The door opens with a click and Merlin steps inside the house gently, replacing the grin with a calm mask of indifference.
"I'm home," he calls out into the room as he makes his way through the kitchen.
He pauses.
Glass litters the floor.
Hesitantly he continues into the living room. His mother's favourite vase lies in shattered shards, glinting dully in the lamplight.
"You're early."
Merlin freezes as he hears his father's voice from the couch. "Yeah, I didn't have a lot of homework," he says flatly.
His father just grunts. Merlin's blue eyes carefully flit about the room. The drawn curtains. The one lamp illuminating the colourless scene in dull light. The almost-empty bottle held in his father's grip. The remnants of another strewn across the carpet, the dark glass mingling with the pieces of clear, shining crystal. The putrid scent of alcohol polluting the air.
Merlin's nose crinkles and he picks his way across the room to the staircase, the glass tinkling softly under his step. At the foot of the stairs, he pauses and clears his throat. He has to ask. "Where's Mum?" He already knows the answer.
"Spending the night with her sister. But… But she'll be back," Mr. Emrys slurs. 'She always comes back."
"I don't know why," Merlin mutters under his breath, just a sliver of speech in the quiet room. And his father is belching too loudly to notice.
Merlin trudges up the stairs and rushes into his room, closing the door softly behind him. He pulls on some clean clothes and flings his backpack into a corner. Quickly, he washes his face and reapplies the gel on his hair. He has to look perfect.
After spraying on some cologne, he pauses in front of the dresser. Hesitantly, he slides open a drawer he hasn't opened in weeks. Almost reverently, he slips out a small plaid bow tie. It would look so good with his outfit, wouldn't it? He holds it up to his collar, staring at his reflection in the mirror.
Practice the smile.
No, that's pathetic. Try again.
You're going to make Arthur cry. Try again.
Almost.
Not quite.
There it is. Perfect.
So you know how to smile. That's good.
Merlin's hand hesitantly lingers at his collar but he closes his eyes and puts the bowtie back, closing the drawer softly.
Buttoning up his jacket he slips downstairs and ties on his shoes.
"And where are you going?"
Merlin exhales.
"WHERE ARE YOU GOING?" His father thunders. "YOU RUNNING AWAY TOO BOY?"
"No," Merlin says wearily.
"I'm going to see Arthur."
"Oh your fairy boyfriend is back is he? So he didn't forget about you."
Merlin stands and turns his back on his father. "I'll be home late. Try and sober up," he clips sharply.
"Don't you turn your back on me."
Heavy hands spin him and throw him harshly against a wall. Merlin winces as his father's fingers dig into his bruised chest. "This is your fault. If you were normal this wouldn't be happening. Fag." Mr. Emrys spits, and Merlin's eyes water from his rancid breath.
His father releases him and Merlin lets the wall support his weight as his knees weaken.
"This wouldn't be happening…" Mr. Emrys slurs, the alcohol blurring his words together as he collapses back onto the chair, taking another swig from the dark bottle. "This wouldn't be happening if you weren't you." He takes another swig and throws the empty bottle on the floor. It cracks, spider webs appearing on the glass. "Just go! What are you waiting for fag? GO! Go and get fucked by that fairy of yours. And stay there. We-we don't want you here… No one wants you."
Merlin stumbles outside the door and into his car, his father's profanities ringing in his ears as he pulls out of the driveway and onto the road. He grips the steering wheel tightly.
It's nothing new. He just drunk.
You're going to see Arthur. Finally.
Cheer up.
"Fag."
No. Don't do this to yourself. He's not worth it.
"We don't want you here."
"No one wants you."
Merlin pulls over on the side of the road, the cars flashing past sending streams of light past his window. His chest throbs. He stares blankly into the dark road ahead. And as the rain begins its soft pitter patter against the windshield, Merlin buries his head in his arms.
And he cries.
"Dad!"
"Yes Arthur?"
"Merlin's on his way here. Just thought I'd let you know."
Uther laughs, "Already? But you were just at the airport an hour ago! You'd better go unpack then. And Morgana, can you set the table for one more?"
"Of course," Morganareplies smiling. It's nice to finally have her family all together again.
Arthur hurriedly unpacks, pulling out some gifts he bought Merlin from New York and gets into some fresh clothes. Rain patters against the windowpane and increases until Arthur can hear it pouring outside, thunder growling in the distance. His heart constricts as he imagines Merlin on the slippery road. He imagines his boyfriend's soft smile and the way his widening gold eyes will crinkle at the corners. Imagines how he'll eagerly rush towards him and hold him in his arms at last, face breaking into large, bright grin that will have Arthur's heart warm and fluttering in his chest.
When the door bell finally rings, Arthur sighs in relief. Excited to see his boyfriend again, he sprints up the stairs, taking two at a time.
Uther laughs again at his son's enthusiasm and watches amusedly as he sees him almost trip over his own feet running to the door, throwing it open when he reaches it.
Merlin stands outside with a smile, eyes widening in joy as he sees his boyfriend for the first time in months. Arthur pulls him inside and out of the rain, watching as the other boy shakes the rain drops from his dark curls. They splatter against the floor, Merlin making little downpour of his own. After a second of studying his boyfriend, Merlin is rushing to Arthur, burying himself in his arms. Arthur holds him close, breathing in the smell of the clean autumn rain and Merlin, Merlin, Merlin. After a long moment, he mutters into Merlin's damp curls, throat thick, "I've missed you."
"Not as much as I've miss you." Merlin mutters quietly, his voice rough. The sound of it sends little shivers down Arthur's spine. Skype or the phone can never truly catch Merlin's voice. Can never truly describe how it can be bright and lively, echoing the child who cannot stand still or how it can be marbled and deep, like the feeling of smooth gravel brushing against the palm of your hand.
Arthur smiles and finds his own voice, speaking softly into Merlin's ear. "Liar."
They both laugh, Arthur feeling the rumble of Merlin's chest against his own. Reluctantly, they pull away to look deep into each other's eyes. Arthur reaches over and brushes his slender fingers over Merlin's cheek, making the other boy close his eyes and shudder slightly at the simple touch.
Arthur's heart swells as Merlin's lashes flutter open and move closer and then they are kissing for the first time in what seems like forever, clichéd as it sounds. The feeling of Merlin's soft lips against his own is so natural.
Arthur Pendragon is really home.
Their mouths slide smoothly together until Uther clears his throat. Merlin jumps back quickly, flashing a bright grin to Arthur who is rolling his eyes, before turning to Uther, "Hey Mr. Pendragon!"
"Yeah yeah," Uther replies gruffly, but he is unable to keep the smile off his face.
Morgana bustles out of the kitchen. "Hello there Merlin! It's so nice to see you. Arthur, how about you get him out of that wet jacket before the poor boy catches his death, and then we can have some dinner."
Arthur helps Merlin shrug off his coat and hangs it out to dry, and they share a quick kiss before walking hand in hand to the dining room where Leon is already seated and started, "Oh hey Merlin," he says with his mouth full.
"Hey man. Good to see you."
Leon nods in agreement and everyone settles down to eat, laughing and talking, sharing stories and jokes.
Arthur can barely keep his eyes off Merlin, who either listens intently or joins in, speaking animatedly with his father and Leon about American football when the topic arises. Merlin periodically sneaks glances at Arthur when Uther is turned away, and blushes furiously when he catches Arthur staring. He's so unbelievably gorgeous. How the hell was I so lucky, Arthur thinks inwardly, How is it even possible that he got even more beautiful after all this time? He just wants to hold him, run his fingers through those dark curls, treasure him, kiss him…
"So Merlin, how's school?" Uther's question pulls Arthur out of his reverie. Thankfully.
Merlin looks down at his plate, apparently his food just became extremely interesting. "Uh, It's um… It's fine." He composes himself and looks up but avoids Arthur's eyes, "It's fine. Not the same without everyone of course but yeah… It's okay. So, Arthur, how's Gwen? Has she found New York to her expectations?"
Confused at the subject change, Arthur hesitates a second before replying. The moment passes and the conversation continues. Arthur glances at his dad, who just shrugs.
It's nothing. You're just overreacting. Relax. He thinks to himself but makes a mental note to ask Merlin about it later.
Once dinner is finished, Merlin is helping Arthur put away the dishes despite numerous protests when thunder claps loudly, echoing through the house. The boys turn to each other and Arthur rushes to the window, taking a look outside. The rains falls in sheets and Merlin's car is barely visible parked at the side of the road. The wind whistles, lightning flashes, and thunder roars. The trees sway sharply in the breeze, black brushes painting the sky a dull gray, the clouds like smoke rolling and blanketing the world in loud darkness.
Arthur turns to Uther, "Dad! Merlin has to stay the night. Look outside."
Merlin instantly protests, "Arthur…"
But Uther is nodding his head, "Arthur's right. Son, there's no way I'm going to let you drive in that."
"It's really not too bad…"
But Uther is having none of that. "You can sleep on the couch tonight. Call your parents and let them know."
Merlin relaxes, "Thank you sir."
"Don't mention it. Arthur, you go get something for Merlin to sleep in."
Arthur nods brightly, turning to his bedroom, "Come on Merlin!"
The boys bound down the stairs, "Door open!" Uther shouts after them, but doesn't pursue it.
The moment they are in Arthur's bedroom, Arthur shoves Merlin down on the bed, kissing him urgently. Merlin laughs in between kisses, trying to half heartedly to push Arthur off of him. "Arthur… We have to sleep…. I have… school tomorrow." He chokes out and gasps as Arthur kisses his neck. He squirms, pinned to the sheets, unable to stop laughing at his persistent boyfriend, but is held tightly. Surrendering and allowing Arthur to kiss him, the younger boy wraps his arms tight around the boy above him and pulls him down closer, deepening the kiss. Merlin's legs naturally spread, allowing Arthur to slide between them and get closer. They kiss languidly until Arthur moves to lean against Merlin's chest, and then there's a sharp stab of pain and Merlin is pulling away with a gasp, eyes watering.
Arthur instantly leaps off and looks down concerned. "Oh my god Merlin I am so sorry…"
Merlin sits up with a wince, reaching for Arthur's hand, "Not your fault."
"Are you alright?"
"It's nothing, don't worry."
"Merlin."
He sighs, "Seriously Arthur it's nothing. I uh, tripped today at school and my chest is a little sore from the fall."
Arthur still looks concerned, "Do you need ice or something? Are you sure it's not serious?"
"I'm fine Arthur. Really," Merlin replies steadily.
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"I forgot," He laughs embarrassedly, running his fingers through his curls, "You're… uh… distracting."
Arthur smiles and leans down, kissing Merlin gently before pulling away quickly, leaving Merlin chasing his lips. Pouting his lips much like a toddler indignant at not receiving a promised chocolate, Merlin whines, "Arthur, I'm not going to break."
Arthur laughs at his boyfriend's expression but moves away to rummage through his drawers, pulling out some black sweatpants and a white t-shirt and throwing them at Merlin. "You're right though, it's already late and we need to get up early tomorrow."
Merlin, moving to sit at the edge of the bed, freezes, "We?"
"Of course. I want see everybody. Gwaine, Percival and everyone else will be there too. It's supposed to be a like a little surprise rugby reunion." He spins to Merlin, "Don't tell anybody else."
"Then why don't you just drop by during practice?"
"Oh I won't stay the whole day, trust me I don't have that many good memories there. I'll probably just drop you off, visit a couple teachers, and then come back in the afternoon for the reunion. Unless of course you want me to say the whole day…"
Merlin replies quickly, "Oh no, no I need to focus on classes anyways."
"And I'm distracting?"
Merlin smiles, "Exactly."
"I can't help but pull focus sorry."
Merlin chuckles, opening his arms hopefully. Arthur moves into them and kisses him again, pushing him gently back down to the mattress, carefully avoiding putting pressure on his chest. "You take my breath away," he mumbles against Merlin's lips, which smile at the memory. Merlin's hand run down Arthur's sides, and then rise up to cup his face, pulling him in closer and…
Darkness.