AN: So I have worked out that depending on how large the next chapter is, there will only be two more chapters to this story I just want to say thank you for all the awesome reviews and for the support. This chapter is mostly fluff but sets up the next one which will be up soon.

Chapter 14

Arthur paused as his eyes froze on the box resting on the counter, the contents more awe inspiring than he had ever imagined. He nodded, his eyes briefly meeting those of the man in front of him as he handed over his credit card and signed where he was told, the box a heavy weight in his pocket though his heart was a lot lighter. He wanted to show Merlin immediately but had other plans to put in place before he could do so. The first thing on the list was a phone call to Uther...

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Merlin sighed as he pulled out one of his new shirts and blazer from the shopping trip he had suffered through with Morgana and Gwen. He groaned as he looked at the suit trousers and black shoes he would be required to wear also. He considered feigning an illness but knew Arthur would never believe him and would just force him to go in his jogging bottoms anyway. A chuckle came from the doorway as Gwaine stood watching him. They had been cooking dinner when Arthur had rung demanding Merlin dress smartly as they were going out for dinner in an hour. He had refused but Arthur had practically ordered him to do as he was told for once and Merlin could not stand up to that. He picked a stray shoe form the floor and threw it at Gwaine who just ducked before moving to lounge on the bed, watching as Merlin debated on which tie he would wear.

"What's the big deal anyway? Why do you have to dress up?"

"I don't know, I was just told to dress smartly."

"So you didn't even ask? "

"No, I did ask. I just wasn't given an answer."

"You're so whipped Merlin."

"Shut up Gwaine. Need I remind you of the time you wore leather pants to impress me?"

"That was different. Also, you promised not to bring it up again."

"Nah, I promised not to mention that you got stuck in them and had to have them removed by a doctor as they cut your circulation off."

"Merlin, I am going to strangle you with your own tie."

Merlin laughed and walked into the bathroom to shave and fix his hair or at least make it as unruly as possible. He dressed quickly ignoring Gwaine whistling a stripping tune and straightened his tie in the mirror, questioning the judgement of red on navy but not knowing what else to try. He cursed as the front door opened as Arthur called out, before making his way to the bedroom, his face going stony as he saw Gwaine led out on the bed. He raised an eyebrow to the other man, his body tense as he stared. Merlin huffed though secretly pleased Arthur was still possessive, a little bit went a long way and Merlin found it hot that Arthur loved him enough to get jealous. He decided quickly he would not be admitting Gwaine had been there while he changed though. Arthur turned from his silent conversation with Gwaine to press a kiss to Merlin's lips, his eyes running over his attire as he grinned.

"My, you look very respectable. It makes me want to mess you all up."

Merlin squirmed away from his boyfriend's teasing hands and pushed him back, frowning lightly, causing Arthur to laugh, his face lighting up as he stumbled back. Merlin hid his smile and stalked out of his bedroom which for some reason had become the most popular room in the apartment.

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Arthur stopped Merlin as he got out of the car, a guilty look on his face as he stared at the head seat behind Merlin.

"So, uh, I might have failed to remember, on purpose, to tell you that we would be meeting Uther tonight. I thought it was a good time seeing as you have agreed to join the family so I rang him and asked him to join us for dinner."

Merlin let the news sink in but felt more relieved than angry, he had been dreading this meeting but would rather it be out of the way than still looming over them, and Arthur was right, he had agreed to marry him which involved accepting his family also. He smiled, moving his arm to gently turn Arthur's face around so he could look him in the eyes.

"I'm not angry you prat, I'm glad we're doing this. I've been worrying about it for a while and I think it's about time I met your father. After all, I survived Morgana right?"

Arthur grinned at him before leaning forward to kiss him, his expression one of gratitude and love. Merlin pushed him back and stepped out of the car, preparing himself for what was sure to be a terrifying experience if he could believe Arthur's account of his father.

Merlin smiled at the older man waiting at the table, reassured slightly by the small curve to his lips as he watched Arthur squeeze Merlin's hand before taking his seat.

"Father, this is Merlin, the one I told you about. Merlin, this is Uther, my father."

"It's nice to meet you Mr Pendragon."

"Likewise. I understand you have been dating my son for a manner of months now."

"Yes, we're rapidly approaching out half a year anniversary actually."

"I see and you two met..."

"I live in the apartment below Arthur and we met as I moved in though we didn't start dating for a couple of weeks after."

"What a fateful meeting. What was it that attracted you to my son?"

"Mr Pendragon, I don't believe I like what you're implying. I was attracted to Arthur firstly due to his appearance and later to his personality, generosity, kindness and habit of putting others before himself. Furthermore, if Arthur was the poorest man in the world, I would still love him, his wealth and status means nothing to me."

Merlin spoke, making sure to keep his voice soft and quiet as to not cause a scene. He had not intended to offend his father-in-law but being accused of wanting Arthur only for his money had caused something to snap in him and he had heard himself responding without conscious thought. He took a sip of his water, feeling Uther's eyes studying him and Arthur's foot stroking over his in reassurance.

"Well, I appreciate you clearing that up for me Merlin. I hope you'll forgive an old man looking out for his son's welfare and happiness."

Merlin looked up and at Uther who was staring at him, his face guarded as he apologized in his own way for his rudeness. Merlin caught Arthur's shocked face out of the corner of his eye but kept his attention focused on Uther who he thought looked sincere. He nodded at the older man, strangely glad they both knew where they stood.

"So father, you remember the book I bought you for your birthday? Merlin was the one who found it for me. He works in a bookstore in town."

"Is that so? The book was really rather marvellous, such good condition."

"Gaius, my boss insists that the shop only sell antiques if they are well preserved and will continue to be. I enjoy the work, I've always been drawn to books and the stories they contain."

"That's an admirable quality Merlin; I myself have always enjoyed the value of a good book. Arthur unfortunately never took to my hobby, choosing instead to take up fencing or boxing, admirable qualities though not ones I would choose."

"I'm not a great sportsman either. I think Arthur despairs of me ever finding a physical activity I enjoy."

"Hmm, not true Merlin, I can think of at least one physical activity you like."

Arthur smirked at Merlin who blushed, looking down at his plate as Uther chuckled opposite him. He looked up to find the father and son sharing an amused look but did not mind too much as he was happy they were getting along and Uther did not simply hate him on sight.

Arthur fingered the box in his pocket, his attention on how to proceed rather than the animated conversation between his father and Merlin over the merit of film as a representation of a legend. He moved quickly before he could lose his nerve and knelt in front of Merlin, his hand reaching in and bringing out the box to present to the man he loved.

"Merlin, will you do me the greatest honour of accepting my ring and becoming my life partner and husband? I can think of no one else I would want to wake up next to everyday of the rest of my life."

Merlin froze as he looked at the ring nestled in the box: two dragon heads meeting in the middle, snout touching snout in a manner of kiss. He fought back tears as he realised that Arthur must have had the ring custom made to get such a person design. He smiled down at his boyfriend who was watching him, a smirk in place. Having already asked, Arthur knew Merlin had already accepted his offer or marriage yet was determined to publically claim him. Merlin grinned and nodded, letting Arthur slide the ring onto his finger. What shocked him was when Arthur gave him a second box containing a second, larger ring, complete in the same dragon design. Understanding what he wanted, Merlin placed the ring on Arthur's finger, holding the hand longer than necessary but allowing him to pull back to press a quick kiss to his lips before reclaiming his seat. Merlin was shocked out of his happy daze by the noise of the restaurant clapping and Uther's hand slapping him on the back and shaking his hand. He watched Uther and Arthur hug, the former whispering in his son's ear. As though knowing Merlin would be uncomfortable under all the scrutiny, Arthur explained to Uther that they had to leave and arranged to meet up with him later in the week.

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Merlin locked the door behind them as they stumbled into his bedroom, his foot catching in the jogging bottoms he had discarded earlier and falling face first onto the bed, grunting as Arthur dropped onto him. He grumbled a complaint which quickly turned into a long moan as Arthur's fingers dug into his shoulders, massaging the tension of the day away, occasionally kissing his neck and the tops of his shoulders.

"I love you Merlin. You know that right?"

Merlin spun over under Arthur, groaning as an elbow hit his chest but managing to end up facing Arthur whose face he grabbed and brought down to his own, letting their foreheads touch, a mimicry of their rings.

"Arthur Pendragon, I love you more than life. It's only right that you love me half as much in return."

"I'm pretty sure I love you more than you love me."

"No, that's not possible Pendragon."

"I'm fairly sure it is, because I do."

"No, you don't. Ok, I'm ending this childish argument. Thank you for my ring. It's perfect."

"Are you sure? I know you might prefer a simple, normal ring but I wanted us to have something unique."

"They're perfect Arthur."

"Good and they match so everyone will know you're mine."

"Uh huh, that's clearly the most important thing about our engagement rings Arthur. "

Arthur grinned, his eyes bright as they caught Merlin's in their gaze. He grabbed Merlin's hand, interlocking their fingers.

"The important thing about them is that they show we belong to each other, that we match, that we're two sides of the same coin so to speak. We were meant to be together Merlin."

Merlin smiled at the romantic words, relishing them and locking them away in his memory. Tonight would forever be remembered as the night the couple gave themselves to each other, soul to soul.