A/N: Meeting the parents is always interesting. But in this case, it's even more so. To my faithful followers, readers and reviewers: I wouldn't know what to do without you! Please let me know what you thought of this chapter. Constructive criticism is greatly appreciated.

Disclaimer: Merlin is not mine, and it never will be.

Chapter Eleven

No, wait, wait, wait for me, please hang around.
I'll see you when I fall asleep.

"Are you sure you don't mind, Merlin? I mean, it's the first time you'll be meeting my parents and they'll be asking so many questions they'll have driven you insane before dinner's even served. You might not want to spend the night after that anymore," Arthur spoke from the bathroom.

Merlin shrugged into a white shirt. He was already wearing a pair of dark blue trousers, and he'd desperately tried to tame his hair for the umpteenth time. He wanted to look his best when he met Arthur's parents for the first time. They'd been together for four months now, and they'd suggested Arthur bring him over. Merlin had jumped at the opportunity when Arthur had told him that.

Arthur had seemed thrilled Merlin had accepted the invitation. He'd admitted that he'd never introduced Isobel to his parents, so Merlin would be the first boyfriend he introduced to his parents as well as the first lover in general to meet Myra and Fred.

However, all of that had changed when Myra had called to ask whether Merlin wanted to spend the night when they came over and he'd told Arthur about that the next day. Arthur's parents lives a few hours away, and since they were only meeting them at seven, it would be easier to spend the night than to drive home around midnight. He'd explained that to Arthur, and the blond had wordlessly shrugged and left it at that. So Merlin had called Myra to tell her he'd accepted the offer.

"Of course I'm sure. I would have told you by now if I wasn't. You shouldn't worry so much about this; I'm a big boy, love, I can handle whatever question they decide to throw at me," Merlin assured Arthur, using the pet name he'd given him during their first life together.

"I'm not worried, I was just making sure you understood what you're getting yourself into," Arthur indignantly said, although there was a hint of a different emotion there Merlin couldn't name. The warlock could hear Arthur turning on the tap and rummage around in the drawers as he pondered what it was he'd detected a hint of.

Failing at that, he decided enough was enough. Arthur had been behaving oddly all week and they were meeting his parents in three hours. This had to end now, or there would be an awfully big chance dinner would not pass by as uneventful as Merlin was hoping. And that would surely break Myra's heart. The woman had been the one to arrange all this, although Merlin knew Fred had given his full support. Arthur's father had been more than glad Merlin had brought his son home after Arthur hadn't come home a few weeks earlier.

He walked towards the bathroom door and leant against the doorframe, catching Arthur's eye in the mirror when the blond rose after rinsing his mouth. Arthur looked oddly like a deer caught in the headlights of an oncoming car, worrying his bottom lip and gingerly placing down the toothbrush.

Merlin stepped in then, letting his chin come to rest on Arthur's shoulder and sliding his arms around the blond man's waist. Arthur's hands covered his own when Merlin linked them together before pressing them into Arthur's abdomen lightly. It was a sign Arthur wasn't shutting him out, which he was grateful for.

"What is it that's bothering you about me spending the night at your parent's house? I don't have to if you'd rather I didn't. I won't feel offended if you ask me to come back here, you should know that by now. We both decided to take this slowly, and I would totally understand it if you thought spending the night at your parents place is too soon," Merlin said, hoping Arthur would realise the truth if those words.

Arthur turned around in his embrace, taking one of Merlin's hand in his to drag the raven-haired man over to the bed. Merlin let the blond do as he pleased, knowing from experience Arthur would speak in his own place and time but would clam up if he was pushed to do so. Some things really did never change.

The blond got comfortable on the bed, pulling Merlin down onto his lap. Merlin placed his knees on either side of Arthur's legs, ascertaining that he could properly look at the blond. He firmly believed a picture spoke a thousand words, so he wanted Arthur to be able to see him.

Arthur's fingers were gripping onto his hips so hard that it was more than a little uncomfortable and likely to leave him bruised, but he held his tongue. Arthur would only feel worse than he already was once when he pointed it out. Besides, he wasn't intentionally doing it. The former King of Camelot was just struggling to keep his emotions under control, his grip would loosen soon enough.

"I don't think you shouldn't stay at my parents' house tonight. Please don't think that. I like having you close. It's sort of become the one thing that's been keeping me sane, what with all the dreams and all. But… the thought of being that close to you there scares me too. You see, I've been dreaming about you a lot lately," Arthur admitted, a slight blush rising in his cheeks.

Merlin smiled, touching his boyfriend's cheek lightly. This was an opening he could work with. As Arthur let his hands drift up to his ribs, Merlin pressed his lips to the blond man's forehead. It was something he'd used to do before Arthur fell asleep in the days of Camelot. He was sure he'd start doing it again once Arthur began spending his nights in his bed instead of in the guestroom.

"Really? I know I'm good-looking and hard to forget in your opinion, but I had no idea I featured in so many of your dreams. Care to explain to me what it is we do in them? Or is that too personal for now?" he teased, leaning back a little again.

Arthur playfully swatted at him, and Merlin easily caught his boyfriend's hand in his. Arthur was less tense already, so he had no doubt this was going in the right direction. It seemed he wouldn't have to push or prod to figure out what had been on Arthur's mind all these days. That meant they wouldn't be getting into a fight because Arthur thought Merlin was being too curious. That hadn't happened yet this time around, but there had been a few of those instants the first time.

"It's nothing like that, darling. Okay, most of the time it isn't," Arthur grinned as he played with a lock of Merlin's hair. That was another one of the things about Arthur that hadn't changed. "I just keep dreaming about us being out on hunting trips together. About the talks we've had. But most frequently of all, I dream about the first time you nearly died on me. The time you drank a goblet of wine that had been meant for me but that had been poisoned. Each time I wake up drenched in sweat and I call out for you, because it's all so real that it's like I'm there," Arthur softly admitted.

Merlin remembered swallowing the wine all too well. He'd been so out of it that most of the images he had of those hours were still hazy, but he had some very clear memories about it as well. Especially of the orb of light he had created to save Arthur, and of the way he'd tried to talk to him. He hadn't realised he was doing that out loud though, he'd heard that from Gaius after.

Something else he'd had to hear from Gaius was that Arthur had willingly risked his life to retrieve the flower that would save him and that he'd been thrown in the stocks because of it. He'd never let on that he knew about that, though, since he had been sure Arthur would deny everything.

"Well, that's unpleasant to say the least. I guess the only reason I haven't heard you yet is that I sleep like a log. And I can see why my spending the night at your parents' house might complicate matters. If they hear you call out for me and I'm in the house as well, they might get the wrong impression," Merlin said, praying he had picked up on the exact reason why Arthur was uncomfortable with the situation.

Arthur pulled Merlin close, and the warlock returned the hug straight away. Arthur had never been this physical before, and Merlin had deduced that it was because he was the more insecure one this time around. The blond needed the reassurance Merlin wouldn't walk away at the first chance. It was getting easier, but Arthur wasn't quite there yet.

"Yeah. My mother might not actually come knocking and step in to see what's wrong when you're around and it's your name I'm uttering. And I'm not sure my father and she would like the idea of us making love, even though they have accepted my liking men," Arthur said, his head not moving from Merlin's shoulder.

Merlin tugged at the hair at the nape of Arthur's neck to make the blond lift his head, though. They needed to figure out what to do; if Merlin had to, he would tell Myra and Fred he'd changed his mind. Arthur's happiness and his feeling okay with the speed they were moving at were more important than Merlin's own feelings. He'd spent so many years waiting that any step forward was more than worth it.

"Tell me what to do. Tell me what you'd prefer. And don't think of me for a change, Arthur. You thought of me with every step of our first relationship because you were most at ease with who you were. This time, it's my turn to be strong. Lean on me," Merlin said, leaning his forehead against Arthur's.

For five years, Arthur had been the one to battle Merlin's insecurities. The former King of Camelot had bravely faced his subjects and his knights to show Merlin their love meant more to him than anyone else's opinion. Now, he would do the same.

"Actually, I'd love it if you'd stay the night. Knowing you're close by and safe makes it easier for me to deal with the dreams. The thought I could simply push open your door and see you breath as you sleep peacefully makes my heart beat less fast. And I can go back to sleep like that," Arthur told him.

Merlin threaded his fingers between Arthur's, allowing his eyes to flutter close for a moment. The words were so heartfelt, so gentle that it took his breath away. Another genteel nod to the life they'd had before, where Merlin had walked quite the similar path of discoveries with Arthur.

"It would be my honour to spend the night, then. And feel free to stick your head in should the dreams haunt you again tonight. I probably won't even hear it. And if I do, I won't mind one bit. I've had the urge to check on you during the night as well," Merlin easily admitted.

Arthur finally smiled, looking a lot more like his ordinary self. He lifted his hand to Merlin's cheek again, brushing along the skin with his thumb. Merlin covered the hand with his own, pressing into the touch. If he had his way, he would never let go of Arthur again in his life. Instead, he voiced what had been on his mind for a few days now.

"There is one things you should know, though. I'll be letting your mum know I'm making waffles for breakfast. Else, I'll feel like I'm imposing. And yes, I have an ulterior motive: I want them to like me even more than they already do when the night is over," Merlin teased, kissing Arthur as soon as the words were out of his mouth.

Two and a half hours later, Merlin pulled into Arthur's parents' driveway. He'd bullied Arthur into letting him drive, saying that Arthur might be too nervous to make the drive without getting distracted. Even after the talk they'd had, Arthur had still been trembling a lot when they stepped into the car.

The drive had been an uneventful one. There had been a few contemplative silences, but mostly they had discussed their work schedules for the next week, trying to find a date to meet. Besides that, they'd sung along to the songs on the radio and had laughed at each other's attempts. Merlin's voice was above par, but he liked joking around a little. Arthur enjoyed that a lot.

As soon as they stepped out of the car, Fred opened the door. Arthur had obviously expected his mother to be the one to greet them, as he tensed a little. Merlin could see Myra moving around behind the kitchen window, and he knew Arthur wouldn't take long to notice. He was still as perceptive as ever.

"Come on in, lads. Dinner's about to be served, and we don't want to keep the lady waiting. She's been so excited about getting to see her son and his boyfriend that she's been hovering all day. Best to calm her down somewhat before she loses it entirely. Because that's not the sight we want to have you see on your first visit," Fred grinned, pointing in Merlin's general direction.

Merlin sniggered, dragging Arthur along towards the door. The blond still wasn't moving of his own accord, so he would have to be his guide for a little longer. He didn't mind, though. He just hoped Arthur's parents wouldn't find it too out of sorts for their son, as that would have them worried. Tonight should be enjoyable to all of them if things went well, and Merlin would do his utmost best to assure they did.

"Walk through to the living room already, Merlin. Myra and I'll be out soon with the food. Get yourself settled and think about what the both of you'd like to drink. That way Myra won't be endlessly running around during dinner," Fred said, gesturing in the direction Merlin should walk in as soon as they were in the hallway.

Fred then disappeared through a door to his right. Arthur was pulled out of his trance at last and pulled Merlin into the living room. There was a huge table at the far end of it, indicating it was used as a dining room as well. Arthur walked up to said table and ushered Merlin down beside him. The plates had been set and the cutlery laid out, and a single flower was standing in a vase at the middle of the table. It was so utterly domestic Merlin already felt at home.

A look around the room revealed a myriad of family pictures. Some had obviously been taken in the back garden, others were clearly made during vacations abroad. On all of them, Arthur was smiling happily, be it on his own, beside one or both of his parent or one of his friends.

Merlin had always hoped to be able to have a room like that as well, but since he'd never had any pictures of his true parents or the place he was born, he'd given up on that soon enough. It was a balm to his soul to know Arthur did have these physical reminders of the love and protection his family and friends provided him with. And Arthur had even snapped a few pictures of the warlock when they'd been at the farmer's marker last weekend. It had been a very pleasurable experience.

Soon enough, Fred and Myra danced in. They were each carrying a pot, one containing potatoes and the other holding broccoli. Fred darted out after depositing his first load, returning with a pan full of fish. The smells were divine, and Merlin's mouth began to water. Fish was one of his favourite foods.

"This smells better than anything I've ever eaten before," he admitted, smiling when Myra handed him an overflowing plate. He hoped Arthur had mentioned he didn't have any parents anymore, because explaining that wasn't something he felt up to doing. It seemed he had, because Myra merely smiled.

For a long while they ate in silence, but there was no pressure or unease in it. It was simply a means of letting everyone grow accustomed to the situation without anyone saying something wrong by mistake. And Merlin found he was learning a lot by simply looking at the way everyone was behaving.

Fred was looking at the two of them at irregular intervals, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth whenever Merlin squeezed Arthur's knee or hand to alleviate the nerves the former King of Camelot was trying to shake. He seemed to approve of their relationship, so maybe for him enough time had passed to come to terms with it all.

Myra was doing the same thing, but she was keeping an eye on her husband in a cloaked sort of way. She probably feared they would cross or at least toe the boundaries he'd put up for himself. The amount of glances she stole at Fred became less as they exchanged some pleasantries, though, and Merlin didn't think there was anything to worry about.

By the time dinner was finished, Myra and Fred were sharing some of Arthur's childhood stories. Arthur was embarrassed by a few of them, so Merlin let them in on a few of the things he'd gotten into when he was a child. He cleverly avoided mentioning anything that didn't fit into the modern day life of a child, but still managed to stay close to the truth. And Arthur relaxed as everyone laughed at the story of Merlin getting the house dirty after jumping into numberless mud pools. Myra laughed but good-naturedly offered up her kitchen when Merlin suggested he make waffles in the morning, Arthur claiming she wouldn't regret it.

At about eleven, Arthur started to yawn. It was earlier than his usual bedtime, Merlin was well aware of it and so were the blond man's parents. Merlin saw Fred opening his mouth, but the grey-haired man closed it as he noticed Merlin's worried glance in Arthur's direction.

"If you don't mind, I think it's time we head up. We've both been running ourselves ragged lately and we have some sleep to catch up on," Merlin explained his desire to get to the guestroom, not ceasing his looking at Arthur from the corner of his eye. The blond had definitely not been completely honest about how much the nightmares and dreams were affecting him.

Fred locked eyes with Merlin then, a grin spreading over his face. Merlin wasn't sure what it was about, but he didn't feel threatened at all. Therefore, he patiently waited until Fred spoke. The question he had for Merlin would have caught the warlock of guard had he been anyone else, but as it was he had an answer ready.

"Before you head up, I'd like to know what your intentions toward my son are. It isn't anything I've ever had to ask, and I'm not sure I should now, but I can't be too careful. He's too good a boy to risk letting him get hurt," Fred said, a slight hint of a warning tone beneath the soft words.

Arthur opened his mouth to protest against his father's question or to tell Merlin not to answer. But the warlock raised his hand, effectively silencing the other man. At the same moment, he took Arthur's hand in his and gave it a squeeze.

"Truth be told, they're not entirely pure, sir. But I love him, and being attracted to each other comes with the territory, I'm afraid. I can tell you I don't mean to hurt him, though. I could never do that. He's the other half of me, and I can't live without him anymore. I know it seems too early to say that, but it's the truth," Merlin said.

Myra had tears in her eyes by the time Merlin finished. Fred look utterly taken aback. And Arthur tucked himself into Merlin's side, unable to speak because he was too emotional to think rationally.

A few minutes later, Merlin kissed Arthur goodbye before disappearing into the spare room and slipping into an old shirt of Arthur's. The evening had been as good as he'd hoped it would be.

Now, he could only pray the same would be true for the night.