Prompt: We're at a Christmas party and our friends got drunk and started going on about how cute we would be together

Characters: Belle/Merlin

Belle was leaning against the wall, bored. She wasn't particularly fond of parties like this. They were full of loud, drunk people. Belle would much rather be at home reading A Christmas Carol than at the Christmas party her friends had dragged her to.

"You seem to be having fun." A man said, approaching her.

She gave him a half smile. "This isn't really my idea of fun."

"I completely agree. My friends made me go. They think I'm too wrapped up in work."

"What do you do?" Belle asked.

"I'm finishing up grad school. How about you?"

"I'm a librarian." She answered.

The man smiled. "My name's Merlin."

Belle raised an eyebrow. "Really?" He nodded. "Ok. I'm Belle. It's nice to meet you."

"Would you like to get a drink?"

"No thank you, I'm the designated driver tonight." Belle explained. "My friends made me come here too."

Merlin smiled. "Birds of a feather, huh? So what do you normally do for fun?"

"I read, mostly. And spend time with my friends in, em, quieter locations." Belle made a face as someone walked by screaming. Merlin winced. "How about you?"

"Much of the same. Lately I haven't had a lot of free time though. Term papers and all." Belle chuckled. The two walked over two an available couch. They started talking about their favorite books. They didn't realize how much time had passed until Merlin's phone went off.

Belle started laughing. His ringtone was an instrumental from Harry Potter. Merlin rolled his eyes. "Hello? Yes, I'm still here. On the couch. No, upstairs. You guys can meet me here when you're ready to go."

"Belllle!" A voice screeched. Belle looked up at her friends, who had clearly drank a lot. She waved.

"Hi guys." She smiled. "Having fun?"

"Yeahhhh" one of her friends slurred. Belle shook her head. Getting this group home would be a challenge. Meanwhile, two people had come over to talk to Merlin. They looked like they'd also been having fun.

"Do they belong to you?" Merlin gestured to the group of women. Belle nodded.

"Oh my gosh, who's this?" One of Merlin's friends sat down.

"This is Belle. Belle, meet Gwen and Lance. I swear they normally have better manners."

"Nice to meet you."

"Belle? Are you talking to a guy? Guys! Look!" Belle's face turned bright pink as her friends stared at Merlin.

She mouthed "sorry" to him. He mouthed "it's ok" back. All of their friends had now found their way to the couch or the floor directly in front of it.

"You two should date." One of Belle's friends said.

"Anna!" Belle exclaimed.

"What? You guys look so cute together. You're all smiley and stuff."

"Yeah, she's right." Lance piped up. "You guys would be like, an adorable nerd couple." The group gave similar comments.

Merlin stood up. "Alright, I think it's time we called it a night." Lance and Gwen groaned, but stood up. Merlin turned to Belle. "It was lovely meeting you. Perhaps we can see each other in a less- intoxicated- environment?"

Belle grinned. "I'd like that. I work at the library on Main Street."

"I'll stop by. Until then," Merlin started leading his friends to the door.

"Did you see that? Belle has a daaaaateee." Another one of the girls said. A chorus of shrieks and "ooooooooohhhs" rose from the women.

Belle rolled her eyes. "I think it's time you girls got some sleep. Let's go home."