Work Text:
Just because Merlin was rather modest and definitely not self-obsessed didn't mean that he didn't know what effect he had on people.
As a teacher, he saw what kind of stares he was getting each time he appeared in the corridors. From both fellow teachers and older students of all genders. Enamoured (or, occasionally, lustful) glances and stares, whispers and greetings with no particular reason but for the person to have his eyes on them for a second and be able to hear his voice.
He always simply smiled back friendlily and responded with whatever seemed fitting, carrying on with his own business afterwards.
To add to the overall good opinions about his looks, everyone knew how intelligent and witty, but also fun and kind-hearted Professor Wyllt was.
"So, Martin Luther was convinced that the Pope knew absolutely nothing about the Church's moral downfall," he explained, half-sitting on his desk, as the senior year class took notes with fervor. "That wasn't actually quite true. The Pope knew everything and never batted an eye. Later on, there was a conflict between them, in which-"
The bell rang, interrupting him and making it impossible for the students to hear him.
"Hm. Well, I suppose we'll have to finish this after the long weekend," he said, smiling and jumping back to the floor, just as the bell stopped ringing. "Just finish reading this chapter in the books at home, there's only three pages left," he added.
The students became all loud and started packing as quickly as possible, impatient to get out of school and officially start the short holiday.
When the first student got to the door nearly running, it was actually opened from the outside at the exact moment for the boy to crash into the man standing in the corridor. The man was Arthur Pendragon. He yelped and chuckled, letting a few kids out.
"Careful," he said quickly to a girl who almost ran into the doorframe because of the rush.
Merlin smiled and leaned against the desk, crossing his arms.
"Professor?" the voice of a young boy came from his side.
"What is it, Toby?
"I just wanted to wish you a nice holiday," he grinned. "And also," he handed him a piece of paper with a long text written all over it in nice, cursive handwriting, "Here's an improved version of my essay from last week."
"Ah, I thought you've given up," Merlin teased him, taking the paper and nodding with satisfaction.
"Never, Sir," the boy grinned again. Merlin chuckled and messed up his red hair a bit. They were pretty close for a student and teacher and he knew he could let himself do so. "Well then, have a great holiday."
Toby rushed to the door before stopping in front of Arthur for a moment. "And you too, Sir," he said to him and then finally left, closing the door.
Arthur looked at Merlin and smirked with amusement. He took the classroom keys from the desk and threw them to Arthur, who caught them and locked the door, walking up to the desk right after.
He stood in front of Merlin and they smiled at each other.
"Hey," Arthur greeted him softly.
"Hi," he replied and the blonde placed a chaste kiss on his lips. "You came to pick me up from work?" He raised an eyebrow, a happy glint in his eye.
"I did," Arthur admitted. "And I've no regrets whatsoever," he smirked.
"Why?" Merlin asked curiously.
"Well, let's just say it's nice to see so many people crushing on your boyfriend when you know you're the only one who can do this" He put both his hands on the sides of Merlin’s face, his thumbs caressing his cheekbones, as he kissed him tenderly, but nearly motionlessly.
Merlin let himself melt into the kiss, sighing and smiling, as his own hands landed on Arthur's chest. Once they parted, they joined their foreheads.
"Yes, I know how nice that feels," Merlin giggled. "You also have a job I once picked you up from."
"Mhm," Arthur chuckled. "Except, once you left the office that day, you took my spotlight. Everyone only talked about you and how handsome you are," he grinned, seeing Merlin's blush. "Oy, Merlin, Merlin, Merlin, if your students are at least half as observant as you are, a blush won't hide from them under a beard. You old man."
Merlin pushed him away by his chest, but he grinned and Arthur laughed. "Shut up."
After that, they took the keys and left the school, getting into Arthur's car and driving out of the city to their house downtown, so they could get around to packing for their long-weekend trip to their farm they'd go on the following morning.