Arthur meanwhile was pleased with how the evening had gone. He hadn't been happy to see his uncle at the restaurant, but in the end it had turned out well. After all Agravaine had to meet Merlin at some stage; Arthur just wished Merlin wasn't so prickly with him. If they were going to live in the same house for five years he wanted to have some sort of companionship from the relationship. He hoped they would be able to settle into some sort of peace before then.
It wasn't until three the next day that Arthur saw Agravaine again, the man seemed smug about something and left without speaking to his nephew. Arthur was only too pleased to see the back of him, but the same time it made Arthur slightly nervous. It was almost as if he was up to something. Once Arthur got home he decided to phone Merlin and arrange to see him, they really needed to find out a bit more about each other if this deception was to be a success. At six o'clock he sent a text to Merlin, to ask him if you would go out for a meal, to somewhere of Merlin's choice. When he heard nothing after half an hour he phoned and got no answer, so he decided try once more and if he got no answer he would go round to his flat.
With no luck Arthur decided to phone the hospital to find out if Merlin was visiting his mother, finding he was Arthur drove to the hospital, and went up to the ward and asked a Nurse if she would ask Merlin to step out and see him. Merlin came out looking really rough, on seeing Arthur he paled and went to go back in. Arthur lurched forward and grabbed Merlin's wrist, and was surprised when Merlin let out a hiss of pain. He looked down to see extensive bruising.
"What the hell happened?" he asked
"Go away! what are you doing here?" Merlin demanded.
"I couldn't get an answer on your phone so I rang here and they said you were visiting, I wanted to make sure everything was ok." Arthur told him.
"Yeh well you can go now" Merlin snarled. "I've had enough of your family for today."
Arthur looked at Merlin and frowned "My family? Has my uncle been bothering you?"
"Threatening more like" Merlin sagged "Look let me say goodbye to mum and I'll talk to you." Arthur thought the other man looked weighed down by something.
"Ok I'll wait out here." Arthur sat down in the passageway and wondered what had happened.
After half an hour Merlin came out and walked to the canteen and Arthur got them both a coffee. "OK Merlin what's going on?"
"I had a visit after work today, your uncle, he's had me investigated." Merlin looked up "I'm not sure I should be talking to you, he warned me not to." he sounded so defeated Arthur wasn't sure what to say.
"Did he do that to your wrist?" Arthur demanded.
Merlin nodded. "He came to warn me off. Look he made threats against my mum and Gaius; I can't go on with this. I'm sorry, he told me not to say anything but you've been fair with me and I can't pay you back."
Arthur was shocked "What sorts of threats, look Merlin I won't say anything but I need to know."
Merlin looked at Arthur for sometime before making a decision "He said he would make sure the hospital wouldn't treat mum in time, and said Gaius was old and could have a fall. But if I broke off with you he would pay for the treatment. He knew I worked at the club and also knows where I work. He knows all about me." Merlin rubbed his wrist.
Arthur leant forwards and took Merlin's arm gently and looked at the bruising. "He did this?"
"Look it's too late I told him I'd do as he asked, I'll pay you back, it will take a while but I will do it. You have to understand if he was threatening me I'd tell him where to go, but I can't risk my family." Merlin looked up clearly ashamed.
"Merlin I can't let you do that. I will protect you all, but don't let him win, he won't keep his word." Arthur told him.
"Oh and how will you do that? It's my mother we're talking about. He said the administrator here owes him, he also told me I'd be homeless, without an address I'd never earn enough to help mum and what about Gaius?" Merlin was obviously very upset and frightened.
"Look Merlin, come and have something to eat, if my uncle is watching you he will think you're breaking off with me. But we do need to talk about this" Arthur pleaded. Merlin nodded and followed Arthur out to his car.
They headed to a small restaurant and sat in a quiet corner. Arthur asked Merlin to tell him everything that had happened, and then he sat for moment thinking. "Look Merlin thank you for telling me, it can't be easy, I'm sorry you have been threatened in this way. I can see why you've decided as you have, but I'm sorry, I don't think doing as he asks will help you. He might pay for some of your mother's treatment, but I suspect as soon as we've split he will just dump you, he might even try to silence you for good. I don't know." He paused. "I didn't think he would do this, but he has a lot to gain the company is worth millions."
"You didn't see him! I believe him; he'll do as he says I know he will." Merlin said."Oh I don't mean paying for mum's bills but the threats."
"You could go to the law ask for protection." Arthur said.
"I have no proof, they'd laugh at me, your uncle is a wealthy man and I'm a drop out bum." Merlin said.
"Let me think about it Merlin, I will contact you tomorrow. In the meantime please don't worry, we'll sort something out, I was the one that got you into this and I'll get you out. I'll be in touch."
Arthur spent ages thinking things through, he still had no idea what to do. But he did make one discussion, he would make sure Hunith Emrys treatment was fully paid for, he might be overbearing at times but he wasn't heartless. As to everything else he had no idea, he needed something on Agravaine that would stop him in his tracks.
Agravaine meanwhile was pleased with himself. Merlin had contacted him and said he would break things off with Arthur as long as his Mother and Gaius were safe, and his mother's medical fees were paid for. It had been all too simple; the boy was obviously going to do anything for his family. He had no intention of touching either of them, but Merlin didn't know that. He also had no intention of paying all the medical fees either. Agravaine was well aware that Merlin had gone out with Arthur and from the reports of Arthur's demeanour when he left the boy had done as he was told. Agravaine arranged for a few thousand to be transferred to Merlin's bank account. He had no intention of ever paying more, but it had been cheep at the price.
By now Arthur was convinced that he should help out Merlin. After all it was his uncle that was causing problems for the younger man and Merlin wasn't such a bad sort. If he had to go through with a false marriage to keep the company at least Merlin gained as well as him. Also Arthur didn't want to have to start all over again with his search. So Arthur spent the rest of the evening on his computer, he checked the hospital administrators and couldn't find any link with his uncle and wondered if the man had been bluffing. Then he decided to engineer a meeting with his uncle the next day, he felt sure the man wouldn't be able to resist gloating. Who knew what might come off a bit of judicious prodding on his part? The minute he got to work he spoke to Ethan and arranged to drop in on a meeting that Agravaine had asked for later that morning.
Walking in just after Agravaine had arrived he acted surprised to see him there. "Oh Hello Uncle, sorry I didn't realise you were seeing Ethan, anything I can help you with?"
"No that's alright Arthur, I was just familiarising myself with the New York Office, that all." Agravaine gave his nephew a false smile.
"Still planning on taking over are you? I wouldn't count on it." Arthur added.
"Why are you planning on marrying your toy boy?" Agravaine said in a self satisfied voice.
"Ethan, would you mind leaving us alone for a bit?" Arthur asked, as Ethan left the room Arthur turned back to his Uncle.
"No, as it turns out, you didn't have anything to do with that did you? Only I understand you've been spending money on a private investigator." Arthur said smoothly. "You should understand uncle I am well connected in New York and I get told things."
"Why would I do that?" Agravaine protested his face paling.
"I think control of a multi million pound company might be considered a good enough reason. I'm not an idiot uncle, if I find you were behind Merlin's change of heart you might well regret it."
"Did he say that?! Because he's lying if he did." Agravaine told him.
"No he didn't, but I'm telling you now I have every intention of getting Merlin to change his mind. If I find out for example that you tried to buy him off or perhaps threatened his family …" Arthur looked at his uncle and left the end unsaid. "Just remember this is America not London."
"Are you threatening me?!" Agravaine shouted, by now wondering who had told Arthur about the PI.
"Me? Come now uncle would I do that? Let's just say accidents can happen. I won't have you interfering with my happiness. I know what a vindictive streak you have. My father knew that as well, I suspect that's why he made the will he did. Meeting Merlin was a …unforeseen occurrence, something I hadn't expected and I won't have you interfering in my life. Merlin was clearly not himself when he asked to meet me, it doesn't take a genius to smell a rat. I have developed strong feelings for him and what I want I get, a Pendragon trait as you well know." Arthur laid it on thick, it would be good to convince his Uncle right from the beginning that his marriage with Merlin was a real love affair and not the marriage of convenience it really was.
Agravaine had started to sweat he thought he had it all sorted but it seemed he was wrong. He wasn't sure what to do next. "Arthur I am your uncle first and foremost, I want you to find happiness."
Arthur butted in "But not in time to stop you getting hands on Pendragon's"
"That's not true! I'm sure you won't forget me if you take over." Agravaine pleaded.
"I won't forget the interference with my love life Uncle." Arthur sneered. "I might forget it if Merlin rings up and says he's changed his mind." With that he walked out the room.
Agravaine left the office a short time later and went back to his hotel and told his wife what had happened. "You are an idiot!" she scoffed at him. "I told you what to do, but no you had to do it your own way. You can't bluff a Pendragon you should have learnt your lesson with Uther years ago." Morgause scoffed. "Ring up the boy and tell him you've changed your mind then leave it to me. We will have to wait for awhile now, but it makes no real difference in the end, the company will be ours." Morgause handed he husband the phone "Tell him you … no on second thoughts I'll clear up your mess, as always."
Morgause picked up her coat and handbag "I'll be back later; you'd just as well book us tickets back to London."
Morgause left the hotel and made her way to wait near Merlin's base. When she saw Merlin cycling towards the building she waved and smiled at him. Merlin stopped at the curb and looked at her with suspicion.
"Hello Merlin, please don't look like that I've come to speak to you, I understand my husband has been …. overreacting as usual. I'm sorry about that. He has been upset, he had expected to get a large amount of shares that Arthur's father had promised him. To find Uther had left everything to Arthur has made him a bit unstable. He told me what he had done and I talked to him. You have no need to worry about your mother or uncle. I am taking Agravaine back to London to get some help for him. I understand he has given you some money … please keep it, as a sign of goodwill, and use it for your mother's care." She smiles sweetly at Merlin. "I would appreciate it if you didn't say anything to Arthur; I wouldn't want their relationship to suffer from this misunderstanding."
"So you're telling me that nothing is going to happen, that I broke off with Arthur for no reason?" Merlin asked. To say he was surprised was an understatement. "I was terrified"
"I am really sorry Merlin and I … we wish you all the luck. I'm sure Arthur will be only too pleased if you tell him you have changed your mind, I could see he was besotted with you. I can't apologise enough." She smiled "You won't see us again we are leaving for London this afternoon, I promise I will get my husband the help he needs." with that she turned and walked away. As she turned away from the stunned man her face changed into one of hatred and she promised herself that Merlin would suffer for what she had just had to do.
Merlin stood and couldn't believe what had just happened, he could hardly believe it. He took out his phone and rang Arthur once, Arthur answered and Merlin told him what had just happened. "I don't know what to think." He ended.
"I will check they have left, I had a word with my Uncle earlier. I told you I would sort it out. I think we need to go out tonight and celebrate. I will pick you up at eight, I was going out with some of the men from work, and it will be a good chance to get you out and seen with me. You needn't wear a suit we are going to a bar."
"Yes your majesty" Merlin quipped "You don't believe in asking do you?"
"No, we are in a business agreement Merlin, this isn't real you know." Arthur quipped back. "Oh and at the weekend it might be a good idea for me to meet your mother. I go back to London on Monday; I thought you could come back with me for a week." With that Arthur ended the call.
Merlin was flabbergasted at Arthur's reaction, the man was so cock sure that Merlin would just fall in with whatever he said. Well he had a surprise coming to him. He had promised to visit his mother and that was what he was going to do. That evening, as Merlin arrived at the hospital, he texted Arthur and told him he wouldn't be going out as he was with his mother. As he went in to see his mum she looked up at him from the bed.
"Mum you look tired" he told her.
"I'm alright my boy; it's the treatment it takes it out of me. You look better today, made up with your boyfriend?" she said with a smile.
"Boyfriend!" Merlin squawked.
"Yes boyfriend, one of the nurses told me he came here to collect you last night. She said he's gorgeous"
Merlin blushed he had intended to start dropping hints but it looked like it was too late. "We haven't been seeing each other long, Mum."
"So when do I get to meet him? I'm glad you've found someone it's been too long." She held out her hand for her son "You can't just work all the time love, and it's been years since Will"
Merlin looked down "He hurt me mum, anyway I need to work"
"Not as much as you are, I know you want to pay for my treatment but you've given up so much already, I should have taken Uncle Gaius's offer.
"No you couldn't it's his house where would he have lived, he loves that house. We discussed this mum, I can go back to Harvard once you're well, and they said I could. You're my mother it's my place to look after you after all you've sacrificed for me over the years."
"I'm your mother it's no sacrifice. Anyway stop changing the subject when do I meet this man of yours?" Hunith demanded with a smile.
There was a tap on the door as a voice spoke out "Now I believe Mrs Emrys"
Merlin turned round and was surprised to see Arthur stood in the doorway. For the first time since Merlin had met him he was wearing jeans and a t shirt, re of course. "What are you doing here" Merlin demanded.
"We're going out later, so I thought I'd pick you up from here. Anyway I wanted to meet your mother." Arthur flashed Hunith a smile.
"Come on in please" Hunith exclaimed "Merlin's been keeping you a secret; I had to find out from the nurses."
"Yes you prat, you were seen when you came last time." Merlin said annoyed that he hadn't been able to tell his mother himself.
"Merlin! I brought you up better than that." Hunith scolded him.
"Don't worry Mrs Emrys; I know he loves me really. A pleasure to met you" Arthur held out his hand.
Hunith took the hand and shock it before saying "Come here so I can great you properly." With that she gave Arthur a hug. She then turned to Merlin "He's very handsome love and that lovely English accent."
Merlin smirked at Arthur face as his mother hugged him "He's a posh twat Mum." With that Arthur moved towards Merlin and kissed him.
"But I'm your posh twat." He winked "are you going to introduce me Merlin?"
Merlin glared at Arthur before turning to his mother "Mother this is Arthur Pendragon, Arthur his is my mother Hunith Emrys." He looked at Arthur "Happy now"
"Hello Arthur please call me Hunith" she turned to Merlin "Can you go and get me some more water please? Then I can talk to your man in peace."
After Merlin had left the room muttering under his breath Hunith turned to Arthur. "I hope you don't mind me saying, but you're older than my son, and from a different social standing, are you serious about him? I'm sorry but he has been badly hurt in the past and I don't want him hurting again."
"Yes I am older, by about ten years; it's been difficult I haven't been able to be my true self for years, my father, who has recently died, didn't approve of my life choices. As to the social standing I don't think that matters do you? I'm sorry Merlin has been hurt, I have no intention of hurting him, we haven't known each other long but I think it was love at first sight."
"Oh I'm sorry about your father's passing, I assume you meant he didn't like you being Gay? I'm sorry to hear that as well. I've never worried with Merlin as long as he's happy. I can see you think a lot of him, I'm pleased he can be a bit awkward."
"I am not awkward mother how could you!" Merlin said as he came back into the room.
"Well alright not awkward, but clumsy and a bit outspoken as well as to kind for his own good and generous to a fault is that better" Hunith laughed "I wouldn't change you for the world son."
"Mrs Emrys…Hunith I was hoping to get Merlin to come to London with me next week, I'm based there you see and need to get back, I want him to met my sister. We could both go and see Gaius as well, I've known Gaius all my life he was a friend of my fathers. I have spoken to his boss and he can have the time off, but it will mean leaving you on your own for a week." Arthur explained.
"That would be good for him, he's been working too hard, I was so pleased when he stopped working in the bar, and he was getting so run down. It will also be nice for him to see Gaius…..I've just realised your one of those Pendragons! … Good grief son!"
"I hope you don't hold that against me?" Arthur asked Hunith.
"No of course not it's just…well…."
"What mum means is you're loaded and we're not. Anyway I can't go to London I can't afford the airfare, not to mention the time off work." Merlin said "and no you're not paying for me, I'm not your toy boy."
"Merlin, I want to see you and I can't if we're either side of the Atlantic! Don't be so dramatic I know you're not my toy boy. Think of it as a holiday and don't be silly. You need a break, you're worn down."
"Arthur right my dear" Hunith agreed "Go and see Gaius, he's love to see you and he's not getting any younger. I can manage for a week and I know you've paid for the next couple of treatments with your lottery winnings." Hunith looked at her son's face "Please love for me"
Merlin pouted as he looked from one to the other. "Do I have any choice?" he asked "I hate you two, why did you have to meet"
"Very grown up" Arthur laughed as he rustled Merlin's hair. "I bet you had your hands full with him when he was small." Arthur remarked to Hunith.
"I did, but he's always been worth it, you'll find that out if you stay together." Hunith laughed.
"I intend to" Arthur said serious once more, they had managed to pass the Hunith test without the woman catching on, so hopefully they would get past anyone. Arthur had felt sure Hunith would have saw through them once he had met her, she seemed a very perceptive woman.