Eiji slowly woke up. Something was different and he had no idea how that was. Not only felt his body well rested, but also the clothes were way comfortable. This was not the only thing that he picked up, but also someone was curled on him. A thing that puzzled him because Eiji-

His eyes instantly opened widely and his enter face started to blush. What did their counterparts even do? Eiji was not even sure how to feel about this, not only had they managed to end this but also bring Ash with him. Even more confusing was the fact that behind closed doors they were mushy and clearly deeply in love. Luckily they had not done much other than kisses.

"Ugh, Eiji are you- Goddammit, Arthur." Ash uttered and Eiji could only watch as Ash looked a bit peeved.

"Well, at least we know that they did not mess it up." He mused out.

"No kidding." Ash let out a sigh.

"Are you alright with what our counterparts have done with um kisses and all that?" He asked with hesitation.

"I-" Ash looked hesitant. "I did not fully mind it because well I do love you but-" Ash struggled with the words.

"Wait, did you just?" Eiji could not help but ask.

"Ah, yeah, never really had been able to, and well from the memories it is not surprising is it?" Ash looked at him with raised eyebrows.

"I mean yeah, but I just have not expected to hear that. Um, I feel the same way." He timidly croaked out.

"Guess our counterparts decided to act quicker than we did. Um, but I want to go slow. I don't even know that I will ever be able to-" Ash trailed off awkwardly.

"Trust me I know. It's not something that I will force you to do. When it won't ever happen that is fine." Eiji reassured.

He knew that things would be going slow and Eiji knew that they had the time of their lives to figure it out. He could only be thankful that things ended up the way they had done and now Ash could fully try and heal. Which would take years and Eiji would be there step by step.

With Merlin

Merlin could only groan as waking up. Not only was he on something less comfortable then he got used to his body and also how he was used to it. So, his eyes cracked open. As looking around he realized that he was back. But that was not the only realization, but also the memories of what Eiji and Ash had done at the time that they had switched.

It was different clearly and he hoped that things on their side were better. Though Merlin felt a bit guilty for acting on their feelings. It was just that Merlin loved Arthur and he could not ignore those feelings anymore. Time was too short and he knew that too well.

"Ah, you're awake. Never thought you would ever wake up." Arthur quipped kissing him on his temples.

"Yeah, yeah I'm awake now, prat. Have you brought some breakfast yet?" He asked.

As they switched each day, someone from the family helped Eiji's mother with breakfast. This time it was Arthur's turn.

"Yup, though people stared at me strangely when they saw me walking into the kitchen." Arthur's expression showed how amusing that must have been.

"To be fair, before we switched that was something you never had done. So can't blame those poor souls." He looked amused.

He slipped out of the bed and moved towards the table, but not before giving Arthur his kiss on his cheek. As they sat and ate, Merlin thought about what they should do now. Arthur was after all with Gwen, and even though his king had told him that she was fine with this as they had talked it out before the switch, Merlin still knew that they needed to have that talk.

"Arthur, um from the memories Ash was not comfortable with Gwen, which can't blame the guy. But we need to have that conversation with her."

There was a sigh coming from Arthur and he could tell that the man felt guilty about what Ash had said. Even though Gwen had been under the control of a particular someone, it was still difficult to get back that trust. They somewhat managed but well it was still difficult.

"Yeah, I can't blame Ash for feeling that way. Not after what I had seen. You do not want to know the details." Arthur stiffened and Merlin pressed his lips together.

At least now Ash for sure will have the healing that he deserves. Eiji would make sure that Ash would be comfortable. Merlin could only hope that things would go well for those two.

"What will we tell our friends?" He asked.

Arthur looked thoughtful. "I mean we have to tell them what happened."

Merlin knew that his boyfriend was right. Gwen deserved to know about them having told each other about their feelings. Yet he was worried about what would be said or done.

"Hm, I would say we are going to tell them, but not everything. Other than Gwen. She deserves to know that we two-"

"Trust me she knows about our feelings for each other."

"And... she's fine with us?"

Arthur gave him a look that said everything. "Yes, she was the one who told me to tell you."

His eyes blinked, and then he let out a relieved sigh. At least Merlin was sure that she wasn't going to be mad about this.

"You cannot forget that it's not unusual for a king to have lovers. Not that it's open but sometimes it is. Either way, this will be fine, but we will talk to her for sure." Arthur explained.

Merlin didn't know about this but it made sense. Though he was not sure how to feel about this fact.

"Look, I understand why you do not like this, but we can't change much about this. It's why this is hidden and only known by rumors by other royal people."

Merlin nodded and the rest of the meal was with silence. That was until Gwen knocked and the conversation had been calm. She seemed genuinely happy that Arthur told him and that they were lovers.

"Gwen, one thing." Arthur carefully said. "I don't like that you are still married to me but sadly won't be able to be dissolved."

"It's alright. But I wonder are you alright with me and him having to have sex because of the heir thing."

Merlin could feel his cheeks heat up at this and shuffle around. "I mean it's something that can't be helped. I also know that Arthur loves you too."

"Merlin, not the way you think. I like her but love, no. But yeah, it's something that needs to be done. But I won't force you, Gwen." Arthur explained.

"Look, Arthur, I know what I got myself into when I married you. I also knew that you would never love me the way you do with Merlin. That's why I asked our friend."

He pressed his lips together. Merlin knew that the married couple were in a difficult spot. Yet he would never deny this, not when he knew how important it was to have an heir.

"I am fine with this. I knew that this was something that was just needed. As long as you consent to it, I am fine with this." His voice was reassuring.

"Thank god, I did not want this to be a big argument." Arthur's voice was full of relief.

After the conversation, they told their friends, and no one had been surprised at all. It seemed that they all had assumed that they had something. After a few months fraternal twins, a baby boy and a baby boy. The boy had clear looks of Arthur and the baby girl looked more like Gwen.

Things would turn out just fine, Merlin was sure about this. It also helped that their friends were there for the three and that made the difference.

End