Arthur was sat in his office trying to get some paperwork done when his mobile rang. Looking at it he saw it was Percy's number. Taking a deep breath he answered it.

"Hello Percy"

"Hi Arthur, Merlin has asked me to ring you, he would like you to visit him in hospital."

"Of course when!" he was too scared to ask more.

"As soon as you can, I need to talk to you first but I'm at the hospital anyway."

"Right, it will take me fifteen minutes I'll come now." Arthur only wished he could get there sooner.

"Don't rush Arthur were not going anywhere. Ring the bell when you get to ITU and I'll come out." Percy hung up.

Arthur got up immediately and on his way out told his PA he was going out and may or may not be back that day. But he didn't tell her why. Deciding a taxi would be quicker he flagged on down and was soon on his way. Getting to the hospital he ran up the stairs and rand the bell as requested. Percy came straight out.

"Hello Arthur, come this way." He took Arthur into a small office to one side.

"Thank you for coming so quickly, before you go in I need to explain a few things. Merlin had indicated that he wants me to tell you what happened. But before that I want to apologise to you. I may have let my emotions rule my head in this case and for that I'm sorry. Merlin is a special person and I was angry at what happened."

"That doesn't matter as long as I can see him now. Merlin is the important one here." Arthur just wanted to go and see Merlin.

"Merlin is awake now but still has a tube down for ventilation so he can't speak. He is communication by a picture board. We now know what happened to put him here."

"Did he try to kill himself?" Arthur asked fearfully.

"No, I'm sorry you thought that. He has told me what happened and as I said on the phone he wants you to understand. He got home after being given his P45 and the cheque he was in a state no knowing what to believe, seeing your signature was a shock." Percy looked at Arthur.

"Like I told Gwen yesterday the cheque was left with my father for a very specific reason, which he chose to ignore. I showed Gwen the letter my father wrote for me explaining that." Arthur protested.

"When did you show Gwen the letter?"

"Yesterday, but she still said she couldn't give me information until she spoke to Merlin, she gave me the impression that she thought he had tried to…" Arthur just looked at Percy.

Percy was surprised but said nothing he needed to speak to Gwen. "Well anyway Merlin went into a shocked state and just sat there. He didn't take care of himself as he should have and his bladder filled and back flowed into his kidneys, he went into renal failure. He collapsed. Due to the length of time before he was found the potassium built up and affected his heart. He also has a couple of pressure sores." Percy looked at Arthur who by now was a white as a sheet.

"I'm sorry Arthur but you need to know. He's on a type of dialysis at the moment and cardiac support. He's also on a ventilator, he's is awake although sleepy. He is still quite ill but as long as he doesn't get septic he should be alright." Percy could see that Arthur was genuinely shocked and upset by what he'd heard.

"Come on let's get you into see him."

Arthur followed Percy back thought the door and into intensive care, as soon as he saw Merlin he walked straight to his bedside and took hold of the other man's hand.

"Oh Merlin…I'm so sorry…if only I hadn't gone away or taken you with me." His voice breaking with emotion.

Merlin slowly opened his eyes and looked up at Arthur; he gently squeezed the other man's hand. Arthur feeling the slight pressure gave Merlin a small smile.

"I love you Merlin, I'm sorry I would never have allowed my father to do that to you. I didn't know I swear, the cheque was signed by me but not to give to you."

Merlin looked at Percy and moved his hand. Percy picked up the board and held it so Merlin could reach it. Merlin then slowly moved his hand spelling out words as he did so. He spelt out 'I believe u'

Arthur bent forward and kissed Merlin on the forehead. "Get better my love, I 'I'll make it up to you I promise."

Once more Merlin's hand went over the board this time he simply said 'I lov u'

Arthur broke down in tears and just sat holding Merlin's hand. He was still there when Gwen and Lance came through the door.

"What is he doing here!" she asked the nurse.

"He asked me to come. Percy called me." Arthur said before the nurse had time to answer.

Lance whispered something to Gwen and she seemed to settle down. "Oh, ok if he wants you here." Gwen went up the side of the bed opposite Arthur and kissed Merlin's forehead. "Hello Merlin I've brought Lance with me this time." She looked at Arthur. "Can you leave us for a minute? So we can both see Merlin. It's only two at a time to visit."

Arthur stood up and also kissed Merlin "I'll be back soon love." Merlin squeezed his hand.

Arthur went out to the waiting room and phoned Morgana and told her he had seen Merlin and what had happened to him. He was surprised to be told that Percy had rang her, and apologised for his earlier comments. Morgana was pleased but unsure whether she would be seeing Percy again or indeed if he wanted to renew their relationship.