CHAPTER 2 : WITH THE LOOKS OF A GRECIAN GOD

"Coffee sounds good but is there anything else you would like to do afterwards. It's your choice, Merlin!"

"Can I come to your place for lunch?"

Arthur laughed, "You can, but we'll need to get some food in. How about I meet you and we have a coffee and a light lunch, then do some food shopping, as boring as that is and then, finally go to my place and cook up a storm?"

"I'd like that but I'm not much of a cook. Are you any good at it?"

"Well, I can make eggs and bacon and even crepes. Don't worry, if it looks as though we're going to make a real mess of things, I'll send out for something."

"The story of my culinary adventures is that invariably everything is edible but not really presentable, certainly not suitable to be on display for guests." Merlin added laughing, "I once cooked a turkey and when my mother saw it, she was shocked at how I had managed to choose such an emaciated bird. Gaius came in and had a good laugh as there was nothing wrong with the bird just that I had it placed it in the oven as it might have run around on the farm with the wings on top and the legs down below.

"How was I supposed to know that the majority of people cook them lying on their backs with their legs in the air?" Then he laughed as he realised what he'd said, "That is the turkey, not the people cooking it. Anyway both of my guests agreed that the breast meat was exceptionally moist and tender. Gaius attributed it to the position the poor bird had been in the oven."

Arthur said, "I'm not a person to be fazed by how the food appears, to me the taste is more important."

"Great, then one day, when you come to Cambridge, I will cook you a Wings Up Chicken, my specialty."

"And I'll critique it as the culinary expert I am!" Arthur said laughing. "So, where do you want to meet?"

"You know the little cafe next to The Globe, that would have been my first choice but on a Bank Holiday weekend, it will be too crowded." Then Merlin suggested, "However, I know a nice little place where we can get great coffee and even a sandwich. I think it's a Greek place by its name..." He knew he had Arthur guessing.

"Sounds good to me. Where is It?"

"Close to St Paul's Underground, you can't miss it as it is the only Greek sounding restaurant there. Then we can walk over to a nearby grocers and pick up food."

"All right! When?"

"Half an hour?"

"See you, Merlin!"

"See you, Arthur!" Merlin grinned to himself thinking, 'Let's see how long it takes him to figure that out.'

He went off to clean himself up, he stood in the bathroom looking in the mirror, the face looking back at him seemed relaxed even happy.

What was it about Arthur that had him feeling so positive? He knew deep down that he really wanted to see him again and it wasn't because he had nothing better to do, he was making a choice to be with him.

In his mind, there was always that lingering fear that he was being taking advantage of but with Arthur he didn't feel that way. He felt that the shoe was on the other foot. He was as much as involved in what they were going to do, even more maybe as Arthur seemed to rely on his suggestions. He thought to himself, 'It had been my decision to go to Greenwich and the Tower and even the Globe.' It was such a change from being told, where he was to go, what he was to say and even what he was expected to wear. He shook his head; why did memories of his years with Neil keep trying to infiltrate his mind when he was happy? Bad enough he should have experienced them without them staying in the back of his mind.

Adam would have said that in time they would fade but he had never promised that they would go completely. It made him very sympathetic to people who had experienced tragedy in their lives and who had never been able to regain their former independence either mentally or physically. He could understand the saying: 'bad things happen to good people'. He might have been a little immature and innocent but he hadn't deserved to have been treated the way he was by someone who was in a position of authority.

He shook his head and came back to the present. He must think positively if he wanted to spend a day without Neil shadowing his every thought. With all the experience he had had in the past, he no longer believed in absolute trust but with Arthur he at least felt safe. He could talk to him and he just knew somehow that he wouldn't force him into any situation that made him feel uneasy.

He said aloud to the person in the mirror, "Today, I'm going out to have a lovely time. I trust Arthur and I enjoy being with him!" He nodded at his reflection and went to get his jacket.

-0-0-

By the time the tube was almost at St. Paul's station, he had a grin on his face practically from ear to ear. An older lady sitting opposite him had grinned back and said, "You seem to be happy! Going to spend a day with your girlfriend?"

Merlin shook his head and said, "No, just a friend…"

"Well, whoever it is they obviously make you happy. Enjoy yourself!"

He smiled at her as he got off the train thinking, 'There are still some very nice people in the world.' As he made his way upstairs, he remembered reading once that the effort it takes to smile is nothing compared to the good that the person receiving the smile experiences. That was something he liked about Arthur the openness of his smile; he laughed to himself he had turned into a love-struck teenager.

That thought left him feeling uneasy, he really knew little about Arthur himself. He knew of his family, his business, some of his friends but what about Arthur the man, who was he, how did he feel about the myriad of problems in the world? He shook his head as he stepped out onto the street. This was his nerves exerting themselves, he was his own worst enemy. He was here to meet Arthur for lunch and he was determined to have a nice time.

Out of the corner of his eye, he spied the Costa's outlet where he was to meet Arthur. He laughed to himself. How long would it be before Arthur twigged that this was the Greek sounding restaurant? He made his way to the door and looked around, Arthur had not yet arrived so he went in ordered a chai latte and walked outside to the little patio, reserving a table while there was still one available.

His mind went back to the day Nick had told him a new Kostas had opened in Cambridge and how he had gone up and down the block before realising that in only hearing the name he had felt sure that it was Greek. Nick had teased him for weeks afterwards, saying, "Obvious to see that you are not an English Major!"

Then he saw him, looking like an Adonis, walking down the street without a care in his mind. The sun had caught his hair and he seemed to be crowed in gold. His red sweater and tan jacket made him stand out. He saw two women giving him the once over but he was oblivious and Merlin wanted to stand up and say, "Over here, Arthur!" so that they would realise that he was with him. However, he didn't he just enjoyed that fact that he wasn't the only person who appreciated his looks.

Merlin watched Arthur scanning either side of the street for a Greek sounding restaurant sign. He seemed perplexed as he came down the pavement toward Costa's and Merlin had to stifle a laugh as he walked right by. He'd kept his head down and lifted his latte so that as Arthur walked by he wouldn't be noticed.

He looked at his watch thirty-five minutes past the hour, he'd give Arthur five minutes and then he would go and find him before he gave up and went home.

Arthur came wandering back still obviously searching. He stopped and looked at the Costa sign and it was as if a lightbulb had gone on in his brain. He grinned a look of relief on his face as checking out the customers, he saw Merlin.

As Arthur approached him, Merlin said, "Surprise!"

Laughing back, Arthur said, "If I wasn't a nice person, I'd throttle you. I even stopped a couple to see if they knew of a Greek restaurant and they said I must be in the wrong area as there were as far as they knew, no such restaurants in this area." He plonked down in the seat opposite Merlin, "How long have you been here?"

"Long enough to get a tea and a table. I saw you when you walked by and was going to call out to you but the joke only works if the person finally realises the Greek connection to the name."

"Well, I'm glad not only to see you but that you managed to get us seats. The area is crazy with all the holiday makers and tourists."

"What do you want to drink? I'll get you something."

"Just a coffee, please!"

"Care to share one of their lemon tarts?"

"Sure, go ahead, I'll have to keep up my energy to stay a step ahead of you mentally."

As Merlin, walked by him, he let his hand rest on his shoulder and Arthur's opposite hand grabbed it and he said, "Hurry back!"

"Does that refer to me or the coffee I'll be bringing?"

"Both!" said Arthur with a grin.

They sat happily people-watching until both had finished their drinks. Arthur felt satisfied just sitting there within reach of Merlin, knowing that he needn't say a word...as just being beside him was sufficient.

-0-0-

Merlin felt safe, no one here knew anything about him or his chequered background. No one was whispering behind his back. No one was judging his behaviour. He glanced at Arthur and could see a worrying look in his eyes, "It's all right," he explained, "Just a little blimp from the past."

Arthur's smile returned and he said, "Don't dwell on it, you should never have to apologise for the past, it's the present and the future that are important. Come on, we have to get groceries, any idea of what you'd like to eat?"

"Definitely Greek!" said Merlin with a laugh as they left the table and Arthur groaned...

"There's a Sainsbury's on the next road and then we can take a taxi, if we're laden down with groceries."

"Or a donkey!" Merlin said as he took hold of his hand.

Arthur hadn't realised that Merlin has such a sense of humour and for an instance he wondered if Neil had tried to stifle it. He wouldn't, as he enjoyed people with nimble minds.

-0-0-

Arthur afterwards felt that there should have been a price for admission to shop with Merlin in a fine food department. It started when they decided upon the menu, Arthur had agreed to allow Merlin to choose and Arthur's heart had dropped. His cooking skills didn't allow him to even contemplate something Greek. However, Merlin took it all in stride and led him to the Meals-To-Go department.

"We can get the main course here. How about a nice serving of baked fish and another of Moussaka?" Arthur nodded. "Then, we can buy some pita bread and olives and some prepared stuffed palm leaves, little spinach pies…maybe some anchovies and feta."

"How do you know so much about Greek food? Have you been to Greece?"

Merlin was amused and said, "Not that exciting, I'm afraid, the closest medium priced restaurant to the university was Greek. We used it for get-togethers or celebrations. That reminds me, do you have any ouzo?"

"Doubt it, probably whiskey, vodka and possibly rum and some gin. Sorry, I don't drink much, it's mostly for visitors."

"Not to worry…now you find the makings of a nice salad and some olives and pita bread while I look for other delicacies"

Arthur set off and finally met Merlin once he had all that he was supposed to. Merlin had a few things in his basket which he transferred to Arthur's.

Arthur smiled as he saw tiramisu and baklava, 'Good...dessert!' he said. Then he eyed a jar in Merlin's hand, "What in heaven's name is that?"

"A special treat, you'll like it."

Arthur reached over and took it. He grimaced as he saw miniature tentacles. "What is it? God, it's disgusting. No way would I eat that, it's as if you are eating a baby."

"Well, you eat lamb, don't you?"

"Yes, however, I don't eat foetal sheep."

"They're not foetus, they are babies. Shall I put it back then?" said Merlin looking downcast.

Arthur had to smile, if Merlin wanted baby octopi who was he to deprive him. He put his hand on his arm and said, "Merlin, you can eat whatever you want. If you want them you can get them."

Merlin looked at the jar again and had second thoughts, he said, "I'll put it back. I'll get some calamari instead." Arthur nodded, fried adult octopi was fine but not the little ones.

"Have we got everything we need?" he asked Merlin.

"I think so, it will be like a gastronomic feast that in years to come, we will fondly remember." He smiled as he said it.

Arthur was mesmerised, once again that wonderful feeling overtook him. He slipped his arm around Merlin's waist and he felt him lean back comfortably and just grinned back.

Arthur loaded the cart with the cucumbers, artichokes and various ready made dips. He insisted on paying the bill for all they had bought, and then laden down with supplies, he hailed a cab.

Sitting surrounded by their groceries, Merlin leant against Arthur and said, "Arthur, can we do that again?"

Arthur laughed and said, "We haven't even eaten yet, maybe it won't work."

"It will, I promise, trust me, it will be a meal to remember!" He snuggled into Arthur and when they drew up to his condo, Arthur regretted that he didn't live in Greenwich. The mood would be broken once the cab stopped.

Finally, Merlin had all the ingredients laid out. He assembled everything after putting the fish and moussaka in the oven. Arthur set the table.

Waiting for the meal to heat, Arthur and Merlin stood on the balcony overlooking the Thames and people watched. The crowds were still milling around on Tower Hill and walking across Tower Bridge.

"Does it ever get quiet here?"

"Yes!" Arthur laughed, "Mid-winter, when it's raining...between three and three fifteen in the morning! Maybe, one morning..."

The pinging of the stove stopped their conversation.

Merlin walked back into the kitchen and turning to Arthur said said,"...to be continued?"

Arthur put his arms around him and pulled into his chest. "Promise?"

"Yes!" Merlin said simply.

...and Arthur knew that he meant it.

The meal was a success, even the calamari which Merlin had fried in batter so that they were light and moist, so often Arthur had had them and the flesh had the texture of rubbed bands.

Merlin had entertained him throughout the meal and it did Arthur good to see him so positive. He knew that there would be flashbacks and serious times as Adam had warned him but at the moment everything was going well and more importantly Merlin seemed relaxed and happy. He wished he had met him before his first encounter with Neil but it had not happened. He wondered how many times Merlin had been at Throgmorton with Gaius when he was also there, either entertaining friends or just being at home.

He stood and walked over to the couch and Merlin followed him and sat in the chair opposite him.

Arthur knew that regardless of how much you wish you could, you cannot change the past only influence the future. He was totally engrossed with this man and he intended to proceed carefully so that their friendship would grow and Merlin would realise that he was a good type and a very sensible person without whom he couldn't live. Well, that was if he still wanted to have anything to do with him once he had told him of his previous life style. How would he ever start that conversation?

He shook his head and smiled sadly and a voice said, "Are they private thoughts or can I be included?"

Arthur suddenly came back to the present and realised that he had been not only miles away but not the best host. How long had Merlin been looking at him, maybe even wondering if he was having seconds thoughts about having invited him to his condo? He blushed as he thought where his mind had been and said, "I was thinking…"

"Pleasant thoughts obviously!" Merlin said with a knowing smile, and Arthur realised he'd noticed the blush.

"Sorry, I was miles away. Nothing important…well nothing so world shattering that I should have zoned out, I apologise, Merlin, it was rude of me."

"Don't apologise, as I have a habit of doing the same, although my thoughts are usually very intense and sometimes rather frightening."

Arthur looked at him and realised the effort it cost to make that statement. He patted the couch beside him and reached for Merlin's hand so that he would sit next to him, once he settled Arthur said, "I know it is silly saying that I know how you feel as I have never experienced anything like you have but I want you to know that I feel for you. It hurts me to see you upset and I know that there is nothing I can do to help but listen and maybe to tell you that…" he had backed himself into a corner and didn't know how to get out and then he decided, to hell with it, he would tell the truth, "…to say that, Merlin, I really like you and I hope that we can continue being friends…!"

Merlin looked at Arthur and felt that he could feel the intensity of Arthur's feelings and he moved closer so that he was leaning against him and said, "Arthur, those few words mean more to me than you realise. I'm a wreck inside but with you, I seem to see the future not the past…" he grinned slightly and said, "I even think that Adam knows that you are good for me 'cause as silly as it sounds, I don't think he would have given me his blessing to go off by myself if he didn't trust the person he knew I was meeting up with."

Arthur shifted and put his arm across Merlin's shoulders and he slipped into the protection of Arthur's side. They sat there both enjoying the proximity of the other and Merlin said, "I can't make any promises, Arthur, I can't jump into a full blown relationship because I'm not ready but I would love to be your friend, maybe your special friend at that…"

Arthur leant forward to claim his lips as if to seal the idea that this was the beginning of a long term friendship which might in the future lead to more. He thought, 'I love him, I really do! I can't explain how or why but I know that he's the man for me.'

As Merlin thought, 'Please God, help me learn from my past and then give me the strength to forget it so I can look forward to my future…with Arthur!'