Merlin's Son: A Tale old as Time • Merthur

11- When It's Time to Die Part 1

After Morgana heard that Arthur did not die defeating the Dorocah, that it was the Cahlieech who had perished instead, she had never been so relieved. When the memory of their childhood came back, she regretted everything that she had done. But she knew Arthur would not forgive her. She knew that if she even begged for forgiveness, he would still execute her for her crimes, for her magic. For how evil she became.

For once, Morgana was lost. She didn't know who she could trust, where to turn. How was she going to come back from here... Or was she too far in to ever come back? It was then she remembered it was Arthur's birthday tomorrow. She smiled a true smile, the first in a very long time. He hoped he would celebrate in style. She would have to keep up this pretence, this hatred for Arthur. But... Maybe change fate a little.

       "Pa! Wake up!" An excited Leo jumped up and down and Merlin yawned. How Leo had so much energy at this time in the morning he didn't know. He, Hunith and Gaius decided that Leo should stay in Camelot for a while. Merlin felt Leo was going to be safer with him, but mainly it was because he missed Leo too much.

"What do you want little one?" Merlin asks, grinning as he hugged Leo. He was growing up so fast it was almost Leo's birthday. He couldn't wait. "It's Arthur's birthday!" Merlin frowned a little. That was a very good point. Should he get something for Arthur? He didn't know what to do about... Their relationship? Their close friends knew about their love, but...

"Pa!" He heard Leo whine and Merlin chuckled.  "Yes, Leo?" He questioned while messing up Leo's hair and Leo pouted. "You'll be late for work!" Merlin's eyes widened, bouncing up out of bed, kissing Leo's forehead. "Go on, shoo. You're spending time with Gwaine today aren't you?" Merlin asked as he took Leo to the door.

"Yeah! We are having a training session. Gwaine says I'm better than half the Knights in Camelot!" Merlin laughed and closed the door, not without wishing his son to be careful and to have a nice day. As he got changed, he couldn't shake Arthur off his mind. Merlin then left his room, grinning at Gaius.

"You're in a good mood today, Merlin." Gaius commented happily. "I am. It's Arthur's birthday!" He replied as he jogged out of the room and to Arthur's chambers.

When he opened the curtains he grinned when he saw the festival spirit, he opened the window and looked out as Arthur got ready for the day. Merlin grinned at the tricks. "Woah! Did you see that?" Merlin questioned excited and Arthur looked out of the window, with an unimpressed look on his face. "Yes, a man throwing sticks around." He said blandly and Merlin raised an eyebrow, turning to Arthur who looked miserable. Merlin sighed, knowing it was about his Father, who wasn't doing very well, not at all. Merlin thought Uther only had a few months.

"Alright, what's wrong?" Merlin questioned softly and Arthur sighed. He didn't want to worry Merlin. "Just all these acts, it's the same every year." Merlin rolled his eyes at Arthur's comment, knowing full well that wasn't the reason but he played along with it. "Oh I'm sorry, having a big celebration in your name must be ever so boring for you,"

Arthur chuckled, "Yes well I don't have a mind of a child." He said walking away, hearing Merlin mumble, "Yet I am still smarter than you." Arthur walked backwards and turned straight into Merlin, who looked very amused and adorable with his blush due to their closeness.

"Happy birthday, Arthur." Merlin whispered as Arthur kissed him sweetly, their eyes shut, each savoring the moment.

Arthur spoke to his Father, he just wished things were different. He wished that... He had helped Morgana. Or had done something, anything, to make his Father not be like this. He was slightly surprised as his Father spoke. "Let's not talk about work today. Do you think I would forgot about my own Son's Birthday?" Arthur had watery eyes, smiling. He shook his head in answer as Uther spoke.