Chapter Text
Epilogue
"I've never seen him so happy."
Max smiled slightly at his bartender's words, watching his best friend sway peacefully in his boyfriend's arms. Three months had passed since that faithful night that he had found Merlin drowning his sorrows in a bottle in his bar, and his friend finally seemed at peace. The raven haired man had slowed his drinking and kicked his drug habit all together, and was now two months sober. It lightened his heart immensely to see that the younger man wasn't suffering anymore and he had Arthur to thank for it.
The blonde had whipped his friend into shape, the only person he'd ever met that could not only withstand Merlin's sharp tongue but match the musician barb for barb. It was probably what had made Merlin fall so in love with the man in the first place.
"He's smiling." The bartender stated in awe and Max's smile widened when he saw the beautiful dimpled smile curling across Merlin's lips, his blue eyes soft as they stared up at the man holding him.
He'd never seen Merlin smile like that before.
It wasn't the self-decapitating grin that the man sometimes gave, nor was it the razor sharp smile, he sent the people that pissed him off. No, this grin was warm and full of happiness, lighting up the room around the tattooed man like a beacon.
"Sing for me." Arthur murmured and Merlin's smile became a shy little thing, his pale cheeks dusted a faint pink.
"Okay."
Max smirked.
His friend really was heads over heels for the man.
Merlin and Arthur. He shook his head with a soft chuckle. Well, history had always said they were two sides of a whole.
Merlin bit his lip as he stepped onto the stage, blue eyes seeking out Arthur's. His king had been nothing but supportive in his fight to stay clean and somehow it just made Merlin fall more in love with the man. His love was obvious to anyone with eyes and even Mrs. Davis had commented on it when she had returned, he relief that Arthur had managed to save him plain to see on her face.
It almost made him feel bad, and yet he knew if he had to go back and do it all again, he would. Because Arthur was worth it.
Arthur was worth everything.
He smiled, and began to play, his eyes locked with his master's.
"This song, is dedicated to you. I love you so much and I thank you. For everything."
The crowd looked around for the person he was talking about but he only had eyes for his lover who's lips curled into a warm smile.
You're my world
The shelter from the rain
You're the pills
That take away my pain
You're the light
That helps me find my way
You're the words
When I have nothing to say
He thought of all the days Arthur had held him as he hid away from the world, his body frail and wrought with withdrawals. Of how the man would whisper endearments in his ear and stroke his hair as he sobbed in his arms. Of how even all those years ago, it was always Arthur or the thought of him that put him back together.
And in this world
Where nothing else is true
Here I am
Still tangled up in you
I'm still tangled up in you
Still tangled up in you
He watched his master's eyes soften, still connected to his. His king stepped forward, smiling gently at him, their friend and family standing around him with tears in their eyes. His heart fluttered in his chest, the jagged pieces seemingly cementing themselves together.
You're the fire
That warms me when I'm cold
You're the hand
I have to hold as I grow old
You're the shore
When I am lost at sea
You're the only thing
That I like about me
He could see couples swaying together to the song, staring into each other's eyes and he felt something warm inside of him. Gwen and Lancelot, Gwaine and Percival, even Leon and Morgana, they were all holding each other, their lover palpable in the thickening atmosphere.
And in this world
Where nothing else is true
Here I am
Still tangled up in you
I'm still tangled up in you
A deep voice joined his adding a part in the song and melding as if it were his own and he almost jumped when he realized that his lover had vanished. Then strong, thick arms wound themselves around his waist, the deeper voice over his own, sounding in his ear.
How long has it been
Since this storyline began
And I hope it never ends
And goes like this forever
Many in the crowd smiled at them, including Max and he relaxed, feeling Arthur rest his chin on his shoulder. Gods, he wouldn't trade this man for the world.
In this world
Where nothing else is true
Here I am
Still tangled up in you
Tangled up in you
I'm still tangled up in you
Still tangled up in you
The audience cheered loudly as the song ended and he blushed shyly, shivering as Arthur stood and released him. He turned to question the man only for him to move in front of him and get down on one knee. His heart skipped a beat in his chest, and he gasped.
"Ar-Arthur?"
The blond smiled at him, and took his hand, removing a small velvet box from his pocket. Inside was beautiful gold ring, with a small bold red ruby in it, the band slender and engraved with the words "Forever yours".
"Merlin, I love you. We both know I'm terrible at describing my feelings and expressing them but this is something that I don't doubt ever. You have always been at my side. First as my conscious, then as my advisor, then my friend, and now I have the honor of calling you my lover. However, I would like to have you at my side one last time, as my husband. Will you marry me?"
Merlin swallowed, staring at his lover stunned, his blue eyes full of unshed tears. Around them, the room went silent, everyone staring at the couple hopefully.
Then Merlin smiled.
A wide grin brighter than any star they'd ever seen lit his face and he nodded.
"Yes."
Arthur let out a side of relief, then smiled back, and slid the ring onto his finger before pulling him into a passionate kiss. Around them, the room erupted into applause, and Arthur pulled his fiancée closer, wrapping his hands around his slim waist.
A tear slid down Merlin's cheek and he pulled away with a soft smile.
"Don't leave me alone." He whispered softly and Arthur kissed him chastely.
"Never again." He promised before he smirked. "You get into too much trouble when I'm gone."
Merlin released a broken laugh and kissed him again.
"The balance has been restored." Kilgarrah observed, able to feel through his bond to the last Dragon Lord that he was no longer close to breaking.
"Merlin is happy." Aithusa agreed curling up beside the elder dragon.
"He is. They will live a long happy life."
"Should we tell him that Arthur is immortal now?"
Kilgarrah smirked, curling protectively around the young one.
"They'll figure it out."
Fin.