Merlin should have never followed him. Or agreed with him. Or listened to his friend's sentence which he cannot remember, but is quite certain that it went something along the lines of 'Tavern' and 'Quick drink'.
Merlin knows that his trip to the tavern was not for a quick drink, more of a couple of quick drinks, maybe more than eight quick drinks. He doesn't try too hard to remember the exact number however, his head hurts and he thinks he has forgotten to count.
He should never trust Gwaine when it came to the consumption of alcohol. He knows this, but maybe his thick head decided to think otherwise.
"Merlin! Merlin, quick!"
The brunette makes his way through the crowd of drunken commoners, his smile as bright as the full moon's light spewing in through the windows of the building.
"Merlin, quick!"
The warlock rises from his position on the bar stool, swaying uneasily as his feet make contact with the ground.
"What is it?"
His friend smiles, before dragging him out the door, his hand tugging on Merlin's as their footsteps echo across the courtyard.
"Didn't pay, Merlin. Couldn't afford it," Gwaine almost sings, any common sense momentarily evaporated from his body, "Had to run, didn't I? Can't pay."
Merlin nodded, his feet sluggish and his head woozy. His brunette friend stops short behind another building panting heavily, Merlin stopping next to him. The two try to catch their breath, leaning against one of the buildings pillars.
"I think we're safe."
But of course, Gwaine speaks to soon, the sound of an angered bartender creeping closer to the pair. Merlin slaps a hand to his face
"What are we going to-"
But Gwaine has taken action it seems, his lips descending on Merlin's, something the warlock does not expect at all. Too drunk to truly realise what he is doing, Merlin returns his friend's advances, the bartender walking past them as if he didn't know who they were at all.
Gwaine pulls away and grins at the wizard, clapping him on the back.
"See my brilliant ideas, Merlin! Always work, every time!"
Merlin nods, nearly falling over onto the ground as he walks out of the shadows, Gwaine practically dancing in his step.
"Oi!"
The yell makes both men turn around to see the owner of the tavern running towards them and they drunkly run down another street. Pulling a giggling Gwaine in tow, Merlin stops at a certain house, knocking on the door hurriedly.
"Gwen, open up!"