It's in the Eyes
Title: It's in the Eyes
Rating: PG
Warnings: mild violence possibly
Mood: romance, drama, humor and a 40's film noire theme
Pairings: Pre Arthur/Gwen, Merlin/Freya and more
Characters: Arthur, Gwen, Merlin, Morgana, Gwaine, Elyan, Percival, Lancelot (Lance), Cenred, Morgause, Freya, Leon, Vivian and more
Wordcount: 930+
Summary: That’s what they say you know, that everything’s in the eyes and that’s what we feel as I walk into the room and catch your glimpse. You catch mine.
Author's Notes: Written for rainbowgraffiti;s Summer Kinkfest 2011/Anonymous prompt: 'Eye sex'//40's AU theme
It's in the Eyes
That’s what they say you know, that everything’s in the eyes and that’s what we feel as I walk into the room and catch your glimpse. You catch mine.
All kinds of dirty thoughts are spun around. Who needs hands and lips, put your kisser to mine? When our eyes say it all darling honey?
Want you to be mine.
It’s the jazzin’ 1940’s and let the time change not a thing.
One look is all it takes.
As Arthur and Guinevere
First lay eyes upon each other.
**
The joint is cooking this evening. All around there are gents and their dames hoofing it up on the floor. It’s a gas and a half. But Camelot Capers is normally that way, the most exploding club in town with swanky castle towers surrounding each round of seats. Cigarette girls pass by, lowering their stock for happy payers. Over on the stage is a crooning broad with a band rolling out behind her all the crazy tunes. Yeah, it’s all a gas man.
Then he walks in. And oh, let the fireworks begin.
“Well will you look over there. Arthur Pendragon, the big cheese, gracing our club. Who would’ve thought?”
“Where, where is he?” A frantic voice echoes the declaration.
Morgana, Camelot Capers cocktail hostess, turns coolly to the too excited Vivian. “Right there Viv. With all his ‘knights’. You know what they say about him, right?”
“No, what do they say? What do they say?”
Morgana exchanges eyes with her best friend Gwen who is carefully adjusting her waitress outfit. She has minutes before she’s on the floor and the club is a full house this evening. Freya’s up on stage which means the lines outside are long. Her velvet crooning always brings in a large crowd. Gwen catches Merlin standing over at the bar, watching Freya unblinkingly. He’s been carrying a torch for her for months now.
As for Vivian, she’s one of those girls you know who gets way crazily excited about the littlest things. Gwen only halfheartedly listens as Morgana explains more about the mysterious and yet renowned Arthur Pendragon.
“That he owns most of Albion. The part that Chuckie Cendred doesn’t anyway.”
Gwen grasps tightly to her order pad as that name is spoken.
“Arthur’s been buying up most the joints. He’s trying to get Merlin to sell.”
Gwen freezes entirely, anxiously sputtering out words, “Well Merlin wouldn’t, would he?”
Morgana shrugs. “Don’t know honey. Merlin’s saying that with the war coming, business isn’t as good as it used to be.”
Gwen begs to differ quickly. “Morgana, look around. We have a full crowd in here.”
“I know, but expenses honey.”
Gwen nods her head, glancing at the man at the front, now being surrounded by a flock of gibberish pigeons. She frowns, tightening her apron before she goes to take orders.
*
Arthur Pendragon smiles coolly at the flock of attention, feeling his jacket being taken by an admiring lady. “Thank you Darling.”
“No problem Mr. Pendragon. We’re so happy to have you in here.”
“Oh Mr. Pendragon…” Another practically begs at his feet, “Would you sit with me tonight?”
He smiles appreciatively with no real response as around him his ‘knights’ Lance Cool Lad, Gwaine Gent Extraordinaire, Percy Punisher (no one messes with the guy as he’s big as a house practically), and Leon Lionhearted, smoothly follow his lead. Arthur makes his way down to the bar, with a lazy strut, followed in tow by his men.
Merlin watches warily, knowing what’s coming. “Mr. Pendragon…”
Arthur smirks. “Merlin the Magnificent, so have you thought of my deal?”
“He’s not interested.” Gwen impulsively moves to the counter, saying the words harshly. This is her only job. Without it, she’ll never be able to help Elyan go onto college. If he can’t get in there, he’ll have to enroll in the army. And they’re saying the war is going to be a big one. Of course there’s the draft, but she’s hoping meagerly school can save him from that.
Merlin smiles gently at his employee, but most importantly his friend. “Gwen, it’s alright.”
Arthur turns around, the voice soft, but it’s those eyes that sneak up to get him. They’re like midnight wine.
The knights inch up on Gwen. She backs up a bit cautiously. It’s been rumored that Arthur Pendragon hasn’t gotten all the clubs by pure cooperation. Some maybe, by friendly coercion. She doesn’t leave though, set on keeping her job. Holding at his jacketed arm, one of silvery gray, she gets more of his attention.
The knights move in closer. Merlin gives a look of agitation. “Gwen, just go serve some customers, alright Doll?”
Arthur looks to his ‘knights’ with reassurance. “It’s okay. Why don’t you guys scram? Let me talk to the pretty little dame.”
They each give in, spreading around the joint.
As on stage Freya starts to sing Witchcraft, Arthur lowers his dark glasses.
Gwen steps back even more against the counter. She has never seen such lightning blue.
“I’m Arthur.”
“Mr. Pendragon-
“No. Arthur.”
He’s very smooth she realizes.
Merlin gives her a cautious look, but Gwen is no pushover.
“Fine, Arthur. You can call me Miss Leogrance.”
Merlin grins. Never call his good friend Gwen a Dumb Dora.
Arthur is taken aback, but only for a moment before he smoothly assents, seeming to almost admire her high hat attitude. Doesn’t get it often.
“Miss Leogrance it is then.”
Up on stage, Witchcraft fills the atmosphere,
“That sly come hither stare
That strips my conscience bare
It’s witchcraft…”
Mouths conflict.
As eyes make whoopee.
**
Story in progress for now...
Witchcraft: Cy Coleman, Carolyn Leigh