Chapter Text
Merlin hadn't expected it to turn out this way .
He'd only taken the job to keep an eye on things , but of course he hadn't expected to get promotion after promotion.
And he hadn't expected his overall plan to work out so well .
Usually, they didn’t. Al all .
"Merlin, I've got to tell you, I don't think this is a good idea." Lancelot was telling him, looking over some papers spread out on his desk in their unofficial office, in their home. "You know what happens in these cases. Vivian, Mithian, Elena, Sophia... They're all ex-girlfriends who died even before their weddings."
"Well, maybe that's the reason." Merlin muttered. "Arthur's attracted to men , and it would never have worked out with them ."
"Merlin, this is serious ." Lancelot said.
Lancelot's thing, and his main concern, was that he knew perfectly well what Merlin's overall plan was: to find out why Arthur's fiancés died so promptly, leaving no trace behind them to find out who killed them.
Lancelot's concern was accepted and appreciated, but Merlin had an advantage that previous girls didn't have: he was a spy from a specialised organisation of the Albion Secret Agency.
He could endure anything the future might bring (like an attempted murder for making an example).
"Well, yeah." Merlin nodded. "I've already said I won't take the Pendragon name, and I've vetoed having a white dress . However, I'll throw the bouquet myself because I have the best aim."
"Merlin..." Lancelot said, sighing wearily.
Merlin was extremely grateful that Lancelot had remained his friend despite everything. And by everything, he meant his humour.
"Lancelot, I can't step back from this." Merlin said. "I accepted the risks this job entails, I'm not backing out now . Especially because I know what's at stake."
"Well, I see you've made up your mind." Lancelot sighed. "Have you already told Gwaine and Gwen about this development?"
Gwaine and Gwen as in their colleagues also on the case.
"I haven't really thought about it." Merlin muttered, smiling at Lancelot.
"When were you planning to tell them?"
"Before." Merlin shrugged. "And if not before, then clearly later, or maybe never?"
"Merlin..." Lancelot sighed. "I'll call them and warn them."
"Can you wait until I'm already married?" Merlin tried.
"You really want Gwaine to object to the wedding, don't you?" Lancelot raised an eyebrow.
"Okay, you can warn them." Merlin replied, realising it was something his overprotective friend would absolutely do.
Why did all his friends think he was incapable of making decisions?
"It's because you make these kinds of decisions." Lancelot replied, making Merlin realise he had spoken out loud.
That, or his friend could read minds, which was definitely worrying.
And also so helpful. They could send him instead of Merlin to work and figure out why Arthur’s fiancés were all dead.
"You know, if they really have the vanilla cake at the wedding, I might
wish
they killed me before I actually have to eat
it
." Merlin commented, making his friend groan loudly.