brunettepetTitle: The Email Order Bridegroom, Chapter 26
Rating: Mature
Pairing/s: Arthur/Merlin
Character/s: Arthur, Merlin
Summary: Arthur Pendragon has a plan to stay in the United States. That plan is Merlin.
Warnings: M/M, NSFW
Word Count: 414
Prompt: Friendship
Author's Notes: My first sex scene and I am cringing. Sorry this chapter is short. Allergies are taking up most of my brain space.
Merlin is having a deliciously vivid dream involving being naked in a field with an equally naked Arthur writhing underneath him. The sun is warm on his back, Arthur flushed and wanton at his front, panting as they move against one another, sweat and pre-come easing the sweet slide of their bodies.
Their kisses deepen, bodies moving more urgently with each thrust. Tension is coiling tight, tight, tighter in Merlin’s belly. Then Arthur says “I love you,” and Merlin comes with a shout.
He startles awake to find Arthur’s side of the bed empty and cold. He’s come in his pants like a teenager but Merlin’s relief at being alone in his embarrassment is short lived. He and Arthur sleep together. Arthur is not getting any less attractive. This means no more hiding.
Merlin spends hours stressing over what to say. He knows they’re friends and Arthur like likes him but it may be more in a friends with benefits way than Merlin is feeling.
How do you tell somebody you might have, inadvertently, fallen in love? It’s too rom com ridiculous but the truth of it keeps twirling back into Merlin’s head, making him giddy and queasy in turns.
He goes for a run to settle his nerves.
It doesn’t help.
By the time Merlin hears the key in the front door, he still has no idea how to start. The look on Arthur’s face when he blurts out “I had a sex dream about us this morning” shows Arthur is as surprised as Merlin by this opening line in a conversation he doesn’t know they’re having.
“Okay.” Arthur says warily.
“I liked it.”
He watches Arthur’s shoulders relax. “I’d be worried if you didn’t,” he says with a laugh. “Sex dreams are normal. Enjoying them is normal. What am I missing?”
“We’re married and I like you,” Merlin says a bit desperately, waving a hand between them. “We’ve got an arrangement, Arthur.”
Arthur barks out another laugh, “I wouldn’t be wooing an arrangement, Merlin. We’ve been dating for weeks. I thought you realized that.”
Merlin goggles at him, “How would I know? You never said anything.”
“I’m not in the habit of making out with business partners," Arthur answers. "I've been seducing you."
“Oh, thank fuck,” Merlin says with relief, launching himself at Arthur. “I think I may be in love with you.”
“May be? I’m already there,” Arthur says quietly and Merlin finally allows himself to be there, too.