Aren't you forgetting something?"

Merlin rolled his eyes at Arthur's impatience, and crossed back to the bed and climbed back where he had been sitting reading to Arthur.

Arthur turned slightly to look up at Merlin, who, at least, to Arthur, seem to glow in the dark, like the light at the end of a tunnel, or like magic...

Merlin lowered his head and tenderly kissed Arthur's waiting lips. "Goodnight, Arthur. I love you, prat"

"Night Merlin. Love you, too, idiot."

With that, Merlin tossed the sheets over himself and spent the night nestled with his friend/boss/prince/destiny/something-more.

So, it seemed that the girls were right about Merlin and Arthur. But, if only Gwen and Morgana had stayed and listened by the door for a couple more minutes...

After all, these kind of perfect romantic moments happen only once.

A/N: Irony, that's moral of the story. :P

So, I incorporated some comments about massages into this chapter. And, I think the last bit was sorta inspired by the latest Merlin CIN. Anyway, I hope y'all enjoyed this and thought it was funny-ish. Or at least cute. This story goes out to any fangirl who had seen the sacred subtext of Merthur and preached its greatness to their frightened family/friends/strangers (LOL, that's me).

* FYI - this was a joke. The subtext between Arthur and Merlin is NEVER discreet! Helloooo, "The Poisoned Chalice," anyone? ;D