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When Merlin had asked you to go to the tavern with him, you’d been.. well, surprised to say the least. Merlin was a busy man, handling being Arthur’s manservant and the additional duties he took on under the crown’s nose - but he was determined to make time for you. He liked you enough to do that, so of course you’d accepted. He apologised that he couldn’t be more certain what day it would be, but he’d try to let you know as far in advance as he could, which you did understand. Arthur wasn’t always the most forthcoming when it came to plans and so often Merlin was dragged away on short notice for various reasons. But, he’d managed to give you from the very start of the morning, as he’d passed you by chance in the hall, until later in the day to mentally prepare for it.
A date to the tavern.
Food at the tavern wasn’t the most appealing, so you’d both agreed to eat beforehand, right as you finished work. You didn’t get a chance to share that, but that was no matter - you’d have the entire evening together.
Things had started well. You’d walked down to the tavern together from the castle, not quite hand in hand but close enough that your knuckles kept brushing as you passed by. Each time it managed to make your fingers tingle, and your face warm. It would be embarrassing if you weren’t so busy feeling giddy about the entire thing. You’d found yourselves a table to sit at, a booth away from the bar to stay away from the chaos, and even in the corner of the room - tucked away from it all, bordering on private. The perfect setup for a date, really. Merlin had ordered and paid for your first drink as well as his own before returning to the booth to sit opposite you.
Conversation flowed easily for the first half hour or so, and you were reminded exactly why you were so damn gone on this boy. He was sweet, passionate and dedicated. Arthur comprised a large amount of the conversation, but then of course he did, the two were together more often than Merlin saw just about anyone else, then Morgana and Gwen were mentioned too, his friends in the castle, even if Morgana was the princess as well. It was endearing how much he cared about them, and some part of you had to wonder if he’d ever spoken to them about you like this, all smiles and gesturing hands and soft laughter that made your chest feel warm.
That was when Sir Gwaine arrived.
Just half an hour of peace, a mere thirty minutes, before the embodiment of chaos itself wandered into the tavern and sought out Merlin like a bloodhound off its leash. He threw an arm shamelessly around Merlin’s shoulders and teased him, almost sloshing ale over his friend, and truly you couldn’t help laughing. He was a funny man, but above all the way Merlin looked at you - a silent plea for assistance you didn’t plan on answering - just amused you.
Gwaine set about teasing Merlin quickly, once he’d processed you were the one sitting at the booth too, and that the two of you were alone. His voice was booming and joyful, and Merlin’s cheeks tinted the prettiest shade of pink you were sure that you’d ever seen. Though, you couldn’t deny that your own cheeks warmed when Gwaine called you handsome, and then called the two of you a dashing pair.
Then Gwaine spilled his ale over someone as he’d pushed himself up to his feet rather than leaning half way over Merlin. The other guy didn’t take so kindly to that. Chaos ensued from there. Gwaine had been intending to get replacement drinks for you and Merlin, a gift to you both that you couldn’t quite discern the reasoning for but then you were never quite sure when it came to Gwaine just generally.
You couldn’t be sure who’d thrown the first punch, though if you were a betting man you’d say it was Gwaine. Not that it mattered because everything escalated so quickly that one punch no longer mattered. Once the first guy had taken a hit, his friends lumbered over to join, and you and Merlin were trapped in your booth watching as Gwaine bobbed and weaved and threw punches. It was almost impressive, actually. Not really what you’d expected from a date with Merlin but hey, all good dates needed some entertainment, right?
One subtle spell later, Merlin had managed to disperse the fight for the most part, and with a firm but not tight grip on your wrist, he guided you out of the tavern.
As you walked together up towards the castle again, Merlin sighed, rubbing his hands over his trousers.
“I’m sorry about that.” He said softly, eyes fixed ahead rather than on you.
“Why are you sorry? It wasn’t your fault.” You replied, gently bumping your shoulders. Merlin couldn’t help the small smile that tugged at his lips at the contact.
“It just ruined the atmosphere we had going.”
“Ruined it? I thought it was great.” That was enough to make Merlin stop, and it took you a few more steps to realise he was no longer beside you. You turned back to look at him, hands in the pockets of your trousers.
“What?”
“We had a nice chat, we got to see Gwaine and I saw you blush, and the fight was entertaining,” you listed off with a shrug, “I had a nice time, Merlin.”
He shook his head and quickly caught up to you, taking a moment to process what you’d said, which you allowed him. You couldn’t let him feel bad for the date going ‘wrong’ when if anything you thought it’d gone just right.
“You really don’t mind?”
“Of course not. If I did, I’d probably have rushed home by now.” You assured him.
“Then, would you.. like to do this again some time?” He offered hesitantly, finally meeting your eyes with that shy, boyish smile you adored.
“I’d like that a lot.”
You were both silent for the rest of the walk back, and just before you could disappear behind your front door, Merlin leaned in to kiss your cheek.
“Gwaine was right. You really did look handsome tonight.”