(no subject)
Title: Gym Buddies Part 3/9
Author: bunnysworld
Rating: NC-17
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin, Percy/Merlin
Spoilers: No spoilers
Warnings: modern non-magic AU
Word Count: about 12.5k
Disclaimer: Unfortunately, the boys aren’t mine. Just took them out to play a little. I give them back unharmed - if I have to. Own nothing, no copyright infringement intended.
Summary: Merlin starts a new job and meets new friends
Thanks to the wonderful tambear13 for betaing. All mistakes that are still in there are completely totally and utterly my own. If you find them, you’re welcome to keep them :)
Part 1
Part 2
Another week went by and when Friday finally came, Merlin’s only plan was to spend as much time as possible on his couch or in bed and do nothing else that weekend. He took his messenger bag, wished Elena, the only other designer still there, a nice weekend and made his way to the elevators. He fumbled with the earphones of his MP3-player - how come when he always tried to store them as neatly as possible they still managed to fabricate the most fancy knots in the cable? - as the doors opened. Only when he stepped inside, did he notice that Gwaine was there.
“Merlin, hey there!”
Before Merlin could react, Gwaine had slapped his shoulder and patted it. “Just the guy that was still missing.”
Missing? He was missing? Missing from what? For what? Merlin blinked at the other man a bit owlishly.
“You don’t have plans for tonight, do you?”
Merlin just gaped at Gwaine. His plans existed of a movie and some extensive couch-time, but he didn’t want to admit that. “Why?” he asked warily.
“Listen, it’s my birthday. We’re going to celebrate a bit. And I just decided that you’ll come along.” When he saw the look on Merlin’s face, he added “I’m the birthday boy, you can’t say no!”
“Happy birthday, then.” Merlin murmured. He didn’t really feel like going out with people he hardly knew. “I...I don’t think I’m dressed for the occasion.” He looked down at his old boots and worn-out jeans.
Gwaine shook his head. “Don’t worry about that. You’re looking great.” Then he leaned in a bit and whispered. “Leon, Percy and Arthur will be there, too.”
Despite himself, Merlin smiled. He hadn’t seen Percy in what felt like weeks. Maybe this was the right time to find out if he’d just imagined things or if Percy really was interested.
“So, what do you say?”
“Well...okay,” he smiled at Gwaine, “a glass to your health can’t hurt, can it?”
Two hours later, Merlin found himself having a great time. Gwaine had arranged for a large round table in the corner of the place, they could see the dance floor but weren’t bothered too much by loud music. They were on their third or maybe fourth drink when Merlin smiled up at Percy, who conveniently was next to him on the bench. He felt the other man’s knee pressing against his or had Percy accidentally touched his leg?
Gwaine and Percy told stories about their business trip, Lance had some funny episodes from his field of work, Gwen knew a lot of gossip doing the rounds in the company and Leon - who had joined them with his wife Cassandra - had a few interesting and fun things to tell, too. Arthur was the only one who hadn’t said much all.
After his third beer, Merlin excused himself and as he wandered back from the loo’s crossing the dance floor, he couldn’t resist. He hadn’t danced in ages, so he closed his eyes and let himself get carried away by the rhythm. Only to feel the presence of another person very close moments later. He blinked and smiled widely when he noticed Percy dancing with him. He leaned back a bit and Percy rubbed against him. For a lad that big, Percy moved extremely well and Merlin thought that this was very promising. If he moved as well between the sheets, this could be fun.
He was so wrapped up in dancing and watching Percy, feeling him close that he missed Gwaine and Gwen high-fiving each other across the table and was oblivious to the dark looks Arthur threw them.
A few hours later, they all were ready to leave and Merlin felt all giddy and excited as he zipped up his hoodie, pulling his jacket as they left the club.
Since Gwaine was too far gone, Gwen and Lance organised the taxis.
“I...,” Merlin took a couple of deep breaths. The cold hit him and out here, he felt the alcohol much more than inside. He was far from being drunk, just thoroughly tipsy. “I think I’ll walk, my place is not far from here and I need some fresh air.” He looked everywhere but at Percy.
“I’ll walk you.” Did Percy just wink at Gwen? “See you Monday morning, folks.” He turned to Merlin. “Which way?”
They waved at the others and silently made their way out of earshot, Merlin didn’t find the silence unsettling at all. As he contemplated the rest of the night. Should he just ask Percy in? ‘For a coffee’ or whatever the recent term for that was? He’d loved to, but wasn’t that a bit too fast?
“Did you have a good time tonight?” Merlin was so engrossed in his thoughts that he almost jumped when Percy asked.
“The best.” He smiled and walked on, hands buried in the pockets of his coat. “Who’d have thought that a boring work day would end like this?”
Wasn’t that the point in conversation where Percy would say ‘It doesn’t have to end yet’? But the tall fella just nodded, smiling at him.
All too soon they reached the house where Merlin had rented a small flat on the third floor. Fumbling in his messenger bag for his keys, he climbed the first step and turned to face Percy, who all of a sudden was at eye-level with him. He cleared his throat nervously. Yeah, he’d ask Percy in; the bloke was just too hot to let this chance pass.
But before he could utter a sound, Percy leaned in and kissed him. Damn, that felt good! Merlin wrapped his arms around Percy’s neck and closed his eyes, just wanting to feel the other man. Percy’s arms were around him and Merlin thought he could do this forever. He parted his lips as he felt Percy’s tongue and sighed when Percy explored his mouth.
Then he heard an annoying buzzing sound and frowned. Whatever it was, it should go away and leave them alone! They had some serious necking to do!
Merlin made a little disappointed sound when Percy drew back.
“Sorry, I have to answer this.” He pulled his mobile out of the inside pocket of his coat and checked the text. Frowning, he let go of Merlin and quickly typed up a message before turning back to Merlin. “Where were we?” He grinned.
Just as Merlin felt Percy’s tongue against his, there was another message.
Percy groaned as he pulled back yet again to check.
Merlin made a mental note to personally slap whoever was disturbing them. How was he supposed to get anywhere with Percy if someone kept sending texts all night?
Shaking his head, Percy kissed the tip of Merlin’s nose. “I’m really sorry, I have to go. Some trouble with one of our clients, apparently it can’t wait.”
“Okay,” was all Merlin could come up with. Clients? At this time of night? While he had a raging hard-on and the urgent need to strip Percy naked?
Another long kiss later, Percy let go of him. “Good night, Merlin.” He turned to go, leaving Merlin standing there, staring after him, completely frustrated.
After a few steps, Percy turned back. “Listen...if you have no other plans, maybe...I mean...we could go see that new exhibition at the Science Museum tomorrow? Or something?”
Merlin felt himself grinning like a loon. “I’d like that.”
“Great. I’ll give you a call so we can work out the details in the morning?” When Merlin nodded, Percy raised his hand in greeting and wandered off.
Merlin woke up around nine and stretched. Okay, all limbs still in place and that slight hang-over-ish feeling was probably just because he hadn’t slept long enough. It was nothing that a few glasses of water and two aspirins couldn’t cure. But before he went to the kitchen, he checked his mobile. No messages. Oh well, it was still early, Percy would probably still be asleep?
After taking a long hot shower, Merlin spent the morning trying to decide what to wear in the afternoon and when there still was no message or call by noon, he busied himself doing the dishes and making the place a bit more presentable. He got dressed and took extra care of his hair, which was a bit too long these days and tended to stick out in every possible direction. To shave or not to shave? Merlin decided against it. And then for it. And then against it before he could do any damage. And then shaved anyway.
It was 3 pm already and still no call. Merlin pondered calling himself, but Percy had said he’d call, right? Besides he didn’t have his number, even though he could probably just ask Leon. If Percy didn’t call any time soon, the museum would be closed before they got there!
Two hours later, Merlin was pouting. He had to face the fact that Percy wasn’t so interested after all and that ‘I’ll call you to work out the details’ only meant ‘you’re not thrilling enough and I have to get out of here’. Or maybe even ‘who do you think you are thinking you could get a good catch like me? Just look at you!’ He changed back into his old too-big sweatpants and a t-shirt that still bore the marks of his last cooking adventure and curled up on the couch. This was why he’d never wanted to date again after that fiasco with Owen a few years ago. It only got you all confused and it hurt when you got dumped. Guys were nothing but douchebags. The whole of them!
Part 4
Author: bunnysworld
Rating: NC-17
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin, Percy/Merlin
Spoilers: No spoilers
Warnings: modern non-magic AU
Word Count: about 12.5k
Disclaimer: Unfortunately, the boys aren’t mine. Just took them out to play a little. I give them back unharmed - if I have to. Own nothing, no copyright infringement intended.
Summary: Merlin starts a new job and meets new friends
Thanks to the wonderful tambear13 for betaing. All mistakes that are still in there are completely totally and utterly my own. If you find them, you’re welcome to keep them :)
Part 1
Part 2
Another week went by and when Friday finally came, Merlin’s only plan was to spend as much time as possible on his couch or in bed and do nothing else that weekend. He took his messenger bag, wished Elena, the only other designer still there, a nice weekend and made his way to the elevators. He fumbled with the earphones of his MP3-player - how come when he always tried to store them as neatly as possible they still managed to fabricate the most fancy knots in the cable? - as the doors opened. Only when he stepped inside, did he notice that Gwaine was there.
“Merlin, hey there!”
Before Merlin could react, Gwaine had slapped his shoulder and patted it. “Just the guy that was still missing.”
Missing? He was missing? Missing from what? For what? Merlin blinked at the other man a bit owlishly.
“You don’t have plans for tonight, do you?”
Merlin just gaped at Gwaine. His plans existed of a movie and some extensive couch-time, but he didn’t want to admit that. “Why?” he asked warily.
“Listen, it’s my birthday. We’re going to celebrate a bit. And I just decided that you’ll come along.” When he saw the look on Merlin’s face, he added “I’m the birthday boy, you can’t say no!”
“Happy birthday, then.” Merlin murmured. He didn’t really feel like going out with people he hardly knew. “I...I don’t think I’m dressed for the occasion.” He looked down at his old boots and worn-out jeans.
Gwaine shook his head. “Don’t worry about that. You’re looking great.” Then he leaned in a bit and whispered. “Leon, Percy and Arthur will be there, too.”
Despite himself, Merlin smiled. He hadn’t seen Percy in what felt like weeks. Maybe this was the right time to find out if he’d just imagined things or if Percy really was interested.
“So, what do you say?”
“Well...okay,” he smiled at Gwaine, “a glass to your health can’t hurt, can it?”
Two hours later, Merlin found himself having a great time. Gwaine had arranged for a large round table in the corner of the place, they could see the dance floor but weren’t bothered too much by loud music. They were on their third or maybe fourth drink when Merlin smiled up at Percy, who conveniently was next to him on the bench. He felt the other man’s knee pressing against his or had Percy accidentally touched his leg?
Gwaine and Percy told stories about their business trip, Lance had some funny episodes from his field of work, Gwen knew a lot of gossip doing the rounds in the company and Leon - who had joined them with his wife Cassandra - had a few interesting and fun things to tell, too. Arthur was the only one who hadn’t said much all.
After his third beer, Merlin excused himself and as he wandered back from the loo’s crossing the dance floor, he couldn’t resist. He hadn’t danced in ages, so he closed his eyes and let himself get carried away by the rhythm. Only to feel the presence of another person very close moments later. He blinked and smiled widely when he noticed Percy dancing with him. He leaned back a bit and Percy rubbed against him. For a lad that big, Percy moved extremely well and Merlin thought that this was very promising. If he moved as well between the sheets, this could be fun.
He was so wrapped up in dancing and watching Percy, feeling him close that he missed Gwaine and Gwen high-fiving each other across the table and was oblivious to the dark looks Arthur threw them.
A few hours later, they all were ready to leave and Merlin felt all giddy and excited as he zipped up his hoodie, pulling his jacket as they left the club.
Since Gwaine was too far gone, Gwen and Lance organised the taxis.
“I...,” Merlin took a couple of deep breaths. The cold hit him and out here, he felt the alcohol much more than inside. He was far from being drunk, just thoroughly tipsy. “I think I’ll walk, my place is not far from here and I need some fresh air.” He looked everywhere but at Percy.
“I’ll walk you.” Did Percy just wink at Gwen? “See you Monday morning, folks.” He turned to Merlin. “Which way?”
They waved at the others and silently made their way out of earshot, Merlin didn’t find the silence unsettling at all. As he contemplated the rest of the night. Should he just ask Percy in? ‘For a coffee’ or whatever the recent term for that was? He’d loved to, but wasn’t that a bit too fast?
“Did you have a good time tonight?” Merlin was so engrossed in his thoughts that he almost jumped when Percy asked.
“The best.” He smiled and walked on, hands buried in the pockets of his coat. “Who’d have thought that a boring work day would end like this?”
Wasn’t that the point in conversation where Percy would say ‘It doesn’t have to end yet’? But the tall fella just nodded, smiling at him.
All too soon they reached the house where Merlin had rented a small flat on the third floor. Fumbling in his messenger bag for his keys, he climbed the first step and turned to face Percy, who all of a sudden was at eye-level with him. He cleared his throat nervously. Yeah, he’d ask Percy in; the bloke was just too hot to let this chance pass.
But before he could utter a sound, Percy leaned in and kissed him. Damn, that felt good! Merlin wrapped his arms around Percy’s neck and closed his eyes, just wanting to feel the other man. Percy’s arms were around him and Merlin thought he could do this forever. He parted his lips as he felt Percy’s tongue and sighed when Percy explored his mouth.
Then he heard an annoying buzzing sound and frowned. Whatever it was, it should go away and leave them alone! They had some serious necking to do!
Merlin made a little disappointed sound when Percy drew back.
“Sorry, I have to answer this.” He pulled his mobile out of the inside pocket of his coat and checked the text. Frowning, he let go of Merlin and quickly typed up a message before turning back to Merlin. “Where were we?” He grinned.
Just as Merlin felt Percy’s tongue against his, there was another message.
Percy groaned as he pulled back yet again to check.
Merlin made a mental note to personally slap whoever was disturbing them. How was he supposed to get anywhere with Percy if someone kept sending texts all night?
Shaking his head, Percy kissed the tip of Merlin’s nose. “I’m really sorry, I have to go. Some trouble with one of our clients, apparently it can’t wait.”
“Okay,” was all Merlin could come up with. Clients? At this time of night? While he had a raging hard-on and the urgent need to strip Percy naked?
Another long kiss later, Percy let go of him. “Good night, Merlin.” He turned to go, leaving Merlin standing there, staring after him, completely frustrated.
After a few steps, Percy turned back. “Listen...if you have no other plans, maybe...I mean...we could go see that new exhibition at the Science Museum tomorrow? Or something?”
Merlin felt himself grinning like a loon. “I’d like that.”
“Great. I’ll give you a call so we can work out the details in the morning?” When Merlin nodded, Percy raised his hand in greeting and wandered off.
Merlin woke up around nine and stretched. Okay, all limbs still in place and that slight hang-over-ish feeling was probably just because he hadn’t slept long enough. It was nothing that a few glasses of water and two aspirins couldn’t cure. But before he went to the kitchen, he checked his mobile. No messages. Oh well, it was still early, Percy would probably still be asleep?
After taking a long hot shower, Merlin spent the morning trying to decide what to wear in the afternoon and when there still was no message or call by noon, he busied himself doing the dishes and making the place a bit more presentable. He got dressed and took extra care of his hair, which was a bit too long these days and tended to stick out in every possible direction. To shave or not to shave? Merlin decided against it. And then for it. And then against it before he could do any damage. And then shaved anyway.
It was 3 pm already and still no call. Merlin pondered calling himself, but Percy had said he’d call, right? Besides he didn’t have his number, even though he could probably just ask Leon. If Percy didn’t call any time soon, the museum would be closed before they got there!
Two hours later, Merlin was pouting. He had to face the fact that Percy wasn’t so interested after all and that ‘I’ll call you to work out the details’ only meant ‘you’re not thrilling enough and I have to get out of here’. Or maybe even ‘who do you think you are thinking you could get a good catch like me? Just look at you!’ He changed back into his old too-big sweatpants and a t-shirt that still bore the marks of his last cooking adventure and curled up on the couch. This was why he’d never wanted to date again after that fiasco with Owen a few years ago. It only got you all confused and it hurt when you got dumped. Guys were nothing but douchebags. The whole of them!
Part 4