The magnolia trees stood sentinel, their fragrant blooms casting a spell over Camelot. Merlin and Arthur sat on a blanket beneath the ancient branches, their legs tangled, hearts entwined.
"Merlin," Arthur murmured, his voice soft as the petals above them, "why do we always end up in these improbable situations?"
Merlin chuckled, tracing patterns on Arthur's palm. "Because we're destined for adventure," he replied. "And because you have a knack for getting into trouble."
Arthur leaned back, his head resting against Merlin's shoulder. "I blame you," he teased. "You're like a magnet for chaos."
Merlin nuzzled Arthur's hair, inhaling the scent of leather and sword polish. "And you," he said, "are the most stubborn, infuriating prat I've ever met."
Arthur shifted, turning to face him. "But you love me," he said, his eyes searching Merlin's.
Merlin's heart stuttered. "Yeah," he whispered, "I do."
And then, without warning, Arthur kissed him—a kiss that tasted of summer rain and stolen moments. Merlin melted into it, forgetting the world beyond the magnolias.
When they broke apart, Arthur's forehead rested against Merlin's. "I love you too," he confessed. "More than Camelot, more than my crown."
Merlin's throat tightened. "Arthur—"
"No," Arthur interrupted. "Listen. You're my anchor—the one who believes in me even when I doubt myself. You're the magic I never knew I needed."
Merlin's eyes stung. "And you," he said, "are the king who sees beyond titles and bloodlines. The one who fights for justice, even when it costs him everything."
Arthur's fingers brushed Merlin's cheek. "We're more than destiny," he said. "We're us."
And so, beneath the magnolias, they cuddled—the warlock and the once and future king. The world faded away, leaving only their whispered promises and the rustle of leaves.
"Merlin," Arthur said, "promise me we'll survive this—whatever comes next."
Merlin kissed him, sealing the vow. "We'll face it together," he vowed. "Always."
And so, as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting shadows on their love, Merlin knew that destiny was just the beginning. Under the magnolias, they'd build a kingdom of their own—one where magic and courage intertwined, and love was the strongest magic of all
