Merlin cups the steaming coffee in his hands, trying to warm his gloveless hands against the Autumn chill. He draws his knees towards his chest so that his coffee cup is pressed to his chest. Merlin knows that he must look odd- a lone stranger sat on a bench with his knees drawn tightly to his chest, with only a layer of clothes and a scarf to keep him warm- but he doesn't mind. He's used to buying cheap coffee and watching the world go by on a graffiti tagged bench. He's used to being ordered out of the nice, warm coffee shop when he loiters.
Merlin sighs and pushes the coffee to his lips and takes a tentative sip. He shudders against the warmth that trickles down his throat and pools in his stomach. He clings to the feeling for a mere few seconds before the cold returns. His left leg has gone tingly and begins to ache, Merlin groans because he doesn't want to move, he's comfortable and slowing warming.
His leg jerks, his left knee rising upwards to strike the coffee cup.
Merlin cries out as the brown liquid is staining his chest and scarf. Ignoring the blistering pain, Merlin rips the scarf from his neck and hastily dabs at the coffee stain slowly spreading against his chest, he silently mourns the beverages early demise.
'Honestly Merlin, I can't leave you alone for five minutes'.
The words are soft and joking, meant to amuse. Merlin jumps from the bench with a scowl, turning his head to face an amused Arthur.
Arthur simply smiles. Merlin regards the man's warm clothing with a hint of loathing. Arthur is bundled up in a large black coat with a red hoodie poking through the bottom; a grey scarf is wound tightly around his neck. Merlin glances down at his ruined, soaking scarf and snorts, 'that coffee was lovely as well'.
'No, that was a disgusting, cheap cup of mud,' groans Arthur with a disgusted look at the empty coffee cup lying upon the bench.
'Well some of us can't afford a decent cup!' Merlin snaps, wrapping his bony arms around his middle and neglecting to meet Arthur's eyes, blushing.
Arthur rolls his eyes as he sheds his coat. He throws the clothing at Merlin with a small smile.
'Bin the scarf and wear my coat'
Merlin scrambles to clutch at the coat before it falls to his feet. He quickly slips his body into the fur lined coat and zips it up with a satisfied groan. He still clutches his scarf within white fingers when Arthur takes his hands.
'I'll buy you a new scarf if you accompany me to get a coffee' Arthur whispers as he pulls the scarf from Merlin and tosses it onto the bench. 'Might even buy you a coat if you smile'.
A smile tugs at Merlin's lips as he pushes his hands into the coats snug pockets. 'I have a coat'.
'Yes, Merlin. But you neglect to realise that it has holes in it. And its freezing' Arthur scolds, snaking his arm through the crook of Merlin's. 'Count it as a late birthday present'.
'You're insufferable' Merlin mutters resting his head against Arthurs shoulder. 'And I'll be having a latte'.
Arthur laughs, placing a gentle kiss to Merlin's scalp. Merlin smiles secretly and draws closer to Arthur.