"Here, sit down," Arthur said, installing Merlin at a table in the far corner of the pub, clear of the rest of the people all having a quick drink at lunchtime. Merlin looked around and watched as Arthur strode to the bar, ordered some drinks and came back with two pints, and a shot of something. Arthur put the pint of cider and the whiskey in front of Merlin.

"Swig that first," Arthur ordered, nudging the whiskey forward. Merlin did as he was told, blinking rapidly as the alcohol hit the back of his throat and he gave a slight hiccup.

"Sorry, if I frightened you."

"You didn't actually," Merlin said, giving a second hiccup and calming himself with a light sip of cider. "I wasn't frightened of you. I just didn't feel very comfortable."

"Well, when he sends you the new agreement to sign bring it to me before you do, but I doubt he will try anything now. I'll look at it over lunch, when we have lunch."

"I'm sorry, you sort of had to put your day aside for me."

"Don't be, we are all happy to do it. You know why we all did don't you?" Arthur asked. Merlin blinked.

"Because you all didn't want him doing me out of some money, which I don't really care about," Merlin said.

Arthur smiled. "Actually, it was more the fact you said he told you that you didn't have any friends. Will assured us that it was very likely he would have said that, and that made everyone who likes you, very, very, cross. Especially me."

"Because he said I didn't have any friends."

"Yes," Arthur said.

They paused as the barman, Percival, stopped by the table and picked up the empty whiskey glass.

"Another?"

"I think he's fine now," Arthur said. Merlin smiled slightly.

"How's Gwaine?" Percival asked.

"Badly behaved with everyone except Merlin."

"Well, he loves Merlin doesn't he?" Percival said. "If you want anything else give me a wave."

"Thanks, Percival."

Merlin blinked as he watched the barman go. "You know you go to a place too often when the barman knows without asking what you will ask for."

"I did ask him for the usual, with a whiskey shot as well. So you're probably right. We've been coming here for years. Since we found out that Percival copes with Gwaine's antics rather well."

"Can I ask how you all met?"

"God! There are a few stories involved in that. Leon I met at work. He started a little while before me. Gwaine I met at University, same with Lancelot, he was my room mate the first year. Just lucky we ended up in the same city."

"Is it?"

"Not really," Arthur said with a smile. "I had kudos, so I got him a job."

"Okay; and what are you doing here?"

"Coming to see how you got on?" Will said pausing by the table.

"Not to worry, Percival has been forewarned," Arthur said, waving his hand and indicating to Will.

"Stella, coming up," Percival said.

"What?" Merlin asked.

"Like I said," Arthur address Merlin slowly. "Cenred made a lot of people angry with that comment, and everyone wants to know how it went and..."

"Everyone is coming to find out," Morgana said. Leon pulled out a chair for her and she took her seat. Lancelot stayed by Gwaine's side as he moved along on his crutches. Gwen hurried forward to commandeer a decent chair for him so it was ready when Gwaine reached the space next to Merlin, which Gwaine would want. Will's face darkened a little, Arthur noticed. But Arthur knew that was one of the things that Merlin tolerated in Will, because he was his best friend.

"So?" Morgana asked her brother.

"Easily sorted. Our reputation precedes us, as you know."

Morgana smirked.

"And having someone who works for the CPS looking over your not illegal, but morally suspect activities, makes another solicitor very amenable. Especially since I mentioned that you had read it, and passed it to dad!" Arthur said.

Morgana continued smirking, looking immensely pleased with himself.

"Is that bad?" Merlin asked.

"Only for Cenred and his lawyer. Plus, daddy is an expert in corporate law, and I only showed him the relevant bits. We then just send Arthur because he has the best game face."

"Yes, he does," Merlin said. "I think it's all sorted and I should have the paperwork to sign fairly soon. I will let Arthur read it first,"

"Fine," Morgana said. Then she turned her attention to Gwen. "I love that scarf, where did you get it?"

Arthur had to admit his sister was often very surprising. Her and Gwen seemed to be getting on very well. It looked surprising to most people considering Morgana's general demeanour, but Arthur knew just how amenable she generally was. He rocked on the stool as Merlin nudged him.

"What?"

"Is it all right? I mean you are not doing some sort of covert infestation," Merlin said.

"I think you mean investigation," Arthur said. "And no. We are just sticking up for you."

"What did I say?" Merlin asked.

"Say 'solicitors letter'," Arthur said.

"Why?" Merlin asked.

"Never mind," Gwaine said. "Percival just said you gave Merlin a whiskey, and he didn't eat this morning."

"I didn't have breakfast, I felt to nervous."

"Right, food then," Arthur said. "Percival, have you got any sandwiches on?"

"I've got some rolls, Ham and Cheese, Egg, Cheese Salad..." He reeled off a few options as he peered in the fridge that housed them.

"Bring a range," Arthur ordered as Merlin said. "Ham and Cheese."

Percival clearly heard as when he brought a tray of rolls, neatly wrapped in cling film and he put two ham and cheese in front of Merlin.

"Thank you," Merlin said, picking up one and struggling to unwrap the film. Gwaine took it out of his hands and did it for him. Merlin blinked and swayed slightly in his seat. Arthur put a hand up to keep him steady as Gwaine put the now opened rolls in front of him. Merlin picked one up and started to eat. Morgana picked up a cheese salad, studied it for a moment and then unwrapped it before taking a bite, far more delicate than Merlin's, then peered at her phone in irritation as it vibrated. Picking it up she answered it.

"Yes? I am currently in a meeting, can I call you back, about 3pm. Thank you very much, I will speak to you then. Bye, bye now."

"You're not in a meeting," Merlin said. Morgana looked at him steadily, then turned to her brother.

"Correct, he can be extremely rude. However, given the circumstances that can be forgiven. I am in a meeting, with you, and several other people. I did not state that it was a work meeting. However, this constitutes a meeting."

"Sorry," Merlin said. "And I'm not rude."

"Merlin, you have occasions of saying things that do sound rude," Arthur said. "We just don't care. I was worse than you after Sofia left me."

"I... " Merlin paused and then thought about it, a frown marring his face. "I just..."

That was as far as he got before he burst into tears. Gwen got up, Gwaine glared at Arthur. Morgana hardly reacted. Will reached for Merlin and found him out of his grasp as Arthur got Merlin onto his feet.

"It's all right," he said to Merlin gently. "You lot, carry on. Get Merlin some orange juice."

Merlin sobbed something at Arthur, at someone, but Arthur gently walked him outside and into a quiet corner. As they paused in the side street next to the pub Arthur let Merlin sob onto his shoulder.

"Sorry," Merlin sobbed.

"You're all right. Perhaps the whiskey was a bad idea."

"You don't have bad ideas."

Arthur huffed. "I thought marrying Sofia was a good idea, and you know how that turned out. I have bad ideas, Merlin. Giving you a whiskey is perhaps one of them."

"I'm fine, I just..."

"You haven't done this part yet, I don't think."

"Which part?"

"The absolute reality of what has happened. You've been doing this divorce thing, and we all got involved and are your friends, so got very offended by Cenred. Me more than most, I have to say."

"You have friends."

"I have the friends you see in the pub now, except Mithian, who is in court being an usher for the day. Leon will no doubt be texting her with update, and then there is you. And of the friends you have, I am the one who has been through something like this. As Gwaine said, at least you got to the wedding."

"Why did Sofia dump you?" Merlin asked, as tears rolled down his cheeks.

"She said didn't want to get involved with all the 'Pendragon family shit'. Actually, I think she realised my father had no intention of settling any money on us. I have my trust fund, from what my mum left, but the family money won't come to me until my dad dies. And I have to share nicely with Morgana."

"So like me then. I think he married me to transfer those business holdings to me. I was just convenient."

"He probably had feelings for you, just not enough. Same with Sofia. You'll get over it, I did. I feel better for it. I won't be so naive next time."

"And I can marry Gwaine," Merlin said.

Arthur smirked. "There are probably worse people you could marry. And he does adore you."

"And it's not like I don't know what I'm getting, I helped him in the shower yesterday."

"I told him I would do that," Arthur growled.

"He said that. I said I didn't mind and I just propped him up and he washed himself, and I had my underwear on, and it was all very fine. I don't need you being some kind of Victorian father."

"I know. He's just annoying how he picks his moment. But he'd never hurt you. Even if you tried a relationship and it didn't work out."

"I'm not up for that yet, but..." Merlin paused and bit his lip. "The world went horrible when the police rang me and I thought he might not be there."

"Good place to start. Did you ever feel that about Cenred?"

"I think so, at the beginning, but he's so practical that... And he was really charming, but now it doesn't seem as if that was what it was."

"It might well have been. The best advice I can give you is to not analyze every moment, it will drive you mad and there are moments that it would have been true, and romantic; so just leave it alone Merlin. It's at an end now, and let it go."

"Is Frozen your favourite film?" Merlin asked.

"No, I am very fond of the Star Wars Trilogy. And Star Trek Four, with the whales, always makes me feel good."

"You're a sci-fi geek," Merlin giggled.

"And proud of it," Arthur said.

"Look at the fucking gays!" a voice announced. Arthur didn't let go of Merlin as he said.

"I'm fairly certain we are not engaging in any sexual activity," he said. "And if we were it's a case for the police and public decency, not your sort of justice. But if you want that, talk to my friend there."

"Hello," Percival rumbled, looking huge and well muscled. "And as this is my pub... I suggest you fucking, fuck, off."

"Seconded," Will said bounding out behind him.

"Thirded," Lancelot said. "Because if nothing else, Gwen can only contain Gwaine for so long. Merlin does not need the patience of a saint, Gwaine just won't argue with him. We need this power preserved for the good of mankind."

"Oh and by the way," Morgana announced, pushing through the group and glaring at the men. "Fancy trying to pick on me."

"Thanks, Morgana."

"Your bollocks do not shrivel up just because a woman joins in."

"You talking about my bollocks is weird Morgana. You are my sister."

"Oh, grow up!" she snapped at him. The men looked confused by that and went on their way, muttering to themselves.

"Sorry," Merlin said.

"No need to be sorry," Arthur said. "You are not responsible for other people's actions."

"I'm the one sobbing in the alleyway."

"Actually, I'm the one that put you here. We'll go back in. Percival thank you."

"Don't worry, those guys are wankers. I serve them if I have to, as soon as I can throw them out I do. Now, I don't have to suffer them."

"It's only lunchtime."

"Hence why they are wankers. Come on. I got Merlin some juice ready, without ice."

"Thank you."

As Arthur brought him back and put him in the seat he had been in, Gwaine reached to put an arm around him, pulling him close and kissing the side of his head. Then he kept his arm around Merlin's chair, holding him in the circle of his arm.

"The Bell-end rang," Will said.

"What!" Merlin yelped looking down to his bag to find his phone.

"I answered it," Morgana said. "I loved the way he asked me who I was."

"What did you say?" Merlin asked.

"I told him, Morgana Pendragon; and, yes, I am the daughter of Uther Pendragon, half-sister of Arthur, and not one of Merlin's legal team is going to allow him to talk to you until the agreement is sent and we are happy for you to sign it."

"You didn't?!" Arthur said. His sister stared down her nose at him.

"Yes, I did, and then I pointed out to him what I meant by Merlin's legal team; his 'friends'."

"Trust me Merlin, it was cool. I heard him yelp down the phone and she's over there!" Will said.

"She?" Morgana asked, grinning from ear to ear.

"Yes. You are female. Very impressive it was."

Merlin giggled. "You've impressed Will. Well done."

Morgana looked at him steadily. "I impress everyone."

XxxxxxxxxxxxxX

"He'll be fine."

"I can mind him you know," Gwaine said as they looked at Merlin, currently sleeping on the bed in Gwaine's spare room, after a heavy Friday night, which was a consequence of the stressful Wednesday.

"You have a fractured leg," Arthur said. "I will stay for a while and then head home."

Gwaine pouted.

"Don't be a prat. I'm not going to take Merlin off you."

"I wouldn't let you," Gwaine said. "Besides, he's not your type."

"Why not?"

"He has a dick," Gwaine said.

"He's not asleep," Merlin said groggily, rolling over. "Some annoying people keep talking."

"Sorry, Merlin," Arthur said, retreating with Gwaine. Merlin slumped back down onto the pillow, listening to the low murmur of voices on the landing, which then headed into the bathroom. Presumably so Gwaine could get ready for bed. Merlin had felt a little angry on Wednesday, after everyone seemed to have taken over his life, and he had sobbed over Arthur. But not a single one of them had stopped him drinking on Friday. Even Percival had been keeping a careful eye on him, but hadn't stopped serving him.

Merlin now just felt sick, and bored.

Not bored of Gwaine, Arthur and the others, but of the situation, and himself. He could run away from the situation a little bit, but not himself.

Although he wasn't really thinking, but more letting thoughts wash through his mind. However, enough time had passed that the door creaked open again, and the light on the landing illuminated Arthur's hair.

"Hi, I'm heading off."

"No worries," Merlin said.

"Are you all right?"

"Still a bit woozy but I'll be fine. I got a text from Cenred today saying the solicitor had sent me the documents. I should have them by Monday," Merlin said, then as he saw Arthur's body language, added. "But that's not why I got drunk. I think I'm past the being upset over it all stage. I just felt like it. Cenred disapproved of me drinking too much."

"Ah, that stage."

"What stage?"

"The freedom, you don't need to consider anyone in your decisions stage. Although you've done a lot of that. You have a new flat, new life."

"New friends."

"True," Arthur said. "And a nice little sideline you enjoy. Percival was asking if you did landscapes and buildings. I think he wants you to paint a picture of the pub."

"Okay, I'll give it a go."

"And he might want you to do a mural," Arthur said.

"Really?"

"I showed him a picture of your kitchen cupboards where you had stencilled them."

"I should give you a commission as my agent."

Arthur grinned. "Keep managing Gwaine as you do, that is payment enough."

"I'm not deaf you know!" Gwaine yelled.

"Cool it," Arthur ordered him. "I said I'd pop round in the morning, I'll bring stuff for breakfast as Gwaine said he had nothing in."

"Okay. He's got coffee, and eggs. Bring bacon, I'll do a fry up," Merlin said.

Arthur grinned. "Deal."