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Merlin removes his coat, tosses it carelessly on the 涂层, 外套 hanger and makes his way to the kitchen. He is back in his own apartment. He wasn’t planning to do so but after the meeting with Uther, he couldn’t bring himself back to Arthur’s, at least for now. First he needs to freshen himself up. Too much happened in the last twenty-four hours, and he really could use some time for himself. He pours himself a good cup of milk, fishes out a cookie from the jar and walks back to his room. He takes a huge chunk from the cookie and munches as his brain works the events of the day. Though he’s glad he’s out of Uther’s den, he still fears for what lies ahead. He knows Uther isn’t someone who will lay down his rules and accept anyone he deems not worthy as easily as we can spell his name. But since he still claims to be willing to give it a try, should Merlin be afraid 或者 relieved? Uther? Is he for real? Merlin thinks as he takes another bite out of his cookie. Uther seems very 苦 with Arthur’s choice and of course with Elena’s rejection. But he also seems adamant in getting to know Gwen. And asking Merlin to investigate about her. What is Uther planning to do? What’s going on in that old man’s head? Is this a trap 或者 is he genuinely being honest with his intentions? Merlin shakes his head, finishes his cookie, dusts of the crumbs from his 衬衫 and drains half the cup of milk.
‘Is Uther pulling my leg?’ Merlin thinks and walks over to the window, pulls the drapes aside and looks out. The night sea of buildings and houses beneath him is simply breathtaking. Merlin feels his mind relaxing just 由 sweeping over the view beneath him. Many times before, when he had been distraught he would simply look below and allow the magnificent view of the buildings and houses to calm him down. They are simple buildings, some of them ancient and should be considered historic, yet they have such magnetism over him regardless 日 或者 night. He finishes his 牛奶 and wipes his mouth with the back of his hand. His head throbs and he wants to sleep but he can’t, at least not until he gets some of his misery off his chest. He needs to talk and Leon isn’t around, Gwaine has his work to concentrate on and Arthur is not even an option. Who can Merlin rely upon? Gwen? No way is he going to trouble her with his matter and after all the issue involves her too. No, no way! Gwen is out of 问题 just like Arthur. Merlin thinks heavily and sighs. Looks like he might have to keep the thing cooped in his chest temporarily. He shakes his head, turns on his heels and walks back out to the kitchen. He lays the cup on the 表 and pouts, thinking what he might do next. Uther’s issues are still bothering him and he knows he will never be able to sleep unless he does something about it… but what?
“Damn 你 Uther? Why do 你 have to screw with my life? Haven’t 你 been doing that enough?” Merlin smashes his fist against the 墙 and takes in a huge breath. He is disturbed and clearly distraught. He had been thinking about Uther all the way home, pondering over the events and thinking of the repercussions of the meeting though he hates thinking about it. It makes him sick and he wishes he didn’t exist today. He just wishes he had vanished, off somewhere until the matter has resolved. But he can’t and now he has to help Uther find out about Gwen. Why can’t Uther just accept Gwen like everyone else? What is wrong with her? How could she not fit in? And what’s with the division of classes that seems so important to him?
A loud noise from inside his stomach halts his thinking a while. He pats his belly and remembers he hasn’t taken his dinner. “Curse 你 Uther!” he scolds and walks back out from the kitchen. He is hungry but he doesn’t feel like cooking today. He wants to eat out and that should freshen him as well. He walks briskly to his room, opens his shirt, throws into the laundry bag and strips down to his briefs. He tosses his clothes into the hamper as he walks into his bathroom. He closes the door and turns on the shower. The water cools him and Merlin feels his muscles relaxing. It had been a long hard 日 at work, and later, Uther’s meeting piled 更多 stress on him. He rakes through his hair, thinking back to Uther’s words. ‘Girls of that class’. It leaves a 苦 taste in his mouth and his cheek clenches thinking of those words. How dare Uther say something as nasty like about someone he barely knows? What does he know about Gwen and how superior is Elena in terms of class? Class, Merlin thinks in disgust. Water trickles down his neck and follows right down his spine. He spits out in frustration. Class, they are nothing but an excuse for the rich to highlight how powerful they are. A tool used so often to distinguish themselves from the poor; to separate humans among humans. What is there to gain anyway? God created everyone alike, yet it is humans who separate themselves from each other; most notably through class. So how good is the upper class compared to the lower ones? Merlin lifts his aching neck and allows the 淋浴 to beat upon his skin. ‘Girls of that class’ the phrase replays in his mind over and over again. Merlin punches the 墙 of his bathroom and hurts his knuckle.
‘What did Uther actually mean 由 that?’ Merlin asks himself loudly. He knows Uther is comparing Gwen to those uncivilized tarts Merlin often spotted at the night 俱乐部 but Uther really should have known better than that. Gwen might not be of their class but she surely has the 心 of all classes combined. And she proves to be “upper” in all departments. Merlin turns off the knob of the 淋浴 and steps out from his bathroom, wrapping the towel around him. Water drips from the strands of his hair down his face but he walks right to his 床, 床上 and sits down. Raking through his hair with both hands again, he sighs and looks down at the floor. Apparently today’s meeting with Uther is eating at him. He is split; thinking if he should tell Arthur about the meeting 或者 not. If Arthur learns about Uther’s opinion of Gwen, he will storm right up to Uther and God knows what he will do. Merlin knows how protective Arthur is about those he loves, and Gwen is his heartbeat. If Arthur knows his father thinks less of his 爱情 and the girl Arthur’s 心 belongs to, Arthur will kill his father. Yes, there’s no doubt about that. And that’s the last thing Merlin wants. So, he decides not to talk about it with Arthur. But he still needs to tell someone, 或者 he’ll have a bleeding 心 tomorrow. Maybe Gwaine. Yes, first he will have his 晚餐 and later he’ll call his friend to inform what happened. Merlin lifts his chin and thumbs off the droplets from his hair. ‘Yes, I will talk to Gwaine. But first, food' he says and lifts himself up before walking over to his clothing cupboard.
Lancelot finishes his beer, pays the bill and steps down from the 粪便, 凳子 he’d been sitting on. As he turns, he knocks someone down. He himself staggers backwards and manages to grab the edge of the counter from falling down. The crowd gasps while some just watch in shock.
Lancelot takes a 秒 to recover from the shock and when he does, his mouth gapes. “Oh shit! Are 你 all right?” he asks as he rushes to the aid of the person he knocks down and kneels beside him. As he turns the person over, Lancelot’s eyes widens in amazement and bewilderment, both rolled into one.
“Merlin!” Lancelot almost shouts and quickly grabs Merlin’s arm, helping him to sit up. The crowd keeps watching the two of them though some have gone back minding their business.
“Lancelot?” Merlin looks at Lancelot, his brow raised in surprise.
“Yeah, it’s me all right… but what are 你 doing here?”
“I came 由 to have my dinner, you?”
“Same, though I stayed for a 啤酒 或者 two.”
“This is a surprise indeed… help me up, will you?” Merlin asks, and Lancelot gets up to his feet and then helps his friend. He also helps to dust Merlin’s pants, which are covered with tiny specks of dust and sand. Merlin wipes his hand and looks around. Smiling sheepishly, he nudges Lancelot’s elbow. Lancelot looks to where Merlin is looking and smiles back at Merlin.
“It’s all right folks… he is my friend and he is all right,” Lancelot tells the crowd and the remaining group still interested in these two finally disperses. Lancelot blows softly while Merlin laughs to himself.
“Fancy meeting 你 here, Merlin.”
“Why is that?”
“I mean… this is not a highly standardized place… what I mean is, this is just a local favourite and guys like 你 often… 你 know, would prefer five 星, 星级 places… something like that.”
“Lancelot, I am not one of those guys and I’ll eat anywhere… as long as they can satisfy my appetite,” Merlin finishes and looks around. “I heard the menu is outstanding here… is it true?”
“The best it can offer.”
“Are 你 heading somewhere?” Merlin asks as Lancelot adjusts his 衬衫 and rakes through his hair.
“No, why?”
“Then perhaps would 你 加入 me while I have my dinner? I could use the company and besides, I’m new and still clueless with the menu… your recommendations will help me to get the best they offer,” Merlin tells Lancelot.
Lancelot thinks a while and takes a look at his watch. Merlin notes how uneasy Lancelot seems with the suggestion.
“If you’re busy, it’s fine”
“No… I was thinking why on earth are 你 having your 晚餐 at this hour?” Lancelot smiles at Merlin. “Of course I’ll accompany you. It’s not everyday 你 run into a friend like you.”
“There 你 go, Lancelot,” Merlin pats Lancelot’s shoulder and both walks over to an empty 表 由 the corner and sits down. Lancelot hails for a waitress, finds a girl and urges her to come over their table. The waitress politely asks them to wait as she is busy taking orders from the 表 opposite them. Lancelot nods and turns his attention back to Merlin.
“You are right… looks at all this food. My, my, my… I’m famished just 由 looking at the menu,” Merlin says, flipping the menu over. Lancelot laughs and leans back.
“Been working late, have we?”
“Well, in a way… and I had to meet someone and the discussion took 更多 time of mine than I thought.”
“It’s sickening isn’t? Just when 你 have plans for something else, someone just manages to wreck your day.”
“Oh, tell me about it… actually,” Merlin pauses as the waitress approaches them with her notebook, poised to take their orders. “Will 你 do me the honours Lancelot?”
“Sure,” the latter says and orders the best dishes the diners’ offers. The girl takes everything down, repeats the orders, picks the menu and leaves the table.
“That sure is mouthful, all those 你 ordered?”
“Wait till you’ve tasted it… you’ll be coming here often. This place got me hooked through one of their specialty… their soup”
“Did 你 order that?”
“Yup, sure did,” Lancelot says with a smile. “Now tell me… what’s bothering you?”
“Huh?”
“I know something’s troubling you, Merlin. 你 have been looking around the place as if trying to find something interesting and your mind isn’t here, its elsewhere. And your eyes, they look troubled. Come on, 你 wouldn’t be asking for a company if 你 weren’t upset.”
“Really, Lancelot,” Merlin laughs off nervously with a wave of his hand. “You can’t mean that.”
“But I do. Look, I know I should mind my own business but if 你 need to talk, I’m all ears… that’s all I’m saying,” Lancelot assures.
“Appreciate that, but I’m fine actually. Tired, yes, but upset… no,” Merlin lies.
“I believe you,” Lancelot 回复 coolly and crosses his hand across his chest. “How is Arthur?”
“Oh, he’s fine. In fact he’s over the moon as we speak.” Merlin says. “Did 你 know he is in 爱情 with Gwen?”
“Yes,” Lancelot 回复 honestly and tries to shut the pain from his eyes. “I heard from Gwen.”
“Gwen? She told you? What did she say?” Merlin leans forward, excited, hands resting on the table.
“She’d been very nervous all morning, trying to stay calm though she couldn’t. She told me about her feelings for Arthur and unsure if what she feels for him is 爱情 或者 else but confirms there will be no other man in her life except Arthur.”
“Really?” Merlin’s eyes widen in happiness. After enduring horrible 日 with Uther, this news is a blessing indeed. How happy if Gwaine and Leon can hear this as well.
“Yeah. And she was afraid. She told me about their temporary breakup and how Arthur been hiding his own feelings for her. She was afraid of being let down again if she confronts him once more. But I know she loves him, very much. It’s there for all to see.”
“You’re right. She is in 爱情 with him all right just like Arthur is with her. But that arse made it hard for her, 你 know? If it was someone else, they would have left him for good. Thank heavens Gwen is entirely a different league.”
“Can’t deny that… she is different,” Lancelot almost whispers and looks away, much to Merlin’s amazement. “I have never met anyone like her, Merlin… never in my life, and I won’t ever again, I believe,” Lancelot adds. Merlin nods and tries to follow Lancelot but his mind are already tweaking somewhere else.
“She’s beautiful, intelligent, very independent and an absolute no-nonsense girl, I’d say. The first time I met her, I thought her to be nothing 更多 than a girl with just a pretty face but she proved me wrong. Her feistiness bought me over and soon had me eating out of her hands. She knows how to bring balance in her work and life; something I lack, of course, but after spending my time working with her, I learned a thing 或者 two of that trait. And she’s compassionate, too. There’s no telling how many would give statements on that particular trait of hers.”
“I noticed a few things myself, when I met her in the hospital” Merlin adds softly. But Lancelot isn’t listening. He is in his own world, a world he shares with Gwen. That much is obvious.
“I wish I had known her longer, Merlin…” Lancelot sighs heavily, eyes still looking elsewhere. “But, it’s a bit too late for that isn’t it?”
‘Is Lancelot in 爱情 with Gwen?’ Merlin keeps asking himself.
“She deserves all the happiness in the world… hopefully Arthur can give her that,” Lancelot adds.
“Lancelot?”
“Yeah?” this time Lancelot does turn around to meet Merlin.
“Are 你 in 爱情 with Gwen?”
“What?” Lancelot is stunned. ‘Surely Merlin can’t know that?’ He asks himself. Merlin keeps watching him. Lancelot feels uneasy. ‘Why did Merlin ask him that? How did… God!’ Lancelot winces as if in pain. He remembers now! He had unexpectedly revealed his feelings through his expression, a while ago! His confession! Merlin must have noted the way he spoke of Gwen. ‘God! God, help me’ Lancelot slams his hand on his face, covering it in shame.
“Lancelot?”
“I’m sorry, Merlin… I am ashamed for what I’ve done.”
“But what did 你 do?”
“I just let the cat out of the bag? I told 你 my feelings for Gwen!” Lancelot removes his hand from his face and faces Merlin, his eyes sad and hurt.
“That, I noticed, but what I don’t understand is why are 你 feeling sorry for it?”
“She belongs to Arthur and I shouldn’t be talking about her like I just was. It’s not appropriate and courtly. I’m sorry, Merlin. It must’ve been awkward for you, I’d say.”
“Come on, Lancelot,” Merlin laughs. “There’s no reason for 你 to be sorry for this. It’s not your fault, 或者 anyone’s, for that matter” Merlin assures. “Besides, it’s not us who determines whom we fall in 爱情 with. It’s just been written for us, that’s all. This sort of thing happens in our lives everyday. 你 移动 on and get through it, I suppose.”
“But it’s still not appropriate Merlin. Both Gwen and Arthur are my 老友记 and I’d like to cherish that bond for as long as I can,” Lancelot still argues, shaking his head is dismay.
“I understand and I’m not saying 你 are wrong. All I’m saying is, it’s not 你 at fault here, Lancelot. I know 你 must’ve had some sort of feelings for Gwen; only she doesn’t seem to feel the same for you. Like I said, it’s part of your fate, and despite the heartbreak, 你 will learn to 移动 on. But as for her, she’s lucky because the person she loves, loves her back. That’s their fate and future. So, to have the feelings stocked right here,” Merlin points to his chest. “And unable to confide in fear of unleashing your passion, can be pretty unhealthy, Lancelot. 你 should be grateful 你 just did, though thankfully to me instead of Arthur,” Merlin laughs. Lancelot smiles. “What I’m saying is, it’s all right to 爱情 anyone; after all 爱情 is unconditional but sometimes, not all we hope for is granted. Not all people we love, will 爱情 us back. Gwen isn’t for 你 Lancelot but one day, 你 will meet your special one and then you’ll find limitless happiness burgeoning back in your life.”
Lancelot thinks over what Merlin has just 说 and knows there are some truths in it. Life goes on and so must he. He met Gwen and liked her. But he was fighting his own game in his pursuit of his love, Gwen only saw him as her friend and no one can blame her. She had someone else waiting, her true love. And Lancelot is happy for both of them. He will bury his own feelings, carry on with his work and discover what life actually has lined up. And in the midst of all the chaos of his life, he might actually meet someone meant for him. Who knows? After all, everyone has someone waiting for them. His own match is somewhere, waiting to be found. Only time separates them.
“Lancelot?” Merlin waves his hand in front of Lancelot’s face, waking him from his 日 dream.
“Sorry,” Lancelot purses his lips and smiles.
“No, I’m sorry for reminding 你 of your past,” Merlin apologises. “Didn’t mean that actually.”
“Of course 你 didn’t. And there’s nothing to be sorry about, Merlin. I knew somehow it would never work, and I’m pretty fine about it. But how come 你 know so much about relationships?” Lancelot is intrigued.
“I read.”
“Really?”
“Hmmm…” Merlin laughs, followed 由 Lancelot. “I appreciate your respect for Gwen, knowing she belongs to someone and distancing yourself from her, I salute you.”
“No Merlin, anyone in my place would do the same… even Arthur” Lancelot replies.
“Yes, that I agree,” Merlin says and looks around in worry. “Is the 食物 here always this late?”
“No, this is unusual…” Lancelot hails his hand and a waiter, in the age of late twenties approaches them. Lancelot enquires about the 食物 and the waiter assures them it will be served in short while. Merlin watches how calm Lancelot deals with the situation. He would have 迷失 his cool and with his hunger eating him up from inside, he would have barged right into the 厨房 and 给 some strong words to the chef. But Lancelot is still able to negotiate the conversation.
“Please hurry up, my friend here is hungry and he is suffering from gastric pain all day. He had been advised to take his meals on time, 晚餐, 晚饭 included,” Lancelot lies. “Please hurry.”
“Sure sir, sure. I apologise for the delay. Will see to it immediately,” the waiter says and leaves. Lancelot turns back towards Merlin and winks.
“Now that’s wicked!” Merlin remarks, shaking his head in disbelief.
“Sometimes, we have to lie if 你 need certain things. Like 你 said, it’s not wrong as long 你 use it wisely.”
“True… true” Merlin says and his mind wanders off to the conversation he had earlier with Uther. He lied about his knowledge of Arthur’s 爱情 with Gwen. Though he feels disturbed about the lies, he knows that is the best solution for the moment. Uther is planning something devilishly cunning and if Merlin is to help his friends, he must carry on with his lies.
“Merlin?”
“Hmm,” Merlin wakes from his dreams, looks up and Lancelot points out at the waitress, standing 由 their 表 with a tray in her hands. She smiles at Merlin.
“Right… my food” Merlin rubs his hands in 欢乐合唱团 and waits as the waitress lays all the 食物 on the table. “Thank you,” he says when she is finished.
“You’re most welcome, sir,” she steps back, her smile never leaving her lips, a quick look at Lancelot and she returns back to her kitchen.
Merlin picks up his spoon and pulls the 汤 bowl closer to him. With grace, he scoops the 汤 into his mouth. The 汤 is delicious and like Lancelot mentioned earlier, it is without a doubt the diner’s special.
“This is brilliant, Lancelot,” Merlin says, scooping 更多 汤 into his mouth.
“I told you,” Lancelot says and leans back, leaving Merlin to enjoy the soup.
“Thank you, Lancelot, for bringing me here. I’m going to get the other lads come here as often I can, from now on. I am sure they will 爱情 it, especially Gwaine,” Merlin says.
“I like to meet them someday” Lancelot says.
Merlin wipes his mouth with the napkin and nods. “Yes, that is a must. I want them to meet 你 too… 你 will 爱情 them, Lancelot. Trust me,” Merlin winks.
Lancelot laughs and looks away, leaving Merlin to enjoy his food. His mind crawls back to Gwen and Arthur. Merlin is right. Gwen isn’t for him, never was. Only he had his hopes high and now, facing the heartbreak alone. But this is a lesson for him. He must learn to 移动 on from here, take it on the chin and explore 更多 possibilities. This isn’t the end of the world. And this isn’t the end of his life. There are plenty of girls waiting and wanting to be discovered. Maybe one day, he will come across her? Lancelot smiles and turns back towards Merlin who seems to be busily engaged in his meal. Lancelot leans against the chair and summons for another beer. ‘This is going to be a long day… another 啤酒 wouldn’t hurt’ he thinks and waits for his drink.
Arthur pats the 床, 床上 and searches for his shirt. He is learning to dress himself, without his friends’ aid and so far, he can manage to put on his trousers without trouble. 下一个 stop, his shirt. But where the hell is his shirt? He remembers laying it on the 床, 床上 before he headed to his bathroom. But now, it’s not there anymore. Arthur continues to pat the 床, 床上 and circles it slowly. But the 衬衫 is not anywhere on the bed.
“Bloody hell!” he shouts to himself and sits down at the edge of the bed. “Where could it be?”
“Where could what be, Arthur?”
“Guinevere!” Arthur’s says happily, his stress disappearing at the arrival of his lady love. “Your arrival couldn’t be timelier than now.”
“What’s the matter?” Gwen asks as she closes the distance between her and Arthur. “I heard 你 cursing.”
“I can’t find my shirt, I know I placed it here on the 床, 床上 before I went off to take my bath, and now I can’t find it.”
“That’s all, and you’re cursing already?”
“You have no idea how frustrating that can be.”
“Well, first getting frustrated on each single thing isn’t going to help 你 locate your stuff. When we know we are not perfect, we must take time to deal with matters at hand. In your case, 你 know what 你 lack Arthur and therefore, 你 must be patient 或者 else, you’ll fail, even without trying.”
“Guinevere…”
“I know 你 hate 建议 and this isn’t one. This is just a friendly note to teach 你 how to deal with your short temper and impatience. First, frustrations have to go. 你 must be patient enough to deal with complications, Arthur. Clear your mind and take a deep breath. Allow yourself to relax and try to think where 你 last put your shirt. When your mind is clear, it’ll be able to work better. So, can 你 relax now?”
“I’m sorry, Guinevere, this is crazy! I can’t…” whatever he plans to say never makes it out as Gwen plants her lips on his. “Dear God,” he mutters as the 吻乐队（Kiss） deepens. Gwen’s lips part and Arthur pushes his tongue urgently into her mouth. He trails one hand down her throat while the other cups her cheek.
Gwen is on fire. Arthur’s 吻乐队（Kiss） is both warm and sensuous. The scent of his skin, the fragrance of the soap he used was all around her. Gwen feels as if she is breathing him in, absorbing him through every pore. Though she initiated the kiss, it is Arthur who seems to be in command and she willingly gives in to his need.
The 吻乐队（Kiss） lasts nearly five 分钟 and when Gwen pulls away, softly; Arthur’s anger has disappeared and he looks relaxed. Gwen smiles and crosses her hand as Arthur licks his lips, smiling at her.
“And 你 were saying?” she laughs as she asks him.
“That was on a purpose, isn’t it?” he asks, referring to their earlier kiss.
“Well, I cured your stress and look how relaxed 你 are. 你 should be thanking me, Arthur.”
“Yes, I am relaxed, but 你 also made me very seriously in need of something else right now…”
“And what could that be, I wonder?”
“Come a little closer and I’ll 显示 you.”
“Forget it, Arthur!” Gwen laughs followed 由 Arthur. “Anyway, why don’t 你 look for your 衬衫 now?”
“Right,” Arthur sighs and thinks a while. And after that, he stands up and makes his way to his table. There he finds his 衬衫 hanging over his chair. He picks it up and smiles to himself, almost in embarrassment.
“All right… 你 can say it now,” he tells her, turning around.
“Say what, Arthur?”
“I told 你 so,” he says and slips the 衬衫 on. Gwen moves towards him and helps him to button it up.
“I noted the 衬衫 when I walked in and was surprised to find 你 cursing as 你 apparently thought the 衬衫 to be on the bed. So to teach you, I didn’t know any other way except play this game. It worked and now 你 know how important it is to stay calm?”
“I do… but 你 know what the most interesting part of this game was?”
“What?” Gwen pretends not to know.
“Your kiss,” Arthur says and Gwen playfully cups his cheek with both hands and shakes it. Planting a peck on his nose, she steps away. Arthur attempts to grab her but she is quicker and he is resigned to have lost. Gwen laughs, walks over to his 床, 床上 and picks up his cane. She walks back to him, places the cane firmly in his grasp and closes his fingers around it.
“Do 你 want me to roll your sleeves?” she asks.
“No, I’m fine. I’ll do it. I want to do everything on my own today… practice to live without my friends.”
“That’s very good, Arthur… very good indeed,” she says proudly, smirking.
“So, looks like the spare key I gave 你 yesterday is coming in handy,” Arthur says, rolling his sleeves
“Yeah… but I was quite scared to walk in without making any noise.”
“And why is that? This is your home; I told 你 that didn’t I?”
“I know, but that’s not the issue…”
“Then?”
“Oh, this is quite embarrassing actually. Since your 老友记 are here too, I was hoping none of them were sleeping 或者 wandering around naked… 你 know, this is, after all, an all-boy’s compound and 你 can’t see if they’re naked 或者 not. So… 你 get what I mean, Arthur?” Gwen is really embarrassed binging this up in Arthur’s presence.
But he isn’t listening as he bursts into rapturous laughter the moment Gwen tells him of her worries. “That’s funny, Guinevere,” he says and continues to laugh.
“I wouldn’t know who’d be 更多 embarrassed, me 或者 them,” she tells him, shaking her head watching Arthur laugh at her silliness.
“I know, I understand… but God!” Arthur laughs again. “I really hope it happens and though I can’t see, I still want it to happen. I want to know how 你 and the lads react! God that will be wicked!”
“That’s very thoughtful of you, Arthur.”
“Oh come on, sweetheart, it’s a joke” Arthur taps his way to her and Gwen accepts his hug though she doesn’t give him one in return. “Still angry with me?”
“No, but if 你 keep laughing, I’ll be!”
“Nope, no!! It’s forgotten, I’m on your team now. I will not laugh,” Arthur says and tries his best to contain his laughter.
“I’ll be watching, mister,” Gwen teases him and helps him to his bed. She removes her hand and watches as he continues to dress on his own. “Actually, I came 由 for an important request, Arthur.”
“What is it?”
“I want 你 have 晚餐 with me and my family tonight, at my house.”
“What?” Arthur drops his comb and Gwen helps to get it, thrusting it back into his hands and clasping it close.
“I want you…”
“Yes, I heard 你 the first time, Guinevere… but, what’s the hurry?” Arthur is uneasy with the request and he isn’t afraid to 显示 them on his face 或者 his voice.
Gwen is puzzled. “I thought 你 wanted to meet my brother.”
“I do… I really do, but not now! No, not after learning about your father.”
“Arthur, we’ve been through this before!” Gwen sighs.
“Guinevere, the truth still stays. I killed your father and meeting your brother, knowing I deprived him of his father… how do 你 think I’d feel?”
“This is ridiculous, Arthur. We’ve had enough discussions about this and I made it very clear 你 had nothing to do with my father’s death. It was an accident and that’s it. Please drill this information into your mind permanently, because I am sick and fed up of telling 你 constantly! My father’s dead. Nothing 你 say 或者 do will bring him back alive. Elyan knows about us and we have his blessings. He wants to meet 你 tonight because he’s coming down for a 日 only. He should be at 首页 由 now and will leave tomorrow morning. And before he does, he wants to meet you. Now, will 你 come 或者 what?” Gwen is pissed and she has every reason to be. Arthur acts like a maniac when it involves her, Elyan and her late father. He keeps shouldering the blame and insists on claiming the accident a gruesome murder, in which he is the murderer of course. And so far she and Merlin had tough time persuading him otherwise. Nothing she says will convince him of the accident and though it was a battle at first, now it’s 更多 like a spoiled record. He likes to repeat the same claim over and over again and Gwen is getting irritated 由 his actions. She would have slapped him if only she didn’t sympathize for his blindness. But now, she really feels like doing so.
“Guinevere?”
“Will 你 come 或者 what, it’s a very simple 问题 and all 你 have to say is yes 或者 no! There’s no need for 你 to dwell on your past, dwell on the repercussion of this meeting and all that shit! It’s a very simple question… so?”
“Guinevere, please…”
“Yes 或者 no?” Gwen taps her foot, obviously very angry and irritated.
“Guinevere,” Arthur looks down, his 心 heavy with the way things are at the moment.
“Yes 或者 no, Arthur, and I’m losing my patience on this issue.”
Arthur is devastated. He wants to meet Guinevere’s family but he can’t bring himself to stand in front of them; in front of her brother, not after what he caused him. Guinevere can protest saying it was an accident but the truth is, Arthur killed her father. That poor man died crushed underneath Arthur’s car. And why? Because he’d been drunk! Why had he been drunk? Because of his father! One event led to another and finally one man, a good family man, was made a sacrifice and Arthur gets to live. This is not fair, not to the man and never for the man’s family. They should be avenging their father’s death, not invite the man who killed their father for dinner. No!! Guinevere is refusing to believe that theory because she is blinded 由 her 爱情 for him. But what about her brother? Surely he should be thinking twice before inviting Arthur into his house. Of course Elyan gave his blessing for their 爱情 and it’s polite of him to invite Arthur over so that Elyan can see what sort of man his sister had chosen to be with for the rest of her life. But that doesn’t mean Arthur needs to comply? No one in sane mind will take this opportunity, no! Not after what he had done to them. Time will heal the pain and then Arthur will meet Elyan. Until then, this distance stays. Regardless Guinevere likes it 或者 not.
“Yes 或者 no?” Gwen’s voice is clearly angry.
“Guinevere, please try to understand…” Arthur tries again.
“Yes 或者 no?” Gwen raises her voice stubbornly.
“Surely 你 must understand why I’m trying…”
“Yes 或者 no, Arthur? It’s all I’m asking,” she cuts him.
“…to avoid this meeting? 你 above all should to know this?” he is equally stubborn. Why can’t she see her perspective? Arthur sighs and closes his eyes, shutting the agony piling in his mind and heart. Why is she adamant that he meets Elyan? Not like there isn’t another 日 或者 Elyan wouldn’t return? There’ll always be tomorrow. What if Elyan is inviting him over to humiliate him, crush him in Guinevere’s presence, make him look like an idiot so that Guinevere hates him? What if Elyan is planning his revenge? Arthur has to laugh at all the thoughts running in his mind. Thankfully his forehead isn’t a teleprompter 或者 Guinevere will know what’s he thinking. Arthur has never met Elyan but he knows Guinevere’s brother is a fine man, a mirror of his father and not all those Arthur just thought of. But why he wants to meet Arthur still puzzles him. Arthur has always been cautious of those he meets, a trait he’s grown up with since child because of the loneliness that surrounded him when his mother died. With just a handful of 老友记 he trusts, he chooses to tread carefully of anyone he comes across with. It had been the same with Guinevere until she won him over. But the same can’t be 说 about her brother. But that’s not Elyan’s mistake. They haven’t met then and now, when Arthur has the chance to do that; he is pulling out.
“If 你 爱情 me like 你 say 你 do Arthur, 你 will answer this bloody question. Will 你 come 或者 not? And this is the last time I’m asking you. Another silence, 你 won’t find me here anymore.”
Arthur gives up. Guinevere can be really stubborn if she puts her 心 into it and today’s a fine example of that. He knows what she’ll do if he keeps refusing her and what ever she does, he will not like it. He is sure of that. Arthur sighs and nods, resigned to losing to her in this battle.
He hears Guinevere shouting happily while he still keeps his head down.
“I 爱情 you, Arthur Pendragon! Be ready at eight… crap!! I’ll set the alarm at seven so that 你 know 你 have an 小时 to be ready before I come to pick 你 up. And then I’ll take 你 to my house. See 你 tonight, darling,” Gwen says happily and rushes out of the room but after a second, she comes running back to him and embraces him warmly, taking him 由 surprise. She plants a long hard 吻乐队（Kiss） on his lips and wipes the lipstick mark and with laughter, she rushes out. Arthur hears the front door closing and with a heavy sigh, he drops back onto the bed.
“How am I going to deal with this tonight? What will I say? How will I react in their presence? God… I need help!” he tells loudly. “I need help, God! Send me anyone… to help me, please!!” he prays again. “Anyone at all!!”
“Gwen’s right Arthur. 你 are an idiot!” Merlin scolds Arthur as the latter is sitting quietly on the sofa while Merlin is circling him, like an angry vulture. Right after Gwen left, Arthur knows he is 迷失 and needed some advice. And no one better to provide it free of charge than Merlin. Arthur was looking to give his friend a ring but Merlin walked into the apartment instead. Arthur explained what happened and thinking his friend has got Arthur’s back; he was in a complete surprise when Merlin turned towards Gwen’s side. He too thinks Arthur should meet with Elyan.
“So now you’re officially on her side huh?”
“Look, Arthur, this has nothing to do with taking sides… I deal situation per situation, and right now, according to what 你 say, I think she’s right. What is wrong meeting with Elyan anyway? Why are 你 afraid of him?”
“It’s not him… I’m afraid of”
“Then?”
“His father,” Arthur replies.
“But…”
“I know, dead. But I’m afraid of facing them… facing Elyan”
“You think he might seek to punish you?”
“That and everything else… Look Merlin! I still feel guilty for what happened and knowing I caused a death in that family, how do 你 expect me to be cool about it and meet Elyan?”
“Come on, Arthur!!! Elyan knows about 你 and what 你 did!! He’s forgiven you.”
“But I haven’t forgiven myself, Merlin!!”
“Holy…” Merlin pauses and throws his hands in the air. “This is ridiculous, Arthur!! Gwen should have slapped 你 for this… just this alone!”
“I know what you’re thinking and I’m not saying it’s wrong but… my conscience?” Arthur asks, shaking his head. Behind him, Merlin shakes his head too, in frustration.
“To hell with your conscience, Arthur. Use your head to think, will you, not your heart, please!” Merlin punches the sofa and keeps circling Arthur.
“Merlin…”
“Arthur, look!” Merlin comes to stand in front of Arthur, grabs him 由 the shoulder, his eyes fixed on Arthur’s face. “I know what happened and I know how 你 feel. I’m not here to argue about your conscience 或者 the guilt 你 feel for what happened in the past. I’m here to advise you, because that’s what 你 requested. Advice. And here’s my advice. Gwen is a lovely girl; she loves 你 and would give up anything for you. And all she’s asking is for 你 to meet her brother. Simple, isn’t it? And as her boyfriend, I think 你 must do that, meet her brother. If 你 can’t do that as her boyfriend than at least do it for the courtesy of the 爱情 你 both share. That beautiful commitment, that everlasting and sacred tie 你 and Gwen are bound with deserves respect; so in honour of that relationship please go and fulfill Gwen’s wish. All those talk about your guilt, conscience and all that bollocks; please shove it somewhere else until 你 have returned from that dinner. Go with an open mind and heart, learn about her brother and family, respect and honour the 爱情 she gave 你 as she’d do the same for 你 and finally when 你 are back home, be alone and think back what happened. Analyse your meeting and then decide if 你 have done the right thing 或者 not. If 你 come 首页 unsatisfied, call me up and when I’m here, be my guest and slap me, 或者 beat me 或者 even push me out the window of this apartment, I don’t care. But if 你 come 首页 feeling satisfied, don’t forget to thank me. So… are 你 going 或者 what?” Merlin asks.
Arthur sighs and smiles, slowly. Merlin smiles and releases Arthur. He thinks he knows what Arthur’s decision is. And he feels relieved, finally. Arthur is an intelligent person; only at times he chooses to listen to his 心 than his head which makes it difficult for the others to advise him. Merlin had never been this rude with Arthur before but he is glad he did because only this could drill the sense into Arthur’s head. Now that this hurdle is passed, Merlin is worried about the dinner. Knowing Arthur, he might just blurt some unnecessary information in Elyan’s presence. Perhaps Merlin should ring Gwen and ask her to keep a watchful eye on Arthur. Merlin thrusts his hands into his jeans and looks at the clock. There is plenty of time for him to get Arthur ready for the meeting tonight.
“Arthur… come on” Merlin pulls Arthur up to his feet.
“What? Where?”
“We are going to get 你 groomed… for tonight”
“What?” Arthur tries to protest but Merlin is already pulling him to the door.
“Not another word, Arthur…” is all Merlin 说 as he opens the door, leads Arthur out and closes the door behind them.
Merlin removes his coat, tosses it carelessly on the 涂层, 外套 hanger and makes his way to the kitchen. He is back in his own apartment. He wasn’t planning to do so but after the meeting with Uther, he couldn’t bring himself back to Arthur’s, at least for now. First he needs to freshen himself up. Too much happened in the last twenty-four hours, and he really could use some time for himself. He pours himself a good cup of milk, fishes out a cookie from the jar and walks back to his room. He takes a huge chunk from the cookie and munches as his brain works the events of the day. Though he’s glad he’s out of Uther’s den, he still fears for what lies ahead. He knows Uther isn’t someone who will lay down his rules and accept anyone he deems not worthy as easily as we can spell his name. But since he still claims to be willing to give it a try, should Merlin be afraid 或者 relieved? Uther? Is he for real? Merlin thinks as he takes another bite out of his cookie. Uther seems very 苦 with Arthur’s choice and of course with Elena’s rejection. But he also seems adamant in getting to know Gwen. And asking Merlin to investigate about her. What is Uther planning to do? What’s going on in that old man’s head? Is this a trap 或者 is he genuinely being honest with his intentions? Merlin shakes his head, finishes his cookie, dusts of the crumbs from his 衬衫 and drains half the cup of milk.
‘Is Uther pulling my leg?’ Merlin thinks and walks over to the window, pulls the drapes aside and looks out. The night sea of buildings and houses beneath him is simply breathtaking. Merlin feels his mind relaxing just 由 sweeping over the view beneath him. Many times before, when he had been distraught he would simply look below and allow the magnificent view of the buildings and houses to calm him down. They are simple buildings, some of them ancient and should be considered historic, yet they have such magnetism over him regardless 日 或者 night. He finishes his 牛奶 and wipes his mouth with the back of his hand. His head throbs and he wants to sleep but he can’t, at least not until he gets some of his misery off his chest. He needs to talk and Leon isn’t around, Gwaine has his work to concentrate on and Arthur is not even an option. Who can Merlin rely upon? Gwen? No way is he going to trouble her with his matter and after all the issue involves her too. No, no way! Gwen is out of 问题 just like Arthur. Merlin thinks heavily and sighs. Looks like he might have to keep the thing cooped in his chest temporarily. He shakes his head, turns on his heels and walks back out to the kitchen. He lays the cup on the 表 and pouts, thinking what he might do next. Uther’s issues are still bothering him and he knows he will never be able to sleep unless he does something about it… but what?
“Damn 你 Uther? Why do 你 have to screw with my life? Haven’t 你 been doing that enough?” Merlin smashes his fist against the 墙 and takes in a huge breath. He is disturbed and clearly distraught. He had been thinking about Uther all the way home, pondering over the events and thinking of the repercussions of the meeting though he hates thinking about it. It makes him sick and he wishes he didn’t exist today. He just wishes he had vanished, off somewhere until the matter has resolved. But he can’t and now he has to help Uther find out about Gwen. Why can’t Uther just accept Gwen like everyone else? What is wrong with her? How could she not fit in? And what’s with the division of classes that seems so important to him?
A loud noise from inside his stomach halts his thinking a while. He pats his belly and remembers he hasn’t taken his dinner. “Curse 你 Uther!” he scolds and walks back out from the kitchen. He is hungry but he doesn’t feel like cooking today. He wants to eat out and that should freshen him as well. He walks briskly to his room, opens his shirt, throws into the laundry bag and strips down to his briefs. He tosses his clothes into the hamper as he walks into his bathroom. He closes the door and turns on the shower. The water cools him and Merlin feels his muscles relaxing. It had been a long hard 日 at work, and later, Uther’s meeting piled 更多 stress on him. He rakes through his hair, thinking back to Uther’s words. ‘Girls of that class’. It leaves a 苦 taste in his mouth and his cheek clenches thinking of those words. How dare Uther say something as nasty like about someone he barely knows? What does he know about Gwen and how superior is Elena in terms of class? Class, Merlin thinks in disgust. Water trickles down his neck and follows right down his spine. He spits out in frustration. Class, they are nothing but an excuse for the rich to highlight how powerful they are. A tool used so often to distinguish themselves from the poor; to separate humans among humans. What is there to gain anyway? God created everyone alike, yet it is humans who separate themselves from each other; most notably through class. So how good is the upper class compared to the lower ones? Merlin lifts his aching neck and allows the 淋浴 to beat upon his skin. ‘Girls of that class’ the phrase replays in his mind over and over again. Merlin punches the 墙 of his bathroom and hurts his knuckle.
‘What did Uther actually mean 由 that?’ Merlin asks himself loudly. He knows Uther is comparing Gwen to those uncivilized tarts Merlin often spotted at the night 俱乐部 but Uther really should have known better than that. Gwen might not be of their class but she surely has the 心 of all classes combined. And she proves to be “upper” in all departments. Merlin turns off the knob of the 淋浴 and steps out from his bathroom, wrapping the towel around him. Water drips from the strands of his hair down his face but he walks right to his 床, 床上 and sits down. Raking through his hair with both hands again, he sighs and looks down at the floor. Apparently today’s meeting with Uther is eating at him. He is split; thinking if he should tell Arthur about the meeting 或者 not. If Arthur learns about Uther’s opinion of Gwen, he will storm right up to Uther and God knows what he will do. Merlin knows how protective Arthur is about those he loves, and Gwen is his heartbeat. If Arthur knows his father thinks less of his 爱情 and the girl Arthur’s 心 belongs to, Arthur will kill his father. Yes, there’s no doubt about that. And that’s the last thing Merlin wants. So, he decides not to talk about it with Arthur. But he still needs to tell someone, 或者 he’ll have a bleeding 心 tomorrow. Maybe Gwaine. Yes, first he will have his 晚餐 and later he’ll call his friend to inform what happened. Merlin lifts his chin and thumbs off the droplets from his hair. ‘Yes, I will talk to Gwaine. But first, food' he says and lifts himself up before walking over to his clothing cupboard.
Lancelot finishes his beer, pays the bill and steps down from the 粪便, 凳子 he’d been sitting on. As he turns, he knocks someone down. He himself staggers backwards and manages to grab the edge of the counter from falling down. The crowd gasps while some just watch in shock.
Lancelot takes a 秒 to recover from the shock and when he does, his mouth gapes. “Oh shit! Are 你 all right?” he asks as he rushes to the aid of the person he knocks down and kneels beside him. As he turns the person over, Lancelot’s eyes widens in amazement and bewilderment, both rolled into one.
“Merlin!” Lancelot almost shouts and quickly grabs Merlin’s arm, helping him to sit up. The crowd keeps watching the two of them though some have gone back minding their business.
“Lancelot?” Merlin looks at Lancelot, his brow raised in surprise.
“Yeah, it’s me all right… but what are 你 doing here?”
“I came 由 to have my dinner, you?”
“Same, though I stayed for a 啤酒 或者 two.”
“This is a surprise indeed… help me up, will you?” Merlin asks, and Lancelot gets up to his feet and then helps his friend. He also helps to dust Merlin’s pants, which are covered with tiny specks of dust and sand. Merlin wipes his hand and looks around. Smiling sheepishly, he nudges Lancelot’s elbow. Lancelot looks to where Merlin is looking and smiles back at Merlin.
“It’s all right folks… he is my friend and he is all right,” Lancelot tells the crowd and the remaining group still interested in these two finally disperses. Lancelot blows softly while Merlin laughs to himself.
“Fancy meeting 你 here, Merlin.”
“Why is that?”
“I mean… this is not a highly standardized place… what I mean is, this is just a local favourite and guys like 你 often… 你 know, would prefer five 星, 星级 places… something like that.”
“Lancelot, I am not one of those guys and I’ll eat anywhere… as long as they can satisfy my appetite,” Merlin finishes and looks around. “I heard the menu is outstanding here… is it true?”
“The best it can offer.”
“Are 你 heading somewhere?” Merlin asks as Lancelot adjusts his 衬衫 and rakes through his hair.
“No, why?”
“Then perhaps would 你 加入 me while I have my dinner? I could use the company and besides, I’m new and still clueless with the menu… your recommendations will help me to get the best they offer,” Merlin tells Lancelot.
Lancelot thinks a while and takes a look at his watch. Merlin notes how uneasy Lancelot seems with the suggestion.
“If you’re busy, it’s fine”
“No… I was thinking why on earth are 你 having your 晚餐 at this hour?” Lancelot smiles at Merlin. “Of course I’ll accompany you. It’s not everyday 你 run into a friend like you.”
“There 你 go, Lancelot,” Merlin pats Lancelot’s shoulder and both walks over to an empty 表 由 the corner and sits down. Lancelot hails for a waitress, finds a girl and urges her to come over their table. The waitress politely asks them to wait as she is busy taking orders from the 表 opposite them. Lancelot nods and turns his attention back to Merlin.
“You are right… looks at all this food. My, my, my… I’m famished just 由 looking at the menu,” Merlin says, flipping the menu over. Lancelot laughs and leans back.
“Been working late, have we?”
“Well, in a way… and I had to meet someone and the discussion took 更多 time of mine than I thought.”
“It’s sickening isn’t? Just when 你 have plans for something else, someone just manages to wreck your day.”
“Oh, tell me about it… actually,” Merlin pauses as the waitress approaches them with her notebook, poised to take their orders. “Will 你 do me the honours Lancelot?”
“Sure,” the latter says and orders the best dishes the diners’ offers. The girl takes everything down, repeats the orders, picks the menu and leaves the table.
“That sure is mouthful, all those 你 ordered?”
“Wait till you’ve tasted it… you’ll be coming here often. This place got me hooked through one of their specialty… their soup”
“Did 你 order that?”
“Yup, sure did,” Lancelot says with a smile. “Now tell me… what’s bothering you?”
“Huh?”
“I know something’s troubling you, Merlin. 你 have been looking around the place as if trying to find something interesting and your mind isn’t here, its elsewhere. And your eyes, they look troubled. Come on, 你 wouldn’t be asking for a company if 你 weren’t upset.”
“Really, Lancelot,” Merlin laughs off nervously with a wave of his hand. “You can’t mean that.”
“But I do. Look, I know I should mind my own business but if 你 need to talk, I’m all ears… that’s all I’m saying,” Lancelot assures.
“Appreciate that, but I’m fine actually. Tired, yes, but upset… no,” Merlin lies.
“I believe you,” Lancelot 回复 coolly and crosses his hand across his chest. “How is Arthur?”
“Oh, he’s fine. In fact he’s over the moon as we speak.” Merlin says. “Did 你 know he is in 爱情 with Gwen?”
“Yes,” Lancelot 回复 honestly and tries to shut the pain from his eyes. “I heard from Gwen.”
“Gwen? She told you? What did she say?” Merlin leans forward, excited, hands resting on the table.
“She’d been very nervous all morning, trying to stay calm though she couldn’t. She told me about her feelings for Arthur and unsure if what she feels for him is 爱情 或者 else but confirms there will be no other man in her life except Arthur.”
“Really?” Merlin’s eyes widen in happiness. After enduring horrible 日 with Uther, this news is a blessing indeed. How happy if Gwaine and Leon can hear this as well.
“Yeah. And she was afraid. She told me about their temporary breakup and how Arthur been hiding his own feelings for her. She was afraid of being let down again if she confronts him once more. But I know she loves him, very much. It’s there for all to see.”
“You’re right. She is in 爱情 with him all right just like Arthur is with her. But that arse made it hard for her, 你 know? If it was someone else, they would have left him for good. Thank heavens Gwen is entirely a different league.”
“Can’t deny that… she is different,” Lancelot almost whispers and looks away, much to Merlin’s amazement. “I have never met anyone like her, Merlin… never in my life, and I won’t ever again, I believe,” Lancelot adds. Merlin nods and tries to follow Lancelot but his mind are already tweaking somewhere else.
“She’s beautiful, intelligent, very independent and an absolute no-nonsense girl, I’d say. The first time I met her, I thought her to be nothing 更多 than a girl with just a pretty face but she proved me wrong. Her feistiness bought me over and soon had me eating out of her hands. She knows how to bring balance in her work and life; something I lack, of course, but after spending my time working with her, I learned a thing 或者 two of that trait. And she’s compassionate, too. There’s no telling how many would give statements on that particular trait of hers.”
“I noticed a few things myself, when I met her in the hospital” Merlin adds softly. But Lancelot isn’t listening. He is in his own world, a world he shares with Gwen. That much is obvious.
“I wish I had known her longer, Merlin…” Lancelot sighs heavily, eyes still looking elsewhere. “But, it’s a bit too late for that isn’t it?”
‘Is Lancelot in 爱情 with Gwen?’ Merlin keeps asking himself.
“She deserves all the happiness in the world… hopefully Arthur can give her that,” Lancelot adds.
“Lancelot?”
“Yeah?” this time Lancelot does turn around to meet Merlin.
“Are 你 in 爱情 with Gwen?”
“What?” Lancelot is stunned. ‘Surely Merlin can’t know that?’ He asks himself. Merlin keeps watching him. Lancelot feels uneasy. ‘Why did Merlin ask him that? How did… God!’ Lancelot winces as if in pain. He remembers now! He had unexpectedly revealed his feelings through his expression, a while ago! His confession! Merlin must have noted the way he spoke of Gwen. ‘God! God, help me’ Lancelot slams his hand on his face, covering it in shame.
“Lancelot?”
“I’m sorry, Merlin… I am ashamed for what I’ve done.”
“But what did 你 do?”
“I just let the cat out of the bag? I told 你 my feelings for Gwen!” Lancelot removes his hand from his face and faces Merlin, his eyes sad and hurt.
“That, I noticed, but what I don’t understand is why are 你 feeling sorry for it?”
“She belongs to Arthur and I shouldn’t be talking about her like I just was. It’s not appropriate and courtly. I’m sorry, Merlin. It must’ve been awkward for you, I’d say.”
“Come on, Lancelot,” Merlin laughs. “There’s no reason for 你 to be sorry for this. It’s not your fault, 或者 anyone’s, for that matter” Merlin assures. “Besides, it’s not us who determines whom we fall in 爱情 with. It’s just been written for us, that’s all. This sort of thing happens in our lives everyday. 你 移动 on and get through it, I suppose.”
“But it’s still not appropriate Merlin. Both Gwen and Arthur are my 老友记 and I’d like to cherish that bond for as long as I can,” Lancelot still argues, shaking his head is dismay.
“I understand and I’m not saying 你 are wrong. All I’m saying is, it’s not 你 at fault here, Lancelot. I know 你 must’ve had some sort of feelings for Gwen; only she doesn’t seem to feel the same for you. Like I said, it’s part of your fate, and despite the heartbreak, 你 will learn to 移动 on. But as for her, she’s lucky because the person she loves, loves her back. That’s their fate and future. So, to have the feelings stocked right here,” Merlin points to his chest. “And unable to confide in fear of unleashing your passion, can be pretty unhealthy, Lancelot. 你 should be grateful 你 just did, though thankfully to me instead of Arthur,” Merlin laughs. Lancelot smiles. “What I’m saying is, it’s all right to 爱情 anyone; after all 爱情 is unconditional but sometimes, not all we hope for is granted. Not all people we love, will 爱情 us back. Gwen isn’t for 你 Lancelot but one day, 你 will meet your special one and then you’ll find limitless happiness burgeoning back in your life.”
Lancelot thinks over what Merlin has just 说 and knows there are some truths in it. Life goes on and so must he. He met Gwen and liked her. But he was fighting his own game in his pursuit of his love, Gwen only saw him as her friend and no one can blame her. She had someone else waiting, her true love. And Lancelot is happy for both of them. He will bury his own feelings, carry on with his work and discover what life actually has lined up. And in the midst of all the chaos of his life, he might actually meet someone meant for him. Who knows? After all, everyone has someone waiting for them. His own match is somewhere, waiting to be found. Only time separates them.
“Lancelot?” Merlin waves his hand in front of Lancelot’s face, waking him from his 日 dream.
“Sorry,” Lancelot purses his lips and smiles.
“No, I’m sorry for reminding 你 of your past,” Merlin apologises. “Didn’t mean that actually.”
“Of course 你 didn’t. And there’s nothing to be sorry about, Merlin. I knew somehow it would never work, and I’m pretty fine about it. But how come 你 know so much about relationships?” Lancelot is intrigued.
“I read.”
“Really?”
“Hmmm…” Merlin laughs, followed 由 Lancelot. “I appreciate your respect for Gwen, knowing she belongs to someone and distancing yourself from her, I salute you.”
“No Merlin, anyone in my place would do the same… even Arthur” Lancelot replies.
“Yes, that I agree,” Merlin says and looks around in worry. “Is the 食物 here always this late?”
“No, this is unusual…” Lancelot hails his hand and a waiter, in the age of late twenties approaches them. Lancelot enquires about the 食物 and the waiter assures them it will be served in short while. Merlin watches how calm Lancelot deals with the situation. He would have 迷失 his cool and with his hunger eating him up from inside, he would have barged right into the 厨房 and 给 some strong words to the chef. But Lancelot is still able to negotiate the conversation.
“Please hurry up, my friend here is hungry and he is suffering from gastric pain all day. He had been advised to take his meals on time, 晚餐, 晚饭 included,” Lancelot lies. “Please hurry.”
“Sure sir, sure. I apologise for the delay. Will see to it immediately,” the waiter says and leaves. Lancelot turns back towards Merlin and winks.
“Now that’s wicked!” Merlin remarks, shaking his head in disbelief.
“Sometimes, we have to lie if 你 need certain things. Like 你 said, it’s not wrong as long 你 use it wisely.”
“True… true” Merlin says and his mind wanders off to the conversation he had earlier with Uther. He lied about his knowledge of Arthur’s 爱情 with Gwen. Though he feels disturbed about the lies, he knows that is the best solution for the moment. Uther is planning something devilishly cunning and if Merlin is to help his friends, he must carry on with his lies.
“Merlin?”
“Hmm,” Merlin wakes from his dreams, looks up and Lancelot points out at the waitress, standing 由 their 表 with a tray in her hands. She smiles at Merlin.
“Right… my food” Merlin rubs his hands in 欢乐合唱团 and waits as the waitress lays all the 食物 on the table. “Thank you,” he says when she is finished.
“You’re most welcome, sir,” she steps back, her smile never leaving her lips, a quick look at Lancelot and she returns back to her kitchen.
Merlin picks up his spoon and pulls the 汤 bowl closer to him. With grace, he scoops the 汤 into his mouth. The 汤 is delicious and like Lancelot mentioned earlier, it is without a doubt the diner’s special.
“This is brilliant, Lancelot,” Merlin says, scooping 更多 汤 into his mouth.
“I told you,” Lancelot says and leans back, leaving Merlin to enjoy the soup.
“Thank you, Lancelot, for bringing me here. I’m going to get the other lads come here as often I can, from now on. I am sure they will 爱情 it, especially Gwaine,” Merlin says.
“I like to meet them someday” Lancelot says.
Merlin wipes his mouth with the napkin and nods. “Yes, that is a must. I want them to meet 你 too… 你 will 爱情 them, Lancelot. Trust me,” Merlin winks.
Lancelot laughs and looks away, leaving Merlin to enjoy his food. His mind crawls back to Gwen and Arthur. Merlin is right. Gwen isn’t for him, never was. Only he had his hopes high and now, facing the heartbreak alone. But this is a lesson for him. He must learn to 移动 on from here, take it on the chin and explore 更多 possibilities. This isn’t the end of the world. And this isn’t the end of his life. There are plenty of girls waiting and wanting to be discovered. Maybe one day, he will come across her? Lancelot smiles and turns back towards Merlin who seems to be busily engaged in his meal. Lancelot leans against the chair and summons for another beer. ‘This is going to be a long day… another 啤酒 wouldn’t hurt’ he thinks and waits for his drink.
Arthur pats the 床, 床上 and searches for his shirt. He is learning to dress himself, without his friends’ aid and so far, he can manage to put on his trousers without trouble. 下一个 stop, his shirt. But where the hell is his shirt? He remembers laying it on the 床, 床上 before he headed to his bathroom. But now, it’s not there anymore. Arthur continues to pat the 床, 床上 and circles it slowly. But the 衬衫 is not anywhere on the bed.
“Bloody hell!” he shouts to himself and sits down at the edge of the bed. “Where could it be?”
“Where could what be, Arthur?”
“Guinevere!” Arthur’s says happily, his stress disappearing at the arrival of his lady love. “Your arrival couldn’t be timelier than now.”
“What’s the matter?” Gwen asks as she closes the distance between her and Arthur. “I heard 你 cursing.”
“I can’t find my shirt, I know I placed it here on the 床, 床上 before I went off to take my bath, and now I can’t find it.”
“That’s all, and you’re cursing already?”
“You have no idea how frustrating that can be.”
“Well, first getting frustrated on each single thing isn’t going to help 你 locate your stuff. When we know we are not perfect, we must take time to deal with matters at hand. In your case, 你 know what 你 lack Arthur and therefore, 你 must be patient 或者 else, you’ll fail, even without trying.”
“Guinevere…”
“I know 你 hate 建议 and this isn’t one. This is just a friendly note to teach 你 how to deal with your short temper and impatience. First, frustrations have to go. 你 must be patient enough to deal with complications, Arthur. Clear your mind and take a deep breath. Allow yourself to relax and try to think where 你 last put your shirt. When your mind is clear, it’ll be able to work better. So, can 你 relax now?”
“I’m sorry, Guinevere, this is crazy! I can’t…” whatever he plans to say never makes it out as Gwen plants her lips on his. “Dear God,” he mutters as the 吻乐队（Kiss） deepens. Gwen’s lips part and Arthur pushes his tongue urgently into her mouth. He trails one hand down her throat while the other cups her cheek.
Gwen is on fire. Arthur’s 吻乐队（Kiss） is both warm and sensuous. The scent of his skin, the fragrance of the soap he used was all around her. Gwen feels as if she is breathing him in, absorbing him through every pore. Though she initiated the kiss, it is Arthur who seems to be in command and she willingly gives in to his need.
The 吻乐队（Kiss） lasts nearly five 分钟 and when Gwen pulls away, softly; Arthur’s anger has disappeared and he looks relaxed. Gwen smiles and crosses her hand as Arthur licks his lips, smiling at her.
“And 你 were saying?” she laughs as she asks him.
“That was on a purpose, isn’t it?” he asks, referring to their earlier kiss.
“Well, I cured your stress and look how relaxed 你 are. 你 should be thanking me, Arthur.”
“Yes, I am relaxed, but 你 also made me very seriously in need of something else right now…”
“And what could that be, I wonder?”
“Come a little closer and I’ll 显示 you.”
“Forget it, Arthur!” Gwen laughs followed 由 Arthur. “Anyway, why don’t 你 look for your 衬衫 now?”
“Right,” Arthur sighs and thinks a while. And after that, he stands up and makes his way to his table. There he finds his 衬衫 hanging over his chair. He picks it up and smiles to himself, almost in embarrassment.
“All right… 你 can say it now,” he tells her, turning around.
“Say what, Arthur?”
“I told 你 so,” he says and slips the 衬衫 on. Gwen moves towards him and helps him to button it up.
“I noted the 衬衫 when I walked in and was surprised to find 你 cursing as 你 apparently thought the 衬衫 to be on the bed. So to teach you, I didn’t know any other way except play this game. It worked and now 你 know how important it is to stay calm?”
“I do… but 你 know what the most interesting part of this game was?”
“What?” Gwen pretends not to know.
“Your kiss,” Arthur says and Gwen playfully cups his cheek with both hands and shakes it. Planting a peck on his nose, she steps away. Arthur attempts to grab her but she is quicker and he is resigned to have lost. Gwen laughs, walks over to his 床, 床上 and picks up his cane. She walks back to him, places the cane firmly in his grasp and closes his fingers around it.
“Do 你 want me to roll your sleeves?” she asks.
“No, I’m fine. I’ll do it. I want to do everything on my own today… practice to live without my friends.”
“That’s very good, Arthur… very good indeed,” she says proudly, smirking.
“So, looks like the spare key I gave 你 yesterday is coming in handy,” Arthur says, rolling his sleeves
“Yeah… but I was quite scared to walk in without making any noise.”
“And why is that? This is your home; I told 你 that didn’t I?”
“I know, but that’s not the issue…”
“Then?”
“Oh, this is quite embarrassing actually. Since your 老友记 are here too, I was hoping none of them were sleeping 或者 wandering around naked… 你 know, this is, after all, an all-boy’s compound and 你 can’t see if they’re naked 或者 not. So… 你 get what I mean, Arthur?” Gwen is really embarrassed binging this up in Arthur’s presence.
But he isn’t listening as he bursts into rapturous laughter the moment Gwen tells him of her worries. “That’s funny, Guinevere,” he says and continues to laugh.
“I wouldn’t know who’d be 更多 embarrassed, me 或者 them,” she tells him, shaking her head watching Arthur laugh at her silliness.
“I know, I understand… but God!” Arthur laughs again. “I really hope it happens and though I can’t see, I still want it to happen. I want to know how 你 and the lads react! God that will be wicked!”
“That’s very thoughtful of you, Arthur.”
“Oh come on, sweetheart, it’s a joke” Arthur taps his way to her and Gwen accepts his hug though she doesn’t give him one in return. “Still angry with me?”
“No, but if 你 keep laughing, I’ll be!”
“Nope, no!! It’s forgotten, I’m on your team now. I will not laugh,” Arthur says and tries his best to contain his laughter.
“I’ll be watching, mister,” Gwen teases him and helps him to his bed. She removes her hand and watches as he continues to dress on his own. “Actually, I came 由 for an important request, Arthur.”
“What is it?”
“I want 你 have 晚餐 with me and my family tonight, at my house.”
“What?” Arthur drops his comb and Gwen helps to get it, thrusting it back into his hands and clasping it close.
“I want you…”
“Yes, I heard 你 the first time, Guinevere… but, what’s the hurry?” Arthur is uneasy with the request and he isn’t afraid to 显示 them on his face 或者 his voice.
Gwen is puzzled. “I thought 你 wanted to meet my brother.”
“I do… I really do, but not now! No, not after learning about your father.”
“Arthur, we’ve been through this before!” Gwen sighs.
“Guinevere, the truth still stays. I killed your father and meeting your brother, knowing I deprived him of his father… how do 你 think I’d feel?”
“This is ridiculous, Arthur. We’ve had enough discussions about this and I made it very clear 你 had nothing to do with my father’s death. It was an accident and that’s it. Please drill this information into your mind permanently, because I am sick and fed up of telling 你 constantly! My father’s dead. Nothing 你 say 或者 do will bring him back alive. Elyan knows about us and we have his blessings. He wants to meet 你 tonight because he’s coming down for a 日 only. He should be at 首页 由 now and will leave tomorrow morning. And before he does, he wants to meet you. Now, will 你 come 或者 what?” Gwen is pissed and she has every reason to be. Arthur acts like a maniac when it involves her, Elyan and her late father. He keeps shouldering the blame and insists on claiming the accident a gruesome murder, in which he is the murderer of course. And so far she and Merlin had tough time persuading him otherwise. Nothing she says will convince him of the accident and though it was a battle at first, now it’s 更多 like a spoiled record. He likes to repeat the same claim over and over again and Gwen is getting irritated 由 his actions. She would have slapped him if only she didn’t sympathize for his blindness. But now, she really feels like doing so.
“Guinevere?”
“Will 你 come 或者 what, it’s a very simple 问题 and all 你 have to say is yes 或者 no! There’s no need for 你 to dwell on your past, dwell on the repercussion of this meeting and all that shit! It’s a very simple question… so?”
“Guinevere, please…”
“Yes 或者 no?” Gwen taps her foot, obviously very angry and irritated.
“Guinevere,” Arthur looks down, his 心 heavy with the way things are at the moment.
“Yes 或者 no, Arthur, and I’m losing my patience on this issue.”
Arthur is devastated. He wants to meet Guinevere’s family but he can’t bring himself to stand in front of them; in front of her brother, not after what he caused him. Guinevere can protest saying it was an accident but the truth is, Arthur killed her father. That poor man died crushed underneath Arthur’s car. And why? Because he’d been drunk! Why had he been drunk? Because of his father! One event led to another and finally one man, a good family man, was made a sacrifice and Arthur gets to live. This is not fair, not to the man and never for the man’s family. They should be avenging their father’s death, not invite the man who killed their father for dinner. No!! Guinevere is refusing to believe that theory because she is blinded 由 her 爱情 for him. But what about her brother? Surely he should be thinking twice before inviting Arthur into his house. Of course Elyan gave his blessing for their 爱情 and it’s polite of him to invite Arthur over so that Elyan can see what sort of man his sister had chosen to be with for the rest of her life. But that doesn’t mean Arthur needs to comply? No one in sane mind will take this opportunity, no! Not after what he had done to them. Time will heal the pain and then Arthur will meet Elyan. Until then, this distance stays. Regardless Guinevere likes it 或者 not.
“Yes 或者 no?” Gwen’s voice is clearly angry.
“Guinevere, please try to understand…” Arthur tries again.
“Yes 或者 no?” Gwen raises her voice stubbornly.
“Surely 你 must understand why I’m trying…”
“Yes 或者 no, Arthur? It’s all I’m asking,” she cuts him.
“…to avoid this meeting? 你 above all should to know this?” he is equally stubborn. Why can’t she see her perspective? Arthur sighs and closes his eyes, shutting the agony piling in his mind and heart. Why is she adamant that he meets Elyan? Not like there isn’t another 日 或者 Elyan wouldn’t return? There’ll always be tomorrow. What if Elyan is inviting him over to humiliate him, crush him in Guinevere’s presence, make him look like an idiot so that Guinevere hates him? What if Elyan is planning his revenge? Arthur has to laugh at all the thoughts running in his mind. Thankfully his forehead isn’t a teleprompter 或者 Guinevere will know what’s he thinking. Arthur has never met Elyan but he knows Guinevere’s brother is a fine man, a mirror of his father and not all those Arthur just thought of. But why he wants to meet Arthur still puzzles him. Arthur has always been cautious of those he meets, a trait he’s grown up with since child because of the loneliness that surrounded him when his mother died. With just a handful of 老友记 he trusts, he chooses to tread carefully of anyone he comes across with. It had been the same with Guinevere until she won him over. But the same can’t be 说 about her brother. But that’s not Elyan’s mistake. They haven’t met then and now, when Arthur has the chance to do that; he is pulling out.
“If 你 爱情 me like 你 say 你 do Arthur, 你 will answer this bloody question. Will 你 come 或者 not? And this is the last time I’m asking you. Another silence, 你 won’t find me here anymore.”
Arthur gives up. Guinevere can be really stubborn if she puts her 心 into it and today’s a fine example of that. He knows what she’ll do if he keeps refusing her and what ever she does, he will not like it. He is sure of that. Arthur sighs and nods, resigned to losing to her in this battle.
He hears Guinevere shouting happily while he still keeps his head down.
“I 爱情 you, Arthur Pendragon! Be ready at eight… crap!! I’ll set the alarm at seven so that 你 know 你 have an 小时 to be ready before I come to pick 你 up. And then I’ll take 你 to my house. See 你 tonight, darling,” Gwen says happily and rushes out of the room but after a second, she comes running back to him and embraces him warmly, taking him 由 surprise. She plants a long hard 吻乐队（Kiss） on his lips and wipes the lipstick mark and with laughter, she rushes out. Arthur hears the front door closing and with a heavy sigh, he drops back onto the bed.
“How am I going to deal with this tonight? What will I say? How will I react in their presence? God… I need help!” he tells loudly. “I need help, God! Send me anyone… to help me, please!!” he prays again. “Anyone at all!!”
“Gwen’s right Arthur. 你 are an idiot!” Merlin scolds Arthur as the latter is sitting quietly on the sofa while Merlin is circling him, like an angry vulture. Right after Gwen left, Arthur knows he is 迷失 and needed some advice. And no one better to provide it free of charge than Merlin. Arthur was looking to give his friend a ring but Merlin walked into the apartment instead. Arthur explained what happened and thinking his friend has got Arthur’s back; he was in a complete surprise when Merlin turned towards Gwen’s side. He too thinks Arthur should meet with Elyan.
“So now you’re officially on her side huh?”
“Look, Arthur, this has nothing to do with taking sides… I deal situation per situation, and right now, according to what 你 say, I think she’s right. What is wrong meeting with Elyan anyway? Why are 你 afraid of him?”
“It’s not him… I’m afraid of”
“Then?”
“His father,” Arthur replies.
“But…”
“I know, dead. But I’m afraid of facing them… facing Elyan”
“You think he might seek to punish you?”
“That and everything else… Look Merlin! I still feel guilty for what happened and knowing I caused a death in that family, how do 你 expect me to be cool about it and meet Elyan?”
“Come on, Arthur!!! Elyan knows about 你 and what 你 did!! He’s forgiven you.”
“But I haven’t forgiven myself, Merlin!!”
“Holy…” Merlin pauses and throws his hands in the air. “This is ridiculous, Arthur!! Gwen should have slapped 你 for this… just this alone!”
“I know what you’re thinking and I’m not saying it’s wrong but… my conscience?” Arthur asks, shaking his head. Behind him, Merlin shakes his head too, in frustration.
“To hell with your conscience, Arthur. Use your head to think, will you, not your heart, please!” Merlin punches the sofa and keeps circling Arthur.
“Merlin…”
“Arthur, look!” Merlin comes to stand in front of Arthur, grabs him 由 the shoulder, his eyes fixed on Arthur’s face. “I know what happened and I know how 你 feel. I’m not here to argue about your conscience 或者 the guilt 你 feel for what happened in the past. I’m here to advise you, because that’s what 你 requested. Advice. And here’s my advice. Gwen is a lovely girl; she loves 你 and would give up anything for you. And all she’s asking is for 你 to meet her brother. Simple, isn’t it? And as her boyfriend, I think 你 must do that, meet her brother. If 你 can’t do that as her boyfriend than at least do it for the courtesy of the 爱情 你 both share. That beautiful commitment, that everlasting and sacred tie 你 and Gwen are bound with deserves respect; so in honour of that relationship please go and fulfill Gwen’s wish. All those talk about your guilt, conscience and all that bollocks; please shove it somewhere else until 你 have returned from that dinner. Go with an open mind and heart, learn about her brother and family, respect and honour the 爱情 she gave 你 as she’d do the same for 你 and finally when 你 are back home, be alone and think back what happened. Analyse your meeting and then decide if 你 have done the right thing 或者 not. If 你 come 首页 unsatisfied, call me up and when I’m here, be my guest and slap me, 或者 beat me 或者 even push me out the window of this apartment, I don’t care. But if 你 come 首页 feeling satisfied, don’t forget to thank me. So… are 你 going 或者 what?” Merlin asks.
Arthur sighs and smiles, slowly. Merlin smiles and releases Arthur. He thinks he knows what Arthur’s decision is. And he feels relieved, finally. Arthur is an intelligent person; only at times he chooses to listen to his 心 than his head which makes it difficult for the others to advise him. Merlin had never been this rude with Arthur before but he is glad he did because only this could drill the sense into Arthur’s head. Now that this hurdle is passed, Merlin is worried about the dinner. Knowing Arthur, he might just blurt some unnecessary information in Elyan’s presence. Perhaps Merlin should ring Gwen and ask her to keep a watchful eye on Arthur. Merlin thrusts his hands into his jeans and looks at the clock. There is plenty of time for him to get Arthur ready for the meeting tonight.
“Arthur… come on” Merlin pulls Arthur up to his feet.
“What? Where?”
“We are going to get 你 groomed… for tonight”
“What?” Arthur tries to protest but Merlin is already pulling him to the door.
“Not another word, Arthur…” is all Merlin 说 as he opens the door, leads Arthur out and closes the door behind them.
