Syncopated Hearts Part 2

[sidhe-faerie.livejournal.com]

Author: sidhe_faerie
Title: Syncopated Hearts Part 2
Rating: PG
Pairing/s: Arthur/Gwen
Character/s: Merlin, Leon, Elyan, Annis
Summary: Arthur wears his heart on his sleeve.
Warnings: none
Word Count: 663
Prompt: 372 Bingo Round 1, Falling in Love
Author's Notes:

Part 2
Arthur stepped onto the stage and opened his instrument case and set up for rehearsal.

Merlin followed him onto the stage. He glanced over to the bar and frowned as he saw Annis chatting up Leon.

"That's not creepy at all." Arthur mumbled as he moved a music stand into place.

"I'll talk to him later." Merlin pulled the microphone stand to the front of the stage. "At least he doesn't moon over his friend's sister."

"I don't know what you're talking about." Arthur didn't make eye contact with Merlin.

Merlin took a step closer to Arthur and whispered. "I'm talking about you and Gwen."

"There is no 'me and Gwen'." Arthur whispered back.

"Whatever you say, Arthur." Merlin looked over as Elyan and Gwen came on stage. "Ready to sing, Gwen?"

Arthur looked up and gave her a longing look.

Merlin shot him a glare.

"Yes." Gwen walked up to the microphone. She looked over at Arthur and blushed slightly.

Elyan rolled his eyes then took his saxophone out of the case. He gave Merlin a look to let him know he was ready.

Merlin stepped to the edge of the stage. "Leon. We're waiting on you."

Leon left the bar and jumped up on stage. He sat behind the drum set and waited for Merlin to start them off.

They played two songs before Annis told them to stop. She smiled and raised her martini in salute. "You're better than I expected. You'll do for the week. I might extend your stay if you make me money."

"Thank you ma'am." Merlin grinned. "We'll take a break then get to it as soon as you open, shall we?"

"Yes." Annis walked back to the bar for another drink.

Merlin waved everyone backstage. They all went into the dressing room. Merlin leaned against the door to make sure no one came in.

"We have to be smart here. Leon, no sleeping with the boss. Got it? Arthur, you and I will keep our minds on the music. Elyan will have guard duty when Gwen is here changing. Gwen, just sing your heart out like you always do." Merlin looked at them one by one. "Oh and no booze while we're playing."

"Anything else, Merlin?" Arthur looked annoyed.

"No. Be on stage in…." Merlin looked at his pocket watch. "Thirty minutes." Merlin opened the door and walked out.

Everyone followed him out to the bar. Arthur stepped close to Gwen and smiled shyly. "I was wondering if you would like to go to breakfast with me at the all night diner after were finished tonight."

"I don't know." Gwen played with the fringe on her dress. "I'll have to think about it. I'll let you know."

Elyan nudged Merlin as they stood at the other end of the bar. "I know that look. He's falling in love with my sister."

"Your sister is beautiful and sweet. I don't think he can help himself." Merlin looked around the club. "He'd be lucky to get a girl as good as your sister."

"Just as long as hes a gentleman about it, I won't have a problem." Elyan looked over at Arthur and Gwen again. "I'm afraid that it might not be one sided."

Merlin chuckled. "Oh, I don't believe it is. A blind man can see that its mutual. I wonder how long it will take for them to figure that out."

"I hope it takes a very long time." Elyan frowned. "His Lordship will have puppies when he finds out his heir is in love a jazz singer."

Merlin laughed. "Won't he just? It'll serve him right for cutting Arthur off like he did. Arthur's sister is sending him a little of her pocket money on the sly."

"Isn't she sweet on you,  Merlin?" Elyan winked.

"She might of been." Merlin shrugged. "I might have been sweet on her too but it was never going to work out."

"That's a shame." Elyan shook his head.