Spoilers for 5x13!

English is not my first language. Sorry for the mistakes.

Two Bowls of Food

"I'll have your favourite meal waiting for you."

Gaius said goodbye with this promise. When they were in the woods and he hugged Merlin, he knew this is goodbye, even if he didn't admit it. He felt he'll never see Merlin again.

But he has never lost hope. He kept hoping and waiting.

"I'll have your favourite meal waiting for you," he said.

And he was true to his word.

That evening, when he had got back to Camelot, he made Merlin's favourite meal. He placed two bowls on the table, sat down opposite the empty chair, and waited.

But Merlin didn't come home.

Days have passed.

Gaius spent his days curing his patients as he has always done, ever since he had become a physician. His heart didn't hurt so much when he buried himself in work. But it didn't help, either. Whenever he was making a potion, he held out his hand and said, "Merlin, give me some yarrow." And his heart sank every time. Because there was no answer. He was alone. He heard nothing but silence.

But even so, he made two bowls of food every evening. He sat down at the table and waited. He waited for the door to open and Merlin to come in with a wide smile on his face, saying, "I know, I know, I'm late!"

But Merlin didn't come home.

Weeks have passed.

Meanwhile, Gwen became the ruler of Camelot. Arthur's death was announced. But no one knew where Merlin was.

And Gaius was still waiting. He made two bowls of food every evening. And he was waiting for the young man who he loved as his own son. Not for the almighty Emrys, not for the clumsy servant. He was waiting for his son.

But Merlin didn't come home.

Months have passed.

The queen sent out searching parties in order to find Merlin. She had lifted the ban on magic. There was peace in the kingdom.

But Merlin was nowhere to be found. As though he had disappeared off the face of the Earth.

But Gaius was waiting for him. With two bowls of steaming food.

But Merlin didn't come home.

Years have passed.

Albion had been united. Sorcerers and knights, druids and servants lived in peace and helped each other. There was no more bloodshed. The age of peace has finally come. But all Gaius could think of was that Merlin would be so happy if he saw this. He had fulfilled his destiny.

And even now, he placed two bowls of food on the table. He was waiting.

But Merlin didn't come home.

One night, when Gaius went to sleep, he felt his time has come. He was very old. His eyesight has worsened. He has struggled to walk. His hands were trembling all the time. He couldn't carry out his duties as physician. He knew he won't see the morning light.

But he wasn't scared. He felt some sort of peace. He couldn't bear the burden of his years anymore. He was tired. And he could rest at last.

He closed his eyes.

He was dreaming. And it was so beautiful. In his dream, he was sitting at the table, the two bowls in front of him. But this time, the other chair wasn't empty. Merlin was sitting on it. The young man looked exactly as he remembered him. Raven black hair, red neckerchief. And a wide, happy smile. They were talking and laughing while eating peacefully. Merlin was complaining about Arthur, as usual, but Gaius was listening to him with pleasure. When they finished dinner, Merlin put the spoon down, looked deep into his guardian's eyes, and said, "Thank you, Gaius. Thank you for everything."

And Gaius smiled, "I'm glad you have come home, Merlin."

He took his last breath with a smile on his face.

A/N – So, guys… To tell the truth, I hate writing angsty stories like this. But I'm very depressed after watching the finale… :( It had to be done. I hope my English is not so bad, but I'm so tired I can't even think straight. But I hope you liked it. Leave a review if you have a minute.