"Oh my god, I didn't actually think I'd meet another ace person, let alone someone who'd be interested in dating me."
Merlin shrunk into himself, blush reaching his ears. He shyly agreed with the ecstatic man before him, embarrassment taking over. What was he thinking? He'd just confessed his love and outed himself all in one go! He honestly just wanted to reel back and sink into the floor and cease to exist. He liked Lancelot, yes, but all of this excitement was too much for one person, so he thought. Sure, he regularly fought off magical threats to protect Arthur, but those fates were known to none but himself. The public attention was not something he was keen on experiencing.
"So," the young boy squeaked, "is that a … yes?"
Lancelot clapped Merlin on the back. "Merlin," he said, "We've known each other for a little while now and I am thrilled to hear this from you! And, if I'm honest, I was in the same position as you for a long time."
"How do you mean?"
"Well, looking at you across the way and longing to kiss your pretty face, of course! But also being too afraid to say anything of it, in case you wanted more than that and I couldn't …"
"It's alright," Merlin assured, feeling far more confident now that he'd discovered their common desires.
"You're a brave man, Merlin," Lancelot continued, "for more than just this reason. Arthur should see all the things you've done for him. I doubt he would have the guts to do what you just did!"
"Oh!" Merlin blushed again. "Speaking of him, why don't we not mention this to Arthur."
"Why not?"
Merlin smiled. "Because I wanna see the little prat driven insane by all the looks we give each other! He's too much of a fool to figure something like this out on his own! I wanna see him fester over it!"
Lancelot laughed and kissed him on the cheek.