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princessmariaphiliper · 4 months

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‘Wintering’ Part 4

The final part xo

Sunday December 31st

Arthur's stomach flipped. Overwhelmed with the intimacy of seeing Merlin for the first time since Christmas. The days had droned on just as they always did between boxing day and the new year. Arthur was antsy to be out of the house once again as he stood upon Merlins doorstep. Bottle of champagne in his hand.

Merlin peeked his head around his front door. The warm glow of candles and mood lighting pooled into the December night to embrace Arthur.

Merlin was dressed in a deep purple silk shirt with golden ivy embroidered around the wrists. Wrists that supported a tall glass of what Arthur assumed was champagne, more likely prosecco. He had washed his hair and applied his good perfume for guests and their plus ones.

He wore a headband sporting golden stars atop his coal-coloured hair. The middle star had the phrase ‘Happy New Year’ painted onto it.

As his eyes met Arthurs they ignited with glee.

“Arthur!” He opened the door widely. Inside looked warm and inviting, with herringbone dark wooden flooring and a comforting midnight blue painted along the walls of the hallway.

He could hear chatter and music coming from further into Merlin’s apartment.

“Hi, I brought-” Arthur attempted to speak, lifting his bottle, before he felt the weight of Merlins chest (and the cool of the bottle) against his own.

He took a moment to relax into the hold. Merlins arm craned around the back of his neck, resting his glass on Arthurs shoulder like a pedestal.

Merlin smelt of vanilla and tonka, with a hint of something deeper like black-pepper. Arthurs cheek mushed against the softness of the others hair. Arthur felt his face warm.

“I’ve missed you”

“Don’t be sarcastic Merlin.”

“I have!”

Arthur let out a chuckle, bringing up his free hand to pat Merlin on the shoulder. As the taller invited him into his home. Music was playing loudly from down the hall Arthur and Merlin walked down together. Walls coated with drawings of dragons in frames and ancient maps, paired with pictures of Merlin and his mother.

“Would you like a drink?” The host offered.

“Yes please.”

Merlin took him straight down the corridor, past the staircase and the room he heard chatter coming from. Into the kitchen. Modern looking, deep brown cabinets and white marble countertops, golden taps, knobs and utensils acting as accent pieces in the room. Merlin shifted nonchalantly through his home. Arthur becoming aware of his surroundings.

He was in Merlins home. Where Merlin lived. In his kitchen where he cooked. Underneath the bedroom where he slept. Arthur did a gulptake, palms beginning to clam. Placing the bottle of champagne on the countertop.

Trying to be normal.

Merlin guided him over to his drinks trolley.

He whistled upon seeing Merlin gesture towards it.

“Woah”

“Oh yeah, just a hobby I picked up during university - worked in a bar” Merlin looked slightly embarrassed.

“You're a marvel”

“So I've been told. What’ll you have”

“Something festive?”

“Honey margarita?”

“Fwor” Arthur makes a vague noise of agreement.

“I'll take that as a yes?”

“So you do have something going on beneath that thick skull of yours Merlin”

“I have a doctorate”

“Drink merlin.”

“Yes your majesty.” Merlin bowed sarcastically.

Grining like a child at Arthur, with a playfulness he now recognized as Merlin’s shine.

Bareboned he smiled back at him. As the black haired man got to work fixing up his drink.

Somewhere in the distance laughter roared.

Mentally recording as Merlin rolled up the sleeves of his shirt. Collecting ice and pouring liquid into the shaker. Distracted by the way his muscle flexed in the kitchen light. Arthur took up the conversation once more to distract himself.

“Nice place.”

“Thanks,”

“Have a good christmas?”

“Yeah, you?” Merlin peered through his hair as he poured his drink.

“Nightmare as usual.”

“Oh.”

“Its alright, my father can be a knob. Nothing major.”

“British values type?”

“Yeah.”

“Sorry to hear that.”

Merlin garnished the two drinks with a lemon segment each. Standing straight and heading towards Arthur. There's a moment between them that made Arthur not want to leave the kitchen. Wanting all Merlin's attention. He took the crystal glass, taking a taste test. Humming praise to Merlin as it hits just the right spot.

“Happy?”

“Very.”

Merlin brought Arthur into the room where the music played. Introducing him to his friends. Arthur felt slightly intimidated by the amount of people Merlin had managed to squish into his living room.

There was a fireplace at the centre of the room, and four walls washed with a deep purple, Arthur was starting to think it might be the others favourte colour with the amount of things in the same tone. He’d remember that.

To the left of the fireplace beside the window was a built in bookcase filled with books stacked neatly next to one another. Paired with a number of messy piles stacked atop them, clearly having run out of space for his accumulation of reading material.

To the right there was a television, playing music through it, something by Prince filled the air at present moment.

The collection of people sat upon the two dark brown sofas or stood ahead of the fireplace. Plants and paintings dotted the room. In golden frames or brown planters. He greeted Zeren and Gwen first, grateful to have anyone familiar.

Why did he feel like people were staring?

“I love the decor” He said, dumbly

“Merlin has a talent for it” Gwen responded smiling.

“Merlin, talented?”

“I have many many talents Arthur you just havent taken the time to notice them.”

“A likely story.”

The two entered the room fully, Leon and Zeren making room on the sofa for them. It was going to be a bit of a squish, so Merlin opted to take a seat on the rug, quickly joined by Gwaine, who felt he had been stood for far too long.

“So, you must be Arthur! Merlin has told us so much about you, you’re even more handsome than Merlin gave you credit for.” Isobel beamed.

Merlin choked on his drink, flushing red.

Music rolled on. So did the people, more bodies joining the small space every half hour or so. Sarah and Percival arrived next, and Arthur did well not to embarrass himself. Chatting and jesting with the group of near enough strangers. Each time someone new arrived Merlin staggered to the door switching where he was seated, as did a lot of people. Wanting to all have the chance to get to know Arthur a little better.

Just as Merlin offer to make another round of cocktails and opened up the living room door there came a high pitched noise from by his feet.

And in strolled a petit brown and white cat. Bluebell collar wrapped around the little things neck. The room made a collective gasp. Intoxicated and mesmerised by the small creature.

“Kilgharrah!” Someone (Sarah) roared from across the room. All chuckling as the cat yelled back from hearing its name.

Merlin bent his body over to pick up the creature, rolling him into his arms to expose a fluffy belly. Drink still in his right hand. “Hey,” Arthur heard him say softly to the cat as he himself stood, offering to help Merlin carry glasses, making his way over. “I thought you were sleeping,”

“You have a cat?” Arthur said, reaching out to scratch Kilgharrah’s chin.

“I do” Merlin smiled, watching Arthur smile softly at Kilgharrah by lamplight. He rolled his head into Arthur’s touch in an instant. Beginning to pur.

“He likes you.”

“Good. He’s cute”

“I’d have put you down as more of a dog man.”

“I’m overjoyed by all creatures smaller than me. Thats why I’ve put up with you this past month.”

“I’m taller than you Arthur dont flatter yourself.” Merlin moved to let down a now squirming creature, bored of Merlins arms. Starred headband nearly falling off with his swiftness.

“Stand up straight.”

“Why?”

“I’m definatly taller.”

“What do you want us to measure back to back?”

“Yes.”

“If this is your attempt at flirting Arthur I think you’ve hit a new low.”

“Shut up Merlin.”

“Why? Was it?” Genuine eagerness overshadowed him..

“I’m taking this off you” Arthur stated with a teasing smile, going to grab the glass from Merlin's hand. Their fingers brushing against one another. Arthur took in the softness of the skin upon the back of his hand. “You’re on a ban until you control your impulses.”

“You can’t tell me to stop drinking at my own party, in my own home.”

Their hands still touching. Merlin met his gaze as Kilgharrah weaved in-between their legs.

“I suppose you’re right. For once.”

“Moron.”

“Dickhead.”

Time passed in the flat like water down stream. With a fluidity and ease, drinks were made back to back by Merlin and Gwaine. Who Arthur discovered had met while working together at the bar. As the night poured on and midnight approached, the group got louder, drunker and sloppier in their actions.

Unsure of how it had transpired, Merlin had found himself perched on the arm of his sofa, with Arthur squashed up against his side. Listening to tales of Christmases past in each of their respectable families.

Merlin drank in the look of Arthur. He’d come dressed in a loose fitting red shirt and dark blue jeans. A marvel to Merlin as he usually sported dresspants. He smiled at seeing a more casual side to Arthur.

He was overjoyed that Arthur had joined the group for this. He’d spent days considering sending out his invite. In fear that they’d gotten off on the wrong footing. But the more time he’d spent in Arthurs company, the more whole Merlin had felt. It was as though Arthur awoke a hidden part of him he’d never surfaced before. He needed an excuse to keep him around.

Since that accidental meeting at the soup kitchen Merlin had been mesmerised by Arthur. Waiting for the next moment to see him again - if not subconsciously. More often than not he’d pushed those feeling to the side, too busy with work and rehearsals in the lead up to Christmas.

But now with the heat of his body emitting against Arthurs there was a comforting feeling surrounding him. Merlin smiled to himself, embracing the proximity.

He’d spent the night watching how Arthur swanned around the room with ease. Grateful of his friends for being so welcoming and attentive to new people. Arthur seemed to be on top form, chatting and jesting in a way that Merlin would once of considered arrogant (pratish) A warm smile painted his lips as he observed Arthur chatting animatedly with Zeren, Lance and Leon in the corner of his living room. Idly stroking Kilgharrah as he did so.

Something swelled within him. Even watching his profile now, things felt right. Merlin was happy.

“Guys its nearly midnight we have to leave” Gwen shouted across the living room, shaking up the conversation. Merlin glanced at Arthurs watch, that sure enough confirmed Gwen was telling the truth.

Percival and Sarah stood first, gathering their coats and bundling up in layers of scarf, jumper and thermals to keep warm in the midwinter night. Shortly followed by Isobel and Gwaine, who clung to one another for heat instead.

People flittered from Merlins living quarters, spilling drink upon rug and fiddling with clothing along the way.

“Hey,”

“Hey.”

“Thank you for inviting me.” Arthur turned to Merlin, sincere through the drunkenness.

“I’m happy you came.”

“I like your friends.”

“So do I.”

“Haven’t a clue why they hang around with you.” Arthur stood lazily, offering a hand out to Merlin to support him upright. “We should go or we’ll miss the new year”

“God forbid.”

They walked out. Merlin locking the door behind them, then unlocking it again to drunkenly make sure Kilgharrah was definitely inside. Relocking once he was satisfied.

A boldness overtook him in the cold of the night. He gripped onto Arthurs arm, linking it with his own. Arthur seemed taken aback for a brief moment, before relaxing within their hold. Making their way to the minster, trailing towards the back of the group.

Merlin huffed out a satisfied drunken sound in the night.

“Are you having fun?” Arthur quizzed.

“Loads.”

“Good.”

Gwaine turned around, regarding them as they spoke to one another, eyes filled with drunken wonder,

“Come one slow pokes” He said, bringing them back down to earth.

The night had shifted to a warm blue, not feeling much like midnight as New years often didn’t. Laced with a small sense of magic. They arrived at the minster right on time. Merlin letting go of Arthurs arm, wrapping his hands around his own body to stay warm.

Arthur stood, hands in jean pockets - seemingly doing the same. Face unreadable.

People chatted of resolution or love as the crowd swelled, all parties waiting for midnight.

It soon came.

And, ten

As the countdown begun Merlin examined the great building. Gothic piers towering high into the evening above the crowd. People began shouting and cheering loudly. Caught up in the moment. Merlin joined them at his own volume, quiet and soft.

Eight

Arthur turned to face Merlin, making the other boy swallow a dryness he didn’t know had consumed his throat. They stood feet paralle Merlin stopped counting-

Five

Their eyes locked, gently smiling at one another. Not speaking, discovering the other. Arthurs lips were parted slightly. Looking as though he may begin to speak. He wanted to kiss him, possibly more than he’d ever wanted to kiss anyone before. Arthur brought his hand up to rub the outside of Merlins arm. Maybe Arthur wanted to kiss him too?

Four

Three

So Merlin kissed him. Lips planting onto plush lips.

Two

One

He pulled away slightly, breath still mixing with Arthurs. Eyes suddenly fretting with realisation and sobering up quicker than he thought possible. Stupid headband falling off his head.

Happy New Year

“Arthu-”

“Shut up Merlin.” Arthur spoke against his lips, each vowel brushing their lips gently.

Merlin hummed as Arthur dipped into him once again. Hands now shaping up to the back of Merlins neck. Arthur felt dizzy, drunk on the other. (And quite possibly a number of other things) as the crowds around them cheered in unison.

“God. You’re gorgeous.” Arthur broke away for the slightest of a second. Bringing Merlins hand up to his lips, speaking kisses onto his palm.

“So you were trying to flirt earlier then?”

“I’ve always been flirting with you, you were just too stupid to notice.”

“Even when you threatened to get me sacked?” Merlin joked.

“That was the only time I was deadly serious” Arthur pulled away. Looking him dead in the eye.

“You’re stupid.”

“Just kiss me.”

“Fine.”

Monday January 1st

Merlin awoke the next morning with a pounding headache and a heavy body nestled into his side. His stomach dropped with memories of the night before. A part of him sat in anxiety - unsure if Arthur would recipricate the same feelings he’d expressed while sober. He felt Arthur stir and wake - as his body stiffened over Merlins. He imagined the same thoughts ran through Arthur's head.

“Good” He cleared his throat to banish the deepness of sleep away “Good morning.”

Arthur pulled his body up from where he’d spent the night nestled into Merlin’s naked chest. He observed Arthur in the midmorning light. Hair sticking up in an unruly manner, and face slightly puffy from sleep. He was breathtaking. Merlin felt his spine tingle simply looking at him.

“Morning.” Arthur responded, gazing down at Merlin, sleep crystals in his eyes.

Arthur felt as though he was looking upon divinity. But was condemned to sacrolidge, as Merlin himself lingered like sin. One that Arthur didn’t mind committing. Arthur would revel in wickedness should Merlin give him a single glance.

“How’re you feeling?” Merlin said, sitting up also, bringing the covers with him to keep his modesty alive. Although Arthur had gotten familiar with his form last night, there really wasn’t much point in trying to hide himself now.

“Rotten.”

“Same”

Arthur flopped down dramatically upon the mattress. Head going flush with the pillow. Groaning slightly as the room span.

Merlin took a moment to look around where he sat, thanking the gods for bringing himself an Arthur a jug of water in the early hours of the morning.

“Water?” he whisped lightly at Arthur, who looked slightly more fragile than he.

“Please.”

Merlin pored them both a glass, shifting his body afterwards to hand Arthur his share.

“You’re a saint.”

“I know.”

They took the morning slowly, sweeping up glitter that had been splayed across the floor by Merlin’s party guests and cleaning up discarded bottles. They showered and tried to keep down the alcohol from the night before.

Eventually they made it to the kitchen, Merlin cooked and Arthur cleared the counter, giving it a quick wipedown. They hadn’t talked about last night yet. Unsure how to approach the topic with subtlety Merlin began, flipping the omlet they intended to half.

“So last night,”

“What about it.”

“We kissed.”

“Yes.”

“Right.”

“Whats your point Merlin?”

“Just wasn’t sure if you remembered thats all”

“Merlin we were kissing until three am.” Arthur laughed flatly

“I know I just-” Merlin turned around, facing Arthur “I wasn’t sure if you’d regret it…”

“Merlin.” Closing the space between them, turning off the hob, Arthur spoke in a cool tone. “I wouldn’t still be here if I regretted it. To be honest. I was kind of hoping you’d do it again.”

Arthur took Merlin by the waist, placing a gentle kiss upon his nose. Before dusting another one over his lips. Merlin relaxed, for what he felt was the first time that new years day. Easing into the kiss.

Time passed lazily lips getting to know lips, mouths open and mixing. Eventually they broke apart. Both dizzy and smiling.

“Sorry I called you a cock.” Merlin admitted.

“When did you do that?”

“Few weeks back.”

“Why bring it up now?”

“Don’t want to start things off on bad terms”

“Things?”

“Yes, things.”

“Elaborate on that for me?”

“Things Arthur things you know what I mean.”

“We’re not twelve Merlin.”

“I know I’m just flustered!”

“Awh” Arthur started, “I tend to have that effect on people.”

Rolling his eyes, Merlin turned back to the hob.

“Your breath reaks by the way.”

Thanks for reading, have a merry Christmas xo

#merlin x arthur christmas #merlin christmas fic #merthur christmas #merthur au #modern day au #merlin x arthur #merlin fic #merthur #bbc merlin #merlin

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