Arthur glowers.
Merlin is sitting at the bar counter, smiling haplessly, as Cenred slides into the seat next to him. Arthur just had to leave him alone for one night, and that's it. Merlin doesn't even have to try to have the man gravitate towards him. It isn't surprising, and better yet, it suits their plan.
Arthur isn't prepared for what Cenred's casual hand on Merlin's back makes him feel.
He takes a large gulp of his drink, trying to swallow his jealousy along with it. He really should stop staring, let Merlin do the thing he pressured him into doing, but try as he might, his gaze lingers. Lingers in the easy sprawl of the young genius's body. He wonders if the idiot is drunk already; he really wouldn't be surprised if he is. As if on cue, Cenred leans closer to whisper something and Arthur's grip on the glass tightens when he sees Merlin giggle. Seriously? The man is drunk on a serious espionage mission. Figures. At least he isn't nervous anymore.
Arthur tries not to break the glass when Merlin blushes, flailing his arms trying to answer. Oh Lord, he really is drunk. And Cenred, the bastard, is taking full advantage of it.
There's a moment when Cenred reaches out and plays with Merlin's tie, twirling it around his hand, that Arthur feels sure he would break character. A few hours ago, he had batted Merlin's clumsy hands away as he took over, tying the tie himself, and relishing in the man's proximity. Then he had stepped back and whistled, looking at the picture he made. Half formal, dress pants and shirt, wearing a tie in a curious shade of blue that brought out the color of his eyes; and half messy, his hair in disarray, his shirt sleeves folded up, nervousness making him look younger than ever. Delicious.
Arthur had wanted to kiss the man, rumple him up even more; to tangle his hands in his hair and make them look even messier. He had refrained from it, but now, watching Cenred's fingers touching the tie, wrapping it in his hand and tugging, had him regretting that decision.
A few minutes later, Cenred looks up, his eyes catching Arthur's and winks. Arthur does break the glass then, but because of how hard he smashes it on the table. It's part of the ruse. But suddenly it doesn't feel like one.
Arthur had been the one to come up with the plan, and it was frankly ingenious, if he did say so himself. He only wishes that he could enjoy being right, and not feel so God damn miserable to see it being successful. They had come to the bar counter, together but visibly upset. And then had a very public, very loud -albeit brief- argument in the middle of the room, after which Merlin had stormed off to get drunk, while Arthur glared from a distance. He knew Cenred would not be able to resist the draw to inflame Arthur more. And he had been right.
When he sees Cenred tucking a stray lock behind Merlin's ear, and caressing his face, he figures its time for the next part of the plan. If he sits here any longer, he might pop an artery in his head. This part, he is going to enjoy.
Arthur stands up and storms towards where Merlin is sitting, and growls "Merlin."
Merlin stares into Cenred's eyes, completely ignoring Arthur. Cenred does the same, but there is a smirk playing at his lips which tells Arthur that is deliberate.
"Merlin," Arthur grabs Merlin's arm, trying to pull him away from the counter, but only managing to jostle him in process. "What are you doing?" he demands.
"What does it look like I am doing?" Merlin looks at him now, angrily. There's an apology in his eyes though. Arthur can see it. He can only hope Cenred doesn't.
"You're gonna come with me!"
"No I am not."
"This isn't up for debate Merlin."
"Yes Arthur. It's not!" Merlin shouts, and pulls his arm back, "Contrary to popular belief, you do not own me!"
Arthur gapes. From the corner of his eye he can also see Cenred observing them with a fascinated expression.
"And now, if you would leave us alone, our kind host was being most accommodating and helping me forget about the unpleasantness that this day has been." Merlin wrinkles his nose and looks at Cenred in gratitude.
"Anytime dear." Cenred's smile is predatory, but Merlin acts as if its kind. Then he turns and looks at Arthur sympathetically. "Trouble in Paradise?"
Merlin snorts at that, and Arthur shoots him an annoyed look. He refuses to answer Cenred though.
"Don't worry! I am sure if you give the boy a night to relax and unwind, he would be happy to crawl back into your bed." He pats Arthur lightly on shoulder, and Arthur doesn't even have to act in order to cringe and step back.
"I doubt it!" Merlin huffs.
"You do now. I am sure you will change your mind later." Cenred strokes Merlin's hand lying on the table, and Arthur feels triumphant when he notices the slight look of disgust on Merlin's face. Cenred assumes it's directed at Arthur though.
Merlin sags, looking tired and tipsy. "I will talk to you later Arthur," he says, a dismissal. Arthur stands there for a few more minutes, until he hears Cenred say.
"Care for a dance?"
Merlin beams. Putting his hand in Cenred's offered hand, and Arthur snarls his name one more time, a warning "Merlin" which both men ignore completely, before stomping away and ordering himself another drink. They had created a scene, and people are throwing him pitying looks. He pretends not to notice them.
He does however, see the two men on the dance floor, Merlin acting clumsy – is it even an act? Is Merlin so drunk that he can't be trusted with his safety? He feels concerned for a second, but then Merlin meets his gaze and sends him a wink, swaying his hips while Cenred dances at his back. The minx. He has the Master of the Castle wrapped around his pinky already, without any real effort. Arthur raises his glass to him in appreciation, and Merlin laughs, before taking a fortifying breath and grimacing. Then he turns around to face Cenred.
Arthur's expressions turn dark, seeing Cenred's arms going around Merlin's waist, the way he bends down and whispers something in Merlin's ears. It would help if Arthur couldn't read the discomfort written in Merlin's posture, the way his body recoils at whatever the man said, but he nods anyway, continuing to dance.
There's a wry expression on Arthur's face as he watches the two of them leave, Merlin hanging on Cenred's arm. He hates himself for putting Merlin in this position, and would never be able to forgive himself if any harm comes to him. But all he can do now, is perform his part in the plan, and trust Merlin to perform his.
Unbeknownst to him, someone else is also watching them leave from across the room, and the smile playing on her lips signals doom.