In Our Own Skins: Arthur
Title: In Our Own Skins (6a/8)
Author: ceecee_05
Rating: R (this chapter contains some sexual content, and swearing)
Characters/Pairings (In this chapter): Arthur/Gwen, Elaine, Gwaine, Merlin, Uther, Lance, Hunith
Spoilers: NONE
Disclaimer: MERLIN's not mine, just the grammatical errors
Summary: It's almost Arthur's birthday. If only he didn't have to deal with his father constantly interfering in his life, his best mate dying, and stupid wankers.
Author's notes: This is the first part of Arthur's chapter. Michelle is supposed to be Mithian, and Melvin is loosely based off of Melwas from the legends. Be forewarned that I'm the only one who's edited this. I apologize in advance for any errors.
Arthur
I can't help but smile at the look on Guinevere's face as my lips trace over her soft skin. I want to spend my entire life waking up like this with her.
"Arthur stop it, that's ticklish."
At the sound of her giggles I quickly jump up to peck her lips before returning to my previous task of kissing her protruding stomach. She's really starting to show now, and I can't wait to meet my child. When I see her stomach I can't stop the pride from swelling in my gut at the thought that I did that.
When Gwen first told me about the baby I was afraid that the father might be Gwaine. He told me profusely that they didn't have that kind of relationship, but I still couldn't help but be jealous of their chummy interactions. So, when Guinevere finally sat me down the week after we got back together and told me that she was pregnant, the only thought circulating through my mind at the time had been Shit, now I have to murder my cousin! When she then told me that I was the father, I actually cried a little. Would I ever admit that to anyone - no, but with Guinevere I knew she wouldn't think any less of me.
"Arthur stop it your mobile's ringing, and it sounds like your father."
I groan as the sound of the Darth Vadar theme music from Star Wars plays in the background. A few days ago I thought it best to change my ringer to something more befitting of my father.
"Fuck"
"Arthur! Remember we're trying to use good language around the stomach."
"Oh yeah forgot. Sorry little one."
I kiss Gwen's bump one final time before answering my mobile, although before responding I can't help but tease her.
"Even though you were screaming Ah Fuck Arthur, yes right fucking there over and over again all morning."
Her entire face heats so much that even her mocha complexion can't stop her from looking as red as a tomato. I simply chuckle and wink as I leap out of the bed as naked as the day I was born. I love it when Guinevere watches me while I'm naked, and depending on what father has to say now there might be a round two taking place very soon. Especially if she doesn't stop looking at me like that.
"ARTHUR"
I startle at the sound of my father's voice, my eyes still drinking in Gwen's naked form. A few seconds ago she removed the quilt from her body and then began rubbing her hands tantalizingly across her skin. Damn, this woman will definitely be the death of me, but I wouldn't have it any other way.
I can't stop my body from instinctively reacting to her lying there in front of me. Oh God, is it wrong that knowing she's caring my child makes me want to devour her even more?
"Yes father I'm here."
I have to force myself to close my eyes and turn away once Gwen starts rubbing her hands over her engorging breasts, and then looks at me with that come hither look. Who knew my Guinevere was such a seductress?
I gulp as I try to clear thoughts of Gwen's nude body from my brain, but I'm having some difficulty.
"Don't tell me you're at that lowly girl's house again?"
Well that certainly helped.
"Father, please don't start with this again."
"I can't believe her parents really allow you to just bed her in their house like this. You don't see blokes sleeping over in Morgan's room, because a good parent wouldn't encourage that type of behaviour."
That's really only because Morgan doesn't want them to stay the night. If only father knew what a revolving door Morgan's bedroom has become. The amount of blokes that have sampled her, 'goods' as it were.
"What is it you want?"
I really should tell father about the baby. I mean eventually he'll have to find out, but I know what his reaction will be. He'll try and pay Guinevere off, or scare her away from me. My father can be an intimidating man when he wants to be.
"Watch your tone. I am your father, and you will show me some respect."
"Yes father"
Unintentionally my back stiffens, and I release a strangled breath. Father tries so hard to control every aspect of my life, and sometimes it makes me feel like I'm being suffocated. I love him dearly, but I refuse to let him ruin my relationship with Guinevere and our unborn child.
"Your birthday is tomorrow. As such I wish to remind you that that night - as usual - we will be dinning with a few suitable families, and it is imperative that you are present."
I sigh at the reminder of my annual duty. For years I've been subjected to these unbearable dinners that ruin more than celebrate my birthday. Father has never allowed me to bring Merlin as a guest because his family reputation doesn't even rank on the list of high society. And after last year's events Gwaine's been banned from ever returning - at least the conversation had been more enjoyable with him around.
"This year there will be plenty of girls around your age. Of course Vivian will be there, and I have it under good authority that Michelle Fair will be attending this year with her father. I hear she's grown rather beautiful over the past few years. I still remember when you were younger you used to be quite taken with her. Perhaps when you see her again you'll forget all about this homely girl your bedding."
I can't help but pass my fingers through my hair in frustration. What will it take to get father to see reason? I thought Michelle was pretty, but more importantly I was eight and she liked playing football. He can't honestly think that a small crush from nearly nine years ago will make me forget the love of my life?
"Father I love Guinevere, nothing and no one will ever change that. Can't you just be happy that I've found someone who loves me for who I am?"
"You think she loves you, but she's what they call a gold-digger Arthur. I've warned you repeatedly about her kind in the past. I don't understand why you continue to fight me on this."
"Father…"
I'm so tired of this conversation. No matter how many times I tell him Guinevere has money of her own he doesn't seem to believe me. No, he doesn't want to believe me!
Is it really so wrong for us to love each other?
"Now Arthur I know I'm not the easiest man to deal with…"
That's putting it rather lightly.
"…but I do it only because I want the best for you. I understand you think you have feelings for this girl, but what you feel for her is nothing more than lust. I'll allow you to have your fun with her, but I implore you to remember that nothing can become of the relationship you've created with her. She is not worthy of the title Pendragon, and deep down I think you know this Arthur. Isn't that why you continue to shelter her from me? You're ashamed of her and her breeding. Which to be fair is completely understandable considering her…"
More like I'm embarrassed of you, and how you'll treat her.
"I keep her away from you because I don't want to upset her."
"Why would you think I'd…"
"Father, you can't control who I love, or who I marry."
I know that continuously speaking over him is only angering him more, but at the moment I don't care. How dare he tell me who I can, and can't be with? He knows nothing about Guinevere, and therefore has no right to judge her.
"I am your father, and you are still under my care. I can have you marry whomever I chose."
I can feel my heart pounding a little bit harder in my chest at his words. Knowing who my father is and what he's like, it's clear that he's threatening me.
Yes he is my legal guardian, but would he really force me into marriage? Can he? Yes fathers all about maintaining tradition, but would he really force me into marrying someone I don't love just to guarantee that the Pendragon name remains amongst the wealthy? Ugh, why am I even contemplating this, of course he would.
"You wouldn't, people would talk. You won't risk that kind of negative publicity in the press just to make a point."
"The press will release what I tell them to release. I've allowed you much freedom in who you spend your time with Arthur, but when it comes to marriage there will be no discussion. You will marry someone of your own background, and not someone… common."
My head falls furiously into my hands. How dare he threaten me on this! I've done everything he's ever wanted of me, and the one time I want something for myself he threatens to marry me off to someone of his choosing. I'm livid, but above all else I'm scared. I have another year before my eighteenth birthday; an entire year that father has to do with me what he wishes.
At the feeling of small arms wrapping around my torso I slowly begin to relax. There is no one else besides Guinevere, and there never will be. I know I'll have to figure something out, because I will not lose my family because of my father. Guinevere and the baby need to come first, and they will.
"I'll be there for the dinner in something presentable. I've got to go, College in a bit."
"Of course, just remember what I've said."
How can I ever forget?
"Goodbye Father"
"Goodbye Arthur"
I'm more than happy to end that conversation. I throw my mobile on the bed and turn into Gwen's embrace. Neither of us speak as we hold each other, we don't need words. Eventually she pulls away and walks towards her cupboard.
"You should take a bath"
I swiftly make my way to her, and then wrap my arms around her and our child before raining kisses down her neck.
"Or we can take a bath together…"
I continue to kiss down to her shoulders until she turns around and pulls my lips to hers. When we finally come up for air she's smiling up at me, and my heart clenches in joy. No matter what my father believes, my feelings for Guinevere go far beyond lust. She's not perfect, and I don't want her to be. I say I love her not because it's the epitome of my feelings, but because it's the only word I know that comes close to explaining how I feel about her.
"It'll be alright Arthur. The three of us will get through this together."
When her hands thread through mine to rest on her stomach, my eyes stray to hers and it takes all of my willpower not to cry in happiness. I'd wait forever for Guinevere.
I smile at the tiny giggle she makes when I sweep her off her feet to carry her into the tub; laughing blissfully as she swats at my arse the entire way.
-o-
People still talk when Gwen and I walk through the corridors, but thankfully they only gossip amongst themselves. I know it makes Guinevere feel even more self-conscious because she's pregnant. Even though we're happy about the arrival of our child, we're not stupid. We know that we'll be judged, Gwen even more than me. I'm not an advocate for teen pregnancy, but in this case the circumstances are infinitely more delicate.
I remove my hand from Gwen's grip when I notice her playing with her uniform jumper. She's convinced that everyone can see her small bulge, and no matter what I tell her she won't believe me when I say it's not yet noticeable.
"Gwen"
She doesn't even flinch, just continues to fuss over the placement of the jumper around her stomach.
"Gwen"
Now she's watching all the girls who pass by us whispering amongst themselves, obviously about us. I can see her face fall in sadness, and it's about all I can take.
"Guinevere"
Her eyes lock on mine, and I do my best to rub soothing circles on her shoulders. I hate seeing her like this every time we stroll into Camelot. I know walking in such close proximity to me in public makes her feel anxious, even though she constantly tells me that it doesn't. I don't really understand why popularity makes her so nervous when she's always had it because of her association with Morgan, but maybe it's just because of the baby.
"Relax, no one can tell yet. You need to trust me when I say it's still too early for them to see."
My hands move to her cheek, and I sigh in relief when she closes her eyes and moves further into my touch.
"Okay"
"Okay you'll stop acting like a mental? Or okay…"
"Ouch"
I barely feel the light smack she places on my arm, but smile when she gets on her tippy toes to kiss me. I know we're being watched by everyone in the corridor, but I honestly don't care what they think.
"Oie, stop acting like locusts, and GET TO CLASS. Bloody hell! Vultures the lot of em, act as if they've never seen two people snog before. They basically treat you two like school royalty."
Gwaine quickly goes to give Gwen a hug, being mindful not to crush her stomach in the process.
"Though, perhaps next time you two might try to find somewhere a little less public. I mean I always had a feeling that Arthur was a bit of an exhibitionist, but I'm a little shocked at you Gwen."
I can't help the blush that tints my cheeks at my cousin's words. He doesn't know just how right he is. Unfortunately Gwaine catches my guilty look, and smirks back at us.
"Oh you two are naughty. Do I see nudist beaches in your future?"
"Hell no!"
There's no way I'm going to encourage Guinevere to show anyone - other than me - her body; and by the possessive gleam in her eye I can tell we're both thinking along the same lines.
"How are you feeling Gwen? I know before you were telling me that your morning sickness was getting better."
"Yeah, it's much better now. When I wake up I still feel a little dizzy, but luckily the need to empty my stomach has gone."
"Alice did say that was a possibility…"
"Alice?"
Who's Alice, and why does she know about the baby?
"Oh Gwen's doctor. You'll meet her at the appointment in two weeks."
There's an appointment in two weeks? Now I know Gwaine and Gwen are only friends, but I can't help but be somewhat jealous of their relationship. Gwaine was the first person she told she was pregnant. He was the one who took her to her first doctor's appointment. The person she's now used to confiding in when she has a problem. I wasn't even around for the first trimester of her pregnancy, and therefore know nothing about her dreadful cases of morning sickness.
"Oh God I almost forgot about that, I'm so lucky you have such a good memory Gwaine."
Why the hell is she smiling at him like that simply because he remembered the appointment? If she'd told me I would have remem…wait, did she just kiss him? She did; she just KISSED Gwaine, right in front of me! Okay, a kiss on the cheek, but a kiss no less.
"You've got to be fucking joking. It was a bloody kiss on my cheek Arthur. There's no funny business going on between myself and your lady love, I assure you."
I know the scowl on my face gave me away, but I still can't let go of the image of Guinevere's lips coming into contact with Gwaine.
Gwen gently rubs my arm, and the feel of her fingers touching me does help to calm me until I see the amusement in her gaze. What's so bloody funny?
"Trust me Arthur, there's nothing between us besides friendship. I'm not really Gwaine's type."
"What the hell does that mean?"
Why isn't she his type? She's a beautiful woman; they're all Gwaine's type.
I notice the look Gwaine gives Gwen, but when my eyes look back to him he's looking at me as if nothing happened. Maybe I imagined it?
"Well…you know I'm…"
I lean down when Guinevere beckons me closer.
"…pregnant. So really what would he want with me?"
It's a valid enough point, but they both look far too uncomfortable to ease my worries.
"Hey, don't you people need to get to class? The bells about to go off any second…"
Ring!
"now…Well then."
Elaine's presence distracts me from Gwaine and Gwen. She seems happier these days, and I know it has to do with DuLac. From the first moment I saw them together I didn't know whether to be happy or sad for her. Lance isn't a bad bloke, even though he's done some pretty stupid fucking things in the past. The only problem is I know he's still in love with Guinevere, and that means Elaine will probably be left brokenhearted.
I can't help but notice Gwen's hold on my arm tighten somewhat. I love it when she gets possessive; although she really doesn't have to be worried about Elaine. Her feelings have -thankfully - shifted from me.
Guinevere and Elaine aren't anywhere close to being best mates, but it's the healthiest female friendship I think she'll ever have. Morgan's always been a manipulative she-devil, and Elaine's much more than a step up from her. I hope in the future that the two of them will grow closer.
"Yeah you're right we should go. Come on Guinevere, I'll walk you to class."
I don't know if Gwen notices him in the corner, but I can see Lance all too clearly ogling my girlfriend. Even though my relationship with Gwen is progressing well, I still can't help but be jealous of Lance. He was once the man that she'd chosen over me. Yeah, so we'd been young and I hadn't come out and outwardly said I had feelings for her, but to be fair you don't kiss people you don't have some sort of feelings for at that age. So she must have known I fancied her back then too.
"Alright. Bye Gwaine, Elaine."
I pry my gaze away from Lance's lingering shadow, and listen to everyone's final farewells before going to their respective classes.
I drop Guinevere off with a simple peck on the lips, and then make my way to French - father's adamant that I learn as many different languages as I can.
-o-
I hurriedly throw my dirty clothes in my gym bag. Football practice went longer than scheduled, and Guinevere has been waiting for me to drive her home.
"Anyone need a lift to the pub? I've got room for two."
"I need one"
"Yeah me too"
"Your arse is going to need someone else to drive you home, because I'm not going that fucking far."
"Stop your fucking bitching, it's not that far"
I ignore their barks of laughter, and just barely registers that Kay is tapping me on my shoulder.
"Hey Arthur, you should come. I mean you haven't hung out with us in a while. You can always do something with your girlfriend some other time. It's your birthday tomorrow you should spend tonight with your mates."
I turn to Kay and shake my head no. There's something important I have to do tonight.
"Yeah man, you never come out with us anymore. What do we have to do? Grow tits to make you wanna hang again?"
The noise in the room grows much louder, and I try to just let the words roll off me. It isn't worth starting a fight because of Henry's crass words. I know it's all in good fun, even if it does still make me a little angry.
"Naw it's not like that, I've got plans tonight."
"You mean fucking the shit out of your girlfriend?"
The room grows silent, and my hand stills before I have the chance to pick up my bag and throw it over my shoulder. I've never liked Melvin. He's a bully in every sense of the word. From the very first day we met we didn't get along.
"Not cool man"
"Shut the fuck up Bernard, I wasn't talking to you. So Pendragon how is she in bed? I've always thought she looked like a screamer. Maybe when you're done with her you can loan her out to me. That is what you're doing right? I'm mean first Lance, then Gwaine, and now you. She must be an ace in bed if all of you are sharing her."
I know I shouldn't let Melvin get to me, but he's going after Guinevere's character, and I can't let that pass so easily. It's one thing to go after me, another to go after the woman I love.
It takes both Kay and Bernard to pry me off of him, and four other blokes to hold back Gwaine and Lance. I struggle against the strong grip they have on me, because I'm not done with him yet. Melvin's a big guy and can definitely hold his own, but at the moment that doesn't matter. How dare he!
I'm breathing heavily, and I think he got me in the jaw. My adrenalines still pumping so I can't really feel anything besides a small tingle in the side of my face.
"Don't EVER talk about her like that again."
"Or what you'll have your father throw me out of school? We both know that you can't beat me in a brawl. The best you've got is your daddy's influence."
I've never wanted to hurt someone so much in my entire life - well except Mordred.
"Come on Melvin, just shut the fuck up and leave Arthur alone."
Melvin doesn't respond to Kay, just continues to look at me with that disgustingly condescending smirk of his.
"Let me go, I'll show him what I can do."
"Yeah, let him go. I want to see what Arthur Pendragon is truly made of when his daddy isn't around."
And I want to show him more than words can describe. When I'm done with him, Melvin will be lucky if he doesn't need plastic surgery.
I can feel myself being dragged from the change room, and I'm man enough to admit that I left literally kicking and screaming. The smug smile on Melvin's face is now burned into my memory. He's not going to get away with that shit.
"Arthur, what's wrong?"
I pry my gaze from the locker room door, and shrug out of Kay and Bernard's hold. They know as well as I do that I won't go back in there with Gwen this close by.
"Nothing love, everything's alright now that you're here."
I move to hug Gwen, knowing that just being around her tends to calm me. She falls easily into my arms, and I kiss the top of her wild curls as the rage very slowly ebbs from my body.
"Arthur your face…"
"Everything's fine Guinevere"
I take my bag from Kay's outstretched hand and thank him before threading my fingers gently through hers.
"Come on let's get out of here."
She doesn't argue as I lead her out of the doors to the school and towards my car. I sit silently in the car as I drive to Guinevere's house, and she makes no effort to start a conversation or turn on the radio. I can still see Melvin's smug smirk in my mind, and subconsciously I grip the steering wheel just a bit tighter.
-o-
I've been sitting outside in the car for almost an hour now. Gwen understood when I told her I had something I needed to do tonight.
I know I need to get out of the car, but what then? Merlin's my best mate and he lied to me for weeks. All those times he looked at me and told me he was getting better when really he was dy... Merlin can be a real pain in my arse sometimes, but the idea of him no longer around after everything we've been through is...wrong.
I run my hands frustratingly through my hair. Why is this even happening? How can someone like Merlin get cancer? He's too nice for his own good, spends too much time thinking about the needs of others, and takes care of himself. Well as much care as a vegetarian can take care of themselves.
I haven't spoken to anyone about how I'm feeling about this - not even Guinevere. It's just that every time I think about what's going on with Merlin, I feel…I feel useless. My best mate has cancer and I can't do anything to save him.
I've driven to this same spot many times before, but never have the nerve to go inside. I'd just sit outside for hours remembering stupid things about when we were kids.
My head drops onto the steering wheel, and for the first time I can't stop the tears from falling. Merlin can't die!
Fuck, why is it when everything starts to come together, this happens. I'm supposed to be stuck with Merlin until we're old and grey, suffering through his…his, Merliness.
I don't know how long I stay crying in my car, but once I'm finally able to pull my head away from the wheel I notice the sun has gone down.
I look at the house that has now become my greatest nightmare through bloodshot eyes. If I go in there then it all becomes real. By staying away I can still pretend that all of this isn't really happening, that Merlin's just gone on holiday for a while.
I turn the key in the ignition and start the engine before quickly shutting it back off.
"You can't just leave Arthur, not today."
I take a long breath to calm my racing heart, and then force myself to open the car door. No more being a bloody coward.
I bring one leg out of the car, and almost automatically the other follows. Before I know it I'm at Merlin's front door. I don't knock or ring the bell, just stand idly staring at the door. It shouldn't be this hard to do something after making it this far, but for some reason I'm frozen to the spot.
What will I even say to him when I see him? What will he say to me? Maybe this is all a mistake? Merlin's probably not even well enough to see me. The thought brings me to tears again, and I wipe at them furiously to erase any evidence of their existence. I hiss a little at the pain I feel when my hand touches the side of my jaw, but I ignore it. No more fucking crying for things you can't control. Merlin won't want tears.
When the door opens and Hunith wraps her arms tightly around me, I almost break again. She shouldn't be treating me so kindly after the way I've been neglecting Merlin. I don't deserve it.
"He'll be so happy to see you. He doesn't mention you, but I know he's missed you."
I don't say anything back, but she seems to understand that it's not out of disrespect but lack of anything to say.
"Follow me, he's in his room."
She doesn't have to take me there - I've been here enough times to know where it is without needing an escort, but I'm thankful for her presence. Without her I'm not sure I'd have even walked up the stairs.
Once we reach the room door she turns to me and gives me a tender squeeze on my shoulder. I look at her, and I know she sees the fear in my eyes. What am I going to find on the other side of that door?
"I know your scared Arthur, and it's okay to be afraid. All Merlin wants from you is your friendship. I think he needs you to forgive him. He's been afraid that he'll die with you hating him."
"I could never hate him."
It's true, no matter how angry Merlin's made me in the past I've never hated him. How could he think that I'd hate him?
"Just spend time with him Arthur. You don't have to talk if you don't want to. He'll just be happy you're there."
With that she walks away from me, and I watch her leave in gratitude. She could have opened the door and gave me no other option but to have to see Merlin, but she didn't. Instead she's giving me the chance to decide for myself.
I put my hand on the doorknob, and take a small breath before turning it. There's no going back now.
When the door's finally open I don't notice him immediately.
There's a small sense of nostalgia circling my gut as I stare at the room I used to call my second home. Compared to my own bedroom Merlin's really isn't anything special, it's the memories of shared ghost stories, long talks about girls, and writing obscenities on Merlin's forehead the first time we got pissed that makes this place unique. Father never liked Merlin coming to the Manor for long periods of time, so sleepovers we're usually done at Merlin's.
"You look even more like shit than I do."
At the sound of the gravelly voice my entire body shutters. That can't be Merlin. Merlin sounds like a carefree go lucky young bloke with no worries, not an old man who's been smoking fags his entire life.
At the sight of him I try to fight my initial reaction to recoil. He's lying on his bed with an oxygen mask resting absently by his side. I notice he's wearing a hat on his head, but I don't see any signs of hair underneath. He looks frail - even for him, and it scares me enough to turn away from him.
"Why?"
"They don't usually have a reason why people are diagnosed with Leukemia. It kind of just happens."
I hadn't even realized I'd spoken the words aloud until he responded to me. I don't know if that's the why I wanted an answer to, but I find myself angry at his attempt at wit.
"Shut up, it's not fucking funny."
"No it's not, but cancer usually isn't."
He attempts a smile, and I force myself to finally step into his room. I know I should be more sympathetic to him because he's only doing what I do - masking pain with humour.
"I'm glad you came. Didn't think you ever would, but I guess even traditions come before hatred."
"I don't hate you Merlin."
"Really, you've avoided me every since you found out. Just to ease your mind cancer's not contagious."
I ball my fists not because I'm planning on hitting him, but as a way to help alleviate some of my anger.
"And why the fuck did I need to find out from other bloody people. Why didn't you tell me as soon as you found out? We've been mates since primary, and you still can't trust ME."
I pace his room because I'm so angry I don't know what else to do with myself. After everything we've been through together I have to hear about his cancer from some ninth year trying to start a conversation with me. Initially I hadn't believed her - didn't want to, but then Gwaine confirmed that Merlin had indeed been diagnosed with leukemia.
"I did…I do trust you Arthur. I didn't want anything to change between us. I knew once I told you, things would be different. You'd…"
He reaches for the oxygen mask, and places it hurriedly on his face. Watching him the anger quickly leaves me. My best mate's dying, and all I can do is bitch and complain about shit that doesn't really matter.
"I didn't come here to argue with you Merlin."
At the look of incredulity on his face, I can't help but smile.
"Alright maybe I did expect to argue a little, but that's not what we should be doing. I'm angry that you didn't tell me Merlin, but if I'm honest with myself I'm also glad you didn't."
He looks at me in confusion, and I turn my head away from him in shame.
"I suspected something wasn't right. You were only getting worse, but you kept saying you were better. I knew you were lying, but I also knew that you were lying to me for a reason. I wasn't strong enough to be there for you the way I should have - I don't even know if I'm strong enough now, but I want to be. Since the first day we met you've been there for me, it's about time I return the favour."
Merlin looks away. I can hear his quiet sobs, but I only continue speaking. He needs this, and I won't take his last bits of dignity.
"I remember the first day I met you Merlin. I thought you were strange looking, and a bit of a buffoon. You made mates easily enough, and I was jealous of you because of it. No one really liked me. They said I was spoilt and arrogant."
"You were, still are actually. I think it's in your DNA."
He tries to laugh at his poor attempt at a joke, but only ends up coughing and needing his oxygen mask again.
"Father was running for Mayor for the first time, and thought he'd get more votes from the middle to lower class if he put me in a public school as opposed to a private one."
Sadly, I think him doing that is the reason he actually was elected all those years ago, and it's helped him ensure the position ever since; a man of all people.
"I was eating my lunch when a few older kids came over and started taking my food. Back then I was pretty scrawny, and as such easier to bully. When I wouldn't give them my brownie they started pushing me, and all of a sudden you were there. Turns out one of thems your brother, and instead of leaving me alone they beat us both up."
I chuckle as I remember the look on Merlin's face when Mordred started hitting him for interfering with his fun.
"From that day on you wouldn't leave me alone. Hell you followed me around everywhere I went."
Merlin rolls his eyes and gives me a soft smile.
"As I remember it you started following me, and your excuse for doing so had been if those big guys start hitting me again, it's better to have a second person to take some of the blows. Even then you were a cheeky bastard."
"I'm sure I don't know what you're talking about."
I can't stop the smile from forming on my lips as I shake my head, and then nervously sit on the edge of his bed.
"I'm glad you came."
I look up into his eyes, and feel guilty that he ever questioned whether or not I'd come today. I feel even guiltier that I almost didn't.
"We've spent the past twelve years watching films on the day before my birthday. I didn't see why that had to change this year. So, I'm going to help you get down the stairs, and we're watching some Indiana Jones."
"That's the first movie we watched! Well, we only really got about ten minutes in before Mum saw it and turned it off because she said it was too violent."
"I remember. Come on let's get out of this smelly arse room."
Merlin doesn't fight me as I gently help him out of the bed. We take a while to get down the stairs because I have to carry all of his oxygen equipment along with him. I'm afraid Mordred might appear, but because I haven't seen or heard from him at all tonight I don't think he's home. I don't bother asking Merlin because I don't want to think about Mordred today.
We spend the night watching Raiders of the Lost Ark, and eating popcorn and crisps. Well I eat popcorn and crisps. Sometimes Merlin will need the oxygen mask after he starts laughing too hard, but all in all it's pretty much like old times. I know this can possibly be the last year of this tradition, but for now I just want to enjoy the time we have. I'm done running.
"Oh Merlin, Gwen and I are together again - indefinitely this time."
"About time you two got it together. I was worried I'd have to blackmail you into talking to her."
I shudder at the amount of information that he could have used against me.
"She's pregnant, and I'm the father."
I finally have the courage to pull my eyes away from the film. I'm afraid of his reaction. I won't admit it out loud, but I value Merlin's opinion of me more than most.
"Uncle Merlin has a pretty nice ring to it don't you think?"
I pull my eyes back to the telly and swallow my desire to cry. I won't do that to him, not now.
"The best"
-o-
I use the spare key Gwen gave me to get into her house, and do my best to quietly sneak up the stairs to her bedroom. I think about putting some ice on my jaw, but right now I just want to curl up beside Guinevere and fall asleep.
When I open the door to her room I'm temporarily stunned. There are rose petals on and around the bed, a banner which reads HAPPY BIRTHDAY in big bold colourful letters, a few candles, and a small cupcake on the dresser with one lone candle. I can't help but smile at the sight of it all, but it's Guinevere's sleeping figure that brings tears to my eyes. I wipe them as quickly as they come so there's no trace of them. I've cried enough for the night. The lads would never stop taking the piss if they knew.
I pull my clothes off until I'm left in only my boxers, and then slowly make my way to the bed. Once I'm under the covers spooning Gwen with my arms around her torso, I start to feel her stir.
"Arthur?"
"Yeah love it's me, go back to bed."
I can hear the sleep in her words, and I'm sorry that I woke her from her peaceful slumber. She was smiling so contentedly in her sleep - I hope it was about me.
She turns in my arms, and smiles sleepily up at me. I can't help but push a few wayward curls from her face. She's just too adorable for words.
"No, no I'm awake. I wanted to be awake when you got home, but I guess I fell asleep. Happy Birthday Arthur."
I feel giddy at the thought that she called her house our home, because being here with her everyday really does feel like home to me.
She brings her lips up to meet mine and gives me a brief kiss - it's much too short for my liking, so I kiss her again. This one is much longer than the first, and I enjoy it far more. My jaw did feel at little painful when we kissed, but I refuse to stop touching Guinevere because of a little pain.
"Thank you, for everything you did tonight. You didn't have to, and I'm glad you didn't stay up waiting for me all night. It's already gone two."
She pouts at me, and all I want to do is kiss her again. If she's not careful I'll be keeping her up far later than I want to.
When she looks away from me and begins absently stroking my bare chest, I know something's on her mind.
"How did everything go with Merlin?"
I still only for a second, but she catches it. I've forgiven Merlin for everything, but thinking about what he's going through still hurts. I want this moment to just be about me and Guinevere.
"I'm sorry"
"No it's fine. Merlin and I are fine. I'd just rather not talk about him right now. I simply want to enjoy my time with you."
"Alright, I guess I can do that for you, but only if you do something for me."
"Anything"
The words come out before I have the chance to think them through, and the devilish smile on her face is beginning to worry me.
Before I can retract my words Gwen has already left my arms, and made her way to the dresser with the cupcake. My breathe catches at the sight of her. Did she put that on for me? Damn do I love the colour red.
"Blow out the candle."
She pulls a lighter from one of her drawers, lights the candle, and then looks at me expectantly.
While she's singing Happy Birthday more in key than I'll ever be able to, I take the time to observe her face. The smile on her lips is radiant, and her chocolate eyes are bright with mirth. I know to anyone else I'd seem mental for thinking it so young, but while I'm watching her I know without a doubt that this is the woman I'm going to spend the rest of my life with.
"Stop looking at me, and make a bloody wish already."
"Language Guinevere"
I smile teasingly at her before blowing out the candle, and she pretends to scowl at me before her lips eventually spread out into a wide grin.
"Are you going to tell me what you wished for?"
She puts the cupcake back on the dresser, and wraps her arms around my neck.
"Nope, your wish doesn't come true if you say it out loud."
I can't afford for my wish not to come true. Our child needs to meet their Uncle Merlin.
"Is that right?"
She's now standing seductively between my legs, and my hands have traveled from her lower back to her arse. Ah, and what a fit arse it is.
"Yup"
Underwear has never looked or felt this fucking good, and damn she smells like strawberries - I love strawberries. I'm reaching the edge of my control, and she knows it.
"Can you at least tell me if it was a good wish?"
The best
Her lips are now trailing down from my earlobe to my collarbone, and I can't even bring myself to respond with the words that are on the tip of my tongue. She's standing over me in nothing but her knickers, why am I even trying to make conversation right now?
It seems Guinevere's thinking along the same lines as me because she's just pushed me onto the bed, and is now proceeding to unbuckle my belt while straddling me. The only thoughts going through my mind before Gwen lowers herself onto my now very erect dick are fuck she's beautiful, and this is the best birthday I've ever had.
Well, it will be until later tonight.
Thank you for reading!:)
Next is chapter 6b: Arthur II