Chapter 21

Three hours before Uther was due to arrive and while Gwen was showering and getting ready to go out with Lancelot, they boys were desperately trying to get Merlin downstairs. He'd promised Arthur he would try and he was trying but he'd only get to the top of the stairs before freezing in fear. It wasn't like he could fall down them. He couldn't stand thanks to his broken leg so was sitting safely in his wheelchair. But he'd hooked his foot around it as best he could and was gripping on tightly so that no one could lift him out.

"Come on, Merls, you got up the other day," Lancelot said.

"That was coming up!"

"The chair lift isn't going to throw you out, gorgeous," Arthur said calmly, "You just have to let us get you into the chair and strap you in. I'll sit with you if you want."

"I can't."

"You can."

Merlin shook his head, "What if you drop me?"

"When have I ever dropped you?"

"There's a first time for everything," Merlin's eyes were fixed on the stairs, the same view he'd had before he'd fallen. It looked a lot higher now.

"How about we let Killi sit with you?" Lancelot suggested, "And then you can focus on him and not the stairs."

"He could jump off. He might be scared of the lift!"

Eventually, Arthur carefully positioned himself on the top step and turned to face Merlin, squatting down so he was at the right height and holding the banister to keep his balance, "Look at me, Merls. You've come up and down these stairs dozens of times, gorgeous. The stair lift isn't going to break, you're not going to fall out of it. Lancelot and I are here to keep you safe. We'll lift you into it and I promise we won't drop you and then we'll strap you in properly and walk along side. And no one's going to trip or fall."

Merlin still looked terrified.

"Ok," Arthur stood up, picked the wheelchair up and turned it around so it was facing the other way, "Turn around," Arthur told Merlin, "You can see Lancelot? Right behind you? Ok, now look back at me and give me your arms," Arthur picked him up and Merlin wrapped his leg lazily around his back, "Do you feel safe?" Arthur asked him.

"Yes," Merlin squeaked.

"Good. Close your eyes. And you know where Lancelot is if something happens?"

"Behind."

"Alright. So, just hang on a second while I move a little way from the stairs. Ok, I'm putting you back in your wheelchair, yeah? Unwrap your legs for me. Can you feel the chair?"

"Yeah."

"Good. Keep your eyes closed and hold my hand. We're going to move now, alright?"

Merlin nodded and felt the chair he was in start to move. He gripped Arthur's hand tightly until they stopped.

"Ok, we're there now, you can open your eyes."

Merlin peeled his eyes open and looked around him. He was not, in fact, sitting in his wheelchair, but the chairlift and they hadn't moved him away from the stairs but just to the bottom of them. If he hadn't been so completely petrified, he probably would have realised that sooner. The chair was moving sideways and his wheelchair did not have safety straps. Lancelot was where Arthur promised he was, on one side of the chair- he must have managed to walk down backwards. Arthur was squatting in front of Merlin, holding his hands.

"You lied," Merlin accused.

Arthur nodded.

"You never lie to me."

"It was a good lie, though. Right?"

Merlin scowled but nodded, "I suppose."

"Are the stairs still big and scary?"

Merlin nodded adamantly and Arthur laughed as he unfolded the downstairs wheelchair for Merlin. Lancelot had vanished upstairs to get ready.

"That won't work again, you know?" Merlin told Arthur was he carried him into the wheelchair, "Tricking me."

"I know. But now you've done it once-"

"Don't think I'm doing it again."

"You've got to get up again tonight, remember."

Merlin genuinely looked heartbroken at the thought.

"Don't worry. There's hours before we have to think about it."

"Where's Killi?"

"Having his dinner in the kitchen."

"Can he sit with us?"

"You don't need to ask, Merls. Let him finish eating first, though, yeah?"

Merlin nodded, "Can I try and get onto the sofa by myself?"

"How on earth do you think you'll manage that?"

"Let me try?"

"Alright, go on. But don't hurt yourself."

"Put the chair by the sofa and put a cushion on the floor."

Arthur did as he was told and watched as Merlin gently slid himself onto the cushion, lowering himself slowly with his arms. He then wiggled so that his back was resting against the sofa and took a few deep breaths before placing both his arms on the sofa seat and hauling himself up so his broken leg was trailing uselessly on the floor but him bum was lifted up. Only then did he frown, realising he had no way of moving his body so he was over the seat. Arthur smiled and helped him with the last bit, "That was impressive. You've got nice strong arms. Which blanket do you want?"

He opened the box which housed them all and glanced at Merlin.

"The blue fluffy one with the sleeves."

"Really?"

Merlin grinned, "It's cozy! You can use your arms without them getting cold."

"You're such a baby."

"Fine. You're not allowed to cuddle me, then."

"What?" Arthur was interrupted by the familiar scratching on the kitchen door. They'd learned pretty quickly that if anyone else was in the room with Killi while he was meant to be eating, he'd get distracted and either stand in the bowl, knock it over completely or just not eat anything. So then, they'd decided to leave him alone and keep the door closed so there was nothing to distract him. They'd discovered that with nothing in the room to play with, Killi would decide food was the best option and then eat it all before scratching on the door to be let out.

"Hold that thought," Arthur told Merlin before going to the kitchen to make sure Killi had eaten everything, not destroyed anything and then to let him out. The puppy ran straight to the living room and hopped up beside Merlin.

"Why can't I give you a cuddle?" Arthur asked as he came back in.

"Because you lied to me," Merlin tried to keep a straight face, "And you insulted me."

"Insulted you?"

"You called me a baby."

Arthur's jaw dropped and Merlin had to really try to keep his laughter in.

"Give me the blanket I asked for and you can have a cuddle. If you get a different one… well, Killi and I are fine as we are."

Arthur scowled, grabbed the sleeved blanket and tossed it at Merlin. Killi barked excitedly, making Merlin wince, and jumped off the sofa as if he could catch it. Of course, when the blanket fell short, the poor puppy was left stuck underneath, jumping up to try and escape. Merlin laughed and got his phone out to film Killi. Arthur got down onto his hands and knees and started playing with the blanket, poking his head under every so often or reaching out to grab the puppy.

So, when Gwen and Lance came in a few minutes later to say goodbye, they found Merlin laughing his head off on the sofa while Arthur rolled around on the floor with a blanket and a puppy. Eventually, Killi found himself crawling up a sleeve and got stuck with his head in the arm hole. Arthur untangled himself.

"That's adorable," Gwen cooed at Killi, whose ears were pressed to his head as he tried to wiggle free.

"We're heading out," Lancelot snorted, "We'll try to be back between ten and eleven."

"Take your time," Arthur gasped for breath as he tried to ease Killi out of the blanket without hurting him.

"Good luck with your dad," Gwen said, kissing Merlin, then Arthur on their cheeks and scratching Killi underneath the chin, "And thank you both again."

"We have our phones so-"

"Just go! Enjoy yourself," Arthur told them, picking himself and Killi up off the floor and handing the puppy to Merlin.

He saw the couple to the door and waved them off before returning to Merlin who was yawning. "Have you had a nap today?"

"This morning. After breakfast."

"You've literally been in bed all day. How can you possibly be tired?"

"Because I've not had a proper nap yet and I had to face one of my biggest fears."

Arthur sat beside him and placed Killi in his lap, "Why are you scared of noises?"

"What do you mean?"

"Like barking and the doorbell. You don't like them. Why?"

"It reminds me of the car crash. The impact sent mum flying forward into the steering wheel and she hit it with her head so hard, the horn sounded. It's the last noise I remember before I was being pulled out the wreckage and crawling towards my dad as he died. Any loud noise that's short and abrupt- it brings everything back."

"I think we can deal with that, though. No stairs, no loud noises and no fires. Anything else?"

Merlin laughed and blushed, "Spiders."

"You're kidding. I've made you take thousands out the office."

"Exactly. I'm traumatised."

"Seriously?"

"No," Merlin laughed, "But the other day, I woke up and there was one on the bedside table. I've never liked the way they move really, really fast after being statue-still not even a second before. But watching it just sitting there, it reminded me that if it came towards me, I wouldn't be able to move out the way."

"Alright. Well if we're now both scared of spiders, we're going to have to be hoovering this house every day."

Merlin laughed and yawned, "What are you scared of?"

Arthur ignored him, "We've got an hour and a half before my dad gets here. Why don't you get some rest while I make dinner?"

"It took an hour to get downstairs?" Merlin screeched.

"Yup. Something to keep in mind next time we need to go out in the morning. Go to sleep, Merlin."

Merlin settled his head on Arthur's shoulder and closed his eyes, "What are you sc- sc- scareeedd o-" he was a sleep before he'd finished the sentence.

But perhaps just awake enough to hear Arthur's reply. He'd never know. Because what he thought he heard was also his biggest fear, so maybe he was just answering his own question in his head, too tired to tell the difference.

But it was Arthur's voice which said, "Losing you."

Arthur was pouring glasses of wine when the doorbell rang at half six. He heard Merlin's alarmed squawk as he was woken up in the other room and Killi's paws meeting the floor as he jumped down. Arthur took a deep breath and opened the door to his father.

"Dad! It's great to see you," Arthur kept in mind what Merlin had advised as he leant forward to hug his father.

"Arthur!" Uther hugged back with only slight awkwardness as he was holding a large bottle of wine in one hand.

But, just as Merlin had said, when they pulled back, Uther's eyes were alight and he smiled, "Thank you for having me."

"Come on in to the living room. You'll have to ignore the small excited dog. He'll jump up to say hello."

"That's alright."

Arthur opened the door and, as he'd forewarned, Killi ran straight to Uther and put his paws on his calves, the highest they could reach.

"Does he have a name yet?" Uther asked.

"He's called Killi," Arthur took the bottle from his father so he could bend down to greet the puppy properly. As soon as Killi was satisfied with the attention he'd received from Uther, he trotted back into the room to jump up with Merlin.

"Merlin!" Uther looked touched to see the man sitting on the sofa, "Arthur told me that you'd probably want to stay upstairs."

Merlin smiled warmly, "I've got to come down at some point."

"I appreciate the effort," Uther told him genuinely, "Thank you."

"You'll forgive me if I don't stand to greet you properly," Merlin joked.

Uther laughed and Arthur felt his heart swell.

"We'll have to wait a while for dinner, I'm afraid," Arthur said, "I got my timings a bit mixed up."

"Not to worry. Maybe we can chat for a bit first."

"Sounds great," Merlin said, "Drinks?"

"Don't say that as if you can get them," Arthur scoffed.

"Well you didn't offer so-"

"I've already made them," Arthur left to collect the glasses from the kitchen, and handed his father some wine, then Merlin his orange juice.

They all took a sip in silence and then Uther asked Merlin, "How are you recovering?"

"From what?" Merlin laughed, "I've got so many injuries I don't know where to start."

Uther looked guilty, "My apologies. I meant with everything in general."

"Yeah, pretty well, thanks. As well as can be expected. My heads causing a bit of bother- dizziness and headaches and such-"

"I can see the scar," Uther said.

"That's not half of it," Arthur said.

Merlin moved his head to the side so Uther could see the full extent of the injury.

"Oh my."

"It looked worse than it was," Merlin said.

"I can't apologise enough."

"It's forgotten," Merlin smiled, "Literally. I can't remember any of it."

Uther smiled.

"It's probably a good thing too," Arthur teased him, "You fainted like a girl."

"Don't be so mean, Arthur," Uther said, "Or I'll tell Merlin how you were crying and screaming like a baby."

Merlin's face lit up, "You what?"

"Nothing," Arthur blushed deeply, "Shut up."

"Morgana will confirm it," Uther smiled, "Just ask her."

"Oh, I will," Merlin said mischievously.

"Stop it," Arthur suddenly found a leaf stuck in Killi's fur to be very interesting.

Merlin kissed him on the cheek, "Don't worry. I think it's cute."

"I'm not cute!"

Once they'd settled in the dining room to eat, Uther said, "I thought I'd let you know that the police have advised me to stay with Catrina while they're investigating. Like a spy, I suppose. I bluffed an apology about telling her to leave the other night. I'm trying to subtly find out information."

"Do we have a case?"

Uther nodded, "Yes. They're on board. I may have used a bit of my influence to help get it started. But they've used what you told me to start off."

"Have you found anything?"

"Turns out Catrina had a third daughter- Sophia. When they went out of business and life got really difficult, Sophia became ill and their lifestyle meant she didn't have the strength to survive."

"That's awful."

"That's why she's so full of anger. It makes you feel sorry for them."

Arthur nodded, "Until you think about what's she's done for revenge."

Merlin lowered his head.

"I know," Uther said, "But we're getting strong evidence against her. I think we'll be able to prove this."

Arthur smiled, "Amazing." He took Merlin's hand, "You hear that, Merls?"

He nodded, "I feel bad."

"Bad? For sending someone to prison? You know what she did, right? She-"

"Killed Will. Hurt me. Destroyed two buildings. I know."

"If everyone in this world were as good-hearted as you, Merlin, we'd live in a much better place," Uther said, "But, unfortunately, that's not the case. Catrina deserves to serve time for what she did."

"You know that if she doesn't get arrested, she'll continue to do these things," Arthur added, "More people will get hurt."

"I know," Merlin repeated, "It's still sad. She lost her daughter."

"Does she know where you are now?" Arthur asked, "If you're still together, what did you tell her?"

"I said it was a dinner with a business partner to discuss the new branches. I think she believed it but-"

The doorbell rang. Merlin jumped at the noise and his face paled.

"It's alright," Arthur said, "I'll go."

"You don't think it's her, do you?" Uther stood up.

"It doesn't matter if it is," Arthur said confidently, "I'll deal with it."

Merlin's jaw was tight as he heard Arthur open the front door and say, "Catrina! What a lovely surprise."

"Good evening Arthur," Catrina's voice floated back.

"Is there something I can do for you?"

"Is your father here?"

"Not that I've seen," Arthur laughed.

"His car's outside your house, Arthur dear. Please don't lie to me."

"Right, well unless he's broken in and is hiding upstairs, he's not here," Arthur said angrily, "I'm sorry I can't be of more help, but you've come at a bad time."

"I have?"

"We're actually eating dinner."

"We?"

"Merlin and I," Arthur clarified.

"I can wait until you're finished."

"There's nothing to wait for. I've told you he's not here. So you can leave."

"Arthur, I seriously doubt your father drove to your house, parked, and then went somewhere else."

"It does seem strange," Arthur agreed, "But I'm afraid I can't help you figure out what happened. Perhaps if you tried calling him?"

In the kitchen, Uther fumbled for his phone and turned it onto silent, just in time for it to light up as he received a call.

"He isn't answering," Catrina snapped from the front door.

"Well there's nothing more I can do," Arthur said, "Have a good night."

"Perhaps I could come in?"

"I don't think that's a good idea," Arthur fumed, "Considering what happened last time you were here."

"You won't give me the chance to apologise?"

"I don't think you want to apologise."

There was a silence as they stared at each other.

"My husband has gone out and I have a right to know where."

Arthur nodded, "I agree. But you've looked here, and he's not here. And now, I'm asking you to leave. Good night."

The door slammed shut, making Merlin jump again. The bell rang multiple for times and she knocked on the door.

"It's alright," Arthur told Merlin as he sat beside him, "It'll stop."

Merlin had his hands pressed over his ears tightly and his eyes squeezed shut, desperate to block out the noises.

"Would you like me to go and speak to her?" Uther offered, "She knows I'm here."

"You don't have to do that. Besides, I've already told her you weren't here."

"I'll leave through the back door. Pass me the bottle of wine I brought. I'll tell her I was coming to convince you to take up the job I offered but went to the shop first to buy some wine."

"Ok," Arthur stood up, picked Killi up of the ground and handed him to Merlin, "I'll be two seconds, Merls."

Arthurs showed his father to the back door and said, "Go out through that gate, go left and follow the path to the end. It comes out at the roundabout at the top of the street."

"Thank you," Uther hugged his son, "I'm sorry about this."

"It's not your fault."

Arthur watched his father until he was out of the gate and then returned to Merlin's side. Catrina was still persistently ringing the bell and knocking. Merlin was now crying and shaking his head so Arthur grabbed his phone and a pair of headphones. He took Merlin's hands away from his ears and placed the headphones over them instead before playing one of Merlin's favourite albums. He then placed Merlin's hands on Killi and moved them in a stroking motion.

When Merlin still didn't calm fully, Arthur growled and stormed back to the front door. He knew his father wouldn't be there yet but at least it would stop the noise for Merlin's sake.

"I won't hesitate to call the police," Arthur told Catrina, "I've told you that my father is not here and I've asked you to leave. So please leave."

"Except I know that he is here. So let me in."

"This is my house and I- Father?"

"What's going on?" Uther walked down the path towards his wife and son, "Catrina?"

"Uther! I was- What are you doing here?"

"I came to ask Arthur if he'd reconsidered the job I offered. Why are you here?"

"I was looking for you! You lied."

"Look, I'm sorry," Arthur said, "But I'll leave you to it. Father, I do not want that job. Good night. Both of you."