This is going to most likely be a two-shot, but I might I make it into a multi-chapter story depending on how it turns out when I write it. It's going to be rated M in the next chapter, so be warned, but mostly enjoy :)

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"Bloody hell, Father's going to be disappointed in me again," Arthur complained as he rode back his horse back to Camelot. Merlin rode next to him silently contemplating Uther's most recent quest for Arthur. Uther had heard about the phoenix and suddenly wanted one as a pet. Of course he'd ordered Arthur to capture one for him. Things hadn't gone to plan though. After hours searching for one Arthur had been centimetres away from capturing a phoenix when Merlin had tripped behind him leaving Arthur with only one of the bird's tail feathers. "Honestly Merlin. I don't know why I keep you around," Arthur had said to him.

"You couldn't live without me," Merlin had said jokingly. Admittedly Arthur didn't think he could, but instead of voicing the thought aloud he just rolled his eyes.

Merlin was jolted back to the present by Arthur's voice. "We're back. Put the horses in the stable quickly then meet me outside the hall." Merlin did as he was told and was with Arthur in 10 minutes. It seemed as though Uther had been waiting for his son. The doors were opened almost immediately after Arthur had knocked on them. "Arthur, have you succeeded?"

"No, but I managed to get one of the creature's tail feathers. Perhaps you could have a quill made from it Father," Arthur informed him. Uther's face fell dramatically "You've failed me again. I've never seen such a useless son. Leave the feather and get out of my sight!"Arthur was annoyed, but he held his tongue. It would do him no good getting thrown in the dungeons. He lowered the feather onto the tabled, bowed his head and left, Merlin trailing behind.

When they got to his room Arthur pulled on a jacket and grabbed his pouch of coins, then walked out the door. "Where're you going Sire?" Merlin asked. When he didn't get a reply he asked again "Arthur?"

"We're going to a pub Merlin," Arthur replied simply. He was still annoyed and planned on getting incredibly drunk. And Merlin? He was there, because Arthur didn't want to get drunk alone and the sight of a drunken Merlin never failed to amuse Arthur.

The pub the arrived at was called The Five Barrels. It was busy all the time, full of noblemen and peasants alike, so it would be easier to blend in. "There's no where to sit," Merlin noted.

"We'll find something near the back," Arthur said gruffly. They did just that. There was a table with five chairs in the corner. "I'll buy the drinks," Arthur said, getting up and leaving Merlin alone. A group of three who were walking in noticed this and sat down next to Merlin. "Where's your pretty boy gone?" an overweight man asked Merlin. His two companions laughed loudly. Merlin looked away to see Arthur walking back. "The barmaid's going to bring our drinks over soon," he said, sitting down.

"You're back Blondie!" grinned a red headed man from across the table. Arthur did something strange for the situation, he laughed. "I'm Arthur," he said, taking the red head's hand and shaking it. "Just like the prince," said the red head. This time it was Merlin's turn to laugh. "I'm Richard," the red head told them, shaking Merlin's hand this time.

Richard's two friends introduced themselves as well. The overweight man was named Edmund and complained of a house full of wailing children. The other man was named Jack and at the age of 27 was still single and living with his mother.

When the barmaid came over with Merlin and Arthur's drinks Jack eyed her up. She ignored him however ad made a pint of leaning over, so her breasts were right in Merlin's face when she put the drinks down. She flashed Merlin an almost toothless smile, but it was no use. Merlin was blushing madly and had turned away while the other men laughed loudly. After finally taking the hint Merlin wasn't interested the barmaid sashayed off to another table. Merlin breathed a sigh of relief causing the others to laugh harder.

"She must be interested in girls since you look, so much like one," Edmund laughed hysterically. "I could imagine Merlin in a dress," Arthur said grinning at his manservant. He'd finished his drink while the barmaid had been unsuccessfully flirting with Merlin and signalled for another one. Merlin pouted "I do not."

"I bet he's the girl in your relationship," Richard sniggered. Merlin almost choked on his drink. "Our what? Arthur and I…we're not…well you know. Are we Arthur?"

"No. Not yet at least," Arthur said, waggling his eyebrows. Richard laughed "Relax Merlin, I was only pulling your leg."

"Like Arthur does?" Jack asked, making everyone, but Merlin laugh loudly. When the laughing subsided the conversation drifted to other topics and Merlin began to relax enough to finish his drink then another and another until he too was laughing along to the stories being swapped.

It was nearing 11.30 when the pub closed, so the men put all their money together to pay for their drinks and left singing. It was a song they'd learnt growing up, but Arthur being of noble birth had never heard of it. He was a fast learner though and was soon singing along. They staggered along the streets singing at the top of their voices, getting many disapproving looks and shouts of anger.

They were near a lake, so Arthur suggested they go swimming. They all agreed it was a great idea and set off in the wrong direction, soon realising their mistake and turning around.

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So what did you guys think? Please review :)