Arthur drove up the driveway of the Pendragon mansion. He was slightly worried in the back of his mind, what if his father was in serious pain? But he quickly disregarded that, his father would've called him if that was true.

After parking his beloved motorcycle, and covering it up with the protection cover, Arthur stepped into the house. To his relief, his father wasn't injured any worse than he already was. The man was just sitting on the couch, staring up at him with a better expression on his face than that morning.

"Feeling better I see." Arthur said, taking a seat next to his father. His father didn't really replied to Arthur's remark, just nodded his head.

"So… why did I needed to come home?" Arthur asked, pulling off his leather jacket and placing it over the arm rest.

"Well, there's someone to see you."

Who could it be? Arthur narrowed down the possibilities of people, but didn't had a clue whatsoever. Before he could ask his father again, the door opened and Leon was standing on the threshold.

"Leon!" Arthur not yet yelled and stood up from the couch. His face full of glee. "I wasn't expecting you until Friday!"

"Arthur mate." Leon walked towards Arthur and gave him one of their manly hugs; Leon clapping Arthur two times on the back while they embrace. He pulled back until he was an arm's length away from Arthur. "I was already finished with the stuff in the Netherlands, so I took a flight earlier."

"That's great! So you're here to fill us in?" Arthur asked, although he already knew the answer to that question. Not only was Leon his best friend and the first person he told about him being gay, Leon was also his manager and would go to the circuits Arthur was supposed to race on and he would check if the circuit met all the Pendragon's requirements. Then he would come back again and report everything to the Arthur and Uther.

"Shall we go to my office then?" Uther said firmly as he stood up. Arthur and Leon followed.

~oOoOo~

Merlin slumbered through the supermarket. The six hours of sleep clearly weren't enough to restore his energy after finishing that double shift yesterday. His arms felt heavy as did his eyelids and he could barely move forward anymore.

How he ever had the energy to go to the park, he'd never know. It must've been a sign that he was bound to meet Arthur that day. Merlin chuckled to himself and managed to collect all the items on his grocery list, but he would have to get a new phone later. He was just too tired and he could use that time to catch up on some sleep before he would actually have to work again.

After the checkout, he quickly walked back towards his apartment. I wish Arthur was here to give me a lift. Merlin grinned when he thought back at the ride, while at the same time dragging himself forward towards his home. He felt like he could collapse any second now. Luckily he found himself already standing in front of the steps that led up to the main entrance of his apartment building. There were only five steps, but right now it felt like the Mount Everest to him.

When inside he pushed the 'up' button of the lift and waited. For once, luck was at his side, 'cause the lift was already on the main floor. He pushed number six and waited until the doors closed, and as he waited he caught his own reflection in the lift mirror. Merlin saw the dark circles that were starting to form around his eyes.

After a deep sigh he fiddled into his pockets in search of his keys. He really should put a keychain or something on it so he could find his keys faster. Ah, there it is. Merlin pulled the single key out from his pocket.

Just before the doors closed completely, a man's foot appeared and so the doors opened again. Merlin just saw two legs, two arms and three boxes. The man's upper body was completely hidden behind the boxes. Merlin took a step to the left to dodge the boxes while the man entered and turned in the small confided space.

"Could you please press number eight?" The man asked. Merlin could now see the man his profile, he had luscious brown wavy hair and was a tad shorter than him, but that was compensated by having twice as many muscles as himself. Merlin started to realise that he was staring and quickly presses eight, and the doors of the lift finally closed completely.

"I'm Gwaine." The man suddenly said as the lift rode up. He gave Merlin a kind smile. "I just moved here."

"I'm Merlin." Merlin replied. Unable to shake hands with this Gwaine, Merlin just decided to wave a little until he realised how stupid he looked when he caught his own reflection in the mirror. He quickly lowered his hand while Gwaine grinned at the sight.

"Well, it's nice to meet you Merlin."

"Likewise." Merlin answered just before the lift binged and the doors opened. Merlin looked up to see which floor the lift stopped and saw it was the sixth. "This is me." Merlin started to walk forward and turned once more when he was completely out of the lift. "I hope you'll enjoy staying here… Gwaine."

Just before the doors close completely. He heard Gwaine faintly say, "Thanks, I'm sure I will."

Suddenly on his own again made Merlin fall back into realisation of his sleeplessness. The L-shaped hallway looked like there would come no end to it, but Merlin ultimately managed to reach the door with number 626 on it. Since he already had his key in his hand, he was quick to let himself in.

Merlin only put the groceries that need to be cold in the refrigerator and let the other groceries on the worktop, he'll clear those up later when he was in a bit more active mood. Right now he was just eager to be in his bed. Merlin made his way to his bedroom, almost tripping on some shoe that was lying in the middle of the hallway. He kicked it to the side and finally reached his bedroom. The blinds were halfway open and sunlight was streaming in, Merlin just grumbled as he let them fully down. The room was pitch black in an instance and Merlin finally could get some sleep he was in desperate need for. He did manage this time to take his clothes off before slipping under the covers.

~oOoOo~

The meeting with Leon was a good one. There weren't any big problems with the circuit, at least none that couldn't be fixed before Arthur is ready to race on it. The only downfall to the meeting was, when Leon showed them the list with his components. Arthur just had eye for one name. Gwaine Lotsson. He had a history with him and after what he had done, Arthur hated the man with all his heart. But he knew he had to keep his mouth shut about the man when he was in the presence of his father.

Luckily, his father went to his bedroom when the meeting had finished and Arthur asked Leon to stay for a beer.

Leon placed his empty bottle on the table and sat back. "So, I'm giving a party this Saturday. I'd love for you to come too, most of the riders will be there."

"Not Gwaine I hope!" Arthur spat the name and narrowed his brows. He took a long swig of his beer.

"Arthur, you know I wouldn't do that." Leon replied seriously. "But Arthur, I did invite some men. It's time you'll start dating again. It's been a year."

Arthur sighed deeply. "Leon, I know it's been that long. But… you know what happened."

"I do, Arthur. I can never forget that! But Arthur, you can't let Gwaine ruin your life."

Arthur only drank more. He knew that Leon was right, but it was still a sensitive subject for him. He sighed. "Alright, I'll come. Only if you tell me that you didn't organize this party, just to make it some kind of blind date show for me."

"Err… well I can't really deny that." Leon teased.

"What will I ever do with you?" Arthur smirked before he continued. "Fine, fine. I'll still come. But when I don't like it, I'm so out of there!"

"I know you Arthur. You will stay until the end and you will love it! Unless you do find an amazing guy at my, oh so well, organized party and leave the party earlier to do… well I don't even wanna know!" Leon laughed out loud while Arthur was starting to blush.

Arthur quickly changed the subject before things would get out of control. He stood up and picked up Leon's empty bottle. "Another beer?" He asked, although he was not going to wait for an answer, he just walked straight to the kitchen.

~oOoOo~

*Beep, beep, beep*

'Ugh, shut up!" Merlin slammed his hand on his alarm clock and when he cracked open his eyes, he saw it was just past noon. He had finished work around one in the morning and came home around half past one. He could stay longer in bed longer if he wanted too, but he hated to be in bed all day, wasting the day away. That however didn't meant that he was the most happy person when he had to wake up.

"Who's brilliant idea was it to invent different shifts anyways!" He mumbled to himself. He knew that his bad mood came from what had happened on his shift last night. He also knew that he could debate all he want, but it wouldn't change a thing. He yawned as he stood up and stretched his arms above his head and stood on his toes, it felt good.

He made himself two espressos to wake himself up a bit more and it definitely helped, he could already feel it. He washed his face and changed into some clean clothes and then was on his way. First on his list, a new mobile phone.

He waited until the lift finally came to a stop at the sixth floor and when the doors opened, he saw the same man as he saw the day before, now sans the boxes though. What he didn't realize was the laundry basket on the ground next to him.

"Ahh, Merlin was it right?" Gwaine smiled when Merlin entered the lift. Merlin had to admit that he had a really adorable smile.

"Yes it is. Gwaine was it?"

"You got it! So where are you off too on this time of the day?"

"Just errands." He didn't elaborate, he didn't want to bore the guy.

"Well those are needed to take care off too." Gwaine answered awkwardly.

Merlin didn't want this elevator ride to become too awkward and asked instead, "So where are you off too then?" Merlin still didn't notice the laundry basket.

"Isn't it obvious?" Gwaine said with a chuckle, nodding his head to the ground where the basket stood.

Merlin let out a laugh. "Obviously I'm still not awake enough. Had a long shift last night." Merlin eyed the basket and saw some clothes in there which reminded him of Arthur's. Why did it seem that the blonde had beginning to occupy his mind twenty-four seven?

Soon the lift landed on the ground floor and when Merlin got out, he turned back and said, "Well, have fun doing laundry."

Gwaine snorted. "I'm sure I will. See ya around, I guess."

~oOoOo~

It was already well past noon when Arthur finally woke up. With a yawn he stretched and saw the sunlight stream in through the half-open blinds in front of the windows. He seriously needed to get up and do something productive, lying in bed until he had to train wasn't really an option for him. He already had so little free time, he'd better make the most of it.

At least he didn't had a hangover from last night, that was always a plus.

Arthur searched for his phone throughout his entire room only to find it in the pocket of his leather jacket. He browsed through his messages and saw one from Leon, telling him that he and Uther were already at the Pendragon Circuit and that Arthur should stop by for some training.

The next message was from his father, although it was sent from Leon's phone. His father asked if he would want to pick up his phone from the shop, well Arthur knew there was little discussion and that he should just do it. Arthur grumbled, he always had to do those damn little errands for his father. Complaining to his father about it did little, it only made the tension between the two of them bigger and he just wasn't in the mood for that. He'd just do what made his father happy.

He felt reluctant to go, but he had too and so he searched for some clean clothes to wear. And like that he was already on his way to the store.

~oOoOo~

Merlin was a few feet from the store when he grabbed the little piece of paper out of his pocket. It was the same as yesterday, with still the same tasks written on it, plus some additional ones he added on the way to the store.

Highly concentrated he walked straight past the familiar black and yellow motorcycle, only glancing up quickly every now and then, to see how far the entrance still was and whether there were obstacles in his way there. If he was satisfied there weren't, he would look back at his little piece of paper.

With his head still bowed down, he entered the store, only to bump into a person's chest. He fell with his arse hard on the ground.

"Ow!" He wined, gently rubbing his bottom. He looked up to see who the person was he bumped in to and to his delight... and shame… it was Arthur. Merlin could just feel his cheekbones turn brightly red.

Arthur cocked his head and looked at Merlin questionably, before holding his arm out and offered to help the unfortunate Merlin up.

"I know most men fall for me, but Merlin, you don't have to take it quite this literal."

Merlin brushed some imaginary dust from his jeans, and at the same time he thought about what Arthur just said. There was again a reference from Arthur with the suggestion that he liked men, and he was now almost hundred per cent positive that Arthur was gay… or bi at least.

Without voicing his thoughts, he instead said, "Thanks for helping me up. Although it was your fault in the first place that I fell flat on my bum."

"Hey! You weren't looking."

"Well you didn't either, or you would've avoid walking into me."

"Why would I want to do that?" Arthur questioned, but cleared his throat. "And this is the third time we meet in only three days, are you sure you're not a stalker?" Arthur cocked his eyebrow.

Merlin just looked at him. "Unbelievable! Well, for your information Pen-dra-gon. I needed to go to this shop."

Arthur pursed his lips and nodded his head. "Alright, if you say so. What are you going to do here then?"

Merlin tilted his head up just slightly. "Oh, I was thinking about buying a horse." Merlin rolled his eyes. "Of course I'm here to buy a phone. After all, it is a phone shop."

"Geez, stepped out of bed with the wrong foot or something?"

Merlin sighed. "I'm sorry, it's just… I had a rough shift last night."

"It's alright." Arthur placed a gentle hand on his lower arm, Merlin swallowed deeply. "Do you want to talk about it? I'm not the best advice giver, but people say I'm a good listener."

Merlin shook his head. "No, it's alright. Thanks for the offer though." He managed to give Arthur a smile.

Arthur scrubbed the back of his neck with his hand. "So, er, you're going to buy a new phone?"

"Well, that is the plan." Merlin answered. "Although, I have really no clue what kind of I should take. I'm quite bad when it comes to this kind of…" Merlin twirled his hands in front of his. "stuff. And the clerks usually tend to talk me into buying phones with stuff I really don't need." Merlin sighed softly.

"Well fear no more." Arthur replied. "Because I'm an expert in this… stuff. Personal use or for work?"

"Well, the one I have now, I use for work and private. I think I'm going to use that one for work, so I guess I'm looking for one for personal use."

Arthur smirked, a little plan already forming into his head. "Well I could keep a whole speech about all kinds of phones, but I would just recommend the iPhone. It's a pretty good one and you never have to worry by having too little memory."

A deep sigh escaped Merlin's mouth. "If you recommend that one, than I think I'll take that iPhone." Merlin grinned up at him and Arthur could feel the small wobble in his legs.

Not even ten minutes later Arthur and Merlin were standing outside the store. Merlin was holding the plastic bag, containing his brand new phone. He got to say, he was impressed by Arthur's knowledge about this.

Arthur mainly did the word, telling the clerk what kind of contract Merlin should take. He had everything taken care off in less than ten minutes, and Merlin was sure that it would've taken him at least a half an hour to decide how much MB or GB of internet he wanted. He barely even knew what that meant!

"So let me see your new phone Emrys." Arthur needed to put his sneaky plan in motion.

He didn't understood why Arthur wanted to see it, he had seen it just a few minutes ago. Merlin shrugged, and got his new phone out of the box and held it in the palm of his outstretched arm. He thought Arthur just wanted to see if it was indeed the right one, or so. Merlin had no idea what Arthur's intentions were, but he wasn't expecting Arthur to snatch the phone right out of his hand.

"Hey! Wha…"

"Just a minute." Arthur replied and went to the address book and typed in his number and saved it. He handed the phone back to Merlin. "There. Now you have a friend."

"Excuse you, but I have loads of friends." Merlin lied. Since his education came on first place, his friends basically existed out of family members and Will.

"Well, now you have one extra." Arthur added and gave him a goofy smile.

Merlin wasn't against that for one second. The first thing he thought was, I've got Arthur's number on my phone! and the second thought right after was, he called himself a friend of mine.

Arthur looked at his own phone and caught the time. With a deep sigh he turned to Merlin. "It seems that we can't spent some time together, but I really need to go again. I have to go to training. I'm really sorry." He let his head hang just a little bit, but then looked up. "There is one other thing though…"

"Oh?" Merlin sounded surprised. "And what's that?"

"Well, a friend of mine is throwing a party this Saturday, maybe… maybe you'd like to come?" Arthur mentally crossed his fingers, hoping that Merlin would say yes.

Merlin was desperate to say yes, but he knew he couldn't. He already had another commitment. "I'm sorry, I really am… but I already accepted another invite to go to a party this Saturday. Maybe some other time?" Merlin tried to smile, but was unable to when he saw how Arthur's face turned almost completely upside down from disappointment.

Arthur tried to not look affected by the rejection, but he failed. Miserably. "Hey, don't worry about it. Why don't you give me a call then later?"

Merlin nodded his head, already mentally pressing the digits of Arthur's phone number.

Arthur's eyes shifted to the ground "Erm, well I'd better get going." He nodded to Merlin when he had put on his helmet and started to drive off towards the Pendragon Circuit.

Merlin could only look at the fast retreating figure. He felt miserable now and he really wanted to accept Arthur's offer. This was probably his one and only chance to get on a sort of date with Arthur, and he blew it! Why couldn't he just have said yes, Will would've understood if he'd explain that he wouldn't be able to come this Saturday. With a loud groan Merlin started to walk.

~oOoOo~

When Merlin got home again his stomach was still twisted from the meeting with Arthur. He really starts to like Arthur, but for some reason he couldn't tell Arthur that and he didn't knew what it was that held him back.

He plopped several plastic bags on the counter and went to his living room. He needed to distract himself and the only thing that he knew that always worked was by drinking. His feet automatically dragged him to the little bar in his living room and he poured himself a glass of Vodka.

One glass turned into three and three became… well a lot. Merlin lost count, and glasses. He now just drank straight from the bottle.

He was wailing in self-pity when he heard a knock on the door. Merlin had no idea who it could be and with a sway in his step he walked to the door. He opened it and started to chuckle. "Gwaaiine!"

Merlin spread his arms wide open, the content of the bottle sloshing against the sides. "Come in, come in, always room for one more. Drink?" Merlin held the bottle under Gwaine's nose.

Gwaine pushed the bottle away from his face. "I didn't take you for a drinking type of guy." Gwaine answered. "But that's not the reason I came here-"

"Shhhhh." Merlin put his finger on Gwaine's lips. "Too much talking and too little drinking." He put the bottle out again and this time Gwaine accepted.

In a short amount of time they drank almost the complete bottle and were both hammered. Both Merlin and Gwaine fell down on the couch, Merlin's head resting on Gwaine's lap.

"You know sir Gwaine." Merlin hiccupped and started to giggle. "You have quite some muscles." He took a swig of the almost empty Vodka bottle and his giggle turned into a frown. "You know who else has muscles? I tell you who… a guy I like." Merlin started to trace Gwaine's cheekbone with his index finger. "I'm sure he doesn't see me that way though."

Merlin sat up and leaned his head on Gwaine's shoulder. "I just want love." Merlin sighed. "Is that too much to ask?"

There is a small pause before Gwaine turned to make eye contact with Merlin. "I know completely how you feel. My love doesn't even want to talk to me."

Merlin started to cup Gwaine's head between his hands and started to lean forward. "Merlin, maybe we…" Then Gwaine stopped talking and leaned forward, crashing his lips against Merlin's. His hands wandered over Merlin's sides until he reached the hem of Merlin's shirt and started to pull it upwards and over his head. He threw the shirt down on the ground and started to kiss Merlin's neck.

He pushed Merlin down until he was lying on his back and pecked kisses on Merlin's torso. Merlin moaned, his own hand tugging at Gwaine's shirt just as long until it came off Gwaine's body. He started to caress the tanned skin and defined six pack, simultaneously swinging his legs around Gwaine's waist and grinding his hips upwards.

Gwaine hoisted Merlin up while his legs were still thrown around his waist up and made his way to the bedroom. Gwaine didn't had much trouble to find it, since his own apartment had the same layout. He gently put Merlin on the bed and lied himself next to him.

~oOoOo~

Merlin scrunched his eyes tighter to filter out the sunlight that hit his face. He breathed in deeply and then groaned. His head pounded like a bunch of elephants were doing a salsa in there. His hands fly to the sides of his head and he groaned some more. What the hell happened last night?

Slowly and gently he pried his eyes open. The light increasing his headache in tenfold. He forced himself to look around, hoping to find a clue of what had happened last night. That was when he found the note next to him on the side table, together with a glass of water and two aspirins.

For your head.

- Gwaine

Merlin shot up on his bed, and that was probably not the best idea, because the room started to spin.

As soon as his vision settled, he took the two aspirins and started to panic. Have I done… Merlin lifted up his sheets with lightning speed and heaved a sigh of relieve when he saw that he was still wearing his underwear. He liked Gwaine, but not like that.

There were short bits and pieces flowing back into his memory. He remembered how Gwaine stood in front of his door after he started drinking and he remembered that he kissed Gwaine and that Gwaine kissed him back, but after that, it was pretty much blank.

~oOoOo~

Arthur was back at the training circuit. According to his father his training last week was good, but not good enough. He needed to be better, to be faster.

Arthur was ready for another brutal training. It was a great way to keep his mind off things. He had hoped that Merlin would've called him yesterday, but… he hadn't. And now he felt stupid for ever thinking that Merlin would like him. Merlin could do a lot better.

He sat on his motorcycle, the tire of his bike precisely placed behind the start line and he was ready to take off. But then he heard another motorcycle approaching, which was odd, since he was supposed to be training alone on this track. Arthur turned his head around and his blood began to boil, he recognized that silver motorcycle from a mile distant.

His nostrils flared and he kicked the kickstand out. He got off from his motorcycle and angrily took off his helmet. "What is he doing here!" Arthur yelled to his father, who stood at the side of the track with a clipboard in his hands.

Uther calmly walked up to his son, just as Gwaine stopped next to Arthur. He took off his helmet with a smirk.

When Uther was right in front of Arthur, he just said, "Gwaine is switching from sponsors and is coming to train on this circuit for that time being." Arthur felt anger boil under his skin. "The hell he isn't!" Arthur almost couldn't control his body anymore and clenched his hadns into fist. "That bastard isn't going anywhere near me!"

"Arthur, you don't give permission, I do! Uther's tone of speech was firm and not one to be negotiated with, Arthur knew this. "You will calm down and you will train with Gwaine, understood!"

Although Arthur's blood was still boiling, and he was close to just punching Gwaine in the face, he accepted his fate and got back on his motorcycle, giving Gwaine an evil glared as his did.

"Whenever you're ready princess" Gwaine said. His lips puckered and he made a kissing sound. He grinned when he saw Arthur slam his fist on the front of his motorcycle. Gwaine put his helmet on again and stood in starting position.

Arthur and Gwaine's eyes were now fully focussed on the red light.

And then, green light.

Both riders drove off with screeching tires, both wanting to be the first to reach the first turn, both wanting to win from the other.

Arthur was faster, and Gwaine knew that.

Arthur was the first to reach the turn and put out his right knee and gently let go of his throttle. He shifted his body to the right and went almost horizontally through the turn. He gained speed again when he was through it and glanced in his rear view mirror to see where Gwaine was at. He was close, almost too close.

The battle continued for several laps, but Arthur was always that bit quicker, that bit smarter. He knew the track like the back of his hand and he knew exactly where his advantages lie.

They both arrived at the last turn. Arthur was still in front, but Gwaine was still so close.

Arthur tried to get more speed, but he soon found out that he was unable too. His bike began to shake and he tried to brake. He tries everything in his power, but his bike just didn't respond to any of his commands. He started to get nervous, he was going to crash, he knew it. With one last spark of hope he opened the throttle and this time it worked. He was just in time to stick his knee out and take the turn.

It was close, too close. All Arthur wanted to do now was finish as soon as possible. He could care less about Gwaine who was still close behind him. Arthur was now fully concentrating on finishing in one piece and letting the mechanics look at his bike. Arthur fully opened the throttle and finished first with Gwaine just less than a second finishing after him.

As soon as he crossed the finish line, Arthur got his bike to the garage and explained -more like yelled- at the mechanics about his bike's malfunction. Gwaine wasn't the most important thing on his mind right now.