I don't own Merlin sadly, it belongs to the BBC.
This is a request from Kenya1234 and is therefore dedicated to them. I want to thank them for giving me this chance to write this as I have really enjoyed writing it. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I have enjoyed writing it. :D
Summary: In return for helping Gwen, she introduces Merlin to the rest of the gang. While it is love at first sight for Merlin, Arthur is a closed shell. Can Merlin break down the wall Arthur has built around his heart and get into where Arthur is determined no one will ever get to?
This story is the longest I have ever done it has 38 chapters.
Warnings: Malexmale. Ygraine alive, Uther nice lol. AU.
I apologise in advance for any mistakes
Arthur stepped out of his shower and walked into his room and saw Merlin's scarf on the floor, smiling Arthur picked it up and smelt it, smiling when he took a deep breath, all Merlin. Walking over to his phone he picked it up and rang Merlin. Happy that he left something as it gave him an excuse to ring the brunet.
"Hello?" Balinor answered, not wanting the phone to wake his son.
"Hello? Balinor?" Arthur asked.
"Arthur? Is that you boy?"
"Yeah. I was just ringing to tell Merlin he left his scarf here when he left this morning. Is Merlin there?"
"I'll have to let him know so he can come and collect it. Of course though he is a little busy right now I'm afraid." Balinor answered.
"That's alright. Is... is Merlin alright? I mean, did he seem alright to you?"
Balinor wondered how best to answer the question. "I haven't seen him this happy since Charlie, and that's all you boy." Balinor wasn't really lying but he was just leaving out a few important parts.
"Can you tell him I called and to give me a ring when he can please?"
"Of course Arthur. Was there anything else?"
"No. See you later." Arthur put the phone down and sighed. "I guess Merlin needs to talk to his dad like I do mine." he said to himself.
After getting dressed and eating breakfast Arthur looked at the time and saw it was nearing on eleven, looking at Merlin's scarf just laying on the table Arthur decided, he wanted to see Merlin. As he stood to pick it up his phone rang, picking it up he saw it was Lancelot. "Hello?"
"Arthur save me."
"What's up?"
"Morgana has come, they are talking about baby things they I tell them I want to decide about my baby's nursery and when I say a colour they don't agree on, they snap and when I do they say I only agreed so I don't get shouted at. Either way I can't win, help me. Save me!"
Arthur laughed. "I'm on my way mate."
"Oh thank you."
Arthur walked to his front door and stopped where he hung his coats up and draped Merlin's scarf over one of the hooks before leaving.
Arthur knocked on Gwen and Lancelot's door and only had to wait seconds before the door opened and a relieved looking Lancelot appeared. "Oh Arthur thank you." Lancelot put his coat on and called back over his shoulder. "Arthur is here love says he needs my help with something must go see you soon love you." he quickly said, making kissing noises before leaving.
Arthur laughed as they headed out of the apartment building. "I don't know what I could have done to save you besides knocking on your door."
"That's enough. Whatever I said I couldn't win. That death glare your sister gives, it is starting to rub off on Guinevere."
Arthur laughed and clapped his friend on the back.
"How are you and Merlin doing, you guys have been going out for a few months now."
"Nine months. And they are going great, he stopped over at mine last night, we haven't slept together yet." Arthur stopped and faced Lancelot. "He told me he loves me."
"He did?"
"Yes. Twice now and twice I have called him 'love' I know how I feel for him and I am scared to name what that feeling is, I don't want to get hurt again I couldn't take it."
"I know Arthur. Have you told Merlin any of this?"
"No."
Lancelot sighed. "You do know that by not telling him you are probably hurting him also?"
"No. He is always reassuring me saying not to worry and he is fine with waiting."
"He must be a very patient man."
"He is. Although he hasn't been himself lately. Been a bit quiet."
"Maybe he is one of those who is quiet when not very well."
Arthur frowned. "Merlin isn't well?"
"Don't think so, hasn't been to work all week."
Arthur paused. Merlin said he couldn't do lunch with him the other day as he was busy at work, Merlin never lied; this made Arthur even more curious.
Arthur had spent all Saturday with Lancelot until Lancelot got a call from Gwen telling him it was safe to come home, Arthur told Lancelot he would give him a lift home, hopefully Merlin was at home.
After saying bye to Lancelot Arthur headed down the hall and knocked on Merlin's door and only waited a few seconds before he heard the locks turning and the door opening to reveal Merlin clad in only a towel, his hair wet through, water dripping down his chest. "Arthur."
"Merlin can I come in?"
"You can, you will have to excuse the mess, hectic week at work I am afraid I haven't really had time."
Arthur just smiled and walked in, looking around the flat which was an absolute mess before turning to face Merlin. "You weren't kidding." he said as his eyes dropped to Merlin's chest and stomach, his muscles, abs... he had lost weight.
Merlin laughed. "Let me just get something on other than a towel and I will be right with you."
"That's alright."
When Merlin walked into his bedroom Arthur walked into the kitchen and started washing up, putting the kettle on as he did so. Once kettle was boiled Arthur set about making them both a drink, he opened the cupboard door above the kettle and started to look for the sugar when he saw a box, picking it up he read the front. Sleeping pills. Arthur sighed as he put the box back and finished making the drinks.
"You washed up? You didn't have to."
Arthur turned to see Merlin stood there wearing a pair of boxer shorts, he placed his cup down and walked slowly over to Merlin and handed the cup of tea over.
Merlin smiled and took the drink from Arthur and kept eye contact, watching closely, well aware that Arthur's hands were making their way south, he gasped when he felt Arthur's warm hands on his bare cock. "Arthur?"
"Your cock was poking out Merlin." he said with a smile on his face, kissing him before turning to pick up his own mug of tea.
"Sorry."
"No need to be sorry Merlin, I have seen it before when we have fooled around a little."
Merlin laughed a little and followed Arthur into his sitting room.
Merlin ended up sleeping all night that night when he got up in the morning he knew it was thanks to Arthur. Merlin frowned, a very tired looking Arthur. "Have a bad night?"
"No. I have only been asleep nearly an hour."
"You have been up all night? Why?"
"Merlin I hate mess. Everything needs to be clean."
Merlin got out of bed and walked out of his room to see his now clean and tidy flat that was a mess just last night. Walking back in his room he saw Arthur still laying in his bed. "Arthur you didn't have to." he said as he sat on the edge.
"I couldn't sleep Merlin, had to clean it. I have text and told dad to let him know I won't be there today as I will be sleeping, do you mind getting back in so I can do so?"
Merlin smiled and got back under the covers and kissed Arthur. "Go back to sleep."
It was a few hours later when a banging sounded on the door, Merlin jumped at the noise and moaned as he buried further into the sleeping man beside him. A few minutes later Merlin's phone rang making him reach over and decline the call.
"Merlin laddie I know you are in there I heard your phone."
Merlin sat up straight. "Shit!"
"Your gran wrestled the handyman for the spare key I will use it."
Merlin turned and roughly shook Arthur. "Get up Arthur."
"I am up." he moaned, rubbing his cock over the duvet before turning.
"That is not what I meant. Arthur gran and granddad are at the door and he has a key!"
That got Arthur up. "Fuck!" he said as he got out of bed and started searching around for his clothes, quickly putting them on.
"Top is on inside out." Merlin said as he quickly dressed.
When they were both dressed and presentable they hurried into the living room, Arthur sat on the settee as Merlin quickly put the telly on, seeing his bedroom door open and Arthur's jacket thrown across his bed he quickly hurried over and closed the door as they both heard the key in the lock turn.
"Laddie?" Dragoon said as he walked through the door, Dolma close behind him.
Merlin looked up and placed his hand on the back of the settee and jumping high, Merlin swung his legs over the top, landing on his arse next to Arthur who looked at him in surprise just as Dragoon and Dolma walked into the living area.
"Why didn't you answer the door laddie?"
"Well why move when I am comfortable after you said gran wrestled for the spare key, which I would like back please."
"You alright Arthur?"
Arthur smiled and stood to shake Dragoon's hand. "I'm good, you both keeping well?"
"We are." Dolma answered looking Arthur up and down.
"Enough woman." Dragoon said when he caught how his wife looked at Arthur.
Dolma rolled her eyes and moved into the kitchen. "I'll make us all a drink shall I." she said as she walked away. "How do you like your tea Arthur? Hot and sweet like you?"
"Bah! Enough already woman." Dragoon said as he followed his wife into the kitchen.
When it was just the two of them Merlin turned and smiled at Arthur. "Sorry."
Arthur winked. "What for? She's funny."
"Are you alright with them being here?"
"Of course. I don't mind."
"Merlin what are you doing with these sleeping pills?" came Dolma's voice.
Merlin's face dropped. "All of a sudden I do." Merlin looked towards the kitchen. "Gran they are just in case I can't sleep I haven't used them. And why are you snooping through my cupboards?"
"They were in the same cupboard as your teabags and coffee."
Arthur looked at Merlin who ran a hand through his hair.
"I thought you said you haven't taken any. Some are missing. You haven't had to take these to help you sleep since Charlie died." Dolma said as she came walking back into the living room carrying the box of tablets. "What is making you take them again sweetheart?"
"I have had a few hectic weeks at work. I have been working non-stop and have often pushed myself past it when tired; I only said I haven't used them because I know you would think something is wrong."
Arthur cleared his throat. "I will leave you all to it."
Merlin sighed and nodded as he saw Arthur to the door, telling his grandparents he won't be long as he walked out with Arthur and closed the door behind them both.
"I'm sorry Arthur."
"Don't apologise. They are your grandparents they are bound to worry about you." Arthur took a deep breath. "I know I do as you have been taking the pills but not for that reason as I know you haven't been into work the last few days."
"How did you-"
"Merlin you live down the hall from Gwen and Lancelot, Lancelot knows we are together and was asking if I knew anything about you if you are alright as you haven't been into work lately and given the state of your place last night I am guessing you haven't left it in a while either."
"Arthur I-"
"Merlin what's wrong? Why won't you talk to me?"
"I do talk to you Arthur."
"Is it an anniversary of how long it has been since Charlie died or something?"
Before Merlin could answer the door opened and Dragoon made himself seen. "How long does it take to say goodbye laddie. Gran has made tea."
"Okay I am coming."
When the door shut again Merlin moved forwards and kissed Arthur. "I am fine Arthur honestly. I will be at work tomorrow and you can come by at dinner if you like and have something to eat for lunch?"
Arthur smiled. "Alright." he answered as he kissed Merlin. "Until tomorrow."
Merlin stood and watched Arthur walk away; as soon as he saw Arthur turn a corner he let out a breath and leaned against the wall, composing himself before walking back into his flat to face his grandparents.
What do you think?
Chapter Twenty Seven will be up tomorrow :D
Review? x