Title: The Fame

Rating: M

Disclaimer: I don't own Merlin or Lady Gaga's music. BBC and Lady Gaga's people do.

Summary: AU. After tragedy befalls during his last year in high school Merlin's perfectly planned life takes a turn for the worst. Years later he runs into an old mate who introduces him to the Prince, and possibly a new future. Merlin/Arthur

Okay so basically I Love Lady Gaga, and am writing a fanfic inspired by her album The Fame, each chapter will be titled in the order of the songs. It's posed as a challenge to whose point of view I can use and how I can write the chapters without basing it off the song too much :) so enjoy!

Chapter 1

Just Dance

The grating sound of his alarm clock always seemed to go off right when he'd finally found unconsciousness. He harshly slammed it off before rolling over to check the current time. His eyes widened in panic as he realized that if he wasn't out the door in five minutes he would disappoint his long time friend.

In all honesty he wasn't sure if he wanted Kay's help but Gwen had insisted that this could be the key to making his way up the ladder. Working for a night club as a dancer was a step up from stripping, which he had almost considered had his Uncle Gaius not intervened. He quickly showered, brushed his teeth and grabbed the first thing from his closet, before hastily making his way out of the door.

He broke out into a run as he realized there was huge possibility he wouldn't make it to the bus stop in time. If there was one thing he would rather not do it was piss off his friend by making him look bad in front of his boss. From the conversations he'd heard between Kay and Gwen, Katrina was a woman who was as cold and shrewd as she was stunning.

His face fell as he tripped on a crack in the side walk right as he heard the gears of the bus shift before it began to take off to the next stop.

"Oh, you've got to be kidding me." He cursed as he got up and dusted himself off, immune to the curious stares that he'd received. He grabbed his wallet and realized that he didn't even have enough money to buy food from a cheap drive thru restaurant.

He was starting to feel that the fates had decided to play with him today when he heard his name being called by a most unsuspecting person.

"Merlin?" He turned to come face to face with his old lab partner before he'd dropped out of the prestigious University he'd managed to get a scholarship for.

"Lancelot?" He questioned as he turned to look into the handsome features of his kind once-friend.

"Yeah, how are you doing?" He asked as he immediately went for an embrace that came as a shock to him, but he returned it anyways.

"I've been good, just late for my job interview."

"Really? Are you trying to work for a hospital, or did you go the dance route?" Merlin couldn't help the pink that tinged his cheeks from embarrassment. How could he tell him that he was trying to become a go-go dancer at a club?

"Um … you could say dancing."

"Oh, really, where are you headed?"

"Um it's over there in the Camelot area." He said as he tried to look anywhere but at the brunet in front of him.

"Well then why don't I give you a lift? I was about to go visit a friend in that side of town anyway."

"Are you sure?" Merlin asked, hoping Lance would second guess his offer but he had no such luck.

"Of course I'm sure Merlin, plus it's a way to reacquaint ourselves, I missed you after that first year."

"Oh, well then t-thanks." He stuttered as he tried not to remember how college was an extension of the tragedy that had befallen his family his graduating year in high school.

The car ride was pretty silent except for the small talk that took place every once and a while. Merlin was starting to feel more at ease, and remembered why Lance was one of the few people he didn't mind too much the one year he was in college.

"So are you going to try out for Tintagel?" Lance asked as he started to head towards that direction.

"Um … sure, where is it located again?"

"Well it's by the big shopping center, and on the same street as Avalon." Merlin's eyes widened at his luck. Avalon and Tintagel were on the same street he could still make it in time.

"Oh yeah, the night club it's like a couple blocks away right?"

"Yeah, a few mates and I go there when we have nothing better to do." But at this moment Merlin wasn't listening as he was trying to formulate a plan on how to get into Avalon without Lance noticing.

"We're here." He was brought out of his thoughts as they arrived in front of a large white building with the words "Tintagel Company" in black cursive letters on the top front of the entrance. Merlin felt his breath hitch as he wondered if this could have been his life had he continued on his focus. In all honesty, he'd hoped to have gone to Julliard overseas, so he could doubly prove a point, which in the end he'd succumbed to the expectations of most people around him.

"Well thanks for the lift, I owe you." Lance gave him a warm smile, and exchanged phone numbers with him before driving off in another direction.

Once Merlin was sure that the car wasn't in spotting distance he immediately began to run towards the night club that would currently be empty due to the un-use of it during the day. When he made it at the door he took a moment to catch his breath before smoothing down his hair and calmly walking into the building.

"What do you want?" A large man asked as he glowered down at Merlin.

"Um … I- I have an appointment, I mean audition with Lady Katrina." He finally stammered out, his nervousness increasing as the man continued to give him a cautious glance before pulling out his cell phone and confirming his statement.

"She's been waiting. "He heard the thick, deep voice say. "She doesn't like it when people show up late." He gulped as he nodded and continued his way towards the back.

When he took a first glance at her, he understood why everyone seemed so enthralled yet intimidated by the woman. She had a mature grace to her, that was unmatched by anyone he'd ever met. There was a good strong look to her, with the softened features of a woman and the regality of a Queen out of a story book. Her dirty blonde hair fell to the small of her back, each strand perfectly straight. What was most captivating, were her dark green eyes that seemed to penetrate through anything, he'd hate to try and lie to this woman. Her eyes also demanded obedience and a cruelty unmatched if you wronged her.

"Well, it seems you don't care much about this job if you showed up late and dressed as a street urchin no less." She sneered as she offered him a mild glare.

"I-I'm sorry, I missed my bus."

"Well then, I assume you take the bus often?" he nodded at her question. "Then perhaps Mr. Emrys you should take that into consideration when you decide to wake up late to your job interviews." Merlin felt himself blush but tried to hold his own nonetheless.

"It won't happen again Ma'am, if I get this job I intend to be here on time every day."

"Very well, we will hold that to your word. Now then, what is someone with your resume doing in our Night Club, striving nothing more than to gyrate your hips for a bunch of hungry eyes that belong to the wealthy and powerful?" He could see the curiosity in her gaze, and the slight disappointment that one who'd shown his promise gave it away so easily.

"I had unforeseen events take place in my life, at the moment this job would pay better than my day job at star bucks, and I have family I worry for." She seemed to consider him for a moment before giving a small nod.

"Very well Mr. Emyrus," she said as she lighted a cigarette and coolly placed it between her lips for a drag. "I will give you a test run for only one week, if you prove yourself then perhaps we can find a more permanent position for you." She let the smoke out slowly as she continued to stare at him with a calculating gaze, and a mischievous smile.

"Thank you ma'am." He replied with a smile.

"Well then our club opens at 10 PM I expect you here at 8, we will need you to limber up with the rest of the dancers and then you will get your makeup and costume from Morgause."

He continued to nod with enthusiasm, and took a mental note of everything in hopes that this week everything would work out perfectly. He couldn't wait to call Gwen and Kay who had been just as anxious when he informed them that he'd finally decided to go through with it. At the same time he couldn't help but feel a small bit of shame. What Lady Katrina had said was true; he was marketing himself as a piece of meat for the eyes of the rich and powerful.

~*~*~*~*

"You were late with the Lady and she still hired you?" Kay asked jaw dropped in shock.

"Yeah."

"Merlin, you do understand that she practically never does that?" Gwen said as she noticed the insecure look that flashed in her dark haired friend's eyes.

"Well, I understand but I mean she seemed nice."

At this said both of them looked at him as if he'd grown a set of horns. He thought the Lady Katrina was intimidating but nice; he couldn't see why they were so afraid of her.

"I'm just baffled, but I'm glad you got the job mate." Kay gave him a smile and looked excitedly at Gwen. "I'm going to make you something special at the bar tonight."

"I don't want to get drunk either."

"Merlin you're working at a Night Club, and not just that but it's known for its select clientele, and secrecy to never let the press get a hold of the dark things the rich do at night. Learn how to have some fun." Gwen said as she gave a small laugh.

"Well at least you two have a more decent job, Gwen you just serve tables, and Kay you're a bartender. I on the other hand will have to make sure to watch my back the entire night."

Gwen and Kay exchanged an understanding glance before turning it on Merlin.

"Look Merlin, as long as we are both there we will not let anything happen to you. Besides the Lady Katrina does not let the customers do as they please with her workers, and trust me when I say that even the royal family would not get away from her wrath."

Merlin still looked unsure, but this is what life was throwing at him and he needed to make sure he was strong for what was left of his family.

"So, we need to pick out what you're going to wear tonight on your first night as a tease." Kay said as he slightly waggled his eyebrows. Gwen gave him a smack and told him to leave Merlin alone.

"I can help you Merlin, I know many of the dancers already."

"Thanks Gwen, I really do appreciate it but Lady Katrina has already told me to get there early for that."

Gwen and Kay shared another secret glance as they stared at each other in confusion.

"Who exactly are you talking about?" Gwen finally asked.

"Oh, she said her name is Morgause. Why?"

"Merlin, are you sure?" Kay's eyes looked surprised at the information.

"Yeah, I'm sure. Why? What's going on?"

"Merlin, Morgause is her daughter. She never allows anyone to go near her unless she has something else planned in her mind. You need to be careful."

He just groaned in frustration as the nagging feeling that all their lives were about to change dramatically, started to creep into his mind.

~*~*~*~*~*

The three of them entered Avalon through the back entrance, if seeing it by day was an honor in itself seeing the place by night was breath taking. He couldn't help but feel slightly out of place as he noticed how his two friends had quickly changed and adapted into the environment of their work. Gwen had changed into a deep purple dress that had gold touches here and there. It was short enough to give a peek at her well toned legs, without giving you a show of her undies like most girls wore. It was also slightly low cut and Merlin couldn't help but think she looked just like a tease with her girlish charm, and womanly air. She had even let her dark curls fall into a bounce that fell above her shoulders, and lightly placed makeup to accentuate her natural beauty.

Merlin felt himself blush as he was seeing why so many men, and women, were always interested in his best friend. He turned to look at Kay and was left gaping at the muscled chest he didn't realize his friend hid on a daily basis. He was wearing a midnight blue vest made of silk, and tight black leather pants that didn't leave much to his imagination. He screamed man, but most importantly he screamed desire and need. Merlin had no idea how he'd never seen this side of his friends before, but then again working in the playhouse of the powerful was probably something he wouldn't be forgetting soon.

"You … um … I mean you guys … wow, I just. You look great." Merlin said as his nervous stammer returned. He noticed both Kay and Gwen look confused, and then a mix of embarrassment and flattery as it dawned on them that Merlin had never seen them in their 'uniform.'

"Well then, Merlin you shouldn't keep Morgause waiting. I'll take you to her."

He nodded and started to follow Gwen as he was taken even deeper into the home/business of the Lady Katrina.

"Gwen why is Morgause so special?"

"Well for one, she's famous in Hollywood for her makeup and costume design. Lady Katrina protects her fiercely and it's rare when she allows any of her workers to be fitted and prepared by Morgause."

"Oh." Was all he managed to say, as they came in front of an elegant, wooden door.

He felt his heart race as the door slowly opened and he was finally face to face with the daughter herself.

"Hello, you must be Merlin." She said as she let them in giving Gwen a nod of gratitude and dismissal.

"Good luck!" he heard Gwen whisper as she quickly made her way back.

When he finally was in the room, he noticed the rows of costumes, fabric, accessories, makeup, and shoes. He'd never been in a room that seemed to carry more expensive designer items that cost more than his own home.

"You aren't quite what I expected." She admitted as she circled around him her finger rubbing her chin contemplatively. He was able to see the resemblance, in the way she moved, spoke, the calculating eyes, and the beauty that she'd inherited from her mother. But yet no daughter could look less like her mother. His nervousness increased when he realized that tonight he would be in the company of the beautiful, he wasn't going to fool himself into thinking he was even above average on the scale of one to ten. He was tall, and lanky; it almost felt as if he'd never come out of that awkward high school stage.

"You have a most intriguing bone structure, and your complexion brings out your eye and hair color perfectly. Strip to your underwear." She stated with a commanding inflection. Merlin obliged but felt the blush spread to his ears as he was almost in his full naked glory in front of this incredible woman.

"You're body is nothing to be ashamed of, you are no Brad Pitt but you certainly have your own unique beauty." It was almost eerie the way she knew his thoughts as she inspected him closely.

"You were a dancer for quite a while weren't you?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"I am not my mother Merlin, and we will be spending much time together. Call me Morgause." She finally bestowed him with a warm smile, and an extended hand which he took with gratitude.

"Now change back, go to the next room and stretch, then comeback. I should have something whipped up by then."

He had trouble with the rest of the group; it seemed they weren't too fond of new guys. To them he was the competition and had yet to find any friends he could hang out with. It felt good to finally let lose some of the tension and he could feel his body relaxing at the familiarity of the movements. When he was done there he made it back to Morgause's room where he had posed quite a challenge to her before they finally emerged and she walked him towards the small neon stage he would be working at.

There was already an influx of people and a line waiting outside in hopes that they could get in. He could feel the rush of adrenaline as Morgause stayed with him so he could see the other dancers first and get a feel for what they were doing, and then find his own style.

"Merlin Kay wanted me to bring your sho-" Gwen stopped in her tracks as she scanned her best friend. His goofiness completely trumped by the sexuality his presence expressed. She knew Morgause was the best, and the result was standing in front of her. His hair had been combed and ruffled to give him the freshly fucked look, the black tresses shadowed his eyes, but when he looked into the light she could see the dark blue liner that brought out the intensity and focus she sometimes forgot Merlin had. The black shirt clung tightly to his body, with well placed rips that were held together with silver, diamond safety pins. The black skinny jeans emphasized everything and were placed just below his hip bones with a large diamond belt that kept them secure. Even the shoes were high class leather converse that held their own shimmer.

Morgause had made sure to place an emphasis on the beautiful and rare cheek bones he'd inherited giving him the perfect androgynous look that she knew would leave members of both sexes wanting to get their hands on Merlin by the end of tonight. This also happened to mean that both Kay and she had their work cut out for them all night.

"Gwen, your friend turned out nicely." Morgause complemented as she told Merlin to start dancing in five and left them to search out her own company.

"Here, Kay said this would help your nerves." Merlin looked at the crystal blue liquid in the shot glass. He distinctly remembered Kay mentioning that it was the blue drinks you didn't want to trust, but he had no time to contemplate it as he quickly drank it feeling the sweet burn as he swallowed it leaving the tangy taste in his mouth.

"Thanks." She gave him another reassuring smile before he finally got on his stage and let the music take hold of him.

The drinks kept coming all night, from Kay or the partiers hoping to catch his undivided attention. As his vision started to give that slight swirl that indicated he could possibly be a little drunk, he could also sense the looks of many upon him, he could feel the hunger in their gaze and it gave him a shiver down his spine. It wasn't until one person in particular caught his attention with the frightening way they licked their lips at the sight of him that he completely lost his footing and fell off the stage into one of Lady Katrina's precious customers.

"I'm sorry." He panicked as he quickly lifted himself off but felt the dizziness and fell again. Angry blue eyes met his own scared ones and he noticed them soften and dilate in lust.

"It's alright." The blonde man said as he lifted himself off the ground before helping up Merlin.

"I'm really sorry sir, I just lost my footing and-"

"Merlin?" he heard a familiar voice say, that made his blood run cold. He turned to look into the familiar honey brown eyes of Lancelot.

"Lance." He said embarrassed at the predicament he found himself in.

"You know this idiot." The blonde ass said as he gave them both a curious look.

"I'm not an idiot you prat." Merlin spat.

"How dare you speak to me in that manner! Do you have any idea who I am."

Merlin glanced at him for a small second before responding. "You're right I'm sorry." The blonde started to nod. "You're a prat with superiority issues." He could sense the glare intensify as the blond walked over.

"I could have you fired for this!"

"Arthur calm down." He heard Lance say as he tried his best to cover up the laugh.

"This lowlife dancer just-"

"I'm not a lowlife, you ever consider people who work here can be decent too?" He defended as he too started to approach Arthur, the blonde had rolled his eyes at Merlin's rant.

"Arthur, Merlin is a professional he has no reason to be working here."

"Then why is it he fell of the stage reserved for workers only."

At this both men stared at Merlin as he felt the heat rise to his cheeks.

"Merlin there you are, Kay said this one should be even better than the last. Oh, who are your friends?" Gwen asked as she practically shoved the drink down his throat in hopes to calm him down. But he knew that was the kicker, another minute and he would be gone.

"This here is Lancelot." At this Lance kissed her hand, which caused Gwen to turn a little red.

"My Lady."

"It's a pleasure to meet you. I- I'm Guinevere, but people know me as just Gwen."

"This one is, I forgot his name … I just remember calling him a P-" Gwen covered his mouth as she knew it wouldn't be okay for him to repeat those words to Arthur of all people.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Arthur was it?"

"The pleasure is mine Guinevere."

"Well I need to get back to work and so does Merlin, would you gentlemen like to come get a drink at the bar, and it's on the house." They both nodded and followed. Merlin was left there standing alone in a crowd of people who immediately started pawing to dance with the new Jewel of Avalon.

"Please, I'd rather not ... Oh my, ma'am please don't … sir I would appreciate." He never realized when he made it to the middle of the throng of people dancing on the main floor. Any person who wasn't inebriated by the alcohol could see the discomfort on his features. He thought he was hopeless when he felt a pair of strong arms grab him as the unseen person started to grind with him as they danced their way out of the crowd.

"Thanks I didn't think I would ever get out."

"You're welcome." He stilled as he recognized the pompous intonation.

"Don't worry Merlin, I don't bite, unless you want me to." He could clearly see that the alcohol had loosened up the blonde enough to hit on him, but not enough to make him lose control of his actions.

"I …well I wasn't saying, um… thanks."

There was an awkward silence that ensued before he was suddenly pinned against the dark wall and being passionately kissed by the man he'd just met. He felt himself slightly moan as the kiss was deepened when Arthur gave a playful nibble to his bottom lip. Neither was aware when their friends caught sight of them, nor the amused look that Katrina and Morgause shared with each other.

They could only see, feel, and sense each other and the moment that they were sharing which would mark them and change the course that life had originally intended for them.

"You shouldn't be working here." Arthur said as he finally broke away for air.

"Well it's not like I have job offers lining up."

"You're Lance's friend I think I could find something more … suitable." He whispered as he went in for another kiss. Who'd have thought that just dancing and falling on a stranger would give him an opportunity he would have never expected.