A/N- So I was like half asleep when I posted that last bit, so I do apologize. And what fun, half asleep posting this bit too! What can I say? Too tired to do anything else but write :p So, uh, enjoy heheh

Don't own merlin or anything of course. And wasn't really expected it to go this way... but ah well, never can tell what I'm gonna do when i'm tired ;p

"Don't be stupid! You barely even know him, just come on already!" The boy shouted, desperation clear in his cracking voice. Damp hair shivering in front of him as his entire body shook from a nervous fit. After everything they had been through that day, it wasn't really much of a surprise that he react in such a way. Was the way of mortals, ya know. Fight or flight instincts kicking in.

"No!" Was the screaming reply, forced with a ferocity that shocked them both.

"How can you say that? After everything that's happened, and only since he arrived? Leave him there, it's the only thing you can do!"

Fierce blue eyes met his own, staring into his soul so intensely he wasn't sure this was the person he had grown up with as a child. It was like something in his friend had been awakened, after all these years of watching the world through kind eyes that never seemed capable of much emotion at all.

"I will not leave him. Go ahead and run if you have to, but if he dies, then I will die here with him."

Never would he have expected such a grave response from his childhood friend. What was it about this stranger that made Arthur become so intense? His friend had just looked him in his face, no doubt in those intimidating blue eyes, and claimed such a frightening statement?

"But why? You don't even know him! Please." His words evolving from hysterics to a somber begging.

"Because... I know him. I know I can't explain it, and it makes no sense, but I do. There's something about him. He's the only one who can tell me who I am, and... now that I've met him... I don't think I can live on without him."

"Fine. If there's nothing I can say to convince you." The boy muttered darkly, turning his head away in frustration, making a move for the door. His feet froze, though, his body refusing to leave his best friend behind. "I'll help you get him out."

Giving in, he let the air out of his lungs in defeat, turning back towards them. The stranger laid sprawled on the dusty floor, black hair matted to his forehead with blood, hand being held by the person who had just saved his life with their stubbornness.

A smile came to his friends face, blue eyes lighting up with relief and gratitude before they turned back to the unconscious body laying before them.

"Don't worry Merlin, we'll get you out of here."

Before they could pick him up together, though, the stranger began to stir. Moaning, his eyes fluttered opened before landing on Arthur. A huge grin graced his face at first, before his expression flickered into utter confusion. So many emotions toiling in those fearfully deep eyes.

"But why... why are you... how can you be a... a girl?" He rasped out before collapsing once again.

Arthur laughed nervously, looking up at her friend as they lifted Merlin off the ground.

"Guess the name confuses everyone, huh?"