It was over six months before Merlin would let his mother's things be sorted out and removed for the annex. During that time he would often go along and sit surrounded by her things until Arthur went to fetch him. He found it hard to cope with her loss. He went to the annex to talk to her; it comforted him, just to be near her things. She had been his only relative and he felt alone, he found it difficult to explain to Arthur and he didn't want his husband to feel in any way less because of his grief for this mother's loss.

Once his grief became bearable, Merlin found he wanted to be with Arthur all the time, it was almost as if he feared losing him as well. The two men spent even more time together. Arthur had started to come on all the dog walks with Merlin and they settled into a very relaxed life. Arthur had given up all his legal work with Hunith's death and decided that he wouldn't take anymore on.

Twelve months after Hunith's passing Gwen and Freya retired, but found a replacement in Audrey, a woman in her thirties from the village. Her husband had died, and she wanted a change. She moved into the annex and spoilt the men. She was a really motherly sort. She always left prepared meals for them when she had her days off. They soon settled into each other's ways as Audrey had different methods in most things to Gwen.

The couple then had a couple of stress free years were they really enjoyed each other's company. And accept for Miranda having twin boys, it was peaceful. Both men loved it when the children visited. The saw William and Penny's little girl, Katie, quite often as well, so once more they were kept busy with little ones about the place. Miranda had called her boys Arthur and Merlin in honour of their great uncles, much to everyone's amusement, and Merlin's annoyance. He thought it was wrong, he knew much comment his name had caused when he was young. Miranda pointed out that now a day's children had far stranger names, and she hoped her two boys grew up as kind and generous as their namesakes. Princess loved the children and spent more time with them than Merlin. They were often found running round the garden or up and down the passageway in the bungalow, the children screaming and Princess barking. Gi watched with a disdainful expression from his place on Merlin's lap.

A few years later, during the summer, Merlin and Arthur celebrated their fortieth anniversary of their civil partnership, as well as Merlin's sixty fifth birthday. It was a quiet affair, but nearly everyone dropped in to see them. Merlin's health was slowly but surely deteriorating, as his chest problems worsened. Each time he had a chest infection it was taking him longer to recover. He was spending more and more time in his wheelchair, only walking for short distances. Merlin was still able to go in the pool, but with either Gwaine or Arthur and a protection officer. He needed the support and safety of two people with him. But he enjoyed the gently exercise regime and just floating on the water.

Then Merlin had to have Gi put to sleep, the little dog had developed cancer, and in the end it was the only kind thing to do. Merlin swore again that Princess would be his last dog no matter what. He said he didn't want a whole grave yard in the garden. He loved his dogs they had been like his children and it hurt him so as each one had died.

By the time Merlin reached his seventh birthday he was wheelchair bound, and on oxygen all the time. His COPD had reached its last stages. He knew his time was coming to an end, he sat down one day and wrote a letter to Arthur for when he was gone. He gave it to Leon and asked him to pass it on as soon as he died. Leon wasn't happy but promised he would do it. Even talking was becoming an effort for him.

Then a couple of months later the couple were led in bed when Merlin snuggled up to Arthur and said in very breathless voice:

"I love you so much, I have been so lucky."

"I love you to and I'm the lucky one" Arthur smiled at Merlin. It hurt Arthur to see Merlin struggle so. It seemed to have crept up on him. The changes had been so gradual over the years. It wasn't until Merlin stayed on the oxygen that it really hit Arthur how bad Merlin had become.

"I'm sorry I haven't always been easy to deal with… but throughout you've always been there for me..Thank you darling."

"Hi what's this all about? We've always been there for each other, idiot. Now come here and have a hug." Arthur put his arms round Merlin and before they fell asleep they both got lost in their memories, not of the bad times but all the good times.

The next morning when Arthur woke he found Merlin dead in his arms. He let out a wail that was heard throughout the building, When Richard found out the cause of Arthur's distress he rang the doctor then Morgana. Then he called Gwaine who came straight across. Arthur refused to let go of Merlin. He held him tears running down his face. It wasn't until the doctor gave Arthur a sedative that they could separate the couple.

Morgana and Leon arrived to do what they could. Merlin's body was removed to the chapel of rest and Arthur sat here completely stunned. Leon realised that Merlin had known he didn't have long when he wrote the letter. He took it out of his pocket and gave it to Arthur as promised.

"Merlin gave me this not long ago, he asked me to give it to you as soon as possible after his death." Leon looked at Arthur; he had never, even in the days of Merlin's kidnap, seen Arthur so lost. "I'm sorry Arthur but he was insistent you have it as soon as possible.

Arthur took the letter and went back into their bedroom to read it alone. He didn't want to but his Merlin had asked him to, so he would. He carefully opened the envelope and took out the letter.

My dearest darling Arthur,

If you are reading this I've just died. I asked Leon to give it to you as soon as he could because I want to make sure you're alright. Sounds daft I know, but I know you and you're probably shocked and crying now. Please don't cry for me. I'm out of pain now and free from nightmares.

You have given me a great life, we've had good times and yes, some bad times, but we have been together, until now. Now you have to face life alone. You can do it, you're stronger than me, and I'm glad I went first I couldn't have coped.

Do all those things that you couldn't do because of me, please. Don't sit and grieve.

Remember me as I was years ago, cheeky and sarcastic always giving as good as I got. But also remember I loved you to my core, you were my strength and happiness, and you kept me going when I would have given up. I can't express how much I love you and what you mean to me there aren't words for it.

One other thing on my list of demands: Please make sure Princess is ok and she has a good home. I loved my dogs, all of them and when it's her time, place her with the others they can keep each other company. As indeed one day we will lie together once more. Tell Morgana and Gwaine, as well as all the others, thank you without them my life would not have been so good. Gwaine was truly a brother to me and I loved him as such.

We've grown older together and stayed together despite everything. When you lie in bed at night look up and remember: first star to the right and on to morning. And whatever you make yourself feel guilty about, stop it, you did all you could for me and gave me a life worth living. Oh and because I know what a sentimental fool you are I have placed a lock of my hair in the envelope.

If you're right, and when aren't you, I'll wait for you in the afterlife.

My one and only love,

Truly the better half of the coin,

My prat, my darling

Goodbye,

Your idiot, Merlin.

Arthur folded the letter up after kissing it and placed it in his inside pocket over his heart. Checking the lock of hair was safe. Yes Merlin did…had known him to well.

….One more chapter folks