Author's note: Hey! Here's the second chapter. Thanks for the follows and review!

Everyone seemed to be enjoying the meal but Mordred was too riddled with nerves to enjoy a single taste. He sat at one end of the table with Morgana across from him, Merlin and Arthur on his left side, and Gwen and Lance on his other. The more he studied them, the more certain he was that each side was a couple. He didn't know if knowing Merlin was gay and not single better than him being straight. If Arthur and he ever broke up, Mordred could pretend he'd have a chance. It would be better not to delude himself though.

Very quickly, the group finished the chicken alfredo and Morgana went into the kitchen to finish what was left o the desert. The teenager began picking up the plates. Arthur jumped up and helped, even after Mordred said that it was fine and he would get it. When they both got into the kitchen Arthur began asking him questions, wanting to know about school and his life. Not being particularly fond of the subject, he gave quick short worded answers and scampered back into the dining room. The occupants in there gave him odd looks. He blushed and looked down at the table. Merlin excused himself and went into the kitchen

The kid fascinated Merlin for some reason. Was it because Merlin could see how depressed and alone he was? The bruise on his eye in no way could be an accident. Not that it took away from his stunning blue eyes. Merlin shook his head. He had a gorgeous boyfriend that wasn't illegal!

In the kitchen, Arthur and Morgana were conversing while she was putting ice cream on the chocolate melting cakes. Merlin's mouth watered at the sight.

"Hey, Merlin! I'd ask you to help, but you'd probably accidentally ruin them somehow..", Arthur joked. Merlin rolled his eyes and punched him in the arm.

He sat down on a stool watched them. His thoughts kept returning to Mordred. He had to figure out what was going on. H knew that if someone had been there for him throughout highschool, it wouldn't have been the complete hell that it was. Resolving to stop thinking about how attractive that kid was, talk to him, and pay more attention to his boyfriend, he gave Arthur a peck before picking up two bowls of chocolate and heading back out.

Mordred looked at the door Merlin disappeared through, his chest hurting. Every piece of hope that they weren't dating getting less and less. He only had one tiny bit of hope left. He wouldn't lose it until it was confirmed. Someone touched his hand and he looked to his right to see Gwen smiling brightly at him.

"I'm so glad to finally meet you! Morgana speaks so highly of you!" He smiled lightly and gave his thanks.

She pointed at the man next to her, "This is my fiancé, Lance. I'm sure you've already guessed Merlin and Arthur are together." That last bit of hope withered and died, leaving his chest room to fill with despair. Mordred was sure some deity up there got kicks out of making sure he was never happy. Not wanting to let anyone think something was wrong, he quickly shoved down his emotions and smiled enthusiastically at Gwen.

"They make a great couple, as do you two! How long have you all been together?" Gwen gave Lance a sappy smile and he gazed equally besotted at her. Mordred's stomach clenched in jealousy.

"Lance and I are highschool sweethearts!", of course they are, "We've been dating since our sophomore year and finally decided to take the next step three months ago! Arthur and Merlin met their first year in college. It was adorable actually. They didn't get along at all at first but eventually they realized how perfect they were for each other." She was smiling brightly and with a bit exasperation as she remembered their idiot ways.

Mordred smiled politely but his mind was moving at a hundred miles a minute. Merlin and Arthur had to have been dating for awhile, probably thinking about marriage.

"How old are Merlin and Arthur?"

"They are both 26", Lance answered.

The teenager arched an eyebrow in surprise. Apparently, Merlin had one of those youthful faces. As did he, considering everyone thought he was fifteen. He was almost an adult, goddamnit! The struggle is real.

Morgana, Merlin, and Arthur came out of the kitchen carrying desert. Mordred inhales deeply as the sweet scent of chocolate invaded his nose. It was his mother's recipe. Morgause was a chief, the best in the state of Ohio. Her death caused much weeping amongst her customers. The restaurant had ended up being sold, as Mordred nor Morgana could ever live up to Morgause's fame.

Once everyone had their bowl, the chocolate melting cake was devoured. No matter how little Mordred could normally stomach of food, he could never resist the cake. It was seriously the best fucking thing he had ever tasted. Morgana's might not be as wonderful as his mom's but it was good enough.

After desert, the adults broke out the wine and Mordred left to his room. He knew how crazy his aunt got when she had alcohol and there are just some things kids don't need to experience their guardians doing or saying. Besides, this way he could finally wallow in misery. And he had school tomorrow. Experiencing heartbreak and getting beat up close together were the reasons he got up in the morning. Well, that and his one friend, Cara. She was the only reason he didn't try to leave school. Someone needed to protect her. Having the bullying fall onto him instead was just a side effect. Still, he'd rather it happen to him than her. She was such an angel and was there all throughout his mother's death. He was so lucky to have her and couldn't imagine life without his beautiful partner in crime. And now he had actual information on Merlin! Tomorrow would be interesting.