Feels Like A Cliche (Merlin fanfic) PART 1
Title: Feels Like A Cliche
Author: Woodsgal
Rating: M
Word Count: 10,413
Disclaimer: I do not own Merlin or the lyrics used sadly.
Summary: Merlin works as Arthur's P.A, Arthur is an editor and Merlin wants to be an editor. The only problem is that Arthur is a prat and even though he may have been kind to Merlin lately that didn't mean they could be friends, let alone anything more right?
Not according to Merlin's friends.
When they go together to a book fair things become heated and a big change happens between them whether they like it or not.
Author's Notes: An office AU inspired by ladyflowdi 's office Manip ( ladyflowdi.livejournal.com/596954.html ). It's my second longest one shot fanfic so far ha ha. I wanted to get this posted so I beta-read about just over half so please point out any mistakes I made.
Remember back to when you were a kid and people asked you what you wanted to be? It would be something like a Doctor or a Fireman if you were a boy or a Ballerina or an Actress if you were a girl. Something where you could either earn a lot of money or become famous. The problem is as you get older you learn that it isn't easy to get a good paying career that you really want to do. The best paying jobs you have to spend extra time in schooling and there are the others where it's difficult to find an open position to take. It's actually a lot more difficult then you imagine back when you're a student at university, studying while enjoying yourself and your new found freedom. Back then when you think about the career opportunities that could arise from an English Literature degree you think that there are so many different jobs and how so many different work places and companies would love to get their hands on someone with an English degree!
If that was the case then why the hell was Merlin sitting at a (admittedly rather spacious) desk in front of Arthur Pendragon's office at the London headquarters for Pendragon Editorial Corporation? He really couldn't think how the hell he'd got stuck with such a crappy job but he supposed he was lucky to get it. He'd almost been overqualified but his friend Morgana was Uther Pendragon's step-daughter and had therefore been able to pull a few strings so he could get the job he'd so desperately needed. She had since then apologised profusely and had told him that she wouldn't have done it if she'd have known he would get stuck working under Arthur. Merlin didn't believe her though, he could swear that she laughed about it behind his back. She was the one who constantly teased him about his and Arthur's fights as well, not to mention whenever she left Arthur's office he seemed to be in a foul mood afterwards and he often took it out on Merlin. That just wasn't fair in the twenty-two year old's opinion but in the year and a half he had been working at PEC, he'd gotten used to it. He wished he didn't have to but until Arthur would allow him to at least flick through one of the manuscripts he had no chance of becoming an editor and that's what he really wanted to do.
Merlin had always loved to read, ever since he was little and his mum would tuck him in and would read to him until he fell asleep. He'd always loved the voices she would put on for the different characters but when he'd started to learn to read himself he'd quickly stopped wanting being read to. He loved the different situations and characters and plots that you found in each story and as he'd grown older he'd started to read more and more. When he was eight he'd started to write his own stories, short and silly little ones but he'd enjoyed doing it. He'd joined a website where he could publish stories based on his favourite books and as he'd gotten older he'd gotten more reviewers. When one day he'd decided to give the beta-reading section of the site a go he finally discovered what he wanted to do. He'd been about 16 at the time and though he'd already known he'd wanted to be involved in books some way or another, he'd finally found something he loved to do. He enjoyed being able to read things by other people for his work and by editing it he was able to help other writers improve their writing. Some people found it slightly strange that he enjoyed editing other peoples work more then writing his own but it was what he'd wanted to do. Which was why when he managed to get a job at PEC he'd been happy. He had been sure that within no time he'd be an editor but no such luck. Arthur had been stubborn, he'd refused to give Merlin even a look in the only time he'd asked before he'd told Merlin to go book him a table at the Tamarind Restaurant for two. Merlin had just rolled his eyes and had gone off to do the task cursing Arthur under his breath and muttering that it shouldn't be his job to book a table for Arthur and whatever skank he was taking out for dinner. Sadly Arthur had heard that comment and Merlin was just able to dodge the stapler that was thrown at him as he'd sprinted out of the room. Honestly, wouldn't that be classed as Employee abuse or mistreatment or whatever it was called. That had been a few months ago though. That particular afternoon Merlin was sat at his desk, trading emails with his best friend Gwen as Arthur 'entertained' his current skank of the week in his office. He was supposed to be on the look out for Uther but he never bothered coming down without calling first, Uther Pendragon liked to live by 'the book' after all. Whatever 'the book' was, Merlin never wanted to read and live by it, he was perfectly happy with the way he lived thanks.
So Merlin was sitting at his desk, pretending to look as if he was working hard as he typed an email to Gwen, trying to ignore the noises escaping from under the door. It was horribly difficult though, especially seeing as the woman his boss was currently fucking on his desk was extremely vocal. A particularly loud moan escaped under the door at that moment and Merlin winced, why did he put himself through this torture again? Oh, right, he needed the money. He sighed to himself as he clicked send
____________________
From: Merlin (memrys@pendragoneditorialcorp.co.uk)
To: Gwen (gwenslittledressshop@hotmail.co.uk)
Sent: 11:52 15/02/2010
Subject: Save Me!
Save me Gwen!
He's at it with his current skank, in his office again! Why can't he leave his sex life at home like most people ugh.
Anyway, how are you today? You were starting that new commission weren't you? Good luck with that.
_____________________
The sound of a door opening nearby made Merlin jump slightly and quickly minimise the email program, turning his head slightly to see a very ruffled looking dark haired woman storming out. Arthur followed her slowly, seemingly trying to keep his distance,
“Oh come on...Lucy, don't be like that,” he called out to her, the blond looking more glorious in his rumpled state then the woman in her half zipped up and incredibly creased dress who had whirled around to glare at Arthur.
“Oh, now you remember my name you bastard! Next time you want to moan some other girl's...wait, I'm not even sure it was a girl's name. Whatever, just don't call me again, I'm not some whore you can imagine is someone else!” the woman snapped before she flipped her hair over the shoulder and started to storm off. Arthur just shrugged and returned to his office, once the door had closed Merlin stood up and called out,
“Ummm, Miss?” The woman stopped to shoot a glare at him but he just got out from behind his desk and stopped just behind her, zipping the rest of the dress up. “You forgot to zip your dress all the way up. I thought you'd embarrass yourself,” he explained. The woman stopped glaring again, instead she tipped her head to the side to study him curiously. Merlin honestly felt sorry for the woman, she wasn't the first woman to have stormed out of Arthur's office screaming obscenities at him for moaning the wrong name. It wasn't Merlin's job to console those women but he felt it was the decent thing to do so he looked around before he leaned in close to her,
“And anyway you should be glad. I've heard that Arthur isn't a that good shag anyway,” he whispered in a conspiratory fashion. A smile grew on the woman's red lips then and she giggled,
“Thanks for that, I guess I better be going then, do you think you could get off work and come for a drink with me?” she responded, batting her eyelashes at him and Merlin resisted the urge to shiver. The woman was pretty, tall and slim with a short, choppy, dark looks and sharp cheekbones that contrasted against her soft looking haircut but she just wasn't his type. She was the wrong gender for starters so he simply shook his head and placed a hand behind his back instead. As the woman's face dropped he murmured a few strange words and when he brought his hand back around and handed her a yellow rose. The woman stared at it in surprise before she plucked the flower from his hands and thanked him before she murmured her goodbyes and left.
Well that was one more woman cheered up by the use of his magic. With that thought, Merlin looked around to see if anyone had seen and then he returned to his desk. Great, now he needed to find something to do for the next few hours.
______________________
From: Gwen (gwenslittledressshop@hotmail.co.uk)
To: Merlin (memrys@pendragoneditorialcorp.co.uk)
Sent: 12:20 15/02/2010
Subject: RE: Save Me!
Morgana says that you're only annoyed because you're jealous and I think she has a point. I mean, how long have you been working there? I know you Merlin and there is no way you'd still be working there unless you felt you had a reason to.
I'm good thanks and yes, I have been working on that new commission. It's a cute dress really, it's empire style with off the shoulder cap sleeves and it should end just past the girl's knees. I don't know why I'm getting prom orders so early in the year but ah well, it's money and I am doing what I love. Unlike you.
Oh, Morgana wants me to tell you that you should tell Arthur what you really feel about being his P.A and get a new job, she'll try and get you an editor position.
Anyway, I have to go now. I'm kicking Morgana out now anyway so expect to see her soon!
_____________________
Only an hour or so after Lucy had stormed out of Arthur's office, the blond had summoned Merlin in. Merlin was surprised, he hadn't expected to see Arthur until the end of the day when he would go in and remind Arthur that he could go home before he left. So for Arthur to bother calling Merlin in meant that he was either in trouble or Arthur had some important new work for him. As the gangly brunet stepped into the office, he was unsurprised to see that though Arthur had sorted himself out, he'd left the top two buttons of his black button up and undone and the collar had been pulled up. Merlin's eyes dropped to the bare expanse of tanned skin that he could see before he lifted his gaze to meet Arthur's straight on,
“You wanted to see me?” he asked as Arthur's eyes raked over his body for a few moments before he nodded to himself.
“Yes. You're coming to lunch with me. Since Lucy just decided to walk out on me I need someone to go with,” Arthur explained, standing up to grab the blazer off the back of his seat.
Merlin's mouth just dropped open as he stared unblinkingly at Arthur for a few moments. Had he heard right? Ever since Merlin had started working for Arthur the blond had been incessantly annoying and had showed no clue of liking him as a person at all. Yet now he was offering to take him to the expensive restaurant he had been going to take his date to? Okay, that just didn't make sense but then again maybe he was over thinking it. His friends were always telling him he usually over thought things. Then again his friends were also convinced he wanted to sleep with his boss which he most certainly didn't. Of course he had noticed that Arthur was gorgeous, and had taken note of his favourite colour (red), favourite food (Italian) and the way he smiled that crooked grin of his and even the way he smelt when he had knocked into him a few times. But that didn't mean he fancied Arthur, he just tended to notice these things about people. Though admittedly he still couldn't remember what Morgana's favourite colour was and he had known her for longer but then again he didn't work for her so he didn't need to. Well okay, maybe he had a slight crush on his boss but as long as it didn't interfere with his work, it didn't matter...right? Well, obviously not or Arthur wouldn't be extending the hand of friendship.
“I wouldn't ask but there's no one else and Morgana said you would be an acceptable guest,” Arthur explained as he pulled the blazer on and buttoned it up. Morgana had said...oh, he wasn't going to enjoy this lunch was he.
“Couldn't you ask Morgana or something and anyway, it's your fault that woman walked out,” Merlin responded, trying to weasel his way out of it by annoying the blond. Arthur simply snorted,
“I did, I assumed you'd realise that when I said she suggested you but I guess you're more of an idiot then I realised.” An idiot!? Merlin was insulted, he most certainly was not an idiot, so he opened his mouth to retort but Arthur simply rolled his eyes and grabbed Merlin by the arm.
“Come on. We'll be late otherwise,” the blond told him and started to drag Merlin out of the room.
The sorcerer only just had the chance to grab his jacket and scarves before he was dragged towards the lift, with everyone in the office turning to stare at them.
Well at least he wasn't likely to be lacking company at work any time soon.
******
The restaurant didn't turn out to be that posh, it was a small family run Italian restaurant that Arthur had been coming to for years apparently. He knew all the staff by name and exchanged small talk with them, a genuine smile on his lips as they were led to their table. All Merlin could do was follow after Arthur silently, observing the other male in a habitat where he seemed more relaxed and cheerful. They were sat down and both their food and drink orders were taken unexpectedly quickly and with an unusual degree of friendliness and Merlin wasn't quite sure about the looks the waitress who was serving them kept shooting him. It was like she wanted to pinch his cheeks and squeal over him or something. It was pretty creepy. Soon the pair were left alone and Merlin tipped his head to the side slightly as he smiled at Arthur,
“I didn't realise you could be so friendly,” he commented. The blond rolled his eyes,
“I’m not supposed to be nice to my employees Merlin, they would just take advantage otherwise,” he said, rolling his eyes as if it had been obvious. The brunet just scowled back at his boss, he hated that Arthur treated him like he was stupid when he wasn’t. Sure he wasn’t the most competent P.A, he was often late, sometimes he forgot to pass on messages and there were a couple of times that Arthur had sent him out on errands and he’d forgotten what they were almost immediately but that didn’t mean he was stupid. His mother had always said that he had his head permanently stuck in the clouds but he knew that wasn’t always a bad thing. It was just that he had to try and pay attention more, that did not make him an idiot though.
“I know that Arthur, I’m not an idiot and not all your employees would take an advantage at even a hint of kindness. I think some would even appreciate it,” Merlin responded, his tone dry and ever so slightly tinged with sarcasm as he looked at the blond in a way that suggested that he thought Arthur was an utter prat. A smile started to tug at the corners of the broader man’s lips as he shook his head,
“You can’t talk to me like that,” he protested but there was no real annoyance in it and Merlin wasn’t surprised though the part of him that was fed up with Arthur was telling him that he should be, that part of his mind seemed to be taking control of his mouth though, “We’re not at work so why can’t I?” he responded sharply but he automatically broke out in a grin afterwards which was supposed to show that it was meant in a playful sense. Arthur seemed to understand that if the amused glances he kept shooting at him were any clue.
After a little while their food arrived and they quickly tucked in, sharing pleasant conversation as they ate. It turned out that Arthur had been paying more attention to Merlin then the brunet had realised and that he really wasn’t that a bad of a guy. He even sort of apologised for being so hard on Merlin at work sometimes. Okay maybe he hadn’t even mentioned the words sorry or apology but he had admitted that he had been a bit hard on him in the past. Merlin just chose to silently accept the apology and go with it; it was the best he was likely to get after all.
“So is there a reason you’re wearing those silly scarves or is it just your terrible attempt at accessorising?” Arthur asked with amusement as he leaned back in his chair, waiting for Merlin to finish his food. All the blond got in response was a bit of potato chucked at his head as the brunet finished his mouthful.
“My scarves are not terrible! I happen to think they look good with this outfit and anyway, your sister brought them for me so it’s hardly my choice in colour or anything before you start on that,” he retorted with a slight pout. Only a slight pout though, just because he was talking about clothes and pouting did not make him a girl or stereotypically gay for that matter. Arthur chuckled before he picked up his wineglass and took a sip, smiling at the darker haired male over the rim.
“If you say so,” was his only response.
It didn’t take long after that for Merlin to finish his food, it was delicious after all and when he’d looked at the prices things were actually a lot cheaper then he’d expected. He couldn’t help but wonder why Arthur had chosen this place to bring one of his many dates on. It seemed cosy and intimate, the staff were friendly and though the food was delicious it was actually really cheap. It didn’t seem like the sort of place that a high maintenance girl like that Lucy from earlier would like to eat at. She seemed like the type of girl that would want to go to a brand new, expensive restaurant, a place that would describe itself as chic and up-market. He watched out of the corner of his eye as their waitress from earlier brought their bill over, her hand behind her back at she smiled at him. As Arthur pulled out his wallet, the woman turned to Merlin and pulled out a thornless coral rose, she carefully lifted his hand and placed the rose in his pale fingers.
“You’re prettier then I imagined, you two look like the perfect match,” she told him.
Merlin stared at the woman for a moment, unblinkingly. What? Did she think he was someone else or something? Did she think he was a woman? God, that was a horrible thought, he didn’t look anything like a girl! He was about to explain that to the woman that she was obviously confused and give her back the rose but Arthur was standing up and handing her the plate with the bill and the cash on,
“Rosa, leave the poor guy alone. This isn’t a date, Lucy decided to abandon me earlier on so I invited Merlin here to accompany me instead,” the blond explained, looking at the woman with a fond look of exasperation. The woman pouted slightly but it soon fell as she wrapped an arm around Arthur’s shoulder and tousled his hair,
“You break an old woman’s heart you do, getting my hopes up and all. You’d do good to take a fine looking young man like Merlin here out some time,” she remarked as she grabbed Merlin’s wrist and pulled him to his feet, bringing him closer to the other male. Arthur laughed heartily,
“Old woman? Rosa you’re only eight years older then me,” he retorted and Rosa sighed again as if she had the weight of the world on her shoulders, “Yes but it makes me feel old and wise to see you acting so young and foolish,” she replied.
The conversation was certainly interesting but Merlin couldn’t help but feel that he was intruding on some sort of private moment. He didn’t know anyone here apart from Arthur. It was incredibly awkward and he didn’t like the fact that Arthur was refusing to meet his gaze. He heard the front door of the restaurant open and a familiar voice call,
“Rosa, I’m back.” Merlin turned his head to see Gwen’s long time boyfriend Lance Du Lac. Rosa had released Arthur and Merlin to run over to Lance to hug him,
“Bentornata fratellino,” she greeted in hurried Italian, Lance said something quietly in return but Merlin couldn’t hear what it was, the older man had seen him though as moments later he had joined them,
“Hey Merlin, hey Arthur, what are you two doing here? Together at that,” he asked with a small chuckle, as Rosa came back over and attempted to push past Lancelot only to be gently elbowed back by her little brother.
“I booked a table for a date only she decided at last minute to storm off last minute for the stupidest of reasons so I asked Merlin to come along instead,” Arthur explained once again. Merlin snorted at that. Honestly, Lucy had a perfectly good reason for storming off. Arthur couldn’t seriously think that he’d get away with having sex with a girl only for him to moan someone else's name and her not be pissed off beyond belief with him. He’d been lucky that Lucy hadn’t tried to castrate him; Merlin knew he certainly would have attempted it if he was in her shoes. Then again her nails had looked kind of fake, she probably didn’t want to ruin them on someone so completely infuriating. Arthur turned his head to glare at Merlin just as Rosa started to ask what Arthur had done, the blond shut her up with a glare before he spoke up himself,
“Well we better be getting back to work. Thanks for the meal Rosa and I'll try and see you both soon.” With those words he started out for the door, only stopping for a second to check if Merlin was following which of course, he was. How the hell would he find his way back to the office otherwise? As he started to walk he felt a hand touch his shoulder and he turned his head to see Rosa smiling softly at him,
“That rose is for you y'know. Arthur may not want you to know but he brought you a bouquet of them a few days ago but he couldn't bring himself to give them to you so he just left them here for me. He does actually care for you,” she explained before she shoved him lightly to get him moving. As Merlin started to follow Arthur again, taking long strides so he could catch up easily, he tried to make sense of what Rosa had said. Arthur had never shown any signs of caring for him before...apart from the last two times he had been off sick Arthur had called several times to see if he would be okay for work the next day...but that had been business related. Then there had been his birthday, Arthur had brought him a new mobile but he'd just said that it was in case he needed to contact him quickly. No, whenever Arthur did something nice for him it was always linked to something else, just like today's meal had only been because someone else had cancelled on him. Obviously Rosa was mistaken.
When he got home that night though, he fiddled with the rose as he sat watching a Supernatural repeat and he couldn't help but think that maybe he would actually quite like it if Arthur cared for him in that way.
______________________
From: Arthur Pendragon (apendragon@pendragoneditorialcorp.co.uk)
To: Merlin Emrys (memrys@pendragoneditorialcorp.co.uk)
Sent: 13:50 26/02/2010
Subject: Get To Work!
I understand that you might be bored Merlin and that you feel that your friends would love to know just how bored you are but could you I don't know, get off Facebook and do your job? I can see you on Pet Society from the door way you idiot.
If you've done it all the work I've given you then come drop the papers off in here, I might have something you can help me with.
_____________________
“I want your help with this manuscript.”
Arthur’s abrupt words left Merlin gaping at him, had he just said what he thought he had said.
“Wh…what? Did you just say you need my help?” he asked his eyes wide in disbelief. A stapled together set of papers were pushed across the desk before him as the blond crossed his arms on the wood in front of him
“It’s just two short stories for an anthology. Vivian handed in her resignation yesterday so there’s no point in giving it to her if she isn’t going to finish the project. All the other editors have several projects on the go as it is. You on the other hand seem to spend your work day doing nothing so you might as well do something useful. And anyway, you wanted a chance to be an editor didn’t you? See this as a trial,” Arthur explained, dropping his eyes to the papers before him as he waved Merlin off. The brunet just stood there and stared at him though, Arthur had listened to him and he was even giving him a chance.
His face broke out into a wide grin,
“I won’t let you down,” Merlin responded before he practically skipped out if his boss’s office and back to his own desk. Only there was something stopping him from sitting down and getting to work.
Morgana.
The brunette woman raised an eyebrow at him, uncrossing her skin colour tight clad legs so she could stand up. The woman was no taller then him, they were the same age and had been best friends for years yet as she crossed her arms over her chest and looked at him with her best ‘why didn’t you tell me’ glance, Merlin couldn’t help but feel intimidated by the fierce beauty.
“So why didn’t you tell me you and Arthur went out to lunch last week?” she asked sharply, slipping her heels off and climbing up onto the only clean spot on the desk to sit.
Merlin sat down in his chair before he raised an eyebrow up at Morgana,
“I thought you knew. You told him to take me anyway,” he responded. Her next words took Merlin by surprise though as she shook her head, looking slightly bemused.
“I didn’t tell Arthur to take you out to lunch Merlin. Why on earth do you think I’d put you through that.” Then it was Merlin’s time to look confused, Morgana hadn’t suggested that Arthur take him as part of some elaborate scheme of some sort? Then why had Arthur thought of taking him instead of some pretty girl, Merlin was pretty sure that if he’d needed too he’d have asked one of the other women around the office.
As he puzzled through his thoughts he could feel Morgana’s eyes on him, trying to read what he was thinking about from his posture, his expression and his gaze. That was something Morgana was good at, reading people. Especially her friends and Merlin supposed that was why she could be both one of the best friends to have and one of the worst. He would hate to get on her bad side because Merlin was well aware of the fact that she could destroy anyone she wished to with nothing but a few words and those sharp blue eyes of hers. It made Merlin shiver at the very idea of making an enemy out of Morgana. Speaking of the brunette she seemed to have made a decision concerning what was on his mind and reached out with a perfectly manicured hand to pat him on the head slightly,
“He tricked you into having lunch with him. You poor thing,” she guessed in what he assumed she thought was a comforting manner but it seemed a tad to mocking in his opinion.
“It wasn’t that bad. He was actually quite nice…well nicer then he usually is anyway. He took me to this Italian restaurant. Did you know that Lance’s family owned a restaurant? The food was good and Rosa, Lance’s sister, was really friendly,” he told her. Not even half way through his speech Morgana had been looking between him and the door, a smirk playing at her lips.
“Did he now, did he happen to tell you why he was taking you there, other then that I had told him to take you?” she questioned. What was Morgana getting at? It wasn't like it had been a date or anything...it might have felt like one but it wasn't. I mean, if Arthur had taken Lucy then it would have been a date but he'd never said to Merlin that it was a date and if it had been a date Arthur would have told him.
His face must have been revealing his train of thought as Morgana immediately burst out laughing,
“Oh dear Merlin. You didn't have to think it over so hard, either he told you what it was or he didn't. Simple,” she said and Merlin couldn't help but scowl slightly at her,
“It wasn't a date. I was just a replacement for the girl he was going to take there. Obviously he realised I'd say no unless I thought it was your idea,” he replied firmly. Morgana slipped off the desk then and slipped her tight clad feet back into her heels. She had agreed with him before she had told him that she would see him later.
For some reason Merlin didn't think that Morgana believed him.
______________________
From: Morgana Le Fay (mlefay@pendragoneditorialcorp.co.uk)
To: Gwen (gwenslittledressshop@hotmail.co.uk)
Sent: 14:13 26/02/2010
Subject: Merlin and Arthur Sitting in the Tree
Thank Lance for the tip off from me will you.
I can safely report that there's definitely something going on between them even if Merlin isn't aware of it. Arthur's being sly with how he gets him to go out with him and Lance said something about a rose didn't he?
I think we're just going to have to keep an eye on them and encourage them if necessary.
_____________________
If Merlin had known about that email he wouldn't have met up with Gwen, Lance and Morgana for their weekly meet up in the pub on the Friday. The two women were sat together in the corner of the booth, looking at him every now and then and whispering to each other. It was incredibly disconcerting but whenever he complained they just ignored him. Lance was sitting next to him, rolling his eyes at the sight of his girlfriend and her best female friend giggling over whatever they thought was so funny. Lance was no help, he may not have been joining in but he wasn't talking much either that night so poor Merlin was left to put up with the giggling without anyone else to distract him. He was really starting to wish he'd taken up Arthur up on his request of staying back to work late. He'd thought it was crazy at the time, now he was thinking being stuck alone in a quiet room with Arthur for a few extra hours on a Friday night might not have been so bad. He thought about this with a small scowl as he sipped at his drink, feeling the girl's eyes on him once again.
Whatever they had been yammering on about for the last half an hour or so, Gwen finally turned to Merlin and spoke up,
“I didn't think you liked flowers Merlin. What was with the rose?” The brunet male simply blinked at his friend before his face broke out into an amused grin,
“Oh! Is that you two have been discussing all night?” he asked, the two women nodded and turned to eye each other unsurely as he burst out laughing. Merlin calmed himself down as Gwen reached out to pat him on the shoulder as if she was unsure what the hell else she could say or do.
“Jesus you two, you could have just asked about it. Lance's sister gave it to me randomly,” he explained. Next to him Lance nodded,
“She probably did. Arthur brought in the flowers a few days before that when I was at the restaurant, he said that he'd changed his mind about giving them to someone. I didn't realise they were for Merlin,” he responded, he actually looked thoughtful. His words had an effect on the girls though as they both nodded themselves and sighed.
Morgana tapped her fingers on the table which was usually a sign that she was planning something, which probably wasn't going to be a good sign the way the conversation had been going.
“Whatever your planning Morgana, stop it right now. I'll make you keep it shut if I have to,” Merlin threatened and he honestly meant it. He loved Morgana, honestly he did. She was one of the best friends ever but if she said one word about trying to get him and Arthur together or to get Merlin to admit his 'feelings' then he really would find a spell to get her to shut her up. Having her stay silent after that would only be a bonus. Morgana raised an eyebrow at him and simply smirked,
“I don't know what your talking about Merlin,” she said.
________________
From: Arthur Pendragon (apendragon@pendragoneditorialcorp.co.uk)
To: Merlin Emrys (memrys@pendragoneditorialcorp.co.uk)
Sent: 19:30 2/03/2010
Subject: Cambridge Book Fair
I submitted the short stories you helped edit with the rest of the anthology yesterday and my Father gave them a read over. He was rather impressed that you edited them well, he seems to think that you're incompetent. I have no idea what gave him that idea.
My Father suggested that you come with me to the Cambridge Book Fair next week. Basically there will be a conference held one day and the next day authors, book sellers, publishers and editors sell their services and their companies to authors and collectors alike. It's very good for business to go and my Father thinks that since your my PA and that you could possibly be a good editor that you should come with me.
I'll be picking you up at 7:30AM on Monday morning, make sure you have enough things packed because we'll be staying in Cambridge the Monday night and driving back the Tuesday evening.
_____________________
Monday morning came quicker then Merlin had expected, it only felt like yesterday that he had read the email. So when his alarm went off early on Monday morning, admittedly it was only half an hour early then he was usually supposed to get up but it was still half an hour less of sleep, he grumbled to himself as he rolled over. He buried his face in his pillow for a few seconds before he started the long process of dragging himself out of bed and getting ready.
Unsurprisingly by the time he was ready, Arthur had been at the door and had been waiting for around ten minutes, when Merlin finally got around to opening the front door to his flat, Arthur was opening scowling and was tapping his foot in annoyance of having to wait.
“It would have been nice if you'd actually let me in to wait Merlin. It's freezing out there,” Arthur grumbled as he stepped inside, shutting the front door behind him as he looked around the small flat.
Merlin's flat wasn't very big, the front door opened into a fairly sized living room with bookshelves lining one wall, there was a TV in the corner, a coffee table in front of that and a sofa behind that. There was a door opposite the front door that led into a small kitchen which only really had enough room for one person in but then again, Merlin had only ever been in there by himself. There really wasn't that much space in there though. A little further along that wall was the door into Merlin's bedroom, it was shut but if anyone looked in there they would see that it was a total mess. Clothes and books scattered across the floor, the desk was covered in random notebooks and sheets of paper apart from the spot he usually kept his laptop. His bedside drawers were open, clothes falling out of them from where he'd been trying to hunt down clean clothes to take with him. He hadn't done the laundry just yet, a lot of the time he couldn't be bothered to pick up all the clothes off his floor to go wash them. It was lucky he'd managed to find some clean clothes as he'd packed that morning. He'd made a mental note to do the laundry the day he got back. The wall to the right of that wall had only one door and few framed pictures of family and friends on. The door led to the bathroom and one thing that Merlin had to say for that flat was that it contained a good sized bathroom with a bath in. That door was also shut though so Merlin couldn't understand that slightly unimpressed look that Arthur had on his face as he looked around the flat.
“You live here?” he asked, distaste evident in his voice and Merlin glared at his boss.
“Yes. Why? What's wrong with my place?” he asked waspishly, crossing his arms over his chest in a defensive manner. His flat may not be much but it was his place and he was rather happy with it. It may be small and messy but it was comfortable and it was home to him therefore he wasn't going to let anyone insult it. Even if it was his unfairly gorgeous boss who he was just about to go on a two day trip with. Maybe it wasn't the wisest time to pick a fight but then again he didn't always think when it came to arguing with Arthur.
“It's just so...small. Then again it's disorganised, like you so I guess it could have some hidden character,” the blond responded with a small smirk. Merlin's arms dropped in front of him as looked heavenwards and mumbled,
“For god's sake, let me get through this trip without maiming him.” Unfortunately Arthur heard him though and chuckled,
“I'd like to see you try. I'd have you on the floor or up against the wall in an instant,” he replied dryly. Merlin's ears flushed slightly pink at that, Arthur hadn't meant to hear him and his threat actually sounded kind of...wrong. Or that could just be his undersexed brain, he'd been too tired and annoyed to go out on many dates lately.
Arthur leaned against the wall and looked around the room again, taking in the sight of Merlin's one small suitcase packed and ready to go.
“I hope you have something formal in there. We've been instructed to take up any offers for meals with an prospective clients even if we have to rush through each meal,” Arthur commented. For once Merlin was able to nod in answer, he'd assumed they might go to dinner somewhere posh so he'd had the sense to pack something formal. The blond nodded in response and stood straight, tucking his hands in his pockets as he headed back over to the door again,
“Right then. I guess we're ready to go, you got everything?” he asked. Nodding, Merlin picked his suitcase up before he felt around in his jeans and jacket pockets for his phone. Wait, why couldn't he feel his phone? He could have sworn he put it there. He put his case down and checked out the table, the sofa, the floor, the kitchen and even had a quick look around his bedroom before he called out to Arthur,
“I can't find my phone. What if I need it.” He could hear Arthur's groan from his place on his bedroom floor,
“I'll call it but hurry up and find it. We need to get going.” With a quiet sigh Merlin stood up silently and waited for his phone to go off with the familiar ringtone he'd set for Arthur's number. Only a ringing started from the living room only it wasn't the ringtone he was used to.
I'm gonna tear your arse up like we just got married,
And you're all mine now,
Tonight is the night we've been waiting for all our lives
Or maybe for just tonight.
Merlin tore out of his room, face flushing red as he flung himself in front of the sofa and pulled the ringing phone out from under it and pressed end call. Oh my god, when had he changed it to that?! He knew he had been drinking with Morgana the night before but he still wouldn't choose a song with such obscene lyrics. Okay, he may like the song and he had to admit it if he was drunk he apparently had a habit of bursting out singing that song if anyone mentioned Arthur to him but that was only if he was completely gone. He wasn't a girl and he had no problems talking about sex but it was just really awkward to have lyrics like that set as a personal ringtone for someone that you might have a slight crush on.
God, he hadn't really gotten drunk that night as he'd known he had to get up early the next day and they'd been drinking at his so it wasn't like he'd been out the late. The only times he hadn't had his phone with him was when he'd been getting more drinks. That was when it hit him, it had to have been Morgana.
He knew she'd been planning something that night in the pub. Then again, her plans were usually a little better then that. He was just going to have to be more wary, and warn Arthur.
“Morgana must have been playing with my phone. She seemed like she was plotting something, I guess we're just going to have to be careful,” he explained as Arthur just watched him blankly.
“Why you chose that ringtone is none of my business. We have to get going though, if you're not in the car by the time the car starts then I'm not going to wait for you,” he eventually said before he left the flat. Merlin grabbed his case before he leapt to his feet and followed after Arthur, only stopping to quickly lock the door.
*****
woodsgal.livejournal.com/8896.html
Author: Woodsgal
Rating: M
Word Count: 10,413
Disclaimer: I do not own Merlin or the lyrics used sadly.
Summary: Merlin works as Arthur's P.A, Arthur is an editor and Merlin wants to be an editor. The only problem is that Arthur is a prat and even though he may have been kind to Merlin lately that didn't mean they could be friends, let alone anything more right?
Not according to Merlin's friends.
When they go together to a book fair things become heated and a big change happens between them whether they like it or not.
Author's Notes: An office AU inspired by ladyflowdi 's office Manip ( ladyflowdi.livejournal.com/596954.html ). It's my second longest one shot fanfic so far ha ha. I wanted to get this posted so I beta-read about just over half so please point out any mistakes I made.
Remember back to when you were a kid and people asked you what you wanted to be? It would be something like a Doctor or a Fireman if you were a boy or a Ballerina or an Actress if you were a girl. Something where you could either earn a lot of money or become famous. The problem is as you get older you learn that it isn't easy to get a good paying career that you really want to do. The best paying jobs you have to spend extra time in schooling and there are the others where it's difficult to find an open position to take. It's actually a lot more difficult then you imagine back when you're a student at university, studying while enjoying yourself and your new found freedom. Back then when you think about the career opportunities that could arise from an English Literature degree you think that there are so many different jobs and how so many different work places and companies would love to get their hands on someone with an English degree!
If that was the case then why the hell was Merlin sitting at a (admittedly rather spacious) desk in front of Arthur Pendragon's office at the London headquarters for Pendragon Editorial Corporation? He really couldn't think how the hell he'd got stuck with such a crappy job but he supposed he was lucky to get it. He'd almost been overqualified but his friend Morgana was Uther Pendragon's step-daughter and had therefore been able to pull a few strings so he could get the job he'd so desperately needed. She had since then apologised profusely and had told him that she wouldn't have done it if she'd have known he would get stuck working under Arthur. Merlin didn't believe her though, he could swear that she laughed about it behind his back. She was the one who constantly teased him about his and Arthur's fights as well, not to mention whenever she left Arthur's office he seemed to be in a foul mood afterwards and he often took it out on Merlin. That just wasn't fair in the twenty-two year old's opinion but in the year and a half he had been working at PEC, he'd gotten used to it. He wished he didn't have to but until Arthur would allow him to at least flick through one of the manuscripts he had no chance of becoming an editor and that's what he really wanted to do.
Merlin had always loved to read, ever since he was little and his mum would tuck him in and would read to him until he fell asleep. He'd always loved the voices she would put on for the different characters but when he'd started to learn to read himself he'd quickly stopped wanting being read to. He loved the different situations and characters and plots that you found in each story and as he'd grown older he'd started to read more and more. When he was eight he'd started to write his own stories, short and silly little ones but he'd enjoyed doing it. He'd joined a website where he could publish stories based on his favourite books and as he'd gotten older he'd gotten more reviewers. When one day he'd decided to give the beta-reading section of the site a go he finally discovered what he wanted to do. He'd been about 16 at the time and though he'd already known he'd wanted to be involved in books some way or another, he'd finally found something he loved to do. He enjoyed being able to read things by other people for his work and by editing it he was able to help other writers improve their writing. Some people found it slightly strange that he enjoyed editing other peoples work more then writing his own but it was what he'd wanted to do. Which was why when he managed to get a job at PEC he'd been happy. He had been sure that within no time he'd be an editor but no such luck. Arthur had been stubborn, he'd refused to give Merlin even a look in the only time he'd asked before he'd told Merlin to go book him a table at the Tamarind Restaurant for two. Merlin had just rolled his eyes and had gone off to do the task cursing Arthur under his breath and muttering that it shouldn't be his job to book a table for Arthur and whatever skank he was taking out for dinner. Sadly Arthur had heard that comment and Merlin was just able to dodge the stapler that was thrown at him as he'd sprinted out of the room. Honestly, wouldn't that be classed as Employee abuse or mistreatment or whatever it was called. That had been a few months ago though. That particular afternoon Merlin was sat at his desk, trading emails with his best friend Gwen as Arthur 'entertained' his current skank of the week in his office. He was supposed to be on the look out for Uther but he never bothered coming down without calling first, Uther Pendragon liked to live by 'the book' after all. Whatever 'the book' was, Merlin never wanted to read and live by it, he was perfectly happy with the way he lived thanks.
So Merlin was sitting at his desk, pretending to look as if he was working hard as he typed an email to Gwen, trying to ignore the noises escaping from under the door. It was horribly difficult though, especially seeing as the woman his boss was currently fucking on his desk was extremely vocal. A particularly loud moan escaped under the door at that moment and Merlin winced, why did he put himself through this torture again? Oh, right, he needed the money. He sighed to himself as he clicked send
____________________
From: Merlin (memrys@pendragoneditorialcorp.co.uk)
To: Gwen (gwenslittledressshop@hotmail.co.uk)
Sent: 11:52 15/02/2010
Subject: Save Me!
Save me Gwen!
He's at it with his current skank, in his office again! Why can't he leave his sex life at home like most people ugh.
Anyway, how are you today? You were starting that new commission weren't you? Good luck with that.
_____________________
The sound of a door opening nearby made Merlin jump slightly and quickly minimise the email program, turning his head slightly to see a very ruffled looking dark haired woman storming out. Arthur followed her slowly, seemingly trying to keep his distance,
“Oh come on...Lucy, don't be like that,” he called out to her, the blond looking more glorious in his rumpled state then the woman in her half zipped up and incredibly creased dress who had whirled around to glare at Arthur.
“Oh, now you remember my name you bastard! Next time you want to moan some other girl's...wait, I'm not even sure it was a girl's name. Whatever, just don't call me again, I'm not some whore you can imagine is someone else!” the woman snapped before she flipped her hair over the shoulder and started to storm off. Arthur just shrugged and returned to his office, once the door had closed Merlin stood up and called out,
“Ummm, Miss?” The woman stopped to shoot a glare at him but he just got out from behind his desk and stopped just behind her, zipping the rest of the dress up. “You forgot to zip your dress all the way up. I thought you'd embarrass yourself,” he explained. The woman stopped glaring again, instead she tipped her head to the side to study him curiously. Merlin honestly felt sorry for the woman, she wasn't the first woman to have stormed out of Arthur's office screaming obscenities at him for moaning the wrong name. It wasn't Merlin's job to console those women but he felt it was the decent thing to do so he looked around before he leaned in close to her,
“And anyway you should be glad. I've heard that Arthur isn't a that good shag anyway,” he whispered in a conspiratory fashion. A smile grew on the woman's red lips then and she giggled,
“Thanks for that, I guess I better be going then, do you think you could get off work and come for a drink with me?” she responded, batting her eyelashes at him and Merlin resisted the urge to shiver. The woman was pretty, tall and slim with a short, choppy, dark looks and sharp cheekbones that contrasted against her soft looking haircut but she just wasn't his type. She was the wrong gender for starters so he simply shook his head and placed a hand behind his back instead. As the woman's face dropped he murmured a few strange words and when he brought his hand back around and handed her a yellow rose. The woman stared at it in surprise before she plucked the flower from his hands and thanked him before she murmured her goodbyes and left.
Well that was one more woman cheered up by the use of his magic. With that thought, Merlin looked around to see if anyone had seen and then he returned to his desk. Great, now he needed to find something to do for the next few hours.
______________________
From: Gwen (gwenslittledressshop@hotmail.co.uk)
To: Merlin (memrys@pendragoneditorialcorp.co.uk)
Sent: 12:20 15/02/2010
Subject: RE: Save Me!
Morgana says that you're only annoyed because you're jealous and I think she has a point. I mean, how long have you been working there? I know you Merlin and there is no way you'd still be working there unless you felt you had a reason to.
I'm good thanks and yes, I have been working on that new commission. It's a cute dress really, it's empire style with off the shoulder cap sleeves and it should end just past the girl's knees. I don't know why I'm getting prom orders so early in the year but ah well, it's money and I am doing what I love. Unlike you.
Oh, Morgana wants me to tell you that you should tell Arthur what you really feel about being his P.A and get a new job, she'll try and get you an editor position.
Anyway, I have to go now. I'm kicking Morgana out now anyway so expect to see her soon!
_____________________
Only an hour or so after Lucy had stormed out of Arthur's office, the blond had summoned Merlin in. Merlin was surprised, he hadn't expected to see Arthur until the end of the day when he would go in and remind Arthur that he could go home before he left. So for Arthur to bother calling Merlin in meant that he was either in trouble or Arthur had some important new work for him. As the gangly brunet stepped into the office, he was unsurprised to see that though Arthur had sorted himself out, he'd left the top two buttons of his black button up and undone and the collar had been pulled up. Merlin's eyes dropped to the bare expanse of tanned skin that he could see before he lifted his gaze to meet Arthur's straight on,
“You wanted to see me?” he asked as Arthur's eyes raked over his body for a few moments before he nodded to himself.
“Yes. You're coming to lunch with me. Since Lucy just decided to walk out on me I need someone to go with,” Arthur explained, standing up to grab the blazer off the back of his seat.
Merlin's mouth just dropped open as he stared unblinkingly at Arthur for a few moments. Had he heard right? Ever since Merlin had started working for Arthur the blond had been incessantly annoying and had showed no clue of liking him as a person at all. Yet now he was offering to take him to the expensive restaurant he had been going to take his date to? Okay, that just didn't make sense but then again maybe he was over thinking it. His friends were always telling him he usually over thought things. Then again his friends were also convinced he wanted to sleep with his boss which he most certainly didn't. Of course he had noticed that Arthur was gorgeous, and had taken note of his favourite colour (red), favourite food (Italian) and the way he smiled that crooked grin of his and even the way he smelt when he had knocked into him a few times. But that didn't mean he fancied Arthur, he just tended to notice these things about people. Though admittedly he still couldn't remember what Morgana's favourite colour was and he had known her for longer but then again he didn't work for her so he didn't need to. Well okay, maybe he had a slight crush on his boss but as long as it didn't interfere with his work, it didn't matter...right? Well, obviously not or Arthur wouldn't be extending the hand of friendship.
“I wouldn't ask but there's no one else and Morgana said you would be an acceptable guest,” Arthur explained as he pulled the blazer on and buttoned it up. Morgana had said...oh, he wasn't going to enjoy this lunch was he.
“Couldn't you ask Morgana or something and anyway, it's your fault that woman walked out,” Merlin responded, trying to weasel his way out of it by annoying the blond. Arthur simply snorted,
“I did, I assumed you'd realise that when I said she suggested you but I guess you're more of an idiot then I realised.” An idiot!? Merlin was insulted, he most certainly was not an idiot, so he opened his mouth to retort but Arthur simply rolled his eyes and grabbed Merlin by the arm.
“Come on. We'll be late otherwise,” the blond told him and started to drag Merlin out of the room.
The sorcerer only just had the chance to grab his jacket and scarves before he was dragged towards the lift, with everyone in the office turning to stare at them.
Well at least he wasn't likely to be lacking company at work any time soon.
******
The restaurant didn't turn out to be that posh, it was a small family run Italian restaurant that Arthur had been coming to for years apparently. He knew all the staff by name and exchanged small talk with them, a genuine smile on his lips as they were led to their table. All Merlin could do was follow after Arthur silently, observing the other male in a habitat where he seemed more relaxed and cheerful. They were sat down and both their food and drink orders were taken unexpectedly quickly and with an unusual degree of friendliness and Merlin wasn't quite sure about the looks the waitress who was serving them kept shooting him. It was like she wanted to pinch his cheeks and squeal over him or something. It was pretty creepy. Soon the pair were left alone and Merlin tipped his head to the side slightly as he smiled at Arthur,
“I didn't realise you could be so friendly,” he commented. The blond rolled his eyes,
“I’m not supposed to be nice to my employees Merlin, they would just take advantage otherwise,” he said, rolling his eyes as if it had been obvious. The brunet just scowled back at his boss, he hated that Arthur treated him like he was stupid when he wasn’t. Sure he wasn’t the most competent P.A, he was often late, sometimes he forgot to pass on messages and there were a couple of times that Arthur had sent him out on errands and he’d forgotten what they were almost immediately but that didn’t mean he was stupid. His mother had always said that he had his head permanently stuck in the clouds but he knew that wasn’t always a bad thing. It was just that he had to try and pay attention more, that did not make him an idiot though.
“I know that Arthur, I’m not an idiot and not all your employees would take an advantage at even a hint of kindness. I think some would even appreciate it,” Merlin responded, his tone dry and ever so slightly tinged with sarcasm as he looked at the blond in a way that suggested that he thought Arthur was an utter prat. A smile started to tug at the corners of the broader man’s lips as he shook his head,
“You can’t talk to me like that,” he protested but there was no real annoyance in it and Merlin wasn’t surprised though the part of him that was fed up with Arthur was telling him that he should be, that part of his mind seemed to be taking control of his mouth though, “We’re not at work so why can’t I?” he responded sharply but he automatically broke out in a grin afterwards which was supposed to show that it was meant in a playful sense. Arthur seemed to understand that if the amused glances he kept shooting at him were any clue.
After a little while their food arrived and they quickly tucked in, sharing pleasant conversation as they ate. It turned out that Arthur had been paying more attention to Merlin then the brunet had realised and that he really wasn’t that a bad of a guy. He even sort of apologised for being so hard on Merlin at work sometimes. Okay maybe he hadn’t even mentioned the words sorry or apology but he had admitted that he had been a bit hard on him in the past. Merlin just chose to silently accept the apology and go with it; it was the best he was likely to get after all.
“So is there a reason you’re wearing those silly scarves or is it just your terrible attempt at accessorising?” Arthur asked with amusement as he leaned back in his chair, waiting for Merlin to finish his food. All the blond got in response was a bit of potato chucked at his head as the brunet finished his mouthful.
“My scarves are not terrible! I happen to think they look good with this outfit and anyway, your sister brought them for me so it’s hardly my choice in colour or anything before you start on that,” he retorted with a slight pout. Only a slight pout though, just because he was talking about clothes and pouting did not make him a girl or stereotypically gay for that matter. Arthur chuckled before he picked up his wineglass and took a sip, smiling at the darker haired male over the rim.
“If you say so,” was his only response.
It didn’t take long after that for Merlin to finish his food, it was delicious after all and when he’d looked at the prices things were actually a lot cheaper then he’d expected. He couldn’t help but wonder why Arthur had chosen this place to bring one of his many dates on. It seemed cosy and intimate, the staff were friendly and though the food was delicious it was actually really cheap. It didn’t seem like the sort of place that a high maintenance girl like that Lucy from earlier would like to eat at. She seemed like the type of girl that would want to go to a brand new, expensive restaurant, a place that would describe itself as chic and up-market. He watched out of the corner of his eye as their waitress from earlier brought their bill over, her hand behind her back at she smiled at him. As Arthur pulled out his wallet, the woman turned to Merlin and pulled out a thornless coral rose, she carefully lifted his hand and placed the rose in his pale fingers.
“You’re prettier then I imagined, you two look like the perfect match,” she told him.
Merlin stared at the woman for a moment, unblinkingly. What? Did she think he was someone else or something? Did she think he was a woman? God, that was a horrible thought, he didn’t look anything like a girl! He was about to explain that to the woman that she was obviously confused and give her back the rose but Arthur was standing up and handing her the plate with the bill and the cash on,
“Rosa, leave the poor guy alone. This isn’t a date, Lucy decided to abandon me earlier on so I invited Merlin here to accompany me instead,” the blond explained, looking at the woman with a fond look of exasperation. The woman pouted slightly but it soon fell as she wrapped an arm around Arthur’s shoulder and tousled his hair,
“You break an old woman’s heart you do, getting my hopes up and all. You’d do good to take a fine looking young man like Merlin here out some time,” she remarked as she grabbed Merlin’s wrist and pulled him to his feet, bringing him closer to the other male. Arthur laughed heartily,
“Old woman? Rosa you’re only eight years older then me,” he retorted and Rosa sighed again as if she had the weight of the world on her shoulders, “Yes but it makes me feel old and wise to see you acting so young and foolish,” she replied.
The conversation was certainly interesting but Merlin couldn’t help but feel that he was intruding on some sort of private moment. He didn’t know anyone here apart from Arthur. It was incredibly awkward and he didn’t like the fact that Arthur was refusing to meet his gaze. He heard the front door of the restaurant open and a familiar voice call,
“Rosa, I’m back.” Merlin turned his head to see Gwen’s long time boyfriend Lance Du Lac. Rosa had released Arthur and Merlin to run over to Lance to hug him,
“Bentornata fratellino,” she greeted in hurried Italian, Lance said something quietly in return but Merlin couldn’t hear what it was, the older man had seen him though as moments later he had joined them,
“Hey Merlin, hey Arthur, what are you two doing here? Together at that,” he asked with a small chuckle, as Rosa came back over and attempted to push past Lancelot only to be gently elbowed back by her little brother.
“I booked a table for a date only she decided at last minute to storm off last minute for the stupidest of reasons so I asked Merlin to come along instead,” Arthur explained once again. Merlin snorted at that. Honestly, Lucy had a perfectly good reason for storming off. Arthur couldn’t seriously think that he’d get away with having sex with a girl only for him to moan someone else's name and her not be pissed off beyond belief with him. He’d been lucky that Lucy hadn’t tried to castrate him; Merlin knew he certainly would have attempted it if he was in her shoes. Then again her nails had looked kind of fake, she probably didn’t want to ruin them on someone so completely infuriating. Arthur turned his head to glare at Merlin just as Rosa started to ask what Arthur had done, the blond shut her up with a glare before he spoke up himself,
“Well we better be getting back to work. Thanks for the meal Rosa and I'll try and see you both soon.” With those words he started out for the door, only stopping for a second to check if Merlin was following which of course, he was. How the hell would he find his way back to the office otherwise? As he started to walk he felt a hand touch his shoulder and he turned his head to see Rosa smiling softly at him,
“That rose is for you y'know. Arthur may not want you to know but he brought you a bouquet of them a few days ago but he couldn't bring himself to give them to you so he just left them here for me. He does actually care for you,” she explained before she shoved him lightly to get him moving. As Merlin started to follow Arthur again, taking long strides so he could catch up easily, he tried to make sense of what Rosa had said. Arthur had never shown any signs of caring for him before...apart from the last two times he had been off sick Arthur had called several times to see if he would be okay for work the next day...but that had been business related. Then there had been his birthday, Arthur had brought him a new mobile but he'd just said that it was in case he needed to contact him quickly. No, whenever Arthur did something nice for him it was always linked to something else, just like today's meal had only been because someone else had cancelled on him. Obviously Rosa was mistaken.
When he got home that night though, he fiddled with the rose as he sat watching a Supernatural repeat and he couldn't help but think that maybe he would actually quite like it if Arthur cared for him in that way.
______________________
From: Arthur Pendragon (apendragon@pendragoneditorialcorp.co.uk)
To: Merlin Emrys (memrys@pendragoneditorialcorp.co.uk)
Sent: 13:50 26/02/2010
Subject: Get To Work!
I understand that you might be bored Merlin and that you feel that your friends would love to know just how bored you are but could you I don't know, get off Facebook and do your job? I can see you on Pet Society from the door way you idiot.
If you've done it all the work I've given you then come drop the papers off in here, I might have something you can help me with.
_____________________
“I want your help with this manuscript.”
Arthur’s abrupt words left Merlin gaping at him, had he just said what he thought he had said.
“Wh…what? Did you just say you need my help?” he asked his eyes wide in disbelief. A stapled together set of papers were pushed across the desk before him as the blond crossed his arms on the wood in front of him
“It’s just two short stories for an anthology. Vivian handed in her resignation yesterday so there’s no point in giving it to her if she isn’t going to finish the project. All the other editors have several projects on the go as it is. You on the other hand seem to spend your work day doing nothing so you might as well do something useful. And anyway, you wanted a chance to be an editor didn’t you? See this as a trial,” Arthur explained, dropping his eyes to the papers before him as he waved Merlin off. The brunet just stood there and stared at him though, Arthur had listened to him and he was even giving him a chance.
His face broke out into a wide grin,
“I won’t let you down,” Merlin responded before he practically skipped out if his boss’s office and back to his own desk. Only there was something stopping him from sitting down and getting to work.
Morgana.
The brunette woman raised an eyebrow at him, uncrossing her skin colour tight clad legs so she could stand up. The woman was no taller then him, they were the same age and had been best friends for years yet as she crossed her arms over her chest and looked at him with her best ‘why didn’t you tell me’ glance, Merlin couldn’t help but feel intimidated by the fierce beauty.
“So why didn’t you tell me you and Arthur went out to lunch last week?” she asked sharply, slipping her heels off and climbing up onto the only clean spot on the desk to sit.
Merlin sat down in his chair before he raised an eyebrow up at Morgana,
“I thought you knew. You told him to take me anyway,” he responded. Her next words took Merlin by surprise though as she shook her head, looking slightly bemused.
“I didn’t tell Arthur to take you out to lunch Merlin. Why on earth do you think I’d put you through that.” Then it was Merlin’s time to look confused, Morgana hadn’t suggested that Arthur take him as part of some elaborate scheme of some sort? Then why had Arthur thought of taking him instead of some pretty girl, Merlin was pretty sure that if he’d needed too he’d have asked one of the other women around the office.
As he puzzled through his thoughts he could feel Morgana’s eyes on him, trying to read what he was thinking about from his posture, his expression and his gaze. That was something Morgana was good at, reading people. Especially her friends and Merlin supposed that was why she could be both one of the best friends to have and one of the worst. He would hate to get on her bad side because Merlin was well aware of the fact that she could destroy anyone she wished to with nothing but a few words and those sharp blue eyes of hers. It made Merlin shiver at the very idea of making an enemy out of Morgana. Speaking of the brunette she seemed to have made a decision concerning what was on his mind and reached out with a perfectly manicured hand to pat him on the head slightly,
“He tricked you into having lunch with him. You poor thing,” she guessed in what he assumed she thought was a comforting manner but it seemed a tad to mocking in his opinion.
“It wasn’t that bad. He was actually quite nice…well nicer then he usually is anyway. He took me to this Italian restaurant. Did you know that Lance’s family owned a restaurant? The food was good and Rosa, Lance’s sister, was really friendly,” he told her. Not even half way through his speech Morgana had been looking between him and the door, a smirk playing at her lips.
“Did he now, did he happen to tell you why he was taking you there, other then that I had told him to take you?” she questioned. What was Morgana getting at? It wasn't like it had been a date or anything...it might have felt like one but it wasn't. I mean, if Arthur had taken Lucy then it would have been a date but he'd never said to Merlin that it was a date and if it had been a date Arthur would have told him.
His face must have been revealing his train of thought as Morgana immediately burst out laughing,
“Oh dear Merlin. You didn't have to think it over so hard, either he told you what it was or he didn't. Simple,” she said and Merlin couldn't help but scowl slightly at her,
“It wasn't a date. I was just a replacement for the girl he was going to take there. Obviously he realised I'd say no unless I thought it was your idea,” he replied firmly. Morgana slipped off the desk then and slipped her tight clad feet back into her heels. She had agreed with him before she had told him that she would see him later.
For some reason Merlin didn't think that Morgana believed him.
______________________
From: Morgana Le Fay (mlefay@pendragoneditorialcorp.co.uk)
To: Gwen (gwenslittledressshop@hotmail.co.uk)
Sent: 14:13 26/02/2010
Subject: Merlin and Arthur Sitting in the Tree
Thank Lance for the tip off from me will you.
I can safely report that there's definitely something going on between them even if Merlin isn't aware of it. Arthur's being sly with how he gets him to go out with him and Lance said something about a rose didn't he?
I think we're just going to have to keep an eye on them and encourage them if necessary.
_____________________
If Merlin had known about that email he wouldn't have met up with Gwen, Lance and Morgana for their weekly meet up in the pub on the Friday. The two women were sat together in the corner of the booth, looking at him every now and then and whispering to each other. It was incredibly disconcerting but whenever he complained they just ignored him. Lance was sitting next to him, rolling his eyes at the sight of his girlfriend and her best female friend giggling over whatever they thought was so funny. Lance was no help, he may not have been joining in but he wasn't talking much either that night so poor Merlin was left to put up with the giggling without anyone else to distract him. He was really starting to wish he'd taken up Arthur up on his request of staying back to work late. He'd thought it was crazy at the time, now he was thinking being stuck alone in a quiet room with Arthur for a few extra hours on a Friday night might not have been so bad. He thought about this with a small scowl as he sipped at his drink, feeling the girl's eyes on him once again.
Whatever they had been yammering on about for the last half an hour or so, Gwen finally turned to Merlin and spoke up,
“I didn't think you liked flowers Merlin. What was with the rose?” The brunet male simply blinked at his friend before his face broke out into an amused grin,
“Oh! Is that you two have been discussing all night?” he asked, the two women nodded and turned to eye each other unsurely as he burst out laughing. Merlin calmed himself down as Gwen reached out to pat him on the shoulder as if she was unsure what the hell else she could say or do.
“Jesus you two, you could have just asked about it. Lance's sister gave it to me randomly,” he explained. Next to him Lance nodded,
“She probably did. Arthur brought in the flowers a few days before that when I was at the restaurant, he said that he'd changed his mind about giving them to someone. I didn't realise they were for Merlin,” he responded, he actually looked thoughtful. His words had an effect on the girls though as they both nodded themselves and sighed.
Morgana tapped her fingers on the table which was usually a sign that she was planning something, which probably wasn't going to be a good sign the way the conversation had been going.
“Whatever your planning Morgana, stop it right now. I'll make you keep it shut if I have to,” Merlin threatened and he honestly meant it. He loved Morgana, honestly he did. She was one of the best friends ever but if she said one word about trying to get him and Arthur together or to get Merlin to admit his 'feelings' then he really would find a spell to get her to shut her up. Having her stay silent after that would only be a bonus. Morgana raised an eyebrow at him and simply smirked,
“I don't know what your talking about Merlin,” she said.
________________
From: Arthur Pendragon (apendragon@pendragoneditorialcorp.co.uk)
To: Merlin Emrys (memrys@pendragoneditorialcorp.co.uk)
Sent: 19:30 2/03/2010
Subject: Cambridge Book Fair
I submitted the short stories you helped edit with the rest of the anthology yesterday and my Father gave them a read over. He was rather impressed that you edited them well, he seems to think that you're incompetent. I have no idea what gave him that idea.
My Father suggested that you come with me to the Cambridge Book Fair next week. Basically there will be a conference held one day and the next day authors, book sellers, publishers and editors sell their services and their companies to authors and collectors alike. It's very good for business to go and my Father thinks that since your my PA and that you could possibly be a good editor that you should come with me.
I'll be picking you up at 7:30AM on Monday morning, make sure you have enough things packed because we'll be staying in Cambridge the Monday night and driving back the Tuesday evening.
_____________________
Monday morning came quicker then Merlin had expected, it only felt like yesterday that he had read the email. So when his alarm went off early on Monday morning, admittedly it was only half an hour early then he was usually supposed to get up but it was still half an hour less of sleep, he grumbled to himself as he rolled over. He buried his face in his pillow for a few seconds before he started the long process of dragging himself out of bed and getting ready.
Unsurprisingly by the time he was ready, Arthur had been at the door and had been waiting for around ten minutes, when Merlin finally got around to opening the front door to his flat, Arthur was opening scowling and was tapping his foot in annoyance of having to wait.
“It would have been nice if you'd actually let me in to wait Merlin. It's freezing out there,” Arthur grumbled as he stepped inside, shutting the front door behind him as he looked around the small flat.
Merlin's flat wasn't very big, the front door opened into a fairly sized living room with bookshelves lining one wall, there was a TV in the corner, a coffee table in front of that and a sofa behind that. There was a door opposite the front door that led into a small kitchen which only really had enough room for one person in but then again, Merlin had only ever been in there by himself. There really wasn't that much space in there though. A little further along that wall was the door into Merlin's bedroom, it was shut but if anyone looked in there they would see that it was a total mess. Clothes and books scattered across the floor, the desk was covered in random notebooks and sheets of paper apart from the spot he usually kept his laptop. His bedside drawers were open, clothes falling out of them from where he'd been trying to hunt down clean clothes to take with him. He hadn't done the laundry just yet, a lot of the time he couldn't be bothered to pick up all the clothes off his floor to go wash them. It was lucky he'd managed to find some clean clothes as he'd packed that morning. He'd made a mental note to do the laundry the day he got back. The wall to the right of that wall had only one door and few framed pictures of family and friends on. The door led to the bathroom and one thing that Merlin had to say for that flat was that it contained a good sized bathroom with a bath in. That door was also shut though so Merlin couldn't understand that slightly unimpressed look that Arthur had on his face as he looked around the flat.
“You live here?” he asked, distaste evident in his voice and Merlin glared at his boss.
“Yes. Why? What's wrong with my place?” he asked waspishly, crossing his arms over his chest in a defensive manner. His flat may not be much but it was his place and he was rather happy with it. It may be small and messy but it was comfortable and it was home to him therefore he wasn't going to let anyone insult it. Even if it was his unfairly gorgeous boss who he was just about to go on a two day trip with. Maybe it wasn't the wisest time to pick a fight but then again he didn't always think when it came to arguing with Arthur.
“It's just so...small. Then again it's disorganised, like you so I guess it could have some hidden character,” the blond responded with a small smirk. Merlin's arms dropped in front of him as looked heavenwards and mumbled,
“For god's sake, let me get through this trip without maiming him.” Unfortunately Arthur heard him though and chuckled,
“I'd like to see you try. I'd have you on the floor or up against the wall in an instant,” he replied dryly. Merlin's ears flushed slightly pink at that, Arthur hadn't meant to hear him and his threat actually sounded kind of...wrong. Or that could just be his undersexed brain, he'd been too tired and annoyed to go out on many dates lately.
Arthur leaned against the wall and looked around the room again, taking in the sight of Merlin's one small suitcase packed and ready to go.
“I hope you have something formal in there. We've been instructed to take up any offers for meals with an prospective clients even if we have to rush through each meal,” Arthur commented. For once Merlin was able to nod in answer, he'd assumed they might go to dinner somewhere posh so he'd had the sense to pack something formal. The blond nodded in response and stood straight, tucking his hands in his pockets as he headed back over to the door again,
“Right then. I guess we're ready to go, you got everything?” he asked. Nodding, Merlin picked his suitcase up before he felt around in his jeans and jacket pockets for his phone. Wait, why couldn't he feel his phone? He could have sworn he put it there. He put his case down and checked out the table, the sofa, the floor, the kitchen and even had a quick look around his bedroom before he called out to Arthur,
“I can't find my phone. What if I need it.” He could hear Arthur's groan from his place on his bedroom floor,
“I'll call it but hurry up and find it. We need to get going.” With a quiet sigh Merlin stood up silently and waited for his phone to go off with the familiar ringtone he'd set for Arthur's number. Only a ringing started from the living room only it wasn't the ringtone he was used to.
I'm gonna tear your arse up like we just got married,
And you're all mine now,
Tonight is the night we've been waiting for all our lives
Or maybe for just tonight.
Merlin tore out of his room, face flushing red as he flung himself in front of the sofa and pulled the ringing phone out from under it and pressed end call. Oh my god, when had he changed it to that?! He knew he had been drinking with Morgana the night before but he still wouldn't choose a song with such obscene lyrics. Okay, he may like the song and he had to admit it if he was drunk he apparently had a habit of bursting out singing that song if anyone mentioned Arthur to him but that was only if he was completely gone. He wasn't a girl and he had no problems talking about sex but it was just really awkward to have lyrics like that set as a personal ringtone for someone that you might have a slight crush on.
God, he hadn't really gotten drunk that night as he'd known he had to get up early the next day and they'd been drinking at his so it wasn't like he'd been out the late. The only times he hadn't had his phone with him was when he'd been getting more drinks. That was when it hit him, it had to have been Morgana.
He knew she'd been planning something that night in the pub. Then again, her plans were usually a little better then that. He was just going to have to be more wary, and warn Arthur.
“Morgana must have been playing with my phone. She seemed like she was plotting something, I guess we're just going to have to be careful,” he explained as Arthur just watched him blankly.
“Why you chose that ringtone is none of my business. We have to get going though, if you're not in the car by the time the car starts then I'm not going to wait for you,” he eventually said before he left the flat. Merlin grabbed his case before he leapt to his feet and followed after Arthur, only stopping to quickly lock the door.
*****
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