A/N: Thank you SO much to everyone who has reviewed this! I'm really surprised about the number of people who have favourited, followed or reviewed this fic – thank you! :)

I wrote this one because of New Year, even though I'm a day late! Never mind, hope you enjoy it.

Merlin squeezed his eyes shut even tighter, pulling a pillow over his head in an attempt to block out the sounds of the fireworks from outside, celebrating the New Year. He couldn't get rid of the strange feeling that he was forgetting something, until it hit him.

"Arthur!"

He clambered out of bed, tangled in the blankets, causing him to trip up and land on the floor with a thud. He struggled to his feet and ran out of his room, heading towards Arthur's bedroom. He had almost reached the door when it was banged open and Arthur came flying out, hair sticking up and eyes wild.

"MERLIN!" he roared. "Get ready, get ready!"

Merlin skidded to a halt. "Err, Arthur?" he said in confusion.

"Saddle my horse!" Arthur bellowed. "We're under attack!"

"No, Arthur, we're not-"

"Where's my sword?!" Arthur shouted, thundering down the stairs. "Hurry up Merlin; we must get ready to defend ourselves!"

"ARTHUR!" Merlin yelled, running down the stairs after him. "Calm down, it's fine!"

"MERLIN, DON'T-"

Merlin caught up with him and grabbed hold of his arm. "Arthur, listen. They're called fireworks – people are setting them off to celebrate the New Year! Look…" He dragged Arthur over to the window. "They're quite nice to look at, really."

Arthur cowered under the bright lights flashing against the dark night sky. "That's utter madness!" he spluttered. "They're all loud and horrible – how can people set them off to celebrate!"

"Well, I don't like them much either," Merlin admitted. "But the point is Arthur, we are not under attack!"

Arthur shook his head, stepping back from the window. "I'm going to bed," he said faintly.

"Okay, but call me if you need anything," said Merlin gently.

Arthur snorted. "I'm not scared of them Merlin, if that's what you think!"

"Well, you seemed pretty scared of them a few seconds ago," Merlin muttered.

"Well, I'm not!" Arthur snapped. "Not in the slightest. They're just stupid things people set off for celebration, aren't they? Not worth panicking about. I was only panicking earlier because I didn't know what they were," he added.

Merlin shrugged. "That's fine."

"Yes. And now I'm going to return to bed and get some sleep." And with that, Arthur stalked off, back up the stairs and into his room.

A few minutes later, when the fireworks were showing no sign of abating, Merlin decided to check on Arthur. He pushed the door open gently, and found Arthur huddled under his duvet, shaking violently.

"Arthur?" Merlin whispered softly, feeling a rush of affection for his friend. He walked towards the bed and nudged Arthur gently. "Are you alright?"

Arthur shot up. "Fine," he said quickly.

Merlin smiled at him. "That's good. But would you like to sleep in the same room as me tonight? Just this once."

"Yes!" said Arthur at once, leaping out of his bed. "Although it had better be just this once, and not because I'm scared!" he added firmly. "Because I'm not scared, not in the slightest. I find it easier to sleep lying under my blankets, you see…"

"Yes," said Merlin, nodding as though he understood. "Come on, then." He turned away so Arthur wouldn't see him smile.

A/N: Hope you liked it! :) I don't know if it's a bit rushed – I hope it isn't!