I updated! I literally haven't written for ages, so I feel that my work is a little rusty to say the least. But you know, hopefully i'll improve as I get back in the swing of things :) BTW, I know it was ages ago but I can't believe that series finale of Merlin! Not Gwaine, anyone but Gwaine :( xx

The next evening, Merlin found himself in the local tavern with Gwaine - a location that he had become very accustomed to since arriving back in the village, mainly thanks to his friend. Neither man had mentioned the events of the previous evening, and Merlin was grateful for that.

Merlin looked over to a nearly drunken Gwaine, who was laughing and chatting away with the other, mostly female, patrons. Gwaine had settled in to Ealdor life very well. Nobody would have known that he had never stayed in one place long enough to call it home. He looked very much like he was enjoying his new way of life. He spent his days working in the village, helping the men prepare for the upcoming harvest, and the evenings were spent, very much like this one, in nearby taverns with Merlin.

As soon as they had walked into the tavern, Merlin spotted a group of girls from the village, who made a bee-line for Gwaine barely before he had chance to sit down. The girls in the village loved Gwaine, they were always fawning over him, he was different from the men in Ealdor that they were use to, he was something new, a free spirit who had travelled and had adventures, whereas most of the men in Ealdor had never set foot outside of the village. Gwaine was always flirting with them but that was just the way he was, he had always been confident around women. Merlin sighed as he watched the women crowding Gwaine, feeling slightly envious. Although he couldn't't decide if he was envious of Gwaine and his ability to flirt with the women, or if he was envious of the women for having Gwaine flirt with them.

"Excuse me ladies. I must get back to my best friend Merlin here." Gwaine said, slightly slurred, turning away from the women and throwing a leisurely arm around Merlins shoulders, smiling broadly at him.

"What?" Merlin questioned.

"I love you, Merlin".

Merlin smiled at him, putting his soppiness down to the vast amount of alcohol he had consumed, "Yes, yes, I know. I love you too Gwaine."

"No Merlin. I REALLY love you."

"Yes and I REALLY love you."

"No, no, you're not getting it I LOVE you Merlin!"

Merlins heart began to flutter as Gwaine closed his eyes, slowly moving towards him. Surely he didn't mean that he actually love loved him? Surely he wasn't going to kiss him, in front of all these people in the tavern? Merlins mind was racing as he saw Gwaines lips coming at him in slow motion. Just as he had decided that he was going to let this happen, he was brought back from his thoughts by the sound of a thud. Merlin sighed, looking down at the bar. The thud had been the sound of Gwaines head hitting the counter. The sizeable amount of alcohol in his body had finally taken its toll for the Gwaine up and all but dragging him back home, Merlin made a vow to speak to Gwaine about his confession in the morning.

When Gwaine awoke the next morning, he found the shared sleeping room empty. Walking into the kitchen area he found Merlin

"Good morning Merlin, did you sleep well?"

Merlin still kept his back to Gwaine, not turning to answer. "I was just washing your jacket."

"Thank you friend."

Merlin turned at that, eyes sore and red "Friend?!" he exclaimed, "I found this in your pocket" Merlin held up the crumpled letter and gold sent from Arthur.

"Merlin, I can explain"

"What is there to explain?!" Merlin exclaimed clutching the letter, "It's perfectly clear. You're no friend at all. All this time you let me believe that you came with me because you WANTED to. But this…." Merlin waved the gold coins, "this is why you really came. Because Arthur is paying you. Well here," he threw the money at Gwaines feet "take your money and leave. You're no longer welcome here."

Merlin turned away, not trusting the tears that threatened to fall again.

"Merlin. It's not like tha…"

"I said leave." Merlins eyes shone gold, his emotions threatening to control his magic, "Please."

Gwaine turned to leave, stopping in the doorway and turning back to Merlin, who still had his back to the Knight.

"I'll go Merlin. But I won't go far. You ARE my friend, and I would've followed you anywhere."

Merlin sighed, turning around "Gwaine I…" but the knight had already left.