Chapter one – The dull eyes of the lonely

Arthur had always wondered about the boy who apparently lived opposite him. According to their other neighbours, he was nothing but a trouble-maker, always telling lies and ruining the house when his carer left. Even his father had told him, and he quotes, 'If there is that many rumours, there is no way that he can be a good person. It's best to stay away.'

If Arthur had to be honest, he didn't always agree with his father. Although he was his son and that what was expected of him, Arthur wanted to see this boy. He was intrigued by him.

So that's why he snuck out of his house at one in the morning.

-Merlin-

If Arthur didn't know any better, he'd wonder why there was shouting coming from the house this ridiculously late. The lights were out, but the yelling and screaming - and the faint crying that Arthur wasn't entirely sure he was actually hearing – were telling him at least two people were awake. Though he couldn't actually hear what was being yelled, the person sounded pretty angry – and maybe drunk, if the slight slurring was anything to go by.

Arthur crept around the back of the house, and internally rejoiced when he saw a clear window around the back. He then stopped rejoicing when he realised he was celebrating being able to spy on someone he had never met. Though he had to stand on his toes to see, Arthur could just about see through the window, suddenly felt very depressed at the sight.

A boy, looking to be about his age, was sitting on the considerably stained sofa, with a dull look on his face. Arthur could see his stick-thin arms, his collarbone jutting out harshly, and clothes hanging off him.

The television was on, but the boy wasn't really paying attention, if the faraway look was anything to go by. Arthur noticed the shouting had stopped.

Somewhere in the back of his mind, Arthur wondered why the boy was up this late.

(A/N: So? Tell me what you think! After all, there's no point in continuing if no one reads it.)

As usual, I don't own Merlin. I think it would be pretty obvious if I did.