This is the part where I beg forgiveness for the lateness. It's been over a month! I'm sorry. I keep getting distracted by life! u.u I WILL finish this story, though. I promise, swear, whatever. It will happen. Please stick with me.

Enjoy the chapter!

January 2004

Sitting in Drake Park, Merlin couldn't be happier. He was wearing a t-shirt, a sweater, and a jacket because it was ridiculously freezing on this January 1st afternoon, but he didn't mind in the least. He was lying in the grass next to the man of his dreams after enjoying a small cake together in the sun.

Gosh, how cliché sweet. He was loving every minute of it.

"Merlin," Arthur began calmly, sitting up and leaning over his younger boyfriend. He gave Merlin a considering look. "Did you see what I got you?"

Merlin shook his head. "I've kept my inner eyes from peeking. Promise," he said teasingly.

Arthur grinned. "Good. I'd hate to have the surprise ruined." He reached over Merlin to grab his book bag, void of any school books at the moment. From inside the bag he pulled a rectangular wrapped gift with simple blue wrapping paper. "Happy Birthday."

Merlin sat up as Arthur sat back. He accepted the gift and immediately ripping it open with a grand flourish. A gasp escaped him. "Peter and the Star Catchers," he breathed out.

"I was actually worried you'd bought the book yourself," Arthur revealed with a little flush, "what with how often you mentioned wanting it. Really, what's the draw for you?" he asked.

Shaking his head, Merlin flipped through the book, pausing at all the illustrations. "It's a prequel story to Peter Pan, how he became how he is." He shrugged. "I don't know why, but it really caught me. I can't wait to read it." He stopped on an image near the back of the book and pointed to it. Arthur leaned over to look too. It was of a girl standing on someone's hand. She looked sort of like a bird. "I'd bet you anything that's Tinkerbell."

Arthur laughed. "I'm not about to bet against you," he said. Leaning in, Arthur kissed Merlin on the cheek. When Merlin turned to look at him, Arthur gave him a proper kiss on the lips and Merlin shut his book. "I'm glad you like your gift," he murmured once they'd pulled apart again.

"Thank you," Merlin replied at the same level. "One of these days, I'll read it to you." And Arthur would love it too.

"No doubt."

They lounged in the cool sunshine for most of the day, not caring about the occasional jogger or the little kids rushing around the playground nearby. Merlin fell asleep leaning all up against Arthur and Arthur had to carefully lower them both to the ground before he too dozed off. Later that night, Gaius would 'surprise' Merlin with a cake he'd baked himself that tasted a bit like coffee and wasn't the best but wasn't the worst either. For now, Merlin dreamt of the beach and a set of golden rings, of the sun and the moon, of Arthur in the winner's circle with confetti all around, of life.

Life was good.

…

…

"Arthur! Watch how you step around the corners! You're going to twist your ankle!"

Merlin snickered from his hiding place under the bleachers next to the track. Today was the third time this week that Merlin had stayed after school and secretly watched Arthur's track practice. Well, secret from everyone except Arthur. Arthur was actually stepping wrong because he was trying too hard; attempting to show off since Merlin was there.

The science book in front of Merlin in the shade was being completely ignored in lieu of watching the many track team members practice for the track meet in a week. Arthur had been practicing his heart out every day lately. While Merlin knew track was important to Arthur, he also missed spending time with his boyfriend. So Arthur had suggested he come to practice…and he did.

After another misstep sent Arthur tumbling off the track, the coach made him take a break. Arthur snatched a water bottle from next to his gym bag on the bottom bleacher and then casually meandered down the bleachers until he was sitting next to where Merlin was hiding. Merlin leaned with his back against the bleachers, behind Arthur.

"You know, as much fun as it is watching you show off, if it's a problem I can just not come to practice," Merlin said simply, setting his science book against his knees.

"It's not a problem," Arthur responded swiftly. "I'm just having an off day."

"You're just trying to show off, you mean," Merlin corrected. Arthur didn't say anything. Merlin sighed. "I understand why you're doing it, but you don't need to, Arthur. You're an amazing athlete. You're going to do amazing things in this world through your sport. I know it. And I'm impressed."

Arthur shrugged his shoulders and took a large gulp of water. "Yea, I know. But with you knowing I'll do so great, it makes me want to try and outdo what you've felt…."

He was doing a lot trying too. Every day he ran at least three miles, timing himself and getting faster all the time. Arthur had even begun skipping his lunch periods just to run the track a few times. Merlin had to text him to remind him to get to sleep at night instead of going for a nighttime run. He sent him texts to tell Arthur he was doing well and to drink more water. Arthur was giving his all to practice in preparation for the upcoming meet and for Merlin's predictions.

Merlin chuckled, shutting his science book. "You're supposed to try and out do yourself, but what you're trying to do is a bit off the charts," he joked. "Just have faith in your abilities as they are now, Arthur. You're the best there is. Every adversity you face is only going to make you stronger and better. You can do it. And I'll be cheering for you all the way."

Merlin heard Arthur sigh, but it wasn't a sad sound. "Thanks, Merlin."

The younger male smiled. It was kinda cute how Arthur was even jealous of himself sometimes when it came to Merlin. "Any time, Arthur." He waited a breath and then, "I love you."

"I love you too, Merlin," Arthur responded quietly, his head turned a bit so he could see the slight shadow of Merlin behind him. "And one day, we won't have to hide it like this anymore," he promised before standing up and walking off again.

…

…

Merlin turned to watch as Arthur banged his head against his locker down the hall. He had a piece of paper in his hands, but he wasn't looking at it. Arthur stood back, opened his locker, and stuffed the paper in his bag inside. Merlin frowned, shutting his own locker.

During lunch, Merlin diverted and entered the same empty classroom he and Arthur always met in. Arthur was sitting in one of the desks, flopped over the top boneless-ly with his eyes shut. Merlin sighed through his nose and walked over to his boyfriend quietly, though in the silence of the room the soft pads of his feet on the carpet were slightly audible. Merlin put his feet in the seat of the desk in front of Arthur and sat on the desk itself.

"Dad's gonna kill me," Arthur whined softly.

Merlin shook his head. "It's one math test, Arthur," he reasoned. "Your dad isn't going to kill you. Besides, you're his only son and you're only sixteen. Killing you would be kinda drastic," he joked softly, running his fingers gently through Arthur's hair.

Arthur huffed out a breath against the wood of the desk, his eyes still closed but his expression slightly more peaceful. "I guess I can trust I'll live to see Monday if you're the one telling me," he mumbled. "Merlin….Have you never failed a test….because you can tell what the correct answers are?"

Merlin laughed. "No. That's actually how I learned to stop myself from feeling. I kept accidentally cheating on all my tests in Elementary School," he revealed. He shook his head. "I keep my mind in my mind during tests now."

Arthur sighed. He'd kind of been hoping…"Can't you tell me what's gonna happen when I get home?" he asked worriedly. "Let me prepare myself?"

Merlin stopped running his fingers through Arthur's hair and simply let his hand rest on Arthur's head. He shut his eyes and took a deep breath, reaching.

D -. Anger. Yelling. Morgana's defense. Fear. Panic. Arthur's running. Tears.

Merlin almost stopped right then, but then a different sort of pain flit through his mind, followed by pleasure and completion and contentment. He held in a gasp as he opened his eyes.

"Merlin?" Arthur questioned curiously, opening his eyes to try and look at Merlin.

Shaking his head, Merlin continued running his fingers through Arthur's hair. "No. This is something I think…," he took a breath, trying to calm his racing heart, "….I think this is something you need to do without foreknowledge." He cleared his throat, thanking the darkness of the room because his cheeks felt a bit hot. "Come on, let's talk about something else," he suggested, priding himself on not sounding as flustered as he was.

He felt guilty. The events that were about to unfold were terrible for Arthur but great for Merlin and Arthur's relationship. What would happen at the Pendragon house was terrible, and Merlin was getting excited. Did that make him a bad person or a stereotypical male? He wasn't sure he liked either answer.

…

…

"What's with this test grade, Arthur?" Uther asked quietly.

Arthur winced, standing in the doorway to his father's study. "I was practicing for the meet and-"

"So you're using your hobby to explain a D- on a test?" Uther accused.

Arthur kept his mouth shut and took a few deep breaths. Track wasn't a hobby, but he wasn't going to get into an argument about it right now. He shook his head. "No. I know it was stupid and I should've studied more, but I didn't. I was busy."

"Arthur, if you keep getting grades like these, you'll lose your place at Camelot University. You'll lose your future," Uther stated firmly.

"I know, father."

"You're a grown man now and this type of behavior is unacceptable." Uther glared. "I will not have my son making a fool of himself. We are part of a privileged society, Arthur. We are held to higher standards than D's in school."

"I know, father," Arthur said apologetically.

Uther shook his head. "That's not good enough. Knowing isn't good enough. You must study more often to make up for this lapse. No more track."

Arthur's eyes widened as his heart plummeted. "Father, no!"

"Arthur, that's the end of it!" Uther shouted.

In one flowing movement, Morgana swept into the room and between Uther and Arthur. She glared at her adoptive father. "That is definitely not the end of it, father," she challenged, holding her head up high. "Arthur is the captain of the track team. He's the best Camelot High has ever seen. You can't make him quit and I won't let you, especially not for one stupid test," she criticized. "It wasn't even an important test! Arthur will do better. He will. But he won't stop running."

Uther sneered past Morgana to his son. "Having girls fight your battles for you now, Arthur?"

Arthur felt his temper flare. "No," he stated darkly, stepping forward and gently moving Morgana further back. "But she's right. I'll do better in school. I promise I will. But I will not quit the team."

"You will to quit that team if I say so!"

"No! I love track! I'm going to be a professional athlete, so it doesn't even matter if I don't ace some stupid math course!" Arthur shouted back.

Uther's face was turning purple. "This is my house and I'm in charge! You'll do as I say, Arthur!"

"I won't quit the track team!"

"Fine! Keep your ridiculous hobby! But understand this: one more grade like this and I swear to God I will disown you! And thank the Lord I'm not doing it now for your behavior!"

Arthur's jaw dropped, his eyes widening.

"Father!" Morgana gasped loudly. Uther glared at her too.

"You're on thin ice as well, so don't temp me, Morgana," he seethed. "I will have order in my own house!"

So Arthur turned and left the house.

…

…

Merlin sat on his bed, his elbows on his knees and resting his chin on his entwined fingers, staring at the floor. He shut his eyes, a deep pain coursing through his mind. There was a soft tap on his door and then it opened, revealing Arthur's stricken face. Merlin opened his eyes and looked at Arthur through the dark of his room.

"Arthur," he breathed out sadly.

Arthur's shoulders hitched and he hurried over to Merlin, wrapping his arms around the smaller body and holding him close as he sat down on the bed. He didn't say a word at all, but Merlin could feel him shaking. Merlin wrapped his arms around Arthur too and squeezed.

"Shh," he soothed. "He didn't mean it, Arthur. He'll regret he ever said it in a week. Don't worry."

"But what if he ever does kick me out?" Arthur breathed out , leaning his head against Merlin's. "I know you haven't said it'll happen….but what if he learns I'm gay and he throws me out on the streets?"

Merlin smiled, pulling away so he could look Arthur in the eyes. "Then I'll take care of you." He gave Arthur a soft kiss. "I'll always be here for you, Arthur. Always. I love you, and that'll never change."

Arthur stared at Merlin for a long time in silence, and then he leaned forward and kissed Merlin deeply; a kiss full of fear and longing and devotion. It was more than ten seconds before he pulled back, and Merlin sent him a smile when he did. Merlin cupped Arthur's face, using his thumbs to caress Arthur's cheeks as they simply stared at one another. Arthur leaned forward, capturing Merlin's lips in another, more intense kiss. He gently pushed Merlin back until he was lying on his back on the bed with Arthur hovering over him.

Removing his lips from Merlin's, Arthur planted several quick kisses down Merlin's jaw towards his neck. Merlin turned his head, giving Arthur more room to work with and sighing in contentment. His pulse was racing under his skin. This was it.

Arthur ran his hands up Merlin's sides, under his t-shirt, lifting the shirt to almost Merlin's shoulders. "Merlin," he whispered, moving to kiss Merlin on the lips again. "Merlin…"

Merlin put his hands on Arthur's face and Arthur shut his eyes, leaning into the hand on his left cheek. Then Merlin ran his hands slowly down Arthur's cheeks to his shirt covered shoulders to his arms, and then he moved back up to Arthur's shoulders and traced down Arthur's chest. Arthur groaned and tugged at Merlin's shirt. Merlin leaned up at bit, further into Arthur's body, and pulled his shirt off. Arthur mapped out the pale skin of Merlin's chest with first his fingers and then his lips, all the way to the hem of Merlin's jeans. Merlin shivered and Arthur stopped.

He pulled his own shirt off and tossed it to the side to land with Merlin's on the floor. Arthur pressed their chests together, kissing Merlin heatedly as his hands trailed down Merlin's side to his jeans again. He lifted up so he was hovering a breath away from skin to skin contact and traced his fingers over the hem of Merlin's jeans as far as he could touch before laying his hand against the bulge of Merlin's arousal. Arthur kissed Merlin again, slowly. "I love you, Merlin," he murmured.

Merlin moaned, pressing up into Arthur's hand. "I love you too," he breathed out, lifting his head a bit to plant a kiss to Arthur's lips. "And before you ask…Yes." His eyes glittered in the dark. He shook his head. "Yes to everything."

Arthur pressed against Merlin's groin a bit heavier with his hand, his eyes darkening with lust, and Merlin moaned again, shutting his eyes. Arthur's hand left Merlin's arousal and Merlin almost whined, but then Arthur was undoing Merlin's jeans and slipping them and his boxers down his legs and off entirely. He removed the rest of his own clothes shortly in much the same manner. Arthur ground their hips together and they both let out deep groans at the feel. Arthur kissed Merlin like he was air itself, his right hand trailing around to Merlin's back and down, feeling his way to Merlin's entrance. Merlin gasped into his mouth.

This was it. This was really it.

This was finally it.

…

…

More than an hour later they were still lying naked in Merlin's bed. The covers were pulled up to their chests and Merlin was pleasantly dozing against Arthur's side: in the moment between being awake and falling asleep. Arthur combed his fingers through Merlin's hair lazily, hastening Merlin's departure to dreamland.

"Merlin?" Arthur asked quietly.

"Mmm?" Merlin shifted, curling a bit more into Arthur's side.

Arthur smiled for a moment before frowning. "I'm scared."

Merlin's eyes fluttered open as he pulled himself from sleep. "I know," he said, just as quietly. He focused on how the moonlight through his window made Arthur's skin look to keep himself awake.

"No, I'm terrified," Arthur said seriously. "I don't want to lose you, ever, and when my father finds out about us…I'm scared of what he'll do."

Merlin shut his eyes for a moment but forced them open again when he felt himself slipping away. "We'll figure it out when it comes…." He yawned. "But don't worry. He won't find out for awhile."

Arthur let out a wry laugh, quiet. "Does anything scare you?" he asked, half teasing and half serious.

There was silence for a long moment, and then Merlin nodded against Arthur's shoulder. "Every day." Arthur tilted his head down, trying to see Merlin's expression, but his head was too close to Arthur's to see around his hair. "I sense terrible things happening to people every day. When I walk down the street…I know how each person's day will go. Most of the time I'm ok with that. But I'm always scared…that one day I'll feel the danger and not be able to stop it from happening….Like with Melinda."

Arthur felt Merlin tense up at the memory. He continued combing his fingers through Merlin's short hair and ran his right hand gently up and down Merlin's left arm. "You risked your life for that girl. There was nothing else you could've done to save her."

Merlin nodded. "I know that," he whispered thickly. "But it scares me just the same." He shrugged where he lay. "So…we're not all that different. I worry too."

Arthur leaned his head over to lay on top of Merlin's and took a deep breath. He wouldn't say it aloud, though he knew Merlin already knew, but sometimes he did start to think that Merlin wasn't like normal people. He would think that Merlin never worried about anything and that Merlin knew everything, that he was never surprised. Then Merlin would explain himself a bit more or something would happen that reminded Arthur that Merlin was just like everyone else: human, fallible, emotional, normal.

"I worry about letting people down," Arthur revealed quietly. "I worry that I won't live up to everyone's expectations…That I'm not as good as everyone thinks I am. And I'm afraid of not being able to protect you," he murmured. "I'm afraid that one day…I won't be there and something will happen….and you won't see it coming and I won't be there to save you."

Merlin gave a sad smile and kissed Arthur's shoulder. "You can rest easy knowing you'll never let me down, Arthur," he said lightly. "And don't worry." He gave a half shrug. "My powers are getting stronger all the time. If anything terrible was going to happen to either one of us…I'm sure I would know with enough time to stop it." He wrapped his left arm around Arthur's waist. "We'll be okay, Arthur."

His words comforted Arthur's heart and they soon both fell asleep, dreaming of a future together, until death do them part.