Ops This chapter was posted twice but this one has had many changes. Sorry that's what you get for doing 3 stories at once

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On Monday Arthur got up to go to work and as usual Merlin got up and got him breakfast. They had both got a good night's sleep and felt better for it. Arthur kissed Merlin on the top of his head before heading off for the office. Once Merlin was all sorted a dressed he had a phone call from Alice she wanted to make sure he was alright. He arranged with her to come over later that afternoon to visit. He was expecting Gwen and wanted them to meet. Gwen was on annual leave so he knew she would be about as Lance was working.

Before his visitors arrived Merlin decided to look into what cars were available he found several that he could drive from his wheelchair. He thought this might be easier than the ones when he would have to get in and then take his chair apart and pull it in. He printed off details to show Arthur. He then found out about lessons. He could either take a course and then a test or individual lessons. Again he thought he would ask Arthur and Percy for advice.

When Gwen turned up he explained what had happened and that he was now in contact with his grandparents. After her reaction to Arthur he wasn't surprised to find she had reservations about the new people in his life. He had been giving it quite a bit of thought and had come to the conclusion that Gwen saw him as a substitute child. He knew that Gwen and Lance wanted a baby and it hadn't happened, and although there wasn't that much age difference he felt she was using him as a substitute. He hoped if the IVF they were planning worked and she would have the family she was so desperate for.

Merlin explained about his mother's letter and how Hunith had wanted him to build a relationship with his grandparents. She didn't look happy but he was determined not to let her interfere as she had tried to with Arthur.

When Alice and Gaius arrived they were very gracious to Gwen and thanked her for helping Merlin. To his relief they seemed to get on. Although Gwen was somewhat reserved. Alice could see that Gwen was jealous of the people in Merlin's life and tried to show the younger woman that they had no intention of trying to force her out of his life. All in all the afternoon went quite well.

After Gwen had gone Merlin told his grandparents about the new house and that they would be moving as soon as all the improvements were made. Gaius asked Merlin how he would feel if they also moved so they could be closer. He explained that their present house was far too large, but they hadn't wanted to move, in case their daughter had come back to find them. Now they had no reason to stay. Alice asked Merlin to discuss it with Arthur as they didn't want to interfere with their lives. Merlin liked the idea, he explained that they had moved to a more rural area as eventually they wanted children and it would be nice for the youngsters if they had family near. Both Gaius and Alice were thrilled at that idea. The couple left before Arthur returned not wanted to outstay their welcome.

Arthur also had a successful day, not only had the company gained more business but one of the new developments had proven to be successful and they would soon be able to launch a major new green product to the market. Gwaine was overjoyed at how well it had all worked out. Then Morgana had informed Arthur that there had been a run on Essetir's shares, it seemed the investors weren't happy with the bad debts that Cenred had recently picked up with his large order to Eastern Europe. Then when the information had got out that their latest large development project was also a flop the shit had hit the fan. An emergency meeting had been called by the major shareholders, it seemed a Vote of No Confidence in Cenred was about to be made. The meeting was to be on the following Monday.

He phoned Merlin and asked him if he fancied a meal out that evening. He wasn't going to tell his lover anything yet, he wanted to be sure Cenred was finished first, but he could celebrate secretly. Merlin agreed so Arthur got his PA to book a table for two at Merlin's favourite restaurant.

When they got there they were surprised to see Morgana and Percy sat at another table. The other couple didn't even notice they were there. It seemed the romance was back on track. In fact it wasn't until Morgana and Percy were leaving that Morgana noticed her brother and told him off for not joining them.

"We had no intention of breaking up your romantic evening Morgana; anyway perhaps we didn't want your company either." Arthur teased his sister.

For the first time ever he saw his sister blush. Percy squeezed her arm. "Come on Gana lets leave these two love birds alone."

With that they left the restaurant as the two men started laughing.

"You haven't told me yet what were celebrating." Merlin said looking at Arthur.

"Oh some good deals at work, anyway it's nice to get out of the washing up for a change. When we move we're getting a dishwasher." Arthur teased.

"Oh and who's going to load and unload it?"

This discussion went on until they got home, where it wasn't long before the men were in bed.

Over the next few days Merlin had talked to Arthur about Gaius and Alice moving nearer to the bungalow. Arthur was in favour so Gaius put their house on the market and started looking for their new home. He also mentioned the car, Arthur thought it best if they arranged to go and see some of the vehicle and for Merlin to try some out for ease of use. They arranged with Percy to come with them.

The day of Essetir's emergency meeting came round and Cenred King had to fight for his position. The vote of no confidence was passed. Due to Cenred's company debts he had had to try to raise more money from the banks. This had been refused. Cenred had no new products coming on to the market.

The next week Arthur authorised the works to start on their new home. The whole place was rewired and Percy helped with advising on switch heights etc. The ramps to the outside doors were replaced and the kitchen and bathrooms gutted. Merlin and Arthur decided on the style of the replacements and they were ordered in. Arthur also had some of the windows replaced and a new front door. The whole place was wired with a fire alarm system and intercoms. Then all the carpets were replaced and new floor tiles laid.

Over the next few weeks it was decided to see if there were any possible buyers for the Essetir. Pendragon's was approached and Arthur expressed an interest provided they could have complete control. They weren't interested in floating any shares.

The next day Arthur was in a meeting with Morgana, Gwaine and Leon when an irate Cenred King burst into the room.

"Pendragon you set me up, don't bother to lie." He shouted

"No I think you did it all by yourself. I didn't ask you to take on the order from Eastern Europe and neither did I give you the details of the project you invested heavily in. It did however look similar to something we had thrown out several months ago." Arthur looked at Cenred a slight smirk on his face.

"You knew the research was no good… you set me up I know you did. Why isn't your company big enough?"

"If you paid someone for industrial secrets, that's not my fault. You should do your own research King. But then you seem to have your own rules for everything don't you." Arthur couldn't help feel good.

"You bastard why? Tell me that at least." Cenred demanded.

"Oh by the way Mr King, did you know my brother is getting married?" Morgana asked sweetly.

"So what." Cenred was getting madder by the second.

"Yes to someone you know I believe… Merlin Emrys. Nice lad." Gwaine joined in.

"So it's revenge. I should have guessed, you haven't heard the last of this Pendragon. Enjoy your soiled goods." Cenred turned and started to move to the door. He wasn't quick enough a fist flew at him and he fell to the floor.

Gwaine and Leon lumped up and stopped Arthur before he did anymore.

"He's not worth it Arthur. He's scum." Gwaine said. As Arthur relaxed and Cenred started to stand up another fist flew and this time Gwaine hit Cenred under the chin knocking him back down.

"Now now boys why should you have all the fun." Morgana looked at Cenred who was trying to get to his feet once more, his eyes glazed. "Oh don't worry Cenred I wouldn't dream of hitting you, but I just wonder what that lovely bitch of a wife of yours will do now you've lost most of your money. I don't suppose she'll stay around. Sensible lady, getting that pre nup, at least she won't lose her fortune. Does she know what you did to Merlin? And just a few weeks before your wedding tut tut." Morgana had an evil look on her face.

"I suggest you leave the building do you need some help?" Leon asked "I'll call security."

Cenred was escorted out the building. After he left the room Morgana turned to Arthur "I bet that felt good."

Arthur rubbed his knuckles "It did I haven't hit anyone for years, unlike Gwaine here."

"Sorry mate I couldn't resist it. I like Merlin."

When Arthur got home that night Merlin asked him what had happened as Arthur hand was red and a bit swollen.

"I just hit a louse." Was all Arthur would tell him.

Later that week Merlin read in the paper all about the proposed takeover of Essetir by Pendragon's . He asked Arthur again and this time Arthur told him the whole story. Merlin was glad that Cenred had got his comeuppance and he was secretly pleased that Arthur had hit him. He only wished he had had the courage to do so. That night they celebrated in their own special way. Merlin felt more loved and protected than ever.

Over the next few days Merlin had decided on the vehicle he wanted and decided on the type he could drive from his wheelchair as offering more flexibility for him. So that was on order. He had also booked and started his driving lessons, at first he was going to have a couple a week, he might then go on a course when he felt more confident.

Before Arthur and Merlin moved they had a party for all their friends including Gwen and Lance. It went well and they promised to hold a house warming party once they were settled in and unpacked.

Meanwhile Gaius and Alice found a bungalow in the same village, they would be close but as it was at the far side both parties would still maintain their privacy and not live in each other's pockets. It was a new build so required no work. They both moved the same weekend and helped each other settle in. Merlin had decided not to return to work for Arthur. He wanted to spend more time getting to know his grandparents. He had taken on some work from home to make some money. He was proof reading novels for a publishing house. It wasn't full time but at the moment that suited him as Alice was secretly teaching Merlin how to cook.

Arthur had a week off after the move to help Merlin with all the sorting out. That way they could also go out together to buy anything else they needed.