That Ship Has Sailed

Merlin & Arthur

Merlin sighed, dropping his cheek against his fist in boredom, "We're never going to figure this out. Can't we just give it up for now and do something else?"

"I thought you really wanted a book shelf?" Arthur asked, a screwdriver in his mouth and glasses crooked on his face.

"Not this badly. We can finish it in the morning. I'm getting sleepy."

Arthur set down the screw driver and stood from the floor, cracking his back as he looked around at the mess of screws, boards and pieces of the instructions strewn across the floor. He then looked over at Merlin and grinned, "I suppose I'm not very good at building, am I?"

"It's alright," Merlin said, "We'll figure it out tomorrow. Can we go to bed now?"

"I have a better idea," Arthur said, holding his hands out. Merlin took them and Arthur pulled him into a standing position with ease. He gave his lips a quick peck before spilling his idea, "You pick the book while I make the tea. Meet me in bed."

Merlin smiled and agreed, parting ways from Arthur to go find his favorite book. Arthur made two mugs of tea and by the time they were ready, Merlin was sitting on the bed, his book in hand. Arthur handed him a mug and got into his side of the bed.

"Robin Hood again?" Arthur asked when Merlin handed him the book.

"Yes," Merlin said, "I like to think of you as Robin Hood and me as Little John, your faithful side kick."

"You're not my side kick, Merlin, you're by boyfriend. I'd never treat you like a side kick."

"I know. It's just a funny thought I had. Go ahead. Read."

Arthur pulled his reading glasses down from the top of his head so he could see the pages, then opened the book. Merlin sat close with his tea, sipping it as Arthur began to read. Three chapters in, the tea was finished and Merlin was half asleep on Arthur's shoulder.

"Shall I continue to the next chapter?" Arthur asked.

"Mmhmm," Merlin said, "I like hearing you read."

Arthur looked down at Merlin and smiled, closing the book.

"What are you doing?" Merlin slurred sleepily.

"I'm going to save my voice for when you're awake enough to pay attention to it. Lie down and go to sleep, Merlin."

Merlin obeyed, sliding downward until his head was on the pillow and closing his eyes. Arthur reached over him to shut off the light and then shut his own off before going to the kitchen to put the mugs away. On his way through the living room, he stopped, looking from the mess of book shelf pieces to the cardboard boxes of Merlin's books that had yet to be unpacked from their move.

He scratched his head, then went into the bedroom doorway to look at Merlin. He was still lying in bed, un-moving. Arthur smiled to himself and decided to surprise the boy. So, back to the shelf he went and began working on it as silently as possible.

Very early the next morning, when the sun was barely rising, Merlin was awoken by a loud noise outside his window. He looked up and realized that Arthur wasn't there. After feeling his side, he noticed it wasn't even warm and the covers hadn't been drawn back.

Yawning, he stood from the bed and walked toward the living room. Upon entering, he found Arthur lying on the floor atop a pile of books in front of a half-filled book shelf. He smiled and silently walked past him to the kitchen to start making some coffee.

While it was brewing, he went back to Arthur and leaned over him, waking him with a gentle kiss. Arthur was startled awake and looked around before rubbing his eyes, "Where am I?"

"Living room," Merlin chuckled, "I can't believe you finished it on your own."

Arthur pulled off his glasses and tossed them onto an empty shelf of the bookshelf before sitting up. He yawned and looked around, seeing a look of pleasure on Merlin's face. He smiled, "I wanted to surprise you."

"You did. You must be exhausted, though. When did you fall asleep?"

"Not long ago," Arthur confessed, "It took most of the night to finish it."

"Well, I say we both call in sick to work today and spend the day recuperating."

Arthur nodded, yawning again, "I'd like that."

Merlin helped him stand, but didn't let him go once he was standing. Instead, he held him around the neck. Arthur's hands comfortably fell against Merlin's waist and he looked Merlin in the eyes. The two smiled.

"Do you really like it?" Arthur asked.

"I really do. Thank you."

Arthur shrugged, "It's just because I love you."

"I love you, too," Merlin replied, leaning forward slightly before pausing. He then glanced at Arthur's lips and leaned forward more. Arthur smiled and closed the gap, connecting their lips in a gentle kiss.