The ride home was a long one. The air in the car held traces of the bitter scent of disappointment and peppermint and this did nothing to lift Merlin's spirits. They finally arrived at their small yet cozy cottage that lay near the woods. Most people lived in the suburbs part of Camelot but Gaius was never one to follow trends.

"Are you ever going to talk to me again?" Merlin asked as he kept his eyes glued to the windshield.

Gaius just unclipped his seatbelt and walked to the cottage; not a word to be heard. Merlin sighed in frustration and laid his head on the car's dashboard. He stayed like this for about five minutes until he was spooked by a knock on the car door's window. He looked up to find Gaius standing there holding a slab of steak in one hand and a rake in the other. Merlin rolled down the window.

"Now you mustn't think that all's well and forgotten. As punishment, you're to rake every leaf from this driveway. I expect to see it spotless. You're also to tell me in explicit detail what happened today and why. Now come along, we haven't got all day, put this on your face," Gaius said as he covered Merlin's entire face with the cold piece of meat.

Merlin groaned.

Meanwhile…

It was freezing in Pendragon Corp. Whether it was because Uther himself was a cold manipulative person or because the A/C was broken was entirely up to opinion; either way, Arthur was quivering and he didn't care for it. Morgana led him past the glass doors and up the elevator to Uther's personal office.

Arthur gulped as the doors opened and he was confronted with the sight of his father standing rigidly by his lit fireplace. Instantly Arthur straightened his back and held his head high; just like he'd been taught since infantry. Morgana rolled her eyes at this obvious attempt of manly bravado and opted to sit in one of her father's office arm chairs.

Arthur curtly walked over to his father; awaiting his punishment.

"I do not care why nor how you were involved in that skirmish at your school. I do, however, care that you are clearly on the path to tarnishing the family name!" Uther barked as he turned to face his son.

Arthur refused to cower to the presence of his father's looming authority.

"Father, it was foolish of me to involve myself with-,"

"A Peasant!" Uther said, interrupting Arthur.

Arthur paused a bit there but continued on.

"Uh, yes, it was a mistake for me to have a row with this-this boy but I assure you, father, I would never soil the family name. I let my temper get the best of me, something that will surely never happen again," Arthur said sternly.

He was mentally berating himself for his earlier behavior and now standing in front of his father, this daily habit was made worse.

"Arthur, you must remember we come from a very admirable lineage. Our ancestors were kings, lords and governors. We are wealthy but we make our own wealth. You know what is expected of you. Do not disappoint me, Arthur."

Arthur nodded his head glumly as he accepted his fate. This was a usual occurrence, as was Uther's speech about their great royal lineage.

"One day, you yourself will be head of this law firm. But until you prove that you are worthy and capable, I'm afraid you'll have to face the consequences. Give me your credit card."

Arthur pulled out his wallet and handed his father the black card. Uther snatched it from his grasp and put it on top of his desk. He then went back to looming at Arthur.

"Leave me," Uther said, turning to back to the fireplace dramatically.

With his arms crossed behind himself, Arthur bowed his head and moved to leave. Morgana mouthed sorry but Arthur didn't pay her any mind. He had just thoroughly disappointed his father and he had never done that before. He had just pressed the elevator button when Uther said "Oh and Arthur?"

"Yes, sir?" Arthur inquired, already boarding the elevator.

"See to it that this never happens again."

Arthur nodded his head in acknowledgement but he doubted Uther saw for it was in the moment that the elevator doors shut close, obscuring Uther's view of his son. Arthur sighed because he was pretty sure he was going to be getting into more fights; especially if Merlin was involved.