Chapter 5

Gaius was unable to pick me up until later, and although everyone wanted to stay behind and wait for me, their parents, who obviously didn't know why, insisted that they leave. Eventually it was just Arthur (he insisted on staying until I left. Guess no one could say no to him) and I left and the few sentinel/guide pairs left to guard us. I was sure security around the school would be higher now, since nothing like this had happened before.

For a long while he just stood there silently by me. I found his presence near me comforting and heart wrenching all at the same time.

"Has it really been that bad that you have to move?"

His question interrupted my thoughts, almost pulling an honest answer from me. 'Not until you got here,' I wanted to say, but instead all that came out was a whispered, "Yes."

"Isn't there anything we can do to change your mind?"

'Bond with me?' was on the tip of my tongue, instead I gritted my teeth and ground out, "Is there a reason why my moving bothers you so much?"

Arthur groaned loudly, "Because I care. I know I don't know you, but that doesn't mean I can't care."

"You care about me?" I whispered.

I knew I was being ridiculous, knew it was probably the guide in me responding, but I couldn't help it, my heart felt like it was about to burst. I began tearing up and before I could even bother trying to cover it up, Arthur reached out, putting his hand on my shoulder and awkwardly saying, "Hey, it's ok. You don't have to cry."

I gasped at the contact, it's… it's rightness. It made me feel even more guilty for what I was doing. More desperate. More anger. More love. More everything.

Arthur could set my whole world in a spin with just a few words and he didn't even know it.

What the hell was happening to me? Was this even normal? Who could I even ask? Why was I having such a strong emotional reaction to him?

I shot up from my seat and walked several steps away from him. Taking deep breaths, with shaky hands I pulled my phone from my pocket and called Gaius again.

"Merlin?" he answered.

"Hey, Gaius, I was just wondering if you were on your way yet?"

"Yes, I was heading there now. Is everything ok?"

I cleared my throat, "Yeah. How's your patient?"

"He'll be fine if he takes the potions as he should."

"Good. I'll see you in a bit then."

"Yes, I'll be there soon."

"Ok. See you then," I hung up, taking another deep breath. Fuck. I haven't even told Gaius yet. I turned back around to see Arthur watching me. Our eyes locked and I hadn't even realized I had moved until I was inches away from him. Arthur reached out his hands to me and I fell into his embrace without thought, laying my head on his shoulder, wrapping my arms tightly around him. I sighed, breathing him in, feeling Arthur's body relax against mine, his breath on my neck, his heart beating in pattern with mine. Everything just made sense and the rest of the world just fell away and all that mattered was him and I.

I hadn't even realized time had passed until I heard my uncle's voice break through our bubble, "Merlin?"

I felt Arthur's head shoot up and turn at the mention of my name. He still hadn't let me go, but loosened his grip enough so that I could turn my head towards him and watch him carefully assess Gaius, as if he were making sure he wasn't a threat. He was protecting me.

I slowly pulled myself away from him and turned fully towards my uncle, "Gaius," I cleared my throat, "You have to sign me out."

"I already did," he answered.

"Oh," I nodded dumbly, "Uh Right. Gaius this is Arthur. Arthur this is my uncle."

I saw Arthur visibly relax, "Ah yes, it's a pleasure to meet you," Arthur took a few steps towards him and reached out his hand.

Gaius shook it and smiled politely, "Prime Sentinel Arthur Pendragon. We've met."

"Have we?" Arthur arched his brow.

"Oh yes, I used to work for your father," he nodded, "It' no surprise you don't remember, you were 7 the last time we met."

Arthur's eyes went wide with recognition, "Are you the one who always brought me candy?"

Gaius smiled, "So you do remember."

Arthur grinned, "I always loved it when I saw you coming. It was my favorite part of the day."

"You were always a bright little one," he laughed, "Although you're not so little anymore. I didn't know you and Merlin were friends?" Gaius frowned at me, "Merlin didn't mention it."

"How would I have known that you two knew each other?" I quipped.

Arthur laughed, "Can't blame him for that, we've only just met today."

"Just today?" Gaius gave me an inquisitive look.

"Yes. It's a really short time, but I'll be sad to see him go."

"See him go?" Gaius tilted his head at me, "Go where?"

I cringed, "I was waiting for the right time to tell you."

"Oh," Arthur mumbled, looking at me.

"Tell me what, Merlin?" he asked accusingly.

"Can we talk about this at home?"

"Merlin," he said in warning.

"Please," I whispered.

"Where are you going, Merlin?"

"I'm moving back in with aunty Claurice in a week."

"You're what?!"

I looked at my shoes, "Can we go now?" I began walking to the car, but stopped when I realized he hadn't followed me. I walked back to him and the look of hurt in his eye made me feel ripped apart inside. I took his hand, "Please, Gaius," and pulled him along.

Arthur waved at me goodbye and I waved back. I managed to get us both in the car before Gaius came out of his shock, "Why?"

"You know why," I answered.

"If you're going to tell me this is about your parents, I know that's not true. Tell me the truth, Merlin."

I looked back at the school, at Arthur still standing there, "I can't."

Gaius followed my gaze, "Right. Not here then," he started the car and drove us all the way home in silence. Once he pulled into the driveway and turned off the car, he turned in his seat towards me, "Whatever it is, Merlin, whatever reason you have to hide it, I can help you."

"Gaius, I-"

"You can trust me, Merlin. I wouldn't turn you in," he sighed, "Whether you're a guide or not. I'll help you."

I looked at Gaius in shock, "You know?"

"I've had an inkling," he answered, "I just never understood why you hid it, but if that's what you want, I will help you."

"Gaius," I breathed in shakily, "I can't stay here. I don't want to be bonded." I couldn't believe the words that had come out of my mouth.

"You don't have to be," he answered.

I shook my head at him, tears threatening, "Gaius, he's here."

Gaius was quiet for a moment, "Sentinel Pendragon," he stated.

I nodded in confirmation.

"The prime is your…" he let out a breath of air.

"I've managed to hide it, but, I mean you saw what just happened," I explained, "I've known him for a just a few hours and I couldn't stop myself. If I stay, I won't be able to hide it."

Gaius gripped the steering wheel, "I'm sure we can find another way, Merlin, you and I we can research this. Maybe I can find a spell or a potion to help you. I'm sure we can find something."

I looked down at my hands, "I've looked Gaius. Through all the books you've given me. There's nothing in there that can help and the way I'm responding to Arthur. I don't even know if it's normal. It's so strong."

"Strong? What do you mean?"

"I can't even help it. The need I have to go to him, be near him, the want to tell him everything. It's so strong," I started shaking, "I don't understand it."

"I can look into that for you, Merlin," he sighed, "You don't have access to the information I have. Let me look into what I can do for you to help you. Give me a chance to help you before you decide to leave."

I looked out the car window, "I don't know what will happen to me if anyone finds out."

Gaius frowned, "What do you mean, Merlin? What are you so afraid of?"

"I," I took a deep breath and looked back at Gaius, "I'm not just a guide, Gaius."

Gaius frowned, confusion marring his face, "What are you talking about?"

"I'mawizardtoo," I said in a rush.

Gaius watched me for a moment before saying, "A wizard guide?"

I nodded silently. "How is that even," he trailed off, "So that's why you wanted books on both."

"Yeah," I frowned, "I've never heard of anyone else like this. I got scared when I found out, because I didn't know what would happen to me, so I hid it and I never wanted to be bonded anyway. I thought it would be ok, but then Arthur showed up."

"We will figure something out," Gaius answered, "I will figure something out, you don't have to leave. In the meantime, you have to try and keep your distance from Arthur."

I gave Gaius a wary look and nodded, "Well, it'll have to be soon, because I don't think I can keep my distance from him."

Gaius nodded, "Ok. Go on inside. I will do some research and find out what I can. I will call you tomorrow."

I nodded, "Thank you, Gaius."

Gaius smiled at me, "It will all be ok, Merlin."

We said our goodbyes and Gaius drove off. After talking with Gaius, I felt like a weight lifted from my shoulders. I'd been hiding this on my own for so long I hadn't realized how worn out I'd started to feel. How lonely it could be. I hadn't had anyone I could talk to about it, share my fears with, ask questions freely to. Now, I had Gaius and he was so knowledgeable, I was sure in time he could teach all sorts of things. Fill in all the gaps of information I was missing. Like what did it actually take to bond? Were there more things I could do with my empathy than what I knew? And what about all the spells I had yet to be able to learn?

I made a sandwich and took a shower. The day had been long and I was exhausted, I was ready to just lay down, but just as I was about to my doorbell rang. I looked at the clock, it I was only 730, but still I hadn't expected anyone to come by. I made my way to the door and saw everyone standing on the other side.

Opening it, I looked at all my friends, "Guys?"

Morgana was the first to run up to me and hug me. I hugged her back, "Merlin, you can't go. You just can't."

"Why don't you all come in first?" I said, letting her go.

Everyone piled inside my living room and sat, all eyes on me, "Yeah ok. I know I it sucks guys, but for now it might be a good thing. I never said I wouldn't come back or visit or talk to you guys."

Lance was the first to speak, "I'm sorry for yelling at you in school. I was just so shocked I couldn't believe it."

"I know. I don't hold it against you," I sighed, "I'm pretty surprised myself and it's all happening so fast."

"Too fast," Gwaine added, "Way, way too fast. I mean a week, Merlin? Really? That's all the time we have? You're not even giving us a chance to wrap our heads around this and you're leaving just like that?"

"He's right, this isn't even close to being fair," Gwen chimed in, "It doesn't even make sense. I know you like to keep things to yourself, but I think this is a bit much. Can't you tell us what's really going on?"

"No," I said blankly, "I can't. I wish I could, but I can't."

"So there really is something else then?" Mordred asked.

"Yeah," I sighed, "I mean the thing with my parents kills me and I am sick of living here alone. I didn't think it would be like this when I agreed to it, but that's not the entire thing," I answered honestly. I couldn't lie to them anymore, not if I was leaving, but I couldn't tell them everything either.

Lance groaned, "Ugh why can't you tell us?"

I shrugged, "Because I really don't know what the repercussions to that would be. Not that I don't trust you guys to keep a secret, but this is a little different. This is something that may or may not get you guys in trouble and I can't risk that. If shite hits the fan, I don't want you guys ending up covered in it."

"Eww," Morgana scrunched up her nose, "But if you tell us, maybe we can help."

"There's really nothing that can be done about it," I shrugged, "It's not something that can be changed or anything. It just is."

"It just is," Elyan repeated, "That sounds kind of final."

I stopped, breathing in. The truth in his words hit me. It is final. I am a guide and a wizard and no matter what I do to try and hide it, it'll always be true. I thought of Arthur and again I was second guessing myself. Do I really need to hide it? Run away? I'll always be running if I do this, even if he doesn't find out, Arthur was bound to me. The way he reacted to me proved it. The way I reacted to him prove it. There's no guarantee that he won't find a reason to come to London and the chances are we will meet again. If I'm his guide, and if in some way he can sense it, then it's not completely out of realm of possibilities that he might even follow me and if he did, how much longer could I fight it? Did I even really want to? Then again did I really want to be bound to someone I didn't even know for the rest of my life? Have to ask for permission to do anything I wanted? Ask for permission to what I studied in college or even which college I want to go to? I could just imagine how well that would go. I didn't know. I didn't know what I wanted or what to think. Or how any of this was going to play out.

"Yeah," I sniffed, "Fuck. It really is. It is and I don't even know what to do about it or what I want or anything and if I stay here I won't have any time to even try and figure it out. I need time. This is my only way of getting it."

"Well, maybe if you told us what it is, we could help you figure it out," Lance stood up, "We're your best mates, Merlin, we'll stand by you. Just tell us, we can help you."

I looked at Lance, "I know you would, but at least for now, it's better if I keep it to myself. Trust me, ok? I'm sure I will tell you guys, but for now just trust me on this."

I stood up and stepped towards Lance, "I know what I'm doing."

Lance frowned, "I trust you, but I still don't think leaving is a good idea, but I will stand by you. Even if I think you're being a git and making a bad decision. You better come back AND you better call and everything AND I'm using this as leeway to pick on you as much as possible until you leave, just so you know."

I grinned at Lance and gave him a hug, he hugged me back and as we let go, Mordred stood too, "I concur." He and I hugged too, "It's gonna suck not having you here."

Gwaine threw his arms around us both, "Group hug! Everyone loves the stupid git called Merlin!" Stupidly enough everyone did join in and afterwards, things really did feel more settled, calmer. We fell into our easy comforts with a few more hugs and tears than usual. Not surprisingly, my stash of ice cream and crap food disappeared within an hour. Everything was going ok, but a part of me couldn't believe that I was even thinking of giving any of this up. Giving the easy laughs and jokes up. The comfort of my friends. Everything they mean to me and right now they were just a phone call away. How was I going to survive without them? Without this?

My thoughts were interrupted by the doorbell going off. I looked at everyone strangely, "If you're all here," I trailed off and frowned, "Who on earth…?"

"Hmm," Mordred contemplated, "Maybe not earth, maybe someone from Jupiter?"

"Right," I nodded, "Makes perfect sense." I got up and walked towards the door and looked through the peep hole. My breath caught at the sight, "What is this?"

"What is what?" Gwen shot out.

"Merlin?" I heard through the door.

"It's Arthur," Elyan answered, "He really came?"

"What?" I stomped back towards them, "You knew he was coming?"

"He called me," Lance replied, "Said he needed to talk to you and asked for your address, I figured it would be ok, but when he didn't show up I didn't think he was coming and well I forgot."

"You forgot?" I scoffed, "You forgot that you told the prime alpha sentinel my home address and told him he could show up anytime he wanted to? Really, Lance? Really?"

The doorbell rang again and a muffled voice responded, "You guys do know I can hear you, right? F.Y.I. this is ridiculously rude."

"Ahh!" I shouted and stomped back to the door, opening it quickly, "Right! Right! You!" I pointed at him, "Are at my house," I said stupidly.

"Yes," he laughed, "And if you won't mind, I'd like to come to in."

"Right," I nodded, "Yes, well I guess it would be rude to leave you standing out here, but since I have no manners to speak off, I'm not sure if I can invite you in."

Arthur rolled his eyes and grinned, "I guess I'll invite myself in then. Problem solved," he said taking a step towards me, becoming almost flush against me. My heart stuttered as I looked into his eyes, "Yeah, problem solved," I whispered.

"What're you two doing?" Gwen broke in. I jumped back and looked at her, "Being idiots," I answered breathily, "It's kind of what I do best."

Gwen eyed Arthur and I, "Yeah, that's true enough sometimes."

"Follow her, I guess," I said and closed the door as he walked away. I took a deep breath and followed them into the living room. What the hell? What was Arthur Pendragon doing standing in my freaking living room? How the hell am I supposed to stay away from him if he keeps showing up everywhere?

"Hey, mate," Lance said from the couch.

"Hey," Arthur smiled, "Long time no see guys."

"I might be a little late giving this warning," I said from behind him, "But these people are obsessed with me. Never leave me alone," I sighed, "It's a real problem, honestly, can't seem to get rid of 'em."

Gwaine snorted, "Oh please, don't let him fool you. Don't think he'd know what to do if we weren't around to bust on him on a consistent basis."

"Yes, yes," Mordred added, "He feeds off of our obsession."

"Mmm, it's delicious," I nodded, "And surprisingly sustaining."

Arthur turned to me and grinned, "You have very strange eating habits, Merlin. First you're a playboy, then you feed off people. You aren't actually human are you?"

"I'm the last survivor," I squinted my eyes, "Last of the Jupertanians. My people are very different from your kind."

Arthur laughed, "Good to know. Will you be feeding off of me then?"

I tapped my finger to my chin, "I really haven't decided yet," scrunching my face, "What if you taste terrible?"

Arthur arched a brow, "I can assure you I'm most definitely good enough to eat."

I gaped at him, "What did you just say?"

"Did he just hit on him?!" Gwaine yelled, "What? Wait! What?!"

"I, uh, have a feeling we've missed something here," Lance added.

"Tell me about it," Morgana agreed.

"Alright," Arthur laughed, "I can see how that may have come out wrong," he winced, "It sounded a lot better in my head."

"You mean to tell me that wasn't just a terrible come on?" I laughed too, "No wonder you fit right in with us."

He grinned, "I do, huh?"

"Congratulations," I nodded, "This means you've been officially inaugurated."

"Inaugurated, to what?" he furrowed his brow in confusion.

"To be a knight of Camelot, of course," I nodded, "It's a very privileged club."

"A knight of Camelot?" he questioned.

Mordred snickered, "Are we allowed to haze him? Please tell me we're allowed."

"'Course you are," I answered and looked at Arthur, "It's tradition."

"Tradition?" Arthur looked around, "What are you guys talking about?"

"It's a club these two preschoolers started when they first met," Gwen answered, rolling her eyes.

"Hey! You better be careful, young lady, with that kind of talk, we might have to revoke your membership," Mordred replied.

"You can't revoke my membership, I'm your treasurer."

"Not just any club," Elyan stood up and crossed his arms, "It's a secret club. Which means it's not just double cool, it's triple cool. Only the elite of elite of noble bloods are allowed to enter."

"Oh I see," Arthur answered, "I feel honored, but what is the club exactly? And why is it called the Knights of Camelot?"

"A long time ago," Gwaine answered, "In a galaxy far, far away Albion used to be called Camelot. With a king and knights and all that jazz."

"Gaius gave me a book about it," I explained, "Mordred and I liked the idea so much that we created the club. Slowly, it grew."

"Basically, we just hang out in the woods and find secret caves and stuff to plant our mark in," Lance replied, "It's a lot of fun."

"Yes, but there will be hazing first!" Mordred exclaimed, "I'm vice prez! Mr. Pendragon! You must be hazed! Do you accept the conditions of your membership?"

Arthur looked at me and I smiled encouragingly, he grinned, "'Course I do."

"Yes! Let the hazing begin!" Mordred grinned.

"Mordred you are far too excited about this," Morgana got up and kissed his cheek, "It's kind of cute."

Mordred arched his eyebrow, "Are you going to help me plan what we're gonna make him do?"

"Yeah," she grinned, "We must torture all new comers."

Mordred put his arms around her, "Did I ever tell you how much of an amazing girlfriend you are?"

"Not for the past hour," she smiled at him.

"Ugh! Get a room you two!" Elyan complained.

Mordred turned to look at him, "I don't know, Arthur might want it so Merlin could eat him privately."

I scrunched my face, "I don't even know what that means, but it definitely sounds disturbing."

"I'm not sure I'd be into that either," Arthur looked at me and shrugged, "But I do still want to talk to you privately."

"Not sure how going into a room to talk to you would help, considering there are two other sentinels in the house," I looked at Lance and Elyan, "Not sure how private that would be."

"Unfortunately, it's getting late, dad is going to be here to pick Lance, Elyan and me soon," Gwen answered.

"And I have to get Mordred and Gwaine home too," Morgana added, "Looks like you two will have all the privacy you'll need."

"Still not fair that you're the only one of us with a car," Elyan frowned, "How'd you get so lucky?"

"My mother is awesome," she grinned, "Come on then! Let's go. These guys need to "talk"," she grinned, winking at me.

I groaned, "Ugh, now you got them all thinking strange things about us. Great. It'll be months before they let this go."

Lance laughed and put his arm around my shoulder, "I'm sure in a few months this'll be funny for you too. In the meantime, you can blame Arthur for his slip of the tongue there. I'll talk to you tomorrow, mate."

I rolled my eyes at him, "Yeah, whatever. See you tomorrow." Lance squeezed my shoulder and then Gwen gave me a hug and a kiss on the cheek, "You two would make a fine couple," she giggled and swatted my hand away when I tried to pinch her, "Hush you!" I told her.

Morgana gave me a bear hug, "I'll see you in school tomorrow."

"Yeah," I hugged her back just as hard. Mordred stuck his hand out to me, "I'm too manly for hugs," he stated. I rolled my eyes and pulled him to me, "Stop being a git or I'll sic your girlfriend on you."

"Please don't," he whispered.

I let him go and grinned at him, "Then behave." He grinned and rolled his eyes, "Yes, dad."

Gwaine gave me a side hug and sighed, "See you tomorrow, mate."

And Elyan gave me another bear hug, "Goodnight, Merlin."

It was an odd feeling, but I felt like I was saying goodbye to them for the last time. It felt so ominous. I shuddered as I followed them to the door.

"Later, Arthur," Lance said as he trotted out.

"Have a goodnight," Gwen added and they all left. I closed the door and leaned my head against it. I didn't realized Arthur had come up behind me until he placed his hand on my neck, I leaned into his touch and sighed.

"I don't know how I'm going to do this," I whispered.

Arthur took my hand and turned me around, "You don't have to," he placed his hand on my cheek, "You could stay here with us. Whatever is going on, we could help you. I could help you. I'm sure of it."

I looked into Arthur's eyes, "Part of me really wants to take you up on your offer, but there isn't anything anyone can do and I haven't figured out what I should do yet. I just can't stay here while I make that decision."

Arthur let me go and frowned, "That doesn't really make any sense, Merlin."

"I know," I answered, "But I can't say much else right now."

Arthur sighed and looked around, "Well, let's put a pin on that one for now then," he turned around and walked into the living room. He seemed to be inspecting things as he walked around. Picking things up and putting them down. Slowly making his way around the entire room, then turning into the hallway. I followed him and saw him stop on the third door. The door to my room, "Arthur?"

"Do you mind?" he said looking at me.

"Um I guess not," I shrugged, "Though it's kind of messy. Don't know if that'll be ok with your senses. I've never bothered to keep my place sentinel clean, you know, and right now there aren't any guides around."

He gave me a soft smile, "I think I'll be ok. Doesn't smell bad to me at all."

"I guess I should take that as a compliment?"

"It's the best kind of compliment," he grinned at me, "It means you have a sentinel approved smell. We have a sensitive nose; I'll have you know."

"Like a dog?" I grinned back, "F.Y.I. I don't think Lance or Elyan agree with your approval."

He rolled his eyes, "Obviously, they don't know what they're talking about. Trust me, I'm the prime alpha," he opened the door and stepped in.

"Right," I nodded, "And that means you're right about everything and not crazy at all."

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, "I like the way you smell. It's spicy, earthy, and just a little bit sweet."

"How romantic," I muttered, taking a step into the room. Arthur opened his eyes and looked at me, "Would you like that, Merlin?" he took a step towards me, "If I were romantic towards you, would you want that?"

My eyes went wide with surprise, "What?"

He closed his eyes, "Sorry," and took a step back, "I don't understand what's going on."

"What do you mean?"

He sighed, "With you. With me. I," he paused, taking a deep breath, "I've never acted this way before."

"You mean like what happened at school?"

"I've never felt this drawn to anyone before, Merlin," he sat on my bed and steepled his fingers, "Ever since I met you, all I can do is think about you. All day today, that's all I did. The way you smell, the way you look, the way you sound, the way your heart beats and I don't know why."

I looked down at my shoes, swallowing hard, "Me too."

"You've been thinking about yourself that much too?"

"What? No I meant," I looked up to see him smirking, "You know what I meant," I said smiling, "You arse."

"Come on," he said patting the bed, "To be honest, I'm kind of glad to hear I'm not the only one feeling this."

"Yeah," I sat down, "It doesn't make it any less crazy."

He placed his hand on mine, "Especially seeing as I'm a sentinel."

I looked at his hand, as he traced circles on my palm, "What do you mean?"

He sighed, "Well to be honest, I've never heard of a sentinel reacting so strongly to someone who wasn't their guide. Even then, though, I've never heard of sentinel feeling this intensely towards a guide either. I mean don't get me wrong, it's always a strong pull and maybe I'm wrong, but the way I feel about you it's way more than I've ever heard anyone describe."

"Arthur," I whispered, "Fuck, Arthur. I'm leaving in a week."

"I can move to London," he answered.

"You're supposed to be looking for your guide."

"That can wait."

"Your guide can wait?" I said skeptically, "You've been going all over the country trying to find him or her."

"That's just because of my father," he shrugged, "I can talk to him about putting it off or maybe working something else out."

I stood up and paced the room, "Arthur are you listening to yourself? Do you even know what you're saying? Your telling me that you'll stop looking for your guide and follow me to London? Do you realize how insane that is? You are a sentinel!"

"I can't help the way I feel, Merlin."

"And I can't let you do this."

"Merlin."

"Arthur, I think you should go," I said shaking my head.

He stood up and said, "Let's talk about this."

"No, I need to think and I think you need to be doing the same," I answered.

Arthur looked defeated as he followed me to the front door, "I'll see you tomorrow at school?"

"Yeah."

He turned to me and placed his hand on my cheek, "Can you at least promise me we'll talk more about this before you leave."

I nodded, "I promise."

I closed the door and found myself leaning on it a second time. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. He can't tell. He can't tell what I am, but that doesn't stop him from coming to me. Following me. Me following him. He feels it just as strongly as I do. He's only known me for a day. ONE. DAY. And he's planning on following me wherever I go? Changing all his plans. Giving up on looking for guides. Well, I guess the latter makes sense, but still. He didn't know I was his guide so how can he just give up looking for one?

What the hell was I going to even do? I groaned and made my way to bed. Did I really have to make him leave? Yes, I did. Of course, I did. I closed my eyes and growled. How the hell was I going to survive school tomorrow?

I closed my eyes, wishing it all away. Wishing I could go back to things being simpler. Wishing I could lay in Arthur's arms.

Fuck.

Scratch all that.

I just wished I could sleep.

Author's note: Oh Mer-bear, you're in a pickle and it's sooo totally gonna get worse. Good luck! muahahaha