[ At first Arthur thinks he's joking - who just asks something like that - especially when they're as fresh-faced and striking and otherworldly as Merlin clearly is. He laughs loudly, taking a bite of his sandwich, before cottoning on to the startled seriousness of his expression. ]

What - really? You're really asking me that?

[ Arthur sets what remains of his sandwich down thoughtfully, his gaze on Merlin the entire time.

Well. I might be a little biased, all things considered ...

[ Because he likes Merlin. A lot. He's unique in ways he'd never thought he wanted. ]

But that's a stupid question. [ Well. Maybe Merlin wasn't expecting that. Arthur frowns again - how to best phrase this. ] Why do you think my siblings and I can change the way we look? What might be ugly to one person might be the epitome of beauty to another. It just ... depends.

[ He shrugs. Then, quietly. ]

And ... I think you're beautiful. [ Aphrodite, just kill him now. He turns away and clears his throat, busying himself with more sandwiches despite the fact that his plate is full. ] I've never met anyone like you before.