Merlin and Lancelot joined some more of their colleagues back at the office after a hard day's work. Apparently there was some kind of announcement to make, but neither one of them knew who or what the announcement would entail. Merlin looked around, but saw nothing differently than it was this morning and so decided to take matters in his own hands to find out.

"Gaius," Merlin knocked on the open office door at the Chief Superintended and the elder man looked up from the file he was reading. He quirked one eyebrow. "What's the all-important announcement that we needed to be here?"

Shutting the file, Gaius stood up and walked up to Merlin. He put a hand on Merlin's shoulder and stretched his hand out to his desk. "Come, take a seat for a moment."

Merlin frowned at the unusual request, but took a seat no less. He heard Gaius shut the door.

"Erm…" Merlin began when Gaius took a seat behind the desk. "Am I – am I in some kind of trouble? Is this about the dishes again, because I swear that-"

"So how far along are you?"

Baffled by that question, Merlin stopped his rambling and his jaw fell open. "How did you – Has Lancelot told you!"

Gaius gave a soft snort. "No, Lancelot didn't. But I've been a detective for a very long time, Merlin. I notice things. I'm hurt that you have not confided in me about your situation."

Merlin bowed his head down in shame. "To be honest, I've only known about this myself for about a week. I only took a test two days ago to know for sure." Merlin dared to look up again to find his CS looking at him with a soft look.

"But this means that some things need to change." Gaius said, quite seriously and folding his hands together to let them rest on the table top.

"No!" Merlin sighed deeply. "See, this is exactly why I haven't told you. Gaius, you know me, I cannot be on office duties for the remaining of this pregnancy. I will go bonkers!" Merlin scooted his chair forward until his knees hit the desk. "Please, Gaius, don't do that to me."

"Merlin, you're like a son to me."

"Not this again," Merlin muttered.

"I would hate myself if, god forbid, something will happen to you."

"I'll be careful, I swear!"

Gaius looked at Merlin, for a long time if Merlin might said so himself. Maybe a bit too long, but then the answer Merlin was hoping for was being spoken.

"Alright." Gaius said with a sigh. "But Merlin, on one condition."

"And that is?"

"That you'll keep me posted on everything that is going on with you or the development of the baby. I want to know every little ache, every little sore, just everything. And I don't think I have to tell you to be careful." The infamous eyebrow rose high on his forehead.

"No, Gaius, you don't have to tell me that. Thank you, thank you so much!"

"Just don't let me regret my decision." Gaius said sternly. "One wrong move, or if I think it isn't safe anymore, you're being taken off the field."

"I'll be careful, Gaius." Merlin confirmed again.

Gaius gave a nod of approval. Seeming to accept the situation what it was... for now at least. "Now," Gaius began, standing up again. "Let's go to the office. I think Percival and Gwaine have arrived and they're the ones who are going to make an announcement."

Merlin laughed. "Well, it was about bloody time. I'm guessing they'll announce their engagement?" Merlin asked, about half-sure that it was that they wanted to announce.

Gaius kept a straight face. "Your words, not mine."

"See! I knew it! Those two bumblebees have twiddled around each other for far too long." Merlin turned to get quickly out the door, but was called back by Gaius.

"Oh Merlin, just one last thing."

"Yes?"

"Who's the other father?"

Merlin gulped deeply.