The next few days saw the couple gradually learning more about each other and as a consequence getting closer. Although Merlin had trouble accepting Arthur's instance to pay for everything. Merlin knew Arthur was loaded but he had his pride and in the end Arthur relented and allowed Merlin to pay his way when they went out for meals. Although Merlin was unaware how sometimes Arthur had prearranged for some of the bill to be paid by him on account. By the end of the two weeks they had both decided that they would like to continue to see each other. The long lazy days and romantic evenings had done just what Arthur had wanted, got him closer to Merlin, helped Merlin to recharge his batteries and get his mind working again and gave them both chance know the real person that they both hid from the world.

Arthur did also find out that Merlin was having nightmares and they talked through them, Arthur using his own past experience in stressful situations and there aftermath the help. As a result when they got back Merlin's friends and family noticed a marked improvement in him. Arriving back in London they also found a very happy Hunith and Balinor. Although Balinor was finding it difficult to settle down his love for Hunith was helping no end. The government was treating his case as priority and it looked like he would receive compensation soon, and not an inconsiderable sum. Balinor wanted to move out of London he was finding the crowds too much. Arthur offered to let them rent and later buy an isolated cottage on the estate and they had plans to go and look at it. Hunith was ready for a change as well and they hoped that with the money from Hunith's small London house, now worth far more than she paid for it, and the compensation they could not work and use the large garden to grow their own food and keep a few chickens. And make up for all the time they had lost.

Arthur of course offered Merlin a room if that happened, until they had sorted themselves out or Merlin found somewhere else.

Merlin had a lot to think about on his return, what to do with his working life as well as his personal life. The decision for one would impact on the other. He made an appointment to go and see someone from Doctors without Borders. It took over a week as there was changes being made at the London Office. With Edwin awaiting trial on several serious charges and Agravaine suspended as the accounts were looked at the branch was in turmoil but someone from Geneva was standing in.

Merlin had a long chat about his choices. The charity was keen for Merlin to take a long break to recover, either completely or from the more dangerous areas and those with primitive conditions. They discussed various admin jobs or suggested Merlin work in the UK as a surgeon for a couple of years before reconsidering. Merlin knew that no other charity would touch him while his present charity wouldn't allow him to work abroad. He was frustrated but acknowledged their reasoning.

He met up with Gwaine before going home and told his friend what they had said. "Well mate I know you don't like it but they're right, Christ you could have died out there, you damn near did. Take it easy for a while chill out and have some fun. What about you and Arthur, that going anywhere?"

"I don't know, I think it could if I wanted it to but I don't know….it might be best to keep him as a mate" Merlin admitted wishing his friend didn't know him so well.

"That's bollocks and you know it, you're crackers for him and I know he's really like you. Give it a chance" Gwaine suggested. "I'll kill him if he hurts you"

Merlin thumped his friends shoulder "You idiot I think he'd kill you first! I don't know Gwaine we're from different worlds."

"Na you both come from earth, no green monsters anywhere, don't be lonely all your life. Me I'm a drifter and might never settle down you want all that domestic stuff I know you do. As for Arthur I think he want to settle to" Gwaine looked at his friend "Think on it, me I've got a meal waiting. Arthur's cook makes a mean apple pie, so I'll see you later"

Merlin made his way home and talked it through with his mum.

"I don't know what to do I love surgery but I don't want that to be all in my life."

Hunith looked at her son with sympathy "I felt the same when I had to give up Red Cross work. But you'll find your place after all you always said you didn't want to continue forever with it"

"I wanted to give up in my own time" he protested

"None of us get what we want all the time love, one door closes another opens, what about Arthur?" Hunith knew her son well.

"I don't know, he's nice I do like him but we are from different worlds, he'd get fed up with me" Merlin said showing of his insecurities to the one person he could be honest with "I couldn't bare that, it might be better to stay friends"

Hunith chuckled "I don't think that young man sees you as a friend, not unless it has boy in front of it."

"Mother! Be serious, he's a Lord and has zillions of pounds and I'm ….. Well I'm me" the he squawked as his mother hit him round the ear.

"You are a talented paediatric surgeon who is kind, sweet and well worth loving. Arthur sees that even if you don't. Stop running yourself down you are good together"

"If you say so mum" Merlin decided to go to bed early he was feeling tired. As he went up the stairs his father came out of the bathroom

"You and your mum finished talking?" he asked

"Yes, you didn't stay up here for that did you?" Merlin asked now feeling guilty.

"I did, look boy you've been there when I haven't it's the least I could do" Balinor explained

"Look Dad that wasn't your fault, you didn't need to do that I might have valued your input" the dad had slipped out but it seemed right.

Balinor had also noticed and it made him feel proud "Look son I don't know about relationships or how you fell about your work"

"What do you think about Arthur….honestly?" Merlin asked

"What I think doesn't matter my boy follow your heart, that's all I can say, if you love him don't waste time, if you think you could try it and see, you only have on life live it. All I can say is anyone would be lucky to get you no matter who they are"

"Thanks Dad I'll sleep on it"