The Other Side.

Arthur rolled over on the bed, head groggy and body feeling exposed. Opening his eyes he saw the daylight washing his bedroom in a morning clarity he'd have done well having the previous night. One drink to another, to another, then dancing, and then he couldn't remember.

He sat up and studied his naked form, first with question then with growing dread. Sleeping naked wasn't something he did. Unless he'd had a guest. The last guest he'd ever considered having was Merlin. The bra on the ground spoke of someone less male. Less Merlin. The messy state of the bed covers cemented the story of last night. Panic drip fed into his veins as he grabbed boxers, shorts, he didn't care which, and tugged them on. Creeping into the hallway he tiptoed towards the living room.

Experts surmise the rot had spread further than anticipated, causing the collapse in the early hours of the morning. One car crashed, failing to realising the destroyed state of the Flyover, with two dead and one casualty. Metro police are investigating the possibility of it being something more than an accident or miscalculation.

The large screen showed a ruin, the BBC broadcasters filling in the populous on the new tragedy. Arthur temporarily forgot his own fear. Then he saw it. Her. DC Maclain. Vivian. His stomach lurched, hands numb when she noticed him and grinned. She shot up, revealing her similarly half-dressed state with nothing but his button-down shirt from yesterday to cover her frame. Bounding over her lips smashed against his before he could stop it, and it took a minute to force her away with his hands.

'What's wrong?'

'Look, I'm not really clear on what happened last night, but whatever it was it-'

'Was crazy? A mistake? Can never happen again?' DC Maclain filled in, narrowed eyes touched with a passive aggression. 'If so, I completely agree.'

Arthur fell silent. 'You do?'

'I do. That's why I'm taking you out again tonight.'

'What? I'm taken. This can't happen again. Ever,' he explained, folding arms over his bare chest.

'If you were already involved with someone I've got to wonder how well that's working out for you,' she said, finger tracing the hem of his shirt. It barely covered the top third of her thigh.

'That's none of your business,' Arthur snapped, stepping around her and padding over to the kitchen. The tiles chilled the soles of his feet, shivers tracing up his skin.

'I like to think people share a bit more after sex, but fair enough,' DC Maclain remarked, following him. 'If you don't want this to continue, that's just fine.'

He took out a mug and flicked down the kettle's switch. 'Thank you.'

'Is it Gwen?' she asked, leaning against the work surface as she eyed him. She blocked his access to the tea. 'Your girlfriend?'

'Merlin,' he said, surprised at how the name had caught itself in his mouth, refusing to leave without an extra push. Merlin. Where was he? Did he walk in on them last night? The nausea from the previous afternoon swarmed back.

'Oh. You guys really are boyfriends. Having some issues though, that's for sure. I'll go change,' she informed him, floating away to the doorway where she paused. 'Can I get a lift to work?'

'Sure,' he muttered as he reached for the pot of tea bags. Hand diving in to grab one he felt the rough texture on his fingertips, but didn't take one. His thirst had drained away, replaced by fear. If Merlin had been having doubts about their relationship, this would make his decision easier. Arthur: the Detective Sergeant, the clotpole, the mundane, the cheat, the ex. He sank back against the doorframe, scrubbing his hands over his face.

Just days away from the final phase of work being done to strengthen the Hammersmith Flyover, the decay seems to have been greater than initially believed. Experts insist it would not have collapsed without external influence. This may be an accidental tragedy or a new form of terrorism-

Arthur switched the television off and trudged back down the hallway for a shower.

.

Walking into the operations room felt disturbingly similar to entering a funeral home's waiting room. Arthur shook away the odd memory and focused on the long faces of his friends and co-workers. 'What happened?'

Gwen drew out of her thoughts to acknowledge him. 'Aredian came home earlier than expected-'

'What?'

'Kilgharrah's talking with Merlin right now,' Gwaine went on, nodding towards the office. Blinds concealed the transgression from their naturally prying eyes.

'Did he see you?' Arthur asked the Irishman whose usual charm felt weighted and subdued.

'Not me, no. He and Merlin had a nice chat though,' he said, face dusted with chagrin at the memory.

'How much does he know?' Vivian asked, unburdening herself of her bag, coat and umbrella.

'That he's under investigation. That Merlin has-'

'That Merlin has?' she pressed as she leaned against the desk.

'Merlin's the one who's taken point on the case,' Percy answered for him.

'Wasn't somebody keeping watch?'

Any semblance of Gwaine's cheer had just been strangled. 'I saw him coming and tried to stop him, but-'

'But you didn't? This might have blown the entire investigation-'

'We can now see Aredian's reaction. It still helps,' Arthur interrupted, bracing for a backlash from the newest member of their team. She did turn on him, but her features remained calm, softening even.

'It's not a risk to be taken again,' DC Maclain said, 'is it?'

Morgana came up to them, two coffee cups in hand. 'Aren't those the clothes you wore yesterday at the Press Conference, Vivian?'

Arthur bristled. 'What do you want?'

'Thought I'd bring you caffeine,' she answered with dark eyes of her own as she held out a cup. 'This weather's killed the cheery summer spirit, don't you think?'

Arthur didn't respond. DCI Kilgharrah stepped out and headed towards them all, Merlin walking behind him. Arthur tried to see him, to see if he'd found him and DC Maclain together, if he was okay. Wished he could see something behind the mask Merlin had taken to wearing most of the time.

'What's our next move? Watch Aredian? Bring him in for questioning?' Percy questioned, ignoring Morgana's entrance.

'Where's the evidence?' DC Maclain said, blunt and true words hammering down the mood even further.

'We watch,' Kilgharrah answered.

Maclain's lips pursed, neat brows digging downwards. 'Sir-'

'Have a better idea, DC?'

'We haven't looked at everything yet. Lack of an alibi is hardly enough to get a conviction.'

Arthur shifted closer to where Merlin had positioned himself. 'Are you okay? You look tired.'

'Had a late night,' the man murmured in reply, eyes fixed on the argument.

'Not the only one,' Morgana remarked, placing the cup on the desk.

Arthur groaned. 'Morgana-'

'I'm just here to ask Merlin for a favour,' she assured him, no wicked smile or predatory tilt of the head.

'Shouldn't you be working with Trident?' DCI Kilgharrah queried, having won the dispute. Everyone waited for her response. Arthur appreciated the lack of comfort they offered her. She took Merlin by the arm and he went with her willingly. Arthur watched, how Merlin's eyes darkened, how Morgana seemed distraught one moment then the flare of her nostrils and narrowed eyes. The DS broke away and marched back to the team.

'No. I haven't seen him and I never want to again,' Merlin said sharply and Morgana left. Arthur felt the apprehension in Gwen, Percy, even Leon. They all regarded Merlin with a certain amount of concern, like the trepidation felt by someone facing down a wild cat. He was no different, excepting his love for the untameable creature.

'Have you two patched things up?' Maclain asked lightly, playing ignorant to the feud.

Merlin's lips twisted into a smile. 'I'm not one to hold a grudge.'

His glare hardened. Shifted from Maclain to him. Merlin's eyes, dark and blue, those thick lashes, they seemed to accuse him of something. Arthur had never held a grudge against Merlin, so it couldn't be that.

'You're staring,' he noted aloud.

Merlin blinked, features tight. 'Sorry.'

The insincerity made his innards squirm. 'It's alright. I like it.'

Merlin took a deep breath before announcing, 'I took the flat.'

'What?' Arthur breathed, heartbeat harder and painful. Vivian remained at his side, silent, observing. Why would he say that? Why would Merlin say that with a stranger to hear it?

'St Stephens Gardens in Notting Hill,' he continued, the accusation burning in his eyes. He knew. He knew about him and Maclain. 'Transferred the deposit yesterday. I can move in next week.'

'You,' Arthur paused, catching his breath. How could he feel like he'd run a marathon from hearing just four words? 'You took it?'

'Gwaine's going to help move my things. There isn't much so I'll be out your place by next Friday,' Merlin said, unfazed by Arthur's shock. Didn't he care?

'Come on, Merlin. You don't have to move out,' he said, lowering his voice. 'Please.'

'Oi, get over here, Merlin,' Gwaine called. 'You're the SIO. Need you to sign off on the surveillance team.'

Merlin's gaze shifted away then back to him. 'Duty calls.'

'It always does with you,' Arthur said as the man left.

'Sure you don't want to go out tonight?' Maclain asked, hot breath brushing against his ear while her fingers twined around his. Repulsion. Loathing. Arthur saw Gwen's look of surprise and disapproval, Merlin glancing back in time to catch the unwanted intimacy as well. By the time Arthur had lurched away from Maclain Merlin had his head bowed down over papers.

'What the hell was that?' Arthur hissed at the DC.

'What we did last night wasn't a one time thing and you know it. There was a connection. The kind I doubt you've ever had with him,' she reasoned, shooting Merlin a hateful stare. It was ridiculous. Arthur almost laughed about it, but the repercussions of her delusion were all too real.

'Do your job, DC Maclain,' he ordered. 'I'm not going to pursue this and neither should you.'

'I could destroy his reputation. Report incompetence and corruption. They'd believe me in a heartbeat with his record.'

'Is that a threat?'

'You decide.'

She strutted away to the others, where Elyan was telling Merlin about the parameters of the surveillance. He stiffened when Maclain stood next to him. Arthur had to ward her off properly. He headed towards them.

'DS Pendragon. We need to discuss something with you,' DCS Agravaine commanded. Reluctantly he turned on the spot and marched back to wear his two superiors waited. Once inside the office the door closed, the blinds dropped. DCI Kilgharrah regarded him with curiosity.

'You remember Ambrosia's owner, Cenred?' DCS Agravaine began.

'Sadly, yes,' Arthur said, studying the sombre looks on their faces.

'He came out of the coma.'

'And he insists it was Merlin who put him into it. Using magic,' DCI Kilgharrah added, lips downturned and deepening the folds in his skin.

Arthur looked at Agravaine. 'You know about-'

'Of course he does. Can't expect anyone to lead the CID while being oblivious to the fact of magic's existence. Not anymore,' DCI Kilgharrah said bluntly. 'The more worrying fact is that Merlin put that man into a coma.'

'I can't,' Arthur's mind failed him for any more words. The Merlin back then, kisses in the dark, the messy wet hair, the childish insults and the gorgeous smiles, he couldn't see him putting a man into a coma. The Merlin with dark eyes, low and guttural voice, secrets at every turn, that was hardly a stretch to imagine. Odd how both versions felt familiar.

'We need to ensure this doesn't make it to the press. Magic's involvement would be written off as madness, but the accusation will give Merlin enough criticism to cripple his credibility for decades. Losing his job would be the least of his problems, the CID's problems,' DCI Kilgharrah continued before the knock at the door held his tongue.

It opened. Merlin. 'They've got the DNA results for the prints found at Thornberry's.'

'It took this long?' DCS Agravaine said with a frown.

'Something went wrong,' Merlin remarked. 'Had to redo the entire process.'

'Don't let Maclain hear about that. She'll tear us all apart,' DCI Kilgharrah said, Arthur hearing the note of humour in the words.

Agravaine's frown worsened. 'She's a member of this team.'

'Never let a starved hound smell blood, Agravaine. It won't matter if it's from their owner,' the DCI mused.

'Wonderful,' Arthur muttered. 'What were the results? Got a name?'

'We need to go down to the lab if we want it,' Merlin said, disappearing once the last syllable fled his lips.

Arthur followed.

.

'Gaius,' Merlin said as they entered the laboratory.

He got up from the metal stool. 'Good. You came.'

'I thought you'd be able to find a fingerprint match sooner, with all your expertise.' Arthur partly regretted what he said, noticing how harsh it came across. The scientist didn't seem bothered. Neither did Merlin.

'I did. Then I ran a PCR test to be sure,' Gaius explained, hands buried in the large pockets. He watched them both with a grave expression.

'They have a record then?' Arthur asked.

'You could say that, yes.'

'Is it Aredian?' Merlin said, words low and convicting.

'No, Merlin, it isn't him. You must understand that I've checked for any tampering or mistakes,' Gaius answered, removing his glasses and folding them with care before submerging them in the lab coat's white fabric with his hands once again.

Arthur studied the sombreness in the old man's eyes. 'Why would you go to all that trouble?'

'The fingerprints, the DNA,' Gaius paused. 'They were a match for you, Merlin.'

'Me?'

'The science doesn't lie. Your fingers, and yours alone, were on that tumbler.'

'You wore gloves at the scene, didn't you?' Arthur asked, but he could remember. He had been. 'Magic. It must be Aredian, after he found you at his house.'

'Must be,' Merlin murmured, eyes hazed over with thought.

'What do we do, Gaius?'

'Lose the results. Say there wasn't enough DNA to run a full analysis. Contaminate the samples,' he answered, fast enough for Arthur to know he'd already made his decision.

'Choose the least conspicuous,' Arthur suggested.

'I will,' he said. 'If he's willing to go to such lengths . . . This man is dangerous, Merlin.'

Those words drew Merlin out of whatever he'd been thinking. The haze melted away, a dark irritation threading through his irises, the lines of his frown. 'As dangerous as Morgana? Cause she's pretty snug in the heart of the Met. How about Mordred? Is Aredian gonna try to get into my pants too? Not to mention DC Maclain. One word from her and I'm finished.'

Arthur blocked Gaius from his view. He didn't deserve that. 'Merlin-'

'Do what you think's right, Gaius,' he said, a blink-less stare binding his attention and irritation to Arthur.

The scientist shifted behind him. 'I trust you, Merlin.'

'Good to hear,' he remarked, the dark threads pulling at a momentary mocking smile. The cruel humour directed at its creator. 'I don't trust myself, so at least other people can make up for that.'

Arthur's skin itched under the man's scrutiny, his scornful stare. 'Merlin, about DC Maclain and-'

'It's fine. You're moving on. It's fine. She can give you more than I ever could,' Merlin said, breaking the bitter connection when he turned away back towards the door.

'What couldn't you give me?' Arthur asked as Merlin pulled it open.

The pain and anger in his expression left Arthur breathless for the second time that day. 'Normal. Safe. Peaceful. Sex.'

'Christ,' he huffed, the weight of their problem drilling into his head again. Arthur had made it clear to Merlin that it wasn't a problem. It wasn't. Could never be. He loved Merlin. Wanted to help him, wanted to be with him. Needed him. Sex wouldn't change that. 'I wasn't myself when Maclain and I . . . I can't even remember it.'

'Don't worry about my delicate heart, Arthur,' Merlin scoffed. 'I survived centuries alone. It's probably best I do it again.'

He was gone the next second, leaving a baffled Gaius and an equally conflicted Arthur. Merlin managed to refine the expressions and tones of annoyance, sadness, fury and derision all into a singular and terrifying form. Besides that, one thing clogged Arthur's thoughts. The pang, the uncomfortable scratching at the corners of his mind at what Merlin had said. Centuries. Centuries alone. The words weaved themselves with the earlier ones, adapt, we failed. Like passing a window, Arthur was catching glimpses of the trees, road, weather, but he had no idea where he was, what the air tasted like, what the ground felt like one the other side of the glass. Merlin refused to let him cross it.

'Arthur,' Gaius started but Arthur left before he could get another word out. If Merlin wouldn't let him out to the other side he was more than willing to break the barrier down himself. Or leave it all together.

.

.

.

Aredian explored the rooms. White, modern, little history. The bed was made, a woman's perfume clinging to the sheets. He could feel the magic running through the flat like blood in veins. Running a hand along the duvet the beat of a magic-user's heart echoed to him. Bedding a human, an innocent to the repugnant corruption of the powers? Tackless. Classless. Insulting. Casting the beam of the torchlight to the bedside table he saw a picture frame placed facedown. Raising it up he saw the grinning face of his target, his duty. Arm wrapped around the waist of DS Pendragon, another member of the murder investigation team. The other arm cradling a certificate, a commendation.

Leaving the memory trapped in the frame Aredian pulled the wardrobe open. Men's clothing, two different sizes. He studied them. Three sizes. Some were old, untouched for months, outgrown, soaked in faded magic. The newer ones, larger but still slim compared to the mundane set of clothes, breathed strength and ancient power. Merlin Emrys, stronger both physically and magically. A challenge. A trophy to crown all the rest.

'How could you?' a women's voice yelled from the other side of the flat. Turning the light off he slipped behind the bedroom door and waited. Listened.

'I was drunk and ill. I didn't want it to happen-'

'You and I both know that's not quite true,' the woman said, the living room's lights chasing away the shadows. He remained secure in his own personal pocket.

'I love him, Gwen.'

'Is that an excuse?'

'No. What I did was wrong, I regret it, but I didn't do it to hurt him, or end what he have. Had. He's locked me out, Gwen. He's moving out, and he's locked me out. Something happened and he won't-'

'Is it to do with his magic? With what happened at Christmas?'

'You remember Cenred?'

'The creep who ran Ambrosia. What about him? I thought he was in a coma.'

'Merlin did something. Cenred's awake and says it was Merlin who put him into it.'

'With magic?'

'With magic.'

'He couldn't have.'

'You saw him when we arrested Old Religion. Seen how he's been acting. The magic, all of it . . . He's different. Changed.'

'Do you want him to be? Would that make it easier?'

'I don't know. How can something so fantastic become . . . this?'

'Fate?'

'So the Gods have it in for me?'

'Not all of them. Want to pull a watch with me tonight? We'll be the first to surveil him, prove to Maclain how competent we are.'

They were moving again, Arthur Pendragon fetching something, or dropping something off. 'Sure.'

'We need to grab takeaway on the way there, though.'

'Chinese?'

'Lebanese.'

Silence. They were gone. Aredian took his time searching the rest of the flat, the new morsel of information sweet in his thoughts. The potential being fully realised in a number of scenarios he could set into motion with a correctly dropped hint, a well written article. A kill with perfect timing to set it all into motion. Corner the prey. Scare it and then launch. Feed.