The few days before the hearing were very mellow. It snowed heavily, leaving a depressing feeling over the restaurant. All the while, Gwen couldn't' help thinking about Mordred's whereabouts and his well being. On the brighter side, Arthur had stopped popping up when he wasn't needed, but Merlin only feared that it was temporary.
On the day of the hearing, Merlin and Gwen had dressed and their finest and had made their way down to the courthouse. When they arrived, Merlin wasn't surprised when he saw a gang of paparazzi already lining up at the entrance.

"They must be here already." Merlin said as Gwen took his arm.
"I don't have a good feeling about this." Gwen replied as they made way inside.


Arthur and Morgana were used to the publicity and the spotlights. Morgana liked the camera's flashing in her face and the reporters asking her questions and what nots. Arthur on the other hand couldn't stand it, he hated it so much that he entered the courtroom through the back, where he couldn't be seen with his father of sister.

The courthouse, as usual was large. He remembered coming to the same courthouse as a young boy when his parent's got their divorce. He hadn't liked it that time, and he didn't like it this time.

He looked around at all the various people as he entered the large courtroom, he saw Morgana and his father, as their body guards ushered reporters and paparazzi away, he saw the jury that seemed to be filled with those that ranked his social class, and last but not least he saw Merlin and his friend.

He wanted to go over to the waiter and say something, but he knew that would cause more problems. After a while, the judge called for the court to be seated and Arthur made sure to sit away from his family.

"The court," The judge bellowed. "Is in order."

The Jury nodded as well as Uther. Morgana on the other hand, looked sheepish and Arthur knew why. He wanted to see if she'd lie.

"Ms. Pendragon, may you explain what happened? How this boy stole from you?" 'This boy', Arthur knew was their friend Mordred. He sat at the front of the room, his hands restrained with authorities on either side of him.

"Um well..." Morgana paused.
"Continue," The judge said.
"He came out from the kitchen and stood behind me, while I wasn't looking, he took my things." Morgana shook her head in shame, though the judge couldn't see her.
Arthur saw that Merlin's shoulders had tensed. Merlin knew Morgana was lying, but at the same time he knew there was nothing he could do about it.

"That's a lie!" Everybody, including Morgana turned to look at the voice had come from. It was Arthur, he stood so everybody could see him. "Morgana's glasses and wallet were never stolen, she dropped them under the table we ate at. Then she accused the young man of taking her stuff. When the two of us arrived back at the restaurant, Morgana found her things under the table we sat at."

There was a gasp from the jury and the judge, they all turned towards an embarrassed Morgana. "Is this true, Morgana?" The Judge asked.

Everybody's eyes were on Morgana as she nodded, much to her father's dismay.
"Well then, in that case," The judge bellowed in a deep voice. "Case dismissed."
_


Both Gwen and Merlin ran over to Mordred who was feeling his free wrists.
"Let's get out of here." Merlin said.
"I couldn't agree more, their perfume is giving me a headache." Gwen said.

The trio exited the courthouse, swiftly dodging the camera's and reporters that attempted to get a story out of him.

"I'm going to work." Gwen said. "Perhaps you two can go home?" This wasn't the first time she tried to give those two some alone time.
"I think I'll get a bite to eat." Mordred quickly responded.
"I have to go to work." Merlin added.

Gwen managed a smile. "Well, then I trust I'll see you all later." She then made her way away from the courthouse and down the snow littered street.
Before Merlin could turn around, Mordred was already gone.
Merlin sighed and began his long walk to the restaurant before someone roughly grabbed his shoulder.

"Wait a second before you go!" It was Arthur, as usual.
"What is it you want this time? Hurry, I actually have to go to work and make money, unlike you. You get everything handed to you on a silver platter." Merlin's Irish accent was thicker than usual, and Arthur knew that it was because he was angry.

"Here." Arthur took something out of his pocket, it was his checkbook. He ripped out a check and quickly began writing writing on it with a pen and then he handed it to Merlin.

"I don't want your money." Merlin pushed the check away.
"Please take it, you need it, I know you do." Arthur was begging now.
"No, goodbye Arthur." Merlin had yanked free only for Arthur to step in front of him.
"I know you don't want it but...tomorrow, what are you doing?"

Merlin's eyes opened wide after he heard this question.
"No_" "Please, just tell me yes or no. If you have to work, I'll just give you money for your off time." Arthur smiled. "Please, I need to know."

Merlin considered for a second, and then spoke. "I'm off at six tomorrow."
"Then, I'll be at your restaurant at eight." Arthur replied. "You'll wait for me right?"

"Sure." Merlin replied.
It seemed like Arthur wanted to say something else, but his father called for him and he excused himself. Merlin watched as he ran towards and angry Uther and a crying Morgana. He wondered what the two would say once they figured out that Arthur had basically asked him out.


Today was a terrible, reviews would make me happy.

I dont' own BBC Merlin.