Hey guys!

I have no idea what happened with this chapter the first time I posted it. It got extremely messed up, and the first half of it went missing. I've tried to replace it, and hopefully this time, it will work. I think when I copied and pasted it, the first half mustn't have been selected. I apologize for that mistake, and am glad that nannily pointed it out, thank you!

Anyway, enjoy! (again)

Megz

oxox

Merlin made his way out of History class as fast as he could, eager to get to the canteen, and, to Morgana and Gwen. He hadn't seen them since last night, and he wanted things to be back to normal now. After Arthur had held Merlin for a few minutes, he'd taken him back to his house, and asked for Morgana and Gwen to meet them there. Once everyone was present, Arthur had told them what Mordred had done to him. He conveniently left out the part where he'd saved him, but Merlin added it at the end. And when he did, he could swear he saw an emotion almost akin to pride in Morgana's eyes.

Gwen had cried of course, unable to believe that she hadn't noticed that was going on the whole time. Merlin had said though, that it wasn't her fault. Of course it wasn't. Neither her, nor Morgana could've known that anything was going on. Once Gwen was done crying, and Merlin had hugged both of them, he was left alone with Arthur, saying he'd join the girls upstairs in a minute.

Left alone together, Merlin made his way over to Arthur, offering a handshake. But instead, Arthur had scoffed, brushing the hand away, and pulled Merlin into a hug. After all, it was ridiculous to think that they could just go back to the way they were before, after everything they'd been through. Merlin had relaxed into the hug, before pulling away, and mumbling a 'thanks'. He pretended not to be aware that Arthur had watched him walk away.

Merlin shook his head, trying to make himself think of anything but Arthur Pendragon. Arthur was, quite literally, all he'd thought about, since last night. He was just so confused. Not only about his . . . relationship with Arthur, but about the . . . feelings he was beginning to have for him. It didn't make any sense. He'd never felt this way before, the way he felt with Arthur, it was . . . different. And he had no idea what it was, and that scared him.

Just as he was so close to forgetting about Arthur, even if only for a second, the boy himself appeared, barging his way through the crowds. He spotted Merlin instantly, and made his way over to him. The crowds parted like the red sea, and Arthur reached him within minutes. Merlin would love to have said that he was annoyed by this, that he'd been so close to forgetting about Arthur, and now here he was, but he wasn't. His heart skipped several beats, and his breathing became shaky. It didn't make sense. What was it about this guy that made him so nervous, yet so excited, at the same time?

As Arthur turned on his heel to walk with Merlin, the brunette couldn't help but revel in the gasps that came with people realizing Arthur was walking with him. People just couldn't believe it, and Merlin could see it, the disbelief, painted across every face they passed. For a moment, Merlin wondered whether Arthur was going to say anything at all, or whether they were just going to walk in complete silence, but then the blonde began to speak.

"So how are you today?" Arthur asked, and Merlin was surprised for a moment. He was the first person to ask that question, and actually sound like they wanted to know. Everyone else, expected a lie, because they didn't care. They didn't ask the question because they genuinely wanted to know, they asked it out of habit. But it seemed Arthur really did want to know.

"I'm fine, really. I can't thank you enough, Arthur, for what you did," Merlin replied, trying to keep his voice low. He didn't know whether Arthur would want people to know about what had happened between him, Merlin and Mordred. For now, it had stayed between the three of them. But Merlin knew Arthur intended to tell his father about it. "And what you're still doing."

"Merlin, you don't have to thank me," the other boy interrupted. "I just hope my father will be able to do what I ask of him. While I'll try to do what I can for you, and keep Mordred away from you, that probably won't work all of the time. I just hope my father won't disappoint me as he has done in the past. Not for me, but for you. I don't want you to ever have to go through any of that ever again, Merlin. You don't deserve it."

"I don't think anybody does," Merlin replied solemnly, and Arthur felt so compelled to comfort him, that he reached over, and took Merlin's hand in his. He gave it a reassuring squeeze, before letting go carefully. Merlin gave him a small smile of thanks.

"Of course not." Arthur nodded, and for a while, a silence passed between them. Merlin wondered whether Arthur was eventually going to join his friends, and see him later. But he didn't. Instead, he continued to walk with Merlin, despite the lack of conversation. As they walked past Arthur's friends, Merlin heard himself take a sharp intake of breath, yet Arthur didn't even blink. He just offered them a curt nod, and carried on walking. It was then that Merlin had to ask.

"Why are you still walking with me?" he asked, and then quickly added; "Not that I don't want you to, of course. I was just wondering, because, well . . . you know I don't -"

"Merlin, you're rambling," Arthur smirked, and Merlin glared at him, but his heart wasn't in it, and Arthur could see the amusement in his eyes. Arthur shook his head, and looked thoughtful for a moment. "I don't know, really. I guess I just got tired of being surrounded by fakes. You were right, none of them are my real friends, and I see that now. I can't trust any of them, especially after what Mordred did to you. In fact, I think you, Merlin, are the only person I can trust. Besides, if any of them were my real friends in the first place, they'll respect my decision, and join me. If that doesn't bother you, of course."

"Wait, so are you saying . . . are we friends now?" Merlin asked, confused. He wasn't sure what Arthur was hinting at, but his heart sped up several beats. Not that he'd ever let on.

"If you'll have me," Arthur replied, giving Merlin what could only be referred to as the "abandoned-puppy-eyes". And he couldn't help but laugh. There was something about Arthur that never failed to make him extremely happy. At least since he'd stopped bullying him. "It wouldn't bother you, though? Having me, and possibly some of my friends sitting with you?"

"Not at all, as long as Morgana and Gwen were okay with it," Merlin replied, and Arthur couldn't help but grin. He couldn't believe it had only taken a few seconds, to get what he'd wanted for so long, even if he'd only just realized it; to be friends with Merlin. And even though he knew he wanted a lot more than just friendship, he'd take whatever he could get.

About a half an hour later, Morgana, Gwen, and Merlin sat at their usual lunch-table, with one unexpected addition; Arthur. Morgana and Gwen sat on one side of the table, whilst Merlin and Arthur sat on the other. And while the two girls had raised an eyebrow at Arthur sitting with them at first, nothing was said about it. Morgana knew that her brother wanted to get to know Merlin, and she was glad that he was finally making an effort. Merlin had been slightly worried, at first, that it would be awkward with Arthur there. He was best friends with Morgana and Gwen, and good friends with Arthur now, he supposed, but he had no idea if they'd even get on.

Still, it seemed to be going well, and Merlin had never felt more relaxed. And it helped to reassure him that, every so often, Arthur's thigh would graze against his under the table, it brought a smile to his face. It was weird, to watch Arthur interact with his friends, but, at the same time, it felt so . . . natural. Obviously, as Morgana and Arthur were siblings, they saw each other all the time. But Merlin had never really imagined the two of them having a proper conversation, though Morgana still talked about Arthur quite a bit.

"So how come you're not sitting with the knights anymore?" Morgana turned to Arthur, putting extra emphasis on the 'knights', as if she were mocking him. Still, there was nothing really behind it, anyone could see that.

"Knights?" Arthur asked, looking puzzled. And it suddenly dawned on Merlin that he probably didn't know that's the way everybody referred to them. Most of the knights themselves just wandered around with their head in the clouds most of the time, they didn't tend to notice what was going on around them that often. Still, it made sense that nobody would have told them about the nickname. It probably would have resulted in a severe beating.

"That's what . . . never mind. Why aren't you sitting with your . . . friends?" Morgana asked again, rephrasing the question. It was probably best that Arthur didn't know about the nickname. It wasn't likely he'd do anything about it, but it was something . . . private. Something that was shared between others. To mention it to Arthur just felt wrong.

"I would have thought that was obvious, Morgana. After last night and everything . . ." Arthur replied, not sure whether he should bring it up again, especially in front of Merlin. But Merlin seemed just as curious as Morgana, even though Arthur had already explained it to him. "I don't feel as if I can trust any of them anymore. I had no idea that Mordred was doing that to Merlin, or that he was even capable of something like that. It's just . . . it's made me reconsider a lot of things."

"And how are we supposed to know that this isn't a trick?" Gwen cut in, suddenly looking very concerned. She'd always been like that, when it came to Merlin, and he loved her for it. Whilst his mother was back in Ealdor, it was nice to have someone else caring for him in such a way. "That you're just looking for a way to manipulate Merlin, or to hurt him again?"

"I . . . I know I've done some terrible things to Merlin in the past, and you have to know that . . . I'm truly sorry for them. I still can't really explain why I did what I did, but I know that I regret it now. I don't expect you to trust me straight away, but I hope you can learn to understand that . . . I care about Merlin. I don't know why, or how, all I know is that I do. And I'm sorry he had to get hurt for me to realize it."

Both of the girls nodded slowly, seeming to approve of Arthur's answers. They knew he would never hurt Merlin, not really, they just wanted to see how much he would reveal in front of him. It was quite funny really, they knew about Arthur's feelings for Merlin, but Arthur didn't know that Gwen knew, and they both knew he was 'A', but, again, he didn't know that Gwen knew about it. And then Merlin had no idea about any of it. He'd find out sooner or later though, and that knowledge was what made Morgana and Gwen keep it from him. They only hoped that after the "big reveal", Arthur got the reaction he wanted. The reaction that they all wanted.

Because if Merlin rejected him now, Morgana didn't know if Arthur would be able to come back from that. After everything he'd done for him, and after the time it had taken them to get to know each other properly, it was clear how much Arthur cared for him. And if Merlin didn't feel the same . . . Morgana couldn't even bear to think about what it would do to Arthur. It would destroy him. Merlin was the only person Arthur had ever shown any kind of real affection for, and if he rejected him, Arthur would close himself off again. He'd pretend not to feel anymore, and Morgana didn't know if she'd be able to get through to him this time. Arthur took rejection harder than most. She put it down to Uther's constant rejection of him.

Suddenly, the bell rang out for the end of lunch, and the room sprang to life. Everyone made their way towards the doors, and the group in the back corner stood up together. Merlin slung his bag over his shoulder, and gestured for Arthur to lead the way. They were in almost all of each other's classes, so it only made sense that they'd walk together. Morgana and Gwen, however, were going in the opposite direction. Arthur gave them a curt nod, and waited for Merlin to say goodbye. He hugged his friends, and then jogged over to the door, where Arthur was waiting.

"I think they like you," Merlin said cheerily, as they walked to class. Arthur raised an eyebrow questioningly. Clearly, they hadn't been sat at the same table just then. Merlin sighed, rolling his eyes. "They did. Besides the third-degree that they were giving you towards the end. They just . . . they don't want me to get hurt again, I guess. After what happened with Will, whenever I get close to someone, they just want to be sure that . . . "

"I understand. You've been through a lot Merlin, it only makes sense that they want to protect you," Arthur replied, not wanting Merlin to have to explain himself if he didn't want to. Besides, he had a habit of rambling, and Arthur often wondered how long Merlin would talk for, if he went uninterrupted. "And I like them too. It's . . . strange, not to have to wonder whether they're only being nice to you for your money. It's . . . different."

"They do like you though, I can tell. Obviously, Morgana does, because she's your sister and everything, but Gwen . . . she's a little harder to convince. I'm not saying she cares more than Morgana or anything, she's just a lot more . . . protective. A bit like a bulldog, no . . . maybe that's the wrong description to use . . . "

"Merlin, it's okay, I get it." Arthur interrupted again. He didn't want Merlin to hurt himself. "I must admit though, it's not their opinion that matters to me."

"Oh really?" Merlin swallowed hard, trying not to let his voice betray him. His heart was beating so fast, he was amazed that Arthur couldn't hear it, even over the crowds around them. "And whose opinion is it that matters so much to you?"

"You may be an idiot Merlin, but surely I don't have to tell you that?" Merlin shivered, as his fingers brushed Arthur's. The feeling when their bodies came into contact with each other . . . it was like nothing Merlin had ever experienced before. It wasn't like in books, or movies, where he felt a jolt of electricity. It was like he was . . . on fire. And he just ached to touch him again. But it scared him, so he didn't. Because when you play with fire, you always get burned.

"Of course I like you, you prat." Merlin replied, grinning at the other boy. He liked that he was the only person that was able to call Arthur Pendragon a prat, and get away with it. Normally, he would've been thrown on the floor at this point, and beaten within an inch of his life. But instead, Arthur just feigned mock offence, and held a hand over his "wounded heart".

"Now I don't know who taught you how to make friends Merlin, but you're definitely not going about it-" Arthur said, sarcastically, as Merlin rolled his eyes. Only to be interrupted, when Merlin opened a door, and turned to him. There was just something about those eyes, that, when they looked at him, he just froze.

"Shut up."

Later that day, Arthur waited outside school, across the street. He'd gotten a text from Lance just as he was about to go home, telling him to wait outside school, and that they needed to "talk". If he didn't know any better, he'd think Lance was breaking up with him or something. Still, Arthur had a feeling he already knew what it was about, and he'd been meaning to talk about it with his friends anyway. He only hoped that Lance had brought the others with him. He didn't want to be having this conversation more than once.

He shoved his hands in his pockets, trying to keep them warm, as he waited. Literally every other student had already left the school. Merlin had offered to wait with him until Lance got there, but Arthur had said he was best off going home. He didn't want Merlin to get involved or anything, especially if Lance brought Mordred with him. It had to be about twenty minutes since the end of school now, and Arthur was just about ready to give up and go home, when he saw Lance coming round the corner. And he wasn't alone.

Trailing behind him, were Gwaine, Percival, Ewan, Owain, Elyan, Leon, William, Tristan, Edwin, and Mordred. Even seeing him now, Arthur wanted nothing more than to slam him into the wall and beat him half to death. For what he'd done to Merlin, he deserved nothing less. But thinking about what Merlin would think of him afterwards, was the only thing stopping Arthur from doing just that. Doing to Mordred what he'd done to Merlin, would not make Arthur any better than him. So he just had to try making any eye contact with the bastard. Because one word from him, and he might just have to go back on the promise he'd just made for himself.

The group, when they got close enough, stopped just in front of Arthur, almost surrounding him. And their presence no longer comforted Arthur. Instead, it was more threatening, than it was friendly. He felt like he was being cornered, and suffocated. It was strange to think that he could feel that way about people who, just yesterday, he'd spent more of his time with. But most of that, it seemed, had been smoke and mirrors. And he now saw them for what they really were. He only hoped that, among them, he might still have found some true friends.

"I know why you're here," Arthur said, loud enough so that he was addressing all of them. "And I'm telling you now; I'm not going to change my mind."

"But why, Arthur?" asked Edwin, stepping out from the crowd. "It just doesn't make sense, why you're hanging out with those . . . losers. They're not like us, you have to understand that, and we're not like them. They're beneath us."

"I'm sorry, Edwin," Arthur spat, causing the shorter boy to take a few steps back. "But you seem to be forgetting that my sister is one of those so-called "losers". And Elyan's sister, Gwen, too. You know nothing about these people, what they've been through, or what they're like. So don't, for a second, think that you can judge them. Most of them are better people now than you'll ever be, so don't you dare even think that you have the right to even think that they're beneath you.

And that goes for the rest of you, as well. I'm not coming back, I've told you this already, but that doesn't mean that you can't make the same choice as me. I'm giving you the choice. I know most of you were only ever friends with me for my money, I can see that now, but I only hope that, I really did find some true friends among you, and that some of you really are the people I thought you were. If you choose not to, then I'll understand. I won't judge you, though I'll pity you. Because you don't have the strength to stand up for what's right.

I've found out recently, that I can no longer trust my previous judgement. I was wrong, about some of you. You weren't who I thought you were, and I can't believe it took me this long to realize. But if any of you are really my friends, then you'll stick by me. I know I shouldn't be forcing this decision on you, but I really don't see any other way to do this. So . . . are there any of you that think you might be able to do the right thing, and join me?"

Arthur stood back, and watched their reactions. Most of them scoffed, and he tried his hardest not to look at Mordred. He knew that just looking once at that irritatingly smug face, would cause him to lose control. And he didn't want that to happen, for Merlin's sake. But, out of the corner of his eye, he saw Mordred shrug his shoulders, and shake his head, looking slightly disappointed. He gestured for the others to follow him, as he walked away slowly. After a few moments, he stopped, turned, and looked.

It was then, that their decision was made, and Arthur watched, as "friend" after "friend" trailed after Mordred, too ashamed of themselves to even look him in the eye. And felt he was losing them all, then and there. He'd been wrong, about all of them, and there had been no point in even trying to persuade any of them. The only thing that mattered to them, was the money, and the power. It made them feel safe, made them feel protected. But to rebel against Mordred, of all people, well, that was one of the most dangerous things that a person could do.

And to be honest, Arthur was disgusted by them. By all of them. Until he saw the crowd begin to split. He looked first, over to where Mordred stood, with about five others. He wanted to hit them, he wanted to scream at them, ask them what they thought they were doing. But he didn't. Because he knew now, who his real friends were. So he simply nodded at them, and wished them luck in his thoughts. Because he really did pity them. All they cared about, was their own safety, but Arthur knew that, sooner or later, Mordred would turn on them too.

So he watched, as Ewan, William, Tristan, Owain and Edwin followed after Mordred, and he could honestly say, he felt nothing for them anymore. They were nothing to him. He didn't feel hate, or betrayal, he didn't feel sad, or angry. He felt nothing. Because, stood before him, were the five people who'd been his true friends all along. And he was so grateful for them, that he couldn't even put it into words.

Stood before him, were Lancelot, Gwaine, Percival, Elyan and Leon, and Arthur could not have been happier. He looked around at his friends, and felt a great surge of pride. Because, despite everything that had just happened, and the events that would most likely follow, they'd stuck by him. And that was what true friendship was. And Arthur was glad that, at least now, he knew that some people weren't friends with him just for his money.

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