Chapter 2

Everything was going as planned, as I expected it to. It was already Wednesday and I'd already concocted my alibi. I'd never have to meet this prime alpha or worry about him being able to sense me. I was still a little apprehensive, but come Saturday when I'd phone Gwen for details, I was sure all my fears would just wash away and Monday would just be another normal day.

For now, though, I just kept myself busy. My uncle would be dropping by to check on me soon, so I was striving to have dinner ready for him. Uncle Gaius always checked on me on Wednesdays and Sundays and he always tried to convince me to move in with him, but I knew better, Gaius was too clever and I wouldn't be surprised if he put things together if we spent too much time together. Still, I loved Gaius, he was my favorite uncle and he always indulged my curiosities, getting medical, magic, potions, guides, and sentinel books to my heart's content and he never denied me answers to any of my questions. No matter how bizarre they were. Uncle Gaius was a potions master and healer who specialized in the sentinel/guide field. He always had access to just about any information. When he was younger he used to work for the sentinel higher ups (there wasn't an alpha prime at the time), he was retired now though and spent most of his time treating people in Albion for free.

I heard the doorbell as I turned the fire off in the stove. I wasn't the best cook, but not the worst neither. I made chicken alfredo, but I hadn't tasted it yet and wouldn't be sure it was entirely edible until I did. I was much better at it than I was before though, all in thanks to uncle Gaius who forced me to learn.

I ran to the door and opened it without thought, uncle Gaius stood there with a huge grin, "Merlin!"

I grinned back and hugged him, "Gaius!"

He hugged me back, "Alright?"

"Alright, you?"

He nodded, "Perfectly fine, although I do have an inquiry for you."

"Alright, but come inside first," I said ushering him in, "I made chicken alfredo, but I haven't tried the results yet."

Uncle and I walked to the kitchen table and he sat down, "Tea?"

"Yes," he smiled, "Thank you."

I walked back into the kitchen, prepared plates and tea, "I'm going to have you take the first bite and tell me what you think." I walked back, placing my uncle's food and tea in front of him and going back for my own.

I sat and stared Gaius down watching him slowly pick up the fork and take a bite, "Well?" I asked before he even had a chance to swallow.

Gaius nodded and swallowed, he grinned again, "Very good, Merlin! You're learning well."

I sighed in relief and began eating, "So what's on your mind then?"

"Morgona came to see me Tuesday," Gaius started.

"Morgana? Is she alright?"

"Yes, she was just having some trouble sleeping so her mother brought her to see me," Gaius answered quickly, "But she mentioned a school dance?"

"Ahh," I said my eyebrows arching in surprise. One of the few times I had to come up with a fib and I got caught, didn't I?

"Why did you tell her you couldn't go?"

I cringed at his question, "I really didn't want to go, but I didn't want to be mean when I turned Nimueh down so I made up a fib, did you cover for me?"

Gaius eyed me curiously and nodded, "I did, but I think you should go, Merlin."

I furrowed my brow, "Why?"

"It's not good for you to be at home alone too often."

"I spend quite a bit of time at yours and my friends' houses," I answered, "I don't see what difference one dance is going to make."

"I prefer you being out of the house with people than being at home alone all the time," Gaius insisted, "In fact, I want you to go. Why do you need to stay home anyway? For what?"

"I just don't feel like going," I shrugged.

"All your friends will be there, I'm sure you'll enjoy yourself," he argued.

"I really don't want to go, Gaius, please."

"Why?"

"I just don't!"

Gaius frowned at me, "Well you're going, Merlin, if only to appease me, you're going to go, and I want proof you went too. Ticket stubs, pictures. You're not going to be sitting home alone, I'll drop you off myself."

"Gaius!" I exclaimed, "Why?"

"If you really don't want to go then there is another way to appease me," he answered with a mischievous twinkle in his eye.

I groaned, "What would that be?"

"Move in," he answered quickly, "That way I won't have to worry."

I groaned again, "I'll think about it."

"It's either one or the other."

"You're too much, uncle," I said pinching the bridge of my nose.

Gaius chuckled, "Would you expect any less?"

"Not from you, no."

Gaius and I finished our meal and then moved onto my notebook, nowadays I wrote all my questions about the books down for Gaius and he would go over them with me when he came over.

After Gaius left, I laid on my bed mulling over my options. One-night risking being exposed to the prime alpha or a minimum of a year of risking being most likely caught by Gaius. I didn't know what would happen either way, but it was obvious that one night would be easier to deal with. Besides, I could go to dance, take some pictures, leave and then come back before my uncle picked me up. It would still be extremely easy to avoid this guy and it would only be for a few hours. Nothing much.

I called Gwen, which at times was the equivalent of calling Gwen and Lance on a conference call.

Gwen picked up, "Hi, Merlin. Everything alright?" Apparently, this was one of those times because following her voice I heard Lance, "Hey, Merlin!"

"Hello. Maybe," I answered.

"Maybe? What's going on?" she asked, concern etching her voice.

"What happened? Do you need help?" Lance asked after.

"I told a fib and it's come back to bite me in the arse," I answered.

I could practically see Gwen frowning at me on the other end, "And what was this fib?"

"I said I couldn't go to the dance because of a family thing," I answered, "I just hadn't wanted to go with Nimueh, but my uncle caught me and as pay back is making me go. You wouldn't happen to know if Nimueh found a date, do you?"

I could hear Lance snorting in the background, "Oh come on, Merlin, Nimueh's not that bad that you have to lie like that."

"No, every time I go somewhere with her and she's my "date" even if I clearly say as a friend she still clings to me all night and tries to kiss me at least once," I answered, "I like her when she's my friend, not when she's trying to be anything more than that and I'm tired of explaining to her we're just friends." All of which was true, but still not the main reason I hadn't wanted to go.

Gwen sighed audibly, "I think she did find a date, someone from her science class, Valiant I think it was."

I blew out a relieved breath, at least I wouldn't have to go with her, "Well good, I can just go stag then. Think you could ask your brother to get me a ticket tomorrow? He is in the committee after all."

"Much to Gwaine's chagrin," she giggled, "I will, but there's no reason why you should go alone, I'm sure we could find you a date, Merlin."

"Yeah, it'd probably be better if you weren't the only one of us going alone, what if you get bored? You'll have no date to annoy," Lance oh so helpfully added.

"If I get that bored I'll just leave, Lance. The dance is in two days, I doubt anyone is dateless now," I answered.

"I think you're wrong, Merlin," Gwen quickly cut in, "In fact, I think I know someone who would love to go with you. I'd have to call her to make sure, but today she still hadn't been asked by anyone and she's too shy to ask herself."

"Thanks, Gwen," I answered, "But I don't mind going alone."

"Come on, Merlin! Balls up and chat the girl up!" Lance called out.

"I think he's right, Merlin," Gwen answered, "You might have more fun this way."

I groaned loudly, "Why is it that people in relationships are always trying to couple up everyone they know?"

"Just give her a chance, Merlin, she's a nice girl," Gwen scolded.

"Fine," I conceded, "What's her name?"

"Vivian," she said, "I'll call her tonight and introduce you tomorrow. You'll like her, Merlin."

"If you say so," I sighed, "Alright, I gotta finish some house chores. I'll see you two at school tomorrow."

"Goodnight, Merlin," Gwen answered.

"G'night, mate," Lance added.

"Goodnight you two," I said hanging up.

Great, so now I have to go to the dance and keep as much distance as I can from the alpha prime and entertain a date. Fucking brilliant.

Gwen met me after class again today. Giddy excitement coming off her in waves, I loved Gwen, but she was definitely not helping matters with this whole date thing and all her excitement did was annoy me.

I groaned and said, "Alright already. Let's get this over with."

Gwen smacked my arm, "Oh stop being a sour puss, Merlin, I swear you'll like her and I'm sure she'll like you."

I looked down at myself and made a face, it's not that I have no self-confidence, but I knew I was wiry and awkward. Not generally considered the handsome rugged type.

"Oh stop it," Gwen rolled her eyes, "You're cute, Merlin."

I grinned at Gwen, "Not really sure "cute" is what most guys go for, but I guess I'll take it."

She smiled at me and lead me towards the bleachers where there was a small group of girls huddled together. Gwen smiled at them and waved one over, I stood there watching one of the prettiest girls I've seen stand up and slowly make her way towards us and all of the sudden I felt like a complete idiot. Nerves quickly ricocheting in my body.

Vivian was absolutely beautiful, she had blonde hair cascading down her body, smooth creamy skin, and beautiful cupid's bow lips. She looked like a princess.

"Hello, Gwen," she smiled politely.

"Vivian, this is Merlin," Gwen began, "Merlin this is Vivian."

"Hello, Merlin," she said, turning her deep blue eyes towards me and effectively making my brain short circuit. I stood there unmoving until finally Gwen took pity on me and bumped my side making me spew something out, "Hey-lo."

Vivian tilted her head to the side seemingly confused at my eloquence with words, "Ah sorry," I laughed nervously, "I was going to hey then changed it to hello and it came out wrong."

Gwen must've taken pity at my gracelessness again because she decided to say, "Merlin has something he wants to ask you, go on Merlin," sounding like a mother hen pushing her chick out of the nest.

It just made it worse, but I sucked in a breath and went with it anyway, "Ah yes, I was wondering if you would like to go with me to the dance this Friday? If your still available that is."

Vivian let out a soft giggle, "I would love to go with you, Merlin, but we'll have to meet here, my father's a bit over protective so it's better if he thinks I'm coming with my friends."

I stammered, "O-of course, seven alright to meet you?"

"I was hoping to come a little earlier since I have an early curfew. I know no one likes coming as soon as the dance starts, but I'd really like to come here at 6."

I nodded, "No, no, no, t-that's perfect. I'll meet you near t-the entrance of the gym."

She grinned at me, "Yes! That would be great."

"Great," I agreed stupidly.

She stood there for a moment before saying, "Well, ok. I'll see you later."

"Ah B-bye."

I stood there like an idiot as she went back towards her friends.

"Very smooth on that one, Merlin."

I turned to face Gwen and laughed, "Everyone's a critique."

Gwen grinned at me and we walked to our regular spot with our friends.

Gwen decided to announce loudly, "Merlin's going with Vivian to the dance!"

Morgana looked up at me with furrowed brows, "I thought you couldn't go?"

I stared at her squarely, "Someone decided to convince Gaius to fight for my cause and I was liberated to come."

Morgana smirked, "That worked?"

"Apparently," I affirmed smiling back.

"Who the hell is Vivian?" Mordred asked puzzled.

"A friend of mine, very sweet," Gwen clapped her hands, "They'll have a great time together."

"Who's going to have a great time together?"

Lance and I turned around to face the voice, "Merlin and Vivian at the dance," he answered.

"I thought you said you couldn't go," Nimueh said quietly, I could see the disappointment flash in her eyes and I immediately felt guilty, "I found out I could last night," I answered, "Gwen told me you already had a date, so she set me up with her friend."

"Oh," Nimueh looked at Gwen, "I see," she quipped, "Well congratulations," she turned around and started stomping away.

"Nimueh!" I called after her, reaching for her hand, "I didn't mean to hurt you." She quickly removed her hand from my grip, "It's fine," she scoffed, "Have fun with Vivian," and stalked off.

"Well that went well," I frowned.

"She'll be alright, mate," Lance slapped my shoulder, "This is probably good for her. Remember what you said last night."

"I guess," I muttered, my shoulders sagging, "I hope."

I didn't pay much attention for the rest of the day after that. I felt terrible about Nimueh, especially since I had lied in the first place. I liked Nimueh, I just didn't like her like she liked me. At least, not anymore. I hoped that I could find a way to make it up to her. I cringed at the thought of the dance, I really need to be on my guard Friday night, pretty girl or no I can't let myself get caught. That's the last thing I need.

As soon as I got home I called Gaius and left him a message saying I'd need a ride to the dance tomorrow and then I called Morgana who hurriedly came over to help me dig through my closet for something to wear. I mostly let her pick all my clothes out and she told me that I was going "geek chic" for tomorrow because I really didn't have many other options. She picked out a black blazer, a reddish tie, a gray checkered shirt, dark blue skinny jeans, and my favorite (also the only thing I'd worn before of the pile) my black high top chucks.

I thought I looked ridiculous, but Morgana insisted that it was good. I hoped so, I didn't exactly have any time for last minute shopping. I decided to trust her and make it my wardrobe for tomorrow, Morgana was always good when it came to fashion anyway. She always knew what she was doing.

After she left I laid in bed and took in slow deep breaths, willing my anxiety to let me go for the night so I could sleep and be on better alert for tomorrow. When I finally did fall asleep, I had weird dreams of a pair of entrancing eyes leading me to my death. Ice blue eyes, intense, like they could see through the deepest part of me and brusquely take it all on. I woke up rattled and gasping. An earth shattering feeling of being incomplete, and with the knowledge that whatever it is that I needed to change that was hair's breadth away.