A/N Okay, so I wrote most of these around Christmas time for a friend, hence the Christmas theme in this one.
TruffleHead - Your reviews always make me so happy - thank you and I hope you enjoy this one too :)
In other news, plot bunnies are gradually dying out (I've still got about ten more chapters planned, but hey) so prompts would be welcomed.
"Merlin, what do you want for Christmas?"
"I don't know, Arthur, just get me anything."
"Anything?"
It was amazing how one word could fill Merlin with such dread.
...
On Christmas Eve, Merlin was walking through the castle when he saw Arthur, Gwaine and Leon coming towards him.
"Merlin!" Gwaine greeted him cheerfully. "Coming to the tavern later?"
"Uh, no. How've you managed to keep him out of there?" he asked Leon incredulously. Leon shifted uncomfortably and glanced at Arthur, who shook his head almost imperceptibly.
"The Princess was showing us your Christmas present," Gwaine explained. Arthur elbowed him and Leon rolled his eyes.
"Oh," Merlin grinned, turning to Arthur, "well, I'm sure whatever she's chosen it will be lovely."
"Hey! I'll have you know, Guinevere hasn't even seen it yet – I chose it myself," Arthur protested.
"God save us all," Merlin teased. "Well, I'll see you later."
"In the tavern!" Gwaine called over his shoulder as they walked away.
...
On Christmas morning, Merlin burst into Arthur's chambers.
"Rise and shine," he said happily. "It's Christmas!"
"Merlin, do you have any idea what time it is?"
"About half five," Merlin grinned. "Anyway, I want my present."
"Urgh," Arthur groaned. "It's over in the corner."
"What is it?"
"You'll have to wait and see."
"Is it a horse brush?"
"Nope."
"Some shoe polish?"
"Nope."
"Am I close?"
"Nope."
Merlin sighed in frustration. "Is it a new neckerchief? Everyone's buying me neckerchiefs, it's worse than socks."
"Nope."
"What?" Merlin was taken aback. "Is it socks? A quill? A water-skin? A sword? A suit of armour? That would be your wonderful sense of humour shining through, wouldn't it? No? What about, um, a book?"
Arthur was the one grinning now. "Nope, none of those. Open it."
Merlin obliged cautiously.
"Arthur, what the hell is this?"
"It's my new action figure, look, isn't it so awesome? I knew you'd like it!" Arthur beamed.
Merlin face-palmed.
