Disclaimer: I do not own Merlin; the show belongs to BBC. I own my OCs.
He watches Todd and Mike throw her onto the ground. She's been sticking her nose in his business for too long now. It's time to keep her away from the action. There's a gut feeling inside him about her. The man doesn't know how but he feels she'll be the end of him.
He points a finger at her. "Get up," his eyes narrow, "now."
"Bite me."
The man gestures for Todd and Mike to lift her up onto her knees. He stands before her with tiredness.
"Ten years."
"No one forced you to raise me."
"True but I was the one who protected you from my not so...gentler members."
"Lucky for me they're either dead or still serving time."
"You and that mouth of yours," he shakes his head. His hand snaps forward and harshly holds her cheeks. "Will get you into trouble if you don't learn how to keep it zipped."
She tries to free herself but his grip is becoming stronger. There's going to be a bruise sooner or later. Eventually he releases his grip. The man turns his back to her.
"Get this slut's trash out of here."
As Todd and Mike remove her, she shouts in retaliation.
"My mother was not a slut. Although," she smirks, "can't say the same about ol' Tommy."
"OUT!"
"You heard the man boys. Take me away."
The duo grumbles in annoyance. Once they were gone, the man begins breaking everything within arm's reach. His rage bursts out almost like Hellfire.
(-)
Todd pushes the door open. Mike tosses her onto the ground. Cuts appear on her skin as she braces herself. Her eyes glare daggers at them. If only eyes could kill then they'd be buried six feet under.
"Don't give us that look Dove," Mike sneers.
"You really did it this time."
"Oh go screw each other," Dove rises to her feet.
Mike and Todd roll their eyes. The boss isn't the only one who's tired of her. They've wanted to end her for the past few years yet there's a rule: rough up the dove, never kill it. Maybe this time the boss will let them finally finish her off.
"It's a shame. Don't you think so Todd?"
"Aye."
"What are you two bimbos talking about now?"
"You're fit, don't get us wrong."
"But that mouth of yours," Todd shakes his head, "no one will dare come near you."
"I'm fine with that. Tells me who cares about looks and who doesn't." She sucks in her breath. "Can't say the same for you lot. No woman in her right mind will touch you with a ten foot pole. Especially since your "packages" are small and empty."
Todd sees red. He lunges to strangle her. Dove dodges and runs out of the alleyway. Mike does his best to keep his mate calm and from not making any stupid mistakes. Todd, however, shouts profanities and promises of a slow painful death.
Dove fixes herself up then goes for a stroll. She reaches the entrance to a park when an older gentleman comes into her line of sight. He struggles with a wrench as he attempts to change the tire. The young woman does a quick surveillance. No cops, no recognizable members. She's in the clear. Dove heads over to him in a calmly manner.
"Need any help?"
The man turns his head. "If you're looking to steal, you picked the wrong man. I may be old," he slowly stands up to his feet, "but I still have a spring in my step."
She smiles. "I don't doubt it sir."
"Sir?"
"Yes."
"Odd. Normally kids your age don't treat the elderly with such respect."
"Kid?" She raises a brow. "I'm in my 20s."
"Practically a child."
Dove likes this old man. He's not like the rest she's met before. However, he feels...familiar somehow. It can't be his long white beard although it makes him appear wiser beyond the years he has now. She's never seen big ears like his before. The young woman would've definitely remember someone like him. The only thing left are his eyes. They appear welcoming, loving, friendly, and family.
"I'm sorry but have we met before?" she wonders.
"Don't believe we have."
"Odd."
"Why?"
"No reason."
"There must be a reason if you had to ask your question." Dove bashfully glances away. "Now tell me. Why?"
"I feel as though I've known you for years."
The old gentleman smiles at her. Glancing at his smile, Dove can tell he's hiding a secret. She calls him out on it.
"And you're smiling. You know something, don't you?"
"Nothing for you to worry about...Prat."
"What?"
"What's your name dearie?"
"Don't think I'll let you change the subject. I'll answer your question if you answer mine."
"And if I don't want to?"
"I'll still change your tire and you'll never see me again."
He ponders for a moment. There's no way she can leave. They need her.
"Alright, I'll answer your question."
"What the bloody hell does "prat" mean?"
"It's a term of endearment back in my day."
"Okay."
"Your name?"
"Albiona."
"Celtic for white. Named for your hair, eh?"
"It's natural."
"I can tell between natural and a dye job. No need to defend yourself."
"Thanks." She holds out a hand. "Albiona Castle."
"Emerys...Pendragon. Emerys Pendragon." He shakes her hand. "Better yet, call me Merlin."
"Albi."
"Pleasure to make your acquaintance Albi."
"Pleasure's mine Merlin. Now," she rests her hands on her hips, "still need help with your bike?"
"Absolutely."
Albi gets to work. When she asks for something, Merlin's there to hand it. As she works, Merlin can't help but feel Albi's distress. Wink, wink. He pushes for a conversation.
"Tell me what's on your mind Prat."
"Whatever gave you the assumption my mind is in a tizzy."
"Think you can out-sass me? Think again," he smirks.
She sighs. "Look, I'd rather keep you out of it. You're a nice, gentle old man and I don't want to paint a target on your back."
"Like I've said before." He whacks her behind the head. "I still have a spring in my step."
Albi rubs the spot. She grumbles as she finishes the job. Soon enough, she's done. The young woman stands back up then presents her work.
"Ta-da."
"Well done."
"Thanks."
"Now, be a dear and walk with me."
"I told you before—"
"Yes, yes, I know." He waves her concern away. "Call this a favor. It's been quite some time since I've taken a stroll with someone."
A small smile appears. "Sure Merlin."
They walk into the park with the bike in between them. Albi always liked to stroll in this area but having to keep looking over one's shoulder tends to ruin moments like these. With Merlin, though, she doesn't have to check. This time she takes in the beauty of the trees. The breeze dances through her hair as it caresses her face with gentle kisses. She truly smiles for the first time in a long time.
"Has anyone ever told you how beautiful your smile is?"
Her smile drops. "No."
"Tell ol' Grandpa Merlin your troubles."
"You're a grandfather?" Albi raises a brow.
"Never got the chance."
"Would you mind if I ask why?"
Merlin stares straight ahead. Albi figures he's reminiscing about his past. The old man, however, is doing something else. He can just see the one person he loves and trusts. They're a bit fuzzy though as if they're not fully physical yet.
"My person died before we could. I never did get to say I love you." He turns to Albi with hope. "Don't make the same mistake as I did. When you find someone, say you love them. Never wait for the right moment because there'll never be a right moment." She can only nod. Merlin breaks out a smile. "Back to the main subject. Tell me your woes."
"You're quite persistent, aren't you?" Albi chuckles lightly.
"You haven't seen nothing yet."
So she tells him. Of course there are a few details she can't tell to just anyone. With what she's saying, Merlin's getting an idea of what she's going through. It's like deja vu. He smiles to himself. As Albi continues her side of the conversation, Merlin slowly comes to a stop allowing Albi to continue walking without him.
Another few feet and she's disappeared into thin air. He smiles again. Merlin knows this will be good for her. She'll help bring back light and faith.
"I wish you luck Albiona Castle. You've got a couple of dollopheads to deal with. Not to mention a royal prat."