Chapter Text
Merlin wrinkled his nose, glad Gwen couldn’t see his face over the phone. “Gwen, I don’t want to go on another blind date. The last one was a total disaster!”
“Oh, but you’ll really like this one, I promise. He’s tall, handsome, and incredibly fit. He goes to Albion Uni and he’s really nice. Come on, Merlin. He’s perfect for you.”
That was what Gwen had said about the last three guys, and none of them had come close to Merlin’s idea of perfect. George had been more boring than a lecture on the history of wallpaper. Tyr had spent the whole time talking about horses. And Cenred, well, Merlin tried not to think about that nightmare.
“Look, I know you’re trying to help me find someone and I appreciate that, I do, but I’ve just gotten off work and all I want to do is go home and wash the coffee smell off me.”
“Well, that might be a problem…”
Merlin nearly dropped his phone. “Gwen, what did you do?”
“I sort of told him you’d meet him at Dragon Spice in fifteen minutes. He said he’ll be wearing a red shirt. Good luck!”
“Gwen!”
The call disconnected.
Merlin shoved his phone into his pocket, cursing. He didn’t want to be around the smell of coffee for another hour, but he couldn’t bring himself to stand up the poor guy, even if he was a complete stranger.
At least Gwen had arranged it at a different coffee shop than the one he worked at. He couldn’t bear the thought of his coworkers watching his disastrous date—he’d never live that down.
The bell above the door tinkled as Lancelot entered Dragon Spice Coffeehouse. He was overdressed for a coffee shop, in a proper suit with a red button up shirt and tie, but he wanted to make a good impression for his job interview, even if it was just some part time work to help pay for uni.
At a table near the back, a man stood up and gave him a hesitant wave. Lancelot spotted the name badge on his polo shirt and sighed in relief. He was worried he’d have to stand in line and ask the barista if he could see the manager. He was already running a few minutes late thanks to his flatmate hogging the shower all morning.
“Good afternoon.” Lancelot shook the man’s hand and took the empty seat across from him at the table.
“Do you like hot chocolate? I wasn’t sure if you were a tea or a coffee person. Figured hot chocolate was a safe bet.” The man nudged a teacup towards him.
“No need to worry. I’m a big fan of hot chocolate, though I love coffee and tea too.” Lancelot gave him his best smile. He was pretty sure liking coffee was a requirement for the job. He hadn’t been expecting to be hit with a trick question so soon.
He glanced at the man’s name badge. Now that he was up close he could read it clearly. “It’s nice to meet you, Merlin.”
“You as well.” Merlin swirled a spoon in his cup of tea. “And, uh, sorry, but what’s your name? Gwen didn’t say.”
Ah, Gwen must be one of his coworkers. “Lancelot, but you can call me Lance. Most people do anyway.”
Merlin grinned, and good lord, he had the most gorgeous smile. Lancelot took a sip from his hot chocolate and focused on staying calm. So the manager was super cute. So what? He had to remain professional if he wanted to get this job.
“I love that name,” Merlin said.
Lancelot’s stomach fluttered and he felt all warm inside. It wasn’t often that he received sincere compliments like that, especially not from cute guys. “Thanks. You too.”
Merlin looked down at his cup, rubbing the side of it with his finger. A nervous habit maybe. Lancelot hadn’t expected Merlin to be nervous since he wasn’t the one being interviewed.
But then again, Merlin was quite young. Perhaps he had only recently been promoted to manager. This could be the first job interview he had ever conducted. Well, Lancelot would just have to help him out a little bit.
“Aren’t you going to ask me some questions? Like where I’ve worked before?”
“Oh, right. Sorry, I’m a bit nervous.” The tips of his ears turned red and he pulled at the collar of his polo shirt.
“It’s okay,” Lancelot assured him. “You’re doing fine.”
Merlin let out a relieved sigh, his shoulders loosening. “Good. So, what kind of jobs have you had? I’ve only really worked in coffee shops myself.”
Lancelot chuckled. “I worked in a bookstore for two years. I loved the work. It was so rewarding helping people find books they would enjoy. But it was just a small indie store and it closed down last year. That’s why I’ve been looking for a new job.”
“Oh, yeah. The job market is so competitive right now. I feel like I’ve been drowning in applications at work.”
Lancelot swallowed. He didn’t realise he would have so much competition for this job. He needed to step it up and make sure he was making a good impression. “What about you? How long have you been working in coffee shops?”
“Five years,” Merlin said. “I only graduated from uni last year. I studied Medieval History & Archaeology.”
Now that wasn’t something Lancelot heard every day. It made him so curious to learn more about Merlin, but he had to stay on topic. This was an interview about him, after all. “I’m getting my Masters in Marine Biology. The program at Albion is supposed to be one of the best in the country. I’m really enjoying it so far.”
“Oh. Marine Biology? That sounds really interesting! I had no idea you were a science guy. Most of my friends studied theatre and music. I was the oddball in the history department. Never could get enough of the whole learning thing. I’ve been thinking about going back to take another course, but I haven’t decided yet.” He fiddled with the ring on his middle finger—it was a silver dragon with amber eyes.
Lancelot realised he was staring and hurriedly sipped his hot chocolate. “Well, I say if it’ll make you happy, it’s worth pursuing. But not if it would just be stressful and take the joy out of learning. My roommate tried to do a joint degree and nearly had a breakdown.” He caught himself getting off topic and fumbled for a way to get back on track. “Not that I think you can’t handle it. I don’t know you well enough to make that sort of assumption. In general I don’t like to assume that I know how anyone will handle anything. Oh, good grief, I’m just digging myself deeper into this hole, aren’t I?”
Merlin chuckled, not seeming bothered in the least. “I’m a bit of a rambler too so don’t worry about it. Talking with someone I’ve never met before always makes me nervous. Not to mention the added pressure of well, you know…” He gave Lancelot a shy smile.
Merlin was clearly referring to the fact that it was a job interview, but Lancelot also felt like there could be a double meaning there, like he was saying he found Lancelot good-looking or something. Maybe it was just his imagination. Merlin couldn’t be flirting with him, could he?
Lancelot went to take another sip of his hot chocolate, only to find that the cup was empty. Eager to get his mind off those distracting thoughts, he glanced around the room. The shop was busy but not packed. Lancelot recognised a few of his classmates from uni, including his friend Percy who was sitting over in the corner by himself looking a little downcast. A few lads from the rugby team were in the middle loudly chatting about some Netflix show Lancelot hadn’t seen. Stranger Things, maybe.
An old woman sitting by the window took long, slow sips from her cup of coffee, a gentle smile on her face, as if she were appreciating the little things in life.
Lancelot couldn’t help but feel that this would be a really good place to work. It smelled of coffee and caramel and happiness; and the atmosphere was friendly and welcoming. But what drew him to it the most was the thought that he’d get to see Merlin every day.
“Everything okay?” Merlin asked.
Lancelot turned back to him, startled. He must have looked around the shop for longer than he realised. “Oh, yeah. Just taking it all in. It’s a nice shop.”
Merlin nodded. “Oh, your cup is empty! Did you want another drink?”
“No, thank you. I’m good. Thank you for asking, though.” He fiddled with the buttons on the sleeve of his jacket, worried he should have accepted the drink.
Merlin smiled at him. “You can relax, Lance. I’ll admit you’re not what I was expecting, but you’re doing a fine job.”
Oh, Lancelot hadn’t been expecting a compliment. He wished he was better at hiding how nervous he was. It had been years since he’d had to interview for a job. “Is there anything else you’d like to know? About me, I mean.”
“Sure. Tell me about…” Merlin rubbed his chin, then tapped his finger on the rim of his teacup. “The last time you did something just because it made you happy.”
Oh, wow, that question caught Lancelot off guard. One of those unusual questions to determine someone’s character. Well, he actually had an honest answer for this; he just hoped it was a good one.
“Last week one of my morning lectures got cancelled, and normally I would just head straight home or go to the library to work on my thesis. But I felt like I needed to do something relaxing that I hadn’t done before. So I finally went to this butterfly garden I always pass on my way home. I didn’t even look at my watch the whole time I was there. My goodness, it was beautiful. There are so many different types of butterflies. And this one blue butterfly that kept following me around landed on my finger and I got to see its beautiful wings up close.”
Merlin leaned forward, an intrigued look on his face. “You really like nature, don’t you? I guess I should have figured that out from what you’re studying in uni. It’s wonderful that you got to take the time to enjoy that place. I’ve never been myself but I’ve passed by it several times too.”
If this were a date, this would be the part where Lancelot would invite Merlin to go with him. But it was a job interview and asking out his potential future manager before he’d even gotten the job probably wasn’t a good idea. “So, you like nature too?”
“Oh, yeah. Plants were my thing when I was a teenager. I could tell you the name of nearly every flower grown in England. But I haven’t really kept up with it recently. Uni took a lot of my time and then I needed a job and nothing in my field was available, so that’s how I wound up working at a coffee shop. At least I make a wicked coffee.” Merlin froze, a flush tinting his cheeks. “I mean—”
“Well, I do love coffee,” Lancelot said before he could get embarrassed. He could tell Merlin was the humble sort, and he didn’t want him to feel bad for talking about his talents.
“That’s perfect then! I always worry the smell will drive people away.”
Lancelot laughed. “Well, you don’t have to worry about that with me.” He would be fine working in this place surrounded by the smell of coffee all day long.
Merlin fumbled with his leather satchel and pulled out his phone. “So, Lance, I should get your number, shouldn’t I?”
“Don’t you already have it?” Lancelot asked, confused. He’d put his number on his job application.
“No, Gwen didn’t give it to me. I suppose I could get it from her, but it would be easier for you to just tell me now. Unless you aren’t interested in—”
“No, no, I definitely am.” Goodness, what was wrong with him? He was making it seem like he didn’t want the job. He rattled off his number and stood up. “Well, it was wonderful to meet you, Merlin. I hope to hear from you soon.”
“You will!”
Lancelot couldn’t help but smile. That was definitely a good sign. He didn’t want to jump the gun and say that he got the job, but he was pretty sure he got the job.
On his way out, Lancelot noticed Percy was still sitting in the corner looking glum. He went over to check on him.
“Hey, mate. Everything all right?”
“Lance!” Percy said, looking relieved to see a familiar face. “I’m okay. Just got stood up for a date is all.”
Lancelot patted his shoulder. “Aw, that’s rotten luck. He doesn’t know what he’s missing.”
Percy gave him a grateful smile. “Thanks. What about you?”
“Job interview.” Lancelot glanced back at the table, but Merlin had already disappeared.
“Oh. How do you think it went?”
“Really well,” Lancelot said, unable to hold back his smile. “The manager was great. I think I would really enjoy working here.”
“Well, I’m glad one of us is doing well in that department. I think I’m going to head home. I’ve been waiting for almost an hour, and I’m starting to feel pathetic.”
Lancelot glanced at another table and smiled. “Actually, it might be worth it to stick around a little longer. That guy has been sneaking glances at you for a while now.”
Percy sat up straight. “Which guy?”
“To your left. Long hair. On his laptop.”
Percy glanced over, then turned his head back quickly, his cheeks as red as his shirt. “Oh, damn. He’s really hot. You sure he looked at me?”
“Positive. Now go over there and say hello.”
“But what if he’s not interested?”
“Then you’ll be no worse off than you were when you started.”
Percy nodded and got up. “All right, I’ll do it. Uh, what exactly do I say to him?”
“How about ‘Hi, do you mind if I join you’?”
“Oh, that’s pretty good. All right. Wish me luck!” Percy rubbed his palms on his trousers and headed over.
Lancelot lingered just long enough to see the guy grin and offer the spare seat to Percy. Lancelot smiled to himself, glad he’d found a way to help his friend.
Merlin returned to his flat and collapsed on the sofa. He’d had an unexpectedly good time at the coffee shop, but he was exhausted now. He didn’t even have the energy to shower.
Something was digging into his back. He reached under himself to find a game controller and tossed it onto the coffee table. Elyan and his friends again.
Normally he would’ve been annoyed, but he was too busy floating on cloud nine. Lancelot. Such a gentleman and he’d been so easy to talk to! Gwen had really nailed it this time. Fourth time’s the charm, he supposed.
He turned his phone around and around in his hand. He couldn’t believe he’d just asked for his number like that. So smoothly. He was normally an awkward mess on dates, and he had still been nervous around Lancelot, but the man made it a lot easier for him to relax.
He wondered if it would be too soon to text him. Probably. It had been a long time since he’d been on a date with someone that he wanted to see again. He was definitely out of practice.
He was eager to tell Gwen all about the date. She would know how long was a reasonable time to wait to text him. And what was he even supposed to say? ‘Had a great time. Let’s hang again.’ Oh, gods, no! That was terrible. It had to be something polite and well thought out. ‘Hello, this is Merlin from the coffee shop. I enjoyed our date immensely and wish to do it again in the immediate future.’
Merlin tossed his phone onto the coffee table and groaned. Why was this so damn hard?
A few minutes later keys rattled in the lock and Gwen entered the flat. Merlin had never been so relieved to see her.
“Gwen, there you are!” he said, sitting up straight.
“Oh, Merlin, you’re home already.” She rushed over to sit on the armchair across from him, leaning forward. “So, what did you think of Percy? He’s a sweetheart, isn’t he?”
“Who?”
“Percival. The guy I set you up with at the coffee shop.”
Merlin stiffened, confused. “That’s, uh, that’s not who I went on a date with.”
“What do you mean that’s not who you went on a date with? You did go up to the right man, didn’t you? He was wearing a red shirt and you mentioned me, right?”
“Yes, yes. And he knew my name.”
“Because you’re still wearing your name badge! Oh my god, Merlin, did you really go on a date with a complete stranger?”
Merlin swallowed, suddenly feeling off balance. “I guess I did. But he came right up to me, and he was so friendly.”
“Are you sure he wasn’t an axe murderer?”
Merlin rolled his eyes. “Yes, Gwen. He definitely wasn’t an axe murderer. He was really nice. He goes to Albion Uni, and he used to work at a bookstore…” Merlin froze, the pieces coming together. “Oh my gods.” He smacked himself in the forehead. “The suit, of course.”
“He was wearing a suit?”
Merlin stood up and started pacing back and forth in front of the coffee table. “I just assumed he was putting in a lot of effort because it was a date, but I think he might have thought I was interviewing him for a job at the coffee shop.”
Oh, gods. Merlin felt like a complete idiot. No wonder he had been so nice to him. He wasn’t flirting. He was just trying to get hired.
“Did you get his number?”
“Yeah,” Merlin said sheepishly.
“Well, you need to call him right now and let him know that he missed his real interview.”
“But I am the manager at a coffee shop. Just not the one he thought he was applying for. I could tell him he got the job at the other coffee shop. He never needs to know about my embarrassing mistake, does he?”
Gwen gave him a look, crossing her arms. “And what if the manager at Dragon Spice calls him to ask to reschedule his interview? What then?”
Merlin collapsed onto the sofa, running a shaky hand through his hair. “No, you’re right. I have to talk to him, don’t I?”
“Yes!”
“Okay, I’ll call him first thing tomorrow morning. Wait, no, afternoon! He said he has his lectures in the mornings. Damn it, how did I not realise he thought it was a job interview? It’s so painfully obvious now.”
“Well, I’ll let Percy know there was a misunderstanding.”
“Please don’t tell him I accidentally conducted a job interview. He’d never go out with me if he knew what an absolute fool I was.”
Gwen chuckled. “All right, fine. I won’t tell Percy. But I’m definitely telling Arthur. We agreed to no more secrets, remember?”
Merlin nodded. He was used to Gwen telling her boyfriend every embarrassing detail of his life. “He’s going to think I’m the world’s biggest idiot. I’m like a YA heroine, too stupid to live.”
Gwen snorted. “It sounds like it was an easy mistake to make. They were both wearing red shirts. I really should have told you his name, but I was just so excited that he agreed to the date. You should see him, Merlin. He’s gorgeous.”
“I don’t know,” Merlin said, biting his lip.
Whether the guy got over Merlin standing him up or not, he wasn’t too keen on meeting someone new. He was still thinking about Lancelot, but he had no idea if Lancelot would even be interested in dating him. It had felt like he was genuinely flirting with Merlin, but he couldn’t be sure. Hopefully tomorrow he’d be able to find out.