"Mom? We never spoke of this beforehand. How am I getting to Camelot later? What bus goes there?" Merlin was upstairs, finding the last few things to place into his bag before leaving to attend college. Hunith was downstairs, preparing their breakfast before she set off for work. It was only a part-time job, but it brought in enough money to pay the rent every week and purchase food. They couldn't afford a car and Merlin worked on Saturdays to enable to keep himself in the scouts.

"No need to get the bus. It's only a short walk through the village. If you and Will leave early enough, you can follow the lane down towards the fields, cut across the fields past Gaius' cottage, and work your way into the town. You pass the church on your way to college."

"Right, and exactly how long will that take?"

"About half an hour if you continue a steady pace and walk along the fields, you'll get there quicker. Head towards Gaius' house, and then take to the church from there. He'll direct you to the church. Oh, and as you pass there, ask if he's found a cure to your magic inabilities."

"Will do and thanks mum."

"Now get going."

Merlin's Monday's at college are much shorter than other days. The young man catches the no.22 bus to the college for his first lecture beginning at nine. He arrives home by 1pm, having only half-day, but usually comes home with more assignments. Merlin stumbled through the door at one, dropping his keys onto the coffee table with his mobile phone, and made lunch, which wasn't more than just a sandwich and small slice of coffee cake. After lunch, any assingments requiring completion are completed and then finds entertainment by either reading a book of some sort or watching a DVD, because there is clearly nothing to watch during the day, as everyone knows by now. Merlin found the crumpled up Tv guide for the week on the sofa, and went to the back for the crosswords. Flicking past the rants page, he noticed someone ranting over the game show that his mother had on the week beforehand. I told you someone would write a complaint!

Given a few hours have passed, and it now being half-three, Merlin's phone buzzed.

"Hello?"

"Merlin? It's Will. What time do you want me to pop up to yours for tonight?"

"Come up when you're ready. We're leaving here for a quarter-to-six."

"Fair enough. I'll be at yours then for five-thirty as I've got my Biology work to complete. Tom popped by earlier and said he'll meet us up there for seven. He'll introduce us to the new leaders."

"Okay, I'll see you in a couple of hours."

Hunith arrived back home for five and Will rang the bell half an hour later, all dressed up properly in uniform and with his subs for the night - which in Ealdor cost £1.75 per week - and waited for Merlin to meet him. Saying goodbye to Hunith, Merlin collected his phone and the pair began the walk, following the directions that Hunith had told him on the morning. Following the signs, the boys departed Merlin's street, passing the post office and found the first field. Slipping through the gate, the lads continued their way towards Gaius' house. It would be a few fields before the cottage would come in sight. Merlin knew the cottage off by heart. It was moderate in size, was at least 100 years old and had a green coated door. From a near distance, you could smell an aroma of exotic fragrances. Gaius, using his magic, which unlike Merlin's, hadn't had much an effect on degrading, created enchantments and sold them in the town market, which was always good buy with the young ladies were trying to impress their fellas.

"Ah Merlin, my boy. Good to see you Will. What brings you here at this hour?" Gaius began as he opened the door to the two scouts.

"It's alright Gaius. We're just on our way to scouts. Can you tell us where Camelot's Church is?" Merlin almost forget about the cure, until he noticed Gaius' instruments on the table nearest the back window. "Oh, and have you found a cure for my magic?" Merlin was able to speak freely of his magic here, as Gaius, Hunith and Balinor, and also Will, were the only ones to know. Since Merlin's magic had began to wade itself away about two years ago, there was no point in trying to explain to anyone new, so only they kept it to themselves.

"Of course. Continue down this lane and turn left. Make a right and head straight on. About half way down you'll begin to approach Camelot town. Make a final left and it's just on your left of that street. St Peter's it's called. And no, I've got no cure yet, but I'm sure of a remedy that will slow down the process, I'll drop it off by Wednesday."

"Thank you Gaius."

"No problem. Although I recall you both attended scouts in Ealdor?"

"We did. Ealdor's group finished a week ago; we've been transferred over to Camelot's unit."

"I see. Anyway, I better let you go. Safe trip."

The lads took the directions their wise friend had given them - well, Will's friend and Merlin's uncle, and before you know it they've landed their destination. St Peter's Church is an Anglican church and quite large in size, compared to the churches in the surrounding villages. Behind the church was the community centre, where the scouts meetings were held. It was a good thing that the scouts and guides association accepted all religions. Some of the scouts were already there, either talking in their small gangs or waiting for the leaders to arrive. Scouts though was not the only group held on the same night. It became clear that the guides were also held as well, as Gwen had showed up.

"Merlin? Will? What brings you here?"

"We're attending the scouts in Camelot. How come you're here? Are you converting from a senior guide to a scout?"

"No Merlin. Scouts is a little too adventureous for me, so I'm sticking to the Senior Section. Im having to buy the new uniform as guides here only goes to 15."

"I understand."

With Gwen here, that meant that Tom and his son Elyan were also here, their father giving them a lift into the town. With the leaders arriving and opening up the two rooms, the guides and senior section into one room and the scouts and explorers into the other. Tom made his way with Merlin, Mordred and Will over to the table nearest the windows of the one hall, where what looked the leader, tall and quite built, with a grey-receding hairline, was dealing with his notebook. This someone was clearly into their late-forties, if not early fifties.

"Uther Pendragon. So good to see you."

"Tom Smith. How good of you to come. I see you've brought over some of your former members."

"Indeed. I'd like to introduce to you three new members of your unit. First of all this is Mordred and he's nearly 16. The other two are Will and Merlin. Merlin goes 18 next January and Will the same in March, where they'll move on to the Explorers.

"The initial goal is to finish off the year as Senior Scouts here," Will pointed out.

"Of course. We welcome you all."

"Will was formerly patrol leader, and Merlin was patrol second of the wolf patrol."

"Well, unfortunately, we cannot commission any of those roles here, unless a patrol leader or second of your groups leaves within the space of seven months."

"Right, let me introduce to you the other leaders. The one over there in the kitchen is Aglain. The one with dealing with the younger scouts is Tristian, and the final one who's collecting subs from the Senior Scouts is Agravaine. He's my second in command. And now for your groups." Uther looked through his notebook, where a database contained the information on where there were empty spaces within a patrol. "Will, you'll join the fox patrol where your leader is Leon, with Elyan as your patrol second."

A tall bloke with ash-blond curly hair and who was built came over to the table, standing the other side, and shook Will's hand. Will paid in his subs to Agravaine, in return receiving a transition form which he'll need to complete and return sometime during the night. As for Merlin and Mordred, they would both join the panther patrol under the direction of Arthur, Uther's son. Their patrol second was Lancelot, and of course both were also given transition forms, both also paying up.

"Scouts, come and form a circle!" Uther called from the middle of the hall.

The remainder of the scouts joined Uther and the four lads, forming a circle. From Merlin's eye, he skimmed the group. The majority of scouts looked around Merlin's age, some younger. Even though it was now recognised that girls alongside boys could become a scout, there were only boys in prescence.

"Evening all. Welcome back after a week's break. Tonight we have new members joining us. All have been scouts for a long while, and come from the former Ealdor unit, which was unfortunate to close down. First of all I'd like to introduce to you to William. William will be joining the Fox Patrol, so Leon, would you kindly do the honours." Uther clutched hold of three badges; one was the badge to the fox patrol, the other two the emblem to the panther patrol.

Leon disbanded the circle and strode up to Uther, who gave him the badge, and motioned for Will to join him in front of Uther. Leon attached the pin badge, containing a picture of a Fox to Will's uniform and spoke the words "I Leon Young, Patrol Leader of the Fox Patrol, invite William to become our newest member." Leon saluted Will through the famous scout and guide salute, where all scouts saluted back. Will and Leon returned to the circle.

"Secondly I'll introduce to you Mordred and Merlin. They will both be joining the Panther Patrol, so Arthur, will you do the honours."

Arthur, like Leon, was well built and blond. There were two main differences between the pair though. The first was instantly recognisable in that Leon's hair was curly and he had a stubble. Arthur's hair was golden unlike the ash-blond of Leon, floppy and was without a stubble. The second difference would come later. Arthur crossed the distance and motioned the two lads forward. The same procedure was undertaken, Arthur eyeing the two portraits in front of him. "I Arthur Pendragon, Patrol Leader of the Panther Patrol, invite Mordred and Merlin to become our newest members."

"Thank you. Now, for those who haven't already paid their subs, Agravaine will continue collecting. For the rest of you, remain in your patrols. Arthur and Leon, please help your inductees complete their transition forms. Dismissed."

In the one corner lay a table specially for the panther group. Arthur sat at the end of the table, due to being leader. It wasn't that every leader sat there, it was just Arthur's seat, and Arthur was one who took great pride into being their leader, almost like a king one could say, but then that was his dad, so prince would have to do. Everyone else sat at the table, waiting for Arthur to direct them, as if they were the members of the council. "Right, first of all," Arthur turned to Mordred and Merlin "do you have any pens?"

Both shook their heads. "No."

"Ugh, why do we always get idiots come here? Gwaine, fetch us some pens!"

"Right away."

Gwaine returned seconds later with a couple of biro's. Arthur introduced the patrol. "Well boys, as you know I'm Arthur Pendragon. I turn 18 in October, and have been a part of the scouts association since I was five, starting out as a beaver here in Camelot. I go to college where I study Sports Theory, Photography, Geology and History. Each in turn I'll let everyone introduce themselves." Arthur cocked his head towards Lancelot, indicating that it was his go.

"Hey, my name is Lancelot. I'm 18 in September and also go to college, we're (as in Arthur and Lancelot) in Camelot College, so you might of seen us around before." Now that Merlin and Will came to think of it, he had recognised Arthur before. He was the one who often shouted across the corridor with his bunch of hooligans as he was waiting outside the Geography room. Lancelot continued. "I study Theology, Sociology and Law and I attend fencing classes, so should you fight me, watch your back. I'm the Patrol Second of the group. I joined as a cub when I was 9."

Next up was this Irish, hair-flipping seductive eyes lad. "Hey, I'm Gwaine. I'm famous for throwing the patrol parties here, which have involved alcohol in the past. I've been in scouts since I was 11 and I'm in the sixth-form at Camelot High studying Culinary Arts, Drama and Maths."

"You're also famous for courting Arthur's sister, and having eyes for anything that moves!" A young man howled from across the hall.

Seductive eyes yowled back at the voice, coming from someone in another patrol. "Shut up Edwin!"

"That's enough!" Arthur raised his voice, ending the almost argument.

"I'm Percival. I was the newest of this group as Gwaine recommended me to join. I started here at the age of 12. I'm known to be the shy one, but once we know each other well enough I'll come around. I'm also at the sixth-form in Camelot where i'm studying Sports Studies, Archaeology and English Literature." Percival left it there, for Arthur to pick up.

"Right, so we've introduced ourselves to you, now you to us. Merlin, you go first."

"Okay, so I'm Merlin... Hi! I'm 18 next January. I go to Camelot College where I'm studying History, Geography, Maths, English Language and Literature and doing my EPQ. I work part-time on Saturday's and I've been in this association since I was 5."

"Oh my god you're Irish!" Gwaine realised the accent.

"Erm, yeah." Merlin partially blushed. He had this before so many times, and yet he still blushed all the while. Of course though Merlin wasn't actually from Ireland, but from Northern Ireland, and for some reason, ever since he had arrived in England, one couldn't tell the difference between the accents, so he just let people believe what they want.

"When did you come to England?"

"I moved here when I was 13."

"Okay, never mind the clever clogg leprechaun. How about you Mordred?" Arthur called order.

"I'm 16 in July, so I'm the baby of the group. I'm still in high school studying my GCSE's. I'm almost done though, and will be going to college to study Criminology, Drama and Sports Theory."

"Aww, we'll need to look out for you when you start at college. It's a good thing we'll know your physical stamina before you reach college, then we can improve on your weaknesses and get you prepped up," Arthur commented. By the looks of things, Arthur had found a new friend already.

"Oh hold on, we're going out for activities," Lancelot motioned the group to depart the table, following the leaders and other patrols actions.

"C'mon Mordred. We've got lots to teach you." Arthur put his arm around Mordred and walked out of the hall with him towards the fields nearby. Merlin stood there in silence, feeling like a ghost, which in a way, he was expecting, but not from his own leader. Lancelot noticed the problem, and put his arm around Merlin, trying to make the newbie feel at home.

The first game that night was Cricket. Merlin was never by any means a fan of televised sports, which meant, don't even talk about the likes of Football, Rugby or even Tennis. If anything, Merlin liked to ice skate and to perform gymnastics, but they were in the scouts, so it wasn't worth mentioning. In fact, many of Merlin's personal hobbies clashed with the ideology of scouting, so how he was meant to fit in with the others was a challenge Merlin would undertake.

Merlin watched from the sidelines as many of the unit joined in playing the game, as the game was optional. Arthur turned to Merlin, who was lazing in the grass, enjoying the summer sun on his face, Arthur looking displeased. "Yeah, alright Merlin. You just make yourself comfortable whilst I do all the hard work."

Merlin wasn't going to back down a remark. "Yeah, sure I will. Gives you a chance to prance around and show off your most inner talents."

"I have more qualities than that!" Arthur retorted, with a little glee in his expression.

"You mean such as completely missing the ball that was coming towards you." Merlin sat with pride, eyeing the white ball a few inches off from Arthur's left foot.

"What?" Arthur looked and sounded confused, and then looked where Merlin's eyes followed. "Oh."

"You were distracted. I must be really pretty if you're that distracted."

"Shut up Merlin!" Arthur turned, picked up the ball, and threw back to his teammate, Merlin grinning after Arthur continued with the game.

The final challenge - as the cricket lasted way too long - before they headed back for refreshments and an overview of what was happening for the final term before summer, was to set up a tent properly. There were five tents, one for each patrol. All members had to participate, so it was Fox versus Panther, Cobra, Badger and Dragon. The rules were simple, Uther held onto a stopwatch, and each tent pack had the exact same equipment. All were to correctly put up the tent, and the first patrol who correctly set up the tent, was the winner, and therefore would choose next week's activity.

Half-way through having the tent up, Arthur grunted at Merlin, who was trying to knock the pegs into the ground with the mallet. "Merlin? What do you think you're doing?"

"Helping put up this tent. What about you?"

"Telling you to do something."

"So you're not putting up the tent then?"

"Stop trying to change the subject Merlin!"

In the end through Arthur and Merlin's banter, they finished fourth out of fifth, which left a very angry Arthur. Arthur gave Merlin the silent treatment for the remainder of that night, leaving as soon as the goodbye song had been sung, and all had saluted each other farewell. Arthur lived in Camelot, so it was easier for him to walk home, leaving Uther with all the clearing up.

Before Will and Merlin departed for Ealdor, Lancelot turned and reminded Merlin.

"Give it a week and he'll be fine."

"Why is Arthur such a prat?"

"He's not used to new company, and doesn't do change very well."

"He seems to get on with Mordred."

"That's only because Mordred is a sports person. He tends to click with people that way. You've seen his chums at college haven't you?"

"You can't miss them, regardless of the subject Arthur takes."

"They're all Sports Studies people."

"Oh."

"It's not your fault though. He'll grow to you. He'll find that one special quality in you that he'll adore as it happened with all of us. He's already found Mordred's, but with you it's a little longer."

"Yeah. Thanks Lancelot," Merlin put on a fake smile, Lancelot obviously falling for it.

"No problem. So I'll see you pair tomorrow at college?"

"Maybe."

The boys returned the way that they had came back to Ealdor, the pair talking about their patrols on the way home. Merlin's patrol was not the only one to contain an annyoing prat. Valiant was one that many found appalling and was of the agressive type. He's not one for pulling his weight but will prove to be the best of all scouts, physically and mentally, and has a rather sour nature behind him. Will had recognised him from college, where he knew he was taking Sports Theory with Arthur. They hugged each other as Will made the remainder of the way home, leaving Merlin at the doorstep to his house.

Merlin walked in to the house, closing the gentle behind him with more force than usual. He picked up his cocoa from the coffee table and walked in the direction to the stairs. "Hey hun. How was scouts?"

"Not in the mood to talk about it."

"Why? What's up?"

"I said I'm not in the mood." Merlin never bothered saying goodnight, and slipped upstairs and straight to bed. Placing the cocoa on the side-table, Merlin went to the bathroom and washed and brushed his teeth. Returning back, he changed out of uniform and into nightwear, dropping face-down into the pillows on his bed. Everytime something like this happened, such as someone being a right pain in the backside, Merlin ended up taking his pain out on others, before exploding into tears, where he was usually alone. That night, he cried himself to sleep.

The day after, Arthur had found Merlin walking into the college through the main gates as usual, and caught up to communicate with him. "Merlin? Stop a minute... Merlin!" Merlin walked straight past Arthur. If one was to give him the silent treatment, then the other could do the same, and was playing at his own game.

Merlin eventually stopped, after ignoring him twice beforehand. After Arthur being annoying to the bone the night before, Merlin was in no mood to exchange small talk to arses. "What do you want?"

"To apologise for my actions last night. I'm sorry I ran off with Mordred and not share myself between the two of you, and I'm sorry for how I treated you last night. That was uncalled for."

"Can you not make it sound like we're a threesome thank you?"

If Merlin was one to give over flirtations, then so was Arthur, even if neither realised that they were doing it. "Why, would you want us with Mordred as a threesome, if you know what I mean?"

"God no! I don't even like Mordred - well, not in that way." Merlin never realised he mentioned the same about Arthur, but there was something about him that Merlin liked, he wasn't sure quite exactly what is was though.

"Good." Arthur then grabbed the collar of Merlin's slightly open shirt and pushed him to the wall, Merlin fearful to think of what would come next. Merlin had never been kissed by anyone, never mind another lad. Punches were a little different though. "Oh and Merlin, if you dare mention anything about me being a scout to anyone here, minus Will and Lancelot of course. I will make your life at scouts a living hell."

Arthur then noticed two of his 'chums' making their way through the college gates, and if they saw Arthur in the current position he was in, they'd soon be spreading rumours, and then he'd have Sophia up to his ear holes accusing him of flirting and goodness knows what else. "Sean! Gregory! Hold up a minute!" Arthur let his grip on Merlin loose as Arthur darted towards his friends, leaving Merlin flabbergasted by the walls to the English and Media department.

'What just happened?' Merlin thought as he made his way to tutorial.

June

"Merlin!" Someone called from the other end of the cafeteria. Merlin had one of those long haul days at college again, this being a Wednesday. Merlin had been attending scouts at Camelot for a few weeks. May had soon rolled into June and before long, scouts will be finished for the summer. The relationship between Merlin and Arthur had grown more sour between each other since that first night, almost to a part where they hated each other.

Back to the story though, and Gwen and her brother Elyan were found at the other end of the cafeteria. Merlin was at one of the tables alone, eating a sandwich and occasionally sipping some water. The Smith children made their way across the hall and dined with Merlin.

"So, how's scouts coming along?" Gwen made her first move.

"As much as I love being a scout, it vexes me to think of Arthur's behavior towards me. Why does he treat me differently to everyone else? Elyan, you've known Arthur for a long while. What do you make of him?"

Elyan was listening away, eating a panini. He cleared his throat and began to speak. "Well, I've never actually been in the same patrol as Arthur. When I joined, Arthur had been a scout for at least six months, if not more. He was deemed a prat by many, myself included. Personally I don't talk to Arthur either, unless we have to on outings or meetings between Patrol Leaders and Seconds. He cares about you though, even if it may not seem like it. Ever since he became Patrol Second about a year ago, he's always cared for his patrol members. The former leader Brendan departed from Camelot half a year ago, allowing Arthur to become leader and Lancelot become Patrol Second. If anything ever happens to one of his team, he'll set out to make sure that they're okay. He'll stand up for one of his members and does not tolerate any form of bullying under any condition or form, unless it's him playfully teasing someone."

"Right, so we all think he's a prat then?"

"More or less."

"So, the hate between Arthur and I, is just him teasing me."

"I don't know. No one knows what the funny little brain of Arthur Pendragon."

Under their noses, another figure appeared. Although not Arthur, the figure belonged to someone who was close enough to him, clearly not by hair colour or gender, but the faces looked the same.

"Hi!" Gwen began. "Come and sit with us!" The figure was of a tall, raven-haired young lady with ivory skin. She came dressed in a pair of black jeans and a black top with converse. Basically, the woman loved black. The lady sat beside Merlin, who shook hands with the three.

"Everyone, this is Morgana. She's my patrol leader at Guides."

"How do you do?" Elyan asked.

"I'm very well thank you." Gwen continued introductions. "Morgana, you already know of my brother Elyan. The man seated next to you is Merlin. He's recently joined the scouts in Camelot."

"So you're the one Arthur was on about to me the other day?"

"Arthur's on about me? Wait, how do you..." Merlin began to question, Morgana filling in his answers quickly. "Sister. I'm Morgana Pendragon. Head of the Leopard Patrol."

"Oh. So, what does Arthur mention about me?"

"Oh, this and that. He says he's never found a scout quite like you. You seem to have the adrenaline of a scout, but to be fair, he sees you more as a Girl Guide."

"What? I don't even look like a girl!"

"He mentions a little about Mordred, about how he's brave, very adventurous and his love for sports, as well as his other members. But he always seems to say twice the amount about you than anyone else."

"I see. Well, this has been very interesting. Gwen, how about you tell us what's been going on at Guides then, since as I'm not the only newbie?"

"Well," Gwen began, "I've managed to gain my Healthy Lifestyles and Chocolate badge. I've met Morgana, and Morgause, my Patrol Second. My other patrol members are Freya, Elena - who I already knew through being in the same patrol in Ealdor, and Mithian. Merlin, you know Elena don't you?"

"Yeah, she's my next door neighbour. Our mothers work together as well."

"I thought so."

"Anyway, I have class in twenty minutes, so I better be departing, as I've got to pop to the library first." Merlin cleared his station, recycling the non-needed materials and took to class, leaving Morgana, Gwen and Elyan in a mindless chatter.

Most Saturday's worked out splendidly for Merlin. Afternoon's as a barista in the village cafe were always upbeat. No annoying pests from college to drive him up the wall and the shop was free of scouts on the occasion, unless Will or a former scout from the Ealdor group, such as Joey, came and said a quick hello, picking up a tea or biscuit on the way doing their daily business.

This Saturday was a little different. The sun was shining and the temperatures were at its peak, leaving behind a muggy atmosphere, and the radio was blaring out all the wrong tracks to keep Merlin at peace, basically the mainstream stuff. The arrival of college students did nothing to please him further. A group of four came in, removed their jackets and sat at one of the booths towards the back. Trisha, Merlin's boss, edged him on to take their orders.

"Hello, can I take your orders?"

The three consisted of two young men, one of them being Arthur, and a blonde woman, who was literally possessing Arthur, or near enough sitting on him. She raised her head and spoke mockingly. "Hello, can you let us sit down and relax for two minutes first?"

Merlin had dealt with these type of customers in the past, and was sure to deal with them once more. Merlin began in a polite tone. "Of course madame."

Merlin instead went to serve a young couple, only to be called back by the blonde girl. "Waiter!"

"Do pardon me a moment. I'll be back shortly," Merlin addressed the couple, heading back to the booth. "We're ready to order." the blonde spoke.

"Well, forgive me, but I'm currently seeing to others. I can accustom you to another waitress if you wish to order now."

The blonde girl was clearly a sod. "You'll serve us now. We came in first."

And Merlin would feed her words back to her. "And then you carted me away, leaving other customers to be seen. Now I'm attending to some customers. If it is me you wish to be served by then you'll have to wait." Merlin turned the other cheek and attended to the couple on the other side of the cafe. The blonde looked displeased and went to leave, Arthur pulling her back down and gave her a stern look.

"Sophia. Do you know who that waiter is?"

"No, and I don't really care."

Arthur continued to hold his grip on Sophia, standing up - as Elyan had mentioned, for one of his patrol members. "His name is Merlin, and not only does he go to our college, but he's in scouts as well. He's the newest member of my patrol so don't be mean to him!"

Merlin finished with the couple, who were now sipping their drinks and waiting for their food. With one order complete, Merlin returned to the booth. Arthur went to apologise for Sophia's earlier actions.

"Merlin. Sophia here apologises for her actions earlier. She will not act like that again in front of you, nor she should in front of anyone. We'd like to order now, if you are not already busy."

"Forgiven, and no, I'm free now. How may I serve you?"

Sophia was still disrespectful towards Merlin; nonetheless, their food was ordered. Merlin pleaded the cook to make their food cook quicker so that he could dish them out of the door faster. With their friend, who went by the name of Gregory, leaving the table to answer his phone. Arthur dismissed himself and went to the lavatory, leaving Sophia alone. The group were done with their food, leaving Merlin to clean up their station.

"Merlin, is that your name?" Sophia began to talk.

"Yes," Merlin riposted.

"What were you and Arthur doing the other day at college. I tried calling him but he never responded."

"Maybe he never heard." Merlin collected up the plates and took them behind the counter and into the back, soon returning for the rest. Sophia continued. "Oh no, he clearly heard me, but he didn't care. It's almost as if he cares about you more than anyone, and yet your just a scout."

"Cares for... no no, you've got it wrong. We're working on a badge together at scouts, and having some free time on Thursday, we met up in the library and continued our work. If he hasn't told you, we're working on our World Faiths badge." Not realising, Sophia backed him into the counter, being hostile. "Well, let me tell you something Merlin. Don't even think you can wind Arthur around your little finger, even if you find him attractive, because I'm telling you Merlin, Arthur is mine. You got it?"

What Sophia didn't realise was - okay, so Trisha was currently in the back, unaware of the situation - but Arthur had long left the restroom and was now watching the threat from a nearby distance. Arthur grabbed Sophia's arm and dragged her back to the booth, gearing their jackets back on, waiting for Gregory to return. Arthur was concerned with Sophia, and gave a sympathetic look to Merlin. Gregory returned, Arthur paying the bill, adding a tip for Merlin through Sophia's foul customs and the three made their way out, leaving a silently sobbing Merlin falling to his knees, only for poor Trisha to see to him.