Stay in the Light

by MerlinsBrokenHeart

Summary:

Arthur Pendragon, an ex-Special Forces soldier, leads a group of troubled teens on a survival camp in the remote Oregon wilderness. Among the teens is Merlin Ambrose, a seventeen-year-old with a troubled past. As they navigate the challenges of the wilderness, Arthur and Merlin form a deep connection. Arthur sees potential in Merlin and is determined to help him turn his life around. Throughout the journey, they face various obstacles, including a plane crash, which tests their resilience and trust in each other. The story explores themes of redemption, trust, and the power of second chances, culminating in an unbreakable bond between Arthur and Merlin.

Chapter 1: Survival of the Fittest

Cascadia Survival Camp – September

“Gwaine, what time are they arriving?” Arthur asked as he pulled camping equipment from the back of his red Jeep Gladiator.

“ETA is around noon. Six teens and one social worker.”

“Thank you for agreeing to do this, Arthur. I know it was short notice.”

Arthur ran a hand through his blonde hair. “Well, Leon, you owe me big.”

“I know. I owe you so big,” Leon said, shaking his head.

“Who is this social worker? Can they keep up?”

“Her name is Sefa Mortensen. She is cute, very nice, and should have no trouble keeping up,” Gwaine said.

“I hope so, because we have seven days to reach our destination.”

“I’m more concerned about some of these kids. They are big trouble, Arthur,” Leon said as he flipped through their files. “We have one kid; he’s had weapons charges and drug charges against him. Another kid has multiple charges for drinking, drugs, fighting, and stealing cars. The worst by far is this Merlin Ambrose…he’s seventeen and has been charged with theft, armed robbery, fighting, and solicitation for sex. He’s been in trouble since he was twelve. That’s just the boys. The girls are just as bad.”

Arthur huffed a laugh, “I’m not scared of a bunch of kids.”

“Yeah, we’re not afraid of a bunch of kids. That could have been us at their age,” Gwaine chuckled.

“Well, this group definitely fits the definition of ‘troubled’,” Leon frowned, “That is for certain. I’m amazed anyone still cares enough to send them here.”

Arthur turned to Leon, his blue eyes intense and cold. “Leon, just because they are troubled doesn’t mean they aren’t worthy. They still matter, and they deserve a chance.”

“You’re right, of course. I apologize.”

“Leon, I think you should go to the supply cabin. Start putting together their packs based on the list and their sizes as specified in their applications. We wouldn’t want you in danger when these troubled kids arrive,” Arthur said, his voice calm with an edge of poison. Leon looked down at the ground, then hurriedly went to do as he was told.

“Nice…very nice,” Gwaine said, grinning like a Cheshire Cat.

Arthur glanced over at him, a slight smile on his face.

“What?” Gwaine asked, “Just good to see you take Mr. High and Mighty down a couple of notches, that’s all.”

“Careful, Gwaine, or I will have you helping him,” Arthur mock smiled.

“Yes, Sire,” Gwaine saluted him, then headed off to finish stacking the firewood he had been chopping.

“Arthur, you were a little bit hard on Leon, were you not?” Gwen asked. Arthur looked up to see his ex-wife standing in the doorway of the main cabin with her hands on her hips. It was a look he knew well. He shook his head.

“No, I don’t. These kids are coming here for a reason. Not just to leave behind the electronics and cell phones, but to leave their past behind for a little while. To not have their mistakes thrown in their faces for a little while. They deserve a chance at a clean slate, even if it is only temporary.”

“You’re right, Arthur, of course,” Gwen said, “But Leon also has the right to voice his concerns about them for safety and security reasons.”

“He can have concerns, but he can keep them to himself unless a serious problem arises, then we will handle it. Which is why you begged me to come lead this group, is it not?”

“And we are grateful to you, Arthur. Truly. There is no one else more capable and no one else I trust more.”

“Except when we were married,” Arthur said, flashing her a wide grin.

“Oh, hush, I trusted you.”

“Where’s Lance anyways?”

“He’s driving the van bringing the kids up here,” Gwen said, then noticed the smirk on Arthur’s face, “Arthur, don’t you dare start anything with Lance!”

“What? Me? Never. Just because I have to work with the man who stole my wife from me after getting her pregnant when I never could,” Arthur said, a flash of pain in his eyes. Then he turned and walked away, leaving Gwen standing in the doorway with her mouth open.

Reports were that all the bridges and trails along their route were repaired and in good condition, but Arthur preferred to see for himself, so he had taken a helicopter ride over each the previous day, to confirm those reports. In the remote Oregon wilderness, they could not afford to be cut off from supplies or help in an emergency.

He walked over to the river’s edge, crouching down to pick up a few pebbles to toss into the water where the bend created a deeper area that was perfect for fishing as well as swimming. The camp had been built in the forties, first as a military camp, then later converted to civilian use. Arthur and Gwen had taken it over from his father back when they were still married. Now she and Lance ran it full-time and occasionally called Arthur in to take groups out.

Truth be told, Arthur lived for this. There was nothing he loved more than being in nature, away from everything. And if he could help a few kids in the process, all the better. God knew no one was around to help him back when he was the one getting in trouble. When his father had all but written him off. Alone in the streets, caught up in bad shit. If it weren’t for Gwaine finding him hiding beneath a railroad bridge nearly dead from hypothermia, he would have been just another statistic. They had become fast friends…brothers in truth. Surviving the streets together.

He'd reunited with his father when he was fifteen. Uther Pendragon had finally swallowed his pride and agreed to take Arthur back home along with Gwaine. He paid for them to get the best education, and then they went into the military together. Arthur took to it like a duck to water, thriving on the training and the discipline, while Gwaine, well, Gwaine was Gwaine; he made it through by the seat of his pants.

Both of them had ended up in Special Ops and went on countless missions that put them in danger on a daily basis. Most of the missions were top secret, and some didn’t exist on paper. Arthur had been shot twice during those years. Gwaine almost died so many times they were convinced he was a cat running through his nine lives.

“Arthur,” Gwaine’s voice came over the radio, “Lance just called, they are ten minutes out.”

“All right, on my way,” he responded, “Get everyone together to greet our guests.”

 

The van bounced over washboard roads and hugged hairpin curves all the way up the mountain. Merlin couldn’t get close enough to the window. Sucking in cool, clean air, trying to calm his stomach. It had been a long time since he’d ridden in a vehicle, but riding in one with these road conditions, he was on the verge of hurling up his guts.

“Ah, fuck,” he muttered, crossing his arms tightly across his midsection.

“Suck it up, Magic Boy,” one of the other boys, Gilli, smirked.

“Suck me!” Merlin bit back at him.

“I don’t swing that way, sorry,” Gilli chuckled.

Merlin rolled his eyes and tilted his head back. As he closed his eyes for a moment, a cool breeze blew in the window, and for a few seconds it actually felt like a caress. It reminded him of his mother’s touch. He could barely remember her face, but her loving caress he would never forget.

“Almost there,” Lance called out from the driver’s seat, “Just called to let them know we are ten minutes out.”

“Thank God for that,” Merlin groaned, his stomach churning. The breakfast they had fed them that morning had been fit for a bloody king, and Merlin had eaten far too much, which contributed to his current state. It wasn’t his fault, he had learned to eat when given the chance because you never know where your next meal is coming from.

The van turned onto a much smoother road heading down into a beautiful forest with huge ferns growing at the bases of massive trees. Merlin looked out the window, his jaw dropping at the sight of a fast-moving river weaving through the trees following the road. He had only seen such places in his dreams.

His stomach forgotten, Merlin grabbed his small, beat-up digital camera and started inconspicuously snapping photos, not wanting to draw attention to himself. He just wanted to remember this week. Whatever happened. It was his last chance.

“We’re here,” Lance said. He drove into a dirt parking area in front of a large cabin with a blue metal roof and matching shutters.

“Everyone, gather your things and get out. This is the start of your adventure. Make it count.”

Merlin was the last to get out of the van. He hung back, one arm holding his bag, slung over his shoulder, and the other shoved in the pocket of his worn jeans. Looking around, his gaze immediately landed on a man standing in the open doorway of the cabin, leaning against the doorframe. He was tall, blonde, and broad-shouldered. Everything about him oozed control and discipline. He was also drop-dead gorgeous.

“Wouldn’t mind being stuck in the woods with him,” Merlin said under his breath. And as if he heard his thoughts, the blonde man looked directly at Merlin and didn’t look away. “Fuck me,” Merlin huffed. He couldn’t move.

“Welcome to Cascadia Survival Camp,” Gwen beamed at the new arrivals. “My name is Guinevere, but everyone calls me Gwen. Lance, your driver, is my husband. Tonight, we will spend some time getting to know all of you, and you can get to know us. She turned to look at Arthur, who stood up straight, arms folded. “This is Arthur Pendragon, your guide for the week. He is ex Special Forces and trained in everything to do with Wilderness Survival. He is also a counselor, paramedic, and a wildland firefighter.”

“Overachiever much,” one of the boys chuckled, and Arthur gave him a death glare that would have turned most mortals to ash in thirty seconds.

“Your name,” Arthur said.

“Um, William…Will to my friends.”

“I am not your friend, William,” Arthur came down the steps, approaching the group.

Merlin quite literally shivered at the intensity in Arthur’s gaze, his body language, his quiet strength, and his character. Arthur Pendragon was everything true heroes were made of. He stepped back into the shadows a bit, and the movement brought Arthur’s gaze back to him.

“What’s your name?” he asked, and Merlin froze, glancing around. “Come on, stop trying to hide and tell me your name.”

“My name is Merlin…Merlin Ambrose,” Merlin choked out hoarsely.

“We just call him Magic Boy,” Gilli piped up.

Arthur ignored him for the moment, staying focused on Merlin. “Come up here,” he said, and Merlin forced his legs to obey. When he was standing in front of Arthur, he expected to feel fear or anger, but there was just a deep calm. He felt safe for the first time in longer than he could remember. “How old are you?”

“Seventeen, but I turn eighteen in four days.”

“Welcome, Merlin, there will be no more hiding in the shadows, understood?”

“Yes, Sir…I understand,” Merlin nodded.

“Good,” Arthur said, his lips parting in a smile as his blue eyes softened. “You go with Gwen now. She will get you set up with your pack and other supplies and show you where you will sleep tonight.” He put a hand on Merlin’s shoulder and nodded.

“Come, Merlin,” Gwen smiled, putting her arm around him.

“Holy shit,” Merlin muttered, and Gwen giggled.

“Yes, Arthur has that effect on most people.”

“Is he always that intense?”

“No, he’s a good man under it all. I am an expert in Arthur Pendragon because I was married to him for four years.”

“But now you’re married to Lance?”

“Long story,” Gwen winked as they entered the cabin. She proceeded to grab the backpack with Merlin’s name on it. She handed him a box as well. “These are your brand-new hiking boots, yours to keep. You might want to put them on right away and get them broken in before you all leave tomorrow. Inside your pack, you have your own equipment, including a radio for communicating with home base, an ax, a folding shovel, a lighter, matches, a flashlight, and an emergency first aid kit. Also, in your backpack, there is a sleeping bag and a personal tent. There is a coat, gloves, and a warm hat. The weather up here changes in the blink of an eye. You must be alert and prepared.”

“I can’t pay for all this,” Merlin said, shaking his head, tears in his eyes.

Gwen hugged him tightly. “Oh, Merlin, it’s all for you. All paid for by the Pendragon Trust.”

“I don’t…” his voice trembled, “I don’t know how to thank you. No one has ever done anything like this for me.”

“That changes now, Merlin. This is your chance to better your situation. I have seen the most troubled kids come out of this with a whole new outlook on their lives. You can be one of those kids. I just know it.”

“Gwen, the person in those files…it’s not me. Not the real me anyway.”

“Don’t worry about those files. As long as you are here, they do not exist. Clean slate. Live your life from today and accept the help we are offering. Merlin, put your trust in Arthur. He will get you through to the end, and he will keep you safe.”

“I want this so much,” Merlin smiled, and Gwen cupped his face.

“We are all here for you. Anything you need, come to us.”

“Thank you, Gwen,” Merlin said, then Gwen led him out of the main cabin to the smaller cabin next door. It looked like a bunkhouse, but with individual doors. She opened room number eight.

“This is your room for tonight. You are hitting the trail after breakfast, so make sure you double-check all your equipment and supplies. There is a list inside. If there is anything missing, call one of us immediately, and we will get it for you. There is a shower through that door. It will be the last one you get for a while, so I would advise you to take one. After supper, there will be a campfire chat session in which we will all get to know each other.”

“I’d like that,” Merlin smiled.

“Good, we will have lunch in an hour. Hope you like roasting hot dogs.”

“I wouldn’t know, I’ve never done it.”

“Then you, dear boy, are in for a treat,” Gwen beamed, then left, closing the door behind her.

Merlin looked around at his accommodation and sighed. This was luxury compared to where he was used to sleeping. He felt guilty for even having it when others were still out there on the streets suffering.

Opening the box, Merlin took out his hiking boots and smiled. They were heavy and warm. These would come in handy back in Portland in winter. He tried on the coat, and it fit perfectly. Getting undressed quickly, he went into the bathroom, which consisted of a toilet, a small sink, and a tiny shower. At least the shower head was high enough for him.

He couldn’t help the sounds that escaped from him as he stepped beneath it. The water pressure was amazing, and it was actually hot, unlike the homeless shelters. Running his hands through his dark curls, Merlin closed his eyes and reveled in the feeling of the water washing over him, taking with it his past, even if it was only for a little while. His mind drifted to Arthur. The man was intoxicating. Spending a whole week with him was going to be interesting for sure.

Chapter 2: The Path Less Traveled

Arthur hovered on the outskirts, observing, taking notes, finding strengths and weaknesses in each kid. He was very good at reading people, especially young ones. The six of them were seated around the roaring fire with hot dogs on willow sticks, no clue what they were doing, but having fun doing it. Arthur had to hold back a smile a couple of times. Once, when Will nearly fell into the fire, being a smart ass. That boy was going to be trouble. The second time was when Gilli flipped his hot dog too hard, and it flew off the stick and landed in Leon’s coffee.

The girls, Kara, Freya, and Drea, were quiet, huddled together, talking about the boys. The social worker, Sefa, was with Gwen, going over details and their planned and alternate routes. When and where to meet them at the end to transport the group back to camp. Sefa would not be accompanying the kids on the hike. Arthur was actually relieved because she would not likely be able to keep up. The kids would be spending a total of ten days with them before being taken back to their lives in Portland.

One person still hung in the shadows, though, and that was Merlin. He was trying so hard not to be noticed, yet for Arthur, he was the one who pulled him in immediately. The boy held onto his bag like a lifeline and kept fingering a small camera in the pocket of his jacket as if he were itching to take photos but didn’t want to be observed doing it. According to Merlin’s file, he was the worst of the worst, but all Arthur could see was a kid in desperate need of a connection.

Merlin looked up then and caught Arthur watching him, his face turned red as he looked down at the ground. Arthur never looked away. It was almost like Merlin was a magnet drawing him in, and Arthur wanted to be the one to reach something in him. To show him that his life doesn’t have to be on the streets, fighting for every crumb and morsel to eat. This could be the beginning of a new life for the boy, and Arthur was determined to find a way to set him on a new path, a new destiny.

After lunch, they spent time talking. Each kid introduced themselves and spoke a little about their lives and how they ended up in this place. Merlin spoke as well, talking about his mother, who died, and that he wanted to be a nature photographer, but little else.
“All right, boys and girls,” Arthur said, “Time to start teaching you survival skills. Everyone, get your hiking boots on and meet me at the bridge just through those trees.” Twenty minutes later, they were all standing on the bridge with Arthur on one end and Gwaine on the other, holding a very thick rope.

“If you will all look over the north side of the bridge,” Arthur paused, watching them as all but one failed the test. “North…behind you,” he smirked and looked at Merlin, the only one who got it correct. “Now you will see a platform on the north side of the bridge. Each of you will use the rope to get over the railing and down to the platform. When all of you are down there, you will use the rope and each other to get back up and over the railing onto the bridge. The key to this exercise is cooperation and trust. Gwaine secured one end of the rope to the bridge, then Arthur took hold of the remaining rope, throwing himself over the railing before sliding down to the platform.

“Who wants to go first?” Gwaine asked.

“I’ll do it,” Kara said, slowly approaching him.

“All right, Kara, take hold of the rope and put your foot in my hand. I will help get you started,” he grinned, and she did as he told her. Letting out a little squeal as she teetered on the railing for a minute before closing her eyes and sliding down, where Arthur caught her and helped her down.

“Excellent work, Kara,” Arthur grinned, and she blushed.

“Thank you.”

“Who’s next?” Gwaine asked, and William stepped up.

“I don’t need a boost,” he said, then, taking hold of the rope, he flung himself over the railing and slid down to the platform. “Piece of cake,” he chuckled.

Gilli went next, doing the same as William. Freya and Drea needed a little help but made it safely to the platform. Merlin was the last. He stepped up without fear and gripped the rope. He then looked at Gwaine and jumped over the railing, swinging out, then back in before dropping to the platform. Arthur hid his proud grin and put a hand on his shoulder.

“Strong work, Merlin,” he smiled. “You all did well. Now for the hard part, getting back up and over. Merlin, you were the last over. I’m going to have you climb back up first, then you are going to grip the rope and help pull each one of your team back up and over.”
It didn’t take long before all six were back on the bridge, all excited over what they had accomplished. Even Merlin was standing out in the open, grinning from ear to ear. It was a sight that Arthur wanted to see more of. Putting a hand on his shoulder, he squeezed it firmly, then walked over to stand next to Gwaine.

“All of you did great,” Gwaine said, “You’re the first group that we didn’t have at least one end up in the water.”

“Too bad,” Gilli said, “William could use a bath.”

“So could you, jack ass,” Will shoved him in the chest, nearly knocking him down.

“You stink like the pigs,” Gilli yelled and charged him, and the fight was on. The two of them are punching each other and rolling across the ground.

“You’re an ass hole!” Will shouted, jumping on him.

“Are you gonna stop this or should I?” Gwaine asked casually as he and Arthur just stood with arms folded, leaning against the railing of the bridge, observing.

“Give them a minute,” Arthur said, lifting his chin slightly.

A few minutes later, Will and Gilli were lying in the dirt, covered in muddy sweat and panting. They couldn’t resist getting in another kick and a jab. Arthur crouched down and looked at them, tilting his head and sniffing. “Now you both stink like the pigs,” he grinned, then straightened as Gwaine chuckled. He knew what was coming. Arthur grabbed them by the collar, dragging them up off the ground. Taking them to the edge of the riverbank, he threw them both into the swimming hole. They came up yelling and spitting water as the other kids laughed. “Wash up and get your asses back to camp. It’s almost dinnertime,” he said, then turned to Merlin, who was staring at him wide-eyed.

“You didn’t stop them?” he asked.

Arthur shook his head. “No, because if they are going to survive this week, they need to get the stupidity out of their system. They have to figure out that it is life or death out there, and they have to face it together to come out at the end in one piece. Do you understand?”

“Yeah,” Merlin nodded, giving him a shaky smile.

“Good, let’s go back and get cleaned up for dinner,” Arthur put an arm around Merlin’s shoulders as they walked back to camp. The boy was the same height as he was. “You did well today. I was impressed.”

“Thank you, it was fun.”

The girls ran ahead while Gwaine stayed behind to fish Gilli and Will out of the water. Arthur glanced at Merlin, feeling a growing connection to the kid. There was just something about him that he couldn’t put his finger on.

“Sefa is gonna freak when she sees those two,” Merlin chuckled.

“Let her,” Arthur shrugged, “It’s in the contracts, I have full authority and control when it comes to discipline and behavior modification. She can’t do anything about it.”

“You’re some twisted serial killer planning to murder us all,” Merlin huffed.

“You figured me out,” Arthur chuckled, “You know, it gets harder and harder to hide all the bodies.”

“I bet.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll start with the others first. I rather like you.”

“I like you too,” Merlin said with a wide grin.

“Don’t let it get around that I have a heart, I have a reputation to uphold.”

“I won’t tell a soul.”

“Good,” Arthur winked at him, then mussed his hair and walked toward the main cabin, leaving Merlin with a glint in his blue eyes and a soft smile on his face.

“Not a soul,” he whispered. Arthur Pendragon was the most intense, beautiful being Merlin had ever met. Everything in him was drawn to their guide. There was something about Arthur that pulled Merlin in and made him feel safe and protected. If he had his way, he would stay here with him forever. He wanted the man in ways he couldn’t even explain. Not just sexually, but everything. Hell, he would be happy to just get one kiss from the man. That obviously would never happen because Arthur had been married to Gwen, which meant he was straight, while Merlin was bisexual.

“Merlin,” Lance said, “Would you help me with something?”

“Sure,” he grinned and jogged over to the man.

Arthur sat sprawled out in one of the Adirondack chairs near the fire, looking over the final plans for the hike and making sure everything was ready. His eyes kept drifting to Merlin, even as he tried not to watch him; it was impossible to resist the pull. The boy was mesmerizing. His hands, his eyes, the cheekbones, those full, impossibly soft lips that should be illegal for what images they put into a lonely man’s mind.

Dammit, he’s just a fucking kid, Pendragon…stop it. Running a hand through his blonde hair, he forced himself to look away. He had never been attracted to a man before, much less a boy. But there was no denying the attraction now. Just seeing Merlin’s carefree smile and the spark in his blue eyes made Arthur’s blood heat up and his heart race. This was going to be a long week.
Feeling Arthur’s eyes on him, Merlin was tempted to look up, but he didn’t want to break the spell. To lose the feeling of warmth it gave him as it seeped into his bones, making him forget the cold nights on the streets in Portland. Making him think that maybe he wouldn’t have to go back. It was foolish; he knew there were no happy endings for him. Not even Arthur could fix him.

The fire was stoked again, and everyone sat around it talking and laughing. Arthur stepped into the cabin just long enough to grab his guitar case, then stepped off the porch, taking a seat between Merlin and Gwen. She looked at him, her eyes wide with surprise because Arthur had not played his guitar in years. She gave him a nod and a smile as he put the strap over his head and quickly checked that it was in tune.

“Just felt like it tonight, that’s all,” he shrugged.

“Then by all means,” Gwen beamed at him.

Arthur started to play. He closed his eyes and just played, letting the music flow from his fingertips. He began to sing and everyone fell silent, listening intently. It was a song he wrote years earlier and hadn’t played since. He glanced over at Merlin, who was listening with tears shining in his blue eyes. Arthur smiled and finished the song before playing several more that the kids knew and sang along with.

“That’s enough,” he grinned, returning the guitar to its case.

“That was so good, Arthur,” Kara beamed at him.

“Thank you. I’m a little rusty.”

“You were brilliant,” Sefa clapped her hands and smiled. “Kids, thank everyone for a wonderful day. Let’s get you all to bed. Tomorrow you start a long journey.”

The kids got up and did as she asked. Merlin lingered longer, not wanting to leave Arthur’s side until he had to. “That was great, Arthur…really,” he said softly.

“Thank you, Merlin. Are you all right? You look upset.”

“Yeah, just…my mother used to play music for me when I was little. I had forgotten until you played for us.”

“How old were you when she died?”

“I was ten.”

“What happened?” Arthur asked cautiously, not wanting to push too hard.

“She died because of me…I killed her,” Merlin choked on the words, “It was my birthday, and I wanted a bike so badly. Begged for it for months, even though I knew we couldn’t afford one. She was driving to pick it up when she was hit by a drunk driver and killed instantly.”

“Merlin, that was not your fault. Surely you know that.”

“In my head I do, but in my heart…”

“I understand. My mother died giving birth to me. I never knew her. I don’t even have a photo of her because my father couldn’t bear to look at them. He had every photo of her burned.”

“What a horrible thing to do,” Merlin gasped. “I don’t have any photos of my mom either. Hell, I have no childhood photos or memories…nothing. It was all taken away when I was put in foster care.”

“You’ve been in the system since you were ten?” Arthur asked.

“Yeah, bounced around from one foster home to another. They tried to find my father, but he was nowhere around.”

“So, you’ve never met him?”

“No. I got close once. I found where he worked, but they told me he had quit and moved to Alaska for a new job. I gave up after that.”

“I could help you find him if you want. I have connections, both civilian and military, I can find him for you.”

“You would do that?” Merlin asked, “Why would you go out of your way to help me?”

“Yes, Merlin. Because you are worth it and you deserve to know your father.”

“For all I know, he could be dead,” Merlin shook his head.

“Think about it and let me know. I am happy to help. Now go on to bed. Tomorrow is going to be a long day of hiking. Good night, Merlin.”

“Good night, Arthur,” Merlin said, then got to his feet and headed for his room.

Arthur watched him go, shaking his head slowly. “What are you getting yourself into, Pendragon?” he muttered under his breath. He ran his hand through his blonde hair and huffed a laugh. How could he be attracted physically to a kid?” Merlin was seventeen, almost eighteen…six years younger than him…closer to seven because Arthur would be twenty-five in a few months. Why was he even entertaining these feelings? He had no time for a relationship and most certainly not with a kid like Merlin, who needed stability and consistency…a home. Arthur was not capable of being that for anyone, not on a permanent basis.

“Penny for your thoughts,” Gwen said as she took a seat next to Arthur.

“Mine will cost you at least a quarter,” he smiled.

“What’s going on? You seem a little distracted. What’s bothering you?”

Arthur looked at her, knowing it was pointless to try and hide anything from his ex-wife; she knew him better than anyone. “It’s Merlin…he is not the boy in that file. I felt an instant connection to him, and I can’t explain it, but I have to find a way to help him. If it means finding his father or…” his voice trailed off, and Gwen’s eyes widened.

“You cannot get involved, Arthur. You of all people should know that.”

“Why not me? Nobody understands his situation better than I do. I have been homeless. My mother died because of me. Merlin thinks he killed his own mother because he was a normal kid and wanted a bike.”

“Where are these feelings coming from, Arthur? You’re not even into guys, and yes, Merlin is beautiful and sweet, but he is…” she shrugged.

“Don’t say damaged,” Arthur said angrily, “He’s not damaged. He’s a good kid who has been dealt a shit hand that he has to live with and no one to help guide him through it.”

“I would never say damaged, Arthur,” Gwen put a hand on his arm, surprised by the intensity in his defense of a boy he'd just met. “I get why you are drawn to him, but Arthur, you have to separate these feelings from the job. The best way for you to help him is to get him through this challenge and send him off when it is over with the tools he needs to better himself.”

Arthur knew she was right, but he didn’t know how to do that where Merlin was concerned. The kid had already become important to him to the point that he didn’t want to let him go when this was over. Hell, he didn’t want to be away from him now. He’d wanted to keep Merlin right there with him instead of sending him off to his cabin.

“Arthur, you cannot get personally or intimately involved with one of our campers. While it is not technically against the rules, it would not be moral, and Merlin would be the one to suffer because of it. If you can’t handle it, I’ll have Lance take them, and you can walk away.”

Arthur jerked his head around and shook his head. “What, Lance hasn’t taken enough from me?”

Gwen’s eyes filled with tears, “Arthur…”

“No, Gwen, I will not walk away from Merlin. He needs my help. I will keep my feelings out of it, but I will not abandon him.”

“Be careful, I don’t want to see you get hurt either. God knows I have caused you enough hurt, Arthur, but I do love you. I always will.”

Arthur fell silent, lowering his head for a moment, then looked up at her and nodded. “Sometimes love just isn’t enough,” he said sadly, then got up and walked into the darkness alone, leaving Gwen with tears shining in her eyes.

“I’m so sorry, Arthur,” she whispered, then got up, heading for the cabin she shared with Lance.

 

Arthur didn’t return to camp until well after everyone had gone to bed. He was thinking more clearly and had come to the decision that he would resist the pull he felt toward Merlin. Gwen was right, he could not get involved with the boy. He would do his job and help all the kids get through this week, then send them off like all the others. If Merlin wanted him to look for his father, he would, but he had to keep everything professional.

He stopped walking when he glimpsed a figure in a blue hoodie sitting on the steps of the main cabin, head down, his hands folded behind his neck. Merlin… “Merlin, what are you doing out here?” Arthur asked, and Merlin jumped, not hearing Arthur’s approach; he had been so deep in thought.

“Sorry, I’ll go…” Merlin said, then moved to get up, but Arthur put a hand on his shoulder, easing him back down.

“Stay,” Arthur said softly, “What’s bothering you?”

“I don’t want to look for my father anymore,” he blurted out, “I don’t want to see him, and I don’t need him. He certainly never wanted me.”

Arthur rested his elbows on his parted knees, leaning forward. He nodded, “I can certainly understand that, Merlin. God knows my father was and is a hard man. I used to think he hated me, resented me because my mother died giving birth to me. Now I know that Uther Pendragon is just not capable of loving anyone but himself.”

“He sounds like a real peach,” Merlin huffed, and Arthur chuckled.

“I see him more as a lemon, sour and painfully acidic.”

Merlin cracked up laughing, eyes crinkling in the corners. Arthur couldn’t hold back his laughter. They looked at each other, breathless and grinning.

“Thanks, I needed that,” Merlin chuckled.

“Me too,” Arthur smiled.

Merlin turned and stared into the older man’s eyes for a moment. Everything in him wanted to lean forward and kiss him. He was gorgeous, strong, funny; his huge blue eyes made Merlin’s knees weak. Most of all, Arthur was genuine. Looking away before he made a huge mistake, Merlin stood up, shoving his hands into the pocket of his hoodie. “I should go get some sleep. Thank you, Arthur.”

“You’re welcome, Merlin. Sleep well,” Arthur smiled, then watched the boy walk toward his room. Everything in him wanted to keep Merlin close. To keep him safe. It had taken all he had not to lean in and kiss those sinfully soft, pink lips. They would haunt his nights and days for the rest of his life. Everything about Merlin was beautiful. “Fuck,” he muttered, then got up and went inside the cabin. After a long shower, he got into bed and shut out the lights.

Chapter 3: The Journey Begins

Camp came to life early, just before dawn. Lance, Leon, and Gwaine made breakfast: pancakes, bacon, and eggs. There was hot coffee, cocoa, and tea. Gwen was busy packing the trail bags for each of the kids, as well as Arthur and Gwaine. They would need lots of snacks for energy on the hike.

Arthur stepped out of the main cabin dressed in jeans, his boots, a dark brown leather duster over a blue hoodie, and a black t-shirt underneath. On his head was a weathered, brown hat. All the kids teased him, saying that it looked like Indiana Jones. Secretly, he loved that association and wore it more often because of it.

“Holy fuck,” Merlin said under his breath as his gaze landed on Arthur. He looked like a walking movie hero…and Merlin’s favorite wet dream. He tried to hide his grin, ducking his head. The last thing he needed was for anyone to figure out he had the hots for their guide.

“Good morning, boys and girls, are we ready to conquer this mountain?” Arthur asked.

“We’re ready,” the girls beamed.

“Yes, Sir,” William and Gilli both said and saluted, having learned some discipline after their unexpected bath in the icy river.

“Great, eat up, then get your packs in order. We leave in two hours. Make sure you dress in layers and wear socks with your hikers. Bring extra pairs in case they get wet. This is real. Life and death in the wilderness. No screwing around, no fighting, and listen to me and Gwaine. What we tell you to do is not negotiable. Is that clear?”

“Yes, Sir,” all six kids said simultaneously.

“Good, and don’t forget to have fun,” he added with a grin, and they all smiled back. Arthur felt good. He was confident that the trip would go well with no disastrous events. If he could just keep his mind in the game and not think about Merlin. Merlin, whom he thought of most of the night until he finally fell asleep. Then he dreamed about him once he was asleep. He was in serious trouble.

“Arthur,” Merlin said as he approached and handed him a plate, “You should eat too. Can’t have you fainting from hunger halfway up the mountain.”

“Thank you, Merlin,” Arthur nodded, meeting his gaze. He was surprised to see the boy checking him out from head to toe. “Merlin?” he asked.

“Sorry, just wanted to say how much I love the amazing view around here,” Merlin said, then grinned and walked away, leaving Arthur trying to hide a smirk.

“Cheeky little shit,” Arthur muttered under his breath. He watched as Merlin walked to his spot by the fire and grabbed a few more slices of bacon. “Bacon is the food of the gods. Man after my own heart,” he said to himself, and smiled when Merlin glanced over like he heard him.

“Are you all right?” Gwen asked as she came to stand beside Arthur.

“Sunshine all day long,” Arthur said, his voice only slightly tinged with sarcasm.

“Are you sure?” she asked, looking over toward Merlin knowingly.

“I’m fine, Guinevere, I’m not going to do something stupid and jeopardize this camp. It means a lot to me, too, remember.”

“I do remember. I just worry about you. When are you going to find someone and settle down?”

Arthur glanced pointedly at Lance. “Tried it and look how that turned out.”

“Please, Arthur…”

He rolled his eyes and huffed a laugh before shoving two slices of perfect bacon in his mouth. He swallowed and smirked, “I’ll give him this, he cooks damn good bacon. I can almost forgive him for stealing my wife.”

“Arthur,” Gwen shrieked, and he laughed.

“Relax, Gwen, I forgave you both long ago. You know how I feel about little Gabriel, I love him to death, and he wouldn’t be here if not for the situation. So yeah, I am fine. And I don’t need anyone. I don’t want to settle down, as you say. Nature is my companion.”

“Just remember, you always have a place here. Maybe one day you can take it over and run it with someone you love,” Gwen smiled.

“Maybe so…one day,” Arthur said, fighting everything in him that wanted to look at Merlin. He smiled back at Gwen, then kissed her cheek and went to get more bacon. “Lance, more bacon, please,” he hollered.

“You got it,” Lance grinned and handed him a plate, which he took and walked over to sit next to Merlin, who was perched on a large flat tree stump just on the edge of camp.

“I couldn’t help but notice you like bacon as much as I do. Share this with me,” he said quietly.

“Are you seducing me?” Merlin asked, wagging his eyebrows.

“Shut up, Mer—lin,” Arthur said, his eyes squinting threateningly, making Merlin chuckle.

“You didn’t say no.”

“Out of the question,” he shook his head.

“Still not a no,” Merlin said, leaning back triumphantly, shoving a piece of bacon in that sinful mouth which Arthur may or may not have dreamed about last night and touched himself.

“You’re going to be the death of me, aren’t you?” Arthur asked.

“If I am, at least you will go out with a huge smile on your face.”

Arthur looked at him, eyebrow quirked, then turned away. “I am so fucked,” he uttered, then let out a breath.

“You have no idea,” Merlin winked.

“For bacon?”

“For you…bacon is just the side benefit,” he whispered next to Arthur’s ear, “I am very good with my mouth.”

“Fuck…”

“That too,” Merlin smirked, “Are you going to get up and leave?”

“Couldn’t if I wanted to,” Arthur said, and Merlin gave him the biggest, brightest grin.

“Told you I was good with my mouth.”

“They were right about you…you are the most dangerous one here,” Arthur said huskily.

Merlin’s face fell instantly. “They said that?”

Arthur would give anything to take those words back. To see the teasing, laughing Merlin reduced to a wounded boy again broke his heart. “Merlin, I’m sorry…I wasn’t thinking.”

“But it’s true…they think I’m…”

“Merlin, I don’t believe that for one second. My mouth just got away from me. I’m sorry.”

Merlin nodded, then got up. “I need to get my pack,” he said, then walked away with his hands in the pocket of his hoodie, his head down.

“What happened?” Gwen asked, her face etched with concern, when Merlin walked past her.

“We were joking around, and I accidentally blurted out what Leon said about Merlin being the most dangerous one of the kids. God, Gwen, I didn’t mean to say that. It just came out.”

“I’m sure Merlin will be fine. Don’t worry about it. It’s time to get ready to go.”

“Yeah,” he nodded, then got up, handing his plates over to her.

 

“All right, this is the starting point,” Arthur said, “It is September, and in the mountains this time of year, the weather can change in the blink of an eye. You are all dressed, packed, and ready to go. Keep alert, watch where you step, loose rocks and tree roots can be treacherous to hikers. We have bears, wolves, snakes, spiders, you name it…danger is everywhere. Rockslides, flash floods, and steep cliffs that can break loose at any time. There are six of you. Watch each other, be safe, but have fun. Gwaine will take the lead first, and I will bring up the rear.”

“Let’s roll!” Gwaine shouted and started up the trail.

The girls went first, then Will and Gilli, Merlin followed them, his head down, hood pulled up. Arthur watched him closely, wishing that he’d kept his mouth shut. Merlin had just begun to open up, and now he had shut down again. He had to find a way to get through to him again.

They hiked for two hours along the mountain, and the sun was climbing into the sky, but there was still a chill in the air. The trail took them through woods, along the river, and then up a steep ridge where they saw deer and a mountain lion in the distance.
A bear was crossing the river in one spot, so they stopped to watch. Merlin moved to the edge of the trail and crouched down to take photos of the bear. He leaned down and picked up a beautiful piece of rock. Arthur crouched next to him and took the rock, looking at it before giving it back to him.

“That, Merlin, is petrified wood,” he grinned, “It’s a rare find. Hold onto it.”

Merlin met his gaze for a moment, giving him a grateful smile. “Thanks.”

“You’re welcome,” Arthur said.

They continued up the trail, crossing the gorge over the first bridge of the trip. Arthur led them down a rocky trail and around the bend after crossing over it. He was sure-footed and strong, guiding them through the roughest places with ease. Down along a cliff face, he showed them how to grab onto the ropes that were anchored in the rocks to make their way across. They all did it without incident except for Freya, who slipped and let out a scream, but Merlin caught her easily and helped her across the remaining ledge.

“Thank you, Merlin,” she beamed and hugged him tightly.

“Let’s keep going, we don’t want to run out of daylight before we get to our camp for the night,” Arthur said, urging the kids to keep going. He took hold of Merlin’s arm as he passed. “Good job, Merlin. You saved her. She could have been hurt or worse.”

“Not the kind of thing a dangerous kid like me would do, is it?” Merlin said, his voice harsh.

“Merlin…”

“We have to go,” he said, then hurried to catch up with Gwaine.

“Fuck,” Arthur muttered under his breath.

They took a break at noon, fixing sandwiches with chips and water. Gwaine entertained the kids with fake magic tricks.

“Hey, Magic Boy, why don’t you show them what you can do?” Gilli said.

“Come on, Merlin, what you got?” Gwaine asked with a funny accent.

“No, I don’t think…”

“Come on, Merlin,” Will hollered from his perch on the rock above. “You always liked showing off your skills.”

Merlin let out a breath and ran a hand over the back of his neck as he moved to stand next to Gwaine. He put his hands together in front of his chest, whispered a few words of another language, and when he opened them, a half dozen blue butterflies flew out and up into the sky. His face was open and soft. The girls went crazy, and Gwaine was impressed. Arthur just stood there watching him, completely mesmerized.

“What else can you do?” Gwaine asked.

Merlin took off his pack, positioning it by the fence. He turned around to face Arthur, his hand outstretched, palm facing up. He then cupped it and uttered a string of words. A moment later, a flickering flame jumped up from his palm, and he again flattened his hand. The flame danced and grew before finally vanishing.

“See told you he was good,” Will smirked.

Merlin shook his head, then picked up his backpack and headed to the edge of a creek coming down from a small waterfall above them. Arthur followed him.

“That was incredible, Merlin,” he said, standing over him as Merlin sat down with his elbows across his knees and his head down.

“Just a few parlor tricks,” he huffed.

“Those were no mere parlor tricks, you are really good.”

“And when I use them, people think I am dangerous,” Merlin snapped at him bitterly.

Arthur shook his head, “You are not dangerous, Merlin. You proved that today when you saved Freya from that fall.”

“What about the others? The other people I saved only to be treated like a freak and an outcast.”

“What are you talking about, Merlin?”

Merlin tilted his head back, letting out a harsh breath. “It doesn’t matter. Nothing I do will ever make a difference. Yes, I have fucked up, made a lot of mistakes, but I have tried to do good too. I try, and people throw it back in my face.”

“Like I did,” Arthur said, taking a seat next to him, “Merlin, I am sorry. I never meant to hurt you.”

“It’s not you…not really,” he shook his head, “I just want the chance to do something with my life. To have a real home, whatever that entails. I’m not really mad at you.”

“Could have fooled me,” Arthur smiled.

Merlin huffed a laugh, “Na, you are just so damn hot, I want to climb you like a tree.”

Arthur let out a chuckle, “Ah, Merlin, what am I gonna do with you?”

“I’d be more than happy to provide an extensive list for your perusal…just to you know…help.”

“I’m sure you would.”

“I’m very bendy,” he grinned.

Arthur gripped his hoodie, pulling him to his feet. “Get your pack, we have a long way to go yet.”

The trail took them high into the mountains, and the sky stretched out forever. Merlin was now openly taking photos, even photos of the other kids. He took one of Arthur, standing on the edge, looking out over the viewpoint, his duster blowing around his legs. And Gwaine balanced on a large boulder, pointing like some old-world explorer. Merlin grinned, he was having fun.

“All right, boys and girls,” Arthur said, “We are about an hour from our campsite, let’s move. We want to get there before the sun goes down because it will get cold after dark, and we won’t be able to see much. It is at a higher elevation than where we are now, the view is breathtaking from there. Let’s go.”

Gwaine walked next to Arthur while the kids followed them at a distance. They were getting tired and would definitely sleep well that night. Gwaine nudged Arthur, jerking his head back over his shoulder. “What’s going on with you and Merlin?” he asked quietly, and Arthur shrugged. “Come on, I know you too well, Arthur. You like the kid.”

Arthur glanced at him and nodded, “He’s a good kid, I just want to help him.”

“But it is more than that. I have seen you looking at him when you think no one else will notice. And he looks at you the same way. Something's brewing between you two,” he grinned, nudging Arthur again.

“Nothing can come of it. He’s only seventeen.”

“Only for a few more days. I think you two would be good for each other.”

“Gwaine, stop,” Arthur said, shaking his head, “I will not do anything that would hurt Merlin. I will not do anything that will jeopardize this camp and damage its reputation. Merlin is off limits period.”

“Then maybe I’ll give him a try,” Gwaine said cheekily, and Arthur’s head jerked around like he was possessed. “Just kidding,” Gwaine said, holding his hands up defensively while grinning like a Cheshire Cat. “I knew it. You do want him. Your secret is safe with me.”

“Thank you,” Arthur huffed. He shook his head slowly, “I don’t know what to do. I have never felt this way for anyone before, much less a kid…a boy.”

“He is very ethereal, those eyes of his…it’s like he can see things the rest of us can’t even fathom. And those cheekbones…his lips,” Gwaine said with a soft whistle, clearly trying to get under his best friend’s skin. “It’s obvious you want him, and he definitely wants you. Find a quiet little spot all alone up here…”

“Gwaine!” Arthur seethed.

“Just saying, if you want to…I’ll gladly cover for you. God knows you need it. You’re wound too tight, and I have a feeling Merlin would fix that with one…”

“Gwaine!” Arthur stopped, then cut him off, grabbing him by his shirt. “Stop…now,” he said dangerously, then let him go.

“Yes, sir,” Gwaine mock saluted.

“Do not say anything to anyone,” Arthur said, his voice deep and commanding to the point that Gwaine’s mirth faded, and he nodded.

“I won’t. You know I am your best friend, right?”

“I do,” Arthur nodded, “I owe you my life.”

“And I love you like my own brother,” Gwaine said, then hugged him. “But if anything happens between you two, I want details,” he said in his ear, and Arthur rolled his eyes.

They arrived at their campsite just before sunset, and everyone pitched in to get the tents set up, then went off in search of firewood.
With arms loaded down with firewood, Merlin stood, silently staring out across the landscape below him. It was like looking down on a piece of heaven, white clouds clinging to the slope of a pitch-black mountain peak that seemed to be holding its breath waiting for the stars to emerge. The alpine lake at the base of the peak turned to a deep purple color before his eyes as the sun put itself to bed. He couldn’t help feeling a bit choked up, tears shining in his eyes. It was the most beautiful place he had ever seen in his life.

“God have mercy,” Arthur said, putting a hand on Merlin’s shoulder, squeezing it gently. “Stunning, isn’t it?”

“Surreal,” Merlin said, his voice barely above a whisper, “If this is a dream, I don’t want to wake up.”

“It’s as real as you and I,” Arthur smiled.

“You and I…another dream,” he huffed.

“I’m far too old for you anyway.”

“No, you’re not. What are you…twenty-five?”

“In a few months I will be.”

Merlin turned to look at Arthur, and his breath caught in his throat. He wanted nothing more than to drop the wood and kiss the man within an inch of his life. The light of the sunset reflected in Arthur’s blue eyes, shoulder-length blonde hair blowing in the breeze.
“God, you are gorgeous.”

Arthur’s lips parted in a soft smile, then he tilted his head toward camp, “We should head back.”

“Go ahead, I’ll be right behind you,” Merlin said, trying to hide the sadness in his eyes.

“Merlin, if things were different…”

“No, it’s all right…I get it. Wrong time, wrong place. Story of my life.”

“See you back at camp,” Arthur said, then headed back down the trail.

Merlin stayed a bit longer until the stars filled the sky. He inhaled deeply, taking in the fresh air, then let it out slowly. Turning away from the view, he headed back to camp. The trail was dark and difficult to navigate, so he whispered a spell, and a light orb appeared to guide the way.

“That’s handy,” Arthur said as he approached.

“Sorry,” Merlin said in a bit of a panic, “I shouldn’t have done that.”

“It’s beautiful, Merlin. There’s nothing to be ashamed of. It’s a part of you.”

“You’re not afraid?”

“Should I be?”
“I would never hurt anyone with my magic.”

“I know you wouldn’t.”

“You’re really not bothered by it? I’m a freak of nature,” Merlin said, lowering his gaze.

Arthur shook his head, “No, Merlin…you are not a freak, and I don’t ever want to hear you call yourself that again.” He approached the orb, reaching out to touch it, cupping it in his open palm. “It tickles,” he grinned, and Merlin looked at him in awe.

“Arthur…”

“Yes?”

“Thank you,” Merlin said, his eyes pooling with tears, “No one…no one ever made me feel like I mattered until you.”

Arthur stepped closer to him, bringing a hand up to cup Merlin’s face, his thumb tracing the line of his cheekbone. “You more than matter, Merlin, you are amazing, brilliant, gifted, kind, and beautiful,” he said, his voice low and rough. Everything in him wanted to kiss the boy in that moment, but he knew if he did, he wouldn’t want to stop. “Come on, let’s get this wood back to camp.”
Merlin tilted his head and grinned. The next instant, the wood vanished, and before Arthur could react, he stepped forward and brushed his lips over his in a feather-light kiss that shook Arthur to the core. The kiss deepened quickly, and Arthur pulled back, putting distance between them. He held up his hand.

“That can’t happen again,” he said, and Merlin’s face fell.

“I’m sorry.”

“No, Merlin, I’m sorry, I should not have touched you like that.”

“Even if I liked it,” Merlin said.

“Especially if you liked it…I can’t let this go any further, no matter how much I want it to. I am taking advantage of you, and it isn’t right.”

“I understand.”

Arthur looked at him, his eyes wide and glinting with raw need. “Come on, we need to get back. Being alone with you is killing me,” he smirked, and Merlin chuckled. As they walked, he turned to Merlin questioningly, “What happened to the wood?”

“On the wood pile back at camp,” Merlin grinned.

“That’s cheating!”

“Sue me,” he shrugged.

Everyone settled around the campfire, eating hot dogs and s'mores while Gwaine told stories about magical beasts and brave knights. He glanced over at Arthur and Merlin before adding in a king and his powerful sorcerer.

“Warlock,” Merlin volunteered.

“What?” Gwaine asked.

“A sorcerer learns magic, a warlock is born with it.”

“Well, I prefer sorcerer,” Gwaine chuckled and winked, then continued the story. There was a dragon and a goblin, trolls, unicorns, and princesses. He grew more and more animated as the story went on until the kids were all laughing. Even Arthur got into it, adding a few details, including a misunderstood prince who was most definitely not a spoiled bully.

One by one, the kids went off to their tents, exhausted and ready to sleep. They paused long enough to say good night to Gwaine and Arthur. Soon, there was only Merlin and Arthur by the fire, watching as it burned down to embers.

“We should probably get to bed as well,” Arthur said, making no attempt to move.

“Yeah, probably should,” Merlin nodded.

“We need to douse the fire first.”
“Can I do it?”

“Sure, if you know how.”

“Like this,” Merlin grinned, his eyes turning gold as he held out a hand and uttered words of another language. The fire immediately went out.

Arthur held his hand over it. “It’s cold!”
“Yep.”

“Warlock, huh?”

“Yep.”

“Well, Warlock, get your backside to bed, we have a long day tomorrow.”

“Yes, Sir,” Merlin grinned, then got up, heading for his tent, leaving Arthur shaking his head.

Gwaine came back to put away the coffee pot and snacks. He glanced at Arthur, who was staring off into the distance. “You’ve really got it bad.”

“What?”

“You heard me…you have really got it bad for Merlin.”

“Don’t be ridiculous, Gwaine.”

“You’re not fooling me. I can see it every time you look at him. I can tell when you are thinking about him. What happened while you two were out gathering firewood?”

Arthur dropped his head, running a hand through his hair. “Merlin kissed me, and I kissed him back briefly.”

“How was it?” Gwaine asked with a wide grin.

“It was incredible, and it took all I had to stop…to pull away.”

“You’re an idiot.”

“Thanks…”

Gwaine flopped down on the ground next to him. “What are you so afraid of? Merlin is far older than his years. Forced to grow up fast like we were. He knows what he wants. He’s street-smart as well as book-smart. Would it be so bad to take a chance and see where it leads?”

“Yes, if it hurts him…and I have the camp to think about.”

“Easy…just don’t hurt him.”

“It’s not that simple, Gwaine.”

“Sure, it is. Or are you just worried about getting hurt again? What happened with Lance and Gwen, it wasn’t right, and I still hate them both a little for hurting you. But you have to move on, man, find the love you deserve.”

“Maybe I am a bit scared,” Arthur nodded, “But I couldn’t live with myself if Merlin got hurt because of me. He has been through hell. Never catching a break. Losing his mother so young and having an absent father. He needs stability and structure. I can’t give him that. He has a chance to improve his situation and finally find his footing in this insane world. I won’t risk him losing this chance.”

“If you let him slip through your fingers, you will regret it for the rest of your life.”

“What’s one more regret on a long fucking list?” Arthur said, then stood up, “I’m going to bed. See you in the morning.”
Gwaine watched him go and shook his head. He then finished cleaning up and went to bed himself.

Chapter 4: Up The Creek Without a Paddle

They were back on the trail by eight in the morning. Arthur was pushing them because there was weather moving in. They needed to get through Blue Bird Canyon before the rain hit or risk getting caught by a flash flood.

“Watch your step through here,” Gwaine called back to the others, “Looks like part of the trail washed out very recently.

There were large boulders that had broken loose and fallen onto the path, obstructing part of it. They had to climb up and around, moving carefully but quickly. It cost them a lot of time, and Arthur was getting nervous as he looked up to see heavy black clouds moving overhead.

“We have to make it across the bridge before the rain hits,” he said, “Come on.”

They were within sight of the Blue Bird Canyon bridge when the rain hit. A torrential downpour that soaked them all in seconds. Freya and Kara ran ahead with Gwaine while Drea held on to Will’s arm and Gilli right behind them. Merlin moved quickly, with Arthur keeping a close eye on him the entire time.

To reach the bridge, they had to navigate a narrow cliff trail covered in shale, which made it both dangerous and slippery. Twisted tree roots and overhanging rocks made it even more treacherous. Even Arthur slipped a few times before reaching the last leg of the trail down to the bridge, which crossed the river at a low point in the canyon. The other side was a steep climb up out of the canyon.

“Almost there,” he said, urging them forward. He put a hand on each of the kids, making damn sure they were all with him. The rain was still coming down in sheets. He moved along behind them, focused on getting the kids to safety on the other side of the canyon. They reached the bridge running across with Gwaine. Arthur let out a relieved breath.

Merlin turned to look back just as they all heard a deafening roar coming from somewhere above. His eyes went wide as he saw Arthur reach the bridge just as a wall of water came crashing down over it. “Arthur!” Merlin yelled and ran like hell back to the bridge, ignoring Gwaine and the others' cries for him to come back. His legs burned, but he ran harder.

“Merlin, dammit, go back!” he heard Arthur shout from where he was trapped in the middle of the bridge, holding onto the railing with water washing over and around him. “Get back, that’s an order!”

“Arthur, hold on, I’m coming to get you,” he called out to him over the roar of the water.

“Merlin, no…”

“Sorry, I never do what I’m told,” Merlin shrugged, then ran onto the bridge. The water tried to knock his feet out from beneath him, but he was determined. “Almost there,” he called out and gripped the railing.

“Merlin!” Arthur said, his eyes wide with fear, watching the boy struggling against the deluge.

“Are you hurt?” Merlin asked as he finally reached Arthur and held on tight to him.

“My shoulder and head,” Arthur winced.

“I’ve got you, lean on me,” Merlin smiled reassuringly and got Arthur on his feet. They didn’t make it more than a few feet when they heard something and looked up just as a second wall of water, this one even larger, crashed over them, and they heard the sound of metal and stone ripping apart. The bridge collapsed beneath them, and they were falling into a wet abyss.

“Oh my God!” Gwaine choked as he watched with horror as the entire bridge washed away, taking Arthur and Merlin with it. Gwaine knew what he had to do. Arthur had pounded it into his head a million times that if something happened to him, his priority had to be to get the other hikers to safety. He shook his head and grabbed the radio from his pack. After four attempts to raise camp without success, he gave up. “Come on, we need to get to higher ground,” he said. The kids followed him without question, the girls sobbing and holding on to each other. Even Gilli and Will were struggling to keep it together and focus.

 

“Merlin!” Arthur shouted.

He was cold…colder than he could ever remember being. Opening his eyes was a struggle, his head was pounding, and his shoulder felt like it was dislocated. A large log had his left leg pinned between it and sharp stones. The upper half of his body was partially submerged in the freezing creek, which was still running high over the banks. He pushed his right boot against the log with everything he had, but it wouldn’t budge. Releasing a ragged breath, he tried again. He was trapped, and if the creek rose again, he would drown before help came. And Merlin…what if…

“Fuck,” Arthur cursed, then touched his hand to his forehead. It came away covered in blood. “Merlin…dammit, Merlin, can you hear me?” Panic filled his chest as he looked around desperately trying to spot the boy. “Merlin!”

“I’m here! Hold on, I’m coming,” Merlin called out, making his way across the flooded creek, stumbling and slipping on rocks. “God, you’re alive,” he choked as he reached Arthur, checking him over.

“You’re okay?” Arthur asked, his eyes filled with emotion.

“I’m okay.”

“Are you sure?”

“Don’t worry about me, we have to get you out of this.”

“It’s no use, Arthur shook his head. My leg is pinned, I can’t move the log.”

“I can,” Merlin said, then put his hand on the log. He uttered words, deep and guttural, then his eyes glowed brightly. Letting out a low growl, the log split in two, freeing Arthur’s leg. He then took off his backpack, tossing it onto dry ground. He pulled Arthur’s off as well, and it joined his. “All right, put your arm around me,” he said, “Easy…”

“Shit,” Arthur groaned as Merlin helped him to his feet.

“Can you walk?”

Arthur nodded, “Yeah…yeah, I can, it’s not broken.”

“Thank God for that,” Merlin said as they carefully made their way to where their packs were. He lowered Arthur down onto a large flat rock. “What hurts?” he asked.

“My shoulder, my head, my leg,” Arthur responded, “Get the radio and try to reach Gwaine or camp.”

“I already tried, nothing. We are in a dead zone.”

“Fuck…”

“Don’t worry, the others are safe.”

“You were the only stupid one, huh?” Arthur said, glaring at him, “You were supposed to stay with the group, not throw yourself into a fucking flash flood. Disobeying orders, Merlin…”

“Screw your orders, I couldn’t watch you die.”

Arthur huffed, tilting his head back before looking at the boy again. “Thank you, Merlin.”

“You’re welcome,” he grinned.

Arthur looked around. “We need to find shelter on higher ground and try again to reach Gwaine or base camp.”

“Your head is bleeding, let me clean it up first and see what I can do. My magic is not the best when it comes to healing, but I will try if you’ll allow it. If you trust me…”

“I trust you, Merlin,” Arthur smiled, placing a hand on the boy's shoulder, “Do what you can.”

Merlin retrieved his first aid kit from his pack and wiped away the blood, then covered the deep gash with his hand. His eyes turned gold. Arthur lost himself in the sound of Merlin’s voice, uttering words of magic, deep and seductive. A golden light surrounded them, soothing heat washing over Arthur’s body. He felt no fear, no pain, just a gentle pulsing sensation. When Merlin removed his hand, the wound had closed, his shoulder popped back into place, and his leg no longer hurt.

“Wow,” Merlin gasped, “That’s never happened before.”

“What?” Arthur asked worriedly, “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine. I promise. Just healing…my magic has never done that before. I guess it likes you too,” he grinned.

Arthur laughed, then cupped Merlin’s cheek, “Come on, let’s get to higher ground. It’s starting to rain again. We need to move now.”
Merlin nodded, then, putting his backpack back on, he helped Arthur with his. “Which way do we go?” he asked.

“North, along the ridge. Gwaine will take the others to the next campsite. We can catch up to them if we take the shortcut, but it is a rough trail, far more difficult than anything so far.”

“I can handle it, let’s go.”

Arthur started up the north trail with Merlin close behind. He was a bit stiff, but there was no pain. Whatever Merlin’s magic had done, he felt better than he had in a long time. He glanced back to make sure the boy was all right. Merlin stumbled a couple of times but kept up with Arthur like he had been doing it his whole life. He smiled and kept going, picking up the pace a bit. They reached the top of the ridge and stopped. Arthur pulled out his radio.

“Gwaine, come in, do you read me? It’s Arthur?”

“Arthur, thank God, are you all right? Where’s Merlin?” Gwaine’s strained voice came over the line.

“He’s here, we are fine. Just reached the top of the ridge. Proceed to camp campsite as planned. Merlin and I will catch up as soon as we can, probably sometime tomorrow. We are both soaked to the bone. We need to find shelter to get warmed up and a change of clothes.”

“Will do, Arthur. Are you certain you’re both okay?”

“Yes, thanks to Merlin,” he smiled.

“When that bridge collapsed…thought I’d lost you for good,” Gwaine said, his voice breaking a bit, “Don’t you ever do that again or I will beat your arse. Merlin was determined to get to you. I couldn’t stop him.”

“I won’t and I know. It’s not your fault the boy has no sense of self-preservation,” Arthur said pointedly, and Merlin just shrugged and grinned.

“Good, now take care of yourselves, and we will see you at camp tomorrow. I will radio base camp and tell them you are both safe.”

“Thanks, see you then, Gwaine,” Arthur said, then put the radio back in his pack. He turned to Merlin. “Are you sure you’re ready for this trail?”

“Let’s do it,” he nodded, and the two of them started off again. The trail was steep, far steeper than any other they had been on so far. Merlin pulled two bottles of water and two energy bars out of the smaller pack on his belt. He handed them to Arthur, then opened his own.

“Thank you.”

They walked along the ridge, steep slopes on either side making the way treacherous. The trail was muddy and slippery. Merlin kept a close eye on Arthur just in case he slipped. When they reached the downhill trail, he could see that the man was slowing down.
“Arthur, are you all right?”

“Yeah, just feeling a little light-headed,” he said, pressing a hand to his temple.

“We need to stop, you need to rest. Just because I healed you with magic doesn’t mean you are invincible. We should stop.”

“All right, Merlin…there’s a place, about half a mile down the canyon. A hot spring where we can spend the night.”

“Sounds good,” Merlin nodded and followed Arthur.

They reached the secluded hot spring by late afternoon. Merlin took off his pack and helped Arthur with his. They sat down on the rock walls that had been built around it decades before. The rain was still coming down, though not nearly as hard.

“Are you okay?”

“You can stop asking me that. I’m fine.”

“You nearly died, Arthur,” Merlin said, his voice going up an octave or two, “I—I can’t…I can’t lose you. I’ve never needed anyone…it was always just me against the whole fucking world. Now I have someone who means a helluva lot to me, and I don’t want to lose him. You are the only person who actually sees me. The only person who makes me feel like I actually matter.”

“Merlin, you do matter, and other people will begin to see you as I see you. Just give it time and believe in yourself. I am going to do everything humanly possible to help you find a new path. A better one. Even when this is over, I want to be your friend.”

“Just a friend?” Merlin asked with a sad smile and a glint of amusement in his eyes.

Arthur lowered his gaze and nodded before looking at him again. “It’s best that we do not cross that line, Merlin. You will only end up getting hurt. You mean too much to me to jeopardize this.”

“Fine,” Merlin huffed, “But I can’t promise that I won’t keep trying,” he grinned and winked.

“Come on, we need to get out of these wet clothes before we catch our deaths.”

“Yeah, okay,” Merlin said.

Arthur got up, moving over to his pack. Taking out a pair of dry jeans, a long-sleeved shirt, underwear, and socks, he placed them on one of the stone benches next to the small changing rooms. His leather coat and boots were soaked. They would have to start a fire to dry things out before morning.

He heard a loud splash behind him and turned to see Merlin, naked in the hot pool. Merlin laughed and stood up, the water reaching just below his waist. “This feels incredible. Come on in, Arthur.”

“No, thank you, I already had a bath I didn’t ask for.”

“Suit yourself, but it feels really good, and it will warm you up.”

“I’ll take your word for it,” Arthur said as he tried and failed to look away. Merlin was truly beautiful. He looked like a mystical being, water droplets sliding down his long, lean body, pale skin glowing in the light of the setting sun. His stunning blue eyes, framed by long lashes, and his full pink lips, which Arthur vividly remembered kissing. A brief kiss, but one that would be forever seared into his mind, making him long for more.

Merlin chose that moment to turn and reach up, running his fingers through his thick, wet curls, his eyes closed, mouth parted, and Arthur felt himself moving toward the pool seemingly against his will. He pulled off his wet clothes, sliding into the water naked.

“I knew you wouldn’t be able to resist me,” Merlin said huskily.

Arthur swam over to him and stood up, their bodies just inches apart. He cupped Merlin’s face and drew him close. “You’re like a damn wildfire to a pyromaniac,” Arthur said, his voice deep and rough. “If I touch you, I know I’m gonna burn, but I can’t stop myself.”

“Touch me, Arthur.”

“Fuck,” Arthur growled, then closed the distance between them, chest to chest, his mouth capturing those absolutely sinful lips, “Merlin…”

“It’s okay, I won’t break,” Merlin whispered against his mouth.

“God, you feel so good.”

Merlin kissed Arthur back, his tongue delving into his mouth, tasting his. Their hands roamed over each other’s bodies; they couldn’t get close enough. Arthur moaned filthily when he felt Merlin’s arousal brush against his own. The sensation felt like a bolt of lightning, and Arthur pulled away, leaving Merlin breathless and trembling.

“Arthur?”

“Merlin, I can’t do this…God, I want to, but I can’t.”
“We don’t have to do anything more,” Merlin shook his head, “Just touch me…Please, I need you to touch me. You’re gorgeous like this, you’re so fucking hot,” Merlin slid his fingertips over Arthur’s firm, broad chest, encircling his hardened nipples, then followed the trail of blonde hair down beneath the water. Arthur inhaled sharply when his hand wrapped around his girth, slowly stroking his full length. “Arthur, I want to taste you,” Merlin said against Arthur’s mouth.

“Merlin, we have already gone too far,” Arthur said.

“It will be okay,” Merlin whispered, “No one will know but you and me, and I certainly won’t tell anyone. I want to make you come apart with my mouth.”

“Good hell, what are you doing to me, Merlin? I’m so hard.”

“Believe me, I noticed,” Merlin grinned, kissing him.

“We shouldn’t be doing this.”

“Do you want me to stop?”

“Yes—no—fuck, Merlin!” Arthur moaned as the boy stroked him faster while sucking a nipple between his lips. “God…don’t stop,” he gasped.

“Wouldn’t dream of it,” Merlin winked, then eased Arthur back, helping him to sit on the edge of a low stone wall in the center of the pool. He kissed the inside of his muscular thighs, looking up at Arthur like he wanted to absolutely devour him. “Gorgeous,” he said breathlessly, then licked his thick, hard cock from base to tip before swallowing him down deep in his throat, causing Arthur to cry out in utter bliss.

“Holy hell, Merlin,” Arthur panted, tangling his fingers in the boy's hair as his head bobbed up and down faster and harder. “Shit…I’m close…fuck…Merlin! He shuddered violently, spilling his seed down Merlin’s throat. “That was…” he said, chest heaving, “Merlin…”

Merlin pushed himself off the wall, floating on his back in the warm water, giving Arthur and eyeful of his body and his own hard shaft. He grinned, meeting Arthur’s gaze as his hands slid over his body, then slowly and lazily stroked himself to release with him watching. He moaned filthily as he came, hard, body trembling.

“You’re beautiful, Merlin.”

Merlin swam over and kissed him full on the mouth, their tongues dueling, hands exploring. “Are you okay?” he asked.

“I’m going to hell,” Arthur huffed a laugh.

“We did nothing wrong,” Merlin said, his voice faltering, as his eyes filled with hurt, “It was incredible…

“Merlin,” Arthur said, reaching for him, but Merlin was already getting out of the pool and grabbing his pack. He put on jeans, a T-shirt, and a clean hoodie, then slipped on socks and a dry pair of shoes he could wear while his boots dried out. “Merlin, wait…”
“I’m going to gather firewood,” he said flatly and took off with a flashlight in hand.

“Merlin!”

Arthur got out of the pool and dressed quickly to follow. Before he could, a pile of wood appeared on the ground next to the fire pit in the small campsite next to the pool. Arthur proceeded to set up the larger tent from his pack and put both of their sleeping bags inside it.

Merlin returned as he finished and quickly got the fire going, then hung up Arthur’s leather coat and his own coat. Their boots were carefully placed near the flames to dry. He then made canned stew in a pan and opened two bottles of water.

“Merlin, we need to talk,” Arthur said, struggling with his conscience and his desire equally.

“What is there to talk about?” Merlin asked, not bothering to hide the anger in his voice, “You made it clear that you regret what we did.”

“No, Merlin, you’re wrong. I don’t regret what we did, but I feel like I should because you are only seventeen. I took advantage…”

“Arthur, I am no blushing virgin. Worse shit has happened to me than giving you a much-needed blow job. Being with you is the only thing in my life that has ever felt right. I want you in every way possible. It’s not wrong, and I refuse to say it is.”

“You’re right, Merlin. But I think we should hold off on doing anything like that again until you are eighteen and we get you through this challenge.”

“Fine,” Merlin nodded, handing him a bowl of stew, “I can wait a few more days. I don’t want to get you in trouble.”

“Good,” Arthur smiled, “But for the record, it was incredible, and I cannot wait to do it again.”

“Really?”

“God, yes.”

“Okay,” Merlin grinned, “Now eat your food.”

“Oh,” Arthur said, motioning toward the tent, “I put up the larger tent for us to share tonight if that is okay. For you know…body heat.”

“Body heat…right,” Merlin said, raising an eyebrow.

“It was a perfectly respectable intention.”

“Of course it was.”

“Well, you can always set up your own tent.”

“No, it’s fine. Body heat it is.”

Arthur grinned at him and shook his head. “Let’s get to bed, I’m exhausted.”

“Go ahead, I’m gonna wait until the fire burns down a bit more.”

“You can just put it out again.”

“I will...go on to sleep.”

Arthur nodded, then crawled into the tent, sliding into his sleeping bag. “Good night, Merlin.”

“Good night, Arthur.”

Chapter 5: Milestones and Sandcastles

Arthur woke before dawn, Merlin snoring softly next to him, lying on his stomach, arms shoved under the pillow. Arthur smiled sleepily, his thoughts going places they shouldn’t, like wanting to wake up with the boy next to him every morning. A dangerous and impossible wish. Reluctantly, Arthur reached over, shaking Merlin gently.

“Hey, we have to get going, Merlin. We have a long way to go.”

“Mmm, g’way,” Merlin said, his voice muffled by the pillow.

“I can’t do that,” Arthur chuckled, “We have to catch up with the others this morning.”

“Fuck the hike, want to stay here with you.”

“Merlin…”

Rolling onto his back, Merlin stretched languidly, arching his back like a cat. His blue eyes met Arthur’s, a soft, lazy grin on his beautiful face. “Morning,” he said.

Arthur couldn’t help himself. The temptation was too much. Lowering his head, he kissed Merlin, deeply and tenderly, his hand brushing lightly over the boy’s cheekbone. “Merlin, you make me want things I cannot have.”

“You could, all you have to do is ask.”

“If only it were that simple,” Arthur huffed and rolled onto his back, folding his arms behind his head. “I don’t get to be normal. My father expects too much of me. Everyone depends on me to lead them wherever they are going.”

“Sounds like you need to learn to stand up for yourself,” Merlin smirked, then rolled on top of Arthur. “You see, Pendragon, you can make your own future. Just reach out and grab it. Believe in yourself,” he said softly, brushing the hair back from Arthur’s forehead, “Believe in me.” He lowered his head, pressing his lips to Arthur’s in a kiss that robbed him of his breath.

“Merlin,” Arthur said against those lips, “Are you using your youth counseling garbage on me?”

“Yep,” Merlin chuckled, then kissed him harder. He could feel Arthur’s cock growing hard beneath him and grinned. “Time to get up, gotta get moving,” he smirked, then moved off him, dressing quickly before stepping out of the tent and putting on his now dry boots and coat. “Brr, it’s cold, hurry up, Pendragon.”

“I hate you!” Arthur hollered then grinned when he heard Merlin’s laughter.

 

Merlin and Arthur were back on the trail just after sunrise. They walked side by side whenever the pathway allowed. Their hands brushed often, as if it were the most natural thing in the world for them to do. The weather was beautiful, though a bit on the chilly side.

At the top of the trail, Arthur pulled out the radio. “Gwaine, we are getting close.”

“Arthur, the original campsite was washed out. We ended up about a quarter mile down Hatchet Gulch.”

“All right, we will be there in about an hour,” Arthur nodded at Merlin, “Have lunch ready, we are starving. Been eating protein bars and canned stew.”

“You got it,” Gwaine said.

Arthur then switched the channel over to radio base camp. “Arthur to base camp, anyone listening?”

“Arthur, thank God,” Gwen’s voice came over the radio, “I was so worried. Gwaine reached us and told us what happened, but hearing your voice…” she said, clearly relieved. “Is Merlin okay?”

“Merlin is great, he saved my life. We are about an hour away from the others. Barring any more unforeseen disasters, we should still make it to the end of the trip on time.”

“All right, let me know when you reach the others, and be careful.”

“Will do,” Arthur said, then returned the radio to his pack. He handed Merlin a bottle of water. “Ready?”

“Ready,” he nodded.

“Come on.”

As they walked, Merlin kept glancing at Arthur. “Can I ask you a personal question?”

“Can’t guarantee I will answer it,” Arthur smiled.

“You and Gwen…what happened? I mean, you two still seem to care for each other.”

“We do.”

“So, what happened?”

“Gwen and I were happily married…or so I thought. Four years…I loved her deeply, and she loved me. We had been trying to get pregnant for three of those years, but it never happened. Until one day it did, and we were so happy. I knew something was wrong. She was a wreck. Crying constantly, not eating, not sleeping…it got worse after we went to see the doctor and he told us the due date and date of conception. Gwen had an affair with Lance, they slept together over the Christmas break while I was out of town. The baby was his.”

“Oh my God, that is just so wrong,” Merlin shook his head, “I’m sorry.”

“Anyway, she told me the truth, and I felt my whole world crumble around me. I left, went on a bender, and nearly wrapped my car around a tree. Gwaine took me in and offered to kill Lance for me. Gwen admitted to me that she loved Lance and wanted to be with him and raise their child together, so I signed the divorce papers.”

“How were you able to remain friends?”

Arthur shrugged, “I think we both came to realize that we were better off as friends. Lance is a damn good man, better than me. And their son Gabriel is brilliant, beautiful, funny, and amazing. I love him like my own.”

“You are a saint. Not sure I could forgive someone like that.”

“When you grow up with Uther Pendragon as a father, you soon realize that there is no point staying angry at someone. He is angry all the time. I can’t live like that.” Arthur pointed toward the trail sign, “Almost there, come on.”

“Arthur! Merlin!” Gwaine shouted, embracing Arthur first, then Merlin. He stepped aside, and they were mobbed by the other kids.

The girls were crying in relief and hugging them. Will and Gilli hugged Merlin, slapping him on the back.

“Damn good to see you both,” Gwaine grinned, “Thought we’d lost you.”

“Thanks to Merlin, he saved my life,” Arthur said with a wink that made Gwaine’s grin broaden.

“Well, lunch is ready, dig in,” Gwaine chuckled. Merlin headed over to the table. Gwaine put a hand on Arthur’s chest, holding him back. “Something happened. You look much less emotionally constipated than the last time I saw you.”

“Gwaine, don’t…not here.”

“But something did happen, I can tell.”

Arthur glared at him, but he couldn’t hide the look in his eyes that said otherwise. “Keep it quiet, please,” he whispered. It wasn’t what you’re thinking, but it was good.”

“Hey, my lips are sealed. Just glad to see you smiling. It has been a while.”

“Yeah, you’re right.”

“He’s good for you, Arthur. Hold on to him.”

“It’s not that simple.”

“No, but you have connections. Use them. Get him the finest lawyer money can buy and get all those bullshit charges dropped. Give him a home, stability, structure…love.”

“Love?” Arthur asked, looking at Gwaine like he had grown two heads.

“Yes, Arthur, I know you better than anyone, and you are falling for that boy. Just admit it.”

“I’m too old for him. He should have someone his own age.”

“Too late to worry about that, my friend. He’s completely in love with you.”

“You’re being ridiculous, Gwaine,” Arthur said, but then Merlin looked over at him with light in his eyes and a soft smile on his face. There was no denying it, Gwaine was right.

 

They finished lunch and cleaned up, then went on a short hike up the canyon. Arthur showed the kids how to distinguish edible berries and poisonous ones. He also showed them how to track and set snare traps for small animals. By the time they returned to camp, it was getting dark.

Merlin was quietly putting up his tent and avoiding Arthur’s gaze. The last thing he wanted to do was get him in trouble for what they did. He didn’t regret it for a second.

“You need some help?” Gwaine asked him.

“Thanks, I’ve got it.”

“Don’t give up on him,” Gwaine said softly, placing his hand on Merlin’s shoulder.

“Sorry?” Merlin asked, playing stupid, making the man’s grin widen.

“Don’t worry, I’ve got your back…both of you. Arthur is a good man, don’t let him tell you otherwise.”

“I know,” Merlin said with a nod.

“You’re good for him, Merlin. He needs you.”

“And I need him.”

“Then no matter what happens, or what anyone says, hold on to what you two have. It’s special.”

“Thanks, Gwaine,” Merlin grinned.

“Anytime, my friend,” he winked, then turned and walked away.

Merlin went back to the fire, taking a seat next to Freya. She leaned close, linking her arm with his. “I am so glad you and Arthur are safe. We were so scared.”

“Yeah, it was not something I ever want to go through again,” he said.

“Arthur said you saved his life,” Drea said.

“He was trapped under a log and partially submerged in the creek that was still flowing high. I managed to get the log off and free him.”

“Our Merlin the hero,” Will said with a smirk, “Magic Boy to the rescue.”

“Leave him alone, Will,” Kara glared at him, “Merlin is brave. Jumping in to help Arthur like he did. Going over that bridge when it collapsed. You would never do anything like that. You’d just sit with your tail between your legs sucking your thumb.”

“Fuck you, Kara, I’m just as brave as Magic Boy here.”

“No, you’re not,” Gilli said, and Will punched him in the shoulder.

Just then, Arthur and Gwaine walked over to the fire and stood listening with arms folded, trying and failing to hide their amusement.
“Sounds like we need to have a little competition,” Arthur said.

“What kind of competition?” Will asked.

“A bravery competition,” Gwaine grinned.

“Merlin already won,” Freya beamed at him, “He’s the bravest of all.”

Arthur fought the urge to pull Merlin away from the girl. The surge of insane jealousy had his heart pounding and his skin itching to touch him. It took everything he had to keep the truth off his face. Merlin was his. He had no idea when it happened, but it was true. Merlin belonged to no one but him.

“Tomorrow,” Arthur said, “It’s time for bed. Get some rest, and we will head out early in the morning. We have to make up some time if we are going to get to our destination by day seven.” He watched as all the kids stood up and said good night before going to their tents. Merlin lingered for a moment, then, with a soft smile, he walked past Arthur and crawled into his tent.

“Which way do you want to head tomorrow?” Gwaine asked.

“We’ll take the coastal trail, it’s longer, but it's quicker. Easier on the kids, and we can make up some lost time.”

“Sounds good to me. We can camp on the beach.”

“That’s what I thought. The kids would enjoy that.”

“Well, I am off to bed,” Gwaine said.

“I’ll take care of the fire and clean up. Good night, Gwaine.”

“Good night, Arthur.”

After Gwaine left, Arthur sat down and poked at the fire, his gaze drifting up to the sky to count the billions of bright stars, which all paled in comparison to Merlin’s eyes. He smiled. Yes, he had it bad for the boy. What that meant for the end of the trip, he didn’t know, but he knew that he could never walk away from Merlin. There had to be a solution.

An hour later, with the fire out, Arthur got up and went to his tent, crawled inside, and passed out. He was exhausted.

 

“Hurry up,” Arthur said, “We have a surprise for you all tonight when we make camp.

“A surprise?” Freya asked.

“What kind of surprise?” Drea asked.

“The good kind,” Gwaine chuckled, and the girls huffed.

“You could tell us now,” Kara said.

“Now, where would be the fun in that?” Arthur called back to her with a smirk.

“Merlin, do you know what it is?” Will asked.

“No, why would I know?” Merlin asked.

“Well, you seem to have a special bond with our illustrious leader. Saving his life and all. Figured you would have the inside scoop,” Will grinned.

“Even if I knew, which I don’t, I am not telling you.”

“Come on, Magic Boy, use your hocus pocus and read his mind or something,” Gilli yelled from the back of the line.

Merlin rolled his eyes, and Arthur came to his rescue. “No one knows, and I’m going to keep it that way.”

“It’s no use,” Gwaine laughed, “You’ll never get it out of him. He was once held prisoner in Afghanistan and never uttered a word, no matter what the enemy did to him. They got so frustrated that they finally just pushed him out the door and said 'See you later'.”

“Gwaine, you’re telling lies again,” Arthur huffed.

“Not a lie, solemn word, it happened. He just doesn’t like talking about his past.”

“And you have a big mouth, Gwaine.”

“Tomorrow is Merlin’s birthday,” Will announced, “We should have a party.”

“I don’t need a party,” Merlin rolled his eyes.

“Oh, Merlin, it would be fun,” Freya beamed.

As they walked, Arthur pulled out his phone to send a text message to make sure his other surprise would be arriving on time. He grinned to himself. Merlin would never expect it in a billion years, and Arthur couldn’t wait to see the look on his face.

“Confirm special delivery tonight.”

“Don’t worry, everything is arranged. Can’t believe you’re doing this for a kid you barely know.

“He deserves it, and more.”

“Oh dear, my brother has fallen for one of his temporary wards. I have to meet this boy. See you tonight.”

“Thank you, Morgana, seriously, Merlin deserves this. He’s had a shit life, and no one has ever shown him any kindness.”

“Until now, my brother, his knight in shining armor.”

“Not quite. Did you check on the other thing I asked you to?”

“It’s in the works.”

“You’re the best, my amazing sister.”

“And don’t you ever forget it. I love you."

“Love you too.”

Arthur put his phone back in his pocket, then glanced over at a grinning Gwaine and nodded.

“Yes!” Gwaine said under his breath.

“Arthur, Gwaine, everyone look,” Kara said softly, pointing into the ravine below where a mama bear and three cubs were feeding on berry bushes.

“Shh, don’t move and don’t make a sound,” Gwaine said as they all crouched down to watch them. Merlin snapped photos then took photos of everyone watching. If he happened to focus his camera on Arthur a bit more, it was no one’s business.

“All right,” Arthur whispered, “Move quietly, this way.”

Everyone obeyed, keeping low to the ground and moving silently until they were well away from the bear and her babies. No one wanted to deal with a pissed off Mama Bear.

“That was so beautiful,” Drea said, then she broke down crying, shaking and hugging herself.

Arthur stopped the group, dropping to his knees next to the girl. “Drea, what is it? What’s wrong, darlin’?

She shook her head, tears streaming down her face, her breath coming far too quickly. “Can’t…can’t…no one knows,” she sobbed harshly.

Putting his arms around her, Arthur cupped the back of her head, tucking it against his shoulder. “I’ve got you, it’s all right, little one. Talk to me.”

Drea finally calmed down enough to speak, then looked around at the faces of her new family as they looked on in concern. “I’m so sorry…I just saw the Mama bear…” She then looked up, fighting tears. “I’m pregnant,” she said, “I was raped and I’m pregnant,” she choked out. “And I don’t want them to kill my baby. They will if I tell them.”

Arthur glanced over at Gwaine and shook his head. “My God, Drea, no one knows?”

She shook her head, “No. No one but you all. Please help me save my baby.”

“Who was it?” Arthur asked.

“I can’t tell you that. He said he would kill me if I told anyone what he did.”

“How far along are you?” Freya asked.

“I don’t know. I haven’t seen a doctor yet. I’m scared they will force me to have an abortion, and I want my baby.”

Merlin sat down in front of Arthur and Drea, taking hold of her hands. “Drea, I understand you are scared, more than anyone here, I think.” His blue eyes pooled with tears as he squeezed her hands gently. “I know what it is like to have your innocence stolen by someone in a place of authority. I was raped by a man when I was fourteen. He threatened me to keep me silent, and it worked. I kept quiet. Then, a year later, I found out that he had brutally raped a twelve-year-old boy who died from internal injuries. I could have saved him. If I had only spoken up and not been afraid, that monster would have been in prison, and the boy would still be alive. You have to report this man. We will not let anything happen to you or your baby…I swear to you.”

Merlin avoided Arthur’s gaze as he spoke to Drea. He didn’t want to see the pity in them. To see the rejection now that he knew what Merlin was…damaged…broken…worthless.

“Drea, this man must be punished before he hurts anyone else,” Freya said.

“You’re not alone, Drea,” Merlin smiled through his tears.

Drea looked around and smiled, “You all are my family now.”

“That’s right,” Arthur said, his heart breaking for the girl in his arms and for Merlin, who had just bared his soul to help her. He wanted nothing more than to pull Merlin into his arms and hold him close. “You have all of us to help you, Drea. When you are ready to tell me who raped you, I will file a report and get him off the streets. You won’t have to live in fear anymore.”

“Thank you,” Drea said.

Arthur helped her to her feet, and Merlin put his arm around her as they walked along the trail. Gwaine came over to stand beside Arthur. “Did you know about that?” he asked softly.

“No, the boy is still so full of secrets. I need him to trust me.”

“It’s not easy. You of all people should know that.”

“I do.”

“Give him time, he will open up.”

“Gwaine, I am in so much trouble,” Arthur huffed.

“Just now figured that out?” Gwaine chuckled.

“Let’s get moving.”

They walked the trail as it took them up and over the mountain, then down along the west slope. It wasn’t long before they were able to see the sparkling blue Pacific through the trees. The kids were thrilled, bouncing along the trail. Arthur grinned, watching them. They were all smiling and giggling, even Drea, who looked like the weight of the world was off her shoulders. Merlin held her hand as they navigated the roughest part of the trail down to the beach. As they emerged from the woods onto the sand, the kids took off running, dropping their packs as they went, as if the waves were calling to them.

“This was a good idea,” Gwaine smiled.

“I have a few now and then,” Arthur smirked.

“I’m gonna go gather wood for a bonfire.”

“I’ll give you a hand,” Arthur nodded, then the two of them headed down the beach, along the twisted piles of driftwood. By the time they finished, there was a massive pile ready to be lit, but they would wait until sunset. They also pulled larger pieces of driftwood over to sit on. “Not bad,” Arthur grinned.

“You know we are back on track time-wise now. We could stay here for two nights and still make it to the end of the trip on time,” Gwaine said as he watched the kids chasing each other in the cold ocean waves. “They look happy…especially Merlin.”

“Yes, they do. We can stay two nights. I’m in no hurry to get back now.”

“Because the end of the trip means losing Merlin.”

Arthur looked at Gwaine and nodded, “What am I going to do, Gwaine?”

“If you’re smart, you’re going to do whatever it takes to hold on to that boy.”

“Already working on that.”

“Figured as much.”

“What kind of life can I give him? Everything he has been through…” Arthur's voice trailed off as he shook his head.

“The way I see it, you and Merlin are two sides of the same coin,” Gwaine said, nodding pointedly toward the boy, “You have both been through hell, and you both deserve to be happy.”

Arthur let out a loud whistle, calling the kids back to the campsite. “All right, enough play time for now. We are going to spend two nights here. Get your tents set up and the camp organized. We will have a bonfire at sunset, and Gwaine is going to cook up cheeseburgers."

The kids all cheered, then began helping each other set up their tents. They were almost finished when the sound of a revving motor caught their attention, and a bright blue Humvee came busting through the dunes and stopped at the edge of camp. The engine shut off, and a stunning brunette woman got out.

“Boys and girls, I’d like you to meet my sister, Morgana,” Arthur smiled.

“Good evening, everyone,” Morgana beamed at them, then hugged her brother, “I am so glad you are in one piece. Where’s this beautiful boy I have to thank for saving my brother? Merlin?”

“Merlin!” Arthur called out to him, where he was busy checking out the Humvee with Will and Gilli.

“Yeah,” he said, then turned around.

Morgana embraced him tightly without warning. “Thank you, gorgeous boy, you are my hero.”

Merlin’s face was bright red when she finally released him. “I couldn’t let him die,” he whispered, and she kissed him lightly on the lips.

“I see what he sees in you, Merlin. We are going to do everything possible to help you. Starting tonight…we are celebrating your birthday, dear boy.”

Merlin looked over at Arthur, who grinned, “You deserve it…enjoy.”

“Thank you,” he said to Morgana with tears in his eyes.

“You’re welcome, love,” she smiled, cupping his cheek, “Happy Birthday.”

Arthur and Gwaine opened up the back of the Humvee and started carrying boxes over to the folding tables they had already pulled out and set up. Morgana stood with Merlin, holding his hand and watching them. The other kids jumped in to help, and before long, the party was in full swing. The bonfire was lit, and there was music playing through a large Bluetooth speaker.

Merlin was grinning from ear to ear, still fighting tears of happiness. He hadn’t had a real birthday party since his mom died, and even then, it was nothing like this because his mom worked two jobs and still they barely had enough to get by. She’d struggled just to keep him in clothes and fed, so he was lucky if he got anything at all for his birthday.

“Happy Birthday, Merlin,” Arthur said as he came up behind and handed him another can of Coke.

“Thank you, Arthur…you didn’t have to do all this for me.”

“Actually, I did,” he smiled.

“I’ve never really had a birthday party.”

Arthur nodded pointedly at his sister. “Seems like you’re family now. My sister has adopted you.”

Merlin smiled, “She is stunning and one hell of a kisser.”

“She is also spoken for. She’s Gwaine’s fiancée.”

“I figured that out when they locked lips the second she was out of the Humvee. They look good together. Besides, I’m off the market too,” Merlin grinned, and Athur turned to look at him, eyes wide. “Well, as soon as he figures out what he wants, I will be.”

Arthur huffed a laugh, “You could do better than him, trust me.”

“Not in my book, he’s the best.”

“And just what does this book say?”

Merlin gave him a soft smile, “It says there is a happily ever after waiting at the end as long as we don’t fuck this up.”

“I didn’t realize you were the fairy tale type. And what kind of fairy tale uses the F-word?”

"It's a very versatile word, you know."

"That it is."

“I wasn’t until you came along and made me believe, gave me hope, and showed me what love can be. I’m in love with you, Arthur…and nothing will ever change that. Even if you decide I’m not good enough for you,” he smiled, then walked over to the bonfire to check on Drea.

Arthur watched him go, and suddenly every piece fell into place. There was no denying it and no doubt in his mind that Merlin was his…his heart belonged to Merlin. Nothing else mattered. He tossed his empty can into the trash box, then crossed the sand with purpose.

“Merlin, I wasn’t worried about you being good enough for me. It was me not being good enough for you,” Arthur said, then reached down, pulling the boy to his feet. “I’m in love with you, too,” he smiled, then kissed Merlin with everything he had.

“It’s about time,” the girls giggled.

“Knew that was coming,” Will huffed while Gilli looked on in shock.

“Way to go, my brother,” Morgana beamed at them.

Merlin wrapped his arms around Arthur’s neck, deepening the kiss in front of everyone. When Arthur ended the kiss, he drew back and smiled, tucking a stray curl behind the boy’s ear. “If you’ll have me, I’m yours.”

“I love you, Arthur Pendragon,” Merlin said with a bright smile.

They kissed again, and everyone applauded and whistled.

“I love you, Merlin Ambrose.”

“Looks like we’ll be needing one less tent tonight,” Gwaine chuckled.

 

The party was still in full swing just before midnight. Merlin was standing next to the bonfire when Arthur came up and wrapped his arms around him from behind and kissed his long, slender neck. Merlin sighed softly.

“Come with me,” Arthur said in his ear, then took his hand and led him to the shoreline. They removed their shoes and walked in the wet sand, splashing in the cold water. A few minutes later, Arthur’s alarm went off on his watch. He grabbed Merlin, pulled him close, and kissed him passionately. “It’s midnight…Happy Birthday,” he grinned, then handed him a small, wrapped package.

“Arthur!” Merlin huffed, “How…”

“Just open it,” Arthur grinned.

Shaking his head slightly as he opened the gift, Merlin removed the lid. Inside was a beautiful woven leather bracelet with an infinity symbol made of silver. “It’s beautiful.” Arthur took it and fastened it around Merlin’s wrist, then kissed him.

“You really like it?”

“I love it, thank you.”

Arthur hugged him, “I’m going to look after you.”

“Even with all my baggage?” Merlin asked, lowering his gaze.

“Just as you are, baggage and all,” Arthur smiled, lifting his chin with his thumb.

“You’re crazy.”

“Crazy for you,” he said, kissing him.

“Arthur, there are things you still don’t know about me. Things that may change your mind.”

“There are things you don’t know about me either, Merlin. Let’s just take things one day at a time. We focus on getting you out of this mess you’re in. Then we can start building a life together if it’s what you want.”

“I want nothing more, Arthur. I just have trouble believing you want me. And what about the camp, you cannot risk losing it over me. Too many kids like me are depending on you.”

“And I can’t think of anyone else I would rather have beside me running the camp than a boy who went through it and came out the other side with hope and a future.”

Merlin’s eyes widened, “What? Arthur…”

“I want to take over the camp from Gwen and Lance. I want you to run it with me. I want you to take what you’ve learned and help other kids like you. But only if it is what you want. Take some time and think about it. No pressure.”

“It’s a big deal…and if I can’t get out of my own legal troubles.”

“Don’t worry about that right now. Just enjoy the rest of the trip and think about what you want to do. And if you decide you want to find your father, I have a few leads. I won’t pursue them without your permission.”

“You’re doing all this for me, I have nothing to offer you.”

“All I need is you, Merlin,” Arthur put an arm around his waist, “Come on, let’s go back to the party.” Merlin nodded and smiled as they walked back toward the bonfire.

Morgana looked up as they approached, meeting Merlin’s gaze. She smiled brightly and blew him a kiss.

Chapter 6: Planes Falling from the Sky

Arthur woke up late, glancing over to find Merlin’s sleeping bag empty. Sitting up, he ran a hand through his hair, then pulled on his jeans and boots. He crawled out of the tent and put his shirt on. Looking around, he spotted the kids and Gwaine on the beach building a gigantic sandcastle while Morgana looked on, sipping her tea.

“Good morning, lazy bones,” Morgana giggled, wagging her eyebrows, “Merlin wearing you out, my brother?”

“For your information, we didn’t do anything last night. We would both prefer not to have a captive audience for our extracurricular activities.”

Morgana looked at her brother fondly, “You’re doing the right thing, you know.”

“Father won’t think so.”

“Screw him, Uther Pendragon wouldn’t know true love if it jumped up and bit him in the ass.”

“Gwen is going to rip me a new one.”

“Please!” Morgana huffed, “Gwen gave up her right to tell you what to do when she cheated on you and got pregnant. Fuck her. If she insists on hassling you, I will personally step in. We were friends until she hurt you. I still cannot understand how you forgave them so easily.”

“Gabriel…” Arthur said, “I did it for Gabriel. I couldn’t bear to lose him. Something precious came out of something bad, and I wouldn’t trade him for anything.”

“He is an adorable kid,” Morgana smiled, “Are you sure he isn’t yours?”

“Yes, I’m sure. They did blood and DNA tests. As much as I wish he were mine, he is not.”

“Arthur, don’t let anyone tell you what you have with Merlin is wrong because it isn’t. You need each other. You love each other. That’s nothing to be ashamed of.”

“You’re right,” Arthur grinned.

“I have Annis Solberg working on his case.”

“Annis?” Arthur raised an eyebrow. “She agreed to it?”

“I’m very persuasive,” Morgana winked.

“What did you do, Morgana?”

“I may or may not have promised her a dinner date with Uther.”

Arthur choked out a laugh, “Oh my God, he’s going to have an aneurysm.”

“Who knows, maybe they will fall madly in love like you and Merlin. Seems to be in the air.”

“Thank you, Morgana,” Arthur hugged her.

“Anything for my boys. I love you.”

“Love you too.”

 

That afternoon, Arthur and Morgana set up the volleyball net. Everyone played hard, Merlin was a natural, slamming the ball down over the net so fast no one could return it. After three hours, the kids collapsed on the sand, sweating and exhausted.
“That’s all you’ve got?” Arthur asked with a smirk as he tossed the ball back and forth in his hands, and Morgana laughed.

“I do believe you’ve broken them, brother dear.”

Merlin sprawled out on the sand and huffed a laugh. “I’m dead. Bury me now.”

“You got it,” Will said. Then he and the other kids jumped up and started burying Merlin up to his neck in the sand while he squirmed and hollered.

“Careful what you ask for there, Merlin,” Arthur said, laughing so hard he could barely breathe.

“I was kidding!” Merlin squealed like a girl.

When they finished, Merlin was completely buried and couldn’t move. The kids walked away laughing hysterically while Gwaine crouched next to him. “Looks like you have gotten yourself into a bit of a pickle.”

“Shut up and dig me out,” Merlin squirmed in vain.

“I don’t know, you look pretty cute like this,” Arthur chuckled.

Morgana walked over with an umbrella. She opened it and stuck it in the sand over Merlin’s head. “Can’t have that pretty pale skin getting burned, now can we?” she beamed, leaning over to kiss Merlin on the lips. “Beautiful boy,” she winked, then stood up and walked away. Arthur kissed him, then stood up and followed his sister.

“I hate you all!” Merlin yelled, his eyes shining with mirth. He let out a breath, then his eyes turned gold, the sand parted, and he emerged unscathed.

“Magic Boy escaped…run for your lives!” Will yelled and took off down the beach with Merlin hot on his tail. They ran into the water, and Merlin shoved him under the waves. Will came up shivering and spitting water. “Not fair!” he hollered. Merlin turned around, shrugged his shoulders, then ran on up the beach while Will walked out of the water, ringing out his clothing. “I will have my revenge,” he laughed.

That night, everyone was exhausted, kicked back around the bonfire, relaxing while Gwaine told stories and Morgana passed around hot cocoa. Merlin sat next to Arthur, leaning against his chest, drifting in and out of sleep.

“You okay?” Arthur asked.

“Mmhmm, just tired.”

“You want to go on to bed?”

“No, I like being right here with you,” Merlin smiled, running his hand along Arthur’s muscular thigh. “I wouldn’t mind being alone, though,” he whispered.

“Me too,” Arthur kissed his shoulder, “Once the trip is over, we will have time alone.”

“Just a few more days,” Merlin sighed, “Though, at the same time, I kinda don’t want it to end.”

“You have really enjoyed it.”

“I have, aside from the almost drowning bit.”

Arthur laughed, “Yes, I could have done without that bit myself.”

“When this trip started, I never imagined I would meet someone like you and end up in love.”

“Me neither.”

“What if we go back to our real lives and it all falls apart?” Merlin asked softly.

Arthur shook his head, “Never.”

“You don’t know that for certain.”

“Yes, I do. I am never letting you go, Merlin. Nothing is going to come between us.”

“I hope you’re right,” Merlin said, snuggling up even closer to Arthur, who wrapped his arms around him even tighter.

It was after midnight when Arthur pulled his guitar out of the Humvee and sat down on a large driftwood log next to Morgana. He began to play, and she sang everything from love songs to folk songs, and even country tunes. The kids sang along to the ones they knew and suggested some of their own. They were on their last song when they heard something and stopped playing.

“What’s that?” Morgana asked.

“It’s a plane…sounds like it is in trouble,” Arthur said, then grabbed his radio. He ran down the beach just as flashing lights appeared over the mountain; the plane was just a few feet from the tops of the trees. The engine was struggling, and sparks were coming out.
Climbing up to the ridge, Arthur tried to figure out the location, which was difficult in the darkness. The plane was wobbling from side to side. The pilot was clearly fighting to keep the nose up. The engine sputtered, then died. There was a high-pitched whining sound followed by a popping, then a growling explosion. Trees splintered as the plane tore through the forest and hit the ground.

“Holy fuck,” Merlin gasped.

“Flashlights,” Arthur yelled as he and Gwaine grabbed the fire extinguishers from the Humvee, rope, and a backpack with emergency supplies. “Gwaine, with me…Morgana, stay with the kids.”

“I’m coming with you,” Merlin said.

“Stay, Merlin, that’s an order.”

“I’m coming. You might need my help," he said, wiggling his fingers to make his point.

Arthur looked at him, then nodded, “All right, come on. The rest of you stay put.”

Merlin grabbed his flashlight and a couple of blankets, then the three of them headed up the mountain in the general direction the plane went down. Arthur was communicating with the Ranger station, letting them know what the situation was.

The closer they got, the more they could see flames and smoke rising through the trees. Gwaine pointed toward the trailhead sign, and they followed it along the creek, emerging in a small clearing. The plane had scoured a path and ended up flipped on its side. The wings had been sheared off and were lying a good distance away from the fuselage.

Gwaine and Arthur used the fire extinguishers to put out the flames before they spread. The last thing they needed was a forest fire to deal with on top of the plane crash. Arthur approached the plane slowly, stopping cold when he saw the pilot in what was left of the cockpit…decapitated.

“Shit,” Gwaine said as he too saw him.

“Merlin, come here,” Arthur said, trying to spare the boy that image in his head. He didn’t have to worry, though, because Merlin’s attention was on something else entirely. He pointed, his mouth in a tight line. Arthur saw it too and realized what it was. The plane’s cargo doors had been ripped open, and the contents spilled out on the ground.

“Arthur…” Merlin said.

“Yeah, I see,” he nodded, then bent over to pick up one of the black duffel bags. It was loaded with cold, hard cash. Another bag that Gwaine picked up was packed full of bricks of cocaine and or heroin. There were also bags full of weapons and ammo.

“Arthur, this is bad, really bad,” Merlin said.

“I know, we need to clear out. I will radio the location to the Rangers and let them handle it. Don’t touch anything else.”

They were nearly back to camp when a Ranger vehicle pulled up to them. Two men got out and shook hands with Arthur. Gwaine had already gone ahead to try and calm down the kids and Morgana.

“Ranger Muirden, good to see you,” Arthur smiled, shaking the man’s hand. He was tall and had reddish brown hair, weird eyes, and half of his face was badly scarred from a fire. “Ranger Alvarr, thank you for coming so quickly.”

“Arthur Pendragon, thank you for contacting us. Is it just the two of you out here?” Ranger Muirden asked in a way that made Merlin squirm. There was something off about him.

“Yep, just the two of us out here,” Merlin piped up before Arthur could respond, “Just camping, and we saw the plane going down. It was clearly in trouble.”

“And did you find it?” Ranger Alvarr asked, his hand hovering over his gun in a way that made Arthur clue in quickly on Merlin’s odd comment.

“We did,” Arthur nodded, “We put out the flames, the pilot is dead…decapitated. The cargo is spilling out of the plane. We felt it was best that we clear out and wait for you and the FBI.”

“Would you mind taking us to the crash site?” Alvarr asked.

“Sure,” Arthur nodded, then turned to Merlin. “I can show them. Why don’t you go on back to camp?”

“We will need him, too. Witness statements and such,” Muirden smirked.

“Let’s get moving,” Alvarr said.

Arthur headed back in the direction they had come. Merlin was right next to him. Everything about this felt wrong. They were in trouble. These two were either in on the whole thing or they wanted the contents of the plane for themselves. Either way, Arthur and Merlin were in danger.

“What are we going to do?” Merlin asked under his breath.

“Just stick close to me, I’ll handle things.”

“Is there a problem?” Alvarr asked.

“No, just wondering when the police or FBI will arrive.”

“Don’t you worry about that,” Muirden said, “There’s no need to involve them yet. Not until we take a look at the crash site and see what we are dealing with.”

“Right, of course, that makes total sense,” Merlin said, rolling his eyes. Arthur glared at him in warning, but the boy just shook his head and turned around to face the rangers. “The way I see it, you need us to take you to this plane. And if we take you to said plane, we become a liability, and we are dead. If you were the good guys, we would be surrounded by police and the FBI by now. That tells me that you two are involved in what’s on that plane, which is all you really care about anyway.”

“Smart kid, Pendragon, where’d you find this one?” Muirden smirked.

“Let’s just say I’ve been on the wrong side of the law for a long time,” Merlin said, “I know how these things work.”

“Well, now that the cat’s out of the bag, we can move this along. Let’s go,” Alvarr said as he pulled his gun out and pressed it to the bag of Arthur’s head. “Enough talking…move!”

“I have a better idea,” Merlin gave them a sly grin, “We don’t take you to the plane, and I blow it up with everything in it. All your drugs, cash, and weapons up in smoke, creating a big enough blast to bring every law enforcement person right to it.”

“And just how is a boy like you going to do that?” Alvarr asked, playing along, his eyes glinting with amusement.

“Easy,” Merlin grinned, holding his hand up, “All I have to do is snap my fingers and the plane goes boom. Let Arthur go, and I will take you to the plane.”

“Merlin…no,” Arthur hissed.

“I’ll be all right,” Merlin smiled, “Just go…”

“I won’t leave you.”

“Enough with the heroic bullshit,” Muirden shouted, “Both of you move now!”

Arthur stumbled forward over a rock and swore under his breath. Merlin caught him. “You should have gone, Arthur.”

“If you think for one second that I am leaving you alone with these clowns.”

Merlin leaned closer to whisper, “You need to get the others out of here. The cartel will slaughter them all if they are even seen in this area when they come to pick up their cargo.”

Muirden’s cellphone rang then, and he answered it. “Yeah, we are heading to the plane now.” He listened to the person on the line, then turned to his partner. “What?” he asked, his voice rising a pitch or two. “We cannot…yes, Sir.” He ended the call and turned to Arthur. “This is your lucky day, you get to live through this.”

“Who was that?” Arthur asked.

“Not your concern. Now get out of here.”

“Merlin too.”

“I’m afraid not. The boss wants him to take us to the plane as planned. You are going to walk away and not look back.”

“Arthur, please, just go…I will be fine, trust me.”

“I’m coming back for you,” Arthur said, his eyes shining with tears.

“Ah, how sweet,” Alvarr chuckled, “Arthur Pendragon’s got himself a little twink. Daddy Uther will be so proud.”

“If you hurt him…” Arthur bit back, and Alvarr shoved him down the path back toward the trailhead.

“Leave now, or I will kill you anyway.”

Arthur took one last look at Merlin and ran back to their camp. He was sweating and out of breath by the time he reached them. Gwaine grabbed him, and Morgana handed him a bottle of water, which he drank down quickly. “We need to move now!” he choked, “Load everyone up in the Humvee and drive out of here. I’m going back for Merlin. Gwaine, call in the local sheriff's office and notify the FBI.”

“Arthur, slow down,” Morgana said, “What’s going on?”

“That plane…it’s loaded down with drugs, cash, and weapons. We cannot let it fall into the hands of the cartels, who will be coming for it. When they do, they cannot find all of you here, or there will be a slaughter.” Arthur got in the glove compartment of the Humvee and pulled out a box. Opening it, he took out a 9mm and ammo.”

“Arthur?” Morgana asked, and he kissed her cheek.

“I’ll be fine, now, please get the kids out of here,” Arthur ran back into the darkness, heading for Merlin. His heart was pounding. He could not let him die. “Hold on, Merlin, I’m coming.”

 

“Move it!” Alvarr said, shoving Merlin so hard that he fell forward, landing hard on his chest.

Muirden chuckled, then kicked him in the ribs. “Come on, twink, get up.”

Merlin glared at him, then pushed himself up on his hands and stood. He wanted so badly to blast them into oblivion with his magic, but he had to give Arthur time to get the others out of the area and to get help.

“Since you’re going to kill me anyway, who was that on the phone?” Merlin asked.

“Like we are stupid enough to tell you,” Muirden huffed.

“Come on, the curiosity is killing me,” Merlin smirked, “Who was it? Must have been someone in a position of power to have him order you to release Arthur.”

Alvarr chuckled, “I suppose it won’t matter since you’re minutes from a bullet between your pretty blue eyes. Arthur is protected by the powers that be…”

“His father?”

“Uther, no,” Muirden laughed, “Uther doesn’t give a shit what happens to him. His uncle Agravaine has a vested interest in keeping Arthur breathing because he needs him to get access to Ygraine Pendragon’s estate. Greedy bastard that one. He would sell his soul if it got him rich faster.”

“Agravaine?” Merlin asked, “He was the one on the phone.”

Merlin motioned toward the plane, “It’s through there in the small clearing.”

“Good boy,” Alvarr smirked, pushing Merlin ahead of him. They emerged from the trees to see the twisted wreckage. He then turned to Muirden, “Call them, give them the location.”

“On it,” he said, pulling out his phone.

“Now, Merlin, make yourself useful and start unloading the cargo,” Alvarr shoved him toward the plane, nearly knocking him to his knees.

“Are you kidding me? I’m not touching that shit…putting my fingerprints on it. I already have a record. Just being near this stuff could put me in prison for the rest of my life. No, thank you.”

“Well, seeing as your life is ending shortly, it won’t matter, will it?”

“Fuck you,” Merlin growled.

“Unload the cargo, Merlin…now!” Muirden hissed and shoved him toward the plane. Merlin spun around, his eyes glowing bright gold. Both men jumped back, staring at him, their eyes wide with fear. “What the fuck are you?”

Merlin’s smile was terrifyingly dangerous as he raised both hands, palms out, fingers splayed. “I am the monster in the shadows,” he said, his voice low and rough, “I am your worst nightmare. Always wanted to say that," he grinned cockily.

Alvarr dropped his gun and ran for his life, only to be yanked backward, dragged across the rocky ground by Merlin’s magic, and dropped in a heap at his feet. He rolled onto his back, arms crossed over his chest, eyes wide and desperate. Merlin almost felt sorry for him…almost. Especially when he let out a pained cry and wet himself.

Muirden took a step forward, then stopped when Merlin’s gaze landed on him. “Please, we will give you cash. Just don’t hurt us,” he pleaded as he took another step, raised his gun, and fired. Merlin’s eyes flared, the bullet froze in midair, then turned on Muirden. He screamed as the bullet stopped inches from his face. “I’m sorry…I didn’t mean to…” he choked.

Merlin let the bullet fall, whipping the gun from Muirden’s hand, sending it flying across the clearing where it bounced off the trunk of a tree and sank to the bottom of the creek. With a flick of his hand, Muirden landed on the ground next to Alvarr.

“Merlin!” Arthur gasped as he came bursting out of the trees.

“I’m okay,” Merlin smiled, then nodded pointedly at the two men lying on the ground, crying. “Can’t say the same for these two, though.”

Arthur hugged him tightly. “I heard a gunshot, I thought…” he whispered, kissing Merlin, “I can’t lose you…”

Merlin touched Arthur’s cheek and winked, “You won’t. I’m fine. Did you get the others out?”

“Yes, they are all clear. Morgana took them to the cabins at the main trailhead. Gwaine called in the Cavalry. They should be here before dawn.”

“Arthur, your uncle Agravaine is behind this. I got these two to tell me who it was on the phone.”

“My uncle,” Arthur shook his head, “Always knew he was shady. My father told me to stay away from him.”

“Our friends here called in the location of the plane to the cartel. Better hope the Cavalry gets here first.”

“We could destroy the plane and the cargo,” Arthur said.

“No, they will need it all for evidence to prosecute those involved.”

“You’re right.”

“They wanted me to unload the plane, but I refused. My fingerprints on any of this stuff would spell a life sentence for me.”

“I would never let that happen, Merlin.”

“Some things are just not in your control, Arthur.”

Gwaine emerged from the trees then and grabbed hold of Merlin. “Are you all right?”

“I’m good, really,” he nodded.

“Gwaine, help me tie these asshats up,” Arthur said, grabbing the rope. They worked together and got Alvarr and Muirden secured, back-to-back, tying them to the landing gear of the plane. “You two won’t be going anywhere for a while.”

“Just keep him away from us,” Alvarr stared at Merlin with fear in his eyes.

“What did you do to these two?” he asked Merlin with a grin.

“Just shook up their world a bit,” he chuckled.

“Alvarr stinks like piss,” Gwaine said, crouching down next to the man and sniffing, “Aww, did you forget to wear your Depends?”

“Fuck you!” Alvarr snapped.

“Testy,” Gwaine laughed, "You should really see a doctor about that bladder control; it could be your prostate." He said, then walked away.

“What are we going to do now?” Merlin asked.

“Now, Muirden is going to make a phone call to my dear uncle…” Arthur smirked.

 

The helicopter landed in the clearing an hour later. Agravaine de Bois was the first out of the aircraft, ducking as he ran toward the plane.

“Muirden, Alvarr, where are you?” he called out.

“They’re a little tied up right now,” Merlin said from where he was propped up against a tree with his arms folded. “They ran into some trouble.”

“You!” Agravaine seethed, “You’re Arthur’s new project. The one whose case Morgana’s got Annis working on. He’s always trying to save the unsavable and unworthy.”

Merlin smirked, “He may think he is saving me, but I don’t need saving.” He glanced over at the cargo, where it was neatly stacked next to the tail of the plane. “The way I see it, you owe me.”

“I owe you?” Agravaine chuckled, “How so?”

“Well,” Merlin pushed off the tree and walked toward Arthur’s uncle, “I’m thinking if you want to save your cargo for your cartel buddies, you need to give me a couple of those duffel bags of cash and let me walk away. You’ll never see me again, and I won’t destroy the whole lot.”

“You have balls, I will give you that,” Agravaine smirked, “You’re not the brainless twink I took you for.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment,” Merlin shrugged, “So what’ll it be? I walk away with a windfall and disappear, you get to appease your cartel friends, or I blow it all up? Somehow, I don’t think the cartel will appreciate the latter…it might not end well for you.”

“Or I put a bullet between your eyes,” Agravaine said, raising his weapon, “I’d call that a happy ending for all involved.”

Merlin walked up to him without fear and smiled, “You won’t do that.”

“I won’t?”

“Nope, because there’s something you don’t know about me.”

“What’s that?” Agravaine laughed, shaking his head.

“I’m magic incarnate,” Merlin said, his voice deep and dangerous, “Alvarr and Muirden already found out what I am capable of. Care to have a taste of what they got, or do we have a deal?” He smiled, and his eyes turned gold, his hands sparking with tiny lightning bolts.

“What the hell?” Agravaine asked, his eyes going wide.

“I want to escape my miserable ass life, and you can either help me, or I get to find out what it takes to make you pee yourself like Alvarr did,” Merlin grinned.

“Merlin, you are a very gifted and intelligent boy. Perhaps we can make a more lucrative deal. Come work for me,” Agravaine said, “I will make sure you want for nothing, and all you have to do is use your magic to protect me and my interests. Maybe you would even consider a special relationship with me…much like you have with Arthur.”

Merlin had to fight the urge to throw up at the thought of being with Agravaine. He forced himself to smile, making him believe he was actually considering the offer. “I’ve been with men like you before; it never ended well.”

Agravaine cautiously reached out and touched Merlin’s face, “You are truly a beautiful boy. I would treat you like a prince. Anything you want, it is yours. Arthur is weak and pitiful; he doesn’t deserve you. I can make all the problems in your past disappear… a fresh start. You will be happy and fulfilled.”

“So, I would be your prisoner on silk sheets,” Merlin huffed.

“Not at all. You would be free to come and go as you wish. As long as you hold up your end of the deal, you will have freedom, wealth, comfort, and pleasure. Say yes, Merlin, you won’t regret it,” Agravaine said as his lips came closer to Merlin’s, “I want you.”
Merlin took a step back, avoiding Agravaine’s kiss. “Sorry, I’m not going to be your fuck toy, Agravaine. I’d rather die,” he said as he raised his hand and spoke words of magic. The older man growled and lunged at Merlin, pulling the trigger on his gun, but nothing happened. He looked at it, then at Merlin, and shoved him.

“How dare you!”

“Sorry, but I belong to Arthur,” Merlin grinned.

“That’s right,” Arthur said as he walked up behind his uncle and pressed his gun to the back of his head. “Hello, Uncle Aggy,” he smirked. Intentionally using the nickname the man loathed.

“Arthur!” Agravaine said, “This boy tried to seduce me, to get me to give him money.”

“Save it, I heard everything. So did the FBI. You’re done. Maybe if you squeal and squeal loudly, they will cut you a deal. Give them the cartel, and maybe you will get off lightly.”

“You cannot do this to me, we are blood!”

“We may be blood, but you are nothing to me, Uncle. I hope you rot in hell,” Arthur said, then shoved him backward into the arms of two FBI agents who put him in cuffs and hauled him away. Arthur then turned and pulled Merlin into his arms. “God, I hated watching him touch you.”

“I hated him touching me, but we got him.”

“Yes, we did. I just got a call on the radio, the cartel members were arrested as they got off their boat. It’s over, Merlin. You’re a bloody hero.”

“I didn’t do anything.”

Arthur put a hand on Merlin’s face and shook his head slightly. “Tell me, you weren’t actually considering Agravaine’s offer?”

“God no,” Merlin huffed, “Not for all the money on the planet. Besides, the man is a creep…no offense, I know he is your uncle.”

“None taken, he used to creep me out when I was a kid, the way he looked at Morgana and me. We both learned to avoid being alone with him. Are you sure you’re okay?” Arthur asked.

“I’m good. I just hope this doesn’t blow up in my face and get me into more trouble with the law.”

“Actually, Mr. Ambrose,” a female FBI agent said as she approached them, “You deserve a medal for what you did here. I’m Agent Andrea Parker. You just helped us bring down a major drug cartel and the people backing them. You did well.”

Merlin ducked his head and blushed. “I didn’t do anything…”

“That was some seriously quick thinking. Using Agravaine de Bois' own tactics against him. Buying time for us to get here. Brilliant. Perhaps you should consider a career in law enforcement.”

“That’s not possible when you have a record like mine,” Merlin said sadly.

Agent Parker smiled, “Well, you were incredible. Both of you helped us immensely, thank you. We will be in touch.”

“Thank you, Agent Parker,” Arthur smiled.

Gwaine approached them then, giving them both a hug and a slap on the back. “Come on, I got us a ride to the camp. Ready to go?”

“I’m ready,” Merlin nodded and started walking with Arthur and Gwaine on either side of him. “Guess this means the trip is ending early?” he asked, his voice edged with disappointment.

“Afraid so,” Gwaine nodded. This whole area is being closed off for the investigation. Apparently, the plane was supposed to land at the small airfield near the ranger station where Alvarr and Muirden were waiting for it. The pilot overshot the runway, clipped some treetops, and hit a communication tower, causing him to lose control and end up here.”

“That means I have to go back early,” Merlin said, looking at Arthur, his blue eyes shining with tears.

Arthur took hold of his hand and pulled him close. “Merlin, whatever happens, I am not letting you go. Morgana has the best lawyer we know, Annis Solberg, working on your case. You have a meeting with her on Monday.”

“I can’t pay her,” Merlin said.

“She’s a family friend, well, sort of.”

“Arthur, I don’t want to be a charity case.”

“You’re not. We are helping you out of love, so just accept that you are no longer alone and go with the flow,” Arthur smiled.

“There’s no getting out of it, Merlin,” Gwaine chuckled, “Once Morgana makes up her mind to do something, she does it. There’s no stopping her.”

“Why would Morgana want to help me?”

“Because her brother is madly in love with you,” Gwaine said.

“Which brother would that be?” Merlin asked with a crooked grin.

“This one,” Arthur said, then kissed him deeply.

“Come on, boys, ride’s waiting,” Gwaine said, jogging down the trail to a waiting van.

They arrived at the camp late morning. Morgana insisted that they eat a big breakfast before turning in for some much-needed rest. The other kids were relieved to see them. Merlin flopped down on the twin bed in the corner of the larger cabin. Arthur promptly scooped him up and carried him to the queen-size bed in the bedroom.

“Aren’t you tired?” Merlin asked.

“Yes, and I will sleep much better with you next to me,” Arthur kissed him, then pulled his boots off. “Do you want to take a shower?”

“Too tired…just want to sleep,” Merlin yawned, rolling onto his stomach, shoving his arms under the pillow, his long, lean body stretched out on the bed. Arthur lay down next to him and closed his eyes. A few minutes later, Merlin was snoring softly.

Turning onto his side, facing Merlin, Arthur reached over, running his fingers through the boy’s dark curls. “Sleep, my love…sleep,” he whispered.

Chapter 7: Facing the Music

Merlin woke to an empty spot where Arthur had slept. Turning over, he groggily looked around for him. The windows were just beginning to color with the light of dawn. Sitting up, he spotted Arthur sitting out on the porch steps with his guitar. Merlin smiled, then got out of bed, crossed the floor, pushed open the wooden screen door, and sat down next to Arthur, wrapping his arms around his knees.

“It’s still early, you should sleep,” Arthur said as he set his guitar aside.

“So should you.”

“Can’t…”

“What’s bothering you?” Merlin asked, concern in his blue eyes.

Arthur huffed a laugh and shook his head, “It’s so hard to lie next to you and want you so badly, but I don’t want to pressure you into anything. I’ve never wanted someone so much. I don’t want to hurt you. Especially with what happened to you when you were fourteen. Do you want to tell me what happened?”

Merlin nodded, “I was going to a new foster home. My social worker was on maternity leave, so one of her colleagues said they would transport me to my new family in another city. It was winter, and the roads were bad, so he pulled off in some small town and got us a motel room. He ordered in food from the diner across the road, and we ate. He must have slipped something in my drink. The next thing I knew, he was pinning me face down on the bed. I remember the pain, but I blocked most of it out. I never told anyone. I should have…”

“You said he hurt someone else, a younger boy?”

Merlin lowered his gaze. “Erik…he’d be alive now if I had not been such a coward.”

“I’m sorry, Merlin,” Arthur said softly.

“I guess I have been punishing myself ever since.”

“It wasn’t your fault. You were a child, and he was a monster.”

Merlin looked at Arthur, “I’ve been with others. I’m damaged goods, Arthur.”

“No, you aren’t. You’re perfect,” Arthur smiled, gently pulling Merlin into his arms, holding him. Merlin wrapped his arms around Arthur, reveling in the heat of his body. He felt like the one thing he hadn’t had in so long…home.

“Come on, let’s go back to bed,” Merlin said, kissing Arthur.

“All right,” he smiled, then they both got up and went back inside the cabin.

“Merlin,” Morgana said as she approached the cabin to find him sitting on the steps, strumming Arthur’s guitar. She sat down next to him, tears shining in her eyes. “Merlin, there are two officers here to pick you up and take you back to Portland.”

“What? Why?” he asked, panicked.

“They said you have to go with them. I’m sorry.”

Arthur came out of the cabin then, his hair wet from a shower. “What’s going on?” he asked, sensing the tension and Merlin’s stress.

“They’ve come to take me back,” Merlin said.

“Can they do that?” Arthur asked Morgana, and she nodded.

“I’m afraid so. They have a court order from a judge. They are to bring him back, and he is going in front of the judge on Wednesday.”

“I don’t want to go,” Merlin said, fighting tears.

Morgana kissed his cheek and handed him a manila envelope. “Take this. You will meet your lawyer, Annis Solberg, on Monday morning at ten. Be there on time, and looking respectable, she will handle the rest. Don’t worry, Merlin. We are not abandoning you.”

Arthur pulled Merlin to his feet and embraced him tightly. “Go with them, Merlin. Everything will be okay. I will sort things out here, then meet you in the city on your court date. I won’t let you face this alone. I love you…I love you, Merlin.”

Merlin didn’t trust himself to speak; he gathered up his pack and the belongings he had with him. Reaching into the front pocket of his bag, he pulled out the piece of petrified wood he’d found at the beginning of the trip. He turned to Arthur, placed it in his hands, and then walked toward the officers who were waiting for him. They took his stuff then put him in handcuffs.

“Hey, that isn’t necessary!” Arthur yelled, but they ignored him and shoved Merlin into the back seat of the black SUV. He looked back at Arthur and Morgana, who was crying and texting Annis on her phone.

I love you, Merlin mouthed, forcing a smile.

 

Merlin was a nervous wreck on Monday morning when he was let out of the black SUV with his lovely new ankle bracelet tracking his every move. The officers remained in the vehicle as he walked toward the entrance of the building. It was beautiful and old. The doors were mostly glass, but framed in wood that had been painted a beautiful rose red. Portland was known as the City of Roses, which seemed fitting.

Walking across the beautiful lobby, Merlin felt completely out of his element. He wore the nicest pair of pants he owned, navy blue slacks, and a gray pullover sweater. On his feet, he wore the hikers they had given him at camp, though he cleaned them up to make them look like new again. Just as he reached for the button for the elevator, he stopped at the sound of Stilettos on the marble floor.

“Not that way,” Morgana said, and Merlin turned to see her beaming face. She was carrying shopping bags and a large case. She kissed his cheek, then looked him over. “You look handsome, but I think we can do better. Come with me.”

“Morgana, I’ll be late…”

“Your meeting is in an hour. I told you ten to give us time to work some magic.”

“Magic, huh?” Merlin grinned as he followed her into a small photography studio with a dressing room and mirrors all around.

“That’s right, you’re not the only one with a gift.”

“Really?”

“Did you not wonder why my brother was so quick to believe? He has known of my magic since I was little.”

“I’ve never met anyone else like me,” Merlin said, raising an eyebrow, “Wait, Arthur?”

“No, Arthur doesn’t have magic. We are half-siblings. Uther had an affair with my mother, and Tada, I was born. Beauty, sass, and magic.”

Merlin grinned, “I knew there was a reason I liked you.”

Morgana smiled, “Who knows, maybe we will find out that you are my long-lost twin brother. Beauty, sass, and magic…”

“Not possible, but it would be nice to have a sister.”

“Maybe you will in the very near future,” she winked, “You and Arthur…”

“No,” Merlin shook his head, “I’m not the kind of person that someone like Arthur chooses to be with…not long term anyway.”

“Well, we need to get you fixed up and ready for your meeting with Annis.”

“I’m in your hands, Morgana,” Merlin smiled reluctantly.

“Just breathe and relax and let me go to work,” she beamed.

Thirty minutes later, Merlin was dressed in a new suit that was nice, but not too over the top. Under it was a blue button-down shirt that made his eyes pop. His thick, curly hair was tamed and perfectly coifed. She even touched up his face with a little makeup and lip gloss. Stepping back from him, she whistled softly and shook her head.

“Damn, you are a hottie.”

“Morgana…”

“Seriously, Merlin…you are beautiful.”

“Thanks,” he said, blushing profusely.

“My brother needs to see this,” Morgana said, taking multiple photos with her phone, having Merlin pose like a model, making him laugh. Then she sent the best ones to Arthur via text. “He’s going to love these.”

“It’s almost eleven, Morgana. What do I do?” Merlin asked.

“Just be yourself and don’t be afraid to say what you feel. This meeting is important, but you have the right to defend and to stand up for what you believe. Take what you learned this past week and show Annis that you are serious about your future.”

Merlin nodded, “Will you come with me?”

“Wouldn’t have it any other way, love,” Morgana embraced him, then kissed his lips, “Come on, let’s go make you a free man.”

Annis stood up the moment her receptionist let them into her office. She immediately sized up Merlin, and a soft smile appeared on her face. Morgana, I see you worked your magic on our boy.”

“Yes, Ma’am.”

“Very well done. Merlin, how do you feel?”

Merlin glanced at Morgana, then met Annis’ gaze, “I feel confident, hopeful, and stronger than I have in years. I learned a lot this past week.”

“Yes, I’m sure you did, my boy. I have the police and FBI reports on my desk. That was a very dangerous situation you found yourself in. You handled yourself well…very impressive.”

“I just did what Arthur would have done.”

“Arthur,” Annis smiled, “He was your guide?”

“Yes, Ma’am,” Merlin nodded.

“He’s a good role model for you. Growing up the way he did. You two have a lot in common.”

Merlin lowered his gaze, “Arthur told me a little, but not everything.”

“He doesn’t like to talk about it much,” Morgana said.

Annis nodded, “Well, what are your future plans, Merlin? What will you do if this all goes away and you are a free man?”

Merlin thought for a moment, then nodded, “I want to work with Arthur, run the camp, and keep helping other kids like me. I want to become someone my mother would be proud of. I want to find my father and tell him that I forgive him for leaving us and that I want him back in my life. And most of all I want to be someone worthy of love…”

Annis sat down behind her desk and folded her arms on the edge as she listened. When Merlin was done, she nodded and smiled, then leaned back in her chair. “I can definitely work with that.”

“Do you know which judge is hearing my case?” Merlin asked.

Annis looked at the court documents. “Judge James Alator.”

Merlin’s face fell at the name. “He hates me; I am never going to win this case.”

“It will be all right, Merlin,” Annis smiled reassuringly, “Judge Alator and I go way back. I know enough to keep him in line. Just trust me. It’s actually good that the judge knows you. He will be more likely to realize how much you have changed for the better in such a short time.”

“I hope you’re right because the last time he was itching to put me away for a long time.”

“We won’t let that happen, Merlin,” Morgana said, reaching over to take hold of his hand as he sat down next to her on the sofa.
“I have been reading over all of your case files, Merlin. I compared them to the police reports and the statements of other people involved. I can see that biases were involved. We need to go over each one, and I’ll ask you questions. Is that all right?”

“Yes, Ma’am,” he nodded.

“All right, first things first, call me Annis…” she smiled.

 

Three hours later, Merlin and Morgana emerged from the building. He approached the waiting SUV, turning to face her.

“Thank you, Morgana…for everything.”

“You’re very welcome, love,” she beamed and kissed his lips. She handed him the bag with his old clothes in it. “You did well. Annis is going to do everything in her power to make all of this go away. You will be free.”

“I hope you’re right,” he smiled.

“I’m always right,” Morgana said, raising an eyebrow, “Best you learn that now.”

“I have to go,” Merlin motioned toward the SUV. “Tell Arthur…tell him I’m not going to give up. Tell him I will contact him as soon as I am allowed.”

“We will see you in court on Wednesday, Merlin. You’re not going to face this alone.”

Merlin nodded, then got into the back seat of the SUV. The officers closed the door, got in, and drove away.

“Hold on, Merlin,” Morgana whispered, “Just hold on.”

Arthur looked down at his phone, his eyes widening as he grinned. The photos Morgana had sent, Merlin looking incredible. He wished he could have been there with him. He was not allowed to communicate with Merlin directly. Hopefully, that would change after court on Wednesday. He sent Morgana a text.

“How’s he doing?”

“Nervous. Missing you badly.”

“Missing him too.”

“You two are so in love it’s ridiculous. He thinks he isn’t the kind of person you would ever settle for long term.”

“He’s wrong.”

“Then find a way to let him know that.”

“What did Annis say? What are his chances?”

“She’s confident. She adores Merlin.”

“The other kids have been talking. They want to go to court on Wednesday and speak on behalf of Merlin.”

“That’s wonderful. I will let Annis know.”

“I will do anything to get him out of this, Morgana. Even if it means taking him and running away. Going somewhere no one knows us and starting fresh.”

“There’s no need to go to that extreme. I would have each of the kids write a letter as well. Anything and anyone willing to vouch for him.”

“Oh, and Drea has agreed to file charges against the man who raped her and got her pregnant.”

“She’s going to need a lot of help.”

“We will give it to her.”

“I’m heading home. I love you, brother.”

“Love you too, Morgana. Thank you for being there for Merlin today. I wanted to be there.”

“He understands. Get some rest.”

“You too. How much do I owe you for Merlin’s new clothes?”

“Nothing, my treat.”

“Nothing is ever free with you.”

“You will join me for dinner with Father one day soon.”

“Ugh, I hate you.”

“Liar.

Arthur put his phone back in his pocket and went back to going over the documents pertaining to his uncle’s arrest and what happened. He wished this were all done and over with so he could focus on Merlin’s situation. Agravaine was going away for a very long time. It couldn’t happen to a nicer fellow. The stuff Arthur had learned about him in the past couple of days turned his stomach in more ways than one.

“Arthur,” Gwen said as she knocked on the open door, “We need to talk.”

“Gwen, I really don’t need this right now.”

“Arthur, you have to let him go.”

“Who?”

“You know who? Merlin. He’s got enough problems without you adding more. He’s not right for you. End this now before you shatter that boy’s heart.”

Arthur spun around, eyes wide and lips pressed together. He shook his head slowly, then let everything go. “You have no fucking right to say who is right or wrong for me, Guinevere! None! You destroyed me. What you and Lance did,” he huffed, “I tried to forgive you. I tried to bury my pain, but I can’t do it anymore. I love Gabriel like he was my own flesh and blood; that is the only reason I have kept this buried. I can’t bear to lose him, but I refuse to abandon Merlin or hide my feelings for him because you are offended. I love him. He is everything that I thought you were, the other half of my soul. If you cannot understand that…”

Gwen was in tears, her hands wringing. “Arthur…”

“What?” he asked harshly.

“He is yours.”

Arthur froze, “What?”

“Gabriel is yours,” she choked, “I found out when he had that blood test in the hospital before his appendix was removed.”

“That was months ago,” Arthur said, “You’re just now telling me?”

“I wasn’t going to tell you at all. I thought it would be best for everyone if it stayed a secret, but I can’t keep it anymore. Not when it affects him so deeply. Gabriel loves Lance as his father, but he loves his Uncle Arthur too. Merlin is a good boy, and I don’t want to see him hurt. But you cannot be a father to Gabriel and take care of Merlin too.”

Arthur was deathly quiet, his gaze locked on Gwen’s. His breathing was ragged, chest heaving. “I cannot believe…I can’t believe you!” he roared, and she flinched visibly. “How could you do this to me? God, just get out…”

“Arthur…”

“Get. The. Fuck. Out!” he shouted, and Gwen turned and ran out the door.

Arthur sat down hard on the edge of the bed, running his hands through his hair. Gabriel was his son…all this time, he was a father. The lies and the betrayal burned, but it was the fact that she was forcing him to choose between Gabriel and Merlin. He hated her.

Any love he still had for Gwen was gone.

A knock on the door brought his head up. Lance was standing there with tears in his own eyes.

“Not a good time, Lance.”

“I know. Arthur, I’m sorry. She just told me the truth. Deep down, I felt it, but I didn’t know, not for certain. I love my boy so much.”

Arthur nodded, “Me too.”

“She’s wrong about Merlin,” Lance said, “For whatever it’s worth, coming from me. Merlin is an amazing young man and worthy of your love. He deserves everything you can give him.”

“You’re not going to force me to choose between Merlin and my son?”

Lance shook his head, “No, and Gwen is wrong for doing so. As much as I love her, she is wrong. I’ll leave you be for now. I should go check on my wife.”

Arthur nodded, “Lance…I know I have been hard on you at times. I’m sorry. She has hurt us both deeply.”

“She has, but Arthur, she did it out of love. Trying to protect her child.”

“I’m trying to keep that in mind, but God, I am so angry at her.”

“So am I, but I am just as much to blame.”

“You said you didn’t know.”

“I sensed that Gwen was keeping something from me, and I didn’t push. I was afraid. I should have said something before.”

“I won’t forgive her, not this time. I can’t.” Arthur said.

“You will try, for Gabriel’s sake. He needs all of us, Arthur…Gwen, you, me, and Merlin. I’ll see you later,” Lance said, then walked down the steps heading for their cabin.

“Fuck,” Arthur said under his breath. Everything in him needed to speak to Merlin, but he couldn’t. “Dammit…” he said, kicking a wooden crate, sending it sliding across the floor.

Chapter 8: Broken Nails and Redemption

The low, vicious growl of an approaching engine cut through the quiet evening. Morgana’s bright blue Humvee came tearing through the entrance of the camp, its tires spitting gravel, its chrome catching the light of the setting sun. She slammed the driver’s side door open, her boots hitting the ground hard. Every step was enough to cause the earth to quake. Her blue-green eyes were blazing, her jaw clenched. One look at her face sent everyone scattering to get out of her way. Leon was not so lucky.

“Where is she?” Morgana asked him, her voice laced with poison. Leon motioned toward the path to the cabins, clearly terrified.
Morgana followed the path, spotting Gwen coming down the steps of the cabin she shared with Lance. She froze when she saw Arthur’s sister coming toward her, looking like a raging banshee. Her dark hair flowed around her shoulders, eyes filled with rage.

“Morgana…” she said, her voice shaky.

“You lying, controlling, little bitch—” Morgana's voice cracked like a whip as she closed the distance between her and the target of her wrath. The air was charged, electric as she slammed her fist into Gwen’s jaw, knocking her on her ass in the dirt. “How dare you!”

Gwen’s eyes were pooling with tears as she rubbed her jaw and tried to get up, but Morgana had other ideas. She tackled the woman, hitting her again, pinning her wrists down on either side of her face.

“What you and Lance did was unforgivable, yet I tried to let things be for Arthur’s sake. He forgave you far too easily. I kept my feelings to myself, but now I find out that you fucking lied to him about Gabriel. You kept the truth from him for months. How could you do such a despicable thing to your son, much less to Arthur? And now—now you are trying to destroy the one piece of happiness he has found with Merlin…to deny him the love he deserves.”

“Morgana…I—I never meant…”

“Don’t—Don’t you dare say you never meant to hurt him.”

“I thought I was doing the right thing.”

“Well, newsflash…you weren’t. You were only doing what was best for you, and you not only denied Arthur years with his son, but me with my precious nephew. I will never forgive you for this,” Morgana seethed, then released Gwen’s wrists just as Arthur and Lance came running from the woods.

“Morgana, stop!” Arthur grabbed his sister around the waist, hauling her off of Gwen.

“Let me go,” Morgana yelled, struggling in vain. He held her back easily. “She needs to be taught a lesson!”

“Morgana, please,” Arthur said. The softness in his voice immediately put out the fire in her veins. She went limp in his arms, turning in his embrace as everything came crashing down. Arthur held her, stroking the back of her hair. “It’s all right,” he whispered.

“No, Arthur, it’s not all right!” Morgana exclaimed hotly. She then drew back and held up her right hand. “I broke a nail,” she smirked.

Arthur hugged her, struggling not to laugh. “God, I love you,” he said, kissing her cheek.

Lance helped Gwen to her feet and checked her over. She shook her head, and he backed off a short distance as she turned to Arthur and Morgana. Humiliation and shame burned hot under her skin as she felt every gaze on her. “Arthur…” she said softly, her voice trembling.

“Are you all right?” he asked, concern in his eyes.
“No, but it’s fine. I deserved it.”

“Yes, you did!” Morgana said, trying again to get to her, but Arthur held her firm against his side.

“Morgana, please,” Arthur said, then turned to Gwen. “Gwen, I’m sorry this happened.”

“Don’t apologize to her for me,” Morgana snapped.

Gwen took a deep breath and released it slowly. “Arthur, I was selfish. I can see that now. I kept the truth from you to protect my marriage and my son…our son. I love Lance with all that I am. He is my soulmate. He has been an amazing father to Gabriel, and I chose to keep things as they were because it was easier than admitting fault and owning up to what I did. As for Merlin, if he is who you want to be with, fine, I will accept it, but I still think it is a mistake.”

Morgana let out a low growl and lunged again. “You manipulative bitch…”

Arthur glared at his ex-wife, tempted to let Morgana at her again, but he held on. “I don’t need your approval or your acceptance of my relationship with Merlin. The only mistake I ever made was believing you truly loved me. With Merlin, there is no question…no doubt. I would die before I ever hurt him the way you did me, Gwen.”

“I did love you, Arthur…part of me always will.”

“You have a funny way of showing it,” Arthur said. “You kept the truth about Gabriel from me for months…months, Gwen. And worse, you kept it from Lance. All to protect yourself. Now we have to decide what to tell our son. He is the one who will suffer the most from your selfishness.”

“I know,” she whispered, lowering her gaze.

“Come on, Gwen, let’s go inside and get you cleaned up,” Lance said, placing his hand on her lower back.

Gwaine had approached the group cautiously, unsure what was going on. “Morgana?”

Arthur turned and nodded, “Take her to my cabin and get her cleaned up. We will explain later.” He passed her over to Gwaine, then looked at Lance, who nodded in understanding. They went inside, leaving Arthur alone in the middle of the war zone, unsure what to do. He needed to talk to Merlin, but it was out of the question until Wednesday. Running his hand through his hair, he turned and headed down the trail through the woods. He needed time to think.

 

Merlin paced nervously in Annis’ office, wringing his hands. He was wearing the suit Morgana gave him, this time with a pale gray shirt. In less than two hours, he would be in front of Judge Alator. His fate lies in the hands of a man who hated him.

“Merlin, sweetie, calm yourself. Everything is going to be all right,” Annis smiled as she walked into the room.

“Is Arthur here yet?” Merlin asked, panic in his voice.

“Not yet, but he will be here.”

“Morgana?”

“She called, she is five minutes away.”

Merlin let out a breath.

“Merlin, do you trust me?”

“Yes, of course…it’s Judge Alator…”

“I need you to breathe before you pass out,” Annis smiled, easing Merlin down onto the sofa, sitting next to him. “Believe in me, in your friends, believe in Arthur, and most of all, believe in yourself, my boy. You have come a long way in a very short time. You should be proud.”

“I know, but will anyone in that courtroom see it?”

“We will make sure they do.”

“I’m scared…scared I am going to fuck up everything and lose any chance I have with Arthur.”

“Language, Merlin,” Annis scolded him gently and winked.

“Sorry.”

The door burst open, and Morgana rushed in, taking a seat on the other side of Merlin. “I am so sorry I’m late, Merlin.”

Merlin took hold of her right wrist, looking at her hand, which was badly bruised, and one of her fingernails was broken off. "Morgana, what happened?”

“Oh,” Morgana blushed, “It was nothing.”

“That’s not nothing, Morgana, what happened?”

“I may or may not have punched Gwen in the face.”

“What?”

“I’ll explain later, right now we focus on you,” she said, kissing him tenderly. “How are you feeling?”

“Terrified,” he huffed.

“Well, I am here for you, and Arthur will be here as soon as he is able.”

“Where is he?” Merlin asked.

“He is working on a few things to help you.”

“I hope he isn’t punching anyone,” Merlin grinned, nodding pointedly at her hand.

“I should hope not,” she smiled.

“Was it worth it?” Merlin asked.

“Oh yes,” Morgana beamed at him.

“It wasn’t because of me, was it?”

“Not totally…”

“Morgana…”

“Don’t worry about it now. Believe me, when you find out what happened, you will thank me.”

Annis stood up, then grabbed her briefcase and jacket. “All right, let’s get this show on the road.”

Morgana took Merlin’s arm and walked beside him to the elevator with Annis in the lead. As they stepped inside and the doors closed, she rested her head against his shoulder, and Merlin relaxed visibly just having her near.

“Thank you,” he whispered, and she smiled.

They arrived at the courthouse and took their seats in the courtroom to wait. Morgana fixed Merlin’s hair and straightened his suit. “You look so handsome and confident.”

“I wish I felt that way. I wish Arthur would get here.”

“I know, but trust me, what he is doing is important.”

“You could tell me what happened with you and Gwen; it would take my mind off things.”

“Later, this is not the time or the place.”

“Does her face look as bad as your hand?”

“God, I hope so,” Morgana giggled, and Merlin grinned.

“Remind me never to make you mad.”

“Hurt my brother and you’ll find out.”

“I would rather die than hurt him.”

“I know,” Morgana said, then kissed his cheek.

Annis sat down next to Merlin at the table while Morgana moved to a chair behind them. She looked at the clock, then sent a text to Arthur.

“How far away are you?”

“We’re close. Tell Merlin to hold on.”

“He’s struggling, Arthur.”

“Tell him I love him.

“I will. Just hurry.”

 

Judge Alator was just as Merlin remembered him. Tough, hypercritical, clearly biased against Merlin. His bald head and odd tattoos on his neck did not fit a judge. Merlin wondered what they meant and how he got them. A drunk night with judgy buddies.
Arthur still wasn’t there, and Merlin was having a hard time not losing it. Annis was up at the bench speaking to Judge Alator. Morgana kept her hand on Merlin’s shoulder, trying to reassure him. Arthur told her to tell him he loved him…Arthur Pendragon loved him. He smiled slightly and looked up to meet the judge's eyes, and held them for a moment.

The doors at the rear of the courtroom opened, and Merlin turned to look as Arthur walked in, followed by Will, Gilli, Drea, Kara, and Freya. Behind them was Gwaine. They took their seats next to Morgana, Arthur sitting right behind Merlin. He leaned forward and squeezed his shoulder.

“I brought reinforcements,” he smiled, and Merlin grinned at the others, “Everything is going to be all right. Have faith.”

“I’m trying,” Merlin said softly.

Annis turned and met Arthur’s gaze with a nod, then turned back to Judge Alator. “Your Honor, I have, here in the room, Merlin’s guides from the camp as well as the other five youth who were with him for the week. They requested to be able to speak on Merlin’s behalf.

Judge Alator leaned back and folded his arms, then nodded. “Fine, begin…”

Annis motioned for Drea to approach the bench and take the stand. “Would you please state your name, young lady?” he smiled.
“My name is Drea Blake, I am sixteen years old, and have been in and out of foster homes almost my whole life. I was the victim of a rape, and I’m pregnant. Merlin helped me to deal with what happened and gave me the courage to prosecute the man who raped me. He is the kindest and most caring person I have ever met. He deserves a chance at a normal life. He deserves to be happy, and I am here to speak for him.”

“Thank you, Miss Blake. Is there anything else you would like to add?”

“Yes, I have written a letter for you, Your Honor. Please, read it and consider it in your decision. Thank you.”

“You may step down, Miss Blake,” Judge Alator nodded, accepting the envelope. Drea went back to her seat, but not before pausing to embrace Merlin. He smiled and kissed her forehead.

Annis motioned to Freya next, and she approached the bench, taking the stand. “Please state your name, young lady.”

“My name is Freya, and I don’t know my age or my real last name. I was abandoned as a baby at an animal rescue, of all places. I was placed for adoption with a wonderful family, but they were killed in a car accident that I survived. I was put back in the system, abused and forgotten about. Merlin is a wonderful person. He saved my life on the trip when I nearly fell; he caught me. He made sure I was all right and kept a close watch on me after. He made me feel safe and cared about for the first time in a very long time. Merlin deserves a new start; he has been through so much. Give him a chance, and he will prove he is worthy. He is my friend, and I will always stand up for him.”

“Thank you, Freya,” Annis smiled, “Is there anything else you would like to add?”

“Just my letter, like Drea, please consider it in your decision, Your Honor. Merlin deserves to be happy and to have a good life.”

“You may step down, Freya,” Judge Alator nodded, accepting her letter.

Annis motioned for Kara to approach next. She took the stand and smiled. “Please state your name, young lady,” Annis said.

“My name is Kara Michaels, I am seventeen, and I have been on the streets and in the foster care system all my life. No one wanted me because I struggle with self-harm and have attempted suicide eight times at last count. This camp, the group, it taught me the value of people and friends. Merlin is kind, sweet, caring, and brave…the bravest I have ever seen. There was a flash flood, and we all made it to higher ground, except Arthur, who was caught on the bridge when the wall of water hit. Merlin didn’t even think twice. He went back, risked his life to save a man he barely knew. We were all terrified watching the bridge collapse, and they both vanished, washed away. Gwaine got us to safety, and we heard from Arthur and Merlin via radio that they were safe. Merlin had saved Arthur’s life. He deserves to be happy. Merlin is my hero.”

“Thank you, Kara,” Annis smiled, “Is there anything else you would like to add?”

“My letter, Your Honor, please consider it in your decision, thank you,” Kara nodded.

“You may step down, Miss Michaels, thank you,” Judge Alator said, and as she went back to her seat, he looked directly at Merlin, his expression unreadable.

Annis motioned to Gilli, who quickly approached the stand, taking a seat. “Please state your name, young man.”

“My name is Gilliam Scott, people call me Gilli. I am seventeen years old and, like Merlin, I have been on the streets and in foster care most of my life. I am not a good person, and I don’t pretend to be, but during this week, I have come to respect and admire Merlin. He showed me that there is hope for people like us. That there is a chance we can claw our way out of the pits of despair and find something in other people that gives us the courage and strength to fight again. Merlin risked his life to save Arthur from that flood while I cowered against the rocks. He is a better man than me and he deserves a fresh start. Your Honor, here is my letter, please consider it in your decision.”

“You may step down now, Mr. Scott,” Judge Alator nodded.

“Thank you, Your Honor,” Gilli returned to his seat, pausing to give Merlin a nod.

Annis motioned to Will to come up next. He stood up and leaned over to say something to Merlin that made him chuckle softly. Then he walked up to the bench and took the stand.

“Please, state your name, young man,” Annis smiled.

“My name is William Sean Mallory. I am eighteen years old and have known Merlin the longest of the group. We have history, and not all of it is good. We went through a lot together. Kept each other warm on cold, wet nights in Portland, sleeping under bridges and crates. I told no one this, but he saved my life once. I had been in a fight and was stabbed in the stomach. He practically carried me to the ER on his back. As soon as he got me there, I made him leave, or he would have been in trouble. He argued, but I told him if he didn’t leave, I would tell the police he was the one who stabbed me.” Will chuckled, “I would never have done that, but he didn’t know. I just want to say that Merlin is my friend. I didn’t always treat him well, but he never let me down, and he never will. I love you, man.” Will handed his letter to the judge, who accepted it. “Please, consider my letter in your judgment and give Merlin a chance…he deserves it. He doesn’t belong on the streets.”

“Thank you, Mr. Mallory. You may step down,” Judge Alator nodded.

Annis turned to Gwaine, who was already approaching the bench. He took a seat and nodded. “Please, state your name, sir.”
“My name is Gwaine Dawson, and I am a guide at the Cascadia Survival Camp. I was second in command to Arthur for the hike. I almost lost my best friend up there to that flash flood, and Merlin saved him. I will be forever grateful to him for that. Also, when we stumbled upon a situation with a downed plane loaded with drugs, cash, and weapons, Merlin risked his safety and his life to help bring down the people in charge and helped stop one of the largest cartels on the West Coast. In my book, that makes him a hero, and heroes deserve a reward. Merlin deserves to be happy and have a new life, a new path. Give him that chance.”

“Thank you, Mr. Dawson. You may step down,” Judge Alator nodded.

Gwaine stood up and nodded toward Merlin, giving him a wink before returning to his seat.

Annis looked at Arthur, who stood up and walked to the stand, taking his seat.

“Please, state your name, Sir,” Annis smiled.

“My name is Arthur Pendragon, and I was once in Merlin’s shoes. Living on the streets, drinking, drugs, and nearly dying from hypothermia beneath a bridge. I was one of the lucky ones, though. Gwaine saved my life, and then my father allowed me back home. Gwaine as well. We went on to get the best education, then on to the military, Special Forces. I am a guide for Cascadia Survival Camp to help kids like Merlin get back on their feet and find a new path to a better end. Merlin not only saved my life on this trip, but he also became the most important person in my life. He deserves a chance. My testimony is biased, because I am completely in love with him, and if he will have me, I plan to make a life with him after all this is over. My sister Morgana has already adopted him. He is my heart, and I hope to spend the rest of my days showing him that he is worthy and that he deserves to be loved. Your Honor, while I know this is a highly unconventional situation, I ask that you give Merlin a break because God knows he needs one. Thank you.”

“You may step down now, Mr. Pendragon,” Judge Alator said.

“Thank you, Your Honor,” Arthur said, then walked back to his seat, stopping to give Merlin a quick kiss before doing so.

Judge Alator stood up and banged his gavel. “We will take a break for lunch. Two hours, while I review these letters and other documents. We will reconvene at two pm for my decision. Dismissed until two pm.”

Merlin let out a heavy breath, turning to find Arthur, who pulled him into his arms.

“You okay?” Arthur asked.

“Trying to be,” he smiled.

“I think it is going well.”

“Arthur, you just announced in front of God and Everybody that you love me and want to be with me,” Merlin choked back tears.

“And I meant every word.”

“He will have you, just in case you were wondering,” Merlin grinned.

“That’s a relief,” Arthur said, kissing him.

“Come on, let’s go get lunch,” Gwaine said, then grinned, “It’s on Arthur.”

Arthur looked at him and shrugged, “I guess lunch is on me.”

They went to a nice little Italian Restaurant on the corner because it was within Merlin’s radius for his ankle bracelet. The food was delicious. Annis joined them as well. Everyone had a good time and felt positive about Merlin’s case.

 

Two hours later, they were sitting in the courtroom again. Judge Alator and Annis were in a deep discussion in his chambers. Arthur sat next to Merlin, their fingers linked together. He was growing more and more nervous the longer it went on. When Annis finally emerged, her expression was unreadable. She took her seat next to Merlin, and Arthur returned to the seat behind him.

“What happened?” Merlin asked, keeping his voice under a whisper.

Annis squeezed his hand and nodded, “Pay attention, Merlin.”

Merlin turned as Judge Alator took his seat on the bench and folded his hands on top of the stack of files and letters. He looked directly at Merlin. “Merlin Ambrose, please stand,” he said, and Merlin got to his feet and tucked his hands behind his back, standing as straight as possible. This is not the first time you have stood in front of me in a court of law. Is that true?”

“Yes, Your Honor,” Merlin nodded, maintaining eye contact.

“I will be the first to admit that I held little hope for you at that time. To be perfectly honest, I half expected you to end up on a slab in the morgue before you ever reached your eighteenth birthday. I am glad to see I was wrong. Now, I have reviewed the documents submitted to me by Ms. Solberg. I have also read all the letters from the other members of your camp, and I must say that I am impressed. So impressed that I put in a call to the governor and he has agreed to issue you a full pardon and to wipe your record clean.”

Merlin’s knees nearly buckled from the shock, but he kept it together. He could feel everyone behind him holding their collective breaths for his final decision.

“There is one condition, however,” Judge Alator smiled, “One I don’t think will be a hardship for you. Merlin Ambrose, you are to volunteer your time at the Cascadia Survival Camp, helping other kids like you get a new start. I trust you will not let me down.”

“No, Your Honor, I will not let you down,” Merlin grinned.

“Good, now I will see you and Ms. Solberg in my office and bring your Arthur. The governor wishes to proceed with your pardon immediately. He will also be directing funding to the camp and other places of support for teens like you who have no one.”

“Thank you, Judge Alator,” Merlin said then, as soon as he banged the gavel and stepped down from his bench, Merlin flew into Arthur’s waiting arms. “I love you, Arthur Pendragon.”

“I love you, Merlin Ambrose.”

Chapter 9: Breaking Little Hearts

They left the judge’s chambers two hours later, and Merlin was a free man.

“Can we go home now?” Merlin asked with a wide grin.

“Not tonight,” Arthur said, “Tonight I have something planned here in the city. Is that all right?”

“Arthur, wherever you are, is my home,” Merlin smiled, then kissed him.

“That was the absolute sappiest and most romantic thing I have ever heard,” Arthur grinned.

“It’s the truth.”

“Let’s hope you still feel that way when I tell you what I need to tell you.”

“Does it have something to do with Morgana’s bruised hand and broken nail?”

“Afraid so.”

“She told me that she punched Gwen…”

“Oh, she did more than punch, but yes.”

“Wish I had been there,” Merlin chuckled.

“Come on, let’s go, we will talk about it in private.”

They walked out of the courthouse, and Merlin said his goodbyes to Will, Gilli, and the girls, promising to visit as often as possible. They were all going to a new group home with private rooms with their baths, activities, job placement, and a monthly allowance. Drea would receive full medical care through her pregnancy and help after as well. The girls broke into tears, hugging him and Merlin too.

“Love you guys, take care,” Merlin said, waving as they all got onto the small bus that read “Avalon Group Home on the side. He then turned to Arthur and smiled. “Ready to go?” he asked, and Arthur nodded. Gwaine had taken Morgana out for dinner, leaving them alone. They walked toward a waiting SUV with a driver. Arthur opened the rear door, and Merlin got in. A man in a suit approached and leaned into the vehicle to remove his ankle bracelet.

“You’re free to go as you please, Mr. Ambrose. Don’t waste this chance,” he said, then walked away with a half-smile that seemed to say 'You’ll be back'.

“Not a chance in hell,” he said under his breath.

“What?” Arthur asked.

“Nothing, let’s just go.”

Arthur slid into the back seat next to him and motioned to the driver. He turned to Merlin, linking their hands together. How does it feel to be fully pardoned and free?”

“Surreal, amazing, and I owe it all to you.”

“No, Merlin, it was you. All of it. Those kids wanted to speak for you because you gave them someone to look up to. You are their hero. You showed them what can be if they change their destinies. I may have helped get them there, but it was all their idea. The letters and all.”

“I still can’t believe Will got up there. We have always had a love-hate relationship. I never in a million years would have thought he would take the stand and defend me, much less write a letter.”

“He respects you.”

“I guess so.”

“Merlin, before we get where we are going, there’s something I have to tell you. It changes everything in my life, and I need to know if you are okay with it.”

Merlin’s breath caught in his throat as he felt the familiar pang of coming rejection. “Well, Morgana punched Gwen over it, so I assume it has something to do with our relationship.”

“It does,” Arthur said, then looked at Merlin, “It’s about Gabriel.”

“Your nephew?”

“That’s just it, he isn’t my nephew…Merlin, he is my son. Gwen kept it from me even after she knew the truth. That’s why Morgana went after her.”

“Your son…” Merlin said softly, lowering his gaze. “That’s why Gwen doesn’t want us together. She is protecting Gabriel from me.”

“No, Merlin…well, that’s part of it maybe, but I think it is more like she doesn’t want me to be happy. She wants me pining for her and wishing for things that could never be. Gwen never expected me to fall in love with anyone else. And now that I have, she loses the hold she had over me. And I think she is worried I will abandon Gabriel for you.”

“That would never happen. I would never allow it. I know what it is like to grow up without a father. Maybe I should just step away and let you be with your son. He needs you.”

“No, Merlin,” Arthur said firmly, “I will not let you go no matter what.”

“But Gabriel…”

“He needs us both, Merlin.”

“You would trust me with your son. What if I fall back into old habits?”

“You won’t. I trust you with my life, Merlin. I trust you with Gabriel.”

“But Gwen doesn’t.”

“Gwen will just have to deal with it, or I will sic Morgana on her again,” Arthur smirked, and Merlin laughed.

“She really nailed Gwen, her poor hand was all bruised.”

“And she broke a nail,” Arthur chuckled, “I will have to pay for a manicure for her.”

Merlin looked at Arthur, then took his hand. “I will love and care for Gabriel as if he were my own flesh and blood. I promise you that.”

“I know you will.”

“How do you feel about it?”

Arthur huffed, “Scared shitless. I don’t know how to be a father.”

“Does he know yet?”

“Not yet. That’s where we are going now. Gwen and Lance are waiting for us, with Gabriel, at my place. I wanted you to be there when we tell him. I just wanted you to know what was going on first. I’m sorry to dump this on you when we should be celebrating your victory.”

“That can wait...Gabriel is more important.”

“I love you, Merlin.”

“Love you too.”

 

Arthur’s house was a two-story Victorian on the waterfront. They pulled into the driveway, and the driver shut off the engine. Morgana’s Humvee and Lance’s truck were parked in front. He got out and opened the rear door for Merlin to slide out. He looked up at the gorgeous home and smiled.

“This is your place. It’s nothing like I imagined.”

“What did you imagine?” Arthur asked with a grin.

“I don’t know…a rustic cabin on the water with an obstacle course and woods,” Merlin chuckled.

“I bought it just before Gwen and I were married. I wanted a big place to raise children. That didn’t happen.”

“Still could,” Merlin smiled, and Arthur shrugged, his grin widening.

“Yes, I suppose it could.”

Together they walked up to the door, and Arthur opened it. Morgana met them at the door, hugging them both fiercely.

“I am so happy for you both. Congratulations, Merlin.”

“Thank you,” Merlin said, kissing her.

“Uncle Arthur!” Gabriel squealed as he came running into the house through the patio doors. Lance was right behind him, looking like he was about to cry. He was losing his son.”

Arthur dropped to his knees as the little boy charged into his waiting arms and hugged his neck. “How’s my favorite nephew?” Arthur asked, tears shining in his eyes, which were filled with pride that this amazing boy was his son.

“I’m good, how was camping?”

“It was great. I made a new friend I would like you to meet. This is Merlin.”

“Hi, Merlin, it is nice to meet you,” Gabriel said, shaking his hand like a grown man, and Merlin fell in love immediately.

“Hi, Gabriel, it is such a pleasure to meet you as well. How old are you?”

“I’m five, but I will be six in a few months.”

Gwen came into the room from the kitchen, her hands trembling. She refused to look at Merlin as she sat down on the sectional sofa and patted the cushion. “Gabriel, come here, sweetheart, your dad and I have something to talk to you about.”

“Okay, Mama,” Gabriel giggled, then hurried over to plop on the sofa between her and Lance while Arthur sat down in the chair facing them, the coffee table between. “What’s up?” he asked, looking expectantly at his mother.

“Gabriel, baby, there’s something we have to tell you. It may be hard for you to understand, but it is very important,” Gwen smiled, glancing up as Morgana came into the room and stood next to Merlin, holding his hand. Returning her attention to her son, she took a deep breath. “Honey, you love your Uncle Arthur very much, don’t you?”

“Yes, I love him.”

“Gabriel, this is really hard, but you deserve to know. Arthur is not really your uncle. He is your father…your birth father. Your dad is not your real dad. I made a terrible mistake long ago. When you were born, I believed that Lance was your father, but he isn’t.”

Gabriel looked at Lance and shook his head. “Dad?”

Lamce was clearly struggling, trying to keep from breaking down when his son needed him. “I’m sorry, Gabriel. I only learned the truth myself. I didn’t know, and neither did Arthur.” He looked apologetically at Gwen, who took a deep breath and nodded.

“Gabriel, I am so sorry. I hope you can forgive me,” she said pleadingly.

“Dad, don’t you want me anymore…”

“Of course, I do, buddy, I love you more than life itself, that will never change,” Lance said, tears sliding down his face.

Gwen took hold of Lance’s hand. “Yes, darling, he loves you so much, and this hurts him too. He will always be your dad, and he will love you forever, but we have to give your father a chance to love you as a father rather than your uncle. Arthur gave you life. He is your real father, and he wants to be in your life as such.”

“Gabriel,” Arthur smiled, leaning forward, “We are going to be seeing a lot more of each other. I love you, I have always loved you, I just didn’t know you were actually mine. I do now, and I want to make up for lost time if you will allow it. There’s no pressure, whenever you’re ready. I would love to spend time with you and your Dad. Maybe go camping or fishing like we used to. Would you like that, son?”

“Maybe, yeah…” the boy nodded, then Gabriel looked between Gwen and Arthur, confusion in his brown eyes. “You lied to my Dads,” he said to his mother. “You said to always tell the truth, but you lied,” Gabriel choked, tears sliding down his cheeks.

“I’m so sorry, baby, I never meant to hurt any of you.”

“But you did!” Gabriel said, his voice breaking. “You told me that lying is bad, that it hurts people. You made Dad cry.”

“Gabriel…” Gwen said pleadingly.

“No! This is all your fault. I hate you!” Gabriel screamed and then ran from the room.

“Gabriel!” Arthur called after him, but he was gone. Running a hand through his hair, he stood up and paced the floor. “We should have handled this better. Maybe it was a mistake to tell him.”

“No, Arthur,” Morgana said, gripping his arm, “Gabriel is a tough kid, smart as hell, he will be okay, just give him some time to think it over.”

“Morgana’s right, Arthur,” Merlin said, “He will come around.”

“Morgana…Merlin…I would appreciate it if you two would stay out of this and let us handle it. I’m gonna go find him,” Gwen said, then got up and went in search of her boy. She returned twenty minutes later with tears in her eyes. “I can’t find him anywhere,” she said.

“Don’t panic, Gwen, you know how good he is at hide and seek,” Lance said as he got up and went to search.

Everyone split off and took parts of the property to search. The house was large, but the grounds were larger. There was a gazebo in the backyard with walking trails all along the waterfront. There were stables at the far side of the property. A pool and a large deck on the other side.

Merlin waited until everyone cleared the house, then let his magic go, allowing it to search every nook and cranny for the scared and upset little boy. “There you are,” he whispered, heading up the stairs to the attic. He opened the door slowly, stepping into the dark, dusty space. He spotted Gabriel sitting with his back against a heavy trunk, his arms wrapped around his knees, head down…sobbing uncontrollably.

“Hi Gabriel,” Merlin smiled, “I know we don't know each other very well yet. We met downstairs, my name is Merlin Ambrose…I am a close friend of your dad’s. Can I sit down here with you for a bit? Maybe you would like to talk to someone not directly involved in this situation.”

“Which one?” the boy asked, lifting his head.

“Arthur…”

Gabriel thought for a moment, then nodded, scooting over to make room for Merlin. “You gonna tell me how to feel?”

“Nope, nobody can tell you that in this craziness. This is one of those hard choices that we all face at some point, and we have to make a decision and hope it is the right one.”

“How do you tell?”

“That, dear boy, is the billion-dollar question. We never know for sure. I understand why you are angry and upset with your mom. Adults make mistakes all the time, and sometimes they hurt people they love more than anything in the world.”

“It sucks!” Gabriel said emphatically, and Merlin nodded.

“Adults sure make a mess of things, don’t they?”

“You’re not an adult?”

Merlin chuckled, “I am borderline. But trust me, I have made more than enough mistakes already.”

Gabriel shivered a bit, looking around at the darkness of the attic. Merlin could tell he had not thought things through when coming up here, and it was not his favorite place to be.

“It’s pretty dark up here, isn’t it?” Merlin asked, “Would you mind if I create a little light for us, so we don’t have to be scared?”

“Yes, please,” Gabriel nodded.

“Okay,” Merlin smiled and held both hands out in front of him, one cupped over the other, and he whispered the words of a spell. A bright blue orb appeared between them and began to grow bigger until it was larger than the space between. Merlin then let it go free, and it floated in the air above them. Gabriel was in awe as it lit up the entire attic.

“How did you do that?” he asked.

“I have magic, it is kind of a secret. Not everyone knows…only special people.”

“You showed it to me,” he said, a wide grin on his little face, “Does that mean I’m a special people?”

“You are very special, Gabriel. I am trusting you with my secret, the same as I trust Arthur. There’s nothing to fear from me, I would never hurt you. I used my magic to help.”

“I’m not scared or anything…I know you, Merlin,” Gabriel looked into his eyes, “You’re Arthur’s boyfriend, I heard Morgana talking about you on the phone. She really likes you, too.”

“You are a very smart young man,” Merlin grinned.

“You like my uncle—I mean my dad…” Gabriel corrected himself.

“I love him. He means everything to me.”

“Would you ever lie to him the way my Mama did?”

“Never, I owe him so much. I don’t understand why she did it, because I am not a mom, but I can sort of relate because my mom never told me a lot of things, mostly as far as my father was concerned. I never had a dad. I know moms sometimes don’t tell us stuff because they think they are protecting us.”

“You never had a dad…not ever?”

“No, I didn’t. So, you see, you are already ahead of me, because you have two incredible dads who both love you to the moon and back, Gabriel. You have an aunt now, too…Morgana…she is terrifying sometimes, but she loves with everything she has and will do anything for you. You have a mom who has devoted her whole life to you and keeping you safe and happy. And you have me, I’m an imperfect mess, but I am getting better. If you will have me, I would love to be your friend and whatever else I am lucky enough to be for you.”

Gabriel was silent for a moment, just watching the orb as it bounced around in the air. He smiled and looked at Merlin. “I would really like that. Will you show me more magic?”

“Yes, but let’s keep it a secret for a little while. I’m not sure how your mom would react to it.”

“I understand, I won’t tell anyone.”

“You can talk to Arthur about it. And Morgana. They both know.”

“Okay,” Gabriel grinned.

“Do you want to go back down yet, or do you want to stay up here a while longer?”

“Can we stay?”

“Sure,” Merlin nodded, “As long as you want.”

“They are gonna be mad at me for running away.”

“That’s okay, I will explain it to them if you want me to. I think they will understand.”

“Did you ever run away?”

Merlin smiled, shifting his position, bending one knee. “I ran away many times, and it was never the right thing to do. I just did it because I was scared. But I am not scared anymore, and I am never running away ever again.”

“I was so mad I wanted to run far away and never come back,” Gabriel said.

“But you didn’t.”

“No, because it would make everyone sad.”

“That’s true. Even me.”

“It would make you sad?”

“Yes, because you are a part of Arthur, and I am looking forward to getting to know you better. And seeing just how many things you have in common with him. And I know Arthur would be terribly sad because he loves you deeply already as his nephew, now he gets to love you as his son.”

“Arthur plays soccer…think he will teach me?”

“Absolutely.”

“Dad taught me how to throw a football and to catch a baseball.”

“And he can keep doing that, too. There is no reason that you can’t have Lance and Arthur both as your dads.”

“But won’t they get mad?”

“No, dear boy, “ Merlin shook his head, “They both love you.”

“Mama used to be married to Uncle Arthur, and sometimes he would look really sad when he would see my Dad and her together having fun with me. I don’t like to see him sad.”

“Me neither.”

They heard the sound of boots on the attic stairs, followed by the opening of the door and Arthur looking into the room for them. “I thought I would find you two together,” he smiled.

“How did you know?” Gabriel asked.

“I knew that Merlin would use his magic to find you, and his magic is never wrong,” Arthur said as he closed the door and crossed the creaky floorboards to where they were sitting beneath the orb. “Is it okay if I join this little party?” he asked cautiously.

“Yeah,” the boy said reluctantly.

Arthur sat down, and when he did, his elbow bumped a large box covered with old dusty quilts, sending a cloud into the air. He sneezed violently three times in a row, causing Gabriel to crack up laughing.”

“Glad my misery amuses you,” Arthur said, his voice sounding funny from the sneezing, making his son laugh even harder. He rubbed his nose, then shook his head and leaned forward, tugging on Gabriel’s shoe. “You gave everyone quite a scare, Gabriel.”

“I’m sorry.

“He just needed some time to sort things out,” Merlin grinned and nodded, “Isn’t that right, Gabriel?”

“Yeah.”

“I understand why you are so angry and upset, son. I don’t blame you at all. This whole situation is complicated, I know. I wish I had the right words to help you.”

“It’s not fair,” the boy said.

“No, it isn’t.”

“My Mama lied to you about me?” Gabriel asked.

“She did, but I think she thought it was for the best.”

“It wasn’t.”

“I know.”

“Gabriel, your Mama loves you dearly. I know that.”

“She shouldn’t have lied.”

“You don’t have to worry. Lance will still be your dad. I cannot take away the years and the memories he has with you, like watching you take your first steps, or hearing you say your first word, reading you bedtime stories, and tucking you in. I missed all those things, but I am so grateful for this gift. I have a son,” Arthur said, getting choked up a bit.

“You didn’t miss them all…” Gabriel said softly, placing his tiny hand over Arthur’s. “You used to read to me.”

Arthur chuckled and nodded, “Yeah, I did.”

Gabriel glanced at Merlin, then back to Arthur, his expression thoughtful. “Merlin didn’t have a father…I have two now.”

“Yes, you do. And I don’t think I ever told you this, but my mother died when I was born. I never knew her and my father…your grandfather was distant. We had a complicated relationship, to say the least. I understand what it is like to have your world upended, Gabriel. I am so sorry that the people you trusted most hurt you. If there were any way I could have spared you this pain, I would have, but you needed to know where you come from, and I need you in my life, my son. We both deserve to be happy, and I am going to do everything in my power to make sure you have the best of everything.”

Gabriel gave him a hesitant smile, then sat up straight. “When I get big, can I have your truck?” he asked, his eyes lit up with mischief and amusement.

Arthur laughed, “You want my Gladiator?”

“Yep, I like it ‘cause it’s red and goes fast.”

“I think that can be arranged,” Arthur grinned, “Anything else?”

“Hmm,” Gabriel thought for a moment, then nodded, “Can I keep Merlin?”

“I’m not a stray dog,” Merlin feigned offense, struggling not to laugh.

“You do have that puppy thing going on,” Arthur laughed teasingly.

“Do I look like a puppy?” Merlin huffed, and Gabriel nodded vigorously, giggling.

The three of them laughed until they heard the door open and looked up to see Gwen. “What’s going on in here?” she asked.

“Merlin found Gabriel,” Arthur said, trying to stop laughing.

“I was so worried,” Gwen said, her hands on her hips.

“I sent you a text,” he responded.

“I didn’t have my phone on me,” Gwen said, her heated gaze landing on Merlin, his arm around her son, the two of them giggling up a storm. She let out a heavy sigh. “Come back downstairs, please.”

“I don’t want to,” Gabriel said.

“I’m sorry?” Gwen hesitated at the door.

“I don’t want to go downstairs because you’re mad.”

“I’m not mad, honey, I was just worried.”

“You’re lying again, Mom,” he said, his eyes wide.

“Gabriel…”

Arthur held his hand out to his son. “Come on, let’s go back downstairs now. I am starving, and I am sure you are too. What do you say we order pizza and watch a movie?”

“Okay,” the boy nodded, taking his hand. Arthur scooped him up in his arms and carried him down the stairs behind Gwen.
Merlin hesitated a moment, looking around the attic. He then waved his hand, and the orb vanished. Gwen hadn’t even noticed it. Letting out a breath, he stepped out of the attic and closed the door behind him, heading down the stairs.

 

In the kitchen, Merlin was humming to himself as he finished washing up the dishes, dried them, and put them away. Arthur was upstairs with Gabriel, reading a book. Morgana and Gwaine had gone home. He grinned as he popped open a can of Coke, took a drink, then set it down to grab all the empty pizza boxes to take them outside to the trash. He just closed the lid, turning to go back inside when he heard a shuffling noise behind him.

“Merlin, I need to speak with you,” Gwen said, her arms crossed over her breasts, the light from the windows reflecting in her dark brown eyes.

“What about?” he asked.

“I heard about the pardon,” she said, “Congratulations.”

“Thank you.”

“I know you are trying to better yourself. I admire that. But you are using Arthur, and now you have pushed your way into my son’s life, and I don’t like it. The thought of someone with your past being in Gabriel’s orbit makes me very uncomfortable. You had no business going up into that attic with him…you should have just stayed out of it and let us handle it.”

“I just wanted to help him,” Merlin said.

“The best way to help Gabriel is for you to not stick around. Walk away before you become too involved with Arthur. Let him have a life with his son. He doesn’t need distractions, and he doesn’t need a poor street kid freeloading off him when he has a son to raise now.”

Merlin huffed a laugh, “That’s really rich coming from you, Gwen. God, you are such a manipulative bitch. I can see exactly why Morgana punched you. I’d be itching to do the same if not for the fact that I am not the kind of man who would ever hit a woman. I would die first. My mother was another man’s punching bag for years.”

Gwen blinked, startled as Merlin stepped closer, his blue eyes narrowed, his body strung tight as a bow. He didn’t stop, his voice turning dangerous and rough with restrained fury.

“You have been manipulating Arthur for years,” he said, each word sharp as glass. You are so desperate to keep your manicured claws in him, to never let him actually find happiness elsewhere. Keeping him under your thumb, using his unwavering loyalty and love to get what you want, even after you betrayed him. You got what you wanted…Lance. And yet you refuse to let Arthur go. Keeping him on a leash, choking him whenever he tries to get free. Now you are using your son to manipulate him and trying to take away his chance to have someone who loves him unconditionally and fully. Someone who would never betray him or lie to him. That’s what scares you more than anything. Up until now, you had all your pawns. Arthur…Lance…Gabriel…all three on the board under your control. Then I came along, and Arthur suddenly didn’t need you anymore, you panicked. Would you have ever told him the truth about Gabriel if your hand hadn’t been forced?”

“That’s none of your business,” Gwen said coldly.

“It is my business because Arthur is mine. He is my heart, and he is my soulmate. I love him with everything that I am…to the depths of my soul. And you know what disgusts me the most is how you have used your own son to manipulate Arthur even more. You denied him years with his child. He missed everything important with Gabriel, and for what? Just so you could protect yourself and keep your dirty little secrets from blowing up in your face. I think you knew all along he was Gabriel’s father, and you chose to keep it secret until you could no longer do so. Honestly, if I were Lance, I would leave you too. You don’t deserve either of them.”

“How dare you speak to me like this. You are just a stupid street rat. You know nothing about me or my family. You think you are Arthur’s first pet project? Well, you’re not. When it fails, he will move on and toss you back on the streets where you belong. Living off scraps with a needle in your arm and a cock in your mouth,” Gwen shrieked at him, and Merlin jerked back as if he’d been hit. “I don’t want you near my son, Merlin. Leave now while you still can, or I will make your life a living hell.”

“Guinevere!” Arthur’s voice cut through the cool night air like a dagger. Gwen spun around, her mouth open, hands clenched into fists.

“Arthur…” she gasped.

Arthur held his hand out to Merlin, “Come here, Merlin.” He drew him into his arms, his hands framing his face, and kissed him tenderly. “Go inside, I will be in shortly, and we can talk. Right now, I need to have a talk with my ex-wife.”

“Arthur…”

“Just go, everything will be fine. Go…”

Merlin then nodded and went back inside. He didn’t go far, though, wanting to hear their conversation, he stayed just inside the back door.

“Arthur…I—I didn’t…”

“Just don’t, Guinevere,” he said, his voice dark and cold, “I heard everything.”

Gwen stood up straight, her body tense. Her fingers were twitching against the skin of her throat. “Then you know how I feel,” she said firmly, dark eyes blazing. “I don’t want Merlin around my son. He is not a good influence on Gabriel…”

“First of all, he is our son, Guinevere! And as for Merlin, he is a wonderful influence on our son, and I trust him implicitly. Far more than I trust you…with good reason. You cannot handle the fact that I have found someone else…someone who loves me. That I am not pining for you every minute while you are with Lance. I think you enjoyed watching me suffer. Watching you with your lover and thinking if only I had been able to give you the baby you wanted, maybe we would still be together. Blaming myself for everything. All that time, you were just manipulating me…using me. Keeping me within arm’s reach while never letting me move on. Just to satisfy your need for control and to protect your own fragile ego.”

“You trust a street rat more than your own wife?” Gwen asked.

“Stop calling him that, Mom!” Gabriel’s voice came from the balcony above.

“Go back to bed, Gabriel,” she said harshly.

“No! Merlin found me. He listened to me, and he showed me that I would be okay. He made a light for me when I was getting scared of the dark. He is my friend, and I don’t want you to be mean to him anymore. Gabriel climbed up on the railing, leaning over to see them. A moment later, his foot slipped, and he went over the rail.

Gwen screamed, and Arthur jumped into action, but Merlin was faster. He was out the back door, his eyes shining gold, arms out wide. His magic caught Gabriel, slowly lowering him into his waiting arms.

“I’ve got you, little one,” he said softly, hugging Gabriel to his chest as he sobbed.

“Merlin…” he gasped through his tears.

“You’re safe now, it’s okay,” Merlin kissed his forehead.

Gabriel’s eyes suddenly went wide as he looked around frantically. “You’re gonna get in trouble…your secret…”

“To save you, my prince, I would show the whole world what I can do. You’re worth it.”

“Gabriel,” Arthur said, “Are you hurt?”

“No, Merlin’s magic saved me.”

“Yes, it did,” he grinned, and Merlin handed his son over to him while Gwen stood frozen, tears streaming down her face.

“Wha—what was that?” she asked, looking up at the balcony, then at Merlin. “What did you just do?” she demanded.

“He just saved our son’s life, Gwen.”

“Yeah, the street rat isn’t as useless as he seems,” Merlin said coldly.

“Oh my God, Merlin…” she gasped, then threw her arms around his neck. “Thank you, thank you for saving Gabriel. I’m so sorry…please forgive me for the way I have treated you. I was wrong.”

Merlin looked at Arthur over her shoulder, and Arthur shrugged. Merlin brought his hand up to the back of her head and held her while she cried. She then drew back and reached up to touch his cheek. Merlin smiled gently.

“You were right about everything, Merlin. Everything you said about me…” Gwen said, shaking her head, “I am so sorry. Gabriel is my heart, I could not bear to lose him. You saved my baby boy.” She hugged him again, “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” Merlin said softly, “I couldn’t let anything happen to him.”

“Mama,” Gabriel said, reaching for her. She took him into her arms, holding him close, and he hugged her. “Don’t cry, Mama. Merlin saved me. We can’t tell anyone about his magic, though…promise.”

“I promise, sweetheart,” Gwen laughed, kissing his cheek, then she took him back into the house.

Arthur grabbed Merlin, pulling him against his chest, and kissed him deeply. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”

“Do you have any idea how much I love you?”

“I have an inkling,” Merlin grinned, then kissed him back before taking hold of his hand. “Come on, let’s get you to bed.”

“God, yes,” Arthur breathed out, “I am exhausted.”

Gwen put Gabriel to bed and then joined Lance in the guest room down the hall.

Merlin and Arthur went to the master bedroom. Arthur took a quick shower while Merlin turned down the bed. He stood in the open doorway of the bathroom, watching Arthur through the glass shower wall. He grinned, then lowered his gaze. It was still so hard to believe that Arthur loved him…wanted him. It was surreal. The hardest part to believe was that Arthur was not rushing anything. He was giving Merlin all the time he needed to find his bearings in this new life. With the exception of kissing and touching, they had not been physically intimate since the hot springs. Merlin was not used to a man being so patient and considerate. Most had just used, abused, and left him. He wanted to give back to Arthur. To show him what he means to him. So, when he turned off the shower, Merlin grabbed a fluffy, warm towel, and as Arthur stepped out of the shower, he wrapped the towel around his waist and tucked it in, then proceeded to let his gaze drift over the man he loved.

“Merlin?” Arthur asked softly, his blonde hair dripping.

“Shh, just let me…” Merlin whispered, then stepped forward, his lips pressing against Arthur's in a tender, searching kiss. “I want to take care of you…I want to show you how much I love you. Will you let me?” he asked, looking deep into Arthur’s blue eyes.

“Yes,” Arthur breathed out the word like a promise.

Merlin kissed him again, then slowly let his lips trail down Arthur’s neck and along his shoulders. His tongue flicking out to catch water droplets on wet skin. He heard a sharp intake of breath when his tongue brushed over Arthur’s collarbone, then downward, encircling a nipple, taking it into his mouth, licking, sucking, and gently biting until the man’s knees trembled. Repeating the motion on his other nipple, Merlin had Arthur moaning filthily, reaching out to brace himself against the wall.

“God, Merlin…”

“Shh, I’m not done worshipping you yet,” Merlin said, his voice low and husky. He smiled, then kissed Arthur’s flat, hard abs, his fingertips dragging lightly down his sides to his hip bones. “A body like yours should be illegal,” he smirked, licking across his stomach. “God, you are gorgeous…I want you so badly.”

“I want you too, Merlin, but I want to wait a while longer before we go too far. I want to be careful with you. After everything you have been through.”

Merlin thought for a moment and nodded. A crooked grin on his face as his eyes glinted with amusement and arousal. “There’s nothing saying I have to be careful with you, is there?” he asked, wagging his eyebrows as he licked a stripe up Arthur’s fully engorged cock, making him whimper.

“Nope—nope, not at all, carry on,” Arthur said, biting his bottom lip as Merlin took his full length into his mouth and throat. “Holy fuck, Merlin, your mouth!”

“Mmm,” Merlin hummed around him, and Arthur buried his fingers in the boy’s thick curls.

“God, Merlin…that feels so good.”

Merlin pulled off, stroking him long and slow with his hand. “I could do this all night,” he grinned.

“As much as I would love that, I need sleep,” Arthur chuckled.

“All right,” Merlin said, licking him from base to tip, taking the head between his beautiful, full lips as he stroked Arthur faster and harder. “Come for me, Arthur…I want to taste you,” he said, his voice low and sultry.”

“Fuck, Merlin…” Arthur panted as he held on to Merlin’s hair with one hand and the wall with the other and shuddered with a powerful release. His seed spilling from his cock over Merlin’s soft pink lips and tongue. “Holy hell…that was…just wow…” he gasped.

Merlin leaned back and licked his lips before kissing his way upward to Arthur’s mouth. “I love the taste of you, Arthur,” he whispered against his lips, both of them breathing hard. I love the look on your face when you come.”

Arthur kissed him, “You are intoxicating.”

“I’m addicted to you.”

“Think you can help me walk to the bed? My knees are shaky,” Arthur laughed.

“Right this way, Sire,” Merlin grinned.

“I need to return the favor.”

“You don’t have to.”

“Want to,” Arthur said as they fell on the bed in a tangle of arms and legs. They kissed deeply, and Arthur went down on Merlin. “I’m not as good as you,” he said, but he licked his length and sucked on the head while stroking him. “You’re perfect, you are beautiful,” Arthur smiled.

“You’re doing quite well, Arthur,” Merlin grinned, his head drifting back on the pillows as Arthur pleasured him with his mouth. “No complaints from me.”

“You know I have never done this before.”

“Just do what feels good to you.”

Arthur smiled and licked Merlin’s length again, then decided to go for it and swallowed him down. Merlin struggled to keep his hips still when he wanted to thrust into that warm, wet mouth. He moaned filthily, running his fingers through Arthur’s blonde hair.
“Fuck—fuck, Arthur, yes, you’re so good…like that, more please,” Merlin panted. Arthur bobbed his head up and down until his lips slipped off the head. He stroked him faster, flicking his tongue over the tiny slit until Merlin was chanting his name. “Arthur!” he cried out and came hard, his release spurting over Arthur’s lips and tongue. “Holy shit, you’re a natural!” he laughed breathlessly.

“Thank you,” Arthur smiled, licking his lips as he kissed Merlin’s stomach.

They kissed lazily, then got under the covers, curling into each other. Merlin lay his head on Arthur’s chest, fingertips making figure eights on his skin.

“I love you, Arthur. I want to be with you like this for the rest of my life.”

“Love you too, Merlin and me too.”

Chapter 10: Revenge and Pain

Gwen woke up late, and Lance was gone. She got out of bed, pulling on her robe, tying it around her waist as she walked down the stairs and rounded the corner to the kitchen. She was surprised to see Merlin and Gabriel making pancakes. Arthur and Lance were nowhere around.

“Morning, Mama,” Gabriel giggled, “Me and Merlin are making breakfast.”

“I see that,” she smiled, kissing him on the cheek.

“Where are your dads?”

“They went to the store,” Merlin answered for him, “We needed food for a few days.”

“You’re not going back to camp right away?” Gwen asked.

“No, Arthur wants to stay here for a little while. He said there are things he needs to take care of.”

“I see.”

Merlin looked at her intently and shook his head. “Gwen, is everything okay?”

“Yeah—yes, everything is fine. Thank you for saving my baby boy last night, Merlin.”

“You’re welcome.”

“And I will keep your magic secret. I understand why you don’t want it getting out.”

“Just my mother was so scared,” Merlin said, “She used to pound it into my head to always keep it a secret, to never let anyone use me for power. She would be ashamed if she knew all the stuff I did. How I turned out.”

“Merlin, I know I have been absolutely awful to you, but I disagree. I think your mom would be proud that you are here, standing tall after coming through the storm. As a mom, I know how I would feel.”

“Thank you, Gwen,” Merlin smiled.

“I am going back upstairs to shower and get dressed. I want to leave after breakfast.”

“Mama, I don’t want to leave. I want to stay with Merlin and Dad,” Gabriel said.

“We will see,” Gwen’s smile was strained, and Merlin noticed.

“You’re still worried about me being around Gabriel?”

“No, don’t be silly, Merlin. You saved his life, why on earth would I still be worried?”

“Well, you don’t exactly look thrilled with the idea of Gabriel staying here with us for a few days.”

“I just want to talk to Arthur and Lance first, that’s all. Now I am going back upstairs to get ready.”

“Breakfast will be ready in about thirty minutes,” Merlin said as Gwen went back upstairs, still not sure he believed her. He grinned as he watched Gabriel stir the pancake batter, then he took the eggs and bacon out of the refrigerator.

By the time Gwen came back downstairs, Arthur and Lance were back, and the four of them were laughing and flipping pancake batter at each other while Merlin cooked.

“I can’t leave you boys alone for five minutes, can I?” she asked, feigning anger.

Arthur looked at her with an amused glint, “My house, I can make a mess if I want to.”

Gwen rolled her eyes, “Children.”

“Mama, can I please stay with Daddy and Merlin for a few days?”

“Daddy?” Gwen asked, raising her eyebrows.

Lance nodded, “He asked if he could call me Dad and Arthur Daddy. I said it was fine with me.”

“Works for me too,” Arthur smiled.

“What about Merlin?” she asked with barely constrained bitterness.

“Merlin is just Merlin,” Merlin said with a shrug, sending her a challenging look.

“I suppose you could stay a few days,” she said reluctantly, and Gabriel cheered, hugging Arthur’s neck tightly.

“Thank you, Gwen,” Arthur said with a wide grin and kissed her cheek.

“Yeah, yeah, just don’t spoil him too much,” she said with a huff.

“Wouldn’t dream of it,” Merlin said under his breath.

Lance and Gwen left after breakfast. Merlin was washing up the dishes and cleaning the kitchen while Arthur and Gabriel had a soccer death match in the yard, which he watched through the window with a grin on his face and warmth in his chest. He felt something that was foreign to him for so long…belonging. He had a gorgeous man who loved him and a little boy who had stolen his heart at first sight. This is what it felt like to be happy, and he would fight to the death to hold onto all of it.

Merlin put away the dishes and then poured himself a glass of lemonade. He went out onto the deck and sprawled out on one of the lounge chairs to watch his boys play. Arthur looked over and smiled.

“You could join us.”

“No, thanks…I am not a soccer player. I will watch the professionals.”

“Merlin, watch what I can do!” Gabriel said, then proceeded to bounce the soccer ball on his foot, then he kicked it up and hit it with his head.

“Woohoo, brilliant, good job,” Merlin shouted, applauding.

“Daddy says I can be a real soccer player when I get big.”

Arthur scooped him up and sat him on his broad shoulders, running around the yard with Gabriel giggling and waving his arms to imaginary spectators. Merlin waved a hand, his eyes flashing gold, and suddenly there was the sound of real people cheering and shouting, applauding loudly. Gabriel looked around at Merlin, giving him the broadest grin.

“Hear that, little prince,” Arthur winked at Merlin, “Your kingdom adores you.” He then set Gabriel on his feet, and he ran straight into Merlin’s waiting arms.

“Thank you, Merlin,” he said, hugging his neck tightly.

“You’re welcome, little prince.”

Gabriel looked at Arthur, “Daddy, is it okay if I love Merlin too?”

Arthur smiled, “Absolutely. Merlin deserves all the love we can give him.”

“Okay, I love you, Merlin,” Gabriel said, his dark brown eyes soft and full of emotion.

“I love you, too, Gabriel. With all my heart.”

Gabriel smiled, “You love my Daddy too.”

“Yes, I do.”

“Aunt Morgana said you two are gonna get married.”

“Did she now?” Arthur huffed, taking a seat on the end of the lounge.

“That’s a long way off, I think,” Merlin grinned.

“She said you and Daddy are soulmates. What does that mean?”

Arthur reached out, linking his fingers with Merlin’s. “Soulmates are two people who share a bond like no other. They feel it the instant they meet. They belong together, and no one can come between them.”

Gabriel was in deep thought for a moment, then gave a short nod. “Like peanut butter and jelly!”

“Exactly like peanut butter and jelly,” Merlin chuckled.

“I love peanut butter and jelly,” the boy giggled, then got up to go play with the soccer ball again.

“That is one smart kid you have there.”

“We have…” Arthur smiled, then leaned over to kiss Merlin on the lips, “I love you.”

“Love you too,” Merlin said, tears shining in his eyes.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing, just so damn happy…I’m scared it's gonna all go away.”

“Soulmates, remember,” Arthur said, “We are meant to be together.”
“I know, but yeah,” Merlin lowered his head.

“Everything is going to be fine, Merlin. Just let yourself be happy.”

“I’ll try. I just can’t shake the feeling that things are not okay between me and Gwen. Even after last night.”

“You will tell me if she says anything to you,” Arthur said firmly, “I don’t care what it is. You tell me, and I will handle it.”
“I will, I promise.”

 

Gwen entered the restaurant, looking around for him. Her stomach churned. She hated the man with a passion, but if he could help her, she would swallow her pride. Sometimes you have to deal with the devil to get what you want, and what she wanted was Merlin out of their lives for good. To go back to the way things were before that street rat came along and upended their extended family.
She spotted him sitting at a table in the far back corner. He waved to her, and she made her way past full tables to get there. He stood up as she approached, like a gentleman, and kissed her cheek. She smiled and sat down when he pulled her chair out.

“It is so good to see you, Guinevere. You are beautiful as ever.”

“You’re too kind, Agravaine,” she said, patting his hand where it lay on the table.

“I was so glad you called me. What can I do for you, my dear?”

“I want Merlin gone,” she said, keeping her voice down.

“Gone?” Agravaine asked with a smirk.

“I don’t care how. I just want him out of our lives. Arthur told me about the deal you offered him, and I am hoping you can make him take it. Either an offer he can’t resist or force him. I don’t care how you do it, just do it. Help me prove to Arthur that Merlin will drop to his knees for any man with money and power.”

Agravaine leaned back in his seat and smiled, cupping his chin. “You have no idea how much I want that boy. God, he is beautiful, just the thought…” he sighed, and Gwen threw up a little in her mouth. “But I think you underestimate Merlin, my dear, he is very intelligent.”

“Look, you beat the charges against you and got off scot free. That tells me you have resources and the ability to do as I ask. Will you help me or not?”

Agravaine smirked, “I will help you. It would be my pleasure.”

“Good, I can pay you, not much, but I have a little savings.”

“Keep your money, Guinevere. Merlin is payment enough,” he said.

“When will you do it? I want him dealt with as soon as possible. My son is getting too attached to him, and then there’s Arthur…” she huffed. “What he sees in that street rat I will never understand. Arthur did everything humanly possible to free him, then brought him home like a lost freaking puppy. Introduces him to our son without speaking to me first.”

“Gabriel is Arthur’s son? That is an interesting development,” Agravaine said, raising an eyebrow.

“Yes, well, Merlin is to blame for that as well. He came into our lives and blew everything up. I want him gone so we can get back to what we were. As much as possible anyway.”

“Ah, I understand,” Agravaine leaned forward, “You lied to Arthur all this time, and he found out because of Merlin.”

“I did what I had to do to hold on to my family. Lance is my husband…my heart, but I will always love Arthur. Merlin showed up at camp and ruined everything. I want the little bastard dealt with so I can try to put the pieces of my life back together.”

“Guinevere, I never knew you to be so vicious and conniving. I am truly impressed.”

“I will do whatever it takes to protect my family. Even if it means making a deal with the devil himself.”

Agravaine laughed, “Ah, you flatter me.”

“Shall we order dinner? I am starving,” Gwen smiled.

“Of course, my treat,” he nodded, and they picked up the menus.

“Gabriel is staying with Arthur and Merlin for a few days, then they are going back up to camp. Your best shot at Merlin is going to be at camp.”

Agravaine nodded, “I have people who can handle themselves in the wilderness. He will need to be restrained.”

“More than that,” Gwen said, “Merlin has magic. He saved Gabriel when he fell from the balcony last night. I thought I was seeing things at first, but he used magic to catch him.”

“Magic, huh…” Agravaine said, playing dumb.

“You will have to tranquilize him. It’s the only way you will be able to handle him.”

“Merlin is magic…”

“Whatever you do, Arthur and Gabriel cannot find out it was me who told you. I promised them I would protect Merlin’s secret. They would never forgive me.”

Agravaine shifted in his seat, then lowered his voice. “I don’t think kidnapping him is going to be enough.”

“What do you mean?”

“Arthur is loyal to a fault, he has feelings for Merlin. He will not stop looking for him.”

“What would you suggest?” Gwen asked.

“A more permanent solution…”

“You mean killing him?”

“Of course not, where would be the fun in that? I am looking forward to breaking that boy,” Agravaine smirked.

“Then what?”

“To turn Arthur against Merlin, it would take a colossal betrayal of trust. What if Merlin were to start using again? If he were to be caught by Arthur, high and in possession of heroin. He would immediately cast him out into the cold to get him away from Gabriel.”
Gwen leaned forward and smiled, “I knew there was a reason I came to you. That is absolutely brilliant. Arthur would turn on him in an instant. Merlin would not only be destroyed in his eyes, but he would end up in prison, where he belongs.”
“I will procure the drugs and set everything up. You will need to do your part as the protective mother and threaten Arthur. Tell him you will keep Gabriel from him if he doesn’t get him out of the house.”

“It will be an Oscar-worthy performance,” Gwen beamed at him.

 

“Are you sure you are okay with this?” Arthur asked.

“I’m fine. You go spend time with your son. I will just hang out here and make myself useful.”

“Oh, you are very useful,” Arthur winked, leaning over the bed to kiss Merlin’s soft lips.

“You’re a bit biased,” Merlin grinned.

“I am very biased.”

“Go, your son is waiting.”

“Our son,” Arthur reminded him with another kiss.

“Our son,” Merlin repeated.

“We will be back before dinner. I will grill steaks.”

“I’ll make us a dessert.”

“Sounds good,” Arthur winked, then kissed him deeply, “Thank you.”

“For what?”

“For everything. I love you.”

“Love you too, Arthur,” Merlin smiled, brushing his cheek fondly.

“Daddy!” Gabriel called out from downstairs.

“I’m coming!”

“Enjoy your day together.”

“I’ll miss you.”

“You can’t miss me until you’re actually gone,” Merlin chuckled.

“Going…going…” Arthur huffed and left the bedroom, giving Merlin a parting glance and a huge smile.

Merlin lay there until he heard the front door close, then got up to shower and dress. Downstairs, he cleaned the house and did the laundry while watching random YouTube videos on Arthur’s massive TV. He laughed to himself as he looked around and realized how far he had come in such a short time. It still frightened him to think of losing it all.

His phone chimed, and he pulled it out of his pocket to look at it. On the screen was a goofy-faced Gabriel shoving cotton candy into his mouth while wearing a giraffe hat. Merlin laughed. God, he loved the kid…tears pooled in his eyes as he looked at the pic. It hit him then. He never had a father, had no idea how to be a father, but for Gabriel, he would move Heaven and Earth to make that little boy smile every single day for the rest of his life.

Another photo came through, this time Arthur was in the pic with Gabriel, he was wearing a monkey hat and eating a corndog. Merlin chuckled and sent back a response.

“You’ve never looked more handsome.”

“Got you one too.”

“Thanks, can’t wait to see it.”

“Gabriel picked it out. It’s a dragon.”

“Nice! You two look like you’re having the time of your lives.”

“We are, but we miss you.”

“Miss you too.”

“Are you okay?”

“I’m good. See you when you get home.”

“See you in a couple of hours.”

Merlin tucked his phone back in his pocket and smiled. He flopped down on the sofa and closed his eyes. Drifting off to sleep, he was awakened sometime later to a hand over his mouth and a burning pain in his left arm. He struggled against his attackers, but the burning spread through his entire body, and everything seemed to move in slow motion. He tried to scream, but the hand over his mouth prevented any sound from escaping. Looking up at the faces, they were all a blur, his eyes betraying him.

“Don’t worry, Merlin, you’re going to feel so good, just relax and let it wash over you,” a familiar voice uttered in his ear.

“Agravaine…” Merlin recoiled, kicking his legs in vain. His magic retreated somewhere in his soul, leaving him helpless and panicked.

“That’s it,” Agravaine smirked, “You will be all mine soon.”

Merlin felt his body convulse, and his vision went black. His last thought before slipping away into unconsciousness was of Arthur and Gabriel. “I’m sorry…” he gasped, and it was done.

“Mess this place up,” Agravaine ordered his men, “Make it look good. Wipe everything down and plant the drugs. Give me his phone.” He took the phone and looked at his text messages. “Ridiculous,” he huffed at the photos Arthur had sent over an hour ago. He quickly typed a message.

“I’m sorry, Arthur…I just can’t take it anymore…I’m sorry I let you down…forgive me.”

He hit send, then wiped the phone off before shoving it back into Merlin’s pocket. “You will get what you deserve, Merlin,” he said smugly, then turned. “Let’s go.”

 

By the time Arthur got back to the house, he was a mess. Merlin’s text message had sent him into a panic. He’d called Gwaine on the way and asked him to meet him there. He was outside with Gabriel playing soccer while Arthur struggled with the terrifying thought of what he would find once he got inside.

Unlocking the door, he stepped inside and rounded the corner to see the living room trashed and Merlin sprawled out on the sofa, the sleeves of his hoodie pushed up past his elbows, revealing clear and fresh needle marks.

“Oh my God, Merlin,” Arthur dropped to his knees next to the sofa, feeling for a pulse and praying he would find one. “Merlin,” he shouted, shaking him gently. His eyes opened, blue and glazed over, pupils blown wide. “God, Merlin…”

Arthur looked around desperately. He couldn’t take Merlin to the hospital. He had to protect him.

“Arthur!” Morgana cried out as she walked into the room, “ Merlin…what?”

“Morgana, I need you to take Gabriel and go to Uther. Someone did this to Merlin.”

“What do you mean?”

Arthur looked at Merlin and shook his head. “Merlin would never do this to himself. He just wouldn’t. Take Gabriel to Uther and stay there with him until you hear from me. Tell Gwaine I need him in here.”

“All right,” Morgana nodded and headed back outside.

Gwaine came in a few minutes later with an emergency bag. “What the fuck? Who did this?”

“I don’t know, but I need to protect him. If this gets out, he will be arrested and sent to prison. We can get him through this. Just like you did for me, remember?”

“I remember,” Gwaine nodded. The memory of spending three days getting Arthur through withdrawals after a near overdose was all too fresh in his mind. He’d nearly lost him. He would not let Arthur lose Merlin. “Let’s get him in my truck. I will take him up to the old ranger station on Castle Ridge; no one goes up there anymore. Especially this time of year."

“Good idea,” Arthur nodded.

Gwaine backed his truck up to the open garage, and they carefully loaded Merlin into the backseat and wrapped him in warm blankets. Arthur was close to tears as he leaned in to kiss Merlin.

“Gwaine will take good care of you. I love you, Merlin. Don’t leave me.”

“Arthur, what are you going to do?” Gwaine asked.

“I’m going to find out who did this and kill them,” he said, his voice rough and dangerous.

“Just be careful, brother.”

“Take care of him. I will join you up there as soon as I can,” Arthur said, and Gwaine embraced him.

“I will.”

“Go,” Arthur nodded and watched helplessly as Gwaine slid behind the wheel and pulled out, heading south. Going back inside the house, Arthur searched everywhere, finding the drugs stashed all over the place. Whoever was setting Merlin up they were thorough.
After destroying the evidence, Arthur went into his office and pulled up the feed from the multiple hidden security cameras on the property. The men kept their faces hidden, and the license plates on the SUVs were blacked out. He couldn’t see anything that would identify any of them.

“Fuck!” he swore, running a hand through his hair.

The camera in the living room showed four men on Merlin. Arthur was seething, watching them inject him with the drugs, and Merlin was fighting against it with everything he had.

“I’ll kill them all,” Arthur growled.

He was about to turn off the camera when he saw something. One of the men leaned down and was talking into Merlin’s ear, his hand stroking his hair. His hand…no gloves. Arthur zoomed in and saw it…the ring. It was the de Bois family crest…his mother’s family crest.

“Fucking Agravaine,” Arthur said, then stood up. He saved the video footage to his phone and the cloud, so he had the evidence. This would clear Merlin if it came to that. First, he had to bring down his uncle once and for all.

 

“Where’s Gabriel?” Gwen shrieked.

“He’s safe, Morgana has him at the estate.”

“I never gave you permission…”

“He’s my son, I am protecting him. I don’t need your fucking permission.”

“You should never have allowed Merlin into your home. He’s a drug addict and a whore.”

Arthur bit his tongue to keep from saying something incriminating. He really wanted to slap her. Where was Morgana when he needed her?

“Where the hell is he?” Gwen asked.

“I have no idea. We had a fight, and he took off,” Arthur lied, turning his anger against Merlin to keep his cover until he could deal with Agravaine. “He was stoned out of his mind. I can’t believe he would do this to us. Not after everything.”

“I warned you, Arthur. You didn’t listen.”

“I’m sorry, Gwen, I should have listened to you,” Arthur feigned regret.

“What are you going to do now? You are not going to allow him back into this house.”

“Of course not.”

“I do not want him anywhere near Gabriel ever again.”

“Neither do I,” Arthur said, barely managing to hide the pain in his eyes.

Unfortunately, Gwen knew him too well. “Oh my God, you love him…after all this. You would take him back.”

“No,” Arthur shook his head, “Not after this. Not with Gabriel. I have to put his safety first.”

“Well, that is a relief at least,” Gwen huffed.

“Go home, Gwen. I need to deal with this.”

“I will pick up Gabriel tomorrow afternoon,” she said, then headed out the door to her car.

Arthur slammed it shut behind her and swore.

Chapter 11: Withdrawals and Snowflakes

Merlin’s body had turned against him. His eyelids were heavy, his tongue felt three sizes too big for his mouth, and as dry as the Sahara Desert. His skin broke out in goosebumps, but he was sweating profusely. Every inch of skin hurt, his muscles convulsing beneath the surface. His head hurt, and his mind was a cacophony of thoughts. Images of Arthur, his face etched with rage and pain, believing Merlin did this to himself.

Nearly rolling off the bed, he hurled into the trash can, everything coming up, leaving him shaking violently, his chest heaving, tears streaming down his face. He felt a warm, comforting grip on the back of his neck, easing him back down onto the bed. A cold, wet cloth on his forehead.

“Easy, I’ve got you,” Gwaine said softly.

“Gwaine?”

“Yeah?”

“I wanna die now…”

“No, you don’t. You die, and Arthur will rip my nuts off and feed them to a grizzly bear.”

Merlin laughed despite everything, “Vivid image…thanks for that.”

“It’s a gift,” Gwaine shrugged, then wiped Merlin’s bare chest and arms.

“I didn’t do this…” Merlin choked, “It was Agravaine.”

“I know…so does Arthur.”

Merlin looked at him, hope in his eyes. “He knows. He doesn’t hate me?”

“No, he doesn’t hate you.”

“Then where is he?”

“Taking care of business,” Gwaine said plainly, and Merlin let his head fall back on the pillow, which was soaking wet.
The wave hit him again. Merlin let out a low, wretched groan, his body jerking uncontrollably. He had been through withdrawals before, but it had been a long time, and it had been nothing like this. Agravaine must have laced the heroin with something else.

“Hang on, Merlin,” Gwaine said, “We are going to get you through this.”

“Gabriel…”

“He’s fine, he is with Gwen.”

“How long?”

“We’ve been here three days. Lying low until Arthur gets things under control back home.”

“Agravaine, he won’t stop.”

“Don’t worry about him. Focus on getting through this, then we will deal with that fuckhead.”

“I need Arthur,” Merlin whimpered as another wave of pain and nausea washed over him. He leaned over the edge and threw up again, getting some on Gwaine’s boots. “Sorry…”

“Don’t worry about it,” Gwaine grinned, “I didn’t like these boots anyway.”

“Why are you doing this?”

“Because you’re worth it.”

“I’m really not…”

“Bullshit,” Gwaine said unwaveringly. “You’re a good man, Merlin. Arthur loves you, and so does a certain little boy. Not to mention Morgana…that woman adores you and would be devastated if anything happened to you. Remember, she broke a nail defending your honor; you owe her.”

Merlin laughed, his stomach roiling with the effort, but he couldn’t help it. “God, I hurt.”

“You are going to be fine. I’m an old hand at getting people through withdrawals.”

“Who?” Merlin asked, then lifted his head, “Arthur?”

“Yes, it was years ago. It was not pretty.”

“I didn’t know.”

“No, you wouldn’t. Arthur doesn’t like to talk about it much.”

“I was so scared he would believe I did this to myself. That he would kick me out.”

“It’s gonna take a lot more than that to make him walk away. He loves you, Merlin.”

Merlin sat up, throwing his legs over the edge of the bed, pressing his hands to the side of his head. “I feel like I’ve been run over by a thousand pissed off elephants wearing cleats.”

“Now THAT's a vivid image,” Gwaine chuckled.

“I need a shower.”

“Can you stand up long enough?”

“I’ll give it a shot. I’m rank.”

“Morgana dropped off a bag with clean clothes and toiletries for you,” Gwaine said, then walked over to the table, grabbed the blue duffel bag, then helped Merlin to his feet. “Lean on me,” he said.

In the bathroom, Merlin perched on the edge of the sink while Gwaine turned on the shower, then helped him undress. “Dizzy…” he shook his head.

“Are you sure you are okay?”

“No, but I stink, I need a shower. Then I will feel better.”

“All right, the bag is there. Call if you need help.”

“I’ve got this,” Merlin forced a smile.

“I’ll leave the door open in case you collapse again.”

“Thanks, Gwaine…for everything,” he said, and Gwaine nodded and then left him to it.

Letting out a ragged breath, Merlin stood up on shaky legs and stumbled into the small shower stall, holding onto the slick tile walls for stability. The water washed over him, setting his skin on fire, but it felt good. He washed his hair with shampoo and conditioner that Morgana sent; it smelled like the sea. It took him a while, but he managed to finish the shower, dry himself off, and get dressed without passing out.

By the time he emerged from the steam-filled bathroom, he almost felt human again. Running his fingers through his wet curls, he looked at Gwaine and smiled. “Still alive,” he grinned.

“Glad for that,” Gwaine chuckled, “Do you want to try eating?”

"Oh, no," Merlin shook his head, “Not ready for that yet.”

“Well, you need something to drink at least, so try this tea.”

Taking a seat at the counter, he wrapped his hands around the warm mug, staring down into the amber liquid. Closing his eyes, he inhaled deeply. The tea smelled like ass, but he drank it slowly and soon his stomach began to calm down.

“Better?” Gwaine asked.

“Yeah, a bit. Thanks for everything.”

“It’s the least I could do, Merlin.”

“I just hope Arthur is okay.”

“He’s fine, he texted me a bit ago. Wants me to tell you he loves you and everything is going to be okay.”

“Wish I could believe that. I feel like I am on the verge of losing everything.”

“I guess that depends…”

“On what?”

“On how hard you’re willing to fight for it.”

Merlin looked at Gwaine and nodded. His expression turned hard and determined, his voice calm and dangerous at the same time. “To the death…” he said.

“There you go then…everything is going to be fine.”

“Just fine,” Merlin echoed, finishing his tea. “I think I’ll get some fresh air.”

“Better stay inside, Merlin, it snowed a little last night, and it is bitterly cold.”

“Guess I’ll lie down then,” he said, then moved toward the bed.

“Good idea, I changed the bedding, it was soaked with sweat and other questionable bodily fluids,” Gwaine grinned, “Try to get some sleep. I need to go down the mountain to get supplies in a couple of hours when the sun is up enough the melt the roads off.”
“Sounds good. Can you pick me up some Coke?”

“You got it,” Gwaine smiled. “I’m gonna go cut some more wood,” he said, putting his heavy coat on. “Be back in a bit. Holler if you need me.”

Merlin rolled over to face the wall, pulling the blankets up over him. He was still exhausted and drained of energy. His magic was just beginning to show a spark of life again. Closing his eyes was a very bad idea; it all came rushing back to him the second he dropped off to sleep. The nightmares had him, a captive audience. All the pain and fear. Arthur…”Arthur!” Merlin screamed in his sleep, then shot upright in the bed. His nose was bleeding profusely, his arms clasped over his chest.

Gwaine came running, bursting through the door like a superhero. He helped Merlin stop the bleeding, then eased him back down on the bed. “Easy, Merlin…you’re okay. You’re safe.”

“Gwaine, I love you, mate, for all of this, but I really need Arthur here.”

“I know you do, and I understand, but we’re just gonna have to lay low and wait. He said we are not to poke our heads out until he calls or gets here.”

“This sucks,” Merlin huffed, pressing the heels of his hands to his eyes. “Everything hurts. I had forgotten how bad withdrawals are.”

“How long ago did you last use?” Gwaine asked as he flipped a chair around and sat down, folding his arms across the back.

“It was before camp,” Merlin shook his head, “It was stupid. I hadn’t touched the stuff for about a month, then I wanted one last hit before I went to camp. I was feeling good. No bad withdrawals until now.”

“Well, the dose they gave you probably would have killed a mortal man,” Gwaine shook his head. “You’re lucky to be alive.”

“I know, and I’m pretty sure it was laced with something else.”
“Fuck, Merlin…”

“Yeah, I guess I used up another of my nine lives,” he grinned.

Gwaine chuckled, “You've got a way to go to catch me. I am at least on number six.”

“You nearly died six times?” Merlin gasped.

“Not sure, I lost count in there somewhere. For all I know, I could be in the negative by now.”

“Tell me…take my mind off stuff.”

Gwaine took a deep breath and grinned, “Let’s see…The first time I nearly died was when I fell into an ice-encrusted river after breaking into a liquor store and almost getting caught. Hypothermia…not fun. Second time, I was stabbed in the ribs by a crazed postman.”

“You’re making that up!” Merlin giggled.

“God’s honest truth. He was a mailman, he thought I was going to take his mailbag, and he turned around and stabbed me. Of course, I may have left out the part where he was drunk and homeless. Oh, and his mailbag had bottles of booze in it. I really wanted a drink!”

Merlin laughed, “Makes perfect sense to me…worth dying for a drink.”

“Exactly!” Gwaine said with a flourish, “Third time was when I drank Uther’s sixty-year-old scotch, but God was it good. Thought he was going to take my head off with his sword.”

“I’m sensing a pattern here,” Merlin grinned.

“You think?” he asked with a smirk.

“And the fourth time?”

“Fourth time, I was caught kissing the daughter of my probation officer.”

“Just kissing?”

“Maybe a bit more than kissing,” Gwaine chuckled.

“No drink involved in that one?”

“Oh, we were very drunk, and she was only sixteen, I was nearly eighteen.”

“Definitely a pattern,” Merlin nodded his eyebrows lifting as he cupped his chin like some college professor counseling a student.

“Let’s see, number five was in the military, top secret, can’t tell you or I’d have to kill you.”

“Then how do I know if it is true?”

“Trust me, it is true, and I have the scar to prove it across my lower back. Hurt like a mother—thought for sure I was gonna die that time. Number six is a bit hazy, but it was on leave from base. Arthur and I had R&R. We went to this town somewhere in the middle of Afghanistan. We were just having some fun before we got sent out on our next mission the following Monday. Some kid on a motorcycle loaded with explosives drove into the middle of a market with hundreds of innocent civilians. Arthur and I spotted him, he knocked him off the bike, and I got on it and rode like hell out of there. I bailed off just as it blew and nearly killed me.”

“Oh my God, Gwaine,” Merlin choked, his eyes filling with tears.

“Don’t cry over it. Not worth the tears.”

“That was six,” Merlin said, “Is there more?”

“I guess I could count when I forgot Morgana’s birthday and she nearly ripped my balls off.”

Merlin laughed, “That would be seven.”

“I’m probably in the negative,” Gwaine said, “I know there were a few other close calls in there.”

“You’re the one who is lucky to be alive then.”

“Luck of the Irish, mate,” Gwaine smiled.

“Dare I ask how many lives Arthur has used up?” Merlin asked hesitantly.

“Not many because I was always there to pull his arse out of the fire. He was shot twice. And many close calls under the guise of labels like ‘Top secret’, ‘Eyes only’, and ‘This mission does not exist’, in other words, ‘You’re on your Own—good luck’.

“Damn,” Merlin uttered under his breath.

Gwaine looked at him and nodded seriously. “Arthur is a great man…the best I’ve ever known. You hold on to him and don’t let go.”

“I don’t plan on it, I love him.”

“Good,” Gwaine smiled, “Now, how about some food?”

Merlin’s stomach lurched a bit at the thought, but he nodded. “Sure, I’ll try some.”

“Great, I will fix you something, then you can rest while I run down the mountain for supplies.”

 

Gwen was furious, she drove to Agravaine’s house to get to the bottom of this mess. Pulling into the wide circular drive, she got out and went to the door, banging on it hard until it opened. “Where is he?” she asked as she pushed her way into the house passed the maid. “I need to see Agravaine now,” she snapped.

“Mr. Agravaine is in a meeting,” the maid said.

“Get him, now. This is important.”

“I’m sorry he specifically asked not to be disturbed.”

“I don’t care!” Gwen shrieked and then ran down the long hallway, opening doors. “Agravaine!” she yelled at the top of her lungs. She reached the last door and opened it to find the man sitting at his desk speaking to someone on a laptop. “I need to see you now,” Gwen said.

“Very well,” Agravaine frowned, but ended his meeting, then stood up. “What is the meaning of this? We agreed not to be seen together, and now you come barging into my home and interrupt my meeting.”

“The plan didn’t work!” Gwen blurted out, her hands moving in the air, “Arthur has Merlin stashed away at the old Ranger Station on Castle Ridge. He’s got Gwaine babysitting him, getting him through withdrawals. I tracked his cell phone.”

“Well, this is a surprising development,” Agravaine said, “I thought my nephew was smarter than that. Seems he really does love that boy if he is willing to risk everything for him.”

“You’re not helping, Agravaine, you said you would take care of things.”

“Breathe, Guinevere, we still have options. I still have more heroin in my briefcase, so we can inject him again. Arthur won’t believe him if it continues to happen.”

“You’re wrong. Arthur has hidden cameras all over his house. He probably knows you are behind it by now. You must have given something away.”

“No matter, we can still get rid of Merlin.”

“How?” Gwen asked.

“Kill him,” Agravaine stated matter-of-factly.

“Kill him,” Gwen said.

“Do you have the stomach for it, Guinevere?” Agravaine asked with a smirk as he sat down on the edge of his desk, folding his arms across his chest.

“Yes, I want him dead,” she said, clutching her hands into fists by her side.

“Merlin still trusts you, does he not?”

“Yes, I think so.”

“Then I have a plan…”

 

“I’ve got to get down the mountain before this blizzard hits,” Gwaine said, “We are almost out of food. I will be back as quickly as I can.”

“Be careful, Gwaine,” Merlin said.

“Don’t worry, I have at least three lives left…maybe,” he winked, then pulled on his coat and boots. He tucked his long brown hair into a stocking cap and grabbed his gloves. “Coke? Anything else?” he asked.

“Some chocolate would be nice and something salty,” Merlin grinned.

“Gotcha, be back soon. Keep the door locked. This storm is going to be a killer.”

“I could go with you?”

“No, you’re safer here. Besides, you are still not through this. Stay and rest. I’ll leave you my phone.”

“No, what if you need it to call for help if you get into trouble? You take it, I’ll be fine. I’m just going to sleep.”

“All right, but if anything happens, there is a radio in the bag over there. Call for help.”

“Will do.”

Gwaine gave Merlin a quick hug, then headed for the door. “Lock it behind me,” he said, and Merlin nodded, getting up from the bed. As soon as it closed, he locked it. Looking out the window, he noticed light snowflakes drifting down already.

“Hurry back,” Merlin said as he heard Gwaine start his truck and head down the road.

Glancing around the cabin, he let out a sigh. He walked around straightening things and added more wood to the fire. Taking a seat in the armchair next to the hearth, he closed his eyes and drifted off. He woke to the sound of someone knocking on the door and got up. Looking out the window, he saw Gwen’s car.

“Gwen,” Merlin said as he unlocked the door and opened it, “What are you doing up here? There’s a blizzard moving in.”

“Arthur sent me,” she smiled as she came in carrying a duffel bag and three grocery sacks. “He asked me to bring you and Gwaine a few things. How are you feeling, Merlin?”

“I’m alive,” he said, then took the bags from her.

“That’s good,” Gwen beamed at him.

“I appreciate you bringing this stuff, but Gwen, you should really get going before the snow gets worse.”

“Oh, I can stay awhile. My car has all-wheel drive, and I’m used to bad weather.”

“How is Gabriel?” Merlin asked, “I miss him.”

“He is good. He misses you too.”

“I guess the camp is shut down for the winter now,” Merlin said.

“Actually, we have campers even in winter. Some people like the quietness of it.”

“I can see that. Do you want to sit down here by the fire?”

“I could fix you something to eat,” Gwen said, heading toward the kitchen.

“No, thank you, I already ate a bit. My stomach can’t handle too much food right now.”

“I’m so sorry this happened to you, Merlin. It must have been awful.”

“It was, but I’m going to be okay. I am just grateful that Arthur believed in me enough to know that I would never do this to myself again. Not with all I have to live for.”

“Yes, you definitely have a lot to live for, Merlin,” Gwen smiled.

“Meeting Arthur changed everything for me. I love him, Gwen.”

Gwen walked over to the window, looking out at the falling snow. “I know you do,” she said, then turned. “Well, you could at least let me make you some hot tea or cocoa.”

“That would be nice, thank you,” Merlin said, then returned to his spot by the fire while Gwen moved around the kitchen putting the kettle on the stove. He stared into the flames and smiled.

“Here you go,” Gwen said softly as she set the cup on the coffee table in front of Merlin.

“Thank you, Gwen,” he said. As he reached for it, Gwen jabbed a syringe into his arm, injecting him with heroin. “What the hell?” he yelled and shoved her backward. She landed on her backside on the wooden floor. “Gwen, why?” he asked, tears in his eyes as he felt the drug spreading like wildfire through his body.

Gwen got to her feet and glared at him. “You destroyed everything, Merlin. I had a perfect life with Lance and Arthur and my Gabriel until you came along and upended everything.”

“I didn’t—didn’t do anything,” Merlin choked, struggling.

“I hate you, Merlin…Arthur deserves better than you.”

Merlin’s anger flared then, his blue eyes wide and glinting with rage. “Better than me? That’s rich coming from the woman who cheated on him, got pregnant, and lied about the father to protect herself.”

“That is none of your business. I had things just perfect until you walked into Arthur’s life. Throwing yourself at him...it’s disgusting. To think of him fucking you in what was once my bed…it makes me sick.”

Merlin shook his head, “You’re a twisted woman. But for your information, Arthur and I haven’t been together like that yet. He has been patient and gentle because he knows things about me that no one else does. He loves me.”

“How can he love you? You’re nothing but a street rat and a whore. Dropping to your knees for any man who offers you their cock.”

“I see you have been thinking about this a lot, Gwen,” Merlin smirked.

“Shut up,” she hissed.

“So now what, we just sit here and wait for me to die of an overdose?”

“No, that will take too long,” Gwen smiled, then pulled another syringe from her purse. This time, when she went to jab it into Merlin’s arm, he lunged at her, knocking her back, and the syringe fell to the floor. She looked up into his eyes and watched as they flickered gold. Scrambling to her feet, she ran for the door, yanking it open and running out into the snow.

Merlin stumbled after her...his legs felt heavy as lead, and his arms were numb. He reached the door frame, grabbing onto it to stop the world from spinning around him. “Gwen!” he shouted after her, but she kept running. “Fuck,” he muttered and pushed himself off the door frame. He didn’t even notice the cold wetness as he moved through the snow in his socks. He focused on the blue of Gwen’s coat and followed her.

Gwen ran through the blinding snow, and the wind was bitterly cold. She knew the area well, but the snow made everything look the same...landmarks vanished in a white curtain. She looked back, seeing Merlin behind her, closing in surprisingly fast considering the amount of heroin pumping through his veins. Tripping on a tree root hidden in the snow, Gwen went down hard on her hands.

“Gwen, stop!” Merlin called after her.

“Go to hell,” she said, then got up and kept running. Stopping for a moment to catch her breath and get her bearings, Gwen then turned and ran in the direction she hoped would take her where she wanted to go, back to her car. She would leave Merlin to die of a drug overdose, lost in a blizzard.

“Dammit, Gwen, stop!” Merlin shouted.

A moment later, there was a shrill scream and the sound of breaking branches and falling rocks. Merlin stumbled in that direction, reaching a sheer cliff. Below him, he could barely see the blue of Gwen’s coat through the snow as she struggled to hold onto a rock and a twisted tree root growing out of the cliff face.

“Merlin! Help me!” Gwen shrieked.

“Hold on, Gwen,” he called down to her, then looked around. Getting down on his stomach, he carefully slid forward and held his hand out, fingers splayed wide. He called upon his magic, and it responded. A golden rope formed and moved like a snake down the cliff, wrapping around Gwen’s body. “I’ve got you,” he said reassuringly, “I am going to pull you up now.”

“Merlin, hurry, I can’t hold on.”

“Just trust me and let go, I have you. You won’t fall.”

“Merlin!”

“Let go, Gwen,” he said calmly.

Gwen released her hold on the rock and the root. Her eyes went wide as she felt herself suspended in midair by a golden rope of Merlin’s magic. “Merlin…” she cried softly.

“Here we go,” Merlin said, then rose up on his knees pulling the golden rope until Gwen reached the top. He grabbed her and pulled her into his arms, holding her close. “Got you, you’re safe now.”

Coming to her senses, Gwen scrambled away from him, looking down the cliff. “Why did you save me? You could have just let me die.”

Merlin looked at her and let out a breath. “I couldn’t do that to Gabriel.”

Gwen’s shoulders sagged then, her body folding in on itself as she broke down. “Gabriel…my baby.”

“I lost my mother when I was young. I couldn’t let you die.”

“Even after what I did to you?”

“Yes, even after,” Merlin said as he struggled to his feet. “Can you walk?” he asked, and Gwen nodded. “Good, let’s get back to the cabin and get warm.” He started walking but stopped cold when he heard a metallic click. He turned around to see Gwen aiming a gun at him.

“I can’t let you walk away, Merlin. Thank you for saving my life, but I can’t have you coming between me and my family. You have to die,” Gwen said, taking several steps forward.

Merlin let out a breath and looked up at the sky, snowflakes landing on his eyelashes. “Whatever happened to gratitude?” he asked with a huff.

“I’m sorry, Merlin, but I have to do this. One day, Arthur and Gabriel will understand. I did what I had to do to protect my family. Goodbye,” Gwen said, and pulled the trigger.

Merlin’s magic flared up, but not quickly enough. The bullet hit him in the shoulder, spinning him around. He hit the ground, blood turning the snow red around him. A moment later, another shot rang out, and he waited for the impact. When it didn’t come, he lifted his head to look back. Gwen was on the ground.

“Merlin!” Arthur shouted as he slid down to reach him, landing on his knees next to him, “Merlin, God, don’t you dare die on me.”

Merlin rolled onto his back and let Arthur pull him into his arms. “Gotta say,” he croaked, then laughed painfully, “Your ex-wife is a royal bitch.”

“I’m so sorry,” Arthur chuckled despite his worry, kissed Merlin, then gathered him up into his arms, “I’ve got you.”

“Gwen?” Merlin asked.

“She’s alive, Lance has her.”

“Oh God, Lance…”

“I’ll explain later,” Arthur said as he carried Merlin back to the Ranger Station, “Right now we need to get you to the hospital.”

“Might be a good idea,” Merlin said, “I think my insides are on fire.”

“Just hold on for me.”

 

Merlin was slipping in and out of consciousness on the way down the mountain. Arthur was driving and holding on to him at the same time. Lance was following with Gwen. The roads were treacherous. He had managed to reach Gwaine and told him to have the medivac chopper waiting for them at the junction in the valley where the weather was not as bad. Arthur was terrified, Merlin was shivering and muttering nonsense, clutching the blanket to his chin like a lifeline.

“Hold on, Merlin,” Arthur said, stroking his hair, “We’re almost there. Just hold on.”

“Arthur…not going to make it…I’m sorry,” Merlin said, then groaned, pulling his legs up to his chest.

“Dammit, no…you’re not dying, Merlin. I need you!”

Arthur linked their fingers together, shaking Merlin gently. “Merlin, can you hear me? Please, you have to hold on just a little longer.”

“Trying…” Merlin choked, coughing up blood and bile on the floor of the truck. “Sorry…”

Arthur glanced in the rearview mirror. Lance was struggling as well. Gwen was his wife, and he’d had to watch Arthur shoot her. This was a mess that would never be sorted out. They were five miles from the junction, and the roads were turning to icy slush, the tires spinning and sliding even in four-wheel drive. Arthur had to let go of Merlin to grip the wheel with both hands and keep from sliding off the road. Pulling into the junction, he hit the brakes, and his truck slid sideways. He was out and around to the passenger door, pulling Merlin out as the paramedics reached them.

“His name is Merlin, eighteen. He was attacked by the woman in the truck behind us. They are both suffering from gunshot wounds. Merlin was forcibly injected with an unknown amount of heroin. He is also suffering from exposure. The woman is my ex-wife, Guinevere.”

“Got it, Arthur,” the paramedic nodded, “We’ll take care of him.”

Lance got Gwen out of his truck, and paramedics looked her over. She was out of her mind, swearing at Lance. He could barely hold onto her. Finally, the paramedics were forced to sedate and restrain her. He was in tears by the time they loaded her into the ambulance, and he climbed in with her. Merlin was taken in the helicopter as his condition was far more critical, and he was deteriorating quickly.

“He has no family,” Arthur said to the medic, who nodded for him to get on the chopper. Gwaine was standing at the door. “Gwaine, drive my truck home for me, please.”

“Will do.”

Arthur settled back, putting on the headset the medics handed him. He took hold of Merlin’s hand, squeezing it gently as they worked on him. “I’m here, Merlin…hold on for me, please.”

“He’s coding!” the paramedic shouted, and they immediately went to work. Using CPR, then the defibrillators, they were able to shock Merlin’s heart back into rhythm. “We got him back, they said, and Arthur was able to breathe again. “Get us there fast, not sure how much longer he has.”

“God, Merlin,” Arthur whispered, closing his eyes tightly.

Chapter 12: Happy Fucking Ending

Arthur looked up when the door opened, and Lance walked in. “How is he?” Lance asked, glancing over at the bed where Merlin lay hooked up to multiple machines. He was so pale, his skin the color of the snow outside the windows.

“He coded twice on the way here,” Arthur said, his fingertips steepled beneath his chin, elbows resting on his knees. “I’m scared…I can’t lose him, Lance.”

“I’m so sorry, Arthur. I had no idea Gwen was even capable of this,” Lance shook his head.

“How is she?”

“Physically, she is fine. Mentally is another story entirely.”

“I never meant for any of this to happen, Lance. Believe me.”

“None of us did, Arthur. Where did she even get a gun?”

“She probably stole it from Agravaine when she took the drugs. I called that FBI agent, Andrea Parker. She is handling everything.”

Lance nodded, then looked at Arthur, “They are talking about sending Gwen to a psych ward. They are calling it Borderline Personality Disorder with Psychotic Features...whatever the fuck that means. They are also saying possible Bipolar Disorder. I don’t know where this came from.”

“I don’t know either. She never showed any signs before.”

“What are we going to tell Gabriel?” Lance asked, “She’s his mother.”

Arthur placed his head in his hands for a moment, then looked at Merlin. “She was going to kill him. I had to do it.”

“I understand, Arthur. Anyone else would have taken her out. You just wounded her enough to stop her. There wasn’t anything else you could do.”

“I’ve never seen that look in her eyes before…dark…murderous. I don’t get what triggered this in her. She was always so sweet, kind, and gentle.”

“I don’t think we will ever know. She was like a woman possessed. Intent on killing Merlin.”

“Where is Gabriel now?” Arthur asked.

“He’s with Morgana. She will take care of him.”

“Yes, she adores him.”

“I don’t blame you for any of this, Arthur,” Lance said, placing a hand on his shoulder, “It’s not your fault.”

Arthur shook his head, “It is my fault, though. If I had stayed away from Merlin, he wouldn’t be fighting for his life right now, and maybe Gwen wouldn’t have snapped like this.”

“No, Arthur…anyone with two eyes can see how you feel about Merlin, and he loves you too. You two belong together. Gwen had no right to try and interfere with your relationship. She was just jealous because she was used to having you all to herself. I can see now how she held you back. Kept you close enough to never let you find anyone else. Merlin needs you, and you need him. Don’t let any of this change that.”

“Gabriel is never going to forgive me,” Arthur said, tears shining in his eyes.

“We just have to explain it to him delicately and hope that he understands.”

“I hope so.”

“What did they say about Merlin’s prognosis?”

“They gave him medication to help with the heroin withdrawals. They said that with the amount of the drug in his system, he should have already been dead. It’s a bloody miracle he is still breathing.”

“Gwen told me that Merlin saved her life. He pulled her up when she fell over the cliff. Used a golden rope…” Lance said, his voice trailing off questioningly.

“Magic…Merlin has magic, Lance.”

“I see,” he nodded.

“He saved her life, and yet she was still willing to kill him.” Arthur stood up and walked over to Merlin’s bedside, taking his hand. “Merlin, come on,” he whispered, pressing his lips to his palm. “You can’t leave me.”

 

Two days later, Merlin’s eyelids fluttered and opened partially, then fully. He blinked slowly, looking around the room. Arthur was asleep in a very uncomfortable-looking pumpkin-orange plastic chair, his legs stuck straight out, his head on his rolled-up jacket. He smiled when Lance walked in with two cups of coffee and held his finger to his mouth.

“Don’t wake him,” he said softly, then reached out for the cup of coffee. Lance shrugged, then handed it to him. Merlin gripped it with both hands, inhaling deeply. “Bless you.”

“You’re awake, that’s a good sign,” Lance said, then nodded pointedly at the cup, “Sure you should be drinking that?”

“Don’t care,” Merlin moaned as he sipped the hot liquid heaven.

“Well, the heroin obviously didn’t kill you, so what harm can a little coffee do?”

“That’s true,” he grinned, then his smile faded. “How’s Gwen?”

“She will be all right physically, but mentally…we will have to wait and see.”

“I am so sorry, Lance. I didn’t mean for any of this…”

“Merlin, I will tell you the same thing I told him,” he nodded toward Arthur, “It was not your fault. You and Arthur belong together. Love each other and don’t let go…not ever.”

“What about Gabriel?”

“We will love him through this. It’s all we can do. Gwen did this to herself. I found communication between her and Agravaine. That’s what brought Arthur and me out to the Ranger Station. We were praying we would get there before she killed you. She was planning this all along with him.”

“Fuck, what a mess,” Merlin said as he took another sip of coffee.

“You can say that again,” Lance frowned.

“I just don’t understand what I did to make her hate me so much.”

“Gwen will need help, but at least she is alive to get it. I wouldn’t have blamed Arthur if he had killed her. She was intent on taking your life. Nothing and no one was going to stop her. He did what he had to do to save you.”

“Still, it has got to be eating him up inside,” Merlin shook his head.

“Were you ever going to tell me you’re awake?” Arthur asked as he stood up and crossed the floor to kiss Merlin. “How do you feel? And where did you get coffee? Was that mine?” he asked, and Merlin nodded sheepishly.

“I will go get you another one,” Lance chuckled, “And I will leave you two alone for a bit. Be right back.”

“You okay?” Arthur asked, kissing him tenderly.

“Been better…been worse…I’ll live,” Merlin grinned.

“Thank God for that,” Arthur embraced him gently, cupping the back of his head, “I love you. I am so sorry I put you in danger.”

“You didn’t…it was just Gwen. Well, Gwen and Agravaine.”

“Yes, well, you don’t have to worry about him much longer. Agent Parker is taking care of him. He’s going away for a long time. No getting out of it this time.”

“Where’s Gabriel?” Merlin asked.

“He’s with Morgana,” Lance smiled as he stepped back into the room with another cup of coffee, “I just talked to her. I told her you’re awake, so she and Gabriel are coming here. Apparently, he is insisting on talking to you.”

“Me?” Merlin asked, “I’m not…”

“Morgana said he was up and down throughout the night last night, saying he needed to see Merlin,” Lance shrugged, “He’s not a kid who does that unless something is really bothering him.”

“We will need to get permission from the nurses for Gabriel to come into the ICU,” Arthur said, “I’ll go speak to them now.” He left the room, and Merlin let his head fall back on the pillow.

Letting out a deep sigh, he shook his head, “What if he hates me now?”

“Merlin, he doesn’t hate you.”

“His mother…” Merlin choked, tears pooling in his blue eyes.

“Don’t do this to yourself, my friend. Gabriel just wants to see that you’re okay.”

“I can’t stand the thought of causing him pain. I know what it is like to lose a mother, and I was much older. She’s alive, but how long is she going to be locked away from him? He’s going to grow up without her.”

“He has us, Merlin. You, Arthur, and me…we will get him through it,” Lance embraced Merlin, “Just love him and let the rest take care of itself.”

“Trying to steal my boyfriend now?” Arthur said as he walked in, and Lance gave him a startled look that turned to apologetic.

“Arthur, I…”

“It’s all right,” Arthur grinned, “Sorry, I couldn’t resist.”

Lance lowered his head and chuckled. “I think I’m going to wait for Morgana and Gabriel in the front lobby,” he said, then left the room, closing the door behind him.

Merlin looked at Arthur and grinned. “I’m your boyfriend?”

“Don’t you want to be?”

“Yes, though I can’t believe you want me to be after all this.”

“Wanted you from the moment I saw you get off that damn bus,” Arthur kissed him tenderly.

“Guess it’s settled then,” Merlin smiled against his lips, then kissed him back.

“Yes, it is,” Arthur said as he drew back and touched Merlin’s cheek. “Are you all right?” he asked, “How do you feel?”

“I’m still a little nauseous, my head feels like I have an elephant sitting on it, and my skin is all prickly, but other than that, I’m good.”

“I was terrified I was going to lose you. You coded twice on the chopper on the way to the hospital. It was touch-and-go all the way. She gave you such a high dose of heroin that your body was shutting down. They said you are lucky to be alive.”

Merlin nodded, “I think it was adrenaline. That and the fact that I was really pissed off. And maybe my magic had a bit to do with it as well.”

“Your magic worked even with the drugs?”

“Yeah, I think whatever Agravaine dosed me with had an extra ingredient to suppress my magic. Remember, he knows.

“It’s all my fault,” Arthur said, running a hand through Merlin’s hair, “I’m sorry.”

The door opened then, and Lance came back into the room with Morgana and Gabriel in tow. As soon as the boy saw Merlin, he ran toward the bed and climbed up, hugging him so tight he could barely breathe. Tears were sliding down his cheeks.

“Gabriel, it’s all right,” Merlin whispered in his ear.

“No, you died…” Gabriel sobbed, tucking his face against Merlin’s neck.

“I am here…alive, baby boy,” Merlin smiled, stroking his hair.

“I saw you die in my dream. Mama hurt you,” he choked, tightening his grip on Merlin as he looked at Arthur in confusion and fear. Arthur and Lance looked at each other and shook their heads because no one had told Gabriel what had happened. Morgana was sitting in the orange chair with a knowing look on her face.

“Morgana…” Arthur said questioningly.

“I think Gabriel has the gift,” she said.

“The gift...as in your gift?”

“Seems so. He woke up from the dream and refused to go back to sleep until he saw Merlin for himself. He was so certain that Merlin had died.”

Merlin took hold of Gabriel’s little hand, placing it over his heart. “Feel that? It’s my heartbeat,” he smiled as he looked into the boy’s dark brown eyes, “I’m here. I’m alive. Everything is okay now.”

“Mama is in big trouble, huh?” Gabriel asked, looking at Arthur, then back to Merlin, “She didn’t mean to…she’s just got a bad thing inside her.”

“We know, we are gonna do our best to help her get better, I promise,” Lance said.

“I have to tell her to stop being mean to Merlin,” Gabriel said, “Merlin is my friend. She should not hurt him.”

Merlin hugged Gabriel close and smiled, “Don’t worry about me, little one. I have magic remember?”

“Magic didn’t keep you from getting hurt, Merlin. You need me.”

“You’re right, I do need you, Gabriel.”

“Good, you have to stay with me and Daddy and Dad so we can keep you from getting hurt again.”

“Okay,” Merlin brushed his cheek with his fingertips, “Love you, little man.”

Gabriel beamed at him, “Love you, my Merlin.”

“Morgana, why don’t you take Lance and Gabriel to my place?” Arthur said, “They need rest, and so does Merlin. I will let you know when we find out anything.”

“Arthur, I should stay,” Lance said.

Putting his hands on the man’s shoulder’s he looked him in the eye. “My house is safe for you both. Until we are certain Agravaine is off the streets. Lock the doors, set the alarm, and stay put. I will be there as soon as I can. The bastard is not going to be pleased when he finds out his plans failed. He could be desperate enough to buy himself some leverage,” he said, nodding pointedly at Gabriel, then Merlin. Lance nodded in understanding. One of them had to be with Gabriel and Merlin at all times to keep Agravaine from grabbing one of them.

“All right, we will go,” he said.

“Morgana, call Gwaine and have him watch the house. I will relieve him as soon as I can.”

“You stay with Merlin, I will call Percival and Leon. They will be able to help out.”

“Thank you,” Arthur said and hugged Morgana, “I love you, my sister.”

“Love you too, take care of our boy,” she whispered, glancing at Merlin.

“I will.”

 

Merlin was released from the hospital three days later. He was feeling good, happy, and ready to be free. Arthur was waiting out front with Morgana’s Humvee. He helped Merlin climb in, then shut the door.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” he asked as he slid behind the wheel.

“I am good, I just want to go home.”

“You got it,” Arthur smiled, then started the engine, pulling out of the hospital parking lot and heading for home. He reached over to take hold of Merlin’s hand, linking their fingers. “I love you, Merlin.”

“I know, love you too.”

Arthur pulled the Humvee into a beautiful park and stopped. He shut off the engine, then turned to face Merlin, who looked at him with worry in his eyes.

“What’s wrong, Arthur?”

“Nothing,” Arthur grinned, “Nothing at all.”

“Why are we stopping?”

“Because I need to talk to you about something important.”

“Okay, the suspense is killing me…literally,” Merlin said.

Arthur chuckled, then reached into his jacket pocket, pulling out a beautiful antique silver ring. “This ring belonged to my mother. I probably should have given it to Gwen when we were together, but a part of me didn’t feel it was right for her. The same part of me that feels like this ring was always meant to be on your finger, Merlin. If you will have me, I want you to marry me. I want you to be mine always. I talked to Gabriel, and he has given us his absolute approval. He’s already working on what to call you. Last I heard, he was considering Papa.”

“Papa is good.”

“So, what’ll it be? Yes or no?” Arthur asked with a hesitant smile.

“Yes,” Merlin gave him a wide grin.

“Yes?”

“Absolutely yes!”

Arthur pulled Merlin into his arms, kissing him with everything he had. They came up for air, and Merlin laughed. Arthur slid the ring on his finger, and it actually fit perfectly. “Good thing you have long, thin fingers,” Arthur teased, kissing him.

“Guess it was meant to be,” Merlin said, then kissed Arthur back.

“Shall we go home now?”

“God, yes, there’s something I’ve been meaning to do since the day I met you,” Merlin wagged his eyebrows.

“Guess it’s a good thing Gabriel went home with Lance then. I have a feeling it’s going to get noisy,” Arthur grinned as he started the engine and backed out of the parking space.

“Very noisy,” Merlin said, looking Arthur up and down.

“Guess I should get us home in a hurry then.”

“Definitely in a hurry.”

They stopped just long enough to pick up a pizza, getting home just after noon. Merlin was out of the vehicle and running up the front steps with the pizza and keys in hand. Arthur laughed and followed him. As soon as he walked into the house, Merlin was on him, kissing his neck and mouth as he shoved Arthur’s jacket off his shoulders, tossing it. The jacket was soon followed by his shirt

“Are you sure you are healed enough for this?” Arthur asked with a breathless chuckle.

“Oh yes, magic helps me heal faster. I am so ready for this. I want you now, please, Arthur.”

“The pizza…”

“We’ll reheat it.”

“Don’t you want to take this slow?”

“Fuck no,” Merlin huffed and quickly worked Arthur’s belt open and unfastened his jeans, “Mine…now…always…”

Arthur grinned, then jumped into the deep end with both feet. He captured Merlin’s exquisite mouth in a kiss that rocked them both to the core. His hands on the boy’s hips, he picked him up and sat him on the back of the sofa. Hooking his fingers through the belt loops of his jeans, he pulled him closer, deepening the kiss like he couldn’t get enough.

“Fuck, I want you,” Arthur moaned against his lips.

“Take me, I am all yours,” Merlin breathed into his mouth, their tongues entwining.

“Lube is in the bedroom.”

“Magic will take care of it.”

“I really love your magic,” Arthur gasped as he felt Merlin’s hands wrap around his fully hard cock, stroking him slowly and deliberately as their bodies trembled with raw need. “Fuck, Merlin…feels too good.”

“Mmm, no such thing as too good,” Merlin growled as he continued to stroke Arthur, their chests pressed tight together. Arthur yanked Merlin’s shirt over his head so he could feel bare skin against his own. “Oh, yeah, need this so bad.”

“Merlin, how’s that magic coming along?”

“I’m so ready,” he gasped, then wrapped his legs around Arthur’s waist. He rolled backward, falling onto the sofa, and Arthur came over on top of him. They kissed with absolute abandon as Arthur yanked Merlin’s boots, jeans, and boxer briefs off. “Fuck me, Arthur, please.”

“I’ve got you,” Arthur panted against Merlin’s long neck, licking, sucking, and biting the flesh there as the boy writhed beneath him, desperate for penetration. “Relax for me, I don’t want to hurt you.”

“You won’t,” Merlin said, gripping Arthur’s cock he spread his thighs, raising them as high as he could. Arthur let him guide him to his entrance until the head slipped into tight heat like he had never experienced before. Merlin was slick and open for him, and it felt like heaven.

“God, that feels so good,” Arthur moaned, slowly pushing into him further until he was fully inside him. “Never felt anything like it.”

“Arthur,” Merlin grinned, “Did I just take your virginity?”

“With a male, yes,” Arthur blushed.

“I am honored…really,” Merlin kissed him tenderly, then grinned, “Wait until I return the favor.”

“Guess that’s part of the deal, huh?” Arthur laughed.

“Yes, and I cannot wait to be inside you, but for right now, fuck me hard.”

Arthur slid his hands along the outside of Merlin’s thighs, lifting him up slightly for deeper penetration then he started to thrust deep and hard, losing all control with Merlin whimpering and arching beneath him. His mouth parted, eyes closed, and fingertips digging for purchase in the sofa cushions as Arthur pounded him harder, faster, and deeper.

“Fuck…fuck,” Arthur panted, driving into him fully.

“That’s it, fill me up, Arthur…I want you to come deep inside me.”

“Merlin, God, it shouldn’t feel this damn good.” They kissed and arched into each other. Arthur’s cock felt like it was made for him. A perfect fit. “Fuck, I’m close, baby,” he gasped, clutching Merlin tightly to him. “I’m going to come now,” he groaned, driving into Merlin all the way as he spilled his seed within his clenching body.

Merlin followed him, spilling his seed between their joined bodies. Both of them shaking violently with the power of their release. Breathing hard, drenched in sweat, they laughed and kissed.

“Do you regret proposing now?” Merlin asked.

“God, no, that was the best sex I’ve ever had in my life,” Arthur huffed, running a hand through his sweaty blonde hair. “Fuck…this is what it is going to be like the rest of our lives? We may never leave the house.”

“Oh, I don’t know, sex in the great outdoors…”

“Ok, we will leave the house for outdoor sex…definitely that.”

Merlin somehow managed to flip Arthur onto his back. He suspected magic was involved. “What are you doing?”

“Wait and see,” Merlin grinned, then his eyes turned gold. He uttered a few words, and Arthur’s cock grew hard again, his arousal spiking tenfold.

“Holy hell, what did you do?” Arthur gasped.

“I can make it stop if you want.”

“Don’t even think about it!”

Merlin straddled Arthur’s hips, moving over him as they kissed passionately. “I’m going to ride you now,” he whispered huskily, then lowered himself down on his thick shaft. “Ah, fuck, yes, that is so good,” he moaned filthily as Arthur slid deep inside him, hitting his prostate dead on. “Oh, Arthur…” he breathed, then slowly began to move, lifting and driving down again, slow then fast, easy then hard. “Holy fuck,” Merlin cried out, whimpering in absolute pleasure.

“Merlin, don’t stop…please…fuck, so good!”

“Wouldn’t dream of it,” Merlin grinned, kissing him, biting his bottom lip before sucking it into his mouth. He rocked his hips then rotated them slightly before easing up until just the head was inside him. “Hold on,” he said breathlessly, then impaled himself fully again, riding Arthur like there was no tomorrow.

“Ahh, Merlin…fuck, yes, I’m close…so close.”

“I can hold it off if you like,” Merlin smiled, giving him a wink.

“Yes, do it…I don’t want this to end,” Arthur moaned, arching up into Merlin as his eyes flashed gold again, and Arthur felt his body respond. His arousal spiked, and his release was staved off for the time being. It felt so good that he thought he could die in that moment and have no regrets.

“I love you,” Merlin kissed him deep and hard, their tongues crashing together in an ancient dance. He then sat up straight. Arthur’s hands were all over his lithe body, learning every inch of him. “Touch my cock…stroke me while I ride you.”

Arthur obeyed, wrapping his hand around Merlin’s long, thick shaft, stroking him with every up and down motion until he came hard, coating Arthur’s hand and chest with his seed. Throwing his head back, Merlin clenched around Arthur, and his magic let go of the restraint. Arthur came with a loud cry and uttering Merlin’s name like a chant.

“That was incredible,” Arthur panted as Merling collapsed on top of him, completely spent, his cock still buried inside him. “Oh, Merlin…”

“Is that my name?”

Arthur chuckled, “Are you all right?”

“Just do me a favor, and if this is a wet dream, don’t wake me up.”

“Are your wet dreams usually like this?”

“I have a very vivid imagination,” Merlin sighed, “But I don’t think even my mind could come up with something this good.”

“The pizza is room temperature by now.”

“Yep.”

“Are you hungry?”

“Starving.”

“I could order delivery.”

“Yes, please,” Merlin smiled, then peeled his sticky body off Arthur. His knees wobbled as he stood up, and he almost fell over the coffee table. “Oops.”

“Careful, we wouldn’t want you to damage anything important.”

“It’s just a table.”

“I was talking about on that body of yours,” Arthur grinned, and Merlin winked, heading to the bathroom with Arthur watching him go. “That is a damn fine arse you got there,” he called after him, and Merlin wiggled it seductively just before vanishing behind the closed door. “That boy is gonna be the death of me,” he said, sitting up on the edge of the sofa, which had survived their coupling relatively unscathed.

Arthur put his hands behind his back and stretched before standing up. He grabbed his jeans, putting them o,n then found a T-shirt to pull over his head. He found his phone on the floor and quickly ordered pizza and sides. If they were going to keep up this level of acrobatics, they were going to need fuel.

The food arrived shortly before Merlin emerged from the bathroom with a towel around his narrow waist. Arthur licked his lips as he approached. “Are you dessert?” he asked with a smirk.

“Depends,” Merlin wagged his eyebrows, “Got any whipped cream?”

Arthur chuckled and passed him a cold bottle of beer and a plate of pizza. “It’s actually hot.”

Merlin bit into a slice and moaned. “Oh, that is damn good pizza.”

“Keep making sounds like that, and this pizza is gonna meet the same fate as the last one.”

“That would be a shame ‘cause this is delicious,” Merlin said, then took another bite.

“Merlin,” Arthur said, his tone more serious, “Is this really what you want?”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, you could find someone closer to your age. Someone without so much baggage and a psychotic ex-wife trying to kill you. You could do better.”

Merlin let out a hard laugh and almost choked on his food. He put his plate down for a moment and just stared at the man on the sofa. He glanced at the ring on his finger and nodded slowly. “Arthur, I have been used, abused, drugged out of my mind, tortured, even dragged by a bloody truck when I fell off while me Will and were trying to hitch a ride to Seattle to stow away on a ship bound for Australia. I have more damn baggage than any human being has a right to. This…this right here…with you, makes every bit of it worth it. There is nowhere and no one I want to be with more than you. I am yours if you still want me.”

Arthur was close to tears as he nodded, “Then I guess you’re stuck with this old man.”

“Old man,” Merlin huffed, picking up his plate again. “You’re only twenty-five.”

“Merlin…”

“Yeah…”

“You realize that nearly all of those things you mentioned happened to you in just the last few months,” Arthur grinned.

Merlin thought for a moment, then gave a short nod. “True.”

“And you still wanna marry me?”

“Tomorrow, if we could.”

Arthur grinned, “That could be arranged.”

Merlin looked at him and smiled, “Let’s do it.”