Disclaimer: I do not own anything related to the BBC show Merlin, the characters, plots, or actors/actresses.

So...this...is...the end. This is the last chapter of my second published fanfic, my first Merlin fanfic. I really appreciate all the advice and comments and reviews all of you have sent. I also appreciate you letting me rant a bit about my personal life at random intervals. (FYI, the guy? Looks like we're in limbo. I'm giving him another month to decide what he wants before I move on.)

I don't normally put my stuff out to be read by people other than my sister (for which I'm endlessly grateful, and if you're reading this, I LOVE YOU!), so this was a big deal to me and I'm ever so grateful for everyone who's read it, followed/favorited it and/or reviewed it.

Thank you.

I hope you've all liked it, and I hope the ending is a satisfying conclusion.

Thanks again, and I hope you all had a Happy New Year and have a wonderful 2014!

Epilogue

~ 3 years later ~

Arthur slipped into the room, fully aware that Merlin was probably a jumble of nerves at the moment, and smiled fondly at the sight of his fiancé pacing back and forth in the little room, fiddling with his tuxedo. Arthur closed the door without a sound and leaned against it, wondering when Merlin would notice him.

Merlin suddenly turned to look in the full-length mirror in the corner, frowned at something, and then Arthur saw his eyes light up as he noticed Arthur in the back by the door. Arthur laughed as Merlin whirled around and ran over to him. They kissed and Arthur said, "On a scale of one to ten, how nervous are you?"

Merlin gave him a sheepish look and said, "Eight and a half?"

Arthur chuckled and kissed him on the nose. "I figured." He looped an arm around Merlin's waist and pulled him over to sit down on the small couch. Merlin leaned against him and Arthur said, "Don't worry; everything's going to be fine."

"Is everyone here? I haven't seen anyone," Merlin worried.

"Last I saw, Leon and Gwaine were talking final placements with Freya and Morgana about where they are in the procession as our best man; Gwen, Vivian and Mithian were fixing flower arrangements; and Elyan and Lance were helping guests to their seats," Arthur reassured him.

Merlin relaxed slightly. "I just want it to go smoothly, you know?"

Arthur nodded. "I know. But they've got everything under control."

"Like our stag do?" Merlin asked sarcastically.

Arthur grinned. Gwaine had been in charge; now that was a bad idea. Fun, but a bad idea. "If you're feeling sarcastic, you're not that nervous."

Merlin stuck his tongue out at him. Arthur just smiled and added, "Also, Gwen's making notes for when she finally starts planning her and Lance's wedding."

Merlin rolled his eyes. "I'm sure Lance is thrilled. I told him to keep an eye on her, but he said he'd picked the date and she could do what she wanted."

Arthur shrugged and said, "Well, at least you know he loves her."

"True."

They sat there for a while, enjoying the quiet before the ceremony. Five minutes later, there was a knock at the door, followed by a female voice calling, "Merlin? Are you decent?"

Merlin groaned. "Mum!"

"I'm taking that as a yes and coming in," Hunith called through the door and walked in. Arthur thought she looked lovely in a deep red dress and her matching shawl. She smiled knowingly when she saw the two of them sitting together on the couch. "So, how are my boys doing?"

Arthur said, "We're doing fine, Hunith. A little nervous, but that's to be expected."

"How is everything out there, Mum?" Merlin asked.

"Oh, so you didn't believe me when I told you our friends had everything under control, then?" Arthur asked, pretending to be hurt by the fact.

Merlin swatted him. "You know I do, I just want an opinion from someone who wasn't stuck in a similar tiny room off in the middle of nowhere."

"Hey! I am very obviously not stuck in a tiny room. I came here, didn't I?"

"And how many people did you have to avoid on your way over here?" Merlin shot back, raising an eyebrow at him.

Arthur made a face. Merlin knew him well. Hunith laughed, bringing their attention back to her. Arthur felt bad for forgetting she was there. "Sorry, Hunith; we didn't mean to exclude you."

"Don't worry about it. I just came in to say hi before heading to my seat. Now, get over here and give me a hug."

Arthur and Merlin both got to their feet and hugged her, one at a time. Merlin went first, seeing as she was his mother. After they'd both hugged her, Hunith gave them one last approving look, said, "You look so handsome, both of you. I'm so happy to see you two finally getting married," and left before they could say anything.

Shortly after that, there was another knock at the door and in walked Uther Pendragon. Arthur was relieved to see his father there. Their father-son relationship had definitely gotten better since he approved of Merlin. They'd actually had non-business related meetings and meals, Uther had visited him at the museum occasionally and never once mentioned Arthur coming back to Pendragon, Inc. for which Arthur was grateful. Uther still had trouble expressing emotions but he was all for the wedding, even offering to pay for it.

Uther stood in front of Arthur and Merlin, looked them over and said, "You both look very handsome."

"Thanks, Dad." Arthur held out his hand, expecting the handshake as usual, but Uther instead hugged him. Arthur, stunned, returned the hug, even if it was brief.

Arthur stepped back and got another shock when his father hugged Merlin as well. He finally said, "I wasn't sure you'd make it, what with all the things going on at work."

Uther let go of Merlin and gave his son an incredulous look. "You think I'd miss my son's wedding?" Arthur felt Merlin squeeze his hand as Uther continued, "Now, I've been told I can't stay long, so I'll just say this and then I'll go find Hunith. I know we've had our ups and downs, but I am proud of you, Arthur, and I love you. And welcome to the family, Merlin."

"Thank you, Uther," Merlin said with a smile.

Arthur said softly, "Thanks, Dad. That means a lot to me."

Uther gave them one last smile and ducked out. Merlin glanced at Arthur and asked cautiously, "You okay, love?"

Arthur swallowed past the lump in his throat. He really hadn't imagined his father ever saying that, especially on his wedding day. He blinked back tears and said, "Yeah, I think so. Wow, that was sudden and unexpected."

Merlin went over and peeked out the door. He turned back and joked, "Mum and Uther are talking and they're getting along and smiling. Should we be worried that they're getting along so well?"

Arthur laughed, knowing Merlin was trying to distract him from his nerves now. "No, silly, it's a good thing."

Merlin nodded and Arthur shook his head as Merlin went to go stand in front of the mirror again. He sighed and asked, "Arthur, would you fix my tie? I just can't get it right and you're better at this anyway."

Arthur laughed as he walked over to his fiancé. Slipping his arms around Merlin's shoulders from behind, Arthur fixed Merlin's tie then turned him around and kissed him.

The door opened yet again and Leon poked his head in. "Arthur, Merlin, you two ready? Everyone's seated and Gwaine's getting antsy."

Merlin laughed. "Gwaine's always antsy. Sometimes I think making him my best man was a bad idea."

Arthur said, "I wondered that, too. But, then again, I did make my sister's boyfriend my best man."

Leon rolled his eyes. "Are you done? Or should I send Morgana in?"

"No!" Arthur and Merlin both said immediately and Leon laughed.

"Fine. You get thirty seconds, then we start whether you're ready or not." Leon ducked out back out of the room, closing the door behind him.

They looked at each other. Arthur asked, "You ready for this, Merlin?"

Merlin nodded. "Are you, Arthur?"

Arthur nodded and smiled to himself. Three years ago, Arthur would never have thought that he would find himself standing here, about to marry the love of his life. It was the perfect moment, with the perfect guy, and Arthur hoped to have forever with him.

Merlin gave him a questioning look but Arthur just shook his head and kissed him.

"Come on, love. We'd better get out there before Leon makes good on his threat," Arthur said, taking Merlin's hand and walking over to the door.

Merlin twined their fingers together and said, "I love you, Arthur."

Arthur squeezed his hand and said, "I love you, too, Merlin."

Merlin opened the door and they stepped out into the hall just as someone shouted for everyone to get in position. Their friends rushed by, giving them delighted looks as they fell into position. The music began and Merlin and Arthur stepped into the next phase of their life together.

~ The End ~