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One would think, after being married to someone for going on five years now, knowing what they like would be a breeze.
And it is, in some ways that's true. But when it comes time to get a gift, all knowledge of a person seems to fly out the window.
So that's what has the two leaders of Camelot scrambling through the market, days before Yule, desperately trying to avoid each other.
If the people of Camelot didn't love them so much, it might be enough to stir concern about their abilities to run the kingdom.
But as it is, those who find anything amiss with the actions are soon placeted by people who are more used to the Kings and their antics.
It's everything Uther always said would never happen.
Though granted, if he had been the one rushing through the market he probably would have been considered unfit for the throne.
Arthur and Merlin, however, simply receive chuckles and well wishes.
But even with as many people that wish them luck neither turns up anything that feels right, and there's no time to continue searching, as they are both needed back in the castle.
They sneak back in, narrowly missing each other.
~~~
The day of Yule dawns very un-festive, dark and gloomy, rain beating down on the castle and wind howling against the shutters, before the crack of thunder shakes them.
But the terrible weather receives no ill will from the royal chambers, the two inside would have welcomed it with open arms had their arms not been occupied holding tightly to each other, for a stormy day means an even longer time to lie in than the holiday would promise.
Plus, it may provide an excuse as to why they have no gifts, one could declare they'd planned a lovely day in the forest.
A bolt of lightning illuminates the room enough for them to see the smiles aimed at each other for a brief second.
With the frequent lightning they don't bother with candles, instead using the brief snatches of light to find one another's faces, pulling them close enough to kiss.
After pulling away for air, they join hands, pulling them up to press a kiss to their rings, as they do every morning.
"Happy Yule, dearest." Merlin whispers, lightning flashing to let Arthur see his wide grin.
"Happy Yule, my love." Arthur replies, matching Merlin's smile.
"How long do you think we have before someone comes looking?" Merlin asks, settling back into the pillows after magically sending another log to the fireplace.
"Depends on if everyone wants to wait for the storm to finish before coming to dinner or if they're hungry enough to run us up to start the feast now."
"Surely they'll all wait a bit. Exchange gifts and such. Although mum is likely going to be here first to bring us mince pies."
"That'll be nice to get up for."
"Yes, eventually."
"Lazy daisy."
"It's a holiday, Arthur. You're supposed to be lazy."
"What's your excuse the rest of the time?"
"With the right attitude, any day can be a holiday."
"Even when you have work to do?"
"You're one to talk!"
"I always get up to do my duties."
"I can't believe you'd blatantly lie to my face like that!"
"Technically, I can't see your face." Arthur says, but is contradicted by a flash of lightning.
Merlin laughs at the quick flash of indignantion he saw, then laughs harder when Arthur lightly jabs him with an elbow.
"Did you do that?!"
"Arthur, would you not have seen my eyes if I did?"
"Maybe not! You could've done something to hide it."
"I don't know how to do that!"
"Sure you don't, Emrys."
Merlin laughs again, pulling Arthur closer to him.
"I promise I didn't make the lightning." He says, sealing it with a kiss.
But he can't help breaking it with laughter when he does make a new lightning flash.
"I saw it this time!"
Merlin laughs again, summoning more lightning just to see Arthur's face.
"I'm not giving you any gifts."
"Then you're not getting any either."
"Good. You probably picked something horrible."
"Well, considering I was going to take you out for a nice trip to the forest, I guess I did pick something horrible."
"You can obviously change the weather."
"But it's so much trouble."
"You're so much trouble." Arthur teases.
"As are you, darling."
"Although, Merlin, I do have to be honest."
"I would hope so."
"Well you see, I couldn't find anything I thought you'd like."
"Oh good, I couldn't find anything for you either."
"Really?"
"Yeah. The market was truly lacking this year."
"I know! I suppose everyone has bought it all up."
"Must have. Anyway, I don't mind. I'm just glad to have the morning free to spend with you." Merlin says, glad no lightning bolt comes to show his sheepish face.
"I feel the same." Arthur says, his hand finding Merlin's in the dark.
"It feels like we've been so busy recently. I'm glad to have time to spend with with just us." He continues, kissing Merlin's forehead with the light of a convenient lightning bolt.
"I am too." Merlin says, wrapping his arms around Arthur to spend the rest of the time they have cuddled up until they're interrupted by Hunith's knocking, bearing mince pies for her boys