A/N: I wanted to say something to the person who reviewed yesterday. Firstly, thank you for pointing out what you did I really hope I've taken it on and I've made a couple of tiny little edits in future chapters to hopefully fix the things you mentioned. But there was a reason that I wrote it they way I did and a future event in the story which resolves it properly. As someone lucky enough never to have experienced any sort of traumatic accident or injury, I have no knowledge of what sort of mental battles someone would have to deal with while recovering, so really thank you for pointing those things out. I do appreciate it. I can't say there'll be a huge change in this chapter but hopefully you'll see an improvement at least tomorrow.

Obviously, none of that will make sense to any of you of you weren't the person who reviewed last night. Sorry about that.

I hope everyone enjoys both this and all future chapters :D

Chapter 33

"Arthur! Arthur wake up! It's Christmas, Arthur! Wake up!"

Arthur peeled his eyes open and looked at Merlin who seemed to be trying to get out of bed.

"What are you doing?" Arthur groaned.

"I need to get your present."

"What are you going to do?" Arthur scoffed, rubbing his eyes and sitting up tiredly, "Bum shuffle across the room?"

"I could hop if I wanted to," Merlin scowled, "But no, it's in the drawer. Or it was."

"So you're trying to get out of bed… why, exactly?"

"Because I dropped it."

Arthur wrapped his arms around Merlin's waist and pulled him back onto the bed, keeping him trapped with his back to Arthur's chest, "There's something I want to do before we give presents," he kissed Merlin's ear, "I promise it's equally enjoyable."

"Equally?"

"Alright," Arthur shrugged, "More so."

"Hm, sounds intriguing."

"You want to try then?" Arthur moved so he could kiss Merlin on the cheek.

"I don't see why we shouldn't," Merlin shuffled around and kissed Arthur properly, "Happy Christmas."

Arthur smiled, "Merry Christmas. Now take your trousers off."

Arthur tucked a blanket around Merlin and kissed his forehead. It was the late afternoon, and they'd just finished washing up after the biggest Christmas dinner either of them had ever had. They'd spent all of the previous day preparing it and all of the morning cooking it to eat in the early afternoon. Now, Merlin was exhausted and they hadn't even given each other their presents yet.

It was, in some ways, a better Christmas than last year. They had the day to themselves to do whatever they wanted whenever they wanted. It was calm, relaxing and had plenty of time for board games as well as all sorts of other activities. But Arthur could tell it was upsetting Merlin. The loss of Will was harder on him this year than last because he had less to think about in terms of everything else. Since he'd moved away from Ireland, he'd never spent much time with his family over Christmas or New Year. He'd always been working at the hotel. There was just something about everyone saying, "Christmas is a time for family," that brought all his pain back.

Arthur went into the kitchen to check on Killi who was meant to be eating his dinner and found him licking the only plate Arthur and Merlin had neglected to clean on the table. He had gravy staining the fur on his chin and a bit of broccoli stuck to his paw as he stood, his back legs on the chair and front legs on the table.

Arthur groaned, "Killi. What- you have a perfectly good plate of food over there. Meant for you!"

He took the plate away, "Get down."

Arthur quickly washed the dish and placed it on the draining board, watching Killi out the corner of his eye as the dog prowled reluctantly over to his bowl and began eating from that. Arthur sighed and took a packet of treats out of the cupboard, "Here, Killi. Because it's Christmas." He put a handful down on the floor for him.

"We'll take you out for a walk later," Arthur told the dog, "In the evening before it gets too dark. Merlin always likes to go for a walk after tea. While the sun is setting." He sighed and squatted so he was at Killi's height, "You don't know how close we came to spending this Christmas without him. Not just this Christmas, I suppose. Every Christmas onwards as well. We need to keep him safe. Which," Arthur shook his head, "You do not understand. Because you are just a dog, Killi."

Killi yapped happily and Arthur shushed him, "Go give Merlin a cuddle. Quietly. Go on. Where's Merlin? Go find Merlin."

Just as Arthur watched Killi trot into the living room and leap up onto the sofa beside Merlin, there was a soft knock at the door. Arthur went forward to answer it and found his father standing on the doorstep, holding a bottle of wine.

"Dad! Merry Christmas, what a lovely surprise!"

"Merry Christmas, son," Uther leaned forward to hug him, "I thought I'd come and see you so I wasn't spending all day on my own."

"Of course, come in. Do you want a drink? Anything to eat?"

"No, I had lunch with Leon and Morgana. Leon can cook for a whole country."

"I think he misses catering for the hotel," Arthur said, leading his father into the kitchen, "He cooks whenever we get together."

"He's very skilled," Uther mused as he took a seat at the table, "Where's Merlin?"

"He's next door. I can wake him if you want."

"Oh no. Not for me. How is he?"

Arthur smiled, "He's having a great day."

"I'm glad to hear it. Have you spoiled each other?"

"No. We decided to get each other small things to put more money towards a trip to Ireland."

"That's a lovely idea."

"So how's Morgana?"

"Very well. I thought they'd be going to Leon's family for Christmas like last year but they're having it to themselves instead. Seems I'm interrupting both my children's days with their loved ones."

"You're a loved one too, dad. You're not ruining anything. Besides, it gives me someone to talk to for now. I'm sure Merlin will be happy to see you."

"That's not a sentence I thought you'd ever say to me," Uther laughed, "It's not a sentence I deserve to hear, certainly."

"We've moved on," Arthur assured him, "There's nothing to feel guilty or sorry about anymore."

"Arthur!" Merlin quiet voice came from the other room.

Arthur groaned. He'd barely been asleep ten minutes yet. "What's wrong?" he called back.

"My mum's calling."

"So?" Arthur frowned, "Answer your phone."

"I can't. Killi's got it in his mouth. I think he wants to play."

Arthur apologised to his father and went through to the living room. Killi was standing underneath the Christmas tree with Merlin's phone in his mouth and his tail wagging excitedly. Arthur could see the screen lit up with 'Calling: Mum'.

"Killi, come here," Arthur knelt in the doorway and beckoned to the dog. He grabbed a toy from the chair next to him.

"I tried that," Merlin said, "I think he wants us to chase him."

Arthur stood and took a step forward. As Merlin had predicted, the second Arthur moved forward, Killi darted away, still wagging his tail, eyes twinkling.

"Killi," Arthur said as sternly as he could, "Put it down."

Killi jumped slightly on the spot and spun around. Arthur threw the toy in a half-hearted attempt to get Killi's attention away from the phone. Of course, it did absolutely nothing and he continued to dart about and look at them both. Arthur handed Merlin his own phone and said, "Call her on mine before she gets worried that you're not answering. I'll get yours back."

Merlin watched Arthur out the corner of his eye while he dialled his mother and Arthur ran around after Killi.

"Mum? Are you alright?"

"Merlin. I've been trying to call you for ages."

"I know, I'm sorry. Killi's got my phone, he thinks it's a toy and he won't give it back."

Hunith sighed in relief, "I just wanted to say Happy Christmas. I hope you're having a good day."

"Happy Christmas, mum. Is Freya with you?"

"Yes, she's here. We're spending the day together."

"Good," Merlin laughed as he saw Arthur trip over Killi in his bid to rescue the stolen phone, "Sorry, mum. Arthur's just failing to out-wit a dog."

"It's not about wit," Arthur grumbled as he picked himself up, "He's got an advantage."

Merlin shook his head and continued talking to his mum until Uther came in, catching Killi in a matter of seconds and snatching the phone.

"Really, Arthur," he said, "It wasn't that hard."

Arthur huffed, "I was playing with him. It's what he wanted."

Merlin said goodbye to Hunith and hung up, "So tripping over him and landing flat on your face was intentional?"

"Completely."

Merlin laughed, "Hello," he turned to Uther, "Happy Christmas."

"Merry Christmas, Merlin," Uther smiled, "How are you?"

"Fine, thank you."

"Tired, I expect," Arthur said pointedly.

"Arthur," Uther scolded, "He can speak for himself."

Arthur raised his eyebrows and rolled his eyes. "I'll take you upstairs, Merlin, if you want some more rest."

"Can we go for a walk? Killi has far too much energy."

"But you don't have enough," Arthur mumbled.

"Arthur!" Uther said sternly, "Leave him be. Where's your coat, Merlin? I'll get it for you."

They greeted the few people they did meet out on their walk with happy smiles and a wave, wishing them a happy Christmas and good New Year. Uther left them about half way to return home, leaving Merlin and Arthur to talk about the hotel and then their trip to Ireland, both of which they were very excited about.

When they were about ten minutes away from home, Arthur could see Merlin sinking deeper into the wheelchair and his hand around Killi's lead going limp. Arthur snorted and shook his head.

"Don't be smug," Merlin said tiredly, "It's not my fault."

"You can't fall asleep while we're still walking, gorgeous," Arthur said down to him, "We're nearly there now."

"I know. I'm fine," Merlin said in annoyance. Arthur's constant insistence that he was too weak or tired to do anything was starting to grate on his nerves a little bit.

"Pass me the lead. Your hands must be freezing, why don't you have gloves on?"

"I thought they were in the pockets."

Arthur laughed and stopped to take his own off, "Here. Mine are sweaty now anyway."

"Ew! I don't want your sweaty gloves."

"Your fingers are blue, Merlin. Put them on."

"Arthur," Merlin asked thoughtfully as they moved, "Are you embarrassed to take me outside?"

"Why would I be embarrassed?"

"People stare at me or look at you sympathetically. We can't just go out for a normal walk anymore. Would it be better if I got a prosthetic leg? So at least we could walk together?"

"Merlin, if you don't want one, you don't have to have one. I'm not embarrassed that people look at us, I like showing off my beautiful boyfriend."

"They don't look at me because I'm beautiful."

"Maybe not. But when they look away, they must be thinking it."

Merlin watched Killi sniff a bunch of flowers, "Do you think I could?"

"Could what?"

"Walk. You have to be really strong, Arthur. I can barely lift a fork without getting out of breath. And it means more physio, more hospital visits- Arthur, we promised we'd never go to that hospital again."

"Do you want to?"

"I don't know. Maybe we could try with the crutches again. So long as I don't go near the stairs."

"We can see how it goes," Arthur told him, "Tonight?"

Merlin shook his head, "It's Christmas. We have to do something fun."

"Tv? Hot tub? Board games?"

Merlin hummed, "Hot tub. Doesn't require energy."

"Tired, are you?"

"Don't say 'I told you so,'," Merlin begged.

"I won't. It just means we'll get a lazy morning tomorrow to enjoy in bed. You look adorable when you're tired in the morning."

"Can we let Killi up to sleep with us? Because it's Christmas."

"Alright. Just tonight, though. I don't like sharing you."

Getting Merlin ready for bed that night was difficult for Arthur. Merlin wanted nothing more than to just fall asleep where he was without getting changed so Arthur was forcing limp, heavy limbs through pyjama legs and sleeves for about half an hour before he finally lowered Merlin down onto the bed to lie down.

Killi leapt up and, for once, didn't squash himself between them. He waited for Arthur to take Merlin in his arms before he settled on their laps comfortably. Merlin dropped a hand onto Killi's back and stroked him lazily.

"Did you have a good day?" Arthur kissed Merlin on the top of his head.

Merlin hummed and snuggled into Arthur who began stroking his hair happily.

"I really love you, Merls. So much."

"I love you," Merlin looked up with a giddy smile and kissed Arthur.

"You're exhausted," Arthur ran his hand down Merlin's cheek.

Merlin nodded, "Had a busy day."

"We haven't done anything."

Merlin shrugged, "I want to spend every Christmas with you from now on. Every single one."

"That's good. Because I want to spend every Christmas with you, too."

Merlin tickled Killi behind the ear, "Where will he stay when we go to Ireland? Gwen can't take him."

"Morgana said she would. Or there's my dad."

"It was nice of him to come over."

"You didn't mind?"

"Of course not! He would have spent the day by himself otherwise. Just because I can't see my family, doesn't mean you can't see yours."

"You are my family, Merls."

"You know what I meant," Merlin yawned.

Arthur held Merlin against him for a while, waiting even after he felt his body go limp and heavy before he repositioned them both so that they were lying down. Reaching up a hand, Arthur brushed away a few pieces of tinsel from Merlin's hair and smiled, remembering how the glitter had come to be there. Merlin had been sitting in the hot tub, watching frost begin to form on the grass, when Arthur had come out with two glasses of wine and some tinsel. They'd spent a while trying to lasso it over Killi before giving up and Arthur had wrapped it round Merlin's neck to pull him in for a kiss.

Arthur woke up first the next morning and got up quickly to let Killi outside before slipping back into bed. Merlin relaxed and unconsciously cuddled into Arthur's warmth. Killi leapt up onto the bed, put his front paws on Merlin's chest and began licking his face. Arthur tried to get him off before Merlin was disturbed but his efforts were fruitless and Merlin groaned.

"Oh, Killi. That's the last time we let you up here. There's never peace when you're in a room."

Merlin batted the dog away and rolled onto his stomach, stretching his back slightly.

With great force, Arthur managed to lift Killi off the bed and direct him towards a toy in the corner of the room for him to chew on. He then settled down on his side to watch Merlin.

"Is it early?" Merlin mumbled.

Arthur checked the time on his phone, "No. It's just after ten."

Merlin opened his eyes, "Do we have to get up?"

"Not if you don't want to. There's nothing we need to do."

"Have you let Killi out?"

Arthur nodded, "Shall we take him somewhere nice for a proper walk? Beach or countryside?"

Merlin pursed his lips as he thought, "Beach."

"It'll be cold."

"It'll be cold everywhere."

Arthur hummed and reached out to wrap his arms around Merlin so they could lay together for a while longer.

Albion was opened on New Year's Eve with a huge celebration. It was strange that they managed to invite so many people when they rarely talked to anyone outside their little group. Nevertheless, there were huge crowds of people gathered in the foyer, bar and function rooms to see the hotel opened officially. There were thousands of photos taken with every combination of people you could imagine in each, and in multiple different locations.

"Arthur," Merlin had said at one point when they were on one of the balconies upstairs getting some air and time away from the noise.

"Yes?"

"Do you think I would be able to stand up for some of the photos?"

Arthur looked across at him, "I think so."

"Can we try now? To see if I can?"

Arthur moved so he was in front of the wheelchair and they took hold of each other's wrists. Arthur pulled Merlin up, made sure he was steady, and then stepped so he was at Merlin's side, one arm around his waist, the other holding his hand which was wrapped around Arthur's shoulders.

"Good?" Arthur asked.

Merlin nodded, "Simple. You'll need to hold on to me though."

"I am holding on to you. How long do you think you'll be able to hold it?"

"A while."

Arthur lowered Merlin back into the chair and squatted in front of him, "Shall we go down? Or do you want to get your breath back?"

"I'm fine. Let's go."

Arthur took Merlin back to the lift and they went down to join everyone else. He left Merlin with Gwen and went to find the photographer to have a quick word. Merlin didn't want to be standing up and sitting down repetitively so they were going to chose the location they thought the photos looked nicest at to take some more.

Once everyone was gathered in the garden beside the fountain which was, for the sake of the party, surrounded by beautiful lights and flowers, Arthur took Merlin's hands again. Morgana and Gwen were sitting on a little bench with their respective husbands standing diagonally behind them with one hand on the girls' shoulders. Percival and Elyan were standing on either side of the bench out to the side a little, watching Arthur with interest. Arthur had only mentioned what they were planning to do to Gwaine so they could surprise everyone else.

"Ready?"

Merlin nodded and placed his foot on the ground to push himself up. Once again, Arthur waited until he knew Merlin wouldn't fall, then moved to side. Gwaine quickly moved the wheelchair and then arranged himself on Merlin's other side. The three wrapped their arms around each other in a way that looked natural and wouldn't make it too obvious that Gwaine and Arthur were holding Merlin up. Then, they shuffled forward slowly so the group was arranged nicely. Gwen and Morgana moved closer together to close the gap they'd been leaving, assuming Merlin would be sat between them.

It was their favourite photo of the night. They all had genuine, relaxed, proud smiles on their faces and it was a naturally beautiful photo, lit by fairy lights. It looked magical and was ultimately the one which every single one of them got printed for their homes. It was also the one which was framed and put in the foyer of the hotel.