A/N: I know this is the second chapter this weekend but I'm avoiding homework.
Please review, I like it when people tell me what they think.
Happy reading and thank you!
Five months later and they were laying there on Arthur's bed in contented silence, Merlin's head rested on Arthur's chest and Arthur would run his fingers through the messy black mop of hair every now and then. Merlin drifted in and out of wakefulness as the blond just lay there looking at him, because he liked to do that. Not in a creepy way but just look at him when he's at his most vulnerable, watching the rise and fall of his chest and listening to the sound of his breathing because in those moments Arthur felt as though nothing would ever be able to compare to the pure love that he felt for this man; this beautiful, wonderful, incredible man.
Merlin's eyes fluttered open and he moved his head so that his chin was resting on Arthur's chest and he was looking up at him. Arthur moved his hand to stroke over Merlin's cheekbones and he sighed contentedly. Merlin lay back down and began to rub circles with his index finger on Arthur's stomach. After a few more minutes of silence Arthur began to speak:
"Merlin, what's your favourite quote from a book or poem?"
Merlin looked up slightly with an arched eyebrow and a half smile. "Why do you ask?"
"I don't know, just humour me"
"Alright well I don't just have one I have endless amounts but…I suppose…have you read that John Green book? 'The Fault in Our Stars'?"
"I haven't, no. Should I?"
"You should, changed my life really…but anyway there are so many quotes in that one book but one of the ones that stood out for me was, and you'll think me weird"
"I already know you're weird Merlin, just tell me"
He punched Arthur playfully, "Oi clotpole… anyway Augustus says to Hazel, he says: 'it would be a privilege to have my heart broken by you' and I don't know… I just liked that I suppose"
Arthur couldn't think of what to say, so instead he just smiled and let it swirl around his head because for some reason, those exact words are what he felt toward Merlin. He loved him so much, to the point of agony and if Merlin didn't feel the same way, well of course it would hurt like hell but he would be worth it. All the pain in the world, every ounce of hurt, Arthur would suffer through that if it were for Merlin because that strange boy was worth more to him than anything.
Arthur was brought out his thoughts by Merlin's expectant look. "Sorry what?"
"I said…what's yours?"
"Oh, I'm not sure…I guess it's…well it's not quite a book quote but I've always been rather fond of it…'Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity and I'm not sure about the universe'"
"Who said that?"
"Einstein"
"Well it would be"
"Merlin! Are you ready yet?"
"I'm just coming" Merlin came clattering down the hallway" do we have to go?"
"Yes we do"
"But why, it's not like it's going to go well"
"Because contrary to popular belief, my father does actually take an interest in whom I am in a relationship with"
"He's going to hate me though"
"I don't really care to be honest." Arthur took Merlin's hands which were trying to fasten his top button "There's nothing he can do to change the way I feel about you, so just be polite and don't look him in the eye for too long"
"M'kay" Arthur let go of his hands, placed a quick kiss on his forehead and then moved away so that he could put his own shoes on.
"Arthur I am freaking the fuck out…what if he says something I don't understand? What if he hates me from the off? What do I do?"
"Merlin, calm. Down. Everything will be fine"
Their hands found each other's without knowing so as if it were some kind of magnet pulling them toward each other, not wanting to let go.
Uther Pendragon, even his name was intimidating, was sitting already at a table in the far corner of the fancy restaurant. He was aged but had a regal presence about him, his hair was thin and there were laugh lines etched deep into his skin around his eyes and yet he looked as if he hadn't laughed or even smiled in years. Merlin took a deep breath and felt Arthur's hand squeeze his in reassurance; he smiled ever so slightly and followed Arthur to the table.
Uther saw his son approaching and rose to his feet, his lips twitched upwards and then faltered again when he caught sight of the raven haired boy following closely behind. Arthur greeted his father, who to Merlin seemed displeased.
"Good evening father, this is Merlin" He placed a hand on Merlin's shoulder, squeezing gently. Merlin stepped forward with an outstretched hand.
"Good evening Mister Pendragon sir, Merlin Emrys. It's a pleasure to meet you" He could feel his hand shaking and was so sure that he'd made some mistake already because it didn't look like Uther was going to shake his hand. And then he did.
"Please, call me Uther" The man signalled to the chairs. "Do sit down"
So they sat down, Arthur talked to his father for a few minutes about God-knows-what and Merlin just stared at the menu without understanding what any of it meant. It wasn't as if Merlin had never been to a fancy restaurant because he had. His family just preferred to eat home cooked meals because his mother was an exquisite cook. So he didn't really pay much attention to menus and whatnot, he just looked for something that consisted of pasta and meat. Penne Carbonara, that'll do.
Then Uther started talking to him and he froze for a second.
"So Merlin, Arthur says you go to Cambridge as well yes?"
"I do sir"
"What do you study?"
"Architecture and Physics"
"Interesting, and have you any offers for work?" He said this as if he was expecting Merlin to be so incompetent that he'll never get a job.
"Actually I do" He was rather proud and couldn't help but get excited. "Once I graduate next year, I have a position at my father's company"
"You're sure you'll receive the correct qualifications?"
"I think so. I'm top of my class" He said with utter delight.
"Impressive." He glanced at Arthur who was watching the exchange like a tennis match. He gave a tiny nod that was hardly noticeable then turned back to Merlin. "And what is it that your father does?"
"He has an Architectural business; I seem to remember he built your Headquarters in the city"
"Ah yes, you must be Balinor's son. Good man"
"I know sir"
Merlin relaxed a little, not completely, but just enough that the conversation was flowing easily and he felt a little glimmer of hope that maybe Uther approved of his and Arthur's relationship. Wishing never hurt anybody right?
They ate their food and they talked about politics and all that trollop which Merlin didn't give two shits about and then they were ready to go their separate ways. Uther insisted he pay, no one argued. No one wanted to argue.
Just as they were leaving Arthur told Merlin to wait in the car because he needed to ask his father something alone. Whatever could it be? Merlin asked himself sarcastically.
"Father!"
"Arthur"
"So, your thoughts?"
"I don't dislike him. He's smart, he's from a good family and he seems incredibly fond of you"
"But"
"But I still cannot entirely approve of your relationship no matter how much I like him simply because he is male" He said the word 'male' with utter distaste as if it were poison. "However, I know that you shan't give up just because of my opinion so Arthur, do what you want to do and I wish you luck"
That was when Arthur stood there gobsmacked because had he just heard his father correctly? He just said 'good luck'.
"Do close your mouth Arthur, it's not nice to leave it hanging open." Arthur shut his mouth and blinked a few times. "I've nothing else to say my boy, it's not my decision who you choose to be with at the end of the day. Even if I had hoped for other things, I cannot control who you fall in love with. I am your father and I shall support you in your choices. And I may not say this often, but I do love you Arthur. I really do"
"Th-thank you father. I don't know what to say"
"Don't say anything then. Just promise me that you won't mess this up."
"I promise"
"Good now go on, he's looking impatient."
"Right. Yes. Good night father, I'll see you soon"
"Good night Arthur"
When Arthur got into the car, Merlin looked at him expectantly. "He hates me doesn't he"
Arthur shook his head quickly "No, he actually really rather like you"
"But he doesn't approve"
"I'm not entirely sure but he told me not to mess it up and he said good luck"
"woah"
"I know, I'm still having a hard time grasping it"
"Well let's just go home because I still have half an essay to write"
"tut tut Merlin Emrys, leaving your work until the last minute"
"What? Oh no, it's not due until next week"
"You little boffin"
"You love it though" Arthur kept his eyes on the road but he smiled softly and whispered,
"Yes, I do"
As they walked up the stairs to the flat, Arthur enjoyed the view of Merlin's arse in front of him. When they strode through the front door, Arthur grabbed Merlin's hand and pulled him back into a long slow kiss. At first Merlin was surprised at the abruptness but he had got used to things like this happening after five months of being with Arthur so he melted straight into it. Merlin's arms, as they so often did, draped around Arthur's neck and Arthur's hands found their way to Merlin's hips, gripping them firmly.
"Don't mind us, we were just watching TV but watching your brother suck face with his boyfriend is much more entertaining"
Arthur's eyes flew open and he felt Merlin laughing, he pulled away and Merlin's forehead settled on Arthur's shoulder. His laughing was quiet but he was shaking and Arthur couldn't help but join in. Once he needed to catch his breath he tried to calm himself and ask why on earth Morgana was sat on Merlin's sofa in the middle on the night.
"Morgana, why are you here?"
"Hello to you too. I came round to see how your dinner with father went."
"How did you know we'd be coming back here?"
"Because you don't like the idea of Leon hearing you have loud gay sex and Mithian doesn't give a shit"
"Oh"
"Yes. Anyway, how did it go?"
"He liked him. He said that he didn't want me to mess this up and wished me good luck"
"Are you sure you met with our father?"
"I'm sure. Now I'd rather talk about this tomorrow when I'm not about to go and have 'loud gay sex' with my boyfriend. So do excuse us" Merlin's face went crimson and he smiled awkwardly until Arthur grabbed his hand and dragged him to the bedroom. Morgana just rolled her eyes and sat back down next to Mithian who hadn't even looked up at the conversation. She was used to it by now.
Sunlight washed through the window and a warm summer breeze drifted in, Arthur opened his eyes expecting to see a mass of dark hair lying on his chest. Instead he was met with Merlin sat at the foot of bed, cross legged and still naked, with a sketchbook on his knee and a pencil darting about the page and Arthur couldn't control the lopsided grin that grew upon his face.
Merlin looked up and smiled brightly, his eyes gleaming and Arthur went to sit up but Merlin pointed his pencil at him.
"Stay still, I'm nearly finished" So he lay back down and stayed as still as he could, just staring out of the window and focusing on his breathing and the sound of the pencil making strokes on the thick paper.
"You know, you never showed me that pile of sketchbooks. I was actually kind of looking forward to that."
"Mmm. I didn't did I? Well maybe in the summer, when I go home, you can come with me and I'll show them to you. If you want to I mean, you don't have to. I won't force you to or anything."
"Merlin I would love to"
"Good." He finished his last few strokes of the pencil and looked at his work. He nodded and said "finished" then went to close the book before Arthur leaped forward and plucked it out of his hands.
Arthur flicked through the book and was positively stunned by what he saw, every detail of the pictures were beautiful. When he stopped on the latest picture his breath caught and he was so utterly and completely speechless that all he could mutter was "I-I, Merlin"
"Do you not like it?"
"How can I not like it, it's…it's beautiful"
"That's a bit vain don't you think"
"You know what I mean" And he was right. The picture before him was so detailed that it looked like he had taken a photo. Merlin had captured every freckle, every eyelash, everything about Arthur's sleeping form. "How long did this take you?"
"A couple of hours. I woke up at about eight and you looked so peaceful. You looked so beautiful and I kind of just wanted to draw you y'know?"
Arthur just stared at him in amazement for a few seconds. The sunlight danced across Merlin's face illuminating the tiny flecks of gold in his eyes. He leant forward and placed a dry, chaste kiss on his lips and whispering softly. "how did I ever get so lucky"
Merlin pulled back with a gentle smile playing on his lips, his thumb grazed over Arthur's cheek. "You didn't. Not really. I'm nothing special Arthur. It wasn't luck that made me fall in love with you, it was just you"
"But you are special, you're the most wonderful person I've ever met. Sometimes I think it was luck, it still is really"
"Why do you say that?"
"Because from the moment I met you, I knew you'd change my life one way or another. And now I think I'm the luckiest man on the planet to have met you, to have had the chance to fall so in love with you that it physically pains me when you're not here."
Merlin was trying to cover his blush, looking down at his hands which were playing with the edge of the duvet cover. He tried not to smile but evidently it failed because Arthur just had that effect of him. He looked up slowly and leant forward again to capture Arthur's lips with his and pushed him down until they were lying on the bed together, Merlin entwined their fingers and for a while they lay silently again.
Arthur's head began to race, he became lost in his thoughts. He hadn't been lying , not in the slightest because from the minute he set eyes upon the awkward, lanky weirdo he knew, he felt that he would affect him somehow. He knew that one day that stranger would impact his life so greatly, the only thing was, he wasn't entirely how yet. Now he knew though, he knew that Merlin was the one person Arthur would gladly give his life for. The one person who, for Arthur, shone brighter than any of the stars in the cosmos. Merlin could make even the rarest of jewels seem insignificant and worthless because the way he smiled, the way he laughed could brighten anyone's day. And when he wasn't with Merlin, he ached, he longed for the man's warm touch, to gaze into those sapphire eyes that to him, answered every question in the known universe.
Something like magic filled the air around them whenever they were together as if the sky and earth were singing. Even on Arthur's worst days Merlin had the ability to make him feel better without even trying. As if just the touch, the feel of his skin or the press of his lips could light even the darkest of places. Arthur being the fool he was had long ago convinced himself that Merlin would be that one person, that one single person with whom he would spend the rest of his days and together, side by side, hand in hand they would conquer the world.
Before Merlin had chance to fall asleep again, he jumped up probably startling Arthur a bit and turned round. He leant over Arthur, straddling him and running his hand along the man's bare torso. Arthur leant forward for a kiss but Merlin moved back with a laugh and patted Arthur's chest. "Come on cabbage-head, put your boxers on and I'll make you breakfast"
"That's cruel…wait, cabbage-head? You are terrible at insults"
"It wasn't an insult, more of a term of endearment."
When Merlin walked into the kitchen Mithian was sat at the table a cup of tea in one hand and her textbook in the other. She didn't even notice that he had come in until he sneaked up behind her and all but shouted in her ear.
"Jesus"
"Nope just Merlin."
"You're happy this morning, where's Prince Charming?"
"Putting on his pants"
"Wonderful"
Arthur came strolling out looking dishevelled and sporting several love-bites. Mithian didn't care she just got up to refill her mug and nodded in Arthur's general direction.
"Good morning Mithian"
She gave her best mock curtsey "Good morning your highness, would you care for a coffee after the night's activities?" Merlin sniggered despite going a bit pink and Arthur just rolled his eyes.
"If you please"
Arthur went and sat down next to Merlin who had opened one of his own textbooks and started reading. As soon as Arthur sat down Merlin leaned into him. He wasn't sure if he did it consciously or not but either way he didn't mind. Merlin didn't even look up but held onto Arthur's hand like it was a life line and he needed to. They did this constantly, they were always touching and no one seemed to notice it anymore because it's such a regular occurrence. Mithian came back with three mugs of coffee and a plate with several slices of toast.
"Here you and I made you some toast." Merlin picked up one of the slices slathered in nutella and took a bite still focusing on his reading. Arthur watched him closely, he noticed a small blob of chocolate spread on Merlin's lower lips that he had failed to lick off. When Merlin put the slice of toast down Arthur cupped his jaw to turn the boy's head toward him. He inched forward and licked the chocolate off of Merlin's lip. Merlin smiled and kissed Arthur deeply. Mithian just sat there rolling her eyes until it crossed the line.
"Not in here boys, some of us are trying to work. Keep it to the bedroom and if you do it in the bathroom at least clean up after yourselves, those stains on the shower door are not pleasant." She stood up, picked up her books and mug and then moved to the sofa leaving behind a vermillion-faced Merlin and a cackling Arthur.
