Disclaimer- I only own the plot.

Well, here it is guys, the end. This has been really fun to write and to interact with you guys as I have. I couldn't have come this far without you in all honesty. I hope you guys like this chapter because I really do, it was fun to write, fun to think up. I cannot think of a better way to end this than the way I did. I wish I could thank each of you guys individually but I can't, so this will have to do. Thanks! Like I said previously I will be finishing my other to stories before adding any new ones and I have a lot in mind and I need to get them out on paper, or a word document. Not all of them are Merlin stories but one my big ones is. In addition I have created an archive or our own account and I will be posting stories on there that I may not post on here. I'll attempt to put a link up on my profile if I can figure it out. Feel free to throw any prompts or ideas at my way if you feel like it, I'll gladly accept them and then attempt to write them. Anyway, here's the next chapter. Tell me what you think.

Eight Years Later

Merlin strapped himself into the passenger seat that was slightly uncomfortable but that was to be expected in a racing car and turned to his daughter, Igraine. She looked up at him from the drivers seat with wide blue eyes. Merlin smiled softly. She was his little racer. All three of his children had a thing for racing, it was in their blood, but Igraine had it a little bit differently than her brothers. He reached over and adjusted the straps on her helmet and she was still staring at him with wide eyes. He wasn't sure if it was from shock that he had put her in the front seat and had started the car or from fear that she was behind the wheel of a car. Not just any car either, but Merlin's go-to car, Athusia.

"Give it some gas." He told her softly and that wide-eyed stare lit up in a way that made Merlin grin as Igraine turned her attention to the steering wheel and the track before them. She gave it some gas, a peal of laughter escaping her as she did so. Merlin laughed as well, keeping watch on her and where the car was going. To say the first turn had him breathing in sharply would be an understatement. It was a little too close for his liking but that was like the kettle calling the cup black, considering he pulled insanely tight corners. It was different with his daughter driving though.

"Careful. Any small tug on the wheel and Athusia will respond. She's like that." Merlin told Igraine and he was glad she didn't turn her head to look at him like Balin had done when Merlin took him out three years ago and instead just nodded before giving the car a little bit more gas and spurring her on faster and further. Yes, she was his little racer. She would be the kid to race the European tracks and take the sharp turns and daring risks. Part of Merlin was proud at the fact, and part of him was scared shitless because this was his little girl and he knew how close one could get to those corners.

After a few more laps, Merlin had her pull in and she was practically beaming. Merlin knew that feeling, it was one he lived off of for years and he would be lying if he missed it at times. He hadn't raced in seven years, having finished his last season just after she and her twin, Tristan, were born, but he didn't regret his choice. It was one of the small handful of smart ones he had made in his lifetime.

"What did you think?" Merlin asked as he pulled off her helmet and she threw her arms around him suddenly.

"I loved it! It was so much fun! Going fast and around corners! Thank you soo much!" Merlin smiled and ran a hand over her head and through her long hair. She was so much like him, it was almost worrisome. She was stubborn and hotheaded (to be fair they all were) but she had that calculating sense to her that her brothers did not have nor did Arthur. She was a very driven child and did her best to get what she wanted no matter how she had to do it.

Merlin gave her a small hug before turning her loose where she quickly ran past Arthur and straight to Tristan who was still seated in the high chair Arthur had ordered him into as soon as they all arrived on the track.

"How'd she do?" Arthur asked, wrapping an arm around Merlin as soon as he was in ranged. Merlin smiled.

"Fantastic. Scared a little bit at first and unsure, but she started to get it at the end." Merlin told him, resting his head against Arthur's shoulder and closing his eyes, feeling Arthur's arms tighten around him.

"So that make two out of three?" Arthur asks and Merlin can hear the smile in his voice.

"Without a doubt. Balin loved it and I bet he'll go all the way and be a third-generation Albion Trials Champion." Merlin mumbled against Arthur's shoulder.

"And Igraine?" Merlin smiled.

"She'll go and take the European circuit by storm and be a second-generation there, maybe race on the America one and be a third-generation like Balin." Merlin said in such a way that brooked no argument. Arthur chuckled. He could see it, wasn't particularly fond of his daughter racing in cars meant for speed than safety while still going impossibly fast but he could see it. She had the determination in her that was Merlin to the bone, straight down to the cold glare and tilting of the head that meant there was no way they would be backing down from a challenge.

"Don't think Tristan will race?" Arthur asked and Merlin lifted his head up, chin digging in slightly at Arthur's shoulder, and looked in the direction of the twins.

"I don't know. He doesn't have the same interest in it like the other two do, but he could surprise me. He does that enough as it is." Merlin stated and Arthur grinned before pressing a kiss to Merlin's head and pulling away to collect the twins, who were running around with the energy only eight year olds possessed.

"Dad?" Balin questioned quietly and Merlin looked from the chicken his was cooking to him.

"Yeah?" He asked, curious as to what had his normally loud and upbeat child so hesitant. Balin took a deep breath before speaking again, fingers tangling in the hem of his shirt as he stood in the doorway to the kitchen.

"Why don't you race anymore?" He asked, eyes wide and curious and Merlin was caught off guard.

"Because I stay here with you guys." Merlin replied after a few moments and that, apparently, was not the answer Balin was hoping to hear.

"You don't race because of us? We're stopping you from racing?" He asked and Merlin swore quietly before abandoning the food entirely as tears started to fill in Balin's eyes.

"I didn't mean it like that. I love racing, I do, but I love spending time with you guys instead. I don't want to miss anything that happens because I was halfway across the globe trying to win another trophy I don't need." Merlin knelt down to be face to face with the eleven year old who still looked ready to cry.

"I didn't have to stop racing, I chose to." He added and Balin nodded, sniffling slightly and Merlin quickly wrapped his arms around the young boy.

"Okay?" He asked and Balin nodded against his shoulder before detaching himself and leaving the kitchen without another word. Merlin stared after him, a frown on his face but when he heard popping noises that weren't supposed to be happening coming form the stove, all thought of what just happened flew out of his mind in an instant as he leeaped back towards the stove to save their dinner.

Two days later Merlin was confronted by the twins, looking at him with the same wide eyes that Balin had when he started asking why Merlin didn't race anymore.

"Dad," Igraine began before Tristan being the impatient child he was stepped in.

"Why don't you race anymore?" He asked, crossing his arms over his chest and Merlin eyed the two in front of him carefully.

"Do you want me to race again?" He asked, leaning back against the counter. The question caught the two off guard in the way that only parents seemed able to do before there were two sets of bobbing heads in front of him, with smiles on their faces. Merlin hadn't been expecting that.

"Why?" He asked and they faltered for a second before each child threw their arms around his waist.

"Because you love it!" One said.

"Because you don't race because of us!" The other added.

"Because you get a sad look when we go to the track!" Irgaine said.

"Because Papa thinks you want to!" Tristan admitted.

"Because we want to see you race too!" They said in unison and Merlin just kinda stared at them with wide eyes. He hadn't been expecting that either; not at all. It was true Merlin had thought about getting back into the drivers seat but he hadn't done it because while part of him wanted to experience that thrill, that high that came with racing he was content to be a stay at home dad for the most part. He didn't miss having to wine and dine with sponsors, to smile at the people who would fund him. He didn't miss the long trips across the world, he didn't miss the sneers from Cenred and the uncomfortable encounters with Mordred that had continued to happen until the twin were four and Balin seven.

He didn't miss being on display for the people, for fans. He didn't miss any important things in his family's lives. He got to see the first steps, hear the first words, the first smile, the first lost tooth, the Christmas mornings, the birthdays, everything.

"Really?" He asked and both heads bobbed.

"Balin does too, but he won't say so." Igraine added and Tristan elbowed her before realizing they were still wrapped around Merlin. He gave them both a look and was content with the chagrined look they both sported.

"Go on now. I need to talk to your Papa." Merlin said both children grinned at him before sprinting down the hallway and into the kitchen.

"No running!" Merlin yelled before shaking his head fondly and walked up the stairs to find Arthur. Arthur was in their bedroom, oddly enough reading a book that was obviously Merlin's by the dragon on the front of it. He looked up with a smile when Merlin came in and crawled on the bed beside him.

"I've be hounded by all three of our children as to why I don't race anymore." Merlin stated, watching Arthur intently. Arthur feigned interest in the book but listening closely.

"Is that so?" He asked in a manner that made Merlin smile slightly.

"Yes. They all want to know why. Two days ago I almost made Balin cry with my answer until I clarified and just now I was attacked by the twins who spouted off a bunch of reasons as to why I should race again." Arthur raised an eyebrow in question but didn't take his eyes off the book. It forced Merlin into action.

He plucked the book from Arthur's hands and flung it carelessly off the bed before sitting on the blonde's lap, demanding his full attention. Arthur' eyes widened at the sudden action that was so very Merlin and then so not because he always treated his books with utmost care. He looked up at the dark haired man no on his lap and rested his hands comfortable on Merlin's waist while Merlin had laid his on Arthur's shoulder, slipping between them and the headboard.

"Balin seems to think I stopped racing because of them and got very upset. They all wonder why I don't because I love it so much. Igraine said that I get this sad look on my face whenever we visit the track." Merlin stated and Arthur's eyes widened.

"That's quite a list of reasons there." Arthur told him and Merlin smirked.

"It is, but that's not including my favorite reason they gave me outside of wanting to see me race." Merlin murmured and a wary look crossed Arthur's face.

"And what reason would that be?" He asked and that smirk seemed to grow.

"You think I want to race again." Merlin told him quietly, looking him directly in the eye. A surprised look crossed his face as if he hadn't expected one of the kids to let that little bit of information get away from him.

"Do you?" Arthur asked and Merlin shook his head instantly.

"That's not what this conversation is about." Merlin said quickly, leaning down until his forehead pressed against Arthur's.

"Then what is it about?" Arthur asked, confused.

"Do I seem unhappy?" Merlin questioned. Confusing but Arthur knew the answer.

"What? Of course not." Merlin smiled softly.

"Do you think I want something different?" He asked and again Arthur knew the answer, or at least he hoped he did.

"No." He answered and the smile stayed on Merlin's face.

"I don't need to race to be happy or to fill like I'm doing something with my life like I used to. I've got everything I want right here in this house." Merlin told him softly and Arthur grinned before titled his head slightly and pressing a small, soft kiss to Merlin's lips.

"Now answer my question: do you want to race?" Arthur asked and he immediately noticed the way Merlin bit his lip as he thought.

"I'd like to, but not in Europe." Merlin said slowly after a few moments. Arthur understood.

"Think our relationship can handle another season of being pitted against each other?" Arthur asked and Merlin let out a soft laugh.

"I think it could. It'll make for some interesting pillow talk and other activities." Merlin said, with a sly smile on his face before he kissed Arthur again, each of them smiling against the others' lips.

A chorus of 'Gross!' pipped up from their bedroom door and Merlin chuckled while Arthur grumbled about having nosy children. Merlin slid off of Arthur's lap before turning his attention to the three sets of blue eyes that were watching him and Arthur carefully.

"He's racing." Arthur said and they all gave whoops and high-fived each other. Merlin gave a mock scandalized look at them all as he climbed off the bed.

"I knew you were plotting against me. I just knew it." He said and they all chuckled before Balin launched himself at Merlin and they swayed precariously before the twins followed suit and they tumbled to the ground in a heap of limbs. Arthur chuckled from his seat on the bed and Merlin grabbed his arm and pulled him down with the rest of them.

They five of them ended up tangled together and laughing like a bunch of idiots but it was a happy moment. One of the happiest in Merlin's life.

Tristan sat in one of the chairs in the den, curled up around a book with a soc hat on his head. At first glance it appeared to be a regular old soc hat, a little worn but good all the same; upon second glance Merlin knew where he recognized that hat from. It was the one he had lifted from Arthur almost twenty years ago.

"Tristan, where did you find that hat?" Merlin asked, sharper than he had meant to. Tristan looked a bit startled and his hands instantly went to the hat.

"It was at the bottom of the coat closet. Why?" He asked and Merlin slid into the chair next to him.

"I was just curious. That's a special hat, you know." Merlin told him and Tristan gazed up at him with a small bit of wonder.

"It is?" He asked, wondering a little bit if this was going to be a story his dad made up or an actual one.

"Yeah, a really special hat to me. See, when I went over to race in Europe and left home, I took this hat with me, only it wasn't mine." He started and Tristan couldn't believe it. His dad had stolen it!

"You stole it!?" He asked in an incredulous voice and Merlin chuckled.

"I guess I did yeah, but not from a store." Merlin said, scratching the back of his neck with one of his hands. "Your Papa left it at my house and when I was leaving I took it with me." Merlin clarified and Tristan frowned slightly at him.

"That's still stealing." He accused and Merlin chuckled.

"Yeah, it is. Don't tell anybody okay? It'll be our secret." He whispered and Tristan nodded but continued to give his dad a disapproving look that made Merlin chuckled softy.

"So I took it with me to Europe. I wore it when I left, when I got there, whenever I got the chance really. I even wore it under my helmet sometimes when I was racing." Merlin said, this was a story he had never told anyone before, but it felt right to share it now.

"Really? That must have been hot." Tristan murmured and Merlin nodded.

"It was but I wore it anyway. At one of the races your Papa showed up and I wasn't expecting it and I was wearing it, but he didn't know it was me. I also wore it when I came back home and saw him and everyone else again for the first time." Merlin said and Tristan frowned slightly. His parents had told them all the story about Merlin being the great racer Emrys and how he had left and created a fake persona in a sense. It wasn't exactly something Merlin was proud of when he looked back on all the secrecy but it happened and that was that and he felt his children deserved the right to know and to hear it from him and not someone else.

"So you stole this hat from Papa and then kept it all these years?" Tristan asked and Merlin smiled slightly.

"Yeah. Guess I wanted to keep a part of him with me." Merlin told him and he got that lovey look in his eye that Tristan rolled his eyes at before a serious look settled on his features.

"Do you want it back?" He asked quietly. He didn't really want to give the hat up, it was warm and soft and smelt like his parents but if his dad wanted it back, he'd give it back.

"Nah. You keep it. It looks good." Merlin said before giving the arm around Tristan's shoulders a quick squeeze before he got up and settled in his own chair to read a book. Tristan smiled and pulled the hat down a little further before opening his book back up.

"I still can't believe you stole that hat from me." A voice said suddenly form the doorway that made both Merlin and Tristan jump in surprise. Arthur was grinning smugly from where he leaned against the door frame and Merlin blushed slightly and Tristan watched in wonder.

"I didn't steal it. I borrowed it and then eventually gave it to Tristan, your son." Merlin said with a small nod that had Arthur laughed and Tristan sending him yet another disapproving look.

"You stole it, end of discussion." Arthur said before he walked over and pressed a kiss to Merlin's cheek and ruffling up the hat on Tristan's head. The boy rolled his eyes and went back to his book, effectively ignoring his parents just across the room.

"Come guys. Time for bed." Three groans met this ordered and Merlin sighed heavily. "If you don't hurry up, you don't get a bedtime story." Merlin said and he had never seen kids move as quickly as they did the moment they all scrambled from the couch and up the stairs. Arthur chuckled softly and Merlin reluctantly pulled himself up from the seat next to the blonde.

"You and those bedtimes stories. You keep it up and Balin will be in high school wanting to hear them." Merlin gave him a dark look.

"Stop talking like that. He's not going to high school anytime soon." He stated and Arthur laughed again which earned him a swat to the end before Merlin made his way up the stairs. "And neither are the other two." Arthur bit his lip to hide his laughter and just nodded when Merlin looked back at him.

Merlin loved bedtime stories. He really did, it had been his favorite part of his childhood and he wanted to give that to his own kids. It was just something he did and wanted to do. He did the bedtimes stories and the putting the kids to bed and made dinner and played games with them and Arthur while Arthur got them up every morning and made breakfast and watched the various TV shows with them, each person getting their own night to pick what was on. It was a balance that Merlin was more than okay with; he got to be with the kids at night and Arthur dealt with them in the morning when Merlin was a zombie who didn't like human interaction right after waking up. Another win-win situation for them all.

Igraine was already in bed when Merlin made his way to the bedroom so he gave her her story first. She wanted to hear all about queens and the women who rode on dragons in ancient times. It was just as Merlin thought it would be and at the end of the story he pressed a kiss to her forehead before turning off the light and moving on to the next kid.

Tristan was sitting up in his bed, staring at the door as he waited. The stories he wanted to hear were of a different kind and Merlin was more than willing to go with it. He always wanted to hear about the adventures of the young warlock who helped keep Camelot safe with his powers. He repeated the process of a kiss to the forehead and turning the light off before moving on to Balin. He was always last when it came to bedtime stories simply because he had a later bedtime than the twins by half an hour.

His stories were just as different as Tristan's was to Igraine's.

"What do you want to hear tonight?" Merlin asked as he climbed into the bed beside Balin. Balin immediately took Merlin's tattooed hand in his own and traced the dragon there.

"I want to hear about the Great Dragon Emrys and King Arthur." He always wanted to hear about them and Merlin smiled. He was the only one of the three kids who still wanted to hear about the last dragon and the once and future kind whose name Balin grinned at every time because it was his Papa's. When Merlin had finished the story and turned out the lights, Balin asked another question before Merlin could make it out of the room.

"Did you dad tell you stories about the great dragon?" He questioned and Merlin stilled. He looked over at Balin and smiled a bit ruefully.

"Yeah. Yeah he did and now I get to tell them to you." He stated and Balin made a content noise before closing his eyes and drifting off to sleep. Merlin walked unsteadily from his doorway, having closed it quietly, to his own room. He rubbed a hand across his face as he entered and Arthur was at his side in an instant.

"Are you okay?" He asked and Merlin smiled up at him.

"Yeah. I'm fine, I just," He paused and blinked faster than normal before continuing. "I just wonder what he would think of them is all." Merlin said quietly and Arthur wrapped his arms around his husband tightly.

"He would love them to pieces and spoil them rotten. Just like my mother would." Arthur reassured and Merlin smiled.

"Let's go to bed." He whispered and Arthur nodded and led the thinner man to their bed where they curled up together, Merlin on the right and Arthur on the left, like always.

"Papa, why are we at the cemetery?" Igraine asked as they all exited the car. Merlin forged on ahead, carrying a bouquet of dragonflowers.

"Because before every race your Dad puts flowers on his father's, your grandfather's, grave and talks to him for a minute. So we are going to stand here for a few minutes so he can talk in piece before we go over there too." Arthur said quietly. The answer seemed to shock all three of the children and they watched Merlin as he moved deftly between the plots until he stopped at the slick black stone with a gold dragon on it. Merlin knelt down in front of the grave before placing the flowers on the ground and tracing the letters and the dragon with his fingers lightly. They could see his mouth moving and each wondered what he was saying.

After a few minutes, Merlin scrubbed a hand across his face before looking over at Arthur and nodded.

"Come on guys." Arthur said quietly before leading them towards Merlin, Igrain'es hand clasped in his while the boys trailed behind him.

"Daddy?" Igraine asked as she saw Merlin with red-rimmed eyes. Merlin smiled softly at her and ran a hand over her head.

"This is where my dad is, the one who told me all those stories and taught me how to drive." Merlin said. They hadn't brought the kids out here before because Merlin hadn't been ready. He was now and he felt that they should know where his grave is.

"His name was Balinor Ambrosias and he was one of the greatest racers in my opinion." Merlin stated and Balin sucked in a breath sharply.

"W-was I named after him?" He asked and Merlin nodded, wrapping an arm around his shoulders.

"Yeah, you were." He whispered and Balin reached out to touch the letters and dragon just as Merlin had done.

"He was a racer?" Tristan asked softly.

"Yeah." Arthur told him.

"How did he die?" Irgaine's question seemed to knock the wind right out of both Merlin's and Arthur's bodies.

"He, uh, he got into a car crash. His car got messed up when he was racing and they took him to the hospital but he, uh, he didn't make it." Merlin said in a small voice, cracking at the end. Instantly four pairs of arms were wrapped around Merlin and he smiled wetly at each of them in turn.

"Come on. Let's get some food." Arthur said and they all nodded. As they walked out, Merlin on reflex with to throw away his cigarette but he hadn't smoked in years. Arthur smiled softly at him before taking his hand in his won and squeezing gently. Merlin leaned against him as they walked. His dad would be proud.

Arthur zipped up the jacket of his suit before looking over at Merlin who was tying up his converse and tugging on his gloves.

"Can you believe we're here again?" Merlin asked and Arthur gave a laugh.

"Yes. I can. You like racing to much to stay away for too long." Merlin threw him a dark look before tossing Arthur his helmet suddenly.

"Be nice to Papa." Igraine pipped up, crossing her arms and glaring at Merlin. Merlin threw back his head and laughed.

"I was being nice to your Papa." He said and she raised her eyebrows and Merlin grinned. He looked just like he had all those years ago to Arthur. His smile bright, his expression so thoroughly happy, excitement rolling off him in waves. That edge of competition hidden under his easy smile and hidden behind eyes that seemed to see everything. The sight made Arthur's heart swell in the way it had ever since Merlin had take off the helmet and become himself again, fully himself.

"He's just worried about me beating him." Arthur stage whispered in her ear and she grinned.

"I am not." Merlin muttered as he grabbed his own helmet and everyone chuckled at him.

"Let's go you heathens, I've got a race to win." Merlin said as he herded everyone out of the dressing room. They were quite the sight heading out onto the track, two pro racers who were married to one another and three kids between them. It was certainly a story to be told since Merlin and Arthur had not raced together since before Balin was born.

Arthur wrapped an arm around Merlin's waist and tugged him close as soon as they made it to the pit lane. Merlin grinned and kissed him softly.

"Eww. Don't kiss each other." Merlin chuckled.

"It's a good luck kiss." He stated and everyone laughed. Leon was with hearing distance and looked at them.

"'Yeah, but for who?" He asked.

"For him." Both men in question replied at the same time and everyone laughed again.

"Alright, the race is getting ready to start. Who are you guys going to sit with, Unlce Leon or Uncle Gwaine?" Merlin asked. Balin and Igraine moved instantly to Leon who gave a grin while Tristan latched onto Gwaine. Merlin chuckled while Arthur threw a playful glare at Tristan before they were herded by their respective uncles to their seats.

"Worried about losing?" Arthur asked with a small grin. Merlin snorted.

"Not at all." Arthur raised an eyebrow.

"Really now? Don't think I can beat you?" He questioned.

"You can. You have before. You just aren't going to." Merlin replied as he gave a small pat Arthur's cheek.

"You think so?" Merlin grinned and gave Arthur a quick peck.

"I know so. I'll see you at the finish line." He called as he moved away and slipped his helmet on and strutted towards his car before climbing fluidly in. Arthur shook his head and followed suit. It was nice to see this side of Merlin again.

"Who do you think will win?" Leon asked Balin and Igraine.

"Papa!" Igraine immediately answered while Balin shrugged. Gwaine asked the same question to Tristan.

"Dad." He said in a confident voice and Gwaine grinned.

"I think so too." He said before handed the boy a headset of his own.

The race was unlike any of the children had ever seen. They had never seen Merlin race before except playfully, this was different. He was aggressive and pushy and daring and Tristan hid his head in Gwaine's arm more than once as Merlin whipped around a corner or slipped between a hole that caused one of the cars to brush up against his.

It was a very fluid race, no accidents, no foul play. Merlin pushed himself and his car hard, doing everything he could to stay ahead and yet stay comfortable. It was a tad bit harder than he was anticipating it to be though. Sure he had been training for a little while but it was still different than actually racing, but it was soothing and it just felt good to be behind the wheel again.

Arthur made sure to hold his tongue more tightly because Balin and Igraine would hear but it didn't exactly work. He also spent more time than he would have liked to admit worrying about Merlin. He couldn't help it, and he tried not to, but he did. He wasn't surprised to see Merlin cross the finish line before him when it came to the finish line, he was surprised at how close it was in all actuality.

"You okay Merlin?" Arthur asked as Merlin tugged his helmet off, black hair sticking to his head. Merlin nodded before pealing off his gloves and jacket, pressing his fingers tenderly to his hip and wincing slightly.

"Merlin." Arthur said sternly as their family came up on him. Merlin waved him off.

"Just the normal bruise ready to form. It's not a big deal." Merlin said and while Arthur could argue differently he didnt get the chance.

"Dad!" They all yelled and threw themselves around Merlin who staggered slightly.

"Told you he would win." Tristan stated, sticking his tongue out at Igraine who rolled her eyes in a perfect imitation of Morgana.

"Okay guys, as much as I love the hugs, it's really hot." Merlin said as he detached them from his body. Arthur and Gwaine saw the weariness start to settle in Merlin, the way it always did after a race. He put so much of himself into racing that he was lucky to stay upright for long afterwards. Merlin lowered himself to the ground and sat back against the barrier.

"Dad?" Balin asked, worried.

"He's fine. He's always like this after a race." Gwaine assured but Balin didn't look to sure and glanced back at Merlin again.

"Come on Merls, got to get your trophy and then you can go." Merlin cracked open an eye to glare at Gwaine and the kids chuckled before Merlin shook his head.

"Nope. I feel fine to sit right here. Have Balin go get it." Merlin said before closing his eyes again.

"What?" Balin questioned.

"Go with Gwaine and grab it for me because the only way I'm getting back up is to go to the car and then to sleep." Merlin replied honestly. Balin looked to Arthur who nodded before rolling his eyes at Merlin.

"Go get it so we can Mr. Melodrama to bed." Merlin whacked Arthur's leg with a well-aimed hand that made Arthur yelp in surprise and slight pain.

"Shut up." Merlin muttered. True to his word, Merlin didn't get up until it was to go to the car and once he was strapped in,he curled up in his seat and fell asleep. Igraine put her pink hat on him and took a picture.

Merlin was rounding a corner when he felt it: a jolt that should not have happened. He knew how his car reacted to anything he put it through and that was not a normal reaction.

"Shit." He muttered.

"What's going on M?" Gwaine asked through the headset.

"Something's not right with my car. I have to pit." He stated somewhat angrily. He had a lead, a small lead, but a lead all the same and Arthur was in third behind some rookie who had slipped in front of him. Merlin pitted and was thankful for it because soon after smoke began to escape the hood of the car.

"Son of a bitch." He snarled as he opened the hood and waved away the smoke before throwing his helmet to the side a bit forcefully. Athusia was an old car, it should have been expected in all reality but that didn't mean Merlin had to like it.

"You've got to be fucking kidding me. Now, of all times you choose to stop working." He growled as he looked at his car. Tristan frowned from his seat.

"You have to put money in the swear jar when we get home." He stated and Merlin looked at him surprised because he had forgotten he had been there.

"This can be our little secret." He stated and Tristan thought it over for a second before nodding. Merlin sighed before returning his attention to the car. It wasn't his fault his vocabulary slipped when he was driving or working on his car, Arthur was no better but that wasn't exactly the best argument to pull with his blonde son.

Merlin slammed the hood back down before walking rather dejectedly to a seat next to Gwaine.

"She needs major work. I think it's time to retire her and break in a new car." Merlin told him sullenly as he watched what was happening on the track. He had an itch to go sit on the barrier, to get a better look but he remembered how that was received last time and frankly he needed to set a better example for his kids and that was not a good one.

"It happens." Gwaine said and Merlin glared at him.

"It shouldn't in the middle of a race. Or the end of it. I could have won this." He stated and Gwaine shook his head with a chuckle. Tristan followed suit and Merlin gave in to his child impulse and stuck his tongue out at the two of them. He was quiet for the rest of the race, pouting even if he refused to admit it.

"Dad needs to put money in the swear jar." Tristan announced once they were in the car. Merlin turned around to look at him, mouth open. Tristan just smiled at him.

"Traitor." He muttered before turning back around. Arthur laughed and rested a hand on Merlin's thigh with a smile.

"Papa needs to as well." Balin stated and Merlin grinned.

"They're out to get us." Merlin whispered.

"I can see that." Arthur replied and the smiled and laughs that responded was work the few dollars they each had to pay to the swear jar. Anything to make their kids happy and smiling was worth in their minds.

"I love you." Merlin told Arthur and Arthur grinned.

"I love you too."

THE END