''I regret this,'' Merlin said sincerely. ''I really do, Ben.''
Kylo waved a hand and sighed. ''It's as much my fault as yours, dude.''
''Dude?''
''It's an expression of companionship.''
''Oh.'' Merlin thought about this. ''All right then. Dude.'' He looked questioningly at Kylo, who nodded approvingly.
''I think we can call each other friends in this dark time.''
''Thanks.''
''Actually, if we're going to blame anyone, we can blame my mom.''
''I think she's nice,'' said Merlin.
''She's ok. A bit hard. But really, I'm a grown man. I have my own Imperial army. I don't need a designated driver and I've way outgrown a curfew.''
''I know how you feel. Arthur and the knights are way overprotective whenever I get hurt. It's ridiculous. I mean, I'm the damn foretold Lord of the Druids! I'm not going to die of pneumonia if I cross the courtyard when it's raining!''
Merlin and Kylo watched the scene below them.
''Where're they going now?'' Kylo asked.
Merlin squinted after the two retreating backs. ''Oh god, the tavern. Let's — tell you what, there's a nice cave system under the castle. Do you like spelunking? A dragon used to live down there.''
''Sure,'' said Kylo. ''Anything to get away from Rey and Gwaine on full-out prank mode, especially if they're heading for somewhere you can get alcohol.''