Arthur used to be a bully. His favorite victim: Merlin Emrys.
At their 10th graduation anniversary, they meet again. Arthur has been dreading the day they would meet again for a long time, especially now that he's come out himself. His former friends don't know that tho.
Arthur: Merlin, I really am sorry
Arthur: No, I mean it, really!
Merlin: Yeah, I believe it. But that doesn't give me back my childhood. I'm not going to forgive you just because you said sorry once
Arthur: that... of course not. You don't need to forgive me, it's just - you deserved this apology. I was a kid who didn't know better and you deserved better. It's just, my father-
Merlin: Now you just want to look good in front of everyone else here. I look like an arse for not forgiving you, but I couldn't care less. I came here to say 'fuck you', I haven't forgotten! You were a kid? well, so was I! And I didn't chase you around for some made up reason! Not that it wasn't true but you didn't know that yet and neither did I.
Merlin: you could have left me alone. You could have minded your own business! I don't care what your father thought about me, you didn't have the right to punch me! And call me names! Why the hell were you so obsessed with me anyway?!
Arthur: Because you were cute?
Arthur: yeah, well. That. I was scared
Arthur: yeah. *nervous * Had some tough times because of it... Guess I learned the hard way what I've done to you. But - *hesitates* That doesn't mean you have to forgive me. It still doesn't. I just - I thought if you understood - I don't want to hurt you anymore. And if that memory still does haunt you, then I must apologize. I really, really mean it. And it would do you some good to know that I got what I deserved and ... stuff.
Merlin: wow, you really did change, huh?
Merlin: ... cute you say?
Arthur: shut up, I'm sure you hear that all the time
Merlin: wait wait wait, not so fast. We were talking about kid me, not me me! You still think I'm cute?
Merlin: you think I'm cute!
Merlin: liar! Here is my number. You owe me several coffees and dinners and I would be a fool not to take the offer
Arthur: but I never offered - *is handed the number* er... yeah. Sure. I'll call you?*flushes*