Present

"He actually said that?" Arthur gawked at Merlin, by now having dropped his pretense of not caring.

Merlin nodded and stood up. "Almost word-for-word." He caught a glimpse of Arthur's face and grinned. "But don't go trying it on Gwen; she was there and heard him say it, remember."

"Merlin?"

"Yes?"

"Shut up."

"Whatever you say, Sire. Ready for training?"

Arthur tried to not look disappointed and failed. "It's over, then?"

"Pretty much. This morning, when I was in the kitchens getting your breakfast, Blair ran into me and told me the news. I hope the wedding is soon…"

Arthur couldn't help giving a pleased smile that mirrored Merlin's, and the manservant noticed.

"It's a nice ending to a story, isn't it, Sire? Even if they are just servants."

Affronted, Arthur scowled and said defensively, "I never said that."

"Maybe not, but you were thinking it."

"Merlin!"

Not intimidated, Merlin simply responded, "Eat your breakfast, Sire. So… what do you plan to give them as a wedding present?"

Arthur swung at him half-heartedly in reply, which Merlin easily ducked, still wearing his goofy smile.

"Merlin," said Arthur, finishing his breakfast, "you're an idiot."

"Thank you, Sire."

End.

Since it is the last chapter, could you make an extra effort to review?

A/N: I really hate to burst their bubble, so I didn't tell them that that actually isn't the ending. If you want to know it, check out Chapter 5 of The Start of a Beautiful Friendship, under Blair's section. I warn you, though, it's not all that happy.