Arthur arranged to pick up Merlin up from his flat on the morning they were due to fly out. As Merlin was in a wheelchair they were first on the plane. Merlin's chair was not allowed in the cabin, but there was a smaller chair available for him to use to move about in the plane. They were soon on their way to Melbourne where the company had its Australian headquarters, a flight of twenty one hours. Merlin was grateful to be able to rest on the way over. He didn't think he would have been so comfortable in standard class. Merlin had never flown before, when he had travelled to Europe he had always gone either ferry or tunnel, so it was quite an experience for him. But he soon got fed up. It was a long flight. The aircrew were very helpful and all in all he found the journey less of a problem than he thought it would be.

When they arrived in Melbourne Merlin's chair was waiting for him and they made their way to the gate. They had been booked into the Royce Hotel, and a company car was met them at the airport. It was at four in the afternoon, Australian time, when they landed, and they had one day to recover before they had their first meeting scheduled. As promised, Arthur and Merlin did quite a bit of preparatory work done on the plane.

They were soon at the hotel and settling in. Looking out of his window at the hotel, he was surprised at the view. Although most of the buildings were newer than many in London, it was still a city of high rise buildings. Merlin had somehow expected a more spread out city. The hotel was far more luxurious then Merlin was expecting, but then he was travelling with the Vice Chairman.

They spent the first day relaxing after the flight. Arthur suggested that they took the chance and did a small amount sightseeing. He took Merlin up the of 297 metre tall Eureka Tower, to a deck called the edge, a glass cube outside of the building with fantastic three hundred and sixty degree views across the city. He thought of it as their first date, but of course Merlin had no idea.

The next day they went to work. They had meeting after meeting with both the staff of the companies Australian branch and other businesses interested in dealing with them. Merlin was kept busy taking notes and collecting details of projects. Happy that they it was all on USB sticks and not folders. He tried to understand and follow everything but a lot of it went over his head. He was ok with the business side but the technical stuff went over his head.

In the evenings they went to several social gatherings and meals, put on by their hosts. One afternoon, when they had some free time, Merlin did manage to get Arthur to go to a wildlife sanctuary and see the native animals. There was no way he was coming all this way without seeing a Koala Bear. Arthur laughed at him when Merlin paid to have his photo taken holding one. Arthur notched this up as their second date. It was such a pity that Merlin still wasn't aware. But the half day off had allowed the two men to get to relax and get to know one another better, and both were happy with their closer relationship.

Arthur was becoming more enamoured with Merlin, who he found to be one of the kindest and most genuine people he had ever met. Merlin was surprised at the change in Arthur, now he was away from London, and his father's watchful gazed. He was far more relaxed and fun to be with. What surprised Merlin most of all was the fact that his boss was bi sexual. He had no idea until Arthur had met an ex boyfriend at one of the meals they had been invited to. Merlin had only seen Arthur with beautiful women before when they called into the office to see him.

When Merlin mentioned it to Arthur he confessed that his father was the reason he kept his private life very private. Having met and heard Uther Pendragon, Merlin could appreciate why his son didn't advertise his sexuality. Merlin hoped that one day Arthur would find someone to love and love him. Not realising that his boss was already half way there.

Merlin had an afternoon to his self just before they returned to the UK. Arthur had a meeting with the head of the company's nanotechnology department to discuss latest developments, that were still highly secret, and he wasn't needed. It was a pity he would have liked to have known more about the company's business rather than just the office side.

What he had seen of Australia he loved although he missed home. Deciding to make the most of the opportunity, he set off to do some shopping. He wanted to buy Gwen and Lance something for their flat and something for Percy. He had a great time, and even bought something for Gwaine. He had to be careful what he bought because of his luggage allowance. He was heading back to the hotel when he spotted something he could buy Arthur, deciding that it would be nice as a thank you for all his help.

The night before they flew back Arthur asked Merlin if he would join him in a meal that evening. Merlin joked and asked if it was a date. He was surprised when Arthur said yes it could be. Merlin looked at Arthur as if it was a joke, but Arthur finally plucked up the courage to say it was a genuine offer of a date, but if Merlin preferred, it could be purely business. Merlin blushed and really wasn't sure what to make of it, until Arthur confessed that he had wanted to ask Merlin out for some time, but didn't want to put pressure on him after his previous experience. Arthur was pleased when Merlin said he would like it to be a date, but he could tell Merlin was slightly hesitant.

"Merlin I can understand your reluctance, but we go as fast or as slow as you want ok. I'm not pressurising you at all. I think you're a wonderful person and want to spend time with you and see where it goes, if at any time you want out just say so." Arthur reassured Merlin.

"This is going to sound bad but can I ask you something…" Merlin said hesitantly.

"Ask away."

"Well two things really, firstly this isn't a pity date is it?" Merlin hated having people's pity. He'd had enough of that since breaking his back.

Arthur answered immediately "No it's not, when I see you I don't see the wheelchair, I just see a kind and sweet man who I would like to get to know better."

Merlin looked relieved if still unsure. "The other thing sounds worse, but if you want to have more dates in the UK…that is I'm not expecting it, but if we did…can we not let everyone know yet. Only I don't want to have to explain it when it stops." Merlin looked really uncomfortable.

"Good idea, not that I have any intention of stopping at a couple of dates. But I understand, might be a good idea to keep you away from Father for a bit anyway, until you're sure." Arthur smiled at Merlin just to show he meant nothing by the last comment.

"They'll all think I'm chasing my bosses! God if Valliant or Cenred hear they'll make my life hell." Merlin went quite pale at the thought.

"Merlin don't think about them, I'll sort them out for you, if you do have any problems come to me ok. It doesn't matter what they think I asked you out remember."

"OK" Merlin still wasn't sure it was the right thing to do. After all who would want to tie themselves to a cripple?

Later that evening they set out to the Attica, one of Melbourne's best restaurants, where they had the eight course tasting menu. It was an opportunity to try lots of dishes, including Kangaroo. That was something Merlin wasn't quite sure of ,but Arthur assured him they were a bit of a pest due to large numbers and were shot anyway, so it was a good thing they were being put to good use.

When they got back to the hotel Arthur saw Merlin back to his room and wished the other man goodnight not attempting to kiss him. After all they were taking this slowly. But he was pleased it had gone so well and that he had finally asked Merlin for a date.

After a final meeting it was time to go back to the UK, so the next evening they set out once more for the airport to make the long journey home. The trip had been a great success in more ways than one. Once they got back to London Arthur took Merlin back to his flat. With the time difference, Melbourne being nine hours ahead, they were back in the UK at eight o'clock the next morning. Both men needed to sleep and try to get rid of their jet lag. As Arthur walked Merlin up to his flat, carrying his luggage, Merlin said a quiet goodbye and held onto Arthur's hand.

"It was good, thank you." He still felt awkward about their new relationship.

"Yes it was and, thank you. I'll call you later, and you don't need to come into work for a couple of days ok." Arthur squeezed Merlin's shoulder "Are you going to be ok?"

"Yes of course, speak later." With that Merlin went indoors.

Arthur walked back to his car thinking the trip couldn't have gone better.