Disclaimer: I own nothing!

Rating: M for graphic MalexMale sex scene

Spoilers: Up to the end of Series 2, AU after that

A/N: Sorry this took so long guys! I was part of a wedding and this week just kind of got out of hand helping the bride and groom! _ I do so hate being apart of weddings! And also sorry about last chapter, I edited one last time on the ff site and added the preview but apparently it didn't go through! So my hint about the epilogue was never known! T^T Oh well, makes it a better surprise I suppose! This will be my last uploading for this fic for a while, though I may come back with little snipets here and there so keep me on alert! You know, if you want... I am currently working on an X-Men:First Class fic as well as another Merlin one (the Merlin one is really challenging me because I have to write songs which I am total crap at, but hey! the idea is worth it!) Hopefully you guys have enjoyed this story and will continue to support me in my writing foray! Love you guys! Enjoy!

Epilogue

~5 Years Later~

Arthur stared out their bedroom window as the sun rose over Camelot. Merlin had been visiting Morgana in the Druid camp for the last three days, an agreement they had come upon in the following peace talks.

Morgana had been so upset over the loss of her sister, so angry at Uther, it had taken a fight between Merlin and her, sorceress against warlock to finally get her to just listen to reason. But finally, while Morgana was on her back telling Merlin to finish her just as he tried to do before, Merlin got her to listen to him.

He decided to start by telling her everything. Everything that he had suffered under: watching his father die after only knowing him a day, the times his mother had been attacked and he could do nothing even though he was the strongest man in his village, but most importantly he told her about how sorry he was that he had to kill her that day. That it had been the toughest decision he had to make at that point.

Morgana had laughed at his pain, still not wanting to let go of her hate. It was at that point that Merlin remembered the one person that Morgana might still be willing to fight for, willing to let go of her hate for: Mordred.

The Druids and Mordred were on much better terms with Arthur and Merlin now that magic was allowed in Camelot and Merlin was Court Sorcerer helping those around their kingdom. Mordred and Merlin had a relationship now of almost mentorship. Merlin explaining the world of magic, of how dark magic could rampage your soul while good magic could help the world around you, enhance it even.

Mordred had been just as hateful as Morgana at first, but the more Merlin and he discussed magic the more Mordred began to respect Merlin, began to understand his place in helping Camelot. Mordred wanted to help the King and warlock that were making it safer for their kind once more. Merlin had even admitted in the quiet of the bedroom that he thought Mordred would make a fine apprentice to him one day, taking over his duties as Court Sorcerer when Merlin deemed himself ready to retire.

It was therefore using Mordred that Merlin and Morgana's relationship began to repair. Her heart was softened with Mordred to take care of and be with. The Druids were therefore a necessary visit for Merlin every few weeks for keeping up with Morgana and Mordred, as well as a time for learning and sharing between all the magic-users. Through Merlin's efforts they had gained strong allies as well as providing Merlin the opportunity to feel out what he could expect as the Court Sorcerer.

Arthur was waiting for his warlock lost in thought about what they would do upon his return, when a knock sounded on the door. After giving his permission to enter, a guard from the front steps entered carrying a basket. If that sight wasn't strange enough, the basket was slightly moving as well as emanating strange noises.

The guard held it away from his body, as if the creature inside were going to jump out and attack him. The king didn't know what to make of the strange sight. Obviously the guard didn't deem whatever was inside the basket too worrisome or dangerous as he was bringing it to the king in his bedchamber.

Making his way over, the King peered inside the basket. In it was a small baby, its eyes wide open as it gnawed on its tiny fist.

The King couldn't help himself as he let out a quiet "awww" and reached into the basket, removing the baby from its confines. "Where did you find him?"

Shaking his head, the guard looked down at the basket, "It was the strangest thing, Sire. One minute the square was empty, the next there was this basket on the top palace step."

The baby giggled and reached for Arthur as if delighted to find himself under the King's attention. "Nothing else happened? No noise, no people in the near vicinity, no movement you could make out?"

Shaking his head the guard regarded the baby with clear confusion, "The only thing other than the baby's cries in the basket was a strong wind that suddenly picked up at the time, my Lord, nothing more."

Looking down at the baby in his arms, Arthur thought onto a time where another wind and baby had affected his life so greatly. "I see, have the kitchen send up warm milk for him and then send for Gaius; that is all."

Bowing the guard went to carry out the king's orders, leaving the King and the small baby alone. The child could not have been more than a year old; this could not possibly be that same child as before could it? It was definitely the work of a magical person though that did not tell him much now days.

He needed Merlin here. He didn't think this child could be used as a trap against him. (Hardly any magical person dared to try anything on Camelot now- fear of Merlin and Arthur's efforts toward bringing peace around the many kingdoms guaranteed that) but there was always the off chance that it was someone who felt wronged by Arthur and was seeking revenge.

Looking at the child though, Arthur just couldn't see how it was possible. The baby had a tight grip on Arthur's shirt and was laughing in that way that only an infant can.

A maid entering with a bottle of warm milk and Gaius interrupted his fun with the child soon enough. After a thorough examination by Gaius and a feeding/burping (He was slightly grateful for the time spent with Gwen and Lancelot's little one when she was nothing more than an infant-he knew nothing of taking care of a child before that point.) the baby was declared as just a normal little boy.

After his feeding the baby had let out a yawn and fallen asleep. He asked the maid to watch the infant in the adjacent servant's quarters, while the King waited for his Court Sorcerer.

The baby had spit up on his shirt, so Arthur decided to change into his royal robes without the help of his lover. (He had wanted to play the game where Merlin pretended he was still his manservant and he merely the Prince) As he began to change he thought about the child and what it could mean. He would not lie and say that he didn't see the newest citizen of Camelot showing up at that exact moment as a sign. Arthur had wanted for a while now to broach the subject with Merlin about his naming an heir. Perhaps going to the church where so many children became abandoned and him and Merlin having a go as parents. It was just in the beginning stages of a thought for him though, he hadn't even decided if he wanted to broach the subject with Merlin yet and here was this baby.

While behind the changing screen he heard the tell-tale pop that came when Merlin teleported back with his magic. (Though the Druids were now accepted and protected in Camelot there were still kingdoms that hunted the Druids in fear. For this reason Merlin never traveled by horse when visiting the magical folk, using the greatest discretion to keep them safe.)

Coming round the screen, still half-naked, he embraced Merlin from behind and kissed his neck, the other man letting out a soft sigh and sagging into Arthur's embrace.

It was always so hard for the two of them being out of each other's reach. It was something they would have to deal with for the rest of their lives but at least now that Merlin was declared as his official Consort and Court Sorcerer they could be open with their affections (Merlin was still opposed to too much public displays but Arthur had no such problems. He loved showing everyone just who Merlin belonged to.)

"God, I missed you. It feels so good to be home." Arthur hummed quietly, swaying a bit with Merlin, savoring the man's body before they would have to talk about the infant in the next room. (He had such plans too, he didn't wake up early for just anything)

Eventually Merlin turned around and started a slow passionate kiss, roaming his hands down Arthur's body reveling in the intimacy of the moment. (It was rare with the two's busy schedule.)

But when Merlin began making his way into his pants Arthur knew he had to stop the proceedings to deal with their newest visitor to the kingdom. "Wait, wait, Merlin as much as I would love to continue, someone arrived at the castle while you were away."

Merlin stared back at him confused and flushed (Oh, was he hard to resist right now.) "What do you mean a visitor?"

"Before you arrived a basket was found on the palace steps containing a baby. The guards didn't hear or see anyone place it there, just felt a strong wind before finding the baby, sound familiar?"

Merlin stepped back from Arthur, when the two were too close together it really was impossible to think of anything but sex, "What do you mean familiar? Arthur what are you talking about?"

Arthur smiled at his Court Sorcerer, he could be so protective some times (he was the only one that Arthur would ever allow to think like that, that he needed protection from the world. The only one he trusted to let his guard down around) "Let me go get him."

Arthur made his way toward the servant quarters and got the baby from the maid, the little guy was still sleeping so Merlin merely raised his eyes at Arthur when he made his way over to him. "I think he might be the same baby the witch who placed the lullaby spell on me had with her at times."

"How could that be possible Arthur? That was 5 years ago. That child should be at least six by now." Before being able to voice any theory that he may have developed, Arthur and Merlin felt a wind begin to consume the room.

Merlin readied himself in front of Arthur and the baby, but when the same woman appeared next to the window she looked so strange that Merlin didn't immediately attack. She was see-through, like a shadowy image of the person they had met so long ago.

Arthur checked on the baby but he was sleeping soundly, probably used to the wind created by the sorceress. "I see gentleman that my son has been safely ensconced to your care. I placed this message spell to activate when the both of you were within 2 feet of my boy, hopefully ensuring that you were alone. I have sent my boy to a point in the future where you have resolved many of your issues with your greatest enemies and are on the verge of peace. You may be wondering why the woman who meddled so much in your lives has sent her child to you so long after our last meeting. I discovered long ago the appointment of my own death, it is a terrible curse to be a powerful seer, because before we learn true control we see many things that we wish we didn't. My misfortune was knowing that soon after my child was born I would die. Because of this I did my best to assure the best fit for my child later on for when he would grow up and become the powerful seer that I foresee in his future, you two as the parents of my boy will lead to a series of great leaders in the world of great magical prowess."

The woman began to tear up and reach out to her infant son, "I want more than anything to raise my son but by the time he reaches your time I will have long passed. I have sent my son ahead in time to a place where you and Merlin are capable in your lives to best take care of him. I know you resent me and perhaps still hate me even, but I know that you two are an impressive team and will make the best choice as parents for my child. Please, if you can, please take care of my child in the way that I can't."

With this last plea toward the two, the woman began to fade leaving the two flabbergasted and staring at where the woman had once been. They both looked at the child asleep in the king's arms at the same time. "He, she left, I don't…" Merlin tried to stammer something but he was overwhelmed, she had left her child to them? She wanted them to raise him? True Arthur and Merlin were officially recognized as a couple and Arthur made it very clear that he would never take a queen. But could they handle raising a child together? The more Merlin thought about it the more he realized that he did want to raise a child with Arthur, that he did want to be a parent.

"If anyone can be parents to him, it would be us Merlin." Merlin raised his eyes quickly to Arthur's, who still had his gaze trained lovingly on the baby in his arms. Arthur met the gaze of his Court Sorcerer, "I know it seems crazy and out of the blue, but Merlin I think this child was meant to be ours, to rule over Camelot after we pass away; to help lead the future generations toward a land of peace and prosperity. What do you think, Merlin?"

Merlin smiled fondly at Arthur, with everyone else he was the strong King of Camelot but alone they were Merlin and Arthur, two men who loved each other and depended on each other. This decision was one they would have to make together, but Merlin knew in his heart what the answer was. Even now Arthur looked at the child with a fondness Merlin rarely saw in his love. Arthur with that child looked right, but could they do this? Take care and raise a child while changing the world around them? There was a heavy gauntlet placed on both Merlin and Arthur. They were both the visionaries and sought after leaders of the newly developing Avalon. Throwing a child into that mix, was that really what was best for a child's future?

Arthur looked at his silent partner; the man had his eyebrows scrunched up in thought, staring intently at the sleeping baby in Arthur's arms. The King decided on the course of action that he knew would convince him that he was right. Stepping into Merlin's space Arthur lowered the sleeping baby into his former manservant's arms. Merlin scrambled to make sure the baby was placed properly in his arms when Arthur randomly dumped the sleeping tike in his arms.

Merlin glared at Arthur about to give his lover a piece of his mind when a noise below him caused him to look down at the baby in his arms. The baby must have been awoken by the transfer of arms and now looked at Merlin in wonder. Just as he had done that day in the forest when his mother had told Merlin of her actions, the small baby reached up his hand at Merlin. Merlin's heart swelled at the tiny baby's actions. Rearranging himself so that he could hold the baby with one arm Merlin allowed for his finger to be in close proximity to the questing hand and was rewarded with a smiling baby that gurgled and cooed at the proffered fingers. Loving and happy the baby proceeded to kick his feet and shake his arms in glee.

Looking up at Arthur, who was smiling in adoration at the show of joy from the little one, Merlin knew that they could do this. It would take a lot more planning and each would have to make concessions in their lives but they could raise this child, after all they could do anything together. "I guess there is only one thing left to discuss."

Arthur looked perplexed at his other half, "What?"

Merlin laughed as he looked down at the happy baby in his arms, "What do we name him? Or did the mother leave something in the basket he was found in."

Arthur got a perplexed look on his face, "Your right. He doesn't have a name. What name do you think best suits him?"

Merlin sat on the bed motioning for Arthur to come sit by him as well so they could both more comfortably look at their surprising new addition to their family. "I honestly have never given it any thought. My expectations for my life seem to get more and more wonderful the longer I am together with you."

Arthur smiled, loving when Merlin gave credit of his happiness to him, and leaned in to give him a sweet kiss over their son (that felt so good to say, Arthur already knew that he would love being a father to his son). When Arthur pulled back from the kiss he looked down once more at the child in Merlin's arms. "I always loved the name Aiden. He was a character in a story one of my nannies would tell me when I was younger. He was a warrior that always protected villagers and commoners from threats that somehow always involved an ogre in one way or another. I wanted to be just like Sir Aiden when I was a child and when I grew older I always thought that would be a good name for my son if I were lucky enough to have one."

Arthur looked to Merlin and noticed the man was smiling at him, "I love that name, Arthur. Aiden Pendragon, it sounds perfect."

Arthur was about to comment more on including Merlin's last name in their son's name when the aforementioned boy began to cry. Merlin grimaced as the smell of the Aiden's problem assaulted his nose. Turning to look at Arthur, who had obviously smelled it as well, Merlin smirked. "Ready for parenthood, Daddy?"

Laughing at the sharp look from Arthur, Merlin took one of their extra blankets from their bed and placed it on the table and motioned for Arthur to go get him a replacement cloth for the little one. As Arthur went to the connected chamber with a mutter of "show off", Merlin's only thought was about how happy he was and how content he hoped he would be in the future with Arthur and Aiden together.

That night the King and the Court Sorcerer found themselves in their bedroom after a harrowing day of filling out Court forms and going through procedures so that little Aiden would be the officially recognized heir to the throne of Camelot. They had then planned for a fest to be held in the baby's honor two days from now and a public announcement to the people of Camelot that the King and Court Sorcerer were raising the boy and that the lad would one day succeed Arthur.

It had been exhausting work and there was still more that had been needed to be taken care of. Merlin had magiced the adjacent room to be fully equipped for the child and had chosen two maids who were to change during the night so that Aiden would get round the clock care for while he slept.

Even now when Arthur was hard and wanting Merlin continued about the room making it so that they could be alerted should anything happen to their son. He had also brought in more spell books than Arthur had ever seen before about how to place the best protection spells upon the child.

Finally Arthur had enough, "Merlin, I am worried about Aiden's safety as much as you are but he will be fine until morning. You and I have not seen each other in days and we have so much to celebrate. Come to bed, we can discuss more of our plans to protect Aiden in the morning."

Merlin rounded on Arthur about to explain that he had just found a spell that would allow him to enchant an item of Aiden's to alert him if he were in pain, when he noticed the state of Arthur. The man was laying on his back(naked as he had tossed his royal garb and collapsed on the bed as soon as they had entered), his eyes tired but wanting and the part of Arthur that usually stole most of Merlin's attention away while in the bedroom wanting and hard. Merlin realized Arthur was right, remembering his need before he had teleported home, how much he had been looking forward to reuniting with Arthur both physically and emotionally.

Merlin muttered one more spell, then began to make his way slowly to the bed, a piece of clothing making its way off his body as he went till he settled himself naked over the king's prone form. The Court Sorcerer began to nibble and kiss his love's neck while speaking close to his lover's body in the way that he knew aroused him. "I just had a few more spells to place, but these were ones I was going to enact anyway when I returned home. The one I just performed made it so that no one can hear us in the hallways or the nearby rooms. We can scream and moan as loud as we want."

Arthur's trapped cock, twitched at the implications of what they could now do. "Brilliant" was the only reply he could think of.

Merlin nodded into his neck before righting himself and placing his hands on Arthur's chest. "The other is a spell that I think you will be very happy with." With these words and the sorcerer above him eyes turned gold (Merlin with each passing day was able to perform more and more complicated spells with just an utterance of it in his mind. It was always so breathtaking to watch his love work his magic.) and Arthur felt his own manhood become slick with oil while the man above him groaned and arched his back.

With a groan of realization, Arthur surged up and impaled himself in his love's magically stretched and lubricated hole, the feeling of being inside his lover after so many days intense and breathtaking. Merlin wasted no time and began to impale himself again and again on his beloved, groaning and screaming when his prostrate was found by his ministrations.

The two men began a rough and steady pace of Merlin raising himself with his knees while Arthur used his hips to rejoin Merlin quickly. The two let loose a stream of "I love you" grunts and sometimes screams when the pleasure became almost too much.

Arthur grabbed both of his love's hands from where they still lay on his chest, taking the control of the rhythm they had been enjoying and with a kiss to his love's wrist twisted them around so that Merlin was underneath him.

Placing their entwined hands on either side of Merlin's head, Arthur began to thrust into his manservant with abandon, taking great pleasure in how he could make Merlin scream and writhe beneath him.

Merlin couldn't last much longer though, the combined pleasure of Arthur hitting his prostrate, the feeling of his cock rubbing against Arthur's abdominals as he lay over him to thrust, he only needed a touch to his aching need to send him over the edge. "Arthur, I can't, I need you…."

Arthur, after many years of sharing the same bed with Merlin, knew what he meant. With one last kiss to the right wrist held in his hand, let go of said hand and wrapped his own around Merlin's weeping prick. With only two pulls Merlin was contracting around him letting loose cry after cry as he came, screaming Arthur's name as the king himself released his pleasure into the man he was buried in.

Arthur continued his slow thrusts until both he and his love were spent. With a grunt and a whimper from Merlin, he removed his spent cock from Merlin's hole. The warlock, with a glow of his eyes, cleaned them both up while also cleaning the sheets.

As both settled into each other's arms, Arthur choosing to rest his head on Merlin's chest and listen to his heart beat while Merlin took comfort in running his hands through Arthur's hair; they each let loose a contented sigh.

Arthur began to drift off into sleep, his warlock's fingers putting him at peace and bringing about the sense that all was right with the world. "Welcome home, Merlin.", being his last utterance before he let himself fall into unconsciousness.

Merlin smiled as he himself began to drift off himself content knowing that the spell he placed on his son's room would alert them should any mishap occur in the night. "It's good to be home, Love."

The End