winterknights | FIC: Winter Wonderland (Merlin/Arthur - 1952

Title: Winter Wonderland
Author/Artist: ???
Pairing(s): Merlin/Arthur
Prompt: #7: Arthur takes Merlin to a Christmas market
Word Count/Art Medium: 1,952
Rating: PG
Contains (Highlight to view): * literally only fluff and nothing else, well I guess capitalism *
Disclaimer: Merlin characters are the property of Shine and BBC. No profit is being made, and no copyright infringement is intended.
Notes: I love writing some winter fluff! (Also I’m not British so excuse any inaccuracies, I was mostly going off Christmas malls I’ve been to)
Summary Merlin and Arthur spend the evening at a Christmas market. Merlin adores the celebrations while Arthur is less enthused. However, it doesn’t stay that way.

Read it on AO3: Winter Wonderland

Bells jingled in the air, tied with the crisp winter wind of soon to be snow which tickled Merlin’s
ears as it flowed by. Yet, it was wonderful. Walking through the Christmas market was like a
whole other world. He heard the buzz of shoppers and holiday songs mixed together down the
street and everything seemed to glow. Garlands of lights stretched down and across buildings,
culminating in large snowflakes that hung overhead.
There were children, running around and climbing on large candy cane decorations. The sound
of laughter was overwhelming. It filled the air, mixing with several different Christmas songs all
playing at once. Merlin smiled as they passed a long line of children eagerly standing in line,
waiting to meet Santa. It was a sweet sight, all these people in one place and so happy.
The intense joy was contagious and immediately affected Merlin. Being here, with Arthur,
everything just felt right. It was only them. There were no piles of work and endless tasks or
even problems with Arthur’s dad. They were free to just enjoy the day, the only obligations being
gift-buying, which shouldn't be too difficult Merlin considered. This place had more than enough
stores to find everything they needed.
The smell of sweets and peppermint pulled Merlin out of his thoughts. They stopped at a cafe at
the corner and bought some warm drinks and then headed out once more into the cold. It was a
strange mix of feelings, Merlin thought as he clutched his hot coco in one hand. The wind
whipped at his nose and reddened his cheeks, yet his body felt nice and warm with his several
layers of coats and the introduction of the drink. And his other hand was also warm as it was
entangled in Arthur's as they walked down the street.

They passed trees lining the street, covered in lights, that even Arthur couldn’t help but gaze at.
As well as people staggering under the weight of shopping bags and gifts, and couples tucked
away in shop corners (a group they were definitely not a part of). Arthur took another sip of his
peppermint tea. A group of carolers belting familiar songs passed by, as the smell of cinnamon
wafted through the air from the nearby bakery with a line out the door.
They walked down another street as the light began to fade. However, the market didn't seem to
get much darker at all, what with the incredible amount of lights. They came upon a large
fountain in the middle of a square. Music rose from conspicuous speakers as the water was lit
with festive colors and designs.
Arthur watched as Merlin gazed up at the spectacle. He glanced at him and smiled. Arthur didn’t
hate the holidays, he guessed he just didn’t quite understand what all the fuss was about. He
simply didn’t feel the same excitement that Merlin or others felt seeing a few lit bulbs.
But something else was there to light up the season anyway, Merlin. Here, outside in the
celebration his face was as bright as any of those ridiculous decorations.
It made Arthur happy to see his boyfriend like this, full of unbridled joy, and free from his usual
troubles.
He let go of Merlin's hand and wrapped his arm around the other man's shoulder, pulling him
closer. He leaned into his warmth as he laid his head on his shoulder.
Merlin smiled, resting his cheek on Arthur’s head.

"I love this" he began, "being here with you, it's so magical." Arthur pressed a kiss to his cheek
in response. Merlin returned it by bringing his lips to meet Arthur's and wrapping a hand around
his back, drawing him closer.

As the sky darkened, they began their shopping.
Then first headed to a large bookstore with hanging candles in the windows. Here, they found a
few interesting books for Morgana and lovely journals for Gwen, as well as other more practical
gifts for Leon and Gaius. They next stopped at a clothing store, decked out in ugly Christmas
sweaters, two of which they bought for Elyan and Percival. Luckily, Arthur managed to find
some respectable ties for his father and Merlin, a new coat for Hunith and a lovely purple dress
for his friend, Freya.
Their next stop was a candy store that stood at the corner of the next street. Upon arriving, it
was packed. People and brightly colored candy filled every available space. Merlin bought
packs of prank jellybeans for his friends, Will and Gwaine, who were sure to get a kick out of
them. They also bought some candy for Morgana for her hidden sweet tooth.

After that, they crossed the street to a Christmas store. They found some nice ornaments for
their tree as well as several other decorations Merlin claimed they needed, such as a white,
plush dragon with a Santa hat. Much to Arthur's annoyance, it later became the tree topper.
Next they found themselves in the clothing section, where they both ended up putting a few too
many sweaters in the cart. When they finally got to the hats, Merlin tried on an elf one.
Arthur laughed "It really suits you Merlin" he teased, gesturing to his boyfriend's ears. Merlin
pouted and turned away, feigning hurt, but moments later Arthur found a Santa hat being
shoved onto his head and a fake beard hanging from the hat, under his chin.
"Well this is a perfect fit for you" Merlin smirked, looking Arthur up and down, "All you need is
the red suit, you already have the belly."
"How dare you? I am not fat." Arthur said indignantly, pulling Merlin's tall hat down over his face.
In retaliation, Merlin pulled the string of Arthur's 'beard' and let go, letting it swing up and hit the
other man's chin. They soon became a mess of hats and grabby hands.
Eventually, they made it to the register with several hats and sweaters, a few ornaments, and a
stuffed dragon. A headband with reindeer antlers also made it into the bag, presumably for
Gaius.

Next, they split up to get gifts for each other as to not ruin the surprise. Of course, they avoided
the very sight of each other to not reveal even store hints.
Merlin entered some fancy store he was sure to find something Arthur liked, but after a couple
of minutes of desperate searching (aimless wandering) he found nothing and resolved to leave.
But upon reaching the door, he saw Arthur pass a nearby store. He hid behind a clothes rack
until he was sure he was gone.
Arthur started at the bookstore, but realizing that Merlin actually had most of these or was less
interested in the ones he didn’t, he headed somewhere else. He passed Merlin ducking into
another shop and tried to hide his face with the various shopping bags adorning his body.
Although Arthur found this whole hiding thing ridiculous, it certainly would be entertaining to see
Merlin’s shocked face when he opened his gift.

After that secret shopping trip, they met up at a restaurant at the end of the street. Merlin
breathed a sigh of relief after they entered the warm room, escaping the increasingly colder
weather. They got a table, specifically by the fireplace, and shoved all the bags on the floor by
their feet as they sat down. The food was a bit slow but that didn't matter, they kept themselves
entertained enough. Plus, they were glad enough to spend that time indoors and warm.
However, the dinner didn’t stay a peaceful as they had intended.

Arthur hated surprises. He didn't see the problem in just knowing what you're getting, helps if
you need to return it. Anyway, he didn't want Merlin knowing he tried 'to ruin Christmas tradition.'
Arthur simply believed in other traditions, like this one. Him and Morgana had always played
games to guess and figure out their presents early, but Merlin didn't understand that, so he
chose to employ other methods. Merlin kept the new bag tucked behind the others and it was
even a plain reusable bag, with no evidence of the store it was from at all. Ugh that clever idiot,
he thought.
When they finally got their soup and sandwiches, Arthur concocted a plan. When they were
done eating, Merlin was sure to use the bathroom, Arthur would stay to watch the table, and
boom! the perfect time for gift peeking. Sure enough, as they finished their dessert of brownies,
Merlin excused himself and Arthur took his chance. He scooted the other bags away with his
foot and went under the table. But just as he started to open the new bag, a foot appeared by
his head. He followed it with his eyes and saw it was attached to an angry looking Merlin.
Arthur ducked out from under the table, hitting his head on it in the process.
"Arthur, I knew you'd be doing this you prat, why can't you just wait?"
"Well, what's the problem with knowing now?"
"It spoils the surprise" Merlin retorted, then picked up his bags and said, "Come on, let's go
Arty."

"Arty?"
"It's a child's nickname and you're acting like a child."
"Ugh, Merlin" he huffed, as they left the restaurant. He pouted and Merlin playfully shoved his
shoulder.

They took the trolley down to the other end of the market where the courtyard lay. There was a
giant Christmas tree in the center of the square that stretched almost as high as the buildings,
with red and green baubles, strung with white lights. Wreaths connected with lights hung on
every storefront. Sleigh bells echoed through the air accompanied with flakes of snow.
Merlin and Arthur walked through the courtyard, satisfied with their shopping and full of good
food. They snow continued to fall softly upon them. A group of carolers rounded the corner and
began walking through the courtyard. They sang "We Wish You A Merry Christmas" before
starting "Winter Wonderland". They paused in front of the giant tree; faces illuminated by its
light.
"Sleigh bells ring, are you listening,
In the lane, snow is glistening
A beautiful sight,
We're happy tonight,
Walking in a winter wonderland."

Arthur and Merlin stop to watch, and the latter can't help but sing.

"Gone away is the bluebird,
Here to stay is a new bird"

"Come on Arthur!" he urged. The man in question begrudgingly joined in.

"He sings a love song,"
Merlin gripped Arthur's hand tighter.

"As we go along,
Walking in a winter wonderland."
The carolers strolled away, still singing, heading to their next audience, yet Merlin and Arthur
continued singing, carelessly slower.
"In the meadow we can build a snowman,
Then pretend that he is Parson Brown

He'll say: Are you married?
We'll say: No man,"
Arthur paused, realizing the words they were actually singing.
Merlin continued and took Arthur's hands in his own, looking into his bright blue eyes, as bright
as any of the decorations tonight.
"But you can do the job
When you're in town" he sang earnestly.
Arthur's face split into a wide smile and Merlin's joined his as they dropped their bags on the
ground and flung their arms around one another. Practiced lips found each other easily, and
both men felt cold no longer.
"You mean it?" Arthur panted; his breath visible in the dark air.
"Of course," Merlin replied, swinging his arm around Arthur’s side as they walked down the
street, through the snow.

Later on, we'll conspire,
As we dream by the fire
To face unafraid,
The plans that we've made,
Walking in a winter wonderland.

Neither man could stop smiling all night.