It was the sort of place he was drawn to, away from the norm and with a certain feel to it that just fit well with him if you knew him enough. His interests always seemed to be in line with what was outside the main stream, things like Dungeons and Dragons or other things of the like that fell into a certain category that tended to label one as a nerd or a geek. Honestly, Merlin always took these jabs in stride, talking his way around enough who simply lacked the imagination to be taken into such things. Truly it was a pity as he was of a belief that many would enjoy it were they to give it a chance. In that way among others, he found a bond with his once professor, often enough finding him after class for a casual chat or a game.
Another thing Merlin could be found with more often than not was his nose in a book. Books for school, books he picked up for simple pleasure, ever expanding his horizons when it came to knowledge. It was another draw to Professor Pines as well as his partner Bill, who always seemed eager to share their thoughts and collective teachings on whatever might come to mind. It was nice really, it felt like home away from home in a way with someone there to lean on when he needed it. Someone to listen to the burdens he didn't wish to put on his mother, who worried about him enough. He embraced the guidance and mentor-ship when he was here, far from home and for a time out of his element.
Merlin arrived at the cafe some time before their decided destination, book tipped up, propped against his fingers where he leaned at one of the tables, too enthralled in what was on the page to take much notice of what was going on around him. The quiet chatter of the other cafe patrons was welcome white noise, he'd ordered a cup of coffee which had since gone cold, left abandoned set at his elbow with a spoon poised to bridge over the top of the cup. It was the bell which drew his attention long enough from time to time to flicker over, waiting to catch sight of the familiar face of Professor Pines, who would likely remain under that title for some time despite the years since he was actually his student.
What was nothing but a brief glance up a time or two before when the bell rang over the door, a grin spread across his face this time, hastily slipping a bookmark into place where he was reading. Rising up from the spot, he stretched an arm up to wave, stepping to bridge the gap between them all the same while narrowly biting back an excited shout which would have broken the otherwise serene ambiance of the cafe.
"Professor Pines! It's so good to see you!" He offered at a much more modest volume, glad to clap a hand on the other's shoulder in greeting. "It feels like it's been forever, you have to tell me how you've been!"