[Seeing Souji's expectant look, Merlin props his cheek against his hand, wondering where to start. He can't remember the last time he's talked to anyone about...well, anything, really. Gaius? While his mentor knew nearly everything, there were some things Merlin didn't think Gaius really understood.]

From what it sounds like, you ended up being in the middle of things without even realising it. I guess you could say it was the same for me.

You know I care for Arthur...a lot now, but it wasn't always like that. He's much better now, but he was, well, a complete arse when I first met him. Being told you're destined to help a bully like that become the greatest king in Albion can be a bit of a shock right after that. [He pauses.] Whatever that destiny was, I didn't want a part of it. Not with him.