The next few weeks went by like a blur, I fell back to numbness, having an excruciatingly awkward conversation with Gaius regarding the current state of my face and my new work schedule. I wanted to switch to nights, for the differential, but he said until I turned 18, he had to stick to the minor curfew and he agreed to up my hours, but only enough that it would still be considered part-time and promised to revisit it when I actually did turn 18, but offered me a .50 cent raise, most likely out of pity, said I'd been working there long enough to earn it anyway. It was the highest raise I ever heard of and I needed it, so I wasn't going to argue with him about it.

Everyone at work found out I was staying with Mordred and made googly eyes and kissy faces at us, every chance they got. It was stupid, but it made me smile, Mordred, of course, didn't help matters, blushing like a school girl every time they did it. All in all, I felt like my life was getting a little more steady, I was still pissed I couldn't afford my own place, but Mordred made it real easy to live with him, well except for the constant touching and hugging shit. It made me feel guilty, I didn't want to push him away, part of me liked it, part of me felt like it was too much and the majority of me knew, even if we tried something, it wouldn't work.

Mordred helped me prepare a resume, though there wasn't much to put on there, other than writing awards, and two previous employment places. Couldn't apply anywhere anyway, not until my face healed up at least, and definitely not anywhere I couldn't work out a bus schedule to. I've never driven a car and had no license to speak of, not like I could afford a car anyway, so that was that.

I spent most of my time off at the library, reading books about different things. Trying to learn about different types of jobs, so maybe I could land a better paying gig.

Today, though, I was feeling lazy, so I scrubbed the place clean, and laid on the bed, staring at the ceiling until Mordred came home. Damn, I was a fucking housewife. I scrunched my nose and laughed at the thought, until a knock came from the door. I looked at the door curiously, until it knocked again, so I forced myself up and trudged over to it, putting the chain on, before unlocking and opening it.

I frowned at the two standing there, "Ugh forreal?" I scowled.

"Hello to you too, Merlin."

"Can I help you, detective?" I asked, rolling my eyes.

"Just open your door so I can look at your face better."

"For what?"

"For my own peace of mind. I won't come in."

"No."

"Merlin, please, just let me make sure you're doing ok."

"I ain't gotta prove nothin' to you."

"If I have suspicion of a crime, I can force myself in."

"That'd be a downright lie."

He sighed in frustration, "Just let me take a look at you and I'll leave. That's all I want."

"Why should I? You doin' this shit against my will. I have rights, too."

"Merlin, please stop being stubborn."

I slammed the door at his face, snickered as he kept calling my name, imagining the stupid look on his face, before removing the chain and opening the door the entire way. I saw the surprise on his face as I did, and huffed, "As you can see, I'm healin' and got all my limbs in place. I'm fine, so please leave me be."

Pendragon shook his head at me and his partner gave me an annoyed grunt before saying, "Kid's fine. Can we go now?"

"Shut up, Percival," Pendragon huffed, critically studying me.

I scowled at both of them, until Pendragon looked away and assessed the place, "Boyfriend's place?"

"Ain't got one of them. Ain't lookin for one either," I said giving him a confused look, "Got enough shit to deal wit."

He nodded, "So you're single?"

His partner scoffed, "Seriously?"

"What?" Pendragon turned to him, "You got something to say?"

His partner took a step back, threw his hands up in the air, "Whatever. I'm waiting in the car, just hurry up, alright?"

"Fine," Pendragon answered and waited until Percival left before turning back to me, "So? Single or not?"

I twitched, "Think I already answered that. What's it to you?"

"I was wondering, if you would be willing to maybe go on a date with me?"

Now I was very confused, "Why?"

"Because I'm attracted to you?"

"You's attracted to people with bruises on they face? That's just fucked up."

"You know that's not it."

"You called me a kid. Sure as shit sounds like you're just fuckin' wit me."

"You said you were 18."

"You said I looked like a minor."

"I got a better look at you now."

"You're partner said I look like a minor too."

"I don't give a shit what Percival thinks. Are you saying yes or no?"

"This is fucking weird."

"That's a non-answer."

"Why should I say yes?"

"Why not?"

"I ain't know you."

"Dating is getting to know each other."

"Why would you want me?"

"You're cute and I like your smart mouth. That's enough to start off with and as for you, I'm not that bad looking, nice enough, and I have a decent job. Can't that be enough for you?"

"I don't believe a word you said," I huffed, "So no."

He sighed, "You don't think you're cute?"

"I don't think you really want a date and even if you do, I ain't lookin', as I said."

He looked at his feet, then at the doorway, "Can I come in for a sec?"

"For what?" I squinted at him.

"I'll show you if you let me in."

"That's a non-answer," I said quoting him.

His lip quirked up at the side, "Can't you trust me this much?"

I crossed my arms and took a step back, "Go on then."

He grinned taking quick steps towards me, putting his hand on my neck and softly pressing his lips onto mine. The kiss was tender and sweet. His lips were light on mine, as if he were afraid to hurt me. His hand was softly rubbing my neck and tugging at the bottom of my hair. I closed my eyes, inadvertently leaning my body on his. My hands coming up to his chest and his other arm coming around to the small of my back, pulling me closer still. I felt… Fuck… The fuck was I doing? I shoved him away, surprised at myself and at him.

"The fuck was that?"

He shifted his weight from his right to his left, "Kissing? It was a kiss?"

"Why?"

"I already told you why. Stop acting like an idiot, I know you felt what I did just now," he sighed, "You're still going to say no to a date? It's just one date. Not a commitment, not a relationship, just a date."

"I ain't got time for no datin'," I crossed my arms, "And I ain't feel nothin', don't be puttin' no words in my mouth."

"I thought you said there was no point in lying to me?" he arched his brow at me.

"I ain't even know your name."

"Arthur Pendragon."

"If I agree to date, will you drop this shit and leave me alone?"

"Sure, unless I can convince you for a second one."

"Whatever, man, just go."

"Not without your number."

"I got yours."

"Are you actually going to use it?"

"Yeah, now please go."

"If you don't, I'll be back."

"Fine."

"Fine."

"Fucking weird."

He grinned, "I'll admit to that, I'll see you later," then he left, closing the door behind himself.

I walked to the door and locked it, then turned leaned my back to it and slid down to the door, putting a finger on my lips and shivering. I didn't have much experience with kissing, only a bit here and there, never like that though. Never so soft that I felt like melting to the floor. I felt confused. Why would a guy like that, want a guy like me? I didn't believe it for a second, but then that stupid kiss. Those ridiculously gentle lips, just the thought left me feeling warm and tingly all over to the point I could feel it to my toes. I shivered and brought my knees to my chest. What the fuck was I getting myself into?

Then I cringed, I'm technically jail bait to that guy, least for another couple of months. I'll just go on a date and break it off. Easy, right?

A/n: So my father died... and now all these people are coming out of the woodwork to try to get all his stuff... no one cares that he died, they were never there for him when he was alive, but now all of the sudden they want his properties and his money. He's my father and I don't want a dime. I don't even know what to think or do. I have a hard time saying this stuff out loud, but I needed to let it out and it has nothing to do with the story. I'm just confused, disgusted, hurt, and venting. I just don't know what to do anymore.