Chapter Text
Arthur strode, coat flapping as he marched forward. The high street, along with what felt like every other street in his neighborhood, was on an uphill slant. At the top of the high street awaited his apartment complex and, he hoped, his lovely girlfriend who finished work three hours before him.
Gwen had texted him an ominous "We need to talk" as Arthur left the office. He and Gwen had moved in together a mere month ago, they were both getting used to the new place. It was a little leaky and it had some faults but it was okay. Arthur was confident that it would become a home soon. Assuming the text was something to do with leaving his dirty laundry for all to see or forgetting to water the plants, he dismissed it and continued on in his nearly cheerful mood. He was only nearly cheerful because he worked in a cubicle and had a job as a data analysist which really is as boring as it sounds, so fully cheerful was a rarity or at least reserved for the weekends.
Cutting a familiar path past familiar shops, Arthur noticed a small alleyway that he was sure had never been there before. Between two shiny high paned shops lay a quaint florists. Feeling curiosity nip at him, he found his feet walking towards the it. Small ivy-like vines and curling green leaves covered the narrow walls, splayed out like small illegible maps against the brick. The path was uneven and Arthur tripped more times than he'd ever admit.
Arthur looked up at the space and thought it miraculous that the rustic sign, swinging lightly from some unseen breeze, could fit. In gold lettering, the green wooden sign read: Emrys Arrangements
The incongruous little shop was a marvel, Arthur glanced around once more wondering how on earth it got planning permission or any customers. Intrigued and determined to do a romantic gesture for Gwen, his hand reached for the painted door.
A bell chimed as it opened. The man behind the counter had his head bent in concentration as he scribbled something on a piece of paper. He looked up as Arthur stepped inside, pushing away from where he'd slouched over the table top.
"Hello." He greeted, moving the notepad away to stand up straight and ducking the pencil behind his ear.
Arthur stayed frozen. The striking young man had dark curling hair and the bluest eyes Arthur had ever seen, his pale skin was near translucent and it shone under the fluorescent lighting.
The backdrop of all the lovely flowers weeping over the sides of the containers and the roses and lilies standing tall made the man seem all the more beautiful. Arthur cleared his throat and walked towards the counter.
"How may I help you?" The man asked, a bright smile adorning his face.
"Oh, um." Arthur blinked. "Just some flowers please." The florist smiled politely and nodded.
Feeling flustered, Arthur wiped a hand on his shirt discreetly before pointing at random but brightly coloured flowers. He asked that they be made into a bouquet.
Arthur waited patiently, eyes scanning the array of various flowers, gaze flickering over to the man every few seconds. Arthur hoped he was being discreet, there was something intriguing about the guy that Arthur couldn't quite figure out.
"Someone you don't like very much?" The florist asked startling Arthur. The florist wasn't looking at him, his nimble fingers were picking flowers and delicately arranging them.
Arthur's hands had frozen on his way to his pocket for his wallet, he stared at those long dexterous fingers before saying, a little too loudly "What?"
The florist looked up. "The flowers, are they for an ex or something?"
"No?"
The florist gave him a weird look and stopped making the bouquet, hands coming to rest on top of the counter.
"You do know what the flowers you've picked mean, right?" His head tilted to one side.
Arthur just shook his head, utterly puzzled.
The florist leant against the counter and had a spark in his eyes as he discussed the symbolism behind the plants.
Despite the rather stunning arrangement they made, this particular bouquet was rather rude, calling the receiver stupid and useless and informing them that the sender is disappointed and hates them.
Arthur felt a bit stupid, useless and disappointed (in himself) by the end of the lecture, for the first time probably in his life Arthur was appreciative of a lesson. Although he did spend an awful lot of said lesson staring at two obscenely blue eyes. They were nothing like Gwen's, hers were a soft brown that reminded him of biscuits and comfort, Merlin's were glacial and if his kind smile weren't there to soften the blow they could be really devastating.
Arthur smiled to himself. He hadn't even known some of the flowers names, hence why he'd just pointed at them. He refrained from telling the florist this for fear of giving him some kind of epileptic fit. If the guy was this enthusiastic about the meaning, who knew what he'd do if Arthur told him he didn't know most of the names.
After Arthur explained that the flowers were in fact for his girlfriend, the guy offered to create a new, more romantic bouquet and Arthur agreed.
"You must be a killer with the ladies, knowing all this flower stuff." Arthur commented as his fingers fiddled with a stack of business cards he'd noticed.
The florist blushed, red spilling high on his cheeks as he ducked his head and mumbled something that Arthur didn't quit catch.
He handed over the bouquet which bloomed with soft colours, pink roses were dotted with subtle green and white plants.
The price flashed on the register screen at him. Arthur drew out a handful of notes and told him to keep the change, he heard a surprised "Thank you" as he exited. The bell clanged announcing his departure.
After having made his way up not only the rest of the high street but also the many (many, many, oh my god can't they just fix the lift already) steps up to his flat, Arthur's knees were just about ready for a cartilage operation by the time he reached his floor.
The elevator had been broken since before he and Gwen had moved in. He hated all 502 steps with a passion that would beat even a stadium full of the most fanatic of football fans when the opposing team scores.
When he finally rattled his way into the flat, keys fighting with him about leaving the lock, he was surprised to find Gwen still wearing her coat. She looked radiant despite being sat on their absolutely hideous puke-patterned sofa. Gwen was tapping her knee with a painted nail. She only did that when she was nervous.
"Are you alright?" Arthur asked, then let the door shut softly behind him. She jumped, a true sign of distress considering she hadn't heard him despite how loud Arthur had been cursing at the "damn, f-" keys.
She turned and her face dropped when she saw the flowers, confidence fleeing as tears started to well in her eyes. Arthur rushed forward, dropping the flowers and his jacket onto the counter as he passed it. He crouched in front of her, a hand on her knee. This wasn't what he'd expected. Aren't girls supposed to smile when you get them flowers?
"I'm sorry." Gwen sobbed into his shoulder, she clutched at him. He leant up and half hugged her in an awkward embrace. He rubbed her back soothingly but that seemed to make things worse.
She pulled away at last and rubbed the back of her hands over her face, sniffling an apology.
Arthur was stunned, Gwen was rarely the sort to cry. As the saying goes, small but mighty. Or was it short and angry? Either way, Arthur knew that whatever it was, it was serious.
"What's wrong?" Arthur said, trying to coax it our of her but she was silent. Her lips were a thin line and her fingernails dug into her own legs. He took her hands in his and she looked at him. Her chin wobbled.
"I can't do it anymore." She whispered, suddenly looking more tired than Arthur remembered.
Arthur looked at her, puzzled. "Do what?"
Her eyes darted away, downcast and she shuffled to the other side of the sofa, hands dropping from Arthur's.
"I met someone." She swallowed.
She quickly added "We haven't done anything. He knows I'm with you. So he's backed off but..."
"But you don't want him to." Arthur finished flatly, still kneeling on the floor at Gwen's feet. Gwen winced. The guilt in her eyes was hard for Arthur to stomach.
"Its not that I don't love you, I'm just not in love with you. And, Arthur, its been 6 years. I know we've moved in together but if we really were committed to this relationship shouldn't we be married by now?" Arthur looked up at her.
"Is that it? You want marriage?" The irony of Arthur kneeling in a parody of a proposal in front of Gwen didn't escape him.
"'I do. Just." She took a deep breath, her hands stopped fidgeting. "Just not with you."
Arthur leaned back, chest tightening at the sharp comment. One hand even reached up to check- What for, he wasn't sure.
"I'm sorry, Arthur, I-"
She kept tumbling out apologies and the crying had started back up again but once the shock had subsided Arthur had turned to stone and none of her salt tears could break him now.
If he really thought about it, Gwen was right. The kissing was nice but ultimately boring. The word Mundane would perfectly summarise their relationship, which if he was honest had been at a stand still for quite some time but Arthur was too stubborn to admit it and found himself genuinely saddened by the turn of events. He wondered how long Gwen had felt this way and how long she'd wanted this other guy.
Who was this other guy?
And then it dawned on him. He wasn't sure and Gwen was the type that she'd never confirm it but Arthur could make a good guess. He supposed the fact that he could make a good guess probably just showed that this relationship should've ended a lot sooner.
Part of Arthur understood and felt this was a mutual break up but the other pettier, and currently louder, part was just really angry that it had to end this way. Arthur would be alone and Gwen wouldn't.
He stood, fists balled and left. Too busy ignoring Gwen's pleas to pick up a jacket. He stormed back down those stairs, not feeling the pain in his knee, not feeling anything except a sweat breaking out over his body and his heart pounding in his chest.
He marched through the rain, his shirt was drizzle damp and the collar was crooked. Once the childish desire to stomp off had faded, Arthur realised he was stood by the alleyway that led to the florists. Arthur didn't know if it was because of the break up making his mind a little hazy but he could've sworn it was between two different shops and further down the street. He marched down it.
The door opened with a thwack, startling the dark haired man.
"Give me the brightest most hate filled bouquet you have." Arthur said.
The florist stared. Arthur's clothes clung to him and his hair was wind beaten, his nose and cheeks were red and his hand remained a clenched fist.
Hesitantly the florist started remaking the same bouquet from earlier. Slowly, he asked "Is everything...okay?"
Arthur didn't answer. The cold was starting to seep through the thin polyester of his work outfit and his anger was dwindling. His fists slowly loosened until his hands dangled lamely.
The florist put down the flowers and moved around the counter to guide Arthur into a foldable chair that was resting against the wall then he disappeared behind a door that read 'Staff Room.'
Arthur sat, confused. Before he had time to truly question it the florist was back, struggling to open the door because he was carrying a tray that rattled with every movement and the blanket he'd haphazardly thrown over his shoulder kept trying to escape.
Arthur stood, taking the blanket he held the door open, the florist gave him a grateful smile before gesturing him to sit down again.
Arthur did then offered the blanket back to Merlin who shook his head.
"Oh no, no." He gestures for Arthur to keep it. "I was bringing it in for you. You look cold." Arthur draped it over himself, clutching the material near to him.
"My name's Merlin." The genteel man said.
Arthur looked at him. Merlin shrugged. "Family name."
He nodded. "Arthur."
Merlin had placed the tray on the counter, Arthur realised it was a large teapot shaped like a tardis that had made the rattling sound. Merlin poured two cups of tea and handed one to Arthur who clutched at it greedily, the warm cup welcomed by frigid hands.
"Would you like a biscuit?" Merlin asked, Arthur nodded.
"Thank you." He said as he took a custard cream. He quickly shoved it in his mouth, a few crumbs falling.
Arthur leaned back in the chair, the teacup in his hand sloshed but didn't spill. They sat there for a while, sipping tea and quietly crunching biscuits. Neither of them spoke.
"I'm sorry." Arthur said, looking at Merlin. The blanket shifted as he awkwardly held onto the half empty cup.
"It's fine." Merlin poured more tea. "You were shaking like a leaf when you walked in, I don't think you even realised."
The faint pittering of the rain echoed through the shop.
"So, you still want the bouquet?" He asked, shoulder tilted.
Arthur seems to slump further. He shook his head. "No. I'm sorry I wasted your time." He murmured.
"You sure? You said she liked bright colours." Merlin said with a grin.
Arthur huffed a laugh into his teacup. He took another sip before placing it on the counter with a loud clatter. He untangled himself from the blanket and folded it. Somehow despite very few words being exchanged, Arthur felt reassured and he left the cozy little shop much happier than when he came in.
"Thank you." He said, sincerely.
Merlin smiled at him. "No problem."
It was still spitting a little. Just as Arthur opened the door, Merlin called "Wear a coat next time."
Arthur laughed and walked out.
He didn't go back to the flat, he didn't want to go home. Could he even call it home? They'd only been there a month. Besides, it was Gwen's place more than it was his; that ugly sofa, the purple duvet in the bedroom, the magazines that littered the coffee table and the yellow bathroom with all the seaside ornaments. They were all Gwen's or Gwen's idea.
He hadn't even realised how little he lived there, all that belonged to him was some books and CDs, his clothes and his toothbrush. Besides the small bookcase by his nightstand he may as well have been living in a hotel.
Arthur wasn't sure where to go. He hadn't felt this way since before college, before Gwen. He had nowhere to go and no idea what to do. The fixtures of his life weren't there anymore. Arthur's thoughts had been doing a marathon, running around and around in one huge circle for the last hour as he had paced in the park, strolling to and fro in front of the duck pond that never had any ducks on.
The sky had clouded over and the air condensed. Arthur sighed, he knew the brief sunny period couldn't last but somehow the reoccurring rain dampened his mood further.
Arthur cursed, there weren't even any sheltered areas in the park that he could wait it out. The trees were all too sparse and they weren't planted close enough together to be of any use to him. His arms began to goose bump as the wind picked up. He really should've taken a jacket or a coat before he'd left.
Arthur was scanning the park for cover when he noticed a tall, lithe man struggling to open an umbrella. His face was hidden.
Taking a breath, Arthur wondered over. He decided to pass on some kindness by doing a good deed for a stranger, as the florist- Merlin, had done earlier. He called out to ask if the guy wanted any help.
The man looked up surprised and squinted over to where Arthur was standing before surprise was followed by a huge smile.
"Arthur!" He exclaimed. Arthur moved closer to see two blue eyes underneath a mop of dark hair.
"Merlin?"
"What are you doing here?" Merlin asked, puzzled.
"Its, its a long story. My girlfriend. We broke up and now-" He brushed a hand through his hair, trying to seem more nonchalant after that stilted rendition of the tale.
"I don't know." Arthur looked down.
"So, in the mean time you were just going to stand here and catch your death?" Merlin's eyebrows rose, his tone was one of incredulousness.
Arthur bit the inside of his cheek and didn't answer. Merlin rolled his eyes and after a hard push he finally managed to get the umbrella to work, he grabbed Arthur's arm and tugged him under it.
"Come on, you idiot. I'll give you a lift, I'm headed to my car." Merlin said, as if he and Arthur were friends rather than near strangers.
As payment Arthur had to suffer twenty questions on their way to the car. He supposed it was a small price to pay for the unbelievable kindness Merlin had showed him.
A very small part of Arthur worried that Merlin was just putting on a façade and that the minute they got into his car, Merlin was going to try and kill him or something. The sunny aura that the gangly man seemed to radiate reassured Arthur enough to take the risk.
"So, where to?" Merlin inquired, umbrella wobbling in his grasp as he turned to Arthur.
"I don't- Um. I'm not sure." Arthur was still a bit dazed at how fast his life had flipped.
Merlin's eyebrow rose. "You don't know where you live?"
Arthur made a face. "I know the address but... I don't want to go back there, my ex dominates the flat."
Merlin's face softened.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to press. My curiosity tends to get the better of me." Merlin bit his lip and changed the subject.
They continued walking, finally they reached the car park. Arthur tried not to laugh but of course someone like Merlin would have a crappy Honda that's *yellow*
Merlin pouted. "What?"
"Nothing." Arthur beamed and got in the car. It smelt like mint. Arthur flicked the green car freshener and it swung around.
"Hey, be nice to Pete." Merlin said and started the engine.
"Pete?" Arthur repeated, incredulous.
"Seatbelt." Merlin looked at him until Arthur complied. Merlin gave him a dazzling smile when the seatbelt clicked into place.
As Merlin was reversing he suggested Arthur going to live back with his parents.
Arthur shook his head. "I can't. My dad is an asshole, he'd just say it was all my fault and that I could find somewhere myself seeing as I got myself into this mess. He'd never approved of the girl I was seeing, so he won't feel inclined to help me."
Merlin gripped the steering wheel. "That's shitty." He commented.
For some reason it made Arthur laugh. "Yeah it is."
"Well, what about your mum?" The window wipers screeched across the windshield.
"She... Uh, she died when I was born." Arthur looked out the window and traces the raindrops, he didn't want to see the pitying look that Merlin no doubt gave him.
"Oh, I'm sorry. My dad died too, when I was a kid." Arthur nodded and said he was sorry too.
"You know..." Merlin started. Arthur turned towards him.
"You can always crash on my sofa tonight. I know I'm a stranger but, well I have an empty sofa and you have nowhere to go." Merlin swallowed then continued.
"One of my friends runs a B&B, I'm sure they'd happily have you. I'll ring them when we get back and ask if they have any spaces, if you'd like." He offered.
Arthur was astounded that there were people like Merlin in the world. He didn't know such kindness could manifest in a singular person.
"Oh. That's incredibly kind of you. I don't want to impose though, I-" Arthur stumbled through the sentence.
Merlin shook his head. "You wouldn't be imposing at all. If you would feel more comfortable elsewhere that's fine but the offer is there if you want it."
Arthur blinked and turned to him. "As long as you don't mind..."
Merlin smiled.