A.N: Hi everyone! First of all, I wanted to say a BIG FAT THANK YOU to everyone that has either reviewed, followed or favorited this story. And if you've done all three then you've hit the Fanfic dot net trifecta and you're officially amongst my favorite people in the world! And I thank you. I wish I could respond to each and every one of you personally but I hope this is enough. You're amazing! Also, I've gotten a lot of questions about this story in terms of plot details... I don't want to give too much away because I know people don't like to be spoiled but I will tell you this one will be longer than Camelot Investigations. It's going to drag out for quite some time. I've got it mostly outlined. Some of you are probably wondering why Arthur was caught in the first chapter, and to that I ask, was he really caught? Or was he just at the wrong place at the wrong time? And can a cheetah really change his spots? That'll be a recurring theme within this story. There is much to be suffered here. If you like angst, then you're like me and you'll enjoy this. Another thing... remember that trailer I was gushing about...? Well, my good friend who some of you may know as LonerCheerleader on Youtube (she's very popular amongst the vidding crowd) has posted the trailer. And it is FANTASTIC! She's getting some real positive reviews over there on Youtube! I encourage you all to check it out and drop her a comment and a LIKE on the video. She worked really hard on it! Let's show her some love, okay? I have posted the link in my profile in case anyone has trouble finding it. And lastly, I know you all want Gwen and Arthur to meet already. They've had a couple of "encounters" in the first chapter and I tease their upcoming meet cute in this chapter some more but I can tell you without a shadow of a doubt that they will officially come face to face in the next chapter. Definitely, Maybe... We'll see! ;)
Chapter 2
He lifted his head from the steel desk when the door to the interrogation room opened.
"Mr. Pendragon," the muscular detective who'd tackled him to the ground in the field greeted without looking up from the file in his hand. "You've got quite the record."
Arthur leaned forward on the table and frowned. "I wasn't doing anything wrong."
"Illegal bare knuckle fighting isn't wrong, then?" the muscular detective's shorter partner spoke up. "We should probably introduce ourselves…. I'm Chief Inspector Tristan Knight and this is Detective Percival Mallory. Do you know why you are here, Mr. Pendragon?"
"Not really, no." Arthur crossed his arms in front of him. "Why don't you enlighten me, Inspector?"
"That's Chief Inspector to you-" Percival started as Tristan lifted his hand to calm him.
Tristan cracked a small smile. "I don't presume to try to understand your tough guy act, Mr. Pendragon…" he leaned toward Arthur as he placed his hands on the desk. "But I do expect your respect if you would be so kind."
Arthur gritted his teeth. "You don't have anything to charge me with, Chief Inspector, so why am I really here?"
Tristan smiled slowly before sitting comfortably on the desk. "Information… you have it and we need it. The quicker you talk the quicker you get to go home."
Arthur sat back in his chair with his arms crossed in front of his chest. "I don't know what you are talking about."
"Sure you do," Tristan said stretching his hand toward Percival who handed him the same file he had been looking through earlier. "Arthur Pendragon… art major at Cambridge, father disowned you, mother passed away at birth… and you have bruised ribs and lacerations on your knuckles which tells me that even though you may have not been fighting when we picked you up earlier today… you were participating recently… and if you're one of the fighters then you know the one we're really after…"
Arthur gave him a blank stare.
Tristan rolled his eyes. "Your bookie?"
Arthur chuckled. "I don't even know his full name." he shook his head. "And even if I did, I wouldn't help you."
Tristan let a slow knowing smile spread on his face. "You'll be singing like a canary soon enough, Pendragon."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"We may not have enough evidence to arrest you on illegal gambling charges…"
Arthur eyed him with confusion as Percival sat down in a chair in front of him with a grin. "But we can put you at the scene of the crime… and for that you'll get at least probation…"
Arthur rolled his eyes.
"Your uni is about to have their spring musical and they need someone to build their set." Percival continued, ignoring Arthur's scoff. "So being that you are conveniently an art major, you get to help them. And maybe this way you can surround yourself with a different crowd for a change."
Tristan leaned forward. "Think of this as a chance to change your circumstances, Mr. Pendragon. Don't blow it…"
Gwen yawned in class. She and Merlin had been up until the early hours of the morning watching movies in her house. It got so late that he slept in one of the guest bed rooms. They'd both had to be at school earlier than usual because of their theater class. Their professor had requested a meeting with his students to discuss the annual musical they would be performing in a few weeks.
Gwen smiled softly at Merlin who was no doubt fast asleep and hiding behind his dark sunglasses.
"Good morning, everyone." Their professor, Mr. Gaius, entered the study hall.
Everyone greeted him in unison though albeit unenthusiastically.
"I said, good morning everyone…" he frowned and then smiled when they showed a bit more enthusiasm. "Very well then… I know you are all very tired. Especially because most of you don't have classes until much later, so I do thank you for at least showing up…." He turned his gaze on Merlin who had his head thrown back and his arms crossed in front of him. "Even if you are fast asleep at the moment… Gwen, please wake him."
Gwen bit back a laugh before shaking her friend awake. Merlin sat up with a start at having been woken so suddenly. He looked up and noticed Mr. Gaius watching him intently and frowned with humiliation before mumbling, "Sorry, Mr. Gaius."
"See me after the meeting, Merlin."
He nodded and sat up in his chair with a sigh.
"As you all know the spring musical is scheduled to commence within the coming weeks and we have yet to think of what we should do. Does anyone have any ideas?"
Vivian raised her hand from the back of the room. "What about Romeo and Juliet?"
"It's been done…" someone stated anonymously from the group.
"That's boring." Said another male voice.
Most of the class agreed unanimously.
Gwen looked around her and raised her hand. "What about we do something original?"
"Do you have something, Gwen?" Mr. Gaius asked.
She looked at Merlin who nodded his encouragement. "I might…"
"Well then, let's see it."
"It's a story about a jazz band traveling in 1930's London… kind of a murder mystery with the music as the backdrop." She started. "I've been working on the music for it with Merlin…"
"You're writing a screenplay?" Mr. Gaius asked with a smile. "What have you called your story?"
"Dancing on the Edge." She whispered with a shrug.
"It sounds brilliant." Mr. Gaius smiled. "Does anyone else disagree?"
Most people cheered and agreed. Vivian scowled at the back of Gwen's head.
"I think it's a good idea as well." Mr. Gaius agreed. "If no one has any valid reasons as to why we shouldn't do Gwen's idea, then Gwen will be in charge of this year's musical…."
Gwen opened and closed her mouth like a fish out of water. "Wait... what?"
Gaius smiled. "Don't worry… I'll assist the best I can. We'll meet later and discuss details if that's alright with you." She nodded and he turned toward the group. "The rest of you are dismissed. Merlin, please don't forget to see me."
The occupants of the room shuffled out quietly and Gwen stayed behind watching Merlin pick up his bag. "Want me to stay?"
"No, it's okay." He shrugged. "He's just upset I didn't phone him last night to let him know I was staying at yours. He's been a bit over protective since mum passed."
She smiled. "You said you ranged him."
"I forgot and by the time you asked it was already too late to call." he smirked. "He'll be okay once I tell him I was with you."
"Okay…" she touched his arm softly with a smile. "I'll see you later, then?"
"We'll grab a bite to eat later."
"Deal."
Gwen turned and left the room, mumbling a quick goodbye to their professor before closing the door behind her.
"I was worried about you, you know…" Gaius turned toward his nephew with a frown. "Yesterday was…"
"The anniversary of mum's passing…" Merlin finished. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you where I'd gone. Gwen invited me to a flick and we went back to her house and it got really late so I spent the night."
"I'm not angry." Gaius sighed with a deeper frown. "I'm just upset you didn't tell me… I thought you'd…"
"I know…" Merlin stopped him lifting up the sleeves of his shirt. "But look… I didn't. I really was with Gwen… you can ask her. I'm still clean, Uncle Gaius."
"I trust you, Merlin." The old man sighed. "Sometimes, more than you even realize."
"I'm really sorry I made you sick with worry." Merlin sighed softly.
"It's alright, my boy." Gaius answered. "Now go on… I have a meeting with the Chancellor."
"Is everything alright?" Merlin asked feeling worry creep up on him.
"No, it just has to do with a volunteer who will be helping us with this year's production." Gaius said absent mindedly.
"Do you want me to come with you?"
"It's not necessary." He shook his head toward the door. "Go on, Gwen's waiting no doubt."
Merlin smiled. "I'll see you at home then?"
"Of course."
Merlin walked out of the room and smirked at his friend before laughing out loud. "Just couldn't help yourself, could you?"
Gwen rolled her eyes. "How upset was he?"
"Not very much." Merlin said wrapping an arm around her. "I told you… you worry too much sometimes."
"Did he think-" she turned toward him unable to complete her thought.
Merlin sighed with a nod. "He expected the worst. But I told him I was with you and showed him my arms. He's fine now."
"Good." She grinned.
"Come on… we're already late enough…" he pulled her along with him.
She laughed and let him pull her toward their next class.
Gaius entered the room quietly and arched an eyebrow when he saw the two police officers standing in the corner of the Chancellor's office. He glanced at the back of the head of the young man slouching in a chair before turning his eyes on Chancellor Leon.
"You wanted to see me, Leon?"
"Gaius, thank you for coming on such short notice." Leon looked up from the file in front of him and signaled to the empty chair in the room next to the mysterious young man. "Please have a seat."
Gaius did as he was told before glancing quickly as the young man who couldn't be older than nineteen, maybe twenty. "I was told this was about the musical?"
"It is." Leon grinned. "Have you decided what you'll be doing this year?"
"I've just met with my theater group." Gaius nodded. "We'll be doing an original production this year. One of my students is writing the screenplay. Merlin will be working on the music."
"How is Merlin?" Leon asked.
"My nephew is fine, Leon." Gaius answered. "What is this about?"
Leon cleared his throat. "This young man, is Arthur Pendragon. He is on probation and these are the two officers who will be in charge of the duration of that probation, Chief Inspector Tristan Knight and Detective Percival Mallory. They've advised me that Arthur will be assisting this year with the building of the set for your musical. And anything else you may need."
Arthur looked up toward the ceiling feeling boredom creep up on him as the Chancellor continued to speak.
"He's a student here… an art major." Leon said. "I'm not fully aware of the details of his case. Only that he has plenty of hours to fill this semester if he wants to keep his scholarship and stay in this school."
Gaius watched the bored young man the entire time Leon described his predicament. He turned toward Leon. "You want me to put him to work then?"
"Yes…" Leon nodded with a smile. "Anything you need. Set building, errands to run. He will be at your disposal."
"Very well then." Gaius said addressing the young man in front of him. "You are to attend the weekly meetings like everyone else as well as every practice."
Arthur snapped his head toward him. "What? And just how many practices are there?"
"There will be practice every day in the afternoon." Gaius said crossing his arms.
"For how long?"
"Until production in just a few weeks, of course." Gaius eyed him with confusion.
"No, how long do they run for?" Arthur asked with an eye roll.
"Usually until the late evening." Gaius said. "My class puts forth a lot of effort. The Spring Musical is our annual fundraiser for the program. It's a bloody big deal, Mr. Pendragon."
Arthur scoffed and mumbled a quick response.
"I didn't quite catch that…" Gaius said with a frown.
"I said, fine." Arthur gritted his teeth.
"Then we'll see you Monday afternoon." Gaius said standing. "I'll have a meeting with my writers and they can explain what the set should look like."
"Wait, I thought you just needed me to glue things together or something."
"Oh heaven's no, my boy." Gaius said with a chuckle. "You're an art major. That means you can probably draw and even design some sets. You're actually a blessing in disguise, believe it or not."
Arthur kicked the door closed as soon as he walked into his flat. His time was no longer his for the next few weeks it would seem. He would be stuck as someone's errand boy. And not just anyone's but that old crow's errand boy. Professor Gaius had a reputation that preceded him. Everyone knew that the old man was about as lenient as a judge.
Arthur frowned realizing that he would be cut off from his only source of income for the next few weeks. He turned toward the loose floorboard in the room and sighed sadly as he dropped to the ground with his head in his hands. Things would be getting harder for him soon.
Merlin looked up from the dining table when his uncle walked into the home they shared. "Hey, I was expecting you earlier. What happened? I made dinner."
"I'm sorry…" Gaius frowned. "The meeting with the Chancellor ran longer than I expected. Then I had to get my notes ready for Monday. Can you please tell Gwen I'd like to meet with the both of you Monday afternoon?"
"Sure…" Merlin nodded watching him as he sat on the couch in their family room. "Something wrong? What was your meeting about?"
Merlin sat across from him folding his hands in front of him.
"Chancellor Leon wanted to introduce me to a new volunteer we'll be having for the next few weeks."
"Volunteer?"
"For the musical…" Gaius nodded. "He's an art major it would seem. He'll be building the set for the production. I want him to meet with both you and Gwen to discuss details."
"That's great!" Merlin grinned happily. "Someone volunteered to do that… so we don't have to make do with second hand sets we have to use every year that are falling apart…. Why are you not more excited about this?"
"Because the reason he's volunteering is that he's being forced to." Gaius frowned. "He is on probation and he has to spend his time giving back to the university since he is on a scholarship if he does not want to lose it."
"Oh."
"Merlin, I want you to stay away from him." Gaius frowned. "I don't trust him. Not really. You should have seen him today. He sat in the Chancellor's office with not a care in the world. He's a lost cause."
"No one is a lost cause, Uncle Gaius…" Merlin frowned.
"Merlin…"
"No," he continued. "When I was doing what I was doing, neither you nor my mum gave up on me. And look where I am now… maybe he just needs someone to do him the same courtesy."
"And you think that person is you?" Gaius asked.
"I don't know…" Merlin frowned. "Maybe… maybe not. Who knows… maybe Gwen will influence him some. The point is that no one is fully lost. I'm living proof of that."
Gaius smiled. "When did you grow to be so wise?"
"It's a blessing and curse… living with you, old man." He laughed when his uncle threw him a pillow. "Are you hungry? We should eat. I made your favorite."
"Shepherd's Pie?" Gaius asked.
"My mum's recipe." Merlin nodded his confirmation with a sad smile.
Gaius smiled sadly as well remembering his late sister. "Good… I'm starved."
