bAuthor/Artist: Dannic38/b
bTitle: He wasn't on the list/b
bPairing(s)/Character(s): Arthur, Gwen, Merlin, and Lancelot. Arden. Mentions of Morgana, Leon, Percy, and Gawain /b
bRating: K/b
bSummary: Gwen comes from New York. Merlin and Arthur didn't shop for food while she was gone. A trip to the market and the boys see tall dark handsome Lancelot. They do things to keep Gwen from Lancelot. Set in a MODERN AU/b
bWarnings (if any): I'm not British. American shopping is way different/b
bTotal word count :/b 3,126
bOriginal prompt number: #82 They live together and they shop together - it's a chaotic lifestyle /b
smallbDisclaimer:/b This story/artwork is based on characters and situations created and owned by the BBC and Shine TV. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended./small
bAuthor's/artist's notes (if any): I tried to do everything in the original prompt./b
bBeta(s): cloudyskiesbringimagination/b

Gwen poured steaming water into her favorite tea cup. Arthur bought her a delicate china cup painted with purple, white, and blue wildflowers when she finally agreed to move in with him. Arthur cajoled, begged, pleaded, and pouted for months until Gwen surrounded to his requests. His Kensington flat was lovely. So, much better than her cramped small flat on the west side of London. Three month ago, Merlin accidentally ignited a fire in his flat. He poured water on a grease fire. Lucky, he didn't lose many 0f his possession. His red faced landlady kicked him out as she mumbled that he was worrisome and meddlesome. She needed a break from his chaos.

Gwen begged, pleaded, kissed, and hugged Arthur until he gave Merlin his spare bedroom. Merlin and Arthur were complete opposites. Merlin's room was covered with dirty pants, crumbled jumpers, dirty plates, tea stained cups, and potato crisp. Gwen always wore slippers in his bedroom. The crisp crunched like sand when she had to search for an item in Merlin's mess. Arthur refused to enter the back of his flat after Merlin moved in three months ago.

Arthur's lair was ridiculously clean. His suits were pristine and orderly; his shoes lined in perfect rows like little duckling waiting for their mama. Every item was placed in a bureau; he never dropped wet towels on soft brown carpeting in his room. Gwen never found wet foot print marks marring his cool blue bathroom tile. He was the perfect roommate, friend, and lover. Once every blue moon, Arthur would press her to share his room. Gwen always won that argument. She needed girl time away from Arthur. It was share with Arthur and her own room or live in a different apartment, she won every discussion.

Gwen ran her spoon around the sugar bowl. It clinked as she searched in vain. Her teeth gritted as she rummaged through the cabinets. She exhaled heavily as she realized the boys didn't go to the market. The cupboards were partially bare; biscuits container were open causing her favorite chocolate biscuits to go stale. They crumpled like a snowflake in her hands. Gwen tossed the package at a silver steel trash bin. A half eaten bag of crisp hid behind a few tins of vegetables. Annoyed, Gwen stomped towards the fridge. She eyed white lumpy curdling milk. Moldy strawberries and blueberries. Wilted lettuce. Green meat. Something purple on the bottom shelf. Gwen slammed the door in frustration.

She went to New York for a week. Seven days away from Dumb and Dumber. It was like being a single mum with two naughty little boys. An American girl gave her a recipe for American regional soup containing beef, tomatoes, and a few other spices. It was rich and hearty, even though, she was deathly tired to her bones, Gwen planned on making soup for tea.

"Merlin! Arthur! Wake up!"Gwen screamed in fury. "We need to go to the grocery store."

Part II

Gwen grabbed a buggy from the rack. Arthur had his hands along blonde stubble on his hard jaw. He blew Gwen a kiss. He loved making her mad. Her eyes widened; her mouth puckered when she was mad at him. Arthur hated the rules talk with Merlin. Gwen treated him like a small child. Gwen held his large hand and stroked his fingers as he recited the rules of the grocery store.

Seriously, she's still angry with me? Something wrong with this relationship. Merlin gets affection?

"Merlin," Gwen began softly," Tell me the rules."

"Stay with you at all times. Don't talk to strangers. Don't eat samples. Go to the main counter if I'm lost. Don't tell anyone where we live."

Arthur stood in disgust. "Really, he's 23 years old. You're a year older. So, not his mum."

Gwen glared at Arthur. "What's your rule?"

Arthur pushed the buggy into Sainsbury. "I can't eat strawberries until they are paid for and washed."

"The consequences for breaking your rule."

"No love for a week."

"Perfect."

Merlin chuckled in disbelief. Arthur breaks that rule every shopping trip, he loved berries. Gwen has no will power when it comes to Arthur. She melts like a snowman in Hawaii. Then, it's kissing face.

Part III

Arthur happily munched on strawberries as Gwen pushed the buggy. Merlin dashed away when they strode a bunch of tellys. Gwen rambled on about eating balanced meals, when Merlin spotted the last episode of Dr. Who on a huge flat screen TV. Arthur's flat had a mega entertainment center, but Merlin couldn't resist Dr. Who. He felt guilty cheating on Ten with Eleven, but he loved feisty Amy Pond. She reminded Merlin of Morgana, both girls were so feisty and resourceful.

Merlin's mouth gaped as he watched Rory slowly sit in front of Amy's tomb. He waited 2,000 years for her to awaken. When will I have a soul mate? Someone to love and lean on. Sometimes, he felt in the way with Arthur and Gwen. They have that something, special, rare and perfect. He wanted to have someone to beam at him with love sparking in their eyes. Arthur purchased a large sparkly diamond with a platinum flowery band. Arthur said Gwen was his wildflower; s he sprang into his heart unexpectedly.

Gwen had been Lancelot's girl, but Lancelot dumped her and moved to New York. He just moved away three years ago. He had been Arthur's good mate, but he dumped all of them. Lancelot was an elusive ghost haunting their lives. No one spoke his name; he just lives in the back of their minds. Gwen was Arthur's girl now. They were totally devoted to each other, nothing could come between them.

If, no when Arthur and Gwen married, he would have to find a new flat. Maybe, he could share with Morgana. No, her flat was too neat and girly. Leon and Gawain, no, too many girls. I could live by myself, no, I don't to do that, not ready to live alone again.

Merlin broke his thoughts when Amy stomped over the head table in her flowing, white wedding dress. Merlin bit his fingers when Eleven popped out of the TARDIS in a tux, tails, and top hat. I'm going to wear one at Gwen and Arthur's wedding.

A tall handsome dark man strolled past Merlin; he stopped as a smiled curved his lean face.

"Merlin?"

Merlin's blue eyes glued to the action on the telly. "Lancelot." Merlin wished for a bowl of popcorn. Lancelot stood watching his old friend, better yet, his former friend. He burnt his bridges three years ago. He barely spoke to any of his older mates after he started his exile in New York.

Merlin's mouth slowly dropped open as his eyes flicked over to Lancelot's smiling face. He looked amazing. He's back. OMIGOD! Lancelot is back. Merlin's large hand clapped his forehead. "You're back."

"Yes, a little over a fortnight. Just shopping for a few goods."

Merlin nodded and smiled brightly. "You're staying?"

Lancelot shrugged. A temporary assignment for my bank."

"Oh."

"Have you seen Gwen," Lancelot asked nonchalantly

Merlin curled his hands into fist; his teeth gritted as his eyes bulged. "Have I seen Gwen?"

Part IV

Arthur's finger tips were tinted red as he ate his special treat. Gwen shook her head in disgust. "You're going to catch something one day. A trip to the doctor won't fix it." Arthur flashed his brilliant smile in her direction. "Nothing can hurt me."

"Whatever," Gwen muttered.

Arthur feigned hurt. "You don't have to snap at me. Don't you want me to have a hot bod?"

Arthur hated when her mouth twisted in annoyance as her dark eyebrows wiggled. Her tired chocolate eyes flicked over the contents of the buggy. She noticed that she forgotten milk.

'Arthur, can you fetch some milk? Don't open it and drink out of the container," Gwen commanded gritted through her teeth.

Arthur pressed a soft peck on as her cheek." I do love you. Don't be cross with us." Gwen rolled her eyes as she watched Arthur dump his strawberry collection in her trolley as he strolled away. Gwen loved watching Arthur walk. His swagger brimmed with confidence and sex appeal. Goodness, Arthur was handsome. Gwen hated herself for smiling when he blew her a kiss over her shoulder. He loved her and she loved him. Her love was deeper for him than anyone including Lancelot. She never thought she could feel anything in her heart again. Arthur, Morgana's brother as her last choice for love. But he stole her heart away; slowly, consistently, Arthur won her love. Gwen shook her curly locks to focus on her chore. Maybe, she could make it to the checkout without Merlin carrying with armfuls of nonsense. Arthur always purchased it; he claimed it kept Merlin quiet and busy for a few hours. Gwen shoved the trolley in the direction of the bakery.

Arthur walked slowly as the cool rich milk rushed down his throat. He clutched another container under his arm. He gulped his milk; his blue orbs turned in the direction of Merlin's loud angry voice floating like a storm around the aisles.

"You left her. On your wedding day, you walked out on her. You left her to tell oodles and oodles of people. You broke her heart. You don't have a right to ask about Gwen! Ever!"

Milk curled around Arthur's feet as the white liquid flowed around his shoes. Only one person left Gwen at the later. One person broke her heart. Arthur swallowed nervously as his lips dipped into a frown. Lancelot was here. Today, Lancelot was in the market. Just here to ruin everything. Arthur turned the corner to see Merlins stomping his feet and waving his hands like am maniac. Lancelot spoke in calm reassuring terms to calm Merlin's frazzled sate.

Arthur walked quietly in their direction; his stony face made onlookers scurried past the disturbance. Lancelot's eyes widen when he spotted Arthur; his dark eyes lowered in embarrassment. He recalled his last conversation with Arthur. He begged him to tell Gwen that he couldn't marry her. They stood outside the chapel as Gwen waited hidden away from his eyes.

"Lancelot, how are you?'

"Good."

Arthur placed a calming hand on Merlin's boney shoulder. Merlin's chest began to catch ragged breaths as he struggled to control his emotions.

Lancelot leaned against a shelf. "You look happy, Arthur. Calm, relaxed, at peace."

"It's been a good three years."

"Has it?"

Arthur realized Lancelot was baiting him. He knew that Arthur and Gwen were a couple. Arthur as a solicitor knew when someone was moving in for the kill. He wouldn't give him the pleasure of luring him into a trap. My goodness, they were mates once upon a time.

"yes, I'm practicing law at my family firm with Morgana, Leon, and Gawain. Percy is an architect. Merlin develops websites. I live with Merlin and Gwen. Gwen is my girlfriend, and I love her. She loves me. We're happy," Arthur gushed on a deep breath.

Lancelot knew from various sources that Arthur and Gwen started dating two years ago. A perfect match, Lancelot cringed when he heard comments about the dazzling duo. But, he couldn't place blame on either one of them. He left her at the church. He couldn't expect Gwen to ever understand or forgive his actions.

"I know, Arthur. I didn't except to see you in the middle of the market."

"Neither did I."

Merlin tapped his feet as he watched Lancelot through hooded eyes. Arthur folded his arms across his large torso.

Lancelot's sad smile covered his face. "It was good seeing you. Take care of her."

"I do."

"Maybe, some day we could be friends."

"Maybe."

Arthur shut his eyes; he missed Lancelot. They were friends for years; he always suspected Lancelot knew that he had feelings for Gwen. Yet, he never mentioned a word to Arthur. Arthur's heart felt so many things as he watched Lancelot leave. Part of him wanted to go to a pub and catch up A darker emotion wanted to find Gwen and wrap her in gauze.

"Gwen!"

Merlin's dark head popped up. "They are going to see each other."

"They can't find see each other."

Merlin and Arthur ran into each other as they attempted to locate Gwen.

"Merlin, you idiot, Arthur hissed. "go around me. Follow Lancelot, keep him away from Gwen."

"Okay, what are you going to do?'

"I'm going to find Guinevere," Arthur yelled.

"Right."

Part V

Gwen snuck back to the vegetable section to select her produce. She couldn't do it with Arthur. He always searched for the best vegetables. He didn't want any bruises, marks, scraps or anything on his fresh vegetables. Gently he rubs melons and listen for a certain sound. What was he listening for? Am I missing something? Arthur and his lovable little ways. Arthur left messages on the bathroom mirror when she took a shower. Or he would attempt to make dinner; luckily, Merlin is a maestro for ordering takeout.

Gwen smiled when Arthur's hands covered hers on the trolley rail. His fresh masculine scent assaulted her senses. His hot breath caressed her ears. "Finished?" Gwen noticed Arthur was a little jittery. She arched a dark eyebrow.

"Almost, I need gherkins, semolina, sweets and fairy cakes for Merlin."

Arthur's shoulders sagged. Fairy cakes for Merlin. I'm going to turn him into a fairy, if he loses Lancelot.

"Arthur, I need mince for the soup."

Arthur frowned as he headed for the butcher. "Of course, love."

"I need a tart for afters."

"Really?"

"Merlin sleeps better when he has afters. Do you want him waking up in the middle of the night?

"No."

Merlin stayed a few steps behind Lancelot. Heads of various women whipped around as Lancelot crossed their paths. He was tall, dark, and handsome. The total package. The perfect guy. Yeah, just don't get engage to him. Merlin watched Lancelot select shaving cream. Carelessly, he tossed the item in his trolley. Merlin jumped back into another aisle when Lancelot's dark head swung in his direction. Merlin moved quickly hitting the shelf causing oodles and oodles of items to fall around him. The shopkeeper gave him a hateful glare. Meekly, Merlin began to place the items back on the shelves.

Arthur dropped a few sirloin steaks in the trolley as Gwen looked over the minced meat. She selected one pack of lamb and beef. One for her soup and one to use for shepherded pie. Arthur tapped his foot impatiently. His blue eyes widen when he spotted Lancelot strolled down an aisle. Impulsively, He grabbed Gwen. His fingers tenderly shook her face as he stared deep into her confused brown eyes. He pressed his mouth against Gwen's soft lips as he spun her around. As he kissed her, Arthur pulled her hoddie over her lush curls. He watched Lancelot moved past them. Luckily, he was mesmerized by a piece of paper in his hands. Arthur broke the kiss when Lancelot turned a corner. He noticed Merlin wasn't trailing Lancelot.

I cannot trust him to do anything.

Gwen stumbled slightly when Arthur released her. Her grabbed her dainty wrist to steady her.

"ready."

Part VI

Gwen watched Arthur tossing their food on the belt. Her brown was crushed by a few tines of vegetables. Her poppies wilting. He mixed her meat and cleaners tog ether. He smiled brightly as he helped the ringer load their items into bags. Gwen reached for her wallet. Arthur quickly extracted a few quids from his back pocket. Gwen stood in front of the cart. Arthur pulled it forward.

"Place your feet on the rails."

"No."

"Please."

Sighing, Gwen did as Arthur requested. He moved behind her. His large hands covering her hands. He rapidly pushed the trolley out of the store. His laughter rang in her ears.

Merlin turned a corner and found Lancelot calmly reading a magazine. Lancelot gave him a curios glance.

"Merlin, she's here, isn't she?"

Defiantly, Merlin nodded.

"You don't want me to see her?"

"No."

"Arthur … is insecure?"

"No, it took a long time for her to move on. You weren't here to fix your mess."

Regret passed along Lancelot's face. "I made a mistake. I'm not here to make trouble. I lost her."

"Arthur bought a ring."

"Well, I wish them a life of happiness."

Merlin realized Lancelot wasn't a threat to Gwen and Arthur. He felt his mobile vibrating in his pocket. He extracted his mobile and read a text from Arthur.

The canary is in cage. Waiting outside. Come now.

"Nice seeing you, Lancelot. Let's have a pint," Merlin called as he dashed away.

Lancelot smiled as Merlin ran to Arthur and Gwen. He missed his life. He missed his mates. Most of all, he missed Gwen. If he could only see her one more time.

Part VII

Merlin hopped in the back of Arthur's blue Audi. He barely shut the door before Arthur spun away from the curb. Gwen watched them curiously as Arthur rested his palm on her cold hand. Gwen smiled. Deep inside she knew her boys were up to something. Sooner or later, Merlin would spill Arthur's secret, she could wait.

"Gwen, did you get my sweets and fairy cakes," Merlin whined.

"Of course, Merlin."

A/N: I wanted to send the gang shopping at my local Walmart in Gibsonton, FL. Gibsonton is the winter home for Carnival people. I think it's insult, but they are referred to as Carnies. It's a crazy people. Usually, I need a 30 minute nap after I go. Lucky for me, Target opened a year ago.