Merlin got a new neighbour Arthur. Arthur is a prat.
Modern AU
Yes, there will be mistakes, grammar or others, Sorry for that :)
Also I do not own Merlin or any of the characters there, this amazing piece of art belongs to BBC ;)
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Merlin was walking through the hallway while fishing out the keys from his pocket. He noticed a few boxes on the floor outside of the door next to his own apartment. The door were open so it looked like Merlin's got a new neighbor.
Merlin was looking around trying to find the owner of the boxes, but he didn't see anyone.
"Yes Morgana I know" he heard a male voice from the inside of the apartment. Merlin curiously peaked inside and saw a blond guy talking to someone on a phone.
"Luckily I am busy with the moving, but even if I had the whole day free I would not go there" the man was saying
"Exactly Morgana, good to know we're on the same page" the man nodded "Bye" he added and hanged up. He noticed Merlin outside of his open door "Need something?" He raised an eyebrow.
"I am Merlin... I live next door" Merlin smiled and waved at him. The blond guy was looking at him for a few seconds without saying anything then he just mumbled "Ok" and shrugged after he put the phone in his pocket and then walked to the door to picked up one of the boxes on the hallway.
"And you are?" Merlin asked.
"Busy" the man muttered and placed the box inside of his apartment and quickly went to pick up another one from the hallway.
"Don't you want help with it?" Merlin offered friendly.
The man just shook his head and picked up the last box from the hallway and put it inside his apartment, clearly trying to get rid off Merlin as soon as possible. With all of his boxes inside of his apartment the man was going to shut the door.
"I think I overheard your name" Merlin was trying to extract his new neighbor's name.
"No, I just did not tell you my name" the blond muttered and before Merlin could've react the door closed.
"Prat" Merlin muttered and went home.
"Hello" Merlin smiled at his cat who as soon as she heard him coming ran to him to welcome him.
"We have a new neighbor Aithusa, bus he's a utter prat. He didn't even introduce himself" Merlin was informing his cat while petting her. Aithusa meowed in response.
"Right? Totally thinking the same thing" Merlin said happily that his beloved pet shares the same opinions. Merlin pushed his new rude neighbor out of his mind for the rest of the day and did not think of him until he saw him the next day in the hallway.
The blond was just leaving his apartment coincidentally at the same time as Merlin did his, the blond guy was on his phone talking to someone again, but unlike the phone call from yesterday he seemed to be happy to have this conversation, because he was laughing while talking to the other person.
"Of course you did Gwaine" the blond said with a laugh. Merlin was quite pleased to see that this guy can be in a good mood as well and started to wonder whether or not he was a bit harsh at judging him last night.
This guy just moved to a new place and that might be quite stressful to some people, so he might not be in a mood for a Merlin's cheery introductions. His new neighbor did not even register Merlin's existence, or if he did, he did not show it, and walked away towards the stares and towards the exit.
Merlin decided to give his neighbor another chance before putting him in an utter prat box. With that thought he left the building as well. He did not see his new neighbor anywhere outside of the building, so he had to wait until they will meet up again.
He did not have to wait long because he managed to run into the blond the same day when he was coming back home, seeing the man at his door unlocking them.
"Hello" Merlin said with a smile. The blond turned a bit to see who it is.
"You again" he muttered unimpressed.
"Yeah I live here so... me again" Merlin nodded, still trying to keep the man out of the utter prat box.
"Yeah" the blond nodded and opened his door.
"You could at least tell me your name" Merlin said.
"I could, but then you might think that I am interested in talking to you, so I am not gonna risk that" the blond said without looking at Merlin.
"You know what? I give up. You are an utter prat" Merlin crossed his arms over his chest. "I thought maybe you were off because of the moving yesterday, so I let it slide... you being so rude and all..." Merlin continued.
"How generous of you" the blond chuckled
"You're unbelievable you know that?" Merlin said starting to be quite annoyed
"Careful Merlin, people might think we're dating... arguing on a hallway like that" The blond chuckled again.
"See? You know me name so it's unfair for me to not know yours" Merlin said pretty much ignoring what the blond just said.
"I know... sometimes life just is not fair is it?" The blond nodded with a very faked sympathy and before Merlin had the chance to react the blond entered his apartment and closed the door behind him.
"I was wrong about the prat... you're a dollop head" Merlin said anyway, hoping the guy heard him.
He went home requiring the support of his beloved Aithusa, but when he unlocked the door he saw his faithful cat on the balcony climbing over to the next one.
"Aithusa no, come back in here" Merlin said and quickly ran to his balcony hoping he will manage to catch her before she... he was too late, Aithusa was already on his neighbor's balcony.
"Aithusa came back in here right now or... I'll never pet you again" Merlin tried to blackmail her. Aithusa looked at him and gave him the "You bluffing bitch" look before she slipped through the open door on the balcony in the apartment of his neighbor.
"Damn" Merlin muttered, knowing very well whose apartment it is. "Get a cat Merlin, they are amazing animals... last time I've ever listened to you Gwen" Merlin mumbled while walking to his neighbor's door. He really hoped that the blond did not hear Merlin calling him a dollop head.
He knocked on the door and waited. The blond opened the door. He looked little bit surprised at seeing Merlin there, but did not make it much obvious.
He crossed his arms over his chest while leaning on the door frame. "Merlin?" The blond raised an eyebrow, clearly reminding Merlin that he knows his name, but Merlin does not share that luxury. Merlin did not say anything, because he needed his cat so insulting that guy might not be the smartest move right now.
"I... Aithusa is in your apartment" Merlin said.
"What is in my apartment?" The blond asked confused.
"My cat climbed onto your balcony and then slipped in here through the open door on the balcony" Merlin explained
"I see" The blond nodded
"So can I come in and find her... please" Merlin asked
"Funny... you call me dollop head... what ever that might be, and then not even 10 minutes later I should be doing you favors" the blond tilted his head to a side.
"I... Ok, firstly I hoped you maybe did not hear that. And also... this is hardly a favor, I just need my cat ok?" Merlin said.
"You know how weird it is... like ops sorry I just take my cat and leave, no big deal" The blond chuckled
"Trust me, you don't want her in here. She can be kinda bitch..." Merlin started.
"Isn't every cat? I mean that's their main trait isn't?" the blond asked and Merlin chuckled a bit
"Trust me Aithusa is really something else ok? She's very picky about who can pet her and all... and she does not like most of the people." Merlin said.
"Still sounds like any other cat" the blond shrugged his shoulders but moved to a side and gestured Merlin to enter.
"Thanks" Merlin muttered.
Merlin was trying to find Aithusa, but also was curiously looking around the apartment of his new neighbor. There were still some boxes but for someone who moved in yesterday the place looked quite arranged and ready for living. The kitchen was complete and ready to be used. The furniture was on its place, just without any decorations and these stuff. Merlin was not sure whether it's because these things are still in the boxes or because the guy just does not have any of those stuff.
"You did not see her I suppose" Merlin said while looking around trying to find his cat.
"Yes Merlin I did and now I am hiding her from you" the blond rolled his eyes
"I'll take it as no then" Merlin nodded
"Could you check... your bedroom? I don't want to snoop in there so..." Merlin looked at his neighbor
"Fine, anything to get rid of you already I guess" the blond rolled his eyes and went to the other room
Merlin almost said thank you for all the trouble, but stopped himself because the guy was still a utter prat.
He continued his search in the living room that was connected with the kitchen just like in Merlin's apartment. While searching, he tried to also find something about the guy who lives in here. But he did not find anything that would tell him anything like where the guy works for example.
Merlin bent down and peaked under the sofa, but did not see his cat there.
"Damn you Aithusa..." Merlin mumbled when standing up and looking around to find any places where she might be hiding.
His new neighbor came back in the room carrying Aithusa who happily purred while being petted by the guy.
Merlin was watching it with a slight shock. He was not kidding, Aithusa is really very picky about people and does not allow just anybody to touch her. Not even Gwen, who was there when Merlin took little Aithusa from the cat shelter gets to pet her very often, because Aithusa rather disappears than have to deal with other people than are not Merlin. There are some exceptions to it of course, but most of the people does not get to pet her, and she definitely does not purr for those who are allowed to touch her.
"Found her" The blond announced.
"Laying on my bed, acting as if she owned the place, didn't you?" he looked at the cat who just meowed quietly
"Usually she isn't that friendly to strangers" Merlin said and went to the man to take Aithusa from him
"Yeah" the guy nodded and handed her to Merlin. Aithusa meowed little bit louder, not being happy about being taken away from a person that was petting her, but calmed down a bit when Merlin started to pet her.
"So..." Merlin started.
"The door are right there, I hope you know how to use them" The blond pointed at the door and walked away from the room
"No... not a Dollop head, you're a clotpole" Merlin said loud enough for the blond to hear him
"Stop making up words... Merlin" the blond called from the other room again reminding Merlin that he knows his name.
Merlin took a deep breath to prevent reacting to that.
"Why did you have to ran off in here of all places Aithusa?" he tried to make Aithusa feel at least little bit guilty about her escape. Aithusa meowed quietly and cuddled to him so Merlin knew that she does not feel guilty at all and that there is nothing Merlin could possible do about it.
He returned to his apartment and put Aithusa on the floor. She immediately ran to her bowl that was empty, she sat down, looked at Merlin and meowed unhappily about the absence of the food.
"Oh I see... making a fool out of me in front of that blond prat and then demanding the food from me huh?" Merlin raised an eyebrow. Aithusa meowed again louder this time.
"Alright, alright hold on" Merlin gave up and went to fulfill his main duty as a cat owner. He left her eat in piece and went to sit on the sofa. He was not hungry yet, so he decided that he might watch some TV for a bit.
-
"I am telling you Will that guy is unbelievable" Merlin was saying when him and his friend entered the building where Merlin lives.
"You know I demanding to be the worst person you know right?" Will asked almost seriously.
"Well you have a strong rival now... he moved in like a week ago and I still don't know his name" Merlin said
"Arthur Pendragon" Will said.
"What?" Merlin asked.
"That guy's name... Arthur Pendragon" Will said calmly.
"And how on Earth can you know that?" Merlin did not understand. Will just pointed at the mailboxes with the numbers of the apartments and names as well.
Merlin would like to say that Arthur's name was not on his mailbox until today, but he might be laying because... he literally did not even consider to look for the guy's name there.
Will had very, very amused expression on his face when he noticed Merlin's expression
"What would you do without me Merls?" Will chuckled.
"Live a happy and peaceful life" Merlin replied immediately. Will tried to look insulted, but did not manage to look like that for more than few seconds before he started laughing and Merlin joined him.
Will's phone announced that he got a text.
"Oh crap... Merlin I have to go I forgot bout something so see ya later ok?" Will looked at Merlin who nodded and said goodbye. They did not have anything in plan anyway, that is, except to go to Merlin's and just hang out, so Will leaving before even entering Merlin's apartment was no big deal.
Merlin entered his apartment and saw a while fluffy tail disappearing on his neighbor's balcony.
"Not again Aithusa" Merlin muttered. He managed to successfully keep his cat at home since the last time she got in his neighbor's apartment, but today he forgot to close the door to his balcony before he left so Aithusa clearly saw an opportunity and took it.
Merlin did not even bother to try to lure her back and went straight to his neighbor and knocked on his door.
"Come in Gwaine!" a male voice called out.
"It's Merlin" Merlin said loud enough for being heard inside
"For fuc... come in then" was the response
Merlin opened the door and entered. He found his neighbor in the kitchen being busy at the moment, but he looked over his shoulder to look at Merlin.
"Yeah?" he asked
"Hi Arthur" Merlin said with a proud smile that he finally has some name he can use
"Finally... I wondered how long it will take you to look at the bloody mailbox" Arthur said unimpressed. Merlin's proud smile was gone in a second. And no, Arthur will never find out that Merlin technically did not think of doing so.
"If you'd just introduced yourself like any other normal human being I would not have to look anywhere" Merlin pointed out.
"Please tell me that you actually have a reason why you came here... that you did not just want to show off what a clever little detective you are" Arthur said not focusing on his cooking again.
"Aithusa" Merlin said
"Again?" Arthur looked over his shoulder again and Merlin nodded
"Well... go on then, I am quite busy as you can see so I'll pass on a cat hunt this time" Arthur said
"Can I..." Merlin wanted to ask if he could start with looking in the bedroom, thinking that that's where Aithusa might most likely be, but a door opening interrupted him.
"I got the stuff you told me to bring... oh and Percy is on his way here" a not bad looking guy called happily while entering. He was carrying a shopping bag with some stuff.
"Great, just place it somewhere but put the booze in the fridge ok?" Arthur nodded. Arthur's guest wanted to agree but got distracted when he saw Merlin standing in the room
"Hello there" the brunet smiled at him
"Hi" Merlin nodded
"Gwaine" the guy went to Merlin offering his free hand
"Merlin" Merlin shook his hand pleased that at least Arthur's friends know how to act.
"Pleasure Merlin" Gwaine said with a flirtatious smile and Merlin smiled back at him.
"So you're joining us today?" Gwaine asked
"What?" Merlin asked
"We are about to watch the football game in here so... why don't you join us?" Gwaine invited him
"Oh... no thanks. I am not into sports much so... and I have somethings that need to be done anyway, so I can't" Merlin declined with a smile and moved to the door ready to leave
"Merlin" Arthur's voice stopped him
"Aithusa?" the blond raised an eyebrow in amusement
"Or are we going for shared custody now? If yes I want Thursdays and every other weekend" he added
"Like hell I'd share Aithusa with you" Merlin said immediately, intentionally ignoring the fact that he was about to leave without the one thing that made him come in here
"What the hell is Aithusa?" Gwaine asked while putting the shopping bag on the kitchen island
"My cat" Merlin said
"Why do you have Merlin's cat?" Gwaine looked at Arthur
"She just loves it in here a lot" Arthur chuckled
"No she does not" Merlin disagreed
"You sure about that?" Arthur asked amused
"Yep. She's just... you know... curious about the new place and all... she'll get over it in no time" Merlin nodded, not really being that sure that he's right, but he tried to sound like he's the expert on his cat.
"What ever you say" Arthur nodded still very amused
"I am gonna get my cat" Merlin pointed at the hallway where was most likely Arthur's bedroom.
"Sure" Arthur nodded again
Merlin took is as a permission to enter Arthur's bedroom and left the room then.
Gwaine smirked while looking at Arthur. Arthur knew Gwaine long enough to know that this is not a good sign.
"No" Arthur said simply before Gwaine could start any theories or ever worst any planning
"You sure? He looks like a good guy... funny... being able to put up with you... and obviously you two already own a cat together" Gwaine raised an eyebrow
"Gwaine... just leave it" Arthur said calmly
"I am just saying... sooner or later you should try to date someone again, it's been years Arthur... and Merlin looks..." Gwaine started
"I don't care Gwaine. I am not interested ok?" Arthur interrupted him and turned back to his stove.
Gwaine signed a bit. He was fully aware that Arthur's last relationship did not end well and that Arthur did not show any interest in anyone else since then, pretty much shutting off for any romance or any serious relationship or dating and stuff like that because he was clearly not willing to risk being hurt like that again. Gwaine would really love to help his friend out, but he knew Arthur long enough to know that it has to be Arthur and no one else who will make this decision.
Arthur's friends and his sister of course tried to introduce him some people they thought might get along with Arthur, but Arthur never show up on the meetings, coming up with excuses why he did not show up. And when they tried to "trick" him into seeing someone, like with inviting Arthur and that person at the same time Arthur simply got up and left the place, so everyone knew that unless Arthur will want to start dating again he simply will not.
While Arthur and Gwaine were having the conversation Merlin found Arthur's bedroom and enter it.
Just like with the living room/kitchen the furniture was there. The bed, wardrobe and a writing desk with a laptop by a window. The furniture was on its place, but not many decorative objects. Just like in the living room Merlin again wondered if they yet have to be unpacked or if Arthur just is not into these things.
Merlin looked at Arthur's bed where on the red covers was laying Aithusa. She noticed Merlin, sat up and meowed at him
"Don't meow me Aithusa" Merlin crossed his arms over his chest. Aithusa tilted her head to one side and meowed again. Merlin went to the bed and reached to her. Aithusa leaned into his touch.
"What is wrong with you Aithusa? Why can't you hate this guy just like you do most of the human population huh?" Merlin asked while petting her. Aithusa responded with another meow. Merlin picked her up and left the room.
"Found her" he announced when he came back in the living room.
Arthur nodded while focusing on the cooking once again. Aithusa jumped out of Merlin's arms, ran to Arthur and tried to get his attention by rubbing against his leg. Arthur laughed shortly at that.
"Yes, good to see you too" he said and squatted to give a quick pet, but then went back to the cooking.
"Aithusa what did I tell you? Just hate him like you do with everyone else" Merlin reminded her while walking towards them. Aithusa meowed loudly, trying to get Arthur to pay attention to her, but with no luck.
"Come on, let's go home you ungrateful little traitor" Merlin said and picked her up.
"Aww... don't be too harsh on her Merlin... she just recognizes who's worth of her precious time" Arthur stood up for Aithusa with badly hidden amusement in his voice.
"Well... for a cat she has a terrible instincts then" Merlin shrugged his shoulders
"We have to go... say bye Aithusa" Merlin looked at his cat who meowed while looking at Arthur
"It's been a pleasure Aithusa, stop by at any time you want to ok?" Arthur smiled at her
"You're being way nicer to a cat than you're being to me you realize that?" Merlin pointed out. Arthur looked at him and calmly nodded
"Yes Merlin I am fully aware of that" he confirmed almost seriously
"You're an ass" Merlin informed him
"Are you alright Merlin?" Arthur asked with expression full of worry
"W-what? Yeah, why?" Merlin asked confused
"You just did not use a made up word" Arthur said trying to hide his smile and sound at least little bit seriously. Merlin rolled his eyes but chuckled a bit
"Just because you don't know these words does not mean they are made up Arthur" he said
"Yeah? What does dollop head means then?" Arthur wondered
"In two words?"
"Yeah" Arthur nodded
"Arthur Pendragon" Merlin said with a smirk, turned around and walk to the door
"Bye Gwaine" he said before he left Arthur's apartment
"Bye Merlin" Gwaine replied between laughter caused by Merlin's and Arthur's conversation
Merlin returned home put Aithusa on the floor and went close the God damn door that leads on his balcony
"I warn you... no more running off to that prat ok?" he pointed at Aithusa who was sitting on the floor cleaning herself and totally ignoring Merlin
"Typical" Merlin muttered and shook his head.
He went to make himself some snack in the kitchen and then grabbed a book he intended to finish today. With all of that he went on his sofa. Aithusa joined him, falling asleep in a few minutes while Merlin was petting her during reading.
-
"How about this place?" Leon asked when he and Arthur were trying to find some coffee shop to sit down for a bit.
"Yeah, why not" Arthur nodded and followed Leon inside. They found an empty table in the corner and went to sit down.
"So how things working for you in the gym?" Leon asked while they waited for anyone to came to take their order
"Not bad" Arthur shrugged his shoulders
"You and Morgana? All good in the company?" Arthur asked
"Yes, all good" Leon nodded
"You know you're a hero for putting up with Morgana not just at work, but at home as well right?" Arthur said almost seriously and Leon smiled a bit
"We don't see each other that much at work to be honest" Leon said
"I know, but still... too much Morgana in my opinion" Arthur mumbled
"I can assure you that I have nothing to complain about" Leon assured him with a smile
"Or you're too scared to do so huh?" Arthur asked teasingly, knowing his sister can be more than little bit scary what she chooses to. Leon laughed again
"Good afternoon, what can I get you gentlemen?" A waiter come to their table. Arthur recognized the voice and when he looked up he saw Merlin standing at their table.
"What're you doing here?" Arthur asked
"Asking people what they want... just for fun you know" Merlin shrugged his shoulders
"I work here you prat" he laughed a bit
"Of course you do..." Arthur muttered accepting Merlin's existence in this coffee shop
"So, do you know what you'll have?" Merlin looked at Leon with a friendly smile
"I'll have a coffee, thank you. Black, one sugar no cream please" Leon told him his order and Merlin nodded
"Sure, no problem" he smiled
"Arthur?" Merlin looked at the blond
"Ehm... I'll have an espresso" Arthur told him
"Sure" Merlin smiled, but Arthur had a feeling that Merlin's planning something
"If you'll spit in it I'll strangle you" Arthur warn him just in case. Better be safe than sorry. Merlin rolled his eyes at that ridiculous accusation
"You may be the biggest prat I've ever met, but I like working here, and I am profesional, so I would never do something like that" Merlin assured him before he walked away to get their drinks
"Seems like you two know each other already" Leon pointed out
"Yeah, he's my neighbor" Arthur said and Leon nodded
Merlin was back with their drinks
"Black coffee, one sugar no cream" he said and placed the drink in front of Leon who thanked him
"And one hibiscus tea" Merlin placed the mug in front of Arthur
"That's... not what I wanted Merlin" Arthur looked at him
"I know... sometimes life just is not fair is it?" Merlin nodded with a very faked sympathy.
"May I offer you anything else? Our desserts are really very good" Merlin continued before Arthur could react
"I would not say no to a cinnamon roll to by honest" Leon admitted
"Good choice sir" Merlin nodded with a smile
"Arthur? Anything for you?" he looked at Arthur who was with distrust looking at his drink
"Any cake where isn't coconut... I hate it" Arthur mumbled. Merlin nodded and went to get their food.
"Since when do you hate coconut?" Leon asked confused
"I don't... but if I asked for something with coconut do you think I would get it?" Arthur looked at his friend
"Any reason why this guy brought you the wrong drink on purpose?" Leon asked amused
"No idea" Arthur shrugged his shoulders
"Ok... fine maybe our first meeting was not really... the best" Arthur rolled his eyes when Leon, who knew him since they were kids raised an eyebrow, clearly not believing Arthur single word.
"You mean that you were not acting very friendly" Leon corrected him and laughed when Arthur rolled his eyes but nodded
"Well, in that case you deserve what ever you got in that mug" Leon chuckled
"I don't even remember what he said it was" Arthur looked at his drink
"Hibiscus tea" Merlin who just came back told him and placed a plate with cinnamon roll in front of Leon who thank him again.
"And vanilla cake for Arthur, don't worry not a single speck of coconut in it" Merlin assured him with a cheeky grin on his face
"You think I am stupid or what?" he chuckled when Arthur looked at him betrayed that his brilliant plan how to get a dessert he'd like to did not work out
Merlin gave them both friendly smile before he left to the others guests of the coffee
"Unbelievable" Arthur muttered while looking at his cake
"I think I like this guy" Leon laughed
"I think I am gonna keep his cat for good for this" Arthur mumbled
"What?" Leon asked confused but still very amused
"Nothing" Arthur shook his head and decided to at least try the cake and the tea. The cake was good, but the drink was not something Arthur will willingly taste ever again.
"Everything in order I hope" Merlin asked when he was taking the now empty plates when Leon and Arthur finished their desserts
"Absolutely. Everything is perfect" Leon nodded with a smile. He quite enjoyed seeing Arthur making faces while drinking the tea
"Arthur? Everything ok?" Merlin asked
"I hate you" Arthur mumbled and Merlin laughed
"I am sure that this tea is not even suppose to exist" Arthur asked looking at now empty mug
"Don't be so dramatic" Merlin rolled his eyes.
"I think we'll pay now" Leon said and Merlin nodded
"Hold on for a second I'll be right back" he said and took away the dishes.
"I've got it" Leon said when Arthur started to look for his wallet
"Ok, I'll pay next time" Arthur nodded
Merlin was back with their bill and handed it to Leon who reached for it. Leon quickly gave Merlin the money along with the tip.
"Thank you for your visit, come back anytime please" He smiled at them
"I'll have to think about that" Arthur said almost seriously
"Aw... sorry, but I was talking to your friend of course. You're not welcome here at all... actually you're banned from this place" Merlin said also hardly seriously
Leon started to laugh and Arthur gave him "traitor" look for laughing at Merlin's jokes
Merlin friendly winked at Arthur before he walked away to continue his work
"I really like him" Leon decided and Arthur rather did not react to that
"We should come in here more ofter I think" he added
"Yeah... being poison by what ever that tea was is really tempting to try again" Arthur said
-
Few days later Merlin was coming back home along with Will and Freya, two of his friends.
"Where is Aithusa?" Freya asked, when the cat did not appear at the sound of returning Merlin. Merlin looked around the place and stopped at the open door at the balcony he once again managed to not close before he left.
"I am sure she ran off to my prat neighbor" Merlin mumbled
"Merlin, that's not very nice of you to talk about him like that" Freya said
"Yeah? Well... come with me and you'll see that the word prat does not even begin to describe him" Merlin looked at her friend
"I am coming too" Will said immediately
"Guy seems to drive you crazy... maybe I can teach something from him" he added with grin
"I don't think you have anything to learn Will... not in this for sure" Merlin rolled his eyes, while he walked to Arthur's door followed by Will and Freya.
He knocked on the door and waited. Few seconds later Arthur opened. He was holding Aithusa who was happily cuddling him.
"Hey" Merlin said not really surprised by that
"Hello" Arthur nodded and looked Merlin's company
"That's Freya and Will... my friends" Merlin pointed at them
"Pleasure to meet you, I am Arthur Pendragon" Arthur smiled and reached to them to shake their hands. Freya shook his hand, but Will just waved at him. Will was clearly very amused.
"Are you kidding me?" Merlin raised an eyebrow
"What?" Arthur asked as if he had no idea what is Merlin talking about.
"Why are you telling them your name?" Merlin asked
"Because it would be rude of me not to Merlin..." Arthur said seriously, but Merlin could see that the blond is trying not to smile
"Really... you should work on your manners if you don't know that" he added and shook his head in disappointment over his neighbor's lack of social skills
"You're such a..." Merlin started, but then stopped and took a deep breath
"Yes Merlin? Any of your made words again?" Arthur chuckled
"You got called a dollop head as well?" Will asked
"Oh yeah... and clotpole too" Arthur nodded
"Yeah... been there" Will nodded
"Any idea what any of those words mean?" Arthur asked him
"Nothing... probably. Merlin's just weird" Will shrugged his shoulders and Arthur laughed. He liked Will he decided
"Ok, we're done in here. Give me my cat" Merlin decided that he will not risk having Arthur and Will anywhere near to each others and reached to take Aithusa from Arthur.
"Sure... when will I have her next time? I mean I have something on Tuesday, so I can't that day but..." Arthur started, not trying to hide his amusement
"I am not sharing my cat with you Arthur" Merlin when to took her in his arms
"Well... she seems to disagree about that" Arthur mumbled and reached to give Aithusa one last pet before she'll go.
Will chuckled at seeing Merlin's annoyance.
"Take care Aithusa, until the next time" Arthur smiled at the cat
"You're done?" Merlin raised an eyebrow and Arthur nodded. Merlin nodded as well, turned around and walked away back to his apartment.
"Bye Freya, bye Will, it was a pleasure to meet you" Arthur smiled at Merlin's friends who said bye to him before they followed Merlin.
Merlin put Aithusa down and went close the door to his balcony
"He seems nice Merlin" Freya said when her and Will entered the apartment
"He was just... when we first met he was not..." Merlin was trying to came up with something
"You sure you're not the problem mate?" Will asked amused and Merlin responded with "fuck you" glare which made Will laugh.
-
Few days later Merlin walked in the bar where Gwaine invited him.
Gwaine stopped at Merlin's door one day when he was leaving Arthur's apartment just to greet Merlin and offering exchanging the phone numbers. Merlin really like Gwaine so he gladly did that and the next day Merlin got a text where Gwaine was inviting him for a drink.
"Over here Merlin" Merlin heard Gwaine's voice and when he looked at the direction he saw Gwaine sitting at a table in a corner.
"Hey Gwaine" Merlin smiled at him when he was sitting down
"Hey mate" Gwaine greeted his as well
"What can I get you?" Gwaine asked and looked at the bat
"You sound like you work here" Merlin chuckled
"Guilty... but today's my day off" Gwaine nodded
"You really work here?" Merlin asked surprised, but had to admit that job in the bar suits Gwaine very well actually
"Yeah... it's a dream job Merls, I get to drink all I want at work who would not love that?" Gwaine nodded with a smile
"I am sure that you are not really allow to get drunk even when you're working here Gwaine" Merlin doubted with a smile
"Details" Gwaine waved his hand and Merlin laughed a bit. He told Gwaine what he would like to drink and Gwaine went to the bar to get it.
Merlin saw him talking to a guy behind the bar, obviously his colleague and most likely a friend as well. Gwaine received the drinks in no time and came back with it to their table.
"There you go buddy" he said while placing the Merlin's drink in front of him
"Thanks" Merlin smiled
"Leon told me how you almost poisoned Arthur" Gwaine said and Merlin laughed a bit
"I don't blame you mate, Arthur can be an ass sometimes" Gwaine added
"Yeah, that's true" Merlin could not do anything else but agree with that
"Yeah... he does not make friends easily I guess" Gwaine nodded
"Was he always like that?" Merlin asked
"Not until his dad kicked him out of home and his fiancee broke up with him... the same day. Arthur's step mother convicted Arthur's dad to not give Arthur any money anymore and give it to her instead... and sweet lovely Vivian did not want Arthur without his money... but don't feel bad for her, she already had a back up in case things would not go according the plan with Arthur" Gwaine told him
"W-what?" Merlin asked weakly, because he did not expect this
"Yeah" Gwaine nodded
"I mean... me and the boys never really bought Vivian truly loving him, but he would not listen to any of us, because she was his first girlfriend and played him like a fiddle" he added
"What a bitch" Merlin muttered
"Sounds like you met her" Gwaine chuckled and Merlin shortly laughed but then became serious again
"Gwaine... why are you telling me this?" he asked
"Cos Arthur's a stubborn idiot and would not say anything... and then you'd be too fed up with him to try to even talk to him" Gwain replied and Merlin nodded
"Had he... moved on?" Merlin asked carefully
"No... he had nothing more than one night stands since her" Gwaine shook his head.
"We tried trust me. Me, the guys... and his sister we all tried to introduce him to people he might get along, but he just never... wanted any of them" he added
"Too scared of another heartbreak?"
"Yeah" Gwain nodded
Merlin spend with Gwaine two hours or so in the bar, before leaving home. On the hallway he met Arthur who was just coming back home as well.
"Hey Arthur" Merlin greeted him
"Hey" Arthur looked at him
"Out for a date?" the blond asked while looking for his keys. Merlin chuckled and shook his head
"No, just for a few drinks with Gwine" Merlin said
"I see... I stole your cat so you're stealing my friends?" Arthur raised an eyebrow and Merlin rolled his eyes in amusement
"Yeah... you know quid pro quo"
"Knowledge from the Silence of the Lambs?" Arthur asked and Merlin nodded
"I would not guess you'd be watching those movies... I thought you might be more into Disney and those stuff" Arthur admitted
"Why not switch things up little bit from time to time" Merlin shrugged
"Sure" Arthur nodded
"Arthur... I feel like I should tell you something..." Merlin started. He felt like he should not know about what Gwaine told him, so he decided that he'll inform Arthur about it.
"What is it Merlin?" Arthur asked.
"I... me and Gwaine were... talking about you" Merlin said
"Let me guess... you both could not agree more about what an ass I am?" Arthur asked calmly
"No..." Merlin shook his head
"I mean, you are an ass... totally" he added quickly and Arthur chuckled a bit
"But... Gwaine told me... about..." Merlin tried to finish the sentence, but when Arthur's smile disappeared he knew he does not have to, because Arthur got it
"I don't want a sympathy or for you to feel sorry for me" Arthur said seriously
"I know" Merlin nodded
"But, if you'd want to talk about it..." Merlin started
"Nothing to talk about here Merlin. Bye!" Arthur ended the conversation, entered his apartment and shut the door behind him
Merlin could not really blame him. If Arthur does not want to talk about it with his friends and/or his sister he really has no reason to discuss it with a guy who he met few weeks ago. Merlin hoped that him knowing about it did not ruin what ever relationship was between him and Arthur. He might have not be a big fan of Arthur the few first days after Arthur moved in, but when they were getting to know each other better, he thought Arthur is not really that bad after all and quite enjoyed their little banters.
Merlin entered his apartment and surprisingly Aithusa was there to greet him even thought the door to the balcony were open
"Hey" he squatted down to pet her
"You better hope I did not make a mistake by telling him about it" he said quietly to his cat who meowed and cuddled to him which made him smile.
Arthur was not really surprised that Gwaine shared it with Merlin. Gwaine clearly felt like Merlin and Arthur should get to know each other better, so he took some initiative in it. And even thought Arthur kept telling Gwaine to not poke into it and leave Arthur live his single happy life, he could not ignore that he might like Merlin more than just a friend. Merlin was funny, witty and stubborn, specially during their little banters where Merlin refused to back down, so they were quite fun.
That did not mean that he was feeling brave enough to actually do something about his feelings. He decided to ignore them and hoped they might just go away. Sadly those feelings did not seem to going anywhere anytime soon, because he found himself being in a better mood when he managed to ran into Merlin in the mornings while leaving to work or in the afternoon when coming back. And in a slightly bad mood when he did not meet Merlin the whole day. But he still tried to convince himself that it's just a matter of time until whatever feelings he might have towards Merlin will just go away.
Merlin did not run into Arthur the next day. He was not sure whether they just did not leave or came back about the same time or if Arthur's avoiding him, and he did not want to try to find out in case it's the later reason.
-
"Come on Arthur, I am going to kill someone if I'll not have a coffee in front of me in the following 5 minutes" Morgana said when they stood in front of the coffee shop. Arthur was not sure he wants to go inside. It's been a week or so since Merlin find out about Arthur's not very great past, and he saw him once or maybe twice, very briefly on the hallway in their building. He was not trying to avoid Merlin, but he was not sure what to do. He liked Merlin and his feelings were not going anyway, but he still did not feel like he's up to make any attempts to ask Merlin out or anything like that, so he chose to try to not meet Merlin more than necessary to spare himself the troubles that comes when he sees Merlin in the hallway.
Arthur met Morgana in the city, and they decided to catch up because it was really long time since they were able to that. Morgana pretty much runs the whole company, so she's quite busy. Arthur was sure that Leon told her about this coffee shop and who works there so Morgana most likely picked this place on purpose. Arthur might like to try to convince her to find some other place, but when Morgana's in a mood for something, specially for a coffee there is nothing that should come between her and the mug.
"Fine" Arthur sighed. He was not sure whether he hopes for Merlin being there or not being there.
They entered the coffee and sat down at the free table.
"Leon said their coffee is excellent" Morgana said while looking at their menu that was on the table.
"Yeah... it is" Arthur nodded. He could not tell, because whenever he was here Merlin handed him one of the strange weed teas, as Arthur called them, as a revenge for him being such a prat. Arthur knew that he could complain to Merlin's boss, but he really did not want to do that... like at all.
"Good afternoon, what can I get you?" Merlin asked when he showed up at their table. Arthur shortly looked at him and nodded in agreement.
"Yes hello, I'll have coffee, darling. Black, cream, no sugar and like yesterday because I really need it" Morgana looked at him
"Certainly ma'am" Merlin nodded
"Arthur?" Merlin looked at the blond
"As usual?" he added.
"Yeah, an espresso please... that somehow turn into one your poisonous potions on the way in here I presume" Arthur nodded and make an attempt for a joke, and was pleased that Merlin chuckled a bit.
"No idea how that keeps happening" Merlin shrugged his shoulders
"It's as if the drink just knew what kind of a prat ordered it" he added with a cheeky grin
Merlin smiled proudly at Merlin before he walked away.
"I thought Leon is exaggerates about that boy, but I see he was absolutely right... luckily" Morgana said with a smile. Arthur rolled his eyes a bit but rather did not comment it.
He was happy to see that him and Merlin are able to have their little banter without any issues, so hopefully nothing had changed between them. Not that Arthur would not want something to change between them, but he is still at the phase where he is convinced that those feelings he might have for Merlin will just go away.
"Coffee, black, cream, no sugar" Merlin announced while placing the mug in front of Morgana
"You're a life saver Merlin" Morgana smiled. Merlin gave her a little bit surprised look when she used him name
"Aren't you going to introduce us Arthur?" Morgana looked at her brother
"Sure... Merlin this seemingly nice person is Morgana, my sister. But don't let her fool you she's an evil witch" Arthur pointed at her sister who smiled almost proudly at her brother's words
"And this is Merlin... don't let him fool you eider, he's the most annoying person that ever walked the Earth" Arthur pointed at Merlin who laughed at hearing that
"I admire you. Having this dollop head for a brother and not to at least try to kill him must have been difficult" Merlin smiled at Morgana who laughed at hearing that
"I am glad someone finally realized what a saint I am" Morgana chuckled
"Not a word I'd use to describe you" Arthur muttered. He loves his sister of course, she was there for him when Uther told him to leave, but he'll be damned if he'll ever act like he does.
"Of course you would not brother" Morgana smirked
"Anyway... what wicked fluid is in my mug Merlin?" Arthur looked at the mug that was still on the tray Merlin was holding.
"Oh, you gonna love it Arthur. It's a sage tea" Merlin grinned at him and placed the mug in front of him
"Can't wait to taste it" Arthur sighed reconciled with his fate
"Can I bring you anything else? Cake, muffin, bagel or anything like that?" Merlin asked them
"I am good for now, thank you, Merlin" Mograna shook her head
"Very well, let me know if you'll change your mind" Merlin smiled at her
"Arthur? Anything for you?" Merlin looked at the blond
"Well I am not going to drink this without anything to eat" Arthur pointed at the evil mug
"Sure. I'll bring you something" Merlin nodded
"Don't you want to know what I want first?" Arthur raised an eyebrow, knowing very well that there is no change he might get what he'll order
"Oh yeah, sorry, what can I get you?" Merlin asked seriously, fully in professional waiter mode
"I am in a mood for a chocolate muffin Merls" Arthur looked at him
"Sure, be right back with it" Merlin nodded and walked away
"Please let it be muffin at least" Arthur said, knowing he'll for sure he will not get the chocolate one, but he might be lucky to at least get the muffin of some other flavor
"I like him" Morgana said
"He's making my life a living hell... of course you like him" Arthur said
"It's been about time someone like him showed up in your life brother" she said calmly
"Can we please rather change the topic... How is uncle Agravaine, have you spoke to him lately?" Arthur hoped for different topic of their conversation
"Yes, we spoke... last week I think. He's doing fine and says hi by the way." Morgana nodded with a smile
"Thanks" Arthur smiled at hearing that
He saw Merlin coming back with two muffins on a plate
"There you go sir... two of our best muffins" Merlin announced and placed it on the table.
"One is honey muffin and the other is blueberry one" Merlin told Arthur what he's about to eat
"Could be worst I suppose" Arthur admitted
Merlin noticed a customer that wanted to pay, so he had to go there and do his job before make a joke how he found these two muffins in a trash or something like that.
"Don't you wanna one?" Arthur offered one Morgana
"Well... the honey one does not sound bad" Morgana admitted
"Be my guest" Arthur gestured and Morgana took one of the muffins
"Thank you brother" she nodded
"Uncle also told me to remind you that you can come to work with us in the company any time you want... surely you'd be paid better than in that gym you're now" Morgana told him
"You realize that I'd be working with you right? I may be an ass, but surely hell might be little bit too much of a punishment" Arthur said almost seriously
"Very funny" Morgana rolled her eyes
"I quite like working in the gym actually. Yes the money are not as good as yours, but I like what I am doing" Arthur said with a shrug.
"Fine, just don't forget that you have the option" Morgana nodded
"I won't, thank you" Arthur nodded
"Now... you and Merlin..." Morgana started with a wicked smile
"There is no "you and Merlin" Morgana" Arthur interrupted her
"Right, so how about stop being a complete idiot and do something about it?" Morgana raised an eyebrow
"Morgana..." Arthur started but then stopped and went quiet
"Yes, Arthur?" Morgana asked
"I... don't know if I can do it" Arthur admitted almost too quietly
"Arthur. I know that what had happened with that blond bitch was not a easy thing to deal with, but... it's been years now, so you have to allow yourself to at lest try to be happy with someone else again" Morgana said gently
"I am not promising anything" Arthur said
"At least promise me that you'll at least think about trying it ok?" Morgana asked him. Arthur did not say anything, but nodded a bit in agreement.
Then they spend some time with just talking about stuff in their lives, Morgana about her and Leon and about her job. Arthur about his new apartment, Merlin's cat included and about the gym where he works.
"Can I get you anything else?" Merlin asked when he was taking the dishes from the table
"That'll be all, thank you, Merlin. We'll pay now" Morgana smiled at him and Merlin nodded and told them he'll be right back before he took away the dishes.
"It's on me Morgana" Arthur took out his wallet
"Thank you brother" Morgana nodded
Merlin came back with the bill and Arthur handed him the money and the tip
"You totally do not deserve it by the way" Arthur said about the tip Merlin got
"I do and you know it" Merlin smirked confidently and Arthur rolled his eyes while trying to hide his smile. Morgana did not try to hide her amusement.
"Please return at anytime, we'll be happy to see you again... ma'am" Merlin said and finished it with addressing just Morgana
"That's it, give me the tip back Merlin" Arthur said almost seriously
"Nope" Merlin shook his head with a cheeky smile and walked away to attend the other guests of the coffee
"I hate him" Arthur muttered
"Sure" Morgana nodded. She just like Arthur knew that hate is the last thing he'd feel towards Merlin.
-
Two weeks or so later Merlin was coming home from a date with the guy as well, because his date insisted on to accompany Merlin to his door.
"It was certainly a fun night Merlin" Cenred said.
"Yeah... yeah it was" Merlin nodded. He was not that sure he had fun, he knew however he would like Cenred to go home finally. "So... that's me" Merlin said when they reached his door.
Cenred was not saying goodbye, or showing any attempts to leave.
"Ehm... so... thanks and... bye?" Merlin said
"Now now Merlin, why end it here?" Cenred smirked and moved closer to Merlin who instinctively made a step back. "Why do you think I came all the way here?" Cenred asked and moved closer to Merlin again, Merlin wanted to take a step back again, but he was stopped by a wall.
"I don't know what you think is going to happen..." Merlin started
"I can tell you darling... you stop wasting my time with playing coy, open the door and then you'll show me your bedroom" Cenred said with a very confident smile
"like hell I will!" Merlin said angrily and wanted to push Cenred away, but the man was stronger so it did not work.
"Come on darling, you'll have a good time I can assure you" Cenred smirked.
Merlin was trying to come up with some plan, but not very successfully.
"You know I am pretty sure that he told you to piss off" someone said. Merlin and Cenred both turned and saw Arthur there, he was obviously coming home because he had his keys in hand.
Merlin could not remember when was the last time he was so glad to see someone.
"Better mind your own business" Cenred said to Arthur without stepping away from Merlin.
"Merlin?" Arthur looked at Merlin. He surely did not like seeing someone else around Merlin, but he did not make any attempts to expressing any of his feeling to Merlin so Merlin was free to do whatever he wanted with whomever he wanted to. But he wanted to make sure Merlin's being happy while being in that situation. Merlin however did not look happy at all and clearly did not want Arthur to leave him alone with Cenred.
"I think you should go buddy... feels like the date's over" Arthur looked at Cenred.
"Who the hell you think you are? Telling me what to do" Cenred asked angrily and finally stepped away from Merlin who took a deep breath full of relieve.
"I am someone who's telling you to go and leave Merlin alone...and will kick your ass if you won't" Arthur said calmly, but clearly ready to go for a fight if Cenred will not listen to his advice.
"Why do care anyway?" Cenred asked.
"Ahh... there's a cat that needs both parents and I would not be able to handle her on my own" Arthur waved his hand in "no big deal" gesture.
Merlin had to bit his bottom lip to prevent laughing aloud.
Cenred saw that Arthur's not going to have any problem to win the fight, so he knew that him leaving is the best thing for him to do here. Cenred looked over his shoulder to Merlin. "Be seeing you darling" he smirked.
"You be seeing him, me be punching you" Arthur said with a very faked smile. "Seriously... one word from Merlin that you're creeping around him and I'll go and deal with you ok?" Arthur said more seriously, but still very calmly, showing that he is not worried that Cenred might be any sort of threat to him what so ever.
"Fine... you're not worth all of this anyway" Cenred looked at Merlin before he walked away and "accidentally" bumped into Arthur who calmly ignored it. Merlin did not mind that Cenred is not considering Merlin being worth of fight what so ever, he was thrilled that Cenred is finally leaving.
"You ok Merlin?" Arthur looked at him. "Yeah... yeah I am good" Merlin nodded. "Good" Arthur nodded and wanted to go home.
"Arthur wait... don't you wanna come in for... I don't know coffee or something " Merlin stopped him, wanting to thank him for his help.
"Will it be a coffee this time or will I end up with some of yours poisonous weed teas again?" Arthur asked
"You have a solid chance for getting a coffee this time" Merlin smiled.
"Very well then" Arthur nodded and followed Merlin into his apartment.
"Sit down" Merlin pointed at the sofa and went to the kitchen to make Arthur and himself something to drink. Aithusa appeared and jumped up on Arthur's lap.
"Hey" Arthur said with a smile and ran his hand though her soft fur.
"Traitor" Merlin muttered out of habit now, but he could not hide his smile. Arthur chuckled a bit as well while continuing to pet the cat.
"There you go" Merlin said when he brought the drinks and placed them on the coffee table.
"Thanks" Arthur nodded.
"Yeah" Merlin nodded with a smile.
"You know..." Arthur started and took a sip of the coffee, that was delicious he had to admit.
"Not that it's any of my business, but... how the hell did you end up going on a date with this guy?" Arthur asked.
"I know... he was coming to our coffee... asked me out few times, I was not really interested, but he was not giving up, so I thought, Ok, one date and he'll calm down and all..." Merlin started to explaining. Arthur nodded while listening to him.
"Well... if he'll try to make any attempts for a second date feel free to tell me ok?" He said
"Thanks" Merlin nodded with a smile "But I don't think he will... I mean you've heard him. I am not worth it" he added.
"He's an Idiot" Arthur shrugged his shoulders.
"What? You'd consider me to be worth it?" Merlin asked with a cheeky grin.
Arthur froze at realizing what he might or might not just implied. "What? Me? No... of course not" he said quickly
"Sure... of course not, Arthur " Merlin chuckled.
"You're awful... and annoying Merlin... literally the worst neighbor I've ever had... I mean it" Arthur was trying to save the situation somehow.
"Yep" Merlin nodded with a big happy grin on his face.
"I don't know why are you grinning like that when I am telling you that you're the most annoying guy I've ever met" Arthur said "Guy that I definitely don't want to kiss" he continued
"Good... because I definitely don't want to kiss you eider" Merlin nodded
"Good... " Arthur nodded "Glad we established that no one here wants to kiss anybody" he added
"Yeah, totally" Merlin agreed.
Then there was a moment of a complete silence.
"You will kiss me now right?" Merlin asked hopefully
"Hell yeah I will" Arthur muttered and leaned to Merlin who met him half way and tangled him hand in Arthur's blond hair.
Aithusa rather jumped off Arthur's lap so Arthur took the opportunity and pulled Merlin closer to himself.
"Finally" Merlin muttered with a big happy smile when the kiss ended. Arthur returned the smile and gently stoke Merlin's cheek
"You're still the most annoying person I've ever met" Arthur smiled
"You're still the biggest prat I've ever met" Merlin assured him and they both laughed a bit before they kissed again.
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