Merlin one shots

Paris

Sitting down on a bench, Merlin stared toward the Eiffel tower to his right, shielding his eyes from the bright sunlight by pulling his hat down further. Merlin moved to take out his phone, but decided not to. He was trying to run away after all.

A man sat on the bench next to Merlin, wearing a pair of expensive looking sunglasses. "Bonjour," he greeted Merlin, nodding at him. "Parlez-vous anglais?"
"Uh, yes." Merlin nodded, taking off his hat.
"Oh thank god. Well, hello there. I'm looking for directions." His voice was unquestionably British, his tone smart, and plummy.
"I don't really know the area. Sorry. Where are you trying to get to?"
"Your heart. Or to a decent pick up line." Merlin laughed, shaking his head. "How about I just tell you your jacket looks good?"
"Well thank you. It's far too small."
"All the same. Looks old, though."
"It was my father's," Merlin told him. "So pretty old."
"How do you fancy coffee?"
"Coffee?"
"With me. Right now." The man raised an eyebrow, standing up.
"You could be a psychopath. And I don't even know your name."
"I don't know yours either. I'm Arthur. Pleasure to meet you." Arthur held out his hand for Merlin to shake.
"Merlin." Arthur raised a suspicious eyebrow. "I know. So, to coffee?"

They were sat on wooden chairs on the pavement outside what Arthur had deemed: 'the place with the best coffee in all of Paris'. Merlin found he had to agree.
"So do you come here often?" Merlin asked, taking another mouthful of his cake.
"To this café?"
"Yeah."
"Most days, when I'm in Paris."
"So you're here a lot?"
"Well yes. Business trips." Arthur took a long drink of his coffee.
"So you didn't really need directions?"
"Not at all. I was flirting, I thought that was evident." Merlin smiled behind his drink.
"Flawed plan though."
"Was it? I thought it was excellent."
"You'd have been fucked if I didn't speak English." Arthur shrugged.
"And why is that?"
"Well you wouldn't have been able to pull off your 'excellent' plan," Merlin mocked, grinning.
"I'll have you know my French is impeccable. As is my German, my Dutch and my Italian. Spanish needs a little work though."
"Now you're just showing off."
"No, this is step three of my plan."
"Step three, eh?" Merlin finished his coffee. Arthur just laughed, before bring his eyes back to Merlin.
"Shall we take a walk?"

"So, you work in Paris?" Arthur nodded, turning a corner on the path they were walking.
"Not any more. I've retired."
"Retired?" Merlin frowned in confusion, Arthur nodding.
"I've made my money. Done my bit."
"But you're my age. You're what? Thirty, maximum."
"Thirty three. But thank you."
"Can you even do that?"
"Yes you can. My family was rich-"
"Obvious."
"And when my father died, I inherited rather a lot, and I've been running his business for a while now too. Got more than enough in the bank. What about you? What do you do?"
"I work in IT. Tech nerd."
"Do you enjoy it?" Merlin shook his head.
"Does anyone? But you know. Pays the bills." Merlin pressed his lips together, sitting down on a bench.
"So are you on holiday?" Arthur inquired, leaning back.
"I'm wandering. Saved up a bit," Merlin told him. "A bit like you, I guess?"
"Very like."
"So you've moved out here?"
"No. Stopping off. I'm buying a car, and then I'm heading to Italy."
"Whereabouts?"
"Italian Riviera."
"Oh lovely. Nice and hot."
"Bit like you then," Arthur replied, winking. Merlin slapped him on the arm. "Are you hungry?" Merlin's stomach rumbled, as if in response. "Let's go. I know a nice spot."

"So how old are you Merlin?" Arthur handed his menu back to the waiter, leaning forward slightly.
"I'm twenty six. Bit old to be off exploring, I suppose."
"Maybe a little. But it's your life."
"Yes it is. And I've only got a lifetime."
"True poetry." Merlin pretended to bow, drawing a laugh out of Arthur.
"So, do you have a house in Paris or something?" Arthur shook his head, swallowing a mouthful of wine.
"Hotel."
"Oh neat." Arthur nodded.
"You fancy coming back there?"
"You'll have to see, won't you?"
"Oh you know you want to."
"Yes I do. But we only just met." Arthur shrugged, taking a bite of his bread.
"But I'm leaving tomorrow."
"Terrible shame. You wouldn't want me getting attached."
"No, I wouldn't. You'd regret it though."
"Oh?"

Merlin lay panting, face down in the pillows of Arthur's bed. Arthur grinned, sitting up against the bed frame. Merlin rolled over, wrapping his legs around Arthur, kissing his cheek. "Wow."
"Told you you'd regret not coming." Merlin nodded, wordless.
"Did I tired you out?" Merlin nodded again, resting his head on Arthur's chest. "Glad to hear it."
"Oh god Arthur. You-"
"Hush, Merlin. Say no more."
"You're a god."
"I know." Arthur rested his hand on Merlin's thigh, gently stroking with his thumb.

Merlin pulled on his shirt, buttoning it up swiftly. Arthur woke up, smiling at him. "Aren't you staying for breakfast?"
"I assumed not. And I said I didn't want to get attatched." Arthur hushed him, inviting Merlin back into the bed. Merlin stood stubborn, pulling on his trousers.
"So come with me. To Italy."
"No, I can't."
"Why not? Like you said, you're just wandering."
"I know, but, we just met, and you could be anyone, and I'm just not sure." Merlin bit his lip, stopping dressing. "Do you want me to come?"
"I'd be glad of some company. And I really like you. I really do." Merlin frowned. "Come on. Leap of faith."
"Ok. I'll come." Merlin smiled, climbing back into the bed.
"Wonderful. Now, breakfast?"