By the end of the week the work had started on the disabled toilets and neither Merlin nor Arthur had seen Uther except as he walked through to his office. The two men were kept working nonstop, it was a busy time of the year for the company. In three weeks Arthur was to go to Australia for several important meetings and would be there for two weeks, he needed Merlin to go with him. Merlin went ahead and booked the plane tickets. He was surprised when Arthur insisted on business class for both of them. He did query it, he didn't want Uther to have anything to complain about. Arthur said they would be working whist flying and he needed Merlin with him.

Merlin made sure the airline was aware of his wheelchair and also checked with the hotel that the Australian branch had booked them into. The last thing he wanted was to find they had been put somewhere not assessable for him. He made sure to pay the excess baggage fee himself. Knowing he would incur it for the extra fee for the medical supplies he needed to take. Merlin checked with Percy that he would be able to get supplies in Australia if he ran out, and Percy arranged for a letter explaining the medication he was taking with him.

Since his accident Merlin had been slowly abandoned by most of his previous friends, some because they worked for Cenred, and others who just couldn't cope with the changes in their friend. Two however remained his best friends. He had lived in the same block of flats as them, and when he was in hospital they arranged for him to have a ground floor flat for easy access. They even moved all his things for him. They were both pleased his new job was working out so well, but at the same time they were worried that a two week trip so far away, would be a bit much for him. So they hatched a plan.

A couple of days after Merlin gave them the news they invited him to spend an evening with them. They proceeded to question him more about Arthur; they also suggested that he invite him over for a meal. They would cook it, but have it in Merlin's flat. In the end he agreed to ask Arthur but only to keep the peace.

Merlin was surprised when Arthur agreed. Merlin didn't know if Arthur was married or not, so also invited anyone he wanted to bring. Arthur grinned knowing what Merlin was trying to find out.

"I'm single Merlin, nobody in my life at the moment but I can bring Morgana if you like."

"That would be great; I'll ask Percy as well. That will make six, that's the amount of people my table will hold." He grinned. "I hope I have enough cutlery!" he was only half joking.

So three nights later, at seven o'clock Arthur and Morgana turned up at Merlin's flat. Arthur knocked on the door and it was opened by a very good looking man, with dark hair and brown eyes, he was about the same age as Arthur.

"Hello, you must be Arthur and Morgana, I'm Lance do come in." as they went into the flat they were greeted by pretty and very bubbly young lady who had a dark complexion and long brown hair. She came out of the kitchen with a bottle of wine in her hand.

"Oh hello, you must be Arthur and Morgana, I'm Gwen, Lance's wife. Merlin will be out in a minute he's just getting changed."

They all sat around talking as the door opened and Percy came in.

"Sorry I'm a bit late got held up. Where's Merlin?"

"I'm here." Merlin wheeled himself from the bedroom and Arthur and Morgana was surprised by the change in him. He now looked even younger than he did in his suit. He had on a pair of jeans and blue shirt open at the neck.

"Welcome to my home, and Arthur I apologise in advance for these two, they intend to interrogate you. To find out if you're a fit person to take me half way round the world."

With that Gwen blushed. "Oh Merlin you didn't have to be so blunt. We care for you that's all."

"It's good to know you have good friends Merlin, but they should ask if you're a fit person to take!" Arthur replied laughing.

By the end of the evening they were all friends, and Morgana suggested they all meet up on Friday night for a meal and night out. The siblings together with Gwaine and Leon met up once a week and they were keen for the others to join them. They agreed although Merlin was very reluctant.

"Why don't you want to go Merlin?" Morgana asked him.

"Last time I went out in the evening with these two I had a drink poured down my neck by an idiot who didn't see me and tripped over, I got called several names and ignored by the barman as if I wasn't there." He explained.

"Oh it wasn't that bad Merlin." Gwen protested.

"Yes it was." Lance said "but everyone isn't the same Merlin, and if Percy's coming he can sort them out for you."

"Oh you needed worry about that Gwaine will look after him, he's got a bit of a crush on you." Morgana teasing Merlin.

"I don't need looking after! As the Gwaine, he doesn't have a crush on me why would he, look at me." Merlin protested going red. "He's a good looking bloke, anyway he flirts with everyone."

"I'm telling you Merlin he like you a lot." Morgana insisted.

"I'd keep away from him if I were you Merlin, the man's a menace. He is a good friend but keep him at a distance." Arthur sounded serious.

Morgana looked at her brother "Arthur that's not fair, Gwaine might be a flirt but he wouldn't hurt anyone, unless he got in a fight with them. And he's very loyal to his friends."

"I won't fight him I promise" laughed Merlin trying to break the atmosphere between Morgana and Arthur.

By the end of the evening Lance and Gwen were less apprehensive about the trip. Merlin's boss seemed to be quite protective of Merlin, and they felt he could be trusted to keep an eye on him.