Well, the story is now over, but I'm planning to write a sequel. (It's going to be probably a short one). Thank you all for who stuck with me till the end!

ONE YEAR LATER

Uther tapped his fingers one by one on the glass counter. He stood in the jewellery with his son for almost twenty minutes already and his son still hadn't made his choice. Arthur had told the shop attendant that he'd like to look around first before she could help him, and Uther thought that would be five minutes at most, and not the twenty he had now spent doing nothing but looking at the rings through the glass.

"Arthur you'll have to pick one at some point."

Arthur sighed frustratingly. He couldn't make a decision between all the rings shown in the glass showcase. "Fa-ther, this will be one of the most important decisions of my life. I don't want to rush it. I want to pick the perfect ring for Merlin."

"Well you know my pick." Uther replied with a tone that made it obvious that Arthur shouldn't be looking further and just pick that one, but Arthur didn't let his decision be based on what his father wants and continued to look down at the glass showcase.

"Yeah, but that's just because it's the most expensive one of the bunch." Arthur murmured in a bent position with hands in the back pockets of his dark blue jeans and his eyes passing each and every ring behind the glass.

"No, I picked it because it's the best Arthur. My son-in-law, or well future son-in-law, deserves the best. It's just a coincidence it's the most expensive one."

"Well it doesn't matter what you want, because it's my choice. And I will not pick the ring you chose, because it's covered in all those small diamonds. Merlin won't like that, because for one, he'll say that he looks like a girl and second, he doesn't like to brag about expensive stuff."

Uther threw his arms up in the air. "He drives a McLaren for crying out loud."

"Well… that's something else. You know boys and their toys." Arthur waved the argument away.

Uther frowned and the shop attendant made her presence known for a third time during their visit. "Good afternoon gentlemen, did you have enough time to look around?"

Arthur sighed softly. "Well, looking for an engagement ring for my partner is not a decision I want to rush." Arthur looked at all the rings in the showcase again and pointed to two silver bands. "I like these two, but he," Arthur jerked his thumb to point at his father, "wants that one. The one with all the diamonds."

"Would you maybe like to see them up close, sir?"

Arthur's face lit up. He didn't even thought about that possibility. "Oh yes, thank you." Arthur watched how the shop attendant opened the glass door and grabbed the two boxes with the rings that Arthur chose. Further she got the one that his father picked and placed all three boxes on the counter. Uther grinned with victory and Arthur glared at his father for always getting what he wants. In his mind he already knew that the one his father picked wouldn't be the one. He was sure of that.

"Can I take them out of the box?" Arthur asked and the shop attendant nodded.

"Of course sir."

Arthur took the first one out of the box. It was a simple silver band and nothing more; beautiful but without all the hassle. Kinda like Merlin, Arthur thought but it just didn't felt right. He shook his head and placed the ring back into the box and now picked up the second ring. This one was also silver but had two grooved lines at both the outer sides. But just like the first one, this ring didn't give Arthur that feeling that this should be the one and placed it back in the box. He didn't even consider taking out and inspecting the ring his father picked out, no way!

Arthur softly growled, why wasn't he able to find a perfect ring!

"It can be overwhelming seeing so many rings sir." The shop attendant said, offering him a little smile after she saw him struggling to make a decision. "Maybe you could tell me something about your partner. Like what is his name, what does he do, what does he like, etcetera."

Arthur bit his lower lip, the girl behind the counter was the one with all the knowledge about rings, if there should be one to help him than she was the best chance he had.

"Well his name is Merlin and he's a doctor. He likes nothing too extreme and likes to help others… that's probably why he is a doctor." Arthur joked.

"He's indecisive but also a more 'seize the day' kind of person. It really depends on how he spends his free time, because it chances all the time. One day he likes to spend all of his time in front of the TV and the other day he wants to take long walks."

The girl nodded, processing everything. "And can you tell me something about yourself?" The girl asked and Arthur's left eyebrow raised ever so much.

"Me? What do you need to know about me? The ring is for Merlin."

"Yes, of course sir." She smiled at him again. "But don't you want him to recognize something of you in the ring?"

Arthur rubbed the back of his neck. "Well yeah, that's true." Arthur took a moment to think about what he should tell about himself, he was always so crappy talking about himself. "Uhm... aahh… uhhh" Arthur scratches his head.

Uther sighed and shook his head and started talking about his son. "He's a bit the opposite of Merlin. He's a professional motorcyclist, so he doesn't shy away of a bit of extremity, but he can also enjoy a good book. He likes extraordinary things and doesn't mind if something is different than what the general public expects. Let's see what else, oh yes, he can be emotional too. You know, he cried at seeing Pride and Prejudice…"

Arthur's mouth fell open and his cheeks turned red. "Father!"

Uther ignored him but he let a little smirk appear and finished telling the shop attendant about his son with one last comment. "And he's just over the moon and totally in love with Merlin."

The girl behind the counter laughed good-heartedly and Arthur wished the ground would swallow him right now. He was thinking about defending himself that he wasn't crying at the movie, making up the excuse that there was just 'something' in his eye at the moment Mister Darcy went to Elisabeth, but he decided against it. He didn't want the movie being discussed for any longer.

The girl her laugh died down and she smiled, holding up her finger with a wink. "I think I have the perfect ring in mind, if you have a moment I'll get it." After she saw that Arthur gave her a nod she disappeared in the back room, only to reappear a few minutes later with a velvet box in her hand. It was still closed when she set it down on the counter and pushed it towards Arthur.

He picked the box up and opened it slowly until the lid fell completely back. Arthur stared back at what he knew was the ring. It was simple, but special. Something ordinary, but at the same time it wasn't. Words just could not describe it, but he knew that he had found the ring that he wanted to give to Merlin.

As his eyes were glued on the ring, he heard the girl behind the counter telling him that the ring was made out of platinum and had two black bevelled edges. The middle part was made of silver and there were grooves that separating the black and silver.

His mouth cracked into a smile and turned the box to his father. He actually could care less what his father thought now, he knew this one was it. His father looked down at the ring and then up to see his son's face beaming with happiness and he brought his hand up to his son's shoulder and gave it a little squeeze, saying, "This one is perfect."

Arthur breathed a laugh. Even though he thought his father's opinion didn't matter, in the end it did. He hugged his father, the box still safely clutched in his hand, and his father wrapped his arms around his son's back.

With a smile that he couldn't erase off his face, he parted from his father and turned to the smiling attendant to place the box down, saying that this one will be it.

"Congratulations!" The girl exclaimed with sincere happiness. She asked which ring size Merlin had and if he wanted to have an inscription in the ring.

Arthur had to think a moment, a very short moment, because he already had a few options in his head that he would pick but now he was certain about the one that he picked.

"Yes." Arthur answered and bent down to write down which inscription he wanted.

~oOoOo~

"So Merlin, what's new?" Morgana asked as she cradled the warm cup of tea in her hands. She sipped her tea slow and thoughtfully, after all she had the mission of distracting Merlin for the afternoon and evening. Arthur, Leon and Will were making Arthur and Merlin's apartment ready for tonight;s proposal. It was a good thing that she had such a good poker face, otherwise Merlin would've found out soon enough what was happening in his apartment right this moment.

"Well, not much to be honest." Merlin replied, picking up his triple chocolate muffin and taking a large bite of it. He chew it like he was in seventh heaven and moaned softly by the deliciousness of it.

Morgana snorted and was glad she hadn't taken a sip of her tea, or she would definitely be chocking on it right now. "God Merlin, take a room!"

"I might do." Merlin hummed "Gods, this one is out of this world. Me and this muffin would have a very good time indeed. Mmm-mm-m!"

Morgana raised one of her perfectly trimmed eyebrows and she absentmindedly placed her hand on her growing stomach. She and Will had taken their relationship to the next level some seven months ago and then one Sunday afternoon she told Merlin that she was pregnant. First he had chased Will through the house in anger, but after letting the message sink in, he was happy for them both.

Will had shortly after the announcement proposed to Morgana with a ring that had a diamond the size of a small car, and she accepted. Their wedding was intimate with just close family and friend and took place on her parents' estate just two months ago. Morgana wanted to be married before she would really start to show.

And now here she was, married for two months, pregnant for five and finally starting to show.

Merlin was munching on his muffin and Morgana took another sip from her tea when her phone rang. She rolled her eyes when she saw the caller-id.

"Ye-es?" She sighed. Her husband was calling her every breathing moment to check on her and asking her how she was feeling.

Will. She mouthed to Merlin who looked at her questionably but smirked after he heard that his best friend and now brother-in-law was calling Morgana for the third time already in two hours.

"Morgana love, how are you feeling? Is the little one okay?"

"You know William, I'm almost at the point of turning this phone off for the rest of the day. Like I answered thirty minutes ago, yes I'm fine and yes the little one too. We're just enjoying a cup of tea with uncle Merlin."

"Oh. Okay. Don't stress yourself too much okay? We're almost finished here. Love ya."

"Married life turned you into a total sap, you know that right?" Morgana chuckled when she heard Will grunt. "But you're my sap. And don't worry, if… if something might happen I have a licenced doctor with me."

"Morgana! Don't joke about something might happening. Should I pick you up? Yes I should, you should rest. Where are you? I'll be there to pick you up…" Will prattled on and Morgana made a 'blablabla' motion with her hand at which Merlin spluttered and his muffin went flying. This was the Morgana's cue to let her husband stop talking.

"Will! Stop… for the love of god, stop. We'll be fine, you just go on with what you're doing."

Morgana heard a groan coming through the phone that wasn't from Will, but Will continued talking nevertheless. Then Morgana heard a frustrated Arthur (probably the nerves) on the background. "Are you calling your wife again!"

"Oh-oh, got to go love. See you tonight."

Morgana punched the red button and shook her head in disbelieve. "Seriously that man will be getting on my nerves one of these days." She placed the phone next to her cup on the little round table she and Merlin were sitting at and picked up her cup of tea again.

"I still can't believe it that you're married to Will for already two months and being pregnant for five. If you've told me a year back that it would happen, I'd be probably be laughing at you for an entire week. But don't get me wrong, I'm really happy for you and for that little niece or nephew of mine growing in your belly."

"Well, lots of things have happened in the past year Merlin." Morgana replied serious. "Yes, there was the whole Gwaine debacle and the hard and long process of both of you recovering from that with each having ups and down. But let's also focus on the good things that also happened in this past year. Such as Arthur moving into your apartment, you graduating from medical school, me marrying and getting pregnant. I can only see a brighter future ahead of us."

The last she added to give Merlin a slight hint, but Merlin didn't seem to pick it up. But he would get it later this evening. She already seen a picture of the ring, as Arthur had sent it to her via a text and she had to keep herself from squealing, because she was with Merlin at that moment.

Merlin sighed audibly. "I'm just glad the whole… thing is over. Ever since the day when Arthur learnt that it was truly over now, his life changed for the better. Yes, we had some bumps along the way into coming where we are now, but we've done it… together. And that's all I could wish for. I have this wonderful man in my life and don't want to lose him ever again."

Morgana had placed an hand over her heart and pursed her lips. "That… might be the most beautiful thing I've ever heard. And I've seen lots of romantic movies."

Merlin playfully pushed against her arm and took a sip of his own tea. It was nice and warm and he sat back into the comfortable armchair.

He and Morgana chatted some more and asking her about how she was feeling. Morgana had glared at her twin and asked him if Will had put him up to it. He just laughed loudly at that statement… before admitting that it was indeed true.

~oOoOo~

"Okay lights, check. Candles lit, check. Cheesy music, check. Wine, check. Ring, double check. Me ready, half check." Arthur murmured a little checklist to see if he hadn't forgotten anything important, and only after he was satisfied that everything was ready he blew out a sigh. Will grabbed him at his shoulders from behind, shaking him a little.

"Don't worry mate, Merlin will say yes to you, even if you would propose in a cardboard box."

"I guess." Arthur nervously answered, patting his pocket once again to check if the box is still in it. "I just want everything to go perfect. He means everything to me."

"Oh don't go soft on me now, we men have to stand together. Don't we Leon?"

Leon nodded automatically. He usually half listened to everything that Will said, as it was usually a load of rubbish coming out of the guy's mouth.

"Say the man who calls his wife every five minutes." Arthur retorted.

"Hey…!" Will accusingly said and tried to defend himself. "Not every five… more like every thirty. And there's nothing wrong with that!"

Arthur held both his hands up. "Hey, I didn't mean anything with it."

Will glared, but his expression softened. "Married life is amazing Arthur, you'll love it and you deserve it."

"Thanks Will. I'd appreciate that." Arthur looked at his watch, it read half seven and the sun had started to set. It was time to call Merlin.

Well Will would call Merlin, he was too nervous and freaking out to make the call himself, and he would also probably blab out the surprise the minute he would get Merlin on the phone.

They three of them had already made up an excuse to get Merlin to the apartment as quickly as possible.

"So you're ready?" Leon asked and Arthur nervously wrung his hands together, but he nodded.

"Oh, don't fret you look amazing." Will told Arthur with his phone already in hands. "No man could ever say no to you!" Will punched the digits of Merlin's phone number, but let his thumb hover over the 'call' button teasingly. "Are you really, really sure? There's still time to go back."

"Press the damn button!" Arthur yelled and immediately apologized. Will just smirked as he pressed the button and waiting for it to connect.

~oOoOo~

"Ugh, can you believe it. He's now just being ridiculous." Merlin said to his sister, showing her his phone and Will's name flashed on his screen.

They had been going to Morgana and Will's after their cup of tea and now Morgana acted like she was annoyed by her husband calling for the millionth time that evening. But, in reality, she had received a message from Will that said 'showtime', just moments before he called Merlin.

Merlin picked up the phone and brought it to his ear. "Yes Will your wife is still safe and sound and pregnant too for that matter, no need to-"

"Merlin, seriously mate you have to come home now. There had been a break-in and your whole place is ransacked!"

"What! Where's Arthur?" Merlin yelled and Morgana perked up from the couch, acting all surprised and asking what's wrong. Merlin quickly explained that there was a break in and Morgana gasped, bringing her hands for her mouth. Just in time because she almost couldn't hold her laughter.

"He's here, but come here as soon as possible."

"No, let me talk to him… is he okay?"

"Yes he's okay, he was with me and Leon at the time of the break-in. He can't come to the phone right now, he's talking to the police. Just come here as quickly as possible." Will sounded really convinced and he blamed it on that acting course he had to do in college. Who knew it ever came in handy?

"What about Morgana?" Merlin asked and looking at his sister.

Morgana shook her head. "I'll be okay. I'm sure Will will be here soon. I can manage a few minutes on my own."

"Are you sure?" Merlin asked, not really wanting to let his sister, his pregnant sister, alone.

"Yes I'm sure! Now go, go to your house. I'll be fine."

Merlin pulled at his hair and blew out a large puff of hair. "Fine. Tell Arthur I'll be there soon."

"Will do Merlin." Will said and disconnected the call. Merlin was already running to the hallway. His keys clutched between his teeth as he half jumping on one leg to put his shoe on.

"Call me if you know some more." Morgana said and Merlin kissed her lightly on the cheek before flying out of the door in distress.

"The eagle is flying ;-) " Morgana sent in a message to Arthur, Will, Leon, Uther and her parents who were also in the complot. Arthur had come to their manor a week ago to talk to both Balinor and Hunith, but Balinor in particular. He was going to ask them permission to marry Merlin and when Hunith heard Arthur asking then, she had wrapped him in one of her signature hugs. The one where she wouldn't let go for at least a few minutes. She and Balinor agreed and were happy that he finally asked them and Arthur had laughed at their statements.

~oOoOo~

Will's, Arthur's and Leon's phone all beeped simultaneously. It was the message Morgana sent and after reading it, Will slapped Arthur on the back. "It's up to you now. Go get him."

Arthur smiled brightly. "Thank you… both of you. For everything."

Will flapped his hand. "Don't mention it. Just make sure you both come to Balinor and Hunith's house tomorrow to celebrate the engagement with champagne."

"If he says yes." Arthur muttered and Will pointed a finger at him, narrowing his eyes.

"He will say yes and if he doesn't I will give him a good kick at his backside."

Arthur barked a nervous laugh and steered his friends to the door with the comment that Merlin will be here soon. After they finally made their leave, Arthur's nerves started to play up again. He willed himself to take a couple of deep breaths and he felt his pocket again for his own reassurance. It was still in there.

~oOoOo~

Merlin not yet fell through his front door, screaming, "Arthur! Are you al…right?" Merlin finished his sentence softly and was confused. He furrowed his eyebrows, there was no police and no Arthur. Instead the hallway was dark except for some lone candles on the ground that made a trail towards the kitchen. He followed it and walked into the kitchen where a single rose was sitting on the dining table, surrounded by more candles. A little note was placed in front of it.

Pick me up and follow the rest of the trail.

Merlin picked up the rose and sniffed at it, inhaling the nice sweet scent before he turned around and saw more candles placed on the ground, they made a trail to the living room.

When Merlin entered the room he was met by soft music and hundreds of candles were illuminating the whole room. Merlin looked around him in awe and when he walked more into the room he saw his lover standing in the middle of it, dressed sharply in a suit, his hands clasped behind his back and a smile as bright as the hundreds of candles on his face.

Merlin shuffled his way to Arthur, not sure what the meaning of this all is. "Arthur?" He asked, wanting to know what the plan for this was, but before he could ask, his eyes bulged out of their sockets when he saw his boyfriend sink down onto one knee and taking something out of his pocket.

"Arthur…?"

Arthur had opened the box and heard Merlin gasp. He smiled and reached out to grab Merlin's free hand. Arthur stared up into the blue eyes and he gulped deeply. "Merlin. We've been through so many things together and you still stood by my side after everything. I cannot imagine being with another person but you." Arthur licked his too dry lips. "You bring happiness in my life and I want to do the same in your life. I love your quirks, your sensitive side and your good sense of humour, and not a day goes by that I'm not thankful to have you in my life." Arthur paused to breathe in deeply. "Merlin… will you marry me?"

Merlin let the rose slip out of his hand and sank down onto his own knees and brought his hands behind Arthur's head. He rested his forehead against Arthur's. "Yes…" Merlin breathed out. "Yes, yes, a thousand times yes!" Merlin clashed his lips against Arthur's and kissed him deeply. They only parted when they needed to breathe and Arthur took the opportunity to take the ring out of the box and placed it on Merlin's palm with the comment that there was an inscription.

Merlin stared in awe to the perfect ring from the perfect man and tipped the ring a bit to get a clearer view of the words written inside.

You are my life, my love, my only.

Merlin was close to tears of happiness and a smile graced his face, which was the most important for Arthur.

"You… remembered." Merlin whispered, remembering the moment that they were at the SafetySuit concert a few months back. Arthur had been standing behind Merlin with hands wrapped around his waist and Merlin loudly sang all the lyrics of every songs and told Arthur that Never Stop was his favourite song.

Arthur took the ring from between Merlin's fingers with a smile and slipped it onto Merlin's ring finger of his left hand, before bringing their lips together once more.

THE END.

The band is SafetySuit and the song I picked the lyrics from is called Never Stop (there are two versions, but I really like the 'wedding version') and it's my ultimate favourite song.

I apologize to the people who disagree!