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[unionjackoff]

[there is a pause that has been recorded, unintentionally, followed by the sound of someone clearing his throat]

Uh. Hullo. This is Arthur Kirkland. Please leave a message. Or text. Or whatever...

[beep]

Comments

[sortileges]

[ This is where he goes silent for a moment, fingers plucking at his clothes. ]

I didn't want her to love a lie. Not really. She's a lawyer, someone who has strong beliefs about... some things and. [ This is England, it's okay. It's okay. ] I've taken lives before. I didn't want to lose her, but I felt guilty for not telling her things like that. In my time it didn't really matter as much, but now...

Either way, I should have told her sooner.

[unionjackoff]

[hm. England listens, not speaking until there's a pause in the conversation. it's okay, Merlin. things happen sometimes. England is certainly not going to judge him]

Well, in answer to your question, I think the thing that would make her most happy is for you to be honest and up front about your feelings. Whatever the case may be, don't hold back from her.

[sortileges]

[ "Things happen" ... yes blowing a lady up with lightning sure just happens. But he trusts that England is probably less likely to judge him than others would. It's why he's admitting it to him. ]

I have been. She gets really flustered with compliments or me telling her how I feel though and hits me for it so I don't want to do that too much. [ He actually ... is laughing lightly when he tells him that. Ah. ]

[unionjackoff]

Mmn, I can understand that. Then it's all right to pull back a bit. [hm. he's still thinking about what Merlin could do for her]

Have you considered taking her to a romantic dinner?

[sortileges]

Yeah. [ Really he is doing okay with it but... any extra help would be good. ] I did that after the spa. With candlelight and really good food.

[unionjackoff]

I think you're on the right track. Though, next time, perhaps have a picnic together under the stars. [England, that's something you would like] If you make the meal, it will be more personal.

[sortileges]

[ He... clears his throat. ] We actually do that as a weekly thing.

[ Well, now it explains why he hasn't asked for help... before now... ]

[unionjackoff]

Oh. [a pause. so they are going out on dates. that's good, right? but then]

Do you guys do more than just dinner? What about movies, or sharing fun activities together?

[sortileges]

[ They are... but ah. ]

We went to the movies once but I was embarrassing because it was really surprising. [ There's a sound of him coughing into his hand. ] We broke into the planetarium as well, because she really likes space. Uh... [ He's trying to think of other things they've done as well. ]

...But we did say we could go to the aquarium one day, I guess?

[unionjackoff]

[they... broke into the planetarium... Merlin, that is not the way to go on dates]

Ah, I love the aquarium. I find it incredibly relaxing. Make sure to choose a day when there are fewer people there.

[sortileges]

[ Yeah at like... 1 or 2 in the morning... He's a rule breaker, what can I say??? ]

Yeah. She loves dolphins, so hopefully there's something similar there. [ He smiles a bit then. ] Which days are usually busier?

[unionjackoff]

Mmm, I'm not sure. Probably the weekends, would be my best guess. I usually like to go on a Tuesday or Thursday, when I visit.

[at home, at least. he actually... hasn't been to the aquarium in Cerealia. it's probably full of space fish!]

[sortileges]

Well with both of us there's more work on a Saturday or Sunday anyway so a weekday is better. I can try that though.

[ It probably is!! But that's just as exciting, really! ]

[unionjackoff]

[he nods, even though Merlin can't see it]

I think... That's all I can suggest, really. Sometimes, in situations like these, less is more. It sounds like you've already taken the appropriate steps in managing your relationship. If she is still going on dates with you, I think she must have forgiven you.

[sortileges]

[ He frowns a little then, because this isn't about getting her to forgive him. In fact, he'll even say as such. ]

I'm not trying to get her to forgive me now, I know she's done that. I just want to spoil her.

[ ...Yeah. ]

[unionjackoff]

[ah...]

Ah. Then probably gifts would be the way to go. Chocolates, flowers, small toys or jewelry, depending on what she likes. Or even gifts that you can make yourself, like a card where you cut out construction paper to make a picture.

[sortileges]

Oh! That's a good idea. I can do that. [ Well, he definitely seems a lot more upbeat now. Woah. ] ...Thanks.

[unionjackoff]

[oh haha! he did it! he said something useful]

Of course. I'm happy to help.

[sortileges]

[ He did it!!!!!

Merlin gives another little laugh that sounds almost like relief. ]

That's perfect. I'll ...let you know how it goes? [ He isn't sure if he wants to know tbh but the offer is there. ]

[unionjackoff]

[yeeeeesss]

Yes, I'd quite like that. Good luck, Merlin.

[sortileges]

[ !! ]

Alright. [ Though it's a bit embarrassing now they're... here. ] I'll talk to you later.

[unionjackoff]

Right, talk to you later. Goodbye.

[well. now he's feeling over the moon. not only did Merlin share with him, but England even got to help him in some way. today is a good day!]