AN: This was inspired by a prompt for the line, "Expect me to be a little late. I have a situation on my hands."

"Habitual lateness" was just one of the many traits that Harry Hart carried over into every aspect of his life. In their ten-year relationship, Merlin had long since come to terms with it. Harry's strengths greatly outweighed his faults, and if Merlin couldn't overlook them, the relationship wouldn't have lasted as long as it had.

However, when it came to matters of the heart, Merlin did expect Harry to be more punctual. And it certainly wasn't proper for him to keep Merlin waiting alone at a restaurant for nearly thirty minutes.

After two refills of water and three instances of brushing off the waitress, who kept coming around with an increasingly concerned expression on her face, Merlin had had enough. He discreetly slipped out of the restaurant- luckily, he'd chosen a booth in the very back, where he was less likely to be observed- and reached into his pocket for his phone. Using his glasses was a much more efficient way to contact Harry, but here in public, appearing to talk to himself would surely win him more stares than he was comfortable with.

The moment Harry picked up, Merlin didn't wait a second before speaking. "Harry. What's taking you so long?"

When Harry replied, he sounded more flustered than Merlin was used to hearing. "Terribly sorry, love. Expect me to be a little late, I've got a situation on my hands."

A situation? Merlin swallowed and stared up at the sky overhead, trying to collect himself. Knowing Harry, "a situation" could mean anything from "I went shopping and lost track of time" to "I've been kidnapped by terrorists." It was only to be hoped that Harry had managed to avoid the second option, this time.

"What sort of situation?" Merlin asked, and Harry sighed. He sounded out of breath. It was then that Merlin noticed the ambient noise on the other end, the sound of footsteps against pavement. Was Harry being chased?

"I can't exactly tell you right this moment," Harry said. "But I swear I'll-"

"Harry," Merlin cut in, exasperation slicing the air like a knife. "Who did you manage to piss off this time?"

A pause, and then Harry's defiant response blazed over the line- "They pissed meoff first."

"Harry." There were several things Merlin could have chosen to say, but since most of them were the beginnings of a lecture he opted for something more succinct. "Why didn't you-" He quickly glanced both ways around the sidewalk to make sure no one was listening before lowering his voice to a whisper. "Why didn't you just take them out?"

"Because I didn't want to be late!" Harry insisted. Merlin sighed heavily, reaching up to rub his temples. "Sorry to burst your bubble, but you're already-"

"I didn't want to be too late," Harry amended his statement. Merlin thought the footsteps on pavement sounded quieter now, but it was hard to tell. He fought the urge to roll his eyes, knowing that such a move was wasted when Harry wasn't there to see it. "So you're bringing your pursuers to our anniversarydinner. Lovely."

"Merlin, I'm so sorry, I've got to hang-"

"Do you need any help?"

"Yes."

Merlin sighed again. "Okay. Give me your coordinates and I'll be on my way, Gala- Harry." Some habits were hard to slip out of.

"Happy anniversary, love," Harry said at last when the dust had settled. He brandished the bouquet of pink and white roses that he had been carrying, though it had been upset during the scuffle. A few petals lay crushed in the alley, but Merlin didn't mind. He took the bouquet with a small smile and breathed in the fresh scent.

"Happy anniversary, dear heart." Merlin handed over a wrapped gift and then, after furtively checking his surroundings, dared to give Harry a kiss on the cheek.

"I hope you aren't troubled by the mess," Harry said, gazing around at the several unconscious, incapacitated figures lying strewn in the alley. "I tried my best to shake them, but they were verydetermined."

"Not troubled at all," Merlin said. He slung an arm around Harry's shoulder and led him towards the sidewalk. "I'd phone an ambulance, but we'd best not miss our dinner reservation. If they haven't given up the table by now."

Harry snorted in an ungentlemanly manner. "Don't worry about those nasty jerks. They got all that they deserved." He hesitated for a moment, then said coyly, "It's been a while since I saw you move like that."

This time Merlin did roll his eyes, right in full view of Harry. "Maybe if you're feeling lucky, you'll get to see it again later."