He is handing out the information of Gwaine's latest mission to the agent, trying to equip him with enough knowledge that he won't get himself killed out of sheer stupidity- it seems impossible, but he knows his agents. He is aware the files would stay unread, if Gwaine can help it.
When Merlin is handing over the gun and other tech, he notices the leer on the man's face. That too, is nothing surprising.
"Anything you want to say Gwaine?" Merlin goes for his most intimidating look, which isn't helped by his still bruised eye.
"No," Gwaine smirks.
"Then if you would just concentra-,"
"Okay I give up. I need to know. Did you really accompany our resident princess on a mission?"
Merlin rolls his eyes, familiar with Arthur's nickname, and does not dignify that with an answer.
"The mission Gwaine."
"Can wait. This is important matter."
"Which means… there's a betting pool," Merlin sighs.
"You know us too well," Gwaine laughs.
"I will neither accept nor deny that rumor." Merlin is determined to not cause more gossip in the department than Arthur has already perpetuated.
"Come on Merlin. Be a darling and help a guy out."
Merlin glares. Gwaine sits sprawled and unashamed, waiting him out. Just before he is about to cave, a figure obscures his line of sight.
He closes his eyes and tries to stifle his frustrated whine. Not this again.
Arthur comes and stands in front of him, leaning against the table and bending towards him.
"Merlin," he chastises, trying to reach out to caress the blue under his eye, "you should be at home, resting. You really should not be working already."
Merlin bats his hand away, turning his glare towards the blond agent. He can hear Gwaine snickering.
"Neither should you," he retaliates.
"I, unlike you, was not beaten up by Morgause's henchmen. You have to cut yourself some slack."
Merlin sags, knowing the game is up when Gwaine hoots triumphantly and gets up from his chair, skipping away- probably to collect his winnings.
"Was this display of covetousness really necessary?"
"Yes," Arthur says simply.
Merlin tries hard to suppress his at that.
"New mission?" he asks instead.
Arthur nods, and then opens his mouth. From his face, Merlin can tell another absurd request is coming.
"No," he refuses pre-emptively.
"I haven't even said anything yet."
"Whatever it is, I am not interested." Merlin turns away, trying to find something to busy himself in.
"What about a kiss for luck?" Arthur asks, completely sincere.
Merlin's hands freeze. He looks up in surprise. There's a smirk playing at his lips, amusement evident in his expressions. But there is also hope.
"No?" His face falls when Merlin doesn't reply.
Sheepish, Arthur is backing away slowly, but before he turns, Merlin reaches for his sleeve. He tugs the agent down, until they are breathing in the same air, and with a smile, he presses his lips to Arthur's.
"Good luck," he whispers after they part.
Arthur looks stunned, and Merlin is secretly pleased. He doesn't even mind when people around them wolf whistle, and break into applause.
Worth it. He is finding that being the Bond girl isn't as bad as he had imagined. Not when it's rewarded by the look of awe on Arthur's face. Also the kisses do a very good job of shutting him up and preventing more ill-advised schemes.
All in all, he can't really say he minds.
A/N: So... here we are. I got really badly stuck in this fic, and everyone who has been following it, thank you so much. From the bottom of my heart. This fic exists because of all of you 3.