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Chapter Text

The unexpected thunderstorm played havoc with Merlin's vision as the cab maneuvered slowly through Cardiff's sodden, traffic-snarled streets. His nose itched, and he longed to open the window; the lingering stench from a former passenger's stag do wasn't helping his mood. He stared out through the window into the night, the lights they passed shimmering from the rain or maybe because of his watering eyes.

The day had been a real pisser, and he was getting sick, though the cold he'd picked up in London couldn't be fully blamed for the throbbing in his head and the panicked pounding of his heart. Life kinda sucked right now, and he wasn't sure he really cared.

"Visiting Cardiff?"

Merlin glanced toward the cabbie, startled out of his thoughts. "No," he said. "I live here. Just been away to London."

The cabbie chuckled. "Won't bother with apologies about the weather then." The cabbie looked at him again in the dirty rear-view mirror. He adjusted it with greasy fingers, lifting an eyebrow when he caught Merlin's gaze. "You'd be the lad what runs the old comic shop down at the quay now, yeah?"

Merlin looked away, nodding, but died a little inside. "It was my uncle's." Close enough.

"Spent more than a few quid there as a lad." He chuckled again.

A ghost of a smile flickered past Merlin's lips, though he remained cold and shivery and gloomy. Very gloomy. His mobile chirped at him from his pocket. He hesitated, fingers playing with a rip in the seat and fought the rush of hope. It wouldn't be who he wanted anyway, so he pulled it out, glanced at the text message. Please come. Miss you. Gwen. He couldn't help the disappointment, though he knew Gwen meant well.

A party. He so did not feel like going to a party. Shoving his mobile into his jacket pocket, his hand still gripping it, he warred with himself--go home to his empty Will-less flat, or to Gwen's. The first beckoned him hard. He wanted nothing more than to wallow in his despair and frustration even though two days of doing that in London already hadn't helped any. The second? He wouldn't be alone so he couldn't easily mope, though being surrounded by strangers didn't appeal much.

Either way, he was fucked. Might as well get pissed. There'd be free beer at Gwen's at least, even if it was just Brains.

"Pardon me," Merlin said. The cabbie glanced at the rear-view mirror. "I'd rather be dropped off on Plas Panir, if you will."

"Sure thing, mate. Have to double-back--"

"How much more?"

"Five, six quid."

Merlin thumbed through the bills left in his wallet, muttering. "Brilliant."

"Penarth Portway work? About the same as the flat."

"Cheers."

The cabbie nodded, took a sharp right. Merlin had to grab his backpack to keep it from tumbling to the floorboard. Settling back, he stared out the window again, trying not to think how no, it really wasn't fine, not at all. He had less than twenty quid in his wallet and not much more than that in the bank. He'd end up walking all the way home from Gwen's. In the rain. What was a little cold? Might as well go for pneumonia.

A few minutes later, his backpack heavy in his hand, Merlin watched the cab as it drove off, pretty much wishing he had gone home after all. He was still quite a few blocks from Gwen's. Any closer though, and he wouldn't have had enough to pay the fare, and still eat tomorrow. He hitched his backpack onto his shoulder, adjusted his jacket and glared up at the streetlight, the misty rain drifting down sporadically now, then started to walk.

The streets here were quiet, just a few cars passing by as he headed down the block. After a few minutes the rain finally let up though the sea air was cold and wet and it might as well have been raining still. He didn't get to this part of Penarth often anymore, not since Gwen and Lance had moved in together. He'd introduced them, and at times regretted it, as Will didn't like Lance much. Probably because Merlin had liked Lance. Who wouldn't?

Lance was, well, Lance. Gorgeous, caring, supportive Lance. Hot. The perfect boyfriend, really.

Everything Will had once been. Except for the straight part.

He shook his head, forcing the morose thoughts out. At least now he wouldn't have to deal with Will's weird jealousy. He'd really missed Gwen, too. He picked up his pace. He could hear music over the damp breeze as at last he turned the corner for Gwen's flat. He glanced up to the second floor of the complex, scanning the balconies for Gwen's. Sure enough, her balcony door was open, music belched out loud and clear over the street.

Some bloke walked out onto the balcony and braced against the rail, hands spread wide, his fit body silhouetted against the light. The wind ruffled his hair as he brushed it back with one hand to no avail. Merlin wondered idly who it was but it was work friends at Gwen's, and as far as he knew only a couple were the type to catch his eye. This wasn't one of them.

A car beeped at him. Merlin jumped out of the way as its tyres hit a puddle; he wasn't fast enough, and endured a sharp frigid splash. "Hey now," he called out as water soaked into his shoes, his denims. He would be completely drenched by the time he got under cover. He should've gone straight home, he'd be in bed all alone by now if he had.

He hitched his backpack up higher, was about to make a dash for Gwen's when an odd rustling in the bushes to his right made him pause.

"Hello? Who's there?" he said out loud to the empty street. He glanced up to the balcony; the blond bloke had disappeared.

No answer, save for a low keening sound. A cat? Strangled one maybe. The sound came again, tightening his chest. A shiver ran through him. Just cold. That only worked for a second as the keening came again, low and deep and threatening now, rolling into a growl that wasn't a growl really but still, gave the undeniable impression of one. It rumbled along his spine and straight into his chest, sucking the breath from him. It was big, whatever it was.

A dog? It growled. He clenched his hands. A very big dog. Had to be. He refused to believe it could be anything else.

Except it didn't sound like a dog.

He stood stock still, waiting, his foggy breath loud in his ears. The bushes rustled again, this time farther along. A shape appeared in the shadows to his left. It shimmered, undulated even, blacker than black, yet reflected the light from the overhead streetlight. He blinked, wiping his eyes with the back of his hand. Rereading Rom on the train had been a mistake. The shadow shape streaked past Merlin, not three metres from where he stood. It was big, black and fast, and whatever it was chasing took off, keening and rushing through the bushes.

Its strange cry escalated, cut into the night. Dropping his backpack he covered his ears, his skull splitting from the shrieking sound.

The shriek stopped, stark silence left behind. Sucking in his breath and wide-eyed, head pounding, Merlin shook his head, not daring to move. He

glanced up at the balcony but it was empty, as was the street. No one else was around, no one else had seen it or heard it except for himself.

"Merlin, you came after all," Gwen said, opening the door wider, and motioning him in.

Merlin opened his mouth to say hi, but turned back toward the dark outside. He gestured over his shoulder with his thumb. 'did you just hear something-- "

Gwen shook her head, puzzled. "No? What do you mean?"

"Nothing. I thought--" He shook his head. Maybe he'd imagined it. Which of course was ridiculous. "Never mind."

She pulled him inside. "Come on inside, get that jacket off. You're soaked."

"Rain will do that." Merlin smiled wanly as he followed her into the flat, closing the door behind him. He dropped his backpack on the floor and, dripping, pulled off his jacket. She handed him a towel which he took gratefully and rubbed it over his head and face, back of his neck.

Music and laughter greeted him; maybe this hadn't been a good idea after all. Parties had never been high on his list for entertainment, but the thought of going back home to his empty flat just yet appealed far, far less. Gwen hung up his coat, though it dripped onto her tile floor.

"Here, give me that," she said, taking the towel from him. She ran it over his jacket, then dropped the towel under it. "You okay?" At his nod she hugged him. "I wasn't sure you would come."

"Got home from London earlier than I expected."

She raised an eyebrow at him as she hung up his coat. "How did it go?"

He knew that she would ask that. On the way home, as he sat backwards on the train--he hated being backwards, made him feel queasy--he'd rehearsed different lines in answer to her question. To everyone's inevitable questions.

Everything's great! Will's just going to stay on in London for a while, or No problems, Will's just going to come home next week. Maybe. Or, oh nothing's up, Will thought he'd just poke around London a tad bit longer, apply for a few things. Doesn't expect anything to come of it, he'll be coming home in a few days...

All made up, of course. None of those things had taken place. And, as he looked into Gwen's eyes, the knowing look, he knew he couldn't lie.

"He's staying on in London."

She sighed. "Oh Merlin," she said, touching his arm. "I'm sorry. I was hoping--"

"I know, me too," he said, pushing past her into the room. He just couldn't talk about it, not yet. Not ever maybe. "Got any beer? I could use one."

"Of course. Go on upstairs, that's where everyone is. I'll bring you a beer." "You don't have to, I can get it."

"Go," she said, pushing him gently toward the stairs. Merlin gave in, and went wearily up the stairs. A dozen or so of Gwen and Lance's friends sat in the dim atmosphere, low conversations spiked with laughter. Candles sat everywhere--Gwen did love those things--and he nodded to a few people he sort of knew in passing, having been dragged to these parties more than once. Most were Gwen's co-workers, but one familiar face popped up from behind her bar, a bunch of straws grasped in his hand.

"Found them! You were right yet again, Gwen."

"Uh," Merlin said, "good?"

"Whoops, thought you were Gwen a second, sorry." He wore a scuffed-up Arsenal shirt, his hair was tousled, and there was a bandage on his temple. Merlin's fingers itched to get his tablet out. Lance's face brightened. "You made it though. I was right about that at least," Lance said to Gwen as she joined them, two beer bottles in one hand. Brains, as always. Merlin sighed.

"The straws were where I said, right?"

Lance bowed. "Yes, m'lady they were indeed." He laughed. "So Merlin. How was Lond--" Merlin tensed. Lance's face fell at Gwen's quick shake of her head. Lance looked from Gwen to him, nodding slowly, squinching up his face. "Ah, I see." He pulled one straw out of the bunch, brandishing it toward Merlin. "Want me to have a go at him? Force him to come to his senses--"

"No. No, it's--" Merlin shrugged, taking the proffered bottle from Gwen. "It's okay. Really." He smiled, hoping he was convincing, but he knew Gwen at least wasn't fooled. 'really. It's good, all good. Now I can--" He waved a hand toward the room, then sagged against the bar. Could what? Pick up a quick shag? Not exactly the type.

"Explore your options," Lance finished for him. He grinned. "There's a few who might help take your mind off your woes." He clapped Merlin on the shoulder, nearly knocking him off-balance, nearly making him spill his beer. "Play the field, yeah? Enjoy yourself. I can help you with that."

Gwen rolled her eyes. "Or okay maybe not."

"Yeah, explore my options. Remind me to avoid any football players," Merlin said, rubbing his shoulder. Lance laughed; Merlin forced a grin. He turned his attention to his beer, grateful that Gwen and Lance started going on about the straws again. He tilted the bottle back, welcoming the cold trickle down his throat.

Forgotten now, Lance and Gwen having moved on from straws to snogs. Unable to resist, he wandered over to his backpack and pulled out his drawing pens and a sketchbook. He found an empty bar stool and sat to drink his beer, sketch a bit. He opened it up to a new page, taking another swig of his beer, and glanced over at his friends.

He watched them for a moment, holding his sketch pad to his chest. They were oblivious of course, totally lost in each other, Gwen reaching up to touch the plane of Lance's face, the bandage. Merlin froze that moment in his mind and turned back to his drawing pad, quickly sketching the basics down. He didn't need to do much; he'd been blessed with a vivid memory, could fill out the rest later by simple recall.

He paused as another image flashed through his mind--the creature he'd seen. He started a new page, held his pen over the paper--how could he capture something that had no form? Shaking his head he gave up, sat back unnoticed. He'd faded into the background as surely as that shimmering creature had into the night.

Everyone else was talking and having a good time--there were several in chairs around a table, the candles flickering on it casting dancing shadows on their faces. A couple of blokes stood on the balcony, overlooking the bay, one of them gesturing wildly with his hands, making the other laugh.

Neither was the one he'd seen earlier.

He looked around, scanning the faces, unsure now who it could've been. Two girls he knew noticed him and waved--Rebecca and Janie, who often came to his comic shop. Or had, when he'd been able to afford to stock the indie comics they'd liked. Now his remaining inventory was plain pitiful, the leftovers likely destined for the scrap heap eventually.

Someone changed the music, turning it up a little. "Is that okay Gwen?" Gwen made a 'turn down a bit' motion and he did, smiling at her then at Merlin. Nice looking chap. Wasn't the balcony bloke though.

Gwen caught his eye, nodding toward him. "Go talk to him, why don't you?"

Merlin watched the bloke as he settled down on a chair, and immediately started talking to one of the girls about the musicians playing. "He's taken," Merlin said.

"That's his sister, silly. And no, I have it on good authority he's available. And, is a teacher."

"You're already trying to set me up with someone, aren't you?" He settled on one of her bar stools, tipped back more of his brew. "It's not official."

She gave him that look again. "Merlin, honey. Really, you're...."

"I'm what? You can say what you think, Gwen." He grimaced. "I've likely said it already to myself."

"What, you're better off without him?" He shrugged. "Well, okay I think you are. You deserve someone kind to you, and who believes in all you want, you know?"

"Shares my dreams, all hearts and unicorns?" Merlin shook his head. "That kind of person doesn't exist."

"I used to think that too," she said as Lance walked up and joined them. He bent down and kissed Gwen's forehead.

"What you guys talking about?"

"Merlin's Prince Charming."

Lance looked around the room. "Which one is he?"

Merlin glanced around the room, shaking his head then stopped. There was a blond-headed man standing by himself, looking out at the water. It was him. He had a beer bottle in his hand, but as Merlin watched him, he didn't move. Just kept looking out across the bay, like he wasn't really seeing the shimmering lights across the water.

"Who is that?" Merlin asked, setting his beer down on the counter.

Lance shrugged. "I don't know actually."

Gwen looked puzzled. "He came with Rebecca, I think."

Well, so much for that. Her date then, but not a very sociable one. At that moment the bloke turned and looked at him--Merlin froze, damn. He hadn't meant to be caught staring like that. His face heated, his breath caught and the last of his chill disappeared in a pleasant rush of heat. Had to be the beer.

Except it was Brains. He couldn't look away, his fingers fumbling with the tablet stylus but he stopped, transfixed. The stranger didn't move for a moment, his gaze intent, interested. Merlin rubbed his free hand on his denims and looked down at his tablet for a second. When he glanced back, the stranger'd turned his back again, was leaning on his elbows and looking straight down into the parking lot. Merlin let his breath out in a rush.

Merlin gulped the last of his beer, eyeing Gwen over it, but thankfully she had turned her attention to her boyfriend. He quickly sketched the bloke's face, the corner of his mouth tugging up in excitement. The guy exuded something, he realised, something...commanding. Biting his lip and making sure no one was watching, he finished quickly, getting enough down to fill in later.

Gwen turned around and he snapped his tablet shut. She frowned, then saw his tablet and smiled. "Always drawing. Can I see?"

He pulled it tight to his chest. "No, not yet."

"Why not?"

"Um--" he smiled. "It's a picture of you and Lance. I'll finish it and email it to you."

"Thanks, Merlin," she said, beaming happily. He couldn't help but smile back--and glance over her shoulder, hoping the mysterious bloke would come inside. But then what if he did? Merlin took a deep breath, shaking himself. "So, what else is going on with you?"

He wasn't much good at small talk, even with Gwen. "Not much. Guess I'll be pretty busy for a while."

"Doing what?"

He snorted softly. "Cleaning Will's stuff out."

She winced, placing a hand on his shoulder. "I'm sorry."

"It's okay." He reached up and touched her hand, hating being put into the role of comforter, but he knew that would happen. "Anything going on here I should know about?"

She grabbed another stool and sat next to him, her eyes widening, face eager. "Yes, actually. There's been another murder."

He hadn't expected that. "What are you talking about? Who?"

Gwen had always liked the macabre. "Two blokes Lance works with were in Butetown and were attacked the other day. Said something chased them. They got away."

"W-w-ait," he said, grabbing her arm. "Chased? By what?" A dog he hoped, not something dark and fierce and frightening.

Her eyes danced. "That's just it. They couldn't describe it." She leaned closer to him. "They say it was a monster."

"There's no such thing as monsters anymore," he said, laughing nervously.

She sat back, hands in her lap. "I know, I know, the last dragon was killed a century ago."

"They didn't say it was a dragon did they?" He certainly hadn't seen a dragon.

"No, silly. But they did insist they saw a monster. And later, a body was found, mangled, right where they'd been."

Damn. He bit his lip, a shiver rippling through him. But there were no monsters anymore. Everything magical, including werewolves, had been killed in the early 1500's. There'd also been no sorcerers since. His hand tingled at the thought; he squeezed it into a fist.

"Hey, want another beer?"

He shook his head at Gwen, "Sorry. If you don't mind, I think I'm going to head out after all," he said, standing. "I'm pretty tired, and I have to be up early to open the shop."

"Tournament day?" Lance asked, his attention back on them. He grinned at Merlin's nod. "All the little monsters descending upon you while their gleeful parents take off a few hours of total bliss?" Lance slowly shook his head. "Man, you should charge them. You could make a mint."

"I don't mind," he said, as he had said a thousand times before. Lance sounded like Will. He shrugged that thought off and headed for the door, casting a glance back over the room. The stranger was still alone, back to leaning against the rail, back to looking contemplative.

"I'll be by around three," Gwen said, following him. Lance fell away. She pulled his coat from the rack, handing it to him. "Are you sure you're okay, Merlin? I hate that you're alone--"

"I'm fine, I promise." He hugged her, grabbed his backpack and shoved his tablet back inside, making sure it was secure. The way his luck was going lately, if he lost that too, he might as well give up completely. "I'll see you tomorrow, okay? Thanks for the beer."

He pulled open the door to find another couple of girls had arrived. More people he didn't know. Maybe that would be one good thing about not being with Will anymore. He'd have time to make some new friends. Will didn't like to share much which was, of course, ironic, since he was the one who claimed their relationship was suffocating him.

Making his escape, Merlin hurried down the steps, and stopped at the bottom to pull on his jacket. Somehow, though he hadn't been inside that long, the skies had cleared. Stars twinkled through the clouds, happy in their world.

He wished he was happy in his own.

Chapter Text

He might as well take the long way home and go by the shop, Merlin decided, just to make sure everything was all right. As he headed down the pathway, the crunch of gravel was a welcome sound under his feet. He zipped up his jacket as he neared the water and in doing so his keys fell out.

Stooping to pick them up he glanced toward Gwen's flat, but not to see if that bloke was still there. Of course not. Light poured out from inside the room, and more people had moved to the balcony. He couldn't tell if the stranger was there or not.

He didn't see any strange creatures, either. Shrugging, he set off again on the path, headed for Mermaid Quay. He stuffed his hands in his pocket, resolutely letting his mind have its way with him, forcing his thoughts back to Will.

Will, Will, Will, and all he wanted. Everything in his life had been orchestrated for so long to whatever Will wanted to do, whoever Will wanted to associate with, whenever Will wanted to do something, but it just couldn't be that way anymore. The shop was all he'd had, and Will had never understood why it meant so much to him. His life was here--such as it was-- London felt alien to him, claustrophobic. Too far from the sound of the water, the pull of the ocean out there past the sound. Too many people.

Merlin shoved his hands into his pockets as he waited a split-second for a car to pass. A glance up at the moon made him shudder. He had never liked this part of the Bay. Crossing the Barrage made him nervous; the rush of the water through the locks, the cars bumping over the metal seams, the eerie silence of the bridge as it cranked through the process of opening up. He glanced warily at the railing and the rushing waters below; he didn't have to close his eyes to see the rail bend as if by itself, canting his tormentors, tumbling, screaming and wild-eyed with fear of him as they fell, disappearing into the churning waters--

"Hey, you were at that party, weren't you?"

Merlin wrenched his gaze from the horrifying memories, turned around to find himself looking at the blond bloke from the party.

"Were you following me?" He gulped, dry-mouthed and clutching his backpack to his chest. "Uh," he said, fighting for a calm, cool demeanor and failing. "I mean--"

"It's okay. Actually," the blond bloke said with a smile, white teeth flashing under the lights, "I saw you from up there," he turned and pointed to Gwen's flat, "and wondered what you were doing standing here for so long."

He hadn't been there that long. Had he? "You were following me then."

The bloke shrugged. "Okay then, yes, I was following you."

Merlin shook his head. He couldn't help it though, he had to smile. "Why?"

"You barely stayed at the party for fifteen minutes. And you look sad."

"I--" Now it was his turn to shrug. "I am," he finished, raising one hand. He glanced at his watch. More time had passed than he'd realised. "I need to get home now. Nice meeting you."

"This is cool." He moved past Merlin. He grabbed the top rail and leaned over, looking down at the rushing water below. Merlin didn't think--he grabbed hold of the bloke's jacket, yanking him back.

"Hey," the bloke yelled, pinwheeling backward. Merlin scuttled back, his heart racing as the bloke caught his balance and whirled on Merlin. "What was that all about?" he demanded, the light from above casting down over his face.

"I--" Merlin wiped his sleeve over his face, gulping like a landed guppy. But all he could think was if I hadn't stopped him... He couldn't unsee it, the barrier breaking, that gorgeous face looking at him in horror as it disappeared into the depths... "I'm sorry," he whispered, shame burning his face.

His anger quickly disappeared. He looked skeptically at Merlin. "You okay?"

"I--" Merlin glanced at the railing again--it was fine, hadn't moved. "I was afraid you'd fall."

He expected the bloke to laugh. Everyone else did, or thought he was crazy. Rails don't just suddenly bend apart. "Hey," the bloke said, stepping forward and touching Merlin's shoulder, then giving him a reassuringly beautiful smile. "I'm not falling anywhere. Why would you think that?"

The warmth of the hand on his shoulder seeped through to his skin, flooding him with calm. "I saw some kids fall in once. The railing somehow broke and I saw them-- They drowned," he said, stopping before adding the rest. Words he could never say to anyone else; not even his mother, though she'd known. I made them fall in.

"Ouch," he said. "Friends of yours?"

Merlin shook his head at that, stepping back, removing himself from the comforting hand. He shoved his hands into his pockets, fingers playing with his keys, his backpack heavy on his shoulder. "Not friends, no," he said softly.

The bloke's eyes widened and he closed the distance between them again, this time touching Merlin's face, his fingers tingling against Merlin's skin, a tingle that went straight down to his groin. Fuck. "I'm sorry you saw something like that, even if the kids were bullies. And I'm sorry I scared you."

Merlin shook his head, staring at the bloke. How had he guessed? "I-- Yeah." He laughed softly. "They still didn't deserve that." He glanced over his shoulder. "I'd best get going." He looked up at the sky and back at the bloke again, trying now for the nonchalant look. "Before it starts to rain again."

He turned around and headed for the gravel path, reluctance dragging his feet. What was wrong with him? He hadn't gone far when the crunch of his feet on the gravel pathway was joined by another set of feet. Excitement tugged at him. "Are you following me again?" he called over his shoulder.

"Depends. Do you want me to?"

Merlin smiled, then laughed, stamping hard on the nervousness threatening to spill over as he realised the stranger was flirting with him. He could do this. The bloke was interested in him, which he could hardly believe. Someone like that? So gorgeous...he thought of the sketch tucked away in his backpack, what he could add to it now that he'd seen him up close.

'"Depends." He turned around, walking backwards. "You trying to pick me up or something?"

"Do I look like the type?" he said, strolling toward Merlin with a wolfish smile.

A thrill ran through Merlin. Damn, this man was fit. And blond. He didn't do blonds anymore. Or did he? Especially blonds with flashing white teeth. Merlin smiled, dipping his head. He turned around, kept on walking. He had no idea what this bloke was up to, except, well, maybe he did. His pursuer caught up.

"So what's your name?" Merlin asked him.

The bloke laughed. "If I told you, you'd dump me in the bay."

"Why would I do that?"

He smiled. "You can call me Prince Charming if you'd like."

"Are you rescuing me then, Prince?"

"Maybe. Do you need rescuing...what's your name? Code name."

"Is this a clandestine meeting, then?"

"If you want it to be," Prince said, his voice casual, but layered with promises of the sort Merlin hadn't heard directed toward himself in years. Will had never mastered the art of verbal seduction. It sent a thrill through Merlin he suspected Prince easily detected.

"Superman," Merlin blurted out, then laughed. "I can't believe I said that."

Prince moved closer to him, bumping into his shoulder. "What, isn't it apropos?"

"Not really."

"I don't know," Prince said, moving ahead of him. He suddenly veered off the main path, running down the slope to the water's edge. Prince stopped and looked him up at him and called out, "You look pretty super to me. Can you not fly?"

Merlin hesitated. He could walk on, and end this right here. Or he could follow Prince, and take a chance, and maybe, just maybe, turn a bad day into something worth remembering. He took a step off the path and followed Prince down. He reached him, laughing as he stumbled, nearly falling on his arse but he caught himself at the last second.

"Obviously not. I can barely walk." He wiped his damp hands on his denims.

"What about seeing through objects?" Prince said, walking backwards. The water lapped at the rocks, and a few ducks floated contentedly on the water. Prince picked up a rock and tossed it in; the ducks took off.

"Never tried that," Merlin admitted. "Throwing rocks?"

"Seeing through objects." His cheeks flushing, he bent down and scooped up a rock, and skipped it across the water. The rock bounced three times

before it sank. Okay, so he had tried to see through things when he was a little kid, well before the incident at the Barrage that had made him more scared than curious about what he could do, but it hadn't worked. He'd been trying to find where his mum had hidden the Easter chocolates his grandmother had sent, but she'd given them away or something.

"So much for that superpower then." Prince threw another rock, this time trying to make it skip. It plunked straight in. Prince frowned. "What about defeating evil beasts with the power of your mind then?"

Merlin jolted, then he laughed. "No beasts here," he said casually, dismissing whatever it was he'd seen outside Gwen's flat. He raised his hand. "Sorry."

Prince broke into a grin. "Good to know. " He tossed another rock. It too plopped straight in. "Damn. I swear I'm a better athlete than it looks."

They'd kept walking toward the skate park. Anticipation was making Merlin's skin sizzle. He scooped up another rock, and with a grin at Prince, deftly skimmed it across the water. He turned away just enough that Prince couldn’t see his face and eyed the rock, pushing it to hop five times before it disappeared forever into the Bay. Prince threw up his arms.

"Woo hoo! Brilliant. Got magic rocks there or something?"

Merlin had to cough to cover his gasp. He laughed, shaking his head. "No, you're just not doing it right." He motioned for Prince to hold his hand out. He put one of the rocks he'd collected into Prince's hand, his fingers brushing Prince's palm. "This shale is special." Prince peered closely at it, his breath brushing across his wrist. Goosebumps cascaded up Merlin's arm and straight to his groin. He closed his eyes briefly. Prince raised an eyebrow at him. Merlin laughed. "You need to have a flat one, and flick your wrist right at the last second. Get low, as close to the level of the water as you can."

"Show me."

Merlin was glad the lights weren't particularly powerful right here, else Prince would see how flushed his face was. He moved to the edge of the water, twisting the ball of his foot into the gravel to steady himself. He could feel Prince's eyes on him; he stood directly behind him, and Merlin had a feeling he wasn't paying much attention to Merlin's instructions.

"Get low like this."

Prince stepped closer behind him. "I see," he said, his voice a low growl.

Fuck. Merlin cleared his throat. "Um, yes. And then, it's more a thrust movement than a power movement--" The chuckle behind him made Merlin groan. "Uh, yeah. I can't believe I said that."

"Go on."

"Then you step back," he stepped back, "and visualise the rock flitting across the surface, as many times as you wish it to go." Merlin glanced over his shoulder; Prince stood close, so close, his arms folded over his chest.

Prince nodded at him.

Merlin took a deep breath, glad Prince stood behind him now. He didn't want to get too carried away, but when he flicked the rock out over the water, he pushed it to skip a respectable five skips. Prince whistled behind him, then clapped him on the shoulder, making Merlin jump.

"All right, Superman, let's see how I do."

Merlin stepped back. Prince eyed him, his eyes dancing in the lights, then he turned to face the water. He tossed the rock up in his hand a few times, then bent low and Merlin nearly missed the toss, his gaze was so fixated on Prince's backside. The rock skipped three times before plunking in.

"Damn!" Prince said, raising his hands up in defeat. "Guess you're the one with the magic touch."

"Try again?"

But Prince laughed, shaking his head. "I like a man with a magic touch. What else can you do?"

Merlin gulped, then thought what the fuck. "Really want to know?"

"I do," Prince said, drawing Merlin closer. Warmth curled around in his stomach, pooling in his groin. His cock twitched, his breath quickened, and he was sure to melt straight into the gravel and slither into the Bay. Prince slid his hands through Merlin's belt loops and yanked him close; if there'd been any doubt of the effect they were having on each other, Merlin no longer had any doubt. They were nearly eye-to-eye, but Prince's broad chest made his own look like a teenager's. "I was right about you then. That look you gave me," Prince said, his voice husky. "At the party. I don't usually find someone looking my way like that."

Merlin had to snort at that. "You. Are you serious?" he said, gesturing with one hand to Prince's face. He didn't know where to put his hands, then settled for clenching them on Prince's arms. He laughed again. "You're just like a prince should be."

"Dashing? Charming?" That flash of white teeth. "Looks aren't everything, Superman."

"They help. If I had real superpowers," he grabbed his ears with both hands, "I'd get rid of these."

Merlin glanced around them. They were decidedly alone, and sometime when he hadn't been looking, the sky had started to cloud up again. Typical Cardiff weather--pretty days always seemed to turn to shit fast. With his luck, the skies would start pissing rain before he was halfway home. If he made it home.

"I like them," Prince said, reaching up, his eyelids half-closed in a sleepy, sexy way that joined the timbre of his voice. "They're perfect." He ran a finger around the shell of Merlin's ear, then softly rubbed the lobe between his fingers. Merlin fought not to bite his lip. Never mind oozing into the gravel. He was more likely to burn up into charred bits. He'd be unidentifiable to even those closest to him.

Will's face slammed into his mind but he pushed it away. He was in London, presumably, possibly, forever. Merlin's heart ached at the thought but what would Will think if he saw Merlin in this position now? With a hot guy snaking a hand around the back of his head, pulling him in for a kiss, his other hand reaching for Merlin's waist and pulling him tight against him?

"Live close by?" Prince said, his lips brushing teasingly against Merlin's.

Merlin sucked in his breath. Prince's lips were moist and full and strong. He wanted to lose himself in those lips, and knew he could oh so easily.

"No, unfortunately." He glanced across the shimmering waters of the Bay, briefly reminded of that creature he had seen yet hadn't, toward his shop, but it was too far, and he didn't want to risk showing this stranger where he lived during the daytime hours. Just in case. Yeah Merlin, you're going to shag this guy and you're afraid he's going rob you blind?

Prince smiled. "Me either, unfortunately." Merlin realised then Prince's accent put him outside of Cardiff. He had a smoothness that spoke of much time in London.

Blood pounded in his ears when a whooping sound of some kids reached them. Merlin jerked away, and Prince looked toward the museum they'd first passed. "Can't tell if they're headed this way."

Merlin hoped not. The last thing he needed was a bunch of teenagers witnessing what he hoped would be a damn fine time. Prince grabbed his hand. "Let's go up there. What is that building?"

"Maintenance building," Merlin said. They could hear the kids laughing, joking around, probably getting pissed. "They're probably on their way home. The gate closes at ten." The gate he needed to get through before the hour was up.

"Then we'd better beat them. Come on. It's starting to rain." Without protesting again Merlin let Prince drag him up the path toward the maintenance building. Laughing, and his excitement building, he hurried after Prince, who let him go to break into a run. Merlin ran after him, taking care not to bang his backpack and came around the corner just to find himself caught.

Merlin let himself be pulled into Prince's embrace, pulled under a protective edge where the misty breeze couldn't get them. Not that he wasn't already soaked. Not that he cared. Prince's hot mouth crushed Merlin's, his hands grasping his arms, one hand freeing itself to slide under Merlin's shirt. Mindless with the fury of the best kiss he'd ever gotten, Merlin groaned into Prince's mouth, pushing his cock against him shamelessly, only a small part of his mind wondering what the fuck he was doing.

Eager hands pulled him hard against Prince's body, forcing the backpack from his shoulder. "Careful," Merlin said, easing it down.

"Laptop?"

"Tablet."

Prince rutted against him, totally shameless. Fuck fuck fuck. Trapped cocks pulsing hotly against each other, their breaths came in heated puffs. A moan escaped Prince and he dropped his head to Merlin's shoulder, and pulled at his belt, unfastening it. All Merlin could do was urge him to hurry. Then they heard laughter, and the sound of skateboards. "Fuck, no," he ground out.

"No one can see us here."

"They'll pass right by us," Merlin said, his heart flip-flopping and his body protesting the impending denial of release. And oh how he wanted that release.

"Shit." Prince's hands stilled, having done no more than undo Merlin's belt and the top button to his jeans. The cooling air brushed across his pale skin. "We need to hide somewhere. You game?" The kids' laughter reached them now, sounding just as if they were around the corner. Which, Merlin realised, they were. "I, uh, yeah. Shit."

Prince grinned, then glanced around. Merlin pulled Prince after him. The public toilets were a few paces away. "Over here."

Prince grabbed the door handle and tugged, saying AHA! when it pulled open.

"That's the women's," Merlin said, but Prince grabbed for Merlin, pulling him in and closing it behind them, leaving them in pitch dark. Merlin put his backpack down and pushed it to the side so he could find it easily. They both listened at the door, or tried to through their heavy breathing, waiting to see what the teenagers did.

"I need to pee," a girl's voice whined.

"Hold it," Prince whispered, his perfect timing making Merlin laugh. He covered his mouth. Though there wasn't much to grab hold of, Merlin did so, his hands fumbling for a lock. There wasn't one. Someone yanked on the door and he yanked it back. Prince laughed under his breath. Merlin could feel the heat of his body, and inhale his scent, and the shivers suddenly wracking his body had nothing to do with being cold and wet.

"Well shit," the girl said, "I swear someone's in there."

"It's locked," a guy said. Another yank on the door. Merlin pushed the door lock into place, hoping Prince notice.

"It started to open then it pulled back!" A fist pummeled the door. "Who's in there, let me in!"

Fists started to pummel against the door and laughing, Prince grabbed blindly for Merlin and yanked him away. Merlin started to protest but Prince's mouth was on his again, and he couldn't say then when the pummeling and shouting at the door stopped.

They fumbled at their jeans, hands clashing against each other, zippers unzipping. Pitch-black dark it was in there, the silence sudden as the teenagers finally left them in peace. Merlin hoped.

They pulled their jackets off, dropping them on the tiles. Prince's hands were hot on his bare flesh as he pulled Merlin's boxers unceremoniously down. His shocked cry was instantly muffled by disembodied lips--he couldn't see a thing, only smell and hear and feel Prince as his hands sought Merlin's cock and balls and engulfed them. He was slick already, hell dripping wet, and he found it impossible to do anything but stand there and let Prince do what he wanted to him.

Merlin whimpered as Prince pushed him against the wall, bracing him and capturing his mouth again. One of Prince's hands caught his wrist, pinning it against the wall; Merlin couldn't breathe. He couldn't keep up with the ferocity of Prince's kisses and the pumping of his cock.

"Fucking hell, you're beautiful," Prince ground out.

"You... can't see me."

Prince chuckled. "Don't need to see to know, Superman. Got a condom?"

"Shit." Merlin's cock jumped in Prince's hand.

"Me either. Turn around. Where's the sink--"

Panic and excitement ripped through Merlin as Prince pushed him against the sink. "What are you doing?"

Prince pushed up behind him, pulling his shirt up, trapping his cock between them, slick and hot and pulsing against his crack. Fucking hell.

"Tall boy aren't you." Prince smacked Merlin's inner thigh and he spread his legs obediently, shivers raising all over every inch of him at Prince's handling of him.

He wasn't used to this, Will had never, would never-- Merlin cried out, canting his head back as Prince bit the back of his neck and snaked one hand between his legs, grabbing him by the balls and pressing his thumb behind them. Prince pulled his face around so he could kiss him, his other hand slicking on Merlin's precome. Shock rippled through him and he froze mid-kiss as Prince's fingers toyed with his hole--he rutted shamelessly against the fingers, his body begging for what he had never gotten from Will.

Fuck Will.

Merlin dropped his head down, hands braced hard against the sink, his cock bobbing and pulsing as he submitted himself to Prince's explorations.

"Like that don't you," Prince said. Merlin nodded and though it was too dark Prince chuckled. "Thought so." He continued on, slower now, circling his hole, teasing him, making him jerk and rut and moan, totally not giving a fuck how he sounded, his skin damp from the rain and sweat or a combination of both, he didn't care or know.

All he knew was he didn't want it to end, he was helpless under this man's hands. Forever passed and Prince's hand, hot and slick, snaked around his hip and pulled him against him, trapping his cock again. Prince encircled Merlin's cock and began to pump, his weight forcing Merlin to brace harder as he rutted against Merlin's back. His hand moved faster and Merlin was trapped, helpless to remove his hands; he ached to reach back and touch Prince but he couldn't, pinned like a bug on a board.

"Come for me," Prince commanded, speeding up the friction until Merlin did so, soundlessly pumping out his come into the sink. "Good good," Prince said, catching his come with his hand and reaching in back of Merlin. He could tell Prince slicked his own cock with it and then he held Merlin by the hips, shoved his shirt up, leaving his back exposed. "Hold still."

Prince's cock slid up and down Merlin's crack, faster and faster, a hot poker of pulsing flesh. "Oh hell yeah." Prince came, his hot come spurting over Merlin's back. Prince collapsed against him, his cock crushed between them. A shiver ran through Merlin from the cold or from holding himself up and Prince laughed, the rumble pulsing through Merlin. "Damn."

"Yeah," Merlin agreed, his body loose and sated but the cold air crept back too damn fast.

"Is there a light in here?"

Merlin reached for where he guessed the light switch was and found it. A meagre yellowish bulb flickered on. Prince reached for a paper towel, and grinned at Merlin. 'See? Definitely Superman."

Merlin smiled, shy now that he could see Prince. He took the proffered towels and wiped himself off, making Prince laugh when he reached behind himself and wiped off his back.

"Got that?"

"Yes, thanks."

Prince did himself up, wincing as he tightened his belt. "Thank you."

Merlin zipped his denims, smiling shyly at Prince. He picked up their jackets, brushing them off--the linoleum was actually somewhat clean--and handed Prince his. An awkward silence fell between them and he grasped for something to say. The usual "see ya" was on the tip of his tongue, or maybe "mind giving me your number?" But the anonymity they had already established made both suggestions fall flat.

Prince smiled as he pulled his jacket on, and pushed past Merlin out the bathroom. Merlin hesitated, then picked up his backpack. Normally he'd just walk off and disappear into the crowded room but as he followed Prince out into the night, there was nowhere to disappear to. The water, maybe?

"So, thanks," Prince said, smiling lazily at Merlin. He cocked an eyebrow. "I needed that."

Merlin didn't know what to do but burst out laughing. "Yeah, I guess I did too." He stretched, suddenly feeling much better. "Though for a minute there, I thought those kids would get in."

Prince looked around. "If I'd been them, I would've waited to see who came out."

At that moment they heard laughter, and scrambling, and sure enough, three shapes darted away from the lamp-lit circle, heading for the path. Merlin groaned. He recognised one of them. "Fuck," he muttered.

"What's wrong? Reputation ruined?"

Merlin sighed, running a hand through his hair as the retreating shapes reappeared under a lamp further down the path. One of the boys-- a former regular to the shop, yeah--turned and whooped, laughing, then ran after his mates. They were headed around the Bay and disappeared back into the night. Merlin watched after them until they reappeared again, dimly-lit now in the yellow light from the storage facility.

"Robby Higgins," Merlin muttered.

"Shit. Sorry about that, mate." Prince grinned at him. "We should've gone for a second round. Maybe then they'd have given up, yeah?"

Merlin shook his head. "Not Robby." He raised his hands and dropped them, turning back to Prince.

"I'm really sorry."

"It's okay. Really. Not like I'm not out to the whole of Cardiff, anyway." The worried look disappeared.

"Big man in town then?"

Merlin snorted softly. "Not exactly." Except maybe to a few hundred kids. "I've lived here a long time though." He glanced at Prince, wondering again about this mystery man. "You're not from here."

"Caught." Prince looked out over the water, straight across the bay to Mermaid Quay. "I'm just here for a little while, I think," he said.

"Think?"

Prince shrugged one shoulder. Merlin stepped next to him, glancing at him in the dim light. "My father wants me to move here."

Merlin laughed. "What, don't tell me you're only sixteen or something."

"No, I wish." Now a sad expression crossed his face. "If I was, I'd have made different choices than I had. Moved away to the States like I'd wanted to. Then maybe..." He shrugged again, looking down and away. He sighed. "I'm going to inherit an empire," he said, lifting his chin. "Heir to the empire."

"Heir to the throne?" Merlin said, trying to lighten the moment.

Prince frowned at him, then smiled. "Prince, right. Yeah, something like that. You're an astute man, Superman. You can read my mind. I should've called you Merlin."

Merlin smiled wanly, but didn't argue. If Prince only knew. He had only met the guy--shag not withstanding--but something tugged at him, a wish to sooth the sadness that hovered in Prince's eyes. He wondered then if that was why Prince had stayed out on Gwen's balcony, separate but not aloof as Merlin had thought, but out of a sadness, a longing. What had he thought about, Merlin wondered, as he looked across the bay? Like he was now?

"What would you have been? I mean, if you could do anything."

"An actor," was the quick reply, and to Merlin's amusement Prince jumped off the kerb, and pulled an invisible sword from its scabbard. He pointed it at Merlin. "I would play a real Prince, destined to rule the kingdom and beyond and save his people from their enemies."

"And marry a princess?"

"Don't be silly. Another prince." He grinned. "And slay the Dark Knight."

"And all the dragons."

Prince swished the sword through the air. "And dragons," Prince agreed, then whirled into a series of intricate steps, the blade cutting and slicing and stabbing.

It took Merlin a few moments to realise what he was watching, but as he stepped back out of Prince's way, a transformation took place. Though he held nothing in his hands, a battle was forming before Merlin's eyes--Prince vs. his invisible opponent. His father perhaps? His fate? But the speed with which Prince moved, his steps neatly choreographed in their simplicity, and beauty, Merlin felt a huge tug at his heart. He ached to clap but that would've ruined the magic of it all.

Prince leaped on top of a bench, holding his hand with its invisible sword high. "I am Prince Arthur! Champion of Camelot! I slay dragons!" he cried out.

A wave of disembodiment flashed over Merlin. Time and space melded together, and his vision grew wavy as Prince, arm still raised to the night's sky, melded from slouchy jeans and sweater to an armor-clad knight standing on a boulder, yelling encouragement to his troops.

Merlin stumbled backwards, reaching behind him and finding the wall. He blinked, rubbing his eyes, then looked again and Prince had reverted back to a normal bloke in denims, imaginary sword--real sword and, he swore, a flash of silver--gone.

"You okay?" Prince said, reaching for his shoulder.

"I-- Yeah. Yeah, I'm fine," Merlin said, shaking his head. "Just tired I guess. Been a long day."

Prince touched his face, eyebrows furrowed. "Okay if you're sure." He glanced at his watch. "Yeah, it's getting late. I better go." He smirked, pulling out his mobile and glancing at it. "Missed a few calls. Brilliant." His voice was curiously flat.

The awkwardness had returned. Merlin shoved away from the wall, pulled the backpack up onto his shoulder again. "Well, I guess we'll be seeing you then."

Prince smirked. "Maybe." He held out his hand. Merlin hesitated, then took it and shook it. Warm, soft, strong hand. Broad palm. Perfect for holding a sword, Merlin thought.

"If not, then--" Merlin shrugged, grinning, a quick glance at the closed bathroom door.

A smile burst across Prince's face, and he leaned in and kissed Merlin softly on the lips. "Thank you for the magic." Then he turned around and walked off, whistling into the night.

Merlin watched after Prince, wondering where he was going. If he'd ever see him again. And, he realised with a smile as he headed back to the gravel path, following after the teenagers--fuck, Robby Higgins--that if he never saw Prince again, it was still good. Real good. He felt kinda like preening, even.

He, Merlin Emrys, total geek boy, had shagged one incredibly hot dude.

"A prince, no less," he said softly to himself, his feet crunching on the gravel. He couldn’t stop grinning, not even minding the rain.

It took Merlin a few minutes to realise that the air had shifted, grown heavier. And darker. A quick glance up to the sky confirmed his fears...any second the rain would start to fall again.

And the next second it did. With a groan and realisation that all the warmth had leeched out of his body now, he broke into a jog. He hadn't had a chance to go running in ages, not since he'd had to move the shop--closing up the old shop had been the hardest thing he'd ever done, even though he'd only moved it a few doors down. He hadn't made much time for himself since; every moment he had was spent at the shop. And that, frankly, had also been part of Will's problem with him.

Or maybe he'd been at the shop so much because he'd had a problem with

Will.

But it didn't matter anymore, he thought as he neared the fenced section. The bloke who locked the other side was approaching, saw him and waved at him to hurry. At least he'd made it through before closing time.

"Thanks," he said as he made it through.

"I have to check a couple other things. You have about fifteen minutes to get through the other side."

"No problem. Cheers."

He slowed to a stop, his feet sloshing over the gravel as the rain came down harder. Closing his jacket around himself and hoping to hell his backpack was still watertight, he wished now he'd taken a cab home. But then, he would never have met his Prince, and that would've been a sad thing indeed.

Someone yelling ahead ripped through his thoughts, stopping him cold. Had he heard right? He stilled, his breath frosty in the air, the rain pattered hard around him, soaking his already wet jacket for a moment, muffling all sound. It continued for a moment but he held his ground, waiting until at last the rain had lessened. Then he heard it again, a searing scream which shredded him down to his soul.

He didn't think, he didn't stop, not even when he heard an answering, otherworldly snarl. Maybe there were beasts in Cardiff after all. He ran down the gravel, puddle-splotched road, soaking his shoes and legs and chillingly aware he was in a locked corridor now. Too much time had passed.

He rounded the corner as the scream started again, this time non-stop and terrified. Ahead on the path was a dark, twisting shape in shadow. Snarls and flashing teeth shone in and out of the darkness, and Merlin froze.

"Fuck," Merlin said, then he shouted louder, running full-tilt without thinking toward whatever the hell was attacking the kid. Robby, he realised, he didn't see the others, then skidded on the gravel and went tumbling.

His body slammed to the ground, knocking the wind out of him, fortunately on his side. His tablet, if he'd hurt it-- He gasped for breath then his head cleared and he pushed his backpack off and up onto some abandoned planks. He realised the creature, whatever it was, had turned its attentions toward him. It moved out of the shadow, the shimmering-black of its skin or fur or feathers, whatever, so like the reflections of lights on the bay he thought wildly it had come from there, oozing from beneath the surface to manifest right before his eyes.

It took another step toward him, or rather slid closer. He didn't think, there was no time to think. His breath returned in a whoosh and Merlin rolled away from the creature a split-second before it sprang toward him but he wasn't fast enough; claws caught, shredding his jacket, ripping through his arm. A second later he screamed as teeth sent gut-wrenching pain shooting up his arm. The thing clamped hard on his forearm and pulled him up off the ground. He flailed blindly, kicking and punching at the thing until it let go, dropping him into a puddle. He waited for it to pounce and finish him. It's hot fetid breath washed over him, but the thing moved back, its rat-like tail whipping, sending gravel skittering.

Reaching blindly with his good hand, Merlin grabbed for some gravel as he tried to scoot himself to a sitting position, further away from the creature. He pushed against the fence behind him, his arm wet with rain and blood and hurting like hell. The creature snarled at him, jaws gleaming, its eyes tiny, angry, its ears bat-like and twitching. Something else, oh god not another one, cried out in the night, far away, an eerie howl that made the creature whip its head around and that is when Merlin took his chance.

When the creature turned its attention back to Merlin, he willed with all his heart and soul for the gravel in his hand to hurt the creature. Bad.

Not since he was a kid, on the barrage being punched and kicked by Dickie James and Cerdwyn Heller had he wanted to hurt anyone, anything so badly--like then, he knew he would die if he failed. He hurled the gravel into the creature's face and as it left his fingers, the gravel shimmered and glowed with an otherworldly aura, and went straight into the creature's mouth.

The creature reared up, clawing wildly at its throat, hurling itself away from Merlin and onto all fours again. It hacked, gasping for air, coughing hoarsely as it fought to clear its throat but it didn't work. A wild strangled cry bleated from its mouth, and a groan to the side caught Merlin's attention. Not taking his eyes off the struggling creature which collapsed onto its chest and started to roll around in agony, Merlin scrabbled toward Robby.

Wild-eyed with pain and fear Robby clung to Merlin. "Help me," he croaked.

"It's going to be okay Robby," Merlin said, hoping to hell he wasn't lying. "I won't let it hurt you."

Robby tried to get up but he hissed as pain ripped through him. "Hold on. I've got to get you out of here."

"There may be more, I heard another one." "I know."

It came from nowhere, zooming out of the darkness, a giant black dog flying through the air with incredible speed, landing on the creature. Merlin pulled Robby back as the dog and the creature tumbled together. The skies broke open, dumping water on them, the cold water welcome on his damaged arm.

He crouched as the rain pelted him, but he couldn't take his eyes off the giant dog and the flashing, shimmering beast. It went on forever, it seemed, snarling, thrashing, mud and with rain pelting them. Merlin watched, both horrified and fascinated by what the creature could be and how it got there. Why it was there.

The fighting ended abruptly, the creature and the dog tumbling into the shadows, moving farther away until Merlin couldn't hear or see them anymore.

"Merlin," Robby gasped, grabbing Merlin's hurt arm. A wave of nausea hit Merlin then, the dizziness overcoming him as the pain hurtled straight to the bone. He had to fight to pull out his mobile, and managed to call 999 just before the nausea finally did its job.

Chapter Text

Merlin sat on the hospital bed, glaring at his bandaged, throbbing arm. The police had just finished talking to Robby, and though their stories corroborated, he could tell by the constable's sour glare he didn't believe them.

"I'm telling the truth," he told the man.

The constable sighed, pocketing his notebook he had taken too few notes on. "I believe that you kids believe--"

"I'm twenty-six, I'm not a kid."

The constable smiled, which did not reach his eyes. "You own that comic shop, right? The one that just closed?"

"It's moved, not closed."

The constable shrugged. "Look, Mr. Emrys. I don't know what you think you saw, but I think your injuries messed up your brains a little, yeah?"

"Did you go out there? The creature, it's out there--"

A look of pity crossed the constable's face. "Nothing was out there. The area was scanned and there was no evidence of any sort of fight."

"It got up, it ran away but it couldn't have gone far," he insisted. "It's out there. I know what I saw. And there was a dog, it chased it away. A really big dog." God, even to his own ears he sounded like an idiot.

"Easy, Mr. Emrys. I think whoever you saw--"

"Whatever."

"Whoever you saw was as scared as you. Maybe some bloke in a fur suit."

A fur suit. His head hurt almost as bad as his hurt arm and where he'd got the tetanus shot. He rubbed his temples, squeezing his eyes shut. "What about those other murders?" He dropped his hand. "Those blokes who saw something over in Butetown. That murder last week, they saw some sort of creature…"

The constable's expression smoothed out. "Sorry mate. Have no idea what you're talking about. You shouldn't make things up, yeah? Scare people." The constable bent closer, his eyes hardening. "If I were you, I'd shut up about monsters and murders, yeah?" He jerked up, whirled on his heel and left, leaving Merlin to watch after him, dumbfounded.

He didn't like being called a liar--never had, Will had learned that little bit of fun once when he'd accused Merlin of eating his chocolate HobNobs. Merlin hadn't touched them. Turned out the neighbour kid had helped himself to the box Will had left sitting out front on the porch. They'd had a bitter row about that one. Will had at least eventually apologised, sort of.

It occurred to him though the constable had had a strange look in his eye, making Merlin suspect the constable knew full well Merlin was telling the truth. He shifted, wincing, wishing Gwen would hurry up and get him out of there, get him home. He couldn't think in this place with its noise and its smells and odd looks.

Merlin slid off the exam table. The room got woozy on him for a minute, but to his relief, just then Gwen appeared in the doorway, his backpack in her hand. Thank the stars. Gwen hurried in. "Merlin honey are you okay?" she said, placing her hands on his bandaged arm. "Who was that?"

"Some constable. I got attacked, along with a kid."

Her hand flew to her mouth. "Oh no, is he okay?"

"Yes, I think so," he said, starting to bend down for his shoes. A wave of dizziness made him grasp for the table.

"Let me get those," Gwen said, helping him up and back onto the table. "Maybe we should wait a little longer. Lay down for a bit?"

Merlin nodded, grateful to be laying back down. Now that Gwen was here, he could finally let himself relax a little. The throbbing in his arms hurt like a beast but worse was his head and stomach. He'd lost whatever he'd had to eat that day and that was a good thing because he feared if anything else was in there, he'd be sick.

"Sorry to get you out of bed," he mumbled.

Gwen put a blanket over him. "You know I don't mind." He opened his eyes; she was smiling down at him, though worry still glossed her eyes. "I was so scared when they called."

Merlin nodded. "I guess it sounds kind of crazy, but there was a huge thing out there, Gwen."

Her eyes widened. "You didn't really see a monster, did you?"

He wanted to laugh. "You believe me, don't you?"

"Um, I think. Of course I do." She shrugged, then smiled. "I've always wanted to believe monsters and magic still exist. I think it's sad everything was wiped out. Imagine if we could still do magic!" She sighed. "Instead, we're dull and boring, and the most interesting thing we have out in the wilderness are giant bunny rabbits."

He laughed at that, though it hurt his head. "Giant killer bunny rabbits."

"So," she said, leaning toward him as eagerly as she had when telling him about the blokes in Butetown. "Tell me what you saw. Or think you saw."

He didn't want to tell her he thought he'd first seen it right outside her place, but knew he'd better. "I think I saw it when I first came to your flat last night."

"Is that why you asked if I'd seen anything? Merlin, you should've told me."

"I thought I was seeing things. But yeah."

She frowned at that. "Okay, I'll tell Lance to keep an eye out."

"I don't think whatever it was is around anymore. It was huge, like a bear, but the second thing, I think it was a dog--"

"A dog?" She frowned. "What kind of dog?"

"About this big." He raised his hand, wincing-- "Ow--"

"Did you hurt that arm too?"

He made a face. "No. Tetanus shot."

"What kind of dog?"

"I-- I have no idea. It was big. Real big and solid black."

"Labrador?"

"No. I don't know. Bigger. Shaggy."

"What color was it? The monster I mean?"

He closed his eyes, his good arm over his forehead. How to describe it? "Black, but shimmering. Kind of…" He dropped his hand. "It made me think of the lights on the bay. Black, endless black but shimmery and shiny."

She made a face. "That's creepy."

"Yeah. Kind of like out of a horror novel."

"Or a comic."

He bit back a bitter laugh, dropping his arm. "Yeah. I thought of that. That copper asked me if I was that bloke who owns the comic shop."

"What does that have to do with anything?" He shrugged.

"You tell me."

Her expression said it all. "That you are some sort of stupid geek with a ridiculous over-imagination who reads too much fantasy?"

Merlin laughed. "Yeah, pretty much that."

Gwen smiled. "Well, you can just forget him. I believe you, and I believe that boy, too."

Merlin reached up and touched Gwen's cheek. "Thanks. I appreciate that."

"Maybe you need some medicine. I'll go see if there's anything you need to take home and if we can get out of here."

"Thanks Gwen," he said as she turned to leave him alone again. "And thanks for saving my tablet."

She opened the door and leaned against it, smiling. "I know how important it is to you. And yes its fine."

He smiled in relief, and she left. He wanted to see for himself of course, but he didn't feel like moving just yet. In a few minutes.

Since arriving at the hospital he'd gone over what had happened again and again. None of it made sense--not from the getting shagged by a beautiful stranger to encountering an otherworldly beast. That sort of thing only happened on the telly.

He lifted his good hand; the hurt one had been bandaged to his chest. "Just for a day or so," the doc had said. "Give the swelling a chance to settle down." How he was going to shower, he didn't know, but at least there'd only been a few stitches. And the tetanus shot. His good arm throbbed a little and he'd been warned it could hurt later. Brilliant.

Squinting his eyes at his good hand he held it up, flexed it, turned his hand over and stretched his fingers. Just ordinary fingers, nothing special except they'd somehow--he'd somehow--turned ordinary gravel into a lethal magical cocktail. For the first time since he'd done it, he let his thoughts travel back over the moments before he'd stopped the monster.

It'd been instinctive to reach for the gravel and fling it, and though he'd purposely kept a carefully-guarded dam between himself and the strange things he could do, it had only taken a single thought to break it down.

It was like he'd done magic. Again whispered in his mind.

He gulped, eyes welling up with the pain and the tiredness and the loss, and the fear. Damn. He wiped his eyes, wouldn't do to let Gwen see him, and wonder. All the warmth and happy adrenaline from his encounter with Prince had evaporated. It couldn't have been magic. It couldn't have been a monster. Both only existed in books and movies and comic books, where they belonged, where monsters and sorcerers didn't get killed for their unnaturalness.

He wondered then if Robby had seen him. It worried him if he had, how he would explain away what he'd done.

When he was a little boy and had been scared or worried about something, his mum had told him to think about happy things. He was unfortunately sorely lacking in that department. At least in real life. It'd be nice to simply disappear into the internet world--at least there, no one cared how he looked, how much he made, who he was. He smiled, thinking about the emails he'd been exchanging. Now that Will was gone, no reason to feel guilty about them anymore.

Gwen slipped back into the room. "So," she said, "feeling better? Want to try to leave again? They said you could go after you sign a couple of papers."

"Yeah," he said, pushing himself up on one elbow--of his good arm. He held his bandaged hand up--the fingers were swelling. Definitely. It would be hell to type later. He remembered then that he hadn't had a chance to check his emails and twitter since that morning. His pulse quickened at the thought of what might be waiting for him. At least that was one good thing.

"What's that smile for?" Gwen asked as she moved to his feet and started putting on his shoes for him.

"Smiling? You don't have to do that."

She shoved his foot into one trainer. "You about fell over doing it yourself." "True. And what do you mean, smiling."

She shoved the other trainer on, tying the first one then the other. "Just a second ago, when I said let's try to leave again. You said, "yeah" and then you smiled really big." She sighed. "Merlin, you aren't hoping for an email from Will, are you--"

"No," he said, letting her help him sit up. "Will and I are really over, I think. I've… I've met someone. Kind of. I don't know his name--"

She looked at him for a moment, confused. Then her eyes brightened. "Are you emailing, or sexting someone?"

"No! Of course not," he burst out, laughing in embarrassment. "I would never do that."

"Well, good. Don't burst my bubble, Merlin. You're one of the few guys I know who doesn't do wild and stupid things like..."

"Like what?" he said, wincing as he feared he knew where she was headed.

"I don't know," she said, flailing her arms. "Like stalking celebrities. Or shagging strangers, or.... Merlin?" She frowned at him harder now and he looked away, sure the guilt was on his face. Then gasped. "Oh my gosh, what did you do?" She narrowed her eyes at him. "Merlin, you're blushing."

It was all he could do not to touch his face and see if she was right. He knew she was right--he could feel the heat of his cheeks growing. "Uh, you know that bloke at your party, that blond one?"

She closed her eyes, shaking her head. "Rebecca wondered where--" She gasped, then laughed. "You mean he followed after you?"

He growled at her, pulling away from the arm flung over his shoulder. "Well don't sound so shocked. Just because he was absolutely gorgeous and I'm--not."

"Merlin. You know I hate when you cut yourself down like that. I mean, seriously. And you really shagged him."

"Yes I did."

He smiled at her and she laughed. "You're terrible. Did you get his name?"

"Um..." He slid off the table, grabbing for her. Woozy still, but much better.

"No, yes, I mean he told me his name was Prince."

"Prince."

She pulled open the door, guiding him through. "Yeah. Not his real name, I assume. What did you tell him your name was?"

He grinned sheepishly. "Um, Superman."

"Superman?" Gwen burst out laughing.

"Hey what's so funny about that?"

"Nothing, you dork." She hugged him. "I think you're super. In fact I think it's brilliant he shagged you." She made a face. "You know what I mean."

"You don't know who he is either then?"

"No, the weird thing is, he and Rebecca don't know each other either. She met him at ASDA and invited him."

"A total stranger?"

"I know. I told her to kindly check with me before inviting strange men to my place, okay?" She sighed.

"What name did he give her?"

"Would you believe the idiot couldn't remember?" She grimaced. "She was disappointed when he left without saying goodbye.  I can't wait to tell her he shagged you instead of her."

He winced at that as they walked through the doors and outside. It had stopped drizzling thank goodness. "I'd rather you didn't. Let's just let it lie okay?"

Gwen nodded. "Okay, I don't blame you. Guess you didn't exchange numbers."

"No. I wish I knew his real name."

"You really liked him, huh?" He shrugged, though he figured his flushed face told her clearly enough. She looped her arm through his.

"I don't know, Merlin, I think Will didn't know what he had. You really are a Superman, shagging hot strangers."

He laughed, feeling better. Gwen always made him feel better. "I've missed you, you know."

She hugged his arm. "I've missed you, too." She grimaced. "I never understood why Will didn't like me--"

"I'm sorry." And he was. Will hadn't approved of any of his friends. "I'll do my best to make it up to you."

"You don't have to do that. You could let me come help you in the shop, though. It'd be fun."

"I can't pay you."

"That's okay, if you let me study while I'm there, I can at least give you a break now and then." She made a face, though Merlin noted the amusement in her eyes. "Lance always wants to talk and stuff from the second he gets home from work. I'm not getting anything done!"

"Regrets moving in together?"

Gwen grinned. "Absolutely none. Except for this."

"Okay, deal. It'll really help me. Thanks Gwen."

She smiled at him. "Besides, this way I can keep an eye you. Make sure no other monsters come out of the dark to chomp on you."

He said nothing, just nodded. He was so lucky to have Gwen as his best friend. He would make it up to her, too, for having cut her out so much while he was with Will. He vowed never, ever to let anyone he dated force him to do that.

They walked down the hallway--it was bustling, despite the late hour. Almost two a.m. now. He'd have a heck of a time getting up early for the shop, though he supposed the way his arm hurt, throbbed like a dozen banshees had danced on it, he could delay opening for a bit.

Gwen parked him on a bench. "Sit here, I'll go get the car."

"Thanks."

Merlin sat back with a sigh. Aching tiredness yanked him down further and he hunched into his coat, cradling his arm against his chest. A bit of blood had seeped through the bandages, bright red against the stark white of the gauze.

Whatever that thing was, it had sunk its claws and teeth into him with vengeance, leaving four puncture holes. What if it was a werewolf? The next full moon could prove problematical.

As he waited for Gwen, every monster from every comic book he'd ever read or held in his hands flitted through his mind but he kept going back to the nightmare-worthy Bloodmount. He shuddered, looked around himself warily, wondering if the monster lay in wait for Gwen, hidden behind that bush over there, or in the back of that lorry there.

He listened, tilting his head from side to side, letting go of his anxiousness enough to parcel out each sound, each whisper of the wind. But he heard nothing unusual; a car horn, people talking, the sounds from inside the hospital behind him. The start of Gwen's car.

He closed his eyes. He couldn't think about this anymore. What a perfectly shitty day. First waking up in the hotel to find a note of goodbye from Will-- and this after a particularly grand night of fucking. Goodbye fucks? Maybe, he tried to think, tried to remember how Will had acted... And couldn't.

He tried to think of something good, and it was Prince or whatever his name was who immediately came to mind. How beautiful he had been, how fucking hot, and sexy as hell, and damn, the bloke could kiss. Merlin's own experience had taken a tenfold leap just with one snog.

And then, the image of Prince play fighting drifted through his mind, but the wooziness returned then, a stark fuzziness and his mind drew a blank. He rubbed his temple, his head suddenly pounding again despite the drugs flitting through his body, playing havoc with his senses.  

Gwen pulled her car up to the kerb and got out. "You okay?" she asked worriedly as she hurried around the car. "Maybe you should come home with me."

Merlin pushed himself to his feet. "No, I'll go on home. My fish needs me."

"I'm sure Sammy will be fine another day."

"No Gwen, please. I want to go home."

"Okay, I understand. Come on let me help you." She opened the passenger side door and helped him in. "Can you buckle it yourself?"

"Yes, Mum."

"Hush, you. I can't help myself." She closed the car door and hopped around to her side and got in. Pulling out onto the street she glanced at him but he was tired of talking, tired of thinking. He wanted to go home and fall into a drug-induced sleep, forget about the weird, strange and wonderful frightening day.

* * *

A cold beer could make anything feel better, Merlin decided once Gwen had left him at last. Not that he was supposed to mix meds and alcohol, but right now? He didn't care.

After feeding Sammy, and grabbing a beer, he sat down at his computer, trying to keep the vast emptiness of the Will-less flat from creeping him over him. Or sending him down that rocky slide of depression threatening to open up its great big maw and suck him in. It all made him think about a Doctor Who episode--the emptiness of the flat like a giant black hole, ready to envelop him and send him off to places unknown.

It'd been hard to convince Gwen not to bother coming in with him. But he'd sent her off with a "hey, isn't Lance waiting for you?" reminder that made her brown eyes sparkle. He loved Gwen's eyes, but didn't want to see them directed at him, or looking around at the place still littered with Will's things. It was going to suck when Will came back and moved all his stuff out. There'd hardly be anything left but Merlin's own clothes, the bed, a couch and a lot of empty space.

Merlin's gaze fell back on his fish. Their fish. Will had bought it for him, because Merlin had wanted a pet. He thought it would be good for them, kinda like a couple adopting a child. Save the marriage? Merlin snorted at the thought.    

His laptop finally booted up. That was another thing he needed, a new laptop. But that wasn't going to happen, especially now Will was moving out. How he was going to pay both their parts of the bills, he didn't know.

He took a swig of the beer, welcoming the cold liquid and the warm rush. Unfortunately, he only had a couple more.

Turning his thoughts to his email (so much for keeping thoughts of Will from taking over) he opened it with sudden eagerness, hoping against hope that maybe Will had emailed him. But there was nothing from him, just an email from his mum, one from the Mermaid Quay management company (he wasn't late yet, at least not by much, he didn't think), several from his different email lists. Might as well check out the boards.

He switched tabs, yawning as he waited for his computer to catch up, then logged onto The Splash Page site. A quick glance down the forums showed the boys and girls had been busy without him. It would take forever to catch up.

A soft ping made his eyes flick to his mail box. He frowned. Odd. No one ever emailed him there.

The subject line stated: "Hey Zap don't delete me I swear I'm not selling Vi…a...gra."

Merlin grinned. Curious now, he opened the email, his eyes widening. "Oh," he said softly to the empty room. He glanced at his fish. "Oh!"

He clicked it open:

Hi there, Zap. I wanted you to know I enjoyed your thoughts in the Lit Comics, "Life Sucks" thread. That stroppy cow had it coming. If I'd known enough to articulately argue the merits of the case I would've joined in, but you took brilliant care of that one. I completely agree however the best action to take is to ignore those who think that's all that the works of artists like Chris Ware (who I happen to adore) are: they are anything but only depressing. People take things just too seriously, you know?

T his argument belongs right beside the old favourite "Superhero comics are just quasi-fascist male adolescent power fantasies". So what if they're, right? Nothing wrong with being able to control something in your life, I say. Esp. if it hurts no one.

Drop me a line, or not. But I hope you do. I like the way you think, Zap.

Happen to have a link to the article that started this discussion?

OneKnightStand

Merlin shook his head. OneKnightStand was relatively new to the Comix Box community, but Merlin had seen enough posts by OKS to know whoever this bloke was, he knew what he was talking about, and people admired him for it. A warm rush played through him and minding his aching hand--which he'd forgotten about for a moment thank goodness but now throbbed incessantly at him,

he replied, poking at the keys one-handed.

Thanks for the support, mate. There's nothing i hate worse than a know-it-all who knows nothing. I'd be happy to dig up that and send it to you. Email or here?

He hit send, then went onto the boards. He began to zip through the different threads, glad it was his left hand that was hurt, not his mouse hand. Not his drawing hand.

Not much was going on that night--even comic book nerds had the

occasional Saturday night date, he supposed. It happened. Glancing down at the "who's online" he was disappointed to see OneKnightStand wasn't around. He hopped over to his Twitter, scrolled down--even that was quiet tonight.

Everyone was busy but him, it seemed. He glanced at the clock and then realised with a sheepish grin what time it was. Three a.m. Great.

Turning off the computer, he went to the kitchen and poured out the rest of the beer, then with only a cursory attempt to brush his teeth, fell into bed. Sleep came slowly to him, and when it finally did it was of Prince brandishing a sword in the face of the meanest, toughest Bloodmount he'd ever seen, while Merlin stood to the side and zapped it with his superpowers.

Chapter Text

"Thank you for all your help," Arthur said as the realtor handed him the keys.

"You're welcome, Mr. Pendragon." The man smiled nervously, and pushed his glasses back up his nose. "It's always a pleasure doing business with the Pendragons. You'll enjoy Cardiff, I'm sure."

"I expect I will," Arthur said, flashing the man his usual businesslike smile. The realtor bobbed his head up and down then made for the door. "I can show myself out."

"Oh, yes, thank you sir. Of course. Have a good day."

Arthur picked up the folder full of his copies of the morning's transaction,

put them in his briefcase and closed it. With a last nod to the nervous man he left the office, fumbling for his mobile as he did so.

"Enjoy your day, Mr. Pendragon," the receptionist said and he nodded, rolling his eyes to himself as he caught her making hungry eyes at him.

Fortunately, there was an elevator waiting for him. He stepped on, glad to be alone at last. He couldn't wait to get out of there, away from the fawning, overzealous attention and unrelenting curiosity his unexpected appearance at the office had caused.

The decision had been a quick one. The moment he'd seen the For Sale or Lease sign posted on the empty building on the bay he'd known it was the perfect place for the newest Camelot Comics and Collectibles, that his father was right to send him to see it. Right in the heart of the busiest tourist area, the building crouched over the water, affording a splendid view with its all- glass exterior.

Tourists and locals kept the area hopping, and the lack of vehicle traffic appealed to him. People already on foot would likely dive in for a quick look, which would could end up in significant purchases. Plus, his favourite hamburger place would be a mere sixty seconds from his front door.

And, he had to admit as he made it to the street at last and loosened his confounded tie, there was the little matter of Superman. If blokes like him existed in Cardiff, he'd never lack for night-time entertainment. Maybe he would even be able to find the guy again, even if he had to go back to that couple's place and knock on their front door to ask.

His mobile rang. He glanced at it and grinned, answering. "Hello, gorgeous."

"Too bad I know you don't mean that, Pendragon," Morgana said. "When you coming back? Your father is driving me crazy, and is making me seriously reconsider that offer from Morgause."

Arthur laughed. "You wouldn't dare." Although he knew she would.

"Try me, Pendragon. So. Fill me in. How did it go?"

He pulled his keys out, hitting the key fob to open the Mercedes door. He pulled open the back and tossed his briefcase in, then closed it, and glanced around; it was a gorgeous day, no rain finally, and he didn't fancy returning to London just yet.

"Went well, very well. They accepted the counter-offer."

She whistled. "You shark, you. Fuck. This means you are abandoning me."

"You could come with me. I could use your charming demeanor at the front. The customers would love you."

"You want this to fail or succeed, Pendragon?"

Succeed. Oh hell yeah. "The old man still stroppy about me staying here?"

"Of course. He thinks you want to handle it yourself so you can succumb to a life of sleazy debauchery."

He thought of his escapade the night before. "He could be right."

She laughed. "Get out of here, Pendragon. Call me later. When you coming back?"

He stretched a little then headed down the street. "Tomorrow. Want to explore the local scene a bit, see what there is for fun around here."

"Investigate the competition, you mean."

"That too. Later."

"See ya."

He hung up, shoving his mobile back into his pocket, pulled it out and shut the ringer off. His father would no doubt pounce on Morgana the second he saw her, demand to know what he said, then call and ask him for every little detail. Arthur fully intended to tell his father--and then tell him once again this was going to be his baby, and no, he wasn't going to be talked out of it this time.

He'd let his father get away with yanking him away from Lyndhurst, but this was different. Cardiff was different. Wales was different, and he wished he knew why. Perhaps knowing his mum had been born here. This part of Wales called to him in a way no other place had, and he had to find out why.

Plus, there was the matter of the attacks he'd heard about. He wouldn't mind seeing a monster for himself, maybe even challenge one someday. Maybe then his swordsmanship lessons wouldn't be the waste his father had always claimed.

Arthur realised he'd come to the opening of a covered street filled with shops. The arcades--he of course knew Cardiff had its fair share of them, and, he realised, he was getting hungry. Plus, it would be nice to bring back Elena a gift. He was going to miss her fiercely. Hopefully he'd be able to convince at least a couple of employees to take the plunge and move with him.

The arcade he was strolling down was fairly empty--only a few customers, a young couple with a baby, a few teenage kids. He stopped them. "Hey, is there a comic book shop around here?"

One of the boys pushed back his slouchy hat and gave Arthur an appraising, amused look. Arthur groaned inside--he'd been like this kid once. "Yeah man, there's a couple places you can get them. You read comics?"

He smiled. "Looking for a present for my cousin."

"How old is he?"

"Thirteen," Arthur said. "About to be."

The other kid, who looked about that age, made a face. "You can try over at St. David's." At Arthur's blank look, the boy said patiently, pointing, "Over there. St. David's Shopping Centre. There's a bookshop has some."

"No man, he needs to go to Merlin's shop," slouchy-hat kid said. "He's got the good shit."

The articulate one nodded. "If you're looking for a lot of variety you might do better online. Merlin's got some good stuff though. He's down the other end of town at the quay."

"The quay?"

Slouchy-hat kid pointed roughly over his shoulder. "Yeah man, down at the bay. Can't miss it, place on the water by that stupid Ianto shrine shit."

Ianto shrine? Articulate kid smacked his mate on the arm. "No, it isn't there anymore. Merlin's I mean. He had to move, remember?"

"Where to?" Arthur said, his curiosity rising.  He'd thought there was only one comic book store in this city, and now he owned its former building. He hadn't realized the store hadn't closed completely.  "Is it that Warlock Comics? I thought it was once owned by a man named Gaius and he died."

"Yeah, old Gaius is dead. Merlin's got it now," Slouchy-hat kid said. "It's just a few doors down. Lot's smaller, but quality."

"Okay thanks. Appreciate it."

"No problem, mate. Merlin'll fix you up."

The two boys took off, leaving Arthur with his thoughts. Warlock Comics owned by a Merlin, like the most famous wizard of all time. Merlin, King Arthur's confidant.

Not for the first time, he found himself annoyed at his father's insistence on naming him after the legendary Arthur Pendragon. He'd been asked all his life if they were related. To a legend? Yeah right-- King Arthur had been just as real as unicorns were, though he realised some would argue unicorns had existed at one point. Or, at least in Canada.

He laughed at that thought.

Choosing a random shop he went in, browsed around a bit. This shop piqued his interest; it was full of imports from Germany, the Netherlands, Spain…all kinds of fascinating stuff. And sausages. He could find something for Elena here. He grabbed a basket, and stuffed it full of interesting things for her and some Ritter Sport for Morgana which, he knew, she'd smack him for but love anyway, and bought a pound of the best salami he'd ever tasted in his life.

As he had with the boys, he asked the clerk if she knew of a comic book place nearby. "I need a gift for my nephew. He loves comics."

The woman grinned broadly, smacking her hands together. "Of course! Here, wait a minute," she said, opening her register and lifting the drawer. She pulled out a yellow card and handed it to him. "Here you go. Call him."

The him of course was Merlin. The card was yellow--cheap cardstock, but bright and catchy. Warlock Comics, his name, first name only though.

Merlin, and his phone number. "May I keep this?"

"Of course. I'll get more from him. Go see Merlin. He'll take care of your nephew." She beamed at him. "Have a good day now, and come back."

"Oh, I will, thank you."

He wanted to ask more but other customers waited. He slid the card into his wallet and, sausage and presents in hand, left the shop.

He went several other places, and no matter where he went, he got the same response. Merlin! Warlock Comics! He's the best! No one better! He can find anything. He's the nicest bloke ever to walk the surface of the planet! We adore him so much, always doing things for the community. 

Every shop left he was more burdened by packages, and more burdened by guilt. By the time he made it back to his hotel room and dropped the bags and boxes and parcels on the other bed, he was exhausted both mentally, and in his heart. He had to face facts; the people of Cardiff were going to hate him. 

* * *

Fucking seagulls Merlin thought as he groaned and rolled over in his bed, immediately yelping as he rolled on his arm. Hissing, he rolled back onto his back, mortifying hot tears sliding down his face. He cradled his hand to his chest, taking deep breaths until the throbbing quieted to slightly less than level ten.

The night before all rushed back to him. Prince, the party before, the attack by the monster--it was a monster--the hospital. Will. Turning his head in the pillow he fought back the panic and grief.

He rose, exhausted still, his hand aching horribly and, brilliant, his other arm as well. Already ten-thirty? Good thing he'd set opening time for noon. He needed to get a shower, eat something and choke down some pain pills but as he stood in the bathroom, staring bleary-eyed at his reflection, he didn't know how in the hell he was going to make it to work. How he was going to make it at all.

"Depressing much?" he muttered to himself. After a brief struggle he managed to peel his boxers off, and turn on the shower. He thought about stepping into it cold, but he didn't have that big of a death wish.

Washing oneself and one's own hair with one good hand was interesting. He closed his eyes, letting the hot water sluice over him, cranking it up to the point of barely being able to stand it. Resting his bandaged hand on the rail as out of the way as he could get it, he dipped his head down under the water, gasping at the heat. He grasped his cock and ran his hand up and down the shaft, thumbing the tip, playing with his foreskin. He imagined it was Prince's hand and upped the tempo, groaning into the rhythm and coming quickly despite the throbbing in his hand, and his arm where he'd got the shot.

Fumbling with his good hand he turned off the water and dropped his hurt hand to his chest, stumbling almost as he leaned against the shower wall. Fuck. Prince was going to fuel his fantasies for a long time to come.

He'd finally managed to get out of the shower and pull on his Superman boxers--with only the slightest of smirks--and some shorts when his front doorbell rang. His hair was still wet so he grabbed a towel and rubbed it over his head. The shower had helped, as had the wank.

With a sigh he went to the front door and opened it, seeing exactly who he'd expect to see. Ms. Alice, neighbourhood busy-body and treat lady. All the kids in the neighbourhood loved her. She'd also been Gaius's closest friend and, he suspected, Gaius had asked her to keep an eye on him.

He liked her too--she never batted an eyelash about he and Will, her nosiness kept crime down on the street, and whenever he'd been sick she was always ready with her chicken and lime soup. It was magical.

She stood on the front stoop in a housecoat, and even held a covered bowl. His stomach growled--she must've heard already about Will somehow, which wasn't unexpected. He swore she could read minds. However, what was unexpected was the dog sitting behind her. A very large black dog.

Monstrous, even.

Big enough to have been the dog who'd been there the night before.

"Hello Ms. Alice, how can I help you?" he asked, staring in confusion at the dog. "That dog, is he yours?"

"Merlin! I heard about Will, dear…" Her eyes lit on his bandaged hand, and widened. "Darling boy, what happened?"

Merlin leaned against the door jamb, feeling a bit woozy. "Got into a bit of trouble last night. I'm okay. Just a little sick."

"What happened? You can tell me."

He hesitated, then thought why not? If Gaius were still alive, he would've told him, and Ms. Alice would've been there to help Gaius to reason it through, make sense. "It's nothing, really. Just a few stitches."

Her look was penetrating. Eyes half-hooded, she looked him over then slowly. "Well, I have just the thing for you. I made you some soup. Let me put it in the kitchen for you and you can tell me."

"There's not much to tell," he said, though his stomach roiled in protest.

She brushed past him. He glanced back at the dog; it thumped its tail. He followed after Ms. Alice but left the door open as the kitchen was a straight shot from the front door. "Ms. Alice, first, about the dog--"

"Oh yes dear. He was sitting there this morning," she said, pulling a pot out from beneath his cabinet. "He's a Newfoundland. My aunt had several.

Sweet dogs, but quite protective if they so choose to be." She poured the soup into the pot; Merlin nearly fainted, it smelled so delicious. Vegetables and big chunks of chicken, the aroma making his mouth water and his stomach growl. She glanced at him and smiled. "Would you like some now? It's still hot."

"Yes, definitely."

"I thought so."

So, the dog was a Newfoundland. He'd never seen one, except in photos. The beast was as big as a pony. It had to have been what helped him the night before.

"He was just sitting there?" The oddness of that made his stomach leap. He hoped the monster that had attacked him and Robby wasn't out there, too.

She pulled a mug out of the cabinet--how did she know where they were kept?--and made him a mug, handing it to him. "Here you go dear. That will set you to right. Eat on that all day today and get some rest." She patted his arm.

"Is he friendly?"

"I should say so. He's the sweetest thing. Someone had to have lost him, maybe while walking him?" She indicated the trailing leash.

"What about tags?"

"I'm not sure. All that fur!" She laughed, then shook his head. "He must be lost. Poor thing. He's a dirty thing too. I'll put the rest of this in your fridge." He watched, wincing a bit as she took in the distinct lack of anything but condiments and a near-empty jar of jam. She said nothing though.

Merlin ate the rest of his soup while Ms. Alice rinsed out her pot. "This is delicious," he said, and it was of course.

"What happened with you and Will, dear?"

He shrugged. "I-- He wants to stay in London. He's tired of Cardiff." Tired of me.

She sighed. "I'm not surprised. Well, Merlin. I believe you will be fine. Now, tell me about what happened last night, and let's see if that dog has tags."

"It may have to do with him," Merlin said. "It is a him?"

"He lifts his leg to pee so I believe so, yes."

Merlin chuckled. Feeling much better thanks to the soup--he did wonder what she put in it to make even the pain in his arm stop throbbing so merrily-- he went back outside, stopping a few paces in front of the dog. It thumped its tail, its mouth open, lolling, red tongue hanging out. Sitting down, the dog's head was level with his shoulder. It was huge. But, not menacing at all.

"No, but it was there, I think," he said wonderingly. He reached out with his good hand and scratched the dog's head. It sat still, its odd golden-brown eyes watching him, waiting. "Strange eyes."

"They are a bit unusual," she said, brushing the fringe back to see better. "You have pretty eyes, don't you boy." The dog woofed, thumped his tail. "You're a smart one, aren't you?"

"He's not anyone's around here?"

"No, not at all. I believe I would've heard of a dog his size roaming around."

"Yeah. Something like this, a person would see easily." It had to be the same dog. He ran his hand over the dog's massive head, making a face as a bit of drool escaped its mouth. Brilliant, a slobbery dog. "You saved us, didn't you fellow?" he said softly, digging his fingers into the dog's fur in a futile search for tags.

Ms. Alice knelt down, brushing her hand down the dog's side, then pointing to his feet. Merlin couldn't bend down without making his head woozy but the dog, eerily sensing what he wanted, lifted its paw.

"He's been in a fight," Ms. Alice said.

Sure enough, the dog's paw--easily as big as Merlin's spread-out hand--was caked in mud and what he suspected was blood. He shook his head. The whole thing happened so fast, he barely remembered this guy's presence, but it was him. Definitely him.

"Who are you, fella?" Merlin asked him. "Why were you there last night?"

The dog slurped his face in answer, then quicker than Merlin could move to block him. The dog bounded past them and ran into Merlin's front room. "Hey, now," he said, following after the dog, Ms. Alice following after him. "Close the door," he said and she did so. Now where did he go?

Merlin looked around the living room--no dog. They went into the kitchen, still no dog. Ms. Alice was at the bottom of the first flight of stairs. "Dog, you up there?" she called. Merlin joined her and headed up the stairs.

"Dog, where are you? Come here, boy." The dog appeared and ran up to Merlin. "You can't stay here. Where's your family?"

The dog of course didn't answer, but shook his head, the shake shimmying clear down to the tip of his tail. The trailing leash was gone.

"Sit, boy," Merlin said. The dog sat obediently, watching him, his head cocked to the side. "Okay don't move," Merlin said, then moved past the dog, looking into what was now Will's office but, he guessed, was destined for something else. The leash wasn't in there. Ms. Alice joined him, going into the bathroom. He went into their bedroom--his, now--and didn't see the leash there, either.

Rejoining Ms. Alice and the obediently waiting dog, he shook head at him. "What am I to do with him?"

The dog shook its head, inching closer to Merlin, his paws dancing and then stilling. Merlin laughed.

"I think he wants to stay with you, Merlin."

"He has to belong to someone. He's too fit, and that collar is..." He brushed aside the rich fur, and frowned. The collar was rough leather, filthy and worn, and tight on the dog's neck. Merlin got down to his knees, and fumbled with the clasp. "Can you help me?" he said in disgust. His fingers were swelling, he realised. Damn.

"Of course." The dog wagged its tail at her as she joined Merlin on the floor. She peered at the buckle. "Goodness, this looks as old as me," she said, frowning as she tugged on it. "It's swollen tight." She tugged again and the dog groaned. It clearly hurt him.

"Easy mate," Merlin said, standing up. "I'll cut it off. Be right back."

He went into the office and scrounged around Will's desk, his thoughts racing. That dog had been out there the night before, had witnessed what had happened. His injuries looked just like the one on his own hand--like he'd been clawed. Or bitten with very big teeth. He found the scissors and rejoined them.

"Okay let's see if we can convince him to lay down for us--" Merlin stopped in his tracks as the dog immediately lay down and onto his side, neck stretched out. "Wow. Smart dog," Merlin said. He knelt beside the dog again--damn, that thing was huge. He'd never seen such a big dog in person before. "He must weigh at least fourteen stone."

"Closer to fifteen, I suspect."

He wondered how much he'd cost to feed. "Easy boy," he said, laying his injured hand gingerly on the dog's neck. "Lay still for me."

The dog panted, but lay still. Merlin smiled briefly at Ms. Alice; she raised an eyebrow, and smiled. "He obeys his master."

Merlin shook his head, but still smiling carefully slid the scissors between the dog's neck and the evil collar. He tried to cut it normally but immediately it was clear that would not work. If Ms. Alice hadn't been there, he'd magic it off, but she watched too intently. So he cut at the collar's edge, finally slicing a little. It took a few more minutes of scissoring at the thick, old leather to get it off the dog's neck, but when it was gone the dog groaned, thumped

his tail and stretched, then rolled on his back.

When he did so, Ms. Alice gasped. "Oh sweetheart," she said, touching his neck. "Someone treated you badly, didn't they? Poor thing."

"Damn," he said, moving aside the threadbare fur to expose the red, angry skin. "Whoever did this to him, what a fucking bastard." He glanced at Ms. Alice. "Sorry."

"It's all right, I feel the same." She pushed herself up off the ground, grumbling. "This getting old is for the birds, dear. You must keep him, Merlin."

"Me?" he said, though he knew that he'd already decided this dog wasn't going anywhere. "What would I do with a dog?"

The dog lifted his head and got up, shaking himself, then sat beside Merlin, leaning against him. The solid weight made Merlin smile. He wrapped his arm around the dog.

"That's what you do with him. I think he needs to see a vet, though."

Everything crashed for Merlin then. How would he pay for a vet? "I... I guess so."

Ms. Alice, astute as ever, shook her head. "Okay forget that then. I have something that will help that neck of his. I'll go fetch it." She moved past Merlin and the dog.

"That would great," Merlin said, petting the dog. Said dog licked his hand. Merlin followed after Ms. Alice down the stairs, taking care not to trot his usual trot as his hand was throbbing. "I really appreciate it."

She reached the bottom, and the door. She looked past Merlin and up the stairs where the dog waited obediently. Or Merlin thought it was obediently.

"You know, it was an odd thing, Merlin. He was waiting for you to open the door. It was almost like he already knew he belonged here. Maybe he followed you home last night?"

Merlin looked back up the stairs at the giant dog. "No, I'd gone to hospital, came from there."

She shook her head. "Well, you're sure you don't mind--"

"No, no I don't," he said, following her out the door.

"I'll be right back shortly with the salve. It may take me a bit--"

"Thanks. That'd be fine."

She smiled, then waved at the dog and headed off. Merlin followed out to the sidewalk, his bare feet cold on the pavement. A few gulls squawked loudly at him and flapped away. Turning around, Merlin called out.

"Here boy, come here."

Sure enough, the dog came downstairs, but did not cross the threshold. He sat down just inside the doorway, and thumped his tail. With a sigh Merlin joined him, ruffling his fur. "What am I going to call you?" he said to the dog. Merlin headed back inside. He was terrible at naming things--that's how his fish had ended up named Sammy. Will was a huge Supernatural fan. Walking over to his books Merlin picked up one, flitting through it. Nothing leaped out of him as a good possibility, so he went to his computer to look for an idea.

A quick check of Comix Box showed OneKnightStand hadn't written back. Disappointed, he scrolled through the forum, not finding anything interesting, then closed that and poked around on his computer before giving up, and getting up again. He sighed as he looked at all of the stuff Will had left in the room and would have to eventually haul off. Books, magazines, though no comics as Will didn't like them much.

But he had liked models. Getting up, Merlin stepped over the giant dog who had made himself quite at home.  He and found himself drawn to one of a model of a Klingon starship.  Will gave it to Merlin when they'd first met on the U.S.S. Kilgharrah rpg game boards.

He paused, said, "Kilgharrah."

The dog bolted to his feet--as fast as a dog that big could bolt--and, feet planted, cocked his head at Merlin.

"Kilgharrah?" The dog snorted, took a step closer to Merlin. He grinned. "Okay then. Well Kilgharrah, I don't know where you're from, but I bet you're hungry." And dirty, though he had no idea how to clean the dog short of stuffing him in the shower, which he couldn't do with his hand bandaged.

Merlin headed for the kitchen, Kilgharragh padding after him. He opened the freezer, and looked inside. He smiled. There wasn't much in the fridge, but there was a package in the freezer, wrapped in paper--the two steaks Will had bought a couple weeks before. "Perfect," Merlin said to the dog, then shook his head. "Guess we're both eating good tonight, yeah?" 

Chapter Text

A few days later, Merlin hurried through the rain down James Street toward the quay, backpack slung over one shoulder. It was early yet, and a Saturday; few others were about. He normally liked early mornings in Cardiff, the peacefulness of his daily walk, but he'd not had enough sleep, his hand ached from the weather, and he'd run out of coffee at home.

Kilgharrah pulled Merlin forward, sending jolts of fire through his sore hand and nearly sending them both tumbling onto the slick pavers.

"Hey now, watch it." He glared at the dog, shaking his hand. "That hurt."

Kilgharrah dropped his head down, tail drooping. Merlin transferred the leash to his better hand and gripped it more firmly. He ruffled the giant dog's ears.

"Stop moping. Come on, then. Let's get out of this rain." More sedate now, Kilgharrah strolled beside him. "That's better. Good boy." Kilgharrah perked up, nuzzled at his fingers. The dog's ability to understand Merlin continued to both amaze and confound him.

He'd definitely helped make the first days without Will much more bearable as had the occasional email from OneKnightStand. He smiled. Merlin's damp trainers squelched, rainwater soaking straight through to his socks. He could already feel a blister rubbing. Brilliant. Should've stuck the trainers on the radiator overnight.

Except it'd been another late night of gaming, and he'd not had the heart to kick the lads out at midnight like usual. It'd been quarter past two before he'd closed up the shop, stumbled home, walked and fed Kilgharrah who, thanks to the kindness of Ms. Alice, was not going to go hungry--nor was he--kicked off his sopping trainers, and fallen, still clothed, onto his unmade bed. He hadn't even the energy to pull out his laptop and check his email, much less lift his shoes up off the floor.

Deciding on going the back way, he rounded the corner onto Adelaide, giant black dog trotting ahead as if he knew exactly where they were going.

Maybe he did. Merlin hoped he'd behave at the shop; the landlady's request for access that morning to his flat had startled him, so he'd had no choice but to bring the dog. Why he'd instinctively preferred to keep him hidden he couldn't explain. Hopefully she wouldn't see any dog hair, or look in the freezer and find all the steaks and hamburger in there (and wonder why he hadn't paid his rent yet).

Merlin dropped the leash over the dog's back; Kilgharrah turned to look at him, but with a wag of his tail kept on going. With a shrug Merlin followed, hopping up on the kerb. Leashes were useless with Kilgharragh but he knew they'd better keep up appearances. A cloud let loose a torrent of rain as he neared the carpark. He whistled for Kilgharrah as he ran for cover.

The dog bounded into the garage and began sniffing along the cars. Merlin glared at the sky; it'd be brilliant if the storms would quit being so stroppy and just leave. He was sick of endless sopping shoes, clinging trousers, and bad hair.

He ran his hand over his head, the too-long strands he'd barely run a comb through after a quick shower. Not that he really cared how ratty his hair became now. Kilgharrah woofed at a seagull strutting between two cars, distracting him from the dark turn of his thoughts. He snapped his fingers at Kilgharrah, impressed but not surprised when the giant dog trotted back to him, leash trailing.

He adjusted the backpack on his shoulder, which made him think of his laptop tucked safely inside, which in turn made him remember he'd not yet checked his mail that morning. He smiled, anticipation speeding his steps. An email could be waiting for him, even now.

They crossed the street, and entered Mermaid Quay, the shops on either side of them still dark. The rain picked up suddenly, heavy fat drops, running in cold rivulets down his neck. But instead of hurrying as they reached the end of the corridor he paused on the same spot as he always did, or had at least these last six months.

The correct path was to turn left now, go down the other corridor of shopfronts that made up the quay shopping centre, and to the last door on the right where Warlock Comics now resided. His heart, on the other hand, wanted very much for him to step forward, to continue to the dock, across the bridge and into the now-dark building that crouched over the bay.

That building wasn't dark because of the time of day. It was dark because it had once been his, and was no longer. It stood empty, a monument to his personal apocalypse. He'd had no choice but to give it up. It was either that or lose the business completely, and that he couldn't bear. It'd been Gaius's shop before he'd passed it on to Merlin, and Merlin would do anything to keep Warlock Comics open.

He couldn't stand this. He looked away, down at the dog waiting patiently beside him.

"Come on, Kilgharrah." He broke into a run, leaving the old shop and those regrets behind. The dog galloped beside him, tail wagging furiously, tongue lolling. They reached the shop door and Merlin slapped it. "Beat you." Kilgharrah pranced beside him and barked.

They were both soaked. He shook his head; Kilgharrah took that as a signal to shake too, sending water droplets all over Merlin's trousers. "Hey watch it, yeah? No biscuits for you now." Kilgharrah wagged his tail, brown eyes adoring. He ruffled the dog's ears. "Just kidding, mate. Come on."

He pulled his keys from his pocket. Inserting the key in the lock, Merlin pushed open the door, waved Kilgharrah in and locked the door behind them. He leaned against it, allowing himself a simple moment to look around his shop. His comic kingdom. He loved this place, even now that he'd had to pare down and squish too much stuff into too small a space, metal had replaced the custom wood shelving, and the only view he had now was Tesco's front entrance.

It was his, still his.

He rubbed his aching hand, letting his backpack slide to the floor. He opened it, pulled out a t-shirt and after rubbing it over his own head, crouched next to Kilgharrah and dried him off as much as he could until the shirt was soaked. The second he stopped, Kilgharrah shook himself again, fortunately not over everything.

Merlin unclipped the leash. "Lift your leg on anything, I'll turn you into a snail." Kilgharrah licked his hand, making Merlin smile.

Something rustled behind one of the book stands in the back, then fell, and a "Shitbears!" in a high voice made him grimace. Kilgharrah whined. He stood, flipped on the lights. A stowaway, and he knew exactly who it was. Kilgharrah whined again, whipped his head from Merlin to the back room, paws prancing.

"Go on, get her," Merlin said with a wave and watched the giant dog, tail wagging, take off for the back room, weaving between the displays and comic stands without disturbing anything. He was a natural. Waiting for the inevitable shrieks of protest, Merlin grabbed his backpack, picked up a cup someone had left on a shelf, and headed behind the counter to find an empty rubbish bag. Scuffling noises came from the back room, some boxes fell, and Merlin winced.

"Hey, watch it, yeah? Merlin!?"

"The one and only."

Kilgharrah barked, and a shriek made him grin. A peal of laughter rang through the shop. He turned on the radiator, wishing Starbucks would hurry and open. He toed off his trainers, setting them on top of the radiator; by noon, they might be dry if he was lucky.

"Stop licking me! I'm getting up, dog. Stop it. Merlin make him stop!"

"Would you prefer the stocks?" Merlin called out as a sheepish young girl emerged from the back, Kilgharrah mouthing her fingers, tail waving. "Where were you hiding, Ellie?" he asked as he pulled out his computer and set it on the counter. He flexed his hand; two more days and he could get his stitches out. He was so ready.

She wouldn't meet his eyes. "Behind, you know, those character things?"

"Cardboard cut outs."

"Yeah, the ones in the back, the really old ones. You should throw those away."

Merlin huffed at that, but let just enough of a smile escape that she'd see. "Don't be messing with my Prince Valiant."

She rolled her eyes. "You're silly."

"A bit," he agreed, which made her smile despite a determined effort not to. He caught her eye; she held his gaze, then looked back at Kilgharrah.

His eyes skated over her pinched, dirt-smudged face, the dark circles beneath her eyes. He bit back his anger. Her long ginger hair, sleep-tousled, and rumpled over-sized jumper couldn't hide the truth from him. Her mam's penchant for shoving her only child out on the streets to fend for herself was getting more frequent. Until now, it hadn't been overnight. As far as he knew, anyway.

"Your mum will be worried."

Ellie bent down and kissed Kilgharrah. "Mam told me find somewhere else to stay, she had business to tend to."

"Business?"

Ellie glanced at him but turned back to petting the dog. Merlin stared at her blue varnished nails, bitten to the quick. "Getting pissed, yeah?" She shrugged. "She went out with Charlie last night. He doesn't like me and would kick me out anyway. Gave me a tenner and told me to get out."

Fucking bastard. "Charlie her boyfriend now?"

She shrugged. "I guess."

Merlin yanked a box of game cards off the shelf and thumped it on the counter. It shouldn't be hard to find out who this Charlie was. Then do what? Merlin ripped the box open, slamming each pack onto the counter. Eleven-years-old was too young to be getting kicked out to fend for oneself.

He'd contacted social services, but they'd told him they'd get back to him. The third time he'd called them, he was told it was none of his business. But Ellie's belief in him made it his business.

What if that monster got her? He wouldn't be able to stand it if that happened, though there'd been no reports of any other attacks, though Merlin thought they would. And, Robby had said he didn't remember anything. Merlin couldn't believe that but was grateful nonetheless; at least he'd remembered nothing about what Merlin had done.

"Who is he?" Ellie asked, hopping up on the counter and presumably out of the persistent dog's reach. Undeterred, Kilgharrah was so tall all he had to do was stretch his head a bit to nose at the girl. She bent her face down and he slurped, just missing her.

"Kilgharrah. He's…staying with me for a bit."

"He's cute. And so big! A shop puppy. It's be brilliant. He could stay here and guard it all night."

"Keep out vagrants, yeah. You see how good he is at that. This one didn't chase you out, did he?" He smiled at her expression. He stuffed a rubbish bin bag into her hand. "Earn your keep. Help me clean up. You do the back, I'll clean up here."

"Okay." She took the bag as she hopped down.

"And next time you need somewhere to go? Come to the house." He glanced at his watch and pulled a tenner from his wallet. He grimaced. It was a little frivolous, but he doubted Ellie had eaten, and the kid loved coffee as much as he did. "Finish that, then run over to Starbucks and grab us some coffee and rolls. They'll be open in a bit."

She snatched the money and stuffed it in her pocket. "Okay. Come on, Kilgharrah. You can help too."

Merlin began to whistle as he walked around the front, gathering up stray cups, straightening up the comic racks. He thumbed through a stack of recently acquired bagged-and-boarded 1980's Spiderman comics noting at least one, maybe two were missing. No matter. If he could find a collector to buy them, he'd have extra money in the bank for a while. He sorely needed that.

Locked away in the safe was his prize possession: an original Action Comics #1. It'd been Gaius's before him, given to him before he'd passed away. He'd wanted Merlin to sell it, but he couldn't, just couldn't. No matter what happened, no matter how much money it would bring, parting with that comic would be like cutting the best part of his life away. Besides, he didn't need to be rich to be happy. It'd be nice to be a little less poor though.

Will's voice fussed at him in his mind. You give those kids too much. It was your own fucking fault you lost the old shop. You're going to lose more than that if you don't get it together and stop with the freebies.

Will was right of course, though he hadn't been imagining then that Will had been referring to Merlin maybe losing him. Will hadn't understood about the comic book's true value, just that it had Superman on the cover. Merlin had never told Will how valuable it was, as he knew he would never hear the end of it from Will.

It didn't take long to finish up; all he needed now was to sweep. First though, email. With a quick glance toward the back to make sure Ellie was still hard at work he settled on his stool behind the counter.

He rubbed his palms down his jeans and opened his mail. Scrolling through the usual; an email from Elyan wondering if he wanted to catch a movie, one from his mum letting him know she'd had a grand time in London with her friends--that made him smile, and she would love Kilgharragh, he was sure--and an email from Will. He didn't open that one.

Below that one was what he'd been hoping for. Merlin's heart raced and he glanced guiltily to the back, then shifted nervously before finally, with a deep breath, opened the email from OneKnightStand.

To: SorcererSupreme

From: OneKnightStand

Hey there, Zap. Why did you change your name, anyway? I like it. We really should meet, you know.

Merlin shifted nervously at that.

No, I'm serious. I can see you sitting there in your kitchen on this fine Saturday morning (and yes, never mind I am writing this the night before. You won't see this until Saturday unless you're one of those Nightcrawler types...

Nightcrawler types? Not hardly, though the Soulsword could be an explanation for why weird things were happening to him, he supposed. He stared out the shop window.

Or maybe you were out on a date with a hot London bloke, in town to wallow with the Welsh and have a pint of Brains. Do you like that stuff? My sister loves it which is strange as I thought her classier than that.

Never, ever tell her I said that, I'd deny it to my grave. You'd like her. She's tough as nails and has a big heart, always wanting to take in the strays and save the world especially if she can kick a few blokes in the ass in the process (and date the hot ones). I imagine you're like that.  See a lost kitten, dry its fur and feed it liver pate, then out you'd go, kick a few rowdy blokes in the arse before going in to watch the telly. Picked up that copy of The Day of the Triffids yet? Just say the word and I'll bring it to you. We could watch it together. Or not watch it, together. I'd like either. Both, preferably.

He closed his eyes for a moment. Oh man. He wasn't even sure how or when or even why things had slid into flirting. He didn't recall ever saying oh by the way, I'm gay, you? But yeah, it'd happened. Somehow.

Anyway, I'm serious, we should meet. Soon. We could meet first in public, if you'd like. I'd buy you that pint. Someday you're going to say enough for me to find you, you know. Wales isn't that big, and not that far from London. I'm a patient man, and usually get what I want. You ARE Welsh, right? Or were you trying for that ol" distract-em decoy tactic?

Well, got to run. My sis is leaving early today, has a date, right nice bloke though a bit on the daft side. I think she likes her men stupid. She is a control-freak, honestly. So I'll be staying late to finish up the packing. We're moving to new offices soon. You do realise it is inevitable we will meet, yeah? Just a matter of time, Zap. Can't stay so cryptic forever you know.

Merlin blinked at the computer. Sucked in his breath. Oh shit. OneKnightStand wouldn't be up yet. Merlin still cursed himself that he'd accidentally let slip he was Welsh.

OneKnightStand had pounced on that, hell he'd pounced on everything Merlin said, and now assumed he was in Wales somewhere. He still wasn't sure how it had happened, what he had said or done or how he'd indicated he was remotely interested... They'd met on a comics forum, for Chrissakes.

He wasn't ready for this.

He rubbed his hands on his jeans, closed his eyes and let out his breath. Kilgharrah had settled near the front of the door, stretched out to wait for her. Watchdog. Good.

Raising his hands over the keyboard, he struggled to find the right words. He wasn't sure he was ready to meet, would ever be ready to meet, should even be thinking about meeting anyone new yet. Merlin figured OneKnightStand would be more than that.

He groaned, leaned back in the chair, rubbed his chin and glared at the monitor. Flicked a glance at Kilgharrah; no movement there. If he responded now, it would be impossible to say no to OneKnightStand later. He should just ignore it, just delete the email and be done with it. Will would be back soon. He would realise London was not for him and come back and find a job at... Tescos or something. He snorted at that. Right.

He wasn't sure he even wanted Will back anymore. His finger hovered over the touchpad.

If he didn't just ignore it, then... Merlin hit reply. I'll think about it.

"That's not want I meant to write." Kilgharrah woofed next to him, startling him. He hadn't even seen the dog move. "Some watch dog, leaving your post." He reached down and scratched the black dog's ears. "This is insane." Kilgharrah wagged his tail. "You think I should do it, don't you." The tail wagged harder and Kilgharrah woofed loudly--a deep, throaty woof that startled him. "Okay, okay. Fine."

OneKnightStand was used to getting what he wanted, he expected, and for some reason, he wanted Merlin.

And for some reason, he wanted OneKnightStand. At least to meet him. Bloody insane.

Hey. Brains is all right. I'm partial to Wye Valley though. Sorry to disappoint, no London bloke in my life. Not anyonein my life except my dog. Hope you like dogs. A LOT of dog. He's a Newfoundland and pretty sure he weighs more than me.

I have two co-workers, one is Gwen. Well, she really isn't a co-worker, she's a friend. Pretty much my best friend. She's been helping out here for kicks. She goes on a lot, mostly about her beautiful boyfriend Lance. He works at Brains which is great as we get free beer (so if you ever meet him, don't tell him what I said up there, yeah?). She's working on her thesis on Medieval Women artists, which I'm positive she's been working on since we met two years ago.  

The other is Gwaine. He doesn't do anything, really, except work here and hunt the bars for his next lay. That's pretty rude, yeah? Straight, in case you were wondering. He's honestly a talented artist, and would probably get somewhere with it if he'd stop getting pissed every night. He'll probably come in half-pissed still. Don't know why the Boss puts up with it.

I'm at work now actually. I know, early, but Saturdays are busy days here, and I worked late last night so when you wrote that, I was passed out. Still feel passed out. I need caffeine. I've sent my servant girl to fetch coffee fortification. Not Gwen, this is a kid who hangs out here rather than deal with crap at home. Her situation really gets to me.

No, I haven't watched Triffids yet. Had to order it from Amazon. I can't believe you get into those old movies. Did you know it was a book first? I ordered that too.

Bette r get to work. Boss gets stroppy over laziness. Bastard.

Yeah, I'm really Welsh.

"And a chickenshit," he muttered as he hit send.

Ellie wandered back in, dragging a full bag behind her. She dropped it onto the floor. Kilgharrah sniffed it. "All done."

"Starbucks should be open now."

"Cafe Americano? Venti?"

His mouth quirked. "Yup, and get me whatever muffin they have, yourself something. There's an umbrella around here somewhere." He looked beneath the cabinet, pushing stuff around the shelves.

"I'm okay. What about Kilgharrah?"

"He has his own biscuits."

"Can I feed them to him?"

"Sure." She started to walk toward the door, Kilgharrah following. "No Kilgharrah," he said. The dog turned his head and looked at him.

She bent down and patted Kilgharrah on the head. "Sorry boy, you have to stay here." She glanced at Merlin, then whispered to the dog, "I'll bring you back a cookie. Promise." She slipped out the shop, almost successfully hiding her smile.

Merlin opened the blinds, cut open the latest delivery of comics (pausing before setting them out himself, Ellie might enjoy doing that), and straightened a few of the racks still in disarray from the night before all the while glancing back at the computer, waiting for the tell-tale ding that signaled new mail. Lastly, he grabbed the broom. He whistled to himself as he swept, snorting at himself for pausing, listening, then with a shrug continuing his chore.

The front door swung open. "Hey Boss, sorry I'm late," Gwen said as she stepped into the shop, rain dripping from her pink plaid raincoat. She pulled it off and hung it up, on the coat hanger. A loud ding sounded from his computer.

Merlin darted to the counter, and shut its lid. "What?" He ran his hand through his hair, eased onto the stool and hoped she hadn't noticed. He grinned at her. "You're late?" He glanced at his watch. It was ten after nine. "No worries." She looked at him curiously but he ignored her. "No problem. It's going to be a long day. At least one of us got extra sleep."

"You okay, Merlin?"

His gaze had strayed to the computer. He flashed a guilty smile at her. "Fine. I'm fine." Had he written back already?

Gwen eyed him, but thankfully nodded to Kilgharrah asleep on the floor. "And there's our big boy." She unzipped her backpack, pulled out her name tag and put it on, then crouched down and stroked Kilgharrah's face. "You are a big fellow. Who's the good boy?" Kilgarrah's tail thumped.

"Gwen--" He cleared his throat.

She was still petting the dog, and looked up. She frowned. "What's wrong?"

"I'm pretty certain he's the dog, Gwen. The dog that saved me and Robby."

She paused and looked down at the dog, then took his massive head between her hands. He made a soft woof at her, then shook his head. Or rather, nodded. "Wow." She straightened, laughing, but nervously. She glanced up at him. "Why didn't you say that before now?"

He shrugged.  "I didn't want you to laugh at me."

The look she gave him was exasperated. "Merlin. You were hurt. I trust you.  Look at him. He wants me to believe it too."

"It happened, Gwen. I swear it did."

"I believe you. But are you sure he was there? It's just that--"

"What?"

She ran her hand down the dog's head. "Newfies are supposedly gentle, aren't they?"

"I looked it up. They can be protective."

She took a step back and watched as the dog settled back onto the floor, taking up his considerable space. "You're keeping him, aren't you?"

"I want to," he said. And not just because the dog was a nice dog. There was something about him--the obedience, the intelligence, it was like nothing he'd ever seen. There was a reason for him to be there. "It sounds crazy, but I think it's important I keep him."

"But how much does he eat?"

"You mean, how can I afford to feed him?" He wasn't sure. "Ms. Alice has been helping."

She smiled at that. "I think she and Gaius were sweet on each other."

"Probably. She keeps bringing food over for us both."

"How's your hand?"

"Pretty good. I got my stitches out Tuesday." He got up from behind the counter and walked to the front door. He opened it slightly, looked out the bay. Ellie was headed for him, glanced up before dropping her head back down to watch her feet. Her steps quickened; she held two venti cups, and a bag was tucked under her arm.

Gwen came up behind him and glared at the sky. "Sucky day."

Merlin shrugged, opened the door wider for Ellie. A few raindrops plunked on his hand. "Oh, I don't know, it's a rather lovely day, I think."

"Lovely?"

"Why not lovely? Can't a rainy day be lovely? I like rain."

She looked down at his socked feet. "Forgot your slippers?"

Ellie slipped past them, but Merlin didn't miss Gwen's amused look.

"I got muffins," Ellie said, handing Merlin his coffee. She glanced at Gwen. "Oh sorry. I didn't get you anything. I'll go back if you'd like."

"That's okay. I'll run over in a minute." She glanced over Ellie's head at Merlin, one eyebrow raised, as the girl took a muffin out of the bag and broke off a bit for an appreciative Kilgharrah.

Merlin shook his head, mouthed "later".

"Take Kilgharrah to the back, Ellie. I need to talk to Gwen."

Ellie nodded, too intent on pushing a determined Kilgharrah away from her food to be suspicious. Once she was out of earshot, Merlin said, "She hid in the shop last night."

Gwen frowned. "Damn. Kicked out again?"

Merlin sipped his coffee. Perfect and hot, and boy did he need it. "Yeah."

"Going to report her mam?"

He hated this. "I will, but I keep getting the same response. It's none of my business."

"That's insane."

"Exactly. Told Ellie if it happens again, though, to come to the house."

"Good idea, though it might be smarter if she called me."

"Why?" At her pointed look he frowned. "All right. I'll let her know."

Gwen nodded, walked behind the counter and opened the cash register, then bent down to open the safe. Merlin returned to straightening the shelves, his fingers lingering over the newest Batman edition.

He wondered who OneKnightStand's favourite comic book hero was. Hadn't even thought to ask him yet. He patted the comics into place, remembered the ding. Probably wasn't him; it was still too early. He had a feeling OneKnightStand wasn't a morning person, like he was. He picked up his coffee from the counter.

"What's going on with you, anyway?"

Merlin paused, coffee cup to lips. "Nothing." Oh hell. "Why?"

She grinned as she sorted the money, such as it was, into the till. "Oh I don't know. The smile on your face when you think no one's looking, saying a stormy day is beautiful, the guilty look on your face right now. The way you slammed your computer shut when I came in."

"I didn't--"

She leaned over the counter, slamming the till drawer shut. "Your face is pink."

He stilled. "No it isn't."

She walked around the counter, trailing a finger, grinning up at him wickedly. He clasped his hands behind his back, cursing ever hiring a psychology student. "Yup." She raised up on her tiptoes. "You're in love, Merlin Emrys."

Flustered, trying not to appear so, which of course made it all worse. He desperately wanted a drink. But if he drank now, he'd look guilty. "Of course I'm not in love. Anymore."

Her grin was Cheshire-like. "If it were Will, you wouldn't have slammed the computer shut so fast." She tapped it with her fingers, making him start.

She laughed. "Did you find Prince?"

"No, of course not." Unfortunately.

"Never heard from him again, did you? Too bad." She took a bite of his muffin. "So who is it?"

It was all he could do not to snatch his computer away. Instead, he grabbed the broom and began to sweep.

"You already swept, Merlin." She followed him. "Come on, who is it?"

He continued for a moment but when she stood in front of him with folded arms, obviously not going anywhere he paused, leaning on the broom, and glared right back at her.

"When you going to have those Christmas flyers ready?"

She smirked. "Wednesday, like I already promised. Who is your little internet love? You realise that finding someone on the internet isn't a bad idea at all. Especially if you meet over mutual interests."

He opened his mouth, snapped it shut. They'd discussed before how Will and he didn't have much in common. "Opposites may attract but that doesn't last forever," she'd pointed out more than once. It wasn't that simple, though.

"I'm just going to stand here until you tell me who this boy you're having an online fling with is." She poked him. "Who is he?"

Merlin stared at her, a wash of flame encasing him. Was this how the Human Torch felt when he lit up the first time? He wanted to deny it, but he was sick and tired of that, to himself and... Gwen was right. They'd been friends forever and as such he knew he couldn't lie to her.

"It's only a fling if it's just in email, right?"

"Have you had sex?"

He gaped at her. "No, of course not. I--" He gulped, glanced toward the back to make sure Ellie wasn't witnessing this meltdown. "I don't even know where he is."

"I meant cybersex."

"No!" he yelped.

She smiled, folding her arms over her chest. "Finally, an honest answer." She cuffed him on the shoulder. "What time's the tournament starting anyway, Boss?"

"What, no more questions? No demands to know all about him?"

She sighed, ticked her fingers off one by one. "You met online, so it has to have been on, oh, let me guess." She looked around. "A comics forum. He's the one doing the pursuing because you're shy, but you haven't exactly told him you aren't interested." He nodded miserably. "You've already told him all about Will, and how he's off to London--"

He shook his head. "No, no I haven't."

"Why not? You should."

He finished his coffee, threw it in the trash. "It's not going to amount to anything. Really. It's just..."

"For fun?"

He nodded. "Yeah." He went back around the corner and slid on the stool, propped his chin in his hand. "Just for fun, that's all."

A group of four kids rushed up to the door and yanked on it. "Ready to let the monsters in, Boss?"

Merlin sighed, watched as the boys bounced around and waved at Gwen to hurry and unlock the door. "I'm always ready for monsters," he said, rubbing the still-healing scar on his hand.

Chapter Text

"Arthur? Uther wants to see you."

London outside his window was dark and grey, the threat of rain hanging over the gloom he could not shake. Arthur sighed, turning away from the window. He'd been staring out at the busy street for a second or two--which had turned into five minutes at the least--his mind on Cardiff, the strange things happening there. And on, once again, Superman.

His Superman.

And, of course, he'd been mulling over his belated findings regarding the actual ownership of Warlock Comics. He knew he'd been over-eager to purchase in Cardiff, and now he was going in blindsided. He'd thought he was descending onto the Cardiff comic scene to fill a need created by the old man's death. Instead, that abyss had already been filled by someone more than capable, it appeared. And, adored by those who knew him.

Fortunately, it looked recoverable; now Arthur had the facts, and was prepared to take Warlock Comics down. It shouldn't be hard.

He hoped.

It wouldn't do to delay going to see what his father wanted. He grabbed a few of the reports he'd been preparing and headed out of his office. Walking down the hall, he nodded to everyone he passed, whether he knew their name or not.

So many new employees; working for his father wasn't easy, and heads tended to roll often in the London office. His grin had become a frozen mask lately, he was so tired of dealing with the endless cycle of new people.

All he wanted was to get out of London, get back to Cardiff. Maybe take a walk by the barrage again. Knock on that couple's door, ask for Superman's true identity, if they'd even give it to him.

Had Superman told them about his Prince Charming?He groaned inwardly at himself, straightening his shoulders and arrived at his father's outer office.

He nodded at Elaine, his father's latest secretary. "He's expecting you, Mr. Pendragon."

"Thanks Elaine," he said, giving her a flash of his smile. She'd turned back to her work, however--all business, Elaine might actually survive his father's employment longer than a month.

He opened his father's door without knocking. Uther Pendragon, the force behind everything in Arthur's life, looked up from his desk, a phone in his hand. He waved Arthur in.

"No, I said I required their services on the sixteenth not the eighteenth. My son Arthur will meet them at the new location in Cardiff at nine a.m. sharp." He hung up. "Ten seconds from getting replaced."

"Who?" Arthur said, taking one of the two stiff leather seats in front of his father's massive teak desk. He placed the folders on his lap. As always, the austere, stiff surroundings were filled with the artifacts his father collected-- armoury, primarily. 

His father's office always brought out his claustrophobia, and his distaste for this life. London, he couldn't wait to quit it. So, learning in the usual offhand way his father had of telling him what was next on his agenda was a relief.

"Computer tech for the Cardiff shop. Those the reports?"

"Yes sir," Arthur said, handing them to his father. "I don't think we'll have to worry about the little comic shop."

His father opened up the top folder, then shut it and pulled the next one out. He opened it, frowning at the top sheet of paper. Then he grinned, that disturbingly-feral grin that Uther Pendragon always adopted when targeting something for a kill. "Summary."

Arthur sucked in his breath. Why did he bother to write anything in a report for his father, he often wondered, given he never read them?  He almost always knew what Arthur was going to tell him anyway.

"I almost feel sorry for the little comic shop, but it was on the downward swing of its fortunes in Cardiff. The current owner isn't managing to make ends meet--"

Uther closed the folder with a snap, cutting him off. "Who is it?"

He was getting to that. "His name is Merlin Emrys. He inherited the shop from a family friend who started the shop in the 1950's in town, then twenty years ago, moved it to Mermaid Quay."

"How long ago did Merlin inherit it?"

"Three years ago."

His father nodded, eyes gleaming. "Yes. That sounds about right. Go on."

Confused, but knowing better than to ask for clarification, he continued. "The shop, Warlock Comics, was located in our building but Emrys was forced to move to a smaller location."

"Which is--"

"A few doors down, in a space less than a fourth of the size. He makes enough to meet bills, but just barely."

"Good. It won't take much to shut him down completely, put him out of his misery." Uther laughed.

Arthur knew he was supposed to join in. Before, he would've, but the short time he'd spent in Cardiff, and what he'd heard about the little shop and its owner made it difficult to be so callous.

Fortunately, the phone rang again and, after giving it an angry frown, his father took the call.

Long practice made it easy for Arthur to blank out the conversation. He pulled a pen out of his pocket, and tapped the folder still in his lap. His father frowned at him and he stopped, but his mind immediately drifted back to Merlin Emrys.

Emrys was close to his own age. Everyone he'd mentioned him to, from those boys to strangers on the street, to clerks and even the young woman at his hotel had instantly burst into a smile, and dove into some tale or other about him.

Cardiff wasn't a small city, but somehow this Merlin Emrys had made more than a casual mark upon it.

Sometime during the day, Arthur had started to listen to the niggling bit of doubt over what he was going to do to this bloke. He'd had to stop his investigation as there was simply nothing bad about Merlin Emrys he could find to use against him.  Emrys wasn't very good with money, true, but mostly because he was selflessly helping others.

He was a regular saint.

They might close Warlock Comics down easily--he didn't doubt that they could--but the consequences may be uglier than in most places. Merlin Emrys was loved.

And gay, though he'd left that out of the report. Not that that mattered one whit to him, as he was gay himself, but he simply could not bear his father's disdain that such a revelation about their competition would bring. 

"Damn," he murmured, looking down at the folder. He'd scratched Merlin's name on the folder like some heartsick teenager mooning over a movie star. He didn't even know what he looked like. Arthur's face heated, and he turned the folder over.

"Arthur."

"Sorry?"

The phone call had ended. His father looked at him curiously; for once he was grateful for the moody lighting in the room. "I asked what you were saying."

"Nothing sir. Just--" He tried to think of something his father would latch onto. "Considering the next step now that we have the papers in place."

"I want you to visit that shop."

"Why?" he asked, startled so that he nearly stumbled.

Uther rested his elbows on the desk, clasping his hands together. The smile behind his hands was feral, malicious. "I want to know if this boy is who I think he is."

"What? You know him?"

"Not him, but I once knew Gaius. He had something I wanted, and lost. Maybe this idiot Merlin, whoever he is, knows something about it. You will get it for me."

"Is that why you are so interested in Cardiff?"

His father didn't answer. Uther stood, coming around the desk. He put one hand out, indicating Arthur to leave.

"What is it?" he asked tersely, covering himself with a cough.

He watched, his usual discomfiture accompanied by sharp frustration as his father walked over to The Cabinet, as he thought of it--where his father kept his most prized comics collection. He opened the doors to reveal the glass case inside--four comic books lay cradled in rich gold satin, two on each shelf. There were three shelves--the bottom one was empty.

The combined value of the four comics was well over three hundred thousand pounds. Possibly even more to the right collector.

Arthur stood, as he was expected to, and putting the graffitied folder face- down on his chair joined his father, standing slightly behind him.

His father pulled on some white gloves he kept for that purpose and took a comic book off the middle shelf.

"Action Comics #1," Uther said, the pride in his voice unmistakable. Arthur had of course been shown this before, many times, since he was a young boy. And, had never been allowed to touch.

Despite this, the Superman on the cover lifting a car off of a hapless victim was the centerpiece of his most-imagined childhood fantasies.

"It's only rated 5.0," Uther said, the note of pride in Uther's voice replaced by well-honed frustration. "Gaius and I bought copies at the same time when we were young boys. Unfortunately, I sold mine." He slid the comic back into its place, removed his gloves, and turned to Arthur. "This copy was the best I could find twenty years ago. I've been waiting, and watching, ever since. If Gaius had sold his, I would've heard about it."

"So, you think Merlin Emrys has it?"

"If he does, he doesn't realise it. Selling that would put an end to all his troubles. I want you to find out for me."

Arthur nodded but he doubted it was still around. Emrys wouldn't be in the financial shape he was now, if he did own it.

"Fine," he said, still skeptical. "I'll see what I can find out. But he owns a comic shop. He would be fully aware of what he had if he'd run across it."

"We have another two weeks before the reconstruction starts. Use that time to get to know this Merlin--"

"Father," Arthur said, aghast. "I don't think that is appropriate--"

"What? You have a problem with this request?" Uther said, looking down at him. Arthur had always regretted not being taller than his father. He always felt puny and small next to the man, despite working out, especially when Uther wanted him to do something. Especially when Uther wanted him to do something Arthur didn't want to do.

"Of course not." He nodded once. "I'm leaving for Cardiff tomorrow. I'll call you then."

"Don't bother, your stepmother and I are going to that fundraiser. That--" He waved his hand around. "That charity thing she's involved in."

"The weekend then."

"Call when you have something to report. And remember, Arthur. Don't let on about the comic's existence. I'm counting on you to find it for me. If he has it, I intend to get it, no matter what it takes."

The fire gleaming in his father's eyes left a bad taste in Arthur's mouth. He made his escape, and returned to his office. Everything was already in order here, he supposed. He had no wish to take anything except one thing.

He walked over to where his most-prized possessions were locked away. He was his father's son in one respect; he enjoyed collecting valuable things. He only had a handful of swords, most of which were already packed, but not this one yet. He would carry this to Cardiff himself.

The sword had been in the family for generations. His father had passed it on to him on his 21st birthday. At first glance, it wasn't anything special--the blade itself was mostly plain though true, the hilt simple in design save for the distinctive etching on the grip and pommel. But the way it felt in his hand was pure magic. No other sword he'd ever picked up was as balanced, as pure an extension to himself as this blade.

He hefted it now, taking care to step away from anything he might damage. He imagined the door bursting open, and three armed soldiers flying in toward him, swords drawn. He sliced the air, neatly chopping the first one's arm off, then whirled around, bending low to slice the second's legs out from under him.

After that it was a simple task to parry and slice the third, his mates on the ground screaming…he leaped over a chair, neatly twisting to land on his feet, attacking his opponent. The sword sang, weightless and beautiful as it flashed in the air, rendering him the victor in a matter of seconds.

All of his opponents were dead now. All three had the face of his father.

Shaking himself, he held the sword up, the blade shining in the light from the window, then he set it down on his desk. His hand immediately felt bereft, and his arm ached. He picked the sword back up and immediately felt light as a feather. Puzzled, he put it back down again, and the aching arm was back. He rubbed it thoughtfully, staring at the sword.

That had never happened before. The sword had always felt good, but… He shook himself, forcing the weird thoughts out of his mind. He had other things to worry about.

He picked it up once again, deliberately ignoring the lightness, and put it back in its case. He would have to pick it up once he had a safe place to keep it in Cardiff. A hotel room, even one at St. David's, wouldn't cut it. Forcing his thoughts away from the sword, he ran his fingers across his desk--his expensive, teak desk--the sale of which would no doubt save Warlock Comics.

Of course, it hadn't been difficult to learn exactly how badly in shape, or lack of shape, his future competitor was. Bills past due, creditors balking (despite the nice things they said about him, oh yes nicest bloke ever, that Merlin Emrys), a leak in the shop had ruined some of the inventory, workers badly paid and then not at all-- He wondered how many of them he could get for himself.

In other words, Merlin was fit and ready to be wiped out, and damn his father, but he was looking forward to the challenge. Finding out the location of the comic book was another matter though. If that was his father's only reason to infiltrate Cardiff, it was a petty one. Yet he couldn't wait to move there and, eventually, tell his father he had no intention of returning to London. He wasn't going to help his father steal that comic book, however.

Let Merlin Emrys reach desperation point, and put it up for sale himself. Lord knew his father had the money to purchase it.

Still. It was a cruel thing to do to a nice bloke. He almost felt guilty, and didn't like that one whit. He tried to shake it off, but it was impossible. So he tried to think about something else. Something pleasant.

His Superman.

His father hadn't figured out that he'd become so enthusiastic about Cardiff because of that chance encounter with that very hot bloke that night. He simply couldn't get the man out of his mind. There had been something strange and magical in the air when they were together... And not just together together. Although that had been phenomenal too.

He shook his head as he idly pushed papers around. No, there was something more about him. Something... something that had disturbed his equilibrium, his balance.

He glanced at his sword.

Everything had changed that evening for him, and his reasons for returning to Cardiff had definitely shifted south. To his cock. His secretary Vivian came in. "Where's the Davis file?" she asked. She smiled at him, tilted her head to the side. "You okay, Arthur?"

He took a deep breath and sighed. "Yeah. Sorry Vivian, I think I left that with my father."

"All right. I'll file them later."

"I'm leaving for Cardiff tonight, it looks like."

The sadness skittered across her face. "I will miss you, you know."

"And you could come with me, you know."

She snorted softly. "I would in a heartbeat, but--" The diamond ring on her left hand sparkled. Surprisingly, given how small it was. But Vivian hadn't cared. She was in love. "Marrying an actor comes with a price."

He laughed at that. "Yeah, like free tickets to all the shows."

"I wish."

He leaned on his desk. She moved around, and touched his shoulder. "You weren't looking too happy when I came in. Regrets?"

He eyed her. "You reading my mind again?"

She shrugged. "You weren't born with a poker face, you know. What is it?"

Unlike his father, he'd kept the same secretary for many years. She knew--unlike his father--about his sexual proclivities, she knew how much he hated London, and she knew that he went alone to his mother's graveside every third Sunday to leave her flowers.

She also knew how he chafed under his father's strict hand. And, that Uther Pendragon had been known to let his personal beliefs--whether sound or not--colour the decisions made by the company as a whole.

He leaned back in his chair, picked up a pencil and tapped it, eraser-end, on the desk. "He's asked me to do something this time I don't feel good about."

"Slaying the local competition is nothing new for you, Arthur." The hint of disapproval in her voice wasn't unexpected.

"I know, I know. But this time, there's just…I don't know. It's more than that this time. I should think nothing about it but my father wants me to find out something about this particular shop owner that could really hurt him. It's nothing personal--"

"To you maybe, but not to the shop owner."

He fell silent at that. "Yeah. I know." Especially if Merlin Emrys did have that comic--it would be the end of all his troubles, for life. "For once, I'm not sure if this is the right thing to do."

She smiled at that. "It's up to you then, Arthur, to decide, isn't it?"

He nodded, turning his attention back to the window, and London, as she left him to his thoughts.

* * *

Merlin could not tear his eyes away from the sight in front of him. He'd come around to pay the lease--a week late but Margaret had not charged him a late fee, bless her--and on the way back, it'd hit him there was something different about his old building.

For one thing, the front door was open. And, being an almost solid-glass building, normally one could look right through it. But now brown paper covered every window, from the inside.

Someone was moving in.

He thought he was over it, that painful stab in the heart he got every time he passed his building, but he wasn't. Oh man, he wasn't.

"Merlin? Hey mate, what's up-- Oh."

Merlin looked over his shoulder at Elyan. "Someone's moving in," he said dully. He hadn't eaten yet, nor had enough coffee, and started to sway.

"Here, sit down," Elyan said, taking his elbow and guiding him over to a chair. Merlin couldn't take his eyes off the building. Elyan pulled up another chair. "Hey, maybe they're just cleaning it out or something."

"Margaret didn't say anything," Merlin said, sitting back in the chair. He wrapped an arm around his stomach, which roiled and fussed and pretty much made him feel like death had gripped him.

"It's been empty a long time, maybe-- Oh hell." Elyan sighed. "I was getting myself some coffee. Want some?"

Merlin didn't move for a moment, then nodded. "Wait," he said, pulling his wallet out. He had five pounds left until the weekend. Brilliant.

But Elyan held up his hand. "No mate, I'll catch this one."

"Cheers."

Merlin turned to stare at the building. A van pulled up on the dock--had to have special permission for that, and he hadn't been able to do that when he moved out.

Some good-looking fit bloke emerged from his shop--no, not his shop anymore--and came out to meet it. The driver of the van got out and met the big guy at the back of the van and together they pulled some equipment out, and carried it inside.

No longer his shop.

Merlin watched, transfixed, as they returned to the van, and carried more items in. There was a lot packed into the van, but there was no hint at all as to who or what was going on. The fit bloke glanced at him, but looked away again.

Elyan returned, bearing coffee and a bag from Starbucks. "Here," he said, "Jenny saw you out here, and insisted I bring you cake."

Merlin smiled faintly as he took the bag and coffee. "They're moving stuff in."

"Any clues as to who it is?"

Elyan took a sip of his coffee, and gestured toward the building. The fit bloke came out again and grabbed something else. "Actually, she said she doesn't, but even more it is way hush-hush as to whoever it is."

Merlin frowned at Elyan. "Secretive much? Why would it be secretive?"

Elyan shook his head. "Who knows. Maybe it's for a new show going to film here."

"That would be nice. Make up for the lack of Torchwood tourists."

Elyan snorted at that, nodding toward the shrine. "Long as that thing is up, they'll still come."

"But they don't read comics." Merlin sighed. "I have to figure out a way to

get more people to come here, Elyan." He looked at his friend. "I barely made the lease this time, and I was late. And now--" He gulped. "Now that Will's moved out, I'm not sure... Well, I may end up sleeping on the shop floor with the dog."

"I heard about that monster you found."

Merlin startled. "Monster? You--" He flexed his hand. "Oh, the dog. Yeah." He laughed, pulled off a bite of the cake. Blueberry, his favourite. Knowing Jenny, she just gave it to Elyan, too. "He's great. And really smart, too."

"I wonder where he came from?"

Merlin shrugged. "I don't know, but he's not microchipped or tattooed, and there haven't been any advertisements for him anywhere, nothing at the shelter. He's so well trained--the other night? I was making a burger, and was talking to him, and said something about wanting ketchup and he opened the fridge and got it for me."

"No way," Elyan said. "Does he fetch beer?"

Merlin laughed. He was feeling better. Elyan had to be right, it had to be a setup for a new BBC production. Why else all the secrecy? "I don't know, I haven't asked him."

"Well I hope he sticks around then. Where is he now?"

"At the shop, keeping Gwen company."

"Hope he doesn't scare off any customers."

"Nah, he's been a good addition, actually. The kids love him. He's actually made a lot of the parents come in which is nice--" Merlin's return to good humor instantly faded. He stood, staring at what he easily recognised as a box from Image. "Look," he said, pointing at the box.

"What is it?"

"That box, that's from Image. That box is full of comics."

Elyan winced. "Maybe they're just using it as a packing box."

"No," Merlin said, walking closer to the fencing. He stared at the guy holding the box. He'd set it down. "Image is a US company. Boxes from them aren't just hanging around." He had to know what was in that box. A gust of wind blew up, making Elyan look around.

But Merlin was fixated on the box, its top flapping, the tape holding it down suddenly bursting. What's in there? He had to know. Without thinking about it, it was like that night with Prince, and that horrible day so long ago--

He had to know.

The box burst open. The man standing next to it yelped. The contents flew out, Elyan said "what the fuck?" and Merlin stared, mesmerised, horrified, as a flurry of colorful comic books were sucked up into the wind's fury, casting the comic books out onto the bay.

"Merlin!" Elyan said, grabbing his arm.

Merlin snapped to, and the wind disappeared, the comic books fluttering to the dock and into the water, and the big guy was staring at the water, clearly flummoxed. So was Merlin.

"What?" Merlin said, feeling faint again. He looked down; he'd dropped his coffee, and the sack, and hadn't noticed. He blinked, shaking his head, and looked at Elyan, at the frown on his face. "What happened?"

"Dude, I don't know, you went-- " Elyan wiggled his fingers at his eyes. "Your eyes, they turned gold." He shook his head, then looked at the comic book mess. The fit bloke was picking up the ones that hadn't gone swimming. "Merlin, did you do that?" he asked quietly.

"I-- That's impossible." Fear raced through Merlin. He knew he had done it, knew it wasn't impossible at all. What the hell had he done? He looked down at his hand, then at Elyan, at the horror in his eyes. "I have to go."

He turned on his heels and hurried away. "Merlin, wait!"

But Merlin dove between two people, glad that there were lots of people around, no one had seen him do what he'd done. Elyan had, though. Elyan had. What was he going to do now? What would Elyan do? He'd never felt so sick and scared in his life.

There was something wrong with him, something very wrong, and now he'd been seen. By Elyan at least, but by that bloke, too.

He all but ran to his shop, pushing open the door with too much force, slowing only when he stood in the middle panting, his heart beating wildly. Kilgharragh emerged from the back, Gwen following.

"Merlin? What's wrong?"

He couldn't tell her. Elyan would tell her, they were brother and sister. "It's... Gwen, someone is moving into my shop. They had a box of comic books," he said, waving his arm around.

Gwen came around the counter. "What do you mean a box of comics?"

Merlin could only shake his head, and fumble for the stool. He sat down, hard, staring blankly at his little shop. "It's over," he whispered. "I'm done for."

Gwen put her arms around him and hugged him. "You are not done for. Just because they had comic books--and what exactly are you talking about?"

The door opened again; Elyan walked in, carrying Merlin's bag. He strode purposefully toward them. "I asked around to see if anyone knew what was going on. No one knew for sure."

Gwen put her hands on her hips. "If you two don't tell me right now what you do know, I'm going to scream. You don't want me to scream."

Merlin couldn't speak, just shook his head. Elyan sighed. "We were down at the dock. Looks like there's someone new moving into the shop's old space."

"What?" Gwen said, her shoulder's slumping. "Oh Merlin, I am so sorry. Are you guys sure?"

"Yes," Merlin let out with a squeak, a very miserable squeak. "They've covered the windows, and there was a van full of stuff--"

"Computers, printers, other stuff," Elyan added. "And a box. A box of comics."

"How did you know they were comics, Merlin?" Gwen said, rubbing his shoulders.

He leaned against her, closing his eyes, but popped them open again as the image of the comics flying out of the box ripped through his mind. He was no longer sure how that had happened, but he didn't dare look at Elyan.

"Bloke dropped the box," Elyan said. Merlin opened his eyes and looked up at Elyan. Elyan's gaze caught his. "Didn't have it sealed well," Elyan added, not breaking eye contact.

Gwen shook her head. "Want me to see what I can find out?"

"What good would it do?" Merlin said, getting off his stool. Kilgharrah snuffled his hand, tail wagging, Merlin swore, sadly. He ruffled the dog's head. "I'm done for, no matter what. I can't pay the water bill anyway. I barely made the lease payment today. Six days late."

Elyan sat down on the stool Merlin had vacated. "Still, maybe we're jumping to conclusions. It could be just, I don't know, a coincidence. Maybe a different kind of shop."

"Like what?"

Gwen went behind the counter, grabbing her purse. "Well, I know who I can ask."

Elyan snorted. "Let me guess... Lance?"

"No, my friend who works for the city. She would know if any permits had been registered."

"What if she's sworn to secrecy?" her brother asked.

She smiled, walking back to her brother. She poked him on the chest. "That's why you're going with me."

"Me? Why?" Elyan took a step backward.

Gwen grinned at her brother, then grabbed his hand, tugging. "Because she has the hots for you, and you're going to ask her out."

"What?" he yelped, pulling away. "Gwen, I don't-- Melanie would kill me!"

Gwen rolled her eyes. "Melanie's a bitch, and Karin is much cuter. I promise you, you'll forget all about Melanie the second you meet Karin." She grabbed her brother's hand again, pulling him after her. "Besides you've only started dating Melanie. It won't kill you to see someone else."

Elyan let himself be tugged by his sister. "She's hot, huh?"

"Definitely. Come on." Gwen paused at the door. "You going to be okay, Merlin?"

He shrugged. "Yeah, I guess. Kids'll be here soon, anyway. I'll be fine." "Okay, we'll talk to you later. And Merlin?"

He looked up. "Yes?"

"It's going to be okay. We'll figure out something, I promise. Besides," she said with a wide grin, "If it is another comic shop, they'll fail."

"Why would that happen?" he said, still miserable.

"Because they don't have you, that's why silly. Come on, Elyan."

After they were gone, Merlin wandered back to the front of the shop. He pushed the door open, looking around--no kids were coming. Grateful, he turned to his computer and turned it on.

Chapter Text

"Morning, sir," Percival said as he jogged across the bridge separating the shop from the dock. He carried a dog tucked under one arm.

Arthur frowned at the dog. "You're early. I didn't expect you just yet," he said. "What's with the dog?"

Percival grinned, setting the dog down at his feet. "Goliath." The little dog sat and stuck its leg in the air like a cat and licked itself, flopping over. "That? Not cool, dog." He toed the dog to make him stop. "Anna's dog. New place isn't ready yet. Landlady's fixing some electrical stuff in the flat next to us, so Anna went shopping."

"What is it?"

Percival eyed him, broad chest puffed out. And yeah, he noticed. One couldn't help but notice--and appreciate--his assistant's physique. "Long- haired Dachshund."

"A Doxie?" He laughed, but pet the dog. "I pictured you with something big, and fierce. Doberman maybe, or a German Shepherd."

Percival scooped up the little dog, snuggling it with his face. "Don't listen to the mean man, Goliath." He narrowed his eyes at Arthur.

"Long as he doesn't shed all over everything, that's fine. Keep him out of the way."

"Yes sir."

Arthur moved back to allow Percival and the dog through. He glanced past them; people were starting to move about, getting coffee and going about their business, and looking at him in curiosity. Perfect. Let the buzz begin. He ignored any pangs of guilt; it wasn't personal. Just business.

"I'll put him behind the counter in a big box. He'll just go to sleep."

"Good." He thanked the stars Percival had decided a move to Cardiff was just what he needed. He and his wife Anna were expecting their first child, and she didn't want to raise the kid in London. Couldn't say he blamed her, either.

"So, what do I need to do first?" Percival said as he stood next to Arthur. He looked around, whistling. "This is going to be nice."

Arthur closed the door behind them--there weren't many tourists about yet but there would be soon enough. The moment the brown paper had gone up, encasing the all-window building in a protective, curiosity-provoking shroud, the shop had been a source of interest to whoever passed by. It'd been empty for a while, he knew, so even the locals were curious.

So far, he'd managed not to be seen going in and out but that wouldn't last for long, he imagined. He just hoped the reaction to Camelot's arrival would be better-received than the last time they'd opened a comic shop near well-established one. That had been ugly, as two neighbourhood shops had quickly rallied their forces and forced them to move to a different location in the city.

Who was he kidding? The same could happen here.

"The cabinets are on their way," Arthur said, following Percival as he walked around the main room.

"Wood, like the Brighton shop?"

"Yup, and the computers will be here tomorrow."

"When is the inventory due to arrive?" Percival asked, going being the counter. It was the original one, metallic silver and red, and Arthur had insisted on it staying. He was sure the second his father saw it he would try to have it yanked, but this time, he vowed, the shop would be set up as he wanted, not as his father demanded.

"The rest in another week." He made a face. "I can't believe that idiot dropped that box."

"It was a gust of wind."

"Well, I want you to make sure it doesn't happen again."

Percival had an odd look on his face, but he was nodding. "It won't. I'll personally supervise all the inventory as it comes in."

"Good."  Arthur opened the cooler he'd brought and pulled out a beer. "Want one?"

Percival nodded, Arthur tossed him one. Percival opened it, and took a long, guzzling drink. Arthur rolled his eyes at the happy grin on Perc's face. Then he remembered. "Hey, I thought you were in training--"

Percival scowled. "Don't you start too. Anna's been after me to give up everything that tastes good." He made a face." Looked into that little shop down the way there yet?"

"No," Arthur said casually, opening up his own beer and taking a drink. "You?"

Percival nodded. "Yesterday. Having a tournament, so figured I'd just look in."

Arthur settled on the stool he'd brought, and flipped open the folder. "Think he'll survive us?"

"Not in a heartbeat. Why?"

Arthur shrugged. Percival was one of his favourite of the newer employees, but he was still feeling the bloke out. Not sure where he stood on certain things...had no idea if he knew, or suspected, that Arthur was gay, for instance. It grated how deep in the closet he had to be in London, but here in Cardiff, he intended to change that.

"Just wondering. He used to be in this building."

"I heard," Percival said, looking around them. "Think that's a shame. I like this building."

Arthur did too--he'd fallen for the shop-on-stilts when he first saw it, crouched over the water, dark and forlorn. This corner of the quay got all the traffic from tourists and locals alike. He'd been pleased to learn the occasional festival was held in the big outside area they called the Plass, and two of the more popular nightclubs had their home in the quay. He fully intended not to just cater to the kids, like Warlock Comics did, but to all ages, and much later into the night.

There wasn't a decent bookshop on this side of town either, and he planned to take care of that also.

"So. What first, sir?"

Arthur snorted. "Arthur here, please. I'm not my father."

Percival nodded. "Arthur. What would you like me to do?"

"I guess--" Arthur paused, checking his watch. "Wait for the computer guy to show up? Think I'll take a look around."

Percival nodded. "Check out that shop."

"I will. If you need me--"

Percival held up his mobile. "I'll call." He pulled another drink out of the cooler. The puppy barked. "You better not tell Mommy," he was saying as Arthur left him to his forbidden beer, shaking his head in amusement.

He headed across the walkway, sending some seagulls flapping and squawking. The pier was starting to wake up good and proper, Starbucks was open, and there were a few parents out with kids in strollers, a couple walking a Malamute.

He didn't understand why there were two coffee shops--Starbucks, and an independent one right in front of it. They'd both been there for some time, and it made him wonder if both comic shops could thrive in this location?

But that isn't what would happen. The little comic shop would be dwarfed by Camelot, and though this one would not have a Starbucks in it (no point, with one right across the way) nonetheless they would offer regular drinks and snacks for their patrons.

Maybe they could have a bar. He wondered what the costs would be on spillage on the merchandise--probably not significant enough to matter. He sent Elena a quick email to investigate the possibility of adding a full drink bar, then stuck the mobile into his pocket.

He walked slowly around, sniffing as the unmistakable aroma of something good cooking teased him. He glanced at the sign--Fabulous Welshcakes Cardiff Bay--and poked his head in the shop. A woman in a white apron stood behind the counter, where she was cooking the Welshcakes, right there. She was talking to another lady about, not surprisingly, the shop on the piers.

"Good morning," the shop owner said, smiling at him. "I'll be right with you."

"Morning. Thanks."

"Probably another bar," the customer said, shaking her head. "Give me a dozen lemon cakes, too."

"No problem."

"What we need is a decent family restaurant going in there. I get tired of hamburgers and fish and chips all the time." Arthur pretended to look at the merchandise and hoped he didn't appear riveted to their conversation.

"You haven't been able to find out what it is I take it."

"Nope, not yet. But I will. Poor Merlin."

"I know. He's devastated. He'd always hoped to get that location back somehow."

The customer sighed. "Heartbreaking. To make matters worse, did you hear about Will?"

Arthur looked around at that moment. The customer saw him, and frowned. He turned back to stare at the sheep poo stationery, picking a packet of note cards up aimlessly and turning it over like he'd never seen it before. Which he hadn't.

Sheep poo paper? Bloody humorous Welsh. He put the stationery back as the customer, having checked out, left the shop with a parting frown directed at him.

He turned to the cake lady and smiled. "These smell delicious."

She smiled at him, then gestured toward the different cakes. "Those are cinnamon, a few lemon, and later I'll have plain to offer. Have you had one before?"

"No, I never have."

"Here you go then," she said, picking up one and handing it to him on a napkin. "Try this."

He took the proffered cake, took a bite, and breathed deeply in appreciation. Best enjoy this, he thought. She might not be offering him any freebies again once she learned he was the new owner of the shop.

"Londoner, aren't you?"

He smiled in surprise. "Yes, actually. I--" He could see the little comic shop out of the corner of his eye. Someone emerged from it in the sunlight, and damn, it was him.  "Damn."

"Excuse me?"

"Sorry," he said, staring as he headed for the Welshcake shop. It was Superman! He snapped out of it just in time to turn his back to the open doorway. Arthur froze, head bowed, the half-eaten cake smashed in his fist.

"Morning Laura, have you any lemon?"

Arthur kept his back turned, shoulders stiff, hoping to hell Superman didn't realise it was him standing there. This wasn't how this was supposed to go, dammit.

"Just a couple, darling. Maggie beat you to them I'm afraid. I'll ring you to let you know when I have more."

"Cheers," Superman said, and left. Arthur dared to turn his head enough to watch him disappear in the other direction. He wanted to rush after him, see where he went.

Why had he come out of the comic shop? Arthur's stomach roiled; the smells that had been so sweet moments before now clawed at him, gagging him. He had to get out of there. He had to run after Superman…or run away, fast.

Fuck fuck fuck.

What if Superman was Merlin Emrys? He definitely was going to be sick.

"Now, how can I help you?"

"Um, lemon, thanks," he said, still staring out the window. This could not be happening. Why the hell hadn't he kept his cock in his pants? Then none of this would've mattered.

Maybe Superman wasn't Merlin. He had to find out for sure. "Excuse me."

"What? Sorry."

"I said I'm out of lemon now."

When he turned and faced the sales lady again, she was looking at him oddly. He felt his face heat. Then she looked at his hand, and the smashed cake.

"Sorry. I-- Sorry. Cinnamon?"

"How many?"

"What? Six. Thanks. Sorry."

"I'll ring you up for seven over here."

"Yes. Of course." Arthur followed her to the back of the shop, paid and escaped without waiting for his change. He didn't want to go into Superman's--Merlin's--shop yet, but didn't want to risk going back to his shop as he'd headed that direction.

What if Merlin saw him?

What was wrong with him?

Shaking himself, Arthur wandered over to Warlock Comics and stared at it for a long moment. There wasn't much shop front, but it was imaginatively decorated with a bigger-than-life Superman--figured--and faery lights. A cheery 'Welcome!' sign hung on the door and he reached out--his hand moving of its own volition--pulled on the door, surprised when it opened.

He let it go and it clanged shut, making him wince. He could see someone inside looking at him now. Brilliant. He hesitated, then pulled the door open and went inside.

The shop was tiny all right, but it was a wonderland of bright colours and clever displays. Merlin didn't have much room but he'd made the most of it, with displays of comics, action figures, and, oh, a small stand of books.

Damn. There was a glass front Coke case, and a jar on the counter that said

PAY HERE. He shook his head at the few half-pence in the cup. Probably lost money on that venture. Kids shouldn't be trusted.

Looking around, he had to admit he was impressed. The shop was clean, and bright, and--

"Excuse me? May I help you? We aren't open yet, I'm afraid. Merlin must've forgot to lock it when he stepped out."

And there it was. It was him, the bloke who had stolen his soul. Arthur whirled around, taking a step back as a lovely young woman came up to him. It wasn't her though who made him step back, but the monstrous black dog padding after her.

"Um, sorry. I didn't realise-- He doesn't bite does he?"

She tilted her head. "We open at ten, if you'd like to come back. No, he doesn't bite." She smiled. "Except when Merlin tells him to."

"I--" He nodded at the dog, Merlin's dog. He had a huge fucking dog. "What is that, anyway?"

The girl laughed. '"That's a Newfie." She turned and motioned for the dog to come up. Arthur had to grit his teeth not to stand back. There are monsters in Cardiff, if you know where to look. "Sit and shake the nice fellow's hand, Kilgharragh."

"Kil... what?"

"Kilgharragh," she said, "and I'm Gwen."

"Nice to meet you both," Arthur said as the dog did in fact walk up to him, sit, and offer a paw. Arthur hesitated. He'd never had a dog of his own. All his friends had dogs though, but never one like this. This. Huge. They were more like Goliath. He could handle Goliath.

"He's waiting," Gwen said.

"Oh, sorry." Arthur reached out and, with a smile he knew was shaky at best, took the massive dog's paw in his hand and shook it, feeling slightly silly. "Nice to meet you Kilgharragh?" He looked at Gwen and she nodded. He shook the dog's paw again. "Nice dog. What kind is he again?"

She ran her hand down the dog's back. "Newfoundland. Merlin hasn't had him long."

He snapped up at her saying Merlin's name but tried to hide it. "Merlin."

"Yes, isn't that funny? And I'm really a Guinevere, but I go by Gwen." She made a face, then laughed. "All we need is an Arthur and we're all set. What's your name?"

"Oh," Arthur said. "Sorry. I'm, a..." He frowned. "Richard."

Gwen frowned, and then her eyes widened. "Wait, you know my friend Rebecca. You were at our party with her a couple of weeks ago."

Damn. Damn damn damn. "We were just acquaintances, but that's right." He shrugged.

"How did you two meet?"

"Randomly. We met at Tesco's." He smiled briefly. "I accidentally knocked over a display. She helped me right it and we got to talking then invited me to drop by."

"Sounds like Rebecca.  You slipped out, she wondered where you'd gone."

"Sorry, I apologise for that. It was rude."

"It's all right. It wasn't that exciting of a party, I'm afraid." Then her eyes widened, and she covered her mouth with her hand. "Oh, you were the one then. You're Prince."

He nearly dropped his Welshcakes, then set them on the counter with a wince. "He told you."

She laughed, and reached out and touched his arm. "Are you kidding? He had no choice. He was flying high from the meds."

"What meds?"

"Oh of course. You don't know. After he, and you--" she made a gesture that stopped short of explicit, and burst out laughing. "Sorry. On the way home, he was attacked by -- By something."

He narrowed his gaze at her. Why had she stumbled? "Attacked by something? Is he all right?"

She nodded. "Kilgharragh saved him and a kid who was there, Robby." She made a face. "The police didn't believe them though, thought he and Robby were trying to hide something. But they aren't the only ones who've been attacked by something strange in Cardiff."

Now he was definitely interested. "How often has this happened? I take it they haven't caught who's doing it."

She wrapped her arms around herself, rubbing them. "No. It's creepy too. They say they may set traps for it."

"So, the police believe Merlin now?"

"I honestly don't know if he's talked to them again."

"Was he hurt badly?"

She nodded, rubbing her arm. "He had to have stitches. If it wasn't for Kilgharragh--" She shrugged, and lay her hand on the dog's head.

"That's good to know. I don't have a dog, so I'll be careful." At that Kilgharragh moved toward him, wrapping around him and woofing. The dog nuzzled his stomach, making him back off.

"Kilgharragh! Manners!"

The dog licked his hand then trotted away again. They both watched after him. "Sorry about that. Whatever that was."

Arthur wiped at the drool on his shirt. "It's okay." He laughed nervously.

"Just startled me."

"Oh no he drooled all over you. Let me get a towel."

"No, that's okay," he said. "It'll dry. I best be going." He looked around again and turned away as the guilt weaseled back into him. "Well, I'll come back later. It's a nice shop," he added, though he wondered what the heck he'd said that for. A nice shop he fully intended to destroy as soon as possible.

"Yes, it is. We're proud of it. Merlin fights hard to keep it going." A worried look crossed her face, and he wanted to ask what was wrong, but knew exactly what was wrong. She shook her head, brushing off her worry. "Well, come back when we're open. Merlin will be back, am sure he would love to show you around." She grinned mischeviously.

"Thanks, I will. I appreciate it. Goodbye, Gwen." He started to leave but the dog bounded forward again, trying to follow him out the door. "Sorry fellow, you can't go with me." The dog just looked at him, his odd golden-brown eyes staring straight at Arthur. Not only was he a big dog, he had the weirdest eyes Arthur had ever seen.

"Kilgharragh, let him go." Gwen joined them, pulling on the dog's collar. "He'll be back, right?" she said brightly to Arthur.

"Yeah, of course," he said, opening up the door, grateful that whatever errand Merlin was on had not brought him back to the shop yet.

"Bye Richard," Gwen called after him and he hurried away in the opposite direction Merlin had gone earlier. The last thing he wanted was to run into Merlin now. Especially now he knew for certain Merlin Emrys had been the best shag of his life, haunted his dreams--he really would now.

He rounded the corner of the building and stopped, leaning against the stone wall and closing his eyes, hands shoved in pockets and realised he'd left his Welshcakes.

What the hell was he doing? This was not the way this was supposed to go. Cardiff was supposed to be his salvation, a chance to get away from everything wrong with his life. Instead, every move he made only made everything worse.

* * *

Merlin pushed open the door to the shop, his mail clutched to his chest. He dreaded opening it, as he knew there's be more than one past-due notice in the stack.

The shop was empty, though a muffled "That you, Merlin?" came from the back.

"Yes," he called back, and smiled as a box tumbled, making Gwen mumble "Stupid git."

"Where's Kilgharragh?" he asked, and was rewarded with an "Out of my way, dog!"

He grinned, going back to his envelopes. Casting a sideways glance at the computer, he ached to check it but not with Gwen around--she was just too nosy.

The first bits were trash and went straight in the bin, two were bills he pushed aside. The last gave him his first broad grin. A letter from his mother. She still preferred to write by hand, saying meanings couldn't get across as well in typeface. He thought of OneKnightStand, a warm flush rushing through him. How wrong she was about that.

"Move, dog!" Gwen scolded as she walked--or rather pushed her way--into the main room. "I don't get why this behemoth obeys you so perfectly yet ignores everything I say."

"Kilgharragh, move aside and let her through." The dog immediately side- stepped out of the way.

"That is almost creepy, Merlin. You realise that?"

"I know. " He looked up at her then, and frowned. She had a cryptic smile on her face, like she was about to burst. "Okay what's up?"

She made a squealing noise that made him wince, and Kilgharragh whine. "I saw him," she said, smacking her hands down on the counter and bouncing on her toes. "He was just in here!"

"Who?"

"The bloke from the party! The one you shagged! His name is Richard!"

Richard. A heat rush raced through Merlin, his mouth went dry. He almost fell off his stool. "When? Where? He came here?"

She grinned, grabbing Merlin's hands and pulling him from behind the counter. "His name is Richard, and he'll be back, I'm sure of it." She pulled him into a hug but released him almost immediately. "Merlin, he knows your name now! I hope it's okay I told him."

"Yeah, sure," he said, dazed by the sudden change of fortune. "Wow. Did he say anything else? Will he be back?"

"I hope so. And look." She darted behind the counter and plunked a sack of Welshcakes on it. "He left these and didn't notice, he was so overcome."

"Oh. Wow." Merlin stared at the bag of Welshcakes and reached out and touched them. Prince found him. He'd looked for him maybe even. And brought him Welshcakes? He picked up the bag, glanced at Gwen. The shine in her eyes made him shake his head. He opened the bag and took out a cake. "Guess he left them for me?" She took it and bit into it.

"Cinnamon. My favourite."

He peered in the sack. "No lemon," he mused, and took out the other Welshcake. The dog inched up to him then and woofed. "Sit," he said to Kilgharragh, and the dog sat. He gave him a bit of cookie when the dog gulped down. "You couldn't have tasted that," he said. "Shake." The dog held out a paw, and he tossed him another bite.

"What else can he do?"

"I don't know." He opened up the sack and took out another cookie. "Kilgharragh, lay down. " The dog did so, and did trick after trick for Merlin with just a few commands. Stay, turn around, sit on hind legs--which was very cute--and stand on back paws--which was imposing as hell. He even barked and growled on command, the latter making both he and Gwen laugh nervously.

"Tell him to snarl."

"You're kidding," Merlin said. "No dog does that on command."

"I think he will."

Merlin said, "Okay Kilgharragh, snarl. Look really fierce and terrifying like you did that night."

There was no way the dog could understand him, and yet a transformation took place. Kilgharragh backed up, his hackles raised, back arched. His eyes took on a red glare that sent sick chills down Merlin's spine. A low rumbled started in Kilgharragh's chest; he swore it shook the floor. Gwen grabbed

his arm and hid behind him as the dog's lips drew back, the growl escalated, drool dripped from his teeth. Merlin found himself backing up, saying, "Stop!" to the dog.

Immediately Kilgharragh pounced; they screamed, but the dog stopped shortly, turning mid-air into a tail-wagging, grinning goof of a dog.

"Oh my god, Merlin," Gwen whispered.

Merlin released her and bent down to grab the dog's face between his hands. He looked into the dog's eyes, saw no anger, no hate or any sign of the killer beast he'd been seconds before.

"What are you, Kilgharragh?" he whispered to the dog, then released him. He gave him the last Welshcake, completely bemused by the dog's behavior, fierceness, understanding…

"That was incredible," Gwen said. "Don't tell him to do that again, okay?"

"Not unless I need to," he said, moving back behind the counter. Gwen grabbed her purse and slung it on her shoulder, then reached out and patted the dog.

"I've got to go. You going to be okay?"

"Yeah," he said. "I don't think anyone will mess with me with him around." She smiled at that. "I meant about Prince. Richard."

He shrugged, but smiled. "Do you really think he'll come back here?"

"Maybe once he realises he left his Welshcakes." Merlin looked at the empty sack. "Oops." She laughed. "Just promise you'll replace them the morning after. You'll be wanting a good breakfast."

His face heated but the thought? He liked it. "Go on, your man is waiting for you."

Gwen left. Merlin started to reach for the mail he needed to open but instead reached for his laptop. There was a message from OneKnightStand, though he hadn't had a chance yet to answer the last email from him. Merlin kept his Gmail chat on invisible; OneKnightStand's name appeared as orange. So he was around, but not at the computer.

The little orange light made him warm inside, made learning a new shop was coming into his space hurt a little less. It would be okay. It had to be. It was a good day, he decided, and would stay that way or else. He picked up the unopened mail and shoved it into the desk drawer, then opened up the email.

To: SorcererSupreme

From: OneKnightStand 

You know something? I have an idea. It may sound a little strange, but I realised something today as I was running some errands…that I wanted to take a little more time to get to know you. I tend to rush head-first into relationships, think after a week or two or even a month that suddenly I know everything about the person, and wham! meet, and am disappointed. I don’t want that to happen to us, Zap. I like you, I like the way you think, but maybe spending a little more time getting to know how we tick would be a good idea.

I don't want to back off, not really. Just…maybe not talk too personal about the everyday facts of who we are, instead maybe learn what we are.

That probably makes no sense, but knowing your mum's name or your dog's, if you have a dog, is not so important. How you feel about them means more.

Got to run, my sister--who I do adore--is wanting me to tell her what colour looks best on her, red or cherry red. Like I can tell.  

OKS

Merlin sagged in his chair, a hot point of disappointment in his chest. He couldn't help himself, he was confused, and… He scratched his head, shrugging to himself, wondering if this were a brush-off or a genuine attempt to know how he truly ticked inside.

Okay then. He paused for a moment, hands on the keys, and with a sigh dove in.

To: OneKnightStand

From: SorcererSupreme

Sorry for not answering the other email yet. Been busy around here. I understand, a little disappointed but that's okay. Nothing personal is fine though it makes it a little hard. Let's see. I do have a dog. I won't tell you his name, because that is too personal, right? But he is a big dog, black, and very smart. Scary smart, really. He will do anything I tell him to, short of filing correspondence (though maybe he can do that too).

I watched the Triffids movie last night before bed and it didn't give me nightmares. Sorry, the movie doesn't do the book justice at all. It is rather silly, I think. The book is terrifying, and I'll never look at Christmas trees the same way again.  

The door opened and a father and two girls came in, one clutching money in her hand. "Morning," he called out. "Welcome to Warlock Comics."

Sorry this is short--I'll write more tonight. I've some guests I need to help.

The father grinned. "We've got some money burning holes in pockets. The girls would have nothing but to come to Merlin's shop."

"Just make yourself at home, let me know if you have any questions."

A new mail popped into his mailbox. It was OneKnightStand, and his green light was on. He opened it and read it, grinning.

To: SorcererSupreme

From: OneKnightStand

I know you're there, Zap. Talk to me.   

If this was how OneKnightStand avoided 'personal' he'd take it.

Chapter Text

"You know you really make it difficult to focus," Arthur said a split-second after Percival dropped another box against the wall. He'd been trying in vain to concentrate on the spreadsheet before him, but all he could think about was Merlin Emrys.

Merlin Merlin Merlin.

Percival frowned at him, then sauntered across, pulled out a stool and sat. "What's up, Boss?"

The question was so unexpected the flare of anger immediately tapped out. Anger? He ran his hand over his face--this was really messing him up. He studied Percival's face briefly; the bloke was a hard worker, had taken to calling him Boss--which he really didn't mind, much better than "sir"--and didn't have a mean bone in his body. Already Arthur was grateful to him--many times over in fact--for being there.

He started to say nothing, get back to work, but pulled up. The interest on Percival's face was genuine, and Arthur knew that this moment he could choose to do two things--be like his father and tell Percival to mind his own business and get back to work, or do what didn't come as instinctively--given his original reaction--but was right.

Arthur pushed his mouse aside, and sighed glumly. "Can't concentrate." He gestured at the spreadsheet. "Something's not tallying up and I can't figure it out. I can't even--" He shook his head and looked at Percival, the slow nodding of his head. Patient. Waiting. "I saw the owner of Warlock Comics." He bit his lip, then stopped--another uncharacteristic gesture.

"Did you talk to him?"

Arthur shook his head. "No. I was in the Welshcakes shop, and he came in to get some."

Percival nodded thoughtfully. "So, did he say anything to you?"

"No." Arthur saved and closed the spreadsheet. He couldn't stand looking at it anymore. "No, I kinda turned away."

Percival chuckled. "He doesn't know what you look like."

"Uh, well--" His face heated, and Percival tilted his head, eyes clearly curious. "Oh fuck."

Percival laughed. "What? He your type?"

Arthur gaped. "Wha--"

Percival grinned. "You're gay, right?"

A flash of heat rammed through him. "Who told you."

Percival raised his hands. "No one. Except my wife." Arthur blinked, then frowned. "How'd she know?"

"She's observant."

"I don't act gay," he insisted, but Percival only laughed again.

"No, but you checked me out when your father introduced us that first day. Not that she minded."

"Fuck," Arthur muttered, studying his employee. But Percival didn't seem bothered. At all. Another bridge to cross dropped in front of him, and he took it. "You are hot," Arthur admitted, "but not my type."

"Sweet skinny blokes with dark hair." Arthur frowned at him. "I asked around. He's gay too, you know."

"I know," Arthur said miserably.

"Honestly not the kind of guy I'd picture you with but--"

"What's that supposed to mean?"

Percival grinned. "You cut me off. I meant, based on who you are--rich--and how you look--gorgeous and handsome--"

"Oh please."

"--I'd put you with some red-headed, hot shot, muscle-bound footie player. Some pretty, mindless boy who liked to flex his muscles."

Arthur laughed. "I used to think so too, honestly." He paused. "He is sweet. And funny." And looked at Arthur--Prince, he reminded himself--like he was…worthwhile.  His shoulders slumped. "I was just as happy skimming stones with him as fucking him." Percival dropped his head back and laughed as Arthur's face, neck, ears and everything else heated.  "I shouldn't have said that. Sorry."

"No, no, honesty's good."

"I wish I'd remembered that, before."

Percival wiped his eyes. "So, what's going on? I mean, you look pretty down." He stood, grabbed one of the boxes he'd hauled in and started to open and unpack it. Arthur joined him--somehow it was easier to talk about while working.

"I met him the first night here. He was at a party I was invited to. I was out on the porch when I looked down--" He stopped, remembering that moment he first saw Merlin, walking toward the house. How he'd stopped, and after a moment of uncanny stillness, disappeared in the shadows like magic.  He'd then reappeared in the streetlight, hurrying toward the house like something was after him.

Arthur wanted to understand what he'd seen. If Merlin had seen the shimmering darkness he'd seen, but sworn he had imagined until now.

"He knows who you are then."

"No. We didn't exchange names. Not real ones at least. I told him I was Prince and he--oh fuck--called himself Superman." Arthur grimaced at Percival's bark of laughter. "I know, I know, but it seemed a good idea at the time. All of it did."

His thoughts shot forward to that moment he'd decided to follow after Merlin. When he saw him looking out over the water, his shoulders hunched like he bore the weight of the world--which now, Arthur knew, he did.

The moment when he attracted Merlin's attention, and Merlin pulled him back, his eyes wide with horror and concern. There'd been something in that moment that tugged hard at Arthur, an awareness of something different, unique. Special.

He'd wanted him.  At least once.

Who was he kidding? Once wasn't enough.

"Sir?"

That jolted Arthur out of his thoughts. He frowned at Percival, who flashed him a grin. Arthur groaned, sank his fingers in his hair and yanked hard, hoping the pain would shock him into some sense. Didn't work of course. He smiled wanly at Percival.

"Let's just say my Superman turned out to be a real Clark Kent."

Percival pressed his lips together. "This presents an interesting dilemma."

"No shit."

"He won't believe you didn't know."

"I know."

Arthur sat back down and dropped his head onto his folded arms on the counter, the weight of what he'd done and, most startlingly, the horrid ache of loss in his chest and, yeah, groin, making itself at home.

There was no way to shake this. "He'll hate you forever."

Arthur lifted his head and grimaced at Percival. "Thanks."

Percival spread his hands. "Sorry, Boss."

"Yeah, me too." He pushed himself back up and grabbed another box. "Let's get this crap done and go get a pizza."

Percival rubbed his stomach and grinned. "You got it. My treat though. You wouldn't happen to like football, would you?"

"Gooner for life."

"Thank God. I don't have to kill you."

"Um, thanks."

Percival finished another box. "The local lads are playing tonight. The wife said not to come home, she's busy with her mum, and isn't interested. She loves it, really, but gets tired of football."

"How does one get tired of football?

"Growing up surrounded by it. Her father was a professional coach."

"I didn't know that." Like he didn't know a lot about his new right-hand man. "I guess that would do it."

"Yeah, she has five sisters, no brothers. Taught them all how to play but none of them liked it enough to play professionally. Chose other sports." he shrugged. "He's seriously hoping for another chance."

"Somehow I doubt he'll succeed in that dream. Kids do what they want."

Percival laughed. "You got it. Want to go?"

"Yeah." It would be amazing. He booted the memories of his father's rants about not becoming friends with employees. Fuck that. "That'd be great."

Arthur grinned, and got back to work. But he couldn't get his dilemma out of his mind. "My father wants me to ruin him."

"I thought that was obvious."

"Yeah, it runs deeper than that. Do you think you can move that shelf over there?" Arthur said.

"Yeah, it obstructs the flow. Good idea. What do you mean, it goes deeper?" Percival heaved another box aside, and started on moving the bookshelf.

Arthur watched him in appreciation, the way he moved things with an ease that would take Arthur plus another to budge. It was like watching the Hulk in action, except for the lack of green.

"Emrys has something my father wants. At least he thinks he has it. But I don't think so." Percival crouched down and bracing himself to push the heavy wooden shelf over. "Need help?"

Percival shook his head. "I've got it." With another heave Percival pushed the shelf into place. He stood back, nodded once at the shelf's new position. "Better."

"Thanks."

Percival gave him a sideways, serious look. "I'll do anything for you, Boss." Arthur paused, then shrugged.

"Even destroy another man's future?"

Percival hesitated, then rejoined Arthur on the stools. "It's like a footie match. Someone's got to win, someone's got to lose." He shrugged. "It's a risk."

"What would you say though if I knew how to help Emrys save his shop?"

"How would you do that?"

"You're supposed to say why not how."

Percival grinned. "I already know why. What do you mean?"

"My father believes he's in possession of an Action Comics #1, and doesn't know it. Gaius owned it. My father and Gaius were friends once, and bought them together. My father sold his for some reason, but got his hands on another one a few years ago but it has marks. He believes Gaius left his to Merlin, and it would be in pristine condition."

"But you don't think Merlin knows he has it."

"His bills are nearly past-due, his sales aren't enough to sustain the shop, the stock is looking pretty sparse and I think the only reason he hasn't been booted from his flat is his landlady likes him. Selling that Superman comic would bring him over four hundred thousand pounds, easily. No, I don't think he does."

"So how are you going to find out if he has it?"

"I'm not sure. Especially once he finds out who I am." He hesitated, decided against telling Percival he knew his father had always intended for him to do this, the minute he'd found out where Gaius lived. Arthur kicked one of the boxes aside, wishing he had his sword to hack it in two. "I really have no idea what to do now."

"I have an idea," Percival said. "Oh?"

He grinned. "Pizza."

* * *

"Run Elyan, run!" Gwen screamed at the top of her lungs. Merlin wasn't a screamer by nature but his heart thumped and raced and he found himself on his feet with everyone else.

Elyan flew past them, light as a gazelle, and passed the ball to his mate who stumbled. Elyan shot after the ball, getting it passed back to him within range. An opposing team player headed for him, and the goalie tensed, ready for Elyan to take a shot.

But he faked them out, kicking it back to his mate who'd stumbled and been dismissed, then had run around to the other side. He took aim and shot, too late for the goalie to block it. The ball hit his gloved hand. It should've gone out but it somehow popped into the net the second the final whistle blew.  The crowd erupted.

"They did it! They won!" Gwen screamed, jumping up and down like a maniac. Lance glanced behind her at Merlin and shook his head. Merlin laughed; Gwen's enthusiasm for football was legion, and when Elyan had been transferred to Cardiff everything had seemed roses. He was happy for her. He really was.

The teams were doing their post-game handshakes. Gwen turned to her boyfriend, leaving Merlin to sit back and watch the crowd which had begun to disperse. It was a chill but dry evening.

"We're going to go see Elyan. You're coming, right?"

Merlin shrugged. "Sure."

"Come on then." She looped her arm through his, the other through Lance's and they made their way through the crowd. Merlin's mind was only half on the conversation between Lance and Gwen when he looked around and stopped short, yanking free of Gwen. "Merlin, what is it?"

It was him. Prince. And he was with the gorgeous, fit bloke who he'd seen at the new shop. Gwen looked from him to the crowd. Elyan was walking toward them, laughing with one of his mates and he caught sight of them and waved.

But Merlin ignored them. His world crashed right at that moment, the dark maw of the churned-up mud on the field clawing at his shoes, threatening to pull him and chew him up.

"What's wrong?" Elyan said, and Gwen said, "I don't know. Merlin?" She moved in front of him, blocking his view of Prince--fucking Richard, if that was even his name--and his companion.

He could only shake his head. Gwen and Elyan turned around--the crowd was thinner now--then looked at each other, their eyes wide, before they turned back to Merlin. As they pulled back, he could see them again, see the big guy's arm around Prince Richard.

"Who is he with?" Gwen said.

"With the guy we saw at the new shop."

Gwen put her hand to her mouth, and turned in horror to Merlin. But he was too numb, too angry.  

"I gotta go," he whispered.

"Merlin, wait." Elyan took hold of his arm. "What's going on?"

"That's the guy Merlin shagged at our party," Lance said.

Elyan grimaced. "And the other one's the one we saw working at the new shop."

"Saw them both there today."

Now they all stared at Lance. "What? I thought you knew. I told Gwen."

"No, you didn't," Gwen said tersely. "I'm sorry Merlin."

Merlin took a step back, then another. Shook his head. He'd been suckered, sure as anything. He balled his hands into fists, fury ripping through him.

Then Prince Bastard turned, and saw him. He stopped where he was, his fuck buddy standing beside him. He bent down and whispered something to Prince Bastard; Elyan did the same to Merlin.

"Keep calm, mate. Let's get out of here."

But he couldn't keep calm. He was past calm. Instead he found his feet moving toward Prince Bastard until he was almost in his face. "You bastard," Merlin growled, poking his finger in the other man's chest. "You knew who I was."

Prince raised his hands. "No, I'm sorry. I didn't know."

"You work at that shop. What, did your Boss send you to check out the competition? To shag me into going away?"

Prince's gaze hardened. "Actually, no. I had no idea who you were. You didn't tell me your name."

"And you didn't either. What is your name? Who are you, really?"

The bloke stilled, his face pale under the field lights. "My name's Arthur Pendragon."

"Boss, you don't--"

But Arthur--if that was his real name given he'd told Gwen it was Richard--cut him off. "Yes, I do." He turned back to Merlin. "I'm sorry. I had no idea you were, well, Warlock Comics. I'm not here to ruin you--"

"Like hell you aren't." He took a step forward, raising his hand…he could feel the heat race through him. He wanted to hurt this man, this man who had just torn his heart in two. "Wait. You? You own the new shop?"

Prince Bastard nodded, his stupid eyes glimmering. Merlin balled his hand into a fist.  "Camelot Comics."

Camelot Comics. Camelotfuckingcomics.  Merlin felt the blood drain from his face. He knew them. Knew what they--the Pendragons--did to businesses they-- 

No.

"Merlin!" Elyan grabbed him, pulling him back. He stumbled, but not before he saw the look in Pendragon's eyes. He pulled away from Elyan, shock coursing through him over what he'd been about to do.

He'd almost zapped Arthur Pendragon.

"Merlin, wait!"

Maybe if it'd been Gwen and not Arthur (his name was Arthur, how ironic was that?) he would've stopped. But he kept going, his hands balled into fists lest he lose control.

He knew he looked the idiot running away like he was doing but he didn't care. He had to get as far away from Pendragon and the others as he could, as fast as he could. Elyan understood. Gwen looked hurt, Lance oblivious thank god, and Arthur and his fucking gorgeous boyfriend…

His boyfriend. That had to be it, that fit bloke was his boyfriend. He almost felt childish enough to yell "Hey, he cheated on you!" but instead he broke into a jog, turning down a street where he knew no one would see him. It was dark here, no lights, no people. He skidded to a stop, his chest heaving, a stitch in his side. With a roar of anger and frustration and downright pain, he whirled on his heel, the heat rippling down his arm until a ball of fire shot from his hand, and burst a bush into flames.

Merlin stared at it; lights flew on, doors opened. "Hey you, what you doing out here?"

"Someone call the cops!"

Merlin gulped. He'd done that. He'd blown up that bush. A beer-bellied man in stained jeans and a wife beater started towards him. He blinked, stupefied, but then Arthur and his boyfriend appeared from around the corner.

He turned and ran.

* * *

Arthur skidded to a stop as they turned around the corner, finding themselves running into a mass of confusion. Something was on fire; he searched past it, into the darkness, and saw him--Merlin, his horrified face lit up by the flames. Then Merlin took off.

"We can catch him," Percival said, bending down to his ear.

Arthur looked at the flames, and how close they were to the house. A woman burst out of the front door, a baby in her arms. "Help me!" she cried, just as the flames licked the tree overhead and jumped to the roof.

Arthur didn't think twice. "Find a hose!" he yelled at Percival as he ran up to the woman. "Is everyone out?"

She shook her head. "No! My son's in there. He's disabled. Help him. Please."

"Which room?"

The woman was crying now, but another, older man hurried up. "His room's on the second floor."

Arthur squeezed the woman's shoulder. "Don't worry. I'll get him."

Someone shoved a wet rag into his hand. There was a crowd now. Someone pulled the crying woman as the flames took hold.

"Percival!" Arthur yelled as he appeared with a hose. "Direct it above the flames, I'm going in!"

Holding the cloth to his face, Arthur took a deep breath and dove into the house. It was smoky in here; he didn't have time to wonder but the strange thought Merlin did this wouldn't leave him.

But why? Why would he have started a fire? He wasn't the malicious type.

Dammit, he'd forgotten to ask the boy's name. His eyes stung, and the smoke was thicker. Hurrying for the stairs he heard a dog barking up ahead. He would try to get it in a minute but first the boy.

Running up the stairs he called out. "Hello? Can you hear me? I'm here!"

"Help me! I'm in the back room!"

Arthur covered his mouth again and hurried to the back room. The smoke hadn't reached here yet. The room was full of medical equipment, and a boy about sixteen, Arthur guessed, lay in a bed.

"I'm Arthur and I'm getting you out of here."

"What happened?"

"A fire. I don't know how it started. " He looked at all the equipment. "What do you need to take with you?"

"Just that," the boy said, pointing to a case with tubing. "That and my medicines."

Arthur didn't hesitate. He grabbed the bag and gave it to the boy who immediately clutched it to his chest.  Arthur looked around. "Anything else?"

"Oxygen." His eyes were wide.  

Oxygen. Shit.

"What's your name?"

"Gareth."

"Okay Gareth, take this cloth, and cover your face with it. I can't take the oxygen with us but help is on its way. We'll get you out of here but it's going to be rough."

He nodded, then said, "My dog!"

"We'll get him. Don't worry."

The boy nodded. "Thanks. You can do this, I know."

Arthur smiled at that. He heard the sirens, then, thank God. There was no more time though. He looked around, spied a bandana. There was a glass of water by the boy's bed--he dumped the bandana into it, then wrapped it around his face.

"Okay, let's do this." Arthur slid his hands under the boy's knees and around his thin shoulders. He had no idea what was wrong with him, but Gareth was a brave kid. He held Arthur tight, the case he'd needed clutched to him. Taking a deep breath Arthur looked through his doorway--the smoke was curling upward.

He managed to get the door closed behind them. Hopefully it would provide enough of a barrier to save the room's contents. He made for the stairs and bolted down them, holding the boy tighter as the smoke thickened. He started to cough and Arthur did too but he plunged forward, blindly making his way toward where he knew the front door was.

And then, suddenly, the air cleared, so quickly and dramatically--magically-- that he nearly stumbled.  It was as if a bubble of clean air waited for them. He breathed in a huge lungful of fresh air, and rushed for the front door which was clear in front of him.

Hands grabbed him, pulling him forward; someone took the boy from him. Percival, he thought numbly as a coughing fit overtook him. Through cough-induced tears he looked up and locked eyes with someone--Merlin. He'd come back. Someone in a uniform, a fireman, hauled him away from the roiling fire; they had the water jets going now, dousing the flames but Arthur's eyes stung so badly he couldn't see.

An oxygen-mask was handed to him, a smiling woman held it to his face. "Breathe deep." He grabbed it to his face and did so, taking a few gulps.

"The boy's dog, it's still--"

"I got it, I got it," Percival said. "Don't worry."

"Listen to your mate, Hero. Everyone's fine."

Arthur closed his stinging eyes. He wanted to look for him again, see if Merlin was still there. He couldn't wrap his head around this. Surely he'd been mistaken Merlin hadn't had anything to do with the fire. He'd come back, and been there, and the smoke had parted in front of Arthur like magic.

He needed to talk to Merlin.

He pushed aside the oxygen mask and got up. "Sir, you need to sit down--"

"I'm fine," he said, coughing into his sleeve, but he pushed his way through the crowd, scanning it, trying to find Merlin.

But he was nowhere to be found.

Chapter Text

A week passed.  It had been the worst moment of his life, learning Prince's real name, and that he--Arthur Pendragon--was responsible for the brown paper wrapping around the old shop.

He'd thought nothing could get worse than that moment, until he'd accidentally set that bush on fire. And then, then, to learn he'd caused set someone's home on fire. And, nearly killed a boy who would've died if not for Arthur Pendragon. If he hadn't gone back and faced what he'd done, Arthur could be dead too. He wanted him to go away, not die…

"My life," he muttered to no one but the dog. The shop was empty this time of day--a Thursday, just after lunch, with all the kids still in school. Only the occasional tourist floated by, took a look, and walked out again. It'd been almost an hour since anyone had even done that much.

He pulled the newspaper he'd kept hidden under the counter the last week, and looked at it again, his dismay and mortification acute. Arthur Pendragon's face looked back at him, smudged with dirt or probably soot, posing with a young boy who had a skin ailment that kept him bedbound.  Behind him, Pendragon's boyfriend--Percival Armstrong--looked solemnly at the camera, a little dog in his arms. He'd saved the dog, Arthur the boy, and now they were heroes.

And Merlin had saved them all but no one could ever know that.

The door opened and Gwaine strolled in, talking on his mobile. Merlin hurriedly shoved the paper under the counter again, and glanced at the clock.

"You're late," he mouthed to Gwaine, but Gwaine just grinned, made a kissing noise into the phone and stuffed it into his pocket.

"Not exactly swamped in here today, are you?"

"Don't remind me," Merlin said glumly. He sighed at this friend. "I'm not sure what I'm going to do, Gwaine. That shop is going to open pretty soon, and it's been so dead today--" He paused, Gwaine's face shadowed. "What is it?"

"Merls, hate to tell you this, but it is open. As of this morning."

Merlin swallowed against the sudden dryness of his throat. "What do you mean? Just like that?" He looked around his shop, the deadness of it. Even Kilgharragh barely moved as he slept stretched out on the floor. He got up from the stool. "Stay here, I've got to see."

"Merlin," Gwaine said, grabbing his arm as he hurried around the counter.

"I'm fine, let me go Gwaine."

Gwaine released him. "It's, well, just… want me to come with you?"

"No," Merlin said, shaking his head. "No. I need to see for myself. Watch the dog."

Gwaine laughed a little too loudly. "Like that lump is moving." Kilgharragh raised his head and growled at Gwaine. "Sorry, sorry. Go back to sleep, didn't mean to disturb you."

Merlin left them and headed toward his old shop. The new shop. Not his shop. He rubbed his chest against the pain, willed himself to calm down. But as he approached and saw the people moving in and out, clutching packages to their chest, heavier ones swinging at their side, laughing and smiling, a few kids even with faces painted and lips bright red with lollipops, even a few sporting brand-new Comicbook hero t-shirts they couldn't wait to put on.

He didn't recognize anyone, at least. He didn't think he could bear the pitying looks. He followed after a family of four who had two girls almost running to get inside. He didn't want to do this, but knew he had to see. He had to know what Pendragon had as arsenal to ruin him.

The minute he crossed the shop threshold and looked around at the wonderland of colours, bright posters, giant characters hanging from the ceiling, the whirligigs fluttering in fans, saw the items Pendragon had for sale--everything from clothing, to action figures and books, puzzles and games and posters, and comics--he knew he was lost. He had everything Merlin always wished he could sell. And plenty of everything. Especially comics, amazing comics that burned his fingertips as he touched them lightly.

Merlin didn't see Arthur Pendragon but he saw the boyfriend with a pretty girl he swore he'd seen around somewhere near the house. He started to turn away, unable to bear this, his throat clutching and dying to escape when the girl smiled at Percival (what kind of name was that anyway?) and kissed him. Then Percival smiled at her, and he saw the glint of rings on their fingers, the swell of her belly--he gaped, confused.

Were they a threesome? "Percival, over here please?"

Merlin froze, turning his back on the voice. His voice, Arthur Pendragon. He had to get out of there. He'd seen enough, had faced his doom. "Excuse me," he said, trying to get past two people who were discussing the merits of whether or not to purchase a Superman costume.

Superman.

"Merlin? Hey Merlin!"

Hearing his name put speed to his feet. He pushed his way past some kids, mumbling his apologies, withering under the looks of irritation, and bolted out of the shop. He didn't stop until he'd run past his own shop, out past the street and around the corner to the Plass. The big, wide-opened Plass, where he could breathe, think, and, to his horror, possibly fall apart.

He sat down hard on the block in front of the water fountain, fervently wishing it really did go down into Torchwood's depths, that he could simply disappear there forever.  He buried his face in his hands, chest heaving, misery weighing him down.

Then he came around the corner, skidded to a stop near the Millenium Centre's front doors. Merlin prayed Arthur wouldn't look around, see him. He wasn't sure he could run anymore--he'd already looked like a fool. Arthur turned, hands on hips, scanning the near-empty Plass, right past where Merlin sat on the invisible lift.

Right past.

"Don't see me don't see me," Merlin whispered, over and over again, the fact that Arthur couldn't see him shocking Merlin. Arthur shook his head, ran his hands through his hair, then gave up, heading back toward his shop. Merlin stayed still as a rabbit waiting for a wolf to pass by. Only when Arthur disappeared did he breathe.

"Merlin?"

Merlin whipped around, nearly stumbling off the kerb. It was Will. "Will," he said stupidly.

Will nodded, walking up to him. Merlin stood. "Hey, you okay? Where…where did you come from?"

Shit. "I was, around, back there," he said, thumbing behind the fountain. He smiled nervously. "Guess you didn't see me."

Will stared at him for a moment, then shrugged. "Why are you out here?"

"Taking a walk," he said, shoving his hands into his pockets. "Um, you know, just around. Clear my head."

"I was just at your shop. Talked to Gwaine about what's going on."

Merlin clenched his hands in his pockets, wishing Will would disappear then hastily remedying that. With the way things had been so weird lately, he would disappear. "Yeah, well, guess you're going to tell me I told you so, Merlin," Merlin said.

Will looked pained for a moment. "No, no, of course not. Come have some coffee with me. We need to talk."

"I don't feel like coffee." Will loved Starbucks. Starbucks was right by Pendragon's shop. He would never walk that way again.

"A pint then."

He wanted to say no. He wanted to tell Will to go away but he admitted to himself he was curious as to why Will was here, now, today. "All right. Just one thing though. You're paying."

"Dutch."

Cheap as always. "Fine. I need to go by the shop first." He set off, not waiting for Will but he hurried up beside Merlin.

"I saw you got a dog. Hope that fur won't get all over my things before I can get the rest of them."

"I suggest you hurry it up then."

"That's why I'm here, actually."

Merlin stayed silent, preferring to nurse the burn of his aching heart without comment from Will. They reached his shop and he opened the door. Gwaine looked up from the newspaper he was looking at. Merlin hitched in his step as Prince's--Arthur's--face smiled out at him from the front page.

ARTHUR PENDRAGON - HERO.

Fuck.

"So, how did--"

"Not now, Gwaine."

Gwaine looked around him, setting the paper down. "Oh. Hi again Will."

"Gwaine."

Gwaine folded his arms over his chest, puffing it out. "You okay Merls?"

"I'm fine. Can you mind the shop for a bit?"

"No problem, Chief. Want me to come along though?" He narrowed his eyes at Will.

"I'm not going to kill him, Gwaine," Will said with a huff.

Gwaine narrowed his gaze. "No, you already did that."

"Gwaine. Enough."

"Bastard," Gwaine mumbled beneath his breath.

Merlin grabbed his laptop and slid it into his backpack. Kilgharragh stood, shaking his fur out, then ambled over to Merlin, snuffling his hand. Merlin petted him. "Stay here, Kilgharragh."

"Do say you aren't keeping that thing." Will's face had scrunched up. Kilgharragh took a step toward him; to Merlin's alarm, the ruff of his neck stood up and he growled. Will took a step back, eyeing him warily.

"More like he's keeping me." He lay a hand on the Newfoundland's massive head. "Easy boy. Will's a…friend."

Will smirked. "Thanks."

"Stay here, Kilgharragh. I'll be back. We're just going to get a pint." The dog looked up at him, to Will, and back to Merlin again. He almost smiled at Will's amazed expression. He couldn't resist showing him off a little. "Go on and lay back down."

The dog did as he bade, though before he lay his head down on the cool tile, he looked once more at Will and bared his teeth.

"I… I'll wait outside. Hurry up, yeah?"

Will fumbled for the door behind him and pulled it open, escaping outside. Gwaine burst out laughing. Merlin grinned.

"What's he here for now?" Gwaine asked.

"Get the rest of his stuff he says." Merlin opened the register, peering at the meagre notes inside. He took a tenner, and stuffed it into his wallet, refusing to mull over how that represented half of what he'd made that day. "He wants to talk."

"You want to talk to him?"

"Might as well get it over with."

"Did you check out the new shop?"

He sighed, glancing out at Will, and decided he could just wait. "Yeah. It's nice, Gwaine. Really nice. He's got action figures and posters and clothing, and all kinds of things."

"Like you used to."

He nodded. "I'm not sure how I can keep this shop open much longer." He looked up at Gwaine, the sympathetic smile, and smiled back. "Don't look so sad. Maybe I can do something else."

"Maybe you can still do something to fight back."

"Like what?"

Gwaine picked the paper up, and shoved it to him, stabbing the picture of Arthur Pendragon with his finger. "This makes him out to be a hero. What if we show that he isn't such a hero after all?"

"How?"

"Well," Gwaine said, nodding out toward where Will waited. "He's the writer. Tell him he owes you. He's still got friends at the paper he can call on."

Merlin nodded. "Yeah, he does."

Gwaine grinned, standing. "And I can organize the protest. We can picket that shop---" He fumbled under the counter, pulling out the battered index card box that had been Gaius'. He opened it, riffling through it, and pulling cards out. "Look. You've got all these people who were friends of Gaius', who shopped here and ordered through him. I can call them all and see who'd be willing to help us." Gwaine grabbed a pen and started to write down names. "This is going to be fabulous." He reached into his back pocket and pulled out his wallet, taking a twenty out. "Here, go get him drunk."

Merlin laughed. "I can't take that--"

"You will. Get him all loose, tell him you don't love him anymore, and that you need this one last thing from him and you'll let him go forever."

Merlin hesitated, then smiled. "You know, I think that might just work." "Good. Get going, leave all the madness to me."

* * *

"Well, Gwaine stuck to his word," Gwen said loudly over the noise. She bumped Merlin with her shoulder and grinned. "What do you think?"

"I'm not sure," Merlin said honestly. And he didn't. Gwaine really had stuck to his word, and it hadn't been hard to convince Will, either, to help out.

They stood together above the Torchwood shrine and watched the mayhem below. At least fifty people, half of whom had placards with such inventive messages as Sink Camelot and Down with 'Dragon marched up and down the boardwalk, and on the second level where they were.

Mothers, fathers, grandparents even--some of whom Merlin knew were friends of Gaius, all marched and chanted, waving their signs about. Ms. Alice was right there with Kilgharragh who wore a placard Gwen had constructed for him. He kept getting stopped for hugs and pictures though. The ham.

The local news crew--thanks to Will calling in markers as promised--was filming, and a reporter stood off to the side, talking into her mic. She started to walk over towards Merlin. He dropped his arms, and mouthed, "Oh no".

"And here we have the current owner of Warlock Comics, Merlin Emrys." Merlin flinched as a cameraman swiveled toward him, nearly in his face. "So tell me Merlin, what do you think of your supporters?"

"I, uh…"

"He's ecstatic," Gwen said. He wanted to fall off into the water. The reporter smiled thinly at Gwen. "And you're--"

Gwen looped her arm through Merlin's. "Merlin's best friend and supporter." Gwaine was heading toward them, jogging up to them and pushing between them, and plopped his arms around their shoulders.

"Hey there, I'm Gwaine, the organiser of this protest on Merlin's behalf," he said, white teeth flashing. Merlin rubbed his temples. Falling into the water wasn't good enough.

The reporter ignored Gwaine. "Do you think this protest will help your shop, Merlin?"

"I'm… I'm not sure."

Gwaine smacked his shoulder with the palm of his hand. "Of course it will. Camelot Comics and whatever will rue the day they decided to try to push Warlock Comics out of business. They'll see."

"Is this a personal argument, Merlin?"

"I, uh-- Yes, I mean no, of course not."

"Of course it is," Gwaine said, squeezing his arm. Merlin winced. "Arthur Pendragon thinks he can just bully his way into the Cardiff comic scene. Merlin and Gaius were here long before Pendragon ever considered this location. If he'd asked around or paid attention, he would've known Merlin's well-loved and Warlock Comics is the only comic shop Cardiff needs." She nodded, raising her chin in defiance.

"That may be true, but our investigation reveals Warlock Comics hasn't been doing well--"

"The economy has been tough for everyone," Gwen said. "Right Merlin?" He shrugged, then at her glare nodded. "Merlin's opened the doors to kids who wouldn't have anywhere to go, holding tournaments, and providing a safe haven for, well, everyone. Pendragon just has fancy props and a big building. What is he doing for kids?"

"He's a local hero, though," the reporter pointed out, the cameraman swiveling toward her.

"Show off," Gwaine muttered.

"Any last words, Merlin?"

Did she have to word it like that? "No, thanks for coming."

Gwen grabbed the mic from the reporter. "I just want to go on record as stating--"

"Charlie, stop filming," the reporter bit out, grabbing the mic back.

"Gwen, please," Merlin murmured as the cameraman stopped filming. The reporter glared at her and took off.

"All right, sorry Merlin. I just get so angry--"

"I know, it's okay."

Gwaine squeezed his shoulder. "This is awesome, isn't it?"

Chapter Text

"This is horrible," Arthur muttered as he peered out the front window at the protestors still hanging around, marching their fury against him and his shop. They'd had to close up early, the debacle had been so ridiculous out there. He hadn't seen Merlin until then, standing with arms crossed and glaring over the crowd. He hadn't thought he had it in him.

"Think they'll be back tomorrow?" Percival said. He held Goliath tucked under one arm to feed him a piece of chicken.

"If they are, I'll mount a protest of my own." Percival gave the dog another piece of chicken. "And stop feeding that dog my dinner."

"Sorry, Boss," he said, still feeding the dog. "Think this will hurt us?"

Arthur grimaced as he pulled down the front shades. "From hero to hounded in one week," he muttered, grabbing another beer. He'd already had more than he usually did. Beer made him fat. "I don't know. If I'd known that reporter was here to turn on me like this, I would never have talked to her."

Percival's mobile went off. He checked the id and smiled. "Hey babe. You okay?" His smile turned to a frown. "Okay. Thanks. I'll be home soon. Bye." He set the dog down and headed toward the back.

"What's up?" Arthur called, curious, and followed after Percival.

"You're on the news."

"What?" Arthur pushed past him and turned on the telly they kept in the back for breaks. He flipped through the channels and stopped, aghast, as he watched his face appear on the screen. But his horror deepened to anger and disgust as he watched.

"Looking good, Boss."

"Thanks," Arthur said, glad he'd shaved that morning. He took another drink of his beer. His head was getting woozy. "Here I go."

They both fell quiet as his image spoke. "I sell cheap merchandise. So sue me."

The camera swung back to the reporter. "And that in a nutshell is Camelot Comics & Collectibles."

"Is that what you said?"

Arthur stared at the television, completely aghast. "Fuck no I didn't say that." He stabbed at the television. "They didn't just butcher what I said, they took it apart and shredded me! Fuck!" He opened another beer and drank it down. Fast. Fuck.

"It was mostly his friends, not him. He seemed kind of upset."

"Yeah, I bet he was."

He reached for the door and missed, snarled and yanked open the door, stomped across the walkway, not stopping until he stood in front of Warlock Comics. He banged on the door.

"Are you in there, Merlin Emrys?" He banged on the door again, his stomach clenching, then turned to face Percival who had of course followed him. "How could I have been so stupid, Perc?"

"You're not stupid. Just smitten."

"He hates me."

"Maybe, but you could fix it."

Arthur snorted. "Yeah, right." He patted his pockets. "Where are my keys?"

"I've got them."

He peered up at Percival. "Did you steal them from me?"

"Sure did, Boss."

Arthur grimaced. "Fine. Fine." He clapped him on the shoulder. "Good man. Walk me home then."

Percival snorted. "By your command, Sire."

"Stop that."

"Your hotel is the other way."

He pulled up, closing his eyes. "I don't want to go there," he said, not really meaning to say the words out loud.

"Come to my place. You can sleep on the couch."

"You sure your lovely wife won't mind?"

Percival grabbed him by the arm. "Not at all. She'd like to show it off. I'll call her."

"Warn her."

"That too."

While Percival was on the phone to his lovely wife, Arthur lifted his face to the cooling breeze, welcoming its dampness on his skin. Damn it rained a lot here. Or drizzled. Or misted. It was simply always wet. He didn't mind so much, not really, but he hoped with summer's arrival sunshine would be the main mode of each day.

A rock chose to trip him up at that moment; Percival grabbed him and held him upright. What a shitty, shitty day. From hero to hated in less than a day. Really though, it wasn't his fault, he thought as they rounded the corner and headed down the rain-slicked, mostly-deserted street towards Percival house. He tried not to listen but couldn't help it, nor to smile at the affectionate teasing between them.

"I envy you," he said after he hung up.

"How so?"

Arthur stepped out in the street, raised his hands to the persistent drizzle, and turned in a slow circle. "You have love, true love in your life. Every night, you know when you leave work, a lovely lady is awaiting your return."

"Unless she's painting," Percival said.

"She's an artist?"

Percival eyed him, nodding toward the road. "Careful." Arthur looked down, nearly sprawling again. "She's painting murals on our walls. She's an accountant."

"I didn't know that."

"No?"

"I should've. I should know everything," Arthur said, but dropped his hands with a sigh. Unfortunately, the merry buzz he'd been sporting was dwindling quickly. He couldn't even get pissed correctly.

"It's all right."

"No, no it isn't. I want to know you, Percival. And your Anna. And your kid." He looped an arm around Percival's shoulders. "Damn you're big. What am I going to do now?"

"Uh, about what? This way," he said, pointing down the street.

"You really walk to work every day?"

"Anna keeps the car. I don't mind."

"It's a lovely walk. Lovely city, lovely boys in this city, except the two I can't seem to have."

"Two?" Percival looked puzzled at him for a moment, then nodded. "Who is the other one?"

"You know," Arthur said. "The online guy."

"No, I don't. Tell me about him."

Arthur grinned. "He's just an online fling I have going. Lots of fun though, really nice." He took a deep breath. "The perfect guy, really. Cute, though I haven't seen him." Percival laughed at that. "But he knows comics, he's an artist, and he lives somewhere around here, I think maybe."

"Gay?"

"God I hope so," Arthur said, shoving his hands into his pockets. "I really don't know much about him, just I like the way he thinks. And flirts. We talk in email every day."

"Maybe you should meet him. Take your mind off of--" He waved back toward the quay. "Everything."

"Yeah, but I told him no details. Let's keep it simple, get to know each other."

"Screw that. Tell him you want to meet."

Arthur looked up at Percival, at his grin. "Yeah, maybe."

"What's the worst that can happen? You're already friends, right?"

Arthur shrugged, then glanced down the street and into the dark shadows. No lights lined the alley; something moved. Something big, and strange, and shimmery. Percival moved up behind him. "Did you see that?" Arthur whispered.

"What--"

Arthur raised his hand, cutting off Percival. "Look. Don't move." He saw nothing at first, after a moment thought maybe he had just imagined it. But then he saw it, and the quiet intake of Percival's breath behind him assured him he'd seen it too, a shimmering blackness, undulating and moving with impossible speed.

Directly toward them.

"Arthur?" Percival grabbed his arm, and Arthur looked around, desperate to find somewhere to hide. "Run!"

Percival took off, Arthur on his heels. Adrenaline and fear coursed through him, his feet slipping on the blasted wet ground. "Run!" Arthur yelled at Percival, who vaulted over a garden wall. His own momentum carried him forward but he swore he could hear the thing coming for him, its breath hot on his neck. Percival watched, his face blank, until Arthur flung himself over the wall, Percival catching him and breaking his fall. The wind still knocked out of him, he rapped his head hard on the ground, and Percival held him tight, gathering him close. Any second the thing would leap over the wall after them and tear them from limb to limb.

Percival pulled them both against the wall. Arthur's heart hammered in his head, his panicked breathing loud and raspy and he swore a sure signal to the thing where they were. He glanced wide-eyed at Percival, who shook his head. Arthur looked around them; there was nothing, not even a stick to use as a weapon. Damn.

Then they heard a fierce snarl, and barking. Someone's dog. A strange, eerie sound peeled the night in two, slamming into the snarl as a fight between the dog and the creature, whatever the hell it was, began in earnest. Lights turned on, he heard someone yell 'be fucking quiet out there' but the fight went on and then, as soon as it had begun, stopped.

Percival slowly stood, and peered over the wall. He looked back down at Arthur. "Look." He reached for Arthur's arm and pulled him up. Arthur peered over the wall and saw, in the middle of the street, not the shimmering, strange creature but a giant dog. Merlin's dog. "That dog scared it off."

"Do you see it?"

"No."

They watched as the dog looked at them, wagging its tail slowly back and forth. It took a few steps toward them, limping. It was hurt. But what had that been? What had it fought? The dog woofed once, then took off, disappearing quickly into the darkness.

Arthur slid back down the wall and sat, his back to it. "You okay, Boss?"

"Yeah. Yes I am." What had just happened? He was drunk, or had been. Wasn't anymore. Couldn't be.

"It's not far. Let's get you out of here. Take care of your hand."

"What?" Arthur held out his hands and then realised he'd scraped the living hell out of his palms. "Okay. Yeah. Fuck they hurt."

They saw nothing else on the way to Percival's place, another five-minute walk. By the time Arthur found himself sitting on the couch, Anna having placed another beer by his hand to down after she treated his skinned palms, he could hardly believe they'd seen what they'd seen.

"Maybe we should call the cops, honey," Anna said.

"And tell them what?" Percival looked glum.  "They wouldn't believe us."

"Or call the newspaper?" Anna suggested.

"I really don't relish that kind of publicity, either," Arthur said.

Anna nodded. "Do you believe in magical beings?" Anna asked him.

Arthur stared at her, glanced at Percival but he had the best poker face Arthur had ever encountered. "I…" Anna's eyes sparkled expectantly. "I don't know," he said warily.

"I do," Percival said.

"You do?" both Anna and Arthur said together, then looked at each other. "Since when?" Anna asked. "There hasn't been any magic in the United Kingdom in centuries. If it was even real back then."

"Legends," Arthur murmured.

But Percival hadn't heard him. "I think it would be great."

"Not if there's any danger though," Anna pointed out. "I wonder if anyone else has seen this thing? I'll poke around tomorrow."

"I'm curious, so let me know what you find?"

"Sure," she said. Goliath the dog trotted in then, and sniffed Arthur's denims. "Be nice, Goliath."

"It's okay. I don't mind."

"You know I've seen that dog, the Newfoundland, around the neighbourhood," Anna said, joining Percival on the couch. She was a tiny thing, barely coming up to Percival's chest, her big belly telling him she was way closer to having their baby than he had realised.

"You have? Where?" Percival asked, rubbing her shoulder. The pang of jealousy Arthur felt left him with a sour taste in his mouth. He took a long drink of his beer to wash it away.

"He lives down that street a little way. I've seen him sitting out front there during the day. Not every day though."

"Across the street? Where?" Arthur stood, and went to the front window, pushing aside the curtains. There was a tree-lined median in the middle of the street, but all the houses were dark except for one. Anna joined him.

"See the one with the lights? That's a bed and breakfast. They have a large black lab, thought it was theirs at first. His name is Max." Arthur smiled at her, determined that Anna like him. She grinned. "He and Goliath met over, well, a sign post." She laughed.

"This isn't a lab. He's bigger, what are those--"

"Newfoundland," Percival said.

Arthur returned to the couch, but gallantly motioned for Anna to proceed him. She smiled at him. "You're right, hon. He's really not a beast at all."

"Who me?" Arthur said, smiling slowly. "You thought I was a beast?"

Percival shrugged, obviously not at all bothered. "Your father was...difficult to work for. Expected you to be the same."

"Difficult? The man's impossible. A tyrant." Anna's eyes flashed and Arthur made a mental note to talk to Morgana about Percival. She'd recommended him to Arthur and now he wondered if there was something more to that. "Sorry Arthur."

"No need to apologise," Arthur said ruefully. "You're not the only ones glad to be out of London."

"Sorry honey," Anna said to Percival, but he just smiled at her, and kissed her, saying "it's okay."

"Really. It is," Arthur said, rubbing his palms on his jeans and wincing. "Ow."

Anna grinned. "Careful."

"No kidding."

Anna sat forward. "So." She glanced at Percival. "What are you going to do about Warlock Comics now?"

Arthur groaned. "I don't know. Nothing, I guess."

Anna yawned, smiling apologetically. "Sorry. I'm about ready to fall asleep. You sure you don't mind sleeping on the couch, Arthur?"

"No, if you don't mind."

She stood. "I'll get some blankets and pillows for you. And a toothbrush."

"Thanks." After she was out of earshot, Arthur turned back to Percival. "Think she's right, that it's Merlin's dog?"

Percival moved to the edge of the couch, contemplated his hands for a moment. "Could be. We could try to find out."

"How though?"

"Ask Merlin."

Arthur hesitated, then nodded. Percival was right. He would have to talk to Merlin about seeing his dog. See what he said. A few moments later, after saying goodnight to Percival and Anna, and shifting on the couch to allow Goliath to settle next to him--which amused Anna no end--his thoughts turned back to Merlin Emrys, and his dog. Such a mystery those two. Maybe Percival was right though. He should forget about Merlin, at least like that, and tell Zap he wanted to meet him. Closing his eyes, a smile on his lips he fell asleep, composing that email invitation in his mind.

* * *

Welcome to Comix Box chat:

SorcererSupreme:  Thanks for the advice, mate. I can't believe it. I just started to draw those characters for no real reason other than I was bored. And now look. The agent wants to see more!  Is this okay? I can go back to email if it isn't. I'm just excited.

OneKnightStand:  Hey, I'm here! I'll like answering like this.  

OneKnightStand:  I mean *I* like answering like this. Sorry. So. You're going to send them more, I hope.

SorcererSupreme:  Maybe nothing will come of it, but it would be so awesome to do something besides this day to day shuffle of equipment and boxes and putting up with the same customers asking for the same things over and over again. I don't mind, I'm good at my job, but I want sometimes to try something different. Like travel around and see the world, maybe drawing for money as I go, just me and my dog.

OneKnightStand: You mean like being a bum.

SorcererSupreme: Ha. Okay maybe not. I don't like being rained on. Did I tell you about my dog? Think I did, maybe. I know, I know, no details. But he is pretty amazing. He got out last night through a hole in the fence I didn't know was there, and was waiting for me on the front porch. I thought I'd lost him.

OneKnightStand: You mentioned him, that he's pretty important to you. I envy you having a dog. My co-worker has one, a little fuzzy thing who thinks she's a giant beast ten times the size she actually is. And then they had to go give her a name that sounds like a pro-wrestler. I think my co-worker envisioned his wife bringing home a boxer or something, not a yappatiser.

SorcererSupreme: So, I could use some more advice, if you're willing. I told you a little about my situation, right? Where there's a company trying to buy out the company I work for? I met the would-be owner, and wanted to deck him. Now I see him everywhere I go, and I still want to deck him. Except for the fact he's gorgeous, I would definitely deck him.

OneKnightStand:  Should I be jealous of this deckable bloke?

SorcererSupreme:  I don't even think he is that bad of a person. I just want him to go away, and leave my boss alone. Unfortunately I don't think he will. Any advice?

OneKnightStand:  I do have some advice. Meet me. I promise I'll take your mind off this chap. I'm serious, too. Meet me. Wherever you are, I'll drive to see you even if it takes all day.

Merlin hadn't expected that response to his request for help, he realised as he sat back on his stool. The comic shop was fairly busy today, but there was a science fiction con of some sort at the Millennium Centre, and his shop was seen before the other one.

But these fans didn't seem to have much to spare in the way of change to spend on comics, most coming in and looking around, browsing through the different comics and the few action figures he had--he'd bought a few extra on credit when he'd heard the con was coming--and then leaving again, heading straight for the docks, some to see the Torchwood shrine, others to go into Camelot Comics.

The first few people he saw walking by carrying bright red, yellow and blue logo bags made him frustrated, the next ones angry, and the final ones had him blocking his view of the street with a magazine rack. By the end of the day if he'd only made a hundred pounds in sales he wouldn't be surprised.

He wasn't sure how much longer he could go on.

The only bright spot of every day was when OneKnightStand was online. He'd gotten used to the way they corresponded in either lengthy emails or chats. He'd also gotten used to the casualness of it, the lack of pressure. It was simply something to enjoy and look forward to. OneKnightStand's disembodied face and voice slowly replaced the persistent Prince Arthur, as he'd started to think of Pendragon, in his dreams and wank fantasies. No pressure was nice. He'd thought OKS had liked it too and now here he was, blowing his nice little safe relationship with him out of the water by asking, once again, to meet.

He couldn't stop staring at the words. Meet me. Two harmless words, simple and direct.

Meet me.

"Hey what's up, big guy?"

Merlin looked up, slamming his computer shut as Gwaine sauntered up to the counter and leaned on it, casually picking up a pencil to idly sketch on the edge of a piece of paper.

"Cut that out," Merlin said, pulling the pencil out of his grip. "Nothing's up. Why do you ask?"

Gwaine grinned, reaching out and touching Merlin's cheek, his fingertip cold against his heated skin. Fuck, he was blushing. He covered his cheek with his hand and Gwaine laughed. "Exactly. Who were you talking to there?"

"No one."

"No one makes you blush, mate. Come on, tell Gwaine." He grinned, his white teeth flashing. "I'm great at giving advice to the lovelorn."

"I'm not lovelorn!"

Gwaine snorted. "When was the last time you got laid? Two weeks? Three?"

"Shut up."

"Four then. Not since Gwen's party."

"What--" He snapped his mouth shut at Gwaine's laughter ringing through the thankfully (for the moment) empty shop. "Who told you that?"

Gwaine reached out and touched Merlin's hand, the fading scar the stitches had left. "I asked Gwen what happened."

Merlin sagged. "She told you."

"Yeah. She also told me about that thing you saw. You know you're not the only one who's seen something weird out there at night?"

Merlin snapped to attention. "What do you mean? There's been more?"

"Yeah, didn't you know? Don't you read the papers?"

"What do you mean?" Of course he didn't. He didn't have the change to spend on newspapers. "No, let me see."

Gwaine held up a finger. "Be right back." He darted out of the shop and across to the corner Tescos. Merlin opened his computer again, staring at the email but for once his mind wasn't on OneKnightStand. There'd been more sightings! He'd been pretty buried in the sand lately, yeah, but surely he would've heard something like that.

He twirled his finger over the touch pad, hitting Reply to OneKnightStand's chat and wrote Okay. I live in Cardiff but then hovered over the delete key. Did he really want to meet him? What if they were totally not each other's types? Not that that mattered. It really didn't. OneKnightStand could even be a girl in disguise, and he wouldn't mind. Much. It was his mind he had come to love, and crave. And miss. And want.

He hit "Send."

Gwaine burst back into the shop just then. Merlin tried for casual and shut the lid to his laptop, but Gwaine eyed him. "Why the grin?"

"I'm not grinning." He covered his mouth.

"Yes you are."

"No, really--"

"Merlin Emrys." Gwaine towered over him, looking him straight in the eye. "You are a terrible liar."

Merlin sighed. "I may have met someone. May meet someone I mean, I met him on the internet. I think it's a bloke anyway."

"Show me."

"The newspaper first? Then I promise I'll tell you everything."

He handed Merlin the newspaper. Merlin took it, excitement building in him. He knew he hadn't been crazy that night. Knew he had seen something...

And sure enough, buried in the back pages was a small article titled LOCAL MYSTERY ATTACKS REMAIN UNSOLVED.

"See?" Gwaine said, crowding next to Merlin.

"Yeah, I do," Merlin said, a little breathlessly. "Just like what happened to me."

And it was. Unexplained creature or entity or beast or... thing had attacked two blokes as they walked home fairly near to his place. Then a giant black dog--

"What?" Merlin said, glancing at the blissfully sleeping Kilgharragh.

"What do you mean what?"

"Kilgharragh," Merlin said, half to himself. At Gwaine's puzzled look he said, "It says here a big black dog rescued them. Kilgharragh rescued me."

"He's with you every night though isn't he?"

Merlin watched the gentle rise and fall of the giant dog's chest. "Yeah, he is. He sleeps downstairs on the kitchen floor though."

"But he can't get outside."

"No. I don't think so. Unless he can unlock doors."

Gwaine laughed. "Maybe he can."

Gwaine moved over to the dog, leaning down and shaking his shoulder. Kilgharragh lifted his head and thumped his tail. Thankfully, the dog liked Gwaine. Liked mostly everyone, except Will. He crouched down, hands between his knees.

"Time to fess up, Mr. Kilgharragh. Have you been out there playing the superhero every night?"

The dog looked from Gwaine to Merlin, and back to Gwaine again. He pushed himself up, making Gwaine stand. The dog nodded.

"Holy mother of Welshcakes, did you see that?" Gwaine said, his eyes wide.

"I told you he was smart."

"But not like this. Tell him to do something."

Gwaine wasn't about to let this go. "Okay. Kilgharragh, go get me that book, the smaller one." The dog looked at them as if he were bored, padded over to the books Merlin had indicated, and pushed the smaller one onto the floor.

"Oh," Gwaine said. "Wow."

But Kilgharragh wasn't done. Merlin grinned triumphantly at Gwaine as the dog pushed the book over to Merlin with his nose until the book butted up against his feet. Then the dog sat and looked at Merlin expectantly. "I didn't say for him to carry it," Merlin said in wonder.

"Do something harder."

"Kilgharragh, go to the back room and bring me something...blue."

"Dogs are colour-blind."

"We'll see."

The dog huffed and took off, emerging a minute later with a blue stuffed Smurf.

"Hell yeah, hell yeah!" Gwaine said laughing. "Can I tell him to do something?"

"I don't know if he will. Sure."

Gwaine rubbed his beard, his eyes lighting up. "Okay, go out of the shop, and then come back in."

The dog just sat and looked at him, turning his body toward Merlin and woofing. "Do as Gwaine says, Kil."

The dog huffed and without glancing at Gwaine, headed toward the front door. They followed behind him, Gwaine bouncing on his toes in excitement. The dog reached out and grabbed the jingle bells hanging down, and pulled the door open, giving it a swift tug so he could nose the door itself open. He slid out, then padded away from the shop a few feet. Several people walking by stopped, curious at the big dog. He always attracted attention.

Then Kilgharragh looked at them both through the door, and headed back. Together Merlin and Gwaine walked backwards to get out of the door's way, and the dog pushed against it, and came back inside.

"Fucking brilliant," Gwaine said. "Too bad Letterman isn't on still."

"What?"

"Stupid pet tricks. Except he's not exactly stupid."

Merlin sat back on the stool. "What the heck are you?" he murmured.

"Amazing?" Gwaine shrugged. " I don't want to freak out or anything but man, that dog freaks me out. You weren't able to find who he belonged to?"

"No. I didn't try too hard. His neck was all messed up pretty badly. No chip or tags so that was that." Merlin rested his chin on his hand, glanced at his laptop again. New mail. He opened it, not recognising the name. "Far as I know he's--" He stopped, shock rippling through him. "Oh my God, Gwaine."

"What is it? What's wrong?"

But he waved Gwaine silent.

Dear Mr. Emrys, I've discussed your comic idea with my partner and we would like to know if you are available for a conference via telephone regarding your artwork...

 "I-- Oh my God, Gwaine, they want to talk to me."

"Who ?"

He couldn't speak, just turned it to Gwaine. Gwaine peered over his head, one hand on his shoulder. "Fucking hell, Merls!" Gwaine clapped him on the shoulder then dragged him off the stool, picking him up and twirling him around. "Woo hoo!"

Merlin laughed, clenching his fingers into Gwaine's arms to hold on. Gwaine half-dropped him, gave him a fierce hug then pushed him back. "Now you have reason to smile."

"Yeah, I guess so."

"This is brilliant. Just brilliant. They're going to love you, and you're going to become the next big comic book hero!" Gwaine whooped; the front door open, and several elderly women came in. Merlin grinned as Gwaine whirled around on his heel and bowed to the ladies.

"Good afternoon, my dears. How may we at Warlock Comics help you?"

The women eyed each other but were grinning, fanning themselves. Merlin left Gwaine to work his charms, hoping they would result in sales, and turned back to the email, reading it once more.

He could hardly believe it. The shop was struggling even worse thanks to Camelot, Arthur Pendragon had proven to be a total douchebag, but OneKnightStand wanted to meet him and now an agent was really and truly interested in his work. Maybe, maybe he dared to have some hope about the future.

Kilgharragh nosed him. He hadn't seen the dog approach, but he absently reached out and scratched behind his ears, then bent down and took the dog's head between his hands.

"Who, or what are you, Kilgharragh?" The dog's large golden eyes held his, not flinching, though his tail wagged slowly back and forth. "I wish you could talk," Merlin said. "Tell me what you do at night. That was you, saving those blokes wasn't it?"

The dog woofed, nuzzled his hand, then turned away, leaving Merlin to wonder about dogs, and the disappointment of people, and the surprises of life.

OneKnightStand: Brilliant. You know Cardiff, probably better than me, but how about we meet at Pizza Express Saturday night at 8? I've got a meeting that afternoon in London so will be coming from there but I promise I won't be late. If I am though I'll email you and let you know.

OneKnightStand: Can't wait to meet you. And, finally learn your real name, Superman.

Merlin jolted, sat back and stared. It had to be coincidence. A very believable coincidence, given he'd called OneKnightStand everything from Green Lantern to the Incredible Hulk. He grinned, writing back a quick note.

SorcererSupreme:  Brilliant back at you. I'm no Superman though. More the Peter Parker type unfortunately. But I have a special fondness for Superman. I'll show you why. Be prepared to be amazed.

He hit send, then powered down his computer. He glanced up at Gwaine who was still entertaining the ladies--didn't matter how old they were, Gwaine knew how to charm money out of the stodgiest.

Merlin put his computer in his bag; Gwaine looked at him and waved. "Come on, Kilg, let's go." The dog followed after him and outside, standing next to him as he looked toward Camelot Collectibles. It was going to be okay, he decided. It had to be.

"Let's get out of here," he said to the dog, then headed toward home.

Chapter Text

"So, we're going to just hang out here, drink beer, and wait and see if anything happens?" Percival said, looking through the binoculars toward Merlin's house.

"That's the plan." Arthur leaned on the stone fence they'd set up camp behind. Night had finally fallen, draping the street in darkness. He and Percival both looked like thieves out to commit a bank robbery; black jeans, turtlenecks, hats pulled down to their ears. Percival had drawn the line at wearing a mask.  "See anything yet?"

"No. Nothing."

"Let me see," Arthur said, setting his beer down and taking the offered binoculars. Propping his elbows on the wall he peered through the lenses, adjusting them to fit.  Damn, that boy had a big face. And arms. And... yeah. Ha. It sucked having a hot employee, though his attention was riveted on Merlin Emrys who had gone into his house, the big black dog on his heels, some two hours past.

He ached to see him again, to talk to him. To explain... What? Any argument he might have to support his cause to get Merlin into his bed failed for severe lack of believability. He just hoped dinner with SorcererSupreme would result in a fun night and scourging of his memories of that pale skin, those vivid eyes, the rich laughter and remarkable, remarkable hands.  

Merlin had nice hands. Big hands. Fuck.

Tipsy. He was definitely tipsy already.

"See anything?"

Arthur coughed guiltily. "Not yet." He scanned the area, the shadows, looking for that thing, the telltale shimmering of its strange coat. There was nothing. It was early yet though--they had the case of beer--which obviously already'd gone to his head, and lower--some sandwiches Anna had made for them with a roll of eyes for their planned shenanigans, and time.

And, plenty of conviction that something was going to happen tonight.

The weather was damp and cool, though no imminent threat of rain seemed at hand. He moved the binoculars back to Merlin's house; a light came on, and he sucked in his breath as Merlin appeared in front of the window.

"See something?" Percival rejoined him, then huffed as he realised where Arthur's binoculars were trained. "Not looking for him."

"How do we know that?"

"What, think Merlin's that thing? Comic book salesman by day, roving beast by night, terrorising hapless Cardiff residents?"

Arthur had to laugh at Percival's imagination. "Maybe? Why not?"

Percival nodded, then jerked his head. "Look."

Arthur returned to watching. Merlin still stood at the window looking out, bare-chested. He ran both hands through his hair, messing with it so it stood straight up, then reached to either side and jerked the curtains closed. The light turned off.

"Countdown," Arthur murmured, hiding his disappointment Merlin had ended his show. He glanced at the luminous watch dial, noting the time. Just after 2 a.m. He yawned, stifling it with the back of his hand. He shook his head to get the sleep out of it though what he really needed was a shot of caffeine.

"Here," Percival said a moment later, pressing a fizzy water into his hand.

"Mind reader. Thanks."

Arthur tipped the last of the sweet soda into his mouth and placed the empty can on the ground next to him when Percival poked him with his elbow. He jerked up beside Percival and looked immediately up to Merlin's window.

"Not there. To the side," Percival whispered.

Arthur looked where Percival indicated, seeing nothing at first. Just the dark shadows, merging and blending together in the light breeze. Then he saw it, a movement which went against that of the surrounding shadows. It was the dog, Kilgharragh. He padded out onto the sidewalk, lifting his nose to the wind, then took off to the left down the street.

"Let's go," Arthur said but Percival grabbed his arm and said, "Wait. Look. There's your man."

Arthur huffed. It was Merlin, emerging from around the side of the house. What the hell?

He was dressed like he and Percival were. He moved to the sidewalk, looking both ways, then headed after Kilgharragh.

"What the hell?"

"Let's follow." As if he wasn't going to. Leaving their things behind, he and Percival left their hidden enclosure, following after Merlin, who was following after the dog. He stopped Percival as Merlin stopped, and looked back toward them; he and Percival jerked back into the shadows. Thank goodness it was a moonless, cloudy night, but it also made it hard for them to see Merlin.

Merlin continued, and they did too. Arthur would've laughed for their skulking, but Percival's face was grimly determined as they hurried after their quarry, keeping to the opposite side of the street. Merlin turned the corner, heading toward the roundabout a block away. Arthur nodded at Percival, and they darted across the street. Merlin picked up his pace and headed for Ikea's parking lot.

What was the man doing? Or rather, what was that dog doing?

They ran around the barrier separating the street from the Ikea parking lot. There was no Merlin.

"There's a path over there, where we walk Goliath. Goes down to the river."

They darted across the parking lot, finding themselves on a worn, gravely road. They didn't see Merlin but they heard a single bark.

"Hurry," Arthur said, and they broke into a jog, Percival consuming twice the distance he could. Damn the bloke was big.

They ran down the road, which twisted around toward the river. Overgrown trees and bushes crowded over them now; they passed some construction vehicles and came to the river, and the rail that ran along it.

"Now which way?" he said softly to Percival. Percival shrugged. Then they heard another bark. "This way."  

They turned left, hurrying along the pathway. There wasn't any sign of Merlin and the dog but Arthur was sure they'd come that way.

"Wait a second," Percival said, and he bolted up to a concrete block and jumped on it. He looked around, then waved to Arthur, bending down and holding his hand out. Arthur took it, letting Percival haul him up which he did with ease.

He was about to ask 'where' but then he saw Merlin crouching behind some bushes. And he had to stop himself from saying 'what the hell' when he saw what Merlin was watching.

It was Kilgharragh, standing in a small clearing, standing on his hind legs, pawing at the air. After a moment the dog twirled around in a circle, dropped back to the ground, raised his head and started to howl. Arthur glanced at Percival; the howling stopped and he looked back to the dog and…

"Where did he go?"

"What the hell?" Percival said, wonder in his voice. He grabbed Arthur's hand and pointed up to the sky. "Up there."

"What? What do you--"

And then he saw it, up in the sky, a shadow passing overhead. It was a giant furry creature, its body elongated, lengthening as they watched, its wings growing broader, stronger, and then it flapped up into the sky and disappeared into the clouds.

"Did you see that?"

"Yes, I did."

"What did you see, Perce," he said, turning to him, shaking his head. "You did not see that dog turn into a dragon and take off, did you?"

"Look at Merlin."

Arthur did. Merlin stood in the middle of the clearing, not moving, his head tilted up to the sky. Suddenly he yelled, in a booming voice that carried to where they were. "Kilgharragh!" Merlin raised his hands up. Shivers ran down Arthur's spine, creeping clear down his legs.

Arthur realised he still held onto Percival. Stunned, they watched and waited to see what would happen. But nothing did. Merlin dropped his hands and took a step back, then ran his hands through his hair, as he had standing at his window.

"He's going to turn around and see us," Percival said, and together they jumped off the cement block before he could.

"Let's get out of here," Arthur said. Percival nodded and they hurried back along the path at a fast jog, not stopping until they'd reached the other side of the Ikea parking lot. He slowed to a stop and grabbed Percival aside, behind a huge electrical unit of some sort that hummed loudly into the night. Percival understood. They waited what seemed like forever for Merlin to come back around. Ten minutes passed, then fifteen. Arthur was growing impatient and had started to step out from behind their hiding place when he heard the dog barking. Fuck!

Pressing back, they held their breaths as Merlin and the dog passed by, the dog bounding excitedly, grabbing at Merlin's hand. Merlin was laughing, his delight and excitement clear. How long had he known about the dog being a dragon?

There was no way. Dragons weren't real.

He closed his eyes, sinking down the side of the unit. Percival sat with him. "Dragons," Percival said, shaking his head in disbelief.

"I wasn't imagining it then."

"No."

"Fuck, Percival. A dragon?"

Percival didn't say anything, just stood, once again hauling him up, and led the way back toward where they'd come. Arthur didn't know what to say or think. Dragons died out two centuries before, along with all other magical creatures, beings, wizards, etc. The Great Scourging took care of all that, though fans of Harry Potter swore the series was based on fact, and wizards and witches and such were alive and well. They'd just stopped advertising their presence.

He caught up to Percival as they reached the roundabout. There was no sign of Merlin, or the dog. Dragondog. "Which way do you think they went?"

"Don't know, Boss." Percival's brows were drawn together, and he looked as puzzled as Arthur felt. "I don't know a thing."

Arthur laughed. "Me either. Not anymore. I guess we'd better call it a night."

"All right." Started to walk away, then stopped, turned back to Arthur.

"What if they were real?"

"What do you mean?"

"Monsters. What we saw last night. What we saw tonight. What if there were really superheroes."

"Could be kind of cool, actually," Arthur said, waving him on. "I wouldn't mind having superpowers."

"Me either. Would be good right now."

Percival was acting strange, Arthur realised. He wasn't usually one to ask after his employees, but Percival was different. He was starting to think of him as more than that, he realised, especially after what they'd seen. "You okay?"

Percival didn't answer for a moment, his long strides eating up the ground. "Anna has a sonogram tomorrow. Today."

"She okay?" Arthur asked, genuinely worried.

"She's had a hard time. We lost our first baby about this time last year."

"Oh. I'm sorry, Percival." He hadn't known. Percival had worked for his father for three years, and he hadn't known. He stopped Percival; they were under a streetlight, and where he would turn to go home. "I didn't know."

Percival shrugged. "It's all right."

"No, no it isn't." Arthur rubbed his hand over his face, stubble scratching his palm. "I should've known. That's the biggest problem working for my father, he doesn't give a damn about his employee's personal lives. I'm not like him."

Percival smiled at that. "No, you're definitely not like your father. That's why we came with you."

Relief jumped through Arthur and he grinned. "Thanks, that means a lot. You're taking tomorrow off, go be with Anna."

"But the shop--"

"I'll be fine. Busy, but fine."

Percival's expression was hopeful, but guarded. "I don't want to leave you alone."

Arthur bumped him with his shoulder and laughed. "Come on. I'll be fine, I swear. Tell Anna my thoughts are with her, okay?" He grabbed Percival by the shirt and made him walk on to the kerb, and then pushed him gently toward his house. "Go be with your wife."

Percival laughed, but stopped and turned around. "Thanks Arthur. You're a good boss."

"How about a good friend?" His father would flip at that.

Percival's grin was slow but wide. "Yeah. That'll work."

"Call me, let me know how she is."

Percival nodded, then took off at a run toward his house. Arthur watched him until he'd disappeared from sight then took off for his own hotel. His thoughts didn't remain on Percival and Anna, though he felt good, really good about reaching out to Percival. It wasn't so hard after all to be a friend.

Now if he could only figure out what to do about Merlin Emrys, and his pet dragon.

 * * *

Now if Merlin could only figure out what to do about Kilgharragh. He stood in Gwaine's bathroom, and stared at his reflection in the mirror. He looked ridiculous.  He ran his hand through his hair, started to unbutton his shirt but a sharp 'stop that' halted him.  

"Plaid's stupid," Merlin said, glancing at Gwaine in the mirror. "I look like a nerd."

"You are a nerd." Gwaine turned him around, tsking as he glanced over Merlin's hair. "You messed it up." He reached over and took the brush sitting on the dresser and ran it over Merlin's hair.

"Cut that out, I can brush it myself," he muttered, grabbing the brush away from Gwaine. He turned back to the mirror and under Gwaine's watchful gaze, fixed the stray hair that insisted on poking straight up. Or tried to. "Dammit, it won't stay down."

Gwaine rolled his eyes. "Hold on." He disappeared into the hallway, then came back again. "Hold still."

"What--"

Gwaine reached up, a flash of silver in his hand. "Snap," he said, and Merlin jerked back.

"Hey, you cut it?" Merlin glared at Gwaine but he just laughed.

"He'll never know. And look, all better now," Gwaine said, standing behind Merlin again, his hands on his upper arms. He squeezed. "You look great."

"The tie too much?"

"Nope. That's an awesome tie."

Merlin wavered, closing his eyes. "This is insane. What if he doesn't show up? What if it is a girl? What if they take one look at me and runs out, screaming?"

"You're not scream-worthy, I promise." He turned Merlin around, and patted him on one cheek. "Stop fretting. This is a good thing, and if nothing else, you'll get a nice meal."

"I'll be too nervous to eat."

"No, you won't. You're going to Pizza Express! You worship that place. I worship that place."

Merlin grinned. He knew all too well how much Gwaine loved pizza. "If I can't eat, I'll bring you the leftovers."

"That's a good friend."

Merlin moved over to Gwaine's bed and sat down, then flopped backwards. He stared at the ceiling fan whirling lazily overhead. "What am I going to do about Kilgharragh, Gwaine?"

Gwaine joined him on the bed, flopping back, shoulder's touching. "What do you mean? He'll be fine here. Won't you fella." Gwaine patted beside him. Kilgharragh ignored him. "Damn dog."

Merlin turned his head to the side and grinned. "I'll tell him to mind you."

"Do it."

"Kilgharragh, do as Gwaine says tonight for me, okay?"

The dog grumbled, but stood and leaped up on the bed. Gwaine yelped as he rolled toward the dog, but laughed, wrapping his arm around him. "How do you sleep with this thing on your bed?"

Merlin flinched at that. He didn't have to, not with Kilgharragh out doing whatever he did every night. But he wasn't about to tell Gwaine that. At least, not without showing him what Kilgharragh could do, and he wasn't sure the dog would let Gwaine see.

"He'll sleep on your kitchen floor. I think he likes how cool it is."

Gwaine pushed himself off the bed, then turned and grabbed Merlin's hand. "He must generate tons of heat."

Merlin hadn't thought of that--could he breathe fire? He could shift into a dragon-shape, and fly, so why not that too? "He's got a lot of fur, yeah?" He stuck his hand out; Gwaine grabbed it and hauled him to his feet.

"Come on, let's get you to the restaurant."

"Thanks for taking care of Kilgharragh tonight, and for dropping me off."

"No worries." Gwaine grabbed his keys then chucked Merlin on the shoulder. "Hopefully, I won't have to pick you up."

Merlin's face heated. "Gwaine--"

But his friend laughed, wrapping his arm around his shoulder and hauling him through the flat. "You got a condom on you? Several condoms?"

"Gwaine!"

"Need some lube too?'

"Gwaine!"

Gwaine grabbed some condoms out of a glass dish he kept handy on the kitchen counter, and stuffed them into Merlin's pocket. Merlin laughed, his face hot and prickly as he fought Gwaine off but Gwaine was victorious. He patted the bulging pocket; Merlin brushed his hand away.

"There you go. Don't say I don't take care of my friends."

Merlin grinned, then gasped as Gwaine grabbed him and hugged him in a fierce hug. "What? Gwaine, you're hurting me."

"Sorry, sorry, just proud of you." Gwaine pulled back and patted his face. "You go get him, Superman," Gwaine said.

Thankfully Gwaine turned away, and didn't see Merlin's wince.

Chapter Text

"Thanks for coming with me, Percival," Arthur said as they turned the corner to the restaurant.

"No problem. I want to see this mystery guy for myself."

Arthur grinned. "Good thing you're not gay. I might have to fight you for him."

Percival laughed. It was good to see him laugh, Arthur thought as they dodged two older women--Percival opened the door to the restaurant for them--and his happiness over Anna's doctor's good appointment really hit home. He had worked with Percival for over a month now, and until today he hadn't seen him laugh as much as he had the last hour.

Thank heavens, the baby was doing well, and so was Anna. Arthur hadn't at all minded when Percival shoved the photograph of his little peapod into his hands, proudly pointing out the little boy bits.

"Looks just like you," Arthur had said, and had been thrilled when rewarded with Percival's happy grin.

"Wait, don't go in yet," Arthur said, stopping Percival.

"You don't want me to scout for you?"

"Oh yeah, I do. Just not yet."

Arthur closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. It'd been ages since he'd done this. Or maybe do this. Whatever this would lead to. He hadn't sex at all since he'd had his fun with Merlin. He pushed that thought down--that was over before it had ever began. He just wished--

"You all right?" He opened his eyes, looked up at Percival who stood, arms folded, expectant.  "You aren't having second thoughts--"

"No, no I'm not."

"Good. This will do you good."

Arthur snorted. "Doctor's orders?"

Percival shrugged. "You're tense, man."

"Sorry."

It had, been a tense day. Percival took three days off with his blessing to spend with Anna--he'd protested, but Arthur knew Anna had put up with a lot by moving to Cardiff, away from her family as she had. Even though she'd wanted to. Since they'd moved there, they hadn't had any time together, really--and that was his fault. He had to remember just because he had no life himself, didn't mean Percival was the same.

From now on, there would be no weekend work for Percival. His family was more important than any old shop.

"Arthur."

Arthur snapped his head up. "What? Yeah?" Percival eyed him. "All right all right, maybe-- just peek in there. See if you can see him."

"Or her."

Arthur flinched at that. He was pretty sure Zap was male, but if they turned out to be a she? He would deal. He would…buy her a dildo and have her bugger him. He hoped she'd go for that.

Percival moved back up the stairs whilst he was thinking about what size dildo would work best in his arse, when he heard Percival clear his throat. "Do you see him?"

Percival frowned. "Not sure. It's hard to see the whole restaurant--" He moved; Arthur bounced on his toes nervously. "Hold on."

"What do you see?" Arthur said, unable to contain his excitement, the way heat was flushing through his body. It had to be a bloke. Had to. "See anyone holding a comic book?"

"No, wait." Percival jerked back, looked at him and looked inside the restaurant again. He ran a hand over his mouth.

Arthur's heart plummeted. "Oh god, it's a girl isn't it. Is it a woman? Is she at least pretty?"

"Uh, no, no it's a bloke. Definitely a bloke."

Arthur threw his hands up and whirled around on one heel. "Yes! Thank God for cock!"

An elderly woman with her husband walked by and gave him a look that he'd only seen directed his way by his own grandmother. Then she said, "That's what I say, young man!" Her husband laughed and they walked off.

Percival looked after them, then shook his head. Arthur didn't care. "So, what does he look like? I'm dying here." He started up the stairs but Percival blocked him. Blocked him. "What's wrong? Oh god no he's ugly?"

"No, he's not ugly. If you go for blokes with black hair."

"I do."

"Kinda nerdy."

Nerdy was cool. "I can work with that. Can you see his eyes?"

"Not from here. He has a tie on though, plaid shirt and he looks like--"

"Who?" He strained to see past Percival but the man's damn arm blocked him again. He stood back on his heels. "Percival fuck it, let me see. Tell me what he looks like!"

"Uh, well… Okay. Black hair, nerdy, kinda thin, nice looking enough. You know, kind of how Merlin Emrys looks."

Arthur shot him a look. "Merlin? He looks like Merlin?" Percival slowly nodded. Okay that wasn't too bad. He could work with that. He hoped.

"Yeah. He looks lots like Merlin."

"Lots. What do you mean by lots."  His stomach clenched.

"Arthur. It is Merlin."

The sidewalk opened up beneath Arthur's feet, swallowing him whole. Heat rushed through him followed by a cold dump of icy disbelief. Now he did push past Percival, who finally stepped aside. He scanned the restaurant, hoping Percival was wrong--oh fuck let him be wrong--and then he saw him.

Merlin. Sitting there in a plaid shirt, a damn goofy tie choking him, and what looked like a wrapped comic book propped up against an unlit candle.

Arthur stepped back, walked down the stairs and away. "Arthur--"

He whirled on his heel, facing Percival. "Oh, my fucking--. It's-- I can't-- WHY?" He wiped his hand over his mouth, his horror over his shitty, shitty life complete. "It's him. It's fucking Superman."

 "Yes, I know."

Arthur clapped his hands over his head, squeezing his eyes shut. "No, no, no, no. FUCK!" He yelled, wanting to hit something. "Fuck fuck fuck fuck fucking hell!"

Percival stood, impassive, hands folded over chest bodyguard-style. "This isn't helping any."

"Fuck you."

"No thanks. I'm married."

Arthur stared at him, then groaned, laughing because it was either that or cry. "Dammit, what am I going to do?"

"Go in?"

Taking a deep breath, Arthur considered his options.

Stay.

Leave.

Stay and introduce himself as OneKnightStandFuckingHell. Instead, Arthur sat down on a bench, dropped his head into his hands. Percival joined him, shifting the bench with his weight, then wrapped an arm around Arthur's shoulders.

"Sorry, Boss."

"Me too." Oh yeah, him too. "Well, I guess that's that."

"What? You're going to give up?"

"What else can I do?"

Percival sat back, removing his arm from around Arthur's shoulder. "You like Zap, Right?"

"Yeah. Yeah, I do."

"And you really liked Superman."

Arthur snorted. "Oh yeah, but he's Merlin--"

"So?"

He snapped around to look at Percival. "What do you mean, so?"

"What don't you like about him?"

He opened his mouth to spill it all out, but then, after a moment, snapped it shut. "I can't think of anything."

Percival smiled. "I'm not surprised."

"He hates me, Percival."

"So, become his friend. Show him that you, Arthur Pendragon, really are OneKnightStand. That you really are a nice bloke despite what he thinks."

He wanted to laugh but he was too weary, too disappointed. "He'll never believe it."

"I never would've believed it, either. You proved me wrong. Prove him wrong."

Arthur stared across at the restaurant. What Percival suggested would take a certain kind of bravery he wasn't sure he possessed. Or did he? "Maybe I could?"

"Maybe you could."

"I'd need to become his friend. Somehow."

"So, go talk to him."

"He's not expecting me."

"But he won't be leaving, either."

Percival was right. Merlin would sit in there, waiting and waiting until it was clear his mysterious OneKnightStand wasn't going to show up. He felt like crap about that, but maybe Percival was right. He stood, looked down at his friend.

"Okay. I'll go talk to him."

"It might not go over well at first."

"He may punch me?"

"Possible." Percival stood. "I'll go on home now then. You can do this, Arthur."

Arthur cast him a wry smile. "Your faith in me is touching. And I mean that sincerely."

The smile on Percival's face made him feel much better. "I do believe in you, Arthur Pendragon. Go talk to him. It's amazing what talking can accomplish."

"You are one wise man, Percival Armstrong." He held out his hand. Percival stood, and took it, shaking it firmly. "Thanks."

"Good luck."

"Thanks." He turned, facing the restaurant and tugged at his shirt. This was going to be hilariously difficult, but he could do this. He could convince Merlin to give him a chance. He had to believe it.

* * *

Too much time had passed. He sat with a glass full of melted ice, the carefully-wrapped comic book he'd brought to show OneKnightStand sitting forlorn and forgotten on the table.

He wasn't coming.

Merlin sighed, disappointment reaching down down down so deeply he wondered if he'd ever get out of it. Every time the door opened, he jerked up, hoping, expectant, disappointed. Not one single bloke walked in; at least, not one under fifty.

Maybe OneKnightStand was an older man. He hadn't thought about that. They hadn't talked about ages, when they were born or anything along that line of talk. What if OneKnightStand were ancient? An old man with a cane, preying on young stupid idiots like himself?

Another group of people came in, several blokes with pretty girls on their arms all dressed up as if they'd been to the theatre. They sat next to him, grabbing the menus and talking excitedly about the play they'd seen.

Another guy came in right then, looked around, his gaze catching Merlin's. His heart leaped. He straightened, his eyes full of disbelief as the man--dark hair, dashing in a suit--headed right for him.

"Sam!" one of the girls at the table next to him called out. "You missed it!"

Merlin sat back, crushed as the bloke greeted his friends, and then turned to him. "Mind if I take that chair?" he said, picking it up.

"No, I mean yes!" Merlin said, scrambling to his feet and grabbing the chair. The bloke gave him a strange look. "I'm meeting someone." His gaze fell on the comic book.

"Hey nice comic," he said. "That must be worth something."

Merlin snatched it up. "It's just an old comic."

The bloke let go, hands raised. "Fine. Sorry."

Merlin knew his face was bright red and he looked the idiot sitting back down. A burst of laughter came from the table next to him and he felt sick. Fortunately, they ignored him after that.

More time passed. The table next to him got their order. Might as well leave, he decided as the group next to him got up and left, glancing at him in amusement. He looked away, took out his wallet to pay at least for the water when he realised someone was headed toward him.

"Merlin? Hey. Eating alone? Mind if I join you?"

Merlin stomach instantly soured as he looked up at Arthur Pendragon's smiling face. The last person he wanted to see here. "Yes, I do mind. I'm expecting someone."

Arthur pulled out the chair and sat anyway, then tapped the nearly-empty glass of water. "Been waiting a while?"

"I don't see how that's any of your business." Merlin pulled the water away, but Arthur's gaze fell on the comic. He picked it up, his eyes widening.

"Brought along something to read?" He started to open the plastic bag. 

"Don't open it!" Merlin tried to grab for it but the bastard jerked it back. "It's valuable."

"This old thing?" Arthur said, his voice casual, though his eyes reminded Merlin of a cat.  A feral cat. 

Merlin stared at him. "That figures."

"What?" He looked up, the perfect expression of innocence on that gorgeous face.

Merlin snarled.  He did not mean to think that.  "You have no idea what you're holding, do you. That's one of only a handful of the very first Superman comic books in existence, and is worth thousands. If you were any kind of comic book man you would know that. I'd appreciate you giving it back to me."

Arthur's eyes narrowed, but then he caught himself. "You might be surprised what I know if you'd only give me a chance."

"In your dreams."

Arthur's eyes lit up. "Was I in yours?" he said softly, his voice lowered as he leaned toward Merlin.  

Heat rushed to Merlin's face--again. He willed it away but he knew Arthur saw the answer to that in his eyes. How could the man be so awful and beautiful, all at once?  "You know nothing," he said, wincing at his own lameness. 

Arthur shrugged, then signaled to a waiter who came over immediately.  Merlin waited ten minutes for the man earlier. "May I help you sir?"

"I'd like a wine list please."

"Very good sir."

"My father has a large collection of comics." He leaned closer, again. It was all Merlin could do not to flinch away. Or learn closer. "Comic books that would make you come in your pants, they are so valuable. Do you know what you have here?" He tossed the comic book on the table. Merlin yelped, grabbing for the water glass and snatching up the comic book.

"You're an idiot!" Of course he knew but he would never tell Arthur Pendragon.

"Not really. I'm not the one sitting here waiting for someone who obviously bailed." He winced. "I'm sorry. That was not nice." 

Merlin's face heated; he clutched the comic book close. "Please. Just leave."

Arthur stood and looked down at Merlin, and shrugged. Then he went to the now-empty table next to Merlin. The waiter returned with his wine list. Arthur glanced through it, murmuring something to the waiter, who nodded with a 'very good, sir,' and left.

Merlin resumed watching the window, trying to put Arthur FuckingPendragon out of his mind. Now he didn't know what to do; what if OneKnightStand showed up while that jerk was sitting next to him? He glanced at Arthur; he looked up and smiled at Merlin.

"What are you smiling at?" he bit out. The waiter returned with a carafe and two glasses and left.

"Care to join me?"

"I don't drink. Just leave me alone. And why are you here anyway? Alone?"

Arthur shrugged. "Out for an evening stroll, saw you in here."

"So, you purposely came in here to torment me. You get off on that, don't you? Destroy my business-"

"It's not personal, Merlin." He actually had the gall to look shocked.

Merlin turned in his chair in disbelief. "Nothing personal? You move here, pick me up and shag me knowing full well who I was--"

"Whoa now, I didn't know anything of the kind."

"Like I believe that. You're a lying, cheating bastard who is cruel and senseless and doesn't give a damn about anything but the bottom line. Your bottom line. How can you live with yourself?" Merlin laughed bitterly. "Nothing personal, maybe to you but it's personal to me," he said gesturing wildly. "You take advantage of me, then set out to ruin me. Why? What did I ever do to deserve that? Nothing. Nothing. You don't give a damn about me or my life here, I'm just another notch on your bedpost and another struggling shop crossed out on your spreadsheet. Thanks a lot, Arthur Pendragon, for ruining my life."

Arthur's eyes were wide. "Merlin, that's not--fuck, I mean what I wanted--"

"Shut up. Just shut up."

He couldn't stand it there any longer. Grabbing his comic book, he pushed back his chair, nearly knocking it over. The startled look on Arthur's face--and of the patrons sitting around--didn't stop him. He didn't care, he was suffocating, felt sick and miserable. He all but ran out of the restaurant and out onto the street, hot angry tears clouding his vision.

Arthur Pendragon was the cruelest, meanest person he'd ever encountered. This was the worst day of his life. He headed blindly down the street, getting as far as the next intersection before realising he was going the wrong way.

* * *

"You're kidding. He did that to you?" Gwen said as she reorganized the few comics that were displaced from the night before. "The twat! He better hope I don't see him anywhere near you. I'll scratch his eyes out."

Elyan, sitting on the stool opposite Merlin, bit into his apple and gestured. "Believe me, she's not kidding."

Merlin smiled wanly at his friends. "Thanks guys. It's okay."

"Yeah, I can tell," Gwen said, giving him a quick hug. "Did you get the order in for next week's Release Day?"

"Not yet," Merlin said, really wishing Gwen hadn't asked. He hadn't, and wouldn't. Elyan caught his eye; sometimes he thought the bloke could read minds, but how he chose to distract Gwen made him wince.

"So why d'you think your mystery knight didn't show?"

The front door opened. Gwaine strolled in, four coffees in a tray and a bag tucked under his arm.   Kilgharragh ambled up to him. "I didn't get you anything, sorry fella." The dog grumbled then went over to Merlin.

Gwen reached for the coffees and set them on the counter. She handed Merlin's to him. "Here you go. This'll make you feel better."

"Only if there's liquor in it." Merlin reached for his dog, bent over and buried his face in his fur. "I need to get drunk." Kilgharragh's tail wagged, but he snuffled Merlin's hand and whined. "I won't, I promise," he whispered to the dog then raised up with a sigh and took his coffee.

Gwaine frowned, looking from him, to Gwen, to Elyan. Then his face fell. "Oh shit. He didn't show up? When you didn't call last night, I thought--"

"Nope."

"What time did you get the dog?" Kilgharragh looked up at him. "I mean, what time did you get Sir Kilgharragh? I woke up this morning and he was gone."

"Late." 

"Sooo…" Gwaine said slowly.  "What happened?"

Merlin took a sip of coffee, welcoming the near-scalding hot liquid. How he wished it did have alcohol.

"Guess who did show up," Gwen said, dragging the conversation back to where Merlin really wished it wouldn't.

Gwaine grabbed the fourth stool and sat down, opening the bag and taking out a blueberry muffin. The sweet smell of it made Merlin sick. "Okay I give. Who?"

"Arthur Pendragon."

Gwaine's mouth dropped open. "He's OneKnightStand?"

"No!" Merlin said sharply. "Oh gods, no. He just happened to be there, and decided I wasn't miserable enough so decided to torment me further."

Elyan patted Merlin's back. "Sorry, mate."

"Me too."

Gwen pulled a cake pop out of the bag, eyes gleaming. "I love these things. Thanks, Gwaine."

"No problem. Maybe your date was kidnapped."

"Or attacked by that mysterious beast," Gwen said.

"Or maybe he is the mysterious beast." Gwaine grinned. "You escaped certain death, Merls. We should be celebrating!"

His friends continued to talk but Merlin found his thoughts drifting back to Kilgharragh and the mystery surrounding him.  He'd followed Kilgharragh last night after he got home, and the dog had only padded around for a few blocks before returning to the house. He suspected Kilgharragh was looking for something--maybe that thing, the thought of which unnerved him. He glanced at the sleeping dog, stretched out in the middle of the floor. He wasn't in the way; there were no patrons in the shop.

It was almost noon, and only two people had come in, and this was on a Saturday.

This was not good.

Merlin turned to his computer to check yet again if there was an email from OneKnightStand. Still nothing. No green light or even an amber one. His heart ached so badly--he wanted to write to him, tell him it was okay if something came up, he understood. He just wasn't sure if it would fall on deaf ears.

He hunched down, chin on his hand, and tooled through all the old emails where they'd talked about comics, about travelling (which he'd done none of, though OneKnightStand had been everywhere, even to Japan to anime conventions which made him insanely jealous), and about sex.

Oh yeah, the sex emails--he scrolled through those with a quick glance at Gwen. She hadn't noticed; but Elyan was watching him, curiosity playing in his dark eyes.

Another email popped in--not from OneKnightStand but this one did make him smile. He opened it. His heart pounded. He straightened.

"What is it Merls?" Gwaine asked, slurping the last of his coffee. "Hear from him?"

"No," he said, grinning. "I heard from my agent."

Gwaine stared at him, puzzled for a minute. "What?" Gwen said with a gasp.

Elyan said, "You've got to be kidding me. You have an agent?"

"An agent? Your agent?" Gwaine said, standing up and ruffling Merlin's hair.

"Yeah, she definitely wants to represent me."

"Let me see," Gwen demanded, and the other two came around behind them. "Dear Merlin, the sketches you sent are fabulous, and exactly what I had hoped they would be. Is it possible for you to come to London next week so we can meet? I apologise for the inconvenience, but I have had the unfortunate mishap of breaking a foot the other day (hence the delay returning your email). If it would work for you to come out Thursday, I'll send you a train ticket and of course provide a hotel room for two nights.' Two nights! Take me with you?" Gwen said. "I look forward very much to meeting the man behind the genius of these drawings. While here, I'll also be introducing you to London Night Studios' acquiring editor. No need to dress up. Sincerely, Clare.' Cool! You'll charm her socks off."

He laughed, covering his mouth in disbelief. "Is this normal? I mean, to bring me out there?"

"It is for brilliant talent," Elyan said, smiling at him. "This is great news, Merlin."

He nodded, staring at the email in disbelief. Maybe it would be all right after all. His fingers itched. "Yeah, I need something good. Everything else has gone to hell." They all fell silent, and he finally sighed. "I have to close the shop, guys."

"Fuck," Gwaine said, and Gwen said, "Oh Merlin no."

Elyan clasped him on the shoulder. "You sure mate? Is that what you want."

Merlin shrugged. "I don't know. I hate disappointing Gaius, but I can't afford to keep it open and, you know, live. I already missed my lease payment." Fortunately, his land lady had cut him slack and would let him pay the month out. But the only way he could do that is if he didn't pay out every last dime to keep the store open.

"You're far from a disappointment," Gwen said.

Gwaine popped the rest of his muffin in his mouth. "Yeah, really. It's not your fault the economy tanked."

"Why not switch to an online shop?" Gwaine said. "We could clean out that extra room you call an office and set you up there. Even keep some limited inventory. Could still have tournaments, too. Do you actually use your dining room?"

"No." Merlin blinked. "I-- Huh."  Could he do that? It would be tight but why not?

"We could haul all your things there in my truck," Elyan said.

"And I can help you with the website," Gwen said. "Right?"

He looked at his friends in awe. "Why didn't I think of that?"

"You could post flyers, and maybe without having to pay for the shop you could go to cons and sell comics there instead. And, your own work. Think of all the connections you could make."

Merlin nodded thoughtfully. "I don't know if I could make enough to support myself though."

"You could get a part-time job."

Merlin laughed. "Where, at Camelot Comics?" They all stared at him in horror. "I'm kidding, I'm kidding."

Gwaine lay his hand over his heart. "Damn, you had me there for a minute."

"Me too," Elyan said. "So, when do you think you'll do it?

Merlin glanced at the calendar on the wall--Superman calendar, of course. He took a marker and hesitated, then wrote on the 22nd of the month 'closing sale' and then on the last day put 'shop closed.' He turned to his friends. "I can't afford another month's rent, so guess that will have to be it."

Gwaine stood, then picked up all the trash and dumped it in the waste bin. "We'll all help. Just let us know what we need to do, okay? I've got to run. Got a lunch date," he said, waggling his eyebrows.

"And who with?" Gwen asked.

Gwaine grinned. "Just a cute hottie I picked up the other night. See you all later," he said, escaping before Gwen could pounce him for details.

"That man is incorrigible," Gwen said. "Well, Merlin, if you don't mind, I need to go to uni and talk to my advisor about my classes. Will you be okay here alone?"

"What am I, Sis?"

"You don't count. And don't you have a physical therapy session tonight?"

Elyan made a face, rubbing his knee. "Unfortunately, yes."

"That's fine Gwen. Thanks for coming by this morning," Merlin said.

She bent and kissed him on the cheek. "Love you. Congratulations. It's going to all be okay."

He hoped she was right. Elyan stood and stretched and Gwen left. "I'm off too mate. Call me if you need anything."

Merlin nodded, glad Elyan was last to leave. He hadn't had the chance to talk to him since popping that box open and sending everything into the water. "Elyan, wait." Elyan turned, his eyebrow raised. "Thanks for not saying anything-- About, you know," he waved his hand.

"No worries, Merlin," Elyan said. "How long have you known?"

"Since I was little." He shrugged. "It's…not anything I talk about. Or want to."

"I understand." Elyan stuck his hand out. "Congrats again. That was great news. And hey, write to that bloke. Maybe he got cold feet, and an email will set things right again. Give him another chance, if you think he's worth it."

Merlin nodded. "Okay." Elyan eyed him. "I will, I swear."

"Good. See you."

Merlin followed him to the door, and after pushing it closed behind him, sighed and locked up, flipping the Open sign to Closed. There wasn't going to be anyone coming by, he figured, watching several people going by with Camelot Comics bags.

"Damn you, Arthur Pendragon," he said. Kilgharragh moved up behind him, pressing his cold nose into Merlin's hand. Merlin smiled down at him, ruffling his fur. "Okay boy, no moping. Let's go write an email, okay?"

The dog woofed, licking his hand, then grabbed it gently and walked him back to the computer.

To: OneKnightStand

From: SorcererSupreme

I missed you last night. I don't know what happened to keep you from meeting me as we planned, but I waited as long as I could for you to come. Unfortunately, it was someone else who showed up--the bloke who is responsible for my having to close the shop.  Yes, I know I never told you, and I know we promised to avoid talking about personal things, but given we were going to meet I don't think that applies anymore. Does it?

I don't know if you will answer this.

Anyway. I own a little comic book shop, Warlock Comics, located at Cardiff Bay. I 'inherited' it from my mother's friend Gaius three years ago. It was always my dream to own a shop like this and when Gaius died, and willed it to me, all my dreams were answered. I grew up without a father, and he was the closest thing to a father I could ever have. He let me work for him when I was a kid, so I kinda grew up surrounded by superheroes. I used to imagine my dad was a superhero, that he was off saving people in danger, saving the world, and someday he would come back and save me and my Mom.

It never happened obviously, but that was okay. I had my dreams, my superheroes, the comics, Gaius and Mom. I was happy.

Everything started out great--the shop did well, and it became a place where all the kids could come and hang out. Mom met someone and moved to Plymouth and I was okay with that. I miss her, but she comes and visits several times a year and I go see her too. It is beautiful there.

The last year though, everything started to fall apart. I had to move the shop because people didn't have money anymore to buy comics. It broke my heart, and I felt like such a failure for losing Gaius's location. It was terrible. And now things are even worse. I am closing the shop for good. A new shop, one of those mega-chains, Camelot Comics & Collectibles? You heard of them? I am sure you have as they've ruthlessly killed off every little comic shop they've opened near. And now it is my shop closing, and it was Arthur Pendragon, the owner of Camelot, who is responsible, and who came into the restaurant last night instead of you.

I got angry. I was cruel to him in a way that I hated seeing myself be. I was brought up better than that but seeing him, so smug and superior and rich and never knowing what it is like to have to choose between keeping the lights on or paying for food, hurt me so badly when all I wanted to do was see you. I don't think it matters to him--to him, I am just a cockroach beneath his heel to crush--no matter what he has done (it's just business, nothing personal he would likely say) that doesn't excuse my horrible behavior.

I am better than that and funny enough, I think he is too. I like to think he was just caught up in the same whirlpool of circumstance and demand that I am, and he is a good man inside. I'd seen that side of him before once, before I knew who he was.  And he was good then. He was kind and fun and, well. I don't know. Something made him change. What happened to him to make him be like that, I don't know, but I know what made me behave like a complete jerk.

I want to tell him I'm sorry, but he'd likely throw more insults at my face. A waste of time, I think.

Should I try, anyway?

Anyway, maybe there was a reason you didn't come, maybe you looked in and saw me being ugly and hateful, and turned on your heel and left. I don't blame you, I wasn't acting like a man I would want to be around, either.

I so wanted to talk to you. I hope you had a reason for not being there last night but if you don't, just know that I am sorry. I hope we can try to meet again but if we can't, I want you to know how much it has meant to me to be your friend.

Sorry this is so long. 

Merlin (and yes, that is my real name)

 * * *

 "Here, drink up," Morgana said, shoving the glass of whisky into his hand. She sat opposite him on the chair in his hotel room.

"I don't usually drink in the morning."

"You need it. Got to hand it to you, Pendragon, when you set out to ruin someone you go all out."

He glared at her, and took a gulp of his drink. He winced as it went down, burning his throat but he welcomed it as well. "Thanks for the empathy."

She smiled, crossing her legs, and stared thoughtfully at him. "All is not lost, you realise."

"How not? He hates me."

"If he hated you he wouldn't have sent that email. Wouldn't have said the things he did. Have you responded to it yet?"

Arthur groaned, dropping his head back on the chair. He hadn't slept all night, tossing and turning on his hotel bed whilst replaying every word, every gesture through his mind. The Merlin he'd been so cruel to in the restaurant had quite eloquently put him in his place. He'd found himself unable to stand it a moment longer, and got in his car and drove aimlessly, finding himself headed for London. Morgana had called that she was on her way there for the weekend to see how the new shop was doing first-hand, so he'd turned back around again and waited for her to show up.

"No, I haven't." Morgana stood, walking over to her desk.

"Does father know you're here?" he asked her.

"Nope."

"Why are you here, anyway?"

"To knock some sense into you, apparently."

He smiled. "Maybe. You're the one person who could."

"Drink up." He did so; she sat at his desk and opened his laptop up. "Okay so, let's figure out what to do."

Arthur set his empty glass down, relishing the warmth cascading through him. "Get drunk?"

"No, you've had enough. Now sit down."

"Yes ma'am." He pulled up a chair and sat next to Morgana. She went to her Gmail, and logged off. "Okay, OneKnightStand--catchy name by the way--what is your password?"

"As if," he said taking the computer from her. She smirked as he logged on, and sipped her drink.

"It was worth a try."

"I only use it to talk to him."

"What's his name? I mean, for his email."

"SorcererSupreme."

She laughed. "You are truly meant for each other."

"I wish," Arthur muttered, pulling up the email. He started to reread it again; Morgana scooted closer to see. He covered it with his hand. "Hey now."

She pushed his hand aside. "Oh, come on Arthur. We've got no secrets. Let me read." He hesitated, then nodded, reading it along with her. After a long moment she started shaking her head. "You cruel bastard. He must really be under your skin."

"Oh yeah. He is."

"So tell him."

"What? That he makes my skin prickle?"

"What other excuse do you have? What, that you were in a meeting, decided to randomly drive to London to see your cousin? Tell him the truth."

"I can't," Arthur said. "Percival thinks I should try to befriend him. I even meant to when I went in but something took over and I turned into a dickhead."

"Percival is right. Always knew that big boy had a lot of sense in his head."

That made Arthur smile. "He's great. Have you met his wife?"

"Of course. She's lovely."

"You're nothing like Father, are you?"

She grinned. "You bet I'm not. And neither are you."

"Sometimes I wonder."

"Trust me. You can do this."

"But how?"

She pointed at the computer and stood. "Write back to him. Tell him you're sorry, that something came up and you truly regret that you have to go away for a while."

"What? Why?"

She rolled her eyes at him. "That will take the pressure of him wanting to meet OneKnightStand. Leave room for you to get in there, and convince him you aren't the bad guy he assumes you are."

"What if he doesn't answer me?"

"He will. And I think he'll talk to you, the real you, if you start over and do it right."

"I destroyed him, Morgana. He's closing his shop."

"You knew he would have to when you chose Cardiff as a location."

He picked up a pencil, bounced it on the mahogany desk. "Yes, but this is different."

"Because you shagged him?"

Arthur hesitated, setting the pencil down. "No, it's… There's something more there, Morgana."

"Good in bed?"

"Morgana. No. I mean-- Yes, shagging him was--" Oh man, it was the best night of his life. He hadn't felt so free and loose in ages.

She laughed. "So, tell me about what makes this mystery man different."

Arthur leaned back. "I'm not sure, honestly. When I look at him, look in his eyes, there's a depth there, complicated." He shook his head. "He's funny, sweet, and there's something he's hiding and it is driving me crazy. I can't believe I'm telling you this, but he made me feel special. Like I was fun to be around. Like I--mattered. The way he--" He glanced at her; she sipped her drink, her eyes indicating he should go on.  "I wanted to protect him," he said, staring down at his hands. "He made me feel strong. He just gave himself to me and it was fucking awesome and oh shit Morgana, I can't tell you this! You're my sister!"

"He's submissive. You get off on that. Nothing wrong with that, Arthur."

He dropped his forehead in his hands. "I can't do this." She laughed, ruffling his hair. He jerked away.  "Stop that."

"Never."

He sighed. "I liked him very much. The way he made me--feel. Want him. I wanted to make him happy. Still do. Fucked that up, huh."

"That's what you tell him then. Just don't tell dear old dad."

"Oh, I won't. At least not yet."

Morgana leaned back against the desk, arms folded over her chest. "Not yet? You actually plan to?"

"I'm out in Cardiff. Figure he'll hear about it sooner or later."

"I think you should tell him as soon as you can." Her grin was wicked. "Just give me a heads-up so I can be there."

"That's nice of you."

"I wouldn't want to miss the fireworks."

He laughed. "He's already stroppy enough over my leaving London. I don't think I'll add anything to make things worse than they are."

"It'll only be worse if you delay.  He'll get over it. You're his heir, after all. I'm going to go crash for a while. You write."

Arthur glared at the computer. "Yeah, okay. I'll try."

"And you really ought to find your own place. This is kind of sad."

He waved her away, turning his attention back to the computer and hit reply.

A few moments later, agonizing ones, Arthur sat and stared at his words, rereading them over and over again. Tried to imagine Merlin sitting in his home, that giant, impossible beast at his feet. He had to know him better. But whether his simple apology, and his suggestion that Pendragon regretted what he'd done--which he did--would be enough, he couldn't guess.

He had to at least try.

Chapter Text

Merlin couldn't sleep.

Kilgharragh lay on the floor beside him, snuffling as he dreamed. Merlin lay on his back in the dark, the steady blue light from his computer taunting him to get up and see if he had any mail. The last four times he'd checked, there'd been nothing from OneKnightStand. He wondered if he'd ever hear from him again. At this rate, he almost expected things to go to hell with that relationship too--if they hadn't already.

The day had been horrendously long and miserable. There'd only been three people wandering in, and one of those had been Ellie, come by to tell him her mum had dumped the old boyfriend and they were going to the movies that night. He was happy for her, but didn't hold out any hope things would get better. Her mum couldn't stay boyfriendless for long--he'd seen this happen over and over again to Ellie, yet the kid still believed. So far.

Someday, she'd grow jaded like he was, and not believe in fairy tales, that if you worked hard good things would happen, that a knight in shining armour would come to your rescue, sweep you up off your feet and make the world glisten with silver and gold.

Merlin turned on his side, wrapping himself up tight in the blanket. It was chilly in the room; it cost too much to heat the house. Blinking against the darkness, the faint line of light around the window shade, he was as lost as he'd ever been in his life. He could almost cry everything was so crap. How could things get any worse?

He dropped his hand down to the dog, sinking his fingers into his thick fur. And that of course was another thing. He ran his hand down the sleeping dog's side; it was difficult to see the black dog in the dark room, but his deep breathing filled the silence, and his paw twitches made his nails scratch on the scarred wooden floor.

Combing his hand through the dog's fur, he couldn't fathom how it had turned into dragon scales. Shapeshifters had ceased to exist so long ago as to be as legend as werewolves and vampires (which thankfully really were). He sat up, reaching for his laptop. Two a.m. and he wasn't going to get any sleep anytime soon, might as well see what he could find out.

Sitting up, Merlin pulled the computer onto his lap and turned it on. The movement woke Kilgharragh. The dog stood, tail wagging, massive head chinning the bed. Merlin ruffled his fur. "I need to know what you are, Killy," he said. The dog looked from the computer to Merlin again and whined softly. He'd gotten used to the dog's understanding of what he was saying, but he still nearly fell down whenever he gave the dog a complicated instruction and he would obey. "Would you go get me a drink from the fridge?"

The dog looked at him and took off, lumbering out of the room. Merlin waited, listening as Killgharragh padded down the stairs, and went into the kitchen. Holding his breath he strained to hear--and grinned when he heard the fridge open.

"Damn dog," he thought as he heard it shut again. He hurriedly opened a website to not appear as if he were listening and laughed at himself. A minute later Kilgharragh returned, a fizzy water carefully, if not covered in slobber, held in his mouth. Merlin took it, and wiped it off with his sheet and opened it. "Thanks mate. You should be up here helping me research what you are."

Kilgharragh looked at him, then lay back down on the floor. "Fine then. No hints, fine."

Studiously avoiding looking at the Gmail tab, Merlin opened Google and typed in 'shapeshifters.' All kinds of crap came up, first on the list being, to his annoyance, a wikipedia entry. He sorted through that, finding nothing useful.

Next on the list was shapeshifter romance--dragon shifters, but of course they shifted into hot hunky men. He hmphed in disappointment. No gay ones. That was too bad.

But it gave him an idea. He changed it to 'reptilian shapeshifters' and halfway down the page he hit a blog, I believe in shapeshifters, but they aren't what you think it started out. He clicked the link and went to the page which was black and red and orange with painful to the eyes yellow lettering. But something kept him there--a picture of a dog named, of all things, Dragon.

The girl claimed her dog was a shapeshifter, and turned into a flying dragon. There were no pictures though, and the site hadn't been updated since 2007. He hesitated, then decided what the hell why not? Send her an email anyway.

Opening up his Gmail, he sucked in his breath. There was an email from OneKnightStand. He shifted on the bed, crossing his legs and sitting the computer in front of him. Kilgharrah woke again and pushed himself up, then jumped up on the bed, taking up most of the space. He lay his head next to Merlin's knee, looking up at him with his huge luminous eyes.

"I'm scared to open it," he told the dog. Kilgharragh thumped his tail once, then touched his nose to the laptop. "I know, I know. Stupid. Merlin took a deep breath, then opened the email.

It took a second for his eyes to focus.

To: SorcererSupreme

From: OneKnightStand

I wish I had the right words to apologise to you for the other night. I can't really say why I didn't make it, but I want you to know how very, very sorry I am for failing you. Instead of having a night of conversation and good company, you met the enemy and were forced into a position you didn't want. I know you, as well as we can know each other via words only, so I know you only said what was deserved.

I hope you will forgive me, and give me the chance to see that comic book someday. I have to go for a little while, but I'll be checking email as often as I can.

I am sorry about the shop, more than you can believe. I've never lost anything important to me, except my mum, and she died when I was born. The only memories I have are those given to me by my father, and he's not one to share. I don't even have any pictures. So I am putting myself into your shoes, trying to imagine how hard it is to say goodbye to something you love.

I guess we can only hope that this bloke who hurt you is having second thoughts. I like to think he is, and realises the mistake he has made.

What will you do now?

Merlin read the email over. And then one more time again after that. Kilgharragh watched him, waiting. "He apologised," Merlin told the dog. "Should I believe him?"

He wanted to. How he wanted to! Warmth built up in his chest and he leaned over and hugged the dog. "Brilliant!" he said sitting back and grinning up at the ceiling. He wasn't mad. He couldn't be mad at OneKnightStand though he wanted so badly to talk to him. He wondered what had happened--

The phone rang. His heart leapt but he pushed that off. No one had his telephone number except for his close friends and his mam. His mam! He grabbed the phone. "Hello? Mam?"

The first thing he heard was a sob. "Merlin, someone's in here! I'm scared!"

"Ellie?" he said, shoving the computer out of the way. Kilgharragh jumped off the bed, his attention riveted. "Where are you?"

"Your shop. There's someone in here."

"Why are you there?" She was crying again though and he could guess. "Ellie, listen to me. Where in the shop are you?" He grabbed his denims, pulling them on and grabbed a t-shirt, heading down the stairs at a fast clip, the dog following behind. Shit he forgot his mobile. "Killy, my mobile," he told the dog, leaving him to fetch it.

"I'm in the back," she whispered. "They don't know I'm here."

"Okay okay listen to me love. I'm going to call 999 and I'm on my way." He shoved his feet into his trainers, cursing the fact he didn't have a car. He opened the door and the dog bounded out.

"Okay."

"Can you get into the back cabinet?" It was empty and about right for a girl her size.

"That's where I am."

"Smart girl. Okay." He said, taking his mobile from the dog and wiping it off. Panic and fear and anger too ripped through him. "I'll be there as fast as I can. Just stay quiet."

"Okay. Hurry Merlin, they're tearing everything apart."

Fuck. He got off the phone, and quickly dialed 999 then realised he'd come outside with his house phone. He couldn't hang up and couldn't move, he'd lose the signal. When the operator got online he hurriedly told them what was happening, and that a little girl was in danger.

"All right sir. Help is on the way."

"So am I. Thanks."

He started running. Kilgharragh ran beside him--and then blocked him, nearly causing Merlin to fall. "What are you doing?" he yelled at the dog but the dog wrapped himself around him, nudging at him. "What do you want me to do boy?" He stared at Kilgharragh, confused as the dog turned around, then looked back at Merlin, then at his own back. Oh no, no way. "You're too small for me, no way."

Kilgharragh growled, then pawed like a horse. Like…a dragon. Wincing to himself, Merlin climbed onto the dog's back, crouching low like a jockey. Kilgharragh outweighed him, but only by a couple of stone, there was no way--

The dog began to run. Merlin yelped, wrapping his arms and legs tighter around the dog, waiting for the inevitable dump onto the ground. The dog's feet pounded heavily, jolting every bone in his body--and then Merlin could feel the muscles bunching as the dog went faster and faster and too late Merlin realised what was happening beneath him.

His yelp turned into a shout of fear-tinged brilliance as the dog leaped…and where seconds before there were none, a pair of wings appeared, the dog's head morphed into a dragon, the fur beneath his hands turned to scales. Slippery scales, which made him wrap his arms around Kilgharragh neck.

The dog…dragon…whatever the hell he was nearly overbalanced and he closed his eyes, turning his head and holding still while Kilgharragh balanced out, his great wings flapping slowly at first as he finished shifting beneath Merlin's tight grip.

Seconds later they were up in the sky, his flapping wings settling into a steady beat. They were going fast. So fast everything was just a blur beneath Merlin. His excitement reached fever pitch as the dragondog banked himself, soaring over the trees. Thank the gods it was night time, and he hoped no one would see them, flying through the sky.

This was insane.

But Ellie. She'd managed to get into the shop somehow, and now someone was robbing him. There was nothing there of value though. Nothing--

Horror ripped through him as Kilgharragh took a nosedive but it wasn't the flying that struck him, but the realisation he'd left the Superman comic book there. And, worse, it wasn't even in the case. He'd forgotten, just left it sitting there under the desk. "Hurry Kilgharragh" he screamed into the wind, but his words were ripped away. The dragondog responded though, his speed increasing even more as they neared the quay.

The bay glimmered below them, lights shimmering on its surface, reminding him of the beast that was tormenting Cardiff. What if Ellie had encountered that thing? He just hoped her warning him in time kept the thieves from finding his comic book. Or he hoped they had no idea what they were looking for.

Please please please, he thought desperately as Kilgharragh started the descent.

The flashing lights of a cop car in the circle sent relief through him. Surely, they'd caught the thieves, thanks to Ellie? Kilgharragh slowed now, taking his attention away. They were coming down fast now, and he realised he had no idea how this was going to work. He braced himself as the ground drew closer, and closer….but Kilgharragh braked himself gently, his paws…claws? reaching for the ground. The impact was lighter than Merlin could've hoped but when he stumbled off, he was never more glad to touch the ground.

He had to move the wing carefully out of the way; Kilgharragh lifted it so he could go under it. Merlin turned to the dragon who eyed him with one huge golden eye. Merlin's chest still heaved from the breathlessness of the ride but he reached up and touched the dragon's snout.

"Thank you." The dragon nodded once, closing his eyes, then Merlin took off, not waiting for him to shift back to dog shape. He would, he knew.

Merlin ran around the corner, unable to keep from glancing at the Camelot shop, silent and still, crouched over the water. Why the hell had the thieves not hit them? he thought sourly as he slowed down. Two women cops were outside his shop talking; it was brightly lit.

"I'm Merlin, I'm the owner," he said. "Did you catch them?"

The taller cop held out a hand. "Wait a minute," she said, but the other cop stopped her and said, "That's him, I know him."

"I need to get inside," he said, heading for the door.

"Wait, Merlin, you can't go in there--" But it was too late. He stopped though. Had to. Kilgharragh appeared beside him, back to his giant dog form. Merlin sank his hands into the dog's fur and surveyed the horrific damage.

Everything was torn apart. Shelves dumped over, comic books scattered everywhere. Posters torn off the walls, the Coke machine the only thing left standing.

"Fuck," he said. "Fuck." He whipped around. "Where's Ellie."

"Who?"

He didn't wait. "Kilgharragh, go find her." The dog leaped over the shelving, Merlin scrambling after him.

"Sir, you can't--this is a crime scene."

"There's someone in here," he yelled, kicking some boxes out of the way. He glanced over to the fallen countertop, wondering how in the world that had been pushed over, desperate to look for the comic but he knew it was probably gone. "Ellie, it's safe now," he called out, turning on the hall lights as he went to the back after Kilgharragh.

The dog was pawing at some boxes that had fallen over. "Ellie it's Merlin," he said, pushing the boxes away from the door. He grabbed the knob and turned it. It was locked. He banged on it, fearing she was too frightened or couldn't hear him. "Ellie!" Nothing. "Kilgharragh," he said, but the dog was gone. Fine. He tried the door again, trying to remember if he ever had a key to it.

"Kilgharragh!" a small voice said, and then the door was unlocked.

Merlin pushed it open, and was only halfway shocked to find the dog inside the locked room with the young girl. "Good thing you're on our side," Merlin said to the dog, then reached for Ellie. She looked at him, then flung herself into his arms. She was too old for this, but right now she was more frightened young girl then budding pre-teen. "You're safe now."

She squeezed him tight then, maybe realising herself, slid down. "Merlin, I'm sorry. I left the door unlocked and they got in and they wrecked everything and I'm so sorry."

"Hey it's not your fault," Merlin said. "Everything's going to be all right." He hugged her to him again as she shook her head, her face buried in his side. He took a deep breath--damn. "They came for something specific, Ellie. They would've broke in regardless."

She lifted her head then, brushing the remnants of tears from her eyes. She must've been horribly frightened. "What did they want?"

He grimaced. "Superman."

Her eyes widened and now she pulled back. "Oh no, did they find it?"

"I don't know. I guess we better go out. Listen. There're two coppers out there. They know you're in here. We have to go out okay?"

The look on her face made him grim. She was shaking her head. "No. No, they'll take me away, Merlin!" She glanced at the dog. "Kilgharragh can get me out."

One of the cops called out. "Everything okay in there?"

"Fine," he called back, "be right out."

"Hurry sir, we need to take care of this."

He turned back to Ellie, grabbing her by the shoulders. "Did you see Kilgharragh come into this room?"

She froze beneath his hands, then slowly nodded. Then confidence filled her face. "And he can take me out. Can't you Kilgharragh." The dog woofed once.

Oh, no way. "That's not what I meant. You understand that Kilgharragh is…"

"Sir, we really need you to come back out here."

Damn. Ellie was nodding. "Magic. Yes, just like you are."

"I'm not," he said automatically but Ellie was slipping out of his hands, and jumped on Kilgharragh's back. "Ellie stop!" But the girl and the dog were suddenly gone.

Merlin stared at the spot where they'd been seconds before, a cold wash of fear cascading through him. Before he could think further there was a bark outside the room. He grabbed the door and flung it open and there was Kilgharragh.

He pointed his finger at the dog. "You and me? We need to have a talk." The dog shook his head then headed toward the front of the shop. He wondered where in the hell he'd taken Ellie but at least now she was safe.

"Did you find anyone sir?"

The copper who knew him was outside, talking to another cop who'd shown up. "No, I was mistaken," he said, hoping she wouldn't push it. He moved over toward the counter, the mess of comics and paper beneath his feet filling him anew with dismay. He shuffled through some of the comics on the floor, looking for the special plastic bag that kept Superman safe, but it was nowhere. He knew it. Knew there was no way it hadn't been taken as that was what they were looking for.

"It's gone," he said softly to the room, looking around at the totally unnecessary mess that had been made.

The Superman comic was gone.

Chapter Text

"So, this is Cardiff," Morgana said as they walked through the Plass toward the new shop.

"Basically. It's what most people outside of Cardiff think of anyway when they think about Cardiff."

Two girls ran past them toward the water tower, and jumped on the invisible lift. He smiled at them; Morgana rolled her eyes. "What are they doing?"

"Pretending, Morgana," he said as they walked toward the ramp that led to the dock. "You know, Torchwood?"

She made a face. "I don't watch the telly. Total waste of time."

"No, but you spend hours watching movies on your computer," he pointed out.

"That's different."

He laughed to himself. "Right. The invisible lift went down to the Hub, the center for the Torchwood operatives. They filmed here until they killed off all the characters."

"See? That's why I don't watch regular television shows. They always kill off the good ones."

They walked past the Celtic Ring (looked more like a giant cock ring to him), Arthur leading the way to the right where the shop crouched overhead. "A lot of people were upset. Believe me. There's even a shrine to one of the characters."

"Really. That's a little bit much."

"Look." He pointed to the shrine, waiting for her reaction. They'd reached the stairs that would take them up. He'd purposely gone this way, not wanting to walk past Merlin's. It was almost nine, and he would probably be around, ready to open up his shop and the last person he wanted Merlin to see him with was Morgana.

She was, as always, drop-dead gorgeous, wearing boots, black denims and a sweater that dripped London. Somehow, she looked neither like a resident of Cardiff, nor a tourist. She was clearly an alien in this world. And knew it, he thought wryly as two blokes leaning over the railing above noticed her, elbowing each other. She noticed it too, turning to face them whilst not looking away from the shrine. She looked up at him, shaking her head.

"Are these people serious?"

"The fans or the two blokes up there eyeing you?"

He was waiting for Morgana's patented baleful glare, but she grinned, pushing him toward the stairs. "Both. Is that your shop then?" she asked as they climbed the stairs.

"That's it." He let the pride show in his voice, he realised as she smiled at him. "Pretty location, isn't it?"

Morgana paused at the top of the stairs as he pulled out his keys, and turned around in a circle. "Not bad, Pendragon. I can see why you like it."

"You can?" he asked, genuinely surprised. He walked across the walkway leading to his building, and slid the key in. Morgana was behind him.

"Sure. It's nice, got a Starbucks right there, has a great view and is far far away from your father's clutches."

"Our father's clutches."

"Don't remind me."

"Hold on, let me turn the alarm off," he said, hurrying behind the counter to the steady beeping. He punched the numbers into the keypad. "Turn the lock there, will you?"

"Sure." She did so, then as he got the work computer out she started to walk through the room. He watched her whilst he turned the computer on, waiting for her to say something. Anything. Smile at what he'd done or even frown. She trailed her hands over some of the stacks of new comics on the New Releases table. "So, your Merlin used to have this space?"

He stiffened, then forced himself to relax. "Yes, Warlock Comics was in this location for about a decade until they were forced to downsize."

"He was forced to downsize."

"He's had the shop about three years."

"Too bad." She turned to face him, her stance of attention reminding him too acutely of his father. But Morgana, while wielding words as weapons as deftly as his father, lacked the cruel streak. She finally smiled. "You look nervous."

"I am nervous."

She laughed, then tossed her hair and headed toward the door. "You're such a poof, Arthur Pendragon. I want some Starbucks. Want anything?"

"Definitely. Thanks. Sugar free vanilla latte with soy."

She unlocked the door and pulled it open, flashing a grin of perfectly-white teeth at him. "See? Poof."

"What are you getting then?" he said, puffing his chest out.

"Venti black coffee, straight up of course." She darted out the door, leaving him to shake his head.

Arthur pulled his chair stool up and opened up his Gmail. He grinned. Yes! Merlin had written back! Smiling so hard his face felt split in two he opened the email.

The words that jumped out at him slapped him in the face.

To: OneKnightStand

From: SorcererSupreme

It's all gone, Knight. Someone broke into my shop and trashed it and stole Superman.

I have nothing left.

Merlin

Arthur pushed the stool back. Merlin had been robbed? The Superman was gone? Fuck!

The front door flung open--it was Morgana, empty handed. "Warlock Comics got trashed last night," she said, her eyes flashing.

"I know. I just heard."

"How?" Comprehension dawned on her face. "Ahh, Doctor Strange."

"Let me answer him then I'm going to go see him."

She smirked. "As OneKnightStand or as that rat bastard Pendragon?"

Anger surged through him but she was right. "Fuck," he bit out, running his hand through his hair. She leaned on the counter, eyes gleaming. "What."

"This is your opportunity, Mr. Knight."

"What do you mean?"

She rolled her eyes. "Time to ride to your fair maiden's rescue." She smacked him on the shoulder. "Don't answer that email, moron. Go to him as yourself."

 "As my--" He stopped, then slowly nodded. And grinned. "You're right. I need to go find him."

"He was at Starbucks, headed back over there." She grinned at him coyly. "He's a cutie, Pendragon. Even your father might not object to that one."

He headed for the door. "Don't you dare say anything to him."

"No worries, just go."

"Percival should be here by half-past."

"Are you kidding me? I'm going with you."

"Morgana, no…"

But she opened the door again and pushed him through, taking the keys and locking it. "There's lots of people there. I'll just be another tourist ogling the mess."

"You're far from tourist material," he pointed out as they hurried toward Merlin's shop.

"Why thank you, Pendragon. Now get out of here. Go get your man."

Once Arthur was certain Morgana had gone into Starbucks, he eyed his reflection in the GBC burger's front window.

"Yes, you're hot, Pendragon!"

He turned to see her laughing. "Bitch," he muttered. A couple of older women glanced at him and frowned. His face flared bright red; he was sure of it. "All right, all right," he said, fluttering her away with his hands. He turned toward Merlin's shop, pulled the bottom of his shirt down and smoothed it, and then moved before Morgana could humiliate him further. Took a deep breath, threw his shoulders back and hoped to hell Merlin wouldn't hurl one of his trainers in his face the moment he saw him.

Reaching Warlock Comics, Arthur peeked in. Morgana was wrong--the shop was empty, save for Merlin himself, sitting cross-legged on the floor with that giant beast of a dog-thing sitting next to him.

Morgana was right about one thing though--the shop was seriously trashed. This wasn't just someone looking for a specific item; if he didn't know better, it looked more like cruel revenge. He simply couldn't believe Merlin Emrys deserved this. He balled his fists up, anger making him tense. Fucking hell, he'd find the bastard who did this and beat the shit out of him. He reached to open the door.

The dog looked at him, tongue lolling--hungrily, he swore--and he hesitated. He and Percival were positive of what they'd seen, but now he doubted it. He didn't want to believe that a dog could fly, much less turn into a fucking dragon. Then the dog stood, and slowly wagged his tail. Merlin ignored him.

Arthur took another deep, steadying breath, forcing his anger down, and pulled open the door. Merlin looked up then, his eyes wide, unfocused, red. He stood, hand on the dog's head.

"Wow, news travels fast. What are you doing here. Come to gloat?"

Arthur let the door close behind him. He would have to be damn careful, he realised, but the excitement of what he was about to do gave him courage. "No. I came to see if there was anything I can do to help."

Merlin laughed bitterly, sweeping the room with arms wide open. "Can you fix this?" He dropped them, eyes flashing. "Can you give me back what was mine?"

He was glad he was ready for that question. "What did they take?" he asked gently, hoping Merlin would tell him. Hoping he would believe in him, just a little bit, enough to trust him.

Merlin just stared at him, fury warring with grief, genuine grief, on his face. His shoulders slumped. "My hope," he said, and Arthur wanted to crush him to his chest, hold him, and promise him the world.

Instead he bent down, and manhandled one of the shelves up, and out of the way. He approached Merlin warily, hands spread.

"I'm so, so sorry Merlin," he said, surprised to hear his own voice catch. He looked away, not wanting Merlin to see the guilt he suddenly had ricocheting through him. "You didn't deserve this."

"I didn't deserve you to destroy me, either."

Arthur looked at him sharply, then slowly nodded. "No. You didn't. I wish… I wish I'd never fallen for that building." He wished his father wasn't such a bastard. He shook his head, looking around him. "I never thought it would lead to this. I really didn't."

Merlin huffed. "You didn't do this Arthur. Unless--"

"No!" Arthur shook his head. "No. Of course I didn't."

"Not your style, huh?"

Now Arthur huffed. "No. We wreak our destruction of the competition in different ways." He closed his eyes, rubbing his hand over them then dropped them. "Look, Merlin. I know I suck."

"Yeah you do."

He almost smiled at that. "Yeah. But I want to help. Is there anything I can do? I can get Percival over here; we can help you clean this place up."

"I don't need your help." He didn't sound very convincing though.

"I know you don't. But I want to."

Merlin turned away then, and made his way over the scattered comics, not even caring where he stepped. That told Arthur way too much--the man was defeated, good and thoroughly.

The dog looked at Arthur, woofing gently, tail wagging and, he swore, motioned with his head to follow after Merlin.

He stared at the dog and said softly, "Okay."

Merlin looked over his shoulder. "What?"

"Um." He glanced at the dog. "I was just talking to the dog."

For the first time Merlin smiled--tentative, but there. "I didn't hear him say anything."

"But he did!" He nodded to the dog. "He told me to follow after you." Arthur waited, hands on hips, letting a smile stay plastered on, hoping hoping hoping Merlin would go along with it. His heart thumped crazily.

Finally, after an interminable moment, Merlin scowled at the dog. "You think you know what's best, do you?"

The dog barked, then nearly made Arthur jump out of his skin when he suddenly leaped over the stack between them to circle around Arthur twice before sitting down and leaning against him. Arthur raised his hand out of the way, looked at Merlin knowing full well the incredulous expression on his face, and tentatively lay a hand on the dog's head which, unbelievably, was almost as high as his elbow. He smiled at Merlin.

And Merlin smiled back.

"Okay. I'd appreciate the help."

"Fabulous! Hold on." He pulled his mobile out of his pocket and texted Percival. Get your arse over to Warlock Comics. He stuffed the mobile back in his pocket and, a crazy bravery and not a little hope pushing him forward, made his way to where Merlin had pulled up a stool and sat. Arthur reached for another one, and pulled it upright, and also sat. Normally he would've stood, relishing towering over his prey but Merlin was different. Merlin was special.

Merlin was who he wanted.

He swore he could smell him though he sat two feet away.

"So," he said, watching Merlin idly fingering a torn comic book. That broke his heart. "Any ideas who could've done this to you?"

"Well," Merlin said, studying his clasped hands in his lap before looking up. "I guess now that I've ruled you out, no. I don't know."

He decided to risk it, and asked again. "What was taken, Merlin?"

Merlin breathed deeply then let out a shuddery breath. "That comic book I had the other night. No one knows I have it except my closest friends, and I guess you, and--" His eyes widened, and he stared at Arthur. "That bloke at the table next to me."

Arthur's heart jumped. He leaned forward, aching to touch Merlin's hand--so close! Fuck!--but held back. Barely. Heat surged through him--fucking bizarre time but he couldn't help it, the way Merlin looked at him now. "Who? Did you get his name? You sure he saw it?"

"Yes, he did." Merlin stood, and half-turned away, hand to his mouth, other hand on one hip. Arthur closed his eyes as he imagined reaching out and touching that hip, trailing his fingers-- Merlin snapped around. Arthur nearly jumped back. "Yes. He kept looking at it. I--I damn." He snapped his fingers. "He didn't look like a thief though."

Arthur snorted at that. "Greed makes even the nicest bloke do stupid things."

"You have experience with that."

Arthur opened his mouth to protest, but snapped it shut on the retort. He shrugged. "Yes, and I'm starting to realise just how horrible I have been. For a long, long time." Merlin was the one standing, looking down at him, and he found himself shivering a bit at the intensity of Merlin's stare. Damn he wanted to own those eyes, know what was behind their flashing.

"I'm glad," Merlin finally said, breaking his hold.

"Me too."

"Why, Arthur?" he said, a thousand questions in the simple query.

Arthur sighed, then with a groan saw Morgana peering inside. He waved her off. She smirked.

Merlin turned with a frown. "Who is that?"

"That's my sister Morgana." Morgana grinned, gave a thumbs up then left. "Uh, ignore that, okay?"

Merlin smiled, turning back to Arthur.  He had such a nice smile, though it was too brief. "Oh. She's pretty."

Arthur smiled up at him. "She's single--"

"She's not my type," Merlin said quickly, his face flushing. He licked his lips, making a betraying groan escape from Arthur which he hurriedly covered up with coughing.

"Because I'm an arrogant prat who always gets what he wants," he said, making Merlin look at him in confusion. "Why, you asked why," he said, rubbing the back of his neck. "I've always been my father's son, at least until…until I came to Cardiff."

"Who are you now?"

He shrugged. "I honestly don't know anymore."

"Me either. I mean, I don't know who I am anymore either," he finished softly.

He leaned against the counter, inches away from Arthur, and folded his arms over his chest. Arthur was eyelevel to Merlin's crotch. He about fell off the stool. "I should be more upset than I am," Merlin admitted, then waved his hand over the mess. "I mean I am, but--I'm not devastated. I just want it over with. I'm closing the shop, already decided that."

"I'm sorry." And he meant it, hoped Merlin saw he did.

A beat passed. Then, "Thanks Arthur. I'll be all right. I didn't really mean to sell Superman anyway, though it would've kept the shop open. I'm tired."

Arthur dared to study Merlin face then. His fingers curled; he ached so badly to reach out and touch Merlin. He warred with himself. His whole body fairly trembled with the need to pull Merlin into his arms, hold him, soothe him.

Instead all he could safely say was, "I'm going to find that guy, and get it back to you."

Merlin laughed bitterly again, dropping his arms, his fingers accidentally grazing Arthur's knee. He felt it, his knee nearly jerked in reaction. "There's no way to find out. I've never seen him before, didn't recognise anyone at that table."

"Doesn't matter." Arthur stood, and dared now to put his hand on Merlin's shoulder, his heart doing yet another somersault--it was getting one hell of a workout--when Merlin didn't flinch or pull away. "I've got my ways."

Merlin turned his head, so close, so close. "Thanks Arthur. I don't know if it will do any good but," he laughed, "thanks. I would appreciate it. The DI didn't hold out any hope at all."

"Because he won't operate via nefarious means."

Merlin dropped his head back and laughed, exposing his throat, white teeth flashing. "And you will?"

"Of course! I'll do anything for you."

Merlin glanced at him, a small smile playing on his lips. "I'm not giving you a pull in thanks."

Heat flashed through Arthur. "Oh my god that was cruel."

Merlin grinned, but then, dammit, moved away and then double-dammit, Percival opened the shop door. "Hey Boss-- Damn," he finished, looking around and moving inside. "This is not cool."

"Merlin, this is Percival Armstrong, my right-hand man. Percival, Merlin." Percival nodded. "Hello."

Merlin looked confused for a moment. "You're Anna's husband?"

Percival smiled. "You've met her?"

"Goliath?"

"That's right."

"We've met walking the dogs." Percival noticed the dog then; his eyes widened. "That's Kilgharragh."

Percival glanced at Arthur; he shook his head, not exactly sure what he was trying to convey. Percival nodded though, then said, "Want help putting these shelves back up?"

"That's why I texted you," Arthur said. "Let's do it then."

Over the next hour, then two, Percival and Arthur helped put the shelves back up where they belonged. Merlin started to put things into rubbish bags, stuffing anything and everything into them. Percival caught Arthur's eye a time or two but he just shrugged, glad Percival was there, glad Percival wasn't inclined to say anything, simply buckle down and work.

At some point, other people came in, several teenage boys Merlin knew. A couple of them frowned at Arthur and Percival, but joined in to help. Someone turned on some music, and the Welshcake lady brought them all lunch which they ate as they worked.

Arthur had never had so much fun in his life.

It was an odd thing, he reflected as he bit into a sandwich as he sat on the floor and sorted through a box of books, how happy it made him to be near Merlin. He could sense whenever he looked his way--he swore it--and he wondered if Merlin could feel his glances as well.

God, he hoped so.

Finally, everything was done. And, he realised, it was near to 3 o'clock, on a Saturday, and he'd not opened his shop and hadn't even thought about it. No sales today and he didn't give a fuck. He was with Merlin, who wasn't hurling things at him.

They all sat on the floor--he, Percival, the dog (which Percival kept eyeing warily), the boys who were James, Eion and Leon, and a young girl named Ellie who had wandered in and taken the dog for a walk. Morgana disappeared again, to go shopping for a spontaneous date she'd managed to snag in Starbucks. He was exhausted. And happy.

Happy happy happy and he realised he was staring at Merlin, who was staring at him.

That jolted him awake. Made him remember his plan. He stood, knocking Percival on the shoulder. "I guess we'd better get back to my shop," he said. Then added hurriedly, "To get started on finding that creep."

"I don't know for sure it was him," Merlin said.

"I know. But there's only one way to find out for sure. We have to find him. Come on Percival. Let's go."

Percival stood and stretched; he smiled but turned away as he saw Merlin's eyes widen at the flash of Percival's stomach. Damn lucky Percival was straight. "All right Boss."

Arthur didn't wait for Merlin to react, even though he wanted him to react, and badly. He pulled Percival toward the door, his hand on the handle and his heart pleading silently for Merlin to say something. Anything.

"Arthur, wait."

Percival grinned at him before quickly smoothing his face. Arthur turned back to Merlin. "Yes?"

Merlin had hurried forward, then stopped, looked from him to Percival. "I just wanted to say thanks. I didn't expect-- Thanks."

Arthur's heart sang a full-blown melody at the ache he heard in Merlin's voice. He smiled and nodded. "You're welcome, Merlin. I'll let you know if I find anything, all right?"'

"Um, yeah. Okay."

"Bye," Arthur said, not moving.

"Bye."

Several seconds passed, then he felt the door move behind him. "Come on Boss."

He stumbled out after Percival, smiling apologetically at Merlin, supremely grateful as Percival steered him away and out of site of the shop. He pulled away from Percival but whirled around and hurled himself at him, laughing. "I did it!"

Percival picked him up and whirled him around, laughing, then dropped him. "You were damn amazing in there, Arthur."

"I was wasn't I?"

Percival just shook his head. "What is it we're going to do for him?"

Arthur hurried toward the shop, pulling his keys out of his pocket. Percival followed him. He slid the key into the lock and pulled open the door, then locked it behind him. "We're going to catch Merlin's thief."

Chapter Text

"Merlin? Wake up, mate."

Merlin lifted his head blearily, wincing as he sat up. He blinked at Elyan, then winced again when he moved. "What time is it?"

"Almost nine. I got here fast as I could. I thought you said everything was trashed?"

Merlin yawned, then shrugged. "It was. You won't believe who helped me clean it up."

Elyan moved over to the Coke machine and got himself a drink. He popped the top open, then deflected Merlin's frown. "I know, I'm not supposed to but it's been a long day."

"Practice until now?"

Elyan nodded and sat on the other stool. "So, tell me all. Who was it?"

Merlin knew his face was flushing and, to his chagrin, Elyan noticed. He reached out one finger and poked Merlin's cheek. "Arthur Pendragon."

Elyan jerked back. "You're shitting me. Arthur?" Elyan looked around. "I figured he's the one who did it."

"He's not that bad." Merlin toyed with a stack of paper clips someone had piled on the countertop. His Bart Simpson paperclip holder must've been destroyed along with 2/3rds of his merchandise. "He was nice."

Elyan had started to take another drink of his drink but stopped. "You mean that, don't you? Merlin what happened to him being the enemy? The most evil bloke you'd ever met? He who you wished would trip off the boardwalk and drown a thousand deaths?"

Merlin laughed, pushing himself to a stand. "I know, I know. But really, he showed up and offered to help clean up. He apologised for everything, too."

"Okay he had it done then."

"No. Good grief you're as bad as Gwaine."

"Don't go comparing me to that crazy."

Merlin came around the counter. "Fortunately, no one can compare to him. He wasn't too happy at all when he found them helping me clean up."

"Them?"

"His employee Percival. Want a burger? I'm starved."

"Sure you can afford real food?"

"No, definitely not now," Merlin said, "but I want one anyway." Kilgharragh started to stand but he held up his hand. "Sorry mate, you know you can't go. I'll bring one back for you?" The dog snorted. Elyan shook his head. "Cheeseburger?" Merlin asked the dog, and he nodded once. "Okay good. I'll get you some French fries too." The dog danced on his feet. Merlin grinned at Elyan.

"This dog cannot be a dog."

Oh if he only knew.  Merlin considered for a moment. Of all his friends, Elyan and Gwen were the ones he trusted most.  "He can do more than that, Elyan," he said softly.

Elyan hesitated, then looked at Kilgharragh, then Merlin. "Do I want to know?"

"He can fly."

Elyan stared. "You're shitting me. No, you're not shitting me. You can explain over dinner. My treat."

"You don't have to do that."

"I know, but I have a feeling your story is about to make it worth it."

* * *

"Thanks," Merlin said as one of the workers handed him a bag.

She smiled at him. "No worries. I took the onions off, didn't think a dog would care for them."

Merlin peered inside. "He likes onion rings but not onions, no."

"I'm really sorry about your shop, Merlin. We'll miss you." She glared out at Camelot; he and Elyan turned, following her gaze. "Why couldn't it have been that jerk who got hit?"

"He's not that bad," Merlin said. She stared at him. "Seriously. He and Percival helped me clean the shop up."

"The tall good-looking bloke? Big guy?"

Merlin nodded. "Yeah."

She cast another glare that way. "I suppose he's all right. He was here with his wife last night."

"Anna."

"That's her. I suppose I'll let him back in here. But not so sure about that cocky bastard boss of his."

Elyan grinned at Merlin. "Sure you don't want to rethink your attitude toward him?"

Merlin picked up on one of his fries, stabbed it in the mayo and ate it. So unbelievably good. "I'm sure. Thanks Maggie."

"You're welcome honey. Let me know if you need anything else."

"I will."

After she was gone, Elyan said, "So, a dragon." He shook his head. "And you actually flew on him?"

"Yes, and it was amazing. You should try it. Fly with me, Elyan."

Elyan sat back, hands up defensively. "Oh no, I don't think so." He ate another one of his onion rings; Merlin eyed the last one, and Elyan pushed it toward him. Merlin took it, popping it into his mouth. "Nothing like them is there?"

"No," Merlin said after he swallowed. "No. You think I'm crazy to trust him."

"A little, yes."

"But if he can help me get it back? Elyan, that Superman is worth a lot of money."

"How much?"

Merlin picked up his last fry, and twirled it through the mayo. He eyed Elyan. "Good quality can fetch several thousand pounds. This one I think would be graded higher. Could be hundreds of thousands."

"And you've had this thing how long?"

He shrugged, added ketchup to the mayo and swirled it around. "Gaius willed it to me."

"So, you've been sitting on it all this time, just hanging on the wall for all to see."

The colours were starting to blend. "I didn't want to tell Will how much it was worth."

Elyan nodded. "I'm sorry Merlin. So, what if Arthur does find this cad who stole it from you?"

Merlin shrugged. "I don't know. I honestly can't imagine selling it."

"I mean, what will you do about him?"

Merlin stood. "You ready? I need to get home."

"Yeah sure. But Arthur. What are you going to do about Arthur?"

"Honestly? I'm not sure what to do. He likes me, Elyan. It was pretty obvious."

"You are a hot motherfucker," Elyan said as they left the restaurant and headed back to get the dog.

Merlin laughed. "You're crazy."

"Just about making sure you're okay. He messes with you? You go ahead and hex him. I'll hold him down."

"Thanks. I appreciate it."

"You're welcome. That's what friends are for. You want a ride home?"

"Nah, I'll feed him his burger and then we'll walk home."

They stood underneath the light, outside Merlin's shop. "I don't know if you should. Weird things have been going on. People seeing things, creatures flying--" He smiled, pulled Merlin in for a hug. "Take care. I'm glad you have that mutt of yours. Whatever he is."

"Me too."

Merlin unlocked the door, but paused to watch Elyan saunter off, whistling to himself. Then he went inside to see just how fast a Newfoundland dragondog could wolf down a cheeseburger.

* * *

To: OneKnightStand

From: SorcererSupreme

Okay, I have to hand it to you, you give good advice. I gave Prince Prat (as my friend Gwaine calls him) a chance. You won't believe this, but he came to my shop, he and his employee Percival. (turns out I already know Percival's wife!) They actually helped me clean up!

I wanted to set my dog on him at first. I really did. I wasn't entirely convinced he didn't have something to do with it all because he seemed the underhanded type.

But I accepted his offer, and he and Percival were a big help. I couldn't have done it without them, and the lads who showed up later.

I still don't know what to do. Arthur wants to try to find out who did it. The only person I can think of was that guy who was at the table next to me at the pizza place. I know he saw it, but it could've been anyone. CCTV didn't show anyone stalking me as I left, so the cops can't do a thing, they say, and there wasn't a clear image from the back of the shop except of Ellie sneaking in.

Yeah, she snuck in again. Her mum got a call from the ex-boyfriend whilst they were at the movies. Ellie said she excused herself to go talk to him and never came back.

I don't know what to do about her, either. I wish I could adopt her, actually. A dog, a kid, all I need is the partner and my family would be complete, right?

Anyway. It's been a long day, and I still want to do some drawings tonight.

Thanks again for being here to listen. Hope you get this soon.

M

"Who's that from?" Morgana said in his ear.

He had to fight the urge to slam the laptop down. "Merlin."

She read over his shoulder. "Huh. Eloquent. So, he really doesn't know you're Prince Prat? I like that actually. Think I'll use it."

"Don't you dare," he said, now shutting the lid. "Don't you have a train to catch?"

She sat on the couch, one booted leg crossed over the other. "No, I don't think I'll go back yet." She grinned. "I want to see how this plays out. Better than one of your Torchwood episodes, I bet."

He sighed, knowing there was no way to dissuade her. "Okay then you can help."

She dropped her foot down and leaned forward, hands between her knees. "We need a gameplan."

He smiled. "We?"

"Of course. I'm good at this sort of thing. Despite your proclamations, you really aren't as devious as you want him to believe. I am."

He barked out laughter. "Okay okay I give you that. So. What should we do, Miss Marple."

"Pen. Paper." She snapped her fingers and he got up, rummaged around the hotel desk and found a pad and what resembled a pen in a drawer.

"Here you go."

She snatched them from him, then wrote 'Devious Plan of Deviousness.'

"You are such a kid," he said, sitting next to her on the couch.

She bumped him with his shoulder but smiled. "What do we know so far?"

"Well, he carried the Superman comic from his shop to the restaurant tucked under his arm."

"He's a comic shop owner. No one would think that strange."

"No. That's what I thought. He went straight to the restaurant--"

"You sure?"

He hesitated. "Actually? No." She put a star down, with QM next to it. "What does that mean?"

"Query Merlin. Go on."

Arthur drummed his fingers on the table; Morgana frowned at him. "Helps me think." Merlin likely had walked around by the water, if he didn't want to see Camelot, which he probably didn't, that meant he walked around the other direction. "He walked around the Plass way to get to the restaurant."

"Seeing Camelot depresses him."

"Yup. I imagine it does. He was at the restaurant early; I know that as Percival and I were a few minutes early and he was already there."

"How long was he sitting there after your freak out?"

"I didn't freak--" He snorted. "Okay fine. Probably fifteen minutes. I walked away. Percival and I talked about five minutes. Then I came back."

She touched his knee. "Why did you go back, Arthur?"

His chest tightened at the memory, of how the image of Merlin sitting there, forlorn and yet hopeful, waiting for someone--for him--had torn him apart with want. He hadn't been able to take another step.

"I wanted him to know…"  He sighed. Morgana waited, the corner of her mouth turned up.  "I wanted him. It didn't matter to me who he was, though I damn well knew it would matter to him. And it did." He thumped back, hands crossed over his eyes and groaned.

"You have it bad. Have from the beginning."

"I know."

"Is he why you chose Cardiff over Swansea?"

He lifted his hands enough to look at her. "Other than the location in Swansea sucked?"

"Other than Swansea sucks you mean?"

"Snob."

"True."

He laughed. "I love you, M."

"Me too you."

"No, our dear father pretty much orchestrated me coming here. I'm convinced of that now."

"Me too. Now keep talking. How many CCTV cameras in the area?"

He dropped his hands but still sat back in the couch. "I don't know. Know any cops?"

"Leave it to me."

"You're serious."

"Yes of course I am." She grinned at him. "I told you, you need me."

He rubbed her shoulder then tickled her neck as he had when they were kids, making her screech and slap him away. She was laughing though-- when they were teenagers, before they stopped hating each other, she'd just kick him in the nuts. Either right then or later.

"Stop that, Prince Prat." She was laughing so hard she nearly fell off the couch. He grabbed her in time, pulling her into a hug.

"Take that back."

"Prince Prat, your father would like that." She slapped his hands and he let go. "Now come on. What else can we do to find this bastard?"

Arthur wasn't sure. "Talk to the wait staff? Not that they'd talk to me."

"Tell them you're helping Merlin and they will." She wrote it down. "See if they have a description, seen him around before, maybe even have a receipt."

"They can't show me that."

"Why not? Money talks, Pendragon. And people around here love Merlin. Once word gets out his Superman is gone--" She wrote something down. "I'll take care of that," she murmured, "everyone will want to help."

He nodded. She had a good plan, and he was grateful for it. "I hope I can help him."

She handed him the paper. "You want Merlin Emrys? Find this guy. You'll be his Knight in Shining Armor instead of just that one-night stand. He won't be able to resist you. I promise. And also, one more thing."

"What?"

"Tell him the truth about our dear father's plans."

"Are you serious?"

She nodded. "Yes, I am. We can't discount his motives in all this, Arthur."

"I know." He took the paper then stood, holding it between his fingers and reread Morgana's neat notes. "Thanks Morgana. I couldn't do this without you."

"I know. But just invite me to the ceremony, okay?"

* * *

"Here you go," Merlin said, handing the change to the waiting customer. "Thanks for coming."

The customer, a middle-aged woman who Merlin didn't recognize, sighed. "I used to come to visit Gaius when I was a little girl," she said, as so many others had said all day. "He was the sweetest man. I know he'd be sorry to know you lost his store."

Merlin gave her a tight-lipped smile. "I'm sure he would've. Thanks."

The woman's gaze fell on his mouth. At least she had the grace to blush in retrospect to her words. "I'm sorry. That was crass."

Merlin hesitated, then smiled genuinely this time, which relaxed her own. "It's all right. He would be horrified, more like it."

The woman nodded eagerly; two teenage girls and a boy came up behind her. She stepped aside, but leaned toward him as one girl put her purchases on the counter. Merlin automatically started to ring them up.

"He would've done something about that other shop, I think."

"Such as…"

She flung one hand toward Camelot Comics. "I don't know, but it would've got struck by lightning or something. He would've seen to that."

The teenage girl made a 'what-the-fuck' face at the lady, then eyed Merlin. "Six pounds ten," Merlin said, taking the tenner from the girl. "Well, Camelot's not going to go anywhere," Merlin said. "Lightning won't just strike anywhere."

"Maybe that creature will eat the owner, and they'll have to close," the teenage boy offered.

Now the teen girl nodded, and said, "Yeah, that would be cool. Then you could stay open, Merlin."

Merlin sighed to himself. He could've stayed open if they'd shopped like this all summer. He took the boy's twenty. At least he would have enough to pay his rent for the rest of the month, and keep a roof over his and Kilgharragh's head.

"Did something else happen?" Merlin snapped out of his reverie, realising what the boy had said.

"You know, those kids who got attacked last night?"

Merlin stiffened, glanced at Kilgharragh. "What happened?"

"It was on the news," the boy said. "Claimed they were walking over by the church," he gestured toward the Norwegian church, "and something started to chase them."

"One of the kids got hurt," the girl added.

"Oh my, not again!" The woman gathered her package, glancing outside. "Things are changing," she said, her voice hushed. She turned to look at Merlin. "Mark my words, things are changing. Magic's coming back."

"I wish," the boy said. "That'd be cool. Let's get out of here."

"Why do you say that?" Merlin asked the lady. "About magic, I mean. You don't believe there's magical creatures running around do you?"

"If it's on the news, it must be true." She grinned at him then lifted her package up. "Thank you, Merlin."

She left, and after ringing up a few more customers, Merlin decided that that was enough. It was close enough to quitting time, and he was anxious to see what he could find out about the latest attacks.

"Ellie, Gwen," he called out, going to the back room. "How's things coming?"

"Almost done," Gwen called back, walking back toward him. Ellie followed after her, but dropped on the ground next to Kilgharrah. "Everything's boxed up in the back, and we can get it all in a couple of runs, I think."

"Thanks."

She touched his arm. "Are you all right?"

He sighed, looking around the nearly-empty shop. He'd sent back what he could, kept some things for old time's sake, and pretty much sold everything else over the last few days' closing sale except for the inventory he'd use to start his online shop. The shop looked sparse and empty; even the posters on the walls were gone, given to some of his regular customers.  He'd even autographed a couple. Commemoration of a broken dream.

"I guess I have to be."

"Any bites on your resume yet?"

He laughed. "Not yet. Not much call for washed-up failed shop managers. I'll be all right, Gwen."

They heard a small sob. It was Ellie. Merlin's heart cracked, and Gwen went to her. "Hey there, Ellie, what's wrong?"

She lifted a tear-stained face. She'd been crying in Kilgharragh's fur. "What am I gonna do when mum kicks me out again?"

Merlin came around the corner and knelt down in front of her. He didn't know what to say though. What could he say? He looked at Gwen desperately as the young girl sobbed against his shoulder.

"There has to be something I can do," he said. He would keep her himself but he knew there was no way they'd let him.

"I don't know what though Merlin, I really don't. Ellie," Gwen said. Ellie lifted her head. "I want you to come with me and see where I live. I'm not far from here. I'll get you home, okay? I've some errands to run, we can get something to eat while we're out."

She pulled away, wiping her eyes. "Okay, I guess. Pizza?"

Merlin laughed. "Sounds good to me too."

"Why don't you come with us?"

Merlin glanced around the shop. "Around the corner? I'll meet you there in a few minutes," he said. She nodded understanding. "I promise."

"Can Kilgharragh go too?" Ellie asked.

Gwen laughed. "I doubt they'd want a big hairy dog in a restaurant."

"Poor Killy. I'll save you a slice." She kissed the dog on the nose, then followed out after Gwen, leaving Merlin alone in the shop. He glanced at the window and froze; Gwen was talking to someone. Talking to Arthur. She looked through the window at him and he shook his head frantically, but she just smiled, and took off with Ellie.

Merlin slid back behind his counter hoping against hope Arthur wouldn't come in. But his hopes were shattered when Arthur pushed the door open, and looked around, those damn blue eyes of his drinking in the skeleton of Merlin's life. Merlin tensed. Kilgharragh, on the other hand, woofed at Arthur and pushed himself to his feet, trotting betrayingly over to him.

"I hope you're here with some news," Merlin said, wincing at how harsh he sounded. "Sorry. Long day."

"Long hard day, I imagine." Arthur scratched the dog's ears. "Nothing yet." He approached the counter, looking around as he did so. "Not much left," he said unnecessarily. "Good sale? My shop's been empty today."

"Well I'm so sorry about that," Merlin bit out, then caught Arthur's startled look before he grinned. Damn him, Merlin couldn't help but smile back. "Sorry about that."

"Stroppy much?"

"Definitely."

Arthur laughed, the sound filling the empty shop. Merlin grinned but his face heated furiously. "That's okay, I deserved that." Arthur leaned against the counter, oh so casual, his arm muscles bunching enticingly in the tight shirt he wore. "I really am sorry. I thought I'd have something to tell you by now."

"It's only been a week."

"Morgana, my sister--"

"I know who she is."

"Yes, right. Morgana's on the trail though. She's made a friend in the police department, and hopes to talk him into seeing the tapes. You should be allowed to, I'd think."

"You think? The cop said there was no one on the ones outside my shop."

"But, there might've been close by at about that time."

"It was already dark," Merlin pointed out.

Arthur sighed. "True. There's got to be a way to find out who it was."

"I asked at the pizza place, but they wouldn't tell me anything. Said they couldn't."

"Morgana's trying to do something about that too."

"Your sister…"

"Is devious." Arthur grinned. "She's a great person, but I am very careful to keep her on my side. If I weren't around, she'd be slated to take over the company someday. Unfortunately, it won't work out that way unless quit."  

"You don't like running a comic shop?"

"Oh yeah, don't get me wrong." Arthur shifted to lean on the counter, lifting his face to a sunray streaming through the door. The man looked like a god. Merlin about fainted, wondered what the heck Arthur was doing.  He was inches away. He could literally lean over and kiss him, he realised with a shock. And he wanted to, which was even more shocking.

Did Arthur have any idea what he was doing to him?

"Um, what do you mean?" Merlin said, having to remind himself that this man was his enemy. He should be kicking his arse out the door, setting Killy after him, but all he could do was sit there with swelling denims and an ache that beat so loud in his ears he was positive Arthur had to hear it.

"I love running the shop," Arthur said, playing idly with a paperclip. "But my father drags me into all the other mess. I'm not the cutthroat he wants me to be, basically."

"Morgana is?" That was interesting.

His smile was wry. "Yes, she is. I wanted to come here to stay, my father didn't want me to. He wanted the new shop here, definitely. But I was to open it, hire staff, and leave."

"Why did you stay?" Merlin's heart thumped.

Arthur sucked his lower lip in and shrugged, not looking at Merlin. And then he did. "I met someone I like here, and hoped to find him again. I didn't know, Merlin. I swear it. I had no idea you owned Warlock Comics. My dad thought it was Gaius, then learned he'd died."

Merlin's focus ripped from what Arthur had first said to the word Gaius. "What did Gaius have to do with anything?"

"Apparently, he and my father were once friends."

"What is his name?"

"Uther Pendragon."

Merlin shook his head, trying to remember if Gaius had ever mentioned an Uther Pendragon. Then it dawned on him. "The Superman comic. He said he and a friend bought copies together when they were kids."

"That would be my father."

Merlin said back, confused. "I don't know what happened between them."

"I don't either."

"Gaius never said anything, like literally. Refused to."

"Same with my father."

"Something happened between them," Merlin said, shaking his head. "Something awful. Your father wanted to destroy Gaius's shop, didn't he."

Arthur hesitated, and straightened, but the look on his face, hurt and sadness, tugged at Merlin. Arthur nodded. "I think so. Merlin, he wanted me to figure out how to trick you out of that comic book. He didn't think you knew what you had which of course is ridiculous."

A cold rush of ice travelled through Merlin. Anger flared, making him ball his fists as the ache, sharp and keen, to do something burst through him.

Kilgharragh barked beside him, making him flinch. But it served to cut his attention enough for him to back down. Only the worried look on Arthur's face convinced him he was as shocked. He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, then shook his head as he faced Arthur.

"Why?" He spread his hands palm up, the disbelief making him sick.

Arthur looked down at the floor, but Merlin saw the bunch of his shoulders, the set to his jaw. "Greed. Selfishness. Whatever was between them. I don't know."

Then it hit Merlin. "Wait. I know someone who might."

"You do?"

Merlin grabbed his keys, closed his laptop and shoved it into his backpack. "My neighbour, Ms. Alice. I live in Gaius's old house." He flashed Arthur a brief smile. "I think they had a thing for each other. I'll go talk to her."

"Can I come with you?"

Merlin straightened, confused, then nodded. "Of course. If you don't mind a fussy old bird plying you with cookies and tea."

Arthur's grin was genuine. "I'd love that actually."

"Great. Let's go then. Kilgharragh--" He slapped his head. "Gwen! Dammit." He fished for his mobile, hurriedly texting her. "I'm letting her know we have a lead and I won't be there," he explained.

"Where?"

"Pizza with her and Ellie. Damn."

He got a 'no worries we're fine' back from Gwen and shoved it into his pocket. "It's all right. Come on Killy," he said, but the dog was already headed for the door.

"That dog of yours," Arthur began, shaking his head.

Merlin grabbed the money out of the till, slamming it closed for the last time. He followed out after them, but hesitated, turning back to look inside his now-empty shop. There were a few things left, but it would take less than an hour to box up the leftover items. For all intents and purposes, Warlock Comics was closed forever. He turned off the lights and locked the door, and followed after Arthur.

Chapter Text

Merlin didn't have a car, so unless they walked back to the hotel to get his or took a cab--and he wasn't sure they and the dog would exactly fit in his Mercedes--there was no choice but to walk. It was the nicest walk of Arthur's life. Okay, maybe second nicest, as the night he’d met Merlin and walked with him around the Bay was when whatever this was between them began.

He hoped, hope very much, there'd be lots more walks like this with Merlin in his future.

By the time they reached Merlin's street, Arthur was giddy. Things between he and Merlin were going to be okay, and he was fairly certain he'd caught Merlin in a lingering glance or two. Which made him smile, which made Merlin look at him, and raise an eyebrow.

The third time it happened, they'd both broke out laughing, the dog prancing around them happily as if they were playing.

Fantastic.

Talking with Merlin, now that they weren't enemies anymore, was the easiest ever. He found himself letting his guard down, telling Merlin about growing up in his father's house, the specter of his dead mother hovering over him, then the shock of learning about Morgana when they were sixteen and seventeen respectively. He never talked to anyone about those times before Morgana, how horrible they were.

And then, suddenly having a sister--a very angry one at that, as her own mum had just died--had been a shocker. They'd fought like angry cats for the first year, until the day Morgana pushed him down the stairs (he'd deserved it, he told Merlin), and broke his leg. Their father was furious with her, and for the first time Arthur feared what his father would do.

Hobbling on crutches, his pain meds nearly making him pass out, he'd stood up to his father for the first time. He'd changed in Morgana's eyes at that point, and they become friends bound together against their father. Uther wasn't always that bad--mostly he ignored them both--but Arthur never trusted him. Morgana didn't either, but she did trust him.

"She was the first person I came out to," Arthur said. "I was eighteen."

"Did she suspect?"

Arthur laughed. "She said she'd known since she broke my leg. She went with me to get my cast off, caught me looking at my hot--very male--nurse."

"She caught you watching him?"

"More like caught me gaping at him." Arthur smiled at the memory. "He was gorgeous. Dark hair, blue eyes--" He glanced at Merlin. "I seem to have a type."  Merlin blushed at that, dipping his head down. But, he did smile. "And no my father has no idea."

"That must be difficult."

"My dad's a homophobic asshole, so yeah. I can't tell you what a relief it was to tell Percival." He hesitated as the crossed the street. "What a relief to not hide who I am from everyone but Morgana. All these years, if not for her, I'd probably have gone mad."

"I can tell you love her," Merlin pointed out as they turned down his street at last.

"What makes you think that?" Arthur grinned. He couldn't help it. "She's mean to me."

"You let her be."

"Of course I do," he said with scoff. "I'm not stupid."

Merlin laughed. "I always wished I had a sister or brother."

"I'll give you Morgana."

"That's okay. I think she might protest. This is Ms. Alice's house," he said, motioning toward a neatly-kept row house. "And I live over there, the one next to the one with green bushes. That one's a bed and breakfast."

"Nice." He wasn’t about to tell Merlin he already knew exactly which house was his. Percival was down the street, Merlin must know that, though he supposed since he'd only met Anna while she was walking the dogs it was possible he didn't realise how close they lived.

Things were getting crazy. "Come on."

Arthur followed behind Merlin, letting him lead the way. "I hope she's home."

"She is. I can hear her music. She's a little deaf now, but so are her neighbours."

"You know everyone around here?"

Merlin looked over his shoulder and smiled. "Of course."

Of course he would, Arthur thought with a stab of envy. What would it be like, he wondered, to live like Merlin did? Where he had friends and neighbours and customers who loved him, cared about him. Living in hotel rooms was par for the course of his life.

"Morgana wants me to find a place to live here," he blurted out as Merlin rang the bell.

"Where do you live now?"

"In a hotel. St. David's," Arthur said.

"Posh."

"Depressing." Kilgharragh snuffled his hand at that minute and he automatically scratched the dog behind his ears. It was hard to believe now this dog could do what he could. It was hard to believe he wasn't crazy. If Percival hadn't been there too-- 

The door opened, and a pretty elderly lady with bright blue eyes and faded blonde hair answered the door. She looked from Arthur to Merlin. "Merlin," she said, reaching up with both hands and clasping his face. "So good to see you dear. And who is this?"

"Ms. Alice, this is my…" Merlin glanced at Arthur. "My friend Arthur. Do you have time to talk?"

She frowned, glancing at Arthur again. "Of course. Do come in." She motioned them inside, then bent down and hugged the dog. "Good to see you too, darling boy. Go to the kitchen and help yourself to some water." The dog whined. "Yes, you know you can have one. Go on." To Arthur she said, "I keep special biscuits for him."

The dog moved past them, tail waving happily as he trotted to the kitchen. Arthur watched him, incredulous, but Merlin and Ms. Alice moved into her sitting room as if this were normal.

"He'll be fine, dear," Ms. Alice said to him. "Come join us."

An upstairs door opened, and a young girl appeared at the top of the steps. “Kilgharragh’s here?” She jerked back when she saw Arthur, but Merlin’s, “What are you doing here?” made her break into a smile and continue her break-neck run down the stairs.

She leaped into Merlin’s arms. “Merlin!” Merlin laughed, and then dropped her down, looking from her to Ms. Alice. Kilgharragh bounded out of the kitchen, tail wagging fiercely. “I'm staying with Ms. Alice. Can Kilgharragh come upstairs with me?”

“Wait, whoa Ellie,” Merlin said. “Tell me what’s going on first.”

Ms. Alice grinned broadly, flicking a glance at Arthur. “Kilgharragh brought Ellie to me the other night.” She put her arm around the young girl. “The night your shop was broken into?”

A puzzled look followed quickly by a sharp nod made Arthur frown at Merlin. But Merlin wasn’t paying attention to him. “What about her mum?”

“All arranged. It was Gwen's idea. I ran into them having pizza, and they asked me to join them.  Ellie is such a delight."

"Gwen didn't tell me! I am mad."  

“I have my own room, Merlin, and I get to switch schools, and Ms. Alice says I can have a dog of my own!”

Merlin hugged Ellie again. “I’m glad, sweetheart. Very glad. Go on and take Kilgharragh. He could use spoiling, I’m sure.”

Ellie took off for the kitchen, Kilgharragh following after her. Arthur stood awkwardly waiting. He watched Merlin, curious by his reaction as he hugged Ms. Alice, telling her thank you. Ms. Alice patted him on the back and when she released him, Arthur was surprised at the anger in her eyes. “That woman will never touch that child again.”

“How did you manage it?” Merlin said.

“Her mother and I came to an understanding. I think, in honesty, she was relieved Ellie would be safe. Oh Merlin, the things that child endured.”

“I know,” Merlin said, his expression grim. Ellie and the dog were coming back, a plate of cookies and two Fantas clutched in Ellie’s hand. He wondered if one was for the dog. They went upstairs.

Arthur blanched watching her as she and the dog disappeared, a door upstairs closing, guilt nibbling at him. So, this was one of the kids Merlin regularly helped. Could no longer help, now that there wasn’t a Warlock Comics anymore. Maybe he could do something about that, though. They could rearrange the back, make space for some tables and chairs...

“Arthur?”

The others had moved into the sitting room. Ms. Alice motioned for him to take a seat, and the only place to sit was next to Merlin on the couch. A very small couch. Merlin looked up at him, blue eyes guileless, so Arthur sat, and immediately found himself pressed against Merlin, shoulder to knee.

"Sorry," he said, coughing slightly.

"I don’t mind."

"Oh. Okay."

"You boys sit tight. I'll get us something to eat. Would you like tea?"

Merlin smiled and nodded, and she bustled off before Arthur could say anything. They sat in silence, Merlin with his hands clasped around his mobile.

"Waiting for a call?" Arthur asked, running his hand through his hair.

Merlin stared at the mobile, then tucked it into his pocket. "No."

They fell silent again, but could hear Ms. Alice talking to herself in the kitchen.

"She seems very nice." He rubbed his hands on his denims.

"She is. Don't be so nervous."

"I am not--" He stopped, then grinned. "Okay I am. I'm worried about what she'll say."

"About your dad?" He nodded, rubbing his hands nervously on his leg again. Merlin reached over and stopped him.  He sucked in his breath at the jolt that Merlin's hand on his own sent through him.  "It'll be okay Arthur." 

Arthur squeezed Merlin's hand. His face felt hot, merely from Merlin's touch? Maybe Morgana was right. He had it for Merlin, bad.  "This is my dad we're talking about. Expecting bad is the smart thing."

Ms. Alice appeared at that moment, bearing a silver try laden with sandwiches, cookies, teapot and cups. How had she made them so fast? He slipped his hand from Merlin's to take the tray from her. 

"Thank you, Arthur. I'm glad you're here too, Merlin. He may find this painful," she said, then hummed to herself as she sat down.

Arthur stared at her in shock. "You know why we're here?"

"You're Uther Pendragon's boy. "

Arthur froze, then eyed Merlin. "Did you…"

"No." But Merlin was smiling.

"Didn't have to. I've been expecting you, though I admit it took you a bit longer than I thought. You've been in Cardiff how long now?"

"Three months."

She nodded, then indicated they take sandwiches. Arthur did and bit into his, his eyes widening over the explosion of delicate flavor. He looked at it-- just a simple turkey sandwich, but it was delicious, the bread homemade and fabulous.

"I am really sick of eating out," he said, taking another sandwich.

Ms. Alice's laugh was merry. "Then you'll come to dinner Sunday night, both of you. I'll fix a proper meal. You are looking a little peaky."

Merlin wasn't looking at him but he was grinning madly.

"Um, thank you. I would love that," he said, pushing against Merlin. Merlin burst out laughing, a sound Arthur found he loved. Dammit, it was hard to play it cool.

"So," Ms. Alice said, after finishing her own sandwich. She sighed, taking a sip of her tea. "Relax Arthur, dear. You're amongst friends here."

Arthur took a deep breath, shocked when Merlin reached over and pushed him back into the couch. He had been sitting on its edge a bit but it was Merlin's warmth pushing against him, the rise and fall of his chest in time with his own (how had that happened?) that made him nervous. And excited. And trying vainly to keep from being either. "Sorry."

She looked from him to Merlin. Merlin looked all comfortable and at ease, damn him, his hands loosely clasped between his knees. His legs were thinner than Arthur's own, longer, he realised, then shook his attention away from Merlin, Merlin's breathing, his warmth, the smile, his blue eyes--

Ms. Alice chuckled. "So. First tell me why you are here now?"

Merlin glanced at Arthur. Merlin nodded, answering for him. "Arthur told me his father wanted him to find the Superman comic and…"

"And steal it from him," Arthur finished.

Ms. Alice winced, her hand to her heart. "That is so sad."

"Sad?" Arthur said, embarrassment making him angry. "You don’t know my father. He'll do anything to get what he wants."

"I'm sorry Arthur, but I did know your father, and he wasn't always…vindictive. It does make me sad. He's forgotten what's important in life. After your mother became ill, and then died after you were born, he became a ghost of the man we all knew."

Arthur stilled while she was talking, almost disbelieving what she said. "You knew my mom? My dad?"

"We all grew up together. Oh, Uther was younger than Gaius and I, as was your mother. But we were friends nonetheless, the four of us. We met a few days after Gaius finished his medical training, but Uther and Gaius knew each other since they were boys."

Merlin had leaned forward. "Wait. Gaius was a doctor? I never knew that."

"My mother," Arthur said softly. "Gaius was her doctor, wasn't he."

"Yes. You see, he couldn't save her. No one could. She had leukemia, dear, but was pregnant with you and refused treatment. She died soon after she gave birth to you but she got to hold you, and love you for a few days. She was so happy. At least she had that, and she was at peace.

"But Uther was inconsolable. He raged like a madman, he was so grieved, and eventually, he vowed revenge on Gaius. It broke Gaius's heart as he knew there was nothing he could do to save her. Now?" She spread her hands. "There are treatments available for the leukemia she had, but back then, there wasn't much anyone could do. It was out of Gaius's control."

She died of leukemia. He hadn't known.  "I never knew that much," Arthur said bitterly. He stood. "Can you excuse me for a moment?"

"Arthur--" Merlin began but Ms. Alice stopped him. "Let him go, dear. Upstairs, last door on the right."

"Thanks." Arthur ran up the stairs, lightly so as to not sound like a spoiled child but he was floored to learn this. His father never said she'd been sick.  Only told him "she died having you."

He thought it was his fault she'd died. What else was he to think? He closed the bathroom door,  and turned on the water.  He splashed his face, over and over again, willing the heat and anger and deep, deep sorrow--and years of guilt over what he had done to his mother--to boil to the surface.

At last he turned the water off. He leaned on the sink, staring at his reddened eyes. "Fuck you," he said to his reflection, but it was his father's face he saw, his father's anger and disgust and hatred directed toward him.

So now he knew. His mother was pregnant with him, and had leukemia. She had refused treatment so he could live. And his father blamed Gaius.

There was a soft rap on the door. "Arthur?"

Arthur grabbed a towel, rubbed it over his face. "Yeah. Sorry. Just be a minute."

There was silence, and he supposed Merlin had gone downstairs. It embarrassed him, behaving like he had. He folded the towel back up, realised he'd made a mess of the sink so wiped it up then tossed the damp towel into a basket that had others in it. He opened the door and Merlin was there, leaning against the wall opposite.

"I'm sorry, Arthur."

He closed his eyes, then shrugged, looking at Merlin. "I thought killed her. Why did he let me believe that? Why wouldn't he tell me she was sick?"

Merlin winced at that. "It wasn't your fault. It was your mother's choice. She wanted you."

He nodded at that, because Merlin was right. "I know." Damn his eyes, they were clouding up. He wiped at them then forced himself to smile. "At least I know the truth now."

They were so close to each other, the hallway dark. He could hear Ms. Alice downstairs, and the door behind which Ellie presumably ate cookies with Kilgharrah was firmly shut, music seeping out into the hallway. When Merlin reached for him, and pulled him toward him he was confused at first, but his arms knew what to do. He wrapped them around Merlin, relief cascading through him and chipping away at his lingering anger. Merlin pulled him close; he could feel him, every inch of him, pulsing against him, so warm, so good, so amazing. Arthur squeezed tight, holding onto Merlin for his life.

"It's okay," Merlin murmured in his ear and when the hand stroked the back of his head, fingers tangling in his hair.  "It fucking sucks, but she must've loved you very much."

Arthur shuddered against Merlin. He sagged against him, letting the grief roil through him for a moment. Merlin's and moved to his wait; he leaned against the wall, bracing himself. After a moment, he pulled back, staring into Merlin's eyes, wondering at his kindness. He wanted to kiss him.

It was crazy. What kind of person was he, wracked with anger and grief and now all he wanted to do was kiss Merlin, bury himself in him? Forget his father, forget all the years. How many others knew, and never bothered to tell him? He closed his eyes, bending his head down, gripping Merlin's hips. He needed to get hold of himself.  When Merlin pressed his lips against his temple, he nearly lost it then.  

"I don't want to cry here," he whispered.  "Embarrassing."

Merlin chuckled. "A little. But understandable. You okay?"

He pulled his head up.  They were close to the same height, though how Merlin leaned against the wall made him slightly shorter.  "I guess I'll have to be. Thank you."

"You're welcome." He didn't expect the next kiss, Merlin's lips light on his own. Just a brush of lips, but hope crowded against the hurt. 

And then Ms. Alice called up to them. "Boys? The apple pie is ready."

Merlin laughed softly. "Impeccable timing. Do you like apple pie?"

"I love apple pie," Arthur said, not wanting to move but Merlin pushed him gently away. He headed down the stairs, Arthur behind him.  

Arthur paused in the doorway to let Ms. Alice enter first. She carried two plates with giant pieces of pie on them with ice cream on the side. "Here you go dear. Are you all right?"

He glanced at Merlin. "Yes, Ms. Alice. Thank you. Thank you for letting me know the truth."

She put her hands on his shoulders, and looked up into his eyes, studying for a long moment. "You should never have gone through your life blaming yourself. You seem like a good boy."

At that, he withered a little. "I've done some pretty crappy things, believe me."

She squeezed his shoulders. "But all in the past. Yes?" At his nod--and he truly did mean it--she let her hands drop. "Merlin likes you. You're a good pair, I think. Now sit down and eat."

That was heady. He guessed she thought they were together. He glanced over at Merlin; pink tinged his cheeks but he smiled.  

Arthur did as instructed; the first bite of pie made him groan. "Fabulous," he said after a moment.

Merlin smiled at him. "She's always making me come eat with her."

"And you're still so skinny?"

Merlin laughed. "That's why I walk to work." His face fell a little, and he turned to his pie. Arthur cursed himself. Thankfully Ms. Alice was back. She handed something to him. He set his pie down, and took it. It was a photograph, of a woman and a baby.

"Your mother," Ms. Alice said. "And you."

"Ms. Alice," he said in wonder.  Merlin leaned over to look at the picture. "You were there?"

"Yes." Arthur stroked his mother's face with his finger. "She was beautiful, wasn't she? You were only a few hours old in that picture."

"I wish I had…" He shook himself. His father had never shown him pictures of him and his mother. He hadn't even known any existed.

"You haven't any pictures of you and your mother, child?"

"No ma'am."

"That Uther. I could shake him. You keep this, then. She was beautiful, Arthur. You look just like her. She was brilliant, too. Quite the musician as well."

"What did she play?" Merlin asked.

"Violin."

The photograph grew blurry.  "I didn't know. Thank you, Ms. Alice. This means a lot to me."

He set the photograph down, propping it against the sugar bowl. He could stare at it forever. He couldn't believe all these years there was someone in Cardiff who had known his mother. And father. And had been there, and seen him. Maybe even held him.

"How long did she have after I was born?"

"You were two weeks old when she died. She never left hospital, dear."

"My father never told me. Never told me a damn thing."

"And he should have. But now you understand why he hated Gaius."

"It was her decision," he said, echoing Merlin's words upstairs. "He's blamed me all along, too." He looked from Ms. Alice to Merlin. "He's blaming everyone for something that no one could've prevented. Including himself, I guess."

"That's exactly right." She sighed. "Gaius quit his practice not long after that. Arthur, I'm sorry, but your father was much to blame for that. He unfortunately decided to sue Gaius. He didn’t win, but the cost was high and Gaius lost his heart for medicine. He practiced for many years, but decided it wasn't worth it any longer."

"What did he do?" Merlin said. "That was before the shop, wasn't it?" His pie was completely gone. Arthur had barely touched his.

"Yes. For a few years he travelled around a bit, and I lost touch with him. Oh how I worried about him! But every once in a while, I would get a card in the post. He saw many things during those years, but eventually he all but ran out of money. I'd moved to Cardiff by then, and he came to see me. I was married and widowed during those years he was gone, but oh how I missed him. I was so happy he came back and decided to stay."

"And that's when he opened Warlock Comics," Merlin said. "Mam and I met him about then."

"Yes, you were just a skinny wee tyke then." She laughed. "Still are. He was the cutest thing, Arthur. Black spiky hair and big blue eyes, his eyes full of wonder when he went into the shop the first time."

"Miss Alice," Merlin said, his cheeks blushing.

Ms. Alice laughed. "I remember Gaius watching you very closely, Merlin. Alice, he told me, that boy is special. I'll be keeping an eye out for that one."

"And he did," Merlin said. "But what about the comic books?"

"My father said he and Gaius bought them at the same time."

Ms. Alice nodded. "That's right. He and your father, when they were boys were fond of comics, and had stacks and stacks of them. It's what drew them together despite the age difference. Uther was apparently quite the precocious seven-year-old, a very smart little boy. Gaius was seventeen, he told me, and took Uther under his wing. Who knows why?"

"Probably because my grandparents were non-existent. They travelled all over the world when my father was young." At least he knew that much.

"Quite probably. In any case, Gaius was always one for buying comics, reading them carefully and stashing them away. He bought them for your father too, Arthur, but being a little boy, he wasn't as careful as he should've been. The Superman comic was a rarity from the beginning, and Gaius told him to take care of it. He had a feeling it would be important someday, and collecting would be a profitable hobby."

"He was right about that," Arthur said, thinking of his father's collection of rare comics.

"Does your father still have his Superman?"

"He sold it at some point. He found another, but it's only rated a five. That's why he wants Gaius's."

Ms. Alice glanced at Merlin. "Arthur, are you sure he didn't have anything to do with Merlin's being stolen?"

"No," he bit out. "No, I'm not sure at all he didn’t have something to do with it." He put his elbows on his knees, cradling his face in his hands. Stared down at the rug beneath their feet. Giant roses, threadbare in places. "Not sure at all."

"Well," Ms. Alice said. "The only way to find out is ask him. Would he tell you?"

Wouldn't that be a scene. He looked up. "If I confronted him? He would just deny it, even if it was sitting right there in his glass case," he said with a bitter laugh.  "This is going to be ugly."

Merlin said, "I'm sorry, Arthur."

"What do you have to be sorry about? None of this is your fault. You've lost far more than I have, anyway."  He stood. "It's getting late. I'd better go. Ms. Alice, thank you for your hospitality. And for the picture." He picked it up, marveling again at the look on his mother's face. She was so happy holding him. Why couldn't his father understand? "It means so much to me to have this."

"I may have others. I'll look. Now, you will come for dinner Sunday evening?"

"I don't wish to impose--"

"Come, Arthur," Merlin said softly. "Please?"

How could he not?  He thought of the sweet kiss they'd shared upstairs. Despite all the hurt and disappointment the day brought, that he was happy about.  "I'll come. I'd best go now." Merlin started to stand but he put a hand out, stopping him. "No, you stay. I… I think I need some time to think about what to do."

The disappointment on Merlin's face nearly swayed him to relent, but he wasn’t fit company at the moment.  He needed time to think.  He knew, without a doubt, his father was behind this. He couldn't understand the hatred, putting blame for what had happened to his mother on Gaius, when he obviously cared a great deal about his mum too.  They'd been friends.  And, Gaius had only done as she wished, and for that he was grateful. Gaius had been a better friend to his mother than his father had been.

Ms. Alice was right. That was sad.

"Let me put that into something for you, so it won't get damaged on your way home." He let her have it, reluctantly, which made her smile, and she left them alone.

Merlin stood and followed as Arthur headed for the door. "I'm glad you're coming for dinner Sunday."

"Do you really want me to? I'm the bad guy after all. My father, Merlin, what he did."

"Yes, I want you to," Merlin said, stuffing his hands in his pocket and balancing on his toes. "Maybe it'll turn out to be something different."

"I hope it doesn't."

"Why?" Merlin seemed surprised but Arthur realised he meant it.

"Because then we have a chance of getting it back. It belongs to you, Merlin. That was a gift Gaius gave to you. He wanted you to have it, and no one else. You could save your shop by selling it."

"I know. It seems wrong somehow though. " He shrugged. "Anyway, thanks for coming."

"Thanks for letting me."

They stared at each other, Arthur awkwardly with his hand on the door knob, Merlin with his stuffed into his pockets.  Ms. Alice appeared then, breaking the stalemate.

"Here you go dear. See you tomorrow. What would you like?"

"Food?"

She laughed, Merlin grinned, and Arthur felt oddly better. "All right then," she said, patting him on the arm. "You're walking home?"

"It'll do me good after that pie," he said, looking down at himself. "I swear I've gained half a stone since moving here."

"You look fit to me," Merlin said. "Goodbye, Arthur."Arthur stared at him for a long moment; less than a foot separated them.  Before he could change his mind he leaned forward and kissed Merlin. When he pulled back, Merlin looked dazed.  "I'll talk to you tomorrow."

"Text when you get back to your hotel?"

Arthur nodded, then with a last nod to Ms. Alice, pulled open the door, the picture in its plastic bag clutched in one hand. The door closed behind him and with a sigh, he headed down the street, past the pretty little houses.

Morgana was right. He definitely needed to move into something less depressing than a hotel. Merlin's neighbourhood was a bit rundown here and there, but he liked its charm. Merlin might wonder why he moved close by though. "To Percival and Anna," he said into the air. Of course to be closer to them. Definitely.

He'd made it around the corner when he spied a taxicab further down the street. He started to jog toward it but his mobile chirped at him, catching him up short. He'd set a sound alert for when Merlin wrote.

To: OneKnightStand

From: SorcererSupreme

Sorry I haven't written. Things have been crazy the last few days, what with the shop closing. It's all pretty much gone now. No new leads on the theft, at least not that I can talk about yet.

You were right, by the way, about Arthur Pendragon. Thank you for suggesting I give him a chance. He isn't so bad of a bloke after all. He truly does feel bad about my shop closing, and I think he finally believes I'm not mad at him, or blame him. He has more going on out of control than I do, maybe even a worse victim of this mess than me. I believe him, and that's saying a lot I guess.  

Anyway, thanks for the advice. Hope all is well in London.  

Arthur was no psychologist, and wasn't given to analysing the way people behaved, or their motives for doing things the way they did, but the email struck him as being odd. On the one hand, there was a formality to the writing he hadn't seen from Merlin since the beginning. And, a week ago, Merlin would've told OneKnightStand more. If he were the suspicious sort, he'd think Merlin was hiding something from him, but it was about him, so it was okay.

In fact, he thought with a wide grin, it was bloody brilliant.

Merlin liked him, and was falling out of interest in OneKnightStand.

"Hell yes!" he yelled into the night, pumping a fist in the air, jumping up like a fool.  

Chapter Text

Percival and Arthur sat in the back of the shop eating pizza from Pizza Express. A very good pizza. Arthur bit into a slice, relishing the heavenly explosion of flavours.

"I am so going to miss this," Percival said as he took another slice.

"I can't believe Anna is putting you on a diet."

He patted his stomach. "She says I am getting smooshy." He took another bite of his pizza, closing his eyes as he did.

Arthur resisted patting his own stomach. He was the one who might should cut back on the takeaway. "If there's an ounce of fat on you, I'll eat a whole pizza by myself. After this one."

"There is," Percival said, pulling up his shirt and pinching the tiniest bit of skin between his fingers. "It's horrendous."

"Whatever," Arthur harrumphed, and looked at the monitor. It was lunchtime, and the new employees, Angel and Susan, were fielding customers for the first time on their own. Arthur watched as Angel was asked a question, eyeing the customer to show interest, and nodding. She smiled, held up a finger and darted off, motioning for the customer to follow. He'd had his reservations hiring the teenager, with her multiple tattoos and ear plugs, but she was smart, knew comics (though had a surprising lack of knowledge regarding anime), and was funny. He liked her.

Suz was the more serious of the two, a single parent going to Uni. She wasn't as experienced with comics as Angel, but she was a fast learner, and appealed to the parents and older customers, having two boys of her own.

Plus she was snarky as hell and he liked that. "They're doing well," Percival noted.

"You were right. I wasn't sure about either of them, but you were right." He set his pizza down, suddenly full and imagining the march of pizza settling around his waist. Plus, he had dinner with Ms. Alice later, and wanted to be hungry. Though he had no doubt he would be.

"I'm good," Percival agreed, making Arthur laugh.

"I wish you could solve my problem about the missing comic." He'd already told Percival about the night before, at Ms. Alice's, and what she had said about Gaius and his father. Though he'd had nothing to offer, it had been good to share with Percival what they'd talked about.

"Arthur, front door."

Arthur looked up at the camera screen aimed at the front door. Morgana was coming in, her mobile glued to her ear, a serious look on her face.

Someone came in behind her and she moved out of the way, continuing her conversation.

"Maybe she has some news," Arthur murmured and stood, brushing the pizza crumbs off his denims. "Finish your lunch, Percival," he said, and pushed open the door to greet his sister. "Morgana."

Morgana looked up, her expression solemn as she hung up her mobile. "We need to talk. Think you can find your boy Merlin?"

Arthur's breath froze. "What did you find out?"

"I know who it was. At least, I think so, and I think Percival will too. But your boy should be with us, I think. Is Percival here?"

"I'll get him. Be right back." Arthur called out to the girls, "you're in charge for the next hour," and then stuck his head in the back where Percival was polishing off the last of the pizza. "Yo, come on. Morgana's got some news."

* * *

Arthur hoped he had enough time to clean the room and make the bed real fast, pick up all his clothes. He shot Percival a thankful look when he started to help him, picking up wrappers, old newspapers, and all the other assorted detritus that had accumulated in the month since he'd lived there.

Morgana of course sat and watched. "You two had better hurry up. He'll be here any minute."

"You could help."

"And you could not live like a slob," she countered.

A knock on the door made Arthur's heart lurch; he threw his handful of dirty clothes into the closet, and slammed the door shut. "I'll get it," he said, running his hand threw his hair and taking a quick glance around. "Sit down, Percival," he hissed.

"You have it so very bad, Pendragon," Morgana said beneath her breath.

He glared at her, and opened the door. "Merlin!" he said, wincing at his own enthusiasm.

But Merlin didn't seem to notice, and hurried in. "You found something? Did you find the comic?" He looked from Arthur to Percival, his gaze stopping when he encountered Morgana sitting at the table. "Morgana," he said with a nod.

"Merlin."

"So, um, what do you have to tell me?"

Morgana waved them over to her, then pulled out her iPad and said, "This. My friend at the police station--Welsh cops sure are sweet by the way--" Arthur glanced at Merlin to grin but his gaze was focused on the iPad. "Look," she said, mostly to Percival. "This was filmed in the Plass around half past one. This character was out skulking around, checking his watch, waiting. Then, at quarter to two, he hurries toward Merlin's shop."

They watched as the figure did exactly that. He came closer to a CCTV camera, but had a hat covering his head.

"I can't see anything," Merlin said, his frustration clear. Arthur didn't think, just placed a hand on Merlin's shoulder. Merlin glanced at him but said nothing, and didn't move either.

"Watch. The next camera picks him up, right outside of the Tesco. It's their camera. They were nice enough to make me a copy when I told them what I was looking for." They watched, Arthur trying desperately to see the thief's face better. Fortunately no one noticed him bending down to try to see under the cap--a mean feat that would be.

But then he didn't have to. The thief took his cap off right in front of the light from the overhang.

"Damn," Percival muttered, looking at Morgana. "Is that Cedric?"

Morgana slapped the table. "Yes!"

"That's him. That's the guy at Pizza Express," Merlin said softly, looking from Arthur to Percival. "How do you know him?"

Arthur took a step back. A sick feeling played havoc in his stomach. He'd known the possibility existed-- known it was even likely--but seeing the evidence for himself wracked him with guilt. Surely Merlin would hate him when he said--

"Arthur, I think our dear father has some explaining to do." Morgana looked over her shoulder at him, but then made things worse by continuing the video.

Arthur crouched down over Morgana's shoulder, a 'fucking bastard' escaping from him. Whether directed at his father or at Cedric--who had worked for Uther Pendragon for more than ten years--didn't matter. "I'm going to kill him."

"Arthur no," Merlin said, his eyes widening. "It's not worth it."

Arthur stared at him. "Merlin, may I talk to you alone a minute?"

Percival stood. "Hey, why don't we bug out for a while, let you guys talk? Morgana, come with me."

"I just got back--"

He jerked his head toward the door. "Come with me. Have dinner with me and Anna."

Morgana sighed. "Fine.  See you later? Okay, tomorrow?" She eyed Arthur and smirked; his face heated. "Bye Merlin."

"Bye. And thank you for everything."

"Take care of my brother, 'kay?"

Merlin looked puzzled but nodded as they left. Before the door closed behind Percival and Morgana, Arthur grabbed his hand and pulled him into the bedroom. "What--"

"What is wrong with you?" he demanded.

Merlin stared at him. "What do you mean?"

"The evidence is there. We know who took your comic book. It was my father's man. But you don't want me to do anything about it?"

Merlin hesitated, then dropped his gaze. He moved over to the bed and sat, his body hunched over. "I-- I don't know. I don't want to be the cause of problems between you and your father."

Arthur barked out a laugh. "It's not you. It's me, completely, a hundred percent me." He turned his back on Merlin, his hand on his hips as he stared out the window. "This is just the culmination of everything, Merlin. My father and I --we're nothing alike. I've always known that. I tried for years to be cutthroat like him, hoping I would…please him somehow.  Could make him like me."

"Oh, Arthur."

Arthur bit the inside of his lip to keep from exploding.  "This. What he's done, this proves to me beyond any other evidence, or situation, that I can no longer be a part of his world."

The bed squeaked slightly as Merlin stood.  "What do you mean?" he asked, joining Arthur at the window, but looking at him.

Arthur pressed his lips together. What did he mean? Fear and revulsion overcame him for a moment--all the fears and frustrations he'd ever had as a child growing up under his father's often cruel hand.

"I've looked away from what he does too many times, Merlin. Every time I see him, come face to face with him I am so angry," he balled his fist, "I want to punch him. But I never have. Never had the balls to do it, even when I knew he was wrong about something."

"You stood up for Morgana," Merlin pointed out.

"True." He nodded, saying again, "True. But he was about to hurt someone I care for."  He raised his hand and dropped it, the full-blown awareness of why Merlin--why he more than just cared--on the tip of his tongue. But he couldn't say it, not yet. Not until he finally did what he knew he had wanted to ever since he'd made the decision to leave London.

He turned to look at Merlin, and said, "And now, I have to do it again."

Merlin's eyes softened. "You care about me? Is that what you're saying?" He touched Arthur's hand; Arthur resisted for only a moment, but let Merlin curl their fingers together.

"Yes."

Merlin squeezed his hand. "You don't have to do that. I can call the DI. Tell her what we discovered and let them handle it."

"My father is powerful. I can't take that risk." Risk his father actually hurting Merlin.  "I have to go to London, confront him. This has to be done face to face. If he has it, I'll get it back."

"You really think he has my comic book," Merlin said softly.

Arthur looked him straight in the eye. "I do."

He took a deep breath, then took Merlin's other hand in his, turning him so they were face to face. The late-afternoon sun poured through the window, bathing Merlin in gold.  He studied Merlin--for the first time this up-close --his blue gorgeous eyes framed by dark lashes, his lips which pulled Arthur closer, the warmth and smell of him.  Like cookies, Arthur thought distractedly. 

"What just made you smile?"

Arthur brushed his lips over Merlin's ear. "I like how you smell."

Merlin rolled his eyes at that but his smile warmed. "Not so bad yourself," he whispered.

Arthur knew now was the right time to completely change everything about his life.  He wanted Merlin. He wanted this. As long as he was under his father's thumb, what he wanted was denied him.

He refused to live another day unhappy, and alone.  Why should he, when something special with Merlin was possible?

He bent his head and as Merlin's eyes widened, his lips parting, Arthur kissed him. Softly at first, no deeper than they had in Ms. Alice's house, but very different. They were alone now. Merlin gasped a little, closing his eyes and opening his mouth and Arthur took full advantage.  He pulled one hand free and slid it beneath Merlin's shirt, brushing his fingers against the warm skin there. Merlin moaned softly, and shivered the entire length of his body.

"Not fair," Merlin said, as he pressed against Arthur, their hips aligning so perfectly now it was Arthur's turn to groan.

He got so hard, so fast--like flashfire ripped through him--that he pulled back in surprise. "Fuck. Merlin."

Merlin grinned, nestling against him again and grinding into Arthur. "Good plan," he whispered, then covered Arthur's mouth with his own.  

Arthur nudged Merlin's mouth open wider, shifting his stance, moving their clasped hands behind Merlin's back to hold him tightly against him.  He moved his hand away from Merlin's back--he fucking whimpered at that--and sank his finger's into Merlin's hair, holding him captive as he deepened their kiss.  His cock throbbed, the breathless intensity of the kiss a rush like he'd not experienced before.\

This was what it was like then, to kiss someone cherished. He'd never kissed another man like this; he couldn't get enough of the taste of Merlin as he explored his mouth with his tongue, then broke free to kiss the corner of Merlin's mouth, skate up his jaw, the side of his neck when Merlin tilted his head, exposing his skin. 

He didn't hurry as he explored and tasted and mapped Merlin's reactions. The way he responded, clutched Arthur's hand, his other gripping Arthur's shoulder! He wanted to please Merlin. Wanted to know him. Completely.     

They had all evening, all night. The morning if need be. He would go to London tomorrow.  He would confront his father and-- He pulled back, almost startled with the sudden realization of what he must also do. 

"What's wrong?" Merlin said, somewhat dazed.

"I'm going to tell my father the truth. I'm gay, and he can go fuck himself. I'm done. Just done."

Merlin's eyes widened, his hands stilled. "But what if he…" Merlin cut himself off. "I can't be the reason for you to--"  He stopped again. "Are you sure--" Merlin stopped at Arthur's intense frown, and then smiled. "Gaius told me once I needed to remember sometimes the best thing to do is just shut up and say thank you."

"He was a wise man, your Gaius."  

So, thank you, Arthur.  Now, take me to bed?"

Arthur didn't need to be asked twice. First though, there were barriers between them he wanted gone. He captured Merlin's lips again, but pulled his hands free, tugging at Merlin's shirt. Laughing, Merlin pulled away and lifted his hands up; Arthur almost ripped his shirt off, throwing it on the floor.

"I hope you have--"

Arthur undid Merlin's belt.  "I do. Plenty."  He undid the button fly with deft hands, his fingers brushing against Merlin's cock. Merlin hissed, grabbing his shoulders as Arthur yanked his denims over his hips.

"Boots," Merlin said, breathless.

"Fuck."  Merlin hindered more than helped as Arthur all but picked him up and lay him on the bed, then bent down and undid Merlin's boots. He yanked them off, his socks, and then with one fell swoop that left Merlin crying out, stripped him naked, then fell on top of him.  Arthur bracketed Merlin's head and kissed him again, groaning when Merlin parted his legs and wrapped them around Arthur's hips.

Merlin canted his head back as Arthur rutted against him. His skin flushed Merlin's grip on him loosened; Arthur pulled his arms up, holding them over his head. He stared down at him then, his need for Merlin exploding within him.

"I want you," Arthur said, his voice husky with desire. He didn't know how to contain it, what he felt now as he studied Merlin's face.

"And I want you naked," Merlin said, brushing Arthur's hair back from his face, and tugging on it. "Not playing fair."

Arthur pushed up and stood, his gaze raking Merlin's body. He was thin--too thin, really--but Merlin was no weakling.  Muscles rippled as he squirmed under Arthur's gaze, his skin flushed straight down to his cock which was, needless to say, fully erect. Watching Arthur, Merlin wrapped his fingers around it, thumbing the head.  Arthur groaned; he could bear it no longer. 

Yanking his clothes off almost as fast as he'd pulled off Merlin's, he braced himself with hands either side of Merlin's hips. He still held his cock and Arthur did what made sense next; bent down and pulled it into his mouth, his lips meeting Merlin's hand.  The sound pulled out of Merlin  was unlike anything Arthur'd ever heard; needy, agonizing, fantastic. He swirled his tongue around the cock head and bracing himself pulled it deeper into his mouth. His own cock thrummed with the need--need to sink himself deep inside Merlin, rut into him, take him.

"Arthur, fuck, Arthur, I can't-- You I can't believe fuck fuck no one's ever--"\That gave Arthur pause. He pulled off, and stared up Merlin's body to his face which was wide with want.  "Never?"

"No." He dropped his head back, his hand releasing his cock and cradling Arthur's face. "No one."

"Merlin--"  Arthur dropped to his knees, pulling Merlin closer to the bed's edge, pushing them out to expose Merlin to him completely.  He held his hip with one hand; he quickly sucked his fingers, wetting them the better to toy with his hole.

"Push in. Push in, please Arthur--"

"I don't want to hurt you."

"You won't. Promise. I'm good at this. Just do it."

Arthur did, easing his finger in with surprising ease. Merlin's whimper as he tightened around his finger went straight to his cock. He took Merlin in his mouth once again, Merlin's fingers light on his face as he stroked him with his tongue, sucking on him hard enough for Merlin to cry out.  He clutched at the covers and gasped.

"I'm going-- Arthur--"  With only the barest of warnings Merlin's cock swelled even further, his balls clenching as he canted his head back and came hot and quick in Arthur's mouth.  "Arthur, oh shit, I can't believe I've never-- You-- I just oh my fucking fuck--"

Normally, Arthur didn't allow this. The taste of spunk was nothing he found tolerable, usually.  But for Merlin? But Merlin's?  All the difference in the world. It was a fucking honor. He grabbed the base of Merlin's cock and turned his fingers--now two--inside him, stroking deeply as he helped him ride through his release.

"SHIT. Arthur how do you know to do that fucking hell." 

Arthur let Merlin's well-spent cock plop out of his mouth. "You okay? I didn't hurt you?"

"No, no. Never."  Merlin clasped his head, forcing him to look up. "You are amazing. I never--  I want you. Inside me, I want you inside me please Arthur-- Can I be on top?"

Arthur pulled his fingers out, and moved up Merlin's body, kissing him and biting his nipples as he made his way to his mouth. He lay on top of him--aware he outweighed Merlin--and nuzzled his neck. 

"You want to ride me, Merlin?" he asked, canting his hips, rutting against Merlin.  "I'm so fucking hard."

Merlin's hands skated up his backside. He was nodding, still working to catch his breath. "Yes. I want to. Where's the condom's?"

"Backpack. Front part, inner pocket." 

Merlin pushed against him and he fell over on his side, then switched position on the bed so he was laying the right way.  He watched Merlin as he bent over, then grasped his own cock and gave himself a few pulls.  When Merlin straightened, condom and lube in hand, and turned to Arthur he froze.  Arthur stilled.

"What's wrong?"

Merlin bit his lower lip then shook his head.  He ripped open the condom with his teeth and straddled Arthur's thighs.  "Nothing. Absolutely-- You are gorgeous, Arthur." He looked down at himself. "Why would you want--"

Arthur stopped him. "Stop. Don't you dare-- Why do I want you?"  He slid his hands up to Merlin's face, cradling it, then pulled him down for a kiss. "I want you because you are brilliant, and talented, and you make me feel like the richest man in the world."

Merlin ducked his head. "Like a Prince?"

Arthur canted his hips; his cock positively ached.  "Yes. Now get that thing on me."

"Yes, your Highness."  Arthur chuckled but the second Merlin's fingers touch him to roll the condom on it was his turn to gasp, close his eyes and grab the bed with clenched hands.  "Hold me, Arthur."

Arthur opened his eyes, confused then realized what Merlin was doing. He pulled Arthur's cock up to literally spear himself as he crouched over it.   Arthur grabbed him by the waist, holding him as he aligned Arthur's cock and sank down on it.\"Merlin, careful--fucking hell you're so tight--"

But Merlin wasn't daunted; with eyes closed, his own cock bopping to attention again, he grabbed Arthur's forearms to steady himself as he slowly took Arthur in.  He watched, mesmerized, dumbfounded, a well of emotion he could barely contain as Merlin enveloped him in his heat.  Gasping, Merlin dropped his head back as he settled into place.  He held still for a long moment; Arthur couldn't tear his gaze away as Merlin sighed, then slowly lifted his head and opened his eyes. He placed his hands over Arthur's, pushed them down to his hips, and smiled.

"There," he whispered, then began to move.

All coherence left Arthur at that point; the heat and pressure encasing him, the rapture on Merlin's face as he rode him, squeezing and twisting on Arthur with practiced perfection until Arthur could take it no more.  He was lost, he was fractured, he was in heaven as Merlin took him to new heights.  Without words they moved together, Merlin in control then submitting to Arthur as he held Merlin by the hips and braced his feet, holding Merlin so he could pull out and spear him again, his thrusts accompanied by Merlin's escalating cries.  They made no sense; Merlin's babbled were music to him nonetheless.\"Arthur, fuck Arthur there."  He cried out as Arthur shifted, searching for and finding the spot deep inside Merlin that made him sob Arthur's name.  "Arthur--"

Now.  Arthur thrust into Merlin twice more, then clamped his body down hard onto his hips as at last he swelled to that blessed release.  He cried out, "Merlin", and emptied into the hot, tight clenching body as Merlin too came. 

Bliss. Heaven. Want and need and desire and…and pure love rippled through Arthur as Merlin collapsed limply on top of him.  He thrust into Merlin a few more times, riding through the aftershocks.

He pulled Merlin's head back and kissed him, roughly, deeply, possessively.  Merlin whimpered into his mouth, his entire body lax and heavy. He reached back, pulling off Arthur and deftly. Arthur took it from him and tied it off, then tossed it toward the trash can before wrapping his arms back around Merlin, holding him in place and kissing him again, gently nipping Merlin's lower lip. A shudder rippled through Merlin, followed by a sigh.

He kissed Merlin's forehead with a tenderness new to him. "Mine," Arthur whispered, the word escaping unbidden.  Merlin froze on top of him; panic rippled through Arthur. Fuck. Stupid.  "Merlin, I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said--"

Merlin pushed up, his expression fierce.  "Don't you dare. Don't you dare apologize for that. For anything." Then, his eyes softened.  "All right?"

"All right." He traced Merlin's check, to his kiss-swollen lips. "Mine."

Merlin smiled, not a small smile either.  His eyes danced with happiness. With a small nod, he settled back onto Arthur's chest, wiggling his hips a little, enough to make Arthur groan and still him with a clutched hand on his backside.  Arthur reached for the blanket and pulled it over them both.  

"Yours," Merlin whispered against Arthur's neck. "Yes, I am yours, Arthur Pendragon. Yours." 

Chapter Text

Arthur jogged up the stairs to Camelot Tower II's main entrance. He couldn't remember the last time--if ever--his steps were so light upon entering his father's domain.   He had Merlin, and the incredible night--and morning--to thank for that.  

He was happy. No matter what happened with his father today, he had that.  

The door opened before he could reach it.  A man in full suit nodded to him, then stepped aside so Arthur could enter.  One of his father's lackeys keeping an eye out for him, he supposed.  He wore a gold nametag with the name Alfred emblazoned on it. No last name, just Alfred.

"Afternoon, sir."

Out of the corner of his eye, Arthur saw when Alfred's gaze traveled to Arthur's neck and the marks on it.   Startled, Alfred looked up again, gaze locking with Arthur. Still, he had the gall to frown.

"Problem, Alfred?" 

Alfred recovered quickly. "Not at all, sir. 

Arthur smiled and swept past Alfred. It amused him that Merlin's markings he'd given Arthur that morning caused such consternation.  Could hardly wait to see his father's reaction, if he even dared to look Arthur in the face once he found out why Arthur was there.  The ride up the lift to the company's main floor was halted twice; both times, several men and women in power suits got on, took in Arthur's scruffy denims, trainers and slightly-wrinkled shirt, and frowned. 

The lift stopped, and Arthur, who had been leaning against the wall, straightened to get off.

"Uh, sir, excuse me," one of the men said, looking down his nose. His companions shifted uneasily. "Are you sure you have business on this floor?"

The lift doors opened.  Arthur stepped out and turned to face the man.  Before he could say anything, behind him a voice called, "Good afternoon, Mr. Pendragon." 

Arthur grinned at the man on the lift, his gaze falling to his name tag. "James Smith? I should say I do. But you never will."  He hit the door close button. The last he saw was James Smith's panicked face. 

Arthur sighed, shaking his head.  Mr. Smith would likely spend the rest of his day, or week, freaked out that he'd offended the heir to Camelot. Arthur couldn't be arsed to care. Word would get out soon enough that he'd left the building, permanently.

"Mr. Pendragon," the receptionist said as he approached entered the main foyer. "We weren't expecting you…" Her eyes were wide with anxiety.  

"I wasn't aware I needed to warn anyone I was in London."

"No, of course not sir. Of course not. Are you back then sir?"

Arthur smirked. "Not exactly. Not for long."

Two women from accounting he vaguely recognised saw him, and whispered to each other with tight faces but he ignored them, or tried to, as he slammed his hand on the lift that led directly to his offices--and his father's.

His lift arrived quickly. He stepped on without another word and hit the button to his old office. He leaned on the back wall, closed his eyes. Had he been gone so long that his sudden appearance would cause such a reaction? His father ran a tight ship, with everyone and everything in its place, tasks done on strict schedule, no excuses. He'd never thought twice about it before now. A few short months in Cardiff, with its laid-back attitude and its rather festive day-to-day schedule, now made him see his world with new eyes.

Eyes he found he preferred.

He figured the receptionist warned the inner office staff of his imminent arrival but he didn't care. By the time the lift doors opened, his thoughts were in a jumble, his anger, which had been simmering non-stop beneath the calm, started to spike.

This was not going to be pretty.

First, his own office. He pushed the door open. Silence greeted him. He grimaced as he opened his own door, the closed- up leather and wood stuffy to his senses. He surveyed what once had been his kingdom. The expensive pictures he'd always thought ridiculously ugly, the few trophies he'd been allowed to bring in from his football days, his precious sword. That was the only thing he planned to take with him when he left today. He wanted to show it to Merlin, who he knew would appreciate it.

He thought of all the days, weeks, months, and years he'd sat at that desk, pouring over the financials for the business, making cutthroat decisions while ignoring the people who would suffer--it was never personal--plotting and planning to ruin or simply take over smaller, less-solvent businesses. Like Merlin's.

It had never mattered to him who he'd hurt before Merlin. He hadn't cared about all the lives he'd changed by a stroke of a pen, the vicious planning of their demise. Until Merlin.

He sat at his desk, the leather chair creaking beneath his weight. He rubbed the arm in long habit--the leather was worn here. He smoothed a thumb over the spot where the leather was rough, realising he'd lost that habit, and a few others since being in Cardiff. He smiled.

But it was more than that of course. He took a deep breath, coughing as he inhaled the stuffiness…and longed for the fresh air of the sea, the raucous cry of the seagulls, the laughter of the kids in his shop. And he longed for Merlin.

There was no putting it off. He pushed back his chair, his gaze catching on the folders on his desk, waiting for signatures all this time. He picked them all up and dumped them in the bin, then strode out of his office.

It was time to confront Uther Pendragon on his own home turf. It certainly was no longer Arthur's.

* * *

It was a gloomy, overcast day, had already rained buckets. It was a quiet early afternoon, and except for the chattering baristas, a bald-headed bloke rustling newspapers, and the soft discussion of a couple of teenage girls pouring over textbooks, there were so few patrons in the Starbucks he dropped his voice to talk.

"Wow," Gwen said as she set a vanilla latte in front of Merlin. She handed him the stir stick he'd asked for. "So, he's going to do it?"

Merlin twirled the foam in his mug and stared out through the Starbucks' window at cement-coloured skies. Kilgharragh was outside on the other side of the glass wall where no one would notice him unless he moved. They were sat on the chairs, he and Gwen, after she'd insisted on hearing the story face-to-face.

He was still tired, and ached, deliciously, all over.  All his imaginings hadn't prepared him for the reality of being with Arthur.  None of his previous lovers--especially Will--could come close to how amazing Arthur was. How caring.  Arthur left early that morning and Merlin could hardly stand it; he missed him. He wanted him to hurry up, and come back home.

"Hey. You with me?"

He looked up. Gwen raised an eyebrow.  "Sorry. Just thinking."

"About Arthur?" she asked gently. His face heated and he nodded. Her eyes widened. "Did you two--" She gaped at him. "You didn't. Did you have sex with him?"

"Gwen."  He coughed. "Actually, yeah. We did."

She reached for his hand, and squeezed it.  "Are you certain this is going to be okay, Merlin? He could be playing up to you for some reason."

"He's not."  He dipped his head and squeezed her fingers before letting go, and taking a drink of his latte.  "He's pretty wonderful. He wasn't involved, I promise.  He went to confront his father, and demand my comic back."

"If he still has it," Gwen said, her eyes flashing anger.

Merlin sat back and took a sip of his latte. "He wouldn't have sold it. Collectors like Pendragon hoard their prizes. Arthur said he has them in a glass case in his office where he keeps them all locked up."

"What's the point then?" Gwen said, throwing her hands up. "Why go to all the trouble and expense, and breaking the law--could he get prison for that?"

"I don't know."

"He belongs in prison. The man is a crook," Gwen finished. "And so is--" she snapped her mouth shut when she saw his narrowed gaze. "Sorry."

Merlin relaxed, took another sip of his latte. "It's okay. I…I would've thought the same thing until I took him to meet Ms. Alice. She knew him."

"She did?"

He told her everything Arthur learned about his mother.  About Gaius, and Arthur's mother, and how Uther Pendragon truly was as cruel as he'd once imagined his son to be.  

"Wow," Gwen said as he finished.

The Starbucks door opened and Lance and Elyan strolled in; they were talking footie and laughing, Elyan gesturing, when he saw them. "Hey, there's my best mate. What's up?"

"Hey sweetheart," Lance said, bending down and giving Gwen a kiss. "What's up?"

Gwen eyed him. "You guys rehearse that?"

"No, of course not. Mocha frappuccino?" he said to Lance, who nodded.

Gwen rubbed her arms. "How can you stand drinking something cold on a day like this?"

"Real men don't feel the cold," Lance said, glancing at Merlin who sat huddled in the corner, cradling his mug. "Sorry Merlin." He sat next to Gwen and wrapped an arm around her shoulders.

Gwen punched him and said, "You're mean."

"Merlin knows I'm kidding."

Elyan rejoined them. "So, what you two talking about so intently?"

Merlin tried to catch Gwen's eye, but it was too late. "Arthur Pendragon's off to London to get Merlin's comic book back."

"Say that again?" Lance said, sitting forward. "Arthur took it?"

"No," Merlin said, shaking his head. "No." He closed his eyes. "He didn't."

"Who did?"

Gwen glanced at Merlin in apology. He waved a hand at her--he gave up, she would tell him anyway. She reached over and squeezed his hand and turned back to Lance.

"Arthur thinks his father had it stolen from Merlin to ruin him."

Lance thumped the table. "I knew it. Knew it. What a bastard! By God, Merlin, what does the man have against you?"

Elyan nodded, his gaze also on Merlin. Finally he said, "Merlin, you trust Arthur to not be involved?"

Merlin didn't hesitate. "I do. He and his father don't seem much alike."

"Ms. Alice knew them when Arthur was a baby. Before he was born. Knew his mother, even gave him a picture of them. He'd never even seen a picture of her before," Gwen said.

Lance nodded. "Did Pendragon know about Ms. Alice?"

"Arthur didn't know," Merlin said softly. "He didn't know anything."

Elyan popped up to retrieve their order then hurried back. "So, what are you going to do, Merlin?"

How many times had he been asked that over the last few weeks? "I honestly don't know. Wait and see what Arthur has to say when he comes back, I guess."

"If he does," Lance said.

"He will," Gwen said, eyeing Merlin. "Right? Merlin, tell them."

"Tell us what?" Elyan looked at Lance and shrugged.

"I spent the night with Arthur," Merlin murmured, wishing he still had some drink left. Or that it was alcohol.  His face flushed hot even without it.

"That's cool. Good for you, Merlin," Lance said.

He looked up, surprised. "That's it? No, 'no sleeping with the enemy' crap?"

Lance chuckled. "Too late for that, isn't it?" His smile faded. "Besides, he's no Will.  Arthur seems pretty okay to me despite destroying your shop."

"That wasn't really his fault," Merlin said.  "It was already failing."  Merlin sighed, glancing at his watch. He stood. "I need to take Kilgharragh for a walk."

"Want company?" Elyan said, but Merlin shook his head.

"Thanks. Cheers guys, I'll let you know what happens."

He escaped before anything else could be said. He knew once he was gone Gwen would tell them all the grisly details, and they would speculate about what he should do. Kilgharragh pushed himself to his feet as Merlin left the Starbucks, and ambled over to him with a slowly-wagging tail. He rubbed the dog's head. At least he asked no questions, didn't demand knowing what he was going to do. He had no answers.

"Come on, let's go," he said, stuffing his hands in his pocket and heading to the Wetlands and the long way home. He was in no hurry to get back.

Chapter Text

Arthur stood outside his father's office, adjusting his collar so it didn't show--at least at first--the marks Merlin graced him with.  He could hear him inside, talking on the phone, voice raised.

His father's secretary grimaced. "He's been in a rage all morning. You sure you wouldn't rather wait until later?"

"I don’t have later," Arthur said, tugging on his shirt. The second he heard his father slam the phone down, he pushed the door open.

It wasn't difficult to draw on the anger he'd kept at bay since he'd left Cardiff. His father sat at his desk, head down, writing on one of the half- dozen tablets he always kept handy. He had his glasses on, his bald pate shiny and spotted, the skin beneath his chin loose and hanging over his collar.

His father was growing old.

Uther gestured toward his in-box. "Put it in there and get out. I'm busy."

"I'm not going anywhere, Father," Arthur said, folding his arms over his chest. "You know why I'm here."

Uther looked up, frowning, but his face paled when he saw Arthur. A flash of disappointment in his father slid through him; Arthur knew he was right about his suspicions, but how he'd hoped he wasn't.

"I don't know any such thing. Why aren't you in Cardiff." His father sounded bored, but the edge of wariness was there.

"Came to see you," Arthur said, dropping his arms and strolling toward one of the high-backed leather chairs in front of his father's desk. Depending on who came to see him, they would either sit in these, or the smaller, uncomfortable chairs sat to the side. He chose to sit in one of the smaller chairs, sliding into it with all the calm he could muster, and forcing his father to shift position to face him.

Arthur was careful not to glance at the glass case holding the comics. It was closed and locked, which further added to his suspicion. When his father was alone in his office it was usually opened so he could see his trophies from his desk whilst he worked.

His father continued taking his notes. Arthur doubted his father would be able to read whatever he was scratching down. "I'm busy, Arthur. Come back later."

"No." He put his hands on Uther's desk. No one put their hands on Uther's desk. "I said, I came to see you. Now."

Uther paused, his grip on his pen knuckle-white. Arthur half-smiled, yet a sick feeling curled in his stomach. Uther knew he knew.

Arthur waited. He knew Uther Pendragon better than anyone. Ten years ago, five even, he would've been afraid of the man--bigger than he, stronger than he--but Arthur wasn't that boy anymore. He was no longer afraid.

"All right, fine," Uther said, dropping the pen and standing to tower as he always had over Arthur. "What do you want?"

Arthur pushed off the desk, then reached for the pen--Mont Blanc, of course. A gift from Morgana. "As I said. You know why I'm here."

"Afraid I don't, Arthur. However, now that you're here," he said, moving away from the desk, "I can tell you in person. I'm closing the Cardiff shop."

Arthur had known, had known Uther would reach for something to try to deflect him, throw Normally his father's cruel threats would unbalance him, but Arthur only shook his head.

"Oh really."

His father stumbled a little, but then recovered. "It's obvious you have lost control of the situation. It's an embarrassment, Arthur. You are an embarrassment. First the newspaper article, the protests. You on the television looking like a fool, besmirching the Pendragon name. Making us appear like we're monsters."

"Because we are monsters, Father," Arthur said, keeping his voice matter-of-fact. "I know what you want. You want to throw me off, get me upset, as if I would forget about why I fucking came here."

"Don't use that language--"

"Oh do shut up, Father." Arthur purposely crossed one leg casually over the other, ankle to knee.

"How dare you--"

"You're closing the Cardiff shop because you think you have what you wanted."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

He ignored the question. "You do realise my shop is outselling the Birmingham and Newport shops combined, yes?"

"It's not your shop, boy. That is the Pendragon Enterprises name on the papers. My name."

"Disowning me now? That's rich. Why did you steal Merlin's comic book?"

His father started to turn dismissively away. He froze, his shoulders tensed, before he squared them and he continued back around his desk. "I have no idea what you are talking about, Arthur."

Arthur leaned forward and said softly, "Why did you always blame me for my mother's death? It wasn't my fault. It wasn't Gaius's, either. She died of leukemia.  She wanted me to live. That comic belongs to Merlin; you had Cedric steal it for you and I am taking it back to Merlin."

His father's face slowly turned red. "How dare you accuse me of these things."

Arthur stood, took the picture of he and his mother--a copy--and slapped it on the desk. Then he took the other picture--of Cedric, taken outside of Merlin's shop--and put it next to the other. Arthur leaned over the desk. "It wasn't my fault she died," Arthur said again, pushing the first picture closer with one finger.

Uther flinched. "Where did you get that picture?" he wrenched out.

"From a woman who told me many things about my mother I was apparently never meant to know."

"How dare she," Uther said, grabbing the picture and crumpling it. He'd shaken his father.

"How dare you," Arthur said, raising his voice. "How dare you keep her from me? How dare you lie to me about how she died?" Arthur thumped his fist on the desk, making his father jerk back. But he did not look at Arthur. "How dare you accuse me of killing her whilst she had me. She lived for days, father. Days. She wanted me. She chose to have me. It was her choice that I live and she die.

 "No."

"She held me. Saw me. Fed me."

"No. No."

"Why did you hate me for living?"

"Because she could not!" Uther leapt to his feet. He was shaking, eyes red, face pale. The door to his office opened; Elaine peeked in warily. "Get out."

She eyed Arthur and he nodded. She closed the door.

Arthur watched his father…and felt nothing. Uther was almost crying, had turned his back to Arthur, shoulders hunched. "She wouldn't take the medicine. She refused to, said Gaius told her it would hurt the baby. I begged her." He whirled on Arthur. "I told her we could have other children. But she refused." His face grew thunderous. "And your precious Alice and Gaius supported her. They helped her die." He closed the distance between them; Arthur refused to back away. "It was all their fault. I told Gaius not to tell her that the medicine would kill you. You were nothing then, we had barely found out we were having you." Arthur balled his hand into a fist. "She wasn't even feeling you yet but she refused. And yes, it is your fault she's dead. It is Gaius's fault and that witch Alice's for hiding her-- "

"Hiding her," Arthur said, finally startled enough to say something.

Uther laughed bitterly. "Oh, she didn’t tell you that part, did she. Of course not. Oh yes, your precious Alice and Gaius stole Ygraine from me."

Arthur was ready to punch him. Still wanted him to, but hearing his mother's name stopped him. "I've never heard you say her name before."

Uther turned away. "Get out, Arthur."

"Not without the comic. It won't bring her back. And Gaius is dead. Merlin isn't to blame for any of this."

His father didn't move. Arthur waited. A long moment passed. "I know."

He hadn't expected that. He was more ready to punch his father and storm out than deal with this. But he'd come here to settle this, and there wasn't any way he would give in now. He didn't trust Uther Pendragon, never would and never should've.

"Give me the key," Arthur said. Uther hesitated, then reached into his pocket and pulled the key out. Arthur took it from him and strode over to the cabinet, and unlocked it. He'd never been allowed to do this before, yet his father stayed where he was. He could see his reflection in the mirrored back wall; his father stared at his shoes.

"So easily defeated," Arthur thought, a strange ache in his chest over what his decision would mean to his father. And possibly the company, unless…

Arthur looked down at the once-empty bottom shelf. There it was, Merlin's Superman comic. He sucked in his breath. It was perfect. He took it in his hands, resisting the urge to put on his father's ridiculous protective gloves.

"Beautiful," he murmured, gently opening the first page. It was in the best condition possible, almost perfect.

"Near-mint condition," his father said. "The boy took good care of it."

"His name is Merlin," Arthur said, taking a protective cover out of the drawer beneath, and sliding it in. He slid it into a zippered binder, blocking it from any chance meetings with damaging water or even sunlight.

Arthur closed the cabinet, tucking the binder under his arm. He steeled himself. "I will ask Merlin not to prosecute you for this, but I don't know what he will do."

Uther snorted, looked up, all traces of weakness gone. "I'll crush him."

A thrill of fear raced through Arthur--he knew what his father would do all too well, as he knew his own threats, regardless if they were backed up with evidence, would still cause Merlin untold misery. He'd been through enough.

"I won't let you hurt him again, Father."

Uther saw Arthur's neck, then, and sneered. "Fucking him then, are you?"

"Yes I am." Uther's head shot back as if punched. There. Now his father knew for certain. Arthur let out his breath.  "But he's also my friend. Leave him alone, Father. I will not let you hurt him more than he's already been hurt."

His father stared at him. He wondered what his father saw when he actually looked at him. Ms. Alice said he looked like his mother, and now that he had a picture of her, he could see it, too.

Her eyes, her nose, her mouth. The colour of her hair.

"I'm closing the shop, and there's nothing you can do about that. I'm calling you back here."

"No."

"What?" His father moved behind his desk but hadn't sat. His demeanor hardened again, now that he knew Arthur would do nothing more about the comic book.

"Close the shop in Cardiff. I don't care. I'm not coming back to London."

Uther's jaw clenched. "You prefer those bloody sheepshaggers to your own people?"

If he'd thought his temper had calmed, he knew now he was far from the ability to walk clean away. He isn't worth it. The voice came from nowhere, but he thought it'd be a good idea to listen to it. He took a deep breath, unclenched his fists.

"I wouldn't put it like that. But it is where I belong, yes." He looked around his father's office, and the austere wealth, and found the bulk tucked beneath his arm--a part of Merlin--lent him strength. "No. This life is not for me. Goodbye, Father."

"You can't walk out! This is your responsibility; this is your place. You will do as you're told."

Arthur had his hand on the door handle. "You don't need me. I'll formally resign with the board as soon as possible. Morgana is perfectly capable of handling this company after you're dead." He opened the door. "In fact, I'd hand it over to her now, before you completely destroy it."

"Don't you walk out on me, boy! Get back in here or I'll disown--" Arthur shut the door with a quiet snick.

Arthur nodded at Elaine as he passed her desk. She stared at him, then back at the closed door.

"Are you all right?" Elaine asked, her gaze falling on the binder beneath his arm.

"Absolutely. Never better. Take care, Elaine. It's been a pleasure."

He headed for the lift, poking the down button with one finger. It opened immediately and he stepped inside, leaning back against the wall. He'd stop in his old office long enough to get his sword--he'd be damned if his father would get his hands on that--and go back home.

Go back home, to Merlin.  He could hardly wait.

* * *

Merlin slid the last of Will's books off the shelf and placed it in the box. Several other boxes--all full--sat about the room, marked with things like 'clothes' and 'toys' and several marked 'junk.' He grabbed a marker and wrote 'books' on this one, and then taped it up.

It took only another ten minutes or so to finish the last of Will's things and stack them near the front door. Will promised to come by Sunday and take the rest of his things. He'd almost seemed surprised Merlin asked him, but Merlin needed to get that front room empty so he could move all of his leftover comics and items in, and organise them into any sort of system.

It was almost half five when he finished. He pushed himself to his feet. Time for a quick shower, then he and Kilgharragh would be off to Ms. Alice's.  Arthur would meet him there. The thought made him smile.

He glanced at his computer, then went over it to check his email. He'd not answered OneKnightStand's latest email. He opened it again and sighed.

To: SorcererSupreme

From: OneKnightStand

Hey good news, I'm in Cardiff this weekend. Can we meet? I promise I won't stand you up this time. I've got something important to share with you.

OKS

Merlin played with the mouse, not clicking just yet on the Reply. He was in turmoil. Arthur--he was going to be with Arthur tonight, and he'd barely thought about OKS ever since the day before at Ms. Alice's. He shifted uncomfortably in his seat. Something important, he'd said. It could be anything, or nothing, but the fact was Merlin wasn't sure if he cared anymore whether or not he met OneKnightStand. He liked him, lots, and he'd been a good friend. But the fantasy of meeting him at last had faded, replaced by other dreams.

He hit reply.

To: OneKnightStand

From: SorcererSupreme

Sure, that would be great. I'm having dinner tonight with my friend Ms. Alice, but I'm free tomorrow as far as I know. And you better not stand me up this time. I'll track you down if you do. Remember, in Cardiff everyone knows me. Ha ha.

  There's something you should know, though, that may change your mind. I'm no longer single, I think. Still like to meet you, to thank you if nothing else. Would never have happened without your advice.

  M.

Merlin smiled. That would work. At least OneKnightStand didn't live in Cardiff.  He checked the rest of his email, most from old lists he was on, though there were a couple of emails from past acquaintances who'd heard through the rapid-fire grapevine about the shop closing. There was also one from his mum. He wondered what she would think of Arthur, given last time they'd talked, he'd spent most of the conversation telling her what a dick Arthur Pendragon was. He jotted her a quick note that he'd come visit her soon, and sent it.

"Come on Kilgharragh," Merlin said, motioning for the dog to get up. But Kilgharragh just looked at him and yawned, then rolled onto his side and huffed. He closed his eyes. "You lazy git. Fine, but don't expect me to bring you any leftovers."

Ms. Alice's house was only a few houses away yet it was odd not to have the giant dog by his side. He hoped Kilgharragh was all right--the last thing he needed was for the dog to get sick. He had no money for the vet.

There were a lot of cars on this street, but none posh enough for Arthur's. He wondered what he drove--probably a Porsche Roadster, Mercedes or maybe even a BMW. Merlin was a few minutes early, so hopefully Arthur would be along shortly.

He started to rap on Ms. Alice's door when he realised a note was taped to it. He pulled it off. Make yourselves at home, boys. I ran out of butter, and we've dashed to ASDA. Back shortly.

All right then. He pushed the door open. "Arthur?" he called out, hoping for an answer, nervous he would be alone with him. He still didn't know what to hope for--more than another shag, that was for certain. 

The night before--and that morning--played over and over in his mind, and had all day. He truly hadn't expected Arthur to be so…genuine. So considerate. So fucking hot. All of Merlin's defenses were stripped away by those hands, Arthur's smile.  With Arthur, he'd simply melted. Had no shame, wanted to give himself completely.

Yours.

He'd meant it. One-hundred percent. What he'd always thought would make him weak in fact made him feel invincible. He wasn't less by how he'd let Arthur take him. 

His former sensibilities argued with him as he sat on the couch where he and Arthur learned so much about Arthur's mum. He should not be so trusting of Arthur. It was still entirely possible Arthur had some devious plan to destroy him completely.

Yet he couldn't see it. The Arthur Pendragon he was starting to know--the man who'd made love to him--wasn't like that at all. And really, there hadn't been any one thing that Arthur Pendragon had himself done that was so bad.

Merlin smiled at himself. Yeah, other than destroying Warlock Comics. He couldn't really blame Arthur entirely for that. His father, definitely. But not Arthur.

Merlin took a deep breath, glanced at the clock. It was nearly seven. No Arthur, no Ms. Alice. He pushed off the couch, walked about the room, touching the little artifacts Ms. Alice collected on her various travels. She and Gaius had gone many places, he knew. He'd never been outside of Cardiff, other than one trip to London with his mum when he was young.

There was a folder on the sideboard.  A quick glance out the window only showed the clouds rolling in again--no Ms. Alice, no Arthur.   He opened the folder. There were more pictures, a couple of baby Arthur (and he was of course a beautiful baby, unlike Merlin whose baby pictures were of a gnome-like infant with a shock of black hair, huge ears, and mostly screaming) but the others were of his mum. Merlin lifted each and turned it over; Ms. Alice wrote notes on the back to Arthur, sharing her memories of when each was taken.  He smiled at that, touched by the gesture.  He didn't read them. They were for Arthur's eyes first, not his own.

There were a few of Arthur's mum with a younger Ms. Alice, and Gaius too-- how he missed him! And then there was one of Arthur's parents. That had to be his father, stern of face though with a protective arm around his pregnant wife. In that picture, she looked tired and frail, the pregnancy advanced.  

He closed the folder again, glanced at the clock. Almost seven past. Concerned now, he opened the front door and looked down the street. Ms. Alice's car was gone, so she hadn't walked. She should've been back by now. And, no Arthur yet either. A stab of disappointment came with that realisation--he guessed Arthur wasn't coming. Perhaps had got stuck in London. 

Or maybe he and his father had had a fight, and Arthur had ended up in hospital…  He took his phone out and shot off a quick "You okay? Almost here?" to Arthur. Of course, if Arthur was on the M4 he couldn't text back. He debated calling him, but what if he caused a wreck? Merlin didn't drive for a reason; he couldn't imagine it'd be smart trying to talk on a mobile while navigating traffic.   

He grabbed a pen and wrote a hasty note on the front of the one Ms. Alice left on the door, and then headed down the street. He had to find Ms. Alice. Something was wrong, he knew it.

Running to his house he burst through the door. "Kilgharragh! Come, boy!" No answering bark. "What is going on here?" he muttered, running up the stairs. No dog. "Kilgharragh?" He searched in all the rooms. Still no dog.

He called Arthur.  No answer.  He hated leaving voice mail but did anyway. "Hey, call me soon as you get this. Bye."

Back downstairs. The house was empty. Where could the dog have gone? His heart was pounding hard now, worry rocketing quickly to fear.  He tried to call Gwen but there was no answer. Elyan was on the road. He didn't know what else to do.

OneKnightStand was in town. He threw himself in his desk chair, opened up his laptop. It sprang back to life and he was grateful he'd not bothered to shut it down completely. He opened his email and jotted out a quick email message to OneKnightStand, told him what had happened, where he was, and that he was headed for ASDA. He hesitated. If Arthur and OneKnightStand showed up now, he wasn’t sure what he would do. But something was wrong, he couldn't get hold of Arthur, and he needed help. He hit send.

"Kilgharragh?"

No Kilgharragh. Where had the dog gone? "Killy?" he called one last time. His mail pinged. It was OneKnightStand.

To: SorcererSupreme

From: OneKnightStand

  Am almost in Cardiff, on the M4, just passed Newport. Will meet you there as soon as I can. I'm sure everything is fine.

 Shock twisted in his gut but relief too. But then he worried--what if he was just imagining things? What if Ms. Alice and Ellie were already back? He left his house and raced back to Ms. Alice's, but there was still no sign of her or Ellie, or even Kilgharragh. He stood still for a moment, considering his options. There was only one. His neighbour Paul was walking across the street. "Paul, have you seen Ms. Alice or Kilgharragh?"

"No, sorry mate. They out together then?"

"No, they aren't." He ran his hand through his hair and looked down the street, willing them to magically appear. But that was one kind of magic he couldn’t do.

Paul frowned. "Everything all right, mate?"

Merlin shook his head. "I was to eat supper at Ms. Alice's. She left a note that she and Ellie, have you met her?" At Paul's nod he hurried on. "They'd gone to ASDA but that's been over an hour ago." He looked back at Paul. "I'm really worried." He put his hand to his chest. "It's not like them.

Paul nodded. "Wait. Stuart saw them leave about five or so, when he got back from running errands. Been more than two hours then."

Merlin's hopes sank. "I think I'd better head to ASDA. Maybe they stopped on the way."

"Doesn't Ms. Alice have a mobile?"

Merlin shook his head. "No. I know," he said at Paul's surprised expression. Merlin fully intended to convince her to get one after this. And Ellie too.

"If I see them I'll give you a ring."

"Thanks."

Leaving Paul behind, Merlin started to run toward ASDA. It wasn't that far, which made him worry all the more. What could've happened to them between the house and the shop? Maybe the car had got a flat tyre. Maybe they were still shopping, and had lost track of time.

Maybe OneKnightStand would arrive the same moment as Arthur and he'd want to dig a hole and pull the dirt on top of himself. At least OneKnightStand knew about Arthur. Arthur, however, knew nothing about OneKnightStand.

Fuck. Worry clenched his stomach.  Was Arthur the jealous type? He had no idea.  Fuck.

If he'd fucked this up already…

Maybe he simply was overreacting, and he'd laugh about it later. No, he told himself. Gut instinct counted for lots, and his brimmed with uncertainty. He glanced up to the darkening sky--storms were on their way yet again, and the nights there were storms bad things happened in Cardiff. He shuddered as the wind whipped up, and several fat raindrops hit him on the face. He closed his jacket tighter.

He reached the roundabout that led to Ikea when he skidded to a stop, his worry exploding. A boy on a bike passed--a boy clutching a handbag.  

"Hey you," Merlin said, dodging a car to race across the roundabout and after the boy. "Stop."

Instead of stopping, the boy glared at Merlin and took off. "Hey!" Merlin yelled, increasing his speed. He recognised the kid. Liam Switzer. He'd stolen from Merlin in the past, according to Ellie. He had never caught him.

Liam pedaled faster, head down. Merlin knew he would never catch him, at least not like this. Glancing around and assured there was no one watching, Merlin lifted his hand and concentrated, focusing his mind on the hand brakes. He mentally squeezed them, a smile escaping as Liam started to slow down despite his efforts.

Merlin nodded at the bike chain, and it slipped off, effectively stopping Liam's flight, and tumbling him off the bike. Merlin caught up to him and grabbed Liam's jacket as he tried to stand. "Where did you get that handbag," he demanded.

"Let me go," Liam said. He was a lad of maybe eleven now, Merlin guessed. Tall for his age. And trouble.

"It is my business. I doubt seriously that's yours."

"Let me go." He yanked away but Merlin held fast. "It's my sister's," Liam said, changing tactics. "What of it."

"You don't have a sister. This is my friend's. Ms. Alice. You know her." A guilty flash of recognition crossed Liam's face. Everyone loved Ms. Alice, even bratty kids. "I need to know where you got it. Ms. Alice may be hurt."

But the boy scowled at him, not willing to prove there was hope for him someday. "Found it." He yanked away. This time Merlin let him go. Liam shrugged, picked up the bike and slid back on. "Can't help you, mate. Found it behind Ikea. No old ladies." The boy rubbed his fingers together, eyeing Merlin.

Merlin had had enough. He grabbed the back of Liam's neck and pulled him off the bicycle.

"Hey watch it, I'll tell me mum!"

"Go ahead. I'll tell her you stole from Ms. Alice. Show me where."

Liam folded his arms over his chest. "You can't tell me what to do."

Merlin had no time for this. He narrowed his gaze at Liam, willing the wind to help him put an end to this nonsense. Power surged through him as he lifted his arm, palm up, willing the winds to kick into a frenzy. Rain began to fall; the wind whipped against Liam, picking up dirt and leaves.

Liam sheltered his eyes, yelling as he got drenched and buffed about. He stumbled to his knees, scrambled to his feet and began to run. Merlin kept the whirlwind around him for a minute, then backed it off where it was behind him, herding him away.

By the time Liam reached the street he was running full-tilt. Merlin released the whirlwind then, satisfied.

"Merlin?"

Ellie? "Ellie!" He ran toward where he'd heard her voice. Or thought he had. He'd released the wind but it hadn't died down entirely. The storm would hit hard, and soon. Ellie burst through some bushes, and hurled herself into his arms.

"Merlin, oh god Merlin, it's Ms. Alice. She's hurt."

He let her down. "What happened?"

She took a gulping breath. "I wanted pizza, we stopped at Pizza Hut and then Ms. Alice's car wouldn't start. So we began to walk and cut through the back way, and we heard this awful noise." She shuddered under his hands. "This giant black thing charged us, and we ran, and then there were more, and then Kilgharragh came and started to fight with them but Ms. Alice tripped and she's hurt and we've got to save her." She hugged him fiercely. "I’m frightened, Merlin."

He pushed her back gently, keeping his hands on her shoulders. "Listen to me Ellie. I need to know exactly where you left Ms. Alice."

"They're toward the river, on the cut-through." A howl tore through the air, making her gasp. "They're coming back," she whispered, eyes wide. "They're going to kill us."

"I won't let them." Merlin picked up the bicycle, and pulled her to it. "Ride this back to the house and call for help. No, wait. Go to Paul's, tell him what happened and wait there for me."

She nodded, sliding onto the bike. "I will. She's on the trail, Merlin. Help her. Please, don't let her die." Her eyes were huge in her small face. "She wants me."

He wasn't about to let either of them down. "I know. I'll find her. Now go."

Merlin didn't wait to see her off. He began to run, wishing Kilgharragh were with him, wishing he could fly.

Chapter Text

The worst night in the world to have a flat tyre, and Arthur had to get one. Worry made his foot heavy on the pedal as he raced towards Grangetown; not only for Ms. Alice and Ellie, but for Merlin's reaction when he realised he, Arthur Pendragon, was OneKnightStand.

He'd wanted to handle this differently; he'd had plans for tomorrow, ones he'd hoped would end with Merlin giving him a chance. Now, Merlin would be looking for OneKnightstand, and for him, and he would have no choice but to blurt out he'd lied to Merlin--again. He only hoped Merlin would forgive this, too.

At least he had the comic book, tucked safely in the boot of the car.

His mobile rang. He snatched it up as he squinted onto the road ahead--the deluge had begun, rain pummeling his car so hard he doubted he would be able to hear whoever was calling. Morgana.

"Pendragon."

"Are you sure?" Morgana said. "Rumour has it you've been disowned."

Arthur snorted. "Actually, I quit."

"You didn't."

He wasn't sure, but there might've been a trace of glee in her voice. "Uther stole Merlin's comic book, Morgana."

There was silence for a moment. Then, "The fucker."

"I told him to name you as his successor."

"You little shit. That's awesome."

"I need to go Morgana."

"What's wrong? You sound upset."

He quickly told her what was going on. She whistled. "Boy, you're going to have fun with this one. Have you called him back? You, I mean."

"He called me while I was driving.  I missed it."

"Oh good lord, Pendragon. Why are you talking to me? Call him. You really need to get this mess sorted."

"I know, I know dammit."

"Love you too. Let me know how it goes."

"Will do."

With a shake of his head Arthur disconnected as he headed for Grangetown.

When he hit a red light, he called Merlin.

"Hi, this is Merlin, am likely out battling Lex Luthor or having a wrestle with Northstar, though in reality probably just nipped out for a pint. Leave your number, and I'll call you back. Cheers."

"Merlin, I'm on my way. Call me back."

He dropped the mobile onto the seat, whipped through a roundabout and roared toward Ms. Alice's, hoping he'd find them in the sitting room, safe and sound, having dinner without him. A scant few minutes later he was standing and cursing at the note clutched in his hand and pounding on the door. There was no answer.

He hopped back into his car, dread roiling in his gut, his heart pounding. He should've waited, should not have gone to London to confront his father until Monday. He was about to pull out when some bloke carrying a basket of towels yelled out to him. Arthur rolled down his window.

"Are you Arthur?" the bloke asked, his Welsh accent so strong Arthur had to strain to understand him.

"Yes, I am. I'm in a hurry here."

"Posh car and all, thought so. Sorry, Merlin asked me to--"

"Where is he?"

The bloke's eyes widened. "Paul here. Went 'round after Ms. Alice to ASDA, been a bit ago though. Not back yet?"

"No. Where is this ASDA?"

He nodded down the street. "Down there, turn right, there's a small roundabout, but go left. Can only go left. ASDA's down the way a bit on the right. Can't miss it."

Thank the stars he knew it, he hardly got half of what the man said. "Thanks."

"Cheers," Paul called out, but Arthur had already gassed the pedal and taken off. He reached the roundabout Paul mentioned; another car was coming round, forcing him to yield. He glanced at the Ikea, and a strange, and remarkable gut feeling he needed to change direction hit him.  Arthur drove around and into the Ikea parking lot, his surety growing that he was right.

Merlin was out there, somewhere, and Arthur knew if he didn't hurry, he'd never have the chance to tell Merlin… He gulped as the realisation hit him. He'd never have the chance to tell Merlin he didn't just care about him, he fucking loved him.

* * *

"I'm all right, dear," Ms. Alice said, patting Merlin's arm. "Ellie--"

"She found me. What happened?" Her leg was bleeding, her jacket ripped. Ellie's jacket was tucked under her head. It looked bad. Very bad. She was pale, and shivering, and needed help immediately. He knew all about hypothermia, that it didn't take much to kill a person. He patted his jacket for his mobile, then realised to his horror it wasn't in there.  He'd dropped it.  "My mobile. Is yours--"

"I don't know where it is."

Merlin rubbed his forehead. "Okay, okay. I have to go get help."

"I can wait."  She gripped his hand. "Merlin. Those things that are attacking people? I think Ellie and I accidentally stumbled on their hideout. I think they're just getting started."

Cold, deep cold ran down his spine. Just getting started? There was no time, now, to ask her what she meant. "Where?"

"Kilgharragh went after them. You have to go after him, Merlin. You have to stop them. Before they can get a true foothold in this world."

"What are you talking about, Ms. Alice?"

She shook her head. "It may already be too late, I fear. But perhaps you can buy us enough time."

Fear and helplessness shuddered through him. He looked down the trail, not really seeing it. If Kilgharragh were hurt? He would never forgive himself. Still, he hesitated, despite the curl of inevitability forming within him. He strained to listen for something, anything, but heard only the wind.

"How? I'm nothing special." It's wrong, I can't, I can't control it-- "I can't--"

"Merlin, look at me."  Merlin froze, confused, afraid, and just a little freaked out and he didn't know why. No. No. He shook his head, backing up a step.

Ms. Alice grabbed his hand and squeezed. "Merlin, Gaius told me what you can do."

"You know?" He wiped his mouth. He felt nauseous, and very, very confused. There was no use denying it. "How? Why didn't you tell me?"

Her smile was sad.  "He asked me not to. You'd repressed your gifts so much, he was afraid if I said anything, that it would shock you. He believed you would come to accept and control your powers on your own time. I have so much to tell you, but later. Later."

He fell to his knee, clutching her hand. "Ms. Alice-- I can't control it. I don't know enough." 

"Don't be afraid of your gifts, Merlin. They were given to you for a reason. I firmly believe that. Just as I believe Arthur is your soulmate, and meant to help you with whatever comes."

That knocked his breath away. "Arthur?"

"Yes. Now go. Kilgharragh is all right, I can feel him--there."

She nodded down the trail, and there Kilgharragh was, galloping toward them.  Not the dog. A dragon. Kilgharragh, the dragon. When he saw Merlin, he gave a cross between a bark and a…Merlin had no idea. Whatever sound a dragon made. Merlin stood.

"Kilgharragh. Where are they?" The dragon whirled on its claws, beckoning him to follow with another bark-growl. "Ms. Alice," Merlin said, "I'd better follow him." Merlin pulled off his jacket and tucked it around Ms. Alice. "I'll be back as soon as I can."

"I know, dear." She closed her eyes and smiled, then looked up at him. "I'll send Arthur after you."

"You're really sure about Arthur. About him being--" Being his soulmate? No, more than that. Deeper than that.

"Of course. He'll always be there for you, dear. Always has been, before." Ms. Alice smiled, and closed her eyes again.

What did she mean by that? A horrendous shrieking howl split the air, a sound he hadn't heard so clearly since that night on the Bay. Kilgharragh roared in return. Fear raced through Merlin as the ground shook, but anger welled in him, too. This had gone on long enough. Too many people were hurt by this thing, some even killed.  

Ms. Alice was right. He had to end this. Now.  

Merlin followed Kilgharragh, hoping he wasn't walking into certain doom. There was no time to speculate over Ms. Alice's words, but a longing, deep and true, for Arthur to be there enveloped him, giving him strength.

"Show me where they are, Kilgharragh," he said.

The dragon stopped ahead and waited. Merlin almost caught up when the sound came again, this time accompanied by another, and then another. The dragon whirled around, mouth open and snarling, tail whipping about when the brush around them rustled.

Merlin too whipped around; and then whipped around again as first one dark shape, then another, and another, then one more--four in all--emerged from around them, surrounding him and Kilgharragh. Creatures blacker than the night towered over them, skin slick and shimmering. Huge fangs and green flashing eyes turned red as the monsters closed the circle tight.

There was no more time to wonder what to do. Merlin took a deep breath and pulled on his magic for the first time in years. It welled within him, filling him with near-unbridled strength--for a moment, he could feel it hit the limits of his control, but he held on tight.

Then the monster closest to him reared back and roared. It leaped for Merlin. 

* * *

Arthur parked the car near the entrance to the trail he and Percival had followed what now seemed months ago. Percival. He yanked out his mobile, typed him a quick message. "Where are you?"

The response was immediate, and not what he wanted to see. "With Anna at hospital. It's time!"

Arthur hadn't stopped moving. "Merlin's in trouble. Just take care of her." His mobile rang. Percival. "What's up? Need the police?"

Arthur knew that was not an option. "I don't know. No. I'll take care of it. I think it's something to do with those attacks."

"Hold on." He heard talking, Percival's deep voice, Anna's light yet strained, then Anna's voice came on the phone. "Arthur, its Anna. Don't you dare get yourself killed. My kid is not going to lose its Godfather before its even--oh fuck, Percival-- Another one!"

"Gotta go mate. My wife's clawing my arm to bits."

Arthur wanted to laugh, and cheer for them, but the old adage a new life comes into the world for every one that leaves ripped through his head. He'd heard that hundreds of times growing up, by supposedly well-meaning old biddies who thought he'd take some kind of bizarre comfort from such nonsense. He certainly hadn't. Yet, the horrible niggling thought that Merlin was doubly in danger now would not leave him.

Arthur had gone a few more paces when he realised he had all the help he needed. Only feeling slightly foolish he ran back to his car. A young boy with his mother were walking past his car, the boy admiring it. Arthur nodded at them, and popped open the boot. When Arthur pulled out his sword, the boy stopped cold and stared.

Arthur nodded at him, and said, "Time to slay some monsters."

He took off, the boy's shriek of delight spurring him on. Slay some monsters had come unbidden to him, but now he feared that was exactly what was happening and he hadn't any idea whatsoever why he believed it with every ounce of his being.

Merlin was in trouble. He was not going to allow Merlin to be hurt. Or worse.

Arthur hit the path at a jog, the weight of the sword heavy in his hand. But right, so right, as if the sword had been made for his hand and no other's. The skies were now solid dark clouds, soft drizzle falling and wetting his face. Typical Cardiff weather, but it was rapidly soaking into his clothes, and made the ground beneath his feet slippery with mud and wet grass and weeds.

He continued on, now drawn forward as if pulled into a vortex--the clouds roiled overhead, and all the sounds of the city faded. It was only him, his sword, the path ahead that he knew with all the confidence he'd ever had, led toward Merlin.

The path took a bend. They were, he thought, near to where he and Percival had seen the dragon-dog-- Arthur nearly stumbled as that same creature suddenly bolted up into the sky ahead of him, a burst of flame jetting from his mouth. Arthur didn't think, didn’t consider what the hell it could be spewing flame at; he changed direction, heading straight for it, his heart pounding with anger and fear.

He saw a shape laying on the ground. "Merlin!" he yelled, running toward it and dropping to his knees in the mud, barely taking care not to drop his sword.

But it wasn't Merlin, though it was his jacket. "Oh no, oh fuck no," Arthur murmured. "Ms. Alice, no." The loss punched him in the gut, doubling him over. The last connection to his mother, the last person who had truly known her, gone. Dead.

But her eyes flickered open, and she smiled. Relief flooded him. "Just taking a rest, dear."

"What happened? I need to get you out of here."

"No. You know what you must--" A wild eerie cry cut Ms. Alice's reply short. And then the dragon roared.

Merlin.

"Go, son. I'll be fine."

He hesitated. "But I can't leave you--"

"Merlin's the important one here. He needs you, Arthur." She nodded to the sword. "He needs you both. I'll be fine. Go."

Arthur pressed his mobile into her hand. "Call Percival and tell him where you are, he's the last one I called. He'll send help." He ripped off his own jacket and tucked it over Ms. Alice, hefted his sword and ran toward the now unmistakable sound of battle.

Arthur plummeted into the scene, not hesitating even as his mind grappled with the impossibility of what he was seeing. Kilgharragh was tearing into a limp black body of something…something… a monster; another monster howled in pain where it lay.

And Merlin, standing in the middle, whipped around and stared at him with golden eyes.

"Arthur!"

There was no time to answer back. Another of the black monsters leaped for Merlin, followed by yet another. Where were they coming from? Arthur's sword sang in his hand as he leaped for the monster. It rose on its hind legs-- the beast's fur rippled and shimmered with light--its claws extended.  One swipe would kill him, he thought.

He would not give it that chance.

Above Kilgharragh roared, and Arthur slashed at the monster towering over him. It leaped out of the way, intelligence in its eyes, but he didn't pause, didn't retreat, instead pressing whatever advantage he possibly could have against a creature so powerful. It swiped at him with its claws; he parried with his sword, metal biting into flesh and making it howl in fury.

"Merlin!" Arthur cried out, unable to look long enough to see if Merlin was okay. "Stay behind me!"

Arthur barely missed being swiped again by the creature. He leaped out of the way, whirling around and bending down to swipe at its legs. Contact.  It slipped down just enough for him to stab at its chest, the sword sinking in several inches. He yanked it, his adrenaline pumping hard and fast, then undercut its arm. All the years he'd secretly practiced with this sword filled him with confidence and power as he leaped up and slashed it across its chest, then bent low and stabbed up. The monster screeched in fury, thudding to the ground now with a roar, then bunched itself up to leap at him.

He'd anticipated this--all of his lessons with well-padded opponents came to the fore now-- as he drew on some hidden knowledge deep within him, and the sword moved and flashed and cut, wounding the monster again and again until at last, writhing in pain, the monster blindly swiped at him once more.

Against all odds, Arthur stumbled on the damp ground. He recovered but not fast enough. He fell to one knee, and the monster's paw caught him, raking into his flesh. Fire shot through his arm, instantly numbing it; he dropped his sword.

Have to save Merlin.

Though his vision was darkening from the pain, he picked the sword up with his left hand, and summoning all his strength and anger he stabbed upward, catching the creature directly under its chin.

It reared back, clawing at the embedded sword, and Arthur fell back on the grass, watching with hazy eyes as the creature slumped over.

Merlin.

He turned his head wearily, his arm now a dead weight. He had to get up and save Merlin… He pushed himself to his feet, fighting the dizziness. He pulled the sword from the creature with his left hand and cried out in fury as he turned back to Merlin, convinced he'd been injured, but Merlin stood where he had before, his eyes glowing as fire arced from his hand, dropping the last of the monsters to the ground. Kilgharragh finished it off with a burst of flame.

Merlin dropped his hand, turning his head to face Arthur, his chest heaving.

"You came back," he said, his voice cracking.

"Of course I did. I said I would, yeah? Didn't expect this." Arthur staggered, suddenly quite dizzy, but caught himself.  "They're dead. They're all dead."

"Arthur, I have something to tell you--" But whatever Merlin meant to say was drowned out by a scream as a monster pulled itself up, its red gaze fixed on Merlin.

"No."

Arthur raised his sword, instinct kicking in, and ran for Merlin with a yell, somehow reaching the creature as it reared up to its full height. For the first time he got a good look at it; his heart clutched in fear but Merlin's gaze turned on him, full and blue and trusting him. Trusting him.

I will not fail you.

The sword sang in his left hand. He pushed himself into the air, bringing the sword down and across the monster's neck. The impact jarred him, sending him crashing to the ground but the scream that rent the air as the monster clawed at its neck sent a thrill of triumph through him. Arthur yanked on the sword, then using the monster's own body pulled himself up and stabbed it straight into the eye.

The death scream scoured his very bones. The ground shook as the monster fell to the ground. Arthur stared at it, as the red lights in its eyes faded. This time, it would not get up. Dizziness clouded his vision. He had to make sure it would not get up.  Arthur raised his sword just as the dragon leaped toward the monster.

"Arthur, no!"

Something heaved him off his feet, up into the air, flipping him end over end.  He hit the muddy ground with a sickening thump; agony ripped through his injured right arm. He screamed.

Merlin rushed over to him, fell on his knees beside him. "That's Kilgharragh, I'm sorry, I thought you were going to kill him." Arthur gritted his teeth, took several deep breaths, willing the pain to simmer down to a throbbing roar. "Arthur, you're hurt."

"No shit," Arthur muttered, letting his head thump back. "I knew about Kilgharragh already."

"You did?" Merlin glanced at the dragon and back to Arthur. "How? When? How long have you known? How did you know?"

"I spied on you." He clutched Merlin's shoulder, moving his hand to the back of Merlin's neck. Merlin's face was smudged, the rain had plastered his hair to his head, but he looked okay. He wasn't hurt.

But probably mad.  He steeled himself for Merlin's anger. 

"You stalked me?"

"I-- Fuck. Yeah. It seemed like a good idea at the time. I'm sorry. I'll make it up to you.

Merlin bent down so they were eye-to-eye. Then, he smiled. "Yes, you will."

Arthur's head pounded. He dropped his hand to his forehead and winced. "I'm going to have a headache for a week. How did you throw me like that? No wait, I don’t won't want to know," he said, grasping for Merlin's hand. "Just don't do it again, okay?"

Merlin "I'm so sorry I did that, and here you just saved my life. I can't believe you did that, Arthur. Why were you late? I'm so glad you got here in time though."

"Flat tyre--"

"I'm so glad you're here. You came back. I thought you weren't going to. I thought you didn’t want to see me--"

"Merlin," Arthur said, cutting him off.

Merlin stared down at him. "What?"

"Be quiet and help me up. We need to help Ms. Alice."

"Oh. Oh, Ms. Alice! Sorry. Of course."

Merlin slide his arm around Arthur's shoulders as he tried to sit up, but the dizziness forced him back down again, making Merlin stumble against him. Pain sizzled gleefully through him. Fuck he hurt. All over. Everything was starting to go grey, and a bit fuzzy. He blinked against the drizzle in his eyes, tried to wipe it away but he couldn't summon the energy.

"Merlin..."

Merlin's hands cradled his face. "Don't move. I need to go get help."

"Won't. Not feeling too well." He tried to look at his arm, where the monster bit it but it took too much energy. "Need to get up." He tried again but this time Merlin stopped him.

"Lay still, Arthur. I'll take care of you."

"Ms. Alice, she's hurt," he mumbled as Merlin lay his hand on his shoulder and said some pretty words he didn't understand. Warmth suffused him, and he sighed as the pain lost its sharp edge. He was too befuddled to puzzle out how. Magic.

"I know. We just talked about that. So are you. You've lost some blood. Too much blood, I think." Merlin looked up. "I hear sirens. Help's on its way."

A very important thought tried to push through the growing dizziness. "Monsters."

Merlin nodded, and turned. "Kilgharragh, finish them off."

A bright hot flash of smoke and flame jetted from Kilgharragh's mouth, incinerating the last of the monsters. Arthur turned his face away; a second later the dog stood over him, tail wagging happily.

"Go to Ms. Alice, Killy," Merlin said. The dog snuffled Merlin's face. Arthur watched, dazed, just memorising the planes of Merlin's face, the long lashes, his flashing blue eyes--

"Your eyes, I thought… I saw them turn… They were gold. How did you do that?"

Merlin smiled down at him. "Goes with the throwing you bodily bit. I'll explain later." He squeezed Arthur's hand.

"Have something to tell you."

"Later. We need to get you to hospital." Merlin frowned, leaning closer to him. "Arthur? Are you okay?"

He tried to think. His mind was muddled from the pain, but there was something he was supposed to tell Merlin. But all he wanted to do was give in to the darkness pulling him. He was tired. Really, really tired. 

"One knight stand," he murmured, forcing his eyes open. He squeezed Merlin's hand. "One knight stand." He reached up, and cradled Merlin's cheek. Merlin's eyes were wide open. Shock. Now Merlin would hate him. He was sorry. So very sorry. "Sorry. I never meant-- That's me. I'm him and he is me. And I am sorry, it is all my fault, everything, it really was my father who stole your comic book. I've got it back though, it's in the boot. I'm so sorry, I'll make it up to you, forever. If you'll just let me. Don't--don't hate me."

Merlin stared him in shock. Said nothing. A hard fist punched into Arthur's gut--Merlin hated him.  He'd lied to Merlin too many times, and now he knew the truth, and Merlin would hate him forever.

It was over.

Arthur closed his eyes, chest heaving, his stomach roiling. He turned his face away, willing the blackness to overtake him, hoping it had been a poison the creature had got him with.

He'd lost everything, and it served him right.

He'd lied to Merlin. He'd played him for a fool, taken advantage of him, ruined him, used him. And now--he loved him. "I'm sorry. I love you," he whispered, and wished he would just die.

The sirens wailed closer, then stopped. No time left. Where was his sword?

"You bastard," he heard Merlin whisper. He couldn't bear to open his eyes. Maybe he could reach for his sword, end it all for good-- "You stupid, wonderful, amazing bastard. Look at me, Arthur Pendragon. Look at me."

Arthur sucked in his breath when Merlin's hand slid around his cheek, forcing him to turn his head. Cold rain fell on his face, his heated skin. Wonderful? Amazing? Confusion muddled his mind. He opened his eyes, blinking against the blow sure to come.

But Merlin was smiling down at him, the biggest smile he'd ever seen. "I'd hoped it was you. I didn't know for sure, but I'd hoped it was you. I am so very very glad I was right." Then he bent down and, taking Arthur's hand in his, whispered, "I love you too," then covered Arthur's mouth with his own.

* * *

Seven weeks later...

"Come on, dog. We don't have time for this." Merlin huffed, and snapped his fingers at the dog.  Kilgharragh stopped in the car park to sniff a particularly dirty SUV. Arthur stopped too, to watch the dog give his full attention to the dirt-encrusted bumper. Or, Merlin suspected, to make Merlin explode with impatience.

"Been off-roading, probably," Arthur said to the dog, just standing there, stroking his chin like they were out taking a casual stroll or something. "Lots of great smells, huh boy. We should do that sometime. Killy would like it, I imagine." The dog woofed at Arthur, wagging his tail in agreement.

"You two are conspiring against me, aren't you."

Arthur grinned, rubbing the dog's ears. "Now, why would we do that to you? We wouldn't do that to Merlin, would we Kilgharragh."

Merlin had had enough. He eyed the SUV, and with a flick of his hand and a second's time, it was clean.

"You are going to freak someone out, you realise."

Merlin grabbed Arthur's good arm, and tugged. "Come on, both of you," he snapped, trying not to sound whiney but he couldn't stop himself. Arthur laughed as he let Merlin pull him away. "What's so funny?"

Arthur checked his watch. "We're a bit early. Bit impatient, aren't we?"

Merlin turned around and walked backwards, throwing his hands up. "Of course I am." He was impatient, excited, and nervous about the day. So much had happened since Arthur got out of hospital. They'd hit the ground running soon as he was home, and now everything they'd worked so hard for almost two months had finally come together at last. The closer they got to the date, the more jittery he'd become.

Arthur, somehow, just got calmer.

Positively infuriating, but Merlin was thankful for it. He was thankful for Arthur. He let Arthur pull him back, and wrap his arm around him as they exited the car park, Kilgharragh bounding ahead to the crosswalk. Merlin slid his arm around Arthur's waist, sinking into his warmth as they joined the dog.

The last two months had been magical. It'd been difficult in some ways. Very. Arthur's separation from Camelot Comics had not come easily. It'd been tougher on Arthur than he'd thought it would be, but at last Uther had grudgingly accepted Arthur's resignation. Whether they could mend their relationship, neither Arthur or Merlin could say, but Merlin hoped someday they'd find their peace.

He and Arthur had, at least, found theirs. It'd surprised Merlin to learn despite cutting himself off from Pendragon Enterprises, Arthur was still quite wealthy. They bought a house together, close to Ms. Alice who now was not just Merlin's friend, but his mentor.  They met every day to practice magic, and he shared everything he learned with Arthur, wanting him to understand.

Arthur in turn tried to explain finances to Merlin, how and why they worked, but finally Merlin convinced him it was best to let him focus on other things.  Like magic, and like taking care of Arthur, who was slower to recover from his injuries than expected.   

So, that's what Merlin did. Took care of Arthur.  Waking up to Arthur every morning, going to bed with him every night, the sex...he rubbed his backside. Oh yeah, the sex. He was very focused on taking care of Arthur, and hoped he never stopped wanting him like he did now.

He glanced at Arthur; his breath stolen away yet again by how beautiful his partner was.

Arthur caught his smile and pulled him close, kissing him on the temple. "It's going to be fine. I promise."

"I know." And he did know, because this time, Arthur was with him. His partner, his lover, his best friend. His life.

They caught up to Kilgharragh at the crosswalk. The dog looked both ways, then rocketed across. Merlin pulled away from Arthur as they reached the other side. It was early morning, a beautiful day--not raining for once--the only sounds reaching Merlin's ears the usual squawk of the seagulls, and Arthur walking just behind him as they passed the still-dark shops.

Kilgharragh stopped at the end of the row and sat, tongue lolling, tail swishing slowly back and forth. Merlin slowed his steps, his heart racing as he neared the spot where he could see his old shop--shops--at last. He sensed Arthur behind him, waiting, loving him for his understanding of what this moment meant to him.

Merlin stopped next to the dog. His whole body froze--except for that racing heart--and he stared down at the bricks. At the spot where he'd been forced to turn left for so long, where every morning as he turned away from everything that had been good in his life toward his failure, he'd died a little more inside.

Arthur's fingers touched his. Merlin grasped them, looking up as Arthur drew close behind him, his chin on Merlin's shoulder as he shifted Merlin to the right. Merlin looked up, Arthur's warmth and love and just simply him calming him, filling him with such happiness that at last, the final shreds of disappointment and failure were finally gone.

"Look," Arthur whispered in his ear. Merlin's eyes widened as he looked up at the building crouched over the bay, its brand-new sign, Albion Comics lit up and waiting for them to bring it to life. Merlin sucked in his breath, pulling Arthur tighter to him.

"It's really there," Merlin said. "It's really ours."

Arthur chuckled in his ear, then pressed something into his hand. Merlin looked down--it was the key, and on the key ring was a gold engraved fob.

"Albion Comics, Merlin Emrys and Arthur Pendragon, Owners," Merlin read, a thrill racing through him. "It's really real."

"Just like magic." 

Merlin kissed Arthur then pulled away, snapped his fingers at Kilgharragh. "Come on boy, this way," he said, and with Arthur beside him, turned right.