CHAPTER 21 : AN UNWELCOMED INTERRUPTION
The weekend passed too quickly and Arthur was back into his therapy and exercise sessions. They had settled nicely into the place and had on occasion gone downstairs to dine. Even Merlin had to admit that the food was excellent. Breakfasts were still taken in their room and Merlin during Arthur's morning session often sat in the library or in the sunroom if it were too cold for the terrace.
He was on talking terms with some of the elderly residents. He just seemed to know what to say and he was regaled with stories of their war memories and looked it seemed, at hundreds of photos of their children and grandchildren. One old chap in a wheelchair invited Merlin to join his wife and him for lunch on Sunday but Merlin explained that he would be busy as he has already committed to driving someone to church. He then felt rotten about the lie and Arthur was surprised to learn later in the day that Merlin and he would be attending church on Sunday.
The two of them were getting along fine but Arthur had never mentioned his moving out of the manservant's room. Merlin was just as happy one less stressful thing to deal with. Arthur was really coming along and one day they'd had a race in the pool and Merlin had had to push himself to stay ahead of him. The wheelchair was seldom used but the walker was always on hand should Arthur suddenly feel weak and need to sit down. It also gave him more balance on uneven ground. Merlin often sat on it scooting around in the suite with Arthur reminding him that it cost over ₤100 and if he broke it he would have to replace it.
Merlin could hardly believe that they'd been there a fortnight, so he insisted one Wednesday that they should join some of the other residents in watching one of the recently released films. The room was crowded and Merlin was surprised to see many younger residents as well as wheelchair bound seniors. Spirits were high and after the movie, one of the staff sat at the piano and they had a singsong followed by non-alcoholic drinks and fancy biscuits.
Arthur's comment afterwards was that that was primarily for the elderly residents and Merlin agreed not wanting to argue that he had seen Arthur doing his fair share of singing.
-0-0-
The intensive sessions with the therapists were being to show results. Arthur was moving better and could walk from the suite to the lift. His mood was also much brighter and he seemed happy in himself. Sometimes Arthur came back complaining of the excruciating pain of the deep massage but it didn't prevent him from doing his afternoon walk or swimming session. One day it was pouring but he happily put on his trainers and insisted on going outside.
"Surely Arthur, we can take a day off if the weather is rotten," moaned Merlin.
"Well, if you don't think you can keep up with me that's fine, but to the best of my knowledge there are no instances of human beings or animals for that matter, melting in the rain!"
Merlin laughed but drew the line at swimming. Arthur said, "Fine, you sit under an umbrella and watch as I swim!"
However, as they finished the track work, they heard thunder in the distance and Arthur acknowledged that maybe they should call it a day. They returned to their rooms, peeled off their wet clothes and had showers. Merlin slipped into his PJ bottoms and wrapped his spa robe around him, causing Arthur to laugh as he came out of his room similarly attired.
They sat on the couch and cuddled against each other. It was raining in earnest and the thunder was still around. Arthur said, running his fingers through Merlin's still damp hair, "You know what is nice about a wet room, there is plenty of room for two." He kissed his way to Merlin's throat and muttered, "One day, Merlin, I'm going to invite you to join me."
Merlin felt his heart starting to beat double time. He pulled back and smiled and said, "…and one day, I might accept!" He knew this would have been a good time to explain his position to Arthur but as he opened his mouth the phone rang and he stretched over to answer it, the mood broken.
"Yes, he's here, one moment please." He mouthed Dr. Alistair and handed the phone to Arthur. He got up and left Arthur to it and walked into Arthur's room and started to pick up the wet clothes which he'd just dropped on the floor. On each floor there was a residents' laundry so he sorted things and then motioned to Arthur that he was going to put their wet things in the drier and left. He smiled to himself. All their regular laundry was picked up once a week and returned the following day neatly folded and ironed, even his underpants. He knew that his mother would get a chuckle out of that.
He decided to give his Uncle Gaius a call later in the day. He hadn't spoken to him for some time but he knew that his mother kept him up to date on things. Arthur had one day said, "Merlin, you're not a prisoner here, if you want to go away for a couple of days to be with your family or friends you can."
He'd laughed and said, "What? Give up hotel living, room service and housekeeping! Not likely…" He'd laughed and then on second thought added, "But, if you really need time to yourself...I could go away for a little while."
Artuhr had looked up and said, "Stop worrying, if I had my way, we'd be joined at the hip. Come here!"
Merlin had walked forward and Arthur had pulled him down onto his lap and smiled, "I think we could both do with a little loving."
-0-0-
Merlin returned from the laundry and immediately noticed that Arthur was looking serious. He had found out that Mr. Alistair specialised in urology. Warning bells started to go off in his head and Arthur gazing up and seeing his concerned look had said, "Nothing for you to worry about, just a little problem due to the accident and possibly the stress. They're pleased with my progress and promise that in time everything should be working normally again."
Merlin could see that Arthur's eyes were tear filled and he walked over and sat beside him wrapping his arms around him and holding him close. He said, "I love you! I had faith that you would come out of the coma and learn to walk again, so I'm trusting that what the specialist says is right."
Arthur buried his head in Merlin's neck and said quietly, "I never told you because I didn't want you to worry. I'm on light medication and have had some massage therapy and within the month, I'll see the specialist again. He's very positive as he says there is some improvement but it's so frustrating. I feel as if my life in on hold. Graham knows but please don't tell anyone else…I couldn't bear their pitying looks for someone unable to have a normal sex life."
"You didn't have to keep it a secret, I would have understood," Merlin said. He had never said anything waiting for Arthur to mention the problem but he already knew as being for so long at St. Swithin's, the nurses and doctor's had often forgotten that he was there and discussed Arthur's ailments in front of him. 'Can I do anything to help?" he said snuggling even closer.
"No, Merlin, just be yourself, having you with me makes me feel almost human."
Merlin looked at him and smiled, "Arthur Pendragon, what did I ever do in life to deserve Gawaine…"
"Gawaine?" Arthur said looking at him strangely.
"Yes, Gawaine, he's an angel in disguise as through him I met you and look where I am now, head over heels in love with one of the most handsome men around!" He smiled as Arthur claimed his lips intent on showing that the feeling was mutual.
By the time the gong went announcing tea, Merlin was curled up with his head on Arthur's chest. He'd managed to wriggle his way under Arthur's spa robe as he was lazily running his fingers over Merlin's hair and down his back. Arthur's one worry was that Merlin might feel unappreciated. There were many in his group of friends who would quite happily take over the job of keeping Merlin happy…he didn't want that. No, he didn't want that at all!
-0-0-
One Thursday afternoon during the time which Arthur liked to think of his cuddling session, the phone rang and he leant over a dozing Merlin to get it. He sat up suddenly and Merlin slipped landing up with his head on Arthur's knees. A raised voice said, "He what?" and Merlin came to suddenly wondering what had Arthur so upset.
"Notify Mr. Pendragon that I certainly will not see him! Also get in touch with the police should he do anything but leave peaceably." Arthur could hear the receptionist relaying the message and the next thing he heard was raised voices and Harris saying, "Sir, I cannot permit you to do that…"
The phone line went dead, Arthur hung up and Merlin went over and made sure that the door's safety latch was in place.
Within five minutes the phone rang and again and Merlin took it before Arthur could. He finally said, "Yes, Harris, thank you that would be appreciated. I am sorry that he caused a disturbance." He hung up and turning to Arthur said, "Security saw him off the property. Harris is arranging for one of the security guards to stay in our corridor. He should be up soon."
Merlin flopped back on the couch and then gave a broad smile; Arthur sat down beside him and said, "Merlin, it really isn't funny."
"I know but the thought of Uther in his chauffeur driven Rolls being escorted off the property is a little bit funny, isn't it?"
Arthur nodded and then he laughed. "Poor old Reg, he wouldn't know what was happening…"
There was a tap at the door and a voice said, "It's Harris, Sir!" Merlin jumped up, straightening his clothes before answering the door. He stood back to let Harris in and Arthur stood up.
"Everything is under control, Sir. Our local police have been notified to keep an eye out for the car, should it come back into the neighbourhood. Young Lewis will stay in this corridor until nine o'clock and then the regular man will be patrolling during the night. Do not hesitate to phone downstairs if you need anything." He turned nodding at Merlin and left.
Arthur suddenly saw the funny side as well and said, "I should think that is the first time that Harris has ever had to send a Rolls Royce packing! But seriously, how did my Father know that I was here? I have an awful feeing that he has someone at St. Swithin's in his pocket. Luckily, I made arrangements with reception to phone before allowing any visitors up to the suite.
'Tomorrow, I'm calling that detective we dealt with and I'm going to find out how to apply for a protective or restraining order. He could have come when we were swimming or on the track. Merlin, I'm not a coward but I'm not yet strong enough to protect you…or myself for that matter."
"Arthur, if I am the causing the trouble I can go. I really don't want to think that I'm breaking up a relationship between father and son."
"If you leave me now, I can't go on. I need you with me; you give me the strength to keep going. He hasn't! He just seems to set me back a couple of weeks every time I see him."
All was quiet overnight and the next morning a telephone call was made to Detective Holborn who understood the situation and said that with the proof which they already had that he would look into the restraining order immediately. Arthur also notified Nigel Brooks who agreed that was the best course of action and that Merlin's name should also be on it.
Arthur insisted in going to his physio and after lunch dragged Merlin outside to walk around the track. They saw Lewis wandering around and knew that he was on duty. Merlin was swimming half-heartedly when he realised that on their last lap Arthur was pulling equal with him but he'd left it too late and Arthur touched the tiles ahead of him.
Grinning, Arthur said, "Merlin, you really should keep your wits about you when I'm around." They dried themselves off and wrapping their spa robes around them went into the building.
Merlin wondered how much the extra security detail was costing Arthur but it was well worth feeling safe.
-0-0-
Sunday afternoon, Gawaine dropped by as arranged, "Just making sure that the two of you are all right, stuck out in the country."
He was very impressed with the house, the grounds and the rehab facilities. They made their way back up to Arthur's suite and he was even more impressed. Arthur told Merlin to show him around and Merlin did so.
"So, what do you think?" Arthur asked.
"Fabulous, I'll stay over, that little room there, is perfect for me."
Merlin blushed and Arthur raised his eyes to heaven as Gawaine never slipped into a conversation he literally blundered in. Realising that he had been a bit premature he said, with a grin, "Sorry, Chaps!"
Arthur started laughing, "One thing we could never accuse you of is tiptoeing. Maybe in the future, we'll invite you to stay over." Slipping his hand into Merlin's he said, "Right, Merlin!" Merlin nodded and then smiled at Gawaine.
They had made dinner reservations for three and had an enjoyable meal in the main dining room. Gawaine brought them up to date on the goings on in town but never made one reference to Arthur's father. He mentioned Bridie a couple of times and Arthur said, "So, that is still going strong?"
Gawaine said, nodding and raising his eyebrows, "…and don't, I have my own private nurse and very accomplished she is too! By the way, she sends her regards."
"Tell her that once I get more organised that I'd like to see her again. Maybe the two of you could find a local B&B and spend the weekend. Heard there are some lovely places around here for lunch and we could also drag the two of you to church, couldn't we Merlin?"
"You know I might take you up on that, Bridie goes to church so maybe I should too. It's been some time but thankfully, they never close the door in your face and are always happy to see you." He looked at his watch, "I should really think about getting back to town, traffic will be really heavy if I leave it any later."
Arthur and Merlin accompanied him to the parking lot and Merlin patted his Mini as he went by. Gawaine laughed, "If you ever had a car of your own, you would probably wash it everyday and sleep beside it at night."
"But he does have a car…" Arthur announced.
Gawaine looked at Merlin and laughed, "Sure and where have you been hiding it?"
"Here in plain sight, we just walked by it."
Gawaine spun around, "That Cooper S is yours?"
"Arthur gave it to me as a present so that I could drive him around and play at being the proverbial James."
Grinning and patting him on the back, Gawaine said, "Happy Birthday, Merlin!"
"No, it isn't a birthday present."
Arthur laughed and said, "No, it was a belated Christmas present." He put his arm around Merlin's shoulders and said, "…and I still have the fun of choosing a birthday present for him." Merlin just shook his head and laughed.
They walked together over to Gawaine's car and as he got into it, he said quietly to Merlin. "Whatever you're doing, it is working wonders on him. He's taken a gigantic step forward. Keep up the good work." He drove away waving.
Merlin turned to Arthur and smiled, "He's like a breath of fresh air. Glad he's still with Bridie, she's a really nice person and she was so kind to me when you were in the hospital."
"I hope not too kind, Merlin…" Arthur said.
"Not a chance, I was already head over heels in love with one of the other patients."
Arthur slipped his arm back around his shoulders and they walked into the building.
-0-0-
Arthur had graduated into a new routine and was spending time on the machines in the gym. Already the muscles in his arms looked fantastic and slowly with the continual exercising his trunk was beginning to have a sculptured look. Merlin could feel the individual muscles as he ran his hand up Arthur's chest. His legs seemed to be taking longer but the muscle definition was there and he used to smirk at Merlin as he knew that he was cutting a fine figure of a man.
Merlin was feeling less and less pleased with his body image; next to Arthur he seemed puny. He even began to wear sweats even when they were in the suite. One day, Arthur laughed saying, "Merlin, you can't be that cold, come on show a little skin." Merlin blushed bright red and Arthur realised he'd hit the nail on the head. Merlin was embarrassed about his body.
Arthur took his hand and dragged him to the couch, "Merlin in my eyes you are perfect. You are slender, whereas people might even consider me pudgy. Many people would kill to have your build. You are surprisingly strong and your muscles are beautifully and one of the nicest things is that you can sit on my lap and my legs don't go to sleep." Merlin smiled shyly.
"You are graceful and full of energy and could certainly outrun and out swim me if you seriously tried. Your skin is inspiring and your bone structure to die for. You are not vain as you don't realise how fabulous you look and are blind to the looks which not only girls but many men give you."
He turned and gently kissed him before adding, "Your eyes are kind and you seem thoughtful. I can read your face and understand your expressions. Merlin, I'm blown away by your looks 'fair of face beyond the measure of men'!" Merlin had to giggle as Arthur was obsessed with Tolkien.
He finally slipped off his top and Arthur held his two hands and swept his eyes down his body smiling softly. Merlin realised that if Arthur liked what he saw, maybe he was being silly, making a big thing over nothing. The funny thing was that when he thought of Arthur he did not dwell solely on his physical appearance, it was how he felt about the whole person. Maybe Arthur felt the same was about him.
Arthur let go of one of his hands and gently ran his hand over Merlin's chest. "You have absolutely nothing to be ashamed of. However, that doesn't mean that I want you to go around half naked in public. I don't want other men admiring you, I want you for myself. Merlin, if you haven't already realised it, I'm crazy about you!"
"When I see all your friends, I feel insignificant. They are all so well built and look at me…" Arthur brushed away a tear that had run down Merlin's cheek.
"Yes," Arthur said, with a smile slowly spreading across his face, "Merlin…look at you…!"
Somehow they had ended up in Arthur's room and Merlin was suddenly not at all worried. Arthur really loved him and he knew that he would never hurt him. He trusted him and that was the first step. He sat on the edge of the bed and said quietly, "Arthur, I don't know much about things like this."
Arthur nibbled on his ear sending little surges of warmth into his stomach, and said, "Merlin, no sex until you are ready." He smiled sadly and adding with a catch in his voice, "Maybe, I should have said until I am ready. However, we have our whole future ahead of us, so let's just enjoy ourselves."
"Arthur, try not to worry about it. I'm sure everything will work out in the end." He hated that Arthur was still facing a very personal repercussion of his accident.
"If only I had the same confidence you have!"
Merlin kissed Arthur gently and pulled back to look at him, "Arthur, I have enough confidence in that matter for the two of us."
Arthur pulled him closer to him saying, "It astounds me that I could have found someone as perfect as you. Will You trust me?" Merlin nodded. Arthur laughed happily as he said, "Well, let me show you a few things I have learned over the years." He pulled Merlin toward him so that they were touching from shoulder to hip. "All right?" Merlin just nodded.
Arthur felt warm and strong, with his arms around him, Merlin felt at the moment that this was where he was destined to be. Arthur's lips were wandering over his body followed by his hand. Merlin couldn't help pushing into it. He felt Arthur chuckle as he kissed his stomach. He tensed slightly when the hand reached his waist, then his body took over from his mind and he could no more have stopped himself if he had tried.
Merlin's mind was soon reeling from the way Arthur was able to make him feel without asking anything in return. He smiled, he'd been so worried but with Arthur beside him, he knew that deep down everything was going to be just right.
Morning came and they were still together, Merlin realised that there was nothing nicer that waking up enfolded in the arms of someone whom you love…