Merlin and Arthur
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Merlin pushed the door to the tattoo studio open, finding only one station set up, his one for the day.
He looked around, seeing all the different pieces of artwork on the walls, and he noticed the distinct smell of ink, cleaning products, and air fresheners.
He couldn’t help but smile when he saw his artist appear from the bathroom.
Arthur Pendragon, the beauty himself. He was known as the best tattooist in London.
Merlin couldn't help but find the man attractive. He played with his lip rings as he always did when nervous.
Arthur walked over to the boy with a wide smile, offering a handshake. “Merlin? Nice to see you. This your first tattoo?”
Merlin couldn't help but laugh. "No, I have a few. Just the first time my tattooist is hot. They are mostly old and not my type,"
Arthur smiled, already loving the banter. “Well, you’ve booked me all day, so I’m all yours pretty boy,” Arthur spoke, playfully hitting Merlin’s shoulder.
"So what can I get started for you?" Arthur asked as he led Merlin over to his chair.
“I really like the idea of Excalibur or a knight,” Merlin spoke as he sat on the ready sterile tattoo bed.
Arthur couldn't help but laugh. "What?" Merlin asked. Arthur stood and lifted his shirt revealing the knight of the round table on his back.
"Seems we have the same interest," Merlin looked for a little longer than he should have, admiring both the tattoo and Arthur’s body.
“This appointment was meant to be.” "How about I do both and charge you for the price of one," Merlin was shocked by the offer.
"How would your boss feel about you doing free tattoos?" Merlin asked. Once again, Arthur laughed.
"Don't no one tell me what to do," "Is that right?" "Not when I own the place,"
Merlin was shocked. How stupid could he be? Of course, the best artist in London owns his shop.
“If you want to, I’m down for a free tat.” "Choose the place for each and we can get started,"
Merlin thought for a moment as Arthur began drawing the design. “For the knight, I’m thinking thighs.”
Merlin grabbed his phone and opened his gallery showing Arthur the photo of Excalibur.
Arthur took a photo, using it as a reference. “It’ll probably take me a little while to draw everything up, feel free to relax.”
Merlin nodded he couldn't help but watch Arthur's every move. Arthur was wearing a short-sleeved shirt that showed off his tattooed arms.
He loved how the blonde's muscles would flex as he moved, each tattoo more elaborate than the other.
"Do you tattoo yourself?" Merlin asked. “I have a few times,” Arthur replied as he added the final details.
“Did a few little pieces of my legs whilst I was an apprentice. No one really chose me to tattoo them back then.”
"Some that I regret, but wouldn't change it for anything. It shows my process,"
“Yeah, I can tell,” Merlin replied, watching the man.
Arthur finished up both designs before showing them to the boy.
"Which one would you like to start with?" Arthur asked. Merlin looked between the two before choosing to start with his thigh.
