Merlin rushed back upstairs got to work on the pile Lance had left him. At five Lance appeared from the main office "You can go home now, and thanks for getting that done, take some money from the petty cash for the coffee in the morning."
"You coming as well?" Merlin asked
"I about an hour, we're working on a case, make the most of it most days it will be six and gone before you leave, extra moneys nice though" Lance grinned "Especially with the baby on the way"
Merlin didn't wait to be told again and left. When he got home he warned his mother "It seems I will be late most nights Mum so don't worry. Anyway I get paid extra so that will be good"
"Don't let him take advantage of your good nature Merlin" his mother told him.
"I won't but it come with the job, I went and called Mr Pendragon a prat today, I thought I would get the heave ho then"
"Merlin! You must watch that cheek of yours, you had a hard time getting your job to lose it for something as silly as that would be stupid" Hunith exclaimed.
"I'll be careful Mum, I didn't realise he had such sharp hearing I only whispered it"
"Don't even think it then!"
Merlin had an early night, he wasn't used to working all day, as he waited for sleep to claim him he thought of the girl he had met, Freya, and hoped he would meet her again.
Merlin walked into work with the coffees and smiled at Freya at reception "What time do you have your break and I will see if I can get one at the same time." He asked her with a smile "That is unless I eat at the desk"
"Twelve thirty to one thirty, hope to see you" she smiled.
Merlin headed up to the office a spring in his step. Once again both Mr Pendragon and Lance were already there. "What time to you get in?" he asked
"Clearly earlier than you" came the snarky reply from his boss.
"Well if you tell me what time I'll get here earlier, unless it's a secret Mr Pendragon Sir." Merlin retorted before he could stop himself.
Lance grinned "We've only been here about quarter of an hour, don't worry"
"Right well tomorrow I be here earlier."
"Well if you're going to call me Sir you can drop the Mr Pendragon I don't expect you to use both Merlin" the blonde was smiling as he spoke. "Now work!"
The morning was a busy one and Merlin was surprised when he looked at the clock and it was one o'clock, he looked at Lance "Can I pop to the canteen to get and sandwich"
Lance looked up "Yes of course you better get three packets. I'll have a cheese salad on rye and a ham and tomato granary for the boss" he handed Merlin some money.
Merlin ran down to the canteen hoping he would still get to see Freya. As he handed in his order he was told he would have to make for them to be made up so he quickly found Freya. "Sorry I can't stop just came down for an order, got to go straight back up."
Freya smiled "That's a pity, hope to see you tomorrow as it's my last day, back to uni" she explained.
"Oh!" Merlin was disappointed he had hoped he had made a new friend, if not more.
"I will be back next holidays"
Merlin thought quickly and then wrote his phone number down "If you fancy a chat give me a ring, but hopefully I will see you tomorrow!"
Freya blushed "I will thanks. It's been great talking to you"
With that the server called out that the sandwiches were ready. "See you" Merlin shouted as he ran out the door and back upstairs.
The next day Merlin found out to late that Lance had sent out for lunch. It was very nice, but it did mean he didn't get to say goodbye to Freya. He had arrived at work a quarter of an hour earlier to be there as the others came and Freya wasn't at reception. Merlin wondered if she would ever ring him, if not he would have to wait until she came back of the Christmas break.
He was enjoying work, just having a job as enough but he did find he actually loved his job. By the third week he was even allowed to call Mr Pendragon Arthur as long as it was just the three of them. They were preparing for the trip to Germany when Morgana came to the office. Merlin hadn't seen her since he had started work. She came barging in as Merlin was helping Arthur go over some of the paperwork.
"Well brother mine, I hope you're already, how long are you gone for this time?" she demanded.
"Only three days, four at the most not long enough for you to stage a coup." Arthur said dryly. "I only saw you this morning Morgana so what could you possibly want.
Merlin felt they had a strange relationship for a brother and sister. "I'll go out and let you talk" Merlin headed for the door.
"Get back in here Merlin, my sister is leaving as soon as she tells me what we owe the honour of this visit to." Arthur told him.
Merlin turned back and picked up some more papers.
"I want some money, I am taking your daughter shopping and I see no reason why I should pay" came the reply. "Although I don't mind buying her whatever she likes, it's only fair"
Arthur drew out his wallet and took out a large wodge of notes "There you are if you need more let me know when I get back, just make sure whatever you two buy it's suitable and doesn't make her look like a tart. Why her mother ever felt that you were a suitable person to take our daughter clothes shopping I don't know"
Morgana picked up the money and smirked "Good boy all fifties, you knew I'd be coming didn't you"
"I don't normally carry that much money about, but after last time I wasn't about to let you have my credit card. Now go away!" Arthur told his sister.
Morgana flounced out of the office. Merlin looked at his boss "I don't know you had a daughter"
"I do and she's an angel, I don't have a photo on the desk as I don't want people ogling her or thinking they can use her to get to me. I saw enough of that with my father. He was always trying to set up 'suitable' matches for Morgana and myself that would benefit the firm. I want her to find someone who she loves and who loves her" Arthur admitted.
"You don't look old enough!" Merlin blurted out.
"Thank you Merlin, I am actually, but she is my adopted daughter, Mithian and I decided to adopt her when her parents were killed in a car crash. We also have a son who is ten. Family history lesson over, let's get back to work"
Later Merlin couldn't help but think he had really settled in if Arthur was willing to talk about his family, he was a notoriously private person.
