Work Text:
Merlin never liked the subway.
Nothing was particularly wrong with it, but he didn't enjoy being squished by all the passengers or hearing every conversation being yelled over the loud subway running down its tracks. It got obnoxious after a while.
To his and Arthur's luck, they didn't get on the subway early enough and had to stand, holding onto the railing for dear life. It wouldn't be as awkward if the person behind him cared for personal space. But of course, they didn't. Merlin just had that kind of luck with people.
After dealing with the girls yelling behind him for a few minutes, Arthur eventually pulled his earbuds out to block out the noise. The brunette watched from not even a foot away, envious of Arthur's brilliant thought to bring them, wishing he had maintained half the mind to remember his.
Thanks to either Arthur's outstanding observing skills or Merlin's 'subtle' staring ability, the blond noticed Merlin looking. After putting on a lopsided grin, he took one of his earbuds out, handing it to Merlin with a smirk. Despite Arthur's look of tease, he took the earbud.
As much as Merlin hated to admit it, Arthur's music taste wasn't the worst thing the gods had cursed him with. His playlist was full of uplifting songs- no surprise there. Arthur loved motivation. A few love songs played here and there that got Merlin shuffling on his feet awkwardly.
The music ultimately had him relaxing his muscles, his jaw falling slack, and his hands loosening their death grip on the railing. He was calm. Almost too calm.
Suddenly, the subway came to a screeching halt, sending every passenger flying toward the front of the train. Arthur's reflexes were sharp, grabbing Merlin's arm to prevent him from falling too far. Perhaps he pulled Merlin too hard, Arthur stumbling back as Merlin fell into his chest. Merlin held onto the front of Arthur's jacket tightly, his heart racing from the sudden stop. Arthur returned the favour, holding Merlin's arm tightly, almost as if he were scared of Merlin falling again.
Eventually, the other passengers returned to their feet, most getting off because this was their stop, some because they didn't feel like being flung around anymore. Once they began moving again, Merlin awkwardly moved away from Arthur, trying to ignore the love song that was blaring in his ear. He could feel his entire face turning red, avoiding looking at Arthur in hopes he wouldn't notice his change of colour.
Arthur didn't, in fact, notice, somewhat because he wouldn't look at Merlin, afraid the shorter would notice his face changing in pigment.
Gods, what it is to be two dense idiots in love.