Alriiiight, here we go! The big revelation! Ta daaa!

I loved reading the reviews for the last chapter. You guys are the best xD Special welcome to AlxM, whose review had me laughing out loud.

This chapter is especially long. This is for two reasons; a) I just couldn't split this one up and b) because it's my way of apologising for making you all wait eight chapters to find out what happened. So here ya go. Hope I am forgiven :)

WARNING: This chapter has violence, little bit of swearing, dark themes and possible triggery moments. Like last time, feel free to message me if you don't want to read it but want to know what happened. Please also note this whole chapter is one big series of flashbacks. I just didn't want to put the whole thing in italics.

Merlin watched, amused, as Oswald stomped off the field, glowering at the referee. Elyan, Percival and Leon were all shaking their heads or looking sheepish. Gwaine appeared to be hiding a smile like Merlin, but Arthur had walked up to the fallen member of the other team and was no doubt apologising. It was hard to tell from the stands, but it seemed like the type of thing he would do.

The tackle naturally hadn't gone down well. The sport not being football, for one. And yet Oswald didn't seem to understand how it warranted him being sent off the turf. Merlin wasn't all that surprised, really; once Oswald got caught up in something, reason seemed to just fly out the window.

"That was a bit rough," commented Will from Merlin's right. "Hope the other guy's okay."

Merlin watched Arthur help the player up, who nodded, and the two team's got ready to resume play. "He seems fine. Besides, I'm sure Oswald didn't mean it. He just gets… enthusiastic." He didn't think Oswald would actually go out of his way to hurt someone after all. He was a really cool guy most of the time.

After a moment's pause, Merlin told Will he'd be back in a minute and jumped down the stands, apologising for accidentally nudging people on the way. He made his way over to the turf and headed for the Camelot Knights' dugout. Sticking his head over the fence of the turf to see into the dugout, Merlin saw Oswald and grinned.

"Taking deep breaths Oswald?"

Oswald looked up from where he sat next to the other reserve, smiled, and walked over to him. "Apparently. Still don't see what the big deal is."

Merlin rolled his eyes. "You don't tackle people in hockey," though of course Oswald knew this. "He didn't even have the ball."

"He was about to," Oswald replied with a shrug.

Merlin studied him. "Rules really aren't your strong point, are they?"

The way Oswald looked at him before answering set butterflies off in Merlin's stomach. "I'll admit I'm not very conventional."

They were brought from their conversation by Uther yelling as he made his way over. "Good luck," Merlin whispered, and rushed off back to the crowd.


Merlin looked up from where he sat in the lounge room with his book at the sound of a multitude of voices entering through the front door. Next thing, Arthur and the entire group were coming in and making themselves comfortable around him, offering a few 'hey Merlin's as they went. Merlin pulled a face.

Arthur stared at him. "What's your problem?"

Merlin sighed dramatically and looked back down at his book in a forlorn kind of way. "It was so peaceful."

Arthur rolled his eyes good-naturedly and said "so read it in your room."

"I wasn't aware people still read books," Elyan commented, sounding more serious than he probably should have.

"Yes, well, my brother is a bit of an anomaly," said Arthur. Oswald sat down next to Merlin and looked over his shoulder.

"What are you reading?" he asked.

Merlin shut his book and cursed the blush that crept up his neck. "Nothing of interest. You know what, you're right, I'll read this in my room."

"Oh no you don't," Gwaine stepped forward and grabbed the book from Merlin, reading the cover. His eyebrow raised. "'The Egyptian'." He turned it over to read the back, his grin growing as his eyes roamed over the blurb. "The first major novel set in ancient Egypt, it is a full-bodied re-creation... of a largely forgotten era…" he trailed off as his eyelids drooped close and obnoxious snoring filled the room. Merlin snatched the book back amidst the laughter.

"It's a good book," he grouched.

"You are such a nerd, Merlin," Arthur said as he ruffled his hair. Merlin swatted his hand away and left the room. Gwaine called out an apology after him.

He had barely settled into his room when there was a knock on the door. Merlin looked up to see Oswald standing there, looking slightly uncertain. "Come to make more fun of me?" he asked, though really, he was already over it. If Merlin didn't have a thick skin, he and Arthur would never have gotten along.

Oswald shook his head and took a hesitant step into the room. "I was actually wondering… if maybe I could borrow it sometime?"

It took Merlin a moment to realise he meant the book. Merlin looked down at it in surprise, then back at Oswald. "You're… interested in this stuff?"

Oswald shrugged. "Dunno. I'd like to find out though."

Merlin grinned. "Sure. Anytime."


Arthur raised his eyebrow when he saw Merlin walking towards him from the school gate. The boy was grinning like mad. "What's with you?"

Merlin shook his head and continued walking, giving Arthur no choice but to follow. Merlin didn't give an answer until they were almost home, just when Arthur had given up on getting one.

"I got asked out today."

Arthur stopped dead and stared. "You what?"

"No need to be so surprised."

Arthur shook his head and began walking again. "Sorry. It's just… by who?"

At this Merlin's smile faltered slightly. "Ummm… see, that's the weird bit…"

Arthur's eyes narrowed. "Who asked you, Merlin?"

"I mean, probably more weird for you than for me, but…"

"Merlin."

"Oswald."

Arthur was lucky they had reached the gate to their house and Merlin had already paused to open it, or he would have stopped dead all over again. "What?"

Merlin shrugged almost sheepishly and continued towards the front door. Arthur followed hurriedly. "Oswald asked you out?"

Merlin had never specifically talked about his preferences, but Arthur had always just sort of assumed it was both, from the way he blushed when pretty girls talked to him but still managed to trip over his own words if a guy took interest as well. That wasn't the problem. The problem was Oswald.

Oswald was a friend, sure. He was one of the guys, part of the group. But that was the trouble right there. Arthur knew Oswald. And he wasn't sure how he felt about the guy suddenly dating his little brother.

That brought up a question Arthur realised he hadn't asked yet. "What did you say?"

Merlin mumbled something as he walked through the front door and speedily made his way up the steps. He wasn't quick enough though; Arthur grabbed him by the arm and held him still. "Merlin, what did you say?"

The rosiness of Merlin's cheeks when he answered was ridiculous. "I said yes."


Merlin leaned into Oswald slightly where they sat in the cafeteria, well aware that Arthur could see and was most likely watching. He didn't get Arthur's problem with him dating Oswald - maybe he didn't like that his friend's attention was now split? Except Arthur wasn't the type to get jealous over something like that - but he knew he did have a problem, and it bothered Merlin in turn. Why couldn't Arthur be happy for him?

Oh, Merlin knew he was trying. He hadn't said anything to Oswald about it and hadn't done anything to stop them from being together. He congratulated Merlin on it, and he drove Merlin places when he wanted to meet Oswald in town. But it was impossible to miss those looks Arthur sometimes wore when he spoke about his boyfriend, or the way he became uncomfortable whenever the two were together in the same room as him. Merlin knew Arthur was fine with his preferences, as was the whole group. So he just didn't get why Arthur didn't like it. He didn't get why Arthur couldn't be happy for him, and he couldn't help but be annoyed.

"You alright Merlin?" Oswald asked, his deep voice rumbling in his chest where Merlin's head rested. "You seem quiet."

Merlin sat up straight and nodded. "I'm fine."


"Gwaine and I are going to the movies tonight, if you want to come."

Hunith smiled from where she sat at the table, pleased by Arthur's ready inclusion of Merlin. Things had seemed to be tense between them lately, and for two brothers who usually got along so well, it was upsetting to see. But Merlin shook his head, not unkindly at least.

"Sorry, but Oswald's coming over."

Arthur paused before nodding shortly and went back to his meal. Hunith frowned. "When was this planned?" she asked.

"Just today," Merlin replied, looking worried. "It's not a problem is it?"

Hunith considered. It wouldn't be, except… "I won't be here tonight. I was going to visit Jenny." Jenny, her friend from high school, lived nearby and was having a hard time; her husband had just passed away. Hunith had promised to come over and have a girls night with her.

"He isn't staying over," Merlin said. "We were just going to watch some DVDs." He hesitated. "If you want me to cancel…"

Hunith shook her head, making up her mind. "No, honey, I trust you. It's okay." She smiled, because it was true, and after listening to the horror stories of some of her friends, she was glad she could say she trusted her children. She glanced to the empty spot at the head of the table, a plate of meat pie getting cold. Well, most of her children… "You two have fun."

Merlin nodded and smiled. "We will. Thanks mom."

It wasn't long before Hunith was gone and Arthur was getting ready to leave. "You going to be okay?"

Merlin rolled his eyes as he went through his stack of DVDs on the lounge room floor. There was certainly more there than there should be in a collection. "I'll be fine, Arthur. Stop worrying."

"I'm not worrying, I'm just - "

"Suspicious," Merlin cut in, turning to face him and standing. "What's your problem with me and Oswald?"

Arthur shook his head. "I don't have a problem."

"Yes you do. Why?" Merlin was getting angry, which didn't happen often. "Is it because he spends less time with you guys now? Because most of the time we're with you guys - "

"It's not that!" Arthur yelled.

"Then what - "

"I don't trust him!" Arthur finally admitted. Merlin stared at him.

"How can you not trust Oswald? He was your friend before he was mine."

Arthur shook his head. "Yes, he's a friend, but he's not… he's different to the others, Merlin. I've never trusted him like I do Gwaine, or Leon - "

"You don't trust anyone like you trust Leon."

"- and excuse me for not liking my little brother dating someone three years older than him who has a reputation for violence!"

There was silence and the two stared at each other, Arthur breathing heavily, Merlin looking hurt.

"Oswald's a good guy," Merlin said finally. "I can't believe you don't see that."

Arthur shook his head and left without another word. He started up his battered second hand car and started driving to Gwaine's deep in unhappy thought. Merlin was in the high of a new relationship. He wasn't going to listen to his older brother's advice. Arthur had been the same when he was fourteen and had asked the most popular girl in the year out, Helen. She had said yes and he was on cloud nine for the next two weeks, despite Morgana's warnings about Helen's reputation. He had been heartbroken when he caught her making out with another guy.

Pulling up outside Gwaine's house, he honked the horn once and waited impatiently. Gwaine appeared a moment later, hopping into the passenger seat with ease. Arthur barely acknowledged his greeting, still thinking hard.

Arthur had learnt from his mistake, and hadn't allowed himself to be so blind next time he started dating someone. He was lucky now to have Gwen, who had nothing to be blind about; he loved everything about her. The thing with Helen had hurt, but he had learnt from it. Perhaps Merlin would do the same.

Except it wasn't the same. Arthur had been hurt, yes, emotionally. With Oswald it could be different. He thought of the way he had tackled that kid in hockey, of the way he laughed in violent movies, of the fact that he was seventeen and Merlin was fourteen. Of the fact he had just left the two to be alone, at home, for the next few hours.

"Earth to Arthur," he suddenly heard Gwaine saying. "You alright there, mate?"

Arthur realised he hadn't yet pulled back onto the road and appeared to have been sitting in silence for the last few minutes. He looked at Gwaine, looking confused, then at his watch. "Sorry Gwaine," he said, finally starting the car back up. "We're going to be late to the movie."


'The Sorcerer's Apprentice' played on full volume in the lounge room, but Merlin and Oswald barely noticed as Nicholas Cage attempted to teach Jay Baruchel how to use magic. They were otherwise occupied.

Their breathing was heavy as Oswald's hand ran down Merlin's back, their mouths locked together. Vaguely Merlin wondered how watching movies had turned into this, but he didn't think he minded too much. He leant against the armrest of the lounge chair, Oswald on top of him, his heart beating rapidly.

They seemed to be speeding up, getting more intense, and Merlin's eyes opened as he felt one of Oswald's hands trail down his front to his lower stomach, tugging against the waist of Merlin's jeans. With a surprised grunt Merlin pushed Oswald back slightly.

"What are you doing?"

Oswald looked at him. "What do you mean? I thought we were having fun."

Merlin sat up properly. "We were having fun."

"Then what's the problem?"

"I don't want to… have too much fun." Merlin said uncertainly, suddenly feeling nervous.

Oswald looked down at him with a disapproving expression. "Merlin, you like me, right?"

"Of course, but - "

"And I like you. So what are you being such a wimp about?"

Merlin opened his mouth and closed it in shock. Oswald had never insulted him before. "Oswald, I'm not - "

Oswald leant over him again, his face much closer to Merlin's, but it didn't excite Merlin like it had last time. "Come on, Merlin, relax."

He leant in for another kiss but Merlin put his hand on his strong chest. "I don't want to, Oswald."

Oswald's hand had again wondered to the waist of Merlin's pants and Merlin pushed against him harder. "Oswald, stop." But Oswald didn't, and Merlin started squirming as his hand reached further. Finally Merlin brought up both hands and forcefully pushed Oswald away from him. "Stop it!"

Merlin was not expecting the fist to suddenly come crashing down on his nose, or the pain and blood that followed. He cried out in pain and leapt from the couch, staring at his boyfriend. Oswald stared back, a moment of shock covered up by anger. "I'm sorry Merlin, I didn't mean to," he said, taking a step forwards. Merlin didn't move, frozen in surprise. Oswald. Oswald had just hit him. Punched him. "I really didn't Merlin, but you're making this so difficult. It's not such a big deal." He took another step forward. "Look, let's just settle down and - "

"Get out." Merlin's voice was muffled from the cover of his hand as it held his nose, trying and failing to staunch the bleeding, but Oswald heard it all the same. His eyes narrowed and his face darkened in a way Merlin did not like.

"What did you just say to me?"

Merlin took a deep, shuddering breath to calm himself and said it again. "Get. Out."

"What the hell did you just say to me?!" Oswald yelled, and advanced.


Arthur pulled up outside his house just in time to hear a yell and a crash from inside. He and Gwaine were running without a moment's hesitation, Arthur slamming through the front door. There was the sound of scuffling coming down the hall from the lounge room. Oh god, Merlin.

The sight that greeted them was one that would continue to haunt Arthur. Merlin was on the ground with a heavily bleeding nose, Oswald on top of him, one hand holding him down while the other was reached inside Merlin's pants.

Arthur saw red and launched forward, punching Oswald right in the eye. The other boy yelled in surprise and fell back. Arthur quickly hauled Merlin to his feet and Gwaine pulled him back, out of the lounge room, as Arthur took another swing, this time glancing off of Oswald's cheek bone. He barely noticed the throbbing of his knuckles as he swung again and again. Oswald finally got a punch of his own in and Arthur stumbled backwards, one hand going to his stomach with a grunt of pain, but Gwaine was back and had taken Arthur's place. Oswald was outnumbered and quickly tiring, and they all knew it.

"We were just having some fun!" he tried yelling, and Gwaine knocked him to the ground.

"You son of a bitch!" Arthur shouted, stepping forwards, quite ready to finish the job. A small voice from the dining room doorway stopped him.

"Arthur…"

Arthur glanced back to see Merlin, looking small and scared and covered in blood. And he knew what Merlin was asking of him, and he absolutely hated it.

Merlin wanted him to let Oswald go.

Arthur turned back to Oswald who was hunched over by the wall, looking between him and Gwaine warily. Calling on every bit of self-restraint he had, Arthur forced himself to take one step backwards; closer to Merlin, but giving Oswald room to get to the other doorway, the one that lead to the hall. "Get out of here," he growled. "And don't you dare ever, ever, come near my brother or any of us again."

Oswald remained still a moment longer, as if weighing up his options. His glare turned to Merlin. Arthur and Gwaine immediately bristled, but without any more ado Oswald backed away in the direction of the hall. They all remained perfectly still until they heard the front door slam. Gwaine walked to the window, no doubt watching to make sure Oswald did leave, but Arthur turned all his attention on Merlin. He lead him to a chair and sat him down, grabbing a box of tissues from the end table as he went, and held out a bunch for Merlin. Merlin grabbed them and brought them up to his nose, his eyes on the ground, and Arthur hated, hated, that there were tears there.

"I'm sorry, Arthur," Merlin whispered. "I'm so sorry."

Arthur just leant forward and hugged him tightly, not wanting to ever let go.