I'm still wondering why
Had to let the world let it bleed me dry
Merlin could feel the crescendo approaching. He felt it in his fingertips as the flew across the violin strings. He could feel it in his wrist as it flicks to and fro, expertly maneuvering his bow. He could feel it in his heart. Just as he had felt this song in his heart and was somehow able to translate it to paper.
He could feel it coming: the big finish. The crowd would love it. They might stand on their feet or throw roses.
Not that it mattered much anymore. Not to Merlin. He no longer played for them. Tonight, at his first show in almost four years, he played just for himself.
And a certain blonde in the crowd.
Arthur was proud. Maybe that was a bit pretentious of him, but anyone who was bothered by it could sod off.
It's not like he was proud of himself. (Alright, he was a little proud of himself. Having a victim of domestic abuse as your boyfriend can be a life changer. It was nice to discover that he is actually a decent human being.)
No, he was proud of Merlin. Courageous Merlin, who could, after years of recovery, get on that stage and pour his heart and soul into a piece of music.
Arthur wiped an errant tear from his face. He looked around to make sure Morgana hadn't seen him. That girl turned blackmail into a sporting event.
"It's very moving." Came a smooth baritone.
Arthur promptly turned around in his seat. He had to be sure this bloke wasn't mocking him or Merlin.
The man looked…older. Perhaps around the same age as his father. He had shaggy blonde hair and a pompous earring. The man looked like an ageing rock star.
"Are you a fan of classical music?" Arthur asked politely. No reason to make a fuss. Tonight was about Merlin.
"No, but I am a fan of the musician." The man kept his gaze locked on the stage. "I met him back at Julliard. What about yourself?"
"I'm his boyfriend."
The man's face distorted slightly before relaxing. "Ah, I see. You must be excited then, to see him perform."
"Of course. I've sat with him for months, listening to him tweak and perfect this one piece. Not that I'm complaining." Arthur quickly amended. "I love Merlin's music. It's his dream, and I would do anything to see it come true. When he gets on that stage, I feel so unworthy of him."
"He is a god amongst his contemporaries."
"Exactly! And to be a part of that is just…mind blowing." Arthur sunk into his seat. "And he shares all of that with me. Just because I love him."
Arthur didn't see the man's face twist; he didn't see the look of pure fury in the stranger's eyes.
"How very…touching. I wish you both the utmost happiness."
"Thanks man." Arthur held out his hand. "I'm Arthur Pendragon. I didn't catch your name earlier."
"I'm no one important."
"You were brilliant!"
Merlin flushed with happiness. "You really think so?"
"Abso-bloody-lutely!" Arthur grabbed Merlin around the waist and kissed him soundly. "Everyone thought so. Hell, I even struck up a little conversation with some bloke behind me. He was practically enamored- granted, he was a weirdo."
"You thought he was weird? Why?"
"Dunno. I guess he looked out of place. But never mind about him. Tonight, I and all the people you love are taking you out for a celebratory dinner. Somewhere family friendly for Mordred."
Merlin could never remember how that night ended. Too much champagne and not enough food. However, every time he looks back, he can clearly see the look of utter fondness from Arthur. It helped cast a lovely, rosy glow of contentment over the entire night.
We are not what you think we are
We are golden, we are golden
If you're wondering who the man is, this link will help (delete the spaces): http: /walden-pond313. blogspot. com /2011/07/