OFFICIALLY the longest chapter to date! I've never enjoyed writing a chapter as much as this (I think I even had more fun than writing the "fire chapter"). Preliminary warning: most (probably all) of the things which happen in this chapter I haven't personally experienced (thank God!), so I beg your pardon in advance if it's…lacking (not sure if that's the right word; but you tell me!). Constructive criticism please! I don't have a beta, so unless you lovely readers tell me, I'll keep making the same mistakes.
Anyway, lots of exciting things happen in this chapter, so let me know what you think in a comment! Add me to your story alert/favorites if I'm not already there! Also, don't forget to tell all your friends about "MLMS", and I want to say thanks again for reading my ramblings and meditations in prose. Happy reading (warning: coarse language, sort of).
YoureAnIllusion
Chapter 26: Heavy Hangs the Albatross
Merlin ran a hand through his dark hair as he put his car into park, reclining into his driver's seat, closing his eyes. He had been worrying so much, that he literally felt like his brain was going to explode: from Arthur to Gwen, from Morgana to Vivian, Merlin just felt totally overwhelmed. Not to mention that he was chugging through his last year of college, and he'd soon have to "worry" about a job.
His parents were coming home from their trip to Guam sometime next week, and he decided to purchase his mother a candle as a small "welcome home" present from Lorenzo's store. Hopping out of his car, not bothering to lock it, Merlin made his way across the street towards Lorenzo's storefront. Yet, as he neared, he could make out two figures, who appeared to be dancing in front of the counter. Merlin literally stopped in his tracks as he realized that the two people dancing were in fact Gwen and Lorenzo. Totally enraptured and apprehensive, Merlin watched for a little longer, only covering his mouth in awe as he watched the two wrap around each other and share a kiss. But that single kiss went on…and on…and on. Merlin stood there, his muscles going limp as his car keys fell out of his hands, hitting the hard pavement, but the noise was of no distraction to Lorenzo and Gwen. As far as they knew, they were making out in front of an empty store front window.
Oh my God…I'm really watching this. I'm really watching Gwen kiss Lorenzo. Boy, don't they need to come up for air? Wait, what am I thinking? Gwen! What are you doing! You still love Arthur! I know you do! Stop it, stop it right now! Stop touching him, before— Merlin's mental tirade was paused, jolted by Gwen and Lorenzo's sudden detachment. Each took a large step away from the other, and Lorenzo's movements clearly became frantic. Gwen turned around with a hand to her head, slowly looking up, only to have her eyes lock with Merlin. Surprise!
Unsure of what to do in such an awkward situation, Merlin bent to pick up his fallen keys, waving to Gwen with a grimace. She just stared at him, and Lorenzo came behind her, he too looking out the window and at Merlin.
Ah shit…Merlin didn't know what else to do, except motion with his hands uncomfortably that he was going the other way, and booked it back to his car, where he took a minute or two to indulge in all of the swears known encompassed within English language, and he was sure that he even made a few up.
The next day Merlin found himself at the front of the Pendragon's mansion, flanked by their staff and Morgana to his right. They all had just gathered at the front of the house, waiting for Uther's long black limousine to pull up in front of the fountain and reveal its precious cargo after a three day departure.
Merlin and Morgana stood patiently at the front, the first who would greet Arthur and Uther once they finally arrived any minute. Suddenly, one of the servants -+called out: "they're a'comin'! Y'all,hush up now!"
Merlin smiled as the limousine came into view, with Morgana doing the same until she felt Merlin's hot breath against her neck as he leaned over.
"I see you put your horns away for the occasion, Morgana."
Morgana turned to him, frowning with narrowed eyes. "I did actually," she replied with sarcasm. "But, it seems that you put yours away as well, Ellis." Morgana straightened with pride as she heard Merlin quietly gasp, before clenching his jaw together, turning away from her completely.
Luckily, the awkward silence didn't last for long, for as soon as the limousine stopped, Uther stepped out with open arms.
"Morgana!" He happily sang, moving to give his niece a tight hug.
"Oh Uncle, we've all missed you so much." Morgana pulled away, her uncle still holding her by the shoulders. "I trust your trip went well?"
Uther turned to give his son a hearty pat on the back as Arthur moved to stand next to him. "It was absolutely splendid, dear! The company is running as smooth as butter, and Arthur made me very proud! I got compliments left and right; people telling me what a 'fine young man' I had raised. His intellect and leadership skills were as clear as day, and he learned a great deal. Isn't it true, son?"
"It all went really well. I can't wait for next year."
"That's great Arthur, so you were all nervous for nothin' then?" Morgana asked with a genuine smile.
Arthur shrugged, looking at the staff that congregated at the front of the house, realizing that they were becoming antsy. "I guess I was."
"And what about Vivian? How did she enjoy it?"
"The poor girl is dog tired. She's at home resting; too much excitement for one weekend!" Uther chuckled, met by half-hearted laughs from both Morgana and Merlin. "But she and Arthur did make a fine pair at the governor's ball," Uther said nudging his son with his elbow, only to find him in a daze. All three looked at Arthur whose attention was fixated straight ahead, his hands falling into his pockets.
Merlin quickly turned around, following Arthur's eyes; and of course running right into Gwen. Merlin snapped back to Arthur who practically ogled at her longingly, and he had to resist telling his friend to "snap out of it".
"Yoohoo," Morgana said waving her hands, garnering Arthur's attention. She too looked over her shoulder, though she already knew who had captivated her cousin's attention.
Arthur ran a hand through his hair nervously. "I reckon that I'm dog tired as well," Arthur said with a weak smile. "I'm going to go in now and change out of these clothes, and maybe lay down."
Uther nodded understandingly. "Fine idea."
Arthur turned around to walk up the white stone steps, looking once more at Gwen, before realizing that he couldn't look upon her much longer without doing something…dramatic.
"Hey! Arthur, wait up man!" Merlin called behind Arthur, who made a direct bee-line through the foyer, and up the stair case. Merlin took each step two at a time, finally catching up with Arthur at the top, jumping in front of his friend. "Whoa, you've been gone for three days, and not so much as a 'hey'?"
Arthur rolled his eyes, taking his hands out of his pockets. "Hey," he grunted.
Merlin took a step back, letting Arthur pass to his room, following him in moments later. "Excuse me," Merlin began, looking back at the closed door with a confused expression, "but did I miss somethin'?"
Arthur immediately began to tug at his red silk tie, shrugging off his Italian jacket. "Nope," he said simply, continuing to undress right in front of Merlin. He was halfway through unbuttoning his shirt when Merlin finally spoke again.
"Did something happen on the trip?"
"Nope." Off came the shirt, thrown to the ground instantaneously.
"Did something happen on the way back?"
Arthur rolled his eyes again, undoing his belt, throwing it on his bed.
"Are you going to get naked in front of me?" Merlin asked in complete seriousness, earning him an ice-cold glare from Arthur. Merlin watched Arthur clean out his pockets, which had reached a wad of money, a few receipts, and something heavy which he couldn't see from his angle. He moved a little bit around the bed, before he frowned, before looking up at Arthur sadly.
"What Merlin? And would you quit looking at me like that, you're givin' me the heebie-jeebies," Arthur growled, walking to his dresser.
Merlin reached over, picking up Gwen's—well, it used to be hers—sapphire necklace, which Arthur had pulled out of his pocket. He twirled it in his hands, before Arthur snatched it up, his eyes wild and angry.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?"
Merlin blinked once, unaware that his simple action would warrant such a reaction. "I, uhh, I was just—"
Arthur closed his fists, his fingers encasing the silver necklace. "Don't touch it ever again."
"I, uhh, I didn't know. Sorry?"
Arthur sighed, turning away as he placed the necklace on the top of his dresser, putting on the shirt he had just taken out.
"So, this mood, it's 'cause of Gwen, right?"
Arthur just gave Merlin another silent glare, conceding that such an idiotic question didn't deserve a valid answer.
"Do you…carry her necklace around with you every where?" Merlin asked cautiously.
"And what if I did?" Arthur asked stepping out of his pants, and pulling on a pair of khakis with no shame. He reached backward towards the dresser, putting the necklace back into his pants pocket.
"Whoa…that's really…"
"Crazy?" Arthur asked with a snort. "I know. But, it's only been a week the wounds are still a little raw. Maybe it isn't healthy to carry a piece of her with me everywhere, but…"
"Is that how you see it? That you're carrying a piece of her with you wherever you go?" Merlin asked sadly.
Arthur shrugged, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "Or maybe I'm just making sure it's in safe keeping for when she wants it back."
Merlin's shoulders slumped as he heard a slight uptick of hope and positivity in Arthur's tone, at the thought of having Gwen back. He sucked in a breath, the sharp movement physically paining him, or maybe it was something else.
"I know that eventually Guinevere and I will be together again. I know her," Arthur assured Merlin, the thickness in his tone thinning out.
"How's that?" Merlin croaked.
"Because we're destined for each other," Arthur answered as if it were obvious. "I know right now she thinks that sometimes I can be jealous, and immature and—maybe I am."
Merlin gulped loudly. "Arthur…"
"But! I know she still loves me, even though she wants her space for now. So I've been thinking: all I have to do is prove to her that I'm really the man who she fell in love with, not the loser she had to break up with. And eventually she'll see that we're meant to be—"
"Arthur, there's something you've gotta know."
"Jeez, let me finish, will ya? Anyhow, Guinevere is sensitive. She suffers in silence, but I can be—"
"Arthur: Gwen's with Lorenzo!" Merlin blurted out suddenly, cutting Arthur off mid sentence. The moment the four words fell from his lips, Merlin covered his mouth with both hands. His eyes widening as he realized what he had just said. Oh no, that definitely did not come out the way Merlin had planned. He groaned quietly, as Arthur's mouth closed so fast and hard that it made a loud snapping sound. Slowly, he tilted his head, looking at Merlin who stood mortified like a statue. Both stood silently for the longest time, neither sure what to say next.
But when Arthur finally did, his words were delivered with a guttural growl, Arthur's jaw clenching together. "You've lost your damn mind. You don't know what you're talking 'bout!"
"I saw them! I saw Lorenzo and Gwen together—"
Arthur's eyes narrowed in confusion, as he shook his head. "They're always together you idiot! They're friends!"
"No Arthur. I went to Lorenzo's store to buy something, and I saw them—kissing."
"I—" Arthur was preparing a retort to defend Gwen, until he really listened to Merlin's words. "Slow down. They were…kissing?" Arthur hardly whispered, paining Merlin even more.
Merlin took a deep breath, as he nodded slightly. He didn't trust himself to talk too much without his voice shaking. "Arthur, I'm so so sorry."
Arthur put his hands behind his head, slowly stepping away from Merlin. "Merlin, you must be mistaken. It's only been a week!" Arthur's back ran into a wall, as he continued. "S-s-she said—Guinevere looked me square in the eye, and told me she loved me."
"Arthur, she still may. I don't know the full story, just what I saw."
"Just what you saw!" Arthur rested a hand on his forehead, looking away from his friend. "If someone loves you, they're not cramming their tongue down another guy's throat in the next week!" Arthur's voice was hardly a whisper this time, instead his booming words nearly reverberated against the room's walls, they were delivered with so much intensity. "God…my life just keeps getting better and better!" Arthur laughed, throwing his arms up.
Merlin wiggled uncomfortably.
"I would never even think of doing that to her!" Arthur rasped, turning his back to Merlin.
"Arthur…you two aren't together," Merlin said with caution, earning him a sharp glare, before he elaborated. "I'm not saying it's right, but…it's not like she's cheating on you."
"It doesn't matter, Merlin. I wouldn't care if it was a week, a month, or even a year! But the fact that it's him! She thinks I'm jealous and insecure? My God! There really was something going on all this time! She's been lying to me all this time."
"Whoa, whoa, whoa. Arthur, you don't know that. Maybe I shouldn't have said it the way I did—"
"Well I do know the full story." Arthur shook his head, walking to his desk where he picked up his cigarette carton. "Jesus," he hissed, stuffing the carton into his pocket. "I'm such a fucking chump. For the past week, the only thing I could think about was her, and how I could win her back. But she's obviously been enjoying herself just fine, getting felt up by another guy. Boy, she doesn't waste any time." Arthur snorted in disgust, walking over to his bed, where he picked up the wad of cash he had placed there. "This is what 'love' does to a person; it makes them a blind and ignorant fool."
"C'mon, Arthur."
Arthur shook his head vigorously, as he stared at a wall. "I obviously meant absolutely nothing to her—I've gotta get outta here. I can't be in this house with her for another second, I think I'm fixin' to hurl," Arthur said heading for his bedroom door, with Merlin at his heels.
"Let me come with you!"
"No!" Arthur roared, causing Merlin to flinch. "I just wanna be alone right now; take a long drive to clear my head."
Merlin resisted asking Arthur if that long drive would be off of a steep cliff…
" I just want to be by my lonesome." Arthur didn't spare Merlin another look, for he sprinted down the stairs in the next moment, nearly toppling Morgana over, who clung onto the railing as her cousin sped past her.
She looked up at Merlin, then back down to Arthur who had already gone through the door. "He flew outta here like a bat outta hell!" She exclaimed, a hand flying to her partially revealed chest. "What on earth happened to him?" Morgana asked walking up the remainder of the steps, standing directly in front of Merlin.
"Please; like you care," Merlin scoffed, before nearly pushing his way past Morgana.
Merlin stepped out of the shower, his bathroom mirror fogged up from the nearly half an hour long shower he had indulged in. While he only spent a fraction of that time getting clean, his thoughts were mainly on Arthur, and wondering how he was doing. After he had left for his long car ride, Merlin decided it was best that he went home, and if Arthur wanted to talk, he knew where he could find him. So far, there was no word, and that was okay. Merlin was sure that Arthur had returned home a couple of hours later, barricading himself in his room, smoking his lungs out.
Merlin walked over to his dresser, with a towel around his waist, his wet feet leaving a trail of moisture the entire way. Quickly he slipped on his underwear and pajama pants, shrugging on his silk night top next. As he bent down to add a thick pair of socks for his chilled feet, he nearly hit his head against the bottom of the bed, the loud and ringing of his house phone startling him. Slowly, as to avoid hazard, he stood up straight, looking at the phone which sat on his desk, vibrating from the ringing. Cautiously, yet with curiosity, Merlin picked up the receiver, clearing his throat before speaking. "Uhh…hello?" Merlin's hand instinctively jerked away from his ear with the receiver, as he was assaulted by deafening background noise, so much so that he almost missed the husky voice on the other end.
"Yeah, is this here Marvin?"
Another man could be heard faintly, his words too nearly drowned out by the noise. "The boy's name is Merlin you knucklehead!"
"Huh? What kinda fool name is 'Merlin'?" The first man asked, his voice muffled slightly. "Actually, I'm lookin' for someone by the name of Merlin?" He corrected himself.
Merlin's eyes narrowed in confusion, as he tried to distinguish the voice of the caller, but he came up with nothing."I'm Merlin. Can I help you?"
"Wheew! I sure hope so," the man said with a labored sigh. "Listen: this here is Hank Haverty, bartender and manager at the 'Rising Sun'."
Merlin's head tilted to the side. "…The Rising Sun?"
"Yes sir, the big bar downtown on Spruce Street; you can't miss it."
Merlin's gut began to knot at the bartender's clarification.
"Look buddy: a pal of yours, Arthur or somethin', he's down here, and he's way past his limit. He's startin' to be a handful; makin' noise and cursin' and carrying on. Out of his mind, the kid nearly got in a fight with a regular here whose twice his size. After that, I was fixin' to phone the sheriff, to let this Arthur fella detox in a cage overnight, but some folks said I oughta phone you, 'cause y'all two are like kin. Is that true?"
Merlin sighed, rubbing his temples as he shook his head. "Yes sir, we're like kin."
"Well good, 'cause I reckon the boy's been down here for a good two hours at least. So you oughta come fetch him before I'm left to clean up his puke, or pick his teeth up off of the floor; catch my drift?"
Merlin covered his eyes, shaking his head. Arthur was at it again. And he had been doing so well, so well. "Yeah, I do," Merlin said with a deep sigh, looking down at his silk pajamas.
"Good. But, I gotta warn you; my charity is runnin' low, and this is a mighty rare favor—"
"Thank you for your consideration, I appreciate it."
"Well, don't thank me yet, 'cause if you aint here in twenty minutes, I'm phoning the sheriff for real this time. Ya hear? I don't want no trouble mister, I'm just tryin' to do the good Christian thing here."
Merlin let out a deep breath looking at his clock. "I hear you loud and clear Hank. I'll be there in ten minutes flat." Merlin agreed, dropping the phone back into the cradle. He nearly tripped over himself as he ran to as he ran to snatch up his usual brown corduroy pants, throwing on a jacket which was lying around. He ran into the empty hall way, hopping on one foot as he struggled to get on his shoes. Moments later, he was snatching his keys off of the hook near the front door, rushing out of his house and to his car.
Merlin was true to his word, pulling up in front of bar within the next ten minutes, parallel parking across the street, thankful that a close parking space was available. He waited for traffic to slow down, before running across the street as fast as his lanky legs could take him. Before he was even in front of the bar, Merlin could hear the noise, and plugged his ears as reflex. Opening the door, the thick stench of alcohol mingled with cigarettes was ghastly enough to physically knock him back in revulsion. Resisting the urge to plug his nose as well, Merlin was able to take one foot step past the threshold, before nearly colliding with a giddy couple who practically stumbled through the door. They propped each other up, laughing all the way out, and nudging Merlin to the side without a care. Merlin's gaze lingered on them, watching them nearly stumble into a drunken heap on the sidewalk, and he found himself looking into the crowded and smell bar, praying that Arthur wasn't that intoxicated. But Arthur had a habit of setting drinking world records when he was upset…and he was definitely upset tonight.
Merlin took courage, walking past a group of gambling men, who paused in their game to give him suspicious glances. In another corner was a group of college boys, a couple of whom Merlin recognized, and stared at him as well as he weaved his way through the cigarette-smelling hoard, who exerted no effort to make his passage to the bar counter any easier. Merlin continuously scanned room, searching in vain for any sign of Arthur.
"Excuse me," Merlin said raising his voice, calling to the other end of the bar where a stocky man stood, cleaning a glass with a towel. "Excuse me!" Merlin let out again, this time gaining the man's attention.
"What would it be for you?" He asked throwing the white towel over his left shoulder.
Merlin shook his head waving his hands. "I'm not here to drink, actually. My name's Merlin, I'm looking for Hank?"
"Well you found him," the stocky man said with open arms.
Merlin sighed in partial relief. "Thanks a ton for calling me…so where's Arthur? He is still here, right?" Merlin stood up on his tip toes trying again to survey the room.
Hank laughed heartily, resting his elbows on the bar. "Oh, he's still here alright. It seems that the kid's got company; well I'll be damned," Hank chuckled, pointing to the far end of the room where Arthur indeed sat tucked away in a booth…with a girl on each arm.
"How long has he been there?" Merlin asked, looking in Arthur's direction. He was calculating how best to broach the situation.
"At that table? I aint sure. But right before I phoned you, he was up on the tables, hollering some song and dancing like a bona fide fool," Hank reported, shaking his head at the not so distant memory. "But it looks like the ladies don't mind. In fact, they been flockin' to him all night. I just don't understand these hussies," Hank said with a disapproving shake of his bald head.
Merlin's shoulders slumped. "Is he that drunk?" He asked the question, knowing he'd dread the answer, or else he wouldn't have been there in the first place.
"I reckon the boy's done cleaned me out of all the good bourbon and scotch. And I'll tell ya; that stuff aint for no wimps!" Hank exclaimed, throwing his hands up. "He don't go for the cheap stuff, and that's the Gospel truth."
Merlin sighed, still watching Arthur laugh away with the two girls. He didn't look too drunk…
"Well, I 'preciate you comin' mister, but you gotta take your buddy up on out of here. His mood's been changin' faster than a woman's, and I don't need no brawls. No siree, not tonight."
Merlin shot a glare at the thick bartender, just as someone accidentally nudged him in the shoulder. "Well he's so smashed, how come you didn't cut him off?"
The bartender returned Merlin's glare, as he dug into his pockets pulling out a set of car keys, avoiding the obvious question. "Can you believe that the kid was actually fixin' to waltz on outta here, and drive on home? I said 'no sir, you aint killing no one on my watch!'" Hank dropped the keys into Merlin's open hand, pointing over in Arthur's direction, signifying that the conversation was over.
Merlin stuffed Arthur's keys into his own pocket; he wouldn't be needing them any time soon. Taking a breath for composure, Merlin slowly made his way to where Arthur sat, able to hear his laughter over the thick noise the closer he reached.
Arthur was crammed into one side of the booth with two girls, who apparently didn't mind the tight squeeze. When Merlin finally stood next to the table, he realized that the two girls were from his college, but he didn't know them, and he was pretty sure that Arthur didn't either. But that didn't stop their roving hands: the red-head on Arthur's left was playing with his hair, giggling into his ear. While the dirty blonde on Arthurs right made small circles on his shoulder, her hand dangerously high and secure on his thigh. And Arthur was in the middle, a beer in front of him, and a lit cigarette in the ash tray, swiveling his head back and forth to talk to his two admirers.
"Heeyyyy! Merlin!" Arthur exclaimed with a long drawl, finally noting Merlin's presence, who watched him with arms crossed tightly over his chest. Arthur smiled broadly, his eyes hazy and his speech rapid and slurred, complimenting his disheveled hair. "Buddy, you came to party too?"
The two girls turned their attention away from Arthur, and to Merlin, sizing him up.
"Arthur, let's go. You're wasted." Merlin said sternly, looking at the two girls with disdain.
"Go? Why the hell would I do that! We're havin' fun, right girls?"
The two giggled, nodding vigorously. "Mmhmmm!"
"C'mon Merlin," Arthur said raising his beer. "Grab a seat, and I'll order you a good ol' beer! Loosen up, life's too short!" Arthur said with a laugh, but he evoked no reaction from Merlin, who remained stoic. "Let me introduce you to my two new girl friends. This lovely gal here," Arthur turned to the red-head, his hand falling on her shoulder clumsily. "This is Gina—"
"It's 'Gloria'," the red head interrupted.
"Oh…yeah. And this beautiful girl to my right—no left—no right; this is Lucy."
Merlin pushed his hair back, thinking for a moment before asking: "Ah, your name's Lucy?"
The dirty blonde gave Merlin a sultry once over, before offering him a coy smile. "Yeah…"
"Wow, that's really funny," Merlin said feigning a laugh.
She smiled wider. "What's so funny 'bout it?"
Merlin pointed to Arthur, who smiled, oblivious and giddy, looking like a complete moron. "That's the name of Arthur's fiancé. Her name's Lucy, she's a nice girl, aint she Arthur? Lucy your fiancé? Remember her?" Merlin asked tilting his head, resisting a smirk as the blonde girl shot up in offense.
"What, you're gonna get hitched?" The blonde asked in outrage, immediately getting out of the booth and away from Arthur.
"What?" Arthur asked alarmed, as the blonde stood.
"C'mon Gloria, let's jet. He's a loser anyhow," Lucy scoffed.
Gloria practically pushed Arthur off of her as she stepped over him, the two girls pausing next to the table to give Arthur a look laden with disgust.
"Ladies, wait! I aint engaged! It's a lie!" Arthur exclaimed with open arms.
The two rolled their eyes at Arthur, nearly in unison, disappearing into the crowd moments later.
"What the hell was that for!" Arthur yelled, slamming his fist against the table, nearly knocking over the glass ash tray.
Merlin watched the two girls walk away in repulsion, yet thoroughly proud of his handiwork. Now, it was just a matter of getting Arthur to walk away as well. The only thing was that when he was drunk, all of his negative features were increased tenfold…like his stubbornness. And Arthur was indeed drunk. Merlin was standing a few feet from his friend, and he could literally smell the booze on him, he looked closer, realizing that something had spilled on his shirt. Classy.
"What'd you go and lie for? I don't have a girl!"
"You'll thank me later; when you're sober."
"What are you talking 'bout; I'm sober as a judge!" Arthur wrapped his hand around his beer taking a large swig. "I feel great! In fact," Arthur looked down at his bottle, shaking it slightly. "I think I need another beer, the night just started!"
Merlin looked down at his wrist-watch before groaning. "Give me that!" He snapped, snatching the brown beer bottle away from Arthur, setting it on the table behind him. "I got a call saying that you've been making a ruckus, and I've gotta take you home."
"Shit, I don't wanna go home! And I haven't been makin' a ruckus; just been having some fun! Can't a man live it up a little?"
"You either leave with me, or the sheriff, because if we're not outta here in five minutes, your ass is getting hauled off to county. Is that what you want?"
"I wanna stay here, have a few more drinks, talk to a few more girls; have some fun! Arthur said with a laugh, running a hand through his hair.
"This isn't fun. It's dangerous. Drinking your blues away isn't healthy; that's what alcoholics do."
"Go to hell Merlin," Arthur grumbled, picking up the cigarette which was in the ash tray, the embers at the end still orange and glowing. Arthur took a generous drag, watching Merlin through narrowed eyes. "No one here is drinking their blues away. I just wasn't fixing to stay cooped up in that house with my good-for-nothin'-two-timin'-'Arthur-I-love-you' ex."
Merlin had to remind himself that when someone was intoxicated, they no longer possessed their full mental capacity, and said the first thing which came to mind. "It's the bourbon talking, not you."
"Well, the bourbon don't lie."
Merlin rolled his eyes, not willing to listen to another word, as he reached out, tugging on Arthur's arm. "Do you want your father to find out 'bout this? Because when the sheriff hauls your ass off to jail, it'll be him paying your bail." Merlin realized that Arthur wasn't budging, so he dropped his arm, throwing up his own. "Fine! I'm leaving. You can just—"
"Wait! I don't wanna go to jail!" Whatever shred of sobriety was left in Arthur was finally rearing its head, as Arthur took one last inhale of his cigarette, smashing the butt into the ash tray. He stood to follow Merlin, only to realize in the next moment that his legs weren't as trusty as they had been earlier on. Arthur toppled forward, grappling for Merlin who barely caught him, and straightened after exerting much effort, and a grunt.
"I don't think you need to be drinking again 'til next year!" Merlin took Arthur's arm, slinging it around his neck, beginning to sort of hobble away from the booth.
Arthur was babbling incoherently; something about how he bet Gwen wasn't having as nearly as much fun right at that moment, and how he was in the right mood to kick Lorenzo's ass, et cetera.
"Hold up!" Arthur burst out, stopping Merlin right before the bar's exit.
"What?" Merlin grumbled, Arthur's weight already irritating him, not to mention he reeked of booze and cigarettes.
"That low down bastard of a bartender…" Arthur grumbled, feeling around his pockets frantically before gasping in offense. "That yellow-bellied son of a bitch! He thieved my car keys, Merlin!"
"No, he didn't I've got them."
"Well hand 'em over then!" Arthur demanded like a child begging for his toy.
"Arthur, you can't even walk straight. You're coming home with me and spending the night; your dad doesn't need to see you like this."
Merlin continued to walk supporting Arthur, taking the few steps necessary to put them outside on the busy sidewalk. With Arthur practically draped across his back, Merlin's eyes darted up and down the street, as he tried to figure out how to cross the active road without getting flattened out like a pancake.
"Alright, listen to me." Merlin began, only to find Arthur in a daze, staring off into the distance. Merlin smacked his jaw several times with an open hand, garnering Arthur's attention. "Look, I know you're plastered, but can you please just focus and help me out a little?" Merlin pointed across the street to his car, and Arthur raised his head slightly, to look in the direction of Merlin's slender index finger. "That's my car, okay?" Merlin said really slowly. "We need to walk," he moved his index and middle fingers alternately to mimick a walking motion, "so we can get to my car without ending up like some road kill." He then slapped his hands together, rubbing his flat palms back and forth to symbolize something getting smashed.
"I aint simple Merlin, I do understand English," Arthur said, beginning to sound woozy. Great.
Merlin couldn't help but smile at Arthur's comment. "Alright, just one foot lean on me and—" As Merlin looked behind him to make sure there was no incoming traffic, he found something even worse; Gwen and Lorenzo waiting on the sidewalk for the stop-light to change in order to cross. Merlin peered closer, realizing that it was clearly them, laughing and talking with one another, illuminated by the street lights.
Oh God, could you please throw me a bone down here? I'm tryin'! Merlin prayed, turning around quickly, trying to get far enough down the walk, to where Gwen and Lorenzo couldn't catch up or recognize them. But it would be a considerable feat, considering that Arthur wasn't the most cooperative being when he was in a drunken stupor.
Shit, shit, shit! Merlin exclaimed in his mind, walking as fast as he could, but realizing that it wasn't nearly fast enough. She can't see him like this, whatever happens, Gwen cannot see Arthur like this! And Lorenzo is with her? Why! This night is going from terrible to level 10 disaster!
Now Arthur began to drag his feet like a zombie, moaning about a head ache as he slowed down nearly to a standstill.
Merlin looked over his shoulder quickly, to find Gwen and Lorenzo speedily approaching, too engrossed in each other to notice he and Arthur yet. "You better get used to it! A head ache!" Merlin scoffed, nudging Arthur sharply in the ribs. "Keep moving! C'mon Arthur, or else—"
"Merlin? Is that you?"
No! No, it's not me! Don't call me again!
"Merlin!" Gwen nearly yelled this time, cupping her hands around her mouth to project her voice down the street.
If he could, Merlin would have picked up Arthur like a sack of potatoes, and run to his car with him; but he was neither strong enough nor able to avoid Gwen's detection for a moment longer. He was stuck. "Arthur, don't say anything!" Merlin hissed in a whisper. "Just keep your drunk mouth—"
"Guinevere!" Arthur exclaimed happily, spinning around to face Gwen as she approached, causing Merlin to finally turn, after almost losing his balance for the second time.
Gwen abruptly stopped walking, and Lorenzo paused as well. "Arthur?" Gwen whispered giving him a once over, her brow furrowing in concern.
"Babe, it's me! Why are you lookin' at me funny?" Arthur asked with a laugh. Arthur turned to Merlin, tilting his head to the side. "What's wrong with Gwen?" Arthur put a hand to the side of his cheek, bring his voice down to what he probably thought was a whisper. "She don't look too hot, does she?"
Gwen watched the interaction, a hand covering her mouth, as she blinked. "Oh my goodness, Arthur…are you drunk? Merlin, is he drunk?"
Merlin was too slow to respond, as Arthur's mouth overcame his incapacitated brain yet again.
"Drunk? No! Just happy to see you, baby!" Arthur slurred loudly, before turning his attention to Lorenzo, pointing directly at him. "Hey, what's this guy doin' here?"
Merlin quickly stopped the conversation, for the four were garnering more curious and lingering glances with each passing moment. "Arthur, shut up," he hissed.
"No you shut up!" Arthur exclaimed at Merlin, mumbling incoherently afterwards.
Gwen hand fell to her side, as her eyes widened to saucers. "My God, Merlin, what happened to him?" Gwen asked whispered in terror.
Merlin secured Arthur's arm around his neck, slumping a little under his weight. "He had a few too many, that's all. I just need to get him back to my house."
"A few too many?" Lorenzo asked with skepticism, watching Arthur cling onto Merlin like a life jacket.
Lorenzo's comment caused Merlin to shoot him a narrow glare, with Gwen looking up, doing the same.
"You guys have a nice evening," Merlin said with an uneasy smile. He didn't exactly relish awkward situations. "We need to get going."
"Going? Going where? I wanna stay with Guinevere," Arthur said, planting his feet so that he couldn't be budged.
Merlin tried to tug, grunting as he stopped, realizing that it was futile. "No, we're not staying with Gwen. We've gotta go, and so does she. So just come on, and stop talking!"
"Here, I'll help you get him to the car. He looks heavy," Lorenzo offered instead. He quickly moved to the other side of Arthur, raising his hand to take hold of his arm, only have Arthur start flailing his own like a mad man.
"Get the hell off of me!" Arthur yelled hoarsely, causing Lorenzo to jump back with open arms, Gwen too taking a generous step backward.
"Whoa pal, I was just trying to help," Lorenzo said, looking at Arthur confused.
"Well I don't need any of your stinkin' help!" Arthur blurted.
Merlin looked at Arthur, always in awe of the selective memory he exhibited whilst inebriated. He really needed to get him away from Gwen before he said something suggestive in front of Lorenzo. "Well, you guys have a nice evening. See ya." Merlin said hastily, turning around for good this time, as Arthur finally decided to cooperate, and the two were able to cross the street successfully.
"Merlin, you should've let me have a go at that greasy bastard! I would've given him the beating of his life, teach him to touch my woman!" Arthur yelled, as Merlin opened his back passenger door with great difficulty.
"You're wasted 'cause she's not your woman," Merlin grumbled, dropping Arthur into the back seat, where he fell down with a thud.
Merlin slammed the door, running around the front end of his car, only to find Gwen running across the street, waving her arms frantically.
"Wait! Merlin! Let me come with you!" Gwen reached the car, slightly out of breath.
"Where's your new boyfriend?" Merlin asked, genuinely curious for the answer.
Gwen narrowed her eyes at the question, walking to the passenger door, resting her hand on the handle. "He's going home, after Arthur's little outburst he thought it best if I come alone." There was a dense and uncomfortable silence as Gwen and Merlin looked directly at one another, separated by the hood of Merlin's car.
Gwen sighed deeply, running a hand through her hair. "Look, I know you hate me, okay; I understand. I'd hate me too. But please, I just want to make sure Arthur's okay, that's all I want."
Merlin looked at Gwen, realizing as a car drove by, flashing their lights on her, that she was actually on the verge of tears. He couldn't say no after that, and after all, maybe Arthur would be less rambunctious with her around. "Alright, get in."
Gwen nodded, opening the passenger door, sitting in the front seat, where she was greeted boisterously by Arthur who was sprawled in the back seat. Her arrival excited him so much, that he continued to ramble until Merlin finally entered the car, turning around sharply to the gurgling Arthur, who was quickly wearing out his last nerve.
"You! Shut up! Stop talking, and making a bigger fool outta yourself! Have a shred of shame!" Merlin turned back around, putting his car into gear, as Gwen watched Arthur through the rear view mirror with raised brow.
"Listen; I don't hate you Gwen." Merlin said, pulling out of his parking spot. "I just don't like what you're doing to my friend. Excuse me if it's none of my business; but I think—know that you're making a big mistake. This entire situation; it just aint right."
Gwen bowed her head slightly, knowing that she deserved every reprimanding word.
"Arthur loves you—"
"Merlin, should we be talking about this right now? He's in the back seat!" Gwen whispered.
Merlin waved his hand dismissively as he looked in his mirror at Arthur, whose head was rolling forward than jerking back up in an attempt to stay awake.
"Gwen, this isn't my first time at the rodeo."
"…Huh?"
"It's not the first time I've had to deal with a sloshed Arthur. This used to happen all the time, trust me; he'll either be asleep in the next two minutes and/or he won't remember a word we've said."
"Uhh…how much did he have to drink, exactly?"
"Exactly? I'm not sure, I wasn't there. I didn't even know he was goin' out for liquor and if I did, I would've stopped him. I should've known he'd do something stupid like this." Merlin shook his head, as he continued to admonish himself. "This mess is partly my fault, I should've been there for him; I'm really the only friend he's got."
"But it's mostly my fault," Gwen admitted, met by only silence. "You told Arthur 'bout what happened with me and Lorenzo…didn't you?"
"I did; earlier today." Merlin said bluntly, keeping his eyes on the road.
"What'd he say?" Gwen asked after a while, turning to look at Merlin who kept his eyes glued on the road.
"He felt betrayed. And hopeless too, because in his mind you'd finally given up on him and it was 'game over'. I guess it sort of is." In his peripheral vision, Merlin could see Gwen wiping her eyes with the back of her hand. He was tempted to shut his mouth, and just continue the car ride in awkward silence, but he decided that these were the tough words Gwen needed to hear; the truth. Merlin continued with a shrug. "So when he's sad, he drinks. And let me tell you; he can really knock the drinks back, and when he gets hammered, it's all or nothin'. That's what happened tonight; Arthur doesn't know how to deal with grief. Especially not like this. He's just too used to always getting what he wants."
Gwen covered her eyes, then sliding her hands down her face to rub her cheeks. "Honestly, I didn't mean for any of this to happen Merlin. This isn't what I wanted at all."
"It's not the 'better off' that you imagined, huh?" He asked empathetically.
"Not at all," Gwen said shaking her head, letting out a forced laugh to hide her sadness.
"Gwen, it takes a lot of love to give up someone because you think they'd be better off without you. But Arthur is willing to fight for you 'til the end, and don't you owe him the same?" looked into his rear view mirror, snorting at the sight. "Well look at that; the son of a gun is sleeping."
"As soon as you're sober Arthur, I'm throwing you onto one of those 'treadmill' doohickeys!" Merlin grumbled, dragging Arthur's weight up his stairwell, on their way to one of Merlin's many guest rooms. Arthur's head roll into the crook of his neck, causing Merlin to smack Arthur's stubbled jaw."You! Wake up and walk! We're almost there, we only have like five stairs left, and then you can crash."
"Where's Guinevere?" Arthur asked groggily, looking around the lit hallway.
"She's in the room fixing the bed for you."
"Fixing the bed for us?"
Merlin rolled his eyes. "No pervert; for you. Now lift your feet up—there you go—we only have a few more." Merlin let out a sigh of relief as he and Arthur finally reached the top of the steps, with Gwen coming out of the guest room down the hall.
"I changed the sheets; the bed's all ready," she said taking Arthur's free arm, trying to help Merlin the best she could.
"Ahh, Gwen you're hands are so warm." Arthur said with a dopey grin, closing his eyes momentarily.
Gwen only looked at Merlin who returned her gaze, as the two led Arthur to the large and now clean guest room. They hastily let go of Arthur, causing him to fall in the middle of the bed, bouncing once as he rolled onto his back.
As soon as Merlin was free of Arthur's weight, he placed his hands on his hips craning backward as his back cracked loudly. "I feel like a pack mule!"
Gwen merely shook her head as she sat at the foot of the bed, untying Arthur's shoes and throwing them to the side. She looked at Merlin, who stood there stretching. "Merlin, would you do me a blessin', and get two aspirin tablets, and a tall glass of water? Get him some food too. When he wakes up, he'll want it."
Merlin stood frozen for another moment, as his mind registering Gwen's request. "Okay, I'll be back in a jiffy!" Merlin tore out of the room, and Gwen could hear the pitter-patter of his feet against the stairs.
Alone Gwen looked at Arthur, wondering what to do next. Her hands felt his shirt which was soaked with…she wasn't sure, and she didn't exactly want to find out. She watched Arthur whose chest rose steadily, with his eyes closed. "Alright Arthur, I've never had to deal with a drunk man before. So I'm not sure if you understand me, or if you even know that I'm talking right now—"
"I hear you Gwen."
Gwen smiled sadly at Arthur's calmness and cooperation. "Okay, I need you to put your arms behind your head; I have to take your t-shirt off."
"Okay…" Arthur whispered, fading out as he did what he was told.
Gwen took hold of the hem of his moist shirt, pulling it over his head, then throwing it next to his shoes on the ground. She wondered if he would be more comfortable without his belt on, but quickly realized that taking it off would be too difficult. She doubted that he could feel it any way.
Gwen moved to the end of the bed, where the sheets were collected, taking the thin sheet and resting it over Arthur, pausing as she noticed a collected bulge in his pants pocket. She moved the sheet up to Arthur's knee, feeling the object through his pants, but she still wasn't sure what it was. Afraid that he'd roll onto his side and crush the object, or have it bore into his skin, Gwen delicately reached inside Arthur's pocket, yet he remained still. Her hot fingertips touched the cold silver chain, which wrapped around her hand as she pulled it out slowly, the heavy sapphire pendant nearly falling out of her palm, and onto Arthur's bare chest.
She held up the birthday present Arthur had given her, blinking a couple of times as she rotated it in her hand, her mouth slightly opening as she looked at Arthur then back to the necklace. "You've been…carrying it?" She whispered, and despite her best attempts, she could feel hot tears at the brim of her eye lids. She sniffled to deter the water works, gingerly placing her gift on the dresser next to the bed. Finally, she covered Arthur with the bed sheet, his arms moving to rest on top of it and lay at his side. Gwen leaned over to adjust Arthur's pillow so that he wouldn't crane his neck, and she swore that she heard Arthur take a slight whiff of her hair.
Standing back she looked at him, watching him "sleep" (she wasn't sure what he was doing anymore). He looked ghastly pale, weary and sick, all because of her actions. She had ended their relationship in such haste, and she had been so callous to him when he pleaded for her to rethink her decision. Gwen felt like the vilest creature on earth when she thought of how she had dismissed Arthur the day he was leaving for Charleston, and spoke to her in the hallway. She felt terrible after both of those occasions, and she felt even worse now. In order to cope over the past week, Gwen had been trying to convince herself that she had done the right thing. Sure; it wasn't what she had wanted but, like she had told Arthur; you can't always have what you want.
So why, looking at Arthur in such a vulnerable state did she regret everything, and wish she could take it all back? But that couldn't happen, and now Arthur probably hated her too, and most likely never wanted to talk to her ever again. Sure, he had been excited to see her tonight, and calmed down every time he heard her voice; but he wasn't in his right mind. He probably didn't even remember half of the things she had done with him. After all, he was in this state because he wanted to forget about her and Lorenzo. Oh yeah, Lorenzo. That was on Gwen's list of things which made her feel like the size of an ant. In retrospect, she wasn't even sure why she kissed him back…maybe it was because she was vulnerable too. But it wasn't the same, not like it was with Arthur. In fact, just the fleeting thought of Arthur made her retract from Lorenzo's grasp. She had really made a grand mess of things, all because she thought she was being strong for Arthur. But in reality, she was weak; weaker than he was right now.
Gwen sighed deeply, scooting up to sit next to Arthur, pushing the tendrils of hair which were on his forehead to the side. Arthur, I'm so sorry, please forgive me. I hurt you, and I'm sorry. Slowly Gwen felt Arthur's hand move to her thigh, his eyes remaining closed as he grinned happily.
"Guinevere, I'm glad you're back." He indistinctly mumbled something else, before clearly adding: "I'll see you in the morn'." Arthur rubbed her thigh affectionately a few times, before removing his hand to return it to his side. He rolled over with a content sigh, finally going to sleep.
Gwen twirled the curled wire of the wall phone around her index finger, as she waited for her father to come to the phone. She had decided to stay the night at Merlin's house, and knew that if she didn't contact her family in some way, then they'd be gathering a search party. So here she was now, waiting for Alice to run next door and get her father, bringing him to her own house phone (the Gibsons didn't own one).
Heavy breathing finally came from the other end, before Tom finally spoke. "Gwen, baby, is that you?"
"Hey Daddy, it is me."
"Are you alright Gwen? Where are you?" He asked frantically, hardly able to catch his breath.
Gwen took a deep breath, knowing that no matter how she said it, her father would have the same reaction. "I'm at…Merlin's house."
"Whose house?"
"Daddy: my boss, Arthur; he got sick. I saw Merlin struggling to get him home, and I offered to help. Arthur's not in a good place at all, and I think I should stay."
"Like hell you will!" Tom yelled, causing Gwen to flinch slightly. "Merlin, he's a white boy, aint he?"
"Yes Daddy, he's white," Gwen said with a sigh.
"And you're fixin' to stay in a white boy's house, who I don't know, for the night? Actually, you're fixin' to stay with two white boys for the night?"
"When you say it that way—"
"Lord! Gwen: do you know what white men do to sweet girls like you when you aint got no one to watch your pretty little back?"
"Daddy, don't start. It's not like that," Gwen whispered, afraid that Merlin who was on the other side of the room would hear. "They're good people; they're my friends."
"Friends?" Tom asked, shrill in disbelief. "No, you aint stayin' there if I can help it. Where's this boy live? I'll come and get you."
"No."
Tom coughed once, before clearing his throat. "No?"
"I'm not a child anymore! I can hold on my own, and if I want to spend the night with a friend, to help another, I will. I just thought it'd be nice to let you know, but obviously—"
"Young lady! You better watch that fresh mouth of yours!"
"I aint being fresh!"
"While you live in my house Guinevere Louise, you'll do as I say. And I say to tell me where this white boy lives so I can come fetch you."
Gwen looked over at Merlin who had stopped what he was doing, watching Gwen intently. She took a deep breath, holding the phone receiver firmly. "I'll see you tomorrow Daddy," Gwen whispered, nearly trembling as she said the words. Though her father wasn't there in front her, just the thought of the sheer anger he must have been containing frightened her. She never told him no. Especially not about something so major. "I can't leave Arthur this way. If you saw him, you wouldn't be askin' me to go home."
"So it's like that, huh? You're gonna choose some rich cracker boy over your own father?"
"You're not listening."
Tom changed his tactic. "Didn't the good Lord tell Moses 'thou shalt honor thy mother and father'?"
Oh no, he was getting the Bible verses out. "And he also said to 'love thy neighbor'," Gwen retorted. There was a silence, and in the next moment, Gwen heard the disconnect tone blaring in her ears. She looked down at the phone as if it were a foreign object, before slamming it back to the wall cradle. She turned with a hand on her hip, and a tight frown on her face.
"What'd he say?" Merlin asked cautiously, as Gwen slowly approached him.
"He hung up on me. My own Daddy hung up on me!" Gwen said the second time, with more anger than disbelief.
"Was it that bad?"
"He thinks that I'm choosing y'all over him. He just doesn't understand."
"'Cause we're white?"
Gwen rubbed her forehead. "I don't wanna talk about it right now Merlin. I'm thinking 'bout too much already."
Merlin nodded empathetically, walking to the kitchen counter which was next to his stove, holding two steaming cups of tea. "I made one for you, to calm your nerves. You do drink tea, right?"
Gwen smiled a little as she looked down at the mug, then to Merlin. "That was sweet, thank you," Gwen said taking it into her hands.
"Can that be my peace offering?"
Gwen wrapped her hands around the large ceramic mug. "Peace offering?"
"Yeah, for being a total jerk to you. It's your life, and I shouldn't judge you. I was a total jack ass."
"Well, can this be my apology?" Gwen asked with a sheepish smile. "You were only being a good friend to Arthur; he should be glad to have someone like you. But you had every right to be angry with me, I was…being a bit of a jack ass too."
Merlin smiled, sighing happily. "My feet and shoulders ache somethin' fierce. Let's go sit down on the sofa," Merlin said waving his hand, leading Gwen to his living room, wrapping a friendly arm around her shoulder.
A/N: I'm in awe at how many words the English language has to express drunkenness! (I actually looked them up to avoid redundancy). Alright, hope you enjoyed it…