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Morgana clears her throat to gain the attention of both Arthur and Gwen. Gwen drops Arthur’s hand and smiles sheepishly at Morgana. Her friend smiles back, in tease.
“Who is it Guinevere?” Arthur asks, his expression startled. Gwen opens her mouth.
“It’s me… Morgana,” Morgana says immediately, cutting Gwen first.
“Ah, Morgana,” Arthur smiles in relief. “I was scared for a while there,” he adds.
“Whom Du expecting?”
“Merlin,” Arthur says shortly.
“Is he supposed to be here?” Morgana asks, crossing her hand across her chest.
“No, but don’t Du write him off, he’s there when Du least expect him,” Arthur Antworten and laughs.
Morgana laughs and eyes her friend keenly. Gwen avoids Morgana and keeps looking down at her feet. Suddenly the floor becomes very interesting to her.
“Find something interesting down there, Gwen?” Morgana asks, sitting down beside her. Gwen looks up. Morgana’s arched brow speaks volumes. Gwen tosses a quick look at Arthur and smiles back at Morgana.
‘What was that?’ Morgana seems to be asking, though she didn’t open her mouth to pose that question. She didn’t need to. Her look substitutes for words well enough.
Gwen licks her lips and wonders how to explain to her friend without Arthur listening. Finally she pulls Morgana close and whispers, “I’ll tell Du when I get back, yeah.”
Morgana doesn’t seem happy with the answer but she has little choice. She understands Gwen’s difficulties with Arthur’s presence and will wait a bit Mehr for Gwen’s clarification. Besides, she wants to hear the full version of what happened and this is definitely not the place.
“Did Du come to take us home, Morgana?” Arthur asks, breaking the silence.
“Yes, are Du both ready?”
“Yeah,” he answers.
“Then let’s go.” Morgana gets to her feet and helps Gwen with Arthur. Once on his feet, Arthur holds Gwen’s arm and lets her lead him to the car.
Once they arrive at the apartment, Morgana waits in the car while Gwen leads Arthur back to his apartment. She has called Merlin and he promised to be there in half an hour’s time. The elevator opens and Gwen leads Arthur carefully to his apartment. Arthur’s neighbours are an elderly Asian couple and the husband was outside tending to his cactus plant when Gwen and Arthur arrived at the door. The man looks up from his task, shifts his glance from Arthur to Gwen and the back to Arthur. He smiles and nods at Gwen in the process.
“Hello, Arthur?”
“Oh, Mr. Chang… what are Du doing out here?” Arthur asks and fiddles in his pocket for his keys.
Mr. Chang removes his gloves and steps closer towards them. “Doing what I do best, tending to my babies.”
“Let me guess… cactus?”
“Yes… where have Du been?”
“The hospital. It’s my appointment today.”
“Oh, I forgot. Du did tell last week,” Mr. Chang Antworten and shakes his head. He then looks at Gwen and smiles shyly. “I’m getting old, Du see,” he says. Gwen laughs and helps Arthur to unlock the door.
“Who is this, Arthur?”
“Who?” Arthur is confused.
“This lovely young lady Von your side.”
“Oh, this is Guinevere. She took me to the hospital today.”
“She’s your girlfriend?” Mr. Chang seems blunt in his words and Gwen almost drops the keys. But she heard Arthur laughing behind her.
“Yes,” Arthur says shortly and Gwen spins around, her face confused. Mr. Chang smiles and nudges Arthur’s shoulder.
“She’s beautiful, Arthur,” he says, winking at Gwen. “You’re very lucky indeed,” he adds.
Gwen opens her mouth to reply but Arthur cuts her first. “I am,” Arthur agrees. Gwen looks at Mr. Chang, feeling like an idiot. The elderly man winks at her and gets back tending his cactus.
“Guinevere?” Arthur calls.
“Huh?”
“Let’s get inside, shall we, oder are Du planning to stay out here all day?”
“Oh, yeah… come on.”
“Goodbye, Mr.Chang,” Arthur says.
“Goodbye,” the old man Antworten happily without looking up.
Gwen leads Arthur inside and closes the door Von nudging it with her leg. She takes him straight to the sofa and sits him down.
“Guinevere?”
“Yes?”
“Can Du get me a glass of water please?”
“Sure” Gwen stands straight and looks around. “Where’s your kitchen?”
“Are we sitting facing the coffee table?”
“No, Du are sitting facing the marble elefant and I am standing beside you”
“Right. Then Du must walk over to the elefant and turn right, the küche is there and there is a huge refrigerator inside Weiter to the oven.”
“Ok,” Gwen Antwort shortly and leaves, following Arthur’s direction. She reaches the küche and looks around in awe at the cleanliness of the place. For a bachelor and a man this is an Unglaublich feat. Did Arthur hire a maid to get this place cleaned up? There’s no way he’d did it on his own? So it has to be a maid’s job. After all, he could afford a maid for the rest of his life. She can only dream of hiring a maid; she could never get one. She walks to the refrigerator and pulls it open. It was stacked full with beverages, fruits and food. Gwen reaches in and lifts out a bottle of plain water. She closes the refrigerator and walks back to Arthur.
“You have a very nice kitchen… it’s very clean,” she Kommentare and helps him clutch the bottle.
Arthur smiles.
“Your maid must be very expensive.”
“Maid?”
“Yes… this place, it must be taken care of Von a maid, men aren’t this tidy.”
“Really?”
“Yeah…” Gwen drags her answer; she is confused Von Arthur’s question. He seems to be teasing her. Did she say something wrong?
“Well, sorry to prove Du wrong dear, I don’t have a maid.”
“Then who…”
“My friends. Merlin, Gwaine and Leon. They do all the housekeeping. I was tending to it before but after my accident, they have taken over the duties,” he replies.
“No way!” Gwen couldn’t believe it. Three men have been doing what a woman normally does? This is unbelievable.
“Don’t believe it? Well, most people don’t, but that’s the truth. We do our own work. I can always get a maid but the fun of taking care of your own place is Sekunde to nothing,” he says. Gwen smiles. She agrees with him. When Du do your own chores oder tasks, the excitement it brings can match nothing in the world. It’s like you’re in control of your life and it allows Du the freedom to make any decision Du want. But what intrigues Gwen is that someone like Arthur is willing to tend to his own needs, his own Home without seeking the help of others. And what good Friends he has.
“Guinevere?”
“Sorry, I was… looking around. Du have a lovely home. It’s beautiful.”
“Really? Du haven’t seen my other Home yet, Guinevere, you’d Liebe it, too.”
“You have another home?” Gwen doesn’t know why she is surprised. Someone like Arthur and with the wealth at his disposal, he can afford apartments, mansions and even castles littering all over Camelot. This is Peanuts for him. Only she needs to think twice to even buy a house.
“This is my only Home which belongs to me, solely me… what I had in mind was my family home, the place where I was born and raised, filled with memories of my mother. I used to like that place but not anymore.” Arthur says bitterly. “But it’s a lovely place anyway… Du would Liebe it.”
“The family home, regardless how bitter oder troublesome it’s been over the years, will always have a special place in our hearts, Arthur. Because it’s our first Home and it’s where we start our life. I am sure you’ve had some wonderful and not so wonderful memories there. I don’t blame Du for not liking it anymore, but… it’s still a home, Arthur, and one with the memory of the person Du Liebe the most; your mother. If not for anyone, at least for her… try to Liebe it back. I Liebe my Home because it’s the only place we’ve had for years and also it bore the strength of my father, the Liebe of my mother and the stubbornness of my brother who still keeps it preserved. It will always have a special place in my heart, even if I decide to get a new place and Du should consider yours too.”
“Wow”
“What?”
“I didn’t know Du thought about homes this deep… it’s educational.”
“There are a lot of things Du didn’t know about me yet, Arthur, and when Du do, you’ll be surprised,” she laughs. Arthur loves to hear that laughter. He smiles.
“Did anyone tell Du have an amazing laugh Guinevere?”
“You’re the first, though my father loved my smile”
“I can’t see that smile but I can definitely hear Du laugh… and I like it.”
“You want to see me smile?” she sits down beside him.
“I can?”
“Here” she grabs his hand, lift it to her lips and allows him to feel her smile. Arthur smiles as he explores her lips with his fingers, touching and stroking them gently. His touch sends unexpected feuer down her spine and she feels herself losing control each time his thumb oder finger strokes her supple lips. Gwen isn’t the only one affected Von the touch; Arthur too seems to be Verzaubert Von the lovely lips. Crazy thoughts spiraling out of control in his head and to put an end to it, he removes his hand immediately. His removal stuns Gwen but she was a little glad he decided to stop.
“Sorry… I think Du have a lovely smile,” he says sheepishly, gripping his cane tightly.
“Thank you,” she says. But as time passes, Arthur still remains quiet and Gwen, noticing his silence, touches his shoulder.
“Something wrong?”
“Sorry for what I sagte to Chang there… it was necessary and I didn’t give Du any warning. Du must’ve been surprised hearing what I sagte to him.”
“I was shocked, yes but I am sure Du had your reasons.”
“I had to because he would not let the matter rest until we agree with him, that’s why. I know him pretty well. Grumpy man sometimes but a good and kind hearted one. He will let the issue rest after a couple of days,”
“So, in the meantime I am your girlfriend?”
“I guess so,” Arthur smiles and Gwen’s herz melts. She licks her lips and looks away, afraid what she might do if he keeps on smiling at her like that.
“Ok, for you… I’ll play along,” she agrees still looking away. Arthur smiles and finishes his drink.
“Will Du be all right on your own Arthur?”
“You are leaving?” he asks her softly. His voice tugs her heart.
“I have to get back to work… and Morgana’s waiting for me in the car.”
“Oh…” Arthur looks away sadly. It pains her to see him sad but she has to get back. Morgana is still down there in the car, waiting for her. Probably wondering what’s taking this long.
“I thought perhaps… maybe Du and I could spend some time talking until the rest of the guys come home?”
“It’ll take Merlin another half an Stunde to arrive, and…”
“You’re right… Du have to get back to work. I shouldn’t be inconsiderate. Sorry, Guinevere,” Arthur Antworten sadly. Gwen is heartbroken to disappoint him but what can she do? There’s Morgana waiting for her while work beckons and Arthur is here seems to be in need of her company. She is split. She didn’t know what to do but in her heart, she really wants to accompany Arthur until Merlin arrives. What she really didn’t know is how to answer Morgana when questioned. That’s her real dilemma.
“Have Du left?”
“No, Arthur, I’m still here”
“Are Du staying, then?”
“I’m not sure…”
“Are Du considering?” Arthur remains hopeful. Gwen smiles.
“You’re really pushy, aren’t you?”
“Sorry,” Arthur drops his head.
“No, I meant it in good natured way,” Gwen laughs. Arthur lifts his head and joins her laugh.
“Oh. But Du can carry on, Guinevere. Du left your work for me and I can’t be selfish and ask Du to do further than what you’ve done. I’ll be good for a while.”
“Sure?”
“Yeah… I’ll be fine. I promise I won’t do anything stupid,” he laughs.
Gwen smiles and gets up. “All right then… I’ll see Du some other time?”
“When?” Arthur asks quickly.
“Wow!”
“Obvious huh?”
“I’ll let Du know, through Merlin,” she promises and walks to the door. “Goodbye, Arthur,” she says and leaves, closing the door behind her.
“Goodbye,” Arthur Antworten softly, almost to himself.
Gwen bites her lips and twirls her chain in her fingers as she boards the elevator. Her mind is still with Arthur. She wonders what will he do all Von himself and has she done the right thing Von leaving him alone. Merlin asked her to accompany him to the hospital and she has fulfilled that wish. Now it’s back to her own business and she has work waiting for her on the other side of the road. She can’t be letting her emotion overrule her head. Arthur has learnt the traits of living with his blindness and he should be fine on his own. Merlin will be back in another thirty Minuten time, so why is she worried? The elevator reaches the ground level and opens allowing her to step out. She has made her mind up. She will get back to work. No Mehr consideration. She has set her mind up. She walks up to the car and pulls the door open. Bending low, she calls for her friend.
“Morgana? I think I will stay with Arthur until Merlin arrives. I don’t have good feeling leaving him alone,” she says.
“Is that your reason?” Morgana asks with a smile, fingers tapping on the steering wheel.
“What?”
“I think that is one stupid reason you’re trying to cook up, Gwen. If Du want to spend your Tag with Arthur, all Du have to do is ask. And I’m not stupid, I can see how smitten Du are with him just as he is with you. So, Von all means go… no one is stopping you, but just don’t try to lie to me with your silly reasons because it never works.”
“I wasn’t…”
Morgana looks back at Gwen with a tease in her eyes, her lips twitched into a mocking smile.
“Fine, Du win… damn Du Morgana!! How can Du be so good in this?”
“Let’s just say you’re an open book, girl… it might have been hard before, but after Arthur’s arrival, your emotions are obvious on your face!”
“Whatever, Morgana. Look, thanks and I owe you. Tell Gaius I’ll stay back after hours and complete my duties.”
“Don’t bother… I’ll see to it. Make sure Du have fun.”
“I’m just accompanying him, Morgana, what fun will there be?”
“Yeah, right! Do Du really think I’ll believe you?”
“You have to… I’ll keep him company till Merlin comes Home and then I’ll be gone.”
“Right…”
“It’s true!”
“Uh-huh?”
“Yes!”
“Right!” Morgana starts the car with a laugh.
“Get out of here, Morgana,” Gwen taps the car and stands back, smiling.
Morgana waves her hand and drives off, leaving Gwen watching with a laugh, arms folded neatly across her chest.
Arthur leans against the couch and thinks about Gwen. He wonders what she looks like. Is she tall? Is she lean? Blonde? Brunette? He knows she has wonderful smile but that is all he found out about her. Fragen play around in his mind and he smiles to himself as he wonders what is wrong with him. Since when has he become interested in women? Since when has he become uneasy in another’s presence? He shakes his head and laughs on his own.
“Something amusing Arthur?” Gwen asks, as she stands Von the edge of the couch.
Arthur jolts upright and loses his grip on his cane. While he searches for the cane, Gwen bends and picks it up, putting it back in his grip.
“Guinevere!”
“Hmmm?”
“You came back!”
“You don’t sound too happy about it,”
“No!!! I am… God! I am happy, Guinevere!” Arthur laughs, patting the sitz beside him, asking her to Mitmachen him. She sits down.
“I thought…”
“I changed my mind.”
“That’s really sweet of you, Guinevere. Thanks”
Gwen smiles and wonders what she should say next. This is really awkward for her. It was her bright idea to stay with him until Merlin came Home and now she didn’t know what to say to him. She wants to know him better. But she didn’t know how to start the conversation oder begin her words. What if he doesn’t like her questions? What if he becomes angry? He is sensitive to questions, which is obvious from her past experience, but isn’t he the one who suggested she stay and keep him company? Gwen is really confused. How to start? Where to start?
“Guinevere?”
“Yes Arthur?”
“Tell me about yourself?”
‘Ahh… he’s making it easy for me’ she thinks and prays the lord silently. “What do Du want to know?”
“Your family, for starters… tell me everything. I like to know.”
“Ohh!” Gwen winces. How will she tell him about her father? He can’t know the truth and she isn’t ready to tell him about her father’s accident yet. What will she say? Another lie? No, that is out of question… no Mehr lies. So what will she tell him?
“Guinevere?”
“Hmmm… well, I did tell Du there are just four of us. My parents, my brother and myself. I Lost my mom at my birth so I didn’t have a chance to know her but my father made sure we never realised her loss. He played the role of both my mom and dad… and he did well because I didn’t miss not have a mom at all,” Gwen laughs nervously, waiting for Arthur’s reaction. Hearing her mention her mother brings back the memories of his own mother and her death to him. Arthur becomes sad, thinking how much he wish his own father had done what Guinevere’s father did for his kids. If only…
“I’m… I’m sorry Guinevere,” Arthur’s voice drops low almost to a whisper. Gwen realises the change of expression on his face and the voice. She touches his shoulder.
“Have I sagte something wrong, Arthur?”
“No… just Du remind me of my own mother…”
“I believe Du Lost your own mum at childbirth, didn’t you?”
“Yes… I wish I had known her, but unfortunately she gave her life up for me. If only she’d lived and I …”
“Don’t say that Arthur!” Gwen reaches and covers Arthur’s mouth before he can finish his words. “Your mother loves you… and she gave her life up so that Du can live and be the person she’d expected of you. Don’t make her death be in vain,” she says. Arthur peels her hand from his mouth.
“I’m afraid I already have. Just ask my father,”
“No, Du haven’t… there’s still time to mend your mistakes, Arthur. Your father is a joke!” the words escaped her mouth before she realised it. It shocked Arthur as well and Gwen slaps her forehead for her stupidity. “Sorry, Arthur… I didn’t mean it that way… what I meant was… I was…”
“You are right about my father.”
“Huh?”
“No one needs to Sekunde guess Uther Pendragon… I’m sure Du base your Kommentare from what Du saw at the hospital?”
“Oh, yeah,” Gwen scratches her head, confused but thankful the topic had taken a different direction. Anything as long they don’t talk about her father.
“You think so?”
“About?” she asks, suddenly seems to be lost.
“About my mother and what she expects of me?” he asks.
“I believe so… mothers always have hopes for their kids before they are born and I am sure your mother would have had some for you. Only she didn’t have the opportunity to tell Du herself, but you’ll know,” she reach and touches his heart, “in here,” she finishes. Arthur clasps her hand and smiles back.
“Your belief in me is unwavering, Guinevere.”
“Let’s say your mother and I share the same belief.”
“I wish my mother had lived so that I could introduce her to you. She would have loved you.”
“And my mother would have liked Du too,” Gwen adds. And that’s the truth. Her parents would have loved Arthur and welcomed him into their Home with an open heart. If only her father had lived…
“Tell me Mehr about your family, Guinevere?” Arthur invites, breaking Gwen’s thoughts. Gwen doesn’t like what he just said. She manages to divert the Zurück Fragen Von asking about his mother but now Arthur seems to be coming back to her with the Fragen she dare not reveal the Antwort to.
“I just did…”
“You sagte Du have a brother and a father, tell me about them?”
“My brother is a businessman and he is currently working with his friend. My dad… He… he…” she struggles for words. How is she going to tell him?
“What’s wrong, Guinevere?”
“My father… he…” God, why is he doing this to her. Arthur waits patiently.
“My dad… passed away recently!” she finally blurts out.
“WHAT!!!!” Arthur is stunned. “When?” he asks.
“A Monat ago” she replies.
‘God!!’ Arthur prays silently. A Monat ago? Her father died a Monat ago? He killed a man a Monat ago! Could that man be the same man Guinevere is talking about? Did he kill Guinevere’s father? No!! He didn’t know whom he killed because the doctor refused to reveal the name of the deceased, but… now he is getting really suspicious about Guinevere’ father.
“How did he die?” he asks softly and dreads the answer.
“He was ill… and he died in his sleep,” Gwen stands up and walks away, shutting her pain away. It hurts her to talk about her father and makes it even worse to lie to him.
Arthur sighs in relief. Thanks heavens! “I’m sorry Guinevere, I didn’t know… I’m truly sorry,” Arthur says and searches for her but she isn’t there anymore. And Gwen didn’t realise Arthur was looking for her. Arthur continues to Suchen for her.
“Guinevere?”
Gwen turns around, wipes the unexpected tears and walks back to him, taking his hand in hers. “I’m here, Arthur.”
“I’m sorry for making Du sad, Guinevere. I shouldn’t have asked Du about your family. And I am sorry about father. Du and your brother must’ve been devastated Von the loss.”
“We were but Elyan is brave. He coped with Mom’s death at young tender age and now with Dad’s… but I can’t be like him. I am not Merida - Legende der Highlands enough.”
“I think Du are. Losing your mother at birth and now your father… it takes great strength to cope with these losses and I think you’ve done fairly well.”
“Elyan says the same too.”
“Elyan? Is that your brother’s name?”
“Yes… Du should meet him Arthur. You’d like him.”
“I very much like to… when can we do that?”
“Hmmm… let me talk to Merlin first and then I’ll take Du to meet Elyan, is that all right?”
“Sure,” Arthur says.
Gwen smiles and looks at Arthur for a long time. Her herz breaks into song as she keeps on gazing at him. Something about him makes her herz soar, her stomach churn with Schmetterlinge and mind break into unimaginable thoughts. She can go on looking at his face all Tag long, not realizing that the door has opened and someone has walked in.
Merlin coughs to be heard and stands with his hands in his pocket. Gwen looks up and blushes being caught red handed.
“Who’s that?” Arthur asks, stifled with unawareness.
“Merlin,” Merlin Antworten to Arthur with a smile and shifts his glance at Gwen. “Hello, Gwen.”
“Hello, Merlin,” Gwen Antworten and looks at her watch. “You’re early,” she tells him.
“Yup… did I interrupt anything?”
“No,” both Arthur and Gwen say in unison. Merlin laughs and walks over to the kitchen. Gwen drops her head in embarrassment.
“Merlin?” Arthur calls.
“Yeah?” Merlin Antwort from the kitchen.
“Don’t we owe Guinevere a treat for help she offered today?” Arthur asks. Merlin walks back to Mitmachen them, a bottle of bier in his hand. He unties his tie and removes it, dropping it casually on the table.
“Sure… what shall we do?” Merlin winks at Gwen.
“Now Arthur… it’s not really necessary…”
“No Gwen, Arthur’s right. For the trouble he caused Du today I think Du deserve a treat… at his expense.”
“That’s right… where shall we take her?” Arthur asks.
“Hmmm… let’s see” Merlin scratches his chin and thinks. The door opens and in walk Gwaine and Leon.
“Hellooooo there!” Gwaine smiles as he comes around, bends, picks up Gwen’s hand and gives it a light peck. “Fancy meeting Du here…”
“Guinevere.” Arthur tells him.
“Gwen for short,” Merlin informs.
“I like Guinevere,” Arthur adds, with a smile.
“I think I’ll stick to Gwen…” Gwaine says and smiles. “I’m Gwaine, Von the way.” he introduces himself to her.
“Hello, Gwaine,” Gwen Antworten and looks at Leon. Gwaine follows her gaze and wraps his arms around Leon’s shoulder.
“And this is Leon,” Gwaine introduces Leon.
“Hello, Gwen,” Leon says softly. Gwen smiles at him.
“So now you’ve met the rest of the group, Guinevere, what do Du think of them?”
Arthur asks.
“I think they are all lovely, Arthur”
“Listen Arthur… lovely!” Gwaine repeats the words and takes the bier from Merlin.
Arthur laughs. Gwen smiles and looks at Merlin.
“I have to go, Merlin. I was keeping him company till Du got home”
“Thank Du for the help Gwen. Like Arthur said, I think Du deserve a treat.”
“No, that’s not necessary. I was helping a friend… and Friends don’t expect anything in return,” she says and gets to her feet.
“But we insist… at least Du must Mitmachen us for dinner. We’ll cook and if Du don’t like our food, we can buy from outside and pretend its Home cooked,” Gwaine says, looking at Leon.
“Merlin’s a great cook Gwen. Du should taste his food, at least once,” Leon chips in.
“All right… some other day. Let me know when and I’ll see if I can make it. It’s been wonderful meeting you. Goodbye, Arthur… bye,” Gwen says and walks to the door. The rest of the guys, except for Arthur follow her to the door. Gwen stops and turns around.
“Thanks for not revealing you’ve met me already,” she says softly.
“Merlin told us what happened… we will never put Du in trouble, Gwen,” Gwaine Antworten with a wink.
“Don’t worry… your secret is safe, sicher with us,” Leon assures her.
“Thanks… bye,” Gwen says and steps out.
“Bye,” all three of them bid her goodbye and watch her leave before closing the door and walking back to Arthur.
“She’s lovely, Arthur,” Gwaine remarks, jumping across the sofa and landing beside Arthur.
“Hmm…”
“Gwen and Gwaine… it connects wonderfully well.”
“Really?” Arthur asks.
“Yeah.”
“Well let me tell Du something, Gwaine: she’s mine, so keep your thoughts to yourself,” Arthur laughs, followed Von Merlin. Leon pats Gwaine’s shoulder.
“Hooo… looks like I’ve got serious competition here, mate!” Gwaine nudges Arthur’s shoulder. Arthur swings his cane at Gwaine and the latter avoids it Von ducking away to safety. The rest of the boys laugh.
Gwen places the roasted chicken in the middle of the tabelle and takes her place with both Elyan and Percival at the dining table. Percival stirs the salat while Elyan pours the soße all around the chicken. Gwen serves the plate and pours herself some orange saft while waiting for Elyan to slice the chicken.
“This looks delicious, Gwen, can’t wait to taste it” Elyan says as he serves her the thigh and gets back to slicing Mehr parts of the chicken.
“Reserve your thanks for Morgana, she gave me the recipe.”
“You should have invited her along,” Elyan says, licking his fingers.
“I did, but she went to meet her sister”
“Oh, that’s a shame. Would have been nice to have her here with us,” Elyan says and scoops some mashed potato onto his plate.
“This is delicious, Gwen,” Percival says, biting into his chicken.
“Thanks, Percival,” Gwen says and watches as both Elyan and Percival dig into their chicken. Elyan is speechless and offers a thumbs-up at her before continuing with his meal.
Gwen waits until they have finished their chicken before asking what’s been playing in her mind all evening. “Elyan?”
“Hmm…” Elyan continues eating.
“Can I ask Du something?”
“Sure love… what is it?”
“Remember when Du told me once that we need to forgive and forget what people have done to us, regardless how bitter we feel about them?”
“I sagte that?” Elyan asks as he scoops a mouthful of salad.
“Yes… well, not exactly like that but something like it… look!” Gwen pushes her plate away and folds her hand on the table.
“Remember the guy who drove his car on Dad?”
Elyan stops eating. Beside him Percival continues to tuck in. “What about him?”
“Don’t be mad at me, yeah… but remember Du told me we should forgive him?”
“Yes…”
“I have forgiven him, and…”
“And…”
“I want Du to meet him, Elyan. I am thinking of bringing him here, so Du and he can get to know each other…”
“Gwen?”
“I know, I know… I am sorry for keeping this from you, Elyan, but I have gotten to know him well in the Weltraum of these past three weeks, and… he’s not what we thought he was. He is… different.”
“What do Du mean, different?” Elyan drops his fork and looks sharply at his sister. He didn’t know where this conversation is leading to. Beside him, Percival seems to helping himself a Sekunde round.
“He’s… how would Du say it, hmm… he’s wealthy, yes, but he’s got a kind heart, Elyan. He feels guilty about what he’s done to Father and he’s staying blind because he wants to punish himself for what’s he done, even though his blindess can probably be corrected. He is a good person, Elyan, and you’re right, he proved me wrong.”
“Well, looks like he impressed you.”
“He did, and I want Du to meet him.”
“Why?”
“Because I told him about us… all of us.”
“WHAT!!!”
“No, don’t worry… I didn’t tell about the accident. I lied to him but apart from that, I told him everything and he wants to meet you. Will Du meet him?”
“If it means a lot to you, I will… I give Du my word,” he Antworten with a smile. “But… how could Du change your mind quickly Gwen? You’re not one to have a quick change of heart?”
“Let’s say he has his ways…” Gwen laughs and sips her juice.
“Is it good oder bad?”
“Good… and don’t worry Elyan, I’m not scheming up to revenge Father oder anything. I genuinely have changed my thoughts on him and would like Du to meet him.”
“All right… but he must impress me as well.”
“Don’t worry, he will. Trust me, he will,” she winks at him.
Merlin is feeling tired yet he can’t sleep. Gwaine and Leon have left to meet a friend of theirs and Arthur is asleep in his room, leaving Merlin with no one but himself. He tries watching the telly but nothing is of interest. Bücher don’t have any magic for him. Musik seems to bore him lately and he isn’t the internet savvy type. He just wishes he has someone he can talk with. Walking out from his room, he heads straight to the küche and pours himself a cup of milk. milch gives a good sleep, his mother used to tell him and he can do with a good night sleep tonight. Sipping the milk, he heads back to his room but stops short when he thinks he saw a shadow looming in Arthur’s room. He tip toes towards the room and finds the door ajar.
‘Funny’ he thinks as he remembers closing the door when he has seen Arthur to bed. But who could have opened it?
He pushes the door and steps in. Arthur’s bett is empty and his friend is no where to be seen.
“Arthur?” Merlin calls, looking around. No sound at all. Merlin steps closer to the bed, clutching his milch tightly. “Arthur?” he calls again. Still there’s no sign of his friend. Merlin’s herz races. “Where are you?” he asks himself, cursing at Arthur in silence. “Arthur!” he tries one Mehr time.
“Merlin?” Arthur calls from the door.
The sudden call jolts Merlin to the bone, causing him to throw the milch he held in his hand all over his face and down his pajamas. Merlin whirls around and finds Arthur standing Von the door. milch streams down his face, causing the oben, nach oben of his pajamas wet and sticky with the poured milk.
“Damn you, Arthur!!” Merlin says angrily and unbuttons his oben, nach oben as Arthur taps his way into the room.
“I scared you?”
“Yeah!!!” Merlin removes his oben, nach oben and wipes his face with it. He feels sticky. But he continues to wipe his body with his oben, nach oben and sits down at the edge of the bed, sighing in relief. His herz is beating rapidly and shakes his head, thinking how frightened he’d been. He has never been this frightened before in his life. This was his first. He holds his temple and softly massages the throbbing pain. He just wanted to strangle Arthur.
“Merlin?”
“What!!” Merlin is pissed.
“Sorry, mate… didn’t mean to frighten you. What are Du doing up at this hour?” Arthur walks near Merlin and touches his friend’s head. Merlin ducks away angrily.
“Merlin… I am sorry. How was I supposed to know Du were here?”
“Look!!! I am all wet and sticky and I smell like a cow right now, so… just don’t touch me. What ever Du want to say, Du can do by… standing away from me!” Merlin snaps and sits with a gloomy face. He is still trying to recover from his fright and he didn’t care if his friend took offence oder not.
“What are Du doing up at this hour? And in my room?” Arthur asks, standing where he did a while ago. Merlin looks up at him.
“I’m about to ask Du the same thing,” Merlin says, sighing deeply.
“I went to look for you”
“Me?”
“Yeah… I wanted to talk to Du about a matter and I didn’t find Du in the room. So I headed back. How was I supposed to know Du were here, waiting for me?”
“I wasn’t waiting for you. I thought I saw a shadow in your room and came here to see if Du were all right. Then I find Du gone, missing so I was calling for Du when Du shook the hell of me!”
“It’s not my fault, Merlin.”
“So is it mine?”
“This is childish!!”
“Childish!!! Du scared the shit out of me Arthur and caused me to take a bath in the milch that I’m supposed to be drinking!! I am very angry with Du and if could see me right now, you’ll notice how gutted I am but thankfully Du don’t have to go through that… so don’t tell me this is childish!! Just be relieved I’m not wringing your neck!!”
“Look… I am sorry. I didn’t know…”
“Of course Du didn’t and I don’t expect Du to but at least try to understand… just give me a moment,” Merlin cuts him off quickly. Arthur stops and wonders if he should stay oder go.
“Do Du want me to leave?”
“Do you?”
“I thought Du sagte Du wanted to have a moment…”
“I know what I said, Arthur, but this is your room, for pity’s sake. I should leave not you. Stop doing what people tell Du to, you’re not a puppet all. Du sagte Du wanted to tell me something. What is it?” Merlin asks again, irked Von Arthur’s evasiveness.
“Are Du sure you’re all right, Merlin? We can talk in the morning if Du want, this isn’t important at the moment. Why don’t Du go and get yourself cleaned and we’ll talk…”
“What is it ,Arthur?” Merlin’s patience was draining.
“Remember the guy I killed?”
“Hmm…”
“I asked Du to find out about…”
“I thought I sagte the doctor….”
“No, listen… I know the doctor refused to reveal any names, but… today when I was talking to Guinevere, she told me she Lost her father a Monat Vor due to illness. But something in my herz tells me… that…”
“That he didn’t die of illness?”
“Yes, I don’t know why and I know it’s absurd, but… I can’t help feeling her father and the man I killed in the accident could be the same person. Besides, Du told me that man had a son and a daughter. Guinevere has a brother and she Lost her mother at birth… can Du do me a favour and find out about her father, Merlin?”
“You’re asking me to get a slap from her and her brother, aren’t you?” Merlin asks, sighing. This is madness. If Gwen finds out he is investigating behind her back, he’ll lose her friendship but if he doesn’t do this for Arthur, he’ll lose his. Either way, he is bound to get some grief from either one party.
“I’m sure Du know how to handle yourself, Merlin. Please, for me… please?”
“Whatever, Arthur… Du own me great deal and when all this is done, I’m expecting something big in return,” Merlin Antworten and gets up to his feet.
“You’ll not be disappointed, Merlin… I promise you.” Arthur says with a smile.
Morgana clears her throat to gain the attention of both Arthur and Gwen. Gwen drops Arthur’s hand and smiles sheepishly at Morgana. Her friend smiles back, in tease.
“Who is it Guinevere?” Arthur asks, his expression startled. Gwen opens her mouth.
“It’s me… Morgana,” Morgana says immediately, cutting Gwen first.
“Ah, Morgana,” Arthur smiles in relief. “I was scared for a while there,” he adds.
“Whom Du expecting?”
“Merlin,” Arthur says shortly.
“Is he supposed to be here?” Morgana asks, crossing her hand across her chest.
“No, but don’t Du write him off, he’s there when Du least expect him,” Arthur Antworten and laughs.
Morgana laughs and eyes her friend keenly. Gwen avoids Morgana and keeps looking down at her feet. Suddenly the floor becomes very interesting to her.
“Find something interesting down there, Gwen?” Morgana asks, sitting down beside her. Gwen looks up. Morgana’s arched brow speaks volumes. Gwen tosses a quick look at Arthur and smiles back at Morgana.
‘What was that?’ Morgana seems to be asking, though she didn’t open her mouth to pose that question. She didn’t need to. Her look substitutes for words well enough.
Gwen licks her lips and wonders how to explain to her friend without Arthur listening. Finally she pulls Morgana close and whispers, “I’ll tell Du when I get back, yeah.”
Morgana doesn’t seem happy with the answer but she has little choice. She understands Gwen’s difficulties with Arthur’s presence and will wait a bit Mehr for Gwen’s clarification. Besides, she wants to hear the full version of what happened and this is definitely not the place.
“Did Du come to take us home, Morgana?” Arthur asks, breaking the silence.
“Yes, are Du both ready?”
“Yeah,” he answers.
“Then let’s go.” Morgana gets to her feet and helps Gwen with Arthur. Once on his feet, Arthur holds Gwen’s arm and lets her lead him to the car.
Once they arrive at the apartment, Morgana waits in the car while Gwen leads Arthur back to his apartment. She has called Merlin and he promised to be there in half an hour’s time. The elevator opens and Gwen leads Arthur carefully to his apartment. Arthur’s neighbours are an elderly Asian couple and the husband was outside tending to his cactus plant when Gwen and Arthur arrived at the door. The man looks up from his task, shifts his glance from Arthur to Gwen and the back to Arthur. He smiles and nods at Gwen in the process.
“Hello, Arthur?”
“Oh, Mr. Chang… what are Du doing out here?” Arthur asks and fiddles in his pocket for his keys.
Mr. Chang removes his gloves and steps closer towards them. “Doing what I do best, tending to my babies.”
“Let me guess… cactus?”
“Yes… where have Du been?”
“The hospital. It’s my appointment today.”
“Oh, I forgot. Du did tell last week,” Mr. Chang Antworten and shakes his head. He then looks at Gwen and smiles shyly. “I’m getting old, Du see,” he says. Gwen laughs and helps Arthur to unlock the door.
“Who is this, Arthur?”
“Who?” Arthur is confused.
“This lovely young lady Von your side.”
“Oh, this is Guinevere. She took me to the hospital today.”
“She’s your girlfriend?” Mr. Chang seems blunt in his words and Gwen almost drops the keys. But she heard Arthur laughing behind her.
“Yes,” Arthur says shortly and Gwen spins around, her face confused. Mr. Chang smiles and nudges Arthur’s shoulder.
“She’s beautiful, Arthur,” he says, winking at Gwen. “You’re very lucky indeed,” he adds.
Gwen opens her mouth to reply but Arthur cuts her first. “I am,” Arthur agrees. Gwen looks at Mr. Chang, feeling like an idiot. The elderly man winks at her and gets back tending his cactus.
“Guinevere?” Arthur calls.
“Huh?”
“Let’s get inside, shall we, oder are Du planning to stay out here all day?”
“Oh, yeah… come on.”
“Goodbye, Mr.Chang,” Arthur says.
“Goodbye,” the old man Antworten happily without looking up.
Gwen leads Arthur inside and closes the door Von nudging it with her leg. She takes him straight to the sofa and sits him down.
“Guinevere?”
“Yes?”
“Can Du get me a glass of water please?”
“Sure” Gwen stands straight and looks around. “Where’s your kitchen?”
“Are we sitting facing the coffee table?”
“No, Du are sitting facing the marble elefant and I am standing beside you”
“Right. Then Du must walk over to the elefant and turn right, the küche is there and there is a huge refrigerator inside Weiter to the oven.”
“Ok,” Gwen Antwort shortly and leaves, following Arthur’s direction. She reaches the küche and looks around in awe at the cleanliness of the place. For a bachelor and a man this is an Unglaublich feat. Did Arthur hire a maid to get this place cleaned up? There’s no way he’d did it on his own? So it has to be a maid’s job. After all, he could afford a maid for the rest of his life. She can only dream of hiring a maid; she could never get one. She walks to the refrigerator and pulls it open. It was stacked full with beverages, fruits and food. Gwen reaches in and lifts out a bottle of plain water. She closes the refrigerator and walks back to Arthur.
“You have a very nice kitchen… it’s very clean,” she Kommentare and helps him clutch the bottle.
Arthur smiles.
“Your maid must be very expensive.”
“Maid?”
“Yes… this place, it must be taken care of Von a maid, men aren’t this tidy.”
“Really?”
“Yeah…” Gwen drags her answer; she is confused Von Arthur’s question. He seems to be teasing her. Did she say something wrong?
“Well, sorry to prove Du wrong dear, I don’t have a maid.”
“Then who…”
“My friends. Merlin, Gwaine and Leon. They do all the housekeeping. I was tending to it before but after my accident, they have taken over the duties,” he replies.
“No way!” Gwen couldn’t believe it. Three men have been doing what a woman normally does? This is unbelievable.
“Don’t believe it? Well, most people don’t, but that’s the truth. We do our own work. I can always get a maid but the fun of taking care of your own place is Sekunde to nothing,” he says. Gwen smiles. She agrees with him. When Du do your own chores oder tasks, the excitement it brings can match nothing in the world. It’s like you’re in control of your life and it allows Du the freedom to make any decision Du want. But what intrigues Gwen is that someone like Arthur is willing to tend to his own needs, his own Home without seeking the help of others. And what good Friends he has.
“Guinevere?”
“Sorry, I was… looking around. Du have a lovely home. It’s beautiful.”
“Really? Du haven’t seen my other Home yet, Guinevere, you’d Liebe it, too.”
“You have another home?” Gwen doesn’t know why she is surprised. Someone like Arthur and with the wealth at his disposal, he can afford apartments, mansions and even castles littering all over Camelot. This is Peanuts for him. Only she needs to think twice to even buy a house.
“This is my only Home which belongs to me, solely me… what I had in mind was my family home, the place where I was born and raised, filled with memories of my mother. I used to like that place but not anymore.” Arthur says bitterly. “But it’s a lovely place anyway… Du would Liebe it.”
“The family home, regardless how bitter oder troublesome it’s been over the years, will always have a special place in our hearts, Arthur. Because it’s our first Home and it’s where we start our life. I am sure you’ve had some wonderful and not so wonderful memories there. I don’t blame Du for not liking it anymore, but… it’s still a home, Arthur, and one with the memory of the person Du Liebe the most; your mother. If not for anyone, at least for her… try to Liebe it back. I Liebe my Home because it’s the only place we’ve had for years and also it bore the strength of my father, the Liebe of my mother and the stubbornness of my brother who still keeps it preserved. It will always have a special place in my heart, even if I decide to get a new place and Du should consider yours too.”
“Wow”
“What?”
“I didn’t know Du thought about homes this deep… it’s educational.”
“There are a lot of things Du didn’t know about me yet, Arthur, and when Du do, you’ll be surprised,” she laughs. Arthur loves to hear that laughter. He smiles.
“Did anyone tell Du have an amazing laugh Guinevere?”
“You’re the first, though my father loved my smile”
“I can’t see that smile but I can definitely hear Du laugh… and I like it.”
“You want to see me smile?” she sits down beside him.
“I can?”
“Here” she grabs his hand, lift it to her lips and allows him to feel her smile. Arthur smiles as he explores her lips with his fingers, touching and stroking them gently. His touch sends unexpected feuer down her spine and she feels herself losing control each time his thumb oder finger strokes her supple lips. Gwen isn’t the only one affected Von the touch; Arthur too seems to be Verzaubert Von the lovely lips. Crazy thoughts spiraling out of control in his head and to put an end to it, he removes his hand immediately. His removal stuns Gwen but she was a little glad he decided to stop.
“Sorry… I think Du have a lovely smile,” he says sheepishly, gripping his cane tightly.
“Thank you,” she says. But as time passes, Arthur still remains quiet and Gwen, noticing his silence, touches his shoulder.
“Something wrong?”
“Sorry for what I sagte to Chang there… it was necessary and I didn’t give Du any warning. Du must’ve been surprised hearing what I sagte to him.”
“I was shocked, yes but I am sure Du had your reasons.”
“I had to because he would not let the matter rest until we agree with him, that’s why. I know him pretty well. Grumpy man sometimes but a good and kind hearted one. He will let the issue rest after a couple of days,”
“So, in the meantime I am your girlfriend?”
“I guess so,” Arthur smiles and Gwen’s herz melts. She licks her lips and looks away, afraid what she might do if he keeps on smiling at her like that.
“Ok, for you… I’ll play along,” she agrees still looking away. Arthur smiles and finishes his drink.
“Will Du be all right on your own Arthur?”
“You are leaving?” he asks her softly. His voice tugs her heart.
“I have to get back to work… and Morgana’s waiting for me in the car.”
“Oh…” Arthur looks away sadly. It pains her to see him sad but she has to get back. Morgana is still down there in the car, waiting for her. Probably wondering what’s taking this long.
“I thought perhaps… maybe Du and I could spend some time talking until the rest of the guys come home?”
“It’ll take Merlin another half an Stunde to arrive, and…”
“You’re right… Du have to get back to work. I shouldn’t be inconsiderate. Sorry, Guinevere,” Arthur Antworten sadly. Gwen is heartbroken to disappoint him but what can she do? There’s Morgana waiting for her while work beckons and Arthur is here seems to be in need of her company. She is split. She didn’t know what to do but in her heart, she really wants to accompany Arthur until Merlin arrives. What she really didn’t know is how to answer Morgana when questioned. That’s her real dilemma.
“Have Du left?”
“No, Arthur, I’m still here”
“Are Du staying, then?”
“I’m not sure…”
“Are Du considering?” Arthur remains hopeful. Gwen smiles.
“You’re really pushy, aren’t you?”
“Sorry,” Arthur drops his head.
“No, I meant it in good natured way,” Gwen laughs. Arthur lifts his head and joins her laugh.
“Oh. But Du can carry on, Guinevere. Du left your work for me and I can’t be selfish and ask Du to do further than what you’ve done. I’ll be good for a while.”
“Sure?”
“Yeah… I’ll be fine. I promise I won’t do anything stupid,” he laughs.
Gwen smiles and gets up. “All right then… I’ll see Du some other time?”
“When?” Arthur asks quickly.
“Wow!”
“Obvious huh?”
“I’ll let Du know, through Merlin,” she promises and walks to the door. “Goodbye, Arthur,” she says and leaves, closing the door behind her.
“Goodbye,” Arthur Antworten softly, almost to himself.
Gwen bites her lips and twirls her chain in her fingers as she boards the elevator. Her mind is still with Arthur. She wonders what will he do all Von himself and has she done the right thing Von leaving him alone. Merlin asked her to accompany him to the hospital and she has fulfilled that wish. Now it’s back to her own business and she has work waiting for her on the other side of the road. She can’t be letting her emotion overrule her head. Arthur has learnt the traits of living with his blindness and he should be fine on his own. Merlin will be back in another thirty Minuten time, so why is she worried? The elevator reaches the ground level and opens allowing her to step out. She has made her mind up. She will get back to work. No Mehr consideration. She has set her mind up. She walks up to the car and pulls the door open. Bending low, she calls for her friend.
“Morgana? I think I will stay with Arthur until Merlin arrives. I don’t have good feeling leaving him alone,” she says.
“Is that your reason?” Morgana asks with a smile, fingers tapping on the steering wheel.
“What?”
“I think that is one stupid reason you’re trying to cook up, Gwen. If Du want to spend your Tag with Arthur, all Du have to do is ask. And I’m not stupid, I can see how smitten Du are with him just as he is with you. So, Von all means go… no one is stopping you, but just don’t try to lie to me with your silly reasons because it never works.”
“I wasn’t…”
Morgana looks back at Gwen with a tease in her eyes, her lips twitched into a mocking smile.
“Fine, Du win… damn Du Morgana!! How can Du be so good in this?”
“Let’s just say you’re an open book, girl… it might have been hard before, but after Arthur’s arrival, your emotions are obvious on your face!”
“Whatever, Morgana. Look, thanks and I owe you. Tell Gaius I’ll stay back after hours and complete my duties.”
“Don’t bother… I’ll see to it. Make sure Du have fun.”
“I’m just accompanying him, Morgana, what fun will there be?”
“Yeah, right! Do Du really think I’ll believe you?”
“You have to… I’ll keep him company till Merlin comes Home and then I’ll be gone.”
“Right…”
“It’s true!”
“Uh-huh?”
“Yes!”
“Right!” Morgana starts the car with a laugh.
“Get out of here, Morgana,” Gwen taps the car and stands back, smiling.
Morgana waves her hand and drives off, leaving Gwen watching with a laugh, arms folded neatly across her chest.
Arthur leans against the couch and thinks about Gwen. He wonders what she looks like. Is she tall? Is she lean? Blonde? Brunette? He knows she has wonderful smile but that is all he found out about her. Fragen play around in his mind and he smiles to himself as he wonders what is wrong with him. Since when has he become interested in women? Since when has he become uneasy in another’s presence? He shakes his head and laughs on his own.
“Something amusing Arthur?” Gwen asks, as she stands Von the edge of the couch.
Arthur jolts upright and loses his grip on his cane. While he searches for the cane, Gwen bends and picks it up, putting it back in his grip.
“Guinevere!”
“Hmmm?”
“You came back!”
“You don’t sound too happy about it,”
“No!!! I am… God! I am happy, Guinevere!” Arthur laughs, patting the sitz beside him, asking her to Mitmachen him. She sits down.
“I thought…”
“I changed my mind.”
“That’s really sweet of you, Guinevere. Thanks”
Gwen smiles and wonders what she should say next. This is really awkward for her. It was her bright idea to stay with him until Merlin came Home and now she didn’t know what to say to him. She wants to know him better. But she didn’t know how to start the conversation oder begin her words. What if he doesn’t like her questions? What if he becomes angry? He is sensitive to questions, which is obvious from her past experience, but isn’t he the one who suggested she stay and keep him company? Gwen is really confused. How to start? Where to start?
“Guinevere?”
“Yes Arthur?”
“Tell me about yourself?”
‘Ahh… he’s making it easy for me’ she thinks and prays the lord silently. “What do Du want to know?”
“Your family, for starters… tell me everything. I like to know.”
“Ohh!” Gwen winces. How will she tell him about her father? He can’t know the truth and she isn’t ready to tell him about her father’s accident yet. What will she say? Another lie? No, that is out of question… no Mehr lies. So what will she tell him?
“Guinevere?”
“Hmmm… well, I did tell Du there are just four of us. My parents, my brother and myself. I Lost my mom at my birth so I didn’t have a chance to know her but my father made sure we never realised her loss. He played the role of both my mom and dad… and he did well because I didn’t miss not have a mom at all,” Gwen laughs nervously, waiting for Arthur’s reaction. Hearing her mention her mother brings back the memories of his own mother and her death to him. Arthur becomes sad, thinking how much he wish his own father had done what Guinevere’s father did for his kids. If only…
“I’m… I’m sorry Guinevere,” Arthur’s voice drops low almost to a whisper. Gwen realises the change of expression on his face and the voice. She touches his shoulder.
“Have I sagte something wrong, Arthur?”
“No… just Du remind me of my own mother…”
“I believe Du Lost your own mum at childbirth, didn’t you?”
“Yes… I wish I had known her, but unfortunately she gave her life up for me. If only she’d lived and I …”
“Don’t say that Arthur!” Gwen reaches and covers Arthur’s mouth before he can finish his words. “Your mother loves you… and she gave her life up so that Du can live and be the person she’d expected of you. Don’t make her death be in vain,” she says. Arthur peels her hand from his mouth.
“I’m afraid I already have. Just ask my father,”
“No, Du haven’t… there’s still time to mend your mistakes, Arthur. Your father is a joke!” the words escaped her mouth before she realised it. It shocked Arthur as well and Gwen slaps her forehead for her stupidity. “Sorry, Arthur… I didn’t mean it that way… what I meant was… I was…”
“You are right about my father.”
“Huh?”
“No one needs to Sekunde guess Uther Pendragon… I’m sure Du base your Kommentare from what Du saw at the hospital?”
“Oh, yeah,” Gwen scratches her head, confused but thankful the topic had taken a different direction. Anything as long they don’t talk about her father.
“You think so?”
“About?” she asks, suddenly seems to be lost.
“About my mother and what she expects of me?” he asks.
“I believe so… mothers always have hopes for their kids before they are born and I am sure your mother would have had some for you. Only she didn’t have the opportunity to tell Du herself, but you’ll know,” she reach and touches his heart, “in here,” she finishes. Arthur clasps her hand and smiles back.
“Your belief in me is unwavering, Guinevere.”
“Let’s say your mother and I share the same belief.”
“I wish my mother had lived so that I could introduce her to you. She would have loved you.”
“And my mother would have liked Du too,” Gwen adds. And that’s the truth. Her parents would have loved Arthur and welcomed him into their Home with an open heart. If only her father had lived…
“Tell me Mehr about your family, Guinevere?” Arthur invites, breaking Gwen’s thoughts. Gwen doesn’t like what he just said. She manages to divert the Zurück Fragen Von asking about his mother but now Arthur seems to be coming back to her with the Fragen she dare not reveal the Antwort to.
“I just did…”
“You sagte Du have a brother and a father, tell me about them?”
“My brother is a businessman and he is currently working with his friend. My dad… He… he…” she struggles for words. How is she going to tell him?
“What’s wrong, Guinevere?”
“My father… he…” God, why is he doing this to her. Arthur waits patiently.
“My dad… passed away recently!” she finally blurts out.
“WHAT!!!!” Arthur is stunned. “When?” he asks.
“A Monat ago” she replies.
‘God!!’ Arthur prays silently. A Monat ago? Her father died a Monat ago? He killed a man a Monat ago! Could that man be the same man Guinevere is talking about? Did he kill Guinevere’s father? No!! He didn’t know whom he killed because the doctor refused to reveal the name of the deceased, but… now he is getting really suspicious about Guinevere’ father.
“How did he die?” he asks softly and dreads the answer.
“He was ill… and he died in his sleep,” Gwen stands up and walks away, shutting her pain away. It hurts her to talk about her father and makes it even worse to lie to him.
Arthur sighs in relief. Thanks heavens! “I’m sorry Guinevere, I didn’t know… I’m truly sorry,” Arthur says and searches for her but she isn’t there anymore. And Gwen didn’t realise Arthur was looking for her. Arthur continues to Suchen for her.
“Guinevere?”
Gwen turns around, wipes the unexpected tears and walks back to him, taking his hand in hers. “I’m here, Arthur.”
“I’m sorry for making Du sad, Guinevere. I shouldn’t have asked Du about your family. And I am sorry about father. Du and your brother must’ve been devastated Von the loss.”
“We were but Elyan is brave. He coped with Mom’s death at young tender age and now with Dad’s… but I can’t be like him. I am not Merida - Legende der Highlands enough.”
“I think Du are. Losing your mother at birth and now your father… it takes great strength to cope with these losses and I think you’ve done fairly well.”
“Elyan says the same too.”
“Elyan? Is that your brother’s name?”
“Yes… Du should meet him Arthur. You’d like him.”
“I very much like to… when can we do that?”
“Hmmm… let me talk to Merlin first and then I’ll take Du to meet Elyan, is that all right?”
“Sure,” Arthur says.
Gwen smiles and looks at Arthur for a long time. Her herz breaks into song as she keeps on gazing at him. Something about him makes her herz soar, her stomach churn with Schmetterlinge and mind break into unimaginable thoughts. She can go on looking at his face all Tag long, not realizing that the door has opened and someone has walked in.
Merlin coughs to be heard and stands with his hands in his pocket. Gwen looks up and blushes being caught red handed.
“Who’s that?” Arthur asks, stifled with unawareness.
“Merlin,” Merlin Antworten to Arthur with a smile and shifts his glance at Gwen. “Hello, Gwen.”
“Hello, Merlin,” Gwen Antworten and looks at her watch. “You’re early,” she tells him.
“Yup… did I interrupt anything?”
“No,” both Arthur and Gwen say in unison. Merlin laughs and walks over to the kitchen. Gwen drops her head in embarrassment.
“Merlin?” Arthur calls.
“Yeah?” Merlin Antwort from the kitchen.
“Don’t we owe Guinevere a treat for help she offered today?” Arthur asks. Merlin walks back to Mitmachen them, a bottle of bier in his hand. He unties his tie and removes it, dropping it casually on the table.
“Sure… what shall we do?” Merlin winks at Gwen.
“Now Arthur… it’s not really necessary…”
“No Gwen, Arthur’s right. For the trouble he caused Du today I think Du deserve a treat… at his expense.”
“That’s right… where shall we take her?” Arthur asks.
“Hmmm… let’s see” Merlin scratches his chin and thinks. The door opens and in walk Gwaine and Leon.
“Hellooooo there!” Gwaine smiles as he comes around, bends, picks up Gwen’s hand and gives it a light peck. “Fancy meeting Du here…”
“Guinevere.” Arthur tells him.
“Gwen for short,” Merlin informs.
“I like Guinevere,” Arthur adds, with a smile.
“I think I’ll stick to Gwen…” Gwaine says and smiles. “I’m Gwaine, Von the way.” he introduces himself to her.
“Hello, Gwaine,” Gwen Antworten and looks at Leon. Gwaine follows her gaze and wraps his arms around Leon’s shoulder.
“And this is Leon,” Gwaine introduces Leon.
“Hello, Gwen,” Leon says softly. Gwen smiles at him.
“So now you’ve met the rest of the group, Guinevere, what do Du think of them?”
Arthur asks.
“I think they are all lovely, Arthur”
“Listen Arthur… lovely!” Gwaine repeats the words and takes the bier from Merlin.
Arthur laughs. Gwen smiles and looks at Merlin.
“I have to go, Merlin. I was keeping him company till Du got home”
“Thank Du for the help Gwen. Like Arthur said, I think Du deserve a treat.”
“No, that’s not necessary. I was helping a friend… and Friends don’t expect anything in return,” she says and gets to her feet.
“But we insist… at least Du must Mitmachen us for dinner. We’ll cook and if Du don’t like our food, we can buy from outside and pretend its Home cooked,” Gwaine says, looking at Leon.
“Merlin’s a great cook Gwen. Du should taste his food, at least once,” Leon chips in.
“All right… some other day. Let me know when and I’ll see if I can make it. It’s been wonderful meeting you. Goodbye, Arthur… bye,” Gwen says and walks to the door. The rest of the guys, except for Arthur follow her to the door. Gwen stops and turns around.
“Thanks for not revealing you’ve met me already,” she says softly.
“Merlin told us what happened… we will never put Du in trouble, Gwen,” Gwaine Antworten with a wink.
“Don’t worry… your secret is safe, sicher with us,” Leon assures her.
“Thanks… bye,” Gwen says and steps out.
“Bye,” all three of them bid her goodbye and watch her leave before closing the door and walking back to Arthur.
“She’s lovely, Arthur,” Gwaine remarks, jumping across the sofa and landing beside Arthur.
“Hmm…”
“Gwen and Gwaine… it connects wonderfully well.”
“Really?” Arthur asks.
“Yeah.”
“Well let me tell Du something, Gwaine: she’s mine, so keep your thoughts to yourself,” Arthur laughs, followed Von Merlin. Leon pats Gwaine’s shoulder.
“Hooo… looks like I’ve got serious competition here, mate!” Gwaine nudges Arthur’s shoulder. Arthur swings his cane at Gwaine and the latter avoids it Von ducking away to safety. The rest of the boys laugh.
Gwen places the roasted chicken in the middle of the tabelle and takes her place with both Elyan and Percival at the dining table. Percival stirs the salat while Elyan pours the soße all around the chicken. Gwen serves the plate and pours herself some orange saft while waiting for Elyan to slice the chicken.
“This looks delicious, Gwen, can’t wait to taste it” Elyan says as he serves her the thigh and gets back to slicing Mehr parts of the chicken.
“Reserve your thanks for Morgana, she gave me the recipe.”
“You should have invited her along,” Elyan says, licking his fingers.
“I did, but she went to meet her sister”
“Oh, that’s a shame. Would have been nice to have her here with us,” Elyan says and scoops some mashed potato onto his plate.
“This is delicious, Gwen,” Percival says, biting into his chicken.
“Thanks, Percival,” Gwen says and watches as both Elyan and Percival dig into their chicken. Elyan is speechless and offers a thumbs-up at her before continuing with his meal.
Gwen waits until they have finished their chicken before asking what’s been playing in her mind all evening. “Elyan?”
“Hmm…” Elyan continues eating.
“Can I ask Du something?”
“Sure love… what is it?”
“Remember when Du told me once that we need to forgive and forget what people have done to us, regardless how bitter we feel about them?”
“I sagte that?” Elyan asks as he scoops a mouthful of salad.
“Yes… well, not exactly like that but something like it… look!” Gwen pushes her plate away and folds her hand on the table.
“Remember the guy who drove his car on Dad?”
Elyan stops eating. Beside him Percival continues to tuck in. “What about him?”
“Don’t be mad at me, yeah… but remember Du told me we should forgive him?”
“Yes…”
“I have forgiven him, and…”
“And…”
“I want Du to meet him, Elyan. I am thinking of bringing him here, so Du and he can get to know each other…”
“Gwen?”
“I know, I know… I am sorry for keeping this from you, Elyan, but I have gotten to know him well in the Weltraum of these past three weeks, and… he’s not what we thought he was. He is… different.”
“What do Du mean, different?” Elyan drops his fork and looks sharply at his sister. He didn’t know where this conversation is leading to. Beside him, Percival seems to helping himself a Sekunde round.
“He’s… how would Du say it, hmm… he’s wealthy, yes, but he’s got a kind heart, Elyan. He feels guilty about what he’s done to Father and he’s staying blind because he wants to punish himself for what’s he done, even though his blindess can probably be corrected. He is a good person, Elyan, and you’re right, he proved me wrong.”
“Well, looks like he impressed you.”
“He did, and I want Du to meet him.”
“Why?”
“Because I told him about us… all of us.”
“WHAT!!!”
“No, don’t worry… I didn’t tell about the accident. I lied to him but apart from that, I told him everything and he wants to meet you. Will Du meet him?”
“If it means a lot to you, I will… I give Du my word,” he Antworten with a smile. “But… how could Du change your mind quickly Gwen? You’re not one to have a quick change of heart?”
“Let’s say he has his ways…” Gwen laughs and sips her juice.
“Is it good oder bad?”
“Good… and don’t worry Elyan, I’m not scheming up to revenge Father oder anything. I genuinely have changed my thoughts on him and would like Du to meet him.”
“All right… but he must impress me as well.”
“Don’t worry, he will. Trust me, he will,” she winks at him.
Merlin is feeling tired yet he can’t sleep. Gwaine and Leon have left to meet a friend of theirs and Arthur is asleep in his room, leaving Merlin with no one but himself. He tries watching the telly but nothing is of interest. Bücher don’t have any magic for him. Musik seems to bore him lately and he isn’t the internet savvy type. He just wishes he has someone he can talk with. Walking out from his room, he heads straight to the küche and pours himself a cup of milk. milch gives a good sleep, his mother used to tell him and he can do with a good night sleep tonight. Sipping the milk, he heads back to his room but stops short when he thinks he saw a shadow looming in Arthur’s room. He tip toes towards the room and finds the door ajar.
‘Funny’ he thinks as he remembers closing the door when he has seen Arthur to bed. But who could have opened it?
He pushes the door and steps in. Arthur’s bett is empty and his friend is no where to be seen.
“Arthur?” Merlin calls, looking around. No sound at all. Merlin steps closer to the bed, clutching his milch tightly. “Arthur?” he calls again. Still there’s no sign of his friend. Merlin’s herz races. “Where are you?” he asks himself, cursing at Arthur in silence. “Arthur!” he tries one Mehr time.
“Merlin?” Arthur calls from the door.
The sudden call jolts Merlin to the bone, causing him to throw the milch he held in his hand all over his face and down his pajamas. Merlin whirls around and finds Arthur standing Von the door. milch streams down his face, causing the oben, nach oben of his pajamas wet and sticky with the poured milk.
“Damn you, Arthur!!” Merlin says angrily and unbuttons his oben, nach oben as Arthur taps his way into the room.
“I scared you?”
“Yeah!!!” Merlin removes his oben, nach oben and wipes his face with it. He feels sticky. But he continues to wipe his body with his oben, nach oben and sits down at the edge of the bed, sighing in relief. His herz is beating rapidly and shakes his head, thinking how frightened he’d been. He has never been this frightened before in his life. This was his first. He holds his temple and softly massages the throbbing pain. He just wanted to strangle Arthur.
“Merlin?”
“What!!” Merlin is pissed.
“Sorry, mate… didn’t mean to frighten you. What are Du doing up at this hour?” Arthur walks near Merlin and touches his friend’s head. Merlin ducks away angrily.
“Merlin… I am sorry. How was I supposed to know Du were here?”
“Look!!! I am all wet and sticky and I smell like a cow right now, so… just don’t touch me. What ever Du want to say, Du can do by… standing away from me!” Merlin snaps and sits with a gloomy face. He is still trying to recover from his fright and he didn’t care if his friend took offence oder not.
“What are Du doing up at this hour? And in my room?” Arthur asks, standing where he did a while ago. Merlin looks up at him.
“I’m about to ask Du the same thing,” Merlin says, sighing deeply.
“I went to look for you”
“Me?”
“Yeah… I wanted to talk to Du about a matter and I didn’t find Du in the room. So I headed back. How was I supposed to know Du were here, waiting for me?”
“I wasn’t waiting for you. I thought I saw a shadow in your room and came here to see if Du were all right. Then I find Du gone, missing so I was calling for Du when Du shook the hell of me!”
“It’s not my fault, Merlin.”
“So is it mine?”
“This is childish!!”
“Childish!!! Du scared the shit out of me Arthur and caused me to take a bath in the milch that I’m supposed to be drinking!! I am very angry with Du and if could see me right now, you’ll notice how gutted I am but thankfully Du don’t have to go through that… so don’t tell me this is childish!! Just be relieved I’m not wringing your neck!!”
“Look… I am sorry. I didn’t know…”
“Of course Du didn’t and I don’t expect Du to but at least try to understand… just give me a moment,” Merlin cuts him off quickly. Arthur stops and wonders if he should stay oder go.
“Do Du want me to leave?”
“Do you?”
“I thought Du sagte Du wanted to have a moment…”
“I know what I said, Arthur, but this is your room, for pity’s sake. I should leave not you. Stop doing what people tell Du to, you’re not a puppet all. Du sagte Du wanted to tell me something. What is it?” Merlin asks again, irked Von Arthur’s evasiveness.
“Are Du sure you’re all right, Merlin? We can talk in the morning if Du want, this isn’t important at the moment. Why don’t Du go and get yourself cleaned and we’ll talk…”
“What is it ,Arthur?” Merlin’s patience was draining.
“Remember the guy I killed?”
“Hmm…”
“I asked Du to find out about…”
“I thought I sagte the doctor….”
“No, listen… I know the doctor refused to reveal any names, but… today when I was talking to Guinevere, she told me she Lost her father a Monat Vor due to illness. But something in my herz tells me… that…”
“That he didn’t die of illness?”
“Yes, I don’t know why and I know it’s absurd, but… I can’t help feeling her father and the man I killed in the accident could be the same person. Besides, Du told me that man had a son and a daughter. Guinevere has a brother and she Lost her mother at birth… can Du do me a favour and find out about her father, Merlin?”
“You’re asking me to get a slap from her and her brother, aren’t you?” Merlin asks, sighing. This is madness. If Gwen finds out he is investigating behind her back, he’ll lose her friendship but if he doesn’t do this for Arthur, he’ll lose his. Either way, he is bound to get some grief from either one party.
“I’m sure Du know how to handle yourself, Merlin. Please, for me… please?”
“Whatever, Arthur… Du own me great deal and when all this is done, I’m expecting something big in return,” Merlin Antworten and gets up to his feet.
“You’ll not be disappointed, Merlin… I promise you.” Arthur says with a smile.
Image courtesy of ivanka-ctc/checkthe czech
Had to add it. Just had to.
