Mordred had spent the night and majority of the morning pacing about his room manically. Every so often stealing glances at his phone awaiting the text merlin had promised him. Unlike Merlin, Morgana had sent him quite a few messages that he had intentionally avoided. However while laying on the carpeted floor glaring at the damn phone he heard a sharp rasp at the door and ran to fetch it and was immediately let down to find his significant other on the opposite of him.

"Don't you look so happy to see me" she began. Mordred stepped aside as she flew through the entry way. Once the door was closed the war began.

"How dare you ignore me!" she practically yelled.

"Sorry Morgana, I've been occupied all morning."

"Doing what exactly?"

"Cleaning" he lied. She looked around her and noticed the cans of soda and pizza box by the bed and laundry scattering around the floor.

"You don't seem to be doing a very good job." She said her voice venomous. He felt a chill run up his spine and remembered why he had been avoiding her text, her possessive nature was becoming a bit too much, no wonder agravaine left her, he ran. Lucky guy he thought.

"Well I'm working on it." he replied defensively trying but failing to make his tone sterner.

"What did you want any way?"

"I need you tonight" she began taking a seat at his desk chair, possibly the only clean surface.

"My, my so forceful love, buy me dinner first"

"Shut up. Will you come or not?"

"Can't"

"Why?"

"I have plans"

"Cancel them" he ordered sinking back into the seat.

"Morgana you do realize I have a life outside of you." Her expression was as close to surprised as he had ever seen it.

"Fine do what you will" she snapped. Rising as she briskly took her leave, slamming the door shut behind her. Mordred almost felt bad that he didn't feel tad bit guilty about the ordeal but had the feeling quickly subside when he felt his pocket vibrate.

Time: 3:46 pm

From: unknown number

*Hey there*

Who's this? he text back.

Time: 3:48 pm

From: unknown number

*Oh, sorry it's me Merlin :)*

Mordred's heart flipped with excitement. Hey! he text back almost immediately, hoping his eagerness didn't scare him away.

Time: 3:52 pm

From: MERLIN!

*Hi! Can you still come tonight?*

Yeah definitely.

Time: 3:58 pm

From: MERLIN!

*Are you sure? I don't want to be a bother.*

Seriously you're anything but that, you're saving my day actually.

Time: 4:02 pm

From: MERLIN!

*Oh man now I feel pressured.*

Haha don't, I'm just looking forward to tonight.

Time: 4:08 pm

From: MERLIN!

*Yea me too. It starts at 10 at Arthur's place, 28 Grail St. See you there : )*

Can't wait. He text back and stared at his phone for a moment taking in how much he meant it.

It took mordred literally the rest of the afternoon to get ready. After spending nearly an hour in the shower he ran and started fetching clothes from the closet throwing them around the room like a mad man until he finally found something that was both somewhat clean and good-looking. He settled on a pair of warn black jeans that had a small seemingly accidental hole on the left knee and a fitted black T shirt that always seemed to get attention. It was a simple outfit, but one that showed off his features best. As soon as quarter to ten came around he grabbed his keys and made his way out.

Time: 10: 23 pm

From: MERLIN!

*Hey find the place ok?*

Yea, I'm out front.

Time: 10: 27 pm

From: MERLIN!

*Oh good, be out in a sec.*

Ok see you soon.

"For a second I didn't think you'd show, not that I'd blame you."

"Why wouldn't I? I was invited"

"Of course I just didn't think Morgana would let you go anywhere near Arthur."

"She doesn't have to know" he chimed

"What a rebel" Merlin teased. "Shall we head in?"

"After you" Mordred said politely stepping aside for merlin to go on.

Once inside Mordred couldn't believe the shear amount of stuff the place contained. Antiques, trophies, paintings, and just about anything you would expect to see on an episode of Cribs.

"Wow"

"Yea it's a bit… overwhelming."

"Maybe a little"

"Oi Merlin! Arthur's looking for ya." a tall muscular fellow said as he approached them.

"Thanks Percival. Hey I'll be right back, sorry." He said as he followed the taller boy into the mass of people. Mordred felt a bit uneasy when he was no longer able to see his friend. Merlin had been the only person he knew, and was the only reason he remained standing there holding up a nearby wall. After a few minutes of patiently waiting he decided to seek him out and began to wander about. Soon he spotted him in the crowd with a rather loud and obnoxious blond gentleman standing by his side, laughing at some joke Mordred hadn't heard. Mordred could feel his insides twist as he watched the man clap a hand on Merlins shoulder and lean in to whisper something that made them both break out into laughter. That must be Arthur. He thought sullenly. He was just about to leave when he heard someone calling out his name turning he realized it was Merlin quickly making his way over.

"Sorry about that, I hope you didn't wait too long"

"No, it's ok."

"Would you like a drink?"

"Yea sure"

"Be back in a sec" he said making his way through the crowd once more. Ten minutes later Mordred could feel the frustration rise. He wasn't used to this kind treatment. Searching once more he scanned the crowd, dipped into every room but he was nowhere to be found. After a full hour he knew Merlin had forgotten him. After a few wrong turns he was able to find the exit but not before he spotted his lankly big eared friend running up a set of stairs. Against his better judgment he followed, his body too willing.

Running through a maze of stairwells he finally made it the top he looked around realizing that he had made it too the roof. It was complete silence up there it was a wonder that there was a party going on at all downstairs. Walking towards the front of the building he spotted someone childishly hugging their knees to their chest. Merlin he thought practically running over.

Sure enough it was, except he was different. He wasn't the cheerful boy from moments before; his expression was dark and wounded. His bright blue eyes were glassy as if on the edge of tears and all Mordred could think of doing was reaching out and wiping them away. But instead he silently sat beside his miserable friend and waited.

After a few sniffling moments Merlin spoke.

"I'm sorry for leaving you" he whispered.

"It's alright"

"No I should stayed with you, I shouldn't have been with him, he wouldn't of…"

"What?"

"Nothing." They sat there in silence for a little while longer until Mordred began.

"Does this have to do with Arthur?"

"I love him you know… ever since the day we met" Mordred nodded, his heart steadily breaking at Merlin's sudden confession. "He means everything to me, I've done everything, given up so much just for him. But then he treats me like some joke, some burden and mocks my sexuality because of the stupid scarves" he says emphasizing his claim by tugging on the one around his neck. "But then the second he's tipsy he whisks me away and steals kisses, just how am I supposed to take that?!" Merlin shouts as he rest his forehead on his knees before continuing. "Somewhere deep down he must feel the same… that's what I want to believe but I know it's not true he just does what he does because I'm so close so… willing." Mordred simply sat there in silence.

"Sorry I didn't mean to say all that…"

"I don't mind… don't worry."

"If you want to leave you can"

"Why would I?"

"Well I did just awkwardly come out to you" he looked away with a forlorn smile.

"Yes you certainly did, but that doesn't change anything."

"Really?"

"You can't be that dumb"

"Shut up" he said trying to stifle a laugh.

"So… what should we do now?" Mordred said peeking over at merlin's calming features.

"Count the stars?" Mordred shot him a curious glance but merlin simply smiled that goofy grin.

"Fine" he replied shaking his head at him.

"1…"

"2…"

"Hey Mordred…3"

"Yes?…4"

"I'm glad you came… 5" he whispered as their shoulders met. Mordred could feel his breath catch as he leaned back against him.

"Yea…yea me too…6"