I don't really think there's any background needed for this one: Merlin. Freya. Date Night. Squeal Away.

I could feel the excitement rise in my chest as I felt the horse's body rise up and down beneath me. I chuckled once again as I tried to peek through the fingers of his left hand.

"What are you doing?" I laughed.

"Showing you something," he said, pushing my hand away, "Ah! No peeking! Only a little further now."

I smelled the salt-mint harshness of the cold air and breathed in deep. Although little is usually too cold for my taste this time of year, tonight was perfect and I reveled in winter's greetings.

"All right," he said, a smile in his voice, "now we are here." I heard him encant a spell under his breath, and felt the fabric of his red scarf move around my eyes. As soon as it was secure, he removed his hand. He knew me well and whatever it was, he apparently did not want to take any risks with me seeing it.

"Very clever, aren't you?" I said teasingly. I felt the weight of his body leave from behind me, and heard the spring of the grass, as he landed.

"I have to keep up with you, don't I?" I felt his hands around me as he lifted me down from the horse and turned me around. Something seemed familiar about this place. About how it felt, but I couldn't be sure.

I could feel my heart contract as he began to untie the scarf, "all right… Now, look!"

As he unveiled my eyes, I could not wait, but as I opened them, my mouth fell open in disbelief as I witnessed what would probably be the most beautiful thing to ever be done for me.

At least eighty candles littered the dewy grass around my feet, seemingly lifeless, but above them, over the surface of the Lake of Avalon, were floating their free orange flames. Their reflections sparkled on the water like celestial jewels, benevolently warped sparks coating the waves. My eyes welled up with emotion as I realized he had done this all— for me.

"Merlin," I said, trying to hold back tears, "it's beautiful." I stayed there looking at it while he smiled behind me.

"I didn't want your memories of this place to be only of dying in resurrecting. You used to love the water... And now because of what happened, you are afraid. And that is something I cannot bear to see."

The guilt in his voice made me turn around, looking into his azure eyes determinedly. "Merlin, you saved my life. The Dragon, as much as I hate to admit it, saved my life. I will not let you blame yourself for that. If I had died, I might of had to spend an eternity beneath that Lake, conscious or unconscious without you. No matter how many demons I may face, memories or pains, it will never be worth that."

His eyes softened and I wondered what he was thinking, as his hand reached up to stroke my cheek. "And you think you don't deserve me."He leaned forward and kissed my cheek and then smiled again, as I turned about.

"Want to go out in it?" He said chuckling, already knowing my answer.

I drew out the word as another grin formed on my face "Yeess. Oh! Wait! Merlin, put me down!" For he had taken me in his arms and walked over toward the edge. I thought he was going to throw me in, but instead he carried me over to the wooden boat in which I died so many moons ago and sat me down. He then came over and sat in it himself, rolling out into the middle of the light barrage she had created. I stared in amazement as they surrounded me, warm and bright like peaceful lightning bugs.

"It looks good on you," he said, smiling as I gazed at them. I turned.

"What? The lights?"

"No," he said, "joy."

I smiled. I couldn't believe that this man was so happy in seeing my happiness. Of course, if the situation were reversed I would be too. But somehow it seemed different when applied to me. I had never dreamed of anyone loving me like this. Loving me.

"I love you." The words slipped out, but for once I was completely all right with it. I had heard it whispered during those times when I fell asleep but I had a feeling he was afraid to say it, lest I should feel uncomfortable. The surprise in his eyes proved I was right.

"I… I love you too." His deep tone trembled into a joyful laugh. I paused, lifting a hand and stopping the boat with my magic

I went over to his side of the boat, but before I reached him, he met halfway, clasping me in his arms, hands on my shoulders as he kissed me. This was definitely not the first time, but somehow it was different. More tender, more free, as though something hidden had been released into the light. The candle flames began to float downward around us as he lost his concentration, kissing me back, fervent yet gentle. Unfortunately we did not realize where our combined weight was aimed.

Splash!

I beat against the water, as I felt his hands around my waist, pulling me to the surface. We both broke it, breathing heavily only sparing a few moments of silence before we laughed uncontrollably.

"Merlin," I said, still trying to catch my breath, "don't you think I've had enough water!"

He only responded with the most mischievous of grins.

"No. No. No. No!" But it was too late. Splashing water at me with full force, I had no choice but to retaliate.