Disclaimer: Gwaine keeps hitting on the nurses that come to bring me the funny green pills I'm supposed to take. They just look right past him like he's not even there. It's making him a bit surly. The rest of the man-harem is fine, though. These quack doctors will never convince me that Merlin isn't mine. Never!

Epilogue

A few years later

"Arthur?"

"Yes, Merlin?"

"I want to learn to use my magic."

"No."

"Why not?"

"It's still illegal. When I'm king, I'll lift the ban, and then we'll talk."

"Really?"

"Yes. But even then, I'm not sure I want you learning magic. You're far too much of an idiot to have that kind of power at your command."

"Oh. …Arthur?"

Sigh. "Yes, Merlin?"

"I already know how to use my magic."

"You're joking."

"Mm, no."

"Well, I'm sure you're not any good at it."

"Good enough to save your life repeatedly. And Camelot."

"Oh, for the love – "

"…Arthur?"

"Shut up, Merlin."

The End

Huge, heartfelt, adoring thanks to everyone who has reviewed, faved, and/or alerted! Cyber-hugs to you all!

Sooo… I see the future. Really. Yeah. And I'm pretty sure I might see some kind of sequel, set between Chapter 4 and the epilogue… but the image is vague, and I cannot tell when. I do have a feeling, though, that these events may come to pass sooner if I receive lots and lots of feedback. Bunches. So speed destiny along and drop me a quick note to tell me what you thought. Thanks!