It's been months since I've had any time to write anything at all! I'm so sorry for the wait, and I thank you for reading this story if you're still here! Now I've finished my studies for some time I will be updating this much more frequently :) I'm sorry for the long long wait! Hope you enjoy it. Looks like the tales are pretty much full circle now ;)

Arthur planted his sword in the ground, taking his helmet off. "I think we're done here," he announced, not looking at Merlin. "I need to get back to my quarters." With that, he hastily walked off the training grounds. Merlin didn't try to stop him this time.

Lancelot was leaning against the wall observing them, and gently propelled himself forwards upon Arthur's exit, starting for the castle. He decided it wouldn't be such a good idea to talk to Merlin or Arthur until he had digested what he had been told.

He should have disappeared as soon as Gwaine had left for the tavern.

"Lancelot!" Merlin cheerily waved over to him.

Chin up, nothing life-threatening will come of this encounter, Lancelot thought to himself. Unless I somehow end up at the receiving end of Arthur's spoon. Merlin's nose was swollen for two weeks after that incident. Lancelot decided to stand his ground, as Arthur hadn't once threatened him with a spoon.

"How are you?" Merlin asked his friend, adding, "I haven't spoken to you in ages!"

"I can't complain," he replied. "It's going to be a busy time as we get closer to Arthur's battle, but nothing too testing."

"He'll win as usual," Merlin nodded. "You know, I don't think he's really lost before, if you count his genuine, fair battles only."

"That's a very good point," Lancelot agreed. "Keep working him hard."

"Very hard."

"Gotta work up a sweat."

"Very hard – I mean what?"

There was awkward eye contact for a few seconds before Merlin recovered the situation, saying, "Very hard work, cleaning his armour. That is what I meant."

"Yes, I'll leave you to it," Lancelot took the opportunity to leave before things got worse. He had barely stepped foot inside the castle before he had a flashback of a previous conversation; he remembered Gwaine had gone to the tavern. A wave of nerves hit him, which he gave into, turning on his heel and heading straight towards Gwaine.

It turned out nerves had got the better of him and he needn't have worried. Gwaine was in fine form, enjoying a peaceful pint. Lancelot decided then and there that he needed a pint too – even if it was only noon. Slipping into a comfy chair beside his friend, he ordered a pint; Gwaine turned at the sound of his voice.

"Lancelot," he patted his friend on the back. "What brings you here?"

"I was worried about you, to be honest," he admitted, taking the first sip of his pint.

"What, that I can't handle my drink?" he smirked cheekily. "Their secret is safe with me."

Lancelot sighed, feeling some worry lift off his shoulders. It could have been the beer at work, it could have been that he trusted Gwaine. All he knew was he felt more relaxed as time passed, as Gwaine ordered round after round for the two of them. The room was dancing around him in a dreamy haze by mid-afternoon.

"Say Gwaine," Lancelot suddenly said, breaking a long silence filled with just the sipping of beer. "I think I've had too much to drink."

"You're such a lightweight," Gwaine teased, before waving his hand dismissively, adding, "don't worry about it, we have nothing else to do today."

"I want to take a walk," Lancelot announced, standing up, wobbling where he stood.

"You sure you can walk, my friend?" Gwaine stood up, deciding to accompany his friend.

Lancelot didn't answer, heading for the door. He squinted in the sunlight, deciding to walk around Camelot market.

"Apples," Lancelot chimed. "You can never have enough apples in your life."

"An apple a day does keep the doctor away," Gwaine agreed sarcastically.

Gwaine observed as Lancelot charmed his way to discount apples, finding it remarkable how much charm a little bit of beer added to his personality.

"Let's go back to the castle," Gwaine suggested, guiding his friend in the direction of the castle grounds. "You're finding it harder to stay upright, eh?"

"It's the beauty of these apples," he replied. "Look at how red they are! So romantic!"

Gwaine chuckled, pulling Lancelot out of the busy market, from where he could easily be distracted. "We need to sober you up really."

Gwaine escorted Lancelot to his quarters, ordering him to rest and drink some water.

"Yeah yeah," Lancelot waved him away. Gwaine paused at the door, before he left Lancelot to his own accord.

Lancelot flopped down onto his bed, thinking about the meaning of life – and apples. I guess I was worried about Gwaine for nothing, he seems to be able to keep his mouth zipped when he needs to. He was pulled under the soothing veil of sleep for an hour before he awoke, remembering he had arranged to meet up with Elyan for a board game; he shuffled out of bed and fell to the floor clumsily with a crash.

Right on cue, Elyan rushed into his room. "Lancelot, are you alright?"

"I'm afraid I've had too much to drink," he admitted immediately, realising there was no point in lying.

"It's a bit early for that!" Elyan exclaimed, helping Lancelot up. "Why would you go drinking anyway?"

"I was with Gwaine," Lancelot replied, dusting himself off. "I need some water then we will be good to go... my head's starting to hurt."

"With Gwaine?" Elyan repeated, "typical for him I suppose."

"Yes, typical Gwaine," Lancelot agreed. "Remember when he got Arthur completely drunk?"

"That was funny, I have to admit," he nodded, smirking at the memory.

Lancelot was struck by an idea. His alcohol-weaved mind thought it to be utterly genius. A bit of fun. Gwaine had a good sense of humour and Leon wouldn't be dragged into the ordeal.

"You know Elyan," he turned to his friend, his cheeks still blazing with the effects of beer. "There's something I should tell you about Arthur."

"Gossiping are we?" Elyan smiled, turning to make sure nobody was listening in.

"Him and Gwaine," was all Lancelot had to say, before Elyan's jaw dropped.

"They've got such chemistry, I should have known," he shook his pointed finger as he considered their relationship. "I assume that's why you celebrated in the tavern?"

"Oh yes," Lancelot nodded, "I found out by chance, I don't think he wants people to know yet."

"Don't worry, I won't say anything," Elyan said. "Let's get you some water and we'll settle down for the afternoon."

However, as soon as they stepped out of Lancelot's room, they faced their first obstacle for the afternoon. Merlin.

"Merlin!" Lancelot greeted him. "What are you up to?"

"I was just lugging this," Merlin gestured his head at his full arms, "to the armoury to be cleaned." He chuckled lightly, then said, "I'd better get going!"

"Arthur's such a lucky man," the words slipped out of Lancelot's mouth, without realising the impact they would have. He thought it would be such an innocent thing to say.

Merlin stopped dead. He smiled nervously, saying, "You mean how I'm such a great servant right?"

"Oh yes," Elyan cut in, pushing Lancelot gently in the direction they'd intended to go.

"Heh," Merlin managed, before excusing himself and leaving the scene as swiftly as he could.

I think they know about me and Arthur, I think they know. They're not even Gaius but they figured it out, how could they know unless they're Gaius? Gaius knows everything!

I think Merlin knows something's up with Arthur now. Lancelot's blown it, I have to hint to Gwaine that things may be out before he intended them to be.