A/N: This is what happens when you hear your MP3 while falling asleep at night. Plot bunnies! This is based on a song called, Put That Woman First Sung by: Jaheim

chapter1

(((5)))

If it wasn't for the 9 to 5 Double-up overtime then {I could remember}
If it wasn't for the Sunday all star weekend game girl {I could remember}
And if it wasn't for the dough Gettin fifty g's a show girl ya know that {I could remember}
But silly me, silly me Ohhh Tell me how could I ever forget to be your lover

Merlin smiled as he walked inside his husband's home office. He could see Arthur facing the window as he spoke on his phone. Merlin chewed his bottom lip and walked closer just as Arthur hung the phone up.

Arthur turned in his seat and picked up his pen when the movement near the door caught his attention. He looked up and smiled then leaned back in his seat as he took in the site of a naked Merlin crawling up on his desk.

Merlin slowly lay on his stomach taking the entire space of the desk. "I see the boss is very busy," He whispered playfully with lust in his voice. "But surely he can take a small break."

Arthur leaned forward in his seat and sent a soft kiss to Merlin's nose. Merlin took this chance to wrap his arms around Arthur's neck and pull him down so Arthur was leaning over him.

The blond laughed. "Merlin, please? I really have to get going."

Merlin held on to Arthur's black tie. "You're the boss, you don't have to do anything."

Arthur smiled and gently pulled his tie out of Merlin's fingers. "Yes, I do."

Merlin held himself on the desk, his smile faded into a frown and he watched Arthur grab his suitcase and walk towards the door. "Don't wait up Merlin I have two lunches and a dinner to attend."

Merlin blinked softly and slowly sat up on the desk, eyeing the door hoping with all hope that it was just a joke and Arthur would run back inside scoop him off his feet, carry him to their bedroom and make endless love to him all day.

But that hope was shattered when he heard the car leaving the driveway.

XOXOXOXO

Merlin sat in the small café sipping at his cup of coffee then taking a bite of his small sweet roll.

"Maybe it's just a phase?"

Merlin shook his head towards the beautiful burnet woman sitting across from him. "It isn't a phase, Morgana." He said low. "He's been this way ever since his affair four months ago."

Morgana shut her eyes and shook her head gently. "He still doesn't know you know?"

Merlin smiled sadly and shook his head back, tears stung his eyes. "I was hoping he would come out and admit it. You know, no secrets in our marriage." He sighed. "I don't know. Maybe this is it. These are the signs it's over."

"Don't talk like that Merlin. Give him a little more time maybe he'll come through... Wait, four months?"
She repeated, now realizing the biggest issue. She leaned closer and whispered lower. "You haven't had sex in four months?"

Merlin blinked even more sadly this time not holding back the single tears that fell. "I understand he's your brother, you don't want to see him hurt. But you have to understand, he hurt me not the other way around. I even met him naked in his office and he barely glanced at me."

Morgana sighed low and stood up from her seat. She took one last sip of her tea before leaving some money on the table then tapping Merlin's shoulder and giving him a small kiss on the cheek. "I understand Merlin. Just... promise me you'll talk to him before making any decisions?"

Merlin nodded as Morgana placed a gentle kiss on his cheek. "I'll see you later."

Merlin made no reply as he heard her heels click towards the door.

"Are you ok?"

Merlin looked up and literally lost his breath at the Adonis who stood in front of him. Wavy hair reaching his shoulders, dark chocolate-brown eyes, a body hidden behind a white button shirt which Merlin could clearly see his packed stomach.

"I noticed you were crying."

Merlin blinked and forced himself to look back up at the man's face. "Uh, yeah." He sniffled and reached for a small napkin on the table quickly wiping at his eyes and nose. He shrugged and dropped the tissue on the table near his empty tray. "Just allergies."

The man squinted. "Could have fooled me."

Merlin sniffled again and looked down at the table. "I'm fine, thanks for your concern."

The man stared for a short moment. "Is this seat taken?"

Merlin looked towards the seat where Morgana was just sitting. The seat was empty, just like his heart ace. He couldn't fill his heart with love but he could at least fill the seat so he wasn't fully alone. "It will be once you sit." He looked up at the man who smiled and quickly took the offered seat.

The man reached out his left hand. "Cenred Essetir."

Merlin eyed the hand before bringing his right hand to his left ring finger with little struggle pulling off the gold band.

Why did he just do that?

He reached out his hand and shook Cenred's hand. "Merlin."

Cenred gave a small smile. "Merlin." He repeated. "Please do forgive me if I'm staring. But your eyes..." He seemed to look deep into Merlin's eyes like he could see past them and into his soul.

Shit! Merlin thought. He knows I'm married, now he won't want me...

Wait what? Why would you want him to want you? You are MARRIED!

"What about my eyes?" He asked worriedly.

Cenred exhaled a breath as if trying to control himself. "They are so electrifying."

Merlin was sure his deep pink blush took away any attention his smile would catch.

"You have an even more beautiful smile."

Or not.

"Thank you." Merlin whispered. "It's..." He sighed. "It's been a while since anyone's complimented me."

"Now, you don't really expect me to believe that?" Cenred said low.

Damn he was so damn charming, he literally had Merlin sighing like a love bird and swooning like a 60's romance movie.

Merlin shrugged. "It's true."

Cenred hummed and nodded. "Well, Merlin, I hope this isn't too sudden, but I get off work in an hour. Are you free for dinner and a movie?"

No!

"I'll have to check my schedual." Merlin whispered back. "But I think I'm free."

Cenred smiled and nodded once then stood up on his feet.

He suddenly found himself smiling when his heart fluttered as Cenred grabbed his hand and placed a small kiss on the back and a small paper in his palm.

"I know you'll be free." The man whispered before turning and walking towards the door leading outside.

Merlin looked down at his hand at the small post it with a phone number. He smiled and stuffed the number inside his pocket.

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