Author: amarie_authiel
Title: 5 times Merlin fell even deeper in love and 1 time he learned he was not the only one. Part 6a: A perfectly imperfect view
Rating: Part 6a: A perfectly imperfect view
Pairing/s: (pre) Merlin/Percival, Percival/?
Character/s: Merlin, Percival, Arthur
Summary: Merlin tries to get his head around what happened at the prom. Then he gets an invite to Percy's home and things get worse.
Warnings: None.
Word Count: ~880
Prompt:#251 Perfectly Imperfect (Love and Friendship month)
Author's Notes: No beta.
Follow up to Four beddings and a funeral
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Merlin sighed. “It wasn't a date. It wasn't me.”
Arthur's face fell. In fact his whole being deflated. But Arthur's voice left no room for argument.
Merlin swallowed thrice before he could speak again. He hoped that hanging up his suit jacket made a plausible excuse for his silence. He folded the tie around his hand and felt the soft silk underneath his fingers before he returned it to Arthur.
“Thank you,” he said, not really talking about Arthur lending him the tie. Then he drew a deep breath and let it out, hoping to shake the sadness clinging to his bones.
“I'm gonna hit the shower and see if this stuff you two put in my hair will ever go out. Cement and glue, was it?”
“T'was something with a lot of micro plastic and a terrible carbon footprint.”
“Aha! So YOU do listen to me!”
“Never!” Arthur gasps in mock shock. “That's what it said on the tin.”
Merlin chuckled softly.
-
Percy himself seemed rather elusive. All of Merlin's texts went unanswered. Not that Merlin bombarded him with texts, but usually there would be at least one mindless conversation going. Not even a single cat picture came Merlin's way. The silence did made sense. If there was a boyfriend thing happening, then why would Percy care about Merlin's babbling?
He counted the pros and cons of sending yet another message. This would at least be a real topic. The college had made some changes to their part time study program, which Merlin thought would fit Percy and his situation better. He had gathered brochures and application forms for it, just in case, so he could bring it with him if Percy was interested. It was hardly urgent news though and he should get started with packing to go home for the Christmas holiday, rather than over-contemplating a text.
He made the wording very brief and to the point, and pressed 'send'. A moment later, Merlin nearly jumped out of his skin as a text came in reply. The wording was a bit unusual, but it was from Percy's number.
'Am home. Bring it here.'
Merlin gave his unpacked bag a stare before he texted back.
'Around 8?'
'K'
-
Merlin checked the time on his phone just to be sure. It took a little while before Percy opened the door. He looked like had jumped right out of the shower. A towel was thrown over his shoulders, his shirt was unbuttoned, he wore jeans, but no socks. It would be a great- no rather perfect - look if not for the frown on Percy's face. He was holding on to the door, Merlin got the distinct impression that Percy didn't want him to see inside.
“Hey, uh, sorry, I wasn't expecting anyone.”
“You invited me?” Merlin waved his phone and quickly checked the time to see that yes, it was past 8 and he hadn't lost his mind.
Percy opened his mouth to say something, but stopped. An arm came from behind him and curled around Percy's waist, caressing the grooves of Percy's six pack, brushing not so accidentally over the the light trail of hairs leading the way down to an area Merlin shouldn't think about. Merlin tried to look away. Another arm snaked around Percy's chest with a hand sliding underneath the open shirt. It was a strong man, nothing like Merlin. More like Gwaine, more like the type Percy liked. Percy wasn't looking at Merlin and his wandering eyes, he was staring stone faced over his shoulder, mumbling something between clenched teeth. Merlin felt like he had been kicked in the gut when he recognized the face of the man fondling Percy. Dark curls and a sugar sweet smile, but his eyes seemed ice cold as they pinned Merlin in a silent challenge.
“I invited him, Percy. I wanted to meet your little friend.”