Chapter 27

Arthur filed a formal complaint to the hospital on behalf of the patient who had died there when he discovered that the poor man didn't have any family to do it for him. Then he talked to everyone he could find about getting Merlin moved to a different ward where the staff didn't make up ridiculous medical issues to hide the fact they didn't know what was going on. Most people were extremely apologetic and said there would be an investigation into the department.

"I do want to make it clear that I'm not annoyed with the hospital on the whole," Arthur had said, "We've had plenty of visits here when the staff have been amazing. That's the only thing that's stopping me from making two complaints."

"No, we understand completely. We're not sure what's been going on in that ward and I'm sorry your experience has been like this. You'd be well within your rights to make a complaint for Merlin on top of they one you've already made for Mr Fisher."

"As long as he's moved somewhere he'll be looked after properly, that won't be necessary."

"We'll get it sorted immediately."

"I'll be paying for Mr Fisher's gravestone and funeral. So if you could let me know when-"

"We'll keep you updated. Thank you."

Arthur didn't really know who he'd spoken to apart from the fact they were someone important. If hotels had managers, he imagined that he was probably talking to them. He didn't care as long as they could get Merlin the treatment he needed.

He made his way back to Merlin's room where Morgana and Leon were trying to reassure him. Arthur had stayed until Merlin woke up so he could talk to him before he went to speak to the hospital 'management'. Neither of them had particularly wanted Arthur to go, especially once they'd told Merlin what was going on.

That was probably why, as soon as Arthur sat down, Merlin grabbed onto his hand and held it tightly. Arthur rubbed Merlin's knuckles with his thumb and placed his other hand on his cheek.

"How are you doing?" Arthur asked him, "Better?"

Merlin shook his head and glanced across the room.

Arthur sighed, "I'm not going to let it go, Merlin. I've made a complaint on his behalf, I'm going to try and find any sort of friends or family to reach out to and I'm paying for any sort of funeral or burial they might want. The hospital are investigating this ward, they've never heard any complaints before but there's clearly something going on, so…" he smiled, "It's going to be alright."

"Well we knew that their story about the brain problem was a load of rubbish," Morgana said, "I mean, what did they say? You tricked your own subconscious? What a load of crap."

"You're getting moved, Merls. There'll be people there who actually know what they're doing and you're going to be alright. I don't know who that crazy doctor was but he won't be coming anywhere near you again."

Merlin suddenly looked terrified and he held out to motion for Arthur's phone. He typed, 'He was trying to kill me.'

"What do you mean?" Arthur shuffled closer to him.

'The scans he wanted to do. They would need to take ventilator out while I was asleep. And the test they made me do with you. He tried to stop me from breathing.'

Arthur looked at Leon and Morgana, both of whom had read what Merlin had written but they didn't seem to know what to think. He sighed, "Let's try not to over-react. We don't know what's going on just yet. Besides, who would want to kill you Merls?"

That didn't seem to settle him at all so Arthur said, "You know you're safe with me, don't you?"

Merlin nodded and squeezed his hand.

"Morgs," Arthur said, "You don't think you could go and find out that doctor's name, do you?"

"I'll try my best," Morgana stood up.

Arthur got out of the plastic chair he was on and sat on the edge of the bed, "It's going to be fine, Merlin. This time tomorrow, you'll be in a new ward, and I bet they'll know exactly what's going on and how to fix it. You'll be home with me and Killi in no time."

Leon's eyes lit up, "Speaking of Killi, do you want to see some photos of him? You haven't seen him in a while. I'm got some really nice pictures of him. I definitely think he's missing his dads though."

"I'll have to see him at some point," Arthur said, "Make sure he doesn't think he's been forgotten. I'll wait till Merlin's somewhere safe though," he poked Merlin on the nose playfully.

Morgana came back and sat in Arthur's old seat, "You look happier, squid."

"Leon's just started talking to him about Killi," Arthur said.

"Has he showed you the photos?" Morgana asked.

"I was just about to."

"Right, well, while you're doing that, can I steal Arthur from you, squid?"

Merlin shifted uncomfortably and squeezed Arthur's hand.

"I'll bring him right back, I promise. You can look at Killi for a while. He's a lot cuter."

Arthur ruffled Merlin's hair, "We'll be really quick. And Leon will fight off anyone who comes anywhere near you."

Merlin's eyes followed Arthur until he was out the room and Leon had his phone out.

"What's up?"

"The doctor who was meant to be looking after Merlin. His name's Julius Borden. He is our Mordred's cousin."

Arthur sighed and rubbed his forehead, "How many of them are there? How did you find out?"

"It was fairly easy to find out his name. Then I asked Lance if he still had access to the records of the building company and if there was a guy working on site called Julius. He said there was but he had a different surname. Then I called dad and asked him if he recognised the surname Borden from when Catrina talked about her family. He said he was fairly sure remembered meeting Mordred's uncle at their wedding and his surname was Borden."

"He invited Mordred's uncle to his wedding?" Arthur frowned.

"People like Catrina want as many people at their wedding as possible. It makes them look more popular, rich and important. But that's not important."

"It's a far-fetched stretch," Arthur pointed out.

"Yes, but if I'm right, it gives him reason to try and hurt Merlin. Just the same as Jonas did."

"I haven't even thought about him," Arthur admitted.

"Do you think it's worth talking to the police? They'd be able to find out if this so-called doctor is linked to Catrina's group and potentially look into others who might be a threat."

"I don't understand why they're all after Merlin."

"They're hurting you which will hurt dad."

"Do you think it would be safer for Merlin if I br-"

"Don't you dare finish that sentence," Morgana threatened, "No. Merlin's is safest and happiest with you."

"Is that true? Because if he didn't work for me, he wouldn't have been in Camelot when it exploded. If he wasn't with me, he wouldn't have fallen down the stairs. If he wasn't with me, he wouldn't have been in the crash!"

Morgana looked like she was about to beat her brother to a pulp, "I think you need to take a minute to think about what you just said. And then maybe think about how much Merlin loves you, how much he needs you and relies on you and how much it would break him if he ever found out you'd said what you just said."

"Being broken is better than being dead."

At that, Morgana really did slap him, "Stop it. If you're really not going to think about him, think about yourself and how happy you've been with him. How much of a better person you are."

"This isn't about me being selfish! This is about him. I don't want him to suffer because I put him in danger."

"Right. Well tell me how you would feel living without him. Did you like sleeping alone in that house again? Or do you need him to be happy?" she glared at him, "Go away, get yourself a drink and come back here when you've sorted yourself out. And you better be able to reassure him. I won't tell him you said any of that and I'm happy to put it down to some sort of psychotic breakdown from the stress."

Morgana turned sharply and walked back into the room, plastering on her usual loving, motherly smile which she always wore when she was near Merlin.

"How are we getting on?"

Merlin looked up at her and frowned, glancing around to try and find Arthur.

"He's gone to get himself some food. He'll be fast, don't worry. Did you like the photos of Killi?"

Merlin nodded but he looked sceptical.

"Arthur's coming, squid, I promise. He's just a little bit stressed. You know what he's like when he's hungry."

Merlin looked slightly guilty as Leon and Morgana shared a glance and Leon stood to go and speak to Arthur. Merlin stared up at Morgana, clearly wanting answers.

"Arthur loves you so much Merlin," Morgana told him, "He's scared. He doesn't want anything to happen to you and he feels like it's his fault. He just wants to protect you because he needs you with him." Morgana smiled at him and sighed, "I bet you really wish you could talk, right now."

Merlin held his hand out for Morgana's phone and she handed it to him, waiting patiently while he typed. When he was done, he handed her back her phone and, ignoring the typos, she read it, smiled and nodded at him. "Will you be alright by yourself?"

Merlin nodded so Morgana stood up, grabbed her bag and kissed him on the forehead, "See you soon, squid. I won't be long." She winked at him and left.

Merlin settled down to try and get some sleep so he wouldn't have to answer Arthur and Leon's questions about where Morgana had gone. The ventilator made it very difficult to actually relax unless he was genuinely tired, so Merlin was still awake when Arthur and Leon returned. Fearing he wouldn't be able to fake well enough, he rolled his head to the side and looked up at Arthur.

"What have you done to my sister, then?" he teased.

Merlin looked up at him helplessly, unable to answer.

"Toilet? Coffee? Food? Or did she just get really sick of you?"

Merlin continued just to stare at him and Arthur frowned, worrying that Merlin was tired or confused or that something was wrong. "Merlin, gorgeous? What's going on?" Arthur stroked Merlin's hair and then ran his hand down his cheek, "Do you need me to find a nurse?"

Leon looked between the two, "Maybe he's just tired. I'll call Morgana- find out where she is."

Arthur nodded distractedly, still staring questioningly at Merlin who just gazed back. "Merls? Come on, gorgeous, please. Just nod or shake your head. Do you want my phone? Do you need to say something?"

Merlin shook his head slowly, took Arthur's hand and began tracing a pattern on it over and over again. Arthur frowned, "What are you drawing? A three?"

Merlin shook his head and slowed in tracing the pattern. When Arthur still looked baffled, Merlin motioned for Arthur to come closer and place his hand over his heart. Arthur placed his hand over Merlin's. "You're such a girl, Merls."

Merlin scowled at him then pulled his hand away. He pointed at Arthur, placed his hand over his heart, then pointed at himself.

"I love you?" Arthur translated, before snorting, "Are you asking or telling me?"

Merlin stared at him.

"Of course I love you, Merls! Why would you even-" he sighed, "Morgana spoke to you."

Merlin nodded so Arthur took both his hands in his own, "I didn't say it because I don't love you. I said it because I do. I hate seeing you hurt or scared or upset and it's only because of me that you are. You're the most important person to me in the whole world and if to protect you I'd have to take some time apart-"

Merlin's heart shattered and he jerked his hands away quickly, betrayal in his eyes. Arthur suddenly realised that perhaps Morgana hadn't told Merlin everything and he felt like he wanted to scream in frustration. He placed a hand over his mouth, "No, Merlin. I'd never. I'm not going to. I need you and I love you desperately. And I can't bear seeing you here in pain and worried. I just want to be happy with you. But all of these people- they're after me and my father and that puts you in danger. I don't want you to be in danger. I want you to be snuggled up safely at home in my arms with Killi on your lap and a gingerbread hot chocolate in your hand and a smile on your face. I want you to be wrapped up in a blanket on my lap not worrying about what next horrible injury is going to come next. I want you happy and healthy and mine forever. I'm so terrified that we'll never get that chance."

Arthur didn't think he'd ever seen Merlin cry so much. He didn't move, apart from the erratic up and down of his chest while he tried to calm himself. He didn't try to reach for Arthur's phone to say something. He just sat there sobbing, staring at Arthur with broken eyes and leaving him to consider just how much he'd managed to mess up.

When Leon returned, Morgana was by his side and they took in Merlin's devastated expression in surprise.

"Leon, sweetie," Morgana said, "Why don't you take Arthur for some air?" she leaned towards him and whispered, "Don't come back until I text you."

Leon helped Arthur to his feet and led him outside.

Morgana sat down by the bed and dried Merlin's tears with his sleeve, "What happened squiddie?"

With shaking hands, Merlin made the shape of a heart and then broke them apart.

"Arthur told you what he said to me?"

Merlin began crying even more.

"Please tell me he didn't actually-"

Merlin shook his head and then looked at her questioningly through his tears.

"I got what you wanted me to get," she told him, "But if you don't-"

Merlin held his hands out and Morgana gave him a card and a pen, "Do you want me to write it?"

Merlin scowled at her and struggled to uncap the pen before writing a very messy, but very emotional message in the card. He then handed it back to Morgana who slid a couple of photos into it before placing it in the envelope. Morgana then opened two boxes of chocolates and allowed Merlin to remove Arthur's least favourites from one box and replace them with the ones he liked most from another. She took the one filled with Arthur's most disliked chocolates and put it back in her bag to hide.

"Ready?" Morgana asked as she took the final thing out of her bag to put out for Merlin.

He nodded and tried to relax. Morgana hesitated before getting her phone out to text Leon.

"Are you angry with him?" Morgana asked as they waited for the boys.

Merlin shook his head adamantly.

"You understand why he's scared," Morgana assumed, "He's just confused, squid. He cares about you so much- almost more than I do."

Merlin nodded patiently, unable to tell her that he already knew and understood.

"Do you want me and Leon to go?"

Merlin hesitated while he thought about it then nodded slowly.

"Ok," she smiled at him, "I'll stay till they're back though, eh?"

Merlin tapped his wrist as though there were a watch there.

"How long will they be?" Morgana translated, "I don't know. Not long. Are you nervous?"

Merlin shook his head violently. Morgana put a finger to her lips- an action Merlin felt was a little unnecessary- and tilted her head towards the door, "I think that's them. Ready? Do you want me to beat him up on the way out?"

Arthur approached the bed and sat on it beside Merlin, immediately taking his hand and not looking at anything else.

"Merls-"

Morgana stood up, leant towards Arthur and whispered, "Don't you dare be stupid," before leaving with Leon.

Merlin reached towards the bedside table and Arthur's eyes followed him. He frowned, "Did someone buy you chocolates?"

Merlin looked at him in exasperation and pointed to the envelope. "Me?" Arthur looked at him, "Someone bought chocolates for me."

Merlin couldn't believe how stupid Arthur was being so he picked up the cup of coffee which he'd given Morgana strict instructions on how to order and where to order from, and he gave it to Arthur. He took a sip from it and then looked at Merlin, "It's the coffee. The coffee you would buy for me every day. Merlin, why-"

Merlin ignored him and gave him the chocolates. Which he opened cautiously and stared at, "You took the bad ones out."

Finally, Merlin gave him the card. "Did you write this?"

He opened it and read, 'Arthur. I love you with all my heart and I know you'll call me a girl for writing this but you mean everything to me. I know you're stressed and scared and worried about what's happened and what might happen. But if I'm going die, I'd rather be with you than alone. You promised you'd never leave me. Please don't break that promise and I'll do everything I can to make sure you don't need to be worried. Oh, and maybe I can owe you a curry if it makes you feel better.'

Arthur had tears soaking the card by the time he'd finished and was looking through all the photos of them together both since they'd started a proper relationship and before the fire when they'd worked together at Camelot. They all had cute messages written on the back of them which Arthur would definitely be teasing Merlin about later.

"I'm sorry, Merlin. You know I would never leave you. I just said it because you've been through so much already and I don't think I could cope with you being admitted to hospital even one more time. Especially if it turns out to be my fault."

Merlin's brow creased in confusion.

"The driver of the van was Catrina's daughter's father. And this doctor is Mordred's cousin. They're still attacking me and I just want to keep you safe. I'll take you home and wrap you up in blankets and keep you with me in bed forever if it means I can protect you. Because now, everywhere I go, I can only see the danger. It's so terrifying to me that if Mr Fisher hadn't died, you'd still be at risk. I mean, none of us believed that ridiculous, made up story about your brain but I don't know if I would have asked to get you moved. And then either Borden would have got to you, or your lungs would have failed completely."

Merlin reached for Arthur's phone and typed, 'I need you to look after me.'

"And I will," Arthur promised, "Always."

'I need you here,' Merlin continued to type, 'Actually with me. I need to be able to love you and cuddle you and kiss you. You make everything better.'

Arthur smiled at him, "I'm so sorry, Merlin."

'You need to stop apologising and drink your coffee before it gets cold.'

"I really wish I could kiss you properly," Arthur said, pecking his nose, forehead and cheek, "Thank you, Merlin. How did you remember the coffee order? It's been nearly a year."

'I could never forget,' Merlin typed, 'It's your favourite.' That made Arthur smiled and then laugh when he wrote, 'Besides, hundreds of pounds worth of my money has gone towards those drinks.'

"I won't waste another penny," Arthur drank the coffee in a few huge gulps, "I forgot how much I like these. You'll have to tell me what the order is."

Merlin shook his head, his eyes twinkling mischievously, 'They're my secret surprises for you.'

"I'll find out," Arthur said, "Somehow."