"Merlin," Arthur said.
"That is my name." Merlin replied. "What do you want?" Merlin pulled the pile of books he held closer to his chest.
"I just wanted to... uh…" Arthur hesitated and Merlin's eyebrows shot up. Was he going to… No he wouldn't. "Apologize," Arthur half choked out. Oh my god he did. "I'm sorry for what I said, it was… impolite and…"
"Prattish?" Merlin supplied. He could see Arthur grinding his teeth and smiled.
"Yes, it was prattish." Arthur managed to say.
"Hmph, well I accept your apology." Merlin bowed his head.
"Really?" Arthur looked surprised. Merlin nodded.
"You seem generally apologetic even if you could barely say it, so I will gladly accept your apology." Merlin gave Arthur a half smile. Arthur was still slightly shaken, but he quickly pulled himself from his stupor.
"So what are you reading?" He asked, peering at the books.
"Just browsing really. Most is medieval history of this area. Freya is really into this area. It's beautiful."
"That's cool, I have a lot of older texts that I got from my mother's inheritance. Most are about this area if Freya wants to have a look."
"Really? Freya would love that!"
"Good now as an apology," Arthur swiped the books from Merlin and half ran to the counter. "I will be purchasing these for her as well."
"What no!" Merlin was to slow to catch up though, as Aithusa had almost finished ringing him up. "Aithusa, stop ringing him up!" Aithusa looked like a deer in the headlights.
"Now, now Merlin, I'm purchasing these for myself. They just might or might not end up going home with you." Arthur purred mischievously. Aithusa blushed scarlet and gave Merlin a suggestive smile.
"I can't let you purchase that entire stack of books." Merlin pushed.
"Too late!" Arthur nearly sang as he handed Aithusa his gold card. Merlin tried to snatch it out of the air, but it was too late indeed. Aithusa had the card swiped and handed back to Arthur along with the receipt in no time. Each book was carefully placed into a paper sack and handed to a scowling Merlin. Arthur flashed him a smile and gestured to a table in the corner, but when he tried to get Merlin's chair for him, the smaller man practically shoved him away.
"I did just give your little sister a very pricey present, and I apologized. You could be nice." Arthur took the chair opposite Merlin with a scowl.
"You very much enjoy sticking your nose in things, don't you Pendragon?"
"Well it is a right that I've had since birth."
"Of course it is, well I guess I thank you for the books. Freya will be greatly pleased, but I am supposed to pick her up from school." Merlin rose, and Arthur followed.
"Tell Freya I give her my sincerest apologies and bribes." He nodded toward the books and Merlin laughed.
"Freya would love these bribes. I very much assume she will forgive you. Thank you Arthur and give my best to Morgana." Arthur nodded and watched the raven haired man leave the building. He sat back down and continued to keep his gaze on Merlin until he was out of sight. With a sigh, Arthur left the shop and walked the short jaunt to Morgana's flat. When he knocked, Morgana yelled something unintelligible. He knocked again and then he heard with more clarity.
"If it is Arthur Pendragon, I want absolutely nothing to do with you." Her voice ripped through the hall as the door swung open.
"Hello Morgana," Arthur started before the door was slammed in his face. "I came to tell you that I spoke with Merlin today." The door creaked open slightly and Morgana peeked her head out, in a signal to go on. "I apologized and he accepted."
"That's all?"
"I bought Freya a stack of books because she wasn't with him and we had a nice conversation." Morgana's eyes narrowed, before the door completely opened.
"So if I call and ask him, you won't be lying?"
"No Morgana I'm not lying." Arthur gave her a sad smile. She huffed and stood by to let him in. "Thank you."
"I still can't believe you were such an ass." Arthur shifted uncomfortably. To be honest, he had no idea why the Merlin brought out the worst in him, he just did. Morgana's gaze softened. "It was good of you to apologize, I guess you are growing up." Arthur rolled his eyes.
"Come on lets go get a late lunch." Arthur held out his arm, which Morgana, thankfully, took. They had a light lunch at a probably extremely overpriced restaurant, forgetting about their troubles.
