AN: This is my first/new Merlin story that I am writing in collaboration with Deanlovescas. This will be on our AO3 accounts as well that have the same names as our fanfiction accounts. Enjoy~
Merlin leaned against the tree, a smile playing on his lips. He read the words aloud from the childish, comedy of a novel. His voice carried out on a laugh. It was echoed by a deeper from the other side of the tree. His fingers brushed over the tips of the owner of the laugh, tenderly. Their arms rested slightly wrapped around the tree so no one could see the endearing exchange. Despite the secluded place in the park they had chosen they dare not get closer than that. Had they been in their secret spot in the woods they would be sitting side by side.
"Oh geez, you find the most ridiculous books Merlin," Arthur said after catching his breath.
"It's something my grandfather, Gaius, gave me a couple of years back. I found it the other afternoon and thought you'd get a kick out of it," Merlin closed the book and set it on his lap.
"Gaius got you that? Oh god, that man is more senile than I thought." They both began to laugh again.
The two leaned back into the tree, wishing to close the barrier between them. Their fingers twitched and brushed lightly. They both let out soft sighs as they looked up into the orange, autumn leaves above them. How they longed for summer to return. Endless days in the woods; nights camped out under the stars. Most of all: being able to hold each other without having to worry about anyone seeing them.
A breeze rushed past, rustling the leaves and causing a symphony of chimes to be carried around them. Orange and yellow leaves floated down upon them. Merlin reached out and caught one. He turned it over in his hand, admiring the deep orange and red hues. Startled by the toll of the bell on the clock at the center of the park, Merlin dropped the leaf.
"Shit! It's already five. My dad is going to be suspicious," Arthur stood and brushed himself off.
Merlin stood as well, "Perhaps Gwaine will cover for us again. I am sure he would not mind saying you were with him."
Arthur gave a light chuckled, "Yeah, seeing as I cover for him with Percival."
"It's only a fair trade. See you at school Arthur," Merlin said, the leaves crunching under his foot as he walked.
A warm hand fit into his and pulled him behind the large trunk. As he was turned, warm lips pressed against his own. Merlin smiled into the kiss and closed his eyes. Arthur ran his free hand through Merlin's hair as Merlin laced their fingers together. Pulling away, Arthur gave Merlin one of his signature smirks. Merlin rolled his eyes.
"Remember, tomorrow is Friday night," Arthur said as he began to walk away.
"I know Arthur. I'll be in our secret place," Merlin chuckled, walking the other way.
"Good, you better not miss it, no matter what chores Gaius makes you do," Arthur threw his hand up in a wave and Merlin waved back.
Merlin tucked the book into his arms and held it to his chest. As he neared the edge of the trees, out to the park, he pulled a hand up to his lips. He touched the soft flesh with a smile. The warmth and sparks from Arthur's stayed on them. He felt ecstasy flood his mind at the thought of Arthur.
Merlin stepped out on a stone path and his ears flooded with the sound of people. Shouts of children on the playground were masked by the flow of water from the fountain that sat in the shadow of the clock. A stone dragon stood proud with its wings folded, the water came out of its mouth and spilled into the pool. The porcelain bottom displayed a scene of the town from over 100 years back. Merlin sat on the edge of the fountain and stared out across the park.
Children ran amuck on the playground. A few ran past the fountain seemingly in a game of "tag". Merlin smiled as he watched the youths pass by. A boy around the age of nine caught up to a younger girl. With as much force as his little frame could muster he pushed the girl down. Anger bubbled up in Merlin. Before he knew it the stream of water from the dragon's mouth was directed on the boy. Merlin jumped up in surprise. He rushed from the scene, guilt hanging over him as the water went back to normal.
Merlin didn't stop until he arrived at his small, cottage-like, house at the edge of town. He greeted his mother with a smile as she waved a towel at him. She worked diligently in their garden as usual. Upon entering the house Merlin made a beeline for the kitchen. Digging through the fridge he decided on an apple to satiate his hunger until the evening's meal.
"And where have you been?" Gaius' questioning voice startled Merlin as he closed the fridge door.
"The park like usual," Merlin answered calmly.
"I see. I trust you didn't cause any trouble this time?" The old man gave him a knowing look.
"Now why would I do that?" Merlin gave a large grin, failing to lie once again.
"Merlin, I thought we were working on controlling your magic," Gaius chastised.
Merlin gave a groan and flopped onto a chair at the table, "I'm trying Gaius, I really am. When I become angry or have any strong emotion it just happens on its own. I don't want it to happen Gaius, but it does. Why do I even have to have these powers? Life would be so much easier without them," Merlin sighed and bit into his apple.
Gaius set a consoling hand on his shoulder, "Merlin, you come from a long line of the last warlocks in Avalon. You were born into greatness and will live up to your heritage one day."
"I know," Merlin sighed with a small smile.
"Are you done sulking about being different and ready to help me make supper?" Merlin's mother asked as she entered the room.
"I'd love to mother," Merlin said with a smile.