Epilogue

Arthur gets a job at a newspaper a few weeks later. He's a fact checker. He tells Morgana, and Morgana tells Uther, and three weeks later, Uther calls Arthur to tell him he can move back in when he wants to.

Arthur isn't as pleased by the news as he thought he would be. Glancing over at Merlin, who is trying to sew a button onto his jacket, he cradles the phone between his jaw and shoulder.

"I don't think I'll be moving back in, Father," he says nervously. "See, I've discovered a lot of things about myself recently, not the least of which is that I'm at least a little homosexual and I'm currently dating my flatmate. So I think I'd rather stay here, with him, and have my stupid low-paying newspaper job, and pay far too much for a flat that is still mostly dust and eat while sitting in lawn chairs if it means staying with him and staying happy. Because I spent a long time unhappy, Father, and Merlin has suddenly made me realize that I'm much happier when I'm with him and doing something I like to do."

Uther doesn't say anything for a long time, and Arthur's pulse races nervously.

"I've never been prouder to be your father, Arthur," he says finally, and Arthur is shocked to hear his father's voice crack a little over the phone. "A little bit homosexual and all."

Arthur's crying when he hangs up the phone.

"Hey, Merlin?" he calls.

Merlin looks up expectantly.

"I love you," says Arthur, grinning.

Merlin smiles, looks back down at his sewing.

"I know."

Author's Note: That's all, folks! At least for this installation. Drop a note in your review if you're interested in the sequel! Thanks for your support. 3

Always,

Molly