Chapter 19

Morgana let herself into Arthur's house to retrieve the phone charger she'd left behind to get a big surprise. Their new puppy was running around in a state, barking like crazy. Catrina was standing beside the door looking disgusted while Uther knelt beside Arthur, on the phone, talking seriously.

Arthur himself was cradling Merlin at the bottom of the stairs, muttering, "Because I love him. Because I love him and he means everything to me."

And Merlin…

Merlin looked dead. His leg was twisted horribly and stuck between the wall and the stairlift. He had a large head wound from his temple to the back of his head and the blood on the arm of the chairlift which was at the top of the stairs gave Morgana a slight idea as to how he might have sustained it.

"Arthur," Morgana gasped, moving forward, "What happened?"

Arthur just glared over his shoulder at Catrina and return to rocking Merlin back and forth.

"You did this?" Morgana fumed, turning to Catrina.

"Of course not. He lost his balance."

"He did no such thing," Uther said sharply before returning to speaking to the ambulance handler.

"Tell me what you did," Morgana demanded.

"He fell! I am not to blame."

"Go home, Catrina," Uther told her, "I'll call you later. Three minutes, Arthur. Just three minutes."

"Go," Arthur told his father sadly, "Just go."

"Arthur-"

"Please."

Morgana, not knowing why, hugged her father and smiled at him- a silent message saying she'd keep in touch. He handed her Arthur's phone which he'd taken when Arthur had dialled 999 and then found himself unable to speak.

"I'm sorry," he said to both of them, before following his wife out.

Morgana stayed on the phone until the paramedics arrived. Arthur was treated for shock and they did what they could for Merlin but had to wait another ten minutes for the fire service to arrive so they could free his leg.

She'd been asked what happened but been unable to answer having got no explanation from Arthur.

But once he was feeling better, Arthur managed to tell the paramedics, "He had some sort of panic attack at the top of the stairs. He couldn't move and he wasn't holding his crutches. I tried to catch him when he fell, but-"

"Alright, it's alright. Can you tell us how he got the head wound?"

Arthur pointed shakily at the chairlift.

"Ok. Do you know if he hit it again after that?"

Arthur shook his head, "I don't think so."

"Ok."

Merlin's shirt had been lifted up to reveal bruised and cuts along his chest. Once his foot had been freed, he was quickly loaded onto a board to keep him secure. But, as soon as he was placed down, his eyes began rolling in his head and he started convulsing. Arthur dropped the oxygen tube he'd been using to catch his breath and stood up in terror. Morgana could hear the puppy barking next door where she'd shut him in as she placed a hand on Arthur's shoulder to keep him in place.

"What's going on?" Arthur cried.

The paramedics rolled Merlin onto his side and Morgana cringed as a small stream of vomit dripping out his mouth. When the fit stopped, the paramedics returned to getting Merlin safely onto the ambulance while one of the firemen helped Arthur up. He was openly sobbing now, calling Merlin's name with a voice that made Morgana's heart break.

"Arthur," she said calmly, "I'm going to meet you at the hospital, alright? I'll call Hunith for you."

Arthur nodded dumbly, his eyes fixed on Merlin.

Morgana fished her phone out of her pocket and called Merlin's mother.

"Morgana. Is everything alright?"

"Actually, Merlin's had a bit of an accident," Morgana put her phone on speaker as she started locking up Arthur's house, and picked up the puppy with a few of his essential items, "Please try not to worry too much, but it is pretty serious."

"What happened?" Hunith's voice shook.

"He got a shock and fell down the stairs."

"Is it bad?"

Morgana sighed, "I think so. But Arthur's with him and they're looking after him." She could tell Hunith was crying as she loaded the puppy into her car and locked Arthur's front door.

"Will he be ok?"

"We don't know," Morgana admitted honestly, "But I'm heading to the hospital now and I'll keep you updated with everything I know."

"How's Arthur?"

"Very upset," Morgana placed her phone on the dashboard and started her car, "They treated him for mild shock and took him with Merlin in the ambulance."

She tried to ignore the sad wining from the little dog beside her as she navigated her way to Gwen's house.

"Will you stay on the phone?" Hunith asked.

"Of course."

"What happened? What actually happened?"

"I wasn't there but from what I've heard from Arthur, Merlin had a panic attack at the top of the stairs. Our father and Catrina had decided to visit without any warning and Merlin got upset. I don't know if he lost his balance or fainted but…"

"Oh my-" Hunith sniffled, "Should I book a flight? I'll book a flight. Do you want me to-"

"Try to calm down," Morgana said, "I know it's hard. But we don't know how bad it is yet. I'm sorry, I'm going to have to go for a couple of minutes. Don't hang up or anything, I'm just dropping the puppy of with Gwen."

To say Gwen was surprised to find Morgana on her doorstep, holding Arthur's puppy in one arm and a huge bag of stuff in the other, would be an understatement.

"Morgana?"

"Can you take him for a while? I wouldn't ask unless-"

"What happened?"

"They've taken Merlin into hospital. He had an accident."

"What? Is he alright?"

"No," Morgana said bluntly, "But he should be. So do you mind-?"

"Of course not. Keep us updated, alright?"

Morgana nodded, "I've got to go, but could you let Leon know? I'm driving and I'm on the phone to Hunith so I can't-"

"Yes, yes. Just go."

"Tell him I'll call him later."

Gwen nodded and shut the door.

"Hunith?" Morgana got back into her car, "Are you still there?"

She heard a sniffle from the other end of the phone, "He looked so happy. In all those photos you sent me today. Of him with Arthur and with the dog. He looked so happy."

"I know. But you know the doctors will do everything they can to make him happy like that again."

"Do you think that will happen?"

"I don't think that Arthur will settle for anything less."

Morgana could hear her phone buzzing as she received more messages. Gwen must have been in touch with their friends who were then trying to find out more. Probably via the group chat they all had.

"How far away are you?" Hunith asked.

"Just a few more minutes."

"What injuries did he have?"

Morgana sighed. She hadn't been wanting to tell Hunith in case it worried her more but now she had little choice, "I think he must have damaged his leg. It was wedged between the wall and the stair lift and we had to wait for the fire service to free it. He hit his head on the way down too and has what looked like a few bruised ribs."

"How hard did he hit his head?"

"Pretty hard."

"Morgana, please. Just tell me."

"The gash was huge, Hunith, I'm so sorry."

"Was it deep?"

"You could see his skull," Morgana told her quietly.

"Ok," Hunith was definitely crying, "Anything else?"

"No other injuries. But he had some sort of fit or seizure as they were leaving."

"And Arthur?"

"He's not hurt. Just shocked and scared," Morgana felt almost guilty as she spoke, "Ok, Hunith. I'm at the hospital now. I'm going to find Arthur."

She navigated her way through A&E and when she couldn't see Arthur waiting anywhere, asked at the desk.

"Morgana, right? I remember you from last time."

Morgana smiled at the familiar receptionist, "Hi, Alice, isn't it?"

"That's right. I'm afraid I can't give you any news on Merlin just yet."

"Can you tell his mother?" Morgana held her phone out.

Alice shook her head, "Oh, sorry. We haven't been told anything. I have no idea what's happening."

"That's alright. Where's Arthur?"

Alice quickly gave Morgana some directions and she headed off, "Did you hear that, Hunith?"

"Yes."

"Arthur might know some more," Morgana tried to be comforting.

She found him sitting on a bed with a tiny cut above his eye.

"What happened?"

Arthur looked up at her, "I fell."

"How?"

Arthur hesitated, "I stood up in the ambulance."

"Why, Arthur?"

"Merlin. He had another seizure."

"Oh, Arthur. How is he?"

Arthur shook his head, "I don't know. They said they'd tell me as soon as they know more."

"Hunith? I'll call you back."

"I'm really scared, Morgs," Arthur said once she'd put her phone away.

"I know. I am too."

"I'm pretty sure that's not what you're meant to say."

"Would you rather I lied?"

Arthur laughed dryly and ran a hand through his hair, "How did everything go so wrong? It's Catrina's fault. All of it. We have to prove it now. We let it settle and moved on but now this has happened-"

"We're going to sort it," Morgana promised, "It'll be alright."

"But Merlin might not be."

They sat together while Morgana fired off a few texts to everyone and waited for a doctor. Eventually, someone popped their head around the curtain, "Mr Pendragon?"

"Yes," Arthur looked up.

"Merlin's awake if you'd like to come and see him."

Arthur's eyes lit up, "Really?"

It was only as Arthur placed his hands on the bed to push himself up that Arthur noticed the bandage around his wrist, "Arthur your arm!"

"It's just sprained, it's fine. I used it to break my fall."

They followed the nurse through the hospital and onto a ward.

"Merlin," Arthur rushed forward to the bed Merlin was on, ignoring the looks he got from other people on the ward. Merlin's head was wrapped in so many bandages that they looked almost like a helmet. He was pale and had bruises around his eyes but grinned at Arthur when he came in.

The nurse held them back before they could get to Merlin, "He's confused," she said, "He thinks he's still in hospital after his first accident and doesn't remember ever going home. It should pass but for now, play along with him and don't get him upset."

Arthur looked devastated but he nodded, "Are there any other issues?"

"None that we've found yet but we're looking into the seizures. He's lucky to have got away with mild concussion and amnesia after a head wound like that. But we do have to be aware that other conditions might arise and he might not ever remember the time he spent between being discharged after the fire and coming back in."

"And his leg?"

"Fractured. But we've set it and he'll be alright. Obviously it'll set back his progress after the amputation. I don't know if you were thinking about prothsetics?"

"Not at the moment. We were trying to get him settled at home and used to everything before we had to put him through more rehab and physio."

"Alright. His ribs are fine. None of them broken, just bruised."

"Thank you." Arthur turned and finally got to sit beside Merlin, "Hey."

"Where have you been? You weren't here when I woke up but you usually stay the night."

Arthur's heart sank, "I know. I'm sorry. I was on my way here and I fell."

Merlin traced the cut above Arthur's eye with his finger, "You're hurt."

"I'm fine. They made a bigger deal out of it than they needed to."

"I hurt my other leg, Arthur. I didn't realise I'd done that."

"You were really badly hurt Merlin," Arthur was trying so hard not to lie to him, "It's ok to be confused."

"I'm in a different room to yesterday."

Arthur nodded, "You're getting better."

"Can I go home soon?"

"Probably."

"You said I can live with you, didn't you? Can I still do that?"

"Why would I have changed my mind?" Arthur smiled at him.

"I- I don't know. I just felt- I think I needed to ask again. Has it been a while since I last asked?"

Arthur nodded, "But everything's all ready for you at my house. I'm excited, are you?"

Merlin nodded, "I think so."

"Hey squid," Morgana said from where she was on the phone with Hunith, "Fancy talking to your mum?"

"I talked to her yesterday," Merlin frowned.

"Well she wants to speak to you again now."

Merlin nodded and took the phone, "Mum, I'm confused."

"What's wrong sweetie?" Morgana had filled her in on what the nurses had told her.

"I don't remember being moved to this room. I feel like I've forgotten something and it's scary."

"Don't be scared. You're there to be looked after."

"You said you'd come back for Christmas," Merlin said, "How far away is that?"

"Still a little while. But I can't have you getting sick of me, can I?"

"Why does it feel like you've already been?"

"I was there before, Merlin, remember? Not too long ago."

"No, not then," Merlin shook his head, "I can picture you with me at the beach. Was that a dream?"

"I don't know, sweetie."

Merlin dropped the phone into his lap and clutched his head, "I can remember things. This that haven't happened. They haven't happened have they? Arthur?"

Arthur bit back tears and took Merlin in his arms, "It's alright. You've been through a lot."

"My head," Merlin said, "I hit my head. I've forgotten things, haven't I? Why can't I remember?"

"Sh, Merlin. It's ok. You'll remember soon enough."

"I live with you," Merlin said, "I already live with you. Why am I here again?"

Arthur hugged Merlin tightly, climbing onto the bed to hold him properly and not caring if that was allowed. Morgana had pulled the curtains around the bed to shield him from the other patients. Arthur continued to hug and reassure Merlin until exhaustion took over and he fell asleep on Arthur's shoulder.

"I know it's scary," the doctor said, "But that's a good thing. It means he is remembering. Thankfully the scans are showing that the wound was mostly superficial. Obviously it was large but not that deep."

"You could see his skull!"

"I know. But the skull wasn't damaged and there's no internal bleeding miraculously. We were all worried when he came in- it looked very serious. But we stitched it up and it really does look like you'll have him home within the week."

"What about the seizures?"

"We're still looking into them. It's probably just because of the stress or the trauma. It's unlikely that they'll continue. He's concussed as you could probably tell so just watch out for him being sick. There's a bowl just there and call us if it looks like he might be choking."

"How long will he have to stay here?"

"At least two days. Possibly longer but that's not looking too likely," the doctor smiled reassuringly at them and left, not mentioning Arthur's position on the bed.

Arthur watched Morgana call all of their friends as he held Merlin tightly, still stroking his hair and whispering to him quietly.

"Gwen says the puppy's still wining and barking for you," Morgana laughed.

"I was so scared Merlin wasn't going to get the chance to name him," Arthur said sadly, "How on earth am I going to look after both of them? I can't leave the puppy with Gwen, it'll get attached to her and not want to come back."

"Arthur stop worrying. We're going to help you. We're already setting up a rota for who's going to be staying with you so they can help with housework, cooking and walking the puppy."

"Really?" Arthur sighed in relief, "You're all so kind."

Morgana smirked, "Don't think we're doing this for you," she teased, "It's only because we love Merlin so much."

"I know. But I'm still grateful."

"I was joking. Of course we're doing it for both of you. Because Arthur, without the pair of you, none of us would have jobs and some of us would either be homeless or dead. I'm not trying to be dark or dramatic but it's the truth. Between the two of you, you've built the strongest, most loving family in world."

"And there are only two pairs of people who are actually related," Arthur smiled, "Have you spoken to dad?"

"I've texted him. He seems really worried."

"Good."

"He didn't mean for that to happen, Arthur. He's genuinely worried."

"You didn't hear what they were saying about him. Speaking about him as if he's a piece of dirt or some sort of abandoned animal. As if I was being charitable by letting him live in my house. As if I don't love him more than anyone I've ever loved before."

"What they were saying?" Morgana said, "Or what Catrina was saying?"

"Father wasn't as bad," Arthur admitted, "But he wasn't exactly inviting."

They were both surprised when another person poked their head around the curtains which were still closed and looked in guiltily.

"Arthur," Uther said sheepishly, "I know you told me you didn't want me here. And I understand why. I just came to apologise and to tell you I've spoken to Catrina. Our marriage will not be continuing and I'm deeply sorry for the hurt we have both caused. I wanted to say that if you need anything- any sort of facilities or extra help- do not be afraid to ask. I know you might not want accept help from me but if you ask, I will do my best to provide it for you. I really should have listened to you. And I truly am very sorry." He waited for a second, nodded and turned to leave.

"Wait," Arthur called out.

Uther turned back hopefully.

"You don't mind that I'm in love with Merlin?"

"Why would I?"

"Because until five minutes ago, you seemed to think he was some sort of scum. You hated that he didn't have the same rich and fortunate upbringing that I did."

"That was wrong of me. Any man who can capture your heart the way he has must be special."

"It's not just Arthur's heart he captured," Morgana growled, "Merlin is the kindest, most caring, selfless, loving, funny, clever, amazing person I've ever met. He deserves so much more than what's happened to him."

"I appreciate that now."

"That doesn't change the fact he's nearly been killed twice because of your wife or the fact his brother is dead," Arthur fumed, trying to keep his voice down.

"I know. And I'll be contacting the police about Catrina. To see what they'll be able to do. Perhaps I'll get a bit further than you did."

"You believe us?"

"I saw a side to Catrina today that I've never seen before and it made me realise a lot of things. I'm not asking to be forgiven, Arthur. Not yet. But please let me learn."

Arthur nodded, "Help us prove Catrina was responsible and apologise to Merlin."

"Of course. I'd be glad to," Uther smiled, "I assume you have photos together? Could I have one?"

Morgana spent the next hour showing Uther all the photos she had of Arthur and Merlin together on her phone and then on Arthur's phone so he could choose the ones he liked to have printed.