Fanfic: I thought I knew you / Educating Arthur
Approx: 7,500 words
AU. High school fic, I guess?
This story was first posted as a series in Camelot Drabble. It grew from the prompts, piece by piece and have not been altered here.
It can be read there: First part, Camelot Drabble
There, each chapter has a link at the bottom, leading to the next for easy reading.
Prompt: #94 Caring
It was Monday morning and Arthur was his usual cocky self. Or so it would seem. In truth, he was bracing himself for the jokes and ridicule he knew would come his way. It was terribly embarrassing to have been ‘rescued’ by your sister. He remembers he was singing, which was never a good thing. And it was snowing. He still didn’t know where his jacket had ended up. Morgana might have been right about him nearly freezing to death. He knew Morgana wouldn’t gossip about him, just as he never gossiped about her. But whoever had been in that alley with him and called her, saying she had to come and collect him… Surely this was too good of a story to keep to him - or her- self. Perhaps it had been some random stranger, but it was a bit odd that they rang Morgana and not the police or whatever. Father would have gone mental.
Still though, classes went by without any mention of it and lunch was spent with the guys bragging about what and who they had done. Joking proudly about how drunk they had been. He is not even surprised that they left him drunk and alone in an alley, but he made sure not to mention that bit.
Morgana cornered him before class.
-Right back to your so called friends I see.
Her voice was dripping with loathing.
-Have you even talked to Merlin today?
-No, what for?
She practically growls at him and leaves with angry steps, mumbling to herself. Weird,
Talking to Merlin might be a good idea, though. He’s so fun to tease, and it is so easy to do so with his big ears and nerdy ways. It's hilarious when he gets mad. Arthur brightens up at the thought and heads to the lockers.
-DON’T even mention it.
Arthur clamps him mouth shut before he could say anything at all. Now Merlin is being confusing as well.
-I don’t understand.
-No, you wouldn’t, would you? I didn’t do it for you, I did it for Morgana. She would miss you. Don’t know why. Next time you’re on your own. I’d probably be doing the world a favor.
Merlin slams his his locker shut and walks away. Arthur stares at Merlin’s back like he had never seen him before. Perhaps he never had.
Prompt: #95 Song prompt 2.
Morgana's voice was clearly annoyed when she answered the phone.
-What do you want, Arthur?
-It's not Arthur, it's Merlin. He spoke fast, worried she would hang up. Everybody knew that the two half-siblings could barely be in the same room without arguing.
-Merlin?
-Yeah, from school? Don't hang up.
-How did you get his phone? What's he gone and done now?
-I found his phone in his pocket. Um, I'm in the alley by Luigi's pizza, I was heading home from work and... he's flat out on the ground, laughing at the falling snow and singing... I think it's One Direction? There's no-one around, Luigi's is closed and... That Leo of yours has a car, right?
Morgana's swears, then her voice sounds tired. -It's Leon. Not Leo. Yeah, I'll come get him. Thank you, Merlin.
He puts the phone in his coat pocket in case she calls back and leans against the brick wall. It was odd to watch Arthur, drunk beyond reason and unaware of any danger. He had tried to drag him to his feet, but Arthur was to far gone to stand. He just laughed and flopped back down, singing something about “you make me stronger” while finding himself immensely amusing.
Merlin sighed heavily and looked around. The area was deserted. He wished he could just walk away. Hate would be so much easier than this damned thoughtfulness he was plagued with.
His mother used to say that only small people needed to step on others to feel big. Then there were those, his uncle Gaius would add, that were too stupid to know that they were doing. Arthur clearly was the stupid kind. Valiant on the other hand knew exactly what he was doing, he knew which targets to choose and which allies to make. He knew how to make people rely on him and how to manipulate. Merlin could easily imagine that Arthur and his money had played their part for the evening. Valiant's legendary party basement was nearby, loosing a follower or two on the way to the next party wasn't going to worry Val at all.
It didn't matter much for Merlin how much or how little thought was behind the comments and the ridicule. Cruelty was cruelty. In the end it simply came down to what person you wanted to be.
Prompt: #96 Sceret Admirer.
It was ridiculous. What would watching Merlin achieve?
-Mo? I'm confused.
Morgana laughed. -No kidding?
He knew what Merlin looked like and he knew where his locker was and that’s all you really needed to know about him.
-Fine. FINE! Let’s cut a deal, ok? Spend one day - one day - watching Merlin in school when he’s not around you and your ‘friends’. If that doesn't change your mind, then I’ll never mention it again. Ok? Can’t be that hard, you don’t pay attention in class anyway.
Still, here he was lurking about like a creepy stalker. Merlin was the most boring thing ever, he should be thrilled that Arthur was around to break up the dullness. So far, Arthur had learned the staggering truth that Gilly from the chess club had an ipad upon which there was something Merlin seemed to approve of. Yawn-o-rama!
-They left you. They didn’t give a shit about what happened to you or where you had gone. How can you call these people friends?
Freya appeared to on very friendly term with him. But of course, Freya would flirt with anyone. Merlin threw his head back laughing and they separated with a smile. Freya lived with Merlin’s uncle and aunt. So Merlin was her foster cousin or whatever. Arthur didn’t think he had actually talked to her.
Valiant came with Cen and Ced at his side. At last something worth seeing.
-He likes it? She did indeed look like her father’s daughter at that point. -Nobody likes being tripped and shoved into wall on a daily basis, Arthur! -It’s just fun! He knows that. He smiles. -Oh does he now?
Then Arthur’s smile fades. This wasn’t right. This was not the Val Arthur knew. Val would laugh and, yes, he would give a push or a shove. Just like Arthur would. Merlin had no balance, it was so easy. But never like this. Val’s hand was still on Merlin’s shoulder as Merlin crashed into the wall.
Arthur wanted to believe there was a reason for this. That Merlin had done something. But Merlin doesn’t seem surprised. His hand touches his head and he glares in Val’s direction. Val simply keeps walking, smiling. Ced laughs and Cen pulls out his phone and then puts it back. It’s like this is an ordinary thing.
Arthur spends the next class worrying. Next free period he seeks out Merlin. The sound still echoes in his head so he settles for a brief punch on Merlin’s arm, making sure it’s the arm that didn’t hit the wall. He tries so sound ordinary and Merlin sounds like he always does, smiles like he always does. He looks for the spark that Freya got to see or the kind smile Gilly was given.
Arthur gathers his things and goes home. It was only second period, but Arthur had had enough lessons for the day.
...
-I heard you skipped classes again, son. This behavior of yours will have consequences. It may not seem to matter much now. But the choices you make now will follow you for the rest of your life.
-I was sick, father.
-And yet here you are, drinking milk from the carton. I am glad you have had such a rapid recovery. Now. I have had a talk with your professor and decided to provide you with a tutor. No groaning! He will come to the house, so one will know you are in need of special attention -
-Father!
-And I have made sure that this time you will not be able to buy your way out. Morgana said she was certain that this young man had a strong moral back bone, and he comes from a hard working family.
-Morgana said? Oh no...
-They will never accept you, Arthur. Not the real you. One slip up and you’re on your own. You can't live like that.
-It took some convincing, but he agreed. I expect you to be on your best behavior.
Arthur sighed. -Yes, father.
Prompt: #97 You and I
This was awkward. They sat in the library surrounded by Uther’s vast collection of books, math books opened on the table. Merlin looked all business as he turned pages and flipped through his note book. Arthur didn’t know what to do, but he was certain that one of them had to say something at some point. The sound of pages being turned seemed so loud. He hoped Merlin would say something first or else Arthur might blurt out that he missed Merlin’s smile, missed believing it was genuine. He couldn't understand why Morgana had recommended Merlin as a tutor after making sure Arthur knew Merlin didn’t like him. And Uther must have given him an offer he couldn’t refuse.
Arthur squirmed a bit, then decided on a much safer topic.
-Music?
Merlin barely glanced up. -Sure.
He pulled out his laptop and connected it to the speakers. “I figured it out, I figured it out from black and white.”
Merlin’s pencil stops and finally he looks up.
-Seriously? One direction? That is not music.
-Course it is! Arthur joined in, slightly out of tune.
-Saw the mistakes of up and down. Meet in the middle.
Merlin huffed and rose from his seat. -Give me that thing, I’ll show you music.
Arthur wrinkled his nose at Merlin’s choice. -Mozart? How old are you?
-It’s food for your brain. You desperately need it. Get your books, apparently I am here to perform miracles and I haven’t got all day.
-Did they ever fight like us…
Merlin groaned, but there was a small smile on his lips. It wasn’t open, warm and sparkly as Arthur knew it could be. But it was a start.
Prompt: #98; Truth or dare
In Arthur's defense: he had tried to spend the day studying. He really had. His father might literary explode if Arthur didn't get a good score on the test on Monday. Merlin had been coming to Arthur's house two or three times a week this last month, but if Arthur didn't show any progress then Uther would find someone else. And Merlin was fairly good at explaining things. He hadn't really warmed up to Arthur yet, but Arthur didn't really spew personal information at Merlin either.
Morgana guessed it was because Merlin thought Arthur was being polite while he needed a tutor and would return to "normal" afterwards.
He hadn't talked to Morgana this much in... years. So it was really Merlin's fault that she insisted that he joined her home alone giggle fest with the girls. And it was his fault that he had too many sweet drinks and let them trick him into joining their truth and dare game. Clearly girls have a different set of rules, because "I dare you to go out with us" shouldn't count in his opinion. Then again he really didn't need to hear more of the truths they shared or the shrieking laughter they could produce.
Perhaps he should have guessed that they were going to a gay club. He knew Elena and Viv were a couple, and they had been friends of Morgana since they were kids. The girls insisted that it wasn't actually a gay club though, but simply one which made sure you knew it was open for all. He sent Morgana an accusing glare, but she pretended not to understand.
He did have a good time though, the girls were fun and a bit mad. And it was an ok place to be, even if they didn't serve alcohol on Fridays. It made a good change from the usual bragging and boasting and binge drinking, which he probably was expected to take part in tomorrow, unless he had a really good excuse.
And then, as his eyes passed over the rooms he suddenly knew why Morgana had been so insistent that he joined them. The DJ making the dance floor rock in a tight black t-shirt and ripped jeans were none other than Merlin.
Damn.
Prompt: #101 Lucky
Arthur sat in his room by his desk, leaning over his books and notes. His clock radio said it was 2am and the insistent hammering on the door had died down to a soft tapping before stopping.
He had not run away, no matter what millions of text messages and voice messages from Morgana said. He had made a tactical withdrawal and she was an evil witch. Ok, she had meant well. But she didn’t understand. She and Leon had circled each other for ages before her friends staged an 'intervention'. But this was not like that at all. First of all, he did not have crush on Merlin and Merlin thought Arthur was just days from reverting back to his old self and he was only spending time with Arthur because father paid him to do so.
Arthur really needed to mend what he had done. But not by showing up uninvited. He had looked so happy, so at home. Fine, so he had stared a little, but anyone would and there was no reason for the girls to squeal as victoriously as they had. Because Arthur knew that the second Merlin saw him, Merlin smile would fade. Arthur hated himself for that. It was like he had been handed something precious and ruined it for everybody.
His eyes landed on a page where formulas had been simplified into poorly drawn fruit. Oddly enough it had worked.
-No… You have to have balance. There can’t be more carbon here after the reaction than you had before. Umm…
He had looked thoughtful for a moment. -Ok, you’ve got one banana and three apples and that gives you a fruit salad over here.
-Two fruits doesn’t make a fruit salad.
-It does when it’s all you’ve got, you snob. Try again.
Arthur caught himself snickering loud at the memory. God, he was tired. Perhaps it was best to sleep a bit. He had to do well on the test, and then things would be different, and if Arthur was lucky and if he tried really hard... he just wanted Merlin to be happy. That’s all.
Prompt: #102 Fool
Falling asleep late on Friday (or early Saturday, which ever way you look at it) meant that Saturday evening came far too early. And Saturdays had to be spent much like all Saturdays before. So therefore Sunday had to be Hung-over Zombie day. It was regrettable, but at least he had gotten home on his own device and was not dead in an alley. Arthur really did crave a brain, preferably a working one, as the clock ticked mercilessly towards Monday.
Morgana had had another anger explosion about Arthur still hanging out with Val. Arthur did see him a bit more clearly, but Val had never been an angel and Arthur knew the rules of the game. “I have a test on Monday” simply wouldn't do unless you wanted to be labeled a nerd and a looser and were prepared to hear about it for the rest of your days. So off to Val's basement he went. It was strangely soothing to be back where things were as boasting, loud mouthed and macho as he was used to. In a way he was grateful towards Val for putting his own behavior in perspective. It wasn’t like Val was the only one there, the basement was always packed. It would have been more fun if he didn’t worry about the test and if he didn’t wonder if Merlin was at the Green Knight tonight as well. Luckily they guys interpreted his distracted mind as him having had a pint or five too many. And when he later flagged down a taxi rather than following them no one took much notice.
He got in the back after promising he wasn’t going to throw up. He answered the cabbie’s non-intrusive questions and chatter about the weather and main street still being closed off for road work. The buildings blurred by. For the first time he wished that someone beside the cabbie had asked him how he was feeling. But he was still relieved that Morgana wasn’t there when he got back. She'd only nag and yell, like that would help. Maybe he had been better off being an ignorant fool rather than a knowing fool. Right now he felt like he didn’t belong anywhere. And it was sort of Morgana's fault.
When Uther came home from his business trip late on Sunday, he found he had to chase his son away from his books while Morgana was fast asleep in her own bed. After getting them both out of the house the next morning, he realized he hadn't seen Arthur this nervous since he had come out to the family a few years ago. He scratched his chin wondering what had happened while he was away. Then he decided to call someone whom he hoped would give him some answers.
Prompt: #105 Sour
Arthur sat nervously on a bench outside his class room, waiting for the test to begin. He saw others sitting with their books up, he didn't. It wouldn't look good. Instead he pretended to be bored and internally panicked about acids and salts, and everything he hadn't been able to cram into his stupid, stupid head.
-Rough weekend?
Arthur was thorn from his thoughts and looked up at Merlin. At first he wasn't quite sure if Merlin had spoken at all, since he just walked pass and sat down on the bench beside Arthur and started to look into his school bag. Oh, of course, checking in before the test. He realized that Merlin was pretending to just happen to be there, which was rather cloak and dagger of him. They didn't speak at school. Not beyond the way it had been before. But no pushing. Never again.
-…No, just. Just tired.
He winced at himself. Really eloquent, Arthur.
-K. Uhm. 'Cause your father called and asked what kind of whip I was using on you and if he could borrow it for his board meeting this afternoon?
Arthur jerked up and stared at him wide eyed before remembering himself and hoped no-one noticed.
-Yeah, see? Merlin mumbled. That was my response as well. You Pendragons are an odd bunch. Apparently he wasn’t quite sure if he was more worried or pleased with your sudden obsession about school… I didn’t think you’d be too worried since you were out both Friday and Saturday.
Arthur froze beside him. Merlin knew he was at the club? Merlin rapidly continued talking, either not noticing or pretending not to.
-I didn’t tell your dad that of course, I said you had worked hard and learned a lot in a short period of time that I was sure you would do fine. He looked around to see if they were noticed, making Arthur feel like the biggest fraud in history. He didn't mind at all to talk to Merlin.
-I hate to say this, but you are not quite as dumb as you pretend. You just didn’t bother to pay attention when the basics were learned, so it's harder to catch up. So stop scrunching your face up like you're eaten something sour.
Arthur instantly forced his face to look cool. Merlin mouth twitched in a small smile.
-Anyway, I have a price for you when you're done.
Arthur lit up, forgetting to be cool.
-What is it?
Merlin winked and pulled out something halfway out of his bag, something which looked suspiciously like your ordinary Tesco bag. Arthur reached for it, Merlin pulled the bag away. -Nope! You have to earn it, Pendragon.
Arthur rolled his eyes and checked his watch. Nearly test time, and for the first time he was looking forward to it.
Prompt: #106 Sweet
Arthur handed in his papers, turned his back and immediately started to feel a bit queasy. Perhaps it was the jelly babies he had inhaled or the Redbull that caused it. Or maybe it was because he had always scuffed at his father's lectures about hard work and dedication. He had gotten by so far and thought then he could do really great in everything if an when he just bothered. And now that he was bothering with all his might, he did not feel great at all.
And as if to add to the gelatinous state of his stomach, there was Merlin waiting for him. He was just as inconspicuous as before, sitting with a view to Arthur's class room door and a book in his lap in a sea of people going to and from and nowhere. So he might not be waiting for Arthur at all. He could just be reading. Get a grip, Arthur!
He contemplated leaving in the opposite direction. Oh the sweet temptation of postponing. But Merlin had a prize for him. That had to mean something. He couldn’t leave without finding out, even if it was just a joke. Damn it, fixing things was hard!
He placed himself nonchalant and cool (hopefully) next to Merlin. Public display of non-hostility. Nobody seemed to care.
Merlin seemed rather lost in his book, but he raised an eyebrow and looked up.
-Hey, how did it go?
-Great! Good! Horrible! I don’t know! I thought I did ok, but now I don’t know.
Merlin smiled a half smile at that and closed his book.
-I’m sure you did fine. As long as you did better than you have before and your father doesn't demand his money back, I call this a victory. Here, for being a good tutee.
He held out the Tesco bag wrapped mystery. Arthur eyed it with distrust.
-Is tutee even a word?
-Dunno. Take it.
-I don't deserve a prize.
Merlin shrugged, still holding the enticing object towards Arthur -Pity gift, then. I got it for you, I certainly don't want it.
Arthur felt indignation rise, he leaned back and crossed his arms. He had hoped it was something... nice.
-Well now I bloody well don't want it!
-Ok, then you can't have it.
-Gimme!
Arthur yanked it from Merlin’s hand. It was light and boxy. He peeked inside and threw his head back laughing. A white plastic One Direction lunch box.
Perfect!
And that was when Valiant decided to turn up.
Prompt: #107:song prompt #3 say something
-Hanging with the geeks now, Pendragon?
Valiant's voice was chilled. He stood in front of them with his back straight and his arms crossed over his chest. Odd how the area suddenly seemed deserted.
Arthur shrugged and leaned back against the wall. -What if I am? Merlin's cool.
Arthur stole a sideways glance at Merlin. Merlin jaw was tense and he had pointedly turned away from Val. He had that old look on his face. Arthur's heart sank at the sight.
Valiant made an unimpressed hmm noise and turned his attention to Merlin. In a clearly fake polite tone he said:
-How’s Freya doing?
Merlin looked up at him. His voice was low, nearly a growl... and strangely sexy.
-Don’t go there.
But Val did, of course. -I hear the little slut was seen with your best pal Will. Dancing rather intimate, I heard.
Arthur snapped. -Val! Is this really necessary?
Arthur thought back to when he saw Merlin and Freya together. They had looked like they might have been a couple, even if he didn’t like to think about that. Morgana had never actually said Merlin was gay, just that Arthur needed new friends and to stop being cruel bastard. Maybe Freya had been just flirting and Merlin had hoped for more. Either way, there was no need to throw it in Merlin’s face.
Val appeared surprised at the interruption. -Yes, it is.
-What the bloody hell for?!
-Because... What are you playing at? You have changed, Pen.
The tone indicated that Arthur should be very, very ashamed of himself. -And you, Emrys. We are not done. He pointed threateningly at Merlin with his index finger before leaving. -Not. Done.
Arthur felt slightly dazed. Where was the Val he thought he knew? This didn't make any sense. What could Merlin have done to deserve this? Come on, Arthur, say something.
-I am sure Freya has...
-Don't worry, he'll take you back...
-Huh?
-Hm?
Arthur looks up at Merlin, confused. Merlin stares at his shoes.
-You are Val's little money bag with a big name and pretty face who draws in all the pretty ladies so Val can play the big dog. It was just us here, so he'll just pretend it never happened.
He smiles sadly, like from an old memory. -It's been fun though. Take care.
He gets up, throws his bag over his shoulder and... leaves.
Arthur hand still rests on the wrapped lunch box, keeping it safe. This was all wrong.
A text message makes his phone buzz, waking him from his daze.
He frowns at the unknown number, looks it up... and runs.
Prompt: #108 Exquisite
Arthur rushed down the hall, but after rounding the corner he had no idea where to go.
He looked at his phone again, seeing once more the short message saying “Thank you” and the number search saying it was from Merlin. He started to write a reply, deleted it and wrote again several times before he quickly decided on “Anytime” and sent it before changing his mind.
He deleted the search history and saved the number as “DJ”. Perhaps he was being overly paranoid, but it felt like he had been given a sweet treasure to keep, an exquisite offering of trust. Of course he could have found Merlin's number in many ways, and his father must have had it. It didn't matter. Merlin had given him his number!
…
Perhaps it was a bit overly paranoid, but Merlin was good at hiding and he simply had to see for himself.
Everybody changed when Val was around. It meant that you never could be certain if the person you talked to would remain the same when you turned your back. Freya had been through some rough times, but after staying with uncle Gaius and aunt Alice she was finally starting to feel safe and free again. Will had helped a lot there, they made a lovely couple and Merlin couldn't be more happy for them. It seemed Val found Freya's shyness amusing, and telling people that she was a big flirt made sure that she were approached by amorous strangers. If Merlin could keep Val away from her then nothing was better. And if he believed that Merlin had a thing for her, Merlin was not going to argue against it. It probably wouldn't last though. The fact that Val knew about Freya and Will had to mean that someone had been at the Green Knight, or heard gossip from someone who had been there. It could have been an innocent conversation which had reached him, it could have been someone saving information in case they needed it.
He sighed and tried to shake it off. They worked hard to keep The Knight a safe and welcoming place. It wouldn't do much good to dwell on this.
He thought of Arthur in the alley. Abandoned, but singing and oblivious to any danger. He thought of Arthur at the Green Knight, first having fun and suddenly withdrawing while the girls grew more intense. He hadn't seen much himself, but Gwaine was at the bar as usual and Percy was by the door and they had been a bit concerned.
He seemed so trusting and unaware of the plots going around him, and still guarded. According to Morgana's numerous mentions of her idiot brother being rather fantastic, and Uther's odd interview branching from Merlin's views on gay marriage (“Um, I hope to have one some day?”) to allergies, it seemed that Arthur was the sane one in his family.
And he thought of Arthur's face as he typed and typed and typed on his phone, and managed to produce one word. He did seem to be the real deal. God, he hoped he was the real deal.
Prompt: #109 Fond
As per usual Merlin was thinking too much all at once. He rushed by his locker to get the last of his things and hurried down the flight of stairs trying to shake the fact that he had been acting like a creepy stalker. He cursed himself for letting Val rattle him again. He had felt trapped and caught off guard. But he regretted leaving. He regretted not sitting next to Arthur talking about whatever would spring to mind. He should have... His pace slowed down. Yes, he should have.
After exiting through the large doors, he stopped and drew his breath a few times. And now it was Merlin's turn to fiddle with the phone and finally produce one single word, though he doubted he looked as endearing Arthur had done while getting there.
-Coffee?
The reply came a few very long seconds later.
-Sure. The Redbull is wearing off. Where are you?
-Meet me out front?
-Ok
Merlin leaned against the railing and caught himself smiling fondly at his phone. He cautioned himself and tucked the phone away. He didn't have to wait long.
-Huh, it's like the place is abandoned except for us.
Merlin shrugged. -Not much reason to hang around I guess. Never sat the full time at an exam before?
-Of course I have, Arthur said with indignation. What's with the helmet?
-Ok, changing the subject. I have a moped.
-Uhu... Where we going? Starbucks is the other way, conveniently placed across the road.
He gazed longingly back at the large unmistakable sign.
-I thought we would go somewhere better. Unless you don't want to... It's not far.
Merlin suddenly looked uncertain, and Arthur didn't want any of that. He stopped lagging behind and let the idea of Merlin inviting him for coffee sink in. The path leading to the parking lot had never seemed lovelier.
-Better? You mean like Disneyland?
Merlin rolled his eyes and pushed the helmet into Arthur's hands, who looked at it from different angles. -What am I supposed to do with this?
-It goes on top of your head. I'll have you know that beneath this tough biker exterior beats the heart of a gentleman.
They stopped and Merlin started to open the saddle bag on the old bike Arthur had believed to be a WWII relic or something.
-You actually ride this pile of wr...ery fine craftmanship?
-Ah yes, she's my pride and joy. Held together with duck tape and rubber bands. She gets me where I need to go, most of the time.
-You are braver than I thought...
-Oh yeah, I'm totally bad ass.
He looked as Merlin straddled the moped and decided to conquer his distrust.
-Where we're going, do they play 1D there?
Merlin's smile made him feel that he would gladly follow Merlin to a 24-7 non stop polka music festival as long as Merlin would smile like that again.
-They might. Very reluctantly.
God, he loved One Direction. He strapped the helmet on and tried to prepare for a friendly - possibly life-threatening - ride with his bits rather close to Merlin's ass.
Prompt: #111 Nepenthe
Arthur tried to find a way to both sit and hold on to the bike. But the first jerk of motion made him feel like he was about to fall and instinctively he wrapped his arms around Merlin. This startled Merlin a bit, but he didn't swat him away or anything. So he held on, feeling Merlin move with the bike and getting a little lost in the sensation. It wasn't exactly a speed machine, but it held together despite appearance and he started to relax. He even closed his eyes a little while, just to savor the feeling. He wondered how many such moments they could have had if he hadn't been such a colossal moron for so long.
Had he paid more attention to the road he might have realized where they were heading. Perhaps he would have looked less like an idiot and Merlin wouldn't have looked worried and being overly concerned again.
It looked different in the daylight, and while being completely sober. It also looked closed. But that's where the keys in Merlin's hand came in. Perhaps the logo on the window should have been a clue, Arthur simply hadn't given it any thought at the time, but the big, green warrior had two large coffee beans on his shield. The Green Knight. Merlin had invited him into his hangout.
-We can go somewhere else, if your like. Gwaine asked me to open 'cause he might run a bit late. But it's no big deal, there's hardly anyone at this hour anyway.
Arthur just shook his head and avoided eye contact.
-I didn’t think you wanted me to come here.
Merlin didn't reply. Both felt they should say something, but neither knew what to say. So they said nothing. A very heavy nothing of guilt and unanswered questions wedged itself between them.
The lights flickered on and Arthur followed Merlin inside. This time the wardrobe had no broad chested terminator type guarding it, the seats had no people and the dance floor had tables and chairs with white table cloths. Perhaps this was another lesson in not judging from first appearances. Merlin moved behind the counter and Arthur fidgeted a bit near the door and didn't know where to go.
The tones of One Direction's first album suddenly slipped into the uncomfortable silence. He felt hope rise in his chest and he looked over at Merlin. He was throwing him a life line, playing music he didn't really like to show that he was trying. They both smiled tentatively to each other, the loud silence slowly drowning for now making room for... this new thing. This warm and good thing that might make the pain go away.
He helped Merlin move upturned chairs and barstools onto the floor and watched as Merlin fiddled with coffee beans and glasses and all that needed to be done, while casting the occasional self-conscious glance at Arthur. Arthur would hum along to the lyrics and Merlin would roll his eyes in a way that was alarmingly similar and yet not at all to the way Morgana would roll her eyes at him. Funny how he didn't mind at all to be Merlin's idiot.
Merlin told about uncle Gaius and aunt Alice and a wayward moody teen named Gwaine who needed a home and Merlin who was beyond thrilled to get a cousin, if only just for a while. He told about spending hours at Geoffrey's café with hot chocolate and scones, then staying in touch with letters and e-mail, facebook and phone calls. He told about how Gwaine came back and soon after took over the café, making it a gathering point once more. He didn't mention Freya, but he didn’t have to. She was family now. Arthur in turn told about Morgana coming to live with them when he was eight and she was ten and they had been arguing ever since. He told about his father who worked a lot, but who still cared if you just knew how to look. To which Merlin nodded like he knew it was true, rather than the usual ' if you say so, you poor soul' manner Arthur was used to.
When Gwaine came through the door they were deep in conversation at a table where ten or so minutes earlier Arthur had put in new the candle and Merlin had come to light it. Merlin bounced up as the sound of the little bell over the door.
-Shit, I forgot to get you coffee!
Gwaine laughed out loud. -Get over here, I'll get it.
They moved over to the barstools by the counter. Merlin doubled back and lit the candle and shared a quick glance with Arthur. Meanwhile, Gwaine changed the music to something more standard coffee shop music. He frowned a bit as he put the 1D cd into the cover and slid it toward them it on the counter. So far 'coffee' was going great, though having company made it a bit awkward, at least for Arthur. So Gwaine initiated Operation Small Talk with Merlin.
-So Merls? How was your day? Merlin shrugged. -It was fine, seems I’m done tutoring for now.
Arthur noted how neither him nor Val was mentioned and wondered if Gwaine knew anything about it at all. Gwaine nodded in reply to Merlin, and turned his back to work the machine. The conversation continued despite the noise from the coffee grinder and steamer. Their voices raising and dropping like they both knew exactly how long each noisy moment would last. A well-choreographed routine. Another part of Merlin he had no idea about. Also, Gwaine seemed to be generous with the chocolate, which seemed promising.
-SO, MERLS, IT’S BACK TO TESCO THEN? shouted Gwaine. -YEAH! WHOOP DI DO! I CAN HARDLY wait, especially the work hours.
-Your mum will be happy to have you back though. That SOPHIA GIRL KEEPS MAKING A MESS OF THE REGISTER AND COULDN’T TELL A CANTALOUPE FROM A BEACH BALL. SHE WAS here yesterday complaining about it.
-What? Sophia?
-No, Hunnith of course.
-Ah. Well you should chip in from time to time, you certainly know you melons.
-Haha! Funny. Voilà! Here you go!
Gwaine grinned proudly as he sat one tall glass down and dropped two straws in it. Then he planted his hands at his hips as to punctuate that his work was done and that he was mighty pleased with it.
Merlin arched an eyebrow, not quite as convinced.
-What? Argued Gwaine. It's romantic!
-The Green Knight, now also a sixties diner. Or you are just being cheap.
-Me? Never!
The bell over the door chimed again and the Terminator walked in, Gwaine beaming wide and welcoming him. Arthur quickly found out that, besides making sure the Knight had the safest coats in the galaxy, Terminator T2014 was called Percy and he had a deep, warm laughter. He gave Arthur a benign welcoming pat on the back that nearly sent Arthur to the floor.
-In better shape today, I see! Hahaa! We've all been there!
Arthur really hoped that wasn't the case. He coughed out an awkward laugh and moved a little bit closer to Merlin, hoping it looked like he was after the drink rather than searching protection. Merlin tried to mask his amusement by clamping his lips around the straw. The other two started talking about crates and things that needed lifting. And maybe football. Arthur was too preoccupied by Merlin's little dimples to pay too much attention.
However, it was rather obvious that Gwaine wasn’t far behind Percy in strength. Arthur quietly noted that Merlin had two pseudo older brothers who both could easily squash him to unrecognizable pulp and most certainly would have done so if Merlin had asked. He swallowed hard, barely tasting the coffee. Merlin was too kind to do something like that. He was not the vindictive sort; if he had been, then Arthur would be an ice figure now, instead of sitting in Merlin's favorite place with Merlin's favorite people sipping brilliant coffee mocha from the same glass. His heart clenched and wished nothing more than to wrap Merlin in cotton and keep him somewhere safe where dumb and cruel people like himself couldn’t get to him.
Merlin looked at him funny, but luckily he realized he had some Jelly babies left. Slightly warm and squishy from spending time in his jeans pocket, but a distraction good as any.
-Jelly baby?
-Why thank you, dear.
Both chuckled like idiots.
So far Merlin was smart, funny, he seemed to get along with Arthur’s father which was quite rare. Unheard of, even. Morgana had been more than eager for them to get along. And he was smoking hot in tight t-shirts. There had to something wrong with Merlin, and suddenly he found what it was. Merlin had friends who were much, much hotter than Arthur.
He would have complained about it to Merlin, but he had gone to the loo. Arthur had certainly not been temporarily distracted while watching him leave. He had vaguely heard something about a stain and a shirt and blam! There was T2014's shirt spread out on the counter and a finger vigorously pointing at something. -See? I can't wear that to dinner!
Gwaine made a hmm noise and dabbed the shirt with a wet cloth, without getting the wanted result.
-Go without, Mithie won't mind!
Gwaine grinned from ear to ear, convinced of his brilliance once again.
Percy frowned and said with gloom. -It's with her parents.
Gwaine winced, then promptly pulled his own shirt over his head and handed it to Percy. Which Arthur had to admit was rather chivalrous. Except that there now were two rather well-built shirtless men within an arms length of Arthur, pushing a shirt back and forth between them and Arthur couldn't help but stare.
-No, I couldn’t! It's your favorite and I'll just stretch it!
-Dude! Shut up and take it. It's the least I can do, you two have worked so hard to make them see sense. I will not allow a lousy shirt ruin anything!
Percy is close to tearing up, Gwaine is trying to be cool. Arthur turned his attention to the bottom of the glass, moving his straw around and pretending to read the cd cover. There were bro-fists and fond exchanges of manly bromancing before Percy left wearing Gwaine's shirt. Clearly this was the teddy bear edition of terminators. Perhaps this was what happened to all who got to know Merlin? Morgana seemed kinder when they talked about Merlin. Arthur certainly had gone all mushy. Father had also taken a liking to Merlin it seemed. This reminded him of his father’s phone call to Merlin. He tried to imagine Uther using Merlin's methods in the board room, simplifying the budget with poorly drawn fruit and Beethoven playing in the background.
He jumped as he suddenly heard Merlin's voice behind him.
-Gwaine! What... the... hell? Nevermind, don't wanna know...
He sat down besides Arthur again
-What? Me and Percy changed shirts. His had a stain, see?
Merlin waved the shirt away. -Alright, alright. And you wonder why people think the two of you are a couple. Get dressed!
Gwaine stuck his tongue out at Merlin and pulled the shirt over his head. -FYI, mother, your prince charming here barely looked at us and kept gazing at the skinny boys on the cover. Just saying.
Merlin groaned, closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose. Maybe that meant he wouldn't notice Arthur's ears turning red. -Ok, thank you Gwaine, that's not at all embarrassing.
Gwaine made a big deal about moving over to the tables furthest away.
-Well, that was Gwaine and Percy, two of my nearest and dearest and most subtle friends.
-They seemed...
-Naked?
-I was going for nice, but yeah now that you mention it.
They laughed a bit and grew silent, a much sweeter silence this time. Until Arthur's phone started vibrating again for the millionth time, he quickly silenced it. But Merlin's look told him that he should stop pretending like it was nothing,
-It's just Father nagging about dinner.
-Uh-hu...
-He won't mind that I am late... cause it's you.
-Right... I can drive you home?
-I'll just call a cab... Or else he'll just invite you in and we'd be stuck there socializing politely about politics and sports instead of... uh.
A dangerous spark glittered in Merlin eyes, and Arthur wished the dinner to Hell.
-Some other time then.
-Yeah... Some other time.
They walked outside together, not saying much as Arthur called for a cab and sent a quick text to his father saying he'd be there shortly. Seven women with strollers came marching toward them, talking loudly to each other and began to battle with the door to the Knight, just as the cab came. Merlin nodded towards them and started to move reluctantly and slightly sideways towards them.
-I should go help, do my duty you know?
-Ok, I'll call you?
Merlin turned around sporting a smile far more lively and vibrant than anything he had seen, and that was answer enough.
When he got home, Uther stood there, tall and stern.
-About time you showed up. How did your test go?
Arthur beamed.
-I think I passed.
(End)