Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

"Sir? Can I help you with something? You usually aren't the one who calls first," she said with a small, almost unnoticeable chuckle
It's the first thing I ever hear when I call my assistant, Sarah
"I need everything for the next few weeks to be cancelled or moved on my calendar. I need to be home for a while." I'm completely sure she heard the urgent tone in my voice, and without another word, she wishes me well and is off the phone.
I don't know why this suddenly happened. On the rare occasion, my magic has had mishaps when I'm near something of historical importance or something that reminds me of Camelot or …Him.
My headache is growing, and I think it's best to sleep most of this 12-hour flight away; maybe I'll wake up and this annoying throb in the back of my head will be magically gone.
At Lake Avalon (3rd person pov), 10 hours later
It's a bright and warm summer's day, a little too bright for the eyes of 11 dead people. They were all quite confused when they woke up on the shores of Lake Avalon, warm waters soaking them to the bone. Many of the same questions flooded their mind's, but no one dared speak. How had they gotten here? Why were they here? Was this real?
Arthur broke the unbearable silence with a slight cough, followed by his dry yet smooth voice
"...So are we all aware this is not a dream?" It slightly hurt to speak as if he'd not spoken in years, and he needed to drink something
Morgana followed with "Yes Arthur, we are all actually here, it's not a dream." In a joking manner, trying to lighten up the tense atmosphere
His sister's voice was sweet and warm, just as he remembered, before she had gone mad with power. This was the sister he wanted back all those years ago
They all sat on the ground in a circle for about an hour or two, trying to figure out a few different things
One, how long it had been since they all died, and two, if they should go up the hill to the massive castle-like manor that sat not far from where they'd woken up, no one wanted to just walk over there, so they all kept their eye on it.
With Merlin (1st person)
I had called the housekeepers a few hours ago and informed them I would be home shortly, so no need to go feed the dogs or horses; I can handle that when I get in. The closer and closer I get to home, I feel this pulling or a tug on my chest as if something is waiting for me. If I weren't stupid, I'd say it was Arthur, but after all these years its clear Kilgharrah lied to me, maybe to bring me comfort or so I would take Arthur's death better, I'm not sure.
I get through the doors and, of course, am flooded with my 3 dogs welcoming me home with kisses and tackling me to the ground. I bring my bags in and just stand there for a minute. I'm glad to be back. The dogs are barking at the back door, so I walk through a few rooms to let them out. They probably want go and play by the lake. Just as I'm fidgeting with the keys, my eyes catch a small glance at something. Something that if I hadn't looked again, I would have never believed, I finally get the door open, and the dogs step outside, now noticing the 11 people sat in a circle, that can't be real, this is a sick dream. I rest my hands on the porch railing to hopefully ground myself more. I almost passed out. But not before remembering the dogs are out, and let's say they are very protective of me and can be easily aggressive, that's when I see Hades dashing at the group of people.

Chapter Text

My head is pounding, I can’t see straight, and I fear this is finally my end. I’ve lost it, I must have because what I'm seeing right now isn't real. It never was and never has been before.
I've seen this scene millions of times in the past millennium, I'll bet slightly differently each time. With certain people there or not there.

But even though I don’t believe it's real, why is Hades running over there?
Wait. No. HADES STOP

“Platz!” Merlin’s Voice echoed heavy and thick in his Irish accent, and the whole world seemed to skid to a clean stop for a few seconds.

One
Two
Three

As Hades broke into a down position mere inches away from the circle of utterly baffled people. Dead people, may I add? They weren't meant to be here. Or were they?
Lancelot was the first to break the fragile, almost glass-like stillness

“Merlin…?” Even he wasn't sure if the person he was looking at was the scrawny, thin manservant he knew years ago. He looked completely different now; he filled his clothes out more, was slightly taller and even looked to be growing stubble around his jawline.

Four
Five
Six

Both Blade and Exy(short for Excalibur) had now sat down close by Hades in a trap-like structure around the intruders. All three switch their target every so often to another member of the party, Unwilling to leave a potential threat unwatched.

Seven
Eight
Nine

Count. That's what I have to do, and they will fade away back into my imagination… Like always

“Merlin!!” It's Arthur this time who dares speak up; he’s stood up now, trying to get a closer look at the man he thought he’d never see again. One step was all it took for a deep growl to be admitted by the 3 wolf-like dogs surrounding them. Arthur retracts his foot, not wanting to lose a limb just after waking up from death. Literally.

Ten
*Why were they still here? Usually, I can ground myself after 5 seconds. I’d got the time down from 25 minutes, and here I was standing leaning against the railing of my balcony watching 11 people who are dead, and I believed were never returning to me, at the water's edge of the lake I sent them into over 2000 years ago.

Finally, after another 37 seconds of Merlin blinking his eyes staring at them, he finally breaks, realising he’s either 1. Having such a realistic nightmare on his jet has fallen into a coma. Or 2. Kilgharrah hadn’t lied to him when he was a young lad.

“Hier.” I call out to my dogs, clear and firm. They all turn and come running back to my side, but not going inside. They stay to watch the random people in their territory.

Merlin looks each of them in the eyes before his hand beckons them closer, and he retreats into the house with the dogs following soot. And it takes a few seconds of slow breathing and blinking for them to move. Gwaine is the first to stand up tall and follow Merlin's call. And by that time, they had all started to move.
All except Arthur, he was so confused about what had happened. To Merlin, to himself. But he moves behind the group, staying close together in case of attack.

Chapter Text

The glass almost shatters into pieces when I slam it down on the counter, Its contents spill over the edge and mingle with the puddle of tears left by my wilting eyes just moments prior.
I look back at them… they’re just sitting in my living room like it's a normal Tuesday morning! It's not even Tuesday… I must have finally lost my mind!

No

No no Merlin don't spiral again. Not now, not right here! Maybe i should call Sarah or even Doctor Kit to ask about upping my dose, my eyes flicker over to the golden hair I long to run my fingers through.

Is it him?

I need to stop.

I can't let myself feed into these delusions.. It will only make it harder to get back on track when they vanish, whenever that will be.

I shoot up straight and spin on my heels, glass in hand when I hear a loud yelp. No one's hurt thank the gods.. But I hadn't noticed my phone ringing next to Gwaine (the one who made that noise).

It must have startled him.

I walk over a pick up the device, it's still buzzing and playing a spice girls song until i flick up on the screen and a clear voice rings out

“Good evening sir, i just wanted to inform you tha-” Before Sarah can continue Arthur and the Knights are standing swords drawn(damn i hadn't noticed they had those) pointing it at the small box in my hand.

“MERLIN PUT IT DOWN QUICK! IT COULD BE CURSED OR DANGEROUS!!” (if its cured its probably dangerous Arthur..) Arthurs yelling at the top of his lungs, clearly concerned by my nonchalant approach. It makes me chuckle before I push the blade of his sword down with my pointer and middle finger, trying to ease some concern. He seems more bewildered by this movement but lets the blade drop slightly, His tight grip never leaving its hilt though.

“Sorry, continue Sarah.” I place the phone against my ear, holding it up with my shoulder as I walk back to the bar to refill my glass.

“Mhmm.”
“Okay, no that's fine thank you.”
“That will be all have a good night sugar, buh-bye”

The call didn't last long, she just was running a few updates by me letting me know the next few weeks are all cleared for my vacation time and telling me to check in if i needed her. Of course she's worried about me. She's an absolute sweetheart and so caring.

I lean my elbows back on the bar counter as I put the phone down and look back over my valley of very much not dead ghosts. What do I do with them all? I mean I have the space of course… But is it selfish of me to wish it was just Arthur? So I could have him stay in my bed without explaining to the others or myself.
I try to push those thoughts out of my head, I don't need any unnecessary reactions happening.

“Sooo … Um yeah i have nothing prepared for this” i admit after 1175 years i gave up on him ever returning 100% and i forgot every planned out speech i made in that time rather fast, i can't muster the energy to give a toothy grin.

“Of course you don’t Mer-linn u never was one for preparing or getting things done on time were you?” Arthurs thick, rich old British accent rings out, his lips pop as he sounds out my name, as if it's a title. Oh and how it brings me back to Camelot, to the castle… to him.

“Yes, well when you wait as long as I have Ar-thurr… you lose a few details along the way.” I retaliate of course, I can't have that man thinking he can bad mouth me in my own home and get away with it, or he’ll get used to being in charge again.. Not that I would mind that.

I check the clock ‘02:23’ it reads. Late. not for me, but i don't know how long they were sat there, lords they must be exhausted.

“Anyway I know you must all have questions .. as do i. But you're all probably tired so why don't we all head to bed and we can talk about um this tomorrow morning?” i hope and pray to the gods that this works

They all glance around before small murmurs and versions of ‘yeah’ or ‘i suppose’ are heard, i let out a sign of relief i wasn't aware i was holding.

—TimeSkip—

Everyone's in their own rooms. Everyone except Him.

“I would have thought you’d want first pick sire? It's not fit for a prince to pick last-” I'm cut off when Arthurs rushes forward, both hands holding my face. I can feel the rough calluses on his hands as his lips meet mine.

I freeze.

He pulls away. “Sorry but I've waited, I don't even know how many years to do that. After how I left you last time, I couldn't bear to throw the chance away when it's given to me like this. To even think I might never get the chance to kiss you after tonight.” he's rambling but i couldn't care, the sweet soft ring of his voice fills my ears to the brim and i never want it to stop. I finally break and tears run race tracks down my cheeks, and down Arthurs hands. It catches his attention, “Merlin..? Are you okay?” he asks, voice no just barely above a whisper, he's careful not to jolt me maybe he's scared I'll crack like glass and never full be repaired

“No.. but you’re here now” As the final word falls from between my teeth I fall into his arms sobbing. I can't stop and centuries upon centuries of holding back pain and tears finally crack and before I can stop the tap… it's pouring out all onto my king. He holds me on the floor of my living room, his arms wrapped around me. Trying to tell me that he’ll never let go. Not this time. And not ever

But I don't believe him.

Chapter Text

Sharp rays of sunlight are what greet my eyes once I’ve opened them. I’m warm, which is unnatural for me since I run cold most months, even in summer. It is the main reason why I had heated floors installed across the whole house.
As I attempt to sit up i notice the arms wrapped around my waist, holding me down. It stuns me for a moment, that had been a dream, right? I was sure I had drank myself to sleep last night, which would make sense as to why I am asleep on the sofa in my living room.

I was wrong.

It was definitely not a dream; the realisation is accompanied by the sound of the fire alarm going off and the dogs barking. It wakes Arthur, and in seconds, he’s up on his feet, and I am dropped on the floor.

So much for never letting me go. Alas i have to fix whatever the knights have broken in the kitchen.
As I stand up, Arthur wraps an arm around the small of my back. “What is that noise, Merlin.” He’s clearly on edge, I can tell by the fact that his hand is trembling and he's sweating buckets.

“Just the fire alarm, I'll explain later lets go check the kitchen first.” I try to ease some of his worry, it doesn't work, but he trusts me enough to agree.

I walk around the corner and see Gwaine trying to put out a fire on the counter; Morganan looks stressed and panicking.

Its extinguished with a wave of my hand. And you can hear the relief that settles over everyone. Exy trots over to me, wanting some attention and probably breakfast.
Wait, what time is it? I check my phone 10:47. That's late, for me anyway.

“All right, everyone out of the kitchen!” It doesn't take them long to settle just outside the border, still watching me though.
“I'll feed the dogs, and make us all breakfast before heading to the stable and feeding the horses and letting them out, and then we can finally talk.” I raise my eyebrow at them, no one complains.

The silence is broken quickly by Leon “Merlin, what is for breakfast? We tried to cook but couldn't figure out where the fire was, it got outta hand.”
“Clearly,” I sigh, to think I was gonna have a relaxing time at home. I look up at them to see their upset faces, some sad, some disappointed. “I'm not mad, don't worry, I'm joking.” I let out a small laugh, and that seems to do the trick of lightening the mood.
“And to answer your questions, that entirely depends on what you all want. I was planning a full English breakfast.”

Percival is the next to speak, “If that's what you think is best merlin.”
“Right then, do you all wish to watch or join me for the day before we talk. Oh, and I need to get some clothes for you all to change into, i cant imagine those are comfortable.”
I should have gotten them clothes last night, but I was just too out of it. I didn't even think about that.

It's not like it takes much effort, and I think explaining to them how to wear modern clothes would take too long, so I change them myself. It only takes 1 snap of my fingers, and they have brand new clothes, mostly comfortable day clothes, joggers, hoodies, those sorts of things. Along with changing myself into a pair of grey joggers and a black tank top.