ajsrandomTitle: Distracted
Rating: PG
Pairing/s: Merlin/Morgana
Character/s: Merlin, Morgana, Arthur
Summary: The ball finally arrives. Will Merlin be able to work with a gorgeous Morgana in the room?
Warnings: none
Word Count: 1023 (oops)
Prompt: #216, Distractions
Author's Notes: Scintillating title, I know. Continued from previous drabble here.
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Two weeks passed rather quickly, at least to Merlin. In addition to his regular duties, he had to do things like rent a tux. He also found himself distracted by Morgana. Wherever he went, she seemed appear. When he was with Arthur or Gaius, she popped up with a question for one of those men and a seductive wink for him. She made something inside him tighten, whether in anxiety or something else he couldn't tell.
The night of the ball arrived. He'd agreed to meet Morgana at her rooms and finally the moment arrived. He swallowed his nervousness and knocked on the door. After a moment, it opened and Merlin was totally floored.
Morgana had twisted her hair into an elaborate chignon, which exposed her bared shoulders. Her emerald green dress started with a halter top and sweetheart neckline, ruched and fitted down to her waist where it flared out into a full, floor-length skirt.
She smiled as his mouth fell open. He had no idea how he'd be able to work tonight with her in the room. He swallowed and said, “You look amazing.”
“Thank you,” she replied. She stepped out into the hall and closed the door behind her. “Shall we go then?” Amusement colored her voice.
“Y-yes, of course.” He held out his arm, which she took, and they began waking to the ballroom.
It seemed like every eye was drawn to them as they entered. The men looked envious and the women looked offended. To him, Morgana outshone them all. They stood there looking around for a bit longer than necessary, until Morgana said, “Shouldn't you find Arthur?”
He flushed, because of course he was here to work. He had to shadow Arthur for a good portion of the evening. She smiled at him again and said, “I'll be around.” Then she kissed his cheek and wandered off toward a familiar-looking couple.
Merlin exited the way they'd entered and turned down a couple of halls to find Arthur and the King waiting. “So sorry,” he told them. Uther just smiled while Arthur said, “Not to worry. We always arrive fashionably late anyway.” He took his place behind Arthur and trailed him as the royals were escorted down the hall to the ballroom for their grand entrance.
Merlin stayed with Arthur as the Prince worked the room. Every now and then he'd catch sight of Morgana. Whenever she caught him looking, she'd smile and wink at him. He'd lose concentration for a moment until Arthur nudged him or said something.
Finally Arthur became distracted himself. An Earl's daughter, Lady Gwen-something, was introduced to him and he couldn't seem to tear himself away from her. Merlin could see why—she had gorgeous caramel skin and long, curly locks. She was beautiful, but Merlin only had eyes for Morgana.
Arthur noticed Merlin's distraction yet again. He made eye contact with Leon, who nodded and whispered something to a man standing next to him. The man started walking toward Arthur, who turned to his current bodyguard. “Merlin.”
“Hmm?”
“Merlin. Just go to her, will you?”
“What? Who?”
Arthur and Gwen-something laughed. “Merlin, you're too distracted to work. Would you just go to Morgana already?”
“If you're sure.”
“Of course I am.” He clapped an arm on Merlin's shoulder. “Go and enjoy your evening. I'll be fine.” He nodded at the guard who'd just arrived.
“Thank you.” Merlin took out his earpiece and shoved it into his pocket. Then he made his way over to Morgana and placed a hand on her arm. She turned slightly and smiled up at him. “Hello again,” he told her.
“Hi.”
“Care to dance?” He nodded toward the floor.
“I've been dying to test your skills.”
“Then let's go.” He held out his arm again and led her out to the dance floor, where he proceeded to waltz her around the room.
A few dances later, he suggested they take a break. She agreed and pointed towards set of doors. They led to an outside balcony the looked over the palace gardens. They looked mysteriously romantic under the light of the full moon. Morgana sighed contentedly and slid an arm around Merlin's waist.
He was surprised. “Morgana?”
“At last we're alone,” she replied.
“Yeah,” he said a little unsteadily.
They stood there in silence for a few minutes, enjoying the view and each other's company. Suddenly Morgana turned away to face him. “Right. Enough of that.” She reached up to touch his face. “I think we’ve been dancing around each other long enough, don’t you think?”
“Morgana—?”
She cut him off by leaning up to mesh their lips together. He was too surprised to respond- for a moment -but when he shook himself out of it, he kissed her back with equal fervor. Her hand slid into his hair to hold him to her and he felt the tension in him melt away. This was exactly where he wanted to be at this moment and he was going to enjoy it.
He slid his arms around her waist to pull her body closer. They broke for air, but not for long. This time he went for her lips. She moaned as he nipped at her bottom lip to let him in her mouth. She did and they both moaned as they tasted each other. A warm shiver went through him and both his arms slid up her back to her exposed skin. He felt her shudder and tightened his hold on her.
They broke then, both panting for air. He pressed their foreheads together and said, “Well, that was unexpected.”
“But very welcome.” She smiled up at him and he leaned down, intending to give her a quick kiss, but it quickly grew more involved for a moment before they had to break for air again.
“Do you want to get out of here?”
“Oh yes.”
“Come on then.” He took her hand and led her back into the ballroom then through it toward her rooms.
Arthur saw them go and smiled. It looked like Merlin and Morgana were finally getting what they wanted after all.