unwaning | Emerson's Cell

[As if he can tease Arthur for that. It's rare enough that Arthur even lets himself say anything of the sort. His voice softens.]

I missed you, too, Dollop Head. [His free hand toys with the wizard hat charm that dangles from his mobile.]

I believe you were saying something about 24 hour surveillance and enough food for a week? My shift ends in a few hours...I can pack enough clothes for a week and let myself in to your flat.

[ He shakes his head, eyes rolling at Merlin's ridiculous made-up words, always insults and always intended for Arthur, the tosser (and Arthur solemnly refuses to find them endearing).

But he does, really, he kind of adores everything about Merlin, from the tips of his absurd ears down to the toes Merlin likes to dig into Arthur's side when they're watching telly on the sofa, which is the precise thought on Arthur's mind when he blurts out: ]

You should just move in with me.

[ Which, okay, not exactly tactful, but he'd been considering it for awhile and had it all sorted out because Arthur is meticulous and crazy and this is not to plan at all, so he ends up flustered and babbling. ]

Or would could get a new place. Plenty of flats available between here and there. Or we could look into a house, you know, somewhere. I've seen one or two with those tall windows you said you like, in the drawing room so it's plenty bright during the day and I reckoned we could use it as a den, or something, and -

[ Okay, maybe he'd a rather thorough plan. Arthur cuts himself off with a huff, because this is just getting stupid, and places the phone screen-down on the counter before folding his arms across it and resting his head on them. He glares at the sleek black phone case with a gold crown emblazoned in the middle as though it's the cause for all this kerfuffle.

It is, in a manner. It's a gift from Merlin, after all. He groans. ]

I'm going about this all wrong. If you love me, you won't tell Morgana.

[There's silence on Merlin's end, if only because he's pressed a hand over his mouth in shock as soon as Arthur started talking.]

You're...you're serious about this?

[Please tell me that wasn't a joke. He's not sure what he would do if Arthur was only making light of something he's been thinking of for some time now. Despite the less than spectacular start to their friendship that later took a romantic turn, there is no one else Merlin feels so strongly for. God help him, but even Arthur's prattish, demanding side has grown on him by now.

Even with all their disagreements, Arthur feels comfortable. Yet, he pushes all of Merlin's boundaries, sending Merlin off-kilter with unexpected gestures of affection in public or whatever else Arthur deems to try. They fit, and Merlin wants very badly for them to fit their lives together in this one more way. Like fitting in the last piece of a puzzle.]

If I don't tell Morgana [Merlin says a bit shakily] then you can't laugh when I say we should have done this ages ago.

[ He doesn't laugh. Of course not, how could he when he's so awash with relief that Merlin didn't scoff or outright dismiss the idea - not that Arthur thinks Merlin ever would, the man is about as cruel as a caterpillar eating a leaf in the garden, but for all of his arrogance and cock-sure attitude, his biggest fear will always be rejection.

(Merlin, of course, knows this. It's part of why he and Uther will never get on, but Arthur doesn't like to talk about that.)

But no, there's nothing chiding or belittling, only Merlin being so overwhelmingly Merlin that Arthur's chest aches. He grins against his arms before turning towards his mobile to listen to Merlin's muffled words, and then he snatches it up and whirls around through the door to his office, alive in a way that only this silly man ever makes him feel. ]

Merlin Emrys, are you crying?

[ The grin won't leave him, despite his best efforts. Merlin said yes. Merlin is moving in with him. They're going to live together. He feels giddy with it, like that small child that held the Sun and the stars in his hands when his father gave him a photograph of the mother he would never meet, like this is the most important thing ever given him and there isn't a damn thing in the world that could keep him from clinging to it. ]

Would now be a bad time to tell you I'm pregnant and it's yours?

I'm not crying, you prat.

[The choked up way he responds probably takes away all his credibility in one swoop, but he doesn't even care. Arthur wants him to move in. Together.

They've been dating for some time now, but Merlin's been afraid to ask about more than staying over for a few days. It's not that he thinks Arthur doesn't love him; he knows he does. It's that sometimes Merlin wonders just what about him caught Arthur's attention. He's a little on the too-skinny side, clumsy on the best of days, unlike the fit, attractive footie players Arthur's been around. In the beginning, he'd always looked over his shoulder, thinking Arthur would find someone wittier and better-looking and forget all about him. That fear's never completely dissipated. Arthur's become his world, and Merlin knows he'd be crushed if Arthur ever moved on. Just the idea of moving in together, though, feels like a balm for all his fears.

Overcome with love and relief, Merlin doesn't keep the affection from bleeding into his soft reply.]

You're ridiculous, Arthur Pendragon. I love you.

[He pauses to collect himself, though he can't stop smiling, especially when he adds after a second: ] Does that mean you're admitting you're the girl in this relationship?

[ He snorts out a laugh, unattractive and wildly amused. ]

Fat chance of that, you toad. I hate you, and I can't wait to wake up to your face every morning.

[ Which is true. It's always true. Merlin may've hesitated to ask to stay over, but Arthur's always hesitated to ask to keep him. Every morning he got to wake and see Merlin's rumpled hair and sleepy eyes and his own sheets wrapped around him has never once failed to bring a smile to Arthur's face, to share that smile in the press of lips and the whispered silly nothings in the too-early morning sunlight.

It scares him some days, to have something so terribly precious in his hands when he is so very good at breaking things. The picture, again, with fingerprints all over it and wrinkles over time; but where the photo has been tucked away safely in a frame where he never touches it for fear of losing this one piece of something beautiful, Merlin is something Arthur wants to keep at his side as the pages weather and tear. Fingerprints and wrinkles, all pressed into their skin by each other, and Arthur wants every single one.

There is nothing in this world has wanted more than this, even in the nights when he longed for warm arms and a soothing voice at his back. It's only ever Merlin. Only ever been Merlin.

His next words don't miss a beat between the last, already in his office and packing up his paperwork and shutting down his computer as he speaks. ]

I don't suppose you have any sick days left.

[From the amused looks he's getting from the nurses in the corner, Merlin guesses he hasn't quite managed to tone down the goofy, smitten smile he knows is pulling at his lips right then. He pays them no mind; if they had a boyfriend like Arthur asking them to move in, they'd be giddy with happiness, too.]

Was hoping to use them for the rest of the week, but I can convince someone to cover the rest of my shift?

[All of a sudden, he wants to see Arthur. It's not enough, just hearing his voice anymore, not when he wants to slide his arms around him and tug him close until there isn't any space between them. Not when he wants to bury his face into Arthur's shoulder and tell him just how badly he wants to wake up next to Arthur every morning for the rest of their lives.

He wants to tell Arthur that he loves him and then show him exactly how much he does.

No, hearing his voice isn't enough, and he's suddenly too far away.]

You fight your way out of there with a scalpel if you have to.

[ Arthur will lay siege upon the hospital if it comes to it. Leon might back him up. Gwaine would come, if only for the nurses. Whatever it takes to close the suddenly unbearable distance between them. He locks his briefcase and throws on his overcoat, sweeping out of his office with only a brusque word to his secretary. ]

Tell those old dogs in the meeting room that they can either accept this year's policies or sod right off.

[ At her responding 'bend over and take it or sod off, yes, sir,' Arthur barks a laugh, loud and bright, like all the warmth in his chest is spilling forth for all the world to see and there isn't a damn thing that can stop it. Wild and reckless, young and vibrant; he's going home, not to the flat he's lived in for seven years now but to the man he's loved for even longer, quietly at first until now, where he's ready to scream it to the high heavens. ]

And remind me to give you a raise!

[ He calls back at the elevator doors, just as the board members notice his departure and start scrambling to get to him before the neat little ding that announces his lift. He's still laughing when he gives them a little wave, cheeks aching from the smile that hasn't left his lips since the moment he heard Merlin's voice. ]

You had better be home when I get there, clotpole.

Dangerous weapon, a scalpel. I'm sure people will be overcome with fear at the sight of it.

[Merlin's already clocking out, making frantic I.O.U. signals at an amused Gwen and Lance when he passes by them at the desk. He gives up and covers the mouthpiece, mouthing "It's Arthur, gotta go" to them before stepping into the empty lift.]

You're not giving me much time to pack, you know. [He licks his lips nervously as the lift whirrs to life, heading down to the main floor.]

Unless...you want to help me pack tomorrow? For something more long-term. N-not that I'm saying we have to that quickly. I just thought, erm, since you asked...

Don't be ridiculous. We'll fill my car 'til I've got to shove you in the boot to have enough room.

[ Getting Merlin's stuff to his place - their place - is clearly far more important than getting Merlin to their place. Shush. ]

Though that horrid dragon painting of yours is not coming with us. I don't care if your father found it at some junk sale forty years ago, it's creepy.

Just for that, it'll be the first thing I pack tomorrow.

[He chuckles, soft and low and fond.] I'll see you soon.

[True to his word, he'll be waiting inside Arthur's room, lying face-down on the bed, by the time Arthur returns.]

Hmmmm. [Merlin makes a soft sound, turning to smile at Arthur when he enters the room. He reaches a hand out toward him.]

C'mere. At least we won't have to buy a new bed. Yours is already large enough to fit both of us.

[ Shoes, coat and case left at the door, Arthur loosens his tie on his way into the bedroom and purses his lips against a wide smile at the sight of Merlin sprawled across his bed, already belonging. He takes Merlin's hand as he lays down facing him, lacing their fingers together and kissing each one, starting with his pinky. ]

I don't know. If we kept your raggedy old thing, you'd have no choice but to cuddle with me every night, royal decree or no.

[Warmth spreads through him at the tender gesture. It's moments like these that gave Merlin a window to see past the prattish exterior and made him grow to love Arthur in the first place.

He scoots closer, mindful of their entwined hands, until he can press up against Arthur and tangle their legs together, too.]

I don't need any excuse to do that. Or this.

[The kiss he gives Arthur is short and soft, full of promise.]

[ At the end of the day, Arthur is one who fights for love. A terrible bastardisation of that timeless cliche, equally as likely to snap and bite as he is to kiss and soothe. Merlin is one of few ever to see through to that, and most certainly the first for whom Arthur has openly devoted both to.

He'll be the last as well. There was never anyone before and will never be anyone after. (This, Merlin doesn't know. Not yet.)

Arthur hums into the kiss, still smiling, and uses their tangled legs to roll on top of Merlin, pinning their joined hands beside his head. A soft brush of their noses, and quick teasing kiss to his lips. ]

What about this?

[ Another brush of their noses as he tilts his head and licks along Merlin's lower lip. ]

Or this?

[ A kiss to the corner of his jaw, a light suck at the sensitive skin below his ear. ]

Edited 2013-01-18 06:37 (UTC)

[Merlin lets out a soft gasp, back arching slightly. His hands flex under Arthur's grip, wanting to break free and do some touching of their own. Something stops him, though. While he would normally give back as good as he's got, Merlin reigns that part of him in and lets Arthur have his way with him. This time is different, special.]

All of it, Arthur.

[Merlin turns his head so he can press another fleeting kiss to Arthur's lips.]

Everything I have is yours, only yours.

[ He meets the kiss readily, lingering as much as he can before Merlin pulls away, and then continues peppering light kisses across Merlin's face: his cheekbones, his nose, between his eyebrows; a brief tug on his earlobe with his teeth and still more kisses along his jaw. ]

Too right it is.

[ Another kiss to his lips, deeper this time, sinking into his boyfriend or lover or whatever ridiculous label you want to slap onto it. Merlin is all of them and everything. ]

Because everything I am is yours, too.

[ Arthur breathes the words against Merlin's lips, eyes closed, bodies pressed together from fingers to chests to toes. One and the same, two perfect pieces slotted together. Coming home. ]

I love you. I don't say it often enough, but I do. Gods, Merlin, how much I do.

[ He presses their foreheads together for a moment, silent, before kissing his lips again and starting a trail down his throat. ]

[For the time being, Merlin simply tips his head back, eyes closed, and enjoys the feel of Arthur's lips against his skin. With Arthur's weight on him, his heat seeping through the few layers of clothing, there is little room to focus on anything else.

Rocky as the beginning of their friendship was, Merlin never expected he'd find this much security in their friendship, let alone in their relationship. Surprising how the person who had made him doubt himself so much in the beginning can now make him feel so loved, giving him the strength to square his shoulders and face anything thrown at him.]

Arthur. Arthur, please.

[Merlin whispers, trying to catch Arthur's gaze imploringly. He gives an experimental tug at his hands, testing Arthur's hold on them.]

Let me touch.

[ Arthur looks up, the sky finding the ocean the instance he hears 'please,' to find that place where they connect and feel the tug of gravity between them. How easily he does fall into this man. A small smile breaks onto his lips and he slides his hands down to kiss the pulse point in each of Merlin's wrists, to savour the steady beating of his blood that keeps his heart next to Arthur's.

Slow, tender, taking his time to pour his love into Merlin's skin, and then he holds Merlin close and rolls them both again until he's laying on his back and Merlin is above him. Arthur places his hands at Merlin's hips, slipping his fingers beneath his shirt to rub his thumb at the dip of his hipbones, and grins. ]

Go on, then.

[ I'm all yours. ]

[A wave of affection washes through him, and Merlin spends a moment simply smiling down at the man who's taken over so many parts of his life. Then he wastes no time taking up Arthur's offer.

One hand pushes Arthur's shirt up while the other leaves feather light touches, finger tips skimming across his skin and catching on his nipples. His lips and tongue follow soon after, tracing the same paths his hand had taken just seconds ago.

He dips his tongue playfully into Arthur's belly button, then sits up, tugging at Arthur's shirt again.]

Let's get this off you.

[ His lips part in a quiet panting, breath coming heavy as he keeps his eyes trained on Merlin through his ministrations. He wants to watch, wants to see every second of Merlin taking him apart, but the touch of tongue to sensitive nipples has his head falling back on a moan. Light sensations, all teasing and electrifying, his entire body stirring to life beneath Merlin's lips.

He chokes out a laugh at the brat tong using his navel, grinning as he sits up to help in his shirt's removal. But only until the fabric is freed from his hands, and then he's lifting Merlin's shirt in turn. ]

Fair's fair.

[ Which is why he leans in to raspberry the flat plane of Merlin's stomach just beneath his belly button. He grins cheekily as he flops back against the pillows. ]

[Merlin chokes back a laugh at the ticklish sensation, pulling the shirt over his head and dropping it onto the floor when he stops squirming.

It's with a warm smile that Merlin runs a hand through Arthur's hair before he leans down to kiss Arthur. When he pulls away, it's only to nose at Arthur's jaw, leaving little butterfly kisses along the way.]

I love you.

[Merlin whispers, closing his eyes and nuzzling Arthur's neck.]

[ Arthur keeps his own fingers buried in the soft tufts of raven black hair at the back of Merlin's head as he kisses him, eyes closed with a contented humming as he enjoys the feeling of their bare chests pressed together and Merlin's lips against his skin. ]

I love you.

[ Not a too, but a soft sigh. Not a sentiment returned, but a statement, a fact, that he feels on every inhale, every exhale. Shared breaths in a shared space. It just is. ]

[The soft sentiment makes Merlin kiss Arthur deeply, tongue twining with Arthur's playfully, intimately. His hand works at Arthur's trousers, tugging it low enough for him to slip in and curl lightly around Arthur's cock.

Unlike the faster, more impatient pace he might take normally, he strokes Arthur slowly, fingers barely grazing the sensitive skin as they pass by. Merlin kisses Arthur's lips once, twice, before sitting up with a soft expression.]

Tell me what you want.

[ Arthur melts so thoroughly into Merlin's kiss, he doesn't even notice the unfastening of his trousers until there's the startling warmth of fingers on sensitive skin. His aborted moan is lost to Merlin's tongue, hips hitching instinctively in search of more friction, but his range of motion is limited, pinned as he is beneath Merlin's weight.

He likes it. For one whose composure and control is paramount during the day in his business of cutthroats and liars, Merlin peeled that offensive layer away and left a man that craves Merlin's touch, Merlin's gentle affections. Arthur likes this feeling of ownership, of belonging. He's not trapped beneath Merlin; he's home. ]

Fuck me. I want - ah - [ Arthur squirms, wanting more from those clever fingers. ] - you tease. I want you inside me.

[His eyes never shift from their focus, drinking in the sounds and open, unguarded expressions playing across Arthur's face. This is his doing. Arthur, squirming, losing his control, it's because of him.

Merlin kisses Arthur again to hide his giddy smile, keeping his hand moving at the same slow, teasing pace.

With Arthur spread out like he is, Merlin only manages to push trousers down to a certain point, the fabric bunching against Arthur's skin. Merlin pauses to ghost his fingers over Arthur's hole.]

Turn over for me? Let's get these trousers off you.

Emerson's Cell

[Voice]

[Voice]

[Voice]

[Voice]

[Voice]

[Voice]

[Voice]

[Voice]

[Voice]

[Voice]

[Voice] --> action

action

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

keywords applicable

lmfjabdksbfks s c r e a m

:D :D

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)