Sometimes, the last thing you want comes in first,
Sometimes, the first thing you want never comes,
And I know, the waiting is all you can do,
To: Arthur +19176624395
Hey, this is Merlin. Even though you called my home and work numbers like a maniac…I figured your apology warranted my cell number.
From: unknown +17183967174
To: Merlin +17183967174
Gee, thanks Merlin. And I didn't call you like a maniac. It's not my fault you didn't pick up the first time.
From: Arthur +19176634395
To: Arthur
Well, we could spend our time arguing about your level of sanity.
Or we could try this friend thing you're so keen on.
From: Merlin
Arthur stared at his phone, puzzled. Decision made, Arthur pressed the little green button on his phone. He waited for a few rings until he heard the inevitable –click -
"Is that your way of saying you want to spend time with me?" He demanded imperiously.
Merlin just sighed. "Or, you know, we could say 'hello' like normal human beings."
"Come on, admit it: You want to be my friend. You think I'm fascinating."
"I think you're a lunatic." A comfortable silence followed that broke when Merlin confessed, "I could possibly be willing to meet up for coffee."
"You mean definitely." A smug feeling came over Arthur when he heard Merlin laughed. Honestly, the sound was quite charming.
"Just tell me when you get off for lunch, Prat."
Arthur had chosen the little café run by Elyan Smith, Gwen's brother. The earthy green and brown color scheme gave the place a comforting vibe without being overly intimate. It was the perfect place for two individuals to become better acquainted.
Whilst sinking into a plush, moss colored chair, Arthur looked at Merlin incredulously. "You have four jobs? I've seen your apartment, it's shouldn't be that expensive."
"Well you would now, Mr. Pendragon- Mr. CEO of Albion Industries. You do technically own the building, or at least your company does." Merlin smirked. "Anyway, only two of those jobs actually pay. The other two are just volunteer. Besides, i live with my pseudo-uncle and my best friend; I only pay a fraction of the rent."
"Alright," Arthur conceded. "New question: Where did you learn to play the Violin."
The dark haired man tweaked one of his large ears. "I dunno, really. I've always had a knack for picking up instruments. Violin, Piano, Harpsichord, Vuvuzela: if it's musical, I can play it."
"Did you go to college for it?"
"Yes, I got a partial scholarship to Julliard."
"Impressive." Arthur nodded. Not that he was all that surprised. "Did you graduate?"
A pained look flashed through his companion's eyes. "Just barely." Merlin's voice was hollowed as he answered. "I…I really do want to get to know you; you've proven that you aren't an ass all the time. But some subjects are a little tender."
Arthur felt the urge to comfort Merlin; to reach across the table and hold his hand. "Don't worry about it. We're doing this thing slow, remember? You don't have to say anything you don't want to."
The look of gratitude he received was equally awe-inspiring as it was saddening.
In a perfect world, Merlin would never have been abused. He would be playing some challenging concerto to a sold out stadium, with Arthur sitting in audience. Or they would be snuggled up in the corner booth, hold hands, regaling each other with anecdotes from work or with their mutual friends.
In Arthur's mind, if anyone was worth turning fantasy into reality for, it was Merlin.
And when I wake you,
I'll be the first thing you see,
And you'll realise that you love me
Song: Stange & Beautiful (I'll Put a Spell On You) by Aqualung
No more playing it hot and cold from this point on. The ball has been set in motion :]
