Scrawny, intelligent and a bit too sarcastic; that was Merlin Emrys. He was fourteen years old with a bright future ahead of him, brilliant at most things, excelled in art and physics and took an intense liking to his father's work in architecture but there was also the issue of his health. Many people would see Merlin and think he was a bit too skinny, he needed to eat more or that his face was a bit skeletal because his lips were too big and his cheekbones too prominent but that's just the way he was. On the other hand, he hadn't been eating as much lately because the doctor's had found a growth in his brain. They told him and his parents that it's probably just a benign tumour and that they'll check up on it in a while, but that did nothing to ease his nerves that it might just be cancer.

Merlin refused to tell anyone except his best friend Will why he'd been off school for a week, told them all he had the flu but he was fine now. Teachers asked him if he was alright because they could see something was bothering him, he had bags under his eyes his hair was even messier than usual he obviously wasn't sleeping and his skin which was usually pretty much perfect, was breaking out everywhere. What was he supposed tell them? 'I'm a fourteen going on fifteen year old with a brain tumour that might be cancer' so he left it alone and carried on saying he was just a bit tired from the whole flu nonsense and then proceeded to put on a brave face.

He was in year eleven the next time he went for a scan, not even half way through the school year and the news hit him like a shit ton of bricks. He took the day off school and went to the dreary hospital where all the people went to die, he put on the ugly gown that showed his arse but he convinced them to let him keep his boxers on. So he lay down on the cold table and they moved him into the terrifying contraption that was about to scan his brain…again. Only this time they didn't say it was benign.

The doctor, who seemed like a bit of a prick sat down in front of Merlin and put a reassuring hand on the boy's shoulder before offering his most sympathetic smile which was quite obviously so very well rehearsed. He looked Merlin dead in the eye and said "I'm very sorry Merlin but the tumour we thought was benign has shown signs of being cancerous."

So Merlin just stared at him stoically and said "marvellous"

Now his mother was crying, dad was trying to be strong and they were going to have to tell Merlin's sister, Freya when she got home from school. Merlin had told his parents not to let her come to the hospital with them just in case it was bad news. Once again he was right.

Freya got home a bit early and ran straight to Merlin, he looked down at her. She was only three years younger but she was quite a bit shorter than him. Merlin had gotten the black hair like his father but Freya, she was beautiful with mousy brown hair and big blue eyes and really she was the spitting image of their mother which their father never failed to remind her of.

Her eyes shone with worry and Merlin sat her down on his bed and grabbed her hand. He hadn't said a word yet and already he could see the tears forming in her eyes. Sighing, he squeezed her hand and brought her into a warm hug where she let loose with her tears that were staining her cheeks. "W-what did they say?"

"The tumour they thought was benign has shown signs of being cancerous as told by the prick doctor who pretends to be your friend."

"He's only doing his job though I suppose. Did he say anything else?"

"No he didn't"

"What's going to happen now?" She sobbed.

"I don't know bumcheek, I really do not know." She shoved him playfully and sniffed.

"Don't call me that."

"I've always called you that, and I always will."

"I know"

"I love you bumcheek, I hope you know that"

"I know you do dipstick"

Merlin took another week off of school and just used the excuse of family troubles, that way no one would bother him about it. After that he decided that for as long as he can, he would knuckle down and get his work done, he'd get good GCSEs and maybe if he lived that long get into sixth form or college and maybe go to university. He knew it was probably a bit far-fetched but right now he was going to concentrate on his exams and make his parents proud.

Year eleven went by without incident, the tumour grew but Merlin took his meds like a good boy and carried on the way he was. He didn't tell anyone except Will but his parents told the school just to let them know why Merlin was in and out of classes. He told the teachers not to mention it in front of anyone. He would roll his eyes when the teachers or nurses told him he was so brave and strong. Really though, he didn't feel brave or strong he felt like shit constantly because he didn't know when he was going to die and honestly he just wished sometimes that it would happen just to get it all over with. Not that he would ever tell another living soul, so he put on his best smile and told them he was fine.

Results day came and he got what he'd worked for. A's in Biology, Chemistry, Maths. B's in French and English and of course A* in Physics and art. Sixth form was open to him, it wasn't even a pity thing, he genuinely deserved it and he couldn't be happier.

When he was sixteen and about three weeks away from going into year twelve the doctors told him that he was eligible for surgery. He couldn't help but feel overjoyed because if he had this surgery then that would be it. He wouldn't have to suffer any more but he could get on with his life without being in and out of hospital constantly so as soon as they told him, he jumped at the idea and begged them to do it as soon as possible. Which they did.

The only downside Merlin found was that the doctor said to him. "Now Merlin, this surgery will help, but sometimes the tumour can come back so this might just end up being an extension but we promise you we will do everything we can to help you. You'll be having chemo as well so you'll miss school for a while, is that okay?"

To which he just replied "I don't care if it's just an extension, I just want to get through school and university. I want to live my life even if it's just a little bit before I die. So yes this is fine please just do it."

And they did and he had never been happier. Chemo lasted a few months; he stayed in the hospital while his immune system was down. The school was informed and were quite understanding but even when he wasn't there he told them not to tell anyone. The last thing he wanted was a pity party from a bunch of people who he either didn't know or didn't like. His parents brought in tutors so that Merlin was up to date on his school work. Will came to visit once a week, they'd play video games and Will would tell Merlin about what's been going on at school.

A few months later he was let home, back to school and he was actually rather excited. His mother fussed over him and he just batted her hands away but when he saw the worry on her face he just hugged her and told her he'd be fine.

"Mum, I'll be fine okay? If I need anything I'll ring you but please stop worrying."

Merlin had grown a lot since the end of year eleven and now he wasn't so scrawny looking. His lips and cheekbones fit his face and actually he was quite attractive, there was a slight issue with his ears; they were still huge but he didn't much care. A few girls looked at him as he walked through the hallway with Will and Freya who were both giddy. No one apart from his family knew he was gay, they didn't really care to be honest. As long as he was happy.

Freya had cried her eyes out when she found out Merlin was going in for surgery. She hugged him and gave him her good luck bracelet, even f that does sound a bit tacky, he was more than grateful. Then when he started chemo and his hair began to fall out, he told her it was okay to laugh and she did. Her sweet little laugh turned into a breathy cackle and Merlin couldn't help his laughter either.

Now he was bald but his parents had gotten a wig made especially so that it looked exactly like his natural hair, even the messiness of it was spot on. He knew it must have cost a fortune but his parents just smiled and kissed him on the head and told him he was worth it.

They weren't poor by any means, Balinor had his architecture business and they made a fortune from that. Big businesses hiring them to design and build their multi-million pound offices and such. That didn't mean Merlin liked them spending hundreds of pounds on him just because he didn't want people to know he was bald.

Much like his mother though, his teachers fussed over him to his utter dismay but he shrugged it off and told them to leave it alone because he really was fine now. A few people gave him weird looks, but that was to be expected when you spend four months out of school and come back quite good looking isn't it? They think you've had plastic surgery, they don't assume that puberty was actually the culprit.

Despite the fact Merlin hadn't actually been at school he was ahead of most of his peers and top of his class in Physics which meant his parents had splashed out on the best tutors.

A levels flew by and Merlin somehow was accepted into Cambridge to do architecture and physics. He was the only one from his year going there, some were a tad jealous but the majority of people patted him on the back and told him he deserved it. His parents were overjoyed at one point he though his mother might faint, his father beamed with pride and Freya, well Freya screamed. Will was a lot more reserved, he smiled broadly and gave his friend a hug and told him that he was so proud.

Of course Merlin was excited but at the same time he was shit scared. His parents got him a flat near the campus because he thought it'd be better for him so he didn't have to share a room, he didn't really mind either way nevertheless he thanked his parents profusely for about two weeks. They just shrugged it off. Will insisted on helping him move in before he went up to Manchester and he stayed with Merlin for a couple of days to help him settle in.

After Will left Merlin sat on his sofa staring around his new flat smiling like a freak and he was really glad no one could see him. Then his phone began to ring and scared the ever living crap out of him.

"Hi sweetheart, how are you doing? Have you settled in? Is everything unpacked? Have you been eating?"

"Mum, calm down I'm fine, yes I'm settled in, I have a few boxes of clothes to unpack and I have been eating."

"Good, Freya misses you."

"I'm sure she does."

"I'll put her on hang on." There was a muffled conversation before the sweet voice chirped on the other end.

"Hiya dipstick."

"Hey bumcheek, you alright?"

"Yeah I'm pretty good just enjoying the peace and quiet without you here."

"Oi you cheeky shit, you were the one who would run around screaming."

"Stop with these accusations you fiend."

"Shut up, need I remind you that when you were eight you ran around in your underwear, covered yourself in paint and glitter shouting about the fact you were the second coming of Jesus."

"I TOLD YOU NEVER TO MENTION THAT! I WAS ON PAIN RELIEF FROM MY ROOT CANAL!"

Merlin was laying on the sofa clutching his stomach and laughing so much he was crying and he could hear Freya cackling on the other end.

"Christ I'm sorry but that always makes me laugh."

"I know, you cruel boy. Speaking of which, have you met any hot guys yet?"

"Freya I haven't actually started university yet. I haven't been out in two days apart from to buy shower items and food."

"Oh well tell me when you do, we can chat about them and giggle."

"God you're annoying."

"That's what little sisters are for, oh dad wants to talk to you so seeya dipstick remember to skype me."

"I will bumcheek, bye!"

"Hi Merlin."

"Hey Dad!"

"I won't keep you long I just want to know you're okay."

"I'm great dad, I cannot thank you enough."

"Don't worry about it, just make me proud son."

"I will don't you worry."

"Oh bloody hell your mother's trying to get the phone again." Merlin chuckled "So I'll see you when I see you. Have fun and work hard okay?"

"Okay dad"

"Merlin! Sweetheart I just remembered something!"

"Yes mum?"

"Remember to ring me at least once a week and eat properly!"

"You know I will"

"And if you see uncle Gaius around tell him we said hello."

"Of course mother, now I need to go and finish unpacking because I have my first day tomorrow"

"Okay darling, have a good day and good luck! We all love you."

"I love you too, bye"

Everything was unpacked, his bag was ready and his clothes for tomorrow were hung up on the wardrobe door and now he was starving. He grabbed a pack of cheese and onion walkers and buttered some bread. Crisp sandwiches were always his favourite because whenever his mum was working and his dad had to make the packed lunches for school he would always just make Merlin and Freya a crisp sandwich for lack of culinary skill. The first time he tried one he thought it was the most magnificent thing and he still does. His mother hated it though, whenever Merlin made himself one she'd turn her nose up at it and tell him it was revolting.

In the morning he woke up, had a shower, got dressed, ate his breakfast and had a cup of steaming coffee before prepping himself for the day ahead. His gut was churning and his palms were sweating and then his phone buzzed in his hand making him jump.

'Mum: Good luck today sweetheart, you'll do great!'

Merlin smiled at the message and put his phone into his pocket, he finished his coffee just as his buzzer went off. He went over to it wondering who it would be and pressed the button.

"Hello?"

"Merlin, its Gaius. Your mother asked me to get you to your first class."

"Oh right, do you want to come up?"

"No its fine just hurry up I've got medical students to attend to."

"Okay"

As quick as he could he brushed his teeth, grabbed his bag and his keys and ran downstairs to meet Gaius who was waiting by the door. He smiled at Merlin and he could tell the boy was nervous despite his chipper attitude.

"There's no need to be nervous Merlin honestly. As long as you get your work in on time and don't misbehave you'll be fine."

"Thank you uncle Gaius"

Gaius wasn't really Merlin's uncle, just a close family friend who'd always been there for Merlin and Freya when they needed him. So really he was family and Merlin didn't care that they weren't related by blood. They'd always been treated like they Gaius' own because he loved them like they were. When Merlin found out he was going to Cambridge he rang the man as soon as he heard and Gaius told him how proud he was and that he couldn't wait for him to get here. Gaius was a doctor, a very talented one at that but he worked at Cambridge as a Medical Professor and he was brilliant at it, all his students loved him and he got the best results.

They walked in comfortable silence to the college Merlin would be studying at and he thanked his uncle for his help, who then proceeded to pat him on the back and wish him good luck before disappearing down the road.

Merlin looked around, there was no one he knew obviously but how the hell had he gotten into Cambridge? Maybe it was a pity thing? He didn't know but what he did know was that there was an attractive blond walking about three foot away from him with his…girlfriend maybe? Hopefully not.

Merlin went up to him and the girl and outstretched his hand with a smile and chirped "hi I'm Merlin are new too?" The boy just stared at him and a smirk grew in his lips, his really rather kissable lips.

"Merlin? Your name is Merlin?" He said in utter disbelief.

Merlin instantly took his hand back and suddenly found his shoes to be a lot more interesting.

"Arthur shut the fuck up" it was the girl and she'd placed a hand on Merlin's shoulder "ignore him Merlin he's just grumpy because he's tired, but hey I think fate has brought you two together"

Merlin blushed and the boy-Arthur- spoke again "what on earth are you talking about Morgana?"

"It's like you two were made to be friends come on… Arthur and Merlin, really you don't see that?" Arthur just looked blankly at her but Merlin smiled slightly before the other boy rolled his eyes and walked off.

"I'm sorry about him Merlin"

"It's fine really it's not like he knows me so it doesn't matter"

"Still I think you'd be good friends. You and I would be too, what're you studying?"

"Physics and architecture"

"Ah so you'll be in a couple of my classes then maybe"

"Are you a first year?"

"No I'm a second year but I have to go to a few different lectures sometimes but my dear little brother is a first year"

"Will he be in any of my classes?"

"I'm afraid not, he's law and economics much to his dismay"

"Whys that?"

"He wanted to do architecture and history but father adamantly refused"

"Oh"

"Oh, indeed, he'll be brilliant at law he'll still manage top of his class but his heart will never be in it really. Anyway enough about us" She grabbed his arm and began walking "what got you into architecture?"

"My father as well but it's actually something I love with a passion; I was always fond of art as well."

"Has your father ever built anything famous?"

"Apart from a multimillion corporation headquarters for snobby rich guys no, nothing uber famous although he's made a decent living from it all. There was one a few months ago actually which paid a fortune, the guy had a weird name but the business was huge."

"What was the corporation?"

"I can't remember something to do with pens or dragons I've no idea why?"

"Would your father happen to be Balinor Emrys?"

"How did you know?"

"Your father built my father's HQ and I met him, he mentioned his son and I thought I recognised the name Merlin, you don't get many Merlin's do you?"

"Oh wow sorry I called your dad a snobby rich guy"

"No need to apologise Merlin you were spot on. I'll show you to your first class."

Arthur and Morgana Pendragon. They seemed, at first, like snobs who only cared about themselves and who lived out of Daddy's bank account and with Arthur, Merlin was still pretty sure this was the case but Morgana was different. Morgana was beautiful and evidently she knew it but she wasn't obnoxious and arrogant in the way you would expect.

She was charming, elegant, smart, witty and down to earth and she actually cared, she was just someone you could fall in love with and Merlin did. He wasn't attracted to her because let's face it, she's not a bloke but that's why her and Merlin became best friends after about three hours. Arthur on the other hand still acted like that beautiful smarmy rich boy that you'd expect him to be but for some reason Merlin couldn't help the infatuation he had for the boy and that was a problem.

The first week flew by, Merlin and Morgana had a few lectures together and she helped him understand some architectural terminology but other than that he was pretty much on his own. Occasionally he would see Arthur strutting around with his friend sneering at anyone who got in their way. Merlin hated the fact he had a crush on a grade A dickhead. He was beautiful, intelligent and he could be wonderful if he didn't treat everyone like they were scum.

Friday night and Merlin was absolutely knackered. Morgana came over with Gwen and Mithian and made herself at home in his living room. Merlin like that about her, he liked that even after only a week she was comfortable enough to put her feet on his coffee table and slouch into the sofa and demand the TV remote.

"Merlin my darling."

"mmm?"

"There's a party tonight, you know just a 'we passed the first week' celebration thing. Do you want to go?" Merlin froze because he'd never been one for parties. He liked to drink sure but he never really could because of his meds and really he didn't really want to go to a party, he was too tired but he didn't want Morgana to think he was a loser and leave him to be a loner. Despite his conflict he told the truth, if Morgana didn't accept him then well she wasn't worth the time.

"Actually uh I don't really do parties, sorry."

"Okay, that's cool. I wasn't sure. I don't particularly like them

"Really?"

"Yeah, what were you expecting me to say? That you're a loser who doesn't drink so I'm leaving you and I no long want to associate myself with you?"

"Kind of yeah."

"You are a sausage aren't you? I usually just go to keep an eye on Arthur and show my face, I don't really enjoy them."

"Oh right…how do you do that?"

"Do what?"

"Read me like a book"

"I don't know I just can. What do you want to watch?"

"I'm feeling the Avengers? So we can gawk at hot guys in tight costumes."

The girls cheered and got comfy on the floor while Merlin grabbed the phone and ordered Chinese. He pulled a six pack of beer out of the fridge and put it on the coffee table, Mithian looked up and chuckled "You really know how to have a night in don't you Merls?"

He just shrugged and said "It's a gift really."