Once they got to the lake Arthur soon rowed them out, then he handed the oars to Merlin. The next hour was spent laughing as Merlin tried and failed to row the boat. Eventually Arthur took the oars back and rowed them ashore. Getting out Merlin walked under some trees and fell down onto the grass.

"I'm exhausted; I thought this fresh air stuff was supposed to be good for you." Merlin moaned.

"It is if you're not useless." Arthur sat down beside him.

"I'm not useless, you prat. I didn't go to a posh school that taught rowing that's all." Merlin complained.

"Didn't you have the chance at University? I thought you went to Oxford." Arthur said. "You can't get away with that."

"I did go to Oxford, but on a scholarship, I had to work hard on my subjects. Anyway I'm not the sporty type. I expect you rowed long before Uni."

"I did, I admit it." Arthur was sat up by the side of Merlin, who was stretched out on the grass. The blond lent over Merlin and looked at him. "It was fun though."

"Yeh it was, but my arms ache now." He grinned up at Arthur, who's heart did a somersault. When Merlin grinned the whole world seemed to light up. He forced himself not to lean down and kiss Merlin.

"Come on I'll buy you an ice cream." Arthur got up and taking Merlin hand pulled him up.

Walking along eating there cornets, they continued to chat Merlin didn't notice where they were going until he realised they were leaving the park.

"Where are we going?" a puzzled Merlin asked.

"I thought since you'd tried so hard to get us in the water we'd go somewhere I think you'll like. But it's a surprise."

Merlin still looked puzzled. "Arthur is this just us getting fresh air or is this a date?"

"I was hoping it was a date. But if you'd rather not…." Arthur sounded so disappointed Merlin relented.

"Ok, but I'd rather have the choice. Just because I've come out once doesn't mean anything you know." He paused "You set this up with Gwaine didn't you! You asked him to turn up at the flat."

Arthur looked slightly ashamed "Yes, but I'm not sorry Merlin. I've been trying to get you to come out with me for nearly a year now. I like you Merlin, I like you a lot, and I just want a chance to get to know your better. Please spend the rest of the day with me." Arthur pleaded.

"Alright, but next time be honest."

Arthur smiled and secretly took note of the fact that Merlin said next time. Did that mean he had a chance? They continued to walk, Arthur tried to take Merlin's hand but the other man wasn't comfortable, so he let go.

"We need to go on a small tube trip but we'll be there soon." Arthur said, True to his word they were soon stood outside the London Aquarium.

"Oh great! I keep meaning to come here thank you. As they entered and walked round, Merlin had a permanent grin on his face. He was totally entranced, not even noticing or caring that on several occasions Arthur's arm settle round his waist. They spent several hours exploring, they both enjoyed the experience, and fed the sharks before walking through the tunnel under the water. It was seven o'clock before they left, then Arthur took Merlin for a meal on a boat restaurant on the Thames. They sat on the upper deck and dined in style. Merlin tried to pay but Arthur had settled the bill before he had the chance.

Arthur then had one final surprise as he took Merlin onto the London Eye. Once on Merlin realised they had the capsule to themselves.

"I thought it was always crowded."

"It is this is a cupid capsule, only meant for two."Arthur smiled "I have you to myself for half an hour. No interruptions just you me and champagne and chocolates. A fitting end to our first date don't you think."

Merlin was cross "I've enjoyed today Arthur, but I don't know what you expect from me. But don't expect too much I'm not one of your usual dates. I don't even kiss on a first date, or the second."

"Calm down Merlin, I don't expect anything you're not willing to give. And for your interest, I don't normally have dates like this. I've done this because I thought you would like it, and it ends a great day. As I told you earlier I like you a lot, and I want us to work long term. Please have a glass of champagne and just enjoy the view with me?" Arthur was kicking himself, it was obviously too much for Merlin.

Merlin sat down and looked up at Arthur. "You can't buy me you know."

"I'm not trying to, you idiot; I just wanted it to be special. What do you want from me, what have I got to do to get you to understand? I want to spend time with you."

"You don't need to do all this Arthur, this was enough for several dates not one. Don't try so hard to impress me it won't change how I feel."

Arthur walked up to the glass and looked out, how could he have cocked up so badly? Then he sensed Merlin next to him.

"Here have your Champaign I think you need it. I'm sorry Arthur it was a lovely day and I may have over reacted, but like Will keeps telling me I'm strange, I want things other people just don't seem to want any more. I want someone who wants me for me. Not as eye candy or as a notch on their bedpost. I want to be someone's forever person and I won't settle for less."

Arthur turned to Merlin "That's how you should be Merlin, you're special and I don't want you as a notch on my bedpost I have to many of those already. I'm was trying to show you that, and not buy you." he paused "Look we're up the top already, enjoy the view and perhaps you'll let me bring you up here another time for the real experience." He held up his glass and touched it to Merlin's "To your forever person, I just hope it can be me."

As they got off the eye Arthur picked up the chocolates "Here give these to Gwaine for being a baby sitter. Come on let's get you home."

They went back and picked up Arthur's car before he drove back to Merlin's flat. As he pulled up Arthur jumped out and was round the car in a flash. He opened the door for Merlin. He looked at Merlin and smiled.

"Thank you Merlin for coming out with me. I'm sorry I went overboard but I hope you'll let me take you out again."

"I don't know Arthur, I've enjoyed myself but I don't think it's fair on you. We're too different. Thank you anyway."

With that Merlin went into the flat. Arthur stood there for a minute trying to decide whether that was a definite no or not.