Fitting, merited (3)
I believe the answer is:
due
I believe this clue is a double definition.
'fitting' is the first definition.
(both can mean appropriate)
'merited' is the second definition.
(similar in meaning)
(Other definitions for due that I've seen before include "Owing, unpaid" , "imminent" , "Rightful" , "Outstanding" , "Requisite" .)