Once Gwaine had unpacked his few belongings, he travelled light, he decided to have a soak in the bath, a rare luxury reserved for when he was in the UK, and had digs that had one. Often the places he stayed had done way with the bath in favour of showers. There was nothing like a good soak to get the brain cells working. For Gwaine had another reason for deciding to take Arthur up on his offer, he wanted the chance to have a decent talk with him.

Once the water started to get cold Gwaine got out of the tub and dressed before going downstairs and finding Arthur. The other man was sitting in the conservatory reading a newspaper. "Hi Gwaine had a good soak?"

"Yes, loved it don't get the chance often"

"If you want a coffee before our meal there's a coffee maker behind you" Arthur gestured to sideboard against the wall of the house. Gwaine got up and made himself one. The conservatory was facing the garden and was a decent size, from the three piece suite it contained and the large coffee table full of books and magazines Gwaine guessed it was one of Arthur's favourite spots. Both the lounges had looked unlived in by comparison.

Arthur noted Gwaine glance "Yes I tend to live out here, it's such a nice view"

"You're lucky having garden this size in London" remarked the Irishman.

Arthur smiled "I guess no one is keen to sell for building around here. As I said I owe three of the ones at this end so it won't happen here. I like my space."

"Arthur do you mind if I speak my mind, only it seems a bit rude after you letting me stay here and all." Gwaine asked

"Go ahead, it's good to clear the air"

"Leave Merlin alone, by that I mean be his friend by all means but leave it at that! I've seen that look in your eye when you're near him. Merl is a keeper, his heart gets broken to easily. You and me we flit from one person to another he's not like that" Gwaine said seriously. Leave him for someone who will stay around"

Arthur looked at Gwaine "Two things why should I listen to you and second what makes you think I'm not serious"

"Listen to me or I'll cut your balls off if you hurt him, and second your job …. I'm guessing its MI6 or 5 but since you were in Syria I'd say 6. You carry a gun and get shot. Your job can't leave much time or stability for settling down" Gwaine said honestly.

Arthur put his head back and laughed "Gwaine you surprise me for a start I do believe that the tigress they call Hunith Emrys would be first in line for my balls, she might seem sweetness and light but that's a cover and Balinor wouldn't be far behind, I'm sure he has learnt a few tricks over the years, those two scare the hell out of me. As to your second remark, I couldn't possibly say, but even if it was true nothing is keeping me there, I'm getting older and believe it or not I don't need the money. The excitement does wear off. I want someone to share all this with me" Arthur waved his good arm around. "I met Merlin before he went to Syria at a fund raiser, he was off next morning, but I knew then there was something about him, something very special. I haven't even asked him out yet, he might say no. But if he did say yes… well he's a grown man and you need to believe me when I say I won't hurt him"

Gwaine studied Arthur before replying "You're right about Hunith! But I meant what I said Merl is like my kid brother. Well just take care of him, he'll go out with you, you have Merlin Emrys written all over you, even down to the bad boy image. But one thing might put you off…you get Mer, well I sort of come with the package so I'll get custody of your drinks cabinet whenever I'm in the country!"

"If I am fortunate enough then you're welcome, now unless you want Audrey to get cross our meal will be ready. I understand from talking to Hunith your fond of apples so the sweet of Apple Pie might be tempting"

Once they'd eaten the two men collected a drink each and went back out to the conservatory where they found they had more in common than just Merlin and fine drinks. By the end of the evening they had become friends, although Arthur was under no illusion that would change if he hurt the Emrys's in any shape or form. He also found out that Hunith was almost a second mother to Gwaine whose own family life had been difficult with an aggressive father who would beat him and his mother. He had gone too far one day and killed Gwaine's mother. That was when Gwaine had decided to train as a nurse and help others. Arthur had new found respect for his new friend when he heard how he had pulled his life around. The story had only been told to explain his close relationship with Hunith rather than to gain pity. With plans made to visit Merlin the next day the two men turned in.

One thing the conversation had done was to push the last doubts Arthur had in his mind about looking for a new outlet for his time and energy. The charity that both Gwaine and Merlin worked for seemed a good place. When he had spoken to them they had seemed quite keen, he did after all have a business degree and lots of wealthy contacts. As fund raiser he would be invaluable. Now all he needed to do was get Merlin to agree to go out with him, the rest could then fall into place.