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Emrys was exhausted. He was late. He was hungry. He needed a bath. He was supposed to have arrived over the weekend to get settled into his dorm room, but he’d missed his flight and really that brought on a whole mess of it’s own. Not to mention half of Ealdor’s ridicule- good natured but still.
The list could probably go on, but what was the point of that? Instead, he focused on the positives. He had all his books. All the necessary materials for his first uni class were tucked in his brand new, giant backpack, along with the few clothes and toiletries he had bought at the airport when he got to Camelot. He had been assigned one of the biggest dorm rooms on campus, thanks to uncle Gaius and uncle K. He had a few jobs that would help him out- bartending on the week nights, helping his aunt Alice tutor other students in his free time, and a job at a café twice a week and weekend mornings. He had found a 24 hour gym to let out any extra energy he had-it was the only gym in town that had gymnastics and self defense classes and enough equipment for those activities that it wasn’t just a gym for buff blokes.
By the time he burst into his first class, he didn’t mind that all eyes turned to him or the glare the professor gave. “And who are you?”
“Emrys, sir.” He didn’t bother offering any excuses, certain it was obvious he’d just arrived on campus.
“Right, right. Dr. Emrys’ nephew, Merlin, I presume?” The professor waved him off with a nod before continuing whatever he was saying before he was interrupted.
Emrys was surprised that Uncle K was brought up but tried not to show it. He probably should have expected it, as two of his family members were on the board and one a teacher. Emrys found himself in the mid to back section, finding the most secluded spot he could manage. He wasted no time in setting his recorder up, discretely since it wasn’t allowed, then tucking his head in his arms for a much needed nap.
//
Usually, Arthur didn’t have a roommate. He didn’t have one in boarding school or his first year of Uni. This year, he hadn’t remembered to bother his father with it on time, which led to Uther curtly telling him to deal with it himself because he had important things to do. Thankfully, Leon said he could request to room with him. Leon was wonderful like that, understanding that Arthur didn’t have the patience for some random idiot.
The dorm they hall were assigned was bigger than any of the ones his friends had last year, with four rooms, two bathrooms, a small kitchen and decent living area. When they had arrived, one of the other roommates was already in one of the middle rooms. He wasn’t so bad, even if he was a first year, and he was on the football team. He’d introduced himself as Elyan and made dinner for all of them before Leon challenged him to a game on his PS4. Arthur decided not to play, but to settle in and took the room next to Elyan, directly in front of their front door and the closest to the kitchen. Leon was apparently assigned that room but he didn’t complain when Arthur claimed it, instead taking the room that Arthur’s name was taped to, next to Elyan.
The empty room, Merlin Emrys, stayed empty, and he didn’t have any luck finding the bloke on any of his social media’s. Arthur hoped there was a mistake and the bloke didn’t exist or wasn’t coming. He didn’t want to share his bathroom with someone who was probably disgusting and messy. When Monday morning rolled around, with no signs of their missing roommate, Arthur was satisfied. No one would be this late, surely.
The morning was still shit, as the counter was basically covered in coffee grounds with wet spots making it hard to clean up and the coffee left in the pot was practically burnt. Arthur had no idea whether the mess was from Elyan or Leon, not that it really mattered because it put him in a bad enough mood that it was both their faults as far as he was concerned.
After classes weren’t better, as some bloke and run into him, hard enough to knock both of them to the ground their books flew all over the place. “What the actual fuck?”
“I’m so sorry, mate! I wasn’t-“
“I don’t care, and I’m not your mate. You should watch where you’re going, idiot!” Arthur glared at the skinny bloke as he scrambled to pick up their things. The slimness of him made Arthur’s anger grow, wondering how he could have possibly knocked him down when he was probably twice his size.
“Right, well, so should you then.” The brunette paused and looked up at him, eyes narrowed and pale gold in the sun. “If it was that simple.”
“I was!”
“Yeah? Then why didn’t you move, himbo?”
Arthur’s mouth dropped and for a split second, he stared. The bloke practically looked like a zombie already, his tired face was pale- even his lips, with its silver hoop piercing- and the skin around his eyes practically bruised, dirty dark hair standing up all over his head . For that second, Arthur almost felt something, maybe sympathy. That only made his anger harden and Arthur swung his fist.
Somehow, Arthur ended up rolling around on the grass, briefly tangled up in long limbs that weren’t quite as bony as he’d expected and his brain trying to figure out how this happened instead of telling his own limbs what to do. That was probably why he ended up on his back, legs and arms squeezing the blokes midriff while the bloke had him in an awkward headlock, back to Arthur. “Do you even actually eat, you fucking twig?”
“Wow, so original, it’s not like I’ve ever been told that- ow! Did you just bite my ear?”
“It’s in my face!”
The bloke renewed his efforts to yank Arthur’s head off. “If that’s your first instinct when something’s put in your face, it’s no wonder you’re fat!”
“Shut up, shut up, shut up! Do you always run your stupid mouth?”
“Let him go this instant!” Arthur jumped at the irritation in the new voice, satisfied that the bloke did too. The arms disappeared from his neck and Arthur let him pull himself away. “You’re both adults, act like it.”
“I’m sorry, Aunt Alice.” The bloke helped Arthur up before he could protest, shoving books into his arms before rushing to follow the older lady who had interrupted them.
//
Emrys tutored several kids after his last class, none of them in Uni. Other than a small fuss about getting into a fight on his first day, Aunt Alice hadn’t mentioned it.
After, he headed to the café to fill out his employment paperwork, which is how he ended up working a shift for a bloke that quit with no notice. His coworker, Gwen, took to being his new best friend almost immediately.
It wasn’t a busy day at the café, so she was able to train him quick enough even while goofing off. Towards the end of his shift, one of the groups he waited on had a girl named Freya who left her number on a napkin with his tip, which surprised him because she had been very quiet, letting her friends tell him her order. Gwen had been even more surprised when he immediately ducked behind the counter to text Freya.
“I thought you were...you know...” She made a gesture with her hand. “Not that there’s anything wrong with that!”
“I am, mostly.” Emrys laughed, looking up at Gwen before his attention went back to his phone as Freya sent a response. “She’s pretty and sweet, I would have asked for her number if I wasn’t working.”
“She is very pretty. I am, you know. Sometimes. Like you, I suppose. I’m technically pan.”
“That’s pantastic!” Gwen choked out a laugh, spluttering with a half pained look on her face. Emrys poked at her knee. “I came out of the closet and you came out of the PANTRY”
Gwen kicked at his leg. “Shut up, you twink!”
“Hey, why are you bullying your coworker?” The random voice made her jump and Emrys shot up to his feet, eyeing the small group of blokes who came in. The speaker looked so much like Gwen that he had to be related. “Oh God, were you kicking him?”
“No!” Gwen threw up her hands. “No, of course not!”
“She’s lying, she’s been abusing me this whole shift. It’s quite sad, actually, I wasn’t even supposed to work today, I’m just here to help her!” Emrys nudged her playfully.
“Em is the new guy, he’s covering because Gwaine quit.” Gwen ignored the bloke who shoulder his way through the group. “Anyway, Em this is my twin, Elyan, and I suppose the rest are on the team.”
“I’m Gwaine. Hey.” He grinned at Em as he leaned against the counter. Gwen rolled her eyes and began taking orders from the others. “Hope you don’t mind picking up my shift, I forgot to put in my notice.”
“Right. No, I don’t mind.” Emrys smiled back, shoving his phone back in his pocket. “I left my bags back in Ireland, so the extra pay will be put to good use!”
“Ireland? I spent most of my childhood in Dublin!”
“Ah, I’m a country fellow, small town called Ealdor near Armagh.” Emrys shrugged as Gwen elbowed him, sweetly reminding him he was working. “Right, what can I get for you, Gwaine?”
“Your number and a just bottle of water, please.”
“Right, yeah! I’ll write it down for you when we drop the rest to the table!” Gwaine nodded and joined the rest of his group, leaving Em to help make their drinks.
“Poor Freya.” Gwen glared at him.
“I’m not dating anyone! I don’t even know either of them. Yet.”
“You do have a point. I’m honestly just jealous, I have a crush on the one sitting by my brother. His name is Lance, apparently.”
Em grinned and wrote down Gwen’s number for Lance as well as his number for Gwaine. Gwen helped him deliver the orders to the group, and he watched as Gwaine read the note, praying he understood that he wasn’t to say anything.
“Oi, Emrys! As in Merlin?” A bloke with curly hair pointed at his name tag, a big smile on his face. “Our missing roommate! Elyan, look!”
Emrys blushed and looked down at his feet. “Not missing, just late.”
“Arthur, that’s the other roommate, looked you up on Facebook and everything, we couldn’t find you. I’m Leon, by the way.” He held his hand for Emrys to shake.
“I’m not under Merlin Emrys. If you want you can find me under Eminem Davis... it’s a joke between me and my best mate, Will. He’s under Will Emrys. See, everyone called us brothers when we were growing up and it just stuck that way.”
“That’s so sweet!” Gwen smiled at him. “I was never that close with anyone. You just keep making me jealous! I’m going to need you to stop, before I turn green. Ugh and quit being so sweet before I get a cavity.”
The group laughed and Gwaine made a point to introduce Lance, specifically for Gwen, and Percy. Em was convinced to follow them all on social media’s, slightly embarrassed as they made a fuss over his million of followers on tiktok. “I don’t know how that happened, I just post my thoughts and stupid stuff with Will!”
Gwaine didn’t text Em until he was walking out of the café after they closed. Since it was only 9pm, he walked to the bar he was supposed to start at on Friday. It was more crowded than he expected, so he had to wait a while before the manager got around to getting his paperwork, and once again, Em found himself working the moment the paperwork was done. Unlike the café, the pub was busy enough that by the time 1am came, he couldn’t for the life of him remember anything specific that had happened. The manager let him go home while the scheduled shift closed. Much like the start of the day, Emrys was exhausted as he marched himself to the dorms, following the map he had been sent. He didn’t have a key, so he had to knock.
The blonde bloke swung the door open almost immediately. He was definitely not happy but that didn’t keep the attractiveness off his face. “It’s almost 2 in the morning. What were you doing?”
Em raised his eyebrows at the audacity of the prat, assuming that this the other roommate that Leon mentioned. “Working, not that it’s your business.”
“It isn’t. But you don’t have to lie. Your coworker came by, though. And Gwaine worked there all summer, I know it closes-“
“It’s not the only job I have. I was at the dragon’s lair, thanks.” Em moved forward, forcing Arthur to back into the apartment. He didn’t hesitate when he noticed the panic on the blondes face as he invaded his personal space to follow him into the dorm and close the door, but the reaction did soften the irritation. “I’m sorry if I caused a fuss with Gwen, and for running into you earlier. You were right, I should have watched where I was going.”
Arthur blinked at him, stepping back and gesturing behind him. “Right, she brought your bag. She said you left it at the café...I put it in your room, there.”
“Thank you, Arthur.” Em smiled, taking a moment to look at him. He was was insanely gorgeous, slightly shorter than Em, but more muscular. The prattiness practically oozing off him didn’t do anything to take away from the way his face was displaying panic and irritation and something soft.
“Um...where’s the rest of your stuff?”
“I forgot my bags in Ireland.”
“Are you serious?” Arthur stared at him blankly for a moment, as though genuinely thinking Em was joking. “Um. Have you had dinner? There’s leftovers in the kitchen.”
Arthur turned and went to his room, leaving Em on his own. It was easy to find the leftovers, his name was written on a covered bowl in the refrigerator. With a quick prayer that the food was vegetarian or at least not more meat than anything else, Em opened the container. He almost cried when he saw veggies and rice, not bothering to find a fork or heat the bowl. Arthur came back out of his room with a bundle under one of his arms.
“Slow down, you’ heathen.” Arthur took his bowl and put it in the microwave before shoving the bundle at Em. “This is my spare blanket and an extra pillow. Go make your bed, you can have it.”
Em was barely able to call out a thank you before Arthur retreated back to his room and all but slammed his door shut.
//
Arthur didn’t know if Em was avoiding him or just busy. The only time he saw him for the first month was in the mornings when the bloke passed out in the living room on the weekends, and he kept popping up on Tiktok. He was admitted funny and really attractive in his older videos when he was obviously more rested. The newer ones were mostly “fun facts and opinions”. Em wasn’t messy, in fact he cleaned up after them all somehow, none of them ever saw him doing it. The only other signs of him being in the dorm was the basic toiletries and the occasional thudding in his room late at night that could only be one thing. Arthur never saw anyone else come or go from the apartment but he knew it wasn’t Gwaine by the rare girlish giggling-and because Gwaine had sulked when Em texted that he had a girlfriend and didn’t want to flirt. When Arthur did ask Gwaine if he knew anything else about it, he said that Em had told him he had a girlfriend a week after they exchanged numbers.
It wasn’t until October that anything changed. It was a Thursday evening, Leon was out with Morgana-the traitor- and Elyan was with Percy. That left Arthur alone, studying with his door open, when the dark haired girl and Em came stumbling through the door. Em was in bad shape, obviously burnt out and exhausted. Arthur bolted out of his room, hovering and unsure what to do, The girl was guiding him to the couch, quiet as she stroked her hands through his hair. When Em was settled, she knelt on the floor and rested her face beside his head.
“I like you, Em. A lot. I think I could love you, really. But this isn’t working.” Em tried to sit up, protesting, but she kept him down with a hand on his chest. “Stop. You’re wonderful and so, so sweet but you barely have time for me. I don’t want sex in the middle of the night and a random five minutes here and there. I don’t want a boyfriend who works three jobs, basically. You need to focus on yourself, too, before you try to focus on everyone else. I’m sorry...bye.”
The girl pressed a kiss to Em’s lips before backing up towards the door. She glanced at Arthur. “He’s already asleep. Will you tell him what I said if he doesn’t remember?”
Arthur hovered again, looking at the pale zombie version of Em, much different than the healthy bloke always popping up on his tiktok, before he brought his books out to the living area, throwing his favorite blanket over Em and sitting on the floor between the couch and coffee table, continuing on with his studying. This was exactly why Arthur didn’t do relationships: the inevitable breakup. Even if things were fine with whoever he was with, his father wouldn’t approve of him dating until he was well settled into his career. Maybe then Arthur would experience the same thing that Em just had, eventually ending up like Uther- alone and empty even if he had children, because all that mattered was making money and gaining power. Arthur felt a vulnerability that he’d never allowed himself to feel take over for a moment before he forced his attention back to his task.
Leon and Elyan came back together, probably having met up somewhere for dinner. They always brought back something for them(always something vegetarian for Em since Gwen had told them about his eating habits and allergies). When Leon tried to talk as Elyan put the food in the refrigerator, Arthur cut him off by waving his hands, gesturing to Em. Surprised, Leon stared until Arthur rolled his eyes and texted him that Em had been dumped for overworking himself. The explanation didn’t seem to help Leon’s surprise, and Elyan was no help either, simply staring at them as well. Arthur rolled his eyes and turned back to his work, ignoring them both.
Friday morning started with a soft alarm that woke Arthur slowly. The alarm had to have been Em’s because his was a normal beeping. He was slumped over the coffee table, as he hadn’t been able to bring himself to leave Em. When he turned around, he could just barely make out Em staring at him through dark, the only light coming from the light above the stove.
“Morning...I think? Knowing you, and how you disappear before the rest of us get up, it’s probably barely morning.” Arthur stretched.
Em didn’t respond right away, pulling out his phone to switch off his alarm. After a few seconds, he turned back to Arthur. “It’s 7. I go to the gym, usually. But I think I’m just...not today.”
“You remember the girl, then.”
“Freya.” Tears welled up in his eyes. “Her name is Freya and really, she’s right. I ended up a terrible boyfriend. I’m not supposed to work this much, but I picked up all of Gwaine’s shifts and then some extra nights at the Lair.”
“Why? If you need the money, I think that Freya should understand that.”
“I don’t. Mom sends my Uncles some money to feed me. I just...I’m not sure, I guess I wanted to help. I wasn’t thinking, I mean I liked Freya. A lot.”
Arthur really didn’t know what to say. Em bundled himself in Arthur’s blanket, taking a deep breath. After a moment, Arthur stood up, stretching again before heading into the kitchen to make a cup of tea for them both. When he was done, Em sat up and made room for him to sit dawn, taking the tea that Arthur offered silently. “Thank you. And thank you for the blankets and sitting in here while I slept.”
“Um.”
Em laughed, rolling his eyes. “I won’t tell anyone you’re actually thoughtful.”
“Better not, I’d have to kill you.”
“You can try. I’m tougher than I look.”
“Maybe, but I’ve been trained to kill since birth. Went to a baby gym and everything.” Arthur flexed his arms, careful not to spill his tea.
“Wow, himbo, and how long have you been training to be a prat?”
“You can’t call me that, twink.”
Em sat up straighter, tilting his head forward and his eyes glinting. In the soft light from the kitchen, Em was stunning. “Why? What are you going to do to me?”
Even if Arthur hadn’t had an explosion of gay panic, he wouldn’t have been able to respond. Elyan came running out of his room, pulling his shirt down and shouting curses about being late to class.
“That’s why I didn’t pick any 8a.m classes.”
//
Mithian was kissing Arthur awake, but he was more aware of the music in the kitchen.“Morning.”
“Good morning, Arthur. Your roommate just started with the music.” She rested her head on his bare chest, smiling up at him.
“It’s Em. The other two don’t play it in there. He’s had a break up recently, so I’ll let him.” Em had taken his feelings out on the apartment, throwing up gorey and cringe worthy Halloween decorations under the disguise of getting into the season. Arthur recognized it as the distraction that it was, and if he was moving on to music then Arthur wasn’t about to stop him- the dorm didn’t need anymore decorations.
She was about to reply before her face lit up and she jumped out of the bed. “Oooh, I LOVE THIS SONG!”
Without further warning, she swung his door open and started singing, thrashing her arms about in a bad dance move. Arthur could see Em and Gwen turn towards her, pointing at her and dancing as well, singing even louder. Arthur rolled his eyes, pulling his duvet over his head. Em wasn’t anything he wanted to deal with this early. How the lunatic had that much energy after an even later night than Arthur was beyond him. He was just dozing off to sleep- definitely not with thoughts of a certain brunette twink at the bar with him- before the duvet was yanked down, Em shoving something sweet and warm in his mouth. Arthur grabbed his wrist and pushed him away, sitting up and slowly chewing.
“Relax, it’s just a tiny pumpkin pancake. You know, cause it’s fall and Halloween is coming up.” Em leaped onto the bed, shoving the small pancake back at him, laughing when Arthur actually let him put it between his teeth.
“You can’t be in here! Get off!” Arthur shot a glare at Mithian and Gwen when he heard them giggling in his doorway.
“I do what I want, himbo. Come make breakfast with your girlfriend.” Em slid off, backing up towards the girls.
“We’re not dating.” Arthur followed, not looking at the way that made Mithian blush as he passed her.
Obviously Em didn’t like that either, because he turned and smacked him, not too hard, but leaving his cheek stinging lightly. “Shut up. You still owe her breakfast.”
“I didn’t see you making Freya breakfast!”
“Freya never slept over, she came over to have sex and then she’d leave. If she had been there when I woke up, I’d have made her breakfast.”
“Did you ever tell her that?” Gwen moved past them to the kitchen “Did you tell her the café let the part timers go?”
“What? Why?” Arthur gasped, letting Em push him to the couch. Mithian moved to sit next to him, still blushing, as Em went to help Gwen make plates.
“They said the full time employees were complaining for more hours. And no, Gwen, I didn’t tell her any of that and I’m not going to because she’s moved on and very happy.”
“You mean the bloke she brought in? Em. She’s with him because he looks like you.” Gwen covered two plates with napkins, setting them in the fridge.
“Wait, wait!” Arthur interrupted her, looking between her and Em. “Wait. Okay, I’m still waking up. Gwen, what are you going to do without the job? I know Em’s fine without it, but what about you? And why did I have to get up but Leon and Elyan don’t?”
“Also, Em! If you break up with someone, and they bring someone who looks like you to a place they know you’ll be, then they’re doing it to run your nose in it. Oh and I’m Mithian, in case you didn’t know. Arthur mentioned you both.” Mithian waved.
Em smiled and handed her a plate, sitting on the floor in front of the coffee table. “Freya’s not like that and he doesn’t look like me. Except he’s got dark hair-l
“And blue eyes and pale skin.” Gwen cut it, as she handed Arthur a plate and sat next to Em. “I’m fine, Arthur, I’m going to apply for something else today. Elyan went for a run but I’m not sure where Leon is.”
“Anyway, I don’t want to talk about Freya. I learned my lesson, anyway. I’m more interested in how your date with Lance went.” Em pointed his fork at Gwen.
Arthur gave up participating in the conversation as Gwen launched into how she would hardly call drinks at the Lair after the game a date. They had won the game last night-which is why Mithian had come home with him, they had been drunk at the after party- and was still tired. Mithian, however, was watching Em. Arthur looked at him, as well. He was less zombie-ish today, still pale but with some color, his lips a flattering pink, that silver hoop piercing still in. He was wearing a black hoodie that was only zipped to his mid chest, no shirt underneath to display the pale skin there, lightly toned. The way the collar fell open displayed a triskelion tattoo on the side of his neck. His eyes were blue in this lighting rather than the pale gold Arthur thought his eyes were. Eyes suddenly staring into is own.
“How’s the pumpkin pancakes with the caramel?” Em winked.
Arthur looked down at his full plate. The pancakes were actually shaped like pumpkins, drizzled with caramel instead of syrup. Arthur quickly shoved a forkful in his mouth, nodding. “It’s disgusting. Can’t stand it.”
Mithian slapped his shoulder, but Em grinned. “Much like your face then.”
“I’m rubber and you’re glue.”
“You’re just so original.”
Arthur shrugged as he had another bite.
//
Without the café job, Em didn’t know what to do with himself. He refused to reach out to Freya and his crush on Arthur kept Gwaine at a distance. Not that he needed someone to date, but it was nice.
That was probably how he wandered to the football field during their afternoon practice the Thursday before Halloween. Em had met a good chunk of the team while he worked at the café, but he’d never been to the field. He was relieved to immediately see Gwen on the stands, talking to Lance. When he was close, they both greeted him.
Arthur and Gwaine were immediately there, eyeing each other. The moment Gwaine opened his mouth, Arthur slapped his hand over it, smiling. “Hey, dumbass. What are you doing here?”
“Definitely not here to watch you run around, sweating all over the place.” Em slowly looked the blonde up and down. His shirt was practically soaked and Em decided he definitely wanted Arthur to tackle him this time, or even body slam him on the ground. Anything to get that massive, sweaty body against his own. So he smiled, speaking as slowly as possible. “Himbo.”
The blonde swallowed, picking up on Em’s unspoken message , stepping close and narrowing his eyes. “Twink.”
Gwaine shoved him back, clearly missing the real intent. “Knock it off, Arthur, he’s playing around. Em, I’m throwing a party on for Halloween, since we have a game on the actual day, the party will be on Saturday.”
“Yeah? I’ll show before 10, but I’m not sure if I’ll get off that night.”
Gwen nudged at him. “You work when you’re not scheduled, I’m sure they’ll let you have off the one time you ask.”
“Yeah, mate, you can ask off tonight, when you go.” Lance suggested as the coach blew the whistle. Gwaine hugged Em before turning and running to the team, Lance giving him a quick side hug after giving Gwen a kiss.
“Himbo.” Em caught Arthur’s arm as he turned, lifting his chin in a challenge.
Arthur grabbed at him, squeezing so tight he was lifted off the ground. Em didn’t have time to return the aggressive hug before Arthur was releasing him and giving a light shove. “Idiot.”
“Don’t take off your shirt, by the way, wouldn’t wanna prove to anyone that you’re not fat after all!”
Gwen snorted, but didn’t say anything as Arthur backed away. When she finally did speak she asked if he had a costume for Halloween.
“I was thinking a pirate. What about you?”
“Well! I was considering being pirate myself.”
Em sighed, shaking his head in mock sadness. “Too bad I’ve already got the leather jacket and boots.”
She looked at him, eyes wide. “No!”
“I do, and an old styled tunic that’s sheer and-“ He was cut off by a shouts on the field. Gwen and Em both shot up, Gwen grabbing on to him.
Arthur was nose to nose with a bigger bloke, Percy doing his best to keep them apart, half the team shouting over them. The coach blew his whistle again, coming between them. The team quieted a bit before the coach pointed at the bigger bloke, gesturing towards the locker room. The bloke spat at the ground in front of Arthur’s feet before jogging off. Arthur was patted on the back and the practice resumed.
“I wonder what that was about...” Gwen relaxed her hold on Em. “I can ask Lance, later.”
Em didn’t say anything, locking eyes with Arthur over the distance, a sense of unease washing over him. He looked over at the bloke who was glaring back at him. “Maybe we should go, Gwen. We can get some tea.”
“No! I can’t just leave without telling Lance. Why do you want to leave, anyway, don’t you want to watch Arthur?”
“Ew. God, no.” Em looked back at the practice. “No but I honestly need him to take his shirt off.”
“Wow. He’s more than a piece of meat you know? He was valedictorian and is here on a full ride scholarship. His half sister, Morgana, is my roommate. She says she feels sorry for him because his dad controls almost everything he does.”
Em pursed his lips, staring at the field but not paying attention. “Yeah? I suppose she’d know him best though...I did stereotype him pretty hard. We haven’t talked much, really.”
“It’s not very hard to do, if Elyan is to be believed. Leon said he’s not bad when you get to know him.”
He almost told her that he did, in fact, know Arthur was very sweet. That he had even looked into his roommate’s life a bit more than he should have, in an odd mix sheer boredom and desperation to not think of Freya, hidden under the counter at the pub on a slow night, finding Uther Pendragon, and really that explained everything. Instead, Em forced a laugh. “Whatever you say!”
Gwen had successfully distracted Em enough that when they were waiting for the guys to come out of the locker room, he didn’t notice the bloke who’d gone nose to nose with Arthur. He struck the side of Em’s head, knocking him straight to the ground. Gwen shrieked, almost drowning out the bloke’s verbal homophobic abuse. The bloke didn’t look at her, simply shoving her away as he straddled Em and swung his fists down on him.
Only a few punches landed on Em’s stomach before he was shoved off, Gwen’s small frame crowding Em, who realized that she must have thrown herself against the bloke while he was off guard. They didn’t have much time to spare as the bloke steadied himself, preparing to lunge back at them. Em threw himself at the bloke, tangling their limbs and using his weight to drop them both to the ground, not letting go as the bully tried to force his way out of his hold. He didn’t release him even when they rolled, the large man squishing the breath out of him. Each time the bloke managed to start getting up, Em dropped them to the ground. Gwen was shouting again, but Em couldn’t focus on anything except keeping his hold as tight as he could, his fear that the bloke would jump Gwen next making him desperate.
It felt like an eternity before he felt gentle hands in his hair, Arthur’s voice somewhere close. “Em, you need to let Val go.”
“He’ll hurt Gwen.” Em dropped them again when Val tried to move, grunting when he was crushed into the ground.
“She’s safe, Elyan and Lance won’t let her get hurt.”
Em let go, bracing himself to be pummeled. Instead, Val’s heavy body was pulled off him. The second he could breathe properly, the pain hit him all at once. “What the hell does that ugly snake eat to make him so damn FAT?”
Whatever happened next didn’t even register as pain, simply as hard.
//
Arthur could have cried when Em opened his eyes. He’d only been out for just over two minutes, according to Percy, who instinctively looked at his watch when Val kicked Em’s head.
In those two minutes, the coach had called Em’s uncle and campus security had collected Val. Gwen was practically hysterical in Lance’s arms, half the team -the members who had run towards the wrestling duo after rushing out of the locker rooms when Gwen screamed- had told off Val-even if he wasn’t there to hear it- and Arthur had simply laid next to the unconscious brunette, staring at the blood dripping from his nose and the bruise forming on his perfect cheekbone and ridiculous ear turning red. Arthur was suddenly thinking of the worst, of Em never waking up and not having a working brain if he did. So when Em’s blue eyes open and sparked pale gold, ever so briefly in the rays of sunlight, and that mischievous small smile formed in a way that he could practically hear the words “prat” and “himbo”, yes, Arthur wanted to weep with relief.
“You’ve seriously gotta stop calling people fat, you idiot. We can’t all look as half starved as you do.”
“There’s nothing wrong with being fat. Maybe people should stop treating it like an insult.”
“You would say that, wouldn’t you?”
“Um. I did, didn’t I?” Em groaned and rolled towards him, turning the attention of the team to them. He ignored them to look at Arthur. “You should definitely tell me why I blacked out, by the way.”
“Oh! Val kicked you. Coach,” Arthur pointed, “called your uncle. We get concussions on occasion, there shouldn’t be anything to worry about. You can make your own decision about getting to the doctor.”
Em made a low screech and sat up. “Nooooo....which uncle?”
“Mr. Johnson.” Em screeched again as coach pulled him up, Arthur standing up with him,. “It was that or a lonely ride to the hospital.”
“Right, right, and don’t think your mother wouldn’t have been on the first flight over if Killgarah had been the one he called.” The white haired man who shouldered his way past Gwen was giving Em a fond look of irritation. “No matter that you’re as hard headed as your father was, he’s no idea what to do with you half the time as it is, let alone if you’re injured. He’d have just had Hunith take care of it.”
Em let himself be dragged away, casting a pleading look at Arthur, Coach following them. Arthur watched until he couldn’t see them, only then looking at Gwen who was recounting what happened. “I just don’t know why he was so mad at Em!”
“He was calling him a fag when we were on the field. Coach sent him off, but now I bet he’s off the team.” Lance was holding her close.
Arthur stood there as the rest of the group said their goodbyes to them before jogging after Em, leaving Lance and Elyan to care for Gwen. He hadn’t known that the Johnsons were related to Em, which made him realize that he really knew next to nothing about the bloke. But he did know where Mr. Johnson’s office was and he ran towards it, thinking he’d probably run into them on the way. He didn’t, and the office was empty. Arthur contemplated going to Mrs. Johnson’s classroom before remembering the time. She’d have gone home by now. Instead, he sent a text to Elyan, asking if he could get Em’s number.
He was walking towards his dorm when he remembered Em’s tiktok. He quickly opened the app, not surprised the dumbass wasn’t popping up on his For You page when he needed it to be -not that it mattered since Arthur had memorized the name on the account and even gotten the story behind it from Gwen...and then he had stalked the William Emrys page, where he found plenty more videos of pre Uni Em. He sent a message, demanding to know where Em was.
When he made it back to the dorm, the brunette was sprawled on the couch, snuggling Arthur’s blanket with his phone in hand and typing furiously. Leon was making tea, and the shower was running in the bathroom.
“I’ve been looking everywhere for you.”
Em only stared at Arthur, who broke eye contact when his phone buzzed. It was a reply from Em on tiktok. *imhome and I stole ur blanket* “Yes, idiot, obviously I know now.”
Em typed on his phone again. *y were u looking 4 me*
With an eye roll, Arthur sat down on the opposite side of Em. *bc ur hurt? Duh*
*aw ur worried about me*
“I am not!” Arthur kicked at him, gently, before glancing at Leon. The strawberry blonde was staring but quickly averted his eyes, quickly setting a cup on the coffee table closest to Em before disappearing into his room with his own tea. When Arthur looked back at Em, he found that he’d sat up and was leaning closer, eyes narrowed and intense. “Fine, that’s a lie. How’s your head?”
“Uncle Gaius said it’s a mild concussion. He’s not worried, and it’s not the first or worst concussion I’ve had. They want me to press charges and to take it easy for a few days...ugh Uncle Gaius even called my manager and has me off for the whole weekend. Even banned me from the gym!”
“You literally took a kick to the head. Do you really want to go to the gym or to a loud bar?”
Em bit his lip, looking like he was actually contemplating. “Yeah, my head does hurt.”
“Yes, I would think so.”
“Kiss it and make it better.”
Arthur blinked slowly, taking a sharp breath. “And take advantage of the poor, brain damaged twink? Nah....now giving a victory kiss for something like...actually resting after being injured? Yeah! Sure!”
There was heavy silence before Em slowly laid back down, unzipping his hoodie even slower. “Well, who can argue with that? It could be the headache but I think it’s getting hot, don’t you?”
Arthur stared, frozen on the spot. The brunette’s voice was low and soft, deep and Arthur had to process for a moment before he understood what Em had said. He was stretched out on the couch now, hoodie open and Arthur’s blanket on the floor, his bare chest was toned and he had a small dragon tattooed above his heart, nipples pierced, firm stomach displaying bruises and a trail of dark hair from his belly button down into the low waistband of his trousers. A large rainbow feather curved over his hip, just above his hip bone. Arthur had the urge to kiss him right on that tattoo. When he remembered how to breathe, and his brain registered what Em had said, he nodded, attempting to look back into his eyes but getting stuck on those lips. The blood still caked on his silver piercing reminded him how he should wait to accept Em’s invitation to kiss him. “It’s very hot...I need to go.”
Tearing his eyes from Em, the blonde rushed to his room, locking the door.
//
Tiktok trends and challenges were the only thing that had kept Em sane the entire time his roommates were in class. Freya, Mordred-her new boyfriend- and Gwen had came by on their lunch break. They brought food, let Em show them off in a video and then left. Arthur had messaged him twice- once to tell him to get off social media and sleep off his concussion and then once to tell him to clean up the he mess from one of the videos. Em made a video complaining about his prat of a roommate in response.
Evening came around, with no one home, and he’d felt like the world crumbled when he realized that it was game night. An away game. So he called his mother and made her go outside, putting him on speaker so he could coo at their plants, goats and chickens.
Eventually, Em found himself in Arthur’s room, in his bed. The only place he didn’t feel alone. The isolation was almost enough to make him actually angry with Val. Before, he could simply accept that he’d been triggered by his sexuality-wouldn’t be the first or the last- and that’s not his issue to take care of. But Em was alone and restless and tired. So he sent Arthur a message and short video of him winking as he snuggled deeper into the blankets, then browsed online until he fell asleep.
...
When Em woke up, soft sunlight was shining right in his face. It wasn’t particularly unpleasant but it reminded him he wasn’t in his own room, since his own window was covered by black out curtains he’d bought on his second day of campus. Slowly, quietly, he rolled over, happily finding Arthur still asleep, next to him, his bare chest a bit paler than his arms. He looked so sweet and somehow soft when he was asleep and Em immediately found himself wanting to be the person who saw him like this every morning.
Arthur’s blue eyes fluttered open for a second before the blonde put his arm over Em’s waist. “Shh, sleep, Merlin.”
Em gave a soft laugh in surprise. No one had ever really called him by his full first name, except maybe before he was in school. Arthur’s eyes opened again, staring into his own. The way the morning light made Arthur glow, his tan skin blending with the gold of his hair, his eyes seemed bluer than ever.
Em didn’t know how long they laid there, just looking at each other in comfortable silence, but it was interrupted by a knock on their front door. Arthur’s eyes widened and he cursed, getting out of bed and storming out of the room. Em watched him throw open their front door, loudly shushing the visitor, his broad body blocking his view. “You have to be quiet, my friend has a concussion and you can’t give him a headache.”
“Oh my god. Let’s just go, okay, why would you offer if he’s not feeling good?” Em sat up at the female voice, watching Arthur storm back into his room. He looked at the girl standing in the living room, her blonde hair curled beautifully and makeup done well. The only thing Em could think was that they had a breakfast date, and the thought made him bristle.
“I have to go. You should eat and rest more, but don’t go around trying to convince anyone you’re better. Nobody’s going to buy it!” Arthur threw on a red shirt and shoes, not bothering to unlace them or to change out of his black sweats. Em glared at him, confused at the entire presence of the girl but angrier at the commands. Arthur didn’t even look at him before he rushed out of the dorm.
Almost immediately, he called Gwen. When she answered, he didn’t bother with hellos. “Arthur had a girl come, do you know anything about it?”
“What? How would I know?” Em almost felt bad when he heard the sleepiness in her voice.
“You went to the game last night. If he’s dating her, you probably would have seen her.”
“Not necessarily...she could have been in the stands...do you want me to come over? I can bring donuts.”
“With chocolate icing?”
“And rainbow sprinkles.” She hung up without a goodbye.
Em slid from Arthur’s bed and crawled to their bathroom, rolling onto his back to glare at the ceiling. Thoughtlessly, he made a quick tiktok, holding his phone above him and opening the video it with a groan. “Do you know why it sucks to be bi? Guys are the worst, I can’t believe I couldn’t be a gay girl. A lesbian? Or at least just straight...that seems hard though, guys can be pretty hot....Well...my clotpole of a roommate is out with a girl-never a guy- so I guess it’s not hard? Oh my god, how do aces work? Does being straight mean you’re like...half ace?....anyway girls, you’re all amazing. I’ve not actually met a girl who is the worst-like guys.”
After posting, Em used the edge of the bathtub to stand up. He sluggishly got ready for the day, even brushing his teeth despite not having breakfast yet and throwing on jeans and a sweater that he was almost certain belonged to Arthur. But did it really matter? Maybe, depending on how serious he was about this girl.
Leon was in the kitchen when Em pouted his way out of the bathroom, dressed and ready for his donuts. “Hey, Em. I’m spending today shopping with Morgana, just so you know.”
“That’s great, does Arthur have a girlfriend?” Em wiggled under the coffee table, propping his feet up on the couch.
“Uh. He doesn’t actually date.” Leon fixed a look on him, but didn’t bother asking why he didn’t just sit on the couch. “Arthur hasn’t had an actual girlfriend or boyfriend. The one girl he dated in boarding school got him cut off for a while after lot of yelling from his father.” Leon studied Em for a moment before continuing. “If it were anyone else, I’d tell you to move on. Arthur isn’t going to defy his father for just anyone, and I’m not making any promises, but he’s different since he met you. Even if you don’t date, you’re a good friend. Better than me, I’ve never made him want to be better...honestly don’t even want to think about what that says about me. I just didn’t want to deal with his tantrums or his father. I really hope you’re still in our lives whenever Arthur has figured out who he wants to be.”
Gwen came in before Leon could say more, immediately offering out donuts. Em took his, careful not to get icing on the glass in front of his face- but dropping sprinkles all over- while Leon declined and rushed out the door.
Gwen ate at the counter before she moved to lay next to him and stroked his hair. Em looked at her, pouting helplessly. “I know I barely know Arthur. I have no reason to expect him not to go out, or even be into guys....and I didn’t even care until this morning. I really didn’t mind Mithian or the others I never actually saw but heard”
“Did you sleep in his bed? You posted while in it, so...oh my god, did you sleep with him?”
“I mean, he was there when I woke up....he put his arm on me. I thought we had a moment, we were looking at each other and I honestly felt like I’d known him since the dawn of time.” Em closed his eyes, pretending he wasn’t tearing up.
“Em. You realize that’s why you’re upset? Did it occur to you that he made the plans before you had that moment?”
“No? But I suppose so.”
“Yeah, besides! You should just tell Arthur how you feel and figure it all out together.”
//
“Are you actually going to help me with this or are you just going to stare at your boyfriends page?” Vivian shoved a paper in his face, effectively distracting him from the video Em had just posted. Arthur pulled the paper away, placing it back on the table, next to his empty coffee mug, and scrolling to the last video Em posted last night. He’d watched it the night before on the bus ride back but he’d been dead tired.
“I’m pretty sure he thinks we’re on a date.”
The girl studied him for a moment before grabbing her own phone, giving Em’s video a long look. A few seconds later, she started talking, but Arthur just screenshotted a particularly cute part of Em’s video, ignoring Vivian for the most part. “Guys definitely suck! I’m here, trying to get our project done and my partner won’t stop staring at his boyfriend.”
Arthur rolled his eyes and scrolled to another of Em’s videos. “You picked me, you could have picked anyone else in class-“
“Mrs. J brags on you. Of course I picked you. And it’s bonding time since I’m friends with your sister. Stop, get off your phone!”
“I think you’re just jealous cause you’re not as hot as Em.” Arthur got up, ignoring Vivian’s spluttering. He was exhausted and wished the study date hadn’t been scheduled for breakfast. As he waited in the line of the coffee shop, Arthur changed his mind, thinking of how he’d probably have kissed Em, his concussion had been all but forgotten until Vivian had knocked.
Yes, Em had a bruised face, but it wasn’t as noticeable with the way the light hit his skin. All he’d been thinking was how he knew this beautiful being, how he wanted to get to know him even more. Arthur wanted to be the man for Em, whatever that took, even if Uther cut him off. He’d still have Morgana and Em in the end.
When the barista took his order, Arthur had her set aside one of their vegan scones. He couldn’t kiss Em but he could bring him a treat. He also ordered another drink for Vivian, feeling that Em wouldn’t have liked what he said to her. She accepted the it as the apology that it was, a smile playing on her lips the rest of the time they were at the café.
It was just after lunch when Arthur went back to the dorm, finding Em asleep on the couch. He didn’t wake when Arthur stroked his hair, or when his phone buzzed. With a heavy sigh, once again grudgingly thankful for the interruption, Arthur took his call to his bedroom, leaving Em’s scone on the coffee table.
“Em is your boyfriend?” Morgana squealed in his ear.
“What? No?”
“Viv called him that and you didn’t deny it. Then you said he’s hot...”
Arthur inwardly groaned when he remembered that Vivian was Morgana’s best friend. “Oh. Well, he’s gorgeous and I wish he was my boyfriend.”
“But not enough to tell Uther to fuck off and date-.”
“Yes, enough to tell Uther to fuck off and.” There was silence, so he continued. “If Em actually wants to date me. A serious relationship. He’s got a concussion right now, so I’m going to give it a week. Make sure the poor sod isn’t brain damaged.”
“That’s kind of noble of you. Are you serious?” Morgana sounded a bit breathless. “Em must be something special.”
“He is.”
“I’ll be there to support you. I know Em, and I know he likes you. I’ve no doubt that he’ll be my new brother one day.”
“Gana! Ugh...what did you even want?” Arthur opened his door and snuck a look at Em, still asleep. Sneaking back into his room, he decided Em was much more angelic while asleep- if only because his tongue made him less sweet.
“I was simply excited for you. But if you insist on being needed, daddy dearest requested us for dinner. One of his ‘show off my children whom I never talk to’ things with his ‘friends’. Can you be at Uther’s by 5?”
“Sure. I can do dinner. See you.” Arthur rang off.
Taking the time to pull out a light blue button down and grey slacks, Arthur debated bringing Em. They may never date but Arthur knew that he’d do anything to keep him in any way. Eventually that meant introductions. Once again, he remembered Em’s concussion. It would probably kill Em if he had to meet Uther in that condition.
Em was munching his scone when Arthur came out. “I stole this.”
“Can’t steal what’s yours, idiot-fuck, sorry, I meant. Don’t worry, I brought it for you. Em.” Arthur stared at Em for a second, watching his lips curl into a smile. “Um. I have to go to dinner with my father tonight...”
“You think I’m hot? And let people call me your boyfriend?” Em waved his phone at him.
Arthur grabbed it, watching the video Em had paused. Vivian had stitched a video of them to the video Em had posted that morning. He laughed at Vivian’s horrified face after video-Arthur told her she wasn’t as hot, looking back up at Em’s wide, intense eyes. “I’d like to talk about it when your not suffering a concussion...”
Em rolled his eyes, standing and marching up to him. “That’s ridiculously sweet. I can assure you, I’m not suffering any brain damage. I’ve had plenty of concussions from the gym and goofing off with Will. Let’s compromise. You be my boyfriend and I won’t initiate the physical intimacy that usually only happens when people are dating- at least not until Uncle Gaius says I’m fine. If you need further reassurance, you can totally ask Gwen about my crush on you. She insisted I’ve been in denial about it since I met you.”
The brunette was already calling Gwen, who picked up almost immediately, “Did the chocolate icing make you sick?”
“You ate chocolate?” Arthur demanded, outraged.
“Oh my god, I can have chocolate! As long as I don’t, like, eat my weight in milk chocolate! No, I want you to tell Arthur your theory that you have about us.”
“Right! Yes! So, I’ve this theory-obviously- that you two are madly in love with each other. Love at first sight, really. Soulmates, actually.” Gwen giggled through the speaker as Em rolled his eyes.
Arthur snorted. “Our first meeting was a fight.”
“Enemies to lovers, and there was no denials. Have a nice evening!” The line went dead.
Neither of them actually spoke but Arthur could read the ‘see, I told you, himbo’ on Em’s face. In reply, he rolled his eyes with a smile on his lips, as if to say ‘shut up, twink’. Em tilted his head, eyes because intense again, all but radiating ‘make me’. Arthur stared for a moment before giving him a pointed look. Em shrugged, nodding. “Fair enough.”
With a sigh, Arthur pushed Em back to the couch, sitting down with him. “Where’s our roommates?”
“Leon is with your sister, Elyan left with Gwen after lunch.”
“Okay. Look, Merlin. There’s a lot we don’t know about each other, and I want to fix that. I know you. But the first thing you need to know about being in a relationship with me? My father is soooo against LGBTQ+. The second? He’s against me doing anything he hasn’t planned. I have a wife picked for after I graduate, I have a job picked, I probably even have my kids planned down to their names.”
Em leaned away, his brows furrowed. “You’re not serious?”
“I am...Morgana is different, her mother protected her from Uther for the most part. She’s much more freedom than I do.” Arthur looked away from Em, anywhere but him. “I pick you. In doing that, I know I have to pick myself. I already changed my major, actually. Leon is the only one who knows.”
“I don’t...what’s your major? What was-“
“My father is a politician. I was supposed to become one as well-I’d basically be his lackey until...you know. But I’ve everything set so I can become a lawyer. I’ve applied for scholarships and grants and stuff with your uncle, Dr. Emrys, just because I don’t want my father to hold my education over me. My mother left me everything she had inherited from her own parents...I’m basically independent, since my car is in my name and paid off.”
“Who’s your, uh, I guess fiancée? Does she know you’re supposed to marry her?” Em placed a comforting hand on Arthur’s shoulder.
The blonde nodded, glancing at Em. “Elena Morrison. She’s great, but she’s made it clear she’s not interested. Her father assured mine that there’s nothing to worry about but...”
They were silent for a bit before he looked at the brunette, who gave one of those brilliant smiles. “I’m proud of you for taking the steps you have. All that’s left is to establish your boundaries. That’s going to be so very hard, but I promise that you have a support system that’s tough enough to take care of you.”
//
For a while, dating Arthur was both significantly different and extremely the same as not dating him. They texted non stop, but they were busy the first week of their relationship. The only time they actually saw each other was in passing, and then when Em stumbled into the dorm after working at the bar. Even then, all Arthur did was make sure he actually made it to a bed and then cuddled up to him.
When Friday rolled around, Arthur sent him a message that he’d be setting up for the party with Gwaine. Gwen and Morgana promised to come to the dorm to meet Elyan, Leon and Em at 7:30.
Em was putting double checking himself in his bedroom mirror when they arrived. His eyes were heavily lined with thick false lashes, Em Cosmetic’s cosmic pearl eyeshadow was dabbed on his eyes, cheekbones and Cupid’s bow. His shirt was stripped vertically with navy blue and mesh, showing his skin, unbuttoned to the middle of his chest, displaying a gold medallion. He wore black high waisted pants and fake leather boots that went to his knees, and completed his outfit with a leather trench coat and a pirate hat.
“Oh my god, my brother is going to swoon when he sees you.”
“He better do more than swoon, Super Woman.” Em wasn’t sure if he was surprised at Morgana as super woman or Gwen as a cat. Leon was Superman and Elyan was dressed as a Viking. Em practically ran out the door, causing them all to laugh at him.
Morgana let Leon drive them in her car to Gwaine’s, a short 15 minutes. She sat in the back between Gwen and Em, whispering first to Gwen, then finally to Em.
“Are you prepared? Like do you have lube and condoms? I wouldn’t count on Arthur to have anything.” Her voice was barely heard in his ear over the music and conversation in the front.
Others were probably mortified to have this talk with others, but Em was nothing if not comfortable, especially when it came to his boyfriend, even if he didn’t even know Arthur’s sexual history. “I have everything we need for when that happens.”
She nodded, patting his knee. “That’s great! I told Uther about Leon being my boyfriend, he took it well. I believe that, after a tantrum that goes no where, Uther will accept Arthur. He’s all that’s left of the love of his life...well, that is he’ll be on speaking terms with him.”
Em didn’t reply, as they were pulling up to the drive. Gwen brought out her phone after they were all out of the care, recording a video. “So we’re going to see how long it takes for Em to find his boyfriend, and see how his boyfriend reacts to his super sexy outfit.”
He giggled, winking at the camera. “I don’t have a clue what his costume is, either! Let’s hope he’s not wearing a mask.”
Elyan laughed. “Are you serious? He knows you’re a pirate, it’s only fair-“
“No!” Gwen shouted over him, begging him not to give it away.
“Wait...you all know, don’t you?” Em rolled his eyes as they walked up the steps. “Traitors”
Morgana rang the doorbell and Gwaine answered. They all burst into hysterics when they looked at the man. He was wearing heavy make up, a tight mesh shirt and shorts that had leather covering his important bits, and fishnet pantyhose with red kitten heels. He laughed with them, explaining that he was a whore.
As soon as they were let in, Em found his feet moving, bringing him through the house, to the backyard. Elyan immediately disappeared, but Gwen and Gwaine were hot on his heels. His eyes found a red cape, and for a moment Em’s heart thundered. “He’s a vampire. That’s a vampire cape. Hey, himbo!”
Arthur turned from the group he had been talking to, his face changing from excitement to wonder as he took in the sight of him. The blonde wore a black shirt and jeans under the vampire cape, but when he smiled, two fangs showed. They must have been individual fangs somehow glued to Arthur’s teeth because he had no trouble shouting. “Captain Twink!”
“No, no, you took all the fun out of it! There was supposed to be more flustered-“ Morgana’s whine was cut off by Arthur throwing his cape over her face, causing her to splutter and slap at him, until Leon picked her up and carted her off some where. Lance, who was dressed as a Dalmatian, hugged Gwen, careful not to get in the way of the camera.
Arthur threw his arm around Em. “Are you drinking?”
“I have work later in a few hours.” The pirate shook his head.
Gwaine pouted. “Aww, you couldn’t get off? Well, I’ll just have to make sure we bring the party to the bar!”
Various cheers broke out, but Em turned to Arthur. “I did try.”
The vampire was staring at Em’s chest, only taking a second to glance up at his face. “Your shirt is see through.”
Em laughed, turning under Arthur’s arm to wrap his own arms around him. “Yes.”
“I like that.”
“I like your teeth...maybe I can call in tonight.”
Their lips met, a slow and sweet kiss in contrast to the wild cheering and Gwen’s screaming. Em vaguely registered Morgana shouting, but neither of them tried to break the kiss. When they finally did break apart, Arthur simply asked, “Wanna rain check the party?”
“Yes, please!”
End