Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Arthur, come in here, a moment.” Arthur halts his walk back towards his room, half-eaten banana lowering in his grip, as he looks up from the picture of Merlin on his phone towards the open door of his Father’s study. “Close it behind you,” Uther nods towards the door as Arthur enters, slipping his mobile into his back pocket before doing as he’s asked. He studies the way Uther’s eyebrows are drawn together, the older man’s face a stony mask.

“Is something the matter?” He thinks back on the day, but can’t recollect breaking any rules since they’d dropped Merlin home yesterday, after the park. The rest of the day has been relatively quiet, besides the quick police visit when they’d come home to find the house and yard in a right state, and their decorations destroyed… Val’s handiwork, no doubt. Other than Val’s repeated appearances, the day had been grand, if a little peaceful. Even Sunday roast was a muted affair, apart from Morgana’s party planning. The only hiccup for the entire weekend was their run-in with Val, but Uther had handled that rather quickly.

“Are you alright, after yesterday morning?” 

He feels his lips twitch at the stilted, soft way Uther asks the question, and finds himself nodding before he can think. “I’m miffed it happened, but glad that that’s all that happened.” Uther studies him as he quickly finishes the last of his banana, offering the bin as Arthur moves to sit in the armchair beside the fireplace, his father across from him, with an open file across his lap.

“And Merlin, have you heard from him since we dropped him home?” Arthur nods again, watching as his father closes the file, and tosses it onto the small side table next to him, before removing his reading glasses and rubbing his eyes.

“He actually,” Arthur snorts softly, thinking back on Merlin’s exuberant texts as he stares into the roaring flames, “He went on and on about how you’re absolutely ace.” Uther looks at him with scrunched brows, a slight frown on his face.

“Should I be offended?”

Arthur snorts again, trying to hold back his amusement at his father’s obvious confusion. “He thinks you’re brilliant, especially the way you put Val in his place.” A small, pleased smile grows on Uther’s face, before he tries to school it by looking intently into the flames. “Merlin wanted me to thank you, again, for yesterday, and standing up for him… if we’re not careful, he might end up liking you more than me .”

A surprised laugh forces itself past his father’s lips, Arthur quickly following in kind. “And we can’t have that, can we?” Uther rumbles past a chuckle. “Best get to confessing quickly.” Arthur rolls his eyes, blowing air past his lips at Uther’s jibe, his father’s amusement at the situation plain. “Before he’s really smitten with me.”

Arthur huffs, shifting in his seat as his father continues to laugh softly. “I have a plan,” Arthur responds, folding his arms as the laughter fades into a gentle smile from Uther. 

Turning his head, Uther takes a long look at the overstuffed file. “As do I,” the older man mumbles under his breath, giving Arthur pause, as the conversation, and mood, suddenly shift in the warm study. “I’m back to London in the morning, but I want you and Morgana protected while I’m away.” Arthur cock’s his head to the side, the corner of his lip twitching as Uther abruptly stands and moves closer to the bookshelf. “This whole ‘Devlin’ deal has me on edge, especially since I’m certain it’s been Val vandalising the house. He’s unpredictable, which is dangerous.” Arthur watches as Uther pushes on a portion of the bookcase adjacent to the mantle, eyes widening when it springs open smoothly, revealing a secret compartment that reaches from the top of the mantle, to the floor. A small light within the hidden cupboard shines down on a long rifle, nestled safely inside. “These have been in our family for generations,” Uther calmly intones, reaching into the cupboard to pull out the rifle and an antique looking handgun. “These were used by your great grandfathers in the second world war, and are still fully operational. The rifle was passed down from my grandfather, and the Luger pistol comes from your mother’s side.” He can’t help the beating of his heart as he stands and walks closer to his father. 

“I’m going to show you how to use these, but they must only be for emergencies, and absolutely are not to be messed about with. This is serious, Arthur, do you understand?” Arthur nods his head, eyes wide as Uther begins instructing him on the mechanisms and usage of each weapon. “The security system can only do so much, so you must protect you and your sister while I’m away. If anything happens, or if anyone breaks in, run in here, lock the door, phone the police, and grab one of these. The door is solid steel, so you should be safe until police arrive.”

“What are you expecting to happen?” Arthur questions, returning the pistol to his father, who returns it to the cupboard. “And if you’re so worried, why are you leaving?”

“I don’t expect anything to happen, but I’d rather you know how to protect yourselves, should a problem arise. The Devlins are mixed up in some very heavy business, and I don’t trust that the father can control Valiant, especially as he’s so adamant on attacking you and Merlin.” He rubs his forehead, eyes tracking Uther as the older man returns to his seat in front of the fire, the stuffed file back in his grasp. “I’m trying to amend the situation, once and for all,” he sighs, gesturing with the file, “and for that, I need to drop by the office for more intel, and then stop off for a quick chat with some of my friends in parliament. We have much to discuss before all is resolved.”

“Do I want to know what they’re mixed up in?”

“No,” Uther all but growls, face a mixture of disgust and disdain, “and I wouldn’t tell you, even if you did.” Eyes wide, Arthur nods, shaken at his father’s response. “Please, be aware. Look after yourself and Morgana, and especially that poor boy. Merlin is unknowingly mixed up in a very bad situation. Protect him…while I finish protecting you all.” Uther sighs, hands massaging his temples, looking the worse for wear. Arthur crosses the study, placing a gentle hand on his father’s shoulder, and giving it a light squeeze. Uther acknowledges the touch, placing his hand atop Arthur’s own. “I’ll be watching the cameras, but…Just… stay safe.”

Merlin turns the page, nose to book, desperately trying to ignore the whispering girls two stacks behind him. He’d come to the library to study, yet his classmates seem to think it’s the perfect spot for a gossip session. He has two exams this week, and it’s taking all his concentration just to read the words on the page, let alone comprehend. He sighs, rereading the same paragraph again as he presses his fingers into his temples. He’s halfway through reading the paragraph a third time, when one of the girls laughs loudly, the sound echoing throughout the quiet space. He’s up and out of his seat before he can think better of it. This is my free period , he thinks walking towards the echoed whispering, I can’t have my study time wasted by asinine gossip . 

“ … I suspected, I mean, the boy’s never even looked at me twice! But Arthur ? I don’t believe it.” The mention of the other boy gives him pause, leaning against the end of the row of bookshelves to listen closer. “I think he just hasn’t met the right girl yet, ya know?” She giggles prettily, Merlin automatically registering the voice as Sophia’s with a frown, and an unpleasant feeling growing in his stomach. “One night with me would change his mind. He’s too dreamy to be gay… at least, not for long anyway.” The girls giggle loudly for a long moment, before continuing their not so hushed whispers. 

“Skulking about again, Mer lin?” 

He jumps at the voice in his ear, colliding with the solid body behind him. Warm hands steady his shoulders, before he whips around, playfully swatting Arthur’s hands away. “I don’t skulk,” he admonishes adamantly, glaring at the playful look dancing across Arthur’s eyes. Merlin has to force himself not to stare as Arthur wets his lips with a smirk, the blond leaning in closer, their feet already practically touching.

“Then what do you call this, Einstein?” The teasing whisper brings heat to Merlin’s cheeks. He suddenly finds the books to his right very interesting, and studies them as he struggles to think of a response. When he looks back to reply, Arthur is practically caging him in, one hand leaning against the shelf at Merlin’s back as he looks at him, eyebrows raised in a haughty manner. 

“I was trying to study, but those two,” he gestures behind him, “won’t shut up.”

“Hmm,” Arthur hums, glancing to where Merlin gestured, “Sophia can be a bit of a loud mouth, eh?” Merlin snorts softly, as Arthur looks back at him with a smile. “ O i! Sophia , love,” Arthur calls, eyes staring into Merlin’s own, even as he leans around the bookshelf, a downward smile playing across his face. “Do keep it down, darling. It’s a library, not the pub.” Arthur nudges Merlin to peak around the corner at Sophia’s dumbstruck, embarrassed expression, snorting when her eyes widen upon seeing them both. Merlin feels Arthur’s hand wrap warmly around the back of his neck, and looks back at the other boy to find Arthur smiling softly back at him. “School’s greatest mind is trying to study over here,” Arthur squeezes the back of his neck gently, sending a flutter through Merlin’s stomach, “and he needs the quiet.”

They listen as the girls mumble out a response, Sophia quite obviously flirting with Arthur, before their chairs are scraping against the wood floors, as they make to exit the library. The space is left remarkably quiet, and finally Merlin can relax, resting his head back against the books behind him with a relieved sigh. 

“Better?” 

Merlin’s eyes shoot open at Arthur’s whispered question near his ear, goose pimples racing across his skin. It’s only then he realises just how close they are, Arthur’s hand still warm at his neck, the other boy flashing raised eyebrows and a mischievous smirk his way. The cool metal of Arthur’s thumb ring soothes his flushed neck as he nods back at Arthur’s, yet unanswered, question. He swears there’s a moment, as he stands there, where the air seems to leave the room, Arthur’s hand twitching at his neck, before suddenly his skin is cool once more, and Arthur is punching his bicep. “Brilliant,” Arthur nods, looking down the stacks, coughing over the croak in his throat. “Back to it, shall we?”

“Ow,” Merlin rubs his arm, scoffing, as he follows after Arthur. “Prat,” he mumbles, to which Arthur whips his head back, one corner of his lips lifting as he fights a smile. 

“Idiot,” the blond whispers, plopping into the chair across from Merlin’s cluttered spot. 

Merlin points at the other boy, triumphant smile pulling at his lips, voice crowing in glee, before he remembers the setting. “You called me the greatest mind, can’t take it back now.”

“Can’t I?” Arthur waggles his brows as he pulls his books from his rucksack. “Besides, I was talking about myself, obviously .”

“Obviously,” Merlin snarks, smile still pulling at his lips, as he settles in his seat, reading a page before glancing back at the blond scribbling within his notebook. “They knew about you, Sophia and them, you know?”

“They’re not the only ones,” Arthur mumbles, rubbing a hand across his face, before absentmindedly playing with his lips, the metal of his ring shining in the light from the window. It’s a mental picture Merlin would never have imagined to be as absolutely captivating as it is. “I’ve had three propositions since we arrived this morning, all girls asking if ‘ I’m sure’ , or offering to help fix me .” They wear matching grimaces before Merlin reaches over to lend a comforting hand to the other boy. “It’s only Monday… my days , word travels fast around here.”

“Kanen must’ve been busy.” Merlin can’t help the twisting of his stomach as he leans back in his seat, feeling, suddenly, guilty of the whole situation. “Arthur… I’m sorry you’re wrapped up in all this. I should’ve never let you get involved. I practically forced you out.”

“ Mer lin,” Arthur murmurs, sounding concerned and teasing all at once, “don’t be daft. I involved myself, and I’d do it again… besides, I had to come out sooner or later. I was running out of excuses for being single and uninterested in the girls here.” Merlin can’t help the small smile pulling at his lips from Arthur’s earnest response, but it turns into a surprised belly laugh as the blond continues. “And if I break hundreds of poor girls' hearts in the process,” he sighs haughtily,  “that’s their own fault. I’ve always been a lad’s lad. Not my fault they assumed otherwise, eh?”

“Someone thinks highly of themselves,” Merlin prods, rolling his eyes, “ hundreds ?”

“Was that too low?” Arthur simpers, his perfectly white teeth glinting in the light. Merlin feels himself returning in kind, cheeks dimpling, as he takes the other boy in. Arthur, by all intents and purposes, is gorgeous, there’s no denying. With flowing, styled golden hair, big, luminously blue eyes, perfectly pouty lips covering a dazzling smile… though now that he takes a closer look, he notices the barely perceptive crook of one of his top teeth, which, while absolutely endearing, also has the effect of making the other boy less unapproachably, inconceivably attractive, as if he weren’t even from this world. Even still, Arthur is breathtaking, and Merlin is so lost in capturing each inch of the other boy’s face, that he doesn’t realise Arthur’s been talking all the while. “My millions of admirers will simply have to get used to it… but speaking of admirers, have you discovered yours?”

“Not yet, I’ve been too busy studying,” Merlin sighs, mind finally off thoughts of Arthur and back to the pressing situation at hand, his studies. He’s just settled to read when Arthur flips his book closed with a giggle at Merlin’s scandalised expression. He tries to ignore as the other boy repeats the action a second time, then resorts to flicking small paper balls at him. Merlin finally returns the action, snickering when the paper ball hits squarely between Arthur’s eyebrows.

“Come on, amuse me,” Arthur whines, “what have you figured out?”

“I’ve honestly had to put it from my mind, it was doing my head in,” Merlin responds, holding his spot in his book with a finger as he shifts in his seat. “I haven’t thought about it all weekend. I had a ten page essay, and two exams to prepare for.”

A flash of a frown crosses Arthur’s face, before his expression returns to being playful, if a little flushed. “No new leads, or letters, then?” He shakes his head, thinking back on all he’s been able to figure out thus far.

“I know he has to be in at least one of my classes, because I’ve found letters right after, though I think he might have help, because I’ve found them during different classes, and all throughout the day.” Arthur coughs again, hand covering his mouth with a thoughtful expression. “From his writing, it’s someone that I’ve definitely met before, and spoken with… and someone my Mum has met, to talk like she knows them, and to allow them to keep coming to our house. Which is another thing… he knows where I live!” He feels his face draw together as he thinks back harder, trying to remember all of the letters and when he’s discovered them. “Do you remember the day we all went for mulled cider?”

Arthur nods, eyebrows drawn as he responds from behind his hand. “The day you got your first letter? Yes.”

“Yeah, when you took a football to the face,” Arthur flinches, but nods, face flushing, as he mumbles a response under his breath. “That letter wasn’t in my rucksack earlier that day, I was reading the book I found it in before footie practice, which means …”

Merlin waits for a response, gesturing at Arthur, with giddy anticipation. The other boy is frozen in his spot, staring back with wide eyes. “Which means he’s on the football team,” he bounces in his seat, happy to finally be making progress in his search, now that he’s on the right track. “Or his accomplice is. Who is gay, or bi, on your team?” Then, thinking better of it,  in haste, he adds, “Besides you , obviously .”

“ Obviously… ” he croaks out. Arthur coughs into his hand once more, clearing his throat before taking a long sip from his water. “ Besides … me ,” he rasps in question, scratching the side of his face, before running a hand through his hair, ruining the perfect coif. “Um… Gwaine, and Percy.” There’s a long moment of silence, before Arthur shakes his head, eyes widening. “I’m not sure who else!” Merlin stares at the other boy for a long moment, eyebrows quirking at his outburst. “It hasn’t really come up in conversation,” Arthur hedges, voice much softer now. 

Merlin hums, lost in thought. While he’d love to think his secret admirer could be Arthur, and has dreamed it, on occasion, it just doesn’t make sense, the blond is astronomically out of his league, and they’ve fought so hard to just be friends , let alone more. So he ponders the safer bets; Gwaine and Percival… Gwaine had flirted with him when he’d first started at Avalon, and knew exactly where he lived. Plus Gwaine had visited in hospital to be able to bring the little gifts he’d received, which now live on his nightstand in his room. But why the secrecy? An image of Percy flashes across his mind, and suddenly it all makes sense. He’s seen the way Percy looks at Gwaine, and his reaction each time Gwaine flirts back. Percy fancies him, and Gwaine doesn’t want to ruin the friendship between them, or he and Merlin, before everything is settled. But then, why would Gwaine set him up for a date with Cassius? Unless… that was to get Merlin off the trail at the very start, so he’d look elsewhere…

Merlin glances at Arthur, watching as the other boy shifts in his seat, eyes glancing around the room, face still covered by his hand, though Merlin can spot the flush on the other boy’s face from across the table. Arthur meets his eyes for a split second, before quickly looking away once more. “You know who it is, don’t you?” Arthur whips his head to face him, body rigid, as his hands fall from his face, a denial on his lips. “You totally do, I can see it in your eyes! You’re the accomplice , aren’t you?” The colour drains from Arthur’s face as he flounders for a response, his mouth opening, then closing, repeatedly. 

“What makes you think that,” the other boy questions, voice strained.

“Your behaviour, for one,” Merlin snarks matter-of-factly, watching as Arthur suddenly schools his expression. “And the fact that we have classes together, after which I’ve received said letters. Plus, you’re on the footie team, Captain .” Arthur sends him a strange look upon completion of his sentence, his cheeks flushed as he darts his tongue out to wet his lips, eyes travelling Merlin’s face. “So who is it?”

Arthur shakes his head, staring at his hands a moment, before returning his gaze. “I can’t say,” he whispers, eyes sparkling in the light flooding in from the window. “But I’m not the acco--” The bell rings, drowning out the rest of Arthur’s sentence, and Merlin watches as the other boy sags back into his chair, a flash of relief crossing his face. “Let’s head to class, shall we?”

Merlin gathers his belongings haphazardly, scrutinising Arthur’s every move, as the other boy fights to ignore Merlin’s attempt to keep the conversation going. They head to their class together, silence surrounding them in the busy corridor, as uniform clad students turn their eyes to watch Arthur, whispering to each other as they pass. Gwaine waives to him from down the hall, Percy at his side with a wide smile on his face as they approach, though it quickly falls as the tall boy looks at something behind Merlin, before leaning down to whisper into Gwaine’s ear. The two immediately begin striding towards he and Arthur, faces determined.

“Oi, Queenie!” 

Merlin doesn’t have the chance to turn to look for the source of the loud outburst, before someone rams into his back, knocking his rucksack spilling to the ground, and him right into Arthur, whose quick reflexes catch him before he can fall, yet again. Kanen stops in front of him, just as Gwaine and Percival reach them, faces hard. “What do you want, knobhead?”

“You’d like that, wouldn’t you?” Kanen sneers, teeth flashing in a sharp smile. “Just wanted to warn you that Val is very displeased with you… I’d even say he hates your very existence.”

“Yes, that much I gathered.” Merlin snarks, bending to try and collect his things. Arthur takes a slight step in front of him, blocking him from Kanen, as said bully kicks a leg out, spilling the rest of Merlin’s bag across the corridor. Merlin sighs, but reaches further, collecting items in a pile, as his bag is too close to Kanen for comfort. 

Kanen lets out a noise of excitement, before he stoops to collect a crumpled red envelope from the contents of Merlin’s bag, a shit-eating grin splitting his face. “What do we have here?” Merlin’s eyes widen upon seeing the other boy holding the letter from his secret admirer… especially when the hulking boy reads the writing penned on the front, sending a peculiar look Arthur’s way, before ripping it open. Kanen begins to read the letter aloud, a mixture of disgust and amusement plaguing his deep voice, as Arthur moves to snatch the letter back. Merlin sits, frozen in embarrassment, not only for having his private letter read for whoever was near, but also because he’d never read said letter. The detailed depiction of what sounded like the absolute perfect relationship, must have been lost in his bag, for who knew how long. “A secret admirer, Queenie boy? Or have you just written this to yourself for your pathetic, fantasy fairy land?”

Merlin meets the other boy’s amused dark eyes, his own glinting with anger. “You’re just jealous that I’m getting more action than you, and I don’t even have to flash my money for it.” Kanen’s face darkens, as he whips towards Merlin, though his progress is halted by Arthur throwing his arm out, muscles clenched.

“Kanen, walk away.”

The twisted expression Kanen sends towards Arthur has Merlin’s stomach roiling. “Captain Bender,” Kanen crows loudly, “I heard a rumour that you like to take it up the arse as well, is that true, Captain ?” By now, a crowd has formed around them, hushed whispers circling them. 

Arthur glances around him, fists clenched as his jaw sets. “I’m gay,” he states firmly, a trembled bravado in his voice that Merlin has never heard before, “what of it? Want to crack my ribs too? Puncture my lung? Be my guest.” Arthur stands firmly, though from his position knelt on the ground, Merlin can see the slight tremor in his clenched hands. Gwaine and Percival move to flank he and Arthur, standing resolutely at their sides. 

“I mean, I fancy lads too, give me a go,” Gwaine adds, a forced, charming grin on his face, “bet you wouldn’t land a single shot.”

“If you want, you could try me,” Percy booms softly next to him,  "Blimey I’d love to see you try.”

“Oh God,” Kanen sneers in disgust, “it’s the fucking bugger brigade. Val was right, it really is catching.”

“Move any closer and you’ll find out just what you’ll be catching,” Gwaine warns, stance grounded and ready for a fight. 

“At least you two have the good sense to like girls too,” Kanen sniffs, eyes moving between Gwaine and Percival, “though you’ll,” he points to Gwaine, “fuck anything that breaths, won’t you? You scratty scholarship, man-whoring tart.”

“Don’t you dare speak about my boyfriend that way!” All eyes turn to Percival at his booming outburst, his enraged face is red in anger as he puffs heavily, chest heaving as he looks daggers at Kanen. Gwaine sends the taller boy the most vulnerable, love-sick expression Merlin has ever seen, as a slow smile spreads on his face. 

“You mean it?” Percy glances away from Kanen and nods at Gwaine’s soft question, his cheeks pinkening as Gwaine’s fond expression suddenly turns lascivious. “You’ve no idea how happy you’ve just made me, or how I plan to repay you, for said happiness, the moment we’re alone.” 

Merlin uses Kanen’s moment of distraction to his advantage, snatching his letter back as the bully feigns vomiting, a horrified expression on his face as Gwaine pulls Percy’s face down to meet his in a sloppy, wet kiss that leaves Percy even redder and Gwaine the picture of satisfaction. It’s as if the bully forgot his mission of torment, as he turns in an about face, and nearly bolts away, taking all the tension with him. “Well, that was lucky,” Arthur murmurs, as the crowd disperses, loud whispers travelling down the hall. 

Merlin looks down at his letter, reading it quickly, before landing on the postscript about his admirer’s looks, and intentions to reveal himself soon. “Wait,” he mutters, his confusion breaking through his relief over Kanen leaving, “so you’re not --.” He cuts himself off, gesturing from Gwaine to the letter clutched in his hand. “It wasn’t…you?” He feels daft for even asking the question, seeing the two boys holding hands proudly, staring into each other’s eyes. 

“Better not’ve been,” Percy jokes, prodding Gwaine in the cheek. “I’ve been waiting to see if you were serious about me , after all.” Gwaine shakes his head at Merlin, pulling Percival closer to him. 

“I’ve been after this strapping lad for a while now, sorry mate.” Merlin looks back down at the letter, racking his brain for where he went so wrong. “What made you think it was me , over someone else we know ?” The way he asks it is pointed, but Merlin is too caught in thought to notice. 

“It’s just,” he sighs, rubbing his face, “I dunno, I … well… you flirted with me when I started, and you were so interested in me figuring out who it was, and about my date, and you’re always complimenting me?”

“You are a bit of a flirt,” Percy agrees, ruffling Gwaine’s long hair. The boy in question slaps Percy’s hand away, before smoothing his hair back in place with a playful glare. The taller boy laughs at Gwaine’s pout, before helping tuck a strand back in place. Merlin is hit with just how mutual the pining has been between the two, and feels foolish to have thought either had been interested in someone else, least of all himself. He’d seen the signs after all… the flirting (mainly from Gwaine, though that’s expected), the casual touches (Percy), and the longing looks (mutual). He, himself, had wondered when they’d figure it out and make it official, so why was he suddenly so blinded to the signs during his search for his secret admirer? Had he truly become so daft, or forgetful? He needed to figure this out, before he truly lost his focus for everything else. Gwaine, interested in him? Come off it Merlin . “That’s why I was so worried to take things any further,” Percy admits, agreeing with Merlin’s assumption. “But there’s no way I was going to allow him to speak about you like that.”

“I may be flirty, but I am oh so serious about you,” Gwaine assures, wrapping an arm around Percy’s waist. “Thank you for protecting what's left of my honour, you sweet, sexy thing.” The hulking boy giggles deeply, stooping for a sweet, tender peck, his fingers holding Gwaine’s chin softly.

“Any time.”

Merlin turns his head at the sweet exchange, his growing confusion warring with a sudden relief that it wasn’t Gwaine afterall, even though there’s no denying that the long haired boy is attractive… Merlin just has different taste…of the golden-haired blue-eyed variety. “Then who could it be? I’m back to square one!” Gwaine opens his mouth to respond, eyes full of mischief, the boys looking behind Merlin, before he’s cut off with a soft touch to his shoulder, and Arthur speaking in his ear.

“We better head off, or we’ll be late.” Arthur hands him his rucksack, contents returned to their proper places, his hand remaining on Merlin’s shoulder. “Congrats mates, I’m happy you two finally figured it out.” 

Percy lets out a soft ‘cheers’ while Arthur guides them away, before Gwaine is calling down the corridor. “Now it’s your turn mate!” Merlin scoffs at the perceived slight, rolling his eyes -- as if I’m not trying. Peculiarly, out of the corner of his eye, he spots Arthur with much the same reaction, as he waves a hand back at the boys, grumbling under his breath, just soft enough that Merlin can’t hear it.

The blond escorts him between classes the rest of the day, and the days following, ushering him past Kanen’s growing taunts over his secret admirer, and the whispers that follow them down every corridor. Merlin protests, knowing that Arthur must be acquiring tardies to his own classes, unless he’s sprinting across campus, but the blond will hear nothing of it, not wanting to risk Merlin being alone for even a second, should Kanen decide to escalate again. By Wednesday, he’s multiple letters richer, and positive that Arthur is his admirer’s accomplice, seeming as no one else has been allowed close enough to plant the letters, besides their friends. The thought that Arthur could be said admirer continues to whisper throughout his mind, but he tamps it down each time. The other boy is far too headstrong and decisive for such secrecy for so long. That doesn’t stop his hope from growing though, or the butterflies from swarming in his stomach, each time Arthur has to hedge off another simpering girl, or flirty bloke that comes his way, looking completely uninterested and mildly uncomfortable with every interaction.

The whispers of Arthur’s coming out, shift to the end of term and upcoming party as the week progresses, until it’s all anyone can talk about, save for their mates’ pestering over Arthur’s multitude of suitors, and the identity of Merlin’s secret admirer. To the students at Avalon Academy, Saturday couldn’t come quickly enough, especially as the party would be at the Pendragon manor, though Merlin doubts they know the party is for him . He even heard one girl call it ‘Arthur’s Coming Out Bash’ which had he and Arthur snickering throughout history, as they snuck notes to each other. He tries to assist in the party planning, but whenever he mentions it, their mates turn cagey, vehemently denying him the wish, and insisting he simply enjoy the night, and all of its surprises . 

“Happy Friday,” Merlin greets, dropping unceremoniously into Arthur’s car, bright smile on his face. 

“Peppy this morning, are we?”

“It’s end of term!” Merlin crows, as Arthur hands him his customary morning coffee, “My mate, Arthur, just treated me to coffee, and I’ve aced all my exams this week. I’m feeling good.” Arthur’s lips pull into a closed lipped smile as they each sip from their drinks. “Plus, I have some irritating, though lovely, mates throwing a party in my honour tomorrow. How could I not have pep in my step?”

Arthur chuckles as he pulls from the drive, reaching over to fondly shake Merlin in his seat. “Excited, much?”

“Well, it will be my first proper bash, after all.” His excitement subsides slightly as he thinks back on his old school, and how he and Will were forced to keep to themselves, practically pariahs. Poor Will . They’d never had a chance to be themselves freely, or explore that little spark of something more between them, too afraid of what the cunts at school would do to them… and they’d done enough. Will had protected Merlin from the worst of it, always the brave lad, before threats of more had sent he and his parents packing. He’d be proud of me now , Merlin thinks, sipping from his drink, from wherever his mother’s job landed them in America . He doesn’t even blame him for losing contact, and putting the whole situation behind him. Merlin had done the same.

Merlin is pulled from his musings by Arthur’s hedged question. “So, about the party, are you hoping your admirer will be there?” Merlin blinks at the other boy, nodding slowly, in an exaggeratedly obvious way. 

“He better be. I couldn’t handle not hearing anything from him over break. It’s already been doing my head in enough, and I’m not getting anywhere in my search. He’s even begun to tease me about it, in the letters, and giving the most random tidbits of hints. For example,” Merlin shifts in his seat, facing Arthur, who glances at him in amusement, “yesterday his hint, was that his pinky toe, on his left foot, is crooked. What am I supposed to do with that? Check everyone’s foot at the academy?” Arthur chuckles as Merlin continues his tirade, “Yep, sorry everyone, don’t mind me taking your shoes off, just need to find this secret admirer of mine. Nothing to see here!”  Merlin sips from his drink, before continuing his thought. “If I wasn’t completely sure that you know him , and have been helping him, I’d think it was someone having me on, because no one has shown any interest in me, besides the letters.” 

The car is silent for a few moments, Arthur manoeuvring through the busy morning traffic, his face scrunched in thought. “And how…” Arthur hums, changing lanes, “how would you want him to confess? If you had a choice?”

He stares at the other boy for a long moment, before looking out the window. How indeed ? “The letters have been so romantic… and I’m honestly not sure I want them to end, but… I need to know who he is.” Merlin thinks back on all the letters, all the encouragement, comfort, adoration, and humour within them. His stomach flutters at the tender way his secret admirer has described him, from passing interactions, to pinpoint observations. The boy, whoever he is, knows him well, and Merlin wants to be able to say the same for him. “I think that, going off his letters, it will be something romantic, from the heart… might even include a gift, or something. I don’t have much expectation, honestly, I’m just dying to meet him. I just hope he’s as sweet in person as his writing suggests.”

“Me too,” Arthur agrees, finally leaving the busy lane and pulling into the academy lot. “Which reminds me, someone wanted me to pass this on to you.” Merlin watches as Arthur reaches into his coat, his eyes widening upon seeing the red envelope within the other boy’s grasp. The blond is staring resolutely at the letter, but when Merlin moves to grasp it, their fingertips touching, he looks up from under his lashes, eyes wide as they lock gazes. Merlin is struck by the warmth he finds in Arthur’s eyes, as a slow smile begins forming on Arthur’s face. He feels himself responding in kind, cheeks tight, as a smile splits his face. 

“I knew it! I knew you were his accomplice!” Merlin takes the letter, giddy at his victory. 

“You got me,” Arthur chuckles warmly, tongue darting out to wet his pouty lips. “Your intellect, truly, knows no bounds.” Merlin scoffs at Arthur’s teasing tone, playfully pushing Arthur’s shoulder, before he carefully rips into the letter. The letter is blank save for one word, typed in the centre of the page in bold, TOMORROW , with hand drawn hearts and crude drawing of, what looks to him, like mistletoe. “What does it say?”

Merlin’s heart is beating rapidly in his chest, as he tears his eyes away from the single word. “Tomorrow.” He looks back at the paper, before flipping it for Arthur to inspect. “I think he wants to meet me under the mistletoe? That is mistletoe right? Did he have you put up mistletoe for the party?” Arthur looks between the letter and Merlin, before his eyes shift to the window, as a he lets out a small cough, one hand working the ring on his thumb.

“It would appear so,” Arthur hedges, peaking back at him, lips thinned into a straight line, though Merlin can see the corners lifted, as if he’s fighting a smile. “Seems like he’s hoping for a kiss, Mer lin.” Merlin wets his lips, narrowing his eyes at Arthur.

“What if I don’t want to kiss him, when I find out who he is? He seems lovely, but what if I don’t find him fit when we meet? What am I supposed to do, Arthur?” His words all begin to jumble together into one stream of thought, because really, he knows nothing about the boy, except random tidbits of information. “At least tell me if he’s fit or not.”

They look at each other for a long moment, before the other boy responds, “You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to, Merlin.” Arthur’s voice drops, “Just because he fancies you, doesn’t mean you have to fancy him back.” Arthur squints, clearing his throat before he continues, “He’s not a bad looking bloke, to put your mind at rest, and I have it on very good authority that others have called him handsome, from time to time.”

“He said as much in his letters,” Merlin agrees, sighing, “though it means more, coming from you. I trust your judgement, seeing as you are the epitome of fit.” Merlin snaps his mouth shut, eyes widening at what he’d just said… aloud. He chances a glance at Arthur, and can see a faint dusting of pink on the blond’s cheeks, as he inspects his coffee cup. The air in the car is thick, as Merlin fights for something to say, to ease his own embarrassment at his admission. 

Arthur sips from his coffee, corners of his mouth upturned, in an almost… pleased, sort of expression, before he speaks, diffusing the air before Merlin has the chance to. “Right back at you, mate,” Arthur’s voice is soft as he catches Merlin’s eye, “If you end up fancying him back, he’ll be a very lucky lad.” Merlin feels his ears warm at Arthur’s words, and the soft expression the other boy is sending his way. The moment seems to extend as they study each other, grinning softly. 

“Thank you,” Merlin whispers softly, watching Arthur’s eyes flick down as he speaks, before they meet his once more. Grinning, Arthur nods, before a knock on the window pulls them from their comfortable silence, Leon’s toothy smile popping into view.

“Happy Party Eve,” he calls through the window breathlessly, before they exit the car to greet him. Leon’s strawberry curls fall into his face as he sends Arthur a meaningful look, and a nod, before glancing guiltily at Merlin. He watches the encounter, eyes widening in sudden epiphany. 

“You’re in on it too!” Merlin hisses excitedly, pleased when Leon’s eyes go wide, as the other boy looks to Arthur for support. “You and Arthur are both accomplices? No wonder I haven’t been able to pin him down.” Arthur coughs, cheeks reddening as Leon gives him a long look.

“Right,” he drawls out, crossing his arms as he looks between Arthur and Merlin, “I have been helping your admirer out.”

“Maybe you’ll be more help to me… Arthur has been very secretive about the whole thing.” Leon smirks between them, throwing an arm over both of their shoulders as they begin to walk into the school building. “What’s he like? Do I know him? What does he have planned for tomorrow night?” Merlin’s questions keep coming as Leon steers them to Merlin’s first class.

Leon stops them in front of Merlin’s customary seat, ushering Merlin to sit, which is when he spots the little bushel of mistletoe, tied together with a bow, the same red colour of the letters. Merlin looks to the two boys, who stand above him, small smirks on their faces, though Arthur can’t seem to meet his eyes. Leon looks to the blond, before rolling his eyes, and bending over to pick the mistletoe up. “It’s a pin,” he informs, taking the lapel of Merlin’s jacket in his hands, and sticking the mistletoe there. “Seems like your secret admirer ,” he says pointedly, “might want you to wear it, especially to the party.” Merlin can feel his cheeks warming, but can’t help the smile that pulls at his face. He looks up at Leon, who is standing, arms crossed, staring at Arthur. The boy snorts, ruffling his curls, before he looks back at Merlin. “Your admirer is very good at writing his feelings, but not so much at feeling and expressing them, in person. He’s a bit of a prat that way. Just know that he’s gone through extreme measures to show you he cares, in his own weird way.” With that, Leon bends down to give him a hug over the back of his chair, before planting a quick peck to Merlin’s cheekbone. “Sorry mate, it’s the rules of mistletoe,” Leon chuckles, ruffling Merlin’s hair before leaving the room for his own class, leaving Merlin utterly surprised, but giggling all the same. Leon’s not the first posh bloke to give a peck on the cheek…it’s actually more common than Merlin had previously realised since coming to Avalon.

Lance walks in at the  same moment, Gwaine following his tail. They spot he and Arthur, then the pin on his lapel, sharing a grin between them. “Alright?” Lance grins, planting a peck as he walks by, before taking his seat next to Merlin. Gwaine lights up, elbowing passed Arthur, who is still standing above Merlin’s desk, and taking his own seat, though he sits backwards in it, facing Merlin with a sultry smile. 

“Finally get to lay one on Merlin,” Gwaine drawls out, his voice turned jokingly husky, as the flirt smoothes out his long, dark hair, his eyes straying from Merlin to Arthur. Gwaine leans over the desk, grabs Merlin’s face, and holds it for a beat.

“Gwaine,” Arthur warns, but Merlin can’t turn his head to figure out the strange inflection the other boy spoke with. Gwaine plants a wet kiss to his forehead, giggling as Merlin pulls back, wiping his skin.

“Gross,” Merlin whines, wiping his hand on his uniform. “Better hope Percy didn’t see that.”

“Just a friendly peck, mate,” Gwaine snarks, laughing until the bell rings. Arthur ruffles his hair on his way out, hurrying to his own morning class. 

The rest of his friday goes much the same, his mates pulling him in for hugs and pecks whenever they see him in class… even Arthur joins in, pulling Merlin in for long hugs, cheeks pressed together and quick air kisses, that leave his ears warm, and his heartbeat accelerated. The blond, however, does tease him for the attention, as they pass notes in history and latin, the professors distracted by their rowdy peers excited for break. 

He’s just been sandwiched between Percy and Gwaine, each planting a wet peck on his cheekbones, when Kanen joins the canteen line behind them, face pinched. “Disgusting perverts,” he mumbles, grabbing a pudding. Merlin wipes his cheeks, as the couple turn to face Kanen, who lifts one hand in placation. “Just wanted to warn Her Majesty the Queen , to watch his back, Val’s been plotting for you to finally get what you deserve.” 

Surprisingly, it’s the twins who force Kanen away, Cedric and Cenred forming a wall between the two parties, with the pretence of grabbing their own puddings. “Alright?” They speak in unison, soft apologetic smiles aimed at Merlin, who nods back at them, before watching Kanen roll his eyes, but remain blessedly silent at being grossly outnumbered. “Have a good one mate,” Cenred calls as they follow behind Merlin and his mates, escorting them to their table, before finding one of their own. It might be the most surprising interaction he’s had today, on a day full of surprises. 

“Don’t forget your pin tomorrow,” Arthur reminds him as he’s dropping him home, “Mystery man might have a plan for it!” Merlin’s eyes search the blond’s, stomach twisting with nerves. Arthur must read it in his face, because he leans closer, placing a gentle hand on the back of Merlin’s neck. “Everything will be fine, Mer lin. You should be excited.”

“What if I freeze, when I meet him, Arthur? I’ve only had one kiss, what if I’m terrible, and he doesn’t fancy me anymore?”

“That won’t happen,” Arthur assures, voice soft, “besides, I’m positive he’s just as nervous as you are…he has more on the line, afterall. You know exactly how he feels, while your feelings are still a … complete mystery to him.” Merlin nods, releasing a deep breath. “Remember, you’re not obligated to kiss him, if you don’t want to. He’s the decent sort, he’ll understand.”

“Can you tell him that I’m excited to meet him? Please, so he has a little peace of mind?” Arthur’s teeth flash in a pleased smile, as a small chuckle leaves his mouth.

“Of course.”

“Thanks… for always looking out for me, and for helping my admirer. I know we started off on the wrong foot, and we’ve had our differences, but you are sweet, under the pratty exterior. ” Arthur gasps, before releasing an affronted chuckle as he knuckles Merlin’s hair, leaving them both laughing until they are breathless. “I take it back,” Merlin snarks between laughing, swatting Arthur’s hands away, “you’re just a mean prat.”

“Yeah yeah,” Arthur breathes, trying to catch his breath, “get out, if I’m so mean.” Merlin lifts a brow at the other boy, and opens the car door, barely holding in his laughter at the shock on Arthur’s face. He climbs out, but is stopped as Arthur calls him back through the open window. “You forgot something,” Arthur explains, leaving Merlin confused as he looks at his empty seat. Arthur quickly kisses his fingertips, before placing them gently against Merlin’s lips. “From your secret admirer. He felt left out today.” Merlin can’t seem to get the beating of his heart under control, as he lifts a hand to his lips. Arthur coughs, his face going red, as he prepares to drive, before Merlin responds.

“How will I know who he is, at the party,” Merlin whispers, his lips tingling at Arthur’s touch. His admirer was up against quite the fancy, if this is how he’s reacting to Arthur’s simple touch. He’d have to be quite the lad to compete with the blond. Arthur only smirks back at him, putting the car in reverse as he yells out the window.

“Tomorrow!”

‘Tomorrow’ turns out to mean another letter, coffee, his favourite pastry, and a small, white knight statue, carved out of wood, all of which Mum wakes him up with in the morning. He grills his mother for information, but she shrugs with a smile, as aloof as Uncle Gaius on his best days. 

“He has blue eyes, and a nice smile,” Mum says, before she leaves him alone in his room. Merlin rips open the letter, again mostly blank, save for a the line typed in the middle:

I’ll be pin ned under the mistletoe.

Merlin snorts, putting his white knight with the rest of his trinkets, which are all fantasy related now that he sees them together, and picks up his mistletoe pin, twirling it between his fingers. Clever . All he has to do is find the other bloke wearing a mistletoe pin, and he’ll finally know who has been sweetly driving him mad for months.

Saturday flies by as he tries not to think of the party. It doesn’t work, and soon he’s phoning Gwen and Morgana for their input into who it could be. He can hear Arthur in the background setting up, and seeking help from Uther over where to place things. The girls are not forthcoming, but they do help him go through outfits over video call, so at least there’s that. They don’t even let him see any decorations, holed up as they are in Morgana’s room, which further proves to increase his nervousness and excitement. “Just tell him his secret admirer will think he looks great no matter what he decides on,” he hears Arthur yell from another room, which has Morgana snorting and Gwen giggling on the floor. 

“Don’t worry Merlin,” Gwen soothes, glancing behind the camera, towards Morgana’s doorway, “your mystery man is currently having the same problem --”

“He’s there?!” Merlin listens harder, trying to sneak a peek, but there’s nothing reflective for him to catch a glimpse in. He hears a cough, and some deep grumbling he can’t make out. “Is that why I couldn’t come and help set up? How do you all know him?”

“Oh, we’ve known him for ages ,” Gwen smiles overly sweetly, she and Morgana sharing a very knowing look. Merlin stares them down through the phone, eyes squinted, but they both zip their lips, giggling. “He is dying for you to get here; he’s been pacing and puttering--”

“-- And continuously changing and restyling his hair,” Morgana interrupts.

“-- For the last hour,” Gwen finishes, giggling at the grumbling protest he can hear off camera. “It’s quite endearing, really.”

“If a bit annoying,” Morgana snarks, smirking to the person behind the camera, who scoffs. The noise sounds familiar, but Merlin can’t quite place it, as scoffs usually sound about the same, don’t they? “But he’s just excited for the party to start, and to finally reveal his face, so I can’t blame him. He’s got very  cute plans for the evening, so hurry and get ready. Party’s starting soon!” With that, Morgana hangs up, leaving Merlin wide eyed as he giggles and heads to the shower. The deep navy button up, and slouchy lavender cardigan Gwen and Morgana decided on, is waiting for him on his bed when he returns. He leaves the shirt collar loose, and pins the mistletoe to his cardigan, before doing up his matching trainers. 

His mum knocks on the door, and Merlin lets her in, shifting where he stands as she looks him over. “Adorable,” she croons, grabbing his face softly in her warm hands. 

“Not, exactly, what I'm going for, Mum.”

“Well… you’re always adorable to me,” Merlin gives her a look, head tilting, “but you’re right. You look very handsome, and smart. I like the new jeans, bit looser than usual, no?”

Merlin nods, looking down at the light wash jeans in question. “Gwen chose them for me last weekend. They’re a bit baggier than I’m used to, but the girls were adamant they looked nice.”

“They really do,” Hunith smiles, fixing an errant curl on his head, before ushering them downstairs for takeout. Merlin eats carefully, his stomach tight with nerves. He can feel his mum watching him, her grin palpable across the table. “I’m glad he’s finally telling you… you’re going to be so surprised over who it is, or maybe not, if he’s as obvious at school as he has been with me.” Merlin studies her knowing smile, chewing slowly, but she’s not forthcoming, the conversation shifting to the upcoming holiday as they finish eating. After a quick brush of his teeth, a gargle of mouthwash, extra cologne, and an adjustment of his curls, Merlin races to the car, Hunith already waiting for him in the driver’s seat with a look of approval.

“Arthur, he’ll be here! It’s his party, it’s not like he’s going to miss it.” While Morgana’s words make sense, Arthur can’t help but keep looking at the door with each person that arrives, the house already rowdy with festivities. Uther made it clear before he left that he was only a phone call away, should problems arise, but Arthur has the urge to call him now, if only for some distraction from his nerves. Uther would probably think something valuable broke … but they’d stored all that away, so no need for worry , he thinks, spinning the ring on his finger, and looking in the mirror for the millionth time to smooth his hair. Most of the party is out back in the garden anyway, with music blasting by the bonfire. Tinsel and fairy lights span throughout every room, and into the garden, with arrangements of baubles and mistletoe throughout the dimly lit house. Somehow, Morgana and Gwen have managed to make the astoundingly large manor seem intimate and cosy, the soft lights twinkling against the decorations, and warmly against those that have decided to stay in the warmth, instead of braving the cold to head to the bonfire.

The plan is simple. It had to be with how nervous he is, or else he’d forget it, and fumble. All he had to do, was welcome Merlin in, let the other boy mingle for a little while, before he, or if he was too nervous, one of his mates, would give Merlin his final envelope instructing him to Uther’s study, which had been decked to the nines with decorations, a roaring fire, and candles throughout. Arthur would be waiting for the other boy in front of the fireplace, his own mistletoe pinned to his lapel, with Merlin’s last present in his grasp. Uther had given him express permission to only unlock his study for the big reveal, so he needn’t worry about anyone else being in there, and they could enjoy the moment of solitude…or he could hide in defeat, should things go poorly. For some, unconscionable reason, he can’t shake the fear that they just might.

He fiddles with the mistletoe in his pocket, forcing himself not to crush the pin, as he glances at the front door for what feels like the hundredth time. There’s a crowd milling about the door, but he sighs, turning away at the absence of those familiar dark curls. His tongue sticks to the roof of his mouth as he looks at Morgana, whose teasing smile only proves to worsen his nerves. Why did I build this reveal up? What if it’s a complete anticlimax to this series of letters and gifts. What if I’m a disappointment to what Merlin is expecting, or hoping for? He steals the drink in Morgana’s grip, gulping it back desperately to rid himself of the sahara-like quality of his mouth, his thoughts ripping through his brain, and across his body like ping pong balls. 

“He’s here,” Morgana grins slyly, her excitement plain, even as Arthur sputters the liquid from his mouth, coughing desperately as he whips his head around, face suddenly hot. Sure enough, Merlin stands at the threshold, bundled beneath a thick lavender cardigan and knitted scarf, eyes scanning the room. He feels his heart thundering in his chest as he takes in the other boy’s face, those prominent cheekbones dusted with the most heart stopping pink, all the way to the tips of his ears. Arthur wheezes, still choking on Morgana’s cider, even as she shoves him towards Merlin, who spots him at nearly the same time, if the amused smile he sends Arthur’s way is anything to go by. 

He doesn’t know how, but he’s suddenly standing right in front of Merlin, feet planted like concrete, nearly touching Merlin’s own. “I like the shirt, very Christmassy,” Merlin smiles, eyes glowing softly in the warm lighting. Arthur looks down at the deep red dress shirt, which he’d felt foolish wearing until two seconds ago, as his heart settles slightly, thankful that he’d decided on this and dark jeans, as opposed to the dressier options he’d mulled over. How stupid would I have looked in trousers and a jacket? He snorts to himself, eyes returning, unprompted, to Merlin’s own. 

“I must say,” Arthur coughs, fingers moving to adjust Merlin’s cardigan, just barely grazing the mistletoe pin, “lavender is definitely your colour.” The other boy lights up at the compliment, a beaming grin splitting his face. 

“Have to look good for my secret admirer,” Merlin hedges, pulling the scarf from his long, pale neck to reveal an open collar. He only realises he’s staring when the other boy coughs, muscles and tendons dancing under his skin. He tears his eyes away, the allure of Merlin’s dark dress shirt against his neck leaving his knees weak. 

“He will definitely appreciate it, you have my word.” Merlin smiles, though his eyes scan the entry and den, focusing on everyone’s collars, dark brows drawn together. “He’ll reveal himself when the time is right,” Arthur whispers, leaning in close for Merlin to hear. 

The other boy groans, head falling to Arthur’s shoulder, the scent of mint wafting up from his soft curls. “So much secrecy,” Merlin whines, amusement filling his voice. Arthur chuckles, hoping the other boy can’t hear the hammering of his heart, as he rests a gentle hand to the back of Merlin’s neck to guide him through the throng. Morgana is where he left her, though she’s now joined by Gwen and Leon, who towers over Morgana, dangling mistletoe above her head. Leon leans down to peck her cheek sweetly, though his sister draws her boyfriend back, planting a lingering kiss on his lips that leaves the boy looking dazed as he watches them draw nearer. 

“If you’re going to do it, do it right,” Gwen giggles, voice fighting to be serious as she gives Morgana a tight squeeze. He and Merlin join the group, the others excitedly greeting Merlin, as he enthuses about their decorating. He can’t help but stare as Merlin gesticulates, eyes bright, hands waving as he talks with the girls. He doesn’t think he could wait another day without telling Merlin how he feels, as warmth bursts through his chest. Merlin’s lips halt their movement, pressing into a slight frown, and it’s only then he realises they’ve gone silent, save for Morgana’s devilish chuckling. His eyes flick between the group, then follow their line of sight, to Leon’s hand, dangling the mistletoe above Arthur and Merlin. He freezes, jaw clenching as he sends daggers Leon’s way, though the boy only crooks a lopsided smile in turn. 

Merlin’s cough draws his attention to the other boy, whose eyes flick between Arthur and his trainers. Arthur can’t think past the mistletoe, and the rosy redness of Merlin’s lips, his synapses misfiring as his breath freezes in his lungs.

Lips. lips. lips. 

His brain kicks in at the last moment, Merlin’s face much nearer than it had been, before he comes to his senses. Not wanting to spoil the reveal, he quickly grabs Merlin’s hand, turning it gently in his grasp to plant a soft kiss to the inside of Merlin’s wrist. Leon tsks, waving the mistletoe above them, as Arthur fights to pull his lips away from the draw of Merlin’s warm skin. “Properly, remember? It’s Merlin’s party after all.” Leon’s voice is playful, but Arthur can hear his sincerity, knowing that none of them will allow him to leave until he’s kissed Merlin to their satisfaction… Somehow, in some way, he’ll make them all pay for this.

Merlin looks much how Arthur feels, cheeks flushed, as he fidgets where he stands, eyes darting between them, before landing on Arthur’s own. This would only be Merlin’s second kiss after all, who wouldn’t be nervous? His breath hitches at Merlin’s wide eyed stare, but without prompting, he feels himself being drawn forward, as if the other boy had some sort of magic over him. He fiddles with his mother’s ring, hands slick, as he closes the distance, their eyes locked until they're nearly cross-eyed, before Merlin’s flutter closed, warm breath gently puffing against Arthur’s cheek. Arthur takes him in for a moment, cataloguing every detail, and the way Merlin looks in the warm lights, his cheeks pink, sooty eyelashes dancing against his cheekbones… this may be his one and only chance to kiss the other boy. It could all be over tonight. He spends one more moment drinking in the sight of Merlin awaiting his kiss, eyes open until his lips land at the corner of Merlin’s mouth. He relishes the moment, letting it linger, the smooth, warm skin and Merlin’s small intake of air too enticing to rush through. The weightless, rushing feeling sending shockwaves through his body spurs him on, as his lips trace up to Merlin’s ear, brushing against the shell as he whispers.

“From your secret admirer.”

He feels, more than hears, Merlin’s soft intake of breath, and it’s all he can do not to turn his head, and make a proper kiss of it. Maybe the years of restraining himself against verbally sparring with Uther have paid off, at least long enough for him not to ruin the whole surprise before he reveals himself. He clears his throat, forcing himself back as he adjusts his collar. Merlin’s eyes are wide as he stares back at him, fairy lights twinkling golden stars in his otherwise deep blue irises. He truly looks otherworldly, pale skin against dark curls, with the prettiest blush growing across his cheeks and up his ears. Arthur forces the need to pull Merlin back in, deep, deep down, and instead, relishes the sight of a flustered Merlin. 

Could it be that he does return my feelings , he wonders, or is it merely his lack of experience when it comes to romance ? Either way, Merlin’s reaction will long live in his memory, even if tonight proves disastrous. 

“Merlin, you made it!” 

Gwaine’s voice shatters the moment, the music of the party and voices of people milling about rushing back to his ears. Gwaine pulls Merlin into an enthusiastic hug, Merlin’s deep chuckle sending a warm rush through Arthur as his eyes flick around the room, blinking rapidly, as he finally comes back to himself. My days , he thinks as he smooths a hand over his face, Morgana was right, I am utterly enamored .

Arthur watches as Gwaine drags Merlin deeper into the manor, no doubt leading him toward the bonfire, a jolt running down his spine as Merlin glances back, the faintest smile on his face, even as he protests against Gwaine’s manhandling. “You’re fucked,” Morgona quips waving her mobile at him, red lips pulled into the most shit-eating grin known to mankind. It’s only then that he realises the others have left, and his sister is in a completely different spot than where he remembers her. “Do you realise that whole interaction lasted over five minutes?” Before he can deny her claim, she pulls up a video on her mobile, with timestamps. “I finally had to call in Gwaine before you ruined the whole surprise. I worked entirely too hard to see it go to waste.” Arthur covers his face with his hands, cheeks flaming, as Morgana rests a warm hand on his shoulder. “Excellent restraint though, and very suave with the whole ‘from your secret admirer’ line.” She giggles, shaking him slightly; unbidden, he joins her, gasping in a breath as he uncovers his face. 

“Morgs, I can’t --’

“Don’t fret, I’ll deliver the envelope at the perfect moment.” Arthur sighs, relief washing over him as he pulls her into a tight hug.

“You are the most wonderful, maddening , sister out there.” Her smile is soft as she pulls away, adjusting his collar and smoothing his hair back into place. 

“Go loosen up a bit, have some fun, then get your man. I’ll let you know when I give it to him.” With that, he’s left alone in the throng of bodies as he fights to gain composure. He’s felt it slipping more and more over the past weeks, as Merlin’s gravitational pull over him had grown stronger and stronger. Each interaction, each friendly touch drawing him ever further in. He has the bruise to prove it, wrapped around his finger, as twisting and squeezing his ring against his skin had been the only method that had proved to stop his lovesick staring.

Releasing a pent up sigh, he turns, entering the throng of bodies in search of a drink, stopping along the way for some friendly banter with his footie mates warming themselves inside before heading back out to the bonfire. He finally finds solace, alone, in the kitchen, nursing a beer, which he cheers’ towards the camera, knowing Uther is watching over them from the other side. The thought, oddly, brings him comfort. 

That comfort is promptly shattered at the shrill, sultry voice of Sophia calling his name, as she pushes her way towards him, her dress shimmering in the low light as she moves, the deep, nearly navel level, cut of it pulling dangerously with each step. Arthur retreats, until he’s pinned between the countertops, and her . His earlier retreat from the bonfire had proved easier, as he’d run inside, ignoring her calling out to him, as if he hadn’t heard. Now, however, she’d finally caught him. He feels a much less pleasant shiver run down his spine. Truly between a rock and a hard place, as she plasters herself against him, breath revealing that her body is not the only thing that’s plastered. “We never spend any time together anymore Arty,” she whinges, looking up at him with a pout as she strokes his chest, “don’t you miss me?” 

A list of things he’s missed more springs to mind… namely, the dentist , who has been after him for years for braces over his slightly crooked tooth. To that , his response is having his Mother’s smile, which he never wishes to part with, thank you very much. 

Sophia pulls him from his musings, leaning up to whisper hotly in his ear, her words reminiscent of the conversation he’d overheard in the library not so long ago. She flirts shamelessly, hands roaming across his chest, as he searches his brain for the kindest, safest escape route possible. Maybe his previous need for keeping up appearances by sharing a few kisses with her hadn’t been the best idea…

“Shut the fuck up,” Valiant hisses, eyeing the door across the study, as Kanen struggles to hoist himself through the window, shrubbery snapping beneath his feet, before he tumbles onto the floor with a loud thud. Val grabs him roughly, pulling him up with a hand over his mouth, as he shakes the other boy. “Do you want to get caught?”

“Mmph uh hemus,” Kanen continues speaking into his hand, words jumbled together incoherently. 

Valiant finally releases him, squeezing his friend’s shoulder in warning. “I said, no one is going to hear us over the music of the party. We’re fine.” He releases the other boy, pushing him slightly as his eyes roam the decorations of the room.

“You don’t know that, so mind yourself.” Kanen rolls his eyes, but obliges, moving silently about the room. “Fuckin’ hell, this place is decked out. It’s damn near a fire hazard.”

“Wouldn’t that be a shame,” Kanen mumbles lightly, glancing back at Val to gauge his reaction. “So what is the plan, anyway? Mess it about, crash the party?” Val can’t help the slow grin that spreads across his face, thoughts racing through his mind, flashes of visiting his father’s properties popping starkly to his mind’s eye. Mess it about, indeed . 

“We’re here to see about our pal Merlin, give him exactly what the little poofter’s been begging for.” Kanen eyes him, furrowed brows quirking in question. “You’ll see, we just need to get him in here. Settle this once and for all.”

“How do you mean,” Kanen moves closer, voice dropping as it quickens in pace, “nothing we can get into actual trouble for right? You heard what Pendragon said, Val. I will be disowned if I don’t get into Uni. I can’t get arrested.”

“No one is getting arrested numpty, that’s why we have masks.” He produces said masks from his coat pockets, grin setting darkly. “Now let’s have some fun. I’m being shipped off for who knows how long, come tomorrow.”

“Last night on the town, then?” He nods at Kanen’s bravado, glaring as the other boy hesitates to put on the offered mask. Slowly, Kanen slips it over his head, knuckles white. “You best know what you’re doing Val.”

“Just follow my lead, and we’ll both end up on top.” His voice is muffled by the mask, but judging by the nod Kanen gives, his message got across. “My father hates them as much as we do, he has our backs if anything goes astray, so stop worrying. Or are you turning into a nancy boy too?” The insult does the trick, as Kanen squares his shoulders, glaring at him resolutely from behind the latex horror mask.

“Let’s crack on then, less time we spend here, the better.”

A chuckle forces its way passed his lips, his plan finally falling into place. He whips out his mobile, firing a quick text to his ol’ girl Sophia in hopes that she can provide an eye on Merlin’s whereabouts… maybe even send him his way. Who knows , he muses, maybe she’ll prove more useful than just a quick fuck .

Merlin pulls his cardigan tighter against himself, the bonfire in front of him fighting desperately against the frigid air at his back. He sips the cider Gwaine had offered him, letting the warmth of alcohol seep down his insides, as he watches Gwaine pull Percival up into dance, the music blaring across the garden. He can’t help the giggle that escapes at Percy’s stilted movements in opposition to the fluidity of Gwaine’s prancing about. “Come on Merlin, dance with us,” it’s Gwen who pulls him into the mass, she and Lance swaying excitedly as they jump in time with the beat. Before he can protest against his dancing prowess, he finds himself moving in tandem with all four of them, completely carefree to how he must look, as he laughs along. 

It isn’t until a few songs later, and a little more dancing than Merlin is used to thanks to the cider, that a slow song begins to play. Percy pulls Gwaine against him, finally finding his rhythm as he slowly sways along. Lance and Gwen aren’t too different, both staring into each other’s eyes, smiling so softly that Merlin has to look away. Where the hell is his secret admirer?! 

He excuses himself from the throng of dancing couples, stalking towards the house in search of… his admirer? A drink? Something… to get his mind off of being alone amongst so much love. “Merlin!” Morgana’s voice halts him, just before he reaches the house. He follows the sound, stopping in front of the lounge area she and Leon are cosied up in, a blanket spread across their laps on the outdoor sofa. An excuse is already on his tongue to head inside, when she brandishes a red envelope, waving it in front of her face. Funnily enough, the red of the envelope matches the lipstick of her smirk precisely. 

He doesn’t want to say that he snatches it… but he totally does, though he will admit that it’s done gently, at least. Morgana, at least, has the decency to fight her snickers as he rips into the envelope, his hands shaking only slightly. 

“You’ll find me where work gets done.”

He stares at the neatly typed words, rereading it once more. “Where work gets done? What the hell type of work?” Leon, as it turns out, isn’t as decent as Morgana, and roars with laughter at Merlin’s outburst. Morgana elbows her boyfriend, who subsides, if only slightly, and gives Merlin a soft, if not patronising look.

“You’re the sharpest boy in our class, you’ll figure it out.” They stare at one another for a moment, Morgana’s perfect eyebrow raising in challenge, before Merlin breaks, sighing as he turns toward the manor. 

“He’s in the house, right?” They only nod, suddenly tight lipped, as they shoo him along. Merlin reads the note once more, trying to glean anything else, before stuffing it into his back pocket. Work? What kind of work? Cooking? He heads to the kitchen, sliding past the people milling within the house. 

“Sophia, please,” Merlin stops on the threshold of the kitchen, Arthur’s voice giving him pause. He peeks his head in, freezing when he spies Arthur, or what he can see of Arthur, as Sophia is quite literally sprawled across him, her face tucked into Arthur’s neck. Merlin stares, shocked, heart dropping in his chest at this sudden turn of events. Maybe Arthur wasn’t as gay as he thought? Merlin’s heart breaks a little more at the thought, body already turning to leave. “I said that’s enough.”

The bite in Arthur’s voice forces Merlin back into the room, suddenly aware that something is amiss. For starters, they aren’t locked in a lover’s tangle, but rather, Arthur is holding Sophia’s arms away from himself, arms taught, though gentle. Not only that, but his head is stretching uncomfortably back against the cabinets, neck straining with the effort to get away from Sophia’s mouth. What forces Merlin into action, however, is Arthur’s eyes flicking around the room helplessly, until they reach Merlin’s own, “help me” falling silently from the blond’s lips. 

Merlin crosses the room in two strides, hands wrapping around Sophia’s bare shoulders to extract her from Arthur, with rather more force than was probably necessary. The girl’s lips detach from Arthur’s neck with an audible pop, as she whinges, stumbling backwards. “Consent is sexy, Sophia. Run along and find someone willing to play.” Merlin, however, doesn’t give her the chance to respond, or reattach, as he ushers her through the hall, and into a mass of party-goers. He watches as she gets disoriented by her new surroundings, spinning until she faces him to send a cold glower, before she’s distracted by her phone pinging. He leaves her there, walking briskly back to the kitchen, where Arthur is hunched over the sink, scrubbing at his neck with soap. 

Merlin approaches cautiously, placing a soft hand on Arthur’s tense shoulder, which jumps under his touch, before relaxing when the other boy recognises him. “Thank you,” Arthur sighs emphatically, drying off his soapy neck. “I didn’t want to hurt her…or her feelings, but that was excessive.” Merlin stares at the red marks along Arthur’s neck, chest growing hot. He can feel himself frowning as he catches Arthur’s oh so blue eyes. He sniffs, sharply, looking away to bite the inside of his cheek as he grunts in acknowledgment of the blond’s words. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing… it’s stupid. Glad I could help you , for a change.” Merlin avoids the other boy’s scrutinising stare, until Arthur manoeuvres himself into his eyeline, brow raised in question. That’s it, his friends were no longer allowed to interact with Uncle Gaius, this was getting ridiculous. 

“ Mer lin,” Arthur drawls out, eyebrow climbing higher, if that was even possible. “Tell me.”

He sighs, eyes once again returning to the marks littering Arthur’s neck. Involuntarily, his hand lifts, finger lightly grazing the outline of one. “I feel daft now,” he chances a glance at the other boy, but Arthur is wearing a soft, unreadable expression, so he continues. “I thought, at first, you were enjoying it.” The sputter that Arthur releases should be hilarious… if it were any other situation, and Merlin weren’t feeling quite so… jealous? He knows he would laugh.

“Merlin.” Arthur’s tone is so reassuring, yet simultaneously patronising when he says, “ I’m gay .” Merlin snorts at the blond’s incredulous face, before he’s pulled into a tight hug. “Thank you for rescuing me from that leech.” 

“I was going to say octopus,” he muffles into Arthur’s shoulder, the scent of soap and spiced cologne wafting into his nose, “ what with those tentacles of hers.” It’s Arthur’s turn to laugh as he pulls away, hand rubbing at his red neck. Merlin assesses the damage, pulling Arthur’s hand away to get a good look, as he sucks air through his teeth.

“That bad?”

Merlin only grimaces, patting Arthur on the shoulder, then fighting a flinch when Arthur’s mobile blares with Morgana’s ringtone. “I’ll catch up with you, I have to go determine the extent of my humiliation in the mirror.” With that, Arthur turns, head shaking, as he answers the call. Merlin watches him leave, smiling to himself, before he’s reminded about his reason for entering the kitchen in the first place, as the letter crinkles in his pocket. At the quite obvious lack of Secret Admirer, he sighs, walking further into the house. 

Where work gets done…

A lounge is for… lounging . Dining room, dining… toilet? No that’s a different sort of business. Bedroom? For sleep, unless… the letter means spicy work? He’s about to peruse the living quarters, standing at the base of the stairs to head up, when he hears it, the faint call of his name, though it’s muffled. He pauses for a moment, head turning to listen harder, and hears it again, and this time, he’s sure. The voice is familiar, though he can’t quite place it. He follows the sound towards the front door. 

Of course! He suddenly feels so daft, heart hammering in his chest as he approaches. The study! And to think he’s top of the class. He snorts to himself, before sobering immediately. Months of gifts, and love letters have brought him to this very moment… the moment he finally discovers who his secret admirer truly is. Merlin can feel his heart in his throat, as he tries to take calming breaths. He gives himself a once over in the mirror by the front door, adjusting the mistletoe pinned to his chest, and a few errant curls, as his breathing finally slows. Whoever he is, he already fancies Merlin, so there’s nothing to fret over. 

When he hears his name being called again, he opens the study door, revealing a roaring fire, and the most breathtaking assortment of decorations and candles. He can’t help the smile that overtakes him at the sight of such a thoughtful arrangement, all for him. It probably takes him a little too long to realise the other occupant in the room, sitting at the fireplace. Merlin approaches slowly, unable to contain his excitement, as his eyes flit around the room. “This is - “

“So romantic, isn’t it?” Merlin freezes, as two things happen at once. First, his blood runs cold as he instantly recognises the voice, and the hulking figure that suddenly looms above him, as Val, hidden as he is under a Halloween mask. Second, he can hear the audible click of the lock behind him, as he steps back, fighting back a gasp. He hadn’t even noticed anyone else in the room. 

Before he has the chance to yell for help, or even whimper, his arms are locked behind his back, his mouth covered by a large hand. “Cat gotchur tongue, nancy boy?” Merlin can feel, more than hear, Kanen’s voice at his ear, flinching when the other boy chuckles, hot air puffing against his skin. 

“What a lovely surprise this is,” Val gloats, his voice still muffled by the mask, “ and what fucking lovely… surroundings - “

“Atmosphere,” Kanen interjects, helpfully, to which Val snaps his fingers.

“Exactly. Fucking lovely atmosphere. Exactly how I pictured this moment.” Merlin struggles against Kanen, expletives not making it past the hand grasped against his mouth. “Relax, Merlin. We only want a chat.”

“Really?” Kanen asks, surprised if not a little pleased, his grip loosening only slightly, before tightening again when Merlin gains a few centimeters of purchase. 

“Fuckin’ course not,” Val growls, slamming a fist into Merlin’s stomach. The force of it knocks the wind out of his chest, his knees buckling beneath him, as he grunts, open mouthed, against Kanen’s hand. The only reason he lands on his knees, instead of his face, is the fact that Kanen is still gripping his arms behind his back, which not only twinges his shoulders as he falls, but has the added effect of bringing the other boy down with him. Kanen recovers quickly, pulling Merlin’s arms tighter behind his back with both hands, which forces a whimper to mix in with the wheezing that is now filling the room. He couldn’t call out, even if he tried, he can’t even get his lungs to breathe how he wants them to.

“What,” he gasps harshly, teeth gritting against the pain, “do,” another heave, “You want?” Val tilts his head, hands rubbing against his jeans, though Merlin can’t begin to fathom what he’s thinking. “Why masks? I,” he chokes dryly, feeling like a fish out of water, “know who .” He doesn’t finish the sentence, can’t, gasping for breath that won’t seem to take.

Val stares for a long moment, watching as he struggles for oxygen, before chuckling, and throwing his coat and mask off. He can hear Kanen protesting, but can’t make out the words, frozen as he is under Val’s harsh glare. It’s unlike anything Merlin has ever seen before, devoid of any remote twinkling of humanity. He feels his heart rate spike, a cold sweat prickling against his body under Val’s predatory gaze, his eyes nearly black in the flickering firelight. If his breath hadn’t already been knocked out of him, he’d have lost it at the way Val slowly stalks forward, silencing Kanen, before dropping to Merlin’s eyeline. 

“He’s right,” Val snarls, teeth flashing sharply, “no need to hide in front of an old chum, ay?” Merlin’s heart hammers in his ears, blood rushing to his head, as Val leans in, voice dripping acid, “Besides, I want you to see my face.” He feels like he’s going to be sick as Val grabs his jaw, a deep rumbling chuckle leaving his chest as he watches Merlin’s cut off gasps. “Keep him still,” Val orders the other boy, who tightens his already painful grip on Merlin’s arms, as Val slowly shifts to standing. 

Merlin’s suddenly reminded of a shark as he watches Val roll up his sleeves, face a stone mask, as he tilts his head, emotionless eyes suddenly turning hungry. He’s afraid to think what that hunger could be for, his stomach roiling as Val’s eyes roam him, leaving a slimy feeling sluggishly climbing over Merlin’s body. Quicker than he can comprehend, his head is pulled back, Val yanking his curls in a death grip.The pain sends a shock through him, though it’s probably fear, more than anything else. “You have an awfully smart mouth, Queenie.” Val leers down at him as Merlin wheezes, his eyes  staring defiantly right back at the bully. “Think I finally found a way to shut you up,” Merlin stops breathing all together, when Val traces the outline of his mouth with his free hand, warning alarms blaring in his head, ears ringing, as his eyes avert to the roaring fire. 

He watches the flames dance and flicker in the fireplace, and imagines a timeline where his secret admirer had been waiting for him here, under the mistletoe, smiling when they locked eyes. The secret admirer, in his mind, looks surprisingly like Arthur. They’d laugh about the whole situation, and then Arthur would kiss him as they warmed themselves by the fire, cuddled up in one of the big armchairs. He fights to remain in his daydream, even as he tries, and fails, to ignore the unfastening of a zipper. 

“Val, what the fuck are you doing?” Kanen’s harsh whisper at his ear finally tears him from the warmth of his fantasy, and all too soon, he can feel, with ice cold dread, Val’s hot, hateful gaze on his skin. “You didn’t --”

“You’ll get your turn.” Val’s tone is so harsh, that even Merlin’s heaving gasp silences; the room eerily devoid of any noise. He can’t even hear the fire roaring steps away from him.

“That’s not--” Kanen flounders, and tries again, “You never said.” Kanen continues trying to get his point across, even as Val walks closer to Merlin, teeth bared without any semblance of a smile. Merlin yanks against Kanen’s arms, but his captor is too frozen in shock to even realise that he still has Merlin’s arms in a deathgrip. He can feel the panic growing with each measured step Val takes towards him, his face suddenly wet, with tears no doubt, though he doesn’t remember when he started crying, or how long he has been. 

“Relax Queenie, I’m only giving you what you’ve been gagging for since your poofter arse got to Avalon.” Val undoes the button to his jeans. “Now open up, that mouth needs to be taught a lesson.”

Merlin gasps in a deep breath, forcing it to stay in his chest, “If anything gets near ,” his lungs betray him, but he fights back, forcing more air into them, unwilling though they are. “I’ll bite it off .”

“I hate to say this… but you’re not half bad, as far as sisters go.” He hears Morgana’s laugh ring out across the line, smiling to himself. Arthur inspects the fading red marks on his neck, scrutinising himself in the loo’s mirror, knowing that some will definitely bruise, come morning. He sighs…that’s not exactly the look he wanted for surprising Merlin, but what is he to do?

“Yeah, yeah. I know. Now get your man, he’s waiting.” She hangs up before he can respond, leaving him scoffing. In the silence left after the disconnected call, Arthur is suddenly hit with the realisation that he is actually doing this. All of the pining, the planning, the poems… they have all been leading to this moment. Never one to back down from a challenge, no matter how terrifying, he squares his shoulders, nodding to himself once in the mirror, before turning to the door. Hopefully he’d beat Merlin to the study, and could lounge in front of the mantle in a, hopefully , enticing way. He smiles to himself, imagining the look on Merlin’s face when it’s Arthur standing in front of him, matching mistletoe pinned to his lapel. In his mind, Merlin is a little shocked, his plump mouth forming that perfect ‘o’ it does when he’s truly surprised, his dark brows drawing together slightly, before it melts into that toothy, glowing grin that Arthur has grown so fond of in the past few months. 

His phone buzzes in his hand, breaking him from his sappy daydream, to a text from his father:

My study. NOW. Merlin is in trouble.

There’s more to the text, but Arthur doesn’t bother to finish it, already running to the study, fumbling with the key in his pocket. He can hear voices from inside, quickly placing Val’s deep baritone, his stomach twisting at his sinister growl. He twists the knob softly, easing himself quietly into the room, vision growing red when he sees Merlin restrained on his knees, heaving dry gasps into his lungs. Merlin’s breathing, however, gives him enough distraction to move within the room unnoticed, the predators too focused on their prey. He morbidly thanks Kanen for keeping his back to the door, blocking it from Val’s view. 

It isn’t until he’s near the mantelpiece that he unravels the whole scene, stomach plummeting when he sees the state of Val’s trousers, undone as they are. “ I’ll bite it off .”

Relief floods his system as he thanks Heaven above that he isn’t too late, and any of the horrors playing in his mind have yet to occur. His relief, however, is a two edged sword, as the sigh he releases shoots a shiver down his spine as Val’s dark eyes flash to his, crackling in the firelight.

“Come to watch Poofdragon?”

At those words, Merlin’s head snaps his direction, tearstained face shining with relief. He will never let that expression cross Merlin’s face again. After, what he hopes, is a reassuring look Merlin’s way, he steals his nerves, glancing around the room in hopes that his father had thought to install cameras here as well. 

“Not quite,” the words are barely out of his mouth before his hand has pushed the mantle behind him, unlocking the hidden compartment, and retrieving the loaded pistol within, which he immediately whips towards Val. “Now let him go.” The recipients of his wrath freeze in shock, though he can see a dangerous glint growing in Val’s eyes. “I will not hesitate,” he growls, shifting his aim between the two, blood pounding in his veins. Kanen backs off, releasing Merlin as if burned, hands flying to the air as he steps away, across the room. Arthur takes a step forward, offering a hand to Merlin kneeling steps away, his eyes never leaving Val’s as he steadies his aim. 

He can hear his own breathing, heavy puffs of air escaping, his lips tightening as he listens to Merlin struggle for his own breath as he starts to shuffle nearer. Val’s eyes, impossibly, grow even colder, as he lunges for the retreating boy, his movement halted in surprise as a loud voice echoes through the room.

“Valiant! Kanen! It’s over.” Arthur never thought he’d be so happy to hear Uther’s voice, even if it is only through a speaker. “This whole ordeal has been recorded.” While Kanen and Val are distracted, trying to locate the source of the noise, and squabbling with each other, Arthur pulls Merlin up, holding the shaking boy around the chest as he guides them in backing out of the room. “Your lives are, effectively, over.” Right when he crosses the threshold, a grating metallic thud fills the study, thick metal shutters locking down over the windows, aborting the escape of the attackers. Merlin snatches the door closed on the panicking faces of the occupants within, before another, louder, metallic scrape rings out as Uther, no doubt, enables the safe room mechanism. 

It’s a few moments before he realises that he still has his pistol aimed at the steel door, Merlin’s shaking back securely tucked against his front, his free arm wrapped protectively around Merlin’s torso as his gasping breaths slowly subside. He can see his own hand shaking, extended as it is, but can’t seem to allow himself to bring it down, too afraid of the assailants escaping. 

It’s Merlin’s soft touch that does it, a warm hand closing around his wrist, bringing him back to the present. Merlin carefully releases the pistol from his grasp, placing it on the entrance table, just within reach. His hand feels, suddenly, too light, lost without the reassuring weight within it, and flounders for a moment, before wrapping itself around Merlin. He sighs, head falling onto the back of Merlin’s shoulder as he embraces him tightly from behind, heart near melting when Merlin’s arms come up to wrap around his own. 

“Impeccable timing,” Merlin murmurs, his breath no longer knocked out of him, as a giggle escapes, unprovoked. Arthur squeezes tighter, trying to settle his racing heart, and hopefully Merlin’s too, in the process. His response is cut off by the entrance of four police officers, followed by Uther and Hunith. Uther quickly grabs the pistol from the table, securing it, before ushering Hunith and them back.

Hunith wraps them both in a tight hug, murmuring soft words into Merlin’s ear, before they all four watch, in solemn silence, as the officers enter the study to Val and Kanen’s roaring as they fight each other. Kanen is escorted out first, head shaking as he cries, having given up rather quickly to the police, his lip bloodied and shirt ripped after his short scuffle with Val. Valiant takes longer. They listen to the scuffling and shouting coming from within the study, before there’s a thud, and a few moments later, Valiant Devlin is escorted into a waiting patrol car, his clothes wrinkled, dark eyes defeated yet hateful as he passes them, spitting.

“Really not nice knowing you, mate,” Merlin calls after him, much to everyone’s surprise, a wide, relieved grin shining on his face, before he’s throwing hugs at everyone, even Uther, who recoils slightly, but pats him on the back, nonetheless. “They’re finally gone.”

“And for good,” Uther adds, a tight-lipped smile forming. “With the recording of this incident, and the data I’ve gathered about the Devlin family’s… dealings , along with Hunith’s input about the harassment and medical records… the whole family will be locked away. We’ve built quite the case together, Hunith.” 

“We have,” she agrees, pleased. “We really have. You’re safe ,” Hunith sighs, a watery smile, forming as she pulls Merlin into another hug, rocking him as he clings back. “Uther, I cannot thank you enough for all you’ve done for my boy.” Uther bows his head slightly, a solemn expression gracing his face.

“Anything for Merlin,” he responds, glancing at Arthur, before placing a tentative hand to Hunith’s shoulder.

“And Arthur,” Hunith continues, gripping onto his arm, before tugging him into the group hug, her hand wrapped around the back of his head. “Thank you for protecting my boy. You have such a tender, brave heart. I am so grateful for you both.” He revels in her warmth, soaking it in, as his body finally relaxes. 

“We’re taking them down to the station,” one of the arresting officers interrupts, nodding slightly in apology as they release from the hug. “The rest of the Devlin’s have already been booked.”

“I’ll copy the recording and follow,” Uther nods, voice returning to his authoritative grumble, before softening slightly as he turns to Hunith. “Care to come along and hand over the rest of our evidence… put this whole ordeal to rest?” Hunith insists on it, her demeanor more solemn than a few moments prior. The officer delays for a moment, looking between Arthur and Merlin standing next to each other, mouth open as if about to speak. “No need for their statements now, the recording will be more than enough with audio. They’ve been through enough tonight.” Uther’s tone brooks no argument, and quick as they came, the police are gone, cars loaded with Merlin and Arthur’s nightmare fuel of the last half a year.

Uther returns the pistol to its rightful place, before his hands are flying across his desktop as he loads the video file onto a thumb drive. Hunith glances into the room, eyes lingering on the decorations and overturned chair, before she’s crying once more, and clinging to Merlin, who hugs her back just as tightly. “Oh my poor boy, are you alright? Did they hurt you?”

“Just the wind knocked out of me, Mum. Arthur stopped them before … anything else.” Merlin catches his eye then, a deep warmth shining behind his blue irises. Arthur feels ready to burst with all the emotions coursing through him, but forces himself to hold the other boy's gaze.

Hunith continues her fussing, her concern growing with each moment they stand on the threshold of the study. It’s only then, as his heart finally settles into a normal rhythm, that he realises that there is still a party going on in the rest of the house, the laughter and music steadily growing louder in his ears. He urges mother and son to the upstairs sitting room for privacy, shocked that no one had noticed the ordeal transpiring in the front of the manor, too involved in the merriments in the back. Arthur forces himself away, fighting the urge to run to Merlin and inspect him for any injuries, pry any assault he might have missed before he burst into the study… but he knows Hunith is far more knowledgeable, more seasoned in that area, and rests assured that she will comfort and care for the other boy far better than he, himself, can. 

He sighs, scrubbing his face, as he returns to the study, righting the chair, before settling down into the plush fabric, eyes languidly trailing to his father, before returning to the fireplace. “I am extremely proud of you, Arthur.” He whips his head around, surprised to see Uther standing right beside him, and when had the older man come so close? “You showed exceptional bravery tonight. You truly have grown into a fine young man.” He wants to respond, wants to remind Uther that he was nearly too late , but the words die on his tongue at Uther’s earnest expression, face glowing warmly in the firelight. “Even with all my shortcomings as a father, and needless pressuring, you have grown into an extraordinary man.” At these words, his father pulls him up and into a tight hug.

Arthur hugs him back just as fiercely, his father’s presence warming him more than the fire ever could. “You could have turned out so differently in my absence,” the ‘like them ’ goes unspoken, but Arthur hears it all the same, “but you chose the honorable path… the right path. I am beyond grateful to have a son like you.” Uther squeezes him once more, before holding him at arm's length. Arthur feels a wetness on his face, a second of shame forming, before he spots tears on Uther’s own cheeks, his father’s eyes shining with pride. “Now go enjoy your party, and let that damn boy know you love him."

Arthur releases a watery chuckle, wiping at his face. “You’re not sending everyone home?”

“And let all this planning go to waste? Absolutely not.” Uther grabs his face gently. “The only ones who deserve misery have just left in handcuffs. Go and celebrate the end of this terrible chapter in your lives.” With that Uther ushers him away, grabbing some files and documents before following him into the hall where Hunith stands, waiting. 

“How is he?”

Arthur can’t help but blurting out the words, noting the lack of Merlin with Hunith. She pauses for a moment, thinking; “Surprisingly well, all things considered. I have genuinely never seen him in higher spirits. He might have a bruise,” she says meaningfully, and Arthur gets the sense that she means more than physical, “but it will fade with time. I think he’s just relieved that Val is finally gone, for good.”

Arthur nods, a nervous flutter in his stomach. “Is he staying, then?”

Hunith smiles softly at him, smoothing a comforting hand down his arm. “I couldn’t pry him away if I tried. He wants to celebrate his newfound freedom.” All three smile, a sense of calm washing throughout the group. “He wanted a moment alone, but he’s upstairs, whenever you’re ready.” Arthur blushes, face warm, at the sly wink she sends his way. “Good luck, Arthur.” With those parting words, the two parents excuse themselves, faces set, as they head to the police station, armed with their combined incriminating evidence. He wonders, vaguely, when they had begun their newfound friendship, as he watches them sidle into Uther’s town car together, before speeding off. 

He doesn’t dwell on it long, however, as his heart suddenly picks up speed. “It’s now or never,” he mumbles, taking the stairs two at a time.

Merlin shivers, staring out from his vantage point at the raging bonfire below, eyes wide as he watches his dancing classmates. Another gust of cold air rushes through him, and he wonders why he’d ever climbed out onto this roof in the first place. He looks idly back at Arthur’s bedroom window, still open to the breeze, but settles back against the roof, reclining to look up at the stars. After all he’s been through tonight, this is really what his brain has latched onto? Arthur? Really? He brings the blank red envelope up to inspect once more, crumpled slightly from when he’d snatched it from the stack on top of Arthur’s desk. It was hard to believe that all this time he’s been pining after the boy, that gorgeous blond… he’s been doing the same for Merlin.

How could I not see it? He wonders, thinking back on their interactions together. Well, of course I couldn’t see it… I don’t hold a flame to him, in comparison. What could he ever, possibly, see in me? The words from Arthur’s letters spring to his mind, letters which he’s memorised, with how often he’s reread them, a fluttering erupting in his chest. He shakes his head, brain whirling. Just because he’d found the envelopes in Arthur’s room, doesn’t mean that he is the Secret Admirer… Arthur had even admitted to being the accomplice, after all, he could have helped him write them. Merlin growls, flopping onto his back. If only those arseholes hadn’t tried to ruin the night… he’d know who his secret admirer was by now. Anger replaces the fluttering in his chest as he fumes at how much of a thickheaded, pea-brained, utterly grotesque twat Val is. Merlin couldn’t have one night , without the pillock showing his face that'd frighten a police horse away. 

Didn’t frighten the actual police, though , his mind supplies, pleased, as he chuckles darkly to himself. And he said I never knew when to quit … pot, meet kettle. He’s not even surprised, more angered that Val had to thwart his special night, his party , his chance to meet his secret admirer. He physically shakes his head, scrubbing his mind of the thought. The night isn’t over. I will not let the actions of a tiny minded numbskull ruin anything else for me.

He hears movement to his right, and swings his head, halting Arthur’s climb through the window as words fly, unbidden from his mouth. “What are you doing here?” He winces at his harsh tone, taking in Arthur’s shocked expression, as the other boy looks from inside the room, back to Merlin… still only halfway through the window.

“This is my room?” His tone is so matter of fact, yet questioning, that Merlin can’t help but chuckle to himself, conceding, as he urges Arthur out. The blond does so, timidly, actions unsure. “If you need some time --”

“No, sit,” Merlin placates, tone lifting in apology at his previous outburst. He feels even worse when Arthur wraps a thick blanket around his shoulders, patting his back softly, before settling an arms length away. Merlin watches him shiver for a moment, before lifting an arm and beckoning Arthur over to share the blanket. Arthur looks at him, bright eyes so incredibly soft at the gesture. It’s when Arthur turns fully towards him that Merlin gasps, freezing them both in their places, as he spots the mistletoe pinned to Arthur’s shirt. Arthur’s eyes reveal his own shock at seeing the blank envelope in Merlin’s hand, before they’re staring at one another, wide-eyed, and silent.

“Where did you--”

“--it was you!”

They’re silent again, save for their heavy breathing, neither wanting to talk first. The fluttering in his stomach mixes with his nerves, until he’s blurting out again.

“I found it on your desk--”

“This is not how I wanted you to--”

Arthur growls out a nervous laugh, Merlin following at the absurdity of the situation. They settle after a few moments, sighing in unison, which only sets them off again. Arthur throws a hand up, once they’re calmer, and Merlin watches him find his words, barely patient enough to hear what the other boy is going to say. “Merlin… it was me. I’m… well,” Arthur takes a steadying breath, glancing out at the bonfire below, before steeling himself, blue eyes locking onto Merlin’s own. “I like you Merlin…very, very much. I can’t even put into words how much I admire you, just as you are.” Arthur shakes his head, a frustrated sigh leaving his lips. “I had everything planned out perfectly, but now I can’t seem to find the words… and you’re just there. So… so perfec t, and ethereal in this fucking moonlight that I could cry.” He cuts himself off, eyes widening, flicking anywhere but at him. Arthur drops his head in his hands. “I’m royally screwing this up. That’s why I had to write the letters in the first place. I don’t know what to say, or how to say it to get my point across, and it doesn’t help that you’re here, looking like that ,” he gestures at Merlin, eyes incredibly warm, though terrified. “I… fancy you, alright? You make me feel, so many things, that I can’t put into words. All I know, is that I crave to be near you, and feel physically ill when you’re away. So, I’m your secret admirer. I fancy the pants off you Merlin… always have done.”

Merlin stops him with a gentle hand to his shoulder, butterflies and confusion warring within him. This is everything he has been dreaming about, hoping for, since he met Arthur… well, maybe a little after he met him, anyway. “You’ve always fancied me?” Arthur sighs, but nods his head, resigned. “What about when you were an utter prat to me, when we first met? You were mean , Arthur.” Arthur sighs again, eyes catching Merlin’s own.

“I was… and I am so sorry for that Merlin. I was, well. I feel like such an arse for putting you through that.” Arthur sighs, spinning the ring around his finger. “I was immediately, intensely attracted to you, I mean, who wouldn’t be?” Arthur eyes him, blushing, as he studies Merlin. “And it scared me, so I pushed you away. I hadn’t come out, and I didn’t trust myself enough around you not to let it slip, but I pushed way too hard. I was being a coward, Merlin, and I hurt you in the process. A fact which I still can’t forgive myself for.”

Merlin feels heat rising in his own cheeks at Arthur’s words, a pleasant warm feeling bubbling up in his chest, but he checks it, raising a hand to quieten Arthur once more. His voice is infuriatingly small when he asks, “why didn’t you visit me in hospital? We were friends, by then, and well… I wanted to see you.” He hates how pathetic he sounds, begging for attention, but he has to know.

Arthur’s response is just as quiet. “I did.”

Merlin tilts his head, wracking his brain for any recollection of it, but doesn’t remember ever seeing Arthur. “I sat at your bedside every night in that insanely uncomfortable chair. I watched over you, made sure you were alright, every night until morning when I left for school. You can ask Hunith, she snuck me in, gave me updates… she truly is an exceptional woman.”

Merlin stares, shocked, at Arthur’s words, heart beating rapidly in his chest at the revelation. To think that someone, who wasn’t family, could care enough to sleep beside him all night, in a hospital...the thought leaves him gobsmacked. He leans closer, trying to catch Arthur’s eye, as a faint recollection comes to mind… something he’d thought was a dream, a nightmare turned bliss when he’d seen Arthur’s face with a golden halo of morning light replace his dark visions. “I think I remember waking up, once, with a nightmare?”

Arthur nods his head, biting his lip softly. “I thought I was caught,” Arthur whispers, glancing at him. “I had hoped you wouldn’t remember me soothing you back to sleep.” The blond’s shoulders rise, a sheepish expression washing over his face. 

“And what about after? When I came home, and you wouldn’t talk to anyone.” Arthur shrinks in on himself more, though Merlin spies him watching him from the corner of his eyes. 

“I did something stupid.” Arthur admits, to which Merlin raises an eyebrow, but let’s the other boy explain. “I couldn’t talk to anyone after I carried you into the hospital. I was too spooked at what happened to you… and too ashamed with my actions towards you when we first met. I hated myself for what I put you through, and couldn’t help but make a comparison between myself and Val.” Merlin’s brows draw together, hearing everything in Arthur’s own words. “So I shut myself off from everyone to process… everything . My actions, my feelings towards you. I couldn’t repress them anymore, not after watching over you every night. My days , that sounds so creepy.” Arthur puts his face in his hands once more, and Merlin takes the opportunity to pout at the other boy, lips downturning in hidden amusement at Arthur’s heartwarming sincerity. “I didn’t visit after ,” Arthur whispers, raising his head to catch Merlin’s eyes, his own swimming with uncertainty as they flick between Merlin’s and his lips, “because I made a terrible mistake.”

“What,” Merlin breathes out watching Arthur staring at his lips. When had they gotten so close? And when had his heart stopped beating?

“I kissed you,” Arthur turns away in shame, but Merlin places a gentle hand on his face, turning him back so he can see him. The thought that Arthur has kissed him before, without his knowledge, doesn’t bother him nearly as much as it should. Though, by the look on Arthur’s face, it bothers him enough for the both of them. 

“How?” Merlin asks, inching closer without even realising it. Arthur looks him in the eye, searching desperately, brows drawn together in confusion, as he leans slightly forward. “Show me.” Arthur’s eyes widen, pupils dilating at Merlin’s command. He feels a shiver run down his spine at his brazenness, but leans even further, until they’re sharing breath. “Go ahead.”

Arthur stares at him, lips parted, slight pants escaping, as he gently grabs Merlin’s face in both of his hands, and leans in. Merlin closes his eyes, waiting with baited breath for pressure against his lips, his heart staccatoing nearly out of his chest. His eyes fly open, a soft gasp escaping, when instead of pressure at his lips, he feels the featherlight press of lips at his cheekbone. “Oh Arthur,” he exhales, voice gentle, “you wracked yourself with guilt over a peck on the cheek?”

Arthur is still just a breath away, eyes closed, his brows drawn tightly together, full lips set in a thin line, hands still gently holding Merlin’s face. “It was taking advantage, Merlin. I didn’t have permission. You needed your rest from that monster ,” Arthur snarls the word, “ to recover, and I let my own impulses take over. I know I don’t deserve it, after everything I’ve done, and put you through, but I am begging for your forgiveness for it all.”

Merlin can’t help the soft smile that spreads on his face, as all the puzzle pieces finally slot into place around Arthur’s strange behaviour. His affection blooms for the other boy, lighting in his chest, as he raises a hand to smooth Arthur’s frown. They stare at one another, silent beats passing as Merlin drinks it all in. “And they say chivalry is dead,” Merlin grins, head tilting slightly in Arthur's soft grasp. Merlin can feel Arthur’s hands beginning to drop, but steers them back into place with his own hands, before they can fall completely. He can see a faint blush on Arthur’s cheeks, though the other boy still won’t meet his eyes, Merlin’s quip not enough to ease the blond’s guilt. “You are more than forgiven, for everything,” Merlin breathes out, thumb rubbing Arthur’s hand cupping his face. “You have made up for any misgiving, and then some.” He turns his head softly in Arthur’s grasp, and pauses, glancing back at the blond, who has the sweetest expression painting his face. “May I?” Arthur’s lifted brows furrow slightly, but he nods, watching Merlin intently, before releasing a soft gasp as Merlin places a tender kiss on Arthur’s hand. “I was really hoping it was you,” he admits, catching Arthur’s eyes, his ears burning. 

“Does that mean?” Arthur hopeful voice is so soft the cold breeze could carry it away. Merlin decides to finally put the other boy’s mind at ease. 

“I really like you Arthur. I’ve fancied you, immensely, for ages, imagining each letter I received was read by you.” Arthur surges forward, hands growing more firm where they hold Merlin’s face, though he freezes at the last moment, just breathing in Merlin’s breath.

“Please say I can kiss you.” Arthur is panting into his mouth, eyes blown wide, starlight twinkling in his pupils. Merlin nods.

“You have my express permission .”

Arthur barely lets him finish the word before his lips are ghosting over Merlin’s, hesitant, as he places feather light pecks, alternating between the top and bottom lip. Merlin gasps at the contact, heart racing, as the butterflies that have been warring in his stomach finally take flight. Arthur uses the gasp as permission to fully plant his lips against Merlin’s, hands moving to the back of Merlin’s head to draw him closer in a gentle caress. 

Merlin tries to keep up, hands roaming up Arthur’s chest until they reach Arthur’s neck, pulling him even closer to Merlin. Arthur groans at the action, leaving Merlin fighting a smile, as Arthur gently lays him back against the slightly slanted roof, before following suit, one leg slotting between Merlin’s own. Merlin gasps at the movement, which is Arthur’s invitation to delve his tongue into Merlin’s mouth, leaving Merlin keening at the contact, arching up into Arthur’s chest. The blond chuckles slightly, still lip locked, before leaving Merlin gasping, open mouthed, as he grinds down, lips trailing down Merlin’s chin to his neck, then to the base of his sensitive ears, sucking just at the hollow. “You have no idea how long I’ve wanted to do that,” Arthur pants out, emphasising his point by grinding down again. Arthur lifts his head, staring down at him with soft, wide eyes. “God, you are gorgeous. And I intend to tell you that every day from now on.” Merlin blushes, eyes flicking away, before Arthur turns his head back gently. “None of that,” he whispers, placing gentle kisses across Merlin’s face. “So beautiful,” this time, he traces Merlin’s face with his index finger, over his eyebrows, down his nose, around his sensitive lips. The blond takes  a long moment to just stare at him, brows raised in the middle, plush lips red and swollen, pulling into a languid, pleased grin. “How am I this lucky?”

“Don’t act like you’re not fucking stunning,” Merlin scoffs, before pulling Arthur down by the back of the neck, and crashing their lips together, Arthur’s surprised chuckle turning into a long moan at the contact. He doesn’t know how long they stay that way, before a loud cheering from below tears them apart, panting for breath, as they search for the reason for the commotion, only to find their friends clapping and yelling from the bonfire, staring back at them. 

“Piss off,” Arthur yells out, laughing, while Merlin hides his flaming face in Arthur’s chest. The blond wraps the forgotten blanket more securely around Merlin, fighting off their friends’ playful barbs and jeers with a few of his own. “Shall we go enjoy the rest of your party?”

Merlin can’t help but smile at him, pulling him down into a chaste kiss, and letting it linger. “In a minute, I’m quite enjoying myself right here.” Arthur laughs against his lips, humming in agreement before pulling Merlin into a proper kiss once more. 

Eventually, they do make it off the roof, and back to the party, with Merlin a few gifts and kisses richer, thanks to Arthur. The night continues perfectly, despite Val’s little interruption, and ends with Merlin wrapped gently up in Arthur’s arms as they innocently cuddle to sleep. If they share a few soft kisses before then… well only the stars are the wiser. And if they spend many nights like that, together in each other’s warm embrace, even after Val’s court case (which Uther makes sure has him locked away for the foreseeable future), and after school, then after University … well the stars see that too. If you’d asked Merlin, when he started at Avalon, what he’d hoped would happen at his new school, he’d have laughed and said, hopefully nothing . He certainly wouldn’t have predicted falling in love with the arrogant prat with the peachy bum… or the fact that said prat would become his own personal white knight as they slayed the dragon together … but really, Merlin wouldn’t have it any other way.