A Bucket List

Merlin is dying of an unknown terminal illness that even his magic cannot cure. Arthur had him devise a bucket list and is very enthusiastic to help him complete every single thing on the list, no matter how hard or how stupid it may be. EVENTUAL MERTHUR and crippling angst towards the end of the story.


Chapter 9

Uther slowly caught a glimpse of the scene unfolding between Arthur and Merlin, the two in a much too friendly embrace. Both a bit too close to each other, foreheads nearly touching, Uther was now uncertain of the true nature of the two boy's relationship. He stepped forward to the pair and cleared his throat in a loud manner primarily for Arthur's attention. Merlin suddenly jolted at the sound and his head bounced back away from Arthur's, eyes still locked onto the prince's pink lips. Arthur's felt his skin go warm suddenly, in shame and in the hopes that his father wouldn't suspect a thing.

"Oh father!-"

"Arthur, may you please leave me and Merlin to talk please?" Uther asked. Arthur granted his father's request and stepped inside the orphanage to give the two some space, but in close proximity to be able to still hear their words.

Merlin prayed to the gods above that Uther doesn't take the situation in the wrong way. All he needed was a nice, warm, friendly man hug from a friend. If the staring, lip licking and eye locking were ignored, the situation would've been completely platonic.

"Merlin, I want to thank you for this. I can see how much joy you have placed upon the people of Camelot by building this home." Uther congratulated.

Merlin subconsciously sighed in relief.

"The pleasure was all mine, your highness." Merlin bowed in reverence

"Yes, and in your condition as well...it's quite extraordinary," Uther then glanced at the orphanage, then back at Merlin "You and Arthur seem to a bit too awfully close."

Merlin's cheeks flushed slightly, processing in his mind, stringing the words to not give Uther the wrong impression.

"Me and Arthur are just friends, my lord, and nothing more. My condition now has just brought us closer I guess."

Uther nodded in understanding. "Ah, I see." He then gave a stern look to Merlin, a warning. "That's good because if it were to be something more, you'd know where your fate lies..."

Merlin gulped hard before clarifying, flustered and blushing. "Please, my lord, I probably cannot even begin to think of having Arthur as a significant other. Imagine all the tantrums I'd have to encounter. I see someone like Arthur as nothing more than a friend."

Those words rang clearly through Arthur's ear. 'Just a friend and nothing more'. That is how it is supposed to be, Merlin goes off with another while he marries for the kingdom's sake. He cannot deny the feelings he has for Merlin, but for the good of the kingdom and for his father's sake, he has to move on. Preparation for Merlin's demise must also be considered, he can already sense the loneliness and depression that awaits him once Merlin passes.

"Well then Merlin, enjoy the rest of your evening. And feel free to take some time off, we wouldn't want to overwork you now of all times." Uther suggested as he walks off towards the castle.

Merlin rejoined the rest of the group, Arthur waiting casually just behind the orphanage door, obviously eavesdropping.

"You nosy pig!" Merlin remarked. "It is called a private conversation for a reason!"

Arthur scoffed. "The curiosity got the better of me. I just wanted to make sure that father didn't think we were...you know."

Merlin gasped sharply. "NO! No of course not! We weren't doing the...thing."

"Yes, we are just friends right?"

"Yes strictly-"

"And forever-"

"Friends!"

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Arthur lay wide awake in his bed that night, contemplating what exactly would've happened if his father wasn't there to interrupt. A teenage feeling. Maybe he would've kissed Merlin on the forehead? Or if he were daring enough, on the cheek? The lips were so tempting however...Merlin's half lidded, post-crying glazed eyes and his softened, reddened lips. Maybe a bit of biting, nibbling on those lips would've stopped the tears while his hands slowly caressed his back and neck. He would have placed Merlin's head right beneath his chin so to fill the boy with warmth while the boy emptied out his much too sensitive emotions. The scenario had so many outcomes, a movie replaying over and over in Arthur's mind.

Alas, he knew he couldn't feel this way. Arthur rolled over in his bed and mentally slapped himself back into reality. He had to get over the feeling. Besides, Merlin would probably be best off with someone else anyways. God knows what his father may do to him if they were to be exclusive. Arthur glanced at his bedside table and grabbed the bucket list.

13. Go on a date

As much as it pains him, he had to find Merlin his 'date'.

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Merlin was shook to consciousness the next morning by an strangely overly enthusiastic Arthur.

"Merlin! Merlin! I have a surprise for you! Meet me by the tavern in the afternoon and wear something fancy!"

Just like that, Arthur bolted out of Merlin's chambers clearly in some sort of hurry. Merlin was still disoriented, curious to what surprise the prince had in store for him today. He swung his feet out of bed and dressed 'fancy'.

Upon arrival at the tavern, Merlin was met with five rather attractive males.

"Merlin, these are your possible suitors." Arthur announced, each of the five men gesturing a wave towards Merlin.

Merlin feasted his eyes on the two gorgeous twin brunettes. Their tanned pectorals were clearly seen through their see through shirts, and the tight trousers perfectly accentuated every muscle below their torso. Then there is a gorgeous blonde with blue eyes. Much like Arthur but slightly less built which in a way, Merlin found adorable. The face was seemed childlike, the boy was clearly just fresh out of his teen years. The next man had bright, long orange-red hair and a beard to match. His eyes were a piercing bright green, the boldness of his eye color matching the sculpt of his cheekbones. He was definitely the largest one out of all of them with biceps resembling hills and an impressive chest. The last man was definitely a lot older than Merlin, around mid thirties. The greys of his hair were starting to appear but it did not hide the fact that the man does have quite a handsome face.

"Well gentlemen, introduce yourselves." Arthur suggests.

One of the twins shook Merlin's hand. "Hi, I am Tommy." Then, the second twin took Merlin's hand and placed a kiss on the knuckle. "And I am Johnny."

Arthur rolled his eyes discretely in annoyance. Too much touching in the first meet up is definitely a sign to not date! The blonde then introduced himself, softly smiling . "Hullo, Merlin. I am Alfie." Merlin smiled back at the younger boy and shook his hand. The gruff, ginger haired man gripped Merlin's hand firmly and in a surprisingly mismatching high pitched voice, he says "Hiya there, Merlin! I am Seamus. It is very nice to meet you, eh?"

Merlin tried to stifle in a laughter but an unappealing snort erupted from his nose. "Oh I am very sorry about that, Seamus. Forgive me." Merlin apologised. Seamus just smiled happily and returned back to his place. The older man then approached him and grinned widely. "And I am Scott. Nice to meet the man responsible for the orphanage." Merlin appreciated the recognition and shook the man's larger hands.

"Alrighty, Merlin. Now that you've met the lads, find yourself a table in there and I will send each of them one by one. You each have 15 minutes to impress Merlin. And the lucky man will get a proper date possibly...this evening?" The five men nodded. Merlin made his way inside the tavern and sat down, anxiously waiting to see how this goes.

Seamus enters the tavern first. Despite his awfully high pitched voice, and inability to down a drink without spilling it all over himself first, he was quite a decent guy. Merlin found out that Seamus worked as a blacksmith, and he manufactures only the finest weapons and armor in Camelot. Not a bad pick coming from Arthur. Then, Tommy entered. Tommy was a little to confident in nature, and also a bit too talkative. Merlin barely had the chance to even say something to him. Tommy went on about training to be a the Knight of Camelot one day, and how he'd always beat his brother at everything ranging from playful fist fights to wooing other men. Merlin immediately ticked him off the list and was glad once his time was up. The other twin was next, and he was the complete polar opposite of his brother. Johnny was sweet and shy, unlike his boastful brother. The only problem is that Merlin initiated most of the short conversations. The confident kiss upon their meeting did not reflect the social skills sadly. Once, his time was up, Scott entered the tavern. Scott was very handsome indeed, with a short stubble and a charming smile. The only problem is that Scott does seem a bit too old, and far too boring. He speaks but often of subjects Merlin had no interest in. After Scott, Alfie finally made his turn in wooing Merlin.

"Uhm... hey again, Merlin." Alfie nervously said. The boy fidgeted uncontrollably, sweat forming on his forehead. "You know, Merlin, I think you are ... really pretty."

Merlin chuckled lightly. "Why thank you, Alfie. Though I feel that is quite a feminine word to use haha."

Alfie definitely resembled Arthur. If Arthur were still young, he would be the exact copy of Alfie. There was a few small talks here and there, Alfie was a shy and reserved boy but still, Merlin enjoyed his company somehow.

"Hey, Merlin. Sorry I'm being a bit quiet I'm not usually like this. It's just that, this would be my first date and I have no idea what to do.."

Merlin smiled nicely at the boy. "Well there is nothing to worry about. Because this would be my first date too!"

"Oh really?"

"Yes, sad to say. I never really had much time to myself until now."

Alfie's face brightened up, finally opening up to Merlin.

"Well, Merlin, I really hope you pick me. I promise I will be as sweet as I can."

Merlin felt heat spreading through his cheeks.

"Well I look forward to tonight then, Alfie. Because I am choosing you."

Alfie shyly smiled downwards at the floor and thanked Merlin with a hug. Merlin patted the boy on the back and waved goodbye. Tonight has to be perfect!

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Sorry for the delay, guys. I had just settled in to Uni during the past three weeks so I had been quite busy partying oops.

Once again, thank you so much for the lovely reviews and continued support!

- Le Author xx