Chapter Text
Arthur and The Knights of the Round Table were currently one of the, if not the most famous band in the world.
Their fame first began when people found it intriguing that somehow all of names of the band’s members coincided with the actual names of King Arthur and his knights. It became such a big deal that the members had to actually post on Twitter pictures of their ID cards to show that they weren’t aliases but in fact their actual real names. Of course this did not stop the fans from coming up with different conspiracy theories from the more realistic ones (they legally changed their names just for the sake of PR) to the most absurdly far-fetched ones (they were the reincarnation of the real king Arthur and his knights).
The appeal of these upcoming stars became more apparent with each performance and every album release. The sound they produced was catchy, new and managed to remain fresh after each song. All of their talents merged into one to create something beautiful, and the king that led his knights to battle (pun intended) was the center of it all.
Arthur was the vocalist and the guitarist of the band. He could also play other different instruments but was more comfortable with his chosen one. As much as the haters wanted to find things to nitpick, like he also plays the guitar to cover the fact that his voice sounds like a banshee shrieking, they could not. Arthur’s voice was angelic and whoever heard it felt that something warm was passing through them. Despite of being a musical sensation, Arthur came from a rich and well-adjusted family to boot.
His father was Uther Pendragon, the musician with most records sold recorded in history. His mother was Ygrainne, one of the most beloved actresses of her time (the couple first months after death were announced as a period of mourning for all the movie industry). And last but not least, Arthur’s half sister was none other than Morgana Le Fay, one of the most sought out models in the fashion world. It was an impressive family to say the least.
All in all, Arthur had everything, the looks, the wealth, the fame and the love of all the people around the world… well…
Everyone’s except Merlin’s…
………………………………………………………………………………………………….
“Arthur, if I may call you that, we see the chemistry that you and your members have on screen, could it be said the same for your daily life? Are you friends or is it just business?”
Arthur gave a low chuckle.
“Mithian, these guys are like my brothers, otherwise I would have never accepted to work with such unprofessional people,” Arthur said that while looking at his drummer, Gwaine “,it also wouldn’t help my career if I strangled my colleagues everytime I got the urge to. Brothers, on the other hand, are different matter… ”
With that Arthur winked at his interviewer.
“Awww, we love you to princess…” said Gwaine while making kissing sounds.
Lancelot (the keyboard player) and Leon (the bass player) were clearly holding back their laughter. Arthur glared at them in response…
“And here with us were Arthur and The Knights of the Round Table. I am Mithian of NemethTv. See you after a while with another section of the show. For now let us enjoy a performance from THE band of the moment…”
The voice of the tv echoed through the walls of the house. Merlin woke up from his nap, annoyed and ready to chastise his roommate Gwen.
“Gwen, turn down the voice. I bet even our neighbors can hear it!!”
“The sound proofing of our apartment is shit, they would hear it either way.” smiled Gwen.
“Still, I was just taking a nap…”
Merlin could never be mad when Gwen smiled at him, either way that didn’t mean that he could not pout. Gwen burst in loud laughter after looking at his face.
“I am sorry Merlin. Come sit here beside me. Arthur and The Knights of the Round Table are playing live on NemethTv.”
With a huff Merlin sat beside Gwen in their tiny green couch.
“I never understood the appeal of this band, especially of that Arthur that everyone goes gugu gaga for.”
“Well, Merlin dear, their music is amazing, they are very talented and they are also extremely hot. Gee I wonder what the hype is all about?!”
“I just don’t get it Gwen. Sure their music is kind of catchy, but that Arthur dude looks like a prat. Plus he obviously got to where he is through nepotism. Have you seen who his family is??? It is always these kind of rich assholes who take the place of good, hard – working and talented people…”
Gwen gave him a knowing look.
“Merlin… Arthur is not Sophia… he had nothing to do with the Freya accident…”
Merlin knew that. He did. But he also knew that Arthur did date Sophia at one point. The tabloids even reported that they were thinking of marriage, though in the end Arthur announced that that was false and that he and Sophia had broken up. Despite that if he surrounded himself with her and her kind, Arthur surely couldn’t be much better and Merlin refused to like him.
Merlin sighed.
“I know Gwen… Either way, he is not that handsome,” both Merlin and Gwen knew that was a lie “, I would rather prefer the drummer. Look at those hair Gwen, I wonder how much time does he take in the morning to make them look that flawless.”
Gwen’s eyes twinkled with excitement.
“I KNOW, RIGHT?!!! Though, I do agree with you. If I had to choose, I would pick Lancelot.”
“Is that the keyboard player?”
Gwen nodded.
“Ah, I see my best friend is a woman of culture. I too would not mind getting a piece of that hunk!”
Merlin and Gwen were now both giggling and Merlin could also make out a faint blush on his friend’s cheek.
…………………………………………………………………………………………
“Beautiful show everyone. You all did a great job keep it up!!”
Arthur and his band had just finished one of the live performances that was booked for them today. They first had to do an interview, which if he had to be honest, Arthur and his friends abhorred. The hosts always asked the same questions:
“How did all of you meet?” (At university)
“Have any of you been dating anyone new lately?” (A- yes, G- yes, Lc – no, L – still dating Morgana)
“How does it feel to be the most famous band around the world?” (Obviously great.)
“Do you feel under pressure to keep producing hit albums?” (No, we are just having fun!)
“Arthur, what does your father think of your success?” (…)
Arthur knew that this people were doing their jobs, he did not have to like it nonetheless.
On the other hand, they lived for the performing. When they were on stage, Arthur’s mind went blank and all he could feel was the pulse of excitement through his veins, the harmony that each of their sounds created together. On stage, he was free from his burdens and his father’s scrutinizing looks.
-
As Arthur was making his way towards the car, he could not stop giving pointers to his friends.
“Gwaine, you really need to stop drifting into your own world halfway during the performance. It throws us all out of loop and we need to catch up to you without making it sound awkward…”
“Come on, Arthur. You know our fans love me for my spontaneity. I make our performances exciting. Always keeping our fans in their toes.” Arthur rolled his eyes.
“Yes but it can also make our performances seem feeble and volatile, so try to keep it in check. Leon you on the other hand were a going a bit slower than the others at the beginning but later you managed to recover. You need to be more careful…”
“I will do better!”
Looking at Leon’s determined expression, Arthur gave him a pat in the back.
“… and Lancelot…” Lancelot looked at him.
Arthur sighed and stopped walking. He put both of his hands on Lancelot’s shoulders.
“… You were perfect!”
“Damn princess, that was intense. Lancelot you should try to keep your virtue safe.”
Arthur shot a glare towards Gwaine.
“Arthur the performance is over. We don’t have anything else planned for the day. Try to relax.” advised Lancelot.
“Yeah, plus you also have to think what to give to Vivian as a present tomorrow...” added Leon.
“?”
“… for her birthday…”
“Fuck!”
All three of his friends were now looking at Arthur. Gwaine barked out a laughter.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, I present you the most desired man by all women and blokes all around the world and seemingly the dude who has forgotten his girlfriend’s birthday.”
“Shut up, Gwaine!!”
Arthur ran a hand along his face. It was indeed true that he had forgotten about Vivian’s birthday and that was mortifying enough, but the thing that truly made him sweat was what he had promised her, and he was not looking forward to sharing the news with the guys…
“So guys… I might have promised Vivian that our band would play for her birthday party…”
“Hell no!!”
Arthur was surprised. That was the first time that he had heard Lancelot curse since he had known him, and by the look of the other two, they were thinking the same.
Lancelot coughed.
“What I meant was… tomorrow is our overdue break. I would rather spend it at home relaxing.”
“Arthur, you know that Morgana returns today from her shoot in Italy. We were going to spend all day together tomorrow!”
“And I just hate Vivian.”
Arthur wished it didn’t have to come to this but tough times required modern solutions.
“Lancelot please, I took one hit for you the day that Catrina would not leave you alone and I had to reject her for you. My cheek still burns when I think about it…” Lancelot looked sheepish.
“… and Leon don’t make me tell Morgana about the time you went with Gwaine at the strip club…”
Leon flushed.
“That was only because Gwaine lied to me and said we would be going drinking!!”
“I never specified where though…”
“Ah, yes do you want to tell that to Morgana before or after she kills you? Also you can invite her tomorrow. The more the merrier.”
“Fine…” grumbled Leon.
“… Gwaine…” Gwaine raised an eyebrow at him “… there will be free alcohol there, tons of it.”
Gwaine smirked.
“Well, count me in!”
Arthur was relieved that this was done and over with but he could not say that he was excited for tomorrow evening.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
Merlin had finally finished his shift at the hospital and was waiting for Gwen to get ready so they could walk home together. During his wait Merlin noticed one of the other doctors, who had just finished his shift and was coming to talk to Merlin.
“Merlin, uhm, hi…”
Merlin smiled at the timid man before him.
“Hello, Gilli. How was your day?”
Gilli blushed when he heard that friendly tone which made Merlin feel a bit sorry for the guy.
“It was fine. Busy. Uhm… Merlin… tomorrow you start your two weeks’ vacation right?…”
“Yes…”
“I was wondering… would you be willing to go out with me for dinner or lunch or just coffee really? I wouldn’t want to bother you. If you are busy you can totally say no…”
Merlin sighed.
“Gilli I am sorry but I cannot. Me and Gwen are going in a vacation for these two weeks…”
After seeing Gilli’s crestfallen expression, Merlin felt compelled to add:
“… but maybe after I come back, we can go and grab that coffee.”
At that Gilli’s expression brightened. Seeing as Gwen finally had gotten ready and was walking towards them, Gilli said a quick goodbye and went about his way.
“He looks nice.” commented Gwen.
“He is…” sighed Merlin.
“Ah, I see. Not your type then.”
“Not really. He is polite and a good doctor but I have never seen Gilli in that light. I know that maybe it is a lot to ask but I want someone who can sweep me off my feet the minute he lays eyes on me. I want to forget how to breath and that the only thing I can hear is the beats of my heart when I am close to that person. I want a magical love like no other…”
“Merlin… you will definitely have that. And so will I. We just haven’t met the right person yet.” Said Gwen with a determination in her voice.
“So you rejected him right??”
“…”
“Merlin! How could you? That is so cruel!!”
“I know!! He just looked like a puppy that had been kicked and I had not given him my answer yet. I could not bear to reject him.”
“Ah, yea I get it. You have always been sensitive like that. Anyways!! We can think about that when we come back from our vacation. LA here we come!!!”
-
Gwen and Merlin had hoped a plane that very night and arrived in LA in the morning. They would be staying at Merlin’s uncle’s vacation house.
“I can’t believe your uncle Gaius lent us his vacation house for these two weeks. Merlin have I ever told you that I love your family!” Merlin chuckled.
“Well, Gaius wouldn’t be using it because he was busy at his private clinic. That old man is a workaholic. Also, he only gave it to me after I told him you would be coming with me,” Merlin winked at her “, you know he loves you more than his own nephew.”
Gwen rolled her eyes at that.
“Come on now. Enough chit chat. Let us unpack!!”
Merlin made a mocking salute sign.
“Yes, mam!”
-
They were taking the morning easy. It had been a long flight after all.
They first unpacked their luggage and they considered themselves lucky that Gaius had such a large closet space because both of them had packed like they would be staying there for a year instead of 2 weeks.
Merlin kept asking Gwen about how many shoes would a girl need and Gwen told him that the pot was calling the kettle black, a man did not need that many dress shirts. In the end they put a pause in their unpacking because they engaged in a very hardcore pillow fight (Gwen won, obviously).
They finally finished their unpacking by lunch and so they decided to order in and watch some TV.
“Welcome to NemethTv. I am your host Mithian. What everyone is talking about today is the party of the year. The birthday celebration of Lady Vivian the daughter of Duke Olaf.
Lady Vivian was born in UK but she spent most of her teenage years in LA surrounded by the sun and the glam. Her father Duke Olaf had been close friends with Uther Pendragon back in their Oxford days and they have kept tight relation since then. This is also how reportedly, Lady Vivian met her current boyfriend, Arthur Pendragon of Arthur and The Knights of the Round Table, and since then, they have become the IT couple that everybody talks about.
An inside source tells us that Arthur and his band will be performing tonight, at the Essetir club. It is also rumored that Arthur’s sister, Morgana Le Fay, will also be in attendance…”
Merlin rolled his eyes.
“Why do everytime that we turn on the TV see news about that man? Arthur Pendragon did this and Arthur Pendragon went there… There must be anything else worth reporting!!!”
“Uhm… Merlin…”
Merlin turned to look at Gwen, concerned after hearing her sheepish tone. It was only after he saw her face, that his blood went cold.
“What did you do?”
“I will tell you but promise you won’t get mad.”
“Gwen, what did you do?”
“You must promise first.”
Merlin took a deep breath and then exhaled. He repeated this action 3 times.
“Okayyy, I promise. Now spill it!”
“Do you remember when I told you that my brother, Elyan, wanted to work backstage in concerts during the summer?”
“Yes…”
“Well, one of the concerts that he worked for was that of Arthur and The Knights…”
Merlin did not like where this story was going.
“… and that had been exactly the day that Lady Vivian had visited. She distributed invitations about her exclusive birthday party to all of the backstage staff as in thanks for always helping Arthur. Coincidentally Elyan also got one…”
Oh, okay that wasn’t that bad.
“… but then two of his colleagues said that they were too old for those kind of parties and gave Elyan their invites…”
And it finally clicked.
“… and I convinced Elyan, or more like threatened him, to give us the other two invites.”
“Us as in…”
“You and me…”
Merlin pinched his eyebrows. He could feel a headache coming.
“Gwen, you know that I don’t like these kind of parties.”
“I know Merlin, but this is the opportunity of a lifetime. When are we ever going to get a chance like this? We are always too busy. This is our first vacation in 10 years. Please, Merlin!!”
Merlin has never been able to see Gwen beg.
Sweet, kind Gwen. She had always been by Merlin’s side when he needed her the most. She was there when Merlin had met his father and lost him in the same day due to a terrible car accident. She had moved in with Merlin when the Freya incident had happened and had taken care of him until he could finally pick up the pieces himself. Gwen never asked for anything in return.
Even the day that her father died she would have faced it alone (granted that she had lost contact with her brother at the time) and not ask for anyone’s help, but Merlin wouldn’t let her. So yes, Gwen was kind and sweet but she also was strong and determined like that.
And in the end, what kind of friend would Merlin be if he denied her this simple request?
“Fine!!!”
Gwen immediately perked up.
“Yayy! But also Merlin. You said that you wanted a magical love. What is more magical than the Merlin and Arthur. You know he is bisexual after all, anything can happen…” Gwen was wriggling her eyebrows “… and for god’s sake stop rolling your eyes everytime his name is mentioned or they will get stuck there!”
Merlin caught himself before he did exactly what Gwen said.
“I wasn’t about to do that! Also, he is not single. We are literally going to his girlfriend’s birthday party.” he grumbled “However, do you know what else sounds magical and fated? Lancelot and Guinevere, and last time I check he was the only one that was single.”
“Oh, Merlin bug off! We need to go and get ready. We should be very hot to even overshadow all those celebrities there.”
Merlin smirked.
“Deal!”
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Arthur, Lancelot, Gwaine, Leon and Morgana were all in the Pendragon private jet.
Morgana was sitting in Leon’s lap and shamelessly flirting with her boyfriend and everytime she saw Arthur’s uncomfortable look she hit him with:
“Today was supposed to be my and Leon’s day so if you wanted to hijack it, you should have been prepared to deal with the consequences dear brother.”
Leon could only shoot an apologetic look towards Arthur but it was not worth much as he immediately later continued to flirt with Morgana.
Gwaine on the other hand was in his third glass of champagne.
“Maybe you should slow down a bit Gwaine. There will be plenty alcohol in the club. Plus we still have to perform.”
“Relax, Arthur. This is just a light pregame. I could never deal with Lady Vivian without alcohol in my system.”
Arthur stroked his temples.
“Could you please not say her name like that? Vivian is not that bad.”
“Please dear brother, she is horrible. She is vain and only cares to notify the media about her next look or her next gala. Who do you think notified the press that you would be performing in her party? It was meant to be a surprise appearance.”
“Maybe one of her staff?...”
“Come on, Arthur! You couldn’t possibly be so naïve.” added Leon “Who would dare reveal Duke Olaf’s daughter’s secret?”
“Lancelot, can you please say something?”
Lancelot who was very immersed in his book only said:
“I am sorry I was not paying attention.”
They all knew it was a lie.
-
“Percival my man, how are you doing this fine evening?” Gwaine greeted the big bulky man.
Percival was the band’s bodyguard. He had also been part of their friend group in university and was a very skillful guitarist. At first he was the person that accompanied Arthur’s guitar in the band, but later he decided that life in the spotlight was not for him. In the end he still wanted to be a part of the band someway so he did an intensive course for bodyguards, and now he was the chief of the band’s security.
“Well, I came here since the morning which I spent surveilling the place and all the possible exit points. Checked where all the cameras were put so that I could cover any blind spot. Oh, and I also had to deal with Lady Vivian’s incessive questioning of when is Arthur coming or has Arthur arrived yet? ”
Arthur winced at that.
“I am sorry big guy, I will make su…”
Before he could finish his sentence, Arthur heard a screeching voice.
“Arthurrrrrrrr!!! Where have you been??? Everyone has been waiting!! Come on, all of you. Come!”
Vivian pulled Arthur by the arm and took him out of the hidden door that he, Morgana and his friends had arrived at. The moment he stepped out he was blinded by what felt like thousands of flashlights. The journalists started firing questions towards him and his entourage.
“Arthur, Arthur what present have you bought Lady Vivian for her birthday?”
“Arthur, will there be news of wedding bells soon?”
“Morgana how was your shoot in Italy and what will be your next step?”
“Leon is there any plan to put a ring on Morgana’s finger?”
“Lancelot is there still not any girl in your life?”
“Gwaine who will be the lucky boy or girl that you will take home tonight?”
After some short and curt answers and Percival doing his best to keep the journalists and fans at bay, they finally managed to enter the club. Vivian did not look pleased. Seeing that, his friends and Morgana made their way to backstage to prepare for the performance and left Arthur with Vivian. Traitors!!
“Arthur how could you do this to me? Why did you not stay longer and answer the questions?”
Arthur wrinkled his forehead.
“Viv, you know how I dislike dealing with the paparazzi and journalists and their questions. My arrival here should have been a secret in the first place. That was the condition of me and my band performing here tonight.”
Vivian looked surprised at Arthur’s curt tone. She did recover quickly though as she caressed Arthur’s cheek in an attempt to calm him and then later gave him a peck on the lips.
“I am sorry my love. I will find the person who leaked that information and she will be fired.”
“How did you know the person was a she?” Arthur raised an eyebrow.
“I… I…”
Arthur was already tired and didn’t want to listen to any excuses so he just said:
“I have to go get ready for the performance Viv. See you later.”
-
Arthur was on stage. The guitar on his hands felt steady, grounding. Arthur always loved this part the most. At least this horrible evening would have its highlights.
Arthur looked at every single one of his friends and asked:
“Are you ready?”
They all answered simultaneously.
“READY!!!”
It was showtime.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Merlin and Gwen had just arrived at the club.
Merlin was wearing an all-black outfit with a black dress shirt and black cargo pants. His head on the other hand was covered with blue glitter and he had also opted for a minimal amount of eyeliner.
Gwen had worn a white dress that hugged her body in all the right places. She had let her dark curls fall in her shoulders and her head was covered with gold glitter. She looked like an angel.
Shortly after arriving at the club, they had met up with Gwen’s brother, Elyan. Merlin could see the family resemblance. Together they made their way to the stage to find a suitable spot to see the show. That was the moment that the band arrived on stage.
There in the middle of the stage stood in all his glory, Arthur Pendragon. He was smiling with real, undeterred joy. Screams engulfed the whole club, but for some reason Merlin managed to shut them out. All he could hear were steady rhythmic sounds that sounded like drums, but when he looked in the direction of the drummer, he noticed that Gwaine had not moved yet. Merlin raised his shaky hand and put it in his chest. It had been the sound of his heartbeats…
-
The show was over. Everyone was still buzzing about the genius of Arthur and The Knights. Merlin also had to admit that they were great, however reluctant he was. Gwen on the other hand looked smug.
“Told you, you were going to like them!”
Merlin smiled.
“They were alright!”
Gwen laughed with glee and Merlin found himself glad to have come.
“I am going to go get us some drinks. Wait for me here!”
Merlin pointed to the bar and made his way there.
“Three margaritas please!”
“And one black Russian for me!”
Merlin turned to see who was his guest and he could not believe his eyes.
“Hey, you are Lancelot!!”
Lancelot looked like a very kind man and smiled when he saw Merlin genuine surprise.
“Yes, hello. And who might you be?”
Merlin saw an opportunity and thought that he should try to shoot his shot.
“I know this might sound like I am taking the piss, but my name is Merlin.”
“Oh, really?” Lancelot seemed amused.
“I swear to god…” Merlin took out his ID and showed it to Lancelot.
“Oh! So it is really true! This is very amazing indeed.”
Merlin smirked at that. It was time to throw the bait…
“Do you know what it is even more amusing?”
“I have a feeling you will tell me.” replied Lancelot.
“The friend that I am here with, her name is Guinevere, but I call her Gwen.”
“And where is this Gwen right now?”
Merlin pointed in the direction of Gwen. She was now laughing at something that Elyan had said. When Merlin turned to look at Lancelot, he could see that he was enchanted. Lancelot was looking at Gwen like a traveler looks at an oasis after spending so many days in the desert.
“Would you like to have a couple of drinks with us?”
Lancelot looked like he was released from his trance in time to answer.
“It would be my pleasure!”
… and it looked like Merlin had caught a very big fish.
-
Merlin was now wandering around the club. He had left Gwen and Lancelot alone after seeing that they were in their own little world, but not before whispering you’re welcome in Gwen’s ear. She had blushed at that.
Elyan on the other hand was living for the dance floor. Merlin could see him dancing with Gwaine and another big bulky guy. They looked really intimate and Merlin could only think good for them.
The other member of the band, Leon, was also on the dance floor with his hands on an extremely beautiful woman in a green dress. Under the neon lights of the club, the word goddess, could be used to describe her. Merlin recognized her as Morgana Le Fay, Arthur’s sister.
Speaking of Arthur, Merlin noticed him in the corner of the club with his girlfriend wrapped around his neck. Merlin was staring. In that moment, Merlin thought that Arthur had also turned his head in Merlin direction and was staring back at him. Merlin held Arthur’s stare for what could have been seconds or maybe minutes. He could not tell.
When Merlin could not bear it anymore, he looked away.
Suddenly, Merlin felt like he needed some air.
………………………………………………………………………………………………….
While Arthur made his way to Vivian, he was still feeling the rush of the performance.
Everyone had had a great time and Arthur couldn’t have been happier with the band’s performance.
Every single one of his entourage had spread around the club. Arthur meanwhile found himself with Vivian wrapped around his neck. She was telling him something but Arthur was not paying attention. He felt like someone was staring at him. After a quick scan of the club, Arthur’s eyes fell on the most beautiful man he had ever seen. If Arthur did not know that this was real, he would have assumed that the beautiful man whose head was covered in blue glitter, was in fact a fairy prince or even a warlock who had come to cast a spell on Arthur.
And he would have succeeded.
As Arthur was having all these thoughts circling in his head, he noticed that the man was gone.
“Sorry Viv, I have to go for a minute. I have some stuff…”
Arthur could hear Vivian shouting in displeasure but he was not paying attention. He needed to find the beautiful warlock.