Author's note: Well hello people of Fanfiction! I have decided to put up my third Merlin story! I have a bunch of stories that I need to work on, but I wanted to do something new. This is a modern AU setting, so not a reincarnation fic. There is no magic or anything of that sort. Uther is the villain in this story (go figure), and he is doing horrible things to Merlin. Rape is an evil thing and something I would not wish upon anyone. The fact that it is happening to Merlin in this story makes me cringe, but it is the story. The majority of it is how Merlin deals with it and how long it will take for Arthur to notice when something is going wrong and how he will handle the fact that his father is an evil rapist. Another thing to note is that this is a MERTHUR fanfic. There will be Arwen in the beginning, but that will change. I don't hate Arwen, but it wasn't my preferred pairing in the show. I grew up with the legends and I always loved the story of Lancelot and Guinevere. They are my OTP for life.

Warnings: Rape, underage sex, eating disorders, emotional abuse, verbal abuse

Disclaimer: I do not own anything. I only own minor OCs

Pairings: ArthurxMerlin, ArthurxGuinevere, LancelotxGuinevere, GwainexPercival, BalinorxHunith (past), UtherxYgraine (past), UtherxHunith

I would react badly to the slightest hint of hesitance,

He'd bend awkwardly to suit my mood,

No word from his defense,

I'd cry knowing how my tears felt like,

Acid burning through his skin,

(Merlin p.o.v)

At first, Merlin had no idea what to think of his mother's new boyfriend.

Uther Pendragon, head of Pendragon industries, had been her boyfriend for the past year. He was a little surprised that a man of such prestige and wealth would be interested in his beloved Mum. It wasn't like she was ugly or anything of that sort, but they were not exactly the richest sort of people. They weren't poor either, but still, he seemed a bit too unbelievable to be true. He was a proud and opionated man, almost the complete opposite of his mother, but she didn't seem to mind. Her eyes would light up whenever she'd see him and his would do the same. He made her happy and that was good enough for him.

He wasn't entirely sure what kind of business Pendragon industries was, other than the fact that they sold and manufactured bonds and savings accounts. Maybe it wasn't that, but he honestly didn't care. It was a large company in Britain that had finally crossed over the ocean to the tiny town of Ealdor, home to over a million people. Not terribly small, but small in the grand scheme of things. Uther personally sent himself to observe and oversee how things were going. His building was right next to the small café he and his mother owned, the "Magic Latte," and had invited himself over one day.

The second they met, they were head over heels.

Merlin was a freshman in high school at that point, just about ready to finish his first term. Uther had pulled him aside one day, asking him if it was alright if he asked his mother out on a date. He was surprised, seeing how rich and famous Uther was. Why would a man like him be interested in his hardworking, single, middle-class mother? At the time, he didn't think their relationship would last, but after four months, he could tell they were serious. He just didn't know how serious."

At sixteen years old, just about to finish his sophomore year in high school, his mother came running into their two bedroom flat, completely ecstatic. "Merlin!" she exclaimed, immediately pulling him up from his studies on the couch. "Merlin, Merlin, Merlin!"

"What is it?" he laughed, trying to calm her down. She was so small compared to him that it was like looking at a child. "Mum, you look as excited as I do on Christmas. What is it?"

"Uther proposed!" she practically squealed. "And I said yes! We're going to be married, Merlin!"

He smiled, giving her a huge hug that practically lifted her off the ground. She laughed, holding him tightly. "I can't believe I'll be getting married again," she looked at the engagement ring on her forefinger, her eyes looking at the band lovingly. "And to someone so wealthy. I wonder, why me though? Surely he could have chosen someone more beautiful and sophisticated."

"Hey, don't talk about yourself like that," he looked at her deep in the eye, noticing the doubt hidden in her dark blue orbs. "If he wanted another woman, he would have asked someone else to marry him. He loves you, and you love him. And you're a wonderful person, why wouldn't anyone like you?"

She patted his cheek, giving it a quick kiss before rushing off into their small kitchen. "I've got to tell everyone. Your grandmother, your uncle, some of my friends. Oh, and we'll need to discuss living arrangements too."

He stood very still, the impact of her news now finally hitting him. His mother, his quiet, gentle, peace loving mother, was to marry one of the most powerful men in the world. It didn't seem probable to happen, but before he could even deny it, the news was already shoved in his face. His mother was proof of that; observing the ring with wide eyes anytime she could. Living arrangements would mean only one thing: they would have to move.

There would be no way Uther would want to move out of London. The headquarters of his industry lay there and Ealdor was about an hour and twenty minutes, including a two hour drive to the airport and boarding time in between flights. If they stayed, that would mean Uther would only be able to come home for the weekends and he didn't think his mother would be able to handle that. So, the only reasonable solution would be to move to London.

"Mum," he walked into the kitchen and she put the phone back into its place, turning to him with bright eyes. He smiled tentatively. "This means we'll be moving to London, right?"

Her smile faltered; worry beginning to take over. "Yes, Uther believes it would be best if we moved in with him," her eyes widened slightly. "Oh no, you're not feeling bad about moving, are you? Merlin, if I hurt you, I-"

"It's fine," he held up a hand, shaking his head. "You know I don't really have friends here; I never have. I just…don't fit in with the people here, you know what I mean?"

She nodded. "You've always been different from the other kids, but that's not a bad thing," she reminded. "Maybe moving to a bigger school will be good. You'd meet new faces, have more diversity. Plus, Uther does have a son. Maybe you could be friend with him?"

"Maybe," he perked up a little, but then felt it sink when a realization hit him. "What about the Café? What will happen to it?"

She pursed her lips, now gazing out the window. He didn't know if he'd crossed a line or not, but she only bowed her head. "Your father and I ran it for five years before you were born. We had many good memories there," nostalgia laced her voice as she thought about his father. "I would miss it, but it's starting to become more of a burden than a pleasure these days."

"How so?"

She leaned forward, resting her arms on the counter. "The Café was your father's dream and I wanted to help him out since I didn't exactly know what I wanted to do with my life just yet. After he passed, I didn't want to close it and leave because I felt that it would be abandoning his dream. But, now that time has gone by, I think he would want me to pursue my goals. I think it time I let go and begin to move forward with my life."

He nodded thoughtfully, seeing what she was saying. He had lived in the café his whole life; it was a second home to him. Putting it up for sale almost seemed impossible, but he didn't dare say that to his mother. She deserved a new start too. "So, when is the wedding?" he asked, changing the subject. "What date?"

"I think August," she answered, pondering the thought a bit. "But I'll have to check and see with Uther. I don't think it will be a big affair, but it does take time to plan things."

"Agreed."

He wasn't sure how he'd feel with having Uther as his step-father. The man could be quite opinionated and forceful, but he was always kind towards his mother. He seemed to make her happy and that was all that mattered to him. His father had died when he was six, so he didn't remember a whole lot about him. He had always been closer to his mother, who had been his rock since he could remember. She patched him up after falling or when bullies had picked on him in school. They had movie nights and he helped her in the café all the time. She was his best friend.

But a bigger city would mean more people; possibly the potential to find someone like him. He couldn't help it if everyone his age thought he was weird because he just wanted to play his guitar and write music. At lunch he would rather read than associate with the kids in the lunchroom. It's not as if they were bad, it's just that no one ever included him to join them; they treated him as if he were some sort of alien. Not that he minded. He liked the quiet, but now that he thought about it, he was lonely. The few friends he had now were people he knew that he would not keep in touch with after graduation.

"Merlin?"

He jumped at the sound of his mother's voice and she laughed. "Why are you so jumpy? Were you thinking again?"

He nodded, grinning bashfully. "Yeah, I was just thinking about the marriage."

She looked at him carefully, tilting her head a little. "We don't have to get married if you're not okay with it. You have a say in this too; he would be your step-father after this. He asked me to ask you if that were okay."

"Of course it is," he responded. "You know as well as I do that there is nothing left for me in this town. Moving would be a good idea. And Uther is a good man; he treats you well."

She beamed, hugging him one more time before hurrying back to the now ringing phone. Merlin took this as his cue to leave, heading to his small room that actually felt more like a closet. His guitar, one of the only things he'd inherited from his father, lay gently on the covers. He picked it up, strumming aimlessly as he stared out the window. The rain was now falling gently on the glass, the view of Pendragon industries' buildings sat in front of him.

"Strange," he mused to himself. "In a couple months I will be a Pendragon. Funny how time works."

By the end of July, the wedding was truly on its way. A large church, the biggest one in Ealdor, had been reserved for the wedding on August 3. Food was to be prepared, the reception almost done being planned, and everyone had their attire all ready. Helping his mother pick out her wedding dress had been fun, but he knew next to nothing about dresses and spent most of the time telling her she looked wonderful.

Currently, he found himself lying on his bed, hands placed behind his head. Uther was bringing his son over for dinner tonight, where he would be staying with them for the two weeks remaining before the wedding. Neither of them had met Uther's son, so naturally they were worried. They stood patiently at the door, his mother pacing in a rather nervous manner.

"What if he doesn't like us?" she lamented, her newly manicured nails shining in the lamplight. "What if he thinks I'm trying to replace his mother?"

"Relax," he took her arm to make her stop moving. "You're getting upset over nothing. Uther said his wife abandoned the family when his son was only five. He probably doesn't remember anything about her."

"Well that doesn't mean he won't resent us," she argued, biting her lip nervously. "If he hates us, I don't know how we'll all survive under one roof."

"We'll manage," he shook his head, almost tempted to smile. The door knocked suddenly and he went forward to open it, revealing a pleasant looking Uther. He smiled at his soon-to-be step-father. "Come on in," he greeted, opening it wider. "We made Sheppard's pie. Hope you like it."

"It sounds wonderful," Uther said politely before greeting his mother with a kiss. He then turned to the door frame. "Come on in, Arthur."

Merlin could only stand there, completely transfixed as a boy entered the room with a cool expression. He was only a couple inches taller than him, with an athletic body and a skin tone that obviously the sun loved. His hair was golden, looking like soft and silky under the lamplight. He wanted to run his fingers through it, but that would probably not be a good idea. But that jaw though, it was exactly like his father's. Besides that, he didn't really look a whole lot like his father. His eyes were different than the cold green of his father, but rather that a piercing sky blue.

"Hello," his mother greeted kindly. "My name is Hunith Emrys."

"My name is Arthur," he stepped forward, kissing her on both cheeks. "It is wonderful to finally meet you."

Uther stood tall and proud, obviously pleased at his son's manners. "Do you need help in the kitchen, Hunith?" he asked as they walked away. "I brought some wine."

Their conversation trailed off into the kitchen, leaving only Merlin and Arthur in the living room. Arthur stared at the wall, pulling out his touch screen phone and smirking at something someone sent him. Merlin cleared his throat awkwardly, placing his hands together while trying to get the other boy's attention. "So," he started. "My name is Merlin."

"Hm," was all Arthur said, not looking up from the screen. "Arthur."

"Yes, well, I know that," he saw Arthur roll his eyes, which only caused annoyance rise up in him. "So, our parents are getting married."

"Genius observation. Anything else you'd like to point out?"

"Besides the fact you're acting a like a prat?" he offered, which finally caused Arthur to put down the phone and glare at him. "You know, it's rude to use your phone when someone is talking to you."

"What are you, my etiquette book?" Arthur sneered. "I don't know who you think you are, but I'm not taking any advice from you."

"I'm just saying you're being rude. Why don't you stop acting like a prat and grow up?"

"I will have you know that I could take you apart in just one blow."

"Oh, I could take you apart in less than that?"

"Really?" Arthur made a fist, cracking his knuckles threateningly. The muscles in his arms rippled and Merlin now felt very stupid for egging him on. "Why don't we put that to the test? Since you seem so sure of yourself?"

"Merlin, Arthur! Dinner his ready" his mother's head popped out from the kitchen arch way, eyes taking the two of them in. "Is everything alright?"

"Fantastic," Arthur pulled him closer, placing one arm over his shoulder. "We're just getting to know each other, that's all."

His mother smiled, disappearing from sight as Arthur shoved him away. He walked arrogantly into the kitchen, leaving a fuming Merlin glaring after him. "Arrogant prat," he grumbled, following him sullenly. "Stupid arsehole."

Dinner was pleasant for the most part, Arthur acting like a perfect gentleman. He had no problem talking about himself, that was for sure. "I play for my school's rugby team," he boasted. "In fact, I'm the captain."

"Well that's wonderful," his mother said genuinely. "Where do you go to school?"

"Camelot high," he answered. "It's a private school that only a selected few can get in."

She glanced over at him, nudging him under the table. "We'll have to get you enrolled in a school soon," she reminded. "Don't let me forget."

"I won't."

"How about Camelot high?" Uther asked, looking up from his meal. "It wouldn't be a bad idea for him to go to the same school as Arthur since he will be part of the family. And the school is very prestigious; it could open a lot of doors for his future."

"Really?" he and Arthur asked at the same time. He winced inwardly when Arthur kicked him under the table.

"I think you're right," his mother smiled. "And with your grades, how could they say no?"

"How good are they?" Arthur asked, with just the tiniest undertone of sounding snotty.

"I get high marks in all my grades. If we were in America, I would have a 4.0," he noticed Arthur give a tiny scowl, though it went unnoticed by the adults. "I think the school sounds great."

"I'll make arrangements then," Uther said, taking a slow sip of his wine. "And perhaps you could help Arthur study. While his grades are exceptional, there are certain areas that could use help."

"I'd be happy to help," he grinned, feeling Arthur's eyes burn holes through his body. "If he wants me to, of course."

All eyes were on Arthur now, who only gave an apple pie smile. "I'd be happy to have help," he nodded. "Thank you for the offer."

Before Merlin could even blink, the blonde kicked him again. There would be two bruises forming on his shin tonight. His mother sighed happily. "This is nice," she started. "I'm glad you two are getting along well. I was afraid that you wouldn't like me, Arthur."

Arthur scoffed. "Why wouldn't I? You're a very nice woman," he then turned to Merlin. "So, do you have a girlfriend?"

The table went silent, his mother casting him a nervous look. Merlin only shook his head. "No," he answered. "I'm not into girls."

"Oh," Arthur replied, now looking back down at his food. "Okay then."

"Problem?"

"No, no," Arthur shook his head. "One of my best friends is gay. Shocked everyone, actually."

"I still think he's a bad influence," Uther chipped in. "He likes to party too much."

"Well, that is true."

Uther smiled, clearing his throat. "Dinner was wonderful, Hunith," he held her hand over the able. "And I'm sorry Morgana could not join us tonight."

"Who's Morgana?" Merlin asked, surprised that he'd never heard that name before.

"My daughter, and Arthur's half-sister," Uther's hand tightened on his mother's. "I have made many mistakes in my life. Meeting Morgana's mother was one of them, but I've grown past that. Ygraine told me that the doctors told her that she was unable to have children and I reacted badly. I can't change the past, but I'm grateful for you, Hunith. I'm so thankful you're willing to be my wife despite the mistakes I have made."

"We all make mistakes," she replied warmly. "We're human.

"Since Arthur is going to be staying with us," Merlin began, attempting to change the subject. "Where is he going to sleep?"

"I thought your room would work fine," she said, looking at him expectantly. "Or he could use my room and I would sleep on the couch in the living room."

"Absolutely not," Arthur objected. "Your bedroom is yours. I would feel honored to share Merlin's room. We are going to be brothers after, all."

In the end, Merlin found himself on the floor curled in a sleeping back while Arthur snoozed away on his bed. "Clot pole," he grumbled. "Stupid arrogant prat."

"I heard that, Merlin."

(August 3, 3:30 p.m.)

Finally, it had arrived. As he walked his mother down the aisle, he could feel everyone's eyes on him. It was a small gathering, really. The remainder of his family and their friends and a whole bunch of Uther's family and friends, along with business associates and other important figures. His mother looked beautiful in her white dress, the veil reaching to her mid back the dress fanning out beneath her. He let Uther take her hand, heading back down to sit next to Arthur, who scooted a little farther away from him.

The pastor began to speak, happy and powerful words sounding in his voice as he began to wed them. Merlin couldn't have felt happier for his mother. He had never seen her look this happy and noticed tears of joy threatening to fall from her face. If Arthur felt happy for his father, he didn't show it too much, but a small smile was placed on his face.

Morgana wasn't there; Uther said something about him and his daughter having a rocky relationship and didn't want her to make a scene. His mother was understanding, saying that girls could be like that sometimes, but Merlin was curious about meeting her. From what the Arthur had slipped out, she could be quite witty and sarcastic, something he appreciated.

"Do you, Uther Pendragon, take Hunith Emrys to be your lawfully wedded wife, in sickness and in health till death do you part?"

"I do," Uther replied, not once looking away from Hunith.

"And do you, Hunith Emrys, take Uther Pendragon to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold; in sickness and in health till death do you part?"

"I do," his mother said, smiling. "I do."

"Then by the powers vested in me and by the grace of almighty God, I pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride."

They kissed, everyone standing up to clap and cheer. The pastor smiled happily, raising his hands in the air as the separated. "I pronounce to you, Mr. and Mrs. Pendragon."

They followed the bride and groom outside to the main hall, gathering around to congratulate the newly wedded couple. Merlin found his mother, hugging her tightly and kissing her cheek. "You look beautiful, Mum," he hugged her again. "Congratulations."

He could see Arthur out of the corner of his eye, giving his father a firm hug. His mother placed a hand on his cheek. "Can you believe it?" she asked. "It's like I'm living in a fairytale."

"Well you better wake up because your husband is coming to get you."

Uther strode over, Arthur not far behind him and kissed his new wife. He then gave Merlin a pat on the shoulder, heading towards him. "Merlin, could you come with me for a few minutes. I have a surprise for your mother," he winked at her and she laughed. "Arthur, could you look after your step-mother?"

"Of course," Arthur said, taking her arm into his. "Hunith, would you like to meet some of my father's friends?"

"Oh, that sounds wonderful!"

He followed Uther up the stairs of the church, the voices of the people getting quieter and quieter until they disappeared. When they reached the top floor, Uther opened the door and allowed Merlin to step in first, remembering that this was the room they'd changed into their formal wear. He turned to Uther; about to ask what the surprise was when Uther locked the door.

"What are you doing?" he asked, puzzled. "There's no one up here but us."

"Exactly," Uther replied darkly. "And that's the way it should be."

He threw himself on Merlin, making him topple against the wall in surprise. The older man used his shock to his advantage, sliding his knees in between his thighs and slipping a hand underneath his trousers. Merlin squirmed, trying to push the man off him. "What are you doing?" he cried, feeling the hardness on his own flaccid cock. "Get off of me! Mum!"

"She can't hear you," Uther placed a hand over his mouth firmly, bringing his lips close to his ear. "You're all mine now."

He licked his ear, sending unpleasant shivers down Merlin's spine. He continued to struggle, feeling Uther remove his belt and slide his trousers off his legs. The cold air hit him like a slap to the face and when the man pulled his underwear down, he tried to cover himself. "Please, stop!" he pleaded. "You love my Mum! Don't do this to her! She would never forgive you!"

"You mean she would never forgive you."

"What?"

"If you were to bring her up here, I would make it look like you were the one who attacked me," he smirked cruelly down at him. "If you just let me lay with you this one time, then I won't ever bother you again."

"Like hell I will, let me go!" he felt his wrists being tied together with something; his own belt from what it looked like. "I won't let her put up with this!"

"And if you tell her, I will divorce her."

He stopped struggling, eyes going wide. "What? Why would you do that?"

Uther only leaned down, his lips only a few inches away from his own. "If you go off and tell what I did to you, I will make her life miserable. I would make it look she was a gold digging whore who was only interested in my money. I am a powerful man, Merlin. I could make everyone believe it and then her sweet reputation would be ruined. No one would want anything to do with her, no one would hire her for fear I would destroy their company. You two would be dirt poor and on the street with nowhere to go. And all because you had to be selfish and not do what I wanted."

He swallowed, imagining him and his mother on the street, poor and hungry. "But I don't want this," he winced, feeling Uther grind against him, arousal now rising. "I don't want you!"

"But I do," the older man nuzzled his cheek, his hands running down his sides. "From the moment I saw you, I wanted you. I love your mother too and I just couldn't decide who I wanted. So, I decided why not both of them? I can have you and Hunith all to myself."

He turned his head from the man, feeling his cold hands rise up his shirt to tweak his nipples. "You're sick," he ground out. "Completely sick."

"But I love you," he groaned, continuing to touch him. "So what about it? Will you let me ruin your mother's good name or let me have my way with you?"

He closed his eyes, trying to ignore how he was touching him. "Fine," he said, feeling completely sick. "But I'm only doing this to protect my mother; not because I want to."

"Good choice, lad," Uther kissed him, his lips heavy and cold against his own, grabbing his legs and wrapping them against his hips. "One day, you will learn to love me."

He didn't reply, he just closed his eyes as the older man removed the rest of his clothes and then his own. He almost screamed when he entered him, his now step-father placing a hand over his mouth and rocked against him, using the other to pump his arousal. It hurt, by God did it hurt. He closed his eyes, hot tears streaming down his face. Uther gasped and groaned in pleasure, releasing finally after two minutes. He then removed himself, using a hand to wipe the sweat from his brow. He sat next to Merlin, taking deep breaths as he cooled off.

"Thank you, Merlin," he placed a hand on his thigh, stroking it. "That was wonderful."

Merlin didn't reply, he just got up from the floor painfully and put his clothes back on. He was hot, but if anyone asked downstairs, he could say the air conditioner wasn't turned on. The whole room smelt of sex and sweat and Uther grabbed a can of air freshener to mask the scent. He then pulled out a new pair of clothes, looking just as formal as his wedding tux. He dashed more cologne and deodorant on himself, handing some to Merlin. "That was fun, wouldn't you agree?"

Merlin didn't' answer him, he just turned his head. Uther growled, apparently not liking that. "When I ask you a question, I expect an answer," he grabbed his chin forcefully, cold green eyes glaring down at him. "Now, was that fun?"

"Yes," he whimpered, trying to move his chin away. "Stop! You're hurting me!"

Uther let go; now smiling like a mad man. "Now, when we settle down back at my home, I will be expecting more from you. If you want to make sure your mother is happy, then you better not do anything rash," he grabbed a large bouquet of roses, large enough for two people to carry. "Now, let's go."

With a heavy heart, he followed the man downstairs. He didn't know it just yet, but he had already entered hell.

Now he's afraid of me,

He's afraid of me,

It took me by surprise; the hatred in his eyes,

~Maria Mena- It took me by surprise~

So this is the first chapter. Rather long, but I like long chapters. The song at the top in italics and the one at the bottom will always be the same song. This one was by Maria Mena, who's songs are awesome! Please read, review and follow! No flames please, but everything else is acceptable. Tell me what you liked, didn't like, etc... and have a wonderful day!