How Long Is Forever? - Merthur

truth all along

The early morning drowsiness obviously hung in the air between the two. Right when they headed out, Gwen was right outside their door, with her fist raised, ready to knock."

Startled, "Oh, Gwen!" Arthur exclaimed. "Is everything alright?" 

"Hm? Oh yes, of course." She waved her hand. "Don't worry about me." 

But behind those words, Gwen's eyes started to shine.

"Gwen, are you sure you are alright?" Merlin chimed in. She seemed to stare at them for a moment. Stunned. 

Then she suddenly grabbed both of their hands, pulling Merlin forward. "Oh I can't describe it. I love you both so much, I just can't believe  i'm in front of you right now. It's still taking me a minute to let it sink in." 

Merlin squeezed her hand. "I know what you are feeling. I don't think I quite believe it too." 

Ever since the beginning, Gwen has been there for Merlin, his friend, his breath. Even though she didn't know about his magic till the very end, he could still be himself around her. It's like she understood without knowing. Merlin himself felt his throat close. Till Arthur reached down and tilted Gwens chin and aimed for her cheek. Till Gwen reached up but pushed Arthurs face away in a playful way.

"Enough of this! We have so much to explore." She started walking down the hall way till she stopped at the light on the wall. She reached out and tapped the glass. "And Merlin, what's this called?"

____________

Surprisingly, Cerdan was outside the motel. 

"Do you always follow us around?" Arthur asked.

Merlin kicked the back of Arthur's feet, would of smacked the back of his head if Gwen didn't give him a look. Instead, she cooed his name at him, how ever she trained Arthur was a wonder to Merlin. 

"We still have many things to do." Was all he said. He headed towards the antique shop, waiting for them to follow. 

Behind Merlin, he could hear Gwen asking Arthur questions. What a antique shop was, what that smell was and Arthur stated it was curly fries. Merlin just smiled as he watched Cerdans cloak track on the ground. For the first time in awhile, he was content. So much pride welled up in Merlin just in the fact that he was able to wait for them and that it all wasn't for nothing. 

They arrived the the antique shop and the same similar bell sounded their entry. In the main room, they found a table to gather and Merlin started to wonder if Cerdan brought Gwen here to see Morgana. He started to panic and asked to speak to Cerdan alone.

They left Arthur and Gwen and found a quiet corner in the back room. 

"Emry's, what do you wish to speak about?" 

Merlin tried to think of what to say but nothing logical came. "I'm...worried about Gwen." Cerdan rose a eyebrow at him. "Don't you think it's a bit odd, that she is here." 

"Do you not wish so?"

"No! Not at all. I'm just concerned. It all feels...off. What if it's some sort of trick?" Merlin straightened himself. "What if she's not herself?"

Cerdan rubbed his cheek and cleared his throat. "I don't know anyone who has strong enough power to bring her back. Who ever did, didn't even have her body. For that to happen, she was brought back the same exact way Arthur was. You are the most powerful sorcerer to walk the earth, but all your magic couldn't bring him back, same goes for Gwen." 

Merlin shot his eyes down to the floor. But still, he had to ask. "Are you sure?"

"I'm positive. This is just another part of your destiny, Emrys." 

Merlin let out a breath and squeezed Cerdans shoulder. "Thank you. Let us join the others, shall we?" 

_____

They didn't seem to ask any questions when they returned. Though Merlin made eye contact with Arthur and he eagerly wanted answers. Merlin just smiled at him and nodded as he took his seat. Arthur started to open his mouth till Gwen interrupted. 

"Something's going on, what is it?" 

Merlin darted towards Cerdan, hoping he had a plan. He just shrugged his shoulders "I don't see why not." and gestured towards Merlin.

He then looked back at Gwen and folded his hands on top of another. "Well, I was just concerned. For you, Gwen." Arthur clearly appeared nervous. "But you are my friend Gwen and now I see no reason to lie to you." He smiled. "At first, I didn't want to believe my eyes that you were here. It seems impossible. It is impossible. And I didn't want to make any of the same mistakes like in the past." He chewed at the inside of his cheek, "I-we just weren't sure if you were yourself." 

Gwen seemed shocked. "My self?" She stood up. "Of course i'm myself." She now wore a plan white t-shirt tucked in high wasted jeans. "Well I certainly don't feel like myself in this...but." She paused. "Is there some way you can check? Like for enchantments?" 

Merlin considered this. "Well typically, it happens when you wear some sort of charms, necklaces-"

Gwen shoved out her wrists and moved her hair to show her neck and ears. "It's all me!" 

"Should we ask her a question?" Arthur asked. Gwen nodded.

Arthur took a moment to think "When we went on a picnic together for the first time, what were you wearing?"

Gwen grinned up, "I was wearing a pink dress with flowers in my hair."

Merlin smiled at this too. He remembered that day so clearly. He almost forgotten how much he missed her. Arthur smiled too. 

Cerdan was the only one to let out a small sigh. "I don't want to rush you three, but are you done yet?" 

Gwen sat back down and nodded at him. 

"Good, because I have someone I'd like for you to meet."