Sorry for the shortness, it's just the epilogue – hope you like it! :) Remember that no matter how old this story is, I'll always appreciate and reply to reviews!

10 years later

"You're sure it looks fine?" Mordred asks for the fifth time.

"It looks great, Mord," Merlin assures him.

Mordred examines himself critically in the mirror. Arthur hides a smile. Mordred may not admit it, but looking good for his first day at university means a lot to him. Merlin and Arthur have had to sit through hours of discussion on the merits of different outfits.

"Freya, tell your brother he looks perfect," Arthur says.

"You're perfect," Freya says as she flounces past.

"Remember to be home by ten!" Merlin calls.

"Ok," she shouts over her shoulder, just as the bell rings. Freya's boyfriend seems nice, but Merlin can't help worrying about his daughter, growing up so fast.

Mordred picks up his bag and makes to go to the door, but hesitates.

"Are you sure you don't want me to drive you?" Arthur asks.

Mordred shakes his head. "Everyone takes the bus, it's not like school, dad."

"I know," Arthur smiles. "Then what is it?"

Mordred hesitates. "I just feel like… like things are moving too fast, like I'm not in control. It was school and grades for so long, now it's university and accommodation and transport and money and studying and everything all at once. It's like I'm spiralling into something that I can't get out of."

Arthur shares a private look with Merlin before answering. "Sometimes spirals are good. You may well find that you spiral into happiness."

"You think so?"

"Yes, Mordred, I do."

Merlin kisses Arthur on the cheek. Over the years, Arthur's arms have loosened around him as they sleep. He no longer wakes up with pins and needles; Arthur has finally realised that of all the people in his life, Merlin will always stay.

Mordred's tense expression loosens. "Alright," he says. His hand hesitates on the door handle. "I love you," he says.

"We love you, too, Mordred. Never forget that."

Mordred smiles and takes a deep breath, then turns back to the door. With his head held high, he walks out to face the world.

Merlin sniffles a bit as Arthur puts his arm around him. "He'll be fine," Arthur says.

"I know he will. And so will we."

Arthur believes him.

The End