Chapter 10
"Merlin are you coming to the Christmas party?" Morgana asked as she came out of Arthur's office.
"Hmm? Oh right, I thought that was for senior staff only." Merlin replied, scratching his ear.
"It is, but you're the exception Merlin-you're always the exception." She replied cryptically.
"When is it?"
"Why tonight of course! Geez Merlin, has Arthur really kept you all to himself so much that you hadn't noticed me planning this party for the last month?" She teased and Merlin grinned.
"I forgot. Of course I'll come, never know, Arthur will probably set himself on fire or something!"
"He really is hopeless without you Mer," she purred and headed off, "come in a cab! Everyone's required to drink and be merry! Oh and wear something nice! It's semi-formal!" She called over her shoulder and Merlin groaned. Why did a party have to be semi-formal when it was just a bunch of co-workers getting together to drink and celebrate the holidays?
"Well you heard the lady," Arthur said over Merlin's shoulder, making him jump, "you had better go home and get cleaned up, you're absolutely filthy" he whispered into his ear, sending a shiver down Merlin's back.
"Do you need me for anything else then sir?" Merlin asked once he found his voice again.
"Oh there's plenty I need you for Merlin, but nothing right now." Arthur teased and Merlin stared after him in confusion. He gathered up the things from his desk that he would need and slipped them in his bag. Wrapping his scarf tightly around his neck, he pulled on his coat and headed out, contemplating Arthur's behavior.
Things had really changed ever since that night on his birthday when they spent the night and following day together. It was like Arthur was a new man suddenly, well not completely, Merlin corrected himself. He was still a stuck up, ignorant, stubborn ass but it was like he was aware of it now and was actively trying to correct it. He had made sure that Merlin sent Erin a congratulations card when she had had her baby. He asked his staff about their weekends and showed a genuine interest in people. He had even started thanking his staff members for their work at staff meetings. Merlin snickered as he remembered how Lance nearly fell off his chair the first time it happened. It wasn't just his staff anymore either. Arthur had changed in his business practices even. Instead of just buying up the business, gutting it and either tearing it down or redesigning it, he worked on trying to better them with the current management and minimize Camelot's control of them. It was like he was slowly melting, whatever ice that had built up in him was slowly thawing and the person Merlin had always suspected was in there was finally making his way to the surface.
It wasn't this behaviour though that disturbed Merlin, no it was the change in their relationship that had left him lying awake most nights confused. They had grown incredibly close and Merlin was fully aware of his own growing feelings towards Arthur. If he wasn't careful, he was going to end up in love with the poor bastard and regardless of everything else; falling for the boss was definitely not something Merlin ever wanted to do. However he couldn't deny the way their relationship was changing. It had been slow at first. Arthur had seemed to be back to his old self after Merlin's birthday; any affection he had shown him was quickly removed and redirected at showing his appreciation for his other staff. But over time, slowly, Arthur had started getting closer to Merlin. It had started with him randomly sharing a very personal experience with Merlin, including how he had felt when he had learned his mother had died giving birth to him or how he felt like he could never live up to his father's expectations. And then he noticed how Arthur was paying more attention to him like now Arthur brought him coffee every morning instead of Merlin making it (although he argued it was because Merlin's coffee making skills had made no improvements since his being hired and Arthur was willing to admit defeat at trying to educate him and had settled for being in charge of coffee in the mornings). He would ask about his days off, ask if he and Will had managed to make up yet and noticed when Merlin was feeling out of sorts. Then it grew even more to the point where Arthur had started to notice if Merlin was feeling especially lonely and he would invite him over, not to work but to just spend time together, watching TV, cooking or playing Xbox. When Merlin was getting extra stressed about things, Arthur had learned how to calm him down and get him to focus on one thing at a time. Just like when Arthur would blow up at someone at work, losing his temper, and Merlin would step in and manage to calm him down. It befuddled Merlin so much as he thought about it on his way home. Lately, Arthur had taken to crossing personal boundaries like making a point to brush his hand against Merlin's thigh or, like moments before, whisper in his ear when it was completely unnecessary. The comments were a new development of the day. Never had Arthur said anything so suggestive and clearly mean it.
If Merlin were to think about it objectively, he could almost believe that Arthur had a crush on him but Merlin immediately dismissed that. Arthur was straight, which had been made clear to him early on when Morgana had recounted Arthur's "female adventures". Although, Merlin thought, he hadn't had an 'adventure' since Merlin had started as far as he knew. Maybe it wasn't such an impossible thought after all, was he really the exception? He shook his head as he closed his front door. No, it wasn't that Arthur had a crush on him it was just... a different kind of relationship. They were far past the boundaries of boss/employee relationship and it seemed like they were in some kind of friendship that was just a bit more than friends but not. It definitely wasn't brotherly, at least on Merlin's side of things because he frequently fantasised about Arthur and he was pretty sure he had caught Arthur checking him out on more than one occasion. No it was like they were in a romantic relationship without ever having declared it or have had any near-sexual interactions beyond that one night in bed. Never before had Merlin been in this kind of relationship and it left him in a fit of knots and constant guessing.
He stripped; pushing away thoughts of the bizarre friendship he had with Arthur and focused on the party. He wondered who would all be there, Morgana and Arthur obviously; he thought it would be safe to assume that Lance, Leon, and Percy would be there as well, perhaps even Gaius. He doubted that Uther would be since Morgana seemed far too relaxed for the possibility of her step father's presence. Hopefully, despite the formal dress code, it would be a relaxing night and Merlin would be able to let go a little. He showered and managed to style his hair a bit, mostly it just looked like he had rolled out of bed but honestly, there was very little he could do about it. He dressed in the dark suit that Arthur had bought him on his birthday with a dark smoky grey dress shirt. The vest he chose was black but had a lacy gothic design to it that he had loved the moment he saw it in the store. He chose red cufflinks and his red cravat in celebration of the holidays. He walked over to the little Christmas tree he had set up on his coffee table and grabbed the dozen presents he'd bought and wrapped for his coworkers. He looked at the present for Will, a stabbing pain shooting through his stomach before turning away and dropping the gifts in a gift bag. Merlin looked around the flat, trying to figure out what it was that he had forgotten. The wine! Right, he thought and went to the cupboard. He had been saving this bottle of Merlot for a special occasion but nothing had come up and he figured it would make a decent gift for the hostess. Giving a last glance over everything, he locked up and headed out.
"Merlin you made it!" Morgana greeted when she opened the door.
"Happy Christmas Morgana," Merlin said as she kissed his cheeks. "Gift for you," he lifted up the bottle of wine and she grinned even more.
"Excellent! You can put it over there on the bar. God Merlin you look absolutely dashing in that suit! Where ever did you get it? Is it Louis Vuitton?" She asked, her arm immediately linking with his and guiding him inside.
"Uh, your brother bought it for me as a birthday gift actually," Merlin explained, "and yes, it is."
"My, my, my brother really does know how to show his appreciation doesn't he?" She teased with a wink. "Here have a drink dear," she swapped the bottle of wine with a glass of champagne and then disappeared as the doorbell rang again.
Merlin looked around the extravagant flat that Morgana lived in. It had been thoroughly decorated in spirit of Christmas with a twenty foot Christmas tree in the center of the entrance. The walls were lined with tactful garland and lights, mistletoe hanging in nearly every doorway, though there were few as it was a modern design leaving most of the apartment open with only support beams scattered around. Dean Martin sang White Christmas in the background and in the living room, fake snow floated down from the ceiling creating a truly winter wonderland right there. Merlin stared in awe at the extend of care and beauty that she had obviously put into the party as he took off his jacket and rolled up his sleeves. He walked over to the smaller tree that was tucked in the corner that was clearly being used as the 'gift deposit' space and unpacked his own presents. He hesitated though on the second gift he had for Arthur and instead, tucked it inside his vest. Standing up, he looked around the room and waved hello to the people he knew. As he predicted, Lance, Leon and Percy were gathered together by the main tree talking animatedly about something. Merlin was still scanning the crowd, wondering if Arthur had shown up yet when he felt hands slide onto his hips.
"Looking for me?" Arthur asked, his lips brushing against Merlin's ear and Merlin squirmed away.
"Arthur you prat! You nearly scared me half to death." He growled, smacking Arthur on the arm.
"Hey now, is that any way to treat your boss?" Arthur teased.
"Tonight, you're not my boss. I am officially not your employee for the next twenty four hours and therefore can't be held responsible for what I say or do." Merlin declared proudly. Arthur grinned a wickedly mischievous grin and took a step closer to him.
"Oh really? Is that a fact Merlin?" He asked, but Merlin had lost his ability to speak. He could smell the scotch on Arthur's breath and Arthur's spicy cologne, could feel the warmth of his breath on his own lips.
"Ladies and gentlemen!" Morgana's voice rang out, interrupting them from whatever moment they were having as she addressed the group. She stood up on a stole in front of the large tree. "Now that everyone is here I wanted to say welcome and merry Christmas!"
"Merry Christmas!"
"Happy Christmas!"
Everyone shouted back in response and she grinned. Morgana, Merlin noticed, was made to live in the spot light.
"Thank you all for coming and I want you all to make yourselves at home but please stay on the main floor and avoid going upstairs. The loo is off to the far left," she pointed behind her, "and the dining room and kitchen are through those doors," she pointed again off to the side where two white double doors stood open. Merlin could see the table laden with food and what must have been a fifty pound turkey. "Keys are to be left in the bowl at the bar, please if you're drinking, please take a cab home later on and do refrain from driving. That's all I have to say now! Enjoy the party!" She shouted and everyone cheered, clapping and clinking their glasses together.
"Morgana sure knows how to throw a party." Merlin said to Arthur who was now standing next to him.
"You should see the New Year's party; it's even more outrageous than this." Arthur pointed out and Merlin looked at him in shock.
"Seriously? There's fake snow in my champagne Arthur, how much more outrageous can she get?" Merlin pointed out.
"Oh trust us, Mer, she should have been a party planner." Lance said as he strolled up next to them. "You missed out on it last year with you being in Ireland and all but blimey it was a great party. I think none of us made it back to our places; we couldn't even manage to call a cab. We all ended up crashing on the couch with confetti stuck to our faces." They laughed.
"Here," Arthur had managed to sneak off and reappear without Merlin noticing as he handed him a fresh drink.
"Thanks," Merlin smiled at him and looked at Lance as he took a sip. Lance was eyeing them both rather suspiciously.
"There was snow in his," Arthur explained, "I didn't want to listen to him complain all night about it. Make sure you cover the top this time idiot."
Merlin and Lance both just shook their heads at him and looked out at the other party goers. Morgana came over to them, her scarlet dress flowing out behind her and her teeth glittering with her smile.
"Oh isn't it my favorite couple!" She said as she kissed Arthur on the cheek and again kissed Merlin.
"We're not a couple," Merlin mumbled, blushing a horrible shade of red.
"Oh I'm only teasing Mer," she said with a wink which only made him blush even more. "What do you think of the party?" She asked, linking her arm with his and successfully butting Arthur away from him.
"I think its brilliant Morgana, honestly. It's incredible what you've done. I feel like I'm in a bloody snow globe!" He praised and Morgana beamed. "And you look absolutely radiant! I didn't get a chance to tell you that before but for real Morgs, you look stunning."
"Oh thank you Merlin!" She squeezed his arm, "I wanted to look especially dashing tonight. I've been sort of... seeing Leon." She confided and Merlin gasped in surprise.
"Really? I had no idea!"
"Well of course not, not all of us are as open about our relationship at work."
"Ok that's it," Merlin pulled his arm away, "what are you on about Morgana? Arthur and I are hardly in a relationship beyond professional. Well... we're friends but that's all!"
"Oh honestly Merlin, you can't really believe that can you?" She hissed, giving him a reproachful look.
"I don't know what you've been drinking but-"
"Merlin, my brother is by far the most unaffectionate person I know besides our father except when he's with you. He's always touching you, adjusting your collar, or something."
"Or smacking me or scolding me for my 'inability to dress myself'" Merlin corrected.
"Oh Merlin you really are a hopeless idiot aren't you?" She sighed and linked arms with him again. She didn't bring it up again for the rest of the night but Merlin couldn't get her words out of his head. Combining what she said with Arthur's recent behaviour, he was wondering just how long he could deny it any more.
The evening moved on in a cheerful spirit, Merlin mingled with various people, while Arthur kept his distance (but not his gaze, Merlin noted). Gaius did show up and Merlin spent an hour in the corner by the tree talking about Ireland and Christmas back home. It was difficult he admitted, not having his mother there but he was glad to be able to spend the holiday with his friends. He had several more drinks and decided that Morgana's spiced eggnog was by far the best he'd ever had and settled on drinking that for the rest of the night, mixing it up only ever so rarely with coke and black spiced rum. It was going on midnight when Lance came over to Merlin and pulled him aside.
"The crew is exchanging gifts in the kitchen; we want you to be there." He invited Merlin.
"Yea, I'll just grab the gifts I brought," Merlin went back to the tree and gathered up the gifts he had brought. The crowd was thinning as it was Christmas Eve and most people had families to go home to or needed to get to bed so they could visit with them the following morning. Merlin planned on staying until the end. He noted with a smile on his face as he walked into the kitchen that this group had somehow become his family. He cared about all of them and in the last year and a half; they had all managed to make their way into his heart. He smiled at the sight of them and strolled into the room.
"Oh Merlin!" Gwen waved him down and Merlin quickly pulled her into a hug.
"I didn't know you were here Gwen! I haven't seen you all night!" He said and was surprised when both Gwen and Lance turned a bright red.
"Erm well, I was mingling..." She stammered and Merlin grinned. Mingling with Lance, he thought.
"I got you a gift, I'm so glad I brought it now. I wasn't sure if you'd be here or not but I figured I'd better bring it anyway." He rambled as he reached into the gift bag and pulled out a brightly wrapped present and handed it to her.
"Aw thank you Merlin! I also have something for you!" She disappeared and reappeared with a blue box that she handed to him.
"Well I guess everyone should exchange gifts!" Morgana said quickly, deciding that no formal direction needed to be given and began handing out her presents. Merlin passed around the ones he brought and thanked everyone for the ones they gave him. Once everyone had their respective gifts, they all began opening them and the usual "ooh's" and "ahhh's" began.
Gwen had knitted Merlin a beautiful green scarf with a Celtic triquetra embroidered in gold at the end. Lance had given him a set of collectible Elvin daggers from the Lord of the Rings movies and Merlin nearly took off Arthur's head as he waved one around excitedly. It had been decided that he shouldn't play with them while drinking.
"Or maybe never play with them. I'll end up getting a call in the middle of the night that you managed to fall on your own dagger," Arthur teased.
Merlin had actually received gifts from everyone that is except from Arthur. He tried not to show any disappointment but it was confusing since Arthur had been so strangely attentive lately. Everyone thanked Merlin for the gifts he got them and pretty soon, they had split off into groups, talking excitedly. Merlin had just finished his glass of eggnog and had excused himself to get more when a hand came out of the shadows and pulled him into the dark hallway.
"Arthur!" Merlin hissed, nearly dropping the crystal glass on the marble floor.
"Shh," Arthur ordered and pulled Merlin up the stairs.
"We're not supposed to go up here Arthur, Morgana made that very clear earlier." He whispered as he stumbled up the steps.
"It doesn't count for me, I'm family. I have my own room here... well sort of, it's a guest room but it's the room I always stay in." Arthur explained and shoved Merlin in said room.
The room was pitch black and it took a moment for his eyes to adjust. Arthur had moved away and turned on a lamp on the bedside table.
"I wanted to give you your present," he said and Merlin's stomach flipped.
"Here? In... a bedroom?" Merlin asked and Arthur smiled that smile that made Merlin go weak in the knees. No one ever saw this smile; he never looked at anyone the way he was looking at Merlin now.
"Yea," Arthur replied, his voice thick. He stepped closer and pulled out a small box.
"I got you a gift too." Merlin blurted, too nervous to just stand still.
"You already got me something."
"Oh that yea, but it wasn't really your present. I just didn't want to give you this in front of everyone."
"Why?" Arthur asked, eyebrow quirked as he took the small, gold wrapped package from Merlin's hand.
"Well, I know how much you care about the way people see you and well... I didn't think you'd want them to know this about you..." Merlin rambled.
"What are you on about Merlin?" Arthur hissed and Merlin sighed.
"Just open it you prat!"
"Fine," Arthur smiled and pulled the wrapping away only to gasp at what was inside. "Merlin..." He whispered as he stared at the leather bound first edition of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. "It's beautiful..." He ran his fingers over the gold lettering on the cover and turned it over in his hands gingerly. "Where did you find it?"
"At that little used book shop we stopped at that one time, remember?" Merlin smiled, he was glad Arthur liked it though he knew he would. He had mentioned it was the only first addition he hadn't managed to get his hands on that he desperately wanted.
"I remember," he looked at Merlin with wonder and stepped in closer, setting the book down on the desk. "Time for your present," he whispered. "Close your eyes Merlin."
"Why?" Merlin asked, heart pounding in his chest. Was he going to kiss him?
"Just do it Merlin" Arthur groaned and Merlin acquiesced, licking his lips nervously. Arthur's hands came up and cupped his face gently, thumbs stroking his jaw as he slid his hands down. Merlin gasped, biting his lip nervously as Arthur undid his cravat and let it slip to the floor. The memory of Arthur undressing him on his birthday came rushing back and Merlin shook, what was Arthur doing?! And then he felt something incredibly soft, like silk being wrapped around his neck.
"Ok, you can open them," Arthur instructed and Merlin opened his eyes slowly. Peeling his eyes away from Arthur's intense blue eyes, he looked down at the thing wrapped around his neck.
"Oh Arthur it's beautiful..." he grinned as he looked at the blue silk cravat wrapped around his throat.
"I saw it at the store the other day and it made me think of you... I thought... I thought it would bring out your eyes." Arthur explained gently, his own hand coming up to stroke the smooth material.
"A-and were you right?" Merlin stammered, looking up and getting lost in those deep blue eyes.
"Merlin you idiot, haven't you learned by now that I'm always right?" Arthur teased, smiling and licking his own lips, his eyes trailing down Merlin's face to his lips. He pressed his forehead against Merlin's, suddenly panting. "Come home with me tonight Merlin."
Ahh cliff hanger! Enjoy! ;)
