#scarf sharing

modern AU| first date fluff| footballer Arthur

Arthur licked his lips without meaning to; nerves had left them dry again. His Adam’s apple twitched in his bare throat. A slightly grown-out fringe half covered his eyes that glinted in the muted light; full lips pulled into an unsure, crooked smile. Broad shoulders held tense.

Hands went from braced on his hips to stuffed into the pockets of slim jeans, stopping mid-gesture again and again as if checked.

“Good spot for a view?”

Truthfully, the view from the hotel’s observation deck was impressive: the evening city shimmered with lights under a black sky strewn with stars. A dark sheet of river split the glowing stretches of land like the ribbon on a glossy gift box.

Merlin might have appreciated the urban panorama from this bird’s-eye height if he could have made himself look away from his companion. He turned his back to the railing, lounging against it with his elbows, one foot braced on the glass divider. The ends of his long scarf streamed in the strong wind.

“Perfect…”

Arthur smirked, then grew serious, lips tightening as his gaze slid over the buildings below.

“This might be a weird choice for a first date—I just… didn’t want to put you on the spot straight away. Feels like there’s a hunt on me lately. I can’t go anywhere—not even for a beer—without photos of me, foam on my lip, turning up in some tabloid the next day. I’m not complaining. I’m just… not used to being watched like that.”

“I understand.”

“Really?” Arthur dared to meet his eyes again.

“Yeah.”

“And? What do you think?”

“That you’re ridiculously cute when you’re nervous!”

The blond flushed, dropped his gaze, fighting a smile. He blew out a breath that misted in the cold and muttered, “Should’ve picked somewhere warmer.”

Frozen hands went back into his pockets.

Merlin pushed off the rail and stepped closer to his embarrassed date.

“I can help you warm up.”

Blue eyes under the fair fringe went straight to the tempting, smiling mouth.

Merlin slowly unwrapped his long red scarf. Then, with a quick flick, he looped one end around Arthur’s neck. A light tug drew the athlete closer, and Merlin tied a loose knot around both their necks.

“Better?”

“Yeah, but I was hoping for something more effective,” the footballer answered, a little disappointed.

“I’m not done yet! Life taught me to act with a plan. Plan, prep, recce, then…”

The impatient forward charged—and met instant capitulation.

Korra grinning: You know you’re really cute when you fuss over me.

Asami raising an eyebrow: I am not fussing i’m making sure you don’t freeze because you refuse to wear a hat.

Korra mock gasp: I survived the Red Lotus, giant mecha suits and nearly losing my bending but you think a little cold is going to take me down? And i am from the southern watertribe.

Asami deadpan: Yes because you’re stubborn and I will not let my girlfriend lose to chilly weather and because your from the southern watertribe doesn't mean you can't get sick.

Korra smirking: So what you’re saying is... you care about me?

Asami: *softly tucking the scarf closer around Korra’s neck* Obviously.

Korra blushing: …Okay, that was unfairly cute.