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Merlin landed flat on his ass once more and wondered for the 100th time why he decided this was a good idea for a first date? Oh right, you wanted to impress her you idiot!
Aisleen was twirling in the center of the rink, eyes closed, her dark hair and purple top flowing as she picked up speed. Half the skaters just stood and stared at her, the boys casting appreciative glances in her direction and the girls with grimaces on their faces. Merlin shook his head. Even now, the men wanted her and the women wanted to be her. Some things never change.
But she remained oblivious to all the attention. When she finished, she opened her eyes and caught sight of Merlin, on the ground yet again and started giggling. He huffed grumpily.
She smoothly glided across the ice to him." Have you ever skated before in your life Connor?" she chuckled.
" What does it look like?" he mumbled.
" Sorry, I've been an awful date haven't I? Here you picked such an amazing venue and in my excitement I just raced away. In my defense, I assumed you knew how to skate, that's why you picked the Galleria Rink. But judging by the number of times you fell, I'm guessing bringing us here was especially for me to enjoy?"
Hah! Skating? Some days Merlin couldn't even walk two steps without stumbling over something on the floor and falling on his face. He was the clumsiest servant in Camelot, and unfortunately, centuries later his slovenly ways had not improved. So yes, choosing ice skating was obviously meant for Aisleen.
He didn't know the rules of modern dating and how it all worked and decided it was time to do some research. He learned that 3 days is a good time to wait before calling, because that way you neither seem too desperate nor completely uninterested. There were a bunch of other rules, some bordered on asinine while others simply didn't make sense. He wondered why there were so many guide books written about something that should come so naturally, at least romance didn't require this much time and energy back in the middle ages.
But nonetheless, he decided to take the advice of the internet dating guru and waited 3 days. That also gave him time to think about what kind of a date would he take her on? He lost the ability of speech remarkably quickly in her presence and was truly afraid he's let something slip, like calling her Morgana for example. He'd come close to doing that a few times, and that would raise eyebrows certainly. Why the hell would he choose to call her by a name she heard in her worst nightmare?
So he crossed off dinner at a restaurant. Movies seemed like a good idea, but it was the opposite of a private dinner and involved too less talking. He wanted to get to know her after all. After much consideration he decided to do something he that was a balance between the two, where they could do an activity and get some time to talk. Something he thought she would like, she was a ballerina after all (he still couldn't wrap his head around that).
So exactly seventy two hours later, he called her and after a few moments of awkward small talk, asked her to meet him at the Galleria Mall Ice Rink. He was proven right when she gave a surprised laugh and said that she loved ice skating and thought it was a wonderful idea. She hadn't skated for a long time and said she was really looking forward to it. Merlin had a huge smile on his face as he hung up.
Now he sat on the cold floor with his butt freezing and bruised knees.
Aisleen extended her hand. " Come on, skate with me."
"I have no intention of dragging you down as well Aisleen. Even a pro like you couldn't help these feet."
She raised her eyebrows. " Is that a challenge? By the time I'm done with you tonight, you'll be skating like an expert. I promise, I'm a very patient teacher. Trust me Connor, you know you can."
A myriad of emotions crossed his features at those words, and without sparing another second he clasped her hand firmly with his.
He wobbled a little as he stood up, but she grabbed his arm and swiveled him around against the railing, steadying him.
Once he was able to stand properly she began, " Now, we'll take this slowly. The first thing to do is clear your head. You're only falling because you think you will. Mind over matter Connor, and you'll be drifting across the rink in no time."
She was gradually starting to move away from the rails, bringing him forward with her.
"Balancing is all in your brain, keep your eyes focused on a particular point and move along with it."
" Hmmm, I think I just want to focus my eyes on you tonight. If I'm skating with you I don't think I'll be able to concentrate on much else Aisleen." Merlin was actually flirting.
Her cheeks flushed pink and she laughed softly. "Well that works too."
He was sliding around the edge, close to the boundaries but not quite touching. Aisleen made it seem so easy, she was smaller than him but had no difficulty in guiding him through the ice, gently pulling him close towards her, before creating distance once more as they increased their pace.
She switched positions so that now she wasn't in front of him, but beside him. She stopped for a moment. "Now I want you to bend your knees slightly and lean forward like this, and on the count of three, lift the tip of skates so that the rear is pushing deep into the ice, and kick off. Okay?"
" What! Kick off? Aisleen we'll go flying through the air and land in a heap on top of each other. Let's save the 'kicking off' for another day perhaps?"
She rolled her eyes. " No, we won't. Just relax, and a take deep breath. The oxygen will help clear your head." She looked away and began counting.
"One", Merlin gripped her hand almost painfully tight, his heart racing... "two", he fixed his eyes ahead and lifted his skates... "three!"
A rush of adrenaline pumped through his body as they shot across the rink, the cool air in his face and hair, his feet moving of their own accord. It almost felt as liberating as flying, as they dashed forward, hand in hand, drawing zigzag patterns on the ice.
Aisleen boldly caught his other hand and shifted around until they faced each other, and with a devilish grin started to rotate in circles, spinning them around. Uh oh.
She threw her head back as they went round and round, whirling like two hyper children on a sugar rush in the playground. Merlin's heart was in his throat, his skates sending off small sparks as they hit the ice, hoping desperately they didn't crash into some one. But Aisleen showed no signs of stopping or holding back and after a while, Merlin's nerves calmed down as well, he closed his eyes too, and just let go of his inhibitions as they lost themselves in the moment.
She finally slowed down, losing momentum before coming to a complete stop. He was lightheaded and dizzy, but felt happier than he had in ages.
" Don't ever do that again!" he admonished her half heartedly, breathless and panting.
" Say what you will but I know you loved it! It was the most fun you've had in a while right? I know it was for me." she let go of his hands and began twirling once more, winking at him as looked on.
" Now you're just showing off!"
" Admit it, you're just jealous you can't do this!" she joked as she performed an axel jump in the air before landing gracefully back on her toes. Again several heads turned towards her, but she had eyes only for Merlin. She went all the way to the other side, and then floated back to where she left him standing. " But you know what, for a therapist who's never even been on the ice before, you're one hell of a badass skater Dr. Reid." And with that, she grabbed his hands and they took off again.
`~~~~ooo~~~~`
An hour later they stumbled out of the rink, looking almost tipsy due to all the spinning.
" You're amazing you know that? Where did you learn to skate like that?" He had seen her perform several other intricate turns and spins and she was a pleasure to watch.
" I took lessons when I was young. I used to come here with my dad every weekend, and he would cheer me on and call me his little ice princess. In a good way," she added with a smile. " I stopped coming once I started by ballet lessons, my schedules were clashing. It's probably been years since I last came, but this place brings back so many good memories."
" You haven't practiced for so long, but you're still so good." he complimented her.
" It's just like every other sport, once you learn it, you never really forget it, it's in your bones. In fact, you won't believe how many extra curriculars I had going as a child, you name it, I've probably done it. Guess why?" she asked dryly.
" To keep your mind off things." he replied simply.
" Exactly. You know how you said exercise will help alleviate stress and anxiety, well all my previous therapist had the same notion. Maybe she needs something to occupy her time, maybe her mind is too idle so she's conjuring up these tales, blah blah blah...so my parents enrolled me in everything, ranging from karate to cooking. A lot of good that did." her voice was dripping with sarcasm. She really did dislike her counselors. "Far from keeping the nightmares at bay, I think juggling so many things all at once stressed me out even more!"
They were almost near the exit when someone called out, " Hey Aisleen!"
She stopped in her tracks and flinched at the sound of that voice. Merlin turned around and saw a six foot tall guy with a lean body, tawny brown hair and hazel eyes running towards them.
Aisleen plastered a smile on her face and replied, " Hi Lewis, what a surprise!"
" Indeed, who's your friend?" he flicked his thumb towards Merlin. He was quite handsome actually, but there was an arrogant air about him that off putting.
She hesitated a moment before answering, " He's my date actually."
Lewis blanched. " You're date? Last time I checked you said you needed a break from all that as it made you 'lose focus' or something. So you're dating now again are you?"
Aisleen tried her best to refrain from rolling her eyes in exasperation at Lewis' rude reaction. " Yes, I believe I am." her voice carried a hint of annoyance.
Lewis recovered and flashed a sickly sweet smile towards Merlin. " How nice. But I thought you were down with the flu Ally, at least that's what the Wayne's been telling everyone. I haven't seen you for two weeks, you're missing so many rehearsals for summer Swan Lake performance, and you're the lead! Are you even planning to make up for all those?"
His constant interrogation was starting to irritate her. "I was actually quite ill for the past few days, so I told him I needed to take a few days off, but I'm feeling better now. And I already went over the choreography with Wayne, so don't worry, it's all on track." She was starting to back out of the glass doors now, and said " Well, take care Lewis, see you around."
" Wait! I had to ask you something else. Is it true you requested a change of partners Ally?"
The fake smile was completely wiped off her face and now she looked slightly guilty.
"Oh yes, about that. I didn't so much request it, as you know, Wayne kind of suggested it. He thinks me and Robert are better paired and besides, you and Jessica look great together!"
He narrowed his eyes. " Really? So this had nothing to do with you turning me down? Come on Ally, I promised you I won't ask anymore if you're not interested. You didn't have to change partners for crying out loud!"
Just then Aisleen's cell phone rang and she looked immensely relieved to find an reason to get away from Lewis. She politely excused herself and walked off, audibly murmuring something about 'you're a life saver'.
Lewis turned to Merlin. He was a foot taller than him and towered over him. " You're a lucky fella, she's got men lined up to get a chance to kiss her boots, and she chose you." he literally spat the last word.
He put a hand on Merlin's shoulder and continued, " Listen buddy, she's so out of your league. I don't know how you managed to convince her to take pity on you and grant you this one date, but understand this, Aisleen is mine. She may not know it yet, but she is. And unless you want to me to snap that little neck of yours, I suggest you stay away from her."
Merlin was having a really hard time not cracking up. Far from feeling angry at Lewis for trying to make him feel inferior, he actually found the situation rather funny. After all, it wasn't the first time he had been warned to stay away from Morgana. This guy was obviously trying to sound menacing and scary, but he just seemed like a petulant child bent on possessing something that wasn't his. Just on his first date and already he was receiving threats from her deluded 'dancing' partners. He had no idea what he was up against. Merlin could crush his bones in an instant but that wasn't his style, and where's the fun in that anyway? He had a better idea. So he decided to humor him.
His eyes grew wide and he took a step back. " Sure thing mate, whatever you say." He stuttered and managed to pull off the terrified meek kid look quite well and Lewis backed off, satisfied.
" Good, seems like you're not as much of an idiot as you appear to be. Next time I see Aisleen, you better not be anywhere near her." And with that final warning, he strutted off.
Merlin waited until he was a few feet away, and right when Lewis was in the center of mall's rotunda, he cast two successive silent spells with his amber eyes.
His pants dropped to the floor to reveal hot pink underwear with the words "I 3 Bieber" written boldly across the back. He was frozen on the spot, as people all around him stopped and stared for a second, before everyone started bursting with laughter. Lewis was absolutely mortified as he looked down at the underwear he was currently wearing but had never seen before in his life, and quickly pulled his pants up. How the hell did that happen? Everyone kept pointing at him and snorting, but his blazing eyes found Merlin, standing far away from him, with an innocent smile on his face as he waved cheerily back at him. Somehow, he was sure this was his doing, as impossible as it sounded, but he just didn't know how. He shot him a murderous glare before trying to walk away with the little dignity he had left, as a few girls began singing "Baby, baby baby ooohh!"
Aisleen almost dropped her phone at the sight in front of her. She hung up and gaped at Lewis sprinting out the glass doors as fast as he could.
"Connor, what just happened?"
" I have...no idea." They both looked at each other before dissolving into unashamed giggles.
`~~~~oo~~~~`
They were still chortling as they made their way to the parking lot, the cool night air washing over them.
" Well, he certainly got what he deserved!" Aisleen wheezed out. " He's been vexing me since the beginning of the year! He was a newbie you see, and instantly won over everyone with his unique performing style, even I admired it. He got special roles within just a year which even some of older dancers hadn't managed to land. So naturally his already big head just grew bigger and the idea that any girl could reject him was unfathomable. I'm afraid I bruised his ego pretty bad."
" Yea, he told me how you had men lined up to 'kiss your boots'." Merlin teased her and she snorted.
" Those 'men' really couldn't care less about me. They want the Aisleen who's poised and perfect and is flashing smiles all the time. I bet if any of them saw me during one of my 'freak episodes' they would bolt out the door and never return."
Merlin was reminded of the time Morgana came rushing down the steps into the courtyard, in her nightdress, to warn Arthur, and felt his heart clench as he recalled the pure terror on her face. He took her hand in his and gently squeezed it.
" I wouldn't." he said sincerely.
Aisleen stopped and glanced at him curiously. " I believe you. You know, there's something liberating about dating your therapist, you've seen my crazy side and you're still standing here, can I ask you why? Why did you ask me out Connor?"
" I'll answer your question, if you answer mine, why did you say yes to me?''
Aisleen bit her lower lip, trying to think of a way to put her thoughts into words.
Merlin saved her the trouble. " It's hard to explain isn't it? Sometimes, you just feel drawn to someone and can't for the life of you figure out what it is that's making you feel like this, you simply know it's there. Sorry if that makes no sense and sounds completely cliche."
She shook her head in agreement and laughed. " Yes it sounds very cliche but makes perfect sense. I really don't know what prompted me to say yes, maybe it just came from the immense gratitude I felt for that remedy, but I'm truly glad I did. Thank you for such an amazing night Connor. Definitely exceeded my expectations."
" Let me guess, after you went home you probably thought it would be like an awful, boring blind date or something that would make you feel sorry you ever said yes."
She smiled guiltily. " Sort of, but the moment you called, I knew I would be proven wrong. First of all I'm pretty sure I haven't had this much fun on a first date ever! Instead of some posh restaurant you brought me skating, made me feel like a carefree child again. And I can just be myself around you. But it isn't fair you know so much about me and I'm such an open book to you, but I can't say the same thing about you."
She felt almost nervous as she said, " And I would like to change that."
Merlin smirked and raised an eyebrow. " Are you asking me out on a second date Ms. Campbell?"
" Maybe I am, don't get cocky.'' she punched his arm lightly.
He grinned and replied, " I would like that very much."
They had reached her car and she took out her keys. Aisleen was aware this was the goodbye part and suddenly wondered whether he would kiss her.
They both stood still for a moment, simply looking at each other. He really was quite good looking, his pale skin and sapphire eyes contrasting perfectly with his dark black hair. He leaned in, and she felt her heart skip a beat as he came closer, but instead of placing his mouth on hers, he simply removed a stray ebony lock behind her ear and whispered, " Do you have any idea how beautiful you are?"
This shouldn't feel this way, such simple words shouldn't make her knees go weak. Aisleen had been complimented about her looks her entire life, but something about the way he said it shook her very bones.
He pressed a soft kiss on her cheek, letting his lips linger on her skin. It lasted only for a few sweet moments before he pulled back and lightly tapped her nose. "Goodnight."
He walked away to his car, leaving her standing there, craving more than just a short, chaste kiss. Goosebumps erupted on her flesh where he had touched her, and she wondered exactly when the tables had turned, because no man had ever made Aisleen Campbell want to chase them before.