travelingmysticTitle: Small Victories
Rating: G
Pairing/s: Daegal/Freya, Merlin/Arthur
Character/s: Daegal, Merlin, Arthur, Freya
Summary: Merlin sets Daegal up on a blind date.
Warnings: Modern AU
Word Count: 679
Prompt: Schedule
Author's Notes: Not beta'd
A nervous energy pulsed through Daegal, his foot tapping noisily beneath the little square cafe table. He wrapped his hands around his coffee cup, mostly for something to do. He'd never been set up on a blind date before, and felt just like a fish out of water. Certainly there was some sort of etiquette for this type of situation? Whatever it was, Daegal didn't have the rule book, and was already bracing himself for humiliation.
His best friend, Merlin, was the picture of calm. He lounged back in his seat, sipping his coffee leisurely. Of course he wasn't nervous. He'd never had trouble talking to people before, and he'd been dating the same (smoking hot) guy for the better part of a year.
“Arthur's cousin's a total babe,” Merlin had told him the week before, between mouthfuls of pizza. “And she's single. Want me to set you up?”
Daegal had given what he thought was a non-committal grunt, and prayed that the topic would be dropped. He hadn't taken into account the fact that his best friend never dropped anything. The next day, he'd received a text message from Merlin stating that Freya (Or, as Merlin had called her, “My sexy boyfriend's super model cousin”) would love to meet him.
Which is how he found himself at a coffee shop with his best friend, praying that he didn't act like a total dork in front of a gorgeous girl.
A loud beep sounded from Merlin's phone. He picked it up, smirking down at the screen.
“They're here.” He said, pocketing his cellphone. “Right on schedule.”
Daegal could feel his palms sweating, and hastily rubbed them on his jeans. Merlin noticed, of course, and let out a little laugh.
“Why are you so worried? She's going to love you.”
Before Daegal could reply, he noticed two people walking purposefully toward them. Following Merlin's example, he stood up from his seat, his legs feeling as though they'd turned to jelly.
Arthur looked amazing, as always. He wore a simple red sweater with jeans, but somehow managed to look like he'd stepped off a runway. As he navigated his way toward their table in the back of the cafe, he had eyes only for Merlin, who was grinning from ear to ear.
Heart beating almost painfully in his chest, Daegal turned his attention toward the girl, who walked casually at Arthur's side. She was very small and petite, and had her long, black hair tied back in a ponytail. Her eyes were a dark brown, which looked even more striking against her pale skin. She didn't seem to be wearing any make-up, and certainly didn't need it: like her cousin, she was naturally flawless.
Merlin threw himself into Arthur's arms unceremoniously, and was lifted off the floor. The girl smiled over at Daegal, extending her small hand.
“I'm Freya.”
A part of Daegal really wanted to wipe his hand on his jeans again, but he knew that would be a bad idea. Hoping that his palms weren't too sweaty, he exchanged a shaky handshake with Freya. She didn't look too disgusted, which Daegal took as a small victory.
“Um ...” He began smartly, feeling the color rise steadily in his cheeks. “Drinks. You want?”
“I'll come with you.” Freya smiled in a way that made Daegal feel dizzy. She locked her arm through his, and they made their way to the front of the cafe, leaving Merlin and Arthur to snog in private.
Later that night, as Daegal was fiercely rubbing laundry detergent into his shirt, Merlin leaned up against the doorframe, smirking.
“Looks like you two really hit it off.”
“I tripped on my way to the counter, spilled coffee all over myself, and could scarcely form a coherent sentence.”
“And you made plans for a second date.”
Daegal stopped his assault on the stain, smiling. His thoughts traveled back to Freya standing on tiptoe to kiss his cheek, before handing him a napkin with her phone number hastily scribbled on it in big, block lettering.
“Yeah. Guess we did.”
Fin!
Closing notes: I still don't own Merlin ;). I love Gay BFF Merlin, and I have a weird thing with shipping Daegal/Freya (probably 'cause they're both crazy adorable.) I was happy that the opportunity presented itself to write about them!