I don't own Merlin sadly, it belongs to the BBC.

This is a request from Kenya1234 and is therefore dedicated to them. I want to thank them for giving me this chance to write this as I have really enjoyed writing it. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I have enjoyed writing it. :D

Summary: In return for helping Gwen, she introduces Merlin to the rest of the gang. While it is love at first sight for Merlin, Arthur is a closed shell. Can Merlin break down the wall Arthur has built around his heart and get into where Arthur is determined no one will ever get to?

This story is the longest I have ever done it has 38 chapters.

Warnings: Malexmale. Ygraine alive, Uther nice lol. AU.

I apologise in advance for any mistakes

Epilogue

Arthur opened one eye and looked at the time, it had just gone seven in the morning, he hummed, time to turn over and bring Merlin closer to him, he turned over and reaching his arm out he frowned when he felt nothing, moving his arm about he opened his eyes. "Merlin?" he asked, lifting his head off the pillow.

His room was empty. He got out of bed and poked his head through the bathroom door. "Merlin?" also empty, he left his room and started to walk downstairs. "Merlin?" he called out again.

"In the kitchen." came Merlin's voice.

Arthur walked into the kitchen and saw Merlin with his back to him, reaching up to get something from one of the top cupboards; he walked over to him and put his arms around his lovers waist who gasped.

"Arthur you have walked down here naked?" Merlin asked as he turned around.

"Yes, what does it matter?"

"Well your sister can walk in at any time as she still has a key."

"Not at just gone seven in the morning."

"I think so; it is her wedding day today."

"Oh shit I forgot."

"You forgot?" came a voice.

Merlin quickly moved to cover Arthur and faced Morgana. "He was just joking, why don't you go and wait in the living room and I will bring you a cup of tea."

When Morgana smirked and left the kitchen Merlin hurried over to a pile of washing and gave Arthur some boxer briefs to put on.

"What bride goes to her brother's house at seven in the morning when she should be spending the morning getting ready?" Arthur asked as he covered himself up.

"Morgana does, plus she isn't getting married until three this afternoon."

"Then why is she here?"

Merlin passed Arthur a cup of tea. "Go and ask her yourself."

Ten minutes later found Merlin and Arthur eating breakfast while talking to Morgana who declined breakfast and just stuck with tea. "I came here to make sure you were both awake, I know Leon stayed at Lancelot's last night and Gwen told me he was really drunk when he went to bed and as you were out celebrating with him so I came to make sure you were not as hung over as I know how Leon is when he is hung over he can't focus or do anything for himself."

"Morgana I am nothing like Leon when drunk, plus I didn't drink that much, as best man I made sure I didn't drink much."

"Arthur as best man you are supposed to make sure the groom doesn't drink much, this is why I wanted Leon to stay at Lancelot's and Gwen's, at least she can keep an eye on him."

"Morgana if that was the reason there was no need Leon could have stayed here, I didn't have anything to drink and made sure Arthur didn't get drunk."

"Sorry I didn't think."

"No its fine Morgana, so are you excited?"

"I am Merlin. I need you both at Gwen's to get Leon at ten he is to be ready and at the church for two I will be there about fifteen minutes past three."

Arthur frowned. "Why won't you be there until fifteen minutes past? You are going to get Leon panicking that you won't show up."

"You as best man calm him and reassure him that brides are always late as it is tradition." Merlin answered. "We will make sure and he will be completely sober, noticing things and be one hundred percent focused." he promised.

Morgana smiled and placed he cup down and stood up. "Thank you. I will leave you both to it, see you at the church." she said, smiling at them both before she left.

"Merlin?"

Merlin turned to face Arthur and smiled when he saw is boyfriend sat there holding his fork up that had a bit of sausage on it. "Yes?"

"Want my sausage?"

Merlin laughed and leaned over taking the sausage and chewed it before swallowing. "Thank you."

"I didn't mean that sausage." Arthur said with a smile, making Merlin laugh. "You could have stayed in bed this morning Merlin."

"I'm sorry did I ruin your plans for reaching over and pulling towards you and snuggling back down until the alarm goes off."

"I don't snuggle." Arthur saw Merlin's eyebrow raised and sighed. "Okay fine I do."

"No pinching your sisters words for today." Merlin said, kissing the tip of Arthur's nose.

Morgana was pacing. "Where is she?"

"Honey, I'm sure she'll be here any minute. You must stop worrying. Today is supposed to be the happiest of your life, you're getting married!" Ygraine said, trying to calm her daughter down.

"Exactly, it is my wedding day and I look terrible!" she cried.

"You look beautiful." her mother scolded, sitting her down in a chair in front of the mirror and began brushing her fingers through her hair. "You've always been beautiful, ever since you were a baby. Look at how you have grown, my darling, now such a beautiful woman."

A knock placed itself on the door and the two women looked up, watching as it opened and Gwen stepped through.

"Erm," she fidgeted slightly, "the hairdresser called-"

"Yes, where is she?" Morgana interrupted.

"Well, um, she said she couldn't make it."

Morgana sat there for a few moments, staring at Gwen as if she had just grown a second head, her facial features contorted in shock.

"She…" in the next second she snapped out of it, going into a rage, "Excuse me?! Who the hell does this woman think she is? She is already two hours late and she is just calling now to tell me she can't make it?"

"Morgana, honey, calm down." Ygraine soothed.

"How." she breathed, "Am I. Supposed to calm down!?"

Gwen yelped, dashing from the room, leaving the two women alone.

"Sweetheart, it's no big-"

"Don't even start with me. It is a huge deal! How can I go down the aisle like this? My hair is a mess!"

"Hush, darling." she continued, sitting her back down and turning the chair to face the mirror. "I can do your hair, if you wish."

She glanced at her mum, their eyes meeting in the mirror and she nodded slowly.

Meanwhile over at Arthur's house Leon was stood in front of the bathroom mirror with a towel around his waist. "Why again have I got to do my hair first?" he called out.

"Because you are a bundle of nerves mate." Arthur called through the door. "How you are you do not put on your wedding suit and then use the stuff you do to put in your hair, if the smallest speck of dirt gets on your suit you are not the one Morgana is killing."

Leon after doing his hair walked out of the bathroom to see Merlin and Arthur sat on the edge of the bed. "I am in the Lilac waistcoat and tie yes?"

"No I am. As best man I am in Lilac to match the maid of honour, you are in Blue to bridesmaids dresses."

Merlin sighed." It is a good job I am here. Gwen is maid of honour and is in Lilac which means you Arthur will be wearing the Lilac waistcoat and tie and Leon in Blue."

After a few minutes, her mother spoke again, "I remember, when you were a little girl," she laughed slightly to herself, "you were always wanting me to do your hair. You were about this big," she gestured with her hand, "and only six and how many times you asked me to do your hair I can't even remember. You told me, one Christmas, that your favourite hairstyle was the bun, you loved the bun."

"Well," Morgana sighed, "I wanted to be a ballerina, didn't I?"

Ygraine laughed again, "Yes, I remember that. You were watching a movie and told me that you wanted to be like the girl on the telly. A few days later I came home to a broken lamp from you spinning into it."

She smiled, "Yes, I believe I got myself into quite a bit of trouble for that one."

Ygraine hummed, "You did, but I believed you would, if you tried, make a wonderful ballerina. After two months, though, you found something new, but your favourite was always the bun."

Arthur stepped back and looked at Leon. "All ready. Now you have nothing to drink or eat until after you say 'I do' nothing is to get on that suit."

Leon laughed. "Thank you for this, both of you."

"You are welcome, now it has just gone two, let's get you to the church; I know you should have been there for two but its fine." Merlin said. "Come on then."

"I'll be right behind you." Arthur called as he saw Merlin and Leon leave the house, he ran upstairs to his room and looked at the made bed and thought to how many times he has woke up in that with Merlin, all those pleasant and happy mornings. Taking a deep breath he closed the door and left the house, locking the door behind him before getting in the car.

Morgana looked into the mirror, glancing at her hair. It seemed, as they talked, that her mother had put the bun back into her hair, but it seemed...improved. It was fairly loose, some of her shorter curls hanging around her face framing it. Her mother had found some little sparkles and twisted them into her hair. Ygraine seemed to be rummaging through the dresser, coming back with the veil. She placed it on her head, the mesh coming around to cradle her head.

"Mum…"

Ygraine was crying, but a smile stood on her face, "I told you you were beautiful. But you aren't my little girl any more, you're a woman. I thought, being sentimental, you might want a bun, like you used to, but you're different now, so the bun is a swell. Both grown up."

"Oh, mother." she sighed, tears coming to her own eyes.

"Oh, no." she sniffled, "You can't go crying. You don't want to walk down the aisle with red, puffy eyes, now do you? Now, then, you're ready. Off we go."

Morgana moved towards the door, opening it and turning to look back, "Thank you. I always knew you could save the day. You've always been my hero, that will never change either."

Her mother turned, looking up and walking forwards, pulling her daughter into her arms and holding tight, "And I knew you would grow up to be this wonderful. I love you."

Morgana snuffled, eyes watering slightly, "I love you too. I'll miss you."

Ygraine gave a shaky laugh, "I live close, still, you can visit. I am not going anywhere."

"I will." she said, burying her head into her mother's shoulder, holding tighter before slowly letting go. Unwilling to give up what she had, but unwilling to not move forward with what she has.

"Where have these emotions come from? Anyone would think after the wedding I am to live with my husband and no longer with my parents."

Ygraine laughed. "This is the first day of the rest of your life; weddings can make even the men get teary eyed, between you and me it got your father teary at our wedding." Ygraine sighed, taking in the sight of her daughter. "Go." she encouraged, she held her daughter close again before letting go and pushing her out the door.

Uther turned when he saw his daughter walk down the stairs; he couldn't stop the smile coming to his face. "There's my gorgeous girl." he held his hand out which Morgana took when she reached the last two steps. "Are you ready?"

"More than."

Uther smiled. "Good girl."

As the guests started to fill the church there was someone just inside the door asking bride or groom, Merlin so far down the line grinned when he saw it was Gwaine.

As he got closer he saw Arthur come and stand next to Gwaine, smiling at his family members, shaking some of their hands before speaking to Gwaine who checked his watch. He walked up and stopped in front of both of them when Gwaine stopped him. "Bride or Groom?" he asked.

Merlin looked at Arthur who smiled before looking back at Gwaine. "Shagging the best man."

Arthur laughed and took Merlin's hand and led him into the church. "What are you like?" he said as he led Merlin up the aisle. "I need your help."

"What's wrong?"

"Leon is getting nervous; he keeps checking his watch asking why Morgana isn't here yet."

Merlin approached Leon who hurried over to him, "She's here?"

"Not yet Leon but she will be, you know about weddings it is traditional for the bride to be late."

"Why? That just makes it worse for the groom."

Arthur sighed. "Leon you and Morgana love each other and are meant for each other, just think of this as any other day."

Merlin looked at Arthur. "You would really think that? If this was us it would make me think you weren't looking forward to marrying me."

"You want this to be us?" Arthur asked.

"I can't think that Arthur, even if it is thinking it Morgana would find out and kill us." Leon said.

Merlin turned to his friend, "look everyone is here, it is ten minutes past three all you have to do is sit and wait. Calm down."

Leon took a deep breath and sat down, "calm, deep breaths," he was muttering to himself.

When Leon sat down Merlin turned to Arthur. "I'm sorry."

"What for?"

"For what I said if this is ever us I didn't mean to panic or worry you, I didn't mean it as I want to get married right now but I will admit sometime in the future I would love to be your husband."

Arthur looked into Merlin's eyes and took his hand. "I will admit I would love to be your husband sometime in the future but I'm..."

"Not ready, I know Arthur. I am not yet ready to marry either, I feel better knowing that we have a long future though as we both want it."

Arthur smiled and hugged Merlin, kissing his cheek. Holding him close Arthur saw Gwaine enter the church and put his thumb up before walking to his seat. "Find your seat love, she's here."

Merlin smiled and kissed Arthur before walking away to sit down.

"Where is Merlin going?"

"He has gone to sit down as your future wife is here." Arthur answered, trying not to laugh when Leon looked panicked and stood up, moving over to where he was to stand.

Outside the church Morgana got out of the car and Ygraine helped her get sorted before kissing her daughter and husbands cheek before walking into the church. Uther extended his arm and together they both walked to the church doors, Gwen following with Elena and Freya following.

Uther stopped outside the church door. "Ready darling?"

"Ready father."

The doors opened, and the music began to play, Morgana walking in step with the march as the two made their way down. All eyes were turned towards her, but her eyes only found Leon's and his eyes were trained on her own. Any and all doubts left her mind as their eyes met, nerves she'd been feeling all day finally ending as contentment washed over her.

The whole world was drowned out as she got closer, the only thought going through her mind were those of her soon-to-be husband. Multiple times, she found herself stopping herself from practically running down the aisle and getting near Leon.

When she finally reached the arch, they stopped, her father grabbing her hand, looking at her with tears in his eyes.

"Take good care of her." he said to Leon as he handed his only daughter off to another man.

He helped her up to where he stood, grasping both her hands in his own, looking into her eyes. And the ceremony began.

The first of the priest's speech was filled with sneaked glances and wide smiles. Their world honed into only them and the words coming from the mouth of the man who was going to bound them together for the rest of their lives. Then it was time for their vows.

As the priest started to talk and Leon and Morgana were repeating, saying their vows Arthur's eyes wandered over to Merlin who was sat watching the bride and groom with a smile on his face until he caught Arthur staring, turning to look at his boyfriend Merlin winked and blew a kiss, smiling when Arthur winked back before facing the front again as he was asked for the rings.

"Leon," Morgana began, "you are the best thing that ever happened to me and will ever happen to me. You are the person I see growing old with, the person I see sitting on the front porch with me when we are old and grey. I see us having a life, a future together, a happy one where we better each other every day. I honestly do not think I could live without you because you are my rock, my light, the thing that brings me back onto the right path when I stray. I love you, I love you, I love you, and telling you will never grow old."

The man in front of her smiled, eyes watering slightly as he began, "Morgana, you are everything to me, and every day I question how a wonderful person like you could have ever fallen in love with a person like me. I don't live up to you and I don't think I ever will, but I will never stop trying to. You are the most amazing person I have and ever will meet. The first time I saw you, I swear, I knew you were it for me, you were where I finally stopped and took a chance on forever, and with you, that thought is not as scary. I love you, but I don't think those words could ever truly encompass all that I truly feel for you, but in order to try, I will tell you every morning, every night, every hour, that I do love you."

"Do you Leon Knight take this woman to be your wedded wife? Do you promise to love her, comfort her, honour and keep her in sickness and in health, remaining faithful to her as long as you both shall live?"

"I do."

"Do you Morgana Pendragon take this man to be your lawful wedded husband? Do you promise to love him, comfort him, honour and keep him in sickness and in health, remaining faithful to him as long as you both shall live?"

"I do." Morgana whispered.

"Then I now pronounce you husband and wife, you may kiss your bride."

Leon moved forwards and cupped Morgana's face in his hands and kissed her.

As all the guests started to clap, Merlin stood up and called out to Arthur before chucking a camera which the blond caught and took pictures of Leon and Morgana's first kiss as a married couple.

Once Arthur took some pictures he chucked the camera back over to Merlin who then started to take the pictures as Morgana and Leon signed the license.

Arthur who also had to sign as witness and best man frowned at Merlin when the brunet wrapped his fingers around his wrist and pulled him from the church with all the other guests. "Merlin what's the hurry?"

"Stand there." Merlin said and handed him a box before standing facing him.

Arthur looked down at the box. "Confetti. Oh I am with you now."

Merlin just laughed before throwing his up in the air as Morgana and Leon walked out of the church, the photographer so far in front taking pictures of the newly wedded couple. When all the photos were taken everyone got into their cars and headed to where the reception was being held.

At the reception after the meals had been eaten and the speeches had been made Arthur made his way over and sat by Merlin, taking his hand in his as the brunet watched Morgana and Leon dance their first dance as a married couple. "They make a gorgeous couple don't they."

"I have been told the same about us." Arthur said. "Want to dance?"

Merlin looked to the dance floor and saw others joining along with Morgana and Leon before looking back at the blond. "Dancing in public?"

Arthur smiled, remembering the last time there was a party and they were to dance outside. "Yes." he said as he stood up and led Merlin to the dance floor, taking his lovers hand in his Arthur pulled him close and slowly started to sway.

"Much better. Nice dancing among others." Merlin hummed looking Arthur up and down in his suit. "Mm when do you think is a good time to go?"

Arthur laughed. "Not yet why?"

"You in that suit Arthur it has been killing me all day."

"You don't think you are having the same effect on me?"

Merlin smiled and kissed Arthur before holding him closer as they continued to dance.

As the evening wore on and some of the older guests started to leave Morgana stood up on stage. "Okay I want to thank you all for coming, as you know me and Leon will be leaving shortly but you are all welcome to stay and enjoy the rest of the night. Before we go I am to chuck my bouquet so come on all you who are single or those who are already with someone but not yet married."

She laughed when straight away there was a crowd in front of her, she looked over to Leon who smiled and nodded at her. "Okay get ready." she said as she turned so far around she looked over her shoulder before facing away again she chucked the bouquet in the air and straight away turned around to face the front.

Merlin who had been sitting and laughing with Arthur jumped when the bouquet landed in his lap, he looked down at the flowers and up to Arthur who had gone quiet and sat staring at the flowers. Sighing he picked them up and chucked them towards the crowd who started to fight to get them. "Nice try Morgana." he called out.

He looked over at Arthur and placed his hand on the blond's cheek who blinked and looked at him. "Don't read too much into Arthur, Leon probably told her what you said at the church and our conversation that followed, she is just having a little fun."

Just then Morgana walked over to them both and hugged Arthur. "It was a joke Arthur. I now have my life with Leon, I will leave you to live yours how you see fit and just be there." she said, kissing her brother on the cheek. "I promise."

Arthur smiled and stood up to hug his sister properly. "I know. Now go and enjoy your honeymoon."

"Oh I will." Morgana said, hugging Merlin she then started to say her goodbyes with Leon.

Arthur watched his sister hug a few people, Leon shaking their hands before turning to Merlin who was watching the couple with a smile on his face. "Are you ready to go?"

"I am."

"Shall we go home then?"

Merlin looked at Arthur to see him looking a little nervous. "Home?"

"Yes. Merlin the nights you are not at mine or me at yours I hate, I no longer like waking up alone or spending the evenings watching telly alone."

"What are you saying?" Merlin whispered, his eyes not leaving Arthur's.

"Will you move in with me? Make my house our house? Our own home?"

"Really?"

"Yes Merlin. I love you and I want to live with you."

"I love you too Arthur and yes." Merlin laughed, so happy. "Yes please."

"Oh good."

Merlin laughed and kissed Arthur before hugging him. "Why so nervous asking?"

"I was afraid you would say no."

"Arthur we have been going out for just over a year now, in all that time when have I ever said no to you?"

"Never."

Merlin smiled. "And I never will." he answered.

Arthur let out a sigh of relief and pulled Merlin into a tight hug, he always believed he was never to be happy, he would go through life getting hurt over and over again, he never thought that when he met Merlin that day that all of that would change and he would actually get his happy ending. It was all thanks to Merlin and if Arthur had the chance and he believed he did, he would spend the rest of his life thanking the man he loved, Merlin.

The end.

Can't believe it is over. I want to thank GDAE24 for her help with the Ygraine/Morgana moment and writing the vows, I also want to thank Kenya1234 for asking me to write this as it has been a pleasure to write. Thank you all for reading and I can only hope you have enjoyed reading it as much as I have writing it.

Review? xx