Merlin found himself thinking of Arthur sometimes, and he had to make himself stop, and get on with his life the blond man just wasn't for him, it would lead to heart break. He had even met a man at one of the clubs and they had gone out a couple of times, but then Jayden started getting very possessive and Merlin wasn't sure he could cope with it. He loved the idea of being important to someone, but at the same time he wanted to be able to do his own thing without explaining himself. He would never cheat on anyone, but he did have other friends and wanted to see them without asking Jayden first. So after five dates he called it off. Jayden wouldn't accept it, and it came to a head one Saturday.

Merlin had gone shopping, and at lunchtime had stopped and was sitting in one of the many Cafes along the Thames. He had grabbed a window seat so he could watch the boats going up the river. Jayden had spotted him and come into the café and started to plead with Merlin to see him again. Merlin kept saying no, and was getting embarrassed by the scene Jayden was making. When, who should spot him but Arthur and Gwaine. The two men were coming back from the gym, and it had been Gwaine that had seen Merlin first. He could see Merlin was having trouble, so entered the café dragging Arthur with him.

"Hi brother mine, I didn't know you were in coming in to town today." Gwaine stood just behind Jayden. "Having problems?"

Jayden turned round and looked at Gwaine. "No he's not, and it's nothing to do with you anyway."

"That's where you're wrong mate, Merlin's my younger brother." Gwaine looked Jayden up and down not liking what he saw.

"He hasn't got any brothers, Piss off." Jayden didn't want any interruptions, he was going to get Merlin back come what may.

"Now that's not nice, calling me a liar. Tell the man Merls." Gwaine wasn't a man to be thwarted.

Merlin didn't want to be the cause of a scene and hoped his ex boyfriend would just go. "Gwaines's the nearest thing I have to a brother. Now listen, Jayden I've told you we're finished. I'm sorry but it won't work." Merlin knew Gwaine wouldn't back down.

"See like I said, I'm his big brother, now Merlin's told you to split, so off you go." Gwaine was getting fed up.

Arthur seeing what was happening decided to intervene. He had been waiting further back, and Jayden hadn't spotted him. So he walked forward casually and put his arm round the sitting Merlin.

"Sorry I'm late Merlin, are you ready to eat yet?"

Jayden took one look at Arthur who he recognised. "So that's how it is. It didn't take you long. He won't keep you around long. I've seen him about. Don't come crawling back." With that he turned and walked off.

"Sorry Merlin, just trying to calm things down." Arthur removed his arm and stepped back out of Merlin's personal space.

Gwaine looked at the pair of then and smiled to himself. "Look why don't we have something to drink here Arthur, that way if the slug comes back he won't bother Merlin again?"

Merlin moved up to let Gwaine sit down, knowing full well that he wouldn't leave now anyway. Arthur and Gwaine ordered a coffee and sat and kept Merlin company for a while. Gwaine wanted to know all about Jayden and Merlin obliged adding:

"I really liked him at first, but I only went on five dates with him and he didn't want me to go anywhere without him. So I called it off, I guess he didn't want to finish. I just can't seem to attract the right sort." Merlin gave Gwaine a rueful grin.

"The trouble with you Merlin is your looking for a life partner and not just a good shag. It will take time." Gwaine ruffled the other mans hair. "Just have fun and enjoy life."

"I know your idea of enjoying life Gwaine, and it's not mine. You know my views. Now I must go, I've got some more shopping to do before I head off home. See you soon." Merlin smiled at both of the other men and left.

"I can't understand it; he's a really nice bloke, but only seems to attract bad uns." Gwaine said to his friend. "I think he's trying too hard."

"Well Gwaine he certainly attracts me, but I can't get anywhere with him. I don't know where to go next." Arthur admitted.

"Your trouble is your reputation Princess, Merlin's after a forever partner, and you've dated more men than he's ever met and he knows it." Gwaine grinned. "You're going to have real problems convincing him, but I'll give you your due you keep trying."

"You're one to talk!" Arthur said indignantly.

"Yes Princess but I'm not after Merlin and you are. You're going to have to convince him you're serious, and not just about getting in his pants. Which I take it you are, because I won't help you if that's all your after."

"Oh I'm serious" Arthur said. "I don't know what it is about Merlin, but I really want to get to know him better, to be honest Gwaine I've got it bad, have done since I first met him. I haven't been out with anyone since."

"Well that's a record. I can see that you like him, come on we need a plan." Gwaine grinned.

Merlin went and got his food shopping before heading for home. He was pleased to have seen Gwaine, and was glad he'd turned up when he had. Jayden had turned into a real pain. He was also grateful to Arthur he knew the blond had defused the situation, he just wished he knew what to make of the man. He had heard so many things about Arthur that if even half were true; he was a bit of a man slag. But then Gwaine was like that with women but he was still a nice person. Gwaine also had a real protective streak.