Chapter Text
The warm summer breeze blew against Merlin's skin. He took a deep breath in and slowly let it out.
Today was going to be like any other day, Merlin would go on with his life, waiting for Arthur's return, just as he had been for many, many years.
Little did Merlin know today would not just be different.
It would change everything.
Merlin spent the many years awaiting Arthur's return aging until his new friends had passed on, then he would alter his appearance to become young again.
He did this century after century. Over this time, Merlin thought heavily on his time spent with Arthur, once the prince and then the King of Camelot.
The adventures, the laughter, the bickering, and the joy of it all. The days of going on many adventures together (often fighting for the safety of Camelot) were far away in the past now.
But he still heard people talk of their adventures, of the legends of King Arthur and of the wizard Merlin. Every time that Merlin heard someone mention Arthur's name, his heart ached more and more.
He longed to see Arthur, to be in his presence, to hold him again like he had that fateful day so many year ago. He yearned for Arthur in the way that the moon longs to be with the stars, but their obits cannot align.
Unless, of course, there happened to be an eclipse.
Merlin was walking to his favourite cafe in London, 'Cafe est Vie'. As he opened the door, he was welcomed by the comforting scent of freshly baked croissants and hot tea.
Maybe this cafe was his favourite because the day that he had first walked in, the barista's name was Gwen. Her deep brown eyes, soft curls, and hazelnut skin all reminded Merlin of his old friend.
She had once been a lady's maid to Morgana, but she became the Queen of Camelot.
He knew that Arthur and Gwen loved each other,
But Gwen could have never truly love Arthur that way that Merlin loved Arthur.
Gwen was working again today.
"How are you doing today, Emrys?" she asked.
"I'm doing well today, thank you," replied Merlin masking how he truly felt.
"I'll have a London Fog and a pain au chocolat, please" said Merlin.
"That'll be ready soon" responded Gwen with a smile.
After he had gotten his drink and pastry, Merlin went to his favourite corner of the cafe. It was dimly lit with just enough light to read.
He pulled out his latest book that he had borrowed from the library just down the street. It was thick and had the musk of old books.
While he read for a couple hours, he was transported to a different place, far away from the bustling city of London.