Sorry it has been so long since I've updated, and that these chapters are a little shorter than the others. I've been pretty busy. But I'm just about done with this story, just so you all know. I am planning a sequel, though.

I held Arthur's hand tightly as we walked into the restaurant together. I looked around nervously. So far, I didn't see his parents. I was kind of hoping that I wouldn't see them, to be honest. Because if I couldn't see them, then there was a possibility that they weren't there at all, and if they weren't there at all, then I wouldn't have to go through with this.

"I really don't want to do this," I told him.

"I know. Thank you. It means a lot to me that you're willing to try."

"Yeah, sure." I had agreed to it, though. Since I had agreed to it, I would go through with it. Even if every second of it seemed like a torture.

Finally, Arthur spotted his mom and dad. Reluctantly, I allowed him to lead to join them. Not that I had anything against Ygraine. I loved her. She was so awesome. She was one of the coolest adults I had ever met. It was Uther I didn't really like, mostly because he didn't really like me. "Dad, Mom," my boyfriend greeted.

Ygraine smiled. "Hey, sweetie. Merlin. It's great to see you again. How are you?"

"Good. I'm good. How are you, Ygraine? Mr. Pendragon?"

Uther was frowning. He grunted in response to my question. His wife gave him a stern look. "Uther, stop that. Merlin is a very nice young woman. Be civil."

"Hello…Merlin."

Ygraine sighed. "well, I'd hoped that this would go a bit smoother. Uther, honey, why don't you get to know Merlin a little?"

I sent Arthur a grimace. This was not going well. It was like pulling teeth, with his dad.

Arthur, his eyes flicking between me and Uther, cleared his throat. "Uh, Dad, did you know that Merlin is thinking about opening her own store someday? After she graduates college?"

I elbowed him sharply. I still wasn't sure if that was actually something that I wanted to do or not. It was a random idea.

Ygraine smiled. "Really? I didn't know that. What kind of store?"

I flushed. This was another reason I wasn't happy with Arthur for mentioning it. This was not going to help with his dad. "Uh…a book store slash café. Somewhere that people could go to study or read and also enjoy a nice coffee or something. I've always loved bookstores and stuff. I would love to be able to just sit there and do my studying and reading, with a cup of coffee in my hand."

Uther snorted. "She really is a nerd," he muttered to himself.

Ygraine looked irritated. I was irritated, but I had kind of expected it.

Arthur stood up. He looked pissed. Really pissed. "This is ridiculous, Dad. You're being completely unreasonable. I wanted you to be able to get to know my girlfriend. But apparently you can't even handle a civil conversation with her. She hasn't done anything to you to deserve this kind of treatment. Whether you like it or not, I love Merlin. And we're going to be living together, so you may as well get used to seeing her. Come on, Merlin. Let's go."

I allowed Arthur to lead me out of the restaurant.