Chapter Text
As Arthur walked Merlin through the castle, making their way from his chambers back to Merlin's, he wondered if he was the only one who felt a slight buzz of nerves. He'd explained who would be in Gaius' chambers, but he worried that Merlin didn’t understand. So as they climbed the tower stairs and approached the door, Arthur braced himself for a scene that might hurt.
He knocked and pushed the door open, stepping in ahead of Merlin. At the table, Hunith stood up, meeting his eyes. Arthur gave her what he hoped was an encouraging smile, then turned.
“Merlin,” he said, putting his hand on Merlin's elbow, “This is your mother. Hunith.”
“Hello, Merlin,” Hunith said, beaming.
“My…” Merlin said, trailing off. Slowly, he stepped across the stone floor, growing closer to Hunith until he stood only a few feet away.
“It's all right if you don't remember me,” Hunith said softly, shooting Arthur a quick glance. Arthur could see her complete honesty. He ached with simultaneous relief that she understood and with pain that this was how it had to be. “I don't mind if you don't remember. And you can call me Hunith... if you'd like to.”
Arthur couldn't see Merlin's face. But he could hear him give a faint wheeze, like the wind had been knocked out of him.
Hunith smiled, seeing something in his face, and her mouth began to tremble as she fought tears.
“Mother,” Merlin whispered with meaning. He twitched a little, and Hunith closed the distance between them and wrapped him in a hug.
Merlin didn't like to be touched, except by Arthur, who he still pulled away from at times. But now Merlin buried his face in his mother's shoulder, beginning to cry, and used both his arms to hug her back tightly.
“Oh Merlin,” Hunith said, kissing the side of his head and stroking his hair. “Merlin. It's all right. I'm here.”
“Mother,” Merlin repeated, almost wailing, and Arthur felt his eyes begin to burn.
He hurriedly stepped out into the stairwell and closed the door behind him, rubbing his eyes with one hand as he afforded them some privacy.