As promised, chapter two!

Warnings are in the first chapter. I should probably add slightly adult themes? Also, the fic before this, Accidental Train Ride, was fairly action packed. This one has very little action, I tried to make it as fluffy as possible, which I'm not used to writing, so this might be a bit odd.

I do not own these characters, they belong to the BBC.

2. Discussions and Dating

Work the next day was dull. It was always dull. Arthur was only part of the company out of formality – he still lived with his dad for fucks sake – and if anyone had asked him what he really did he probably wouldn't be able to tell them. He tended to fill in forms and add up things, but he could have stood on the desk and used a banana as a microphone to sing out Madonna for all anyone would have cared.

He should consider getting a job somewhere else; Merlin worked for a cleaner company. He was pretty sure Morgause did something to do with modelling or advertising. Morgana had refused Uther's offer of the job he had now and worked in a public library. His father had had a fit at the time, and as a result Arthur had taken the job to placate him. When his father retired (which probably wouldn't be for another twenty years) he stood in line to inherit the company and the family home would be transferred to his name.

He snorted; 'family home'. It was hardly one of those castles, although it was rather grand in some aspects. He wondered if Merlin wanted to move out of his mother's home, but he might not be able to afford it.

Speaking of Merlin; he flipped open the laptop and logged onto his emails. There were three messages, but one was spam and one was from Morgana. He ignored these and went straight to Merlin's.

To: PendragonArthur

From: MerlinLovesMagic

Subject: Saturday?

They're showing some comedy about two couples who end up swapping wives by accident or something at 12:45. That gives us time to get something to eat first, and I could introduce you properly to mum afterwards.

Sometimes I'm glad I don't have siblings; I feel traumatised and I wasn't even there.

I'm great, but I need to get to work or my boss'll give me the angry house. Sorry this is so short; that's what you get for finally getting a pot off your wrist.

Merlin.

PS Tampons? Really?

Arthur checked the time the email had been sent and nearly choked when he saw five thirty. Merlin got up at five in the morning? He shuddered at the thought.

At that point the door swung open and he jumped and closed the window, revealing some sort of letter he was supposed to be typing out. A woman with a stack of files stood in the doorway.

"I was sent to tell you these need rearranging so the ones before July are out and the rest put into the Blue categories. Then they need sending back up to the twelfth floor."

She dumped them in front of him without so much as a by-your-leave and strode out. Arthur sighed, looking at his computer longingly, but Merlin wouldn't be back for hours. He might as well get the email later. He put the laptop on sleep and began to shuffle the paper.

oOo

By the time Arthur got home he was exhausted, sporting several paper cuts and thoroughly pissed off. He didn't even make it to his room before his father was calling them down to eat dinner together.

He poked at the fish without much appetite – he hated fish with a vengeance – and watched Morgana tucking in happily. She was one of the lucky ones, blessed with the love of fish.

He didn't even know why they bothered eating together; his father had the radio on the whole time anyway, usually looking out for titbits on business and sales amongst the rest of the news.

The news switched and Arthur pricked his ears up.

"And now some good news; gay marriage has finally been approved in New York-"

The man didn't even get to finish the sentence before Uther's fork clattered onto his plate and he reached over and switched the radio off.

"Bloody queers. What does he mean by saying 'good news'?" Arthur poked at his fish a little too violently, mushing it onto the crockery. Across from him Morgana was sitting, straight backed, with a small, cold smile curving her mouth.

"Well, it doesn't affect us, does it dad? I mean, it's all the way in New York. It's already legalised here, after all."

Uther's face went a shade redder and Arthur cringed; Morgana knew just how to get him riled up without turning any negative attention on herself. The fish was beginning to look like it had suffered a horrible accident involving a rampaging elephant.

"Exactly! I thought America were going to hold out, but no, they go and legalise it! Now everyone'll start going around with their bloody pink t-shirts and rainbows, spreading it all over the globe."

Morgana was serene, but underneath Arthur could tell she was going crazy. She wasn't the only one; Arthur had always known his father disapproved of gay people, but he hadn't realised quite how homophobic he actually was. Besides, if he didn't speak up now Morgana would kill him.

"I don't think homosexuality is contagious dad."

"Rubbish! The number of faggots just keeps going up. You read it all over the newspapers."

Arthur would dearly have liked to say 'which newspapers' but he doubted even Morgana would go that far. Instead he settled for:

"That's because a hundred years ago it was illegal. People were scared, but now everyone accepts it more they haven't got a reason to hide. It only seems like the numbers are increasing."

His father's eyes narrowed. "You seem very keen on this. Very knowledgeable. You're not-"

"No!" Arthur burst out, far too quickly. His fork came down and sent a potato flying onto the floor. Morgana rolled her eyes but looked mildly worried as he bent to retrieve it.

It seemed, though his father had taken his terror for indignation, because he smiled and clapped Arthur on the shoulder. "No need to be offended son, just joking."

"Yes. Right. Of course." He poked at his food a bit more, then gave up. "Can I go?"

"Don't you like it?"

"I hate fish dad."

With that he made for the door as quickly as he could get away with and ran to his room, throwing himself down on the bed and burying his head in the duvet.

His father was a homophobe. He hadn't realised it had gone quite this far, but it seemed over the past years his father had gone from 'dislike' to 'hate and fear.' A homophobe with two gay children. Perfect.

For the first time he doubted himself; could he do this? Was he really gay, or was it just an unusually long phase? In which case, was he leading Merlin on into something he wouldn't be able to keep up with?

He didn't even realise Morgana had come in until he felt her touch his shoulder. He buried his head further into the bed sheets.

"Piss off. I know I fucked up, I don't need you to tell me that."

"I'm not here to mock you even more. I'm sorry I led him on like that."

He sat up, brushing his hair out of his eyes with a weak smile. "How do you do this?"

"Do what?"

"Look at him while he's staying stuff like that, knowing you've got a…" He lowered his voice. "A girlfriend?"

She shrugged. "I know he's wrong, and I know that someday I'll tell him." She looked at her shoes. "Listen Arthur, I've been meaning to say this for a while, and now seems as good as any; I'm moving out."

"What?"

"I'm moving into an apartment practically next door to Morgause. We've got pretty serious now. Besides, I'm twenty-four Arthur. I don't want to be living with my dad."

"Have you told him?"

"Plan to tomorrow; I should be out of here by next week. It's only a small place, not too expensive. I should be able to afford it on my salary."

He nodded. "Right."

"I'm sorry Arthur, I really am. I don't want to leave you with him, but…"

He shrugged. "It's fine. I understand. I'd move out myself if I wasn't next in line for the company and it's 'my duty to remain in out family home.'"

She rolled her eyes at his bad impression of their father and handed him a slip of paper. "This is the address, if you need me for anything."

He nodded then, impulsively, reached out and hugged her tightly. She started, but embraced him back. It was something they hadn't done since they were little kids, but it felt familiar and friendly. When they pulled apart he sat for a long time on the bed, just thinking.

oOo

To: MerlinLovesMagic

From: PendragonArthur

Subject: Saturday?

Sounds good. At least now you won't have a grater imbedded in you on Saturday.

Speaking of Morgana, she's moving out. Not sure how I feel about that, but I suppose I can't stop her. I feel kind of envious I suppose, because she can do whatever she likes and I can't. I'll tell you more on Saturday, but my father's being a bastard.

Aren't you glad you finally got that thing off though? And what's the angry house?

Arthur

PS. No I made it up. What do you think dummy?

To: PendragonArthur

From: MerlinLovesMagic

Subject: Saturday?

Hmm, I don't know what to say there. Will has a brother who moved out a couple of years ago, I could ask him about what it's like? As for your father, isn't he always a bit like that?

The angry house is the house we get assigned to if we're late – my boss is a sadistic pig. They're always in when we go, and if you do the tiniest thing wrong you get flame grilled for hours.

Merlin.

PS. Hey, don't call me dummy!

oOo

Merlin met him at the station, grinning widely and waving, his long arms nearly hitting passers-by in the face and causing them to stare. Arthur rolled his eyes and waved back, his red hoody falling off his shoulders; it was too big for him, but far too comfortable to give up.

Merlin was wearing tight jeans and a black top, and Arthur suddenly wondered if he should have dressed up more; he was only wearing light trousers and a t-shirt. He hadn't really thought about it when he'd left, too eager to see Merlin. Besides, his father thought he was going shopping for a few hours, and it would've looked odd to dress up for that.

Merlin didn't seem to notice though, bounding forwards and hugging Arthur tightly round the neck. Arthur squeaked as his head was dragged down, but he laughed and pecked Merlin on the cheek.

"What was that for you silly bugger?"

Merlin shrugged, blushing. "I haven't seen you in ages; I missed you."

Arthur rolled his eyes but felt pleased anyway. "We emailed practically everyday."

"Mmm," said Merlin, kissing him again. "Not the same."

They bought sandwiches – egg for Merlin, ham and tomato for Arthur – and ate them slowly and in companionable silence. The walk to the cinema was a fairly long one, and they still had a fair way to go by the time they finished eating.

"So," said Merlin gently, linking his hand with Arthur's. "Tell me about your father."

Arthur recounted the tale of the dining table and Merlin listened carefully, biting his lip. "He sounds bad. You told me…you told me on the train that he wasn't homophobic per se."

Arthur winced at the mention of the train ride. "I was wrong. I didn't realise how bad he'd become until they legalised gay marriage in New York; he flew completely off the handle and when I tried to say it wasn't that bad. For a second I thought he'd guessed, but he thought I as offended rather than guilty."

Merlin frowned. "This is a big problem for you, isn't it? Your father."

Arthur shrugged. "How did you come out to your parents?"

"She happened to ask one day and I told her the truth. It wasn't so hard."

"You don't want me to tell him do you? You aren't going to say it's because I'm ashamed of you or anything? Because I'm not. I'm just scared. I need more time."

Merlin nodded. "I understand. I can't say I'll want to be hidden forever, but for now, it's fine."

Arthur grinned, feeling his canines touch his bottom lip. "You were going to tell me about your mum?"

Merlin shrugged. "The court thing really messed her up. When my dad died she was devastated, and it took her two years to get over it. She's just managing to get back on her feet, and then we get attacked by a crazy terrorist and I'm brought up against the court. It drove her mad, not knowing; she's become really protective and cries all the time."

Arthur pulled a sympathetic face. "Ouch. Is it getting better now?"

"Sort of. I think she'll understand when she meets you properly; you'll protect me instead of her. Then she can get back to her life."

Arthur didn't really know what to say at Merlin's matter-of-fact tone; never having a mother himself had made that kind of thing hard to understand. The idea of Uther crying was frankly laughable.

"If that's what she wants, I don't mind."

"That's not only why she wants to meet you; every boyfriend I get has to pass her inspection or she'll give me a lecture."

Arthur would've asked more, but they'd arrived at the cinema. Arthur bought two tickets for the movie and when the assistant asked if he wanted anything else he thought 'what the heck?' and ordered a large bucket of sweet popcorn.

Merlin was waiting for him by the doors to the screen. "Ooh popcorn." He stole a handful without even asking and popped a few kernels in his mouth. Then he spat them out again.

"You got sweet."

Arthur blinked. "Er…yes?"

Merlin dramatically wiped his mouth on his sleeve. "That stuff's disgusting; it tastes all fake and cloying."

"Well I can go back and get salted for you." Arthur realised he should have asked; it was just most people he knew liked sweet and thought salted was an abomination. He couldn't care either way.

"No, it's fine." The doors opened and they made a dash for the back, swiping two seats right in the corner. The screen was mainly empty, and Merlin put his feet up on the chair in front of him.

They laughed through the adverts, and were quiet for the beginning of the movie, until Merlin thought it was a good idea to grab a handful of popcorn and shove it down the front of Arthur's t-shirt.

Arthur stifled a gasp as the popcorn stuck to his chest – even so a family in front of them turned to glare a little – and, instead of acting like his twenty-three years, returned the favour. The popcorn went down the back of Merlin's neck and scattered in his hair.

Luckily the movie had just reached the part where people were shouting at each other for no good reason, so no-one noticed them wrestling at the back. Arthur overpowered Merlin easily, using sheer size, and pinned him in his seat before kissing him.

Immediately Merlin moved closer, curling his arms round Arthur's neck and exploring his mouth eagerly. Kissing turned into full-on making out, Merlin's leg thrown over his and sending a rush of blood and adrenaline that pooled in his face and groin.

They missed the rest of the movie, and jerked apart when the end credits and lights came on. A woman sitting a few rows in front gave them a disapproving look, but Arthur couldn't tell if it was because they'd been making any noise, or because of who they were.

He reached over and picked some of the popcorn out of Merlin's hair. Merlin remained in his seat, even when Arthur began to stand, his face red.

"What is it?" said Arthur. "I didn't hurt you or anything did I?"
Merlin rolled his eyes. "I'm not delicate! It's just…" He flushed darker. "I shouldn't have worn tight jeans."

Arthur's eyes travelled down until he caught himself and looked away guiltily.

"Er…think of something unappealing?"

Merlin screwed up his face, and then shook his head. "No. it's no good – I mean you're standing next to me for god's sake.

Arthur didn't know whether to be pleased or offended. "Oh. Well…here." He shrugged off his hoodie and handed it to Merlin. "It's too big for me, so it should be huge on you. You can use it to…you know…hide it."

"Thanks." Merlin was still bright red, right up to the tips of his ears, and the colour of the hoodie only made him hot and flustered; he looked like a gangly tomato.

It did its job though, coming down way past his crotch, and Merlin was able to stand and walk around the town without much trouble.

His flat wasn't too far away; a small but tidy place, with a design centred mainly on driftwood and seashells.

"We're here mum!" was the first thing he said as they stepped through the door. Hunith appeared with oven gloves on, her hair falling down from a messy bun, but smiling.

"Hello Arthur." She held out a gloved hand for him to shake, which he did. They'd met once before, at the hospital after the train crash, but the circumstances had been fairly traumatic, and she scrutinised him carefully. Merlin rolled his eyes behind her back, until she smiled wider and seemed to nod to herself. "It's lovely to meet you."

"Nice to meet you too." Arthur smiled back.

Hunith turned to Merlin and kissed him on the cheek. "Are you alright dear? You're very warm…why are you wearing that great big hoodie?"

He went even redder. "I was cold outside so Arthur lent me it."

"Are you sure you're not ill or anything?" She was fussing around, placing a hand on his forehead. Arthur smirked as Merlin squirmed away.

"I'm fine mum, really." He pulled away and made for a door to the right. Arthur followed without being asked and found Merlin sitting on the bed with his head in his hands. His room was different to what else he'd seen of the flat, all greys and blues, with a lot of books and packets of playing cards. Arthur remembered Merlin telling him about his obsession with magic, and indeed most of the books seemed to be on that topic.

"Fuck she is embarrassing sometimes. It's like I'm five again."

Arthur sat next to him, still grinning. "It's nice she cares you know."

"I know. Sometimes though…"

"Poor 'ickle Merlin."

Merlin hit him. Arthur dodged and kissed him, almost falling off the bed in the process. Merlin dug his hands into Arthur's hair and they flailed around for a few seconds, giggling, until Merlin pulled away.

Arthur was panting happily, his hair sticking up in odd tufts. "I think we've both got the same problem now," he managed to blurt out. Merlin was sitting back on his elbows, a little suggestively Arthur thought. He leaned forwards and kissed Merlin's ear, nibbling slightly on the curve. Merlin shuddered and moaned, pressing closer to him.

"Want me to help you out?"

Arthur shares my hate of fish, Merlin shares my hate of sweet popcorn ;) The film Merlin and Arthur watched doesn't actually exist as far as I know, and I don't know much about the legalisation of gay marriage in America, I just needed something to make Uther blow up, so if it's not accurate please don't attack me.

Anyway this was my attempt at slightly more slashy stuff. The next chapter will probably be a bit longer to go up - more than a week. Sorry.

Thanks for reading, please review :D It really helps me get tips on what people like and don't like.