Chapter 2
Arthur sat in the hard plastic chair in the college cafeteria. It wasn't the most comfortable chair in the world, in fact his ass was numb after the first five minutes, but he refused to move and let people know how uncomfortable he was. All around him were his friends and fellow soccer mates. Next to him was Sophie with her best friend Vivian gushing over a celebrity magazine. Sophie sat so close to Arthur that he could barely move his chair.
He picked at his meatloaf, wondering what exactly the meat was that was in it. It didn't say "Meatloaf Surprise" so he guessed it was normal hamburger. He prayed it was normal hamburger.
He looked around the cafeteria. Everywhere he looked friends were talking and laughing and studying together. His friends talked around him, even included him in, but they didn't hold his attention for long.
He looked over to a table and saw Merlin Emrys, Gwen Smith and Will Farmer sitting around a table, talking in between reading, drawing or typing on a computer. Gwen squealed and all but shoved a sketch book between Merlin's nose and a book he was read. Merlin looked at the sketch and spoke something to Gwen with a smile and Gwen beamed.
Arthur wondered what it would be like to have a friendship like that. He didn't doubt his friends, but more than once he had had so-called friends that only used him for his money. Because of that, he didn't know if he could fully trust the people he associates with.
The five men around him he knew he could trust. The first time he met Lancelot, Arthur had gotten into a scuffle near his school. Lancelot helped him get out of it and they had been best friends ever since. Gwaine helped them get into a bar at sixteen. He was in Arthur's school on scholarship and was on the same soccer team as Arthur and Lancelot. Percival, Leon and Elyan are in the same soccer team as the other three and sort of migrated toward Arthur.
Arthur had been rich his whole life and while he was sometimes a spoiled brat, he was not arrogant or inconsiderate. He did know the difference from right and wrong and tried to be a good person.
He looked over at Merlin again. He had seen the man working at his father's hotel and in the four years that they had known about each other, Arthur only associated with him twice, and bother during functions hosted in the hotel. The only time he spoke to Merlin was to order more drinks or tidbits to eat.
"Did you hear about what happened to Richard's Lamborghini?" said Sophie aghast.
"No, what happened?" asked Arthur.
"Somebody beat it till there wasn't a dent on it, scratched the paint and torched it," said Vivian, also astonished.
Arthur looked at them in shock. Lamborghinis were stupidly expensive. Each one was made to order. Richard treasured his sleek black vehicle more than anything even though he owned four in different colors.
"Personally, I think it was Gwen Smith," said Sophie looking over at the table where the three friends were. "Everyone knows only trailer trash would ruin something so expensive without a thought of the owner."
"Hey!" said Elyan. It wasn't hard for him to overhear given how loudly both girls were talking. "That's my sister, Cooper."
"Well, you need to choose your family more carefully," said Sophie. "Girl is all kinds of whacko."
THWACK!
Everyone in the cafeteria looked over at their table. Elyan was furiously glaring at Sophie in what Arthur would have guessed as murderous intent.
"Keep up the smack talk and you'll see how whacko my family is," Elyan said.
Standing he stomped out of the cafeteria, all eyes on them. Arthur stole a glance at the three friend's table and saw Gwen watch after her brother with worried eyes. Merlin wrapped an arm around her shoulders and squeezed. Gwen smiled at him and they got up to follow Elyan out. Arthur watched them exit the room before turning back to Sophie.
"That was uncalled for," he said.
"Well, it's true," said Sophie. "Can't blame me for stating the truth."
Arthur couldn't believe this girl. She was the live version of a bubble headed blonde.
"Hey, Arthur, do you have any plans for tonight," asked Lancelot before Arthur's headache turned in to a full blown migraine.
"No, why?" asked Arthur.
"I was wondering if you wanted to have a guy's night out. There's this bar on Princeton that I think you would like. Live music every Friday night."
"Su-" Sophie cleared her throat, loudly, and Arthur looked at her. "What?"
"Shouldn't you be asking me if you want to have a night with your friends," she said not looking up from her miniscule salad.
Gwaine huffed a laugh.
"What are you, his goddamn keeper," he asked. She glared at him.
"No, I'm his girlfriend, which means there are certain things he can't do without my permission."
"Yeah, but spending a night with his friends isn't one of them. Last I checked there was no ring on his finger or leash and collar around his neck."
Arthur nearly choked on his drink and he turned to his friend red faced.
"Gwaine!" he said in shock.
"Hey, don't knock till you've tried it," said Gwaine. Beside him, Percival was desperately trying to hide bush on his face. Arthur really didn't want to visualize what his friends did on their down time.
Sophie glared at Gwaine with an intensity that Arthur thought that if looks could kill, Gwaine would be rolling in flames by now.
"It'll only be a matter of time till there will be a ring on my finger, unlike some people at this table," she said.
That was enough for Arthur and jerked his arm from under her hand.
"That's enough, Sophie," said Arthur looking at her sternly. "Gwaine's right. You are just my girlfriend, and even if you were more than that, you don't control every aspect of my life. If I want to hang out with friends without telling you, I'm allowed to. You can't stop me."
He turned to Lancelot with a softer look but the anger was still evident in his eyes.
"I'll meet you there tonight," he said. "Text me the address."
"Will do," said Lancelot and Arthur walked out of the room. Sophie watched him in shock before turning to Vivian.
"Can you believe that?" she said. "How he dismissed me?"
"Put a sock in it, girls," said Leon before finishing his meal. Both looks at him shocked.
"No respect," said Sophie. "Vulgar low class."
"Totally," said Vivian.
Both stood and left the table. The men sigh in relief.
XXXXXX
Gwen, Merlin and Will hurried after Elyan as he walked down the hall. They didn't hear what had happened at the Round Table, as the three had called the table where Arthur and his friends sat at as if they were the royal court of Avalon.
The three had been silently celebrating Gwen's break up with Richard. While she loved her friend's act of vengeance for her, she felt the need to avenge herself and so they helped her while Richard was visiting one of his favorite nudie bar. Merlin easily hotwired the car and they drove it under the London Bridge where the homeless make their shelters at for the night. Taking a Louisville Slugger, a pocketknife and spare key, they gleefully reenact her favorite Carrie Underwood song. And last, just for good measure and because she felt like it, she torched it. In the end the only thing left when the firefighters got to it was the frame and the license plates.
Of course the police had come to her house as soon as Richard pinned her as a suspect but Merlin and Will quickly alibied her with movie night and said they watched "One for The Money." They even provided a receipt for a pizza they ordered a half hour before the incident. Suffice it to say, they were ruled out and since they flames burned away any evidence of their involvement the police had to look for other suspects, meaning Richard's other numerous girlfriends. When the police left they laughed their asses off at getting away with it.
"Elyan, wait," called Gwen as she caught up with her brother. Elyan kept walking. Gwen grabbed his arm. "Wait!"
"Let me go, Gwen," said Elyan jerking his arm from her.
"Elyan, what's happened?" asked Gwen.
Merlin looked between brother and sister. Both became close after losing their father the year after Gwen went to college. They're mother had died in a car accident when Gwen was young so Gwen barely remembered her. Merlin thought nothing could drive a wedge between the two but looking at them now, he wasn't so sure of that.
"Just leave it alone, Gwen," said Elyan sternly.
"No," said Gwen just as sternly. Both glared at each other before Elyan looked away with a huff.
"Sophia," he said, summing it all up in one word.
"What did the bitch say this time?" asked Merlin.
"Same old thing. Gwen and I are trailer trash that are here because of pity. Call Gwen a slut, put down Gwaine and Percival, boasted about marrying Arthur. That sort of thing."
"What did Arthur do," asked Will.
"Nothing."
That Merlin believed. The three didn't know how Elyan could be friends with the spoiled brat but Elyan keeps trying to convince them that Arthur isn't such a bad person. They wouldn't know about that. Arthur never made his presence known in the Smith home and they never saw him outside of Avalon and Camelot where he ruled with a swagger of a prince.
"You know Sophia spews out one end and craps in the other," said Merlin. "You shouldn't listen to everything she says. She's just a dumb blonde playing cheerleader."
"Merlin's right, Elyan," said Will. "You're smarter than anyone at that table. Before you know it, you'll be a business manager and they'll still be acting like they're in high school cheering a rugby game."
Gwen giggled and looked at her brother.
"I never cared about what people think, 'Yan, you know that," she said.
Elyan nodded.
"I know."
"Then why do you make a big deal out of it? It's nothing we haven't heard before. We've heard it our whole lives. Just ignore it, okay?"
Elyan nodded. Like Merlin and Will, Gwen and Elyan were used to being made fun off because of lack of money or because they were smarter than the rest of the kids. They've learned to ignore the taunts and to stick together. Nothing could penetrate their circle.
"Come on, bro," said Gwen taking Elyan by the arm. "Eat with us."
Elyan smiled at them and followed them back to the cafeteria. Grabbing food they walked out and sat on the grass. The rest of the time was spent talking and laughing.
XXXXXX
Arthur pulled out a light blue shirt from his closet, pulled it on and tucked it in. Going to his bathroom he styled his hair till it was just right. Of course everything about him was perfect, but it did take some work.
When he knew he was done he grabbed a denim jacket and slung it over his shoulder. Walking out of his room he passed his father's study before walking down the stairs.
"Bye, Andrew. Bye, Gladys," he said to the butler and the maid before he left. Lancelot was waiting in the driveway texting on his phone. "Who are you texting?"
"My cousin," said Lancelot. "It's his birthday next week and I'm asking what he wants."
"Just give him a hundred bucks, no big deal," said Arthur. Lancelot gave him a look.
"That's too impersonal," he said. "I want to give him something from me."
"Are you on something?"
Lancelot huffed.
"No. I just want to do something nice for my cousin. Is that so wrong?"
Arthur shrugged. "Still don't see the reason. Give them money and they can buy their own present. No thinking about it."
Lancelot frowned at his friend. In the whole time he had known Arthur, money was his solution to everything, as if it was a fix all. He couldn't tell how much money he got from Arthur for birthdays or Christmas. The rest of his friends actually think of something he could want, granted Gwaine's turn out more sexual than anything but it was the thought that counts. Elyan even gave Lancelot new shin guards for Christmas since his were worn down. He used them for every game that season.
Lancelot put the car in reverse and drove out of the Pendragon driveway. 80s rock pounded through the radio as they drove toward the bar. At first Arthur thought Lancelot took a wrong turn because the building they pulled up to did not look like any of the clubs they go to. It was slightly grungy with a ramshackle appearance. The people walking in definitely didn't look like people Arthur would associate with.
"Where are we?" he asked.
"Albion Bar," said Lancelot. "Elyan brought me here a couple of time. It's a great place."
"It looks like a hellhole."
"It looks like a bar," said Lancelot. "And it's Friday so they have a live band."
"Live band?" said Arthur in shock. "Who? Led Zepplin? Metallica?"
"Uh, no," said Lancelot. "The owner's godson has a band and is allowed to play here every Friday for a small fee. I heard them once. They're actually very good."
"Oh, God, it is a hellhole," said Arthur exasperated.
"Hey, give it a chance," said Lancelot. He opened the door and got out. He looked at his friend through the open door. "You might be surprised."
As Lancelot closed the door Arthur seriously considered walking back home, but he didn't want to get attacked and mugged. Opening the door he followed Lancelot into the door. A large man at the door that Arthur could only assume to be the bouncer was checking patron's cards. He lingered on two blondes that looked younger than twenty.
"Move along," he said tossing the cards in a trash bin behind him.
"Hey! Those are our cards," said one of the blondes. "We're twenty-two."
"They were fakes," said the man. "Now move along before I call the cops."
Both girls glared at him before walking away. As they passed Arthur he heard them whisper.
"How the hell did he know they were fakes? I bought the best."
"This totally sucks."
Arthur laughed softly. Obviously they weren't the best if they were caught. Soon, Lancelot and Arthur were in front of the burly bouncer.
"Hey, Rhys," said Lancelot handing him his card. "How's it going tonight? Did we miss the band?"
"Band starts in a few minutes, Lan," said Rhys looking at it quickly before handing it back. "Gives you and your friend enough time to get something to drink."
"Thanks, Rhys," said Lancelot smiling and turned to Arthur. "Come on."
They walked in and Arthur thought it couldn't get any worse. It looked like one of those god-awful bars seen in movies. A counter in front of shelves of liquor bottles with two bartenders serving customers and tables everywhere. Some high stool and high tables were set along the wall and a stage on the other side of the room. There was already a drum set in front of it and an electrical keyboard.
"I'm in a nightmare," he said looking around at the various objects on the wall. There was even a set of deer antlers.
"Open mind," said Lancelot before going to the bar. "Kilgharrah, two beers."
"Lancelot!" said a large man in a booming voice. His eyes narrowed at the sight of Arthur. "And who is this?"
"Kilgharrah, met Arthur Pendragon," said Lancelot. "Arthur, meet Jerry Irons, but he's more commonly known as Kilgharrah."
"Why?" asked Arthur.
"If I told you, I'd have to kill you," said Kilgharrah glaring at Arthur. The look gave Arthur the chills.
"Kilgharrah is ex-RAF," said Lancelot. "He still won't tell me what he did while he was enlisted."
"Because if I did tell you, I'd have to kill you," said Kilgharrah, his gaze softer at Lancelot than it was at Arthur.
"And yeah, he won't tell me what his name means either."
Kilgharrah reached down and pulled out two bottles of beer. With an expert twist he pulled off both caps and flicked them into the trash can before setting them in front of Lancelot and Arthur.
"There you go," he said. "Hope you'll stay for the performance. They're doing a theme set today."
"Oh? What's the theme?" asked Lancelot setting down a ten dollar bill. Arthur was surprised by how cheap it was. At their usual hang outs the cheapest price was fifty dollars.
"Lying Cheating Bastard," said Kilgharrah. "Supposed to be a sight to see."
"We'll see," said Lancelot. "See you later, 'Gharrah."
"See ya, Lance."
Lancelot handed a beer to Arthur and led him to a table near the stage. Arthur looked at the bottle suspiciously.
"It's safe," said Lancelot. "He didn't' poison it. He saves those for the people he truly hates."
Arthur looked at him with a suspicious look before taking a sip of the beer. It wasn't bad but not as good as some of the labels that he's used to.
He was just relaxing when the sounds of a bass guitar sounded and everyone turned to the stage. Arthur nearly spat out his beer when he saw who was playing. Merlin, dressed in a navy blue shirt, ripped-kneed jeans and biker boots, was ripping through a guitar getting the attention of the audience and starting the first song. Gwen held a mic bouncing her head along as Will played the drums behind them.
"Hello, everyone, and thank you for coming!" she said. "We're the Rejects and we're here to entertain you. Whoo!"
She started to sing. She voice was good, keeping tempo with the drums and guitar and kept the audience hopping in their seats.
"You've been wearing that crown and tearing me down
It's been a while since you've treated me right
You strung me along for far too long cause I never gave up the fight
Until now
"It's gonna hit you hard 'til you see stars
It's gonna put you through a world of hurt
Oh, I don't believe in getting even but giving what you deserve
Oh my, oh my, huh."
"Mama always told me that I should play nice
She didn't know you when she gave me that advice
I'm through with you
You're one bridge I'd like to burn
Bottle up the ashes, smash the urn
I'm through with you, la dee da
I don't wanna be your "just for fun",
Don't wanna be under your thumb
All I wanna be is done
Done"
The audience was eating it up. Some were clapping along, some moved in their chairs to the beat. Arthur instead was captivated by the guitarist stroking the strings like the caress of a lover. The look on his face was beautiful and breathe taking.
Gwen sang the rest of the set, smash talking the man who wronged her, most likely Richard, and about getting back at him like a good Southern girl should in the American country style she was singing.
And when Merlin played his guitar solo, the crowd went nuts. Arthur didn't know that Merlin could play guitar let alone play it like that. That man was incredible, and he was barely looking at the strings. He was playing it by memory.
Lancelot glanced at his friend and looked in surprise. Arthur had a predatory look on his face, and he only had that look when he was in pursuit of something, or more than likely someone. Following Arthur's gaze, he saw that the object of Arthur's gaze was none other than Merlin, Kilgharrah's godson.
"Dude, don't," he said. Arthur gave him a confused look.
"Don't what?" he asked.
"Don't go there. That guy is off-limits. No joke."
"Lance, I have no idea what you're talking about," said Arthur in a completely innocent tone of voice and took a sip of his beer. Lancelot hoped his friend would back off before someone, more than likely Merlin, got hurt.
TBC
Song was "Done" by the Band Perry. I spent several days trying to figure out the perfect cheating song to put in the chapter till this one came to mind and I felt it was perfect.