Books were sprawled all over the small wooden table in the corner of the pub. A boy with lean black hair was sat on a chair leaning over at the books, a pair of square framed glasses perched on his nose. He sat scribbling notes in a pad as he skimmed the open books. The phone vibrating in his pocket disturbed him, he sighed pulling the phone to his ear.
"Hello" he said rubbing his temples with his fingers and placing his glasses onto the table.
The voice at the other end of the phone croaked "Merlin, where are you?"
"I'm at the pub" he responded automatically.
"What are you doing there so early" Freya asked. Freya had become clingy in the recent months of their relationship.
Merlin sighed "I just wanted to get some work done quickly"
Freya's voice squeaked "I'm just meeting Lance now, we should be there soon."
"Ok, love you" Merlin looked around, checking no one could hear him.
"Yeah, you too" Freya spoke quickly, hanging up the phone.
Merlin ran his hand through his hair and slowly packed his books away, trying carefully not to crease the pages as he pushed them into his leather messenger bag.
He stood up and moved towards the bar, the owner, Gaius was stood pouring pints. Merlin smiled at the old man, whose wrinkled face lit up at the sight of the dark haired boy.
"Merlin, my boy. I didn't know you were going to be here tonight" he said loudly, placing the fresh pint of the table in front of a large gentleman. He moved towards Merlin and smiled at him.
"The others will be here shortly" he started "it's been a long week." Gaius laughed at him.
"You can say that again." He replied
Merlin smiled "can I have two pints and a white wine?" He asked, tapping his hand on the desk.
"I'll have Sofia brings them over." He said gesturing to the young women further along the bar with beads in her long Carmel hair.
Merlin pulled a black leather wallet from his pocket, and picked out a £10 note to give to Gaius. He put it on the counter, nodded towards Gaius and walked back to his table.
Merlin retook his place by the table and leaned back closing his eyes and thinking of the first time he kissed Freya.
It was a cold night, about 3am and they were walking home from a party. Arthur had thrown the party as a graduation from school event when they were eighteen. He had the biggest house, which was perfect for the event. Merlin had spent the night trying to dry off after being pushed into the heated swimming pool. A beautiful girl with black hair walked in on him at one point. He was fixated on her the whole walk home and wouldn't shut up about her.
"Freya you didn't see her, she was beautiful and do you know what she said to me..." He articulated before Freya grabbed his hand and yanked him back into her lips. The kiss was warm and sweet, he practically melted into her lips.
She pulled away and whispered "Merlin, please shut up" Shen kissed him again.
He smiled at the memory and opened his eyes to see Freya and Lance walking towards him. Freya's shoulder length brown hair was curled circling her oval face, she wore a scruffy beige dress under a checked shirt and old coat. Lance wore similar colours, beige chinos and a blue top.
"Merlin" Freya said moving closer to him, she put her arms around him and kissed him on the cheek.
Lance sat on her other side "starting early today Merlin" he said jokingly and Freya let out a little laugh.
"It was easier than going home" he replied simply.
Sofia came over with a tray and laid the drinks on the table, she walked away her yellow dress swishing around her legs.
A loud group of people entered and all three of them looked to see the rest of the guys filtering through the doors.