'Do you recognise this woman?' Arthur pressed, pushing the picture towards the wiry bartender. Merlin was sat beside him, observing every minute shift in the man's expression and body language. The picture depicted the woman CCTV had recorded approaching the street entrance to the second way into the station. They'd spent the whole Thursday trying to identify her, to no avail. The second the bartender had been declared healthy enough to leave hospital care, Arthur had been there to clap on the irons.
'No,' the man said curtly, barely glancing at it.
'Think carefully, Steven,' Merlin said, noting how the man's eyes narrowed slightly at the use of his first name. 'Can I call you that? Steven?'
'If you like,' he said with a grunt, leaning back in the chair with arms folded across his chest.
'Well, Steven. You can tell the truth or lie. One will help us and you. The other will get you a night in a cell and an extremely unhappy sergeant. He's got quite a temper.'
'Don't try and intimidate me,' he sneered.
Merlin kept his eyes locked with the bartender's. 'I'm not. I'm being brutally honest. I'd appreciate it if you could do the same.'
'I'm not saying nothing.'
Arthur sighed loudly and leaned forward, hands folded on the table. 'You know what? You'll get much more than a night locked up. We can get your address in a matter of seconds, and with reasonable cause I can have your place searched. I'm sure you own a few things that you would prefer weren't encountered by the police, and obstruction of justice won't just get us the warrant but might land you with a few years locked away, let alone one night.'
Merlin hid his smile and watched as the wiry man shifted uncomfortably, eyes fleeing Merlin's sharp stare to look down at the picture.
'We don't have all day,' Merlin added.
'All I know is that she's a regular. Her name's Morgause. That's it. All I know.'
'What about that night?'
'Of the murder, you mean? She picks up girls and lads almost every night. It wasn't any different that day either,' he said with a touch of loathing directed at them both, spitting it like venom from a snake.
'Except the part where a girl wound up dead,' Arthur said, placing a picture of Charlotte atop Morgause's. 'An officer will come escort you back to whatever hovel it is you crawled out of.'
The wiry man's jaw clenched in anger and Arthur stood, the chair scraping across the black tiled floor.
'Don't,' Merlin paused, trying to word it the right way, 'touch anything. Just . . . sit.'
'I'm not a dog,' the man asserted with irritation and a hurt ego.
'Right,' Merlin drawled out as he now left himself. The interview room door closed and when he turned he saw Arthur waiting for him.
'I do not have a temper,' he said matter-of-factly.
'No? I must be thinking of a different royal prat,' Merlin remarked with a sly grin as he brushed shoulders with the bemused DS. The rough fabric of Arthur's sleeve snatched Merlin around the neck in a head lock.
'I don't have a temper, isn't that right, Merlin?'
'Yes, sire,' he yielded after futile struggling and several disapproving glares.
'I don't mean to interrupt,' the sonorous and distinctive voice said. Mordred. Merlin looked up, still in Arthur's grip, into those stormy eyes which flashed with lightening. 'But I think we should consider sending someone into the club undercover.'
'They could pick up this Morgause. A few one-liners and flirting,' Leon developed the theory, getting up from his seat and wandering over to join them. Arthur let Merlin slip out from his arm but remained within reach.
'And do what?' Elyan questioned, lounging at his own desk a few feet away, pen poised to fill out paperwork.
'Wait and see if they get killed or screwed,' Gwaine crudely said with an unashamed grin. 'Either way I'm game.'
'Tonight though,' Percival began, patting Leon on the back. 'We celebrate.'
'You can drink, can't you?' Gwaine asked with fear, intently waiting for Arthur's response.
'I don't know,' Arthur said before looking at his constable. 'Merlin, can I?'
'Pretty sure you can,' he said quietly before pressing his lips together and shrugging with honesty. 'I have no idea.'
'It's gonna be at Pendragon manor?' Elyan asked. Merlin was trying to tape all the information he was getting together, and so far had sussed out that they were having a party. That was it. Now 'manor' floated into his desperate arts and crafts mentality and he looked at it with shock.
'Manor?' he said, having no clue what to make of it.
'They're stinking rich,' Gwaine informed him. 'Arthur doesn't want to touch his daddy's money though; being the honest, hard working man he is.'
'Thanks, Gwaine,' Arthur said sharply,
The easy grin spread again on his face. 'Anytime.'
'I, on the other hand, have no problem. West wing is all mine,' Morgana interjected, joining them as if she'd been there the entire time. Merlin's body stiffened slightly, going on high alert when they made eye contact. 'Everyone knows where to go, except you, Merlin.'
'I can give him a lift,' Arthur suggested, looking around at everyone to see if anyone disputed it. Almost as if searching for their approval. Morgana's eyes pierced him and Arthur both and Merlin could practically feel her draw out their shared laughter and intimate moments from the night before.
'What about Gwen?' Elyan said, the brotherly warning in his voice clear.
'I could him him a lift as well Gwen,' Arthur surmised as if it wouldn't have any affect at all.
'I can take Merlin,' Mordred's dulcet voice remarked, and now Merlin felt two intense set of eyes land on him. One had malice, the other had something else . . . something which made his heart race and stomach twist.
'You're coming?' Percy said with surprise. Merlin himself felt dread slither along in his veins.
'I invited him, Percy,' Arthur explained. 'He's already been there before for a few Met conferences.'
Merlin felt lost but still trapped in the conversation, floundering to make sense of things.'They hold conferences at your house?'
'It's bigger than a house, Merlin. My father's the Detective Chief Superintendent. He has a lot of influence and old money. Showing it off is what he lives for.' The derision was wrapped around each syllable he spoke. Merlin's lips tried to lift with amusement at the man's obvious dislike, but the piercing and suffocating eyes subdued it.
'Anyway, there's always public transport. I don't need a lift just the address,' Merlin said.
'Nah, I've got you, Mer,' Mordred said, the following wink making him shudder.
'Mer?' Arthur repeated with a frown.
'So, it's settled. See you lot at seven. Leon, I hope you're prepared for a night you'll never forget,' Morgana erupted and a her blood stained grin signalled the end of the discussion. Turning to her side with a calculating glint in her eyes she said, 'Thank you, Mordred.'

Merlin rushed out of his bedroom at the rapping on his door. One hand desperately trying to tug up the jeans he opened the door just a crack and looked through. He took in Mordred's figure, the smart suit cut to accent his body's elegant shape and the soft dark curls.
'It's formal?' he said tightly, as he slowly pulled the jeans up to his hips to zip them up with one hand. Mordred's thick eyebrows pushed together and Merlin swung the door open, revealing his casual attire. Also revealing the hand that was doing up the final button. Mordred's eyes dropped to the ground and he cleared his throat; only looking up again to say, 'Don't worry, Merlin.'
'I look like I'm going to the supermarket,' he said with an embarrassed smile, folding his arms.
'You look . . .' Mordred trailed off, eyes drinking up every inch of Merlin. 'Ravishing.'
'I look what?' he murmured, thrown by the intensity in Mordred's tone.
There was a shift in the air and Mordred's face broke with a grin. 'Suit or no suit, you're handsome so don't worry, alright? Let's go.'
Merlin grabbed his keys from the kitchen counter, stuffing them into his pocket and left with Mordred.

In the night with nothing but street lamps and night lights to see the world by, it breathed danger. Excitement. Shadows and bright light glinting off of chrome and metal and then the black leather that was nothing more than dark expanse in the lighting. The evening wind was sharper and crueler now, and Merlin zipped up his jacket to fend it off.
'A motorbike?' Merlin remarked with awe and slight trepidation.
'Yup. Don't mind, do you?'
'Uh, no, not at all,' he said a little shakily, circling around the mechanical beast.
'Just hold on tight and you'll be fine,' Mordred told him with a bemused expression. Swinging one leg over he grabbed the bike's handles. His body seemed to become one with the creature, as if the two were of the same spirit. Kindred. Merlin caught the helmet Mordred threw to him just in time, feeling the smooth and hard plastic under his fingers. 'I've only got the one.'
Merlin stared at him with horror. 'What?'
'Just wear it and climb on.'
'No, you take it. I'll be fine,' Merlin implored, feeling the heat in his veins pump with reassurance. He'd be fine. It was Mordred he was worried about. He didn't ponder too long on that disconcerting concern.
'Don't go trying to be a hero. I know my bike and there's little to no chance of a crash,' Mordred said and then gestured his head for Merlin to get on.
'Seriously, you use it. I can just get the tube,' Merlin insisted but Mordred grabbed a fistful of his sleeve and managed to tug him onto the motorbike's frame. With some buried instinct Merlin lifted his leg up and over.
'We don't want to be late,' Mordred said and then started the engine. The revving sent vibrations throughout the whole thing and Merlin felt an elated energy charge his mind and sensations. He quickly pulled the helmet down over his head and then everything seemed muted and so much more tantalising. Getting his feet into position and wiggling closer to the other man, he encircled Mordred's waist with his arms. 'Ready?'
'Ready,' he answered, heart leaping into his throat when he felt the jolt and the world started to run backwards while they charged forwards.

The motorbike jogged slightly with the transition of pavement to gravel. It crunched under the wheels as they rode around the impressive marble fountain to the entrance. Trees and neatly trimmed hedges surrounded the area, all just accenting the huge manor which stood firmly rooted. It exuded power, posterity and privilege. Small lights ran along the outside, acting like spotlights on the cream, slightly golden, building.
Navigating the cars already parked they finally came to a stop and Mordred kicked out the stand, cutting the engine. Merlin got off, still feeling the rush from the drive there, and removed the helmet. He breathed in the crisp air.
'Wow,' he huffed, looking at it all with amazement.
'Gwaine wasn't kidding,' Mordred said, admiring the land himself.
'Are you sirs Merlin and Mordred?' a woman asked politely from the front door.
'Yeah,' Merlin answered, passing Mordred the helmet with a thankful grin. Taking it with one hand he used the other to neaten up the curls that had blown a bit wild with the fast speeds.
'After you,' Mordred said and Merlin headed to the woman, noting her simple but tailored clothing. She wasn't young, wasn't old. One of those people graced with an almost eternal and subtle beauty. Of course even the staff they had would be just as eloquent and striking as the Pendragons he'd met.
She led them inside, offering to take Mordred's helmet and store it away. The two walked side by side, wide eyes absorbing the splendour spilled without a care in the rooms and hallways they passed and wandered through. Stopping at an archway she bowed her head slightly and left them.
The sounds of laughter and conversation floated lethargically towards them from the room. They entered and saw everyone gathered around in what Merlin could only assume was the living room. Lavish as well, and large, they were spread out. Gwaine and Percy were sat together on a antique-looking sofa, Elyan sat opposite them, all three with champagne glasses in hand. Arthur and Gwen were engrossed in conversation with Morgana making a comment every now and then but mostly concentrating on her own lively discussion with Leon.
At sight of their approach, Gwen pointed and Arthur turned. His eyes crinkled with a smile which he quickly hid behind his hand.
'Forgot to mention the dress code to Merlin,' Mordred explained, patting Merlin on the shoulder with a sympathetic smile.
'I don't think it matters,' Leon said, his comment bringing Morgana into the fold and she turned, eyes resting on Merlin. Her dress had a diving V-neck, a mixture of black silk and transparent panels with intricate patterns embroidered throughout. Gwen's was equally formal and impressive: rich green with ruffles, silk, and a wide open neckline. He couldn't help it when his smile faltered when he saw Arthur's hand resting lovingly on her waist.
'Now that we're all here, I think its time to break out the music,' Morgana said, her voice smooth and smile implacable. 'Dinner's being served in a couple of minutes.'
'Thank you, Morgana, Arthur, for all this,' Leon said earnestly.
'You deserve it,' Arthur said, only now leaving Gwen's side to give his friend a hug. Merlin averted his eyes when Gwen rejoined her Arthur and then he remember Mordred who stood next to him.
'Feeling a bit overwhelmed?' Mordred guessed incorrectly.
Merlin forced a grim smile. 'A bit.'
Soft music began to dance along through the air and relaxed the atmosphere, violins starting to cry out their life's worth. After a minute or two everyone adjourned to the dining room, taking their seats at the table while another staff member poured everyone a fresh glass of champagne. The food was laid out, everything looking expensive and appealing, the scents swirling together into a blissful amalgamation that made Merlin drool.
'To Leon,' Morgana said while she lifted her glass in the air.
'To Leon!' everyone cheered, lifting their own and clinking it with whoever's they could. Merlin had ended up sat beside Mordred, Arthur and Gwen diagonally opposite. Morgana sat at the end of the long oak table, Gwaine and then Percy to Merlin's left. Leon was sipping his drink next to Arthur, with Elyan next to him.
Conversation unravelled and roll off their tongues as the alcohol warmed everyone up and the food made life that much better. Even Merlin found himself grinning like a fool at Gwaine's accounts of his time before the Met before "socially acceptable morals" as he called it. They touched on why Leon got his promotion and everyone got a share to delve into their past. Except himself and Mordred. Merlin navigated himself out of that topic for no other reason than being too intrigued in everyone else to give a damn about himself. He didn't understand why Mordred was avoiding it, but he helped whenever he could.
In the middle of Arthur recounting his first outing to a London club, complete with grins and inappropriate comments from everyone else, he felt Mordred's hand brush against his own as the man reached for his glass. The contact sent a shiver down his spine and at that moment Arthur wrapped his arm around Gwen's shoulders at his mention of her name.
'You met her at the club?' Merlin inquired, pulling his eyes away from Mordred's hand.
'Mhm. So, I've known you for . . .'
'I think five, maybe six years,' Gwen finished off for him.
'Adorable,' Gwaine remarked, on his third refill of champagne. 'If everyone's done I think we should retire to living room, don't you?'
Murmurs of agreement and Merlin was filing out with everyone else, still feeling slight off.
'Do you have any other kind of music?' Elyan asked Morgana.
'If you have your phone we can plug that in. Granted you have good music tastes,' she said.
'I think the classical stuff makes it all that much more fancy,' Leon commented with a tipsy smile.
'I might have some good ones,' Percy said, offering up his phone.
'The dock is over there,' Morgana said and they left to sort it all out. Elyan walked pass Gwen, nudging her elbow softly with wink, before heading over to join Gwain on the sofa. Merlin tried to ignore how close Gwen and Arthur were acting, they way they looked at each other with such adoration. He walked over to the sofa as well, followed by Mordred.
'How'd you find your first motorbike ride?' he asked quietly enough that no one else would hear.
'Exhilarating,' Merlin said, the feel of the cold wind blasting passed and the warmth of Mordred fresh in his memory.
'Good,' was all Mordred said in response. The violins wails softened and then disappeared altogether. Modern music began to beat out its rhythm triumphantly. The songs jumped, only the first few notes of each being heard as Morgana forwarded through Percy's playlist.
'There,' Morgana said, pulling away from the speakers and dock. 'Leon, if you'd be so kind to dance?'
'It'd be my pleasure,' he said and took her hand, the two going into the open space. Everything was touched with gold and silver, gentle and ambient. The song was soft, a light piano playing, and the lyrics just as tender as the notes shivered loudly through the air.
You heard my voice. I came out of the woods by choice
Shelter also gave their shade
But in the dark I have no name
Gwaine grabbed Elyan and hauled him up, the two jokingly slow dancing together. Merlin saw Percy take his champaign glass and lean back against the side table the speakers sat on. He didn't seem willing to dance.
Out of the corner of his eyes he saw Arthur invite Gwen to dance and they fitted together perfectly, swaying with smiles.
Left a clouded mind and a heavy heart
But I was sure we could see a new start
Merlin felt Mordred run his hand over his own and their fingers laced together when he was pulled up. The fear, the disgust, twisted inside him; but then he looked into those stormy eyes. The darkness seemed to melt away and was left with something else. Almost akin to fondness. For someone he hardly knew. Then again, there was Arthur. The sergeant was plucked from his thoughts when he relaxed into Mordred, his hand resting in Mordred's and the other on his shoulder. The warmth constricted and pumped wherever he was touched. He could almost taste the salt of the sea, smell the fresh and biting air as the storm merged with him. Cold yet burning all at once. A genuine smile tugged relentlessly at his lips and there was a light in Mordred's eyes he hadn't seen before.
So when your hope's on fire
But you know your desire
Don't hold a glass over the flame
The gentle tempo fell away with a faster beat and Mordred transitioned perfectly, taking Merlin by the hands and pulling him so close their chests pressed against each other.
I'm a hopeless wanderer
They moved fluidly and in perfect rhythm to the music and Merlin's cheeks hurt slightly with the force of his unstoppable grin. Leon and Morgana were laughing as well, twirling each other around, Gwain dipping Elyan far too low. Then he saw Gwen, hands locked with Arthur, as they danced. Merlin stumbled and pulled away from Mordred.
You brought me out from the cold
Now, how I long, how I long to grow old
He reached for Merlin with worry. 'Sorry, did I-'
'No. Not you. Don't worry, I just need some air,' Merlin said, breathless from the dancing and his hammering heart. He left to the large patio doors and opened one, stepping out from the amber veil and into the bare darkness. The music was muffled slightly and he walked forwards to lean on the stone balcony. An impressive set of steps led down to the garden which, even in the dark, he knew was a sight to behold. Looking out at the silhouettes of trees and flowers Merlin took in a deep breath of the icy air. It cooled his burning skin and his heartbeat slowed. The warmth in his veins calmed down, returning to its languid movement.
He kept looking out into the shadows when Mordred rested his forearms on the balcony next to him.
'I get this weird feeling around you,' Mordred said. 'It's like I've known you for . . . centuries almost. I told you when we met. As if we've met before. Sounds stupid, right?'
'Actually, I know exactly what you mean,' Merlin said with a chuckle. He couldn't help but shiver at the similarity between Mordred's words and those of Arthur's.
'You do?'
Mordred's hand blanketed his own and the sharp jolt of heat at the contact made Merlin flinch back.
'What's wrong?' Mordred asked quickly, turning Merlin's face gently to look at him. Several inches away he could still feel Mordred excavating his deepest thoughts and willing his secrets to spill forth.
'I don't know how to explain. It's like,' he paused and let himself feel the something that shifted under his skin, in his chest. 'It's like something's inside me, and sometimes it makes me feel nauseous; sometimes I get this sense of dread that's ridiculously painful; other times, it feels like I'm drunk: warm and intoxicated. In a way happy. Then it's like I'm falling and nothing can stop me. No one can help. That's what it's like around you, I guess. None of it makes any sense.'
He stared intently at Mordred when he finished, surprised as it his sudden openness. He'd never told anyone about the something he'd lived with for years. Again, the storm reached out to him and he found himself lost in the clouds. He didn't know how it happened, but the next moment his lips were joined by Mordred's. The beating wings. The chill closing cuffs around him. The shadows fed into him, slowly, passionately.
Mordred's hand held him there behind his head, the other pressed against his neck and jaw. Fires seared in his mouth and the something was biting, clawing and hissing in rejection of the kiss but Merlin didn't want to stop. He wanted to drown in the ocean. He needed to become a part of the seabed and join the shipwrecks, a relic, a possession, a memory. A shadow.
'Merlin, are you alright?' Arthur's voice cut through the frothy waves.
A sharp wintry blast through his body and Merlin tried to tug himself away, eyes shooting open in horror. Pushing against Mordred's chest the other man didn't let him escape, tongue and lips still unfinished. Finally he released him, the two panting and staring with wild eyes at the other.
'I'm so sorry,' Mordred rushed, and Merlin wanted to say it was okay but his voice couldn't be summoned. Running a shaky hand through his hair he looked for Arthur, but the man was gone and the doorway empty.
'Merlin, I'm so sorry, I don't know what came over me-'
'It's fine, Mordred, it's fine,' he breathed. 'Let's go back in.'

...

The song's Hopeless Wonderer by Mumford & Sons.