Arthur went to work the next morning to find Sophia gone; so he thought he had better find himself a temporary PA. He still hoped that maybe, he could get Merlin back. But either way he wouldn't fill the post unless he knew for sure. So his first job was to go and see Morgana. As he entered her office he found himself on the end of a hug. This was a surprise they weren't the touchiest of families.

"I'm so proud of you Arthur, I heard how you stood up to Uther, and for what it's worth, I will go with you if you leave, and so will most of the staff."

"Thank you Morgana, it was a long time coming, but had to happen eventually, although I don't expect it to end there. What I came to you about was a temporary PA. Could I ask you a favour and find someone from an agency."

"Of course I will, do you think Merlin will come back, and have you found out anything yet?" Morgana was desperate for news.

"No, Gwen still won't tell me anything, I only know that he hasn't spoken to her yet. I don't even know if he tried to kill himself, nor how long I'll have to wait for information. Gwen said she will phone if he wants me to know anything." Arthur was obviously distressed.

"Oh Arthur, do you think he did hurt himself?"

"I just don't know, he's the only one that does I suppose. If he hates me that would be bad enough, but it's the not knowing, that's tearing me up." He sat down, no longer having the strength to stand.

Morgana asked George to get them both a strong coffee, and sat with her brother not knowing what to say or do. She was missing Percy, but at least she knew he was ok. Arthur knew nothing. What a mess. After they had their coffee Arthur went back to his office and got as much work done as he could. At least if he was busy he had less time to think. By lunchtime Morgana had found him a PA and he set her to work. All the time Arthur kept his mobile by his side willing Gwen to phone him.

At the hospital Merlin was still sleeping most of the time. Percy had visited and sat with the young man, and during a wakeful spell, and with the aid of nods and a picture board Percy managed to confirm what had happened. It was as they had suspected. Merlin was in an emotional mess. He clearly thought a lot of Arthur but didn't know what to believe. Merlin fell back to sleep before Percy could explore it fully with him.

Percy went off for lunch, and came back later to find Gwen sat by Merlin. He heard her speaking to Merlin, and was surprised at what he heard. Instead of trying to find out what Merlin wanted, she seemed to be planting ideas in his head.

"Look Merlin, you need to get better, and you won't do that with them around you. Make a clean break, they don't want you, forget them and move on. I'll look after you. Like I always have, you can trust me."

Percy stepped away and thought a bit before going back; making sure Gwen would hear him approach. He was no longer as sure of things as he had been. Perhaps he had got to close to the situation, and been too willing to listen to Gwen. He knew Merlin was more than just a client to him. He had come too really like the damaged man and thought of him as a younger brother almost. The fact that Merlin had no living relatives somehow made everything so much worse.

"Hi Gwen, Hi Merlin, I've come back to speak to you again. Look Gwen sorry to be a pest, but could I speak to Merlin alone please, as his caseworker you understand?"

"Yes of course, can I have a quick word first?" Gwen glanced at Merlin. "You don't mind do you Merlin?"

Merlin shook his head. Gwen took Percy to one side. "Look Percy Arthur keeps bothering us, I don't know what he's up to. I think he's trying to make sure Merlin doesn't make trouble for the firm. Can you help us please? You know what these big business people are like; they think they can buy anyone. I don't want them knowing anything." Gwen looked so sincere. Percy was sure she was trying to do what she thought was right.

"Well Gwen now Merlin's awake it's up to him, but you can rest assured I will help him to make his own mind up, and protect him how I can. I don't want anyone to take away his choices. Nor do I want him to feel obliged to meet people he doesn't want to." Percy kept his comments bland and ambiguous.

"Oh thank you Percy. We love Merlin and want the best for him. I'll go home and come back this evening with Lance." Gwen went back and kissed Merlin "Remember Merlin we're your friends. Love you and see you later." She waved as she left.

Percy took a deep breath and sat next to Merlin. For a few minutes he kept to safe areas, but soon started to ask what Merlin wanted to do. When he asked if Merlin wanted to see Arthur a look of uncertainty crossed his face, before he pointed to no on the picture board. Percy told him that Arthur had been trying to visit him and seemed worried. He asked again.

"Look Merlin it's up to you, but make up your own mind don't be influenced by anyone, it's your life. You know Arthur better than any of us. It must be what you want, and no one else. I know he's been in touch with Gwen. The hospital won't tell him anything, as he's not your next of kin, and he's not been allowed to visit."

Merlin looked surprised, and then using the board spelt out a question. Percy repeated what he asked before answering. Merlin put his thumb up indicating that was what he'd asked.

"Yes Merlin, Arthur has been speaking to Gwen, so have Morgana and Gwaine. They seem very worried about you. They sat they knew nothing of Mr Pendragon's actions."

Merlin again spelt out a question, then looked once more at Percy, a frown on his face. Again Percy repeated what Merlin had spelt out. He didn't want any mistakes. It seemed Merlin was under the impression that Arthur hadn't tried to contact him at all.

"Yes I saw him at Gwen's one day; he seemed very worried about you. Perhaps you got things muddled. Perhaps Gwen didn't make it clear; she's been very worried about you."

Merlin started to spell out more. Percy watched carefully. Merlin was looking very puzzled. After he finished they repeated the previous checks on understanding.

"Yes you can see Arthur here if you want too; I will call him for you. Are you sure that's what you want?"

Merlin pointed to the yes on the board. Then spelt out: 'Now? Before Gwen comes back'

"Alright if that's what you want, Do you want me to tell him what caused your admission?" Merlin pointed at yes. "I'll go and do it, do you want me here when he comes?" Merlin indicated: yes. Percy went off to make the call. He had a lot to think about and perhaps he needed to re-evaluate things. He would decide after Arthur's visit.