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Gwen was smoothing out the covers of the bed she’d just made when she heard someone come into the room behind her, and a second later hands were placed over her eyes. Gwen jumped in shock but didn’t hesitate.
WHAM!
“AGHHH!”
…………………
“I’m so sorry Arthur!” Gwen exclaimed for the umpteenth time, mopping at his bloody nose with the white cloth he’d been holding.
“It’s all right,” Arthur said thickly. “It was a stupid idea, I don’t know what Merlin was thinking. I'm sorry.”
Gwen frowned, wondering why Merlin was getting Arthur to sneak up on her, but decided to wait until Arthur’s nose had stopped bleeding to question him.
Arthur meanwhile was beaming admiringly at her through a slowing deluge of scarlet. “That was great form! Where did you learn that?”
Gwen grinned, sheepishly pleased. “Leon." He’d taught her basic self-defence after Cenred’s men had kidnapped her.
Arthur smiled proudly. “That’d be why then.”
“He’s going to be horrified when we tell him this story.”
“He is.” Arthur’s expression rapidly morphed from fond to panicked. “Just don’t tell Gwaine about this. Or Merlin. Or-“
Gwen chuckled. “Don’t worry. I’m not risking Elyan getting hold of this.” He would never let her live it down.
The bleeding had mostly stopped now. “Are you going to tell me why you were accosting me with a blindfold?”
“Well,” Arthur began nervously, but Gwen was frowning down at the bloodstained cloth. “Is this my handkerchief? I gave you this when-“ She broke off at his expression, which had turned soft and loving. She was suddenly overwhelmed with memories of that time, that day, that kiss…
“I was going to- but- oh this stupid!” he suddenly exclaimed. “I’d planned this all out but I think there might be too many candles in your house-“
“What?”
“But none of that matters does it, I just-“
His face set with resolve, he slid off the bed which she’d sat him on and onto his knees in front of her. He dug around in his pocket and pulled out a ring, and Gwen’s heart leaped into her throat.
“Guinevere,” he began. “I love you more than I can say. Will you do me the honour of becoming my wife?”
A huge smile spread across Gwen’s face as excitement and delight and love bubbled up inside her and overwhelmed her and she just launched herself forward into his arms. She buried her head in his neck as they knelt there clinging to each other, trying to get a hold of the tears of joy that welled in her eyes.
“Um,” Arthur said after a minute. “Is that a yes?”
“Oh! Yes! I’m sorry!” she exclaimed, laughing as she pulled away to look at him, tears rolling down her face. His face lit up in his huge, shining grin and he took her hand and slid the ring onto her finger. Then they just gazed at each other for a moment and laughed, silly and giddy and so very very happy. Then Gwen caught hold of his face and pulled him in for a crushing kiss.
“Ow!”
“Oh gods I’m sorry!”
Arthur’s nose was bleeding again.