Hunith had just finished rolling the last curler in her hair when the alarm went off. The house then politely and eloquently informed her that itwas going to blow the holy hell out of itself and to have a nice day. Any sensible, rational, and obedient person would have followed the normal evacuation procedure (that is if in some bizarre and extremist world houses committing suicide was a normal occurrence) however Hunith was a mother, a breed of person not known for calm rationality.

She ran to her son's favourite room in the South Wing. It was barricaded by one of Merlin's giant, bookshelves, previously stacked with gratuitous amounts of books.

'Merlin!' she shouted at the door.

There came no reply. Hunith, being the mother of a genius, wasn't without some smarts herself. She ran over to the sniper encased in glass, hung proudly on the wall. She picked up a random object (which just so happened to be Merlin's iPod...oops,) and threw it at the glass casing. It smashed a hole wide enough for her to reach in and grasp the rifle. She yanked it out, smashing open the rest of the glass.

She ran back to the bookcase and wedged the rifle between the shelf and the door. She pushed all her weight onto the rifle. The leverage pushed the bookcase open far enough for her to open the door slightly and squish through.

Merlin was on his knees in the centre of the room.

'Merlin!' she ran to him and cupped his teary face in her palm 'Where's Arthur? We need to get out of here.'

'He's gone,' Merlin told her, another tear slid down his pale cheekbone.

'What do you mean, where is he?'

'He left with them; he chose his team over me. His suffocating father and the friends he couldn't tell he was gay.'

'Merlin, I'm sad for you, I really am, but now is not the time to-,'

'He chose them over me.'

'Yes but the house-,'

'I thought he loved me.'

SLAP.

'Criminal masterminds do not fall apart over being dumped,' Hunith scolded.

'Right, sorry,' Merlin came back to himself and checked his watch 'Two minutes till detonation...shall we get a move on then?'

'Let's.'

Arthur awoke on something hard and cold. The wind was rustling up his hair in all direction and his head was pounding. He opened his eyes. He saw Pen strapped to his chair, helmet on and speaking into the microphone while he adjusted switches in front of him and directed a familiar looking stick. The helicopter. They were in Merlin's helicopter—oh god Merlin!

Arthur pulled himself up and crawled over to the window. They were already in the air, high above Merlin's manor.

'Stop!' Arthur ordered and turned to his teammates.

Morgana, Lance and Sophia looked up when he spoke.

'We have to stop! We can't leave him there to die!' Arthur urged.

Owain turned around from where he sat in the front next to Pen.

'We already have.'

A gigantic blast of noise sounded from below them and a massive shock wave forced the helicopter to sway dangerously.

Those within the helicopter struggled to balance themselves as Pen tried to accommodate to the abrupt impact. When the shock had passed Arthur rushed back over to the window, to see the giant flames, smoke, and debris, of what was left of Merlin's home.

'No!' Arthur shouted and whipped around to Owain 'You fuck!'

Arthur's fist collided with Owain's face. Which resulted in a large snapand blood began to gush from Owain's nose. Lance and Morgana took hold of Arthur and pulled him back. Owain cursed and Pen struggled to fly with all the commotion.

'I can't believe it!' Sophia exclaimed from where she sat near the window. 'That bugger must have nine lives.'

'What is it?' Morgana asked over the noise of Owain forcing his nose back into place.

Arthur hurried to the window and grinned.

Merlin and Hunith were booking it, safely away from the fire on snow mobiles.

'Right, let's pursue!' Owain ordered and took out his gun.

'We can't,' Pen informed them 'This thing barely has enough gas to get us to the nearest airfield without engaging in a pursuit.'

'Bloody hell!' Owain swore 'fine, get us back home, but I swear to god, that I will get Emrys back for this.'

After Uther was briefed on what had actually transpired over the past few days, he locked himself inside the shooting range for two hours. When he emerged the Agents that entered were amazed to find the targets possessed faces... or more correctly one particular face.

Once Uther had blown off a bit of steam, he summoned another gathering of the both Alpha teams and their handlers. Nimueh, who had not been present during both the raid and the first briefing sat there in shock. Uther brooded in his chair, Gaius sighed and looked altogether disapproving. The team's eyes jumped from place to place not sure where exactly to look in the...most unusual of circumstances.

'Are you kidding me?' Nimueh turned to Arthur in surprise. 'We conduct an international manhunt for you and you're shagging the suspect? What did you think this was a joke? Let's divert federal resources and man hours so I can have my experimental homosexual fling in style!'

'Nimueh, you really needn't bother, Arthur's already received a complete chewing out from all of us, you couldn't make him feel anymore guilty,' Morgana defended.

Arthur's eyes remained downcast.

'He feels guilty? Oh well then that's alright then, I mean it's not like he's legally guilty of treason, consorting with the enemy, or aiding and abetting.' Nimueh, queen of sarcasm added. 'He's single handily turned the SSA into the laughing stock of the entire intelligence community!'

'No he hasn't,' Uther stated from his very large chair, gaining the attention of everyone in the room. 'Because this information is never going to leave this room. In your reports you will describe events, where you found Arthur being held captive against his will by the cyber terrorist Merlin Emrys. You will then describe how you rescued him and blew up the building in an attempt to kill the suspect.'

'Furthermore,' Uther sat forward in his chair. 'Arthur will be awarded a medal in a ceremony a week from now where he will discuss the traumatic events that occurred to him, and how it was only through the loyalty and strength of his friends that he survived. No one outside of his room will know about this and thereby save the reputation of this team, this agency, and this country.'

The team all nodded, the plan sounded better by the second. The Alpha Team was supposed to be the best of the best, a great symbol of respect. Arthur's...romance, would have shamed or ruined all of them. They were the team who spent several days searching Merlin Emrys, to discover one of their very own to be having an affair with said criminal? They'd all look like fools.

'That's all very well and good but what about him?' Nimueh asked gesturing at Arthur. 'What if he tries to nick off to see lover boy again?'

'He won't,' Uther stated.

'With all due respect si-,'

'He won't, because the Arthur that I know wouldn't sell out his team and his country,' Uther stood and walked up into Arthur's personal space.

' No, I believe Arthur was drugged or brainwashed into believing he had feelings for this criminal. Because the son that I know, that I raised would never betray me, his team or his country like that,' Uther glared into Arthur's eyes 'You didn't know what you were doing, did you son?'

'No,' Arthur spoke quietly 'You're right, I didn't,'

'Good, then in the meantime, you will provide Gaius with any information you may have on Emrys's whereabouts and then you will be placed under round the clock lockdown. Only out for missions and classes,' Uther directed before leaving room.

'You're very lucky Arthur Pendragon,' Nimueh glared at him 'to have friends and family who care about you so much, which is more than they can say for you.'

'Well I hate to say I told you so,' Gwen spoke smugly from where she sat was perched on top of Merlin's desk.

'The bloody hell you do,' Merlin grumbled from where he sat on his sofa.

'True, but I was right, and you put me through a hell of a lot of drama and bull shit over Arthur bloody Pendragon so you're going to sit there and listen while I gloat,'

'It's not like I have a choice, you cuffed me to the wall.'

'Yes well...you have this nasty habit of running off whenever I try to lecture to,'

'Gee I wonder why that is?'

'Oh just shut up and listen Dr. Horrible...now where was I? Oh yes, I warned you about Arthur bloody Pendragon, and getting involved with the SSA but no. You're Merlin fucking Emrys and above the petty danger of incarceration for the rest of your life...I might also add that considering how young you are that is even longer than life imprisonment for the average person. '

'Oi!' Gwen exclaimed and snapped her fingers.

'What? I'm listening!'

'The bloody hell you were!'

'That's ridiculous, how could you possibly known whether or not I was listening? I'm making eye contact aren't I? My non verbals are all responsive!'

'Your eyes were glazing!'

'Were not.'

'Were too.'

'Were not!'

'Were too!'

'Really, you two should be ashamed of yourselves,' Hunith stated from behind her fashion magazine on Merlin's bed. 'Is this what passes for witty villain dialogue these days?'

'What is this? Attack Merlin day? I've been dumped! Where's the support?' Merlin demanded.

'I'm sorry dear. Should I go fetch us some chocolate from Harvard's and rent some gushy movie about a woman who finds her own independence and sense of power after being in a controlling and domineering relationship?' Hunith offered with a taunting smile.

'I was thinking more along the lines of Hackers or Dogma, oh I know let's get Die Hard!' Merlin exclaimed.

'Brilliant idea!' Gwen added. 'Right after I've finished lecturing you on how I was right about you and Arthur's relationship ending in disaster and you were, for once, wrong.'

'Ending? Gwen, dearest,' Merlin purred 'what you makes you think this has ended?'

'Ah, perhaps it was the dumping you and leaving you in a house to die?'

'All are insignificant.' Merlin brushed off with his un-cuffed hand 'Nothing worth fighting for ever comes easy.'

'Well I can assure you any further action on your part is going to be more than a little bit difficult. Lance told me that Arthur has sworn to have nothing to do with you. He's not even allowed to Google your name.'

'Still in touch with Lance are we? You bloody hypocrite how come you're allowed to see an SSA agent and I'm not?!' Merlin turned and tugged at his handcuffs.

'Several reasons; One: because Lance and I are not dating, we're just emailing...and texting on occasion. Two: because Lance is not the son of the director of MI6, and three: because we're not bloody stupid enough to try and run away together.'

'That is so unfair!'

'That is life.'

'Well I don't bloody well care what you say; I'm going to get Arthur back. This is not over yet, I assure you,'

'You ...barmy arrogant little shi-.'

'Gwen, fetch my motorcycle, I have a stud to woo.'

Arthur returned to his room after another hellishly long day and collapsed on his bed. He received pats on the back and 'welcome backs' and 'congratulations' from his schoolmates, along with glares and cold shoulders from members of his own team. Lance tried to show support when the others weren't around, telling him he had made the right decision and to hang on, that it would soon pass. Morgana too tried to comfort, however she still managed to pull off that general air of disapproval.

Arthur ran his hands through his hair. It was almost too much, all this resentment and disappointment from people he cares about. Everything just felt like it was falling apart...and then there was Merlin.

God he missed him so much. Arthur thought about their time together all the fucking time, he could barely concentrate on his classes. Arthur thought about the way Merlin had kissed him, the way they had had jerked each other off in the opera theatre, the way Merlin had gone down on him, oh god, the taste of Merlin when Arthur had gone down on him. Then there was that night in the bath tub and several times more in Merlin's bed.

Arthur reached down and palmed his hard cock through his pants, his eyes welled up as he imagined Merlin's pale skin, the arch of his neck, the strong look of longing in Merlin's eyes . His arousal peaked and he slipped his hand into his jeans, he began to stroke his cock nice and slow, remembering the first time he had touched himself for Merlin.

'Well...I wasn't quite sure what to expect when I got here, but I must say this is a very pleasant surprise,'

Arthur ripped his hand out of his pants and shot up from his bed.

Merlin sat on Arthur's desk grinning, like it was the most casual thing in the world for him to be there.

'Oh please don't let me stop you, wouldn't dream of it...okay yes, I do dream of it, but usually it's because I'm replacing your hand with my mouth or-.'

'What the hell are you doing here?' Arthur hissed.

'I've come to see you, obviously.'

'Merlin! You can't be here!'

'Oh I know. You say you can't see me, I come see you anyway, it's kind of like this little game we play.'

'You need to leave, now.'

'Come on, you're not the tiniest little bit happy to see me?'

'No, now leave, or I'll get the others,'

'The others?' Merlin asked 'What's the matter? You can't get rid of me yourself?'

Merlin stalked toward Arthur. Arthur flinched and tried to stay out of Merlin's reach.

'Tell me Arthur, what were you thinking about?' Merlin asked as he crowded Arthur up against the wall, their bodies so close it was torture. 'Just now, when you were jerking off what were you thinking about?'

Arthur's heart was beating so fast, his skin was so hot, his cock was begging for any kind of contact and Merlin looked so good; that pale skin, that hair, those cheekbones, and dear lord his neck.

'Something I'm not supposed to,' Arthur spoke, his voice strained.

Merlin finally pressed his lips to Arthur's. Arthur immediately parted his lips and clung to Merlin's back. Merlin swept his tongue inside and Arthur kissed back forcefully. They hungrily kissed and clutched at each other, tongues tasting and caressing, teeth nipping and teasing. They pressed their bodies together and groaned into kiss, completely swept up in one another.

They separated and panted for breath, starring at each other as they tried to regain some semblance of control.

'You see? You can't tell me you don't feel that,' Merlin stated.

Arthur's eyes went cold. Then he reached out and flicked open a latch on his desk and pressed the button within. For the second time in 52 hours an alarm began shrieking.

'I'm sorry,' Arthur said and slipped out of Merlin's reach.

'You know what Arthur,' Merlin spoke with contempt 'you should really try thinking for yourself sometime, you might like it.'

Merlin heard a familiar click, before a gunshot, blew Arthur's lock to the other side of the room and the door was smashed open. Owain came storming in, gun raised.

'Bugger!' Merlin exclaimed and ran for the window. He jumped, but not until he heard gunshot and pain burned through his left shoulder. He hit the ground hard, cursed and made a run for his bike. He was really beginning to dislike this Owain chap.

'He's gone,' Owain panted, after he had run almost the entire block chasing after Emrys on that damned motorcycle.

'You did the right thing,' Lance told Arthur, who was once again casting his eyes downward.

Pen clapped Arthur on the shoulder encouragingly before they all headed back to blessed sleep.

Arthur collapsed on his bed once more, absentmindedly running his fingertips over his lips.

'Bugger bloody mother shagging wanker tosser fuck!'

'You cuss at me one more time Merlin Emrys and I'll take away your super computer!' Hunith warned as she dug around deeper in Merlin's shoulder in search for the elusive bullet.

'It's theoretically impossible for you or anyone else to remove my super computer, for a number of variables, one being of which you have no idea how a laptop works mother- fucking ow!'

'Karma,' Gwen said smugly from the sofa. 'Finally you get some form of payback.'

'Oh shove it up your blooming arse!' Merlin yelled as Hunith yanked out the tweezers from Merlin's body.

'Found it!' she declared and dropped the bullet in the bowl full of water. 'Now I'll just stitch you up and you'll be good as new.'

'As well as I could be, seeking medical attention from my mother,' Merlin groaned.

'Please, this is hardly my first bullet wound...hell it's not even my seventh,' Hunith remarked.

'I did offer to remove it, you'll recall?' Gwen reminded him.

'Genius remember? I'm not stupid enough to fall for that, I ask you to remove it and somehow I'll end up without a left foot...or castrated.'

'Hmm castration would solve many of our problems.'

'You come near me with any sort of sharp instrument and I'll add your name to registry of scientology and wire all your money to charitable causes.'

'You wouldn't dare!'

'Try me woman—sodding bloody hell's arse!'

'Sorry dear, nearly finished,' Hunith comforted him.

'So are you done now?' Gwen asked Merlin 'Have you endured enough emotional torture, can we finally move on from this disaster?'

'He kissed me back Gwen, why would I ever give up after such encouragement?'

'Perhaps because he called the alarm on you and got you shot?'

'Foreplay.'

'That's it, I'm calling the funny farm!'

'All done,' Hunith sang and got up to get rid of all the bloody patches and sterilise the instruments.

'Right,' Merlin sighed 'Now I wonder if someone would be so kind as to carry me to my super computer?'

Uther had his driver pull up front of the SSAB Alpha boy's team house and got out. He straightened his jacket and stalked up the driveway, where Owain and Arthur were seated on the front porch.

'Well? What' so damn important that couldn't be expressed in a phone call?' Uther demanded.

'Sorry sir...but I really...didn't want to explain that to you,' Owain sighed.

'Explain what?!'

Owain pointed off behind Uther. Uther turned to look at the school. Certain classrooms were lit up whilst others remained dark. This in itself was pretty unusual seeing how it was night, and a Saturday. What was even more peculiar was that the lights, from a distance actually spelt out words. In this case a sentence that read:

I will never give him up

Then the classrooms all went dark, before new ones lit up spelling:

Uther can kiss my bony arse.

Then finally followed by:

Hugs and Kisses – Merlin.

'How the bloody hell is he doing that?' Uther gestured wildly.

'The lights are all based on an electronic system.' Lance appeared at the doorway 'He must have hacked in and gained control of it.'

'God damn it, I want this boy in the ground! I wanted it done yesterday!' Uther roared and turned to Arthur 'And as for you! I think it's time you started looking for your romance or intercourse elsewhere.'

The lift doors opened and Hunith and Gwen bolted down the hallway for Merlin's room as fast as they could. Gwen was in the lead, but Hunith was surprisingly agile for age, and not above fighting dirty. This involved zapping Gwen with the tazer Merlin got her for Christmas.

Gwen went down and Hunith crossed the finish line, or rather Merlin's threshold and slammed the door behind her. Merlin looked up at his mother's entrance with an eyebrow raised.

'Mother?'

'Merlin dear, there's something I have to tell you,' she spoke gently and walked over to the desk Merlin was working at.

She sat down on it and ran her hands through his hair.

'You're not going to like it...but you should know...and you should hear it from me,'

'Ah okay....what is it?'

'...ah...I just shot Gwen up with enough electricity to make a person unconscious and no doubt sore when she wakes up.'

'...You electrocuted Gwen?'

'Yes.'

'Why?'

'Ah...to get to you first.'

'Why would you need to see me first?'

'Well you see I did electrocute Gwen...but that wasn't what I came in here to tell you. I electrocuted Gwen so she wouldn't tell you, because she'd just rub your nose in it and try to hurt you and baby you've already been through so much-'

'Mother...you're really not making much sense.'

'Well you see, Gwen just got an email from Lance and I just happened to be there and well you've always known I've been a bit of a sticky beak, so I took a quick peak and...Honey, Arthur's got a new girlfriend.'

'What?!'

'Well not new exactly, apparently they've dated before, him and this Sophia girl,' Hunith added.

'Sophia? From the girls Alpha team?'

'Yes that's the one.'

'This is Uther's doing!' Merlin glared at the wall.

'Well...perhaps...but maybe he's just...you know...moved on.'

'No, no way, not so soon after, not after the way we kissed.'

'Passionate was it?' Hunith leaned in eagerly.

'To say I was worked up would be an understatement. If someone had thrown a bucket of water on us there would have been steam.'

'That's my boy.'

'It must be a set up,'

'I have more information you may find useful, information I know Gwen wouldn't want me telling you.'

'Oh really? What would that be exactly?'

'Just the time and place of Arthur and Sophia's next date.'

'Mother, I love you.'

'I love you too, snookums.'

'I've heard about fashionably late but this is ridiculous,'

'Gwen, what did I say about breaking radio silence?!'

'That's Queen Magnificent to you Merlin! You dragged me into this mess, so I reserve the right to assign the codenames, Donatello.'

'Oh come on, no one likes Donatello, how about Michelangelo or Splinter?'

'Donatello is the nagging nerd and token gay turtle, so I think it's rather appropriate.'

'Bloody Donatello, I could have been Val Kilmer from Kiss Kiss Bang Bang he was gay.'

'Oh quit your complaining.'

'Demeter, how are things going down your end?'

'Demeter? As in, the mother of Persephone? The woman abducted by Hades to the Underworld? Are you implying something Gwen?'

'Calm down Merlin, again I think it rather appropriate; you were seduced the dark side after all weren't you?'

'9 o'clock and all's well Queen Magnificent.' Hunith's voice sounded through the radio.

'I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Donatello for this complete waste of time and inducing mind numbing boredom now for the past two hours!'

'Gwen, there's a particular pointy appendage you can go suck.'

'Overcompensating Bastard and Perky Boyfriend Stealing Bitch have arrived.'

'I find that description of Arthur to be anatomically incorrect...Sophia's sounds about right though.'

'What's their location Demeter?'

'Overcompensating Bastard just pulled up in a very sensible looking car, not like that death trap you ride around on, Donatello.'

'Mother, now is not the time.'

'Oh how nice, he's just opened the door for her, I hope your paying attention, dear.'

'Oh god, merciful and wise, if you truly exist you will disconnect this radio connection now.'

'...'

'Did it work?'

'Well that solves that two thousand and ten year old debate.'

'They're being seated at one of the centre tables.'

'Okay I'm lining up the shot.'

'Ah Gwen? Just how good is your aim with that thing?'

'Donatello? I'm a mercenary and former assassin, you don't see me questioning your hacking ability do you?'

'Right, sorry...it's just that, I know that you're just firing a bug plant into the courtyard...but at that propulsion...well if you hit Arthur you could kill him.'

'Relax, I have perfect aim. Alright, bug plant 1...fire.'

'...'

'Did you just blow up that gentlemen's bottle of champagne?' Hunith questioned.

'Oops.'

'Oops?! That was right next to Arthur's head!!!'

'Forgot to compensate for wind, no problem, I'll just try again.'

'Wait, wait, maybe I could just sneak by and-.'

'Fire!'

'...'

'Did that man's champagne bottle just blow up?' A feminine voice sounded on the radio.

'It appears so.'

'How strange.'

'You see, piece of cake.'

'Tell that to the champagne bottle.'

'Oh Arthur this is just lovely, you have such good taste,' Sophia spoke softly.

'Oh Arthur this is just lovely, neh neh bla bla, I'm a skank.'

'Really Donatello, show at least some morsel of maturity.'

'I am mother; she's still alive isn't she?'

'Shh I missed that, what did they say?'

'Perky Boyfriend Stealing Bitch just told Overcompensating Bastard that she wasn't wearing any underwear.'

'She did WHAT?

'God Donatello, you're so easy.'

'I'm going to kill you, in slow and painful ways.'

'Perky Boyfriend Stealing Bitch ordered the salad and some form of posh wine, Overcompensating Bastard asked for steak and a bottle of sake.'

'Sake, that takes me back, did I ever tell you about that time I was in Japan working under, quite literally, a yakuza boss with plans to take his empire nationally?'

'God mother, not now, please, I'm not in the state of mind to listen to another of your call girl sex stories.'

'I am.'

'God, shut up.'

'I understand what you went through Arthur I really do,' Sophia spoke.

'Do you?'

'Of course, I went through an experimentation phase myself.'

'You have?'

'Oh yes, Nimueh and I went to this Christmas spy party last year and we had a bit too much eggnog and one thing lead to another.'

'Uh huh.'

'Oh I really did not need that visual, yuck.'

'Gay boys, seriously any mention of vaginas and you freak.'

'What? They're weird looking and squishy.'

'And you prefer hard and...Less squishy.'

'Right.'

'Anyway...if it's experimentation you're interested in,' Sophia spoke and then reached out to lay her hand on top of Arthur's 'then I'd be more than willing to help.'

'Gwen, give me your bug gun.'

'No... you'll miss. I'll take her out for a particularly generous Christmas bonus?'

'Done.'

'You'll do no such thing; do you honestly think Arthur will forgive you if you murder one of his team mates?'

'...He may...,'

'Here comes the alcohol.'

'Finally.'

'You sound rather pleased, Donatello?'

'Let's just say I have friends in catering.'

'Who?'

'Jim Gunn that old navy cook?'

'Oh yeah, how is old Jimmy?'

'He's a vice chef or something,'

'Here? Wow I call that a successful retirement from crime.'

'Yeah...the poor sod.'

'Oh...' Sophia frowned 'This has really strange aftertaste.'

'I wouldn't know.'

'Would you like to try? I could feed you mouth to mouth?' Sophia grinned cheekily.

Arthur downed a shot of sake fast.

'You know I'm really not feeling guilty about this in the least.' Donatello snapped.

'I know! That line? Soo desperate. She's completely bollocksing up this seduction thing,' Queen Magnificent remarked.

'The hint is subtlety, a well timed flash of leg or a fine turn of wrist, throwing yourself at men never works...unless you're in a low class establishment like a strip club or something.'

'Mother, please I really don't need to know the tricks of your trade.'

'I've really missed you,' Sophia reached across the table and rested her hand on top of Arthur's 'I forgot why we broke up in the first place.'

'I'll give you a clue honey, it's long and hard and you don't have one!'

'Oh I know! I know!

'We all know Hunith, because everyone on this frequency likes cock...some more than others.'

Sophia took another sip of wine and smile fondly at Arthur. However the desired effect was lost due to the condition of her teeth.

'Oh My God...did her teeth just...turn black?' Hunith enquired.

'They may. They may also remain like that for up to and including 48 hours.'

'Brilliant.'

'Ah I think you have something...,' Arthur gestured toward his mouth. Sophia dug out her compact.

'Oh my, this is embarrassing,' Sophia giggled and popped open the mirror 'OH MY GOD!'

The observers spent the next twenty minute laughing as Sophia went off at the staff. Arthur sat there drinking his sake looking extremely bored and irritated.

Sophia wanted to leave immediately, but couldn't turn down the manager when he said they'd give them their meals for free, as well as a very expensive bottle of champagne, and a string quartet to play lovely mood music for the romantic night together.

The string quartet was immediately rushed over. Sophia stopped her raving and got back into the mood of their date. She started by gazing lovingly at Arthur as romantic music filled the air.

'Blast!'

'Oh didn't see that coming did you? Although I must say,' Gwen laughed 'Her smile isn't quite so alluring now...my god she looks hilarious.'

'Oh look the food's here,' Arthur quickly interrupted, breaking the mood, as their meals were placed before them.

'Oh this is delicious!' Sophia exclaimed.

'Wow, way to guzzle it down, porky,'

'So I was thinking, the girls are both out tonight, and we'd have the house all too ourselves.'

Merlin laughed evilly into his microphone as Arthur's face screwed up.

'What? What is it?' Sophia asked him.

'Nothing...it's just...there's a lot of garlic in that salad,' Arthur stated.

Laughter sounded over the microphones as Sophia's hand flew up to cover her mouth.

'That's not all that's in the salad.'

'Why what else is in there?'

'A little something I learnt from Advanced Chem.'

'...Is it me? Or is Perky Boyfriend Stealing Bitch swelling up?'

'Oh my god! I remember! Ryan Handle, that homophobe you told me about, and how you made him swell up like a Super bowl blimp!'

'Beware all ye who cross me, for my retribution is swift and nasty.'

'Nice use of rhyme.'

'Thank you mother.'

Sophia cried out in alarm as she noticed her fingers had become the size of German sausages.

'My god! Are you allergic?' Arthur asked.

'No! I'm not allergic to anything! SSA had me tested extensively like everyone else!'

'Then what's going on?!'

'I don't know!!!!' she cried almost hysterical now.

Merlin was laughing so hard he almost didn't notice the look of realisation that passed over Arthur's face, as he turned and began to scour nearby buildings.

'Oh crap, he's onto us.'

'Of course he's onto us, despite what you may believe my Arthur is not an idiot.'

'Despite what you may believe he is not your Arthur.'

'Oh dear I think he's spotted my van.'

'RUN!'

'Where exactly are we going?' Arthur asked as Owain and Pen lead him away from their next class and further into campus.

'To heaven mate, to heaven,' Pen assured him and put his arm around Arthur shoulders.

'Uh huh, and this heaven is located in the middle of school grounds?' Arthur questioned.

'Nope,' Owain stopped and opened the door to girl's bathroom.

'You've gotta be kidding me,' Arthur groaned 'I know you guys want to get me back on the straight and narrow, and I appreciate it, but isn't peeping taking it a little too far?'

Pen pushed Arthur inside the bathroom. Arthur stumbled forward and looked back at them with his eyebrows raised.

'No need to thank us, being the altruistic people that we are,' Pen grinned cheekily.

'Enjoy my brother,' Owain smirked 'Sate your hunger.'

And with those cryptic words they locked the door behind Arthur.

Arthur put his hand over his eyes and ventured forward in hopes of finding a window.

'If anyone is in here, I'm really very sorry. My mentally challenged friends have locked me in,' Arthur called out 'I've got my eyes covered if any of you are in fear for your modesty.'

'Now there's really no need for that,'

Upon recognising the reply, Arthur uncovered his eyes.

Sophia walked toward him with a taunting smile on her face.

'There's no one here but us, and my modesty is kind of not existent when it comes to you,' she told him and wrapped her arms around his neck.

Arthur was going to push her away, until he noticed something above Sophia's head. A camera. It was a test. No doubt set up by Owain or perhaps Uther. So Arthur relaxed his grip and allowed Sophia to move in and kiss him.

Her tongue is in his mouth, twisting and lapping. Arthur shuts his eyes tight and kisses back, trying to mimic her enthusiasm. Her warm taste fills his mouth, a taste he use to enjoy, however all he could think now was that it was wrong. Merlin's taste used to make Arthur's head spin, Sophia was bland and tasted slightly of nicotine.

Sophia pulled back and gave Arthur a swift push. He fell back into a stall and onto a toilet seat, which thankfully had the lid down. Sophia straddled Arthur's lap and pushed herself up against him and she resumed her fierce kisses. She's soft, Arthur thought, he wasn't sure he liked soft, he liked hard. He missed Merlin's hard cock poking him in the stomach, causing that deep thrill that would drive him to pull Merlin closer and begin nibbling his way down Merlin's gorgeous neck.

Sophia gasped softly, no that's wrong too, Arthur thought. Merlin arched and moaned, he didn't hold back, his reactions were always heated and wanton. Arthur felt a hand slide up his thigh and resisted the urge to pull away.

Sophia's hand rested on his cock and began to rub. Arthur winced, how far exactly would he have to go to make it look good. He was saved when both his and Sophia's pager's went off. Sophia sighed in frustration and pulled hers out of her skirt.

'Code Black,' she quickly stood up and adjusted herself.

Arthur checked his pager that read the same.

'Fuck!'Arthur cursed 'We've got to get to the hub.'

They left the bathroom quickly. Arthur spared one last look at the camera and hoped his father or his troubled teammates saw enough to satisfy. However unfortunately for Arthur, certain members of the SSA weren't the only ones watching.

Hunith flinched as the very expensive terracotta vase shattered against the wall.

Merlin stood there fuming, looking around something else expensive and fragile to attack the wall with.

'Well I hate to say I told you so-,'

'Just shut the hell up Gwen!' Merlin snapped and stalked off into his bedroom, slamming the door behind him.

'Amazing how when he's really angry he becomes the angsty teenager he's supposed to be,' Hunith remarked.

Gwen walked over to the super computer and pulled the keyboard toward her.

'What are you doing?' Hunith asked.

'The code black,' Gwen stated and began to jump from camera to camera trying to find the one set up in the hub.

'What about it?'

'It's extremely high priority,' Gwen stated 'Pretty much the worst case scenario.'

'So, naturally you plan to eavesdrop and find out what all the fuss is about?' Hunith deduced.

'What can I say; Merlin's methods are rubbing off on me.'

'Half an hour ago we received a video sent electronically to us from the terrorist Edwin Muirden,' Uther stated to gathered Alpha teams 'He has taken the Prime Minister hostage and is demanding ten million dollars for his safe return.'

'Bloody hell,' Pen commented.

'Are we sure he actually has the Prime Minister?' Nimueh asked.

'Despite his presence in the video, our men also found the Prime Minister's office empty, minus the murdered guards and staff,' Uther confirmed.

'My god,' Gaius said.

'We were able to trace the email, to the Korean embassy,' Uther remarked 'He made it very easy for us; he even included the view of the opposite street from a window of the embassy.'

'Do the Korean's know he's there?' Owain asked.

'No and it's not like we can simply give them a call, a representative of our government has to meet, in person, a representative of theirs. Who is this case happens to be General Min. Apparently there have been several attempts on his life and their men are taking massive measures to ensure his safety. Which-,'

'Which means lengthy organisation, they're going to want to wait to organise a meeting place they can secure every inch of the way, which could take days to organise,' Arthur filled in.

'Exactly,' Uther nodded.

'Fuck that's smart,' Morgana remarked 'We can't break in, if we're caught it would cause massive diplomatic problems, it could even lead to war.'

'Lance, is it possible for you to hack the embassy and find us a way in?' Owain asked.

'Hack an embassy? Do you have any idea how illegal and difficult that would be?' Lance stressed.

'Morgana and Nimueh, help him as well as you are capable,' Uther ordered. 'We're going to have to plan this mission down to the very last millisecond.'

Gwen and Hunith stared at the screen before turning to each other and yelling 'Merlin!!'

Four hours later and Lance threw up his hands.

'What have you got?' Uther asked him and the teams gathered around.

'Absolutely nothing,' Morgana stated.

'The diplomats and high class citizens from Korea stay close to the embassy in the adjacent housing. I thought I'd be able to piggyback in off one of those but the entire block has insane virtual defences. I just don't have the skill and even if I did it would take me years to get in.'

'Pardon me?'

The occupants of the room turned to the entrance where Merlin Emrys, cyber terrorist, was leaning against the doorway as casual as you please.

'Perhaps I could be of some assistance?'

'Merlin?' Arthur stepped forward only to be pulled back by his father.

'Don't move!' Uther yelled and pulled out his gun, pointing it directly at Merlin.

'Woah hostile,' Merlin raised his arms.

'Owain, detain Emrys immediately,' Uther directed.

'With great pleasure sir,' Owain smirked.

'Why Uther, you're far more stupid that I gave you credit for,' Merlin stated as Owain rush over to him with restraints.

'I'm not the cyber terrorist who just waltzed into the SSA headquarters,' Uther pointed out.

'No, you're the man who's going to get the Prime Minister killed or worse, start a war, by not taking advantage of the resources available to you. I'm referring to myself by the way,' Merlin stated as Owain slapped the cuffs on him 'Ow! I bet your bedside manner is really atrocious.'

'You expect me to believe you'll collaborate with the SSA? That you're suddenly a friendly to us?' Uther raised an eyebrow.

'Well not exactly suddenly. It's not like I haven't been "friendly" with your son.'

Uther delivered a swift punch to Merlin's stomach. Merlin doubled over.

'Do you treat all your son's exes like this, if so,' Merlin turned to Sophia. 'We should sue.'

'Sir,' Gaius spoke up 'Perhaps the boy is right, we could use him.'

'There is no way I'm collaborating with that!'

'As the that to whom you are referring might I say that I find your attitude toward me offensive, after all criminals are people too.'

'Owain, gag him!'

'You too? Must run in the family.'

'Owain!'

'Sir, with all due respect we need him,' Gaius stood between Uther and Merlin 'This mission will fail without him.'

'I would rather die, or better yet, I'd rather he die.'

'Well you never know, you could get lucky, your mission may succeed. The Prime Minister could survive or maybe Muirden will just blow up the entire building, blame it on the SSA and enter Britain into a war with Korea. I hear those Northerners are even more ill tempered than you are.'

'...fuck!' Uther swore.

'Lance, sit back and watch a true master work,' Merlin smirked and began typing away at the keyboard.

'Hello password protector,' Merlin grinned and completed the override in under five seconds.

'Bloody hell,' Lance sat forward and watched intently.

'Alright let's see...well, well, well, it appears one of the Korean ambassadors is hosting a very private, very expensive masquerade ball,' Merlin stated.

'What bloody help to us is that?' Uther demanded.

'Because, Daddy Warbucks, this ambassador lives in the penthouse apartment, next door to the embassy.'

'No way,' Morgana leaned forward. 'Can we get in?'

'Oh I don't know, the guest list is digitised and protected with layers and layers of encryption and- oh look Colin Firth's attending.'

'Can you get us in or not?!' Uther demanded again.

'Sure, you'll be sending in Arthur and trigger happy here, no doubt?' Merlin gestured at Owain who sat in the corner glaring at him.

'Yes, Owain's on point,' Uther said.

'Really?' Merlin asked him, intrigued.

'Do you really think I'd put Arthur in charge with you behind the helm?' Uther mocked.

'The trust you have in your own son astounds me,' Merlin shook his head and returned to his work.

'Alright, you're now cordially invited to attend a masquerade ball.'

'Under what names?'

'See for yourself,' Merlin gestured at the monitor.

'Sum Gulp Cum and So Dum Hung?' Owain glared 'Are you fucking serious?'

Pen chuckled but quickly hid it with a cough and Owain glared some more.

'Guess which one's which?' Merlin smirked.

Merlin sat in a van out the front of the embassy with Morgana, Lance and Nimueh. Computer equipment and technology set up everywhere for their hacking needs. Pen and Sophia were set up on nearby rooftops for a bird's eye view.

'My first SSA mission I'm so excited,' Merlin declared.

'It's a sad day,' Nimueh sighed.

'How did you even know about all of this?' Morgana asked.

'I've hacked into the cameras at SSA many, many times. But don't worry I make it a point to never, ever access the ones in the girl's showers.'

'There are cameras in the girl's showers?' Morgana and Nimueh chorused.

'Alright, here come our boys,' Pen said through the mics.

Arthur and Owain got out of their limo in full costume. Gratefully so, since their masks hid the fact that they both weren't Asian. They approached the doormen, and the team heard the goings on through the bugs.

'Name?' The doorman asked.

'Sum Gulp Cum.' Owain stated.

'So Dum Hung,' Arthur spoke.

Morgana groaned and hit her head on the desk.

'There's no way they're going to buy that.'

'Hmm I thought so too, so I added in a little sidenote,' Merlin elaborated 'That they're actually Will and Harry, out for an anonymous party...as for the name's well boys will be boys.'

'You did what?!' Owain hissed under his mask.

'Will and Harry...as in William and Harry?? Are you mad?' Nimueh gaped.

'You know I'm getting really tired of hearing that question, at first it was funny now, it's just rude.'

The doormen stepped aside and allowed the boys in.

'You are so lucky that worked Emrys, otherwise you'd be dead.'

'No, otherwise you'd be arrested and probably executed in Korea,' Merlin stated 'they're not exactly known for their tolerance or leniency.'

'Oh shut up! Do you ever shut up?' Owain demanded.

'And deprive you of the only witty banter you're prehistoric brain has ever come into contact with? I wouldn't dream of it.'

'We're approaching the elevator,' Arthur cut in.

'Right,' Morgana accessed the blueprints 'You need to get up to the roof, however the elevator only extends to the penthouse, you'll need to actually get out at the party and find the staircase to take you up on the roof.'

'Are we sure no one will be on the roof?' Owain asked as he pressed the button for the penthouse.

'Just three guards with decorative military backgrounds,' Merlin shrugged.

'Oh well that's dandy,' Owain rolled his eyes.

'They probably know karate,'

'Thank you Emrys, that's enough.'

'Or Jiujutsu. Maybe they're ninja-trained warriors.'

'Could you be more of a geek?' Nimueh huffed.

'I hope so; I like to think there's always room for improvement.'

Lance snorted and covered up his amusement quickly, Nimueh can be really scary sometimes.

Arthur and Owain arrived at the party and stepped out into the crowds of creatures, masked ladies, and gentlemen. Most of them were gathered around the entertainment for the evening; a magician who began to breathe fire and conjure butterflies from mid air.

Arthur and Owain spotted the staircase and moved toward it. Naturally there was a guard posted there, and several cameras pointed around the room.

'Merlin, we need you to deactivate the cameras pointed at the staircase,' Owain instructed.

'Sure, because several camera's all shutting down, all in the similar spot won't arouse suspicion,' Merlin rolled his eyes.

'You got a better idea?' Owain demanded.

'Yes actually,' Merlin pulled his swivel chair in front of the computer and began to type 'I'm going to send the security system a porn spam.'

'A what?' Arthur gaped.

'Porn spam, it pops out after you've accessed a porn site, at any time in the past. Porn Spam is when a hundred porn WebPages pop up out of nowhere and it takes you ages to get rid of them because more keep popping up until you have to shut down altogether due to the sheer number of loud porno...' Lance trailed off realising all eyes were on him. 'Not that it's ever happened to me, because I don't look at porn...ever.'

'Won't they suspect an outside source though?' Morgana asked.

'Nope, the current security guy would be too embarrassed to call the alarm,' Merlin said. 'Since to receive a porn spam you must first have accessed porn, which I checked and this fellow has already done.'

'Not to mention the embarrassment of telling a senior officer, or being caught by a senior officer with a hundred sites of porn popping up on your monitor. Emrys is right, he'll be far too distracted, not to mention 100 porn sites would cover up the screen and therefore any camera footage fairly well.'

'Right do that,' Owain nodded.

'Sending Porn Spam now!' Merlin grinned and pressed enter. 'Alright, you can go anytime.'

Owain dropped a pill into a nearby champagne glass. Five minutes later someone cried out in pain, and the guard on the stairs hurried over to help the man who was apparently having a panic attack. God bless hallucinogens, they fly around so freely at high class parties such as these.

Arthur and Owain hurried up the stairs up to the roof. They opened the door and found three big men all starring at them.

'I'm sorry the roof is off limits,' one of them spoke.

Arthur uncapped a bottle of spray and rolled it across the ground. It exploded and each of them dropped at the first whiff of smoke.

'I think Rexona just met its match,' Pen remarked.

Merlin snorted.

'Alright I'm deactivating security on level 18 of the embassy,' Merlin said. 'Now I'm opening the window.'

'You can do that?' Morgana asked, surprised.

'Smart houses,' Merlin grinned. 'God, I love technology. The world is my playpen.'

The window opened on the level above where Arthur and Owain stood on the roof.

Arthur and Owain whipped out their grapple guns.

'Anyone on level 18?' Arthur asked.

'Let me just do a quick sweep...no, all clear.'

'Okay, we're going in,' Owain announced.

Arthur and Owain shot their grapple guns and lifted off the floor, propelling themselves through the embassy window.

'Smooth,' Pen remarked.

Arthur and Owain unhooked the cables from their guns and ran out into the hall.

'Alright according to the projections from the electronic video, Muirden should be on level 21,' Arthur announced.

'Alright we'll take the stairs,' Owain said.

Merlin managed to pull a 'speed' on every camera, just long enough for Merlin and Owain to get past undetected.

Arthur and Owain drew their weapons and stepped out onto level 21.

Muirden stood before a massive glass window, gun pointed at the very important man bound and gagged on the chair beside him.

'Put down your guns please, if you will.'

Arthur and Owain frowned, reluctant to give up their weapons.

'Now, please, otherwise I will kill him,' Muirden promised.

'What if we kill you before you pull the trigger?' Owain asked.

'Unlikely, since I am much closer to my target than you are to yours, it would be very difficult to miss, also, I have wired myself with plastic explosives. Are you willing to take the risk of hitting something...flammable?' Muirden threatened.

Arthur raised his hands and lowered his weapon slowly.

'That's a smart lad, you too cowboy,' Muirden directed.

Owain growled but followed Arthur's lead, then stood up straight beside his fellow teammate.

'Now,' Muirden spoke and pointed his gun toward them 'You're going to grab those chairs behind you and sit with your hands behind your back, whilst I bind you...now, please.'

Arthur and Owain did as was instructed.

'No, no, no. Something's wrong,' Merlin began to panic.

'Of course something's wrong, they were caught!' Nimueh exclaimed.

'No, they were trapped,' Merlin stated 'This whole thing has been a trap, right from the start. What kind of terrorist let's you know where they are? Hell he didn't even give instructions on how the money was to be transferred.'

'Alright granted...that's a little suspicious,' Morgana agreed.

'He's going to kill them,' Merlin realised.

'Wow that's a bit of a jump!' Lance spoke up.

'No it isn't. Look at him, he's calm, compose. Like he's thought this whole thing out and things are already in place. Like all the variables have been accounted for. If he wasn't going to kill them, he'd still be sweating, how is he going to get out of it,' Merlin frowned. 'No something's wrong.'

Merlin opened the side of the van and got out.

'Emrys? What the hell are you doing?!' Morgana demanded.

'I'm going in...anyone got a gun?'

'You seriously think any of us would ever give you a-,'

'Here!' Lance chucked Merlin his gun. 'But how the hell are you going to get it?'

'Emergency plan M,' Merlin stated and pulled his phone out of his pocket as he ran toward the building.

Merlin speed dialled.

'Hello?'

'Gwen, Emergency plan M, I need you to activate now!' Merlin exclaimed.

'Right, on it...okay activating in three, two, one-,' and the line went dead, as did all the power in London.

'Right, now all that's left is twenty one flights of stairs...sometimes I wish my skills lay in more physical activities.'

Muirden had just finished tying up Owain when the power went out.

'How strange, I suppose your friends are coming to save you?' Muirden asked.

'I don't think that was us,' Owain frowned as he looked at the window at the complete darkness that was the city.'

'An EMP, how intriguing,' Muirden smiled and walked over to Arthur.

'So, you must be Arthur Pendragon, my name's Edwin Muirden,' he announced 'Did you know, Arthur, that I once worked with your father?'

Arthur looked at him surprised.

'You were MI6?' Arthur asked him 'That wasn't in your file.'

'No, never MI6. I was SSA, boys alpha team with your father and Gaius,' Muirden informed them 'We were very close friends, once.'

'Would you like to know what happened?' Muirden bent over so his face was close to Arthur's 'My identity was discovered, I sacrificed my career so that Gaius had enough time to save Uther from his captors. So I was sent to the place where a spies career goes to die. But I was content believing that I had saved my friends. Only months went by and I heard not a word from either of them, despite my efforts to get back in touch.'

'Not only was now so low grade, low paid paper pusher, but my so called friends had abandoned me. I was forgotten by my country and my friends. So I found a new country, and bestowed upon them information on the one that had betrayed me.' Muirden detailed 'It was your father that discovered it, some years after SSA. I had a family then. A wife, a son. I returned home to collect them, after hearing I had been discovered. Stupid I know, but when you love someone...you can't seem to help yourself. You do very stupid things.'

'Uther came for me, yet it was my wife, my son and my parents that ended up dead. Collateral damage,' Muirden growled 'I saved his life and he took from me what I most cared about in this world.'

'You see Arthur? I plan to do the very same to him,' Muirden explained.

'You're going to kill me then?' Arthur stated.

'Yes, you're friend as well I'm afraid, for no specific purpose, just unlucky I suppose,' Muirden shrugged.

Suddenly the door burst open and Merlin stalked inside puffing, but aiming his gun strong and steady at Muirden.

'Merlin? What are you doing here?' Arthur hissed.

'Merlin Emrys, I must say I am surprised to see you here,' Muirden commented 'Nevertheless I am delighted to meet you. I'm a long time admirer of your work. It has a certain humour about it, I find very amusing.'

'Well thank you, I'm flattered. I'm still going to ask you to let them go though,' Merlin directed.

'Surely you're not working for the SSA?' Muirden asked as though disappointed.

'Oh god no, no I'm working with them...just this once...don't worry I plan on trashing their system later or something to make up for it,' Merlin assured.

'There's that humour, most refreshing,' Muirden grinned. 'You know, I heard a rumour about you, very interesting, but quite fantastic, I didn't put much stock in it until right now. I think I might test it.'

Muirden raised his gun and pointed at Arthur's head.

'Drop your weapon please,'

Merlin bit his lip and looked at Arthur, who stared back at him.

'Now, or I'll shoot him in the head.'

'You may,' Merlin acknowledged 'But you said so yourself you're going to kill him anyway, so really I should just shoot you and take my chances that you don't give off a shot before I do.'

'A very logical decision, but one I don't think you're willing to make. You have a very mathematical mind Merlin Emrys. I'm sure right now; you've already computed the chances of Arthur surviving such a situation, which are no doubt disturbingly low. I also conclude—assuming this rumour is correct—that despite logic you won't be able to shoot because in all likelihood Arthur would die and it would be the direct result of your own actions.'

Merlin looked at Arthur. God, he didn't want to see him hurt. He didn't want Arthur to die. His heart was pounding so hard in his chest. He knew what he should do. He should shoot. No matter how low Arthur's chances of surviving they were still higher than if he were not to shoot.

Merlin dropped his gun.

'I see,' Muirden spoke 'So the rumours are true. How amazing. A criminal and a spy.'

Muirden walked toward Merlin.

'You must love him a great deal, to come up here; surely you must have known that we are all going to die?' Muirden enquired.

'I knew.'

'Then you do love him?'

'Yes. Quite devotedly and single minded and rather all consumingly,' Merlin confirmed and spared a surprised Arthur a glance.

'How unfortunate, as I have said I do admire you, I almost wish you weren't here. But we all must die now. As much as I have enjoyed our conversation, even if it was a stall tactic on your part,' Muirden sighed, then reached over behind Arthur and took the laser pen Arthur had managed to slip out of his back pocket.

'Your stall tactics have come to an unsuccessful end.'

'Well you're half right,' Merlin agreed.

Owain burst free from his restraints and grabbed Merlin's gun from the floor. Firing a single shot into Muirden's head. Spraying blood and brain matter behind him.

'He was stalling, but not for Arthur,' Owain grinned 'You know I've never encountered someone who monologued quite as much as this bloke.'

'He had a sad life,' Merlin remarked as he cut Arthur's bonds.

'And now he's dead, just like he wanted...minus a couple of Agents to make the journey with him,' Owain smirked.

Uther, Gaius and many, many policeman were waiting when they reached the bottom of the building. The Prime Minister thanked them before he was hurried off by his security and Uther walked over to the team.

'Well done boys, that's another face we can remove from our most wanted list,' Uther stated.

'We couldn't have done it without Emrys, sir,' Lance stepped forward off the sidelines 'He got us in and got Arthur and Owain out, hell he practically carried this entire mission.'

'He's right,' Nimueh acknowledged 'What he did...was very selfless...which must have been a first for him.'

'Very well,' Uther sighed and held out his hand.

Merlin half smiled and shook Uther's hand. Only to find it quickly encased in handcuffs and wrenched behind his back.

'What the hell?!' Arthur demanded.

'This man is still a criminal and wanted fugitive,' Uther declared 'One good deed does not condone a lifetime of wicked ones.'

'What lifetime, I'm eighteen!' Merlin yelled.

'I am the director of MI6 and the SSA. He is an enemy of this country, and I am taking him to a maximum security detention centre, do you have any objections with that?'

Merlin looked over at Arthur. Who looked at him before quickly returning his gaze to his father.

'No sir,'

'Good, today's a very good day. That's two heads we can cross off our most wanted wall.'

'Hot1, this is Black Beauty do you copy?'

'Copy Black Beauty, I am in position and waiting instructions.'

'Standby.'

'Good Morning SSA Agents,' Uther addressing the entire assembly of massed SSA students and handlers.

'We are green, repeat we are green!'

'I'm on the move, I've taken out two guards and I'm headed for the third level.'

'Once in a blue moon a truly exceptional young person comes along, who truly exemplifies all it means to be an Agent: discipline, strength, determination. I have spent my life defending this great country and I have learned that sometimes it's not on the battlefield where true courage is shown.'

'I'm being shot at, I've been spotted by one of the snipers!'

'I'm on it, stay on target!'

'I've reached level 3, am now searching for 342'

'Arthur Pendragon survived one of the worst tragedies that can happen to an Agent. Abducted, and held hostage for several terrible days. What fears he may have known, none of us can fully appreciate,'

'I've reached 342, am now taking out the lock,'

'Now it is an honour to bestow this medal, this honour, to my son Arthur Pendragon.'

'The door is down.'

'Is he there? Do you have him?'

Loud applause erupted in the hall. Only no one walked out on stage. Uther stalked over to Gaius and demanded to know where his son was.

Suddenly the giant holographic screen turned itself on, with Arthur's face looking down on all the students.

'Hi,' Arthur spoke on screen 'My name is Arthur Pendragon, SSAB Alpha Team senior recruit, son of Uther Pendragon director of MI6. My team is the best in SSA history. I am also the first of the SSA recruits to score 100% on the secret spy exam. This test measures several things but one thing in particular. It measure's your ability to lie. I am a perfect liar. I never dwelled on this thought too much, I thought it simply made me a better agent. Until I began lying to myself. I was so good at it, I wasn't even aware I was doing it. I lied to myself when I said I was straight.'

The crowd began to murmur to itself in surprise and confusion.

'I lied to myself when I thought that my dating a computer terrorist wouldn't hurt anyone.'

The murmuring grew louder.

'I lied to myself when I said that I didn't love Merlin. And I lied to myself when I thought I could live without him. I'm sorry that I betrayed you. I didn't mean to. This isn't me betraying my country, this isn't me betraying my father or my friends. This is me, a boy who's fallen in love with another boy, and wants to be with him so much that he's willing to give up all of this to be with him. I'm sorry. I henceforth withdraw from the Secret Service Academy. Good-bye.'

The screen went blank and the hall erupted in voices.

Merlin looked up at the figure in black standing in the place where his door used to be. The man raised his hand to his head, and removed his mask; revealing messy blond hair and sincere eyes.

'I am so sorry,' Arthur whispered.

'Are you?' Merlin replied.

'Yes, and...I love you too, so much, I'm giving it up. All of it, for you.'

A huge smile spread across Merlin's face. Merlin ran to him, Arthur scooped him up and kissed him passionately. Tasting Merlin deep and committing him to memory.

'Ugh! You're making me violently ill you realise,'

'Yes Gwen,' Arthur rolled his eyes at Merlin, who smiled brilliantly back.

'Oh...ah Arthur, we have company.'

'Shite, okay, we have to move now!' Arthur exclaimed, took Merlin's hand and ran to the stairs that lead to the exit.

'What happened to all the guards?' Merlin asked.

'Ah...there may be a riot in one of the other detention levels,' Arthur shrugged.

'Genius,' Merlin grinned.

Finally they ran out into the sunlight. To find Owain, Lance, Morgana and Pen standing in front of their getaway car.

'Bugger,' Merlin sighed.

'That was some speech,' Owain spoke directly to Arthur.

'You really feel that way?' Pen asked.

'Yeah, I do,' Arthur nodded, realising his hand was still clasping Merlin's.

'Uther sent us to drag your arse back,' Lance stated 'I don't know about everyone else. I just came to say good-bye.'

Arthur smiled at Lance grateful and happy.

'Thank you.'

'Me too,' Morgana hurried forward and pulled Arthur into a hug. 'I'm going to miss you.'

'Yeah, me too,' Pen sighed. 'Who else is gonna call me on my shit.'

'Oh I'd happily do that,' Morgana stated.

'Owain?' Arthur enquired.

'What happened with your father and Muirden, it wasn't right, I don't want any of us to end up like that,' Owain stated 'So...I'm letting you go. But you better fucking call, Pendragon.'

'Definitely.'

'As for you Emrys, you saved my arse. So we'll call this mute or whatever, unless you get my boy into trouble, then I'm hunting your arse down,' Owain warned.

'Define trouble?'

'Will you move your bloomin arses!' everyone turned to find Gwen in the driver's seat.

'How the hell did you get in there?' Owain demanded.

'I am ninja!'

'You are a ninja pain in my arse!' Merlin murmured 'What took you so damn long?'

'Oh I'm sorry, it turns out that planning for breaking into a maximum security prison and breaking out with a fugitive took longer than you would expect!' she growled.

'I could have done it half an hour,'

'Of course you could, because you're god and I'm dirt. Where's the gratitude?'

'I was in prison Gwen, prison, do you know what happens in prison?'

'Yes...butt rape, which was why I thought you'd rather like it.'

'That's it, for you next assignment I'm sending you to Iraq, I heard they just love women there, just be sure to wear your leather and speak your mind.'

'You know what? I quit!'

'No, you're fired!'

'You two show affection in the most obscure way,' Arthur remarked.

'It's a dysfunctional functional relationship,' Merlin nodded.

Gwen glared out at the SSA agents, if only they'd done a better job of controlling their team mate.

'Oh, hi Lance!'

'Ah hey Gwen,'

The team turned to look at Lance in shock.

'You too?' Owain gaped.

'You want to come with us? I think we're going to Mexico...maybe Australia. There's this new religious, homophobic politician that's all about internet tracking. He must be stopped.'

'Ahh, maybe later,'

'Okay, I'll call you.'

The sound of police sirens came into earshot and good-bye's were cut short. Arthur and Merlin got into the car and Gwen drove at ridiculous speeds that probably attracted more police attention than it did to avoid it. First stop was to pick up Hunith and then to organise secret transportation to Mexico...or maybe Australia.

'So what was that you were saying about being right, Gwen? Who said this would all end badly? Who said I told you so?'

'Oh shut up Merlin! And gross! Don't think I can't see Arthur's hand inside your shorts.'