Hey Nance, yeah my account went a bit funny, when I checked to see how many reviews I got (if any, and yes that is the last thing I do before I fall asleep, usually at around 1 or 2 in the morning but ho hum!) I noticed that it said I hadn't got 18 chapters, I think it is working again now but I uploaded the chapter again just in case, so this is the real chapter 19. I never really thought about the thin paper issue as I based it on my own sketchpad which, once I examined the label closely, was purpose made for watercolours. Before I kind of assumed that they all were :S Me being stupid again! Glad you enjoyed it second time round as well… such a lovely compliment! Hello again greyember13, thank you for the review, I am so glad that I haven't bored you all to death. Anyways, sorry this chapter is short but my free period was cut short…the fire alarm went of (great timing as always). I have some ideas for a couple more chapters but think I will probably stop after there and have pretty much run out of inspiration (*gasps and cries in shame/horror) Anyway, the fun will start next chapter so this was a bit of a build up/filler. (Oh dear I am waffling…) Enjoy!
Chapter 19
The days passed by in a blur, filled with Merlin sketching and painting various aspects of life, the vase of flowers on the kitchen table, Freya curled up on the sofa, Arthur watching television, Freya being stroked by Arthur, the garden and birds on the bird bath, Freya watching the birds on the birdbath! Arthur however was somewhat distracted, he had used up this years leave and would have to start work again tomorrow, and he hadn't had the heart to tell Merlin yet. He sighed and walked over to the boy, he had to tell him. Merlin was hunched over his easel creating a beautiful oil painting and Arthur watched his expert hand flying across the canvas. It was the first time that he had tried his oils and so far Merlin was satisfied with the effect, although there were a few changes that had to be made, his strokes weren't perfect in his eyes and he felt like he was not doing the scene in front of him any justice. Arthur completely disagreed and gasped when he saw Merlin's work of art, he was currently working on one of the flower beds with poppies, roses, bluebells, thistles and various other wildflowers. Arthur had never really been in to gardening but occasionally found find himself ankle deep in mud pulling out weeds and burying seeds, it acted like a sort of anger management and he enjoyed viewing the beauty which he had helped to create. Arthur stole himself and gently placed his hand on Merlin's daughter announcing his presence with a quiet, "Heya," so as not to make the boy jump and ruin his work.
Merlin was far less jumpy now and had been fairly calm the last time they entered the crowded supermarket where Arthur worked, he kept his head down but did not flinch at the loud noises and even smiled and helped a woman reach a can of baked beans from the top shelf. He did however have one quite major set-back when a burly man knocked him into a display of DVD's by accident. The man was extremely well built and looked rather threatening but despite appearances this had clearly been accidental and he was mortified at hurting the boy. The man had immediately apologised and bent down to scoop the crumpled figure up, but Merlin had panicked and scrambled away, beginning to hyperventilate as the world spun around him. Once again irrational thoughts were filling his head uncontrollably, despite his best effors to hush them. 'The man is going to hurt you. He will attack you and then Arthur. You can't escape him.' Merlin blanched at the thoughts and begun to rock his tightly curled body back and forth.
Arthur assured the man that it was alright and that Merlin was just a bit weary of strangers. Percival, who worked alongside Arthur at the supermarket and had taken over most of Arthur's hours hurried over, he had seen the events unwrap in front of him and was incredibly concerned for his friends. Merlin had gone a deathly shade of white and Percy could see him visibly shaking from three aisles away. He put on his best authoritative voice and ordered all the shoppers who were milling about and staring at Merlin to leave the aisle, couldn't they see that the boy was having a panic attack and that the last thing he needed was a load of people hovering over him. Percy had often experienced his little sister getting into similar states and knew just how terrifying it was to have an attack. He never admitted it in order to keep up his tough-guy appearance but he too had suffered from a panic attack when his sister had become lost on a shopping trip when they were younger. Merlin needed all the support he could get, not a load of ignorant people gawking at him.
Arthur was extremely glad for Percy's intervention, he owed him one, and hugged Merlin tight to his chest as the boy shook. At least Merlin was not crying like he usually did during a panic attack. He only let go when Merlin had sorted out his breathing and began to stand up shakily. Arthur also stood up and supported the boy with Percy taking Merlin's other side and helped him into the first aid bay, trying to ignore the stares. Arthur wrapped his arm around Merlin's waist as the first-aider gave him a cold glass of water and instructed him to "inhale and exhale." Percy sat in the visitors' chair looking slightly uncomfortable but wanting to show support in any way he could.
Merlin looked incredibly embarrassed; he had been doing so well and had been trying to fit in with people so hard, just wanting to make Arthur proud. He had been to Morgana's café a few times to help her serve up and had conversed with the customers, slowly building up trust. Arthur saw Merlin's flushed ears and kissed him gently, "it is ok, you are doing really well! You held it together brilliantly, didn't cry or anything." Merlin nodded but mumbled, "Yeah I only fell over and started hyperventilating." Arthur just gave him a squeeze and led him out of the room to continue their shopping, telling Merlin to ignore the concerned stares and assuring him that they could go straight home after they had paid.
Arthur came out of his reverie and cleared his throat, "Um…Merlin, I need to talk to you for a minute." Merlin looked up from his painting and set down his brush immediately concerned by Arthur's tone of voice. "What's wrong?" "Nothing is wrong, it's just that I have to start work again tomorrow because I am out of leave and they will fire me otherwise." Merlin let out a sigh of relief, for a moment he had convinced himself that Arthur was going to dump him, not that his Arthur would ever do anything of the sort. "Ok…" Arthur interrupted, glad that Merlin had taken the news so well, "Um, I was thinking, Morgana was saying that she could do with a hand at the café, and could use a waiter so I can ring her up and ask her to give you the job if you want it. I will check about the pay and hours, but I am sure she will take good care of you and I can pick you up on the way home from the supermarket." Merlin nodded, that sounded like a good idea and anything to help his friend would be brilliant. "That sounds like a good idea!" Arthur grinned at his cleverness and amazing plan and immediately rang Morgana; he could practically hear her smiling down the phone as she announced that Merlin would be perfect for the job. He put down the phone and told Merlin the good news and that Merlin would be starting tomorrow.
They spent the rest of the day curled up next to each other on the sofa with Freya, who had laid her paws protectively over Merlin's arm and was purring cheerfully when two pairs of hands stroked her simultaneously. Arthur had previously not seen himself as a cat person but Freya seemed to be decent for a cat. At least she was no longer scratching or biting him like during their first meeting, in fact she had become more docile and lap-cat-ish instead of like a 'guard cat.' Merlin spent another couple of hours on his painting until 2 O'clock when he decided that he was finished and had lunch with Arthur, after washing the paint off his hands. Arthur asked if he would mind if Gwaine came round for a game of football and Merlin nodded, it would be nice to meet up again and Gwaine, although loud and boisterous was rather docile around Merlin, besides he was a great laugh. Arthur nodded and rang Gwaine, who accepted the offer and made his way round immediately. Soon Gwaine and Arthur were kicking a ball back and forth, constantly asking Merlin if he wanted to join in, but every time Merlin politely refused. He was far more interested in his sketchbook and began to sketch Arthur and Gwaine's half naked, athletic figures in different positions, stretched out to save a goal, leaning over panting, kicking the ball, doing keep-me-ups until the sun began to go down.
Gwaine walked over to Merlin, wondering what the boy had been so intent on sketching, he hadn't moved anything except his hand for hours and looked to be deep in concentration. He immediately asked what Merlin was up to. Merlin blushed slightly but handed his book over to Gwaine who started from the beginning, his mouth hanging open in shock. He didn't have a clue about art but knew enough to see that Merlin was incredibly talented. He couldn't help but be drawn to the sketches of his own frame, his flyaway hair and toned abs laughing as he joked, "Damn I am hot!" Merlin laughed as Arthur pulled a face behind Gwaine's back and shoved him out the way so he could see the sketchbook, once again wondering how Merlin made his drawings so lifelike. Gwaine stayed over for dinner, Fish and Chips from the local takeaway as Arthur couldn't be bothered to cook and they ended up getting emotionally involved in QI, shouting out the answers and arguing about tenuous answers, or who said the correct answer first.
The next day Arthur awoke early and dressed in his uniform whilst Merlin was still sleeping and roused the boy at half seven, "sorry Merlin, but you have to get up now I need to leave in half an hour." Merlin grunted and rolled over, "Murrrm, urg, jus…YAWN…just five more minutes." Arthur grinned, "Afraid not," and he unceremoniously lifted Merlin up and dumped his protesting body onto the edge of the bed. Merlin swore under his breath muttering something about rude awakenings but got up and dressed quickly. He did not want to make Arthur late on his first day back! As soon as Merlin was ready they both hopped in the car, feeding Freya breakfast and driving to Morgana's café, where they knocked loudly on the door.
Morgana unlocked the café beaming at her brother and new employee, she rushed forward and hugged them both. She had been looking forward to receiving a helping-hand around the café, she freshly made the produce from scratch and it could be rather stressful at times. Merlin was the perfect solution, loyal, loving, friendly and he had an extremely attractive face, with prominent cheekbones, long eyelashes and irresistibly floppy hair. He would certainly attract the attention of female (and some male) passers by. If Morgana hadn't known that Merlin was gay and going out with her brother she too would have been very interested. "Hi, how are you doing? Good. Merlin do you want to dump your stuff in the back?" Merlin obliged and went into the back room where he pulled off his jacket so that he was just wearing a long-sleeved top. Meantime, Arthur was talking to Morgana quickly instructing her not to make Merlin get closer to people that he was comfortable with. He also said that if the café got too busy she should let Merlin go outside for a bit, filling her in about the supermarket incident. Morgana let out a concerned sigh, the poor lad, and agreed to keep an eye on him. She knew that Merlin was desperately trying to get used to people and attention but knew that it would take a long time, but she wanted to be sure that she would not patronise the boy. Surely the more she made him speak to customers the better? Merlin re-entered the room and Arthur gave him a tight hug and deep kiss, Morgana pulling a face and leaving the room, giving them some privacy. "So, ring me if you need me or want anything. Morgana has my number but I am sure you will be absolutely fine!" Merlin nodded and gave Arthur a final peck on the cheek before turning his attention to the café, today would definitely be interesting!
Hoped you liked it even though nothing much happened, I promise you hilarity and fun in the next chapter x