Sorry I've left you hanging for so long, exams almost killed me so I didn't have much time for writing. But here it is, the promised last chapter. This is the non-slash version, the next chapter is the slash ending which I should have up in a moment. Feel free to read one ending or both. They should be similar enough that you're not missing anything if you only read one, but different enough that it won't seem repetitive if you read both. I would really like to know what people think of the ending and the whole thing really, and if you read both I'd love to know which one you think is better. Huge thanks to everyone who has reviewed, added this to their favourites, added this to story alert, or even just read this far, I love you guys. And massive thanks to Roses-as-lips for the beta as without her this would probably have been full of my errors. Anyway I'm sorry for the huge author's note. For the last time, enjoy and please review. x

Previously

I don't need anything else Merlin. You deserve a break after everything that's happened, god knows I need one.

So can I have tomorrow off then? Merlin asked hopefully.

You don't deserve that much off a break Merlin. How would I ever punish you for all the spiders that magically appear in my room if I give you the day off?

Arthur groaned as he rolled over for what seemed like the hundredth time that night. Although he could feel the exhaustion pouring through his body, sleep was evading him. He flopped onto his back and stared blankly up at the ceiling above him. His mind was running over all that had happened since Morgana had bonded the three of them together and, try as he might, he couldn't get it to shut up. He knew his buzzing mind was what was preventing him from sleeping, but he couldn't tune out.

Giving up on sleep he pushed his covers aside and swung his legs out of bed. Stretching his arms above his head he moved over to the table and poured some water into a nearby goblet. Arthur took a deep swig as he moved towards the window, pushing the curtain aside. Staring out at the moonlit town below he sighed wearily. He lent his head against the cool pane of glass, closing his eyes in exhaustion. He felt tired standing there but knew if he went back to bed he wouldn't be able to sleep.

Frustrated he pushed away from the window and slumped into a chair. He briefly considered doing something productive if he couldn't sleep, but that idea was quickly pushed aside; he was in no state to complete the pile of reports lying unfinished on his desk. He cast round for something to occupy himself with and growled in annoyance as he found that Merlin was sound asleep. The boy spent weeks looking like death warmed up due to lack of sleep and then the one night Arthur can't sleep either, he magically manages to fall asleep. Arthur had a sneaking suspicion that magic, much to his annoyance, was probably the reason behind it.

He let his mind cast back casually over the last month, as it seemed so keen to do. Arthur closed his eyes and sank back into the chair, letting the memories wash over him. Reaching one memory his eyes snapped open and he sat bolt upright, a smile spreading wickedly across his face. Now he had something to occupy himself with; he was going to spy on Merlin's dreams.

Feeling rather pleased with himself Arthur leant forward on the chair, cradling his goblet between both hands. Now he thought about it properly Arthur realised that when Merlin had released his blocks and told him about his magic he had failed to mention the reason behind his lack of sleep. Well Arthur wasn't going to have that; he was going to find out what it was.

However after settling himself into a more comfortable position on the chair he realised he didn't have a clue how to go about spying on the other boy's dreams. He took another swig from the cup and closed his eyes, concentrating on Merlin's presence in his mind.

At first he was met with nothingness but as he pushed further into Merlin's mind he felt a wave of images wash over him. A triumphant smile spread across his face as he realised he was actually watching Merlin's dreams. However the images were flashing past him so fast that it was hard for him to determine what any of the actually were. He saw flashes of him and Merlin fighting another magical creature, a sword at the bottom of a lake guarded by a dark haired woman who seemed familiar to Arthur though he couldn't place her, the pair of them riding out of Camelot, a crown on Arthur's head and a staff in Merlin's hand.

Arthur had to stifle a laugh as he saw the last scene. It was clear that this was Merlin's dream of the future as Arthur seemed to be king, judging by the crown on his head. However it was Merlin's attire that was causing Arthur's amusement. His skinny manservant was dressed in a regal looking deep blue robe that was embroidered with silver stars. What amused Arthur the most was the pointed hat on Merlin's head that was the same blue as his robe and also covered in silver stars.

In Arthur's opinion the other boy looked ridiculous, his mop of raven hair poking out from beneath the hat, both of which were accentuating his ears. Arthur made a mental note to talk Merlin out of ever purchasing an outfit like this no matter how entertaining it would be. Although, Arthur mused, if Merlin was so fond of strange headwear maybe he should bring out The Hat once again. Chuckling Arthur remembered how ridiculous Merlin had looked in the feathered cap that had definitely brought some entertainment to the dull evening.

He smiled to himself and turned back to the scene playing in his mind just in time to see dream Merlin's eyes flash gold and perform magic in the open in front of the whole town. Arthur sat bolt upright in shock at this sight, the goblet falling from his limp hand, as he backtracked and realised what he'd just seen. His mind whirled and he lost his concentration, breaking the link. Ignoring the water that was slowly seeping into the rug, Arthur gripped the arms of his chair as his brain tried to catch up.

The image had seemed to so real that for a moment Arthur had feared for his manservant's life when he had seen him breaking the law in public. Though on reflection he realised that of course Merlin would be dreaming of a future where he didn't have to hide who he truly was. Arthur felt rather frustrated with himself that this had caused the loss of concentration that meant he had been thrown back out of Merlin's mind.

He sighed, determined to see more. Arthur was having way too much fun with this to leave it now. He settled back into his chair, wanting to find some more ammunition to tease Merlin with. Closing his eyes he easily slipped back into Merlin's dreams once again, following the path in his mind he had taken last time.

This time he knew that he needed to gain more control of the images as he wanted to see what the rest of this future Merlin was dreaming about was like. His brow furrowed with concentration as he tried to grab hold of the images. However every time he tried to focus on one image it seemed to jump away from him, much like things tend to do in dreams.

A throbbing pain started in the back of Arthur's mind as he attempted time after time to capture an image. He opened his eyes with a growl of annoyance, sinking his head into his hands. The pain in the back of his head seemed to increase and he rubbed his forehead fruitlessly, trying to clear his mind. It felt almost like someone was trying to scream at him inside his head. However Merlin was fast asleep and Morgana was across the other side of the castle, too far away for their link to be substantial.

Unsure of anyone else who would be able to access his mind Arthur pushed the worrying thought away and returned back to the problem in hand. Closing his eyes he leant back in his chair and returned to Merlin's mind. Deciding to try a new tactic Arthur let the images wash over him, waiting for the one he really wanted to see. Soon enough, through the random images Merlin's mind seemed to have produced, Arthur found the one he had been looking for.

Instead of trying to grab it to his attention this time, Arthur let the image grow stronger in his mind, focusing all his concentration on it. Finally the other images faded away and Arthur was left with only one. He hesitated, unsure what he was supposed to do now. However before he had the chance to try anything, he was thrown headfirst into the image as it filled his mind, almost as if he was having the dream not Merlin.

He watched as dream Arthur sighed at Merlin's blatant showing off but did not seem fazed by his use of magic as if this was something that dream Merlin did a lot. Dream Merlin was performing some trick that Arthur was finding it hard to follow but had the town children amazed. He waved the staff he was holding and the coloured lights that had been dancing around him moved towards each other and exploded in a mass of bright lights as they combined...

Merlin!

Arthur was jolted out of the image by a bellowing voice echoing through his mind. He sat bolt upright in shock, angry that he hadn't been able to see how Merlin's dream was going to pan out.

Merlin!

The insistent voice came again, louder this time. His manservant's name echoed around his mind and he felt the ache in the back of his head grow. All thoughts of the dream forgotten Arthur tried to find the source of the voice. He cast round his mind, sure that it was in his head and not outside. Something told him that the pain in his head was related to the strange voice.

MERLIN!

Arthur gripped his head in his hands tightly. He felt like his head was about to split in half and he clutched at it, trying to hold it together. The pain, which had started at the back of his head, was now pulsing through his skull.

He didn't know how long he sat there like that but eventually it ebbed away and Arthur found himself able to function again. Massaging his temples he sat up with a groan. He didn't understand who the deep earthy voice belonged to but knew that whoever it was, they weren't pleased with his manservant.

Arthur felt something change in his mind and checked the link to Merlin. His eyes widened as he saw the sudden change. Merlin, who had been sleeping peacefully last time Arthur looked, was tossing and turning fitfully in anguish. More images flashed through Arthur's mind; however these had a decisively darker feel to them.

Camelot burning, the great dragon swooping low overhead, people running and screaming, Merlin crying over a limp figure.

Arthur was out of his chair in a shot and halfway down the corridor before he even registered what he was doing. He knew that this was the reason Merlin hadn't been sleeping and he had an overwhelming urge to help him. Arthur swiftly stalked down the corridor towards Merlin's room.

He paused as he turned the corner, realising what a sight he must make. He hadn't thought to change before he went charging through the castle so he was only wearing the under trousers he had gone to bed in. He realised that he was going to have to watch out to make sure that no one saw him like this. It would not do for people to see the crown prince wandering around the castle shirtless.

He continued through the winding corridors, ducking round corners and into dark alcoves when he spotted any servants walking past. He didn't understand how they could still be up at this time of night; it was way past midnight which, in Arthur's opinion, was not an hour people should be awake.

He reached Gaius' chambers and hesitated outside the door. The realisation of what he was actually doing hit Arthur at that moment. He paused, wondering whether he should just turn back and return to bed. But the anguish that was pouring through the bond from Merlin pushed him forward. He had never been one to back down so he gently pushed the door open, careful not to let it creak too loud.

Stepping inside Arthur surveyed the familiar room and spotted Gaius asleep on the bed in the corner. Moving slowly he made his way past the many obstacles that seemed to be strewn randomly around the room but Arthur knew that Gaius always had an order to the chaos. He picked his way round the table, careful not to knock anything off.

He made it across the room without incident and hesitated once again outside the door to Merlin's small room. He could hear his manservant's cries of distress through the door and was surprised that Gaius had managed to sleep through it. Throwing a quick glance at his sleeping figure Arthur pushed the door open and entered the room, closing the door behind him.

He surveyed the room and wrinkled his nose in distaste; he couldn't quite believe that he had actually slept in here the day before. It was clear Merlin still hadn't attempted to tidy the mess over his floor and Arthur had to pick his way carefully through the chaos to make sure as not to fall over anything.

Eventually he reached Merlin's side and his gaze landed on the boy in the bed next to him. Merlin was thrashing round, tangled up in his sheets, sweat pouring off him. Arthur could still hear the voice in his head shouting Merlin's name but he was successfully blocking the worst of it out, he realised that it was probably ten times worse for the young warlock.

Arthur hesitated, unsure as to what should be his next move. He knew he had to break Merlin out of the dream that seemed to have him captive but wasn't really sure how to go about it. He tried to shake Merlin's shoulder but the boy was writhing around so much that Arthur couldn't get a grip on him.

"Merlin!" He hissed quietly.

He was very aware that Gaius was asleep in the next room and that if he found Arthur in Merlin's chambers dressed as he was it wouldn't bode well for either of them.

"Merlin!" He repeated, louder this time.

However it had as little effect as it had had the first time. Merlin was well and truly stuck in his dream and Arthur bit his lip in worry, surveying the boy on the bed. Merlin looked a mess, Arthur could see the shadows below his eyes had deepened since the last time he had noticed them and Merlin was looking much thinner, even for him, and Arthur resolved to make sure he ate properly from now on even if he had to force the food down the other boy's throat.

Snapping out of his thoughts Arthur rubbed his forehead in despair, trying to decide what to do next. Never one for subtlety Arthur went for blunt force.

MERLIN!

Said boy shot bolt upright as Arthur's words echoed through his head. Eyes wide they darted around the room as he tried to bring his still sleep-fuddled brain to the present. His head was reeling as he tried to process what was going on but he couldn't quite get a grip on reality.

Firm hands grasped his shoulders and he let out a gasp of shock. His eyes darted to the figure next to him and they landed on a face full of worry. It took him a moment to realise that the person was Arthur. A small part of his brain was fumbling round for a reason as to why he was there while another part seemed to be panicking that there was something Arthur wasn't supposed to find out, but he couldn't remember what that was.

However the main part of his mind was still in the dream. It had seemed so real that part of him believed that what he was seeing at the moment was actually the dream, for why else would Arthur be in his room if it wasn't a dream, or maybe he'd just come up with a new list of things he needed Merlin to do and had been too impatient to wait till the morning to tell him, said a wry voice at the back of his mind.

"The dragon...I can't do it...I can't set him free." Merlin babbled.

Arthur frowned as he tried to make sense of Merlin's ramblings. He realised that the voice that had been screaming in his head must have been the dragon under the castle. But why was Merlin talking about setting him free, surely he couldn't be that stupid?

"Not stupid...I promised...needed his help to save you." Merlin mumbled, his eyelids drooping.

Arthur saw he was about to fall back to sleep and he shook the slender boy gently.

"Merlin? What do you mean you promised?" He asked softly.

"Needed spell...promised him...but I can't, I can't."

Arthur could feel Merlin shaking beneath his hands and Arthur, who was never any good at comforting people, didn't have a clue what to do.

"I saw it...saw what he'll do...crystal...kill them..." Merlin trailed off.

His eyes bored into Arthur's and he seemed to be trying to make the prince understand something but Arthur didn't really have a clue what he was trying to say. Fortunately the message coming through the link was much clearer. Arthur saw Merlin talking to the dragon, making a promise to free him in exchange for the way to defeat Sigan. He saw the two of them camping after defeating the druids. Saw Merlin succumb to temptation and look into the crystal. Images flashed across his mind and he knew this was what Merlin had seen.

He glanced back at Merlin, his eyes wide in shock. It had been over three months since they had gotten back from retrieving the crystal and Arthur couldn't believe that Merlin had been carrying this alone all that time.

Had to...couldn't let you know. Needed to protect you.

Merlin's disjointed thoughts floated through the link and into Arthur's mind. Arthur didn't understand half of Merlin's babbling but he understood that the other boy seemed to feel the need to carry everything on his shoulders. He sighed at Merlin's stubbornness, that boy was impossible sometimes.

"Merlin I don't need you to protect me, I am perfectly capable of looking after myself you know." He replied.

Arthur raised his eyebrows as Merlin scoffed at his comment.

It's for your own good...had to deal with it myself.

"Merlin you are an idiot, you don't have to deal with everything on your own." Arthur scolded.

Merlin eyes widened more at the use of the fond insult. Part of him had still believed that this was a dream but it was such an Arthur-like comment that Merlin was having trouble believing that still. Without breaking their eye contact he hesitantly reached one hand to the strong hand on his shoulder. His fingertips contacted with Arthur's hand and he let out a gasp of surprise. He was now faced with the incontestable fact that this wasn't a dream, or it was the most realistic dream he had ever had.

A small frown creased Arthur's face as he watched Merlin's strange actions however he didn't do anything to stop the other boy. He felt Merlin grip his hand and smiled reassuringly at the younger boy.

"It is you." Merlin whispered softly, "You are really here."

The innocent delight in Merlin's voice made Arthur smile fondly at him and he felt a strong urge to keep the younger boy safe from whatever it was that was terrifying him.

"So now I see why you not been sleeping. I imagine it would be difficult with that overgrown lizard shouting in your mind."

Merlin's eyes widened in shock as he realised the implication of what Arthur had just said.

"You heard it too?" he asked apprehensively, unsure he really wanted to know the answer.

"Well it was kind of hard to miss, he is really loud."

Merlin scoffed again but still didn't understand how Arthur had heard. He had set up his blocks to remain in place even when he was sleeping and prevent Arthur from hearing the dragon's constant interruptions. A quick check told him they were still in place and Merlin couldn't understand how Arthur had heard.

Arthur was keeping quiet however his thoughts gave the game away. Merlin's eyes narrowed unhappily as he realised what Arthur had been doing.

"You were spying on my dreams!" He exclaimed outraged.

Arthur hushed Merlin quickly, very aware of how thin the wall separating them from Gaius was. However before he could defend his actions a piercing pain shot through his head. He pulled back with a cry and grabbed his head with his hands. He vaguely registered that Merlin also seemed to be gripping his head before the pain redoubled and he let out a groan of agony.

Merlin half noticed that the room seemed to be shaking but the pain cursing through his head blocked out any other thoughts. Bright lights flashed around the room and a small corner of Merlin brain told him that it was the same red, purple and gold that had been present when the magic had escaped Arthur however the rest of his mind was thrumming in agony and didn't really care. He truly felt as if his head was going to burst and he squeezed his eyes shut to block out the dazzling light, pulling his knees up to his chest and rocking back and forward.

Morgana sat bolt upright, a scream falling from her lips. A searing pain shot around her skull and she let out a small sob as she cradled her head in her hands. At the edge of her consciousness she noticed Gwen hurry to her side but her focus was on the stabbing pain shooting through her head. She felt wetness on her cheeks and realised that tears were pouring down her face but she couldn't move her hands to wipe them away.

As suddenly as the pain had arrived it disappeared, leaving a stunned Morgana behind. She gasped, inhaling deep lungfuls of air desperately. She noticed the soothing hand rubbing circles on her back and she looked up into Gwen's anxious face. Glancing round her room she realised she was safe and sighed in relief.

"Are you alright My Lady?" Gwen asked, her voice full of worry.

Morgana closed her eyes and calmed her raging mind. Once she had got her thoughts under control she realised that her mind felt strangely empty. A smile spread across her face, much to Gwen's confusion, as she realised that the boys must have finally gotten their act together.

"I'm much better now Gwen. Everything's going to be just fine." She replied smiling warmly.

Both boys relaxed as the pain ebbed away. They stayed frozen for a moment, fearful that the pain would return. However once it was clear that it was over Arthur slowly opened his eyes and glanced at Merlin. The younger boy still had his knees drawn up to his chest and was tentatively lifting his head out of his hands. Arthur noticed how vulnerable Merlin looked and once again wanted to take care of the younger boy, it was almost a big brotherly need to protect his sibling that Arthur had never experienced before, creating an unfamiliar warm feeling in his midriff.

Blinking rapidly Merlin unfolded from his curled up position. His vision cleared and he was slightly startled to see that Arthur was looking like a vulnerable child and imagined that this open expression was how he used to look before Uther managed to stamp the need to hide all emotions behind an impenetrable mask into him. He quickly clamped down on these thoughts, not wanting Arthur to hear and tease him, or send him to the stocks. However the moment he did this he realised his mind seemed rather quiet and empty for the first time in weeks. Frowning deeply he looked up at Arthur, who didn't seem to have noticed anything.

Arthur? He asked but received no reply. Can you hear me?

Merlin's frown deepened as there was no response from Arthur. He searched in his mind for where the comforting presence had resided for the last month and found that he was left with only his thoughts.

"It's gone." He stated simply, a hint of sadness in his voice.

Arthur's brow crinkled as he tried to process what Merlin was talking about but drew a blank. He didn't think that they had been talking about anything that would make Merlin's words make sense. Although he wasn't upset about the change in subject as it meant he didn't have to explain why he was snooping in the other boy's dreams.

What are you talking about? He asked bemused.

His confusion deepened as he realised that there was no reply from Merlin, it was as if the other boy hadn't even heard him. Arthur pressed on the link to see why Merlin wasn't listening to him and paused in shock as what Merlin had said finally made sense, the link had gone.

"How?" He asked quietly.

"Well I presume it's probably the fact that we finally told each other everything." Merlin replied, smiling patronisingly.

Arthur huffed in annoyance and plonked himself down on the bed next to Merlin, almost pushing said boy over the other side. Merlin stuck his tongue out at Arthur and readjusted his position so they both fit on the cramped bed. Both boys sat in silence readjusting to the fact that they now had their minds all to themselves. They had both come to the conclusion that it was gone for good and, although that was what they had been trying to achieve the whole time they had been bonded, they had gotten so used to the ever present company that they were both quite sad that it was gone.

Merlin sighed and closed his eyes, leaning his head on the wall behind him. Exhaustion was filling him up once again and he wanted nothing more than to curl up under his covers and return to sleep. However he was all too aware that Arthur was still in the room and he couldn't find a polite way of kicking him out.

Fortunately, Arthur was also feeling the stresses of the past couple of days catching up with him and he could feel himself almost drifting off to sleep where he sat. He shook himself and staggered up from the bed, his legs feeling like jelly didn't help his attempts to make it look dignified. Luckily for him Merlin still had his eyes closed and didn't see his blunder.

Looking down at the younger boy Arthur noticed his brow furrowed with worry and realised he should probably say something comforting. However a large part of him just wanted to run from the room and not have to deal with the emotional moment.

"Don't worry about the dragon, together we can keep him in place." Arthur said gruffly and Merlin opened his eyes to survey the other boy, "And I'm sure Morgana would help. She'd take any opportunity to vent her anger by shouting at someone, and at least this way it won't be me."

Merlin laughed at this, imagining Morgana stood in the cave ranting at the great dragon; he could definitely see her doing that.

"I'd better get going back." Arthur's voice cut through Merlin's images, "Although you couldn't lend me a tunic could you? I don't really want to be caught wandering around the castle dressed like this, people might get the wrong idea."

For the first time Merlin noticed Arthur's sate of undress and he had a strong urge to refuse and make the prince suffer. However he realised that it would probably result in him in the stocks, again. Although he did now have the best blackmail in the form of Arthur's favourite insect.

"Sure." He murmured before reaching down to where his pile of tunics normally was.

He froze as he realised that the clothing under his hand wasn't what was usually next to his bed. As he glanced around the room he realised that his organised chaos wasn't the way it normally was, in fact everything seemed to be even more chaotic than normal. It was almost as if someone had rearranged his carefully organised mess. Both Gaius and Arthur moaned that he needed to tidy his room but he always knew where everything was. Now, however he didn't have a clue.

He glanced up at Arthur in despair and frowned at the triumphant look on the prince's face. Suddenly he realised who the source of this change was. A plan for revenge had already half formed in the young warlock's mind when he reflected that this was probably payback for the spiders he had left there that day. Although Arthur definitely hadn't been in his room all day so wouldn't have had the chance to do it. In fact the last time he had been in here was when he was recovering from the magic and Merlin had discovered him sleeping in his bed.

His heart sank as he realised that this was probably Arthur's revenge for Merlin locking him in whilst he went about his jobs. He reasoned that if this was the case then he'd already unwittingly had his revenge with the spiders that day, although it would still be fun to wipe that smug look of the prince's face.

"What can I say, karma's a bitch." Arthur said to an annoyed Merlin, a wicked smile on his face.