An Ordinary Life (4/8)
The alarm sounded several hours later, and Arthur almost threw himself out of bed, letting out a squawk when the distance proved farther than he was used to. "What?"
Merlin stared blearily at him. "It's called an alarm clock; you're the one who wanted to get up for class."
"I'm not used to a bed a meter off the floor," Arthur muttered as he got to his feet, yawning as he looked back at Merlin, who was still curled up in bed. "And don't bother getting up on my account."
Merlin smirked at him. "I wasn't planning on it." He reached over to the nightstand and then tossed something to Arthur, who looked down at the set of keys, then back at Merlin.
"What are these?"
"Keys obviously. That way you can let yourself back in after your class and wake me up... if you're still planning to come back to share the rest of those pastries."
Arthur simply stared at him before finally finding his voice. "Awfully trusting, aren't you?"
Merlin laughed wryly, sitting up against the pillows. "Far from it, actually. But if you were planning to murder me in my sleep and steal everything I own, you've already had plenty of opportunity."
"Sorry, nothing here that I want, except for what's in that bed," Arthur chuckled, tossing the keys from hand to hand as he turned and headed for the shower.
"You're the one who got out of it," Merlin yelled after him.
"Some of us need to get an education!" Arthur yelled back over the sound of running water, emerging a short time later, his short hair dripping water down onto his bare shoulders.
"I'm happy to help you with biology and chemistry," Merlin purred before grinning. "And I'm pretty good at history too."
"Tempting," Arthur mused, pulling the towel from around his waist to dry his hair. "But even so, it's going to have to wait."
"Well hell, I must be slipping," Merlin said mock mournfully, already sinking back down in the bed, although his eyes were fixed on Arthur.
"I can tell that you're crushed; try not to call my replacement so quickly that I'll bump into them on the way out," Arthur chuckled as he began to get dressed.
"Got any recommendations?" Merlin retorted, rolling his eyes.
"Please, as if I'm replaceable."
"We're going to have to work on your self-esteem issues," Merlin snorted.
Arthur only grinned as he pulled his t-shirt over his head and walked over to the side of the bed to kiss Merlin on the forehead. "Go back to sleep, Rhys; I'm sure you have a busy day ahead."
"I may buy another bike," Merlin murmured.
"Horrors," Arthur laughed. "Have fun; I'll give you a ring once I'm done with classes."
"Or just come over if you want. I should be back, or if not, I won't be long."
"I can imagine." Arthur tipped Merlin's chin up so he could kiss him again. "How long does it take to throw piles of cash at a dealer, not long I wager."
"Everyone needs a hobby." Merlin reached up and caught a fistful of Arthur's hair to hold him in place for a deeper kiss, one that had Arthur ruddy faced and breathing deeply as he finally, reluctantly, pulled back.
"You are a bad influence, Rhys Lloyd, and my mother would say I don't need any more of those, so I'm off before I change my mind and crawl back into bed with you." He took a step back out of Merlin's reach, grinned, blew him a kiss as he grabbed his duffle, and left.
Merlin gazed at the vacant space where Arthur had been for several seconds, a fond smile on his lips. It might not be long before Arthur remembered him, he mused, since more and more, Arthur's comments were reminiscent of that first lifetime together. His subconscious clearly knew who he was and who Merlin was, and that would push into his conscious mind as time passed if previous incarnations were anything to judge by. Merlin just hoped that Arthur's appearance being identical to the first time didn't indicate that this would be the lifetime that involved a crisis requiring the "once and future king".
"This time," he murmured, "I'm not going to lose you young, Arthur Pendragon. You owe me a lifetime together."
And a good start to it would be a second bike so that they could travel together, so Merlin pushed himself to his feet and went off to start his day, hoping to be back home by the time Arthur returned so as not to waste any time together.
***
"Question," Arthur said when Merlin answered his mobile, "I have work I have to get done this evening; do you still want me to come over?"
"Sure, I'll be good and not bother you while you're working, and then I can be your reward."
"Oh yes, that will help my concentration," Arthur sighed though the sound was tinged with laughter. "So, what time did you get out of bed anyway?"
"Not too late, around nine. And I got another bike, so we can go out of the city if you like one weekend."
There was silence from Arthur's end of the conversation for a moment. "You bought another motorcycle so that we could take them out to the country?" he asked slowly. "I thought you just wanted another one."
"Arthur, I really am revoltingly rich. I wanted us to have the option, so I bought the bike. Don't make it more than it is."
There was another short silence before Arthur answered. "Right then, I'll see you later."
"Don't make less of it either."
"You drive me mad, did you know that?" Arthur murmured.
"Sorry," Merlin murmured. "I just meant that money's not a big deal for me, but I still don't make a habit of buying things for just anyone."
"Just pastries," Arthur chuckled.
"Yeah, those I do buy frequently," Merlin agreed with a laugh. "So come here before I eat them all myself."
"Can you restrain yourself for an hour?"
"I suppose I could manage that."
"If not, call me, and I'll try to pick up some more."
"All right, but I think I can hold out for an hour. Are you hungry? I could make dinner."
"I could eat," Arthur allowed.
"Brilliant. I'll indulge myself in the kitchen. Just let yourself in when you get here."
"I'll do that; see you soon, Rhys."
***
"So, do you need to study this weekend, or are you free to go away?" Merlin asked Friday morning as he watched Arthur get ready to leave.
Arthur was quiet for a moment before answering. "Actually, I was going to visit my mother; it's her birthday--unless you'd like to come along..."
Merlin blinked in surprise. "You want me to go with you?"
"Do you want to go with me?" Arthur asked in return.
"I... Yes, I'd like that very much."
"So says the man who hasn't met my mother," Arthur chuckled.
"You would be surprised by some of the people I've met," Merlin retorted.
"I've seen pictures," Arthur said dryly.
"I really hate the internet," Merlin sighed. "And?"
"And what?" Arthur chuckled. "Though I might ask how your evenings with the princess were..."
"And what did you think? And what do you want to know? And she was fun to go out with, though we make better friends than lovers."
"I'm just amused by the thought of you having a romp with royalty is all," Arthur grinned.
Merlin snorted. "You have no idea," he said wryly.
"What? Are you going to tell me that you've slept with the princes as well?"
"Very funny. That would not play well in the press. They're a little staid when it comes to the royals. Not that I would have minded--the current generation is hot."
"I'm beginning to think that you have a thing for royalty," Arthur mused.
"Well, I'm with you now," Merlin pointed out.
"Perhaps my mother slept with Prince Charles--no, I don't have the ears for it," Arthur mused before shuddering at the thought.
"There's nothing wrong with his ears!"
Arthur stared at him for a moment before bursting into laughter.
Merlin folded his arms and glared at Arthur the entire time he was laughing.
"Your face," Arthur finally sputtered, leaning back against the wall to keep himself upright.
Still glaring, Merlin demanded, "Do you have some kind of ear phobia?"
"I think yours are cute," Arthur offered though he was still snickering.
"I really, really hate you."
"No, you don't."
"Well, I should."
"No, you shouldn't, and you know it."
"Prove it," Merlin challenged.
"I would, but then I'd be late to class."
"I really hate your classes sometimes," Merlin grumbled.
"Some of us weren't born rich, so you'll just have to deal with them - and don't forget to pack if you were serious about going with me to see my mum," Arthur offered as he backed toward the door.
"I'll be ready by the time you get back here for dinner... You are coming back here tonight, yeah?"
"Actually, tonight dinner will be at my mum's, unless that's a problem."
"Oh, all right, I didn't realize you wanted to go that soon. That's fine." Merlin looked around. "Do I need anything dressy?"
"Just an apron," Arthur chuckled.
"Now that sounds far too kinky for around your mum!" Merlin laughed.
"For the kitchen, you idiot! And just a collared shirt and khakis are fine for supper on Saturday."
"Yes, sir, I'll do my best not to embarrass you."
"I just wanted to make sure that you didn't bring formalwear or leather; Mum might faint," Arthur laughed as he reached for the doorknob. "Go back to bed, Rhys; I know you want to."
"I'm up," Merlin protested, biting back a yawn.
"Go back to bed," Arthur repeated, smiling fondly. "And dream of me."
"Always do," Merlin murmured, more than half asleep.
"I'll phone you when I'm on my way back," Arthur promised as he ducked out of the door.
"Okay, I'll be ready," Merlin promised, prying his eyes open in time to see Arthur leave.
***
"So are you sure you packed enough?" Arthur snickered as he eyed Merlin's bag.
"Some of us need more than a single pair of jeans and two red t-shirts," Merlin retorted. "Be nice, or I won't let you drive."
"I have more clothes than that," Arthur huffed, sounding put out.
"Really? Aside from the first night in the club, I haven't seen any sign of it."
"That's because you rarely let me wear anything once we get here."
"Good point." Merlin looked him up and down. "Good as you look with clothes on, you look even better naked."
Arthur snorted at that as he reached for Merlin's bag. "I'm not walking around naked in front of my mum!"
"No, that would be bad!" Merlin shuddered. "I'll just have to strip you down once we get back on Sunday."
"Not if I strip you down first," Arthur warned.
"This is going to be a very long weekend," Merlin moaned, and Arthur patted him on the shoulder.
"Mum will keep you too busy to worry about it."
"Is that supposed to be comforting?"
"She's looking forward to meeting you," Arthur offered as they left Merlin's flat, taking the elevator down to the parking garage.
"I'm looking forward to meeting her too," Merlin admitted. "And getting all the stories about your childhood."
"Watch it or I'll tell her your real name," Arthur threatened playfully.
"You wouldn't!"
"Try me."
"I already have," Merlin pointed out, smirking as they walked toward the car.
"Idiot," Arthur laughed, waiting for Merlin to unlock the boot so they could both put their bags inside it.
Once done, Merlin dangled the keys from a finger. "Want to drive?"
Arthur looked down at the cherry red Porsche, then back up at Merlin, the keys vanishing the second their eyes met. "Damn right I do!" he laughed, pressing the button on the fob and unlocking the doors, revving the engine once they were both belted in and steering the car out of the garage and into the late afternoon London traffic.
"It's several hours; she lives in Wales now."
"I'll just sit here and admire the view," Merlin replied easily.
"Ahh, and we get to the real reason you asked me if I wanted to drive."
"Even if I can't touch, I can look."
"Why do I have the feeling that you aren't talking about the landscape?"
"Because you're smart as well as decorative."
"Oh, that's so amusing," Arthur snorted, shaking his head as he negotiated the traffic until they got to the motorway, opening up the engine more when he had room to do so.
"Would you prefer that I thought you brainless and ugly?"
"If you thought that, you'd be brain-damaged."
"We really need to work on your self-esteem issues," Merlin laughed.
"I happen to think it's fine the way it is." Arthur suddenly squirmed and hitched himself onto his right hip. "Would you grab my phone?"
"Are you sure that's all I can grab?" Merlin muttered as he worked his hand into Arthur's pocket and retrieved the phone. "And you can't take a call, you're driving." At Arthur's look, he rolled his eyes and answered the phone, saying, "Arthur's phone."
"Is this Rhys?" a feminine voice asked at the same time Arthur asked, "Who is it?"
"Yes, it is. And you must be Arthur's mother. We're making fairly good time, so we should be there on time, ma'am."
"Yes, I'm Ann, and I'm looking forward to meeting you; Arthur has told me so much about you."
"Then you're well ahead of me," Merlin chuckled. "All he's told me is that you're his mum, and you're brilliant." And that you're obsessed with all things Arthurian, but let's not go there.
"Arthur said that?" Amusement was plain in Ann's voice.
"Well, yes, but I probably wasn't supposed to repeat it," Merlin said, grinning at Arthur, who glared at him out of the corner of his eye even as he held his hand out for his phone.
"Knowing Arthur, I would say not, and tell him to be nice to you, I like you already."
"Oh, I do," Merlin laughingly assured her. "But he wants to speak to you know, so I'll say bye for now. I look forward to meeting you in person." He held the phone to Arthur's ear, refusing to let him hold it while he was driving.
"I never said that," Arthur assured her though he was laughing as he spoke.
"I think I believe your friend over you, Arthur Michael Pembroke. And why didn't you ring me when you were leaving, as you were supposed to?"
Arthur flushed and winced. "Because my hands were full with Rhys' bags?" he offered.
There was a patently unimpressed silence before Ann spoke again. "We'll discuss it when you get here. Drive carefully."
"Yes, Mum. We should be there in an hour. Love you."
"She sounds nice," Merlin observed after ending the call. He reached down to slide the phone back into Arthur's pocket. "And perfectly sane."
"That's because she wasn't talking about her favorite subject," Arthur chuckled.
"I did avoid that," Merlin admitted with a chuckle.
"Just hope she doesn't try a tunic on you; she makes period clothes."
Merlin smiled strangely, his gaze momentarily distant. "It wouldn't be first time I've worn one."
"Really? Do tell!"
"Costumes," Merlin replied easily.
"Ahh," Arthur chuckled. "At least you didn't have to wear wizard's robes."
"Friends tried to talk me into them a few times, but I always refused," Merlin said. "I don't understand the obsession with the damned things; they're hot and uncomfortable and look silly."
"You sound as if you speak from experience."
"Only on how they look. As I said, I always refused to be cajoled into one."
"Just be careful what you say to my mother then; she might make you some."
"Not even for you!" Merlin exclaimed, trying not to remember the first time he'd said that to Arthur.
"But I'd offer to play with your wand," Arthur snickered, counting on the fact that he was driving to keep Rhys from hitting him.
"Oh, I don't believe you said that," Merlin groaned, thumping his head back against the seat.
"At least I didn't say you needed a lightning bolt scar..."
"I am thumping you the minute this car stops!"
"Ooo, I'm terrified," Arthur laughed. "How can I make it up to you?"
"I'll let you on Sunday night," Merlin replied sweetly.
"I think I could be talked into that..."
"I had a feeling that might be the case."
"Shocking, isn't it?"
"And now we have to be good for two days," Merlin said mournfully. "I just hope I don't forget and touch you in front of your mother."
Arthur frowned and glanced over at Merlin at that comment. "Why? I mean we certainly can't act as if we were at your place, but I doubt my mum would faint dead over if I touched you."
"So I'm allowed to steal the occasional kiss?" Merlin asked hopefully. He was dismayed to realize how quickly he'd grown accustomed to being able to touch Arthur again, and he knew that no matter how hard he tried, it was likely that he would reach out for Arthur at some point during their weekend.
"I don't think that Mum thinks that you're one of my rugby mates," Arthur pointed out wryly.
Merlin looked down at himself and burst into laughter. "If she had, I'm fairly certain she'd change her mind after her first sight of me."
"Probably," Arthur laughed, and the two settled into companionable silence as they drove, crossing into Wales and finally ending up in front of a small cottage that was almost hidden behind green ivy that climbed its walls and late spring flowers blooming in neat beds in the tidy yard.