Merlin was happier this time the room was nice and the staff didn't seem too bad, not only that but June, from Camelot, was working as a waitress at the same place, so he had one familiar face around. Merlin's mood was also helped by the Skype calls he was getting with Arthur. It was so nice to know he could see his lovers face every day. Merlin didn't like London, it was too crowded and noisy for his liking, and the restaurant catered for the upper echelons of society, who liked tiny amounts of food arranged in strange shapes, and at exorbitant prices. Merlin liked well arranged food, but he also liked giving value for money. He had never used real gold leaf on food before and couldn't really see the point. It was all such a waste.
It was just gone midnight after his last shift on the Friday Merlin finished work and said goodbye to everyone. He would be going home in the morning and he had just left the restaurant to walk to his lodgings. Although it was only a short distance he was never that happy with the walk at night. There were several nightclubs nearby, and there always seemed a fair amount of drunks about on the streets. He set off and was nearly back to his digs when he was approached by a young man that was clearly either drunk or on drugs.
"Got any money mate?" The man asked. He was in dirty and tatty clothing and looked like he was sleeping rough. As he got closer Merlin could see he was larger built and slightly taller than he was. It was obvious he hadn't washed or shaved for some time. Now Merlin felt sorry for the homeless, and was always the first to give the Salvation Army and other charities to help those less fortunate, he had always avoided giving direct to them. He had heard so much of fraud and scams. So he had no intention of giving the man anything.
"Sorry, Just come from work, no money on me" he told the man.
"Lying bastard, I followed you, you're one of those rich bastards, eating in that place you must be, give us some dosh." The man's voice became very aggressive in tone; Merlin wasn't one to give way to threats.
"I work there; I couldn't afford to eat there either." Merlin kept waking, then he felt a hand on his shoulder, and he was spun around and a fist hit his face. As he fell to the ground he heard someone else shout out, but then felt a kick in his ribs.
The next thing he knew was a voice talking to him. "Keep still Sir, I'm not sure how badly your hurt. I'm a policeman my partner has got the man who attacked you. I've called for an ambulance now can you tell me your name please?"
The voice sounded calm and kind Merlin looked up he felt slightly groggy. "I'm Merlin Emrys, look I'm ok I don't need an ambulance"
"Sorry Mr Emrys I think you do that was quite a punch you took, just take a few breaths and relax, you have been a victim of an assault."
Merlin could hear an ambulance in the background, the policeman with him kept talking, and Merlin led there his head fuzzy, he felt a fool lying there on the pavement. Then two more people joined him and he was checked over and then lifted onto a different surface and then into the back of a vehicle. Before long he was in a cubicle and had a nurse by the side of him.
"Hello Mr Emrys. How are you feeling?" She asked him, she looked youngish and quiet pretty but he noticed his vision was a bit blurred and told her so. She checked his eyes and did a few more tests before calling the doctor. While they were waiting she took his details including his next of kin. This time he gave Arthur instead of Gwen, after all they were engaged now.
"Please don't let Arthur know." He told her, the last thing he wanted was for Arthur to worry about him.
"Ok not at the moment but we need it in case you stay in." the nurse told him.
The doctor can in and gave him a though examination and sent him off for some xrays. Once he was back in the cubicle the nurse kept coming in and checking up on him and shining a torch in his eyes. Then about three quarters of an hour later the same doctor came back to see him.
"Ok we have looked at both the xrays, you've got a cracked rib and lots of bruising, your scull isn't broken but I expect it feels like it is, you have a nice bruise on your face. Now who can we call for you Merlin?" the doctor smiled at him.
"No one I'm ok. I'm going home in the morning on the train. I'll be ok."
"I don't think so, not on your own anyway, we're keeping you in overnight that was quite a bang on the head you had. Not just the punch but you hit your head on the pavement as you went down. We might let you go tomorrow but I would much rather you had someone with you. You will also be very stiff tomorrow." The doctor looked at Merlin with some sympathy.
In the end Merlin consented to staying in hospital, he had no choice really. He sent a text to Arthur saying he was late getting back and would ring in the morning, then he switched off his phone.
The next morning the police came to see him and took a statement and his home address so they could contact him later. They had the man in custody and would be pressing charge of assault and attempted robbery, the man had admitted the attempted mugging and assault.
Back in Essetir Arthur heard his phone bleep and he looked at the message. He smiled to see it was from Merlin but the smile faded as he realised the time. Merlin must have worked two hours over. No wonder he hadn't wanted to talk. He would be so glad when Merlin was back home.
The next morning Arthur had another text to say Merlin didn't catch the train he was going to but he would let him know when he left London. Arthur wasn't that surprised with the time his lover had got to bed the night before. Merlin still hadn't told him the truth.
It was after lunch before the doctors agreed Merlin could go home. They still weren't happy about him travelling alone but Merlin insisted he would be ok. The police called to see him again before he left and took him to his lodgings to collect his stuff and then dropped him at the train station, even seeing him onto the train. He promised to get someone to collect him at the other end. He was getting lots of strange looks. His face was black and blue and swollen. He was also very stiff and grateful for the painkillers he had been given.
Once on the train Merlin rang Arthur to tell him he was on his way. Arthur insisted he would collect him and Merlin for once didn't argue he was in too much pain. Arthur knew something wasn't right and was anxious to know what was going on. The conductor made sure he was awake as they approached the station. He even helped Merlin get off the train with his suitcase. The police had asked him to keep an eye on the young man explaining what had happened.
Merlin walked to the gate and presented his ticket as he walked through. Then he saw Arthur at the same time as Arthur spotted Merlin's bruised face. He rushed to Merlin's side and carefully took Merlin's bruised face in his hands.
"What the hell happened to you?" He demanded
"Someone tried to mug me last night. But two policemen saw him." Merlin said wincing as just the action of talking made his face hurt. "He also kicked me in the ribs."
"When? And why didn't you tell me?" Arthur stuttered.
"Last night, I didn't want to worry you, I'm late back because they made me stay in hospital overnight."
Arthur looked around and spotted a seat and taking Merlin case and hand walked towards it and made Merlin sit down."You idiot you should have told me I would have picked you up in the car. How come the hospital let you come home alone?" he demanded
"They tried to stop me, but I'm fine, just stiff." Merlin could tell Arthur was about to explode. "I wouldn't let them ring you. Now can we get home please?"
Arthur stopped what he was going to say, now wasn't the time. "Stay here I'll bring the car to the door." He picked up Merlin's case and went to get the car. When he got back he helped Merlin to his feet and into the car. Carefully putting on the other mans seat belt. Merlin put his hand under the belt to stop it hurting his ribs.
Arthur refused to take Merlin back to his own flat. "You're coming to mine. I have a lift and also more room, you need looking after."
Merlin rolled his eyes he knew he would be coddled and fussed over and all he wanted was to be left alone. As soon as Arthur had Merlin settled in the comfiest chair with a cup of tea he demanded to know what had happened. Merlin told him. When Arthur found out about the cracked rib and kick Merlin had received he was even more protective. Just before Merlin had got off the train he had taken some more painkillers and as they fully kicked in he fell asleep leaving Arthur talking to himself.
When he woke up he found Morgana in the flat. Arthur had gone out to get some shopping and had called Morgana to come and sit with Merlin. She was also going to stay the night while Arthur was at work.
Merlin did his best to move around to loosen himself up. The next day Arthur took him to see his GP before he had to go back to work. Arthur wanted to take time off work but Merlin was adamant he wasn't too. To Merlin's disgust Morgana also stayed the second night, but then Arthur was off for four days. Arthur had taken it upon himself to phone Camelot and say Merlin would be off work for at least a week and they would let her know after that when he would be back, but even when he was back he couldn't lift heavy things for four weeks. Needless to say Nimueh wasn't amused.
Merlin was insistent after Arthur's four days off, that he was going back to his own flat. He knew he would kill the blonde if he stayed in his flat any longer. Merlin was fed up with being treated like an invalid. Yes he was sore and his face looked awful but he was better moving about.
In fact Merlin was back at work before a fortnight was up. Once he was less stiff he got bored so as he was going to be ordering and other admin work for the reopening in a fortnight he decided he wanted to work. Arthur was livid, saying that Ms Lake hadn't treated Merlin well and he should take longer. But he soon realised that Merlin was going back regardless. The restocking and setting up went well, although both Tristan and Merlin got fed up with both Nimueh and Mordred interfering. As the other staff came back and started to get used to the new set up before the reopening the owner and her toy boy went away for a few days, although they planned to be back for the first day of opening. By now Merlin was a lot better and the bruising had all but disappeared from his face. His ribs still hurt if he lifted anything even moderately heavy, but the others made sure he had all the help he needed.
Many local dignitaries had been invited to the opening evening and the event had been advertised all over town. The event was planned for a Saturday evening and although it was one cover that evening they were doing a five course meal. So the chefs were busy planning and getting used to the new ovens. On the Sunday it would be opening as normal. Bookings were already pouring in. The opening went well and they all soon settled back into their old routine. Everyone agreed that the improvement had been long overdue.
The Fire crew were also glad to see Arthur back to his normal self. Gwaine in particular told Arthur he needed to get Merlin to live with him as soon as he could, as Arthur was a better person to work with, when he was seeing Merlin regularly. The two men's shift patterns continued to play havoc with their love life but until they did get together and share a home it wouldn't get much better. They both accepted that their shifts would always cause some problems though. Even when Merlin had returned from London Arthur had been like a cat on a hot tin roof, worrying about Merlin's injuries.
Arthur had a rough patch a week after Merlin's return to work; they attended a house fire and couldn't save a child. It had been Arthur that had brought the body out. They all hated loosing anyone to fire but it hit Arthur particular hard as the child was only three. It had shown Merlin a different side to Arthur job and one he knew he wouldn't be able to deal with. But dealing with the emotional fall out had helped the men become closer.
Whist Merlin had been away Arthur had been doing a lot of thinking and after the support he had received from his lover he decided the time was right to act on his thoughts. So he had had a long talk with Morgana and now needed to talk to Merlin. So one Saturday afternoon Arthur made Merlin sit down for a serious talk.
"Look Merlin, what's happened to you and the others is wrong, and I really don't like you working your guts out for that woman. I've been thinking and I have an idea, but I want you to hear me out before saying anything." Arthur looked at Merlin.
"Mysterious but ok."
"Right well. I have been looking around and there's an empty restaurant just down the road, about the same size as this one. The kitchen was modernised just before it closed down. It's on the market. Now I own my flat and it's worth £240,000 at least, and I don't have a mortgage, I also have £150,000 invested, all left me by my parents. The restaurant is up for sale at £270.000, but we might be able to make an offer. There are several others in the area for sale. The place has a three bed flat above. Now this place keeps going because of your cooking. We buy the other place; offer jobs to people here that you think are good enough. The customers will follow you. Now before you argue think about it. I want to live with you, we can't here it's just not big enough; my place is too far away. None of you have any loyalty to your boss. What do you think?"
"No Arthur I'm not using your money!" Merlin protested "And don't use those puppy eyes on me."
"Why not, a new flat will cost nearly as much as the restaurant anyway. I've already asked you to marry me,so my money is yours. The work would all be yours. But you'd be your own boss. Please just come and see the other place with me."
Arthur could see Merlin was tempted. So he pushed harder. "Come on I can get us a viewing this afternoon. It won't hurt to look. If you're that worried you can pay me back half once the profits come in. I know there must be money to be made or Ms Lake wouldn't have bought into the area. Also if I'm totally honest I want to live with you, the last couple of months have shown me that without doubt, we are better together than apart. I want you by my side and this is a good way to do it."
"The thing is Arthur there's room for one restaurant in the area, I don't think there's business for two, not so close together. That's why the other one shut down in the first place" Merlin was trying to make the blonde see sense.
"So all the better, She'll be the one closing without you. I've been noising around; your reputation is what has made this place work. As to the staff there's nothing to stop you advertising, and taking them all with you. I checked with Morgana. With no staff, it will be her going down not you."
After a further hour of talking and persuading Arthur got Merlin to agree to look at the place. So Arthur called the agent he asked that the visit be confidential. As they approached the empty restaurant Arthur could see Merlin's brain begin to access the place. It was close to Camelot but off the high street and had its own parking at the back. It also had a small garden. Once they were inside Merlin went straight to the Kitchen, as Arthur had said it was clear it had been upgraded recently and all the equipment remained. Probably as the sale in second hand stuff was down due to the number of places shutting. The kitchen was similar to his present set up but slightly bigger. Merlin then checked out the front of house area, that would need some work but cosmetic. The tables and chairs were all gone and would need replacing.
One they looked upstairs at the flat Arthur knew they had to have it. The flat was wonderful and had good views. There would be plenty of room for them. Merlin seemed to like it as well. Arthur had a quiet work with the agent as Merlin checked a few more things downstairs and it appeared an offer would be favourable. So they went back to Merlin's to talk some more. Arthur left Merlin to think about it. He had planted the seed now it was up to the other man to decide if he wanted the commitment, both of living with Arthur, and running his own establishment.
Merlin did think long and hard, it would be a big step and one he was nervous off. Did he have the right to risk Arthur's money? He rang Morgana and asked if he could speak to her without Arthur knowing, she agreed, so a week later he found himself sitting in Morgana's office. She was well aware of why he wanted to see her. They went through several aspects of the new business; Merlin said if they went ahead he would want some sort of written agreement that Merlin would pay back the money. Morgana said that would be possible if her brother would allow it. He also asked her to find out about rates and other costs. And any problems he might encounter. He also checked again about poaching staff from Camelot. Morgana said he wouldn't be poaching, but advertising, if the best staff that applied were from Camelot so be it. Insurances and other legal issues were discussed.
In the end Merlin came away in a positive frame of mind. He might be able to improve his life and that of his friends. He knew he needed to give a months notice and that might be awkward but except for Tristan, who also had to give a months' notice, the others, if they chose to go with him, only had to give one week's notice. After a further long discussion with Arthur the blonde put his flat up for sale, at the same time he put in an offer of £250,000 on condition the sale remain confidential. Arthur had agreed to be a silent partner, taking some of the profits and retaining the ownership of the restaurant and flat.
To their amazement the offer was accepted, the seller was pleased to be able to sell the property. As luck would have it Arthur's flat was sold in three weeks so the two sales went through at the same time. Arthur moved in with his sister for the time being. It would be a month before the restaurant was finally theirs, then another month before they planned to open. Before Merlin handed in his notice he had a quiet word with Tristan who was keen to join Merlin, at the moment no one else knew. Merlin was going to hand in this notice in a week's time, that way the restaurant would be theirs and he could move into the flat as soon as his notice was up. Tristan would follow with his notice two weeks after Merlin.
