Another Happy Accident

Merlin blinked slowly awake and stretched as he rolled over, finding the bed empty and the room quiet. He shifted and sat up, rubbing the back of his neck and wondering why he felt so groggy. He yawned and ran a hand through his hair before throwing the covers aside and padding over to the window. He drew the curtains aside and looked down at the busy hustle and bustle in the courtyard below, trying to shake himself into wakefulness.

He heard the door open and turned to see George entering, carrying a tray laden with food. "Good day, sire," he said, setting the tray down on the table and arranging it to look even more perfect than it already did.

"What time is it?" Merlin asked, regarding the food with a frown.

"Just after midday, sire."

"Midday?" Merlin echoed in disbelief. "Why did no one wake me?"

"The king gave instructions that you were to be left to sleep. Can I offer you some lunch, sire?"

"Oh George, stop with the 'sire' nonsense. You know it sets my teeth on edge."

"Yes, sire," George said, and Merlin glared at him. "Now, lunch?"

Merlin looked at the spread George had laid out on the table and found his stomach churning at the sight of it. Nothing appealed to him and he found himself pushing the tray to one side and saying, "I don't think I fancy it." He looked around the room and said, "Is Matthew with Arthur?"

George smiled and nodded, saying, "He's observing the king's training with the knights. I shall make sure he has some lunch, never fear."

George adored Matthew and the feeling was mutual. Matthew, for reasons best to known to himself, found George absolutely fascinating and spent much of his time being the man's shadow. He sat and watched while George attended to his chores and seemed to find everything the man did to be beyond wonder. George, in turn, showed nothing but affection for the young prince and it was always an amusing sight to see what a pair they made.

"I'll dress and go and join them," Merlin said, turning and reaching for the wardrobe, stopping in his tracks when he was hit by a wave of dizziness. "Oh…" he said, stepping back and reaching for the chair.

"Merlin?" George said in concern, at Merlin's side in an instant, one hand firm and comforting on his back while the other took his arm to steady him.

"I'm ok," Merlin said, taking a couple of deep breaths. "Just…a little giddy."

"Shall I fetch Gaius?"

"No, no I'll be fine. I'll um…just sit quietly for a bit I think."

"Can I get you something? Some ginger wine perhaps, to fortify you?"

Merlin smiled and reached out to give the man's arm a squeeze, saying, "Honestly, I'll be alright. Maybe I'm coming down with something, I'm sure it's nothing serious."

"If you're certain?"

"I am. You go and see to Arthur and Matthew. I'll…get myself dressed and get on with what's left of the day."

George didn't look wholly convinced but nodded anyway and said, "Very well. Please do try and eat something. The king will have my head if he thinks you've been neglected."

Merlin waved him out of the room and turned to lean back against the wardrobe. He ran a hand through his hair and took a couple of deep breaths, knowing that he would indeed have to see Gaius and already certain he knew what the man would tell him.

He hadn't felt right for weeks. He'd been dizzy and nauseous, and he'd been so tired that he'd been sleeping for great chunks at a time yet still feeling as though he needed more. He placed a gentle hand over his abdomen and bit his lip, knowing that he needed it confirmed once and for all.

He dressed and grabbed a piece of bread from the tray George had left and nibbled it slowly as he walked through the castle halls. He was hungry but almost everything made his stomach turn and plain bread was all he could really handle. He made his way to Gaius's quarters, Gaius greeting him with a hug and welcoming him inside.

"I think it's happened again," Merlin said, taking a seat and declining Gaius's offer of tea. "I think I'm having another baby."

"Oh, my boy," Gaius said, his eyebrow rising.

"It feels just like it did with Matthew in the early months. Everything makes me nauseous and I'm exhausted all the time."

"I suppose we'd better find out once and for all, mm?"

Merlin moved to the bed and lay back while Gaius examined him. He stared up at the ceiling and contemplated what this new development might mean for himself and his family. He hadn't considered another child; indeed, he'd never considered having any, but then Matthew had come along and turned Merlin's world on its head.

Given his particular proclivities and subsequent marriage to Arthur, he hadn't given any thought to children. Being a father to Matthew had been the pinnacle of his existence and he'd loved his son from the very first moment he'd felt him move within him. Matthew had been a gift that he'd never expected but to now be faced with the idea that there might be another child on the way was something he could barely wrap his head around.

"You're right. You're having another baby," Gaius' voice came through his thoughts, and Merlin let out a long, slow breath.

He pushed himself up to sit on the table and looked at Gaius, wondering if his life could possibly get any stranger. "Bloody hell," he said with a sigh.

"How do you feel?"

"Overwhelmed," Merlin said with a small laugh. "But…happy. Another baby, Gaius. Another child to love and cherish. I couldn't ever have imagined being so blessed."

"How do you think Arthur will take it?"

Merlin chewed his lip and ran a hand through his hair, saying, "I don't know. He adores Matthew more than anything in this world and being a father has given him more purpose and happiness than anything in his life…but…he'll worry about me."

"It's different this time, though," Gaius said, placing a hand on Merlin's shoulder. "We know a little more about what to expect and we can mediate any dangers that arise."

"True. I hope he's happy about it, Gaius, because I can only see this as a good thing."

"It is a good thing, Merlin. The best thing."

He squeezed Merlin's shoulder and Merlin smiled at him, feeling giddy. He was going to be a father again and, despite all the uncertainty that brought with it, he was truly happy. He spent a little time with Gaius, who prescribed several remedies to aid him over the next few months, and gave him an estimated delivery date of the following spring.

He took himself for a walk around the castle afterwards, trying to get his head straight. Matthew had been a blessing for both him and Arthur and they loved their son with a strength neither of them had ever known they'd possessed. Merlin had always thought that his love for Arthur was the most powerful thing he could ever feel, but the second Matthew had been placed in his arms he'd known that is was possible for his heart to contain something stronger and more overwhelming.

He knew he had more than enough love to give to another child and he couldn't deny that, now Matthew was nearly 4, he'd begun to feel just the slightest bit broody for the days he'd been a tiny baby. It was true that he didn't miss the sleepless nights, the endless crying or constantly finding baby sick all over his clothes, but he did miss holding a tiny baby in his arms and the feeling of such a precious little life relying on him completely.

He made his way back up to his chambers and opened the door to find Arthur sitting at his desk, Matthew on his knee. He was clearly trying to get a mountain of paperwork done and Matthew was obviously insisting on helping. Whatever Arthur did, Matthew wanted to be included, especially when it involved a quill and ink, which he had become thoroughly fascinated with over the last couple of months.

"Alright, my love," Arthur said, placing the quill in Matthew's little hand and guiding it towards the paper. "You have to sign here to make it official."

Merlin watched with a smile as Arthur's expression turned pained as Matthew splattered ink all over the paper. He smiled broadly, regardless, and said, "Excellent job, sweetheart."

"I see you two are hard at work," Merlin said, stepping into the room, both Arthur and Matthew looking up at him with bright smiles.

He moved over to the desk and greeted Arthur with a kiss before leaning down and smoothing Matthew's black hair, pressing a kiss to his forehead and saying, "Are you helping your pa, my love?"

"We're doing work, Adda," Matthew said, gesturing to the ruined parchment in front of him.

"I can see that," Merlin said, exchanging a wry look with his husband. "I think it's time you went down for a nap, though."

"Don't want to, Adda," Matthew said with a pout that was far too like Arthur's.

"I know, my prince, but you'll be cross later if you don't sleep now," Merlin said, running a finger down his son's nose and cupping his cheek gently. Matthew looked up at him with big, blue eyes, but Merlin was wise to his tricks and managed, most of the time, to resist them. "Give your pa a kiss and we'll go and get you settled."

"Best to do as your father says, love," Arthur said as Matthew nuzzled his cheek and also succeeded in getting a nice splodge of ink on the man's collar at the same time. "Sleep well."

Merlin watched as Arthur kissed Matthew and gave him a cuddle, never failing to feel love swell in his chest at the sight of the two of them together. He hadn't thought it was possible to love Arthur more than he already had done, but watching him with their son had made that love grow exponentially. He lifted Matthew from Arthur's lap, dipping his head to give Arthur a peck on the lips, before he carried Matthew off to the little antechamber off their rooms that they used as his bedroom.

"Did you watch your father training this morning, darling?" Merlin asked as he popped Matthew down on the bed and retrieved his sleep tunic from beneath his pillow.

Matthew nodded with a grin and said, "Uncle Gwaine showed me how to disarm someone."

"Yes, that's one of his favourite tricks," Merlin replied, kneeling in front of his son and helping him off with his shirt. He slid the tunic over his head and smoothed down his dark hair, turning the covers down and helping Matthew beneath them.

"Can I have a story, Adda?"

"Which one?" Merlin asked.

"The one about the knight who fell in love with the selkie."

"Of course, we've only had that one three times this week."

Merlin retrieved the book from the bookshelf and came to sit by Matthew's bedside. He knew the story so well by now that he hardly needed the book to read from. Matthew was a fiend for books and could spend hours being read to, his eyes closed and a smile on his face as he imagined the story playing in his head.

He lived in a world of whimsy and fairy tales, his little mind overrun with figures from mythology and storyland. He was a gentle soul whose tender sensibilities were moved by the lives of characters that adorned the pages of the books he so adored.

Merlin read a couple of chapters before glancing up and seeing that Matthew was fast asleep, his breathing even and his little fist wrapped in the bedclothes. Merlin smiled and placed the book to one side before leaning forward and running his fingers through his son's hair. "My precious boy," he whispered softly. "I hope you know how well you're loved. I hope you know how much you're wanted."

He pressed a kiss to the boy's forehead and tucked him snugly beneath the covers, letting himself indulge in drinking in the sight of him for a few moments. He could never help himself; from the moment Matthew had been born he'd lost hours simply staring at him. There was a part of him that still couldn't believe that this precious child was his, that he had the privilege of being his father. He couldn't believe that his magic had been capable of creating such a perfect gift and that he and Arthur had living proof of the strength of their love.

He left Matthew's bedroom and paused in the doorway for a moment while he watched as Arthur sorted through the papers on his desk. He was still nervous about telling him about the baby, not entirely sure how he was going to react, but he knew that Arthur loved being a father more than anything else in the world and he hoped that Arthur would see the news as the precious wonder Merlin viewed it as.

He moved behind the table and let his hand brush the back of Arthur's neck. Arthur looked up at him with a smile and slid an arm around his waist, asking, "Is he asleep?"

"Mm. Out like a candle. We had to have a story first of course."

"Of course. The knight and the selkie again, by any chance?"

"How on earth did you guess?"

Arthur laughed and said, "He's a born romantic, that child. He has the soul of a poet."

"He does," Merlin said, feeling his stomach flutter as he added, "Makes me wonder what the next one will be like."

"Yes," Arthur agreed absent-mindedly, before he properly digested what Merlin had said and looked up at him with a frown. "The next one?" he echoed. "Merlin…Merlin…are you…"

Merlin nodded and Arthur's eyes went to his abdomen, his eyes wide with shock. Merlin brushed the hair back from Arthur's forehead and said softly, "I'm about three months along."

"Oh, Merlin," Arthur breathed, his eyes still fixed on Merlin's stomach.

"Are you…are you cross?" Merlin ventured tentatively.

"Cross?" Arthur repeated, finally looking at Merlin, his wide-eyed expression so like Matthew's it made Merlin's chest tighten. "My love," he said, getting to his feet and pulling Merlin close, "how in the world could I be anything but humbled?" He placed his hand on Merlin's cheek while the other rested gently on his waist as he said, "I know I reacted poorly when we found out you were having Matthew, and I can't deny that it still worries me…there are so many unknowns, after all, but…we're having another baby, Merlin."

A relieved smile spread across Merlin's face and he took Arthur's hand from his cheek and gently placed it over his abdomen. "Looks like you're still in love with me then," he said, feeling Arthur's other hand creep over his hip to rest in the small of his back, pulling him closer still.

"Looks like I am. You're happy about it?"

"Very," Merlin said, feeling Arthur's hand press gently against his stomach. "I never dreamed I'd be this lucky."

"You're married to me, of course you're lucky."

"Silly me."

"Your magic did it again, my love," Arthur said softly, and Merlin brought his hand up to cup his cheek gently.

"Our love did it again," Merlin countered, and Arthur leant forward to meet him in a slow, sweet kiss.

Things were different this time around. Both Arthur and Merlin felt more confident and, although Arthur made his concerns known, especially to Gaius, it was clear that he was excited. His hand found its way to Merlin's stomach every five seconds and he was practically giddy with excitement.

He was attentive and treated Merlin like he was a piece of delicate pottery. Merlin pretended to be irritated but secretly enjoyed every second of it. Throughout their marriage, Arthur had become the most loving and affectionate person Merlin had ever had the privilege of knowing, and the fact that that was now being channelled towards their children made Merlin happier than he'd ever been.

"You're starting to show," Arthur said a few weeks later, wrapping his arms around Merlin's waist and resting his chin on his shoulder.

"Mm, won't be a secret much longer," Merlin said, settling back into his husband's hold and smiling as the man rested a flat palm against the small bump beneath his clothes.

"It isn't a secret now, my love. The castle's been gossiping about it for weeks."

"You can't keep anything to yourself in this place."

"You can't deny it now there's proof," Arthur said, his hand moving gently over Merlin's abdomen.

"You're bordering on delirious," Merlin told him, smiling as Arthur began to press gentle kisses to the column of his neck.

"Can't help myself," Arthur murmured. "Oh! Did I just…Was that – "

"It was the baby moving," Merlin confirmed with a smile, placing his hand over Arthur's. "First time I've felt it properly."

"Oh, Merlin," Arthur said with a reverent whisper. "I can't believe I can feel our baby moving."

He sighed and Merlin turned in his arms, frowning as he brushed the hair from the man's forehead and said, "What's the matter?"

Arthur shook his head and took Merlin's hands in his own, saying quietly, "I just…I wish it had been this way with Matthew. I was such a fool and I regret the fact that I didn't enjoy all these moments when you were carrying him."

Merlin brought Arthur's hands to his lips and pressed a gentle kiss to both of them. "You were scared, Arthur. You didn't know what would happen and it robbed you of any potential joy you might have felt."

"I resented him, Merlin. My son, our son. I watched him growing inside you and I felt so afraid, so frightened that he'd take you away from me. All that time I could have been sharing in your happiness, your excitement, and instead I just let my doubts and fears overwhelm me."

"None of that matters now," Merlin assured him. "Arthur, Matthew couldn't wish for a better father and you've showered him with love and affection since the moment he was placed in your arms. He's never known anything but a father who adores him, and every time I watch you with him I feel like the luckiest man in the world."

Arthur smiled and said, "That would be me, my love."

Things continued smoothly and the baby grew nice and healthily. Merlin's nausea abated and there was nothing to give anyone cause for concern…until he entered his eight month. The first time it happened no one quite knew what had occurred, only that one second Merlin had sneezed and the next all council members were suddenly without trousers.

The next time he sneezed, every tapestry in the castle fell off the walls and the time after that he caused everyone to smack the nearest person to them. Arthur found the entire thing hilarious while Merlin found it mortifying. He tried to shut himself away and try to avoid causing trouble but it didn't seem to matter; even when he was cloistered away his sneezing could wreak havoc throughout the castle.

"It's not bloody funny, Arthur," Merlin growled as they walked through the corridors together after Merlin had caused the castle steward's hair to turn purple.

"Oh yes it is," Arthur said with a snigger.

"You don't know what it's like to feel terrified every time you feel a sneeze coming on! For heaven's sake, yesterday I sent the entire bloody guard up to the parapets. It was ridiculous."

"Very amusing though."

"And the day before that I – oh – oh not again!" Merlin groaned as he felt his nose start to tickle. A huge, loud sneeze racked his body and seconds later he heard shout of surprise and the clattering of a tray. "What did I do now?" he asked, dreading the answer.

He and Arthur rounded the corridor, Merlin's eyes widening as Arthur collapsed against the wall in fits of laughter. Standing there, looking thoroughly perplexed, were Gwen and Leon; Gwen wearing Leon's chainmail and armour, Leon wearing Gwen's rather fetching lilac dress. It was, of course, far too small for him and had ripped along the arms and around the waist.

"I'm so sorry," Merlin breathed in horror while Arthur continued to laugh himself stupid.

"Leon, you look beautiful," Arthur snorted, grasping his sides and trying to suck in deep breaths of air.

"That's my best dress, Merlin," Gwen said, trying to adjust the chainmail, which absolutely swamped her.

"I'll fix it," Merlin said, but Leon raised a cautioning hand.

"Are you sure that's wise? Your magic isn't very…reliable at the moment. I'd really rather not end up standing here with nothing on at all. Right now, the dress seems the better option."

"I don't blame you," Arthur said, still beside himself. "You look absolutely fetching, Leon. That colour really is stunning on you."

Leon looked as though he was contemplating regicide while Merlin tried not to be too offended by Leon's insinuation that his magic wasn't to be trusted. The man wasn't exactly wrong, and Merlin was becoming more and more frustrated by the day.

"Fine," Merlin said with a huff. "Walk through the corridors like that, see if I care."

He strode off past them and heard Arthur making apologies for him, which only served to irritate him further. He got back to their chambers and would have flung himself down on the bed in a strop, but had to settle for slowly perching on the edge instead, unable to do anything with his bump in the way.

"It's bloody ridiculous," he growled as Arthur came into the room.

"Oh come on, my love, you have to see the humour in it. Nothing you've done has caused anyone any harm; it's all been very amusing."

"For you," Merlin bit back. "You see how bloody amusing it is when you're the size of a house, have swollen ankles, haven't seen your feet in months, have to pee every five seconds and have no idea what the next sneeze will bring besides wetting yourself."

Arthur's lip twitched and Merlin glared at him, saying darkly, "I'd think very carefully whether or not the joke you're about to make is worth it. One wrong word and I guarantee Matthew will be ascending to throne tomorrow."

Arthur held his hands up in surrender and moved slowly over to the bed with a placating smile. He took a seat beside Merlin and reached for his hand, threading their fingers together and stroking Merlin's skin softly with the pad of his thumb.

"I'm sorry you're frustrated," he said gently.

Merlin sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "I don't mean to be," he said softly. "This is a gift, Arthur, and you know how excited I am…I just forgot how bloody miserable the last three months were. My magic never went wonky with Matthew, either, so I just…wasn't prepared for it."

"Seems like this one's destined to be trouble," Arthur said with a smile, laying his hand gently on Merlin's bump. "I think we're in for a wild ride with her."

"Her?" Merlin asked, placing his hand over Arthur's.

"Feels like a her," Arthur said, rubbing Merlin's stomach with a thoughtful look. "I can't wait to meet her, to hold her. God, Merlin…to get to do this with you, it's more than I ever dreamed of."

"You old romantic," Merlin said, reaching up and cupping Arthur's cheek. "I can hardly believe it myself some days. I look at Matthew and I can't believe we made something so precious. To be blessed twice…it's something I'll never take for granted."

He was about to lean in for a kiss when a sharp pain halted him. "Oh," he said, taking a deep breath and gripping Arthur's hand.

"Merlin?"

"I'm fine, I just – " He trailed off as another pain assaulted him, this time in his lower back. He took another couple of breaths and braced himself, looking at Arthur and saying, "I think we might be meeting our daughter soon than we thought."

Arthur's eyes went wide. "Are you sure? I mean…isn't it too early? Maybe it's just – "

"I'm sure," Merlin said. "It feels just like it did with Matthew. It's only a couple of weeks early, the baby should be fine."

"Oh…Oh heavens, Merlin. What should I do?"

"Stop panicking, for a start," Merlin said with smile that turned to a wince as another wave of pain hit him. "It could be hours yet. Just…help me to get settled then go and fetch Gaius."

"Merlin…" Arthur said, as he helped Merlin off the edge of the bed and walked him round to the head of it, throwing back the covers. "I want to stay this time. I don't want to wait outside the room like I did with Matthew."

"Arthur – "

"Please, Merlin. You're my husband and this is our baby; I shouldn't have to wait in the bloody corridor while you bring her into the world."

"It isn't pretty, Arthur. The baby has to be cut out and – "

"I don't care. I should be with you. Please don't send me away."

"If you're sure," Merlin said, reaching out and placing his hand on Arthur's cheek. "Truth be told, I wanted you with me last time. I was absolutely terrified and I just wanted you to tell me it was alright."

Arthur took hold of Merlin's hand and pressed a gentle kiss to the back of it. "I'll go and get Gaius and then I promise I won't leave your side."

He helped Merlin into a sleep tunic and settled him before he went off to find Gaius. Merlin lay back and tried to settle his breathing. He knew what to expect this time and he wasn't as frightened as he had been when Matthew was born, but there was always a chance that something might go wrong and he sent up a silent prayer to anyone who might be listening to watch over the baby.

Arthur brought Gaius back and things went quickly from there. Despite his assertion that it could take hours, within half an hour of Gaius' arrival, Merlin found himself channelling his magic to try and control the pain while Gaius erected a small screen over Merlin's lower half and prepared to make his incision.

"You're doing brilliantly, love," Arthur whispered as he sat beside Merlin and held his hand.

"It's all gone so quickly," Merlin breathed. "She's coming so fast…do you think it's a bad sign?"

"Of course not," Arthur said, brushing Merlin's hair aside and pressing a gentle kiss to his forehead. "Everyone says second babies often come more quickly. She's just anxious to meet us and get into the world."

Merlin nodded, feeling a little more reassured, and tried to focus his magic. He gripped Arthur's hand tightly and said, "Alright, Gaius. I think I'm ready." He looked up and fixed his gaze on Arthur's dark blue eyes, saying, "Talk to me. Say anything, just…just talk to me."

Arthur gently stroked Merlin's hair and said, "The day that Matthew was born was the proudest day of my life." His voice was even and level, despite the fact that Merlin could see his eyes kept flicking down to the screen that covered Merlin. He was nervous and anxious, Merlin could tell, but he was doing his best to keep himself in check and be as supportive as possible.

Merlin gripped Arthur's hand tightly and tried to keep his breathing even as possible as he felt something press against his abdomen.

"I'll never forget how it felt to have our son placed in my arms and how overwhelming that sudden rush of love was," Arthur continued, and Merlin held his gaze as he tried to gather his magic around him to block out the pain. "I couldn't believe how quickly I fell in love with him, how he immediately felt like mine. I was the proudest man to have ever walked the face of the earth and I couldn't believe that something so precious belonged to me."

Merlin hissed as he felt an insistent tugging at his stomach and he closed his eyes tightly as he held onto Arthur's hand. He felt Arthur's fingers slide gently through his hair as the man said softly, "You have given me the greatest gift of my life and I couldn't imagine loving you more than I do at this moment. You and Matthew are my whole world and now we get to include this brand new baby in our little family and give our love to another child."

"Arthur," Merlin whimpered, feeling the intense pull on his abdomen and trying not to fight against it. He drew his magic around him like a cloak and focused on the feel of Arthur's hand in his, channelling all his power and focusing it intently. He felt another firm pull and his eyes snapped open as he heard his baby's first cry. "Arthur," he said, tugging Arthur's hand.

"Gaius?" Arthur asked, looking as Gaius continued to work behind the screen.

"You both have a daughter," he said, looking up at them with a bright smile.

"Is she ok?" Merlin asked, feeling his heart thudding against his chest.

"She's perfect, Merlin," Gaius assured him. "Just let me tidy her up and you can meet her."

"A daughter," Merlin breathed in wonder, meeting Arthur's eyes and seeing that his husband was on the verge of tears. "Our daughter."

"Here now," Gaius said, emerging from the screen with a tiny bundle wrapped in the same blanket that Matthew had been swaddled in when he was born. "Your daughter, my lords."

Merlin felt magic tingle through him as his abdomen was sewn back together and he pushed himself carefully into a sitting position as Gaius gently transferred his daughter into his arms. He looked down at the tiny child in wonder as he felt Arthur's arm wrap around his shoulders as he too met their daughter.

"Oh, Arthur," Merlin said with a sob. "She's beautiful."

"She most certainly is," Arthur said, his own voice shaky with emotion.

"We made her. Our love made her. She's breath-taking."

Merlin watched as beautiful blue eyes blinked and tried to focus, the baby's tiny little nose wrinkling as her little face moved. Merlin felt the same all-encompassing love sweep through him that he'd felt when he'd held Matthew for the first time and he was sure that one heart simply couldn't contain all emotion within him. This tiny little miracle was his, his and Arthur's, and it was their privilege to keep her safe, to show her how loved she was.

"I love you," Arthur whispered against his temple, and Merlin closed his eyes as tears escaped down his cheeks.

"I love you too," he said croakily.

"Is everything ok, Gaius?" Arthur asked. "Merlin's alright?"

"His magic has done most of the work," Gaius said as he began to tidy the room. "He'll need to rest, of course, but everything went perfectly."

Merlin felt Arthur's relieved sigh and he smiled as he nestled a little deeper into his husband's hold. He was absolutely exhausted and he knew he would be in pain within a few hours but it didn't matter, it was all so very worth it.

"Will you go and get Matthew?" he asked, tilting his head up to look at Arthur. "I don't want him to be worried and he should be included in this."

"Of course," Arthur said, pressing a kiss to Merlin's forehead. He gently caressed the baby's cheek with the pad of his finger and said, "Keep an eye on your father for me, my princess. I'll be back soon."

He shuffled off the bed and shook Gaius' hand with the widest grin before he left the room. Merlin settled back against the pillows and held his daughter close as she began to snuffle and fuss. "Hush now, my love. You're ok, I've got you," he whispered.

"Fatherhood suits you, Merlin," Gaius said as he arranged the covers around Merlin and brushed the hair from his forehead in a sweetly paternal gesture that made Merlin smile.

"It's the best thing I've ever done, Gaius. Look at her, she's a miracle."

"As are you, my boy," Gaius said softly, and Merlin was nearly undone by the look in his eyes.

Merlin felt his magic settle back within him and he knew he would need to sleep soon but he wasn't yet ready to be parted from his daughter. It had been the same when Matthew had been born. He and Arthur had sat together in the quiet sanctuary of their chambers and had looked at their son in wonder, both unable to take their eyes off him.

The baby was a tiny, delicate little thing and Merlin couldn't yet discern who she looked most like. Matthew had been the image of Arthur from the start, although there had definitely been aspects of Merlin that were discernible in his features. It seemed this little bundle would have the same dark hair and beautiful blue eyes and Merlin couldn't wait to see all the little changes that would take place as she grew.

A noise from the doorway drew his attention and he looked up to see Arthur entering with Matthew on his hip. He smiled brightly and said, "We have someone we want you to meet."

Arthur brought Matthew over to the bed and sat down beside Merlin with Matthew held snugly on his lap. "This is your new sister," he said, and Merlin tilted his arms so that Matthew could get a better look at her. "Do you like her?"

Merlin watched as the little boy studied the baby intently, his eyes searching her face. "Was I that small?" he asked eventually, and Arthur laughed as he cuddled him closer and placed a kiss to his temple.

"You were a little bit bigger and just as beautiful," Arthur assured him. "Do you think we should keep her then?"

Matthew nodded, taking the question very seriously. "Can I help to look after her?" he asked, and Merlin felt his chest tighten with the overwhelming wave of emotion that hit him.

"Your father and I would love that," he said.

"Right, I've waited long enough for a cuddle. It's time I got to hold my daughter," Arthur said.

Matthew shuffled off his father's lap and Merlin carefully transferred the tiny baby into Arthur's arms while Matthew snuggled closer to his side. He wrapped an arm around Matthew's shoulders and held him close, wanting his son to be in no doubt that he was still just as loved and just as important to them.

"Well hello there, my princess," Arthur said softly, and Merlin couldn't take his eyes off his husband as he gazed down at their daughter.

He had the same enchanted expression that he'd had when he'd first looked at Matthew, and Merlin could see that he'd fallen completely in love with the tiny baby. It was different this time around; Merlin wasn't watching with nervous anticipation to see what Arthur would think, but it was still just as magical to watch the man he loved look at their child with such unbridled adoration.

"What's her name?" Matthew asked as he began playing with the thin leather bracelet around Merlin's wrist.

"What do you think?" Arthur asked, looking up at Merlin, looking very much as though he might burst with happiness at any moment.

"Well," Merlin said, stroking Matthew's soft hair as his son looked at his new sister with a contemplative expression, "I know we threw a few different ideas around but…how do you feel about calling her Ygraine?"

"Oh, Merlin," Arthur said with a soft whisper. "Are you sure?"

"What do you think, Matthew? Shall we call her Ygraine?" Merlin asked the little boy.

Matthew nodded and said, "It's pretty. It suits her. Can I hold her, Pa?"

Arthur locked eyes with Merlin and Merlin felt his heart melt, unsure what he had done to deserve such happiness.

"Will you promise to be very gentle, sweetheart?" Arthur asked, and Matthew nodded seriously. "Very well then, my love."

Matthew settled more firmly against Merlin and Arthur shifted as Matthew held his arms out. He carefully transferred the baby over to him, keeping one hand beneath Matthew's arms to steady them both and make sure the baby's head was supported.

"That's it, darling," Merlin said encouragingly. "I think she likes you, she must know you're her big brother."

"We should leave you to rest soon, my love. You must be exhausted," Arthur said, as his other arm came to settle around Merlin's shoulders.

"In a little while," Merlin said gently as he watched Matthew cradle Ygraine carefully. "I just want to sit and savour this for a bit longer."

Arthur smiled and pressed a kiss to his temple and Merlin settled into his husband's tender embrace. The four of them sat quietly together, all enchanted by the new addition to their little family and Merlin wondered if there was anyone in the world who felt as happy as he did in that moment.

He rested his head against Arthur's shoulder and felt his magic tingle through his body. He welcomed it as he felt it in his veins, just beneath the surface of skin. It had given him the two most precious gifts of his life and had continued to aid him in protecting the man he loved. For that, he would always be grateful, and he would continue to thank the heavens for bestowing him with something so wonderful, for granting him a life that he cherished beyond measure.


AN: I bloody love writing these two as parents. I need all the fluff I can get at the moment with all the angst I've been writing. Hope you enjoyed it, please let me know!