That Ship Has Sailed

Merlin & Arthur VII

After washing and eating, Morgana led Merlin toward the throne room. She peered in the door and saw Arthur, pacing. No one else was in the room and Arthur looked distraught.

"He won't mind I'm wearing his shirt, will he?" Merlin whispered.

"No," Morgana said, "He won't mind. He's alone in there. Go ahead."

Merlin nodded slowly, taking a step toward the door, before turning back, "I've been so harsh to him, he won't--"

"Just go," Morgana whispered, "Go."

Merlin nodded and after hesitating twice more, Morgana threw open the door and pushed him inside, closing it behind him. Arthur noticed this and stopped pacing, facing Merlin who now stood at the other end of the room wearing Arthur's own shirt and trousers. Merlin stood, uncomfortable, until Arthur held his hand out.

"Come here," he said gently. As Merlin walked forward, Arthur asked, "Did Morgana tell you?"

Merlin nodded, "Arthur, I never meant for you to have to do that to your own father--"

"He is no father of mine as long as he continues to think he can manipulate the laws of Camelot to suit his own, personal misgivings."

Merlin nodded, remaining silent.

Arthur stood for a moment, looking at Merlin, then he spoke, "Merlin, there's something I need to talk to you about. It's rather important, so I need you to listen closely."

"I already know what you're going to say."

"Do you?" Arthur asked.

"I understand if you realize you have the responsibility of being king now and wish to have a strong queen at your side. I will not hold it against you should you choose to banish me as well."

Arthur was at Merlin's side in a moment, "Never," he said quickly, "You've helped me come to my senses, Merlin. I need you at my side. You're strong, brave, and smart and you have talents that I know will keep Camelot safe--"

"Are you going to knight me so I can use my magic to keep Camelot safe?" Merlin asked.

Arthur shook his head, "No."

Merlin stopped talking, not wanting to guess any more. Arthur stood tall beside him and looked him in the eye, not hesitating before saying what he had called Merlin there to say.

"I want you to be my king."

Merlin blinked.

"I want you to rule beside me as king. We can keep Camelot safe together and live like you always believed we could. No more hiding. No more fighting. Just you and me. Forever."

Merlin paused, still standing a few feet away. Suddenly, he said, "Do I have to enchant something to push you closer to me or are you going to do it yourself this time?"

Arthur's laugh rang out through the room and Merlin couldn't stop a smile from spreading across his face. Arthur walked forward and pulled Merlin into a tight hug, "No, you won't ever have to do that again."

Merlin smiled and hugged him back, holding him as close as he could.

Morgana peeked in through the door and watched as Arthur pulled away just enough to touch his forehead to Merlin's before leaning in the rest of the way for a kiss.

Merlin smiled.

Arthur smiled.

They kissed again.

Morgana smiled and opened the door, "I'm never going to get tired of seeing that," she said after closing it behind her.

The two moved away quickly and Merlin scratched his hair, one hand resting on his hip as Arthur turned. Morgana laughed and within seconds, Merlin joined in. Arthur turned back around and laughed before bringing Morgana close for a hug.

"If it weren't for you, neither of us would have had the strength to get through this."

Morgana smiled and pulled away, "I'm glad I could help. I love you both and I love seeing you so happy."

Arthur smiled at Merlin and Merlin smiled back. Morgana then surprised them both by pushing on the backs of their heads until their faces touched. Merlin adjusted his face so his lips were against Arthur's and Arthur took Merlin's cheeks in his hands. Morgana simply smiled, proud of herself.

"If you need an heir, I would proudly carry your child for you," she said after a short pause.

Merlin then broke the kiss to pull Morgana into a group hug. He looked over her head at Arthur, who smiled back. Morgana pulled away from the hug and took their hands, leading them down the hallways, ignoring their questions, until they reached Arthur's chambers. She opened the door and pushed them inside.

"Don't come out until all the drama in the towns has settled down."

Arthur thanked her and she smiled, closing the door behind her.

"Alone at last," Merlin said quietly. "Arthur, what I said before on the block--"

"Was right. Every word of it was right, Merlin. You will make a great ruler."

"I'm not cut out for royalty," Merlin said, shaking his head.

"Merlin, there is no way I am doing this without you. Are you going to let all of Camelot fall because you're afraid of moving in to the castle and living with me instead of serving me?"

Merlin paused, but Arthur grabbed his hand, bringing him close, causing Merlin to wince in pain from his bruises. Arthur noticed and shook his head, "I will never let anyone hurt you ever again. Do you believe me?"

Merlin nodded, "I do."

"Good. Now kiss me before I enchant something to force you to," he said with a smile.

Merlin smiled and shook his head with a laugh before leaning close and kissing Arthur once more.