To say Merlin was shocked would be an understatement, Arthur was gay! Now what did he do, take him up on his offer or make some excuse. The decision was taken out of his hands by Gwaine.

"We could both go mate, that way if I get drunk you'll be there, and if you two have another row I'll be there. Win win situation."

"Is that alright with you Merlin?" Arthur asked not really wanting Gwaine along.

"Yeh great, the more the merrier." Turning to Gwaine Merlin laughed. "You might be able to chat up the barmaids up and surprise them.

"I expect they'll all like women instead of men, never mind I could do with a night off." Gwaine grinned at his friend.

So that's how, after the rest of the group had gone home, Merlin found himself going to a club with both Gwaine and Arthur. The whole thing was a surprise to Merlin. He was amazed at how many clubs there were, as well as how crowded. He was used to being the only Gay anywhere. He had a good time and could have picked up several dates if he had been so minded. He was also propositioned twice for a quick blow job in the toilets, which he politely refused. Gwaine kept an eye on him as promised, but it was Arthur who intervened when a big bear of a man wouldn't take no for an answer. Arthur had been watching Merlin for awhile, he was really attracted to Merlin, and hoped that after tonight they could start again, and maybe get closer. He wanted to find someone more permanent in his life and maybe Merlin was that person.

Arthur had been keeping close to Merlin, so when he saw Merlin was having problems he walked up and put his arm round Merlin possessively.

"Alright love, sorry I was so long, come on let's have a dance."

With that he pulled Merlin in close, and started to dance to the slow song that was playing. Merlin was so surprised he found himself putting his arms round Arthur as they moved round the floor. It was a nice sensation and he was sorry when the dance finished. Arthur had enjoyed the feel of Merlin in his arms; he thought Merlin fitted just perfectly. He had seized his opportunity when he saw Merlin having problems getting rid of the bigger man.

Then Arthur spoiled the moment:

"Just go careful Merlin, I can see why Gwaine thought you needed an escort, you're asking for trouble with those doe eyes and tight jeans. I might have to rescue you again."

"You Prat! I didn't need rescuing I could have sorted it." Merlin pulled away and walked off.

Arthur kicked himself why he had opened his mouth and spoiled it. What was it about Merlin that made him do things like that?

Gwaine watched the couple with interest. Merlin was as good as a brother to him, and he liked Arthur. What's more he felt that if they could just stop arguing they would be good for each other. They certainly looked great as a couple. Later he took the chance to talk to Arthur:

"Look Mate, I see how you look at Merlin, so I'm warning you he's not one of your love um and leave um types, he's a keeper, so no messing with him unless you're serious. Don't forget I know how long your blokes usually last. Merlin in the nearest thing I have to family, and friend that you are I'll cut your balls off if you hurt him."

Arthur could see Gwaine was serious. "Don't worry Gwaine, I wouldn't hurt him, but I don't think I'll ever get close enough to."

"Faint heart never won fair Merlin," Gwaine grinned "I think if you get your act together you could be good together."

That was the last chance Arthur had to dance with Merlin, Gwaine had a couple of dances with his friend, but Merlin had soon made a few friends and spent most of the evening with them. In the early hours the three men got a taxi back home. Gwaine was the first to be dropped off, and promised to ring Merlin the next day. When Merlin had got out of the cab he almost invited Arthur in for a coffee as a thank you, but the thought of Will, and his hot date stopped him. Arthur was a bit of an enigma and he still wasn't sure and didn't want to give out mixed signals. But he did think that perhaps they might be friends one day. That night he had some disturbing dreams about dancing with strong arms around him that left him confused.

On Sunday Gwaine rang him up as promised and arranged to go out for Sunday lunch with Will. It was ages since they had all met up together, without anyone else there. Will teased Merlin about spending time with Arthur and asked if he fancied him. Merlin told his friend to shut up. He said that although he might one day be friends with Arthur, it would never be anything else. The three men had a great afternoon and it had made a nice end to the weekend.

Arthur meanwhile had Sunday lunch with his sister and Leon. Morgana wanted to know how he had got on with Merlin and was cross with him when she found out what had happened.

"What is it with you, I thought you fancied him. Yet all you do is rub him up the wrong way." Morgana just couldn't understand her brother.

"I do fancy him Morgs; I don't know why be things just slip out. I don't mean to upset him. I like him a lot." Arthur confessed.

"Well act like you do, you fool."

For the next couple of months the only time Arthur saw Merlin was when he went to see his sister at her office, which admittedly was far more than usual. Arthur made a point of walking past Merlin's office and stopping to talk; the trouble is he didn't seem to be getting anywhere. Merlin on the other hand was so busy settling into his new job and life he hadn't even really noticed Arthur's efforts. Merlin had caught up with Freya from University and found she had also got a job in London. So with her, Will and Gwaine he had his own group of friends. He had also made friends with several of the other people in the office. Merlin had forgone the Friday evening meetings for other activities so accept for brief contacts Arthur was off his radar.

Arthur was getting frustrated no matter how he tried he was getting nowhere with Merlin. Morgana decided to help him out and her opportunity arose at the office Christmas party. Morgana had decided they would have a fancy dress party and invited her brother and chose his costume for him especially. Merlin would not be expecting Arthur there since he didn't work with them so she hoped to throw the two men together without Merlin realising.