Sorry I won't have time to post tomorrow so here is an extra chapter today. I will try to do the same for my other stories but if not Sorry.

…

As promised Arthur rang Merlin at ten o'clock on the dot to arrange to go out that evening. The door bell rang bang on time and as Merlin answered it Arthur was stood there looking wonderful in his suit. He had warned Merlin that he needed to be smart so he also wore a suit, but unlike Arthurs it wasn't made to measure and Merlin felt underdressed.

"You look wonderful; I'm a mess in comparison." Merlin pointed out.

"You're perfect don't worry, are you ready?" came the reply.

"Yes just need to lock up." Merlin went through the door and carefully locked it behind him. "Where are we going?"

"A surprise, I hope you like it. First off we're going to the theatre."

Arthur opened his car door; luckily it wasn't a small sports car like Morgana's and Merlin had no trouble transferring into it. Arthur folded the wheelchair and put it in the boot before they set off. They headed off to the west end. Merlin was delighted to find out that Arthur had got tickets for The War Horse, at the New London Theatre. It was something he had wanted to go to see, after seeing the amazing puppet horses on the television. They were allowed to park outside the theatre using Merlin's blue badge and were soon settled ready to watch the show. Both men found the story very touching, sad and thought provoking. Afterwards Arthur took Merlin to one of the better restaurants where they were treated like kings. It was a far cry from what Merlin was used to. When they got back to Merlin's flat they parted at the door after a kiss. Arthur was determined to keep the pace to suit Merlin. Anyway they were both back at work the following morning.

They had been back a week when Gwaine asked Arthur for a meeting, in Gwaine's department. Arthur went down that day, curious as Gwaine normally came up to him. When he got there Gwaine's took the other man into his office and closed the door.

"Sorry Arthur, but I needed to speak to you without Merlin overhearing. I've heard some nasty gossip coming from Cenred's firm about Merlin."

"You should know better than to listen to gossip Gwaine."

"Yes I do but it seems this comes from Cenred himself and I think you already know it." Gwaine looked at Arthur as if to gauge his reaction. "The word is he tricked Merlin into spending the weekend with him and afterwards Merlin got upset and that's how his accident happened. Now Cenred is saying Merlin is trying to hook you to get back at him. Now before you say anything I know that's not Merlin's style, but is the rest true?"

"Yes it is. I shouldn't be telling you this, but I don't want you asking Merlin. Make sure it goes no further." He waited for Gwaine to agree. "He was Merlin's first, and then Cenred laughed at him saying he had wanted a gay experience. When Merlin ran off he got run over in Essetir's garage and since he wasn't supposed to be there he didn't get a penny compensation."

"Shit the bastard, what you going to do about it?"

"I don't know I've been trying to work something out but haven't come up with anything yet."

"Well since I heard the gossip I've been giving it some thought and after what you have just said I might have an idea it will take a time but…."

The two men continued their discussion before Arthur went back upstairs.

Arthur and Merlin continued dating for the three months, then one weekend after spending the Saturday afternoon out, they went back to Merlin's flat. They started kissing and the petting got hotter and hotter, going far farther than they had before. Both men were topless and lying side by side on the sofa and Merlin then asked Arthur if he wanted to go to bed with him.

"Are you sure? I can wait." Arthur so wanted Merlin to agree to continue but didn't want to make Merlin feel he had to.

"I'm sure."

With that Arthur picked Merlin up and carried him into the bedroom and placed him carefully on the bed.

"Now I've look up stuff, but how do you want to go about this?" Arthur asked fully aware that there would be a bit of planning involved.

Merlin grinned up at him. "Well the first thing I guess is bed or wheelchair? Remember I've never done this either!"

After a bit of experimentation they made love for the first time and both led there afterwards cuddling.

"That wasn't as difficult as I thought it would be" Arthur grinned at Merlin.

"It was better than I thought, not everyone with a T11 get an organism. It was great! Now all we need is some Viagra and my other problem might be solved. I'll get hold of my GP that will be an interesting conversation! Mind you I didn't know my nipples were that sensitive." Merlin felt better about his body than he had for a long time.

They had taken the next step in their relationship. From then on things only got better and better. Merlin's self confidence was growing and they were very happy together.

A couple of weeks later Arthur told Merlin he was going away for a couple of days up north to one of the company's factories. Merlin wouldn't need to go, but could use the time catching up on some of the paper work in the office. As yet hardly anyone one in the building knew about the couple's relationship, but Arthur was going to ask Merlin on his return if he minded if they went public. Arthur hated hiding his love for his PA. and wanted to shout it from the rooftops, after telling his father of course.

Merlin was happy to stay behind, they could phone each other after all. The day after Arthur had left Merlin was in the office doing some filing when Uther walked into Merlin's office and closed the door behind him.

"Good morning Sir, can I help you." Merlin was nervous; Arthur's father always had that effect on him.

"You can, I have your P45 here and a cheque I want you out of this office now."

"Pardon Sir, but why?"

"You are ruining my son, it's bad enough that he is a faggot, but a cripple as well, is too much, especially one of Cenred's cast offs. Or are you here to pass on our companies secrets? Either way I want you gone! The cheque is to cover your owed wages and enough to make sure you don't contact my son ever again." With that he threw down a cheque for twenty thousand pounds.

"I won't go you can't make me, we love each other." Merlin was pale and shaking.

"Oh I can, you don't think my son loves a waste of space like you do you, he feels sorry for you, and how long will that last. Why do you think he didn't take you with him! He wants an out, he wants rid of you. Are you hoping for more money? How much? Come on name your price."

"I don't want your money! Any of it! I'm not going you have no right." Merlin's voice was beginning to break.

"You are going and now. If necessary I will sack you. I'm sure a charge of theft will be enough, and then you won't get a job anywhere. It will be my word against yours, and you already have breaking of company health and safety rules at your last job against you. Now take the cheque and go. And don't speak to anyone on your way out. Arthur will be pleased to see the back of you, mark my words, once he realises what a near miss he's had. I'm giving you ten minutes to leave then I will call security and have you arrested for theft." With that Uther turned and left the room.

Merlin was shaking, he didn't know what to do, who would take his word against Uther's, what would Arthur say? Was Uther right was Arthur regretting their relationship. Who could blame him after all what did he have to offer.