Author's Note: Sorry, so short, but I'm just out and about constantly with part-time work and trying to find a real job. Have an MA and still, no one wants me. Sad. Probably lots of spelling and grammatical errors. Hope everyone had Happy Holidays though!

G is for Gaming

Merlin slumped against the wall of the lift, yawning and scrubbing his face with his elegant hands. It'd been a long day. He'd helped Gaius restock the herbal pantry at the shop, reorganise the spell books, and prevent a disaster when one of a group of young teenagers thought it a good idea to attempt to invoke a demon in the upstairs library. He still smelled like Brimstone.

But, he was off early (which was a miracle) and he'd have the bathroom to himself (Arthur took so long on his hair) and he looked forward to a quiet sage cleanse and a nice hot salt bath. Really, a demon? He shook his head as he got his keys out. Arthur was gone for the weekend, some business conference he'd mentioned that morning as he'd run out the door, travel mug in one hand, homemade sausage roll in the other. Yes, Merlin did love his boyfriend, but he also loved the idea of a quiet evening with all the Indian take away he could manage.

So when he opened the door and saw Arthur, bedecked in chainmail, a blood red tabbard, and a sword, he found himself rather confused.

"Merlin! I, I thought you worked till 6!" He exclaimed, bewildered as Merlins imply tilted his head in response. Behind the blonde was Gwaine, Lancelot, Percival, Elyan looking equal parts amused and possibly (in Elyan's case) mortified.

"There was a demon, I'll uh, explain later, but...work conference?" Merlin's tired brain was starting to churn again as Gwen emerged from the kitchen, dressed as a maiden fair.

"Merlin! Hello sweetie! How are you? How was work? You look tired..." She rambled, coming over and hugging him, kissing both his cheeks before finally releasing him.

"I, uh..." Arthur stammered as Gwaine came forward, crushing Merlin in a hug.

"We're LARPing!" He exclaimed, stepping back so Merlin could once again breathe. The raven haired young man was beginning to smile, observing the embarrassed flush colouring Arthur's cheeks.

"Larping?"

"LARPing, Live-Action-Role-Playing." Lancelot explained, stepping forward with a clink.

"We have to go!" Arthur tried to push the group out the door, but Merlin stepped in his way.

"What an interesting business conference this must be Arthur..." He giggled as Arthur let out a long suffering sigh.

"Merlin..."

"I mean, I know the company is Camelot..."

"Merlin."

"And your last name IS Pendragon..."

"Okay, I'm going." Arthur exclaimed, throwing his hands up (with an embarrassingly loud clunk) as he marched out the door. Gwaine was in stitches, leaning against Percival as he laughed. Elyan followed, as Lancelot just shook his head, taking Gwen's hand (who looked sympathetic) as Merlin just giggled. LARPing? How cute. Maybe he could get a pendant from the shop for Arthur to wear on his next expedition, to let him know he supported him. But for the moment, his boyfriend could stew in his embarrassment.

"Enjoy your games my liege!" He called after him. The door only slammed in response. Merlin's day suddenly seemed so much better.