Note: This was inspired by those pics of Colin during production of season three. My sister and I don't like the cut, and I think Merlin doesn't either. Sorry about the terrible title, I don't know what else to call it.

It was a long standing rule in the castle: All servant men are required to keep their hair short. Merlin hated it. Arthur merely chuckled as he moaned about haircut day. Moora, the head cook, would set up shop on his front porch and all the men would line up to get their semiannual trim.

Merlin returned to Arthur's chambers after lunch, looking sullen. Arthur smiled, and Merlin turned away from him, pouting. He stood and crossed the room to his lover, pulling on his shoulder until he faced him.

The cut wasn't particularly bad; though Arthur would miss the way the raven locks curled around his ears and the fringe covered his eyes, always looking as though he just rolled out of bed. It was neat, clean looking, and he made a mental note to praise Moora on his fine knife skills. Arthur raised a hand to brush off the small pieces of hair that had stuck to his neck. Merlin blushed and moved away from Arthur's touch.

"Hey," he called softly, "come here." pulling him by the upper arm and back into his embrace. "You look fine."Arthur kissed him sweetly, chuckling as Merlin's blush deepened. He pulled on the scarlet neckerchief, tugging it off and throwing over his shoulder.

"Let's get all this hair off of you."

Later, Merlin rested against Arthur's chest as they relaxed in the bathtub. Arthur pressed his lips to the raven hair, smiling against Merlin's wet locks. Merlin shifted against him, and Arthur's arms instinctively tightened around his waist.

"When I am king, you'll never have to cut your hair again." His voice was soft, loving. It was a promise he intended to keep.

"Yeah?" Merlin turned slightly to look up into his prince's face. The smile on Merlin's lips was hopeful, trusting.

Arthur hummed in agreement and kissed him again.