Ultimate Fandom Oneshots [TMR, Xmen, Marvel, Merlin, The Umbrella Academy]

Merlin: Compliments

"I can't believe you let me dance with you," I whispered, watching Merlin's eyes darting around every so often to make sure we weren't being watched. We were waltzing outside the closed doors of the throne room, just able to hear the ball music that was playing inside.

Merlin smiled nervously, his hands slipping a little because they were getting a little clammy. "I didn't think you'd want to," he whispered back, trying to avoid my gaze as he looked down to make sure his feet were doing the right thing.

"Merlin," I cooed, letting go of his shoulder to tilt his head up to look at me. His eyes were big, and when he made eye contact he trembled slightly. We started to sway slower, and I could feel his hands start to gently lift off of me. I placed a hand on his cheek gently, watching him almost tilt away from it because he was scared of what I was going to say. "Oh Merlin," I continued, rubbing my thumb along his cheekbone, "you are the most handsome, intelligent, funny, sweetest, most gorgeous man I have ever met," I said, watching his gaze soften at my words.

"You're also absolutely, unbelievably stupid," I added, watching his little smile drop. His eyes even started to well up, unknowingly proving my point. I leaned forward quickly, catching his open lips in a kiss that practically winded him. His hands were holding my waist again out of shock, and my kiss was firmer just to keep him close to me for a few seconds longer. I could feel his chest tightening against mine so i finally released him so he could breathe. He panted, looking at me with huge, puppy-like eyes.

"I thought you said i was stupid?" he whimpered, still clearly close to tears.

"Because you don't believe a word i say when i compliment you, you gorgeous thing," I smiled at him and he suddenly realised what i'd just done. His cheeks looked like he'd held his breath for too long, and he looked back down at his feet. I took the opportunity to rest my forehead against his, wrapping my arms around his neck to pull him closer into a hug. "And i mean every word, which is why it hurts when you think i'm lying," i whispered, rubbing my forehead against his little soft fringe.

"I don't want to hurt you," he whispered back.

"Then let me compliment you sweetheart," I smiled. His head tilted back up, surprising me as his lips reached for mine again. He kissed me for a moment before pulling away.

"I thought that was my job?" he smiled back suddenly, making my smile even wider.

"That doesn't mean you shouldn't get any though," I replied, "It means you should get more, actually," I said.

"I don't know if you could compete with my compliments," he suddenly challenged, lifting one of my hands off of his neck so he could twirl me around.

"Is that a challenge Merlin?" I asked, already knowing the answer from the cheeky smile that had suddenly crept onto his face.

"A duel of compliments is the only duel i will win," he answered.

"Sounds like a wonderful idea, i look forward to telling you how adorable you are," I said, smirking because i'd already started.

"Oh!" He gasped, his blush returning slightly, "I see you've duelled before, I wasn't expecting such elegance so soon." he countered, grinning at me.

"Such charm, even when you are surprised," I complimented back, giggling at how easy this was.

Merlin giggled, twirling me around again, "Surprisingly, I'm actually enjoying this," he said, before pulling me back into his arms, "Compliments from you are like a magic spell, something that i didn't know I needed and now, I can't believe i could live without them." He said.

"Wow," I gasped,  pulling myself back into his arms, "I think you won Merlin," I smiled cheekily, "For now."