Inevitable Reality (2/3)

[solarbaby614]

Title: Inevitable Reality (2/3)
Author: solarbaby614
Rating: T
Disclaimer: All I own is the plot.
Words: 10,104 overall (3567 for this part alone).
Summary: Arthur’s a knight, Merlin’s a druid, Mordred is creepy (and seven) and Morgana takes it all in stride.
Notes: Thanks to hanelissarfor being the awesome beta that she is and spiting out fixes faster than I could fix them. Also thanks to darkstar_shadow, m14mouse, nightswhisper, and dj_roccafor listening to me whine about procrastinating on this for about a month.



oOoOoOoOoOo

Arthur couldn’t win for losing.

The music was loud and deep, every thump bouncing through him, reverberating in his chest. Shadows covered a lot more of the club than he thought was possible and he realized with a start that it might be due to magic. Luckily, one of the tables that the group had grabbed was only partially covered in shadows so Arthur could see the beer he was staring morosely at, thankful that they at least had decent drinks, and listened to the others laugh around him.

It wasn’t like they hadn’t tried to include him in the conversation (Gwen) and he did recognize her no matter what Morgana said, she had gone out of her way to make him feel included. The whole group was surprisingly nice.

That didn’t sit with him right.

Druids weren’t supposed to be nice. They were supposed to be trouble makers, the more powerful the more dangerous. That’s what he had been taught.

Gwen, he had been surprised to learn, had grown up on the boundary, the area where knight’s territory blended in with the druid’s. It explained how someone without any powers had become a druid. Most parents had better sense than to let their children hang around with magic users. Especially younger ones; whose powers tended to be more volatile and dangerous.

He was squished in a circular booth between his sister and Merlin, who was looking more relaxed than Arthur had ever seen him, drawing patterns in the condensation on his glass of water. Arthur had offered to buy him something better to drink but Merlin just shook his head, mumbling something about alcohol and magic mixing badly. It felt like brush off but Merlin just gave him a grin that did something strange to Arthur’s stomach that he chose to ignore, and Arthur forgave him.

“Emrys.”

Arthur heard the voice purr, even over the music. He thought he saw Merlin blanch as a dark haired woman slid into the set beside the druid, right at the edge of the bench.

“Nimueh.” There was no mistaking the distaste in Merlin’s voice but either the woman, Nimueh, didn’t hear it or she ignored it.

“I didn’t know you’d be here tonight.”

“I was kind of hoping it’d stay that way.”

Arthur couldn’t help but blink at the coldness of Merlin’s voice.

“Come on, Emrys.” She curled up against Merlin, ignoring him when he tried to slide away.

Merlin kept moving away from her, inching closer and closer to Arthur with each time. He could feel the warmth off the druid and Arthur automatically lifted his arm, sliding it protectively Merlin’s shoulder.

This caught Nimueh’s attention and she looked him over with disgust. “A knight? Aren’t you a little out of your territory?”

“He’s welcome here,” Morgana hissed.

Glares were sent her way by everyone at the table and under their weight she finally seemed to get the idea she wasn’t wanted. Frowning, she stood. “Fine.” She looked back over at Merlin. “I’ll talk to you later.”

And she disappeared into the shadows.

It was a long time before Arthur realized his arm was still around Merlin’s shoulder.

oOoOoOoOoOo

Merlin grinned as Arthur awkwardly shifted once again under Mordred’s scrutiny. The boy was practically glaring at him from his place on the couch, where he was supposed to be reading. Chemistry textbooks were spread out on the coffee table; Arthur kept glancing up from them to send Mordred furtive glances.

He knew he should probably call his brother out and put a stop to it but damn it if watching Arthur squirm wasn’t amusing.

This went on for another fifteen minutes or so, Arthur kept getting more and more distracted, starting to fidget. Merlin bit back a snicker and wondered idly if Mordred had been playing with that magic book under Merlin’s bed again or if it was just some creepy little brother thing. Morgana might know.

Mordred, he warned, silently.

Mordred snapped his head in Merlin’s direction and pouted. Not that Mordred would admit to pouting. No, he was much too grown up for that.

He’s dangerous for you, Merlin, Mordred’s voice echoed through his head.

Merlin shook his head, ignoring Arthur’s questioning look. He’s not going to hurt me.

There was a heavy silence for a few moments. Merlin was just beginning to believe he might have won the argument when Mordred spoke up again. He’s going to cause you trouble.

You worry too much.

Mordred looked far more world-weary than anyone his age had a right to. You don’t believe me. You’re going to get hurt. Mordred turned back to his book. I don’t want you to get hurt.

I know you don’t. Merlin sent him what he hoped was a reassuring smile. I can take care of myself. You don’t need to worry.

Not against him, you can’t. There was a decidedly depressed look on Mordred’s face. You never could.

What’s that supposed to mean?

...

Mordred. Mordred!

Mordred ignored him, gathering up his books and disappearing up the stairs.

“Dude,” Arthur’s voice turned his attention back to the other teen. “I don’t think your brother likes me.”

oOoOoOoOoOo

“I don’t think that your father likes me that much.”

Merlin sounded more amused by the fact than worried, like any normal person would. Arthur glanced up from the chemistry textbook that was lying on his bed as Merlin proof read Arthur’s English essay. He wasn’t sure when Merlin became his unofficial tutor in other classes as well but he wasn’t complaining. “I wouldn’t take it personally. He’s not a fan of druids period.”

“Yes, I don’t know how I’d take that personally,” Merlin drily answered.

“You know what I mean.”

“Unfortunately.”

Arthur grinned as Merlin flopped down on the red comforter, complaining about the abysmal writing.

At some point in time the two of them had reached this comfort level, where Merlin felt at home enough in Arthur’s room to opening complain and tease and listen to him bitch without calling him a girl. The only other person who could ever do that was Lance, who had been spending more and more time with Merlin’s dark skinned best friend ever since the two had been introduced. It would have been cute had it not been so disgustingly sweet.

It was nice.

A whack to the face with a pillow was what Arthur got for getting lost in his thoughts and he sputtered, glaring at an amused Merlin, who was grinning and holding the crimson pillow triumphantly.

“Oh, this means war.”

Merlin eyes widened. “Oh no. Come on, Arthur. It was just a--.” He yelped as he tried to defend himself against the constant attack of another pillow. Merlin lost his somewhere between the desk and the closet door as he shot across the floor, Arthur hot on his heels. Of course, Arthur won the fight, pinning Merlin to the ground and laughing.

Yeah, this was nice.

But Arthur refused to think too deeply as to why.

oOoOoOoOoOo

Arthur frowned as he checked his watch once again, leaning against the wall beside the doors. It had been close to thirty minutes but still no Merlin. His car was still in there, one of the last few stragglers that hadn’t decided to leave the school yet for one reason or another. Morgana had gone on ahead and taken his car, trusting Merlin to bring Arthur home when they got done studying.

If only the bloody idiot would show up.

He sighed, dumping the bag on the ground and leaning against the brick wall. The last thing he really wanted was the hunt Merlin down but that’s what it looked like he was going to have to do. Merlin probably got distracted with homework or something as equally boring.

Grunting, he headed for the doors and up the stairs, checking both the chemistry labs and the library only to find them Merlin-less. He knew he had to be scowling as he headed down the math hall.

A loud clang followed by voices caught his attention has he turned the corner. Arthur froze, recognizing the familiar head of black hair that was pinned against the lockers. Blood was trailing down from a bloodied lip and a bruise forming at the edge of an eye.

He also recognized the man standing menacingly in front of him.

“Valiant!” Arthur was across the room and in the other teens face. “What the hell is the matter with you?”

“Arthur!” Valiant paled, backing away. “Hey man,” he muttered.

From the corner of his eye, Arthur saw Merlin snatching up his books, wiping away the blood. That just made him angrier. Valiant obviously saw that on his face and scrambled back.

“Look, man, we were just talking. Right?” Valiant sent Merlin a deadly look over Arthur’s shoulder that he caught.

Merlin glared back at him, before shifting uncomfortably, avoiding Arthur’s eyes. “Yeah, talking.”

What the hell was Merlin doing? Any idiot with half a brain could see that talking was the last thing they were doing. Well, Merlin might have been talking but it seemed that Valiant had other ideas. He sent him a look that conveyed his thoughts. But Merlin just kept his eyes averted.

“Get the hell out of here,” He hissed at the Valiant, who skittered off, taking off with obvious relief. The clang of metal of the door slamming echoed down the hallway, evidence of Valiant’s haste to get away.

Merlin was shoving his books into bag when Arthur turned to look at him. “You okay?”

“I’m fine.” Still refusing to look Arthur’s way.

“You sure?” Merlin just gave another nod. “Wanna tell me what that was about?”

“Nope,” Merlin replied, standing up.

There was finally eye contact and any annoyance Arthur may have felt vanished in an instant. “Damn it!” Merlin jumped, startled. “How am I supposed to protect you if you won’t even tell me what’s wrong!”

Merlin’s face suddenly darkned. Arthur blinked. “I don’t need your help. I can take care of myself, alright?!”

“Obviously not!” Arthur reached out, barely brushing the rapidly darkening busied skin. It was enough to make Merlin flinch back and he dropped his hand. “Jesus, Merlin…” his voice softened.

“I don’t need anyone to protect me Arthur. Especially not you.” Merlin glared at him and left, leaving a dumbstruck Arthur behind wondering what the hell just happened.

It didn’t even occur to him until he reached the parking lot to find Merlin’s car gone that he’d have to interrupt Morgana’s date and plead for a ride home.

This day just couldn’t get any worse.

oOoOoOoOoOo

Arthur had been going to Dr. Gaius as long as he could remember. The man had been the one to give him shots, followed by a sucker (when his father wasn’t looking), up to the yearly physical that he had to have for whatever sport his father decided that he should try.

Which explained how he found himself being herded into the tiny, yet lavishly decorated, waiting room early Saturday morning.

Arthur gave a the room a cursory glance, taking in the drab but expensive chairs and plastic plants that probably hadn’t been changed out since he was a child, and did a double take when he caught sight of the slight figure in one of the chairs, hunched over a cellphone. For a second he was sure he was seeing things but closer look confirmed his suspicions. There was no mistaking those painfully large ears and bandana wrapped around the wrist.

Merlin.

He moved to stand in front the other teen, catching Uther’s curious glance before it landed on Merlin and shifted to disdain. Merlin either didn’t notice that he was there or just didn’t care because he didn’t look up from where he seemed to be playing a game of tetris. Coughing, Arthur slipped into the seat beside him.

This seemed to finally catch Merlin’s attention because he jumped, eyes wide, and gaped there for a moment. For some reason that Arthur didn’t want to examine he felt his chest tighten.

“Merlin,” Arthur began, before pausing, unsure what to say next.

“Arthur.” Merlin sounded nervous but that really didn’t make sense. “What are you doing here?”

“I was going to ask you the same question.”

All he got in response was a shrug. Merlin turned to stare at the empty phone screen for a long moment then snapped it closed and tucked it into the pocket of his black hoodie.

“How have you been?”

“Good, though I’m guessing Morgana’s already told you that.” Arthur didn’t even have the grace to look guilty.

“It’s not like I can get you to talk to me.”

“We don’t have anything to talk about.”

“Merlin…”

“Merlin!”

Both of the boys jerked at the voice. They turned to find Gaius standing beside the receptionist’s desk, looking more annoyed than anything.

“Gaius.” There was obvious relief in Merlin’s voice and Arthur didn’t know whether to be offended or not. Merlin sprang out of the seat, snatching up his backpack so fast Arthur was surprised Merlin didn’t get whiplash.

Gaius’ expression softened as he looked the teen over and then he blinked when he caught sight of Arthur. He glanced around to see Uther leaning against a wall beside a tall plastic fern and give him a nod. “Merlin,” he turned back, “You’re late.”

Merlin’s sheepish reply of ‘am not’ wasn’t very effective. All he got for his effort was a roll of the eyes.

“Come on then.” He motioned toward the backroom, letting Merlin pass him.

“Jeez, you would think you were heading to your death sentence, not having me bring lunch,” followed by Gaius’ answer of “I’ve had your mother’s experiments in cooking before. I’m just lucky I’m doctor,” could be heard as the two disappeared down the hallway.

Arthur nearly fell out of his seat as he leaned over trying to keep sight of them.

oOoOoOoOoOo

“Everything looks good.”

Not that Uther expected anything less.

Gaius gave the clipboard another quick once over, nodding. Everything looked in order.

“I don’t like him.”

The words made Gaius give a start, pen posed over the paper, ready to sign it and hand it over to one of the nurses to copy. “Who?”

“The druid. Merlin.”

“That’s too bad.”

Uther obviously realized that Gaius was brushing off his words and didn’t like it one bit. “It’s unbecoming for him to be seen here. He’s a druid. Just having him around will reflect badly on you and this office.”

Gaius stiffened. “I’m sure I’ll manage,” he replied, his voice cold.

“Gaius, I’m only worried about you.”

“You don’t need to.” He scribbled his name down and slammed the manila folder closed. Snagging a passing nurse outside, he handed it over to her. Gaius didn’t even look as Uther headed out of the office. “He’s my nephew, Uther.”

Uther froze in the door way, his hand tightening on the frame.

“Hunith’s son.”

He spun around to stare his friend, stunned. “Hunith?” “I wasn’t even aware she was back in Camelot. I have seen her since--.”

“Igraine’s funeral,” Gaius finished. “She moved back a few years ago, not long after Merlin’s powers started showing.”

“And Merlin’s father?”

There was a shrug. “She doesn’t like to talk about it.”

The expression on Uther’s face was nothing short of stunned. He just stood there blinking. “How--- how’s she been?”

“Good. She’s doing well.”

“That’s good.” He took a deep breath, rubbing his face.” Gaius--,” he started but was cut off.

“I’ll call you in few days with the results of the blood work.”

Uther looked like he was going to say something but thought better of it, just nodded and left.

oOoOoOoOoOo

Morgana appeared right beside Merlin’s locker the following Monday, scaring the living hell out of him. “Jesus…” His grip tightened on his calculus book. “Do you have to do that?”

She didn’t answer, just stared at him.

“What?”

“Will you please talk to him?”

Not this again. “Morgana…”

“Please?” She begged. “He’s just been miserable the past few days and a prat to boot. More so than usual that is.”

“He’s always a prat. Somehow I can’t see that getting any worse,” he replied.

“For me? Please?”

Merlin sighed, shaking his head.

“Just come over tonight and give him a chance. All he wanted to do was protect you. You can’t fault him for that. All you’re succeeding in is being an unreasonable ass.”

Morgana was right.

Damn.

“Fine,” he muttered. “I’ll come over tonight.”

oOoOoOoOoOo

This was a very bad idea.

That was all Merlin could think as he took another gulp of the probably very expensive scotch. He was already well on his way to being drunk. Something that Arthur obviously noticed, if the smirk on his face was anything to go by.

Arthur laughed. “I knew that whole alcohol-is-bad-for-magic thing was just a ruse. You’re just a light weight!”

Merlin replied by smacking him upside the head with a pillow, which made a satisfying thud.

There was a stunned look for a few minutes before Arthur launched himself at Merlin, knocking him to the floor. “I win!”

All he got in reply was a snort as Merlin rolled his eyes. “You’re drunk.”

“Am not!” Arthur defended, but any effect his words may have had was gone the moment he leaned too far to the left and flailed to the ground beside Merlin. “Ow.”

“Drunk.” was all Merlin said.

Arthur didn’t even dignify that with a response. He just looked thoughtfully at Merlin. Usually this would be enough to make Merlin wary but he was too busy starting at the ceiling.

So Arthur did the only thing he thought was natural.

He leaned down and kissed him.

oOoOoOoOoOo

The first thing Merlin realized when he struggled back to consciousness was the fact that the sun was way too bright and why was it way too bright since he knew his bed was facing away from the window. This was followed by ouchpainpoundinghead as he tried to open his eyes and got a face full of sunlight.

A groan escaped him and he buried himself under the covering, wondering if this was his brother’s idea of a joke. Then he froze as a tan arm was thrown over his side, wrapping around his waist and pulling him against a muscled chest.

Blinking, Merlin fought against the desire to just pass back out. He carefully began to extract himself from beneath the arm, tensing when it tightened his grip.

Merlin swayed a little as he got to his feet and glanced around, realizing that this was not in fact his room. For starters, it was far too large, not to mention the almost angry red shade of the walls. This was also followed by the realization that he was missing his shirt.

“Good morn’ng.” There was a creak from the bed behind him as someone got up.

He spun around then relaxed, recognizing the blonde haired teen almost immediately. Arthur seemed to be more interested in the shirt that was hanging from his wrist than how they had both ended up half naked in bed together.

Merlin opened his mouth to say something but the only thing that came out was a groan as Arthur opened the curtains, causing the already bright room even brighter.

There was an amused look from Arthur. “If I had known that all it would take to shut you up would be to get you drunk then I would have done it a long time ago.”

“Drunk?” Merlin asked. “Is that what happened last night.”

Arthur went blank, his amusement fading. “You don’t remember?”

“Um… I remember Morgana and us talking and… it kind of gets a little fuzzy about there.” He ran a hand through his already messy hair, trying desperately to remember something more. Something important. But, damnit, he couldn’t seem to remember just what it was.

The look on Arthur’s face made it clear that this wasn’t what he wanted to hear. He just crossed the room, picking up what appeared to be Merlin’s own shirt and tossed it over.

Merlin caught it and shook it out.

Hands trailed up his side, shoving their way under his shirt and wouldn’t you just know that Arthur would be just as pushy in this as well. This was pushed away along with any other thought as the shirt was pushed over his head and suddenly there was skin on skin and a sensation of hotgoodmore.

Merlin shook his head, trying to figure out if that was actually a memory or just a figment of his overactive imagination. Suddenly Arthur was there, right in front of him. Soft lips were pressed to his, quick but sure. Merlin though he saw fear and trepidation cross Arthur’s face as he moved back.

“Huh,” Merlin replied. “Okay then.”

He grabbed Arthur by the scruff of the neck and pulled him back in.

“Prat.,” he murmured against his lips.

oOoOoOoOoOo

Things fell together with surprising ease. The two both took the new direction of their relationship in stride. It seemed like a natural progression. Morgana didn’t so much as blink and Gwen seemed pleased. Lance was heard mumbling something about losing twenty dollars but that was ignored.

So of course everything had to fall apart.

It was only natural. 



Part 3