Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Merlin hadn't expected it to turn out this way .

He'd only taken the job to keep an eye on things , but of course he hadn't expected to get promotion after promotion.

And he hadn't expected his overall plan to work out so well .

Usually, they didn’t. Al all .

"Merlin, I've got to tell you, I don't think this is a good idea." Lancelot was telling him, looking over some papers spread out on his desk in their unofficial office, in their home. "You know what happens in these cases. Vivian, Mithian, Elena, Sophia... They're all ex-girlfriends who died even before their weddings."

"Well, maybe that's the reason." Merlin muttered. "Arthur's attracted to men , and it would never have worked out with them ."

"Merlin, this is serious ." Lancelot said.

Lancelot's thing, and his main concern, was that he knew perfectly well what Merlin's overall plan was: to find out why Arthur's fiancés died so promptly, leaving no trace behind them to find out who killed them.

Lancelot's concern was accepted and appreciated, but Merlin had an advantage that previous girls didn't have: he was a spy from a specialised organisation of the Albion Secret Agency.

He could endure anything the future might bring (like an attempted murder for making an example).

"Well, yeah." Merlin nodded. "I've already said I won't take the Pendragon name, and I've vetoed having a white dress . However, I'll throw the bouquet myself because I have the best aim."

"Merlin..." Lancelot said, sighing wearily.

Merlin was extremely grateful that Lancelot had remained his friend despite everything. And by everything, he meant his humour.

"Lancelot, I can't step back from this." Merlin said. "I accepted the risks this job entails, I'm not backing out now . Especially because I know what's at stake."

"Well, I see you've made up your mind." Lancelot sighed. "Have you already told Gwaine and Gwen about this development?"

Gwaine and Gwen as in their colleagues also on the case.

"I haven't really thought about it." Merlin muttered, smiling at Lancelot.

"When were you planning to tell them?"

"Before." Merlin shrugged. "And if not before, then clearly later, or maybe never?"

"Merlin..." Lancelot sighed. "I'll call them and warn them."

"Can you wait until I'm already married?" Merlin tried.

"You really want Gwaine to object to the wedding, don't you?" Lancelot raised an eyebrow.

"Okay, you can warn them." Merlin replied, realising it was something his overprotective friend would absolutely do.

Why did all his friends think he was incapable of making decisions?

"It's because you make these kinds of decisions." Lancelot replied, making Merlin realise he had spoken out loud.

That, or his friend could read minds, which was definitely worrying.

And also so helpful. They could send him instead of Merlin to work and figure out why Arthur’s fiancés were all dead.

"You know, if they really have the vanilla cake at the wedding, I might wish they killed me before I actually have to eat it ." Merlin commented, making his friend groan loudly.

Chapter Text

Arthur knew this wasn't a good idea. 

His previous attempts in that area should have made it clear to everyone that Arthur was not meant to be married or for marriage.

Nevertheless… 

Merlin was just different. 

He was sweet, stubborn, impetuous, loyal, competent, sarcastic, intelligent, incredible… he was perfect, and Arthur had hoped to be able, at least just once, to marry someone.

Of course, there was also that other issue that pushed him towards the wedding...

“Do you think it's a good idea to marry this Emrys?” Leon asked him.

Arthur smiled at him. Of all the employees his father had hired, Leon had always been his favourite.

Now that his father had fallen ill, and his haste to allow the continuation of his inheritance expanded, the old fool had added a clause at the last minute: Arthur would have to be married to inherit anything from Uther.

Petty, cruel, but that was what his father was.

“I guess I don't have much choice.” Arthur murmured. “Of all the possibilities, this is my favourite. If I have to spend all my life with someone, I don't want to be screwed with someone awful.”

“And this Emrys isn't?” Leon asked. “He could be a gold digger.”

Arthur thought back to their first meeting.

He had just ordered new chairs and was looking at the floor, before turning and walking around the newly renovated office, taking note of what he liked and what he hated with all his heart, when he bumped into someone.

“Ah, damned dollophead! Can you watch where you're going? Or have you never learned to walk and look at the same time?”

Arthur was stunned, before muttering. "You know who I am?"

"Who? The blind man?” The boy responded, shooting him a venomous look. “Mr rudeness?”

“I am Arthur Pendragon.” Arthur had said, knowing that before long the boy would turn pale and beg for his place there. Depending on how much he begged, Arthur would decide whether to fire him or not.

“Oh, I didn't know that being rich also made you blind!” The boy instead responded, leaving Arthur speechless. “Next time, you should wear a hat that says 'rich idiot right here' to at least warn the poor innocent souls who come across you!”

“No,” Arthur shook his head, looking at Leon. “I seriously doubt that this was a way to sleep with me. Oddly enough, I'm not attracted to irreverence ."

“If you are getting married to Emrys , you are a little." Leon replied, raising an eyebrow at his friend. “And, well, I guess out of everyone … he's the least bad…”

Arthur nodded. “Let's hope he doesn't get involved in another accident…”

“Yeah, it's starting to look like bad luck.” Leon replied, placing a hand on Arthur's shoulder. “If it's any consolation, I'm pretty sure that once he died, he would be kicked back here because no one could stand him enough.”

“Yes, the devil might think he has competition.” Arthur chuckled.

" The devil? " Leon repeated.

“Look, I might like Merlin on some level, but we both know he can be an asshole .” Arthur said.

Leon nodded. “I'm really looking forward to that dinner he insisted on.”

“For me to meet all his friends.” Arthur nodded. “Will, Freya, plus Lancelot, Gwaine and Gwen who I already know. He said I have to get their blessings to marry him. Something about tradition… and embarrassing myself.”

“Well, I guess he doesn't marry you for your money.” Leon suddenly said.

“No, I'm the one marrying him for my money.” Arthur replied ironically. “Why do you think he would marry me, then?”

“To embarrass you.” Leon responded quickly. “I think that's the thing that will keep him satisfied forever . He might even thank your father for his brilliant idea.”

Arthur shuddered. “If you put it that way, he might have even sold my dad on the idea.”

“He wasn't here at the time.” Leon pointed out.

“And that's the only reason I didn't think it had anything to do with all this craziness.” Arthur replied. "Come on, let's go. We have other things to do.”

Chapter Text

Weddings were a celebration filled with joy and love, a time when two people's lives joined together for the rest of their lives.

Merlin had already pretended to be in love with a target, or a friend of a target, to get as close as possible and obtain enough incriminating evidence against them.

However, he had never had to marry someone and plan a future life together.

Arthur seemed like a good person, and it pained Merlin to accuse him of being responsible for the deaths of his previous girlfriends.

Unfortunately, they all had their future marriages in common, and no external motive to justify their premature end.

Arthur proposing to him had been unexpected, but Merlin hadn't been able to refuse.

What better way to find out why Arthur Pendragon's brides-to-be died than to become one of those brides-to-be?

Someone would try to kill Merlin, and then his life would move on.

He, Gwaine, Lancelot, and Gwen would laugh as they remembered Merlin's almost-marriage.

But Arthur ?

Merlin looked at the ring on his finger.

It was beautiful, a refined tanzanite like gemstone.

Working as a special agent brought him to know little curiosities that many ignored, and Merlin knew how rare tanzanite was. And how precious it was.

And Arthur had given it to him, just for his affection.

Merlin felt guilty for exploiting the boy's love for him for an investigation.

"Love?"

Merlin looked up when he saw Arthur enter their home. “Hey, Arthur!” He stood up, walking towards him and kissing him softly. “How did it go with Leon?”

“He laughed at my expense for a long time.” Arthur snorted. “Which wasn't very nice of my best man.”

“Speaking of best men,” Merlin laughed. “Gwen is freaking out because she wants to have the guests and start deciding how to distribute the seats.”

“Seats, party favours,” Arthur sighed, sitting next to Merlin and resting his head on his shoulder, pulling him towards him into a gentle embrace. “Why don't we run away, instead of waiting for all this?”

“What, are you ashamed of me, love?” Merlin asked amused. “No, you promised me a real wedding, Arthur. You can't run away just because it's too much. Besides, Gwen takes care of everything, right?”

Arthur laughed, dropping his head onto the back of the couch.

Merlin rested his head on his shoulder, feeling the guilt invade it more and more.

“Do you have any second thoughts?” He asked instead.

Could it be that Arthur suffered from premarital anxiety, tried to get out of the marriage, and then the argument resulted in an unforeseeable death?

“Not even one.” Arthur smiled, leaning in and kissing Merlin. "And you?"

“Not even one.” Merlin kissed back. “Although you might change your mind after Gwen is done with you about the clothes.”

Arthur laughed, pushing Merlin back. “You're lucky I love you so much.”

"I love you too." Merlin said in response, swallowing the lump. "I love you too."

Chapter Text

Arthur rose from their bed with a tired sigh.

He grabbed the first shirt he found and then left the room as quietly as possible.

He had received a message from Gwen where the girl had insisted on taking him and Merlin at two different times to get their rings.

Leon would help Arthur write his vows and Lancelot would probably help Merlin with his.

Arthur's phone vibrated and the blonde was quick to answer the call.

“Leon, hey.”

“ You're up pretty early .” Leon commented laconically. “ Merlin? Everything is okay? ”

“Still sleeping, blessed boy.” Arthur replied. “God, I feel so guilty, Leon.”

“ Don't .” Leon scolded him. “ You're not the one who killed all of them and it's not really your fault. You are not the one with bad luck, Arthur .”

Arthur sighed.

He was the one with bad luck.

He had started killing the people he cared about with his mother when he killed her during childbirth.

And then, Mithian, Vivian, Elena…

All extraordinary people, all people who died before they could marry Arthur.

If it wasn't Arthur 's fault, whose fault could it be?

"Sure thing." Arthur murmured. “Did you read Gwen's message?”

“ Your betrothed knows how to choose his friends .” Leon replied amused. “ He seems to have the type of authoritarian and careless of other people's plans. ”

Arthur snorted, smiling despite himself. “First, I'm your boss. It's my job to be authoritarian. Second, he is also friends with Lancelot, who is not domineering or careless.”

“No, Lance is amazing.”

Arthur turned to see Merlin advancing towards him. “Is Leon on the phone?”

Arthur nodded, putting his friend on speaker.

The only things he was hiding from Merlin were the agreement that Uther had put as a clause in his will and the fate of all of his ex-girlfriends.

“Leon, you're on speaker.” Arthur warned him.

“ Hey, Merlin, have you returned from dreamland ?” Leon's voice was playful.

Arthur knew that he honestly appreciated Merlin too.

“I would have gone there a lot sooner if Arthur didn't snore.” Merlin laconic comment. “He is lucky to be adorable in my shirt, otherwise I would have already killed him.”

“ And the motive ?” Leon asked, amused. It wasn't the first time Merlin had threatened Arthur with death. “ He doesn't let you sleep at night? ”

“Any judge would agree with me, I'm sure of it.” Merlin replied confidently. “They too must know how sacred rest is.”

“ You can try to persuade your boss to let you get some sleep .” Leon said.

Surely he was smiling, the traitor.

“My boss is a slaver.” Merlin snorted laconically. “But I hope I can use some tricks to convince him.”

Arthur smiled at the look Merlin gave him.

It was awful of him to use Merlin like that , but…

Arthur allegedly lied as he claimed that he didn't care about the boy.

In another world, perhaps…

Maybe he would have asked Merlin to marry him even without that damned clause on the will.

Chapter Text

“I hate this plan.” Merlin grumbled, reluctantly following Lancelot into the ballroom, muttering about assassinations and the CIA’s crazy plans . “No one warned me that I would have to endure such torture when I joined the CIA and then this mission.”

“This is entirely your plan and no one from the CIA pushed you to follow this crazy path .” Lancelot replied not very supportively . “In fact, I remember very clearly all of us urging you not to go down this path and to follow the plan we had decided on beforehand.”

“I just thought that being on the front lines would allow me to see exactly what was happening to people.” Merlin muttered in outrage. Back at the time, when Arthur started to show interest in him, it seemed a good idea. And Merlin didn’t have no one there to stop him from starting with the idea . “No one warned me that I would also have to take dancing lessons !”

“ Surprisingly , a wedding involves dancing, especially between the married couple.” Lancelot said laconically. “We didn’t think you needed the memo, but forgive our presumption .”

“I thought whoever’s behind this would have made a move by now and I could have walked away before I actually married him.” Merlin muttered. “Instead, it seems like every time they let the wedding get closer and closer before they strike.”

“Maybe they don’t want to draw attention to some kind of M.O.?” Lancelot offered, cutting off Merlin’s half-escape and leading him back to the aisle he was actually supposed to walk down.

“If they didn’t want to draw attention to the press, they shouldn’t have started killing people .” Merlin muttered. “It’s all over the newspapers, Arthur’s ill-fated love story . They’re betting on whether I’ll die too or whether I’ll escape before I die.”

“No happy ending?” Lancelot asked, managing to sound disappointed by people’s lack of inventiveness.

“I think escaping and surviving is the happy ending in this kind of situation.” Merlin answered anyway, before sighing and looking at the doors to the ballroom. “Do I have to?”

“It was your idea.” Lancelot shrugged. “Be thankful Gaius is busy with the other mission, or he would have had your head by now.”

Merlin muttered under his breath.

Life’s little blessings , he supposed.

Taking a deep breath, Merlin steeled himself and entered the room, seeing Leon and Arthur already waiting.

“ Merlin !” Arthur smiled, relief written all over his face as he watched Merlin advance. “I thought you’d run away!”

Merlin chuckled. “Lancelot stopped me from following that plan.” He admitted. “I’m not exactly cut out for dancing.”

“Neither am I, but Leon told me I had to .” Arthur sighed, casting a betrayed look at his best friend.

Leon simply smiled in return.

“Good,” Miss Isolde stepped forward, clapping her hands to get their attention. “You’re both here, we can begin!”

Merlin and Arthur grimaced as Leon and Lancelot moved aside, unintentionally covering the exit doors.

Or perhaps, judging by their expressions, not so unintentionally .

“I’ll teach you both how to lead and follow, and you can have a dance and a dance, as is customary!” Isolde warned them. “Merlin, put your hands on Arthur’s shoulders! Arthur, on Merlin’s hips! Now !”

Merlin looked at Isolde in mild fear. Perhaps he should have advised her to work for the CIA, given the forceful and violent way she gave orders and demanded them be followed.

Between her, Gwen, and Gaius, Merlin thought, the CIA would be well run.

Doing as ordered, Merlin moved closer to Arthur, smiling back at the gentle smile on Arthur’s lips.

“Now, the music!” Isolde said, starting the music with a remote control, and continuing to direct their moves. “Closer! Don’t touch each other with a pole! It’s all intimacy! Love ! Touch !”

As they danced, Isolde’s voice became an insignificant background noise, a background noise that Merlin wanted to silence entirely, his vision reduced to Arthur’s blue eyes, staring into his own.

He was beautiful .

Merlin felt his breath catch as he looked into Arthur’s eyes, so beautiful, so bright, so brilliant.

They were the blue morning sky, cloudless, with only the sun shining in the sky.

“Excellent!” Isolde’s voice brought him back to reality. “Very good! Well done!”

Blinking, as if waking from a beautiful dream, Merlin turned away from Arthur.

Oh.

Oh, no.

He had fallen in love with his mission .

Damn, that wasn’t supposed to happen.

Chapter Text

Object: Review of the "New Light" campaign proposal 

From: Arthur Pendragon ([email protected])
To: Merlin Emrys ([email protected])

Mr Emrys,

I had a quick look at your campaign proposal "New Light" . Although it is your first project with us, I must admit that it seems well structured, but I would like a little more detail on how you plan to differentiate the message from our competitors. Can we schedule a call by tomorrow?

Waiting for your reply,
Arthur Pendragon

Object: Re: Review of "New Light" campaign proposal

Mr Pendragon,

Thanks for the feedback. I understand your concern, and I think the strength is in the use of a narrative tone that connects the customer directly with our company story. I already have some supporting slides ready. Would 2pm tomorrow be ok?

See you soon,
Merlin Emrys

  Object: Re: Review of "New Light" campaign proposal

Mr Emrys,

Perfect, tomorrow at 2pm will be great. Please send me the meeting link.

Arthur Pendragon

Object: Re: Review of “New Light” campaign proposal

Here's the link!

Object: I think you're out of your mind

And: Merlin Emrys ([email protected])
A: Arthur Pendragon ([email protected])

Gwaine,

you're an idiot and when they will arrest you, I won't bail you out because I think you deserve to suffer in prison.

With love,

Merlin

Object : Re: I think you're out of your mind

Mr Emrys,

I think you sent the wrong email to the wrong sender.

Although I'm slightly concerned about the way you use the company phone.

Arthur Pendragon

Object : Re: I think you're out of your mind

Oh, Arthur!

In my defense, I use the same phone (I have my own, I said no to the corporate phone's consumerism and my own. Plus, I don't have enough pockets for both).

And, well, Gwaine didn't go to prison, if you were interested to know.

Although I would have hoped he would end there.

M.

Object : Re: I think you're out of your mind

Mr Emrys,

I think you spend too much time on the phone and too little working.

Have you finished the new proposal?

Arthur Pendragon

Object : Re: I think you're out of your mind

Of course I did!

You, prat!

I'll send you the attachment.

M.

Object : Re: I think you're out of your mind

Merlin, what does prat mean?

Because I'm sure it's not even an English word!

I will take a look at the attachment and let you know my thoughts on the matter as soon as possible.

Arthur Pendragon.

Object : Re: I think you're out of your mind

In two words?

M.

Object : Re: I think you're out of your mind

Yes, in two words,

Arthur Pendragon.

Object : Re: I think you're out of your mind

Arthur Pendragon,

M.

Object : Re: I think you're out of your mind

I should fire you for this.

Arthur Pendragon

Object : Re: I think you're out of your mind

But my work is just amazing and you can't?

What do you think of my new proposal, prat?

M

Object : Re: I think you're out of your mind

You can't talk to me like that.

I've noticed that your creativity always seems inspired by something personal. What inspired you this time?

Arthur Pendragon

Object : Re: I think you're out of your mind

Oh, sorry: what do you think of my new proposal, royal prat?

This time I was inspired by Arthurian legends. You know, I've always thought about the idea of ​​bringing hope is a concept that belongs as much to marketing as to mythology. But why do you ask? Did anything in particular strike you?

M

Object : Re: I think you're out of your mind

No one will ever find your body.

Having said that, the topic touched me. I must say that you managed to perfectly balance the vision between creativity and pragmatism.

Arthur Pendragon.

Object : Re: I think you're out of your mind

Maintaining a balance isn't easy, but I think it comes from the fact that I've learned to look beyond immediate results. You have that vision too, even if you sometimes hide it under the weight of responsibilities.

I don't want to sound intrusive, but I've noticed that lately you seem more tense than usual. Anything you want to talk about?

M

Object : Re: I think you're out of your mind

Merlin,

Maybe you're right. I have always felt the burden of "doing the right thing" for everyone. I find myself often thinking about how to manage expectations, not only of our clients, but also of the team... and, I admit, my own as well.

I think I need to remind myself that not everything depends on me. It's funny how a simple campaign can lead me to reflect on these things.

Arthur Pendragon

Object : Re: I think you're out of your mind

This is one of the reasons I love working with you: you always bring a human depth to the role of CEO. Sometimes we forget that there are people behind the headlines.

If you feel like talking about it in a less formal way, we could have a coffee after tomorrow's meeting. I think we could both benefit from comparing ourselves even outside the work context.

M

Object : Re: I think you're out of your mind

Merlin,

I gladly accept the idea of ​​coffee. 

Until tomorrow,
Arthur

Chapter Text

Arthur reached out, blindly searching for Merlin, on the other side of the bed.  

When he found only a cold, empty space, he opened his eyes, feeling oddly disappointed.  

Then, he pushed himself up, sitting on the bed and stretching.  

His gaze fell on the bedside table on Merlin’s side, where his fiancé had left him a note.  

Morning, Sleeping Beauty!  

I would have woken you up with a kiss from your deep slumber, but some of us actually have work to do!  

Coffee and breakfast are waiting for you in the other room!  

XO,  

Merlin

Arthur smiled.  

He couldn’t remember the last time someone had made him breakfast, and had cared for him like this.  

He got up, grabbing his phone and calling Leon in the meantime.  

Leon answered on the third ring.  

“ Morning, Arthur .” Leon sounded amused by something, and Arthur decided not to ask what had entertained his ever-faithful friend.  

Apparently, Leon was going to tell him anyway .  

“ Merlin’s already caused a scene here. ”  

“What’s he done?” Arthur asked, already feeling tired.  

“ Well, your uncle dropped by. He insulted Merlin—I don’t think he realised he was your fiancé…” Leon’s tone turned slightly accusatory, but it wasn’t Arthur’s fault if Agravaine had been impossible to reach these past few months.  

Otherwise, he’d have made sure to inform him about his impending marriage to Merlin.  

It wasn’t as if he was doing anything illegal.  

“No, I haven’t heard from him in a while.” Arthur shrugged. “So, did Merlin tell him they’ll soon be related?”  

“ In the most colourful way possible , ” Leon confirmed, still amused. “ I think there’s even a video of it, so you’ll have plenty of chances to watch Merlin verbally eviscerate your uncle. ”  

“Well, at least he didn’t do it at the wedding,” Arthur muttered, feeling the creeping weight of something bitter settling in his chest.  

“You alright? ” Leon asked, sensing Arthur’s unease.  

“Yeah, I’m fine,” Arthur murmured. “Do you think he’ll forgive me?”  

Leon went quiet for a moment before asking, his voice hushed, “ You mean Merlin, don’t you? ”  

“Yes, I…” Arthur sighed, running a hand through his hair. “He made me breakfast , Leon. And my coffee, exactly how I like it. Those first dates… He actually cared about me, genuinely, and then… I just—” He exhaled. “You know, I’m not used to—”  

“ People who care ,” Leon finished softly, his voice carrying something close to grief.  

“Yeah.” Arthur swallowed the lump in his throat. “And Merlin cares so much . About everything he does, about his friends. I… I picked the wrong person in my plan to secure my inheritance. The way I’m using him—it’s disgusting, especially now…”  

“ Especially now ?” Leon prompted when Arthur’s pause stretched too long.  

“Especially now that I’ve fallen in love with him,” Arthur confessed in a whisper.  

Leon was silent.  

“ I’m not surprised ,” he finally said, his voice calm as ever. “By your feelings. I… Maybe you should be honest with him. Before the wedding .”  

“I’d lose my inheritance,” Arthur murmured.  

“ You have to decide ,” Leon said seriously. “ What’s more important—your inheritance or keeping the first genuine relationship you’ve had in a long time? Besides, you can tell him the truth about how this started, about why you were looking for a partner. You don’t have to say it’s the only reason. If all you needed was to marry someone, you’d have picked the first person desperate for money, drafted a contract, and married them on the spot .”  

“I know.” Arthur exhaled. “And I thought about it. I would have done it if I hadn’t found anyone better . I can always get a divorce, so…”  

“ But you chose Merlin ,” Leon said gently. “ And he chose you .”  

Arthur smiled. “You’re right, I… I’ll tell him. Today, as soon as he gets home. Actually—” He paused, an idea forming. “Can you send him home now? He can take the day off.”  

Leon made a considered noise before replying, more clearly, “ He’s not here anymore. He said he had something to check for the project. I think it was wedding-related—he was on the phone with Lancelot. ”  

Arthur sighed. “Then I’ll leave him a message. Thanks, Leon,” he added at last.  

“ You can call me after the conversation if— ” Leon hesitated, before finishing, “if you need someone to talk to.”   

“Or someone to cry with ,” Arthur snorted. “And I will. Though I hope I’ll only be calling to tell you the wedding’s still on.”  

“ Yeah .” Leon murmured. “ I hope so too .”  

After their goodbyes, Arthur ended the call, sighing as he searched for Merlin’s contact among his recent calls.  

He scrolled through their last conversation, smiling at the way Merlin used insults in place of affectionate nicknames. Who else would call him prat, arse, and—his personal favourites—Clotpole, Dollophead, Cabbage-Head, and Turnip-Head instead of sweetheart?  

Then, gathering all the courage he could, he typed:  

I have something I’d like to talk about in person. Can you come back for lunch? You have my permission to skip work.

After a moment, Arthur sent another message:  

Not that you seem to need my permission to skip work, apparently. XO.  

I love you.  

****

Arthur paced the living room, phone clenched in his hand as if sheer willpower could force it to buzz. Every few steps, he paused to glance at the screen, only to resume his restless movements.  

He knew admitting their relationship had begun out of necessity—out of obligation—was dangerous . Merlin could hate him. Merlin could turn his back on him and walk out of his life without a second thought , regretting ever agreeing to work for him.  

But Arthur couldn’t wait until after the wedding. He couldn’t keep the secret forever. Merlin would find out, sooner or later. And then he’d hate him even more , convinced everything had been a lie. That Arthur’s love had never been real.  

The waiting was eating him alive. Maybe he should call him, say something, brace for impact—  

The phone vibrated.  

Arthur froze, his heart leaping into his throat. He unlocked the screen with all the frantic energy he could muster, already expecting an affectionate insult in reply.  

Instead, his face paled.  

His fingers tightened around the phone. His heartbeat pounded in his ears, a deafening roar.  

No.   

***

Arthur stared at his phone, his heart hammering against his ribs.  

At first, he thought it was a joke. A stupid, horrible joke.   

Not funny, Merlin. He’d typed immediately, hands trembling slightly. I know my confession might have been a shock, but there’s no need to be dramatic.   

Then, the photo had arrived.  

Merlin tied to a chair; hands bound behind his back, head slumped forward in a way that left no room for doubt—he was unconscious.  

A dark shadow bloomed under his left eye, a bruise stark even in the poor image quality.  

Arthur’s breath caught.  

The phone almost slipped from his grasp as blind rage surged through him. He barely registered what he was doing before a sharp crack echoed through the room and glass shattered. He’d thrown a glass against the wall.  

If you want to see him alive again, call off the wedding.

The words of the message pounded in his skull, mixing with the deafening rush of blood in his ears.  

No. No, this wasn’t happening. This couldn’t be happening.   

He ran a hand through his hair, struggling to breathe. He had to do something. Something. Think. Act. He couldn’t just stand there, staring at his phone like an idiot.  

He called Leon.  

“ Arthur? ” Leon’s voice came through on the second ring. “ Everything alright? Did Merlin react—? ”  

“No,” Arthur cut in, too panicked to pretend he had any control over the situation. “Merlin—he— someone took him . I got a message from his phone, and a photo. He’s unconscious, tied to a chair, and—he’s got a bloody bruise on his face . Leon, what the fuck do I do?”  

Leon was silent for a second too long. Arthur’s breath turned even more ragged.  

“Leon,” he snapped.  

“ Okay, okay, breathe, ” Leon finally said, calm in a way that was almost infuriating. “ Arthur, I know it’s hard, but you need to stay in control. ”  

“ Control ?!” Arthur exploded. “Leon, you don’t understand, it’s Merlin —!”  

“ I know ,” Leon cut in, firm. “ And that’s exactly why you have to stay calm… ”  

Arthur exhaled shakily.  

“Alright,” he said at last, voice steadier. “Let’s begin.”

Chapter Text

“Hello, Merlin.” Leon greeted him with a smile, clearly amused by Merlin’s appearance.

Merlin shrugged. He was less put-together than he should have been, but he’d woken up later than usual, and the tension from the dance the day before had left him feeling less sharp.

“Hi, Leon.” Merlin smiled. “If you’re looking for the dollophead, I’m afraid he’s still at home. Sleeping.”

“You’re spoiling him.” Leon chuckled. “I mean, it’s kind of your job, but at least wait until the wedding for that.”

“Right.” Merlin laughed. Then he turned, furrowing his brow. “Who’s that?”

A man was wandering the corridors, clearly searching for something. His gaze settled on Leon before he started heading towards him.

“Agravaine, Arthur’s uncle,” Leon murmured quietly. “He’s been abroad for a while, probably just got back this morning.”

“I didn’t even know Arthur had an uncle.” Merlin remarked. “He’s never mentioned him.”

“Probably slipped his mind.” Leon shrugged.

Before he could say anything else, Agravaine entered without knocking. He looked at Merlin with an expression that clearly betrayed his evident irritation.

“Intern,” he said, his tone curt. “A coffee. Please.”

Merlin looked up from his desk and nodded, but didn’t move immediately. “Ah, sure. A coffee ,” he replied with a smile that sounded more bitter than kind. “Why didn’t one of your underlings get it for you? They are paid for that, aren’t they?”

Agravaine didn’t seem to appreciate the joke, but Merlin kept going, ignoring the fact that his sarcasm was putting him in a risky position.

“I’m not exactly mad for coffee, but I hope the work I do here gets appreciated at least,” he said in a deliberately strained tone.

Leon, who had been watching the exchange with an impassive expression, cleared his throat and tried to intervene. “Merlin, please —”

But Agravaine didn’t let him finish. With a sharp gesture, he interrupted: “An intern needs to learn to work, not just joke around . After all, you’re trying to gain experience.”

Merlin crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow. “Oh, yes, of course. Experience is essential , like discovering who’s willing to stoop so low as to ask for coffee from the person paying their salary.”

Agravaine’s body language shifted immediately.

From apparent calm, he became visibly more tense . He was holding himself back, trying not to react to the provocation. His breathing grew heavier, his eyes narrowing into a thin line of disapproval.

But Merlin knew .

It only took a second to see his control slipping away beneath the surface.

Agravaine stepped toward the desk, but Merlin didn’t move. “I’m not here to make friends, intern,” he said, his voice lower, threatening. “Don’t forget that.”

Merlin shrugged, the sarcastic smile never fading. “No need to remind me. But I can always try to give you some advice. For example, how do you like your coffee?”

Agravaine furrowed his brows, the air between them becoming heavy. Leon shot a quick glance at Merlin, as if warning him that he was pushing it. But Merlin didn’t stop.

“A bit of sugar, or is that enough, with your ego?” Merlin said, finally getting up to head towards the coffee machine, leaving behind a tension that would be felt long after.

As he passed, he noticed a few colleagues recording the whole conversation on their phones.

He smiled. Would Arthur go crazy when he found out he’d insulted his uncle?

Merlin returned from the coffee machine with two cups in hand, one for Agravaine and one for himself. When he entered the small office, he found Leon trying to focus on some paperwork, but his gaze was fixed on the scene that was unfolding.

Agravaine had already seated himself, but he didn’t seem in the mood to appreciate the gesture. He was loudly complaining, his tone grumpy: “I don’t understand how you can all be so rude . Interns these days, they don’t have the slightest respect for authority.”

Merlin couldn’t help but chuckle to himself as he placed the coffee on the desk in front of Agravaine. He leaned slightly forward, not hiding his sarcasm.

“Right,” Merlin said, “the education of interns is really a tragedy. It’s a shame that, contrary to what you say, I’m not actually Arthur’s intern.”

Agravaine looked up, clearly irritated by this new jab. “What does that mean?”

Merlin raised his hands in mock innocence. “Oh, nothing... just that, if I were really an intern, I might want to take a lesson on how not to incite the wrath of superiors .”

Leon, who had been listening to the whole exchange with a frustrated expression, made a gesture of resignation. “ Merlin… ” he tried to say, but wasn’t sure how to stop him without causing more trouble.

Agravaine, now visibly annoyed, darkened. “If you don’t like my way of doing things, maybe you shouldn’t be here.”

Merlin looked at him without flinching, the smile still playing at his lips. “Oh, don’t worry. I’m not even planning on being here long. I’m just doing my job , like everyone else.”

Agravaine scowled but didn’t respond. Merlin, satisfied with his little intervention, moved to his corner of the office, leaving behind a tension that was even more palpable.

***

Merlin was biting his lip, the screen of the last task open in front of him.

Their investigations had never involved anyone named Agravaine, which set off alarm bells in his mind.

Finally, he took out his phone and called Lancelot.

“ Merlin? ” Lancelot answered almost immediately. “ Is everything alright? ”

Merlin responded, using the language they had agreed on when setting up Merlin’s cover. “We need to do an update on the targeting of our campaigns. I’ve noticed that some clients are attracting more attention than expected. Perhaps we should take a closer look at one of them.”

Lancelot fell silent, realising that there were suspects they had never even considered. “I’ve seen, yes. A certain sector might be more problematic than we thought. Are you suggesting we reassess our approach with this particular client?”

Merlin smiled, as he did every time he heard Lancelot, Gwaine, or Gwen speak his language of numbers and stats. “Exactly. There might be some feedback we haven’t yet analysed. I think it’s worth digging a little deeper. Do we really want to keep pushing this, or should we consider changing our strategy?”

Lancelot typed something on his computer; Merlin could hear the sound of the keys. Then he said, having found the email Merlin had sent him, with the name and details of the last client, still a code to hide the name of Arthur’s uncle.

“ Got it. You suspect there are new trends on the horizon, right? If this client is trying to shift direction, we could be in an awkward position. I’ve got some information that might help clarify things. ”

Merlin nodded, mostly for show to those walking past his office. He wasn’t sure if they had heard his conversation, but at least he knew Lancelot’s responses were consistent with Merlin’s questions. That would help reduce any suspicions about them.

“Perfect, that’d be helpful. We want to avoid the situation becoming critical before the numbers speak, right? So a bit of behaviour analysis wouldn’t hurt. Every move could turn out to be useful.”

Lancelot noted down Merlin’s two requests: to investigate Agravaine’s past, since that trip abroad seemed a bit suspicious, and to also follow and track his movements. “ Alright, I’ll have a look at the latest patterns and see if there’s anything we can use to reassess our choices. We might be able to anticipate the next step. I’ll let you know as soon as I have any useful data. ”

Merlin smiled. “Great. I’ll update you once I have more material to work with. We need to be ready to respond quickly . We don’t want to be caught unprepared with this new trend emerging.”

Lancelot muttered before adding, “ Perfect. When I find a good amount of material that might be useful, shall we meet in person? ”

Merlin nodded. “Yes, it sounds good. Better than doing it all by message. Where shall we meet?”

Lancelot typed something on his computer. “ Same place, and we can do it before lunch. I’ve already found some worrying market research regarding sales .”

Merlin shook his head. If it wasn’t the groom, it was the uncle. “Perfect. I’ll be there.”

****

Merlin left the office, his steps purposeful as he headed towards the meeting place with Lancelot.

His mind was already focusing on what they’d discuss: the possible connection between Agravaine and the murders, the feeling that something was slipping through their fingers.

How had no one ever known about Agravaine’s existence?

The blow came quickly, violently, a sharp impact to the back of his head. Merlin felt a sharp pain and a wave of dizziness overcame him. Before he could react, the darkness enveloped him, silent and total.

The world around him became all dark.

Chapter Text

Arthur groaned, rubbing his face.

He had fallen, tripping over something .

Not that it mattered what he had tripped over, but Arthur felt embarrassed.

At least, he reflected, no one had seen him.

“Wow.” A voice said from behind him. “It almost looked choreographed. Was it choreographed?”

Arthur groaned.

Of course , he thought, turning around, Merlin had seen him.

“Shouldn’t you be working?” Arthur asked, gritting his teeth.

“So should you.” Merlin said, because clearly no one had taught him not to talk back to his employer if it was important to keep his own job . “But you don’t look like you’re working. Unless your job is… falling down and cleaning the floor with your designer clothes.”

“You’re fired.” Arthur announced.

“You can’t fire me without cause, and your lack of balance is not cause, I’m afraid.” Merlin shrugged.

Arthur’s eyes narrowed. “Just because we’ve exchanged a couple of emails doesn’t make you laugh at me.”

“I don’t think you need me to laugh at you.” Merlin had the courage to respond. “You seem to be doing great on your own .”

Arthur snorted, incredibly frustrated.

Merlin had apparently finished his cruelty for the day. He reached out to help Arthur up (Arthur realized at that moment that he had been sitting on the floor the whole time ), and then knelt down to check his ankle.

“I didn’t know you were a doctor.” Arthur muttered, his throat tight at the thought of someone caring about him.

Lately, only Leon had actually cared about Arthur, while everyone else was just waiting to see what would happen to the company now that the real shark, Uther Pendragon, had handed the reins over to little Arthur.

“I’m a spy, actually.” Merlin replied, ignoring Arthur’s snort of disbelief. “Well, you didn’t break anything. It wasn’t even sprained, you fell fine.”

Arthur shook his head. “Thanks.”

“You’re welcome.” Merlin shrugged. “It’s nothing, though. Maybe you should think about looking at the ground as you walk, instead of getting lost in deep thought and falling. Although I understand it can be hard to do for the first time.”

“I’ve fallen before.” Arthur frowned.

“I was talking about thinking .” Merlin corrected him, unable to feel embarrassed or afraid.

Arthur felt himself smile. “Do you feel like going for something to eat?” he asked, deciding on impulse.

“It depends on whether you fall in front of the waiter or not.” Merlin replied seriously. “Because I can’t be seen walking around with someone who’s off balance .”

Arthur laughed, unable to help himself. “I’ll do my best. Come on, it’s on me.”

Chapter Text

Merlin looked at the person in front of him.

“Uh, it's you.” Merlin frowned. “Honestly, I thought it was Arthur's sister who was responsible.”

“Morgana lacks inventivity! She is boring and naive, not ready for this world!”

Merlin blinked. “Are we talking about the same Morgana?”

Maybe the man was stupid. Merlin didn't know him well enough to be sure.

Agravaine snorted. “Not even Arthur is ready to rule!”

“Over an office?” Merlin tilted his head. “Is this your first kidnapping? You're not very good at it, if I may say.”

“Don't talk with me!” Agravaine screamed. “And I will bring you company soon enough. Arthur has been blamed for all his previous partners’ death. Now, you will be the final proof of his wrecked soul!”

“Have you eaten a Shakespeare's book?” Merlin asked. “And this is the reason why you talk like this?”

Agravaine growled. “You will regret talking like this to me!”

“I doubt it.” Merlin muttered emotionless, as Agravaine left him alone in the room. Then, lowering his voice, he added. “And this is surely your first kidnapping. You'd tied my hands otherwise.”

Then, after receiving no answer, he added. “Amateur.”

***

Merlin looked at Arthur.
“I know you are mad, but…”

“You got kidnapped! By my uncle!” Arthur yelled. “Of course I am mad!”

“Why?” Merlin asked. “I mean, yes, he kidnapped me, but he only wanted to block your father's will.”

Arthur paled. Merlin wondered how close he was with his uncle to get that reaction.

“He told you?” Arthur almost yelled.

Merlin already managed to inform Lancelot where he was - again, a real kidnapper would have taken all the phones, and not just the one they could easily find.

“Yeah.” Merlin shrugged. “I honestly thought it was Morgana.”

“What do you mean?” Arthur asked.

“Nevermind.” Merlin smiled innocently. “Now, we need to…”

Before Merlin could explain to Arthur what would have to do in order to avoid being rushed by the wall once Lancelot brought that down, Arthur exclaimed.

“I know it is awful, but I didn’t want to lose another person I cared about!”

Merlin blinked. “Uh… What?”

Arthur looked down. “I realised something was happening. They were all dying. So I kinda rushed things between us, hoping that it would spare that to you.”

“You wanted to marry me because of your heredity?” Merlin asked, feeling somehow hurt. “And you told a few people just because you didn't want the same person that killed them to kill me too?”

“No.” Arthur shook his head. “I didn't know someone tried to kill them. I just wanted to be fast…”

“Ah.” Merlin blinked. “So you're just an ass.”

“Hey!” Arthur exclaimed. “I was…”

Before he could go on, though, the door exploded and Lancelot was there, gun ready in his hand.
“You two are fine?”

Arthur blinked. “Are you some kind of spy?”

“Nah, princess.” Gwaine said, bringing along with him a handcuffed Agravaine. “We're agents of the CIA.”

Arthur looked at Merlin.
“Did you know they were spies, Merlin?”

“Of course I did.” Merlin replied, smiling at them and without really listening to his own words. “I am their boss.”

There was silence, and then.
“Oh, you were marrying me because you wanted to know who was killing all of them!”

Merlin blinked. “I didn't realise you were that smart.” He muttered, before saying. “Well, not exactly. Marrying you wasn't in the plan. Just becoming your friend, realising if you were some kind of psycho who lived the risk-you aren't, by the way- and then finding out who among your friends is a psycho. If you introduced me to Agravaine before, we'd already know everything.”

“Are you really blaming me for this?” Arthur yelled, looking almost betrayed. “You were using me for your investigation!”

Merlin scoffed. “And you? You were using me to get some money! At least I am not a dollophead!”

Arthur shook his head. “You are not the person I thought you were.”

“Well, you aren't either.” Merlin replied, before walking out of the room.

Well, apparently Lancelot was right. Merlin couldn't wait to hear his ‘I told you so.’

Chapter Text

Leon was looking at Arthur.

Arthur could feel his eyes full of judgment.

“Don’t start with it!” Arthur exclaimed. “He was using me just to get his killer! I was nothing to him.”

“Well, someone might say that you were using him to get your seat at Uther’s Company.” Leon answered, sighing. “Merlin did not plan to marry you, Arthur.”

“But he didn’t say anything!” Arthur replied, hurt and angry. “He should have told me that he was investigating my previous partner’s death!”

“He did his job perfectly well, plus doing his job for the Company.” Leon sighed. “I know you’re hurt, Arthur, but how could he tell you?”

“I don’t know.” Arthur muttered. “It just hurts.”

“I’m sure.” Leon nodded. “This is why you need to talk with him, before it is too late.”

Arthur frowned. “What do you mean?”

“You love him.” Leon said. “And there’s no need to deny it. You love him, you still do, and this is the reason why you’re so hurt. Talk with him before he disappears from your life.”

“He wouldn’t.” Arthur said, before blinking. “He would never…”

“Are you ready to try it?” Leon asked. “Before if it is too late… Then you’ll lose him forever and there will be nothing you’d be able to do.”

“Leon…” Arthur stopped, thinking of Leon's words.

“It’s your decision.” Leon nodded. “Be sure it is the one you want to do.”

****

Lancelot was looking at Merlin.

Merlin could feel his eyes full of judgment, added to his ‘I told you so’.

“Don’t start with it!” Merlin exclaimed. “He was using me just to get his seat! I was nothing to him.”

“Well, someone might say that you were using him to get your killer.” Lancelot answered, sighing. “You shouldn’t have accepted to marry him.”

“Don’t you think I know it?”” Merlin replied, hurt and angry. “If he did tell me the truth, none of this would have happened! He’s right, I lied to him, to catch a serial killer. He was lying to get more money.”

“This isn’t a challenge to the one who screwed up the most, Merlin.” Lancelot sighed. “I know you’re hurt, Merlin, but how could he tell you?”

“He had plenty of chances, he just wanted to get his money.” Merlin muttered. “It just hurts.”

“I’m sure.” Lancelot nodded. “This is why you need to talk with him, before it is too late.”

Merlin frowned. “What do you mean?”

“You love him.” Lancelot said. “It wasn’t in your plan, but you love him. Talk with him before he disappears from your life.”

“No.” Merlin shook his head. “I’m going to collect my things this afternoon, and then I’ll go back to the base.”

“Are you sure?” Lancelot asked. “It is your decision. Be sure it is the one you want to do.”

Chapter Text

Arthur stepped into the flat he shared with Merlin, swallowing hard when he saw the young man folding clothes and putting them away.

“I hadn’t realised how little you actually have brought with you,” Arthur said at last, noticing how everything fit into just two bags.

“The flat came with the assignment,” Merlin replied curtly. “My personal things are at the base.”

“That sounds like a grim sort of life,” Arthur remarked.

“I don’t complain,” Merlin answered. “It’s my life , after all.”

Arthur swallowed. “I… haven’t been very fair to you. I should have listened to what you had to say, let you speak…”

“It doesn’t matter, it’s over now.” Merlin shrugged. “There’s nothing we can do at this point.”

“That’s not true,” Arthur said. “We can talk about it, work it out together…”

“Work out what , Arthur?” Merlin huffed, turning to face him. Arthur flinched at the sight of the young man’s red-rimmed eyes. “You made your choice and that’s that.”

“No, wait, I…” Arthur swallowed again. “I’m sorry. You didn’t choose to marry me, I asked you, and you’re right—I only did it so I could secure the inheritance, without really caring about the danger you might face. I knew something wasn’t right, and I still risked another person’s life just for my own selfish desire. The truth is, I knew I was under suspicion, since they were all my girlfriends, and I’d have been the first to be investigated.” Arthur took a deep breath. “I’m just lucky you weren’t as vulnerable as the others, or Agravaine would have killed you.”

“If I’d known about Agravaine beforehand, I’d never have agreed to marry you,” Merlin said. “I mean, you’re not that bad, okay? It’s just—I was here to do a job . The cover was already good enough.”

“When you first spoke to me, you were trying to work out if I was guilty,” Arthur remembered. “Then you stopped once you realised I didn’t have a plan to be a serial killer.”

“Yes.” Merlin nodded. “I’d tracked down Morgana, but she’s innocent.”

“What’s my cousin got to do with it?” Arthur asked, tilting his head.

“Oh, right.” Merlin wet his bottom lip. “Well, she’s actually your half-sister.”

“Oh.” Arthur swallowed again. “That’s a bit revolting.”

“Yes.” Merlin sighed. “She knows, but she wants nothing to do with Uther. Still, you could try talking to her. She had a good opinion of you—at least before all your girlfriends started dying.”

“I’ll talk to her,” Arthur said, then risked it. “Maybe I can ask her to be our flower girl at the wedding.”

“What wedding?” Merlin asked, staring at Arthur.

“Mine and yours,” Arthur said. “Not for an assignment, not for the inheritance. I could even give up the inheritance if you want, but… unless you were only pretending because of the mission… I still want to marry you. Even if I’m a complete ass.”

“You’re a very big ass ,” Merlin agreed, eyeing him cautiously. Arthur hated himself a little for having put that look on Merlin’s face. “You do realise I’m a CIA agent, don’t you? I won’t stay behind to run your company. I have missions. I can’t be in photographs. I can’t be seen or have my name advertised too much. I’d be like your little secret, but limited to the city. No interviews, no big corporate profile…”

“We’ll find a way to make it work, as long as we’re together,” Arthur promised. “So… Do you want it?”

After a brief pause, Merlin replied, “I do.”