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Merlin burst in the door of the flat that he and Arthur shared. His arms were full of groceries, so he set them down on the kitchen island. Arthur was mixing up a protein shake in the small blender on the counter.
“Guess what?” Merlin said enthusiastically, wiggling a little. Arthur looked up and raised an eyebrow. He wasn't expecting much; last time Merlin was so excited, it was because he had seen a puggle puppy. He decided to indulge his friend anyway. “What?”
Merlin grinned widely, lifted his wrist where his Fitbit lay, and proudly announced. “With all the errands I ran today, I got to twenty thousand steps! I usually only get fourteen thousand!”
Arthur snorted. Of course. He poured his shake in a tall cup and set the blender cup in the sink.
“Hey!” Merlin protested. “It's practically my personal best!”
“Very good, Merlin,” Arthur placated. He decided not to mention that he had just come back from a six-mile run.
Merlin deflated. Arthur just barely kept a smirk off of his face and patted Merlin on the head. “I'm incredibly impressed. Now stop pouting.”
“'M not pouting,” Merlin pouted. This time, Arthur couldn't hold in a puff of laughter. “You know, what? Let's celebrate your accomplishment. We'll get some takeout and watch one of those movies you like. A romantic comedy.” The warlock brightened. “Chinese? Lo mein and crab rangoon?” Arthur grinned crookedly. “Yeah, sure. Whatever you want.” He pulled his mobile out of his pocket and began to dial the number to their favorite Chinese restaurant. “Now go choose a movie.”
Merlin threw his arms around the former king and gave him a squeeze. “Thanks, Arthur.” Then he headed off to the sitting room to pull up Netflix.
Arthur watched him go, a warm feeling in his chest, and then whispered. “You're welcome, Merlin.”