Author's note: Okay, I know it's going to get really redundant if I keep on saying this at the beginning of every chapter, but I feel the need. Thanks so much for all the positive feedback! I'm glad you guys like it, since I personally think this story is one of my best, even if the idea is a little bit corny. Thanks!

This is personally my favorite chapter, so I hope you like it!

Disclaimer: Merlin and all its characters do not belong to me.

Arthur's plan consisted of several elements that would all work together to get a confession out of Merlin- a campfire, a hunting trip for two, and a small guilt trip for an amused warlock, (who, if he continued to smirk at Arthur like that, would be mucking out the stables every day for a month,) and a revelation. It was quite ingenious, Arthur thought. He smirked, praising his own intelligence, and then frowned as he saw Merlin's amused expression grow larger. The warlock was enjoying this a little too much for the prince's liking.

But, if Merlin was honest with himself, he was a bit worried. Arthur now knew that he was hiding something, and was probably planning at this very moment on giving his friend- though the prince would never admit it- a guilt trip around the campfire. Little did the prince know that Merlin had already thought of this plan, and had a small plan of his own. This led to a very large smirk on the warlock's face that would have put Morgana to shame, and Arthur was becoming very annoyed by it, he could tell.

Merlin never thought that smirks were contagious, but it would explain the self-satisfied look on the prince's face at the moment. He raised his eyebrows as the expression grew on Arthur's face, and quickly fell when he realized how much Merlin was enjoying the moment.

"Merlin, do you mind wiping that look off of your face? You look like George during spring cleaning!"

Merlin snorted, then frowned, scowling at the prince and saying very dejectedly, "Is this better, sire?" The twinkle in his eye didn't fade, and Arthur scowled himself at his manservant's attitude.

Gwen had always said that Merlin's smile was contagious, Merlin thought, but it seems that all his other expressions are too. The warlock resisted the urge to pull a stupid face and see if it transferred to Arthur.

"Anyway," Arthur said, rolling his eyes as Merlin continued cleaning, "Once you're done, you should ready the horses. I was planning a hunting trip today, since it's so nice out."

"Arthur, have you been outside today? It's stifling!"

"Yes, Merlin, I have been outside, and you would find that if you didn't wear so many layers of clothing, that it is not as hot today as it would seem for somebody dressed for winter!"

Merlin scowled again, the twinkle leaving his eyes this time, "And you would know this since the last time you went outside, it was in full armor."

Arthur frowned as he realized the flaw in his statement, and Merlin smirked.

"Besides, you told Gwen that you would take her out today, remember?"

"Well, I suppose… that it can wait until tomorrow. There's nothing going on tomorrow, right?"

"A knighting and a council meeting," Merlin's previous amused expression had resurfaced as he pointed out his master's forgetfulness, "In fact, you have council meetings for the next three days. Would you like to schedule a hunt on Friday, sire?"

Arthur nodded, "Yes, that would be good, thank you," he said, and Merlin gasped mockingly, smirking.

"You're thanking me for something? I never thought I'd see the day!"

He dodged the goblet that was thrown his way, only to be splattered by the liquid which it still contained.

"Prat."