Friday morning finds Arthur brooding at his office window, his mood as bleak as the weather outside. Merlin's job performance over the previous four days exceeded all expectations. He was knowledgeable, witty and charming. Hell, if the truth be told he was positive Merlin handled him when he was being difficult, funny thing that, it usually irritated him; and yet with Merlin, he was okay with it. It was also true that Merlin wasn't intimidated by him; the same couldn't be said of either Giles or George. Running a hand over his face he hears Merlin's gentle knocking.
"Come!" He must be really losing his mind, he swears that Merlin mutters "I'd like to."
Merlin's hand comes into view holding his coffee mug; he takes it, his fingers grazing Merlin's. "Arthur, is everything ok? You seem out of it this morning."
Taking a sip of coffee to hide his smile from Merlin's keen gaze, turning he sees concern on Merlin's face. He allows his eyes to travel over Merlin's body, liking the way the blue shirt makes those beautiful eyes bluer.
You are the sexiest man I've ever seen.
"Everything is fine Merlin, just thinking about what I want to accomplish today."
like making you scream my name.
Merlin's raised brow coupled with the sexiest little smirk ever has him choking on his coffee, he immediately feels a thump on his back as Merlin tries to help, waving him off he collapses into his chair. "I'm fine," he gasps out, desperately trying to regain his composure.
His heart nearly stops as Merlin leans over him trying to wipe the coffee off his chin, before moving down to dab at some spots on his shirt. Arthur grabs Merlin's hands stilling them; he looks up into Merlin's face, watching his pupils dilate and his lips part, groaning Arthur tugs him forward to lay a soft kiss on his lips.
"Finally," Merlin whispers against his lips.
Well damn, licking along hos bottom lip till Merlin opens his mouth to tangle his tongue with Arthur's. Pulling back Arthur groans again seeing the lust plainly written on Merlin's face, fuck I want you. "Merlin…" Arthur starts regretfully.
"No, its fine really Arthur, we both have work to do."
By that evening he's seething in frustration. Leaning forward to place his elbows on his desk, he put his face in his hands. Gwaine, showing up to bother him, apparently deciding that sprawling out on the couch in Arthur's office is somehow this evening's mission. "Arthur, it can't be is bad as it seems."
"No Gwaine its bloody worse. The man is perfect, he can do no wrong, and he makes my coffee fucking perfect. He correctly anticipates my needs, I never have to repeat myself, and he remembers every damn thing! If this keeps up I'm so screwed, and not in a good way!"
"So don't give him the job Arthur, problem solved."
Jumping up to pace in front of his desk, Arthur snaps " that's just great Gwaine, I should tell him that he can't have the job because I want to fuck his brilliant brains out, great, just fucking great." Hearing Gwaine laugh in delight makes Arthur feel like punching his smug face.
"I got to get out of here, I need a damn drink." Grabbing his jacket and keys he storms out of the office.
Gwaine right behind him, loyal twit that he is. Standing at the elevator he waits impatiently for it to open, he hears Gwaine talking to someone as he approaches, glancing over his shoulder he grits his teeth. Mister perfectly gorgeous has joined Gwaine, fanfuckingtabulous, as the elevator dings its arrival he steps in, turning to face both Merlin and Gwaine, raising an irritated eyebrow. Gwaine steps back flashing a smile while Merlin steps in and the door slides shut. Refusing to look over at Merlin, he hears him sigh quietly.
"Arthur I think we need to talk about this."
"There's no this to talk about Merlin" he snaps, pulling at his hair in frustration.
Merlin reaches out and hits the emergency stop button. "Yes there is," he says slowly, as if speaking to a child.
Snorting Arthur steps forward grabbing hold of Merlin's neck to pull him into a demanding kiss, and Merlin thank God responds to the pressure against his lips, opening his mouth to shamelessly welcome Arthur's tongue. Pushing Merlin back against the elevator wall he grinds his hips against his. Merlin tilts his head back moaning, exposing a perfect pale neck, taking the invitation for what it is Arthur places hot kisses on it, licking around the shell of his ear. Leaning back he cups Merlin's face, rubbing his thumbs across those impossible cheek bones. Merlin's eyes are at half-mast; he can see how affected he is by the pulse pounding in his neck.
Gently he tells him, "No Merlin, there's not. I cannot or will not deny that I want you, but it's not going to happen. Not while you are employed by this company."
Merlin's hands cover his own, "Arthur it doesn't have to be like that. We are adults, why can't we do both. You know separate work from outside of work; it's called a logical solution." Leaning in to steal one last kiss, he can't help but slide his hand down the side of Merlin's body and around to his ass, pulling him tighter against him. Taking s deep breath, he steps back and runs both hands through his hair. Glancing up he barks out an exasperated laugh.
"I seem to have very little sense and no control where you're concerned Merlin," grabbing him by the shoulders he turns him and leans in to whisper in his ear "smile you're on camera Merlin, let's try not to give the security guys any more of a show, eh?"
Reaching out he releases the emergency stop button. Merlin is trying to not laugh out right, his mouth twitching at the corners. "Idiot," Arthur says grinning. To which Merlin bursts out laughing. The rest of the ride down is quick, quiet and uneventful. Walking together outside, Arthur bumps Merlin's shoulder with his own, smiling.
"See you on Monday."Arthur almost doesn't let him go when he sees that stunning smile make another appearance.
"Have a good weekend prat."
Arthur briefly wonders if he is going to have to watch Merlin walk out of his life every evening. Making his way to his auto, he pulls out his phone to text his best mate Gwen.
Meet me at the usual place? I need your advice and your help.
-AP
Opening the door and settling into the driver's seat, he hears his phone go off. Opening the text he reads:
Lance is with me, okay if he comes too?
-G x
Smiling Arthur replies:
Absolutely! See you two soon.
-AP
Forty minutes later he pulls up to his sister's bar The Poisoned Chalice, he sees that it's going to be a struggle with parking, which takes an additional ten minutes. Finally making it to the entrance he is greeted by Percy the bouncer, one of Gwaine's many conquests. "Hey Arthur, go right in. Carful though, Morg's in a real mood." Rolling his eyes at Percy he smirks and heads in.
The place is crowded, which is not unusual on the weekend. Scanning the crowd he breaks into a wide grin when he sees Gwen waving with a welcoming smiling from the back corner booth. Reaching her he pulls her into a one armed hug.
"Hey beautiful, hope that sexy man of yours is treating you right." Seeing Lance grin at his teasing he slides into the booth. As Gwen sits back down he feels her scanning his face, he knows that she immediately sees something.
"Arthur what's going on," Sighing Arthur flags down the waitress so he can order a drink.
"Hang on Gwen; let me get my drink first, kay?"When the drink is finally ordered and is sitting in front of him he takes a large drink. Leaning back and meeting Gwen's eyes he starts by explaining last Saturday at the club with Gwaine and continues on including the events of this very evening.
"Arthur, I think you're telling me that you are in love." Nearly choking on a swallow of his ale, he looks up at Gwen sharply.
"I wouldn't go so far as to say it's love Gwen. I will say that the more I find out about him the more desirable I find him."
"I just don't understand why you think that it's a problem Arthur."
"Because Gwen, it's my father's company and he has a strict no dating employee's policy. I'm sure he'd be proud to find out that his son is shagging his own personal assistant." Gwen rolls her eyes and frowns a little.
Glancing around the room he recognizes an all too familiar form, quickly looking away he knows that it's too late, damn it! Tonight just wasn't his night. "Gwen we are about to have some unpleasant company I think," watching Gwen's face until recognition forms.
"Hell Arthur I thought he was barred from here."
"My guess would be that Percy isn't on the door right now and whoever is doesn't know. I hope for that person's sake that Morg doesn't find out." When the person in question finally reached them Arthur pulled his face into a bored mask.
"Well, well look what the kitty dragged from the Pendragon dumpsters."
"Piss off Charles; I'm sure there's someone in here that hasn't sampled your charms. Go find them." Shaking his head he can't believe that he'd ever been interested in someone like him to begin with.
"That's funny Arthur because I seem to remember how often you use to beg me for those charms."
Merlin let Gwaine talk him into a night out, bringing him to a bar that he claimed was owned by a close friend of his. Having just ordered drinks, Merlin spies Arthur sitting at a table with a good looking couple, there's also a man looming over Arthur's side of the table and from the look on Arthurs face he wasn't happy or comfortable with it. Squeezing Gwaine's elbow to get his attention, leaning close to be heard over the music he asks ,
"Who is that talking to Arthur over in the corner."
Watching Gwaine's face darken with anger that is all the confirmation he needs. Hurrying over to the table to tap the stranger on the shoulder in hopes of getting him to turn around, and when it works he slides into the booth next to Arthur smiling; pressing a chaste kiss on his lips. "Sorry I'm late love, but traffic was terrible and the parking even worse."
Arthur's eyebrows raise with amusement, a smile playing on his lips. Turning towards the man at the end of the table he gives him a wide smile, "I'm sorry we haven't been properly introduced. My name is Merlin, I'm his current partner and you are…"
The man frowns in irritation, "I'm Charles the ex."
"Yes, Charles that's right. I do remember having a discussion about you with Arthur. I can't really say that any of it was very flattering to you, in any way, but thanks for saying hello and I hope you have a pleasant evening. I'm sure you'll understand if we don't invite you to stay."
As if on cue Gwaine makes his presence known with a very large, very muscular man that Merlin later learns is one of the bouncers. He's startled out of his thoughts as a hand enfolds his, turning his attention to Arthur who is looking very serious right now.
"So, Merlin it would seem that I owe you for rescuing me from an unpleasant situation. There must be something that you want, something I can give you." Studying Arthur's expression, he can't believe he's just been handed the means to seduce him; well hopefully, Arthur's ridiculous work ethics could still seriously imped him. Smiling Merlin leans forward to whisper in Arthur's ear.
"Take me home?"
Arthur realizes that he is in serious trouble when he hears those three whispered words, wondering how angry Merlin will be when he realizes that it won't be what he's asking for, not exactly.
"Okay, now?" He asks suggestively.
Seeing Merlin blush and nod, he casually bids good night to his friends. Taking Merlin's hand, he leads him out of the bar till they come to the car. Opening the passenger side he helps Merlin in, letting his hand run down his shoulder. Closing the door he hurry's around to get in, Merlin is watching him like a hawk, probably a little suspicious given how easily he'd given in. Leaning forward he steals a quick kiss; Merlin slides a hand in to Arthur's hair pulling him back for a longer, hotter, and deeper kiss. Pulling back he places a final kiss on Merlin's lips, and starts the car.
"You're not going to do it are you Arthur", glancing at the disappointment on Merlin's face, reaches out to grasp his hand and gives it a gentle squeeze.
"No you're wrong Merlin. I am going to take you home, with me, if you want. I want to be honest though Merlin, I don't know what will happen. I do know that I want to get to know you better. Well? Do you want to come with me or shall I take you home."
Turning to glance at Merlin he watches the smile grow on his face till it glows with happiness,"Yes, I want to go home with you Arthur."