Author's Note: Warning! This chapter contains lots of smut, and it's the first time I've written an extremely smutty chapter before, so I apologise if it's rubbish. So, if you don't do the smut, I suggest you don't read this chapter.

Also, a shout out to say thank you for the favourites, follows and reviews. Anyway, time for me to shut up! Enjoy!

Rain settled over Ealdor as Merlin, Will and Arthur were ridden back in a taxi, making their way from the Church. They'd departed early that afternoon from Torquay, soon back in Camelot within a few hours, including the stop-off at Bristol. Driving past the post-office, rounding the corner up to Merlin's road, Arthur mentioned to the driver to hit the break pointing to the correct house, allowing Merlin and Will to arrive home, Will only living a few doors down.

The news given over a week ago back at camp in Torquay had made Merlin nothing less than a distraugting, grieving mess. Although not seen each other for over two years, throughout Merlin's childhood, Merlin and Balinor had a close connection, and Merlin felt that the one little bit of hopefulness he was entitled to must be shattered.

At the same time, Arthur had been less frequent visiting Merlin, as 'urgent matters', as they were so known as, tend to keep popping up during Arthur's fragments of freedom, and as a result, hadn't been in thorough contact in nearly two weeks. Matters didn't help much when Vivian, who was growing more inhospitable as each day rolled on, blackmailed Arthur through precarious moments, knowing of their secret.

This matter grew beyond ridiculous on a Tuesday morning, around 14th August. Arthur had been bored, his books and main forms of entertainment not giving him any satisfaction, and texting Merlin wasn't giving much of a remedy either, but needed him nonetheless. Leon, as many others, were all on holiday with their families, and Vivian was down in Camelot for another few days to much dismay; Thursday being her last for a good while, finally. Arthur had padded his way down the stairs, opening the few windows to allow the cooler air to ventilate in the house, hoping to avoid the bees and wasps, otherwise it meant a screaming Vivian, and the blonde talking was ear-bleeding, so imagine her screaming. It'd sure make both Arthur and Morgana be sent into purgatory. Making two slices of toast with Nutella thickly spread across them, Arthur grabbed his keys from the kitchen table and went towards the front door, Vivian's posessiveness settling in place again, as she collected her glass of mango juice and followed Arthur towards the door. "Where are you going?"

Arthur really couldn't care less who it was he was talking to; he needed to get out. "What's it to you?"

Vivian of course, would evoke him of her position within the household. "I'm your future wife! I ought to know!"

Again, not caring the least, Arthur spoke truthfully. Surely an adult could go where he or she likes, without constantly being questioned? "I'm off to Merlin's, where else would I go?"

Vivian grabbed Arthur by the wrist and pinned him to the door of the shoe and jacket closest near the main door, digging her sharp nails into his skin, leaving blood-stained marks behind. "If you go to Merlin's, because I know what you'll do together at his, I'll tell your dad your dirty little secret." Arthur dropped the keys, and grabbed Vivian's wrist, throwing her into the opposite wall, and gritted his teeth at her, growling. "What dirty secret?"

Vivian responded with a mockery tone; everyone knew she was a cow, minus a dumb-struck Uther, and she knew how to play the game. "Oh, I don't know Arthur, that you're shagging Merlin! Yeah I saw you pair snogging and undoing each other in the tree a good fortnight ago back at camp." Arthur hoisted the keys from up off the carpet and returned back to his room, Vivian with a smug grin. "Yeah, that's right. You run back up to your room like a good man. Don't want your dad finding out."

Morgana then had the courage to leave the front room, hitting the final keys of the piano bashfully, clearly angry. Vivian was to make her way into the front room, as Morgana snatched the glass from Vivian, and placed the half-empty glass onto the coffeetable, twisting with pure anger, right-hand turning into a swift fist, and punching Vivan straight into the face, causing the blonde to tumble over and bash her brains straight into the door, a lovely bruise would soon be forming across her crown, and that would make all the little la-di-da tea-cup princess gasp with horror, especially since she was to do a photoshoot a few days later.

"That's for blackmailing my brother!" Morgana spat, hovering over Vivian, and then left her to clean herself up, and went to check up on her brother.

Merlin meanwhile had calmed down over the death of his father, and now, other than re-reading all his favourite novels, Merlin was bored, and in need of company. His mother was away for the week, still on her break from Ealdor; Gwen and Elyan were booked up; Will and Elena, as well as practically everyone else, were on holiday. Merlin had tried communicating with Arthur for the last few days, but no messages were replied, presuming Arthur was out of credit. That evening, as Merlin browsed on his laptop, having problems to sleep through the on and off muggy weather, Merlin recieved a text, his phone buzzing on the one side of his desk.

"Hi Merlin!"

"Sorry for no reply. Dad had thrown a wobbly, Vivian hid my phone and blackmailed me, that cow! I'm bored and can't sleep."

Merlin soon quickly replied, bored out of his wits, hesitating on whether Arthur would sneak out at this time of night. "That bitch! Wanna come over? Mother is out for a few days, needs some time to settle down, as she's lived here all her life and all her memories with dad are here."

"Yeah, I'll be there in 20 minutes."

Arthur was actually half-an-hour taking the venture from one to the other, having to sneak out through the back, this time without help from Morgana. More recently, Arthur was at Merlin's more than his own, and this had almost become a second home to him, Merlin now leaving a special drawer for Arthur's clothing, and Arthur leaving one at home for Merlin. What Merlin wasn't expecting was around half-past-eleven a knock, not the doorbell, but almost a bang, somewhere rather close. Merlin noticed a figure in the window from the reflection off his laptop screen, and turned to find Arthur holding himself up, tapping on the glass, mouthing 'let me in love'. Merlin faintly smiled, and undone the lock on the window, pushing the frame up to allow Arthur to slide through, with Merlin's help of course.

"You know there is such thing called a door?"

"I know. Doors are too far to your room though, and it's half-eleven at night. What would the neighbours think?"

"How did you even get up to my window?"

"So I climbed up the ladder, and through the window, and hey presto! Here I am. Simple when you come to think of it." Merlin re-locked the window and made his way towards his bedroom door, keeping his role of host up. "Would you like a drink?" Arthur stopped in his tracks for a few moments, completely inaudible. Merlin was dressed in boxer shorts and a t-shirt, one where you see the muscles peeking through, not to mention that due to being completely muggy, the shirt was sticking to Merlin, clearly showing Merlin's structure visibly. Merlin's hair was also sticking up all directions, bed-head or probably Merlin ruffling it through frustration, and damn he was beautiful. "Arthur?" Merlin re-aproached, tone much louder, finally grasping Arthur's attention.

"Drink yeah ok," Arthur made a fool of himself, Merlin grinning as he bounded down for two glasses of squash. Bringing them up, Arthur knew he couldn't hold on much longer, and kindly took both glasses when he returned. Arthur forced the glasses to Merlin's desk, trying not to spill the contents, shutting the lid to the laptop to stop all disturbances. Merlin closed the door behind him, only for Arthur to swivel and pin him to the door, giving few inches between the pair, as Arthur slid a hand up Merlin's t-shirt, feeling the hot torso and muscles through the cotton shirt, the heat radiating off the pair becoming hotter. Focusing at his shirt, Arthur glanced up at Merlin through darkened lashes, his eyes becoming plates. "God Merlin, did anyone ever tell you that you're so gorgeous?"

"No I don't think... Ahh Arthur." Unable to hold back, Arthur broke the distance and immediately went to Merlin's jaw and neck, which were simply exposed, and Arthur went about devouring Merlin. Merlin titled his head back, only to collide with the door, but couldn't care of the pain, Arthur having him was more important. Kisses became more open, tongues dancing together a rather saucy number, and hands finding any part of skin available. Arthur, the always dominate one, trailed his hand south, something he'd been able to hold off for the entirety of their relationship, but had the sudden urge to ignore his brain, and searched for Merlin's length.

Feeling the growing hardness, Merlin become flushed and embarrassed and pulled away, hiding himself from Arthur. "Merlin? What's wrong?"

"Arthur. I... I can't..."

"What is it? If you're not ready to push on that far then that's okay, we'll keep it clean." Arthur, as much as he wanted it, if Merlin wasn't ready, then he weren't the one to force him into it. At the same time, although Arthur was almost approaching eighteen, and Merlin just seventeen, like Merlin, he had a lot more maturity in him, and acted more between an 18-year old as an arse, but generally like a 21-year old at least.

"I can't let you see me like this!" Arthur clearly did not understand. Merlin was perfect, but what was Merlin hiding? "Merlin, I... I don't understand."

Merlin gave a huff and let all words come pouring out, truly telling Arthur the reason for time and time again pulling back from their previous encounters. "I can't. I- I can't show. You'll think I'm some dumb idiot who thinks nothing of myself and I can't let someone as beautiful as you look at the repulsive me!" Arthur slowly tempted his way back to Merlin, who was standing near the one end of the bed towards the window, wrapping his scout blanket around him for protection, and Arthur eyed the full-length mirror. There was only one way that Arthur was going to be able to show Merlin what he truly meant, and knew how to tackle the situation in a peacable manner, not rushing Merlin into things, but gaining Merlin his confidence to feel good about himself, and that Arthur loved him for who he was. That he is beautiful, and wanted. "I think I know what this is." Arthur turned direct on Merlin, giving a solid ground force, commanding Merlin one simple instruction. "Come with me."

Merlin shuffled a little closer, but close enough for Arthur's sake. "I want to show something, well, two things. This is the first thing. Whatever you want, one action, you can do to me, but you must keep your left hand on my chest, in the exactly the same spot. You'll see why."

"Okay," Merlin looked bewildered, but still, did the simple, and leaned in to properly kiss Arthur. What he realised was the automatic change in the pulse, the pace picking up, almost of a throbbing type, and that Merlin's actions were clearly having an affect on Arthur, Arthur returning with just as much passion. A few minutes in, both broke off, so that they could breathe.

Arthur stepped a little closer to Merlin, and directed him one question. "Do you sincerely trust me?"

Merlin gave it some thought, and through everything that they had been through, Arthur had never told a lie, and always cared for Merlin, as he did for Arthur. Arthur was going to hold Merlin's life in his hands. "I do."

Arthur stood behind Merlin, and placed his hands on Merlin's hips, fingers slipping their way just under the hem of his t-shirt, creating small patterns on Merlin's hips and the surrounding skin. "Okay, I'm not going to hurt you. I want to prove to you something, and I do sincerely hope this works, for your own benefit. I need you to turn so that you're directly in front of the mirror, and I'm behind you. The mirror is for your eyes, and you are for mine Merlin."

Arthur began his explain of step-by-step encouragement, resting his head on Merlin's shoulder, nosing his cheek and planting soft kisses to the surrounding area. "You see, when you kissed me, and my heartbeat changed, you were giving me love. I want to give you love... I love you Merlin, and I only want you, no one else. Are you with me Merlin?"

Merlin eased himself into Arthur, starting to relax a little. "Yes."

"Good, and you see Merlin, when you kiss me, or feel me, or even when you're with me or I can see or think of you somehow, through dreaming or day-dreaming, it makes my heart pound. I see stars, and it causes me to do things, to unveil your sheer beauty, but it feels as if you don't trust me when I try to unlock you, that you're scared of me seeing something. I don't care what it is, it's what inside of you that counts, and regardless of what it is you're hiding from me, I still love you, and always will. Do you still trust me Merlin?"

"I do."

"That's good." Arthur slowly lifted Merlin's t-shirt up and over his head, arms just about responding, still tensed up, as Merlin bit his lip hard, almost drawing blood, and scrunching his eyes closed, so that he didn't have to look at his horrible-self in the mirror. What was underneath was indeed a load of scars, Arthur never knew where they had come from, but he could tell, some were new and just scabbing over, and some were old and fading. Indeed, it did dishearten Arthur to think that Merlin never found himself beautiful; it hurt, but hopefully, Arthur could find a solution to show Merlin that he was beautiful, and Arthur cares about him. Arthur returned his hands to Merlin's shoulders, stroking his arms. "Merlin, I need you to open your eyes. It's okay, I'm not laughing, everything is okay." Arthur found Merlin's hands, and placed both in each, and squeezed them, wrapping them around Merlin's waist, reassurring Merlin.

Merlin gently lifted one lid open, and noticed his disgusting self, and within no time shut the lid. But this was Arthur; the only person who had ever loved him in that way for what and who he was, and therefore he shouldn't be scared of himself, not if Arthur still took him in. Merlin gently opened his eyes, and glanced into the mirror. Arthur was pressed up against Merlin, slightly swaying the both, still holding Merlin's hands and a warm promising smile on his face. Arthur removed one hand, and scanned the few marks across his left arm with his forefinger, but would never ask on where the marks came from. Instead, all the marks that Arthur found, he placed delicate kisses to them, a way of healing Merlin.

Working himself around Merlin, Arthur started down the curve of Merlin's spine, and knew that not all of these marks were from self-harm, and understood that he had also been bullied in the past. He then travelled around to his hip, and up his chest, where his eyes met Merlin's, Merlin gasping between kisses. Arthur's eyes remained darkened, and Merlin's were going the same way, as Arthur continued, kneeling before Merlin. "You see Merlin, all of you is good. You are stunning, and even if you don't find you stunning, I do. You are sexy Merlin, and you are tempting, and sooo delicious." Arthur paused where he reached one of Merlin's nipples, and slowly stroked the bud with his tongue. Merlin threw his back back, moaning from the contact, almost pulling away after one touch. "Arrthur..."

"Do you still trust me Merlin?"

"Yes, but I don't see how I'm tempting, unlike you. What's so good about me?"

"Merlin. You have such pure, milky skin, which I want to lap up every inch of, and god, don't get me started on those cheekbones. I'm a sucker for them, and I'd kiss them anyday. I'd latch myself to them if I could." Arthur stood and slid his hands down Merlin's arms, feeling the muscle. "And then Merlin, we have muscle here, and here - " Arthur poked towards his chest "- and here," Arthur returned to being behind Merlin and sliding down, nosing his way down the curve of Merlin's spine towards his legs, letting his hands and mouth run over his arse, sending a jolt up Merlin's spine. "All this, and lots more, I love about you. What's there to not like?"

"I trust you Arthur. Am I really that good?"

"God yes!"

"But everyone, minus my odd few friends, all think I'm ugly. Like the ugly duckling."

"But that ugly duckling in time transformed into a beautiful swan, and then look who got all the attention. And if people think you're ugly, then they really have shit taste."

"So I'm the beautiful swan?"

Arthur returned to standing position, and lay his one over Merlin's stomach, the other on his hip. "Yes, you are so much Merlin, and just think, all those people who were mean, bullied and hurt you were just jealous that they didn't have your stunning looks, and now they're even more jealous because they can't lay their hands on your hot body. I can instead."

Merlin turned his head away from the mirror, and towards Arthur, Arthur connecting to gaze at Merlin. "I love you Arthur."

"Good." Merlin leaned in to kiss Arthur. Arthur could feel his own length hardening, and thought this might help Merlin further. Arthur took one of Merlin's hands, and guided him, using the mirror, to where Athur's boner was, using his hand to press against the tent-type fold across Arthur's jeans, Merlin using his initiative to pop open Arthur's jean button, and undo the zip to reach in and stroke a finger along the length, resulting in Arthur moaning with want. Merlin's pupils went full blown, his jaw going slack and couldn't help but beginning to stroke even further. Wanting release from the strain of clothing, Arthur removed his jeans and underwear in a few swift moves, leaving behind a birthday suit. "One more thing Merlin. I need you to stand up."

Merlin was now literally clinging onto Arthur, attention completely turned away from the mirror, as his knees were weak and gravity was motioning him to the floor. "I.. can't. Need you now!"

"One more instruction and then I promise. You call the shots tonight Merlin. Anything you like."

"Okay." Merlin held on to Arthur, pushing himself up so that Arthur could slip the boxer shorts off Merlin, revealing another naked body. Arthur directly noticed the length of Merlin, and immediately set his hand there, beginning to stroke and pump. With Merlin almost dropping like a pin, Arthur knew his plan had worked. He practically carried both over to Merlin's bed, throwing back the duvet, and Arthur settling atop of Merlin, friction increasing as their cocks brushed.

"Arth..ur.."

"Where?", was the one question that was needed.

"Right table, top drawer. Never know when it'll come in handy." Arthur shoved open the door, disregarding the fact that if the drawer had been rammed open any further, the draw would have seperated itself from the hinges, and drop to the floor, and scooped up the contents inside, closing the drawer half-way and returned to straddling Merlin. "Tell me Merlin, what do you want?"

"Everything."

"Well, in time you can. I don't think I could do everything tonight."

"Do what you do were doing earlier."

"Oh... you mean this." Arthur traced his forefinger down Merlin's chest, through the dark hair below the navel and straight to Merlin's length, using his right thumb to tease the head, wiping the pre-come, and brought the said thumb to his lips, tasting some of the contents. Merlin's head went with a blow to the pillows, eye-lids shutting up. "Nope Merlin. Please. I want you to watch."

"Ah, I'm trying... Arthur... stop the teasing and just do it!"

"So pushy aren't you Merlin... I know you want my filthy mouth around that gorgeous length of yours, me being able to taste you and to fuck right into me, that you've been longing for it for so long. You know what happens to pushy people don't you?"

"That's more like it." Arthur lowered himself so that he was mere inches off Merlin's prick, and breathed hot breath over, causing said prick to twitch. "God Arthur!" Arthur then stopped the teasing, allowing Merlin to get what he wants, and closed his lips around it, using his tongue to tear Merlin apart, Merlin trying to resist the urge to shut his eyes; although he was relaxed, he couldn't help the thought of fucking himself into Arthur's filthy mouth, so when Arthur pushed down on Merlin, taking him in deeper, Merlin met him half-way, causing Arthur to gag. None still, they continued, as Merlin wasn't far from coming, Merlin's nails scraping their way across Arthur's scalp, tuffs of Arthur's hair clenched around Merlin's curling fingers. "Arthur... I'm coming Arthur.."

"Jesus Merlin! So good!" Arthur hummed, before pulled away from Merlin, causing a wet pop, Merlin pouting as Arthur came back into eye contact with Merlin. "No! Arthur. Take me down with you."

"Are you sure?"

"God Arthur yes!" No need for reply, Arthur returned and finished Merlin off, Merlin wrapping his hand around Arthur's unattended member and pumping his prick, as Merlin came and Arthur swallowing down Merlin's release. With Merlin completely spent, Arthur came not long after across Merlin's chest and the sheets, flopping onto the side of the bed.

"Bloody hell Arthur! That was brilliant!" Arthur titled his head, stretching his neck so that he could lazily kiss Merlin, Merlin tasting himself through the combine of Arthur. "I think we need to clean up," Merlin muttered between snogging Arthur. "Okay," Arthur breathed enthusiastically, and hovered down Merlin to lap up his own come off Merlin. "You're unbelievable."

"Thank you." Settling against Merlin, connecting their lips back together, now having the taste of themselves on their lips, Merlin settled against Arthur, as he turned the lamp off, and pulled the duvet up over them. Half-asleep, as Arthur was stroking Merlin's hair to soothe him, Merlin murmured. "Arthur?"

"Hmm, Merlin?"

"Thank you, for everything."

"S'alright. Now get some rest love."

Both were asleep, Arthur playing the big spoon to Merlin, Merlin could hear tapping against an object, causing the young man to wake up. Merlin shifted out of Arthur's embrace, trying not to disturb his lover, and went to the window. The sky above was clear, so it weren't rain. It wouldn't be his mother either, as she had her own keys upon her, and wouldn't be back for another few days, and so he thought of other suggestions. With the tapping growing louder, and Arthur rousing from sleep, Merlin musely padded downstairs.

Making his way across the front room and into the kitchen, Merlin noticed his cat on the window ledge outside, tapping the window as to say 'let me in you bloody cow!'. Merlin grabbed the keys from the hook on the wall and opened the back door, allowing the fluffy nutter in. The lazy bugger. They had a cat-flap installed in the back door but still requested the door to be opened.

Locking the door, Merlin left his cat downstairs to please himself, returned the keys back to the hook, and prodded back upstairs to bed, well, to Arthur's strong, warm arms. Slipping beneath the duvet, Arthur felt the mattress dip, and used his senses to reach out to Merlin, cocooning him again. "Where'd you go?"

"Downstairs. Was the cat... Tell you in morning." Merlin settled once again beside Arthur, and drifted back off to sleep.