That Ship Has Sailed

Merlin & Arthur

"She's never going to fall for someone like me," Merlin said as he paced the flat he shared with his best friend.

"What makes you say that?" Arthur replied encouragingly.

"I'm not like most other guys. I'm more sensitive and my sarcasm has gotten me into trouble more times than I can count."

Arthur chuckled, agreeing, but when Merlin gave him a glance, he cleared his throat and sat up, tapping the butt of his cigarette in an ash tray, "Look," he said, standing, "So you're a sarcastic bookworm who likes fire and is allergic to fruit..."

Merlin groaned and flopped against the couch, "I'm a freak!" he called out, frustrated-ly.

"You're not a freak, Merlin," Arthur said, "I was going to say that you're still a really nice guy and she'd be lucky to have you. If she stands you up, it's her loss."

Merlin looked up, "You mean it, or is this another thing where you're trying to encourage me so you can have the flat for yourself tonight to invite Gwen over?"

Arthur paused, "No--"

"I knew it," Merlin said.

"No," Arthur said again, "I'm not just saying it. I really do think that. Why else would you be my best friend? Not Leon, not Lance. You."

Merlin stood, "Fine. I'll call her. Are you happy now?"

Arthur grinned proudly, "Yes, I am, actually. I think that went very well. Let me know how the phone call goes."

Merlin stood, a few hours later, outside of a movie theater, rubbing his hands together and blowing on them to keep them warm. The chill wasn't horrible, but he wished he'd asked her to a coffee shop or to his apartment, which had a fireplace.

Still, he was excited that she'd said yes at all.

He stood for a while, checking his watch randomly. When forty five minutes passed and she still didn't arrive, Merlin sighed, pulling out his phone. He debated calling her to check on her, then decided against it, instead, calling for a cab. The cab brought him home and when he arrived, a scrunchie was on the door.

He ignored it, taking it off and entering the dim apartment.

"Hello?" a voice called from the couch.

By the light of the television, Merlin could see Gwen, frantically buttoning her shirt as Arthur moved to the opposite side of the couch.

"Sorry to interrupt," Merlin said, "I'll just go to my room so I don't disturb you."

"Wait, Merlin?" Arthur asked, flipping on the light, "What happened? I thought you had a date?"

"She stood me up," Merlin mumbled, "It's fine, because I'm tired anyway. Plus it's too cold to have any fun. I'm going go to bed."

Arthur grabbed his arm to stop him, "I'm sorry, Merlin," he said, pulling him into a hug. Merlin lowered his forehead onto Arthur's shoulder and hugged him back. "Like I said earlier, it's her loss."

Merlin nodded slightly, then pulled away, looking past Arthur to Gwen, who stood, arms folded, "Hey, Gwen," he said, "Sorry for interrupting."

"It's fine," Gwen said quietly, though obviously waiting patiently for him to leave the room. He thanked Arthur once more before going into his room and shutting the door. He took off his hat and coat and draped them over a chair, sitting on the bed to remove his shoes, then taking off his shirt.

As he was rifling through his drawer for a tank top to sleep in, his door opened.

"I thought you two were watching a movie?"