Merlinfic: The Bus Stop 11/??
Author: destiny_chicken
Title: The Exception
Rating: PG-13
Pairing/s: Arthur/Merlin
Character/s: Arthur, Merlin
Summary: Merlin and Arthur have their first real date.
Warnings: None
Word Count: 1297 this chapter
Author's Notes Thank you to inspired_being for the beta.
Saturday night, Arthur found himself standing in front of the mirror, assessing his image. It was the third shirt he'd tried on, a favourite red one. He had unbuttoned one more button than usual. The man in the mirror was good looking with sun-bleached blond hair, tanned face, square jaw and a smile that showed a few slightly crooked teeth. His body was fit with broad shoulders which narrowed to his hips and a flat stomach. Nothing to not like there, right?
Arthur tried to reassure himself that Merlin would show up at the Chinese restaurant. The whole idea of meeting at the restaurant sounded like an easy way for Merlin to avoid coming if he changed his mind, without having to face Arthur. At least, until Monday morning. He did have that to his advantage-- Merlin would still have to see him at work if he stood him up tonight. Arthur scoffed at his own thoughts--not a great way to start a relationship if Merlin only kept their date out of obligation. He reminded himself it was Merlin who was making an exception to his rule for Arthur. That must mean Merlin liked him and saw a possibility for a future relationship.
But Merlin had decreed the pace would be 'going slow'. He re-buttoned his shirt to its usual state, then brushed his fringe off his forehead a bit and it was time to leave.
~~~
Outside the restaurant, Arthur glanced at his watch again. Now Merlin was officially ten minutes late. His doubts resurfaced and he started to pace. He tried to convince himself it really wouldn't matter that much if Merlin didn't want to date him. They could still be friends at the office. Then the image of Merlin's long pale neck flashed through his mind. His brilliant blue eyes, impossible cheekbones and slightly parted lips. He failed to convince himself he would be satisfied with friendship alone. It did matter to him, quite a bit he found.
All of a sudden, Merlin arrived, out of breath. He stopped in front of Arthur and leaned over and put his hands on his knees while he gulped oxygen into his lungs.
"What happened?" Arthur asked with a mixture of concern and relief.
"Bus...bus was...late.” Merlin gasped. “I ran here...from the last...bus stop. Didn't want to be late. Afraid you'd think...I wasn't coming." He grinned, creases forming in his cheeks.
The corners of Arthur's mouth turned up. "The thought did cross my mind." Even with his face a bit red with exertion and his hair flying every which-way, Merlin was gorgeous. He was wearing a black shirt and black jeans that were tight-fitting, highlighting his slim build. Long legs led to narrow hips and a very nice arse. Arthur tried not to stare. “Shall we go in?"
Once inside, the owner, Mr. Li, greeted Arthur. "Good evening, Mr. Pendragon. Not the usual to-go order today?"
“No, we'll be dining in."
They were seated in a quiet booth at the back of the dining room and presented with menus. After ordering vegetable lo mein (Merlin) and Kung Pao chicken (Arthur), Arthur asked, "Are you a vegetarian? I haven't seen you eat meat."
"Mostly. I get some bad allergic reactions to chicken and beef, so avoid eating them," Merlin answered. "I don't have any philosophical objections to eating meat, so feel free to do so in front of me."
Arthur chuckled. "Well, I'm glad to hear that, considering I've been eating meat it front of you for over a week now."
They compared interests and found some in common, like video games--Arthur challenged Merlin to try to beat him at his favorite, 'Dragons of Avalon.' And other interests they didn't share such as Arthur's passion for football, both watching and playing with some mates in a local league on Sundays. And Merlin's fascination with 'The Hobbit' and the 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy, both books and movies, was met with a blank look from Arthur.
"You really must see the movies--the visuals are stunning and the storyline is epic. There's lots of fighting and wars where the men and elves take a stand against the evil wizard. You'd like it if you enjoy 'Dragons of Avalon'," Merlin advised.
When Merlin asked if Arthur had plans for the upcoming three-day weekend, Arthur rolled his eyes and said "Morgana, my half-sister, somehow got me to agree to escort her to a charity ball, since she is between boyfriends at the moment."
"What's it like to have a sister, er, half-sister?" Merlin asked with curiosity.
"Mostly a pain, at least, mine is. She's five years older than I am and only came to live with Father and I when I was seven, after her mother and stepfather both died in a car crash. She likes to tell me what to do and how to live my life, which I don't appreciate. But, you know, there are times when it really helps to have someone who knows and shares your history and at those times, I'm glad I have her."
Merlin looked wistful. "When I was little I used to wish for a brother or sister, but it was always just my mom and me. My dad left before I was born, so I didn't know him at all."
"I know how that is, to only have one parent. My mother died when I was born. So I was raised by my father and a revolving door of nannies," Arthur added thoughtfully.
The time seemed to fly by, with animated conversation over tea after the meal was finished. The next time Merlin checked his phone for the time, it was past 9:30. "Uh-oh, looks like I will need a ride home after all. The buses quit running at 9."
Arthur had a puzzled look on his face. "But you knew that, so why not let me pick you up if you're willing to let me drive you home?"
"I'll admit, I wasn't sure how tonight would go. If things went badly, I planned to catch a bus home before 9, without any further obligation to you."
Arthur grinned. "It's after nine and you're still here. Should I take that as a sign that this evening hasn't gone too badly?"
Merlin returned the grin and offered, "Yeah, not too badly at all."
~~~
Arthur pulled his car up to the curb outside Merlin's building and turned off the engine. “Merlin, I really enjoyed this evening. I know you said 'go slow' but when can I see you again?"
"Monday morning."
Arthur gave Merlin an exasperated look. "I meant outside of work--seeing you personally. You know, another date."
"I had a really great time tonight, too, Arthur. But let's see how work goes for the next few days before we decide when to go out again."
"Merlin… I have another question… about going slow. Can I kiss you?"
"You mean tonight? Now?"
Arthur barely breathed out a "Yeah."
Merlin answered with a quiet “Alright." Arthur leaned across the seat and pressed a chaste kiss to Merlin's lips. Merlin opened his mouth seeking more and slid his hand behind Arthur's head to pull him tighter. Arthur responded by sucking Merlin's lower lip between his own. Merlin's tongue sought entrance to the moist warmth of Arthur's mouth. Arthur yielded quickly. When they finally pulled apart, Arthur licked his own reddened lips and found the tempting taste that was Merlin still lingered. It tasted good and he wanted more.
Merlin opened his door and said in a quiet voice, "Have a good night, Arthur." He slid out of his seat and disappeared up the steps to his building.
Arthur answered even though Merlin couldn't hear him, " You too, Merlin, you too."
~~~