But I don't know any lullabies (Mpreg lullaby verse ) Modern au. (Chapt. 20-28/28)
Originally posted at camelot drabble, yet again as a series that grew from of prompts.
Author: amarie_authiel Title: But I don't know any lullabies. Rating: PG-13 (?) Pairing/s: Arthur/Merlin, Gwaine/Morgana Character/s: Arthur, Merlin, Mordred, Morgana, Gwain, Gaius, Uther Summary:They always knew they would part ways and follow their ambitions. What he didn't know, and noone would have guessed, was that their one night together made something impossible happen. Warnings: Mpreg, angst Author's Notes: I am venturing a bit outside my comfort zone, but it's an idea I've had for a while that doesn't want to let go. Might post more if people are interested. Inspired by a fic I read where Merlin was a doctor and magic was an everyday thing. I should look it up and give proper credit.
Don't worry about a thing. (Prompt:# 158 engaged)
One downside to feeling better- and it was the only downside- was longer time awake without Merlin being around. No longer dozing the days away, Arthur would read or play some games on his phone. He also made notes in his calendar hoping to decipher how long he had to go after eaten before he could take a sip of water, without everything returning the way it went down. It didn’t seem like Mr Bucket the bucket would be retiring just yet.
Sometimes he just lay still, listening to the sounds of nothing. He had to get used to being on his own. He would be released sooner or later, and then he had to go home. He really didn’t have much to complain about. There were tons of single parents out there. There were army wives and -husbands who had to go many months and even years without seeing their spouses. It was worse for Merlin, probably, at least Arthur would have the baby.
One thing he didn't do was to check his e-mail. He knew he didn’t need the stress. Uther had started to e-mail Merlin instead, and that thought was stressful enough. Also Merlin had cursed his phone to spontaneously teleport to Gaius’s office drawer if he tried. Or maybe that wasn't true, but Arthur wasn’t about to risk it. With Mordred and Merlin teaming up you just never knew.
Mordred. Arthur let out a sigh. He was one reason why Merlin hadn't been around much yesterday and maybe not today either. Seemed it was Merlin's lot in life to suffer by Arthur's family some way or the other.
It's not that Morgana meant to hurt Merlin. Her husband Gwaine certainly wouldn’t have, they both liked Merlin. Gwaine hadn't exactly been welcomed into the family, though Arthur had at least made some effort. It didn’t seem to matter much to them either way, and Morgana counted herself as part of the family whenever it suited her. Gwaine and Merlin though had gotten along just fine, bonding over Living With Pendragons Stories or whatever and had kept some contact during the years. It kept Arthur a little bit informed of his sister's life. And vice versa, probably.
Morgana had at least attempted to be subtle. Arthur suspected it was partly fuelled by the want to show Uther than she could get the information needed without causing a huge scandal. Maybe it was also a way of telling Arthur he couldn’t keep anything secret from her. Arthur had been relieved that she knew as well. It was Merlin and Gwaine doing the talking now as well, unless that had stopped too, filtering the information between the constantly bickering siblings.
Unlike Uther, Morgana had pulled strings and tried to be sneaky about getting the information. This only works if your contacts are sneaky as well. First year student Cara Mia seemed to be neither sneaky nor subtle. Arthur had only heard the quick summary Merlin had given him, but it seemed she had been more than willing to share whatever he knew or thought she knew. She had also managed to brag about how the famous Morgana Pendragon had come to her for information.
When confronted about leaking information about a patient of the hospital, she claimed the right to say whatever she wanted, when she wanted. Then she proceeded to do so by raging against the people who were trying to give her a second chance and so got expelled from school. Mordred had harboured a very strong crush on her and Merlin seemed to have him hands full saving his friend from getting thrown out as well. She certainly didn’t do much to save him. While she had doting parents to cushion the fall, Mordred had nobody. Well, he had Merlin, so he’d be alright. Arthur moved his hand over his stomach. There was nothing to worry about. Everything’s going to be alright.
Midnight talks.(Prompt:#161 Moonlight)
It was late at night when Arthur woke up from some rustling in his room. The curtains where open, letting in enough moonlight to reveal Merlin moving about clearly trying to be quiet. It took a few seconds before Arthur's groggy brain reached the conclusion that Merlin was about to settle down in the large chair. His raspy night voice seemed loud in the room.
“What are you doing all the way over there?”
“Oh. I didn't mean to wake you. I just... didn't want to go home.”
Arthur felt a bit hurt, but also knew it wasn't quite fair to Merlin. Clearly things weren't going too well with Mordred.
“You can wake me any time.”
Merlin laughed softly.
“You say that now...”
“Then now is a good time to come to bed.”
Arthur moved to make space while Merlin annoyingly folded his clothes and put them somewhere before Arthur could greedily pull him close and settle down. Arthur tugged at Merlin's t-shirt and complained.
“Too much clothes...”
“Patience. Don't want the morning staff to be greeted by the sight of my pale bum in the air. I have to work with these people you know.”
Arthur thought that would be a good way to start the day, but decided it was their loss. His hands found their way underneath the t-shirt anyway. He would have liked to tease him more, but there was a tone of sadness in Merlin's voice and Arthur felt guilty. He remembered how he had been jealous of Mordred for taking Arthur's place in Merlin's life. But Arthur knew better now and was not quite as wrecked as he had been. Merlin had finally made a friend who was magic like him, and now Mordred might be gone for good.
“Merl, I'm so sorry about all this.”
“Not your fault, love.” Merlin said.
“Clara is a rebel without a clue, and I’ve been training you in social competence for years since it’s clear that your family is having some trouble in that area… Just... tell me you don't have more family members sneaking about with more clever schemes.”
Arthur sighed.
“No, not that I know of. It's just father, Morgana and uncle Agravaine.”
Merlin lifted his head to look at Arthur.
“What? Uncle who?”
“Uncle Agravaine”, Arthur repeated clearly in case he had been mumbling.
“You have an uncle? You have never mentioned an uncle.”
“Of course I have! My mother's older brother. Me, father and Morgana spent Christmas with him. Well. Once. He travels a lot.”
Merlin blinks, half expecting Arthur to say he was joking.
“In all the years we've known each other you have only mentioned Chris, who died while serving in the army. Never Aggra-something.”
Arthur laughed now, this was absurd.
“Why would I talk about uncle Christopher and never mention Agravaine?”
Merlin shook his head.
“That’s what I am wondering too.”
“Oh come on, he plays golf with my father once a year. He's got that lodge with all the hunting trophies in the Alps, you know.”
“The Alps?!”
Merlin drops his head down with a groan before Arthur can reply.
“Whatever. If he tries something too I'm gonna kill 'im.”
Arthur barks a brief laugh. He knows it's just frustration and exhaustion talking, and this was not something worth wasting energy on. Strange that Merlin doesn't remember uncle Agravaine, though. It's not like Arthur just made him up as a plot twist. They stay silent together for a while, but it seems neither can find the calm they need to get to sleep.
“At least we're gaining sympathy points out there.”
Now it's Arthur's turn to be confused.
“Out where?”
“Out there in the real world.”
“Explain?”
Merlin moves to lie on his back so they can look at each other.
“Well... first it was only Uther's behaviour they were fussing over, with all sorts of theories. Then Cara opened her big mouth, so the NIMUEH discussion flared up again and Uther was getting support. Then Mordred's horrid movie of me went viral... Maybe that might cheer him up a bit... and Gaius' theory flies off the shelves, so at least it's getting a bit more balanced.
The familiar feeling of letting everybody down returned.
“So everybody hates us...”
“Oh they love you, it’s me they don’t like. Evil sorcerer and all. BUT! Before you get all worked up about that, remember that I am quite used to having things and accusations thrown at me. And I have a cunning plan. Or not. I'm not sure. Wanted to talk to you about it first.”
“And then we'll ride into the sunset together and live happily ever after?”
“Yes, but you shouldn't ride in your condition and I never saw the point in leaving when the sun goes down and you know it will be dark in like minutes.”
Arthur laughed, feeling a bit better.
“So what is your plan?”
---
Merlin found it a bit peculiar to leave the hospital and know that the waiting horde of news crews, protesters and protesters protesting the protesters protests would have thrown themselves over him if he hadn't been disguised.
He had barely made it back and had hoped for a little bit of rest when the screen indicated an incoming call. He planted himself down in the sofa, pressed accept and threw his tired feet up on the coffee table. At least he could be seated comfortably, even if the face that came to view on the large television screen promised an uncomfortable conversation. Uther was as well-dressed as ever and his office was pristine. Throw in a flag or two and he could step in for the PM or the Queen in a minutes notice. His face twitched nearly unnoticeable as Merlin appeared on his screen, making Merlin feel a bit amused. It wasn’t every day Uther had a conference call with a shabby student apartment, so at least this was new to them both.
“Merlin. Good evening. You wanted to discuss something. Is this about Arthur?”
An unlikely ally. (Prompt:#164 Truth)
Like so many times before, Uther found it difficult to decide if Merlin was being disrespectful or not. There was only one other Uther could think of who would ask for a video conference and attend it leaned back with his feet on the table. That was Cenred, and he would have added a smug smile and a fat cigar.
But the faint smile on Merlin when Uther asked about Arthur was not smug.
“Arthur is doing better, despite... He has more energy and is up and about more. Baby is well. Feels strong.”
The smile grew to crinkle Merlin eyes. Pride. Obvious pride. Fatherly pride? Pride in a plan going well? Uther mentally corrected himself; he had promised himself to focus on the positive. He had even bought that stupid toy bear after making the manager of the toy store vouch for the quality, durability and overall child safety issues before purchase.
“I am glad he is better. Will he - they - be hospitalized for long?”
Merlin shrugged. “It’s still difficult to say with this kind of illness. He might feel better in a couple of weeks , or it might be more long term."
Uther gave a small grunt-like hum noise to acknowledge he had heard him, but not necessarily believed what he had to say.
Merlin cleared his throat.
"But this is not why I asked for this... conversation.”
Uther said nothing, and by that prompting Merlin to continue.
“Yes, as you know the media is all over this, making it difficult for... everyone. We were thinking it was time to have someone speak on our behalf, someone not associated with the Albion institute.”
Uther nodded slowly.
“This might be a good idea.”
“It should also be someone who's used to dealing with the media and whom we can trust to have our family's best interests at heart.”
Merlin's heart swelled as he said that. Family! It drained some of the uncertaintly of how the word 'our' would be read. Whether Uther would think Merlin was weaselling into to Pendragon family or if Merlin and Arthur were including Uther in theirs. Uther remained unreadable, but listening intently.
“We’ve talked it over, Arthur and I, and we agreed that... we hoped you would be willing to do that. Speak on our… on Arthur’s behalf, if…”
He clenches his fists and appears to swear internally.
“We would both like you to be our spokesperson or media contact during this pregnancy and perhaps some time after, depending on Arthur's recovery.”
Uther straightened his back, wondering if his ears were deceiving him. It took him a few seconds to gather his words.
“I must say I was not expecting that.”
He sounded genuinely surprised. Merlin laughed dryly.
“A lot of that going around lately. In truth I’m a bit surprised myself. Funny how a knife in the back changes you point of view. Had it at least been my back...”
Merlin runs his fingers through his hair and ruffles it. He seems less guarded now that Uther hadn’t immediately shot down the idea. And that is when things finally clicked into place for Uther. Uther had ruined Arthur and Merlin's safe haven. Morgana had cost Merlin and Arthur a friend, a confidant and an ally in Mordred, leaving them even more exposed. Merlin wasn’t scared or seeking protection. He wasn’t fumbling with words because he found Uther intimidating or because he had gotten himself in too deep.
Merlin was furious.
Yes, this was something Uther could understand; defending your investment at any cost and realizing how how thin the line between enemy and ally is. He was not being asked to help, he was given permission to offer his help. This would be Uther’s last chance to choose sides. He hated to admit it, but this did command some respect.
“Thank you, mr Emrys. I would be honoured.”
Gwaine and Apples.(Prompt:#163 Inevitable)
Gwaine had found the safest place in the house; he was in the cosy chair with his feet up on the foot rest. He flipped quietly through the offending newpaper, which was nearly solely dedicated to the world shattering news. Uther really knew how to rile up the media.
“This should give Kate and William some time to rest.” he thought dryly to himself.
“I guess it was inevitable. He always does what his father wants.”
He glanced up at the source of the bitter comment. Morgana was pacing back and forth, one minute angrily adjusting the magazines and the next rearranging the sofa cushions. He knew better than to accidentally cross her path when she was in this mood, he would be angrily rearranged as well. Here there be fireballs. She needed some air around her to move and some space to thrash her arms around. Crossing her thought trail, however, was something else. She had a tendency to get lost in her anger.
“He is your father too,” Gwaine mildly corrected.
“And getting pregnant by his magic room mate was hardly on top of Uther's list of plans for him.”
“But I am magic! Why....”
Her voice broke, but it got masked by her face landing against Gwaine's chest in a tight embrace. He held her tight, burrowing his fingers into her long hair. He had an uncanny way of sneaking past her defences, and knowing just when to do that. She hit him in the chest a few times, a toothless attempt to keep fighting, before she let sorrow overwhelm her. She let her husband rock her and she sobbed loudly. He hummed some calming, caring words to her. It didn't matter what he said, she knew he was sad too.
“It's Merlin, Apples.” he said after a while. “It's Arthur and Merlin. I am sure even the universe itself has facepalmed repeatedly at their misplaced noble ideas of not 'ruining the other's future plans'.”
Morgana sobbed a laugh.
“How about we show up with flowers and ballons and a card that says 'Get well soon so we can be jealous without feeling guilty'. Like we should have done in the first place.”
Morgana didn't say anything. She only sniffled a bit, which Gwaine took as a good sign.
“You know, Apples. I am certain Merlin is only doing this to protect Arthur somehow. Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer and all that. Tactics and such.”
Morgana sniffled again. This time she pulled away and put a gentle kiss to his lips. She started wiping the tears from her face, and realizing her makeup had been ruined. He let her escape to the bathroom, for the millionth time wondering why she thought he gave a damn whether her mascara was perfect or not. I seemed to make her feel better though, so he waited a little while until he guessed she had gotten the worst smudges off before he followed her. Uther was an expert at making Morgana feel inadequate. But Gwaine was determined to show her that she was loved just the way she was.
Sing me a song. (Prompt:#173 Lullaby)
Sometimes it doesn’t take much to set the world right. Sometimes it doesn't take much for the world to come crashing down either. But when you are at the mercy of the hormones, there is not much you can do but go with the flow. Merlin supplied tissues and sat down besides Arthur on the bed. He tried to not let the sniffling and Arthur blowing his nose dampen the mood.
It was the overload of apples in the fruit basket that made Arthur sob. Gwaine had literary poured his heart into this basket. Knowing him, it must have physically hurt to give them away. The card read: 'From uncle G and aunty Apples'. It was clearly Gwaine’s work judging by the surprisingly delicate handwriting and the use of Gwaine's nickname for Morgana rather than her true name. Morgana’s touch showed in the basket also containing a small book of quick and easy, healthy meals for busy parents, with a selection of their favorite chocolates tucked in as well.
Merlin suspected the two might actually be in town, but he'd look into that later. Arthur came first. He had started to stay most nights in Arthur's room, he didn't have much to come home to. Mordred had still not come back and the large screen Mordred had been so excited about only reminded him of Uther. Arthur was slowly getting better. The shaky truce with Uther and now this peace offering should give Arthur some peace of mind.
Uther seemed to think he had a say in everything. It felt a bit odd to argue with him. Didn’t he know he had already won years ago? Arthur and the little one would move home, Merlin would stay behind here. Uther had already planned the baby's life for at least the next 10 years. The message was clear, despite the neutral packaging. 'Back off wizard, I've got this.' By the time Merlin was done with his studies, the baby would be running around and talking and hardly know him.
Being deep in thought he didn't notice that Arthur had gone quiet until he started talking again.
“Merlin? Do you know any lullabies? ”
Merlin felt a jab of guilt for getting lost in his own worries.
“Um... No... Not like all the verses and the correct rhymes and such.”
“Oh.” Arthur sounded like he was trying to be neutral.
“Why'd you ask?”
“Just wondering. I don't know any either.”
“Anything can be a lullaby. It doesn't matter what you say, just the way you say it. It calms you and the baby. If you are upset then the baby feels it and won't go to sleep, but...”
He suddenly noticed Arthur looking at him, grinning.
“What?”
“Nothing, I just. You are... You have no idea. No idea.” The last part was chocked and barely audible. Merlin was pulled into a tight squeeze which loosened and tightened a bit again before Arthur snuggled close and sighed deeply and content. Merlin wriggled into a slighlty more comfortable position and drank in Arthur's scent and the feel of his body so close to his. And the bump. The wonderful, wonderful, miraculous bump.
“Sing us something?”
Merlin could feel the hum of Arthur's voice. Arthur was right, he had no idea what had just happened or what this was about. But he wasn't about to say no.
“Just... anything?”
“Yeah, sing us a lullaby.”
Merlin laughed a bit uncertain, but started to sing slowly and softly to prove what he had been saying.
“We'll be singiiiin'....
when we're winniiiiing...
we'll be singiiiin'...
Hm, hm, hm, hm, hmmmm
I get knocked doooown, but
I get up again....
You're never gonna
keep me doooown...”
Arthur's silent laughter shook them both.
“No, you're meant to fall asleep, silly!” Merlin jokingly chastise him,
“OK, so you show me you can do better!”
“I get knocked uuuup.... But I get up again....”
Merlin laughs out loud and Arthur cracks up as well.
And just then it seems it was all decided. So what if they suck at singing lullabies? Everything was going to be ok.
Visitors (Prompt:#175 Stay)
“It was a spur of the moment thing.”
Gwaine looks perfectly sincere when saying that. Merlin chuckles and can’t help feeling genuinely relieved at hearing the familiar, casual tone. He had sent a text message thanking for the gift basket and found that they were indeed nearby, hiding in the Ealdor shopping centre, where apparently Morgana had gone on a shopping spree in Druids’R’us. And now they were here. He hands Gwaine one of the coffee cups he had acquired from the nurses station.
“Yeah, four hour drive is it?”
Gwaine shrugs. “I just happened to turn the car in this direction rather than towards Gwen’s and Apples didn’t correct me. Three and a half hours later we were here. And, you know, it would be rude to not come say hello.”
“You could have called ahead.”
Gwaine’s smile drops just a bit and Merlin knows he’s not going to like what comes next. He puts his coffee cup on the nearest surface just in case. Gwaine’s eyes drift down the corridor to where Morgana had nervously stepped into Arthur’s room moments before.
“I did and was told to contact your press contact Uther Pendragon.”
Merlin closes his eyes, grits his teeth and swears internally.
“Mhm.” Gwaine nods, staring into his Styrofoam cup. “Thought as much.”
“I turn my back for a second... Did you happen to catch the name of this helpful individual?”
“I’m afraid not, he didn’t want to say who he was. But…” Gwaine takes out his phone. “My call was transferred to his office or something, and I do have that phone number.”
Merlin memorizes the number and nods. He now knew the time and the landline the person had used. He should be able to track him down.
“Thanks, Gwain. There seems to be some confusion to who decides what around here...”
Merlin's face tells him he had guessed correctly, this wasn't quite the happy family collaboration Morgana had imagined. Or rather, feared.
“I didn’t tell Apples about the call. I’d rather you told me to my face if you wanted us gone.”
“Yeah, I get that. But you sent the basket in first?”
“Yeah" Gwaine said cheerfully. "If it came back in flames we’d try again later.”
Merlin is about to reply when they see Morgana leaving Arthur’s room, closing the door softly behind her.
She smiles weakly in reply to the surprise in their eyes.
“He was asleep. I didn’t want to wake him. I can wait.”
Gwaine moves over and puts a supporting arm around her. Her smile falters again.
“He looks so... small. I’ve never seen him like this.”
Merlin nods slowly. He's used to the sight, but she hadn't seen Arthur in a long time.
“Yeah, he does that, falls asleep. He’s doing better than he looks. It's taken a lot out of him, but he’s getting stubborn and cheeky again. He was...” Merlin swallows. “Worse.”
Morgana bites her lip.
“And I did nothing to help. I only made thing worse. Please don't be mad at Gwaine. You two were such good friends. He did try to stop me.”
He should have had a thing or to to say about that. Resting his head against the wall, Merlin couldn't find any anger, only sadness of loosing Mordred's friendship.
“You came at a good time. I am too tired to hold a speach, never mind a grudge. You two got a place to stay? You can stay at mine. Mordred's room is empty and I am hardly there, so....”
Their eyes flicker towards each other, reminiscent of two people being offered a room in a haunted house. Perhaps it was petty, but it was good to see some lingering guilt.
“No, thank you,” Morgana replied. “We don't want to be of any more trouble. We'll get a hotel room.”
Merlin nods.
“OK. You can sit with him till he wakes up, but he will be pretty annoyed that he fell asleep while waiting for you.”
Morgana's face cracks into a familiar grin.
“Oh, that look I am used to.”
The more, the merrier. (Prompt:#178 Experience)
Merlin has to turn away from the angry man at the screen. Not because he was backing away, but because the knocking on his door simply wouldn't stop. He liked using the mute button though. If only the fast forward key would work as well.
The sound of voices outside made him pause with his hand hovering over the door handle.
“But we're here! Let go of me!”
“No, we promised.”
Impossible. Then again...
He opened the door and had just enough time to recognize Gwaine before he was wrapped in a crushing bear hug.
“Merleeeeee, I missed you!”
Gwaine held him and rocked him for a few seconds before letting a frowning Merlin come up for air.
“This is very touching, but I saw you three hours ago.”
Gwaine grinned. “Ok, someone else missed you.”
Free from Gwaine's ambush, Merlin could now see that Arthur was there as well, sitting in a wheelchair with Morgana's hands firmly placed on his shoulders, holding him in place. He was staring daggers at Gwaine in an adorably display of misplaced jealousy. Merlin’s first thought should be to be stern and cross, Arthur shouldn’t be out and about and he should certainly not be roaming the streets to visit cheap student flats. But it felt good to see him. It felt so… normal. And they had been taking precautions it seemed. Arthur was seated in rental hospital chair and he looked warm and grumpy, rather than cold and ill.
“I saw you four hours ago. What are you doing here? You're supposed to be taking things easy.”
“I wanted to see you. And these two are much easier to convince than you are.”
“It's a booty call! Arthur wants to see you nekkid!” Gwaine announced with childish glee.
“Gwaine.” Morgana chastised. She did at least try to look guilty. “We talked it over with doc Gaius first. We followed his instructions to a T.”
“And then some...” Arthur added with a sulk. “What's the yelling about in there? Thought you were getting mugged or something.”
“Oh right! Almost forgot.”
Merlin gestured for them to enter.
“I'm on skype, having a small discussion.”
They slowly entered Merlin's small living space. Gwaine grabbed the chair and wheeled Arthur in while Arthur complained and Morgana made sure he was still sitting down. They grew silent once they took in their surroundings. The large screen on the wall had an equally large image of Uther Pendragon, scowling at something ahead of him as they had yet to come into view of the camera.
Arthur immediately rose from the chair, he was not facing his father sitting down. Hanging on to Merlin's arm he could straighten his back and stand tall. Merlin was ruining the battle stance by caressing the bump with a goofy smile on his face. It totally ruined Arthur’s stern battle face too. Merlin led them over to the sofa while Morgana and Gwaine lined up behind them. Merlin noticed the awkward family photo setting and secretly let the camera take a snap shot before un-muting Uther.
“Sorry for the delay, seems I have some visitors! Quite the family reunion this turned out to be! Now, you were saying?”
Uther fumed, holding an uncapped green text marker in a firm grasp while shaking it. “This is not natural!”
“Correct, father,” Athur deadpans. “It’s plastic.”
The two behind them chuckled, and Merlin felt he had backup for the first time since Mordred had left.
“Don’t mind him,” Merlin said to the others. “He’s just mad because I popped his tops.”
Morgana gasped, staring wide eyed at the large screen and then covering her mouth with both hands. Gwaine, confused by his wife’s reaction looks from one to the other.
“Is that some magic gangster talk? Will he be ‘sleeping with the fairies’ or something?”
“Merlin popped the top of the markers!” Morgana was all aglow with excitement. “This is huge!”
Arthur felt a bit lost. Gwaine was lost as well, but since when was that a reason to shut up?
“I can see the headlines; Uther Pendragon caught topless in office. Blames future son-in-law.”
Arthur barked out a laugh and tried to cover it with a cough and a diversion.
“What’s the big deal about the markers? If he can teleport a bucket to and from I don’t see what-”
Morgana’s jaw drops. “Teleport?! You can teleport?”
Merlin shrugs. Gwaine asks in his usual unhelpful manner; “So you can actually steal his markers from here?”
Uther’s grip on the marker may have tightened then, Merlin tried not to notice. He made some attempts to talk about something else, but failed. Morgana had claimed the attention of the room.
“But you’re first year! Not even level nine-ers can do that without years of practice. Have you been tested yet?”
Merlin’s eyes glowed and noises come from the small kitchen. “I’m level seven. On avarage. I’m making coffee, let me just go check how that is going.”
“You did that without talking! This is… You are… Can you put the top back? Can you? Please?”
With a reluctant sigh, Merlin focused his energy. Uther quickly slapped the levitating cap back down and Merlin was quite happy to leave it at that. Morgana pointed with one hand at the screen and clapped her husband on the arm with the other.
“See?! Most people trying to do that end up removing the pixels or parts of the screen! This is…”
“It’s not really that rare, I should see to that coffee...”
Arthur tugged firmly on Merlin's clothes, making sure he didn't flee the scene. He gave his lover a soft smile. He didn't need any tests or numbers to know how special Merlin was. Neither did Merlin, he was very aware of what he could do, it was just a matter of gaining experience and learning how to put it to good use. He rubbed little circles on Merlin's hands with his thumbs, sort of hoping it would convey the need for closeness without having to actually say it with his father quite literally hanging over them. If they all would just shut up and give Merlin a chance to notice...
Arthur Pendragon makes a decision.(Prompt:#179:new beginnings)
Arthur was certain he hadn't seen Morgana this excited since she had front row tickets to Backstreet Boys many years ago. Uther intervened with some comment, but Arthur didn't feel like paying attention. This what not what he had in mind when he had convinced his sister and her hubby to take him out of the hospital. Sure, it was nice that Merlin finally was getting some real recognition. But he had hoped for some alone time with Merlin away from the hospital. Perhaps he was being a bit greedy or maybe even needy, but Merlin was always very aware that he was at his work place, and Arthur could rarely forget that he was a very unique case, with all the tests and people poking and prodding. He had even felt forced to make a public statement to be allowed to leave the building. Five meters of open space between one door and the other, and still they couldn't escape the media hounds. But after they had successfully navigated through the backways and passages to bypass the media surrounding the hospital grounds, things got quite easy. The world hadn't stopped while he was away, and nobody really gave much notice to some guy in a wheelchair.
He liked the homely feel of Merlin's flat. Or maybe it was the Merlin feel that made it homely. It was a bit strange living there now, Arthur knew, with Mordred still unaccounted for. The only company he had here was Uther on the big screen. If they went according to plan, Merlin would be alone here and it would be Arthur and baby on that screen. No matter how many markers Merlin could move around from afar, he wouldn't be able to hold his baby.
“Merlin?” He only had to whisper and Merlin's attention snapped right back at him. Arthur’s raging hormones howled in unison, any hint of victorious glee of commanding Merlin's attention so easily evaporated as he looked into Merlin's eyes. God, he loved him so much! Just look at him, always looking out for others even in the middle of an argument about himself and his abilities.
“I need a big favour,” he whispered and could almost see Merlin's ears perk up. It only made Arthur more certain he was doing the right thing.
“I need you to be selfish. And greedy. Very, very greedy.”
Merlin looks puzzled. Arthur stares at him, willing him to understand. He sees the moment Merlin gets it.
“What about work?” Merlin is making sure Arthur has thought this through. And he has.
“I'll be on baby leave anyway. And I hear someone has gifted us a big ass conference system, so any meeting, anywhere, I can attend.”
Merlin's face cracks into a wide grin. He leans in for a kiss, a warm, wet and very greedy kiss and Arthur knows this is it. He knows they want the same thing, he knows Merlin will make it happen and that this is when it really starts. He also knows that if Merlin doesn't take him to the bedroom soon, he'll jump Merlin where they sit.
He will explain it to his father later how he doesn't want to raise his baby in a city where he or she would be an oddity, where they risked malpractice from doctors who knew nothing of magic and didn't know what precautions to take. He knew what Merlin had been through at times, with daycare, schools and teachers who knew nothing of magic. Uther would be disappointed. But Arthur was not prepared to push his offspring into the frontlines, still he probably could inspire his father to help make the city a better place for his grandchild. Once he put his fears aside and understood that this pregnancy was nothing but a blessing, then he'd come to his senses.
Uther clears his throat to no avail and Gwaine cheerfully declares this meeting ajourned before ushering his wife towards to door. Uther glares at the sudden black screen. He oddly enough missed that kid Mordred. He somehow made things make more sense.
Merlin & Arthur, pluss one.(Prompt:#181 compromise)
Their clothes mark their path from the sofa to the bedroom. Merlin kicks away the duvet and all things cluttering the bed until there is just Arthur and him on a blank canvas. They make love on the bed with the lights on, because they have never done that. Everything is so blissfully normal until Merlin catches Arthur blinking against the ceiling light. The roof light is promptly killed. Glowing, floating orbs pops into existence and fills the room with their sun-kissed warmth.
Arthur shivers with want as he stares into Merlin’s golden eyes. He will never grow tired of those eyes. There’s a moment of pure love and togetherness, then Merlin gives a devious smile and his lips travel down to that special spot on Arthur’s neck. Arthur moans loudly and digs his fingers deep into Merlin’s skin. Merlin’s fingertips leave a tingling trail in their wake, until there is barely any skin left without the soft, lingering ghost of Merlin’s kiss and caress. Arthur knows Merlin’s going to make him scream. He has learned all the places to touch and memorized them for a time when they didn’t have to hold back. The whole building will hear him, they will all know Merlin is the one who made him scream. Shame and lust rush through him and he buckles up into Merlin’s hand.
At last the first digit gently push inside and goes deep. This they have done before. Pressed against the tiles of the bathroom in Arthur’s hospital room under a hot stream of water. But they haven’t gone beyond fingering since that one time- well, technically two times - in the dark that day Merlin was leaving. He feels strangely virginal when he thinks about it. Maybe he can’t handle it. He’s a nauseous, weakened blubber of a man. But he can and he will and he does. Merlin whispers love and promises into his skin and lips, breathes them into him. Neither of them are as loud as in Arthur’s fantasies, but it is better this way. All those nosy bastards have nothing to do with this, they don’t matter, fuck them all. This is all about Merlin and Arthur. Merlin & Arthur. Always, always, always.
A while later, wrapped close in each other’s arms, Arthur realizes he fell asleep like some awful drunk date or something, and warns that he’s about to get sick. Merlin jumps up, not wasting a moment. Bucket. Warm, wet wash cloth, water to rinse his mouth.
Arthur is lightheaded, his throat burns and tears sting his eyes. He tries not to look at what he had hurled up, but the bucket itself was hard to ignore.
“Pinky?” He blabbers in between heaving.
Merlin chuckled softly. “Yeah, it’s Pinky.”
Merlin had summed Pinky the wash bucket for duty once more, the silly sentimental idiot. This time they kept it. Sentimental idiots the both of them. They stay in bed together
-
As the big day approaches, Merlin buys a house. Or Arthur’s money buys a house, but to Arthur it’s their money. It will be official when they get married. They agree to wait until their baby is born and all people can be properly convinced that Arthur is fine and Merlin is not an evil sorcerer. Also, Arthur wants to look healthy on their wedding day. Merlin says they’ll be students with a baby, so they will both be pale wrecks anyway. Arthur whacks Merlin over the head with the application forms.
Uther causes a commotion when he backs a known magic opposer as Mayor, saying it is because of his views on education. Morgana is furious, Arthur is furious and disappointed, and once again it is arguing that unites the Pendragons. It's not obvious at first, because Uther rarely acts obvious.
But Merlin starts to see that Uther’s time schedule has changed. He looks further ahead than nurseries and daycare. More money for educations means new teachers with new ideas and perhaps a more open minded generation. Uther wants them to come home. Arthur huffs at Merlin’s overly positive thinking, but there is less heat in his voice the next time they speak.
Merlin runs into Mordred outside Gaius’ office. Mordred holds a bunch of papers in his hand. He looks a bit weary, but facing Gaius' judgement could do that to anyone. They just stand there awkwardly for a while.
“You’re back?” Merlin finally utters.
“I’m on probation. And on permanent leach tank duty.”
He looks very sad.
Things are still a bit awkward as they walk to lecture together. Merlin throws his arm around Mordred’s shoulders.
“You know, Mordred, it is quite normal for the older child to be a bit jealous of a new baby.”
“Okey?”
“But,” Merlin continues. “That doesn’t mean you can run away like that and make us all worry.”
Mordred rolls his eyes, his face cracking up in smile. “Merlin, you are mental.”
“You are family, don’t forget that. I missed you.”
“I’m a little too old to be adopted now.”
“You are never too old. I told Morgana just the other day; big kids need families too.”
Mordred gives a sad smile. “Yeah, they do.”
Mordred leans a little bit into the embrace. Just a little bit.
Merlin lets go of him as they came closer to the auditorium. No need to feed the school gossip even further.
“Cara is gone for good, right?”
“Long gone. Like, California gone.”
“Ouch.”
“Was for the best I guess. You know, she hadn't even heard of Unix! ”
“Unforgivable. What's Unix, again?”
“Oh ha ha ha.”
-
Jamie Hunter Pendragon Emrys was born by caesarean with no unforeseen complications. The prettiest baby you ever did see. Uther seemed to grow 10 years younger over night. Having Pendragon as just a middle name was a bit hard to swallow, and he wasn'y entirely sold on Jamie either. But Hunter... Uther wasn't a difficult man, he could compromise.
Gwaine regained his status as least favourite son-in-law and was quite happy with that. This was also the year when Uther Pendragon used all his vacation days.
The company survived.
- The end beginning.