CHAPTER 16 : TRYING TO MOVE AHEAD

It was a long night. Every time Arthur moved, Merlin was immediately awake. Every time someone was heard in the hall, he was on the alert. Arthur slept through oblivious.

They had reset his arm and by immobilising his left arm and hand, knew that the wrist would heal and that hopefully the hairline fracture in one of his carpal bones would repair itself. An x-ray showed no broken ribs just extensive bruising. They had not sutured his face but used butterfly stitches or steri-strips. Merlin had been told that if the ring had cut Arthur an inch higher it might had damaged his eye. The A&E doctors had made an assault report for the police and for the hospital records. Security would have some explaining to do.

Graham brought him back to R6 and told Merlin that he would be on duty until the morning. He brought a blanket and a pillow into Arthur's room, putting them on the couch, he said, "It won't feel like a The Savoy but you will be close by and if he should wake he will be less likely to worry knowing you are nearby. Let him sleep as it's best for him. He's had a nasty shock. He's also been given something to take away the pain in his ribs. I'll check him every half hour to begin with. I might wake you too but just try to fall asleep again. If he moans in his sleep but then falls quiet that is OK but if he cries out repeatedly, you can talk to him quietly letting him know you're here."

Merlin said, "I don't think, I'll sleep much!" and he didn't.

He woke up stiff and cold. Graham walked in with a heated blanket and threw it over to him. It felt wonderful. It reminded him of how he and Arthur had held hands under a heated blanket. Graham was dealing with Arthur and when Merlin heard his voice he wrapped the blanket around him and went over to the bed.

"Good Morning, Sleeping Beauty! How are you feeling this morning?"

Arthur had gone to laugh and his voice showed the effect of his bruised ribs, "Living…" he had managed to say. "Did you stay over?"

Merlin said, "Yes, and so did Graham. He's been checking you on the hour for the last six hours."

"Thanks, Graham, I'll make it up to you."

"Arthur, I wasn't going to leave you alone with Merlin overnight." He grinned saying cheekily, "You both needed a chaperone."

"Don't you think I should trust him?" Arthur said smiling.

"Well, no between you and me I think he could be quite a handful!"

"I'm right here in case you two have forgotten," Merlin said as he smiled at Arthur and leaned over to give him a little peck on the forehead."

"Surely, you can do better than that…" Arthur said.

"You two settle your differences and I will see if I can waylay something for you to eat Merlin. You," Graham said nodding at Arthur, "Are on liquids until a doctor had checked your face." He turned to leave saying, "Now behave yourselves, the two of you."

He had not even left the room before Merlin had leant forward placing a chaste kiss on Arthur's lips. "I was so worried," he said.

Using his good arm, Arthur pulled him back for another kiss, "You're so lovely and warm, where did you get the blanket?" He slipped his arm under the blanket and Merlin soon realised that Arthur had his hand on his chest.

Merlin got hold of his right hand in his and held it against him and pulling the blanket closer around him. "I'll ask Graham to get you one too, once he comes back."

"I can feel your heartbeat. Isn't it going rather fast?" Arthur teased.

"I wonder why?" said Merlin again claiming his lips. There was a discreet cough at the door and they sprang apart as Dr. Mooney, Arthur's counsellor walked in.

"So, I hear you have been to the wars again, Arthur. How are you?" the doctor said keeping it light as he glanced at his clipboard.

"Feeling better than yesterday…" Arthur lifted his cast and added, "Some lacerations on my face and bruised ribs but I'm raring to go."

"So I see!" said the doctor causing Merlin to blush slightly and Arthur to grin at him.

"I will be coming to see you tomorrow; I think we need to have a little talk, until then, no heavy lifting or racing around… doctor's orders. You may sit in your wheelchair and be wheeled around, do leg exercises but no formal rehab. And you, Young Man," he said turning to Merlin, "Are to see that he follows my orders." He smiled at the two of them and left.

Graham appeared next with the food; Arthur was stuck with juice, a milky portion of Cream of Wheat and some milk.

Once Graham had left, Arthur said, "I hate milk! Merlin, will you drink it for me?"

Merlin checked out his scrambled eggs, grilled tomato slice and three mushrooms. He was hungry having forgotten to have anything after the bottled water around one o'clock the previous afternoon. "All right! But only if you agree to drink an equal amount of water."

"I will but you could also share your eggs."

"Not likely! Well…maybe a teaspoon, as I clearly remember Graham saying you were on a liquid diet."

"Merlin, has anyone ever told you that you are mean…?"

"No, Arthur, I don't believe they have! And insulting me isn't going to make me give you any more of my eggs."

-0-0-

Merlin was feeling tired so Arthur suggested that they go to the sunroom and he could stretch out on one of the recliners, "It will be more comfortable than that couch. You'll feel better after you've had a snooze, I can play on my Ipad."

They made their way upstairs after being asked by the guard on duty where they were going. Arthur mentioned that Dr. Mooney had told him he could go for a little walk, then laughed, as he substituted wheel for walk. The man smiled and nodded checking down the time and their proposed destination as sunroom.

It was nice outside and for a while they sat in the sun until Merlin's yawning really got to Arthur. "Merlin, get on one of the recliners. I'll be all right out here!"

However, Merlin would have no part of it, "I won't leave you outside, you can't manage the wheelchair anymore and Dr. Mooney put me in charge."

"Merlin, where's your adventurous spirit?"

"Not anywhere nearby after what you've been through." That was the first time that Merlin had made a direct reference to what Uther had done. Arthur went silent and Merlin pushed him back through the door to a quiet corner of the room, "Promise me, you'll stay near me."

"Scout's honour!" said Arthur and they both laughed thinking of Gawaine and his always being prepared.

Merlin stretched out in the chair and smiled at Arthur who said, "Sleep tight, Handsome!" Arthur noticed that soon his breathing changed and he was asleep.

-0-0-

Later Arthur looked up and saw Gawaine and waved him over, he walked up behind the wheel chair saying, "The security chap sent me down here." He walked around, saw Merlin asleep and then noticed Arthur's face and finally his cast, "Good God! What happened to you? Did you fall?"

Pointing at Merlin, he put his finger to his lips saying "Ssh!" He added quietly "Shift my chair so I'm facing out and bring another chair over." Gawaine did as he was told.

Arthur started to explain, "I'd been in the pool, Merlin was watching and then he went to get a drink while I got dried and dressed. He was to meet me in my room. I arrived first and was on my computer when Merlin arrived, or I thought he did as without looking I said, 'You're back, Love!' Big mistake as it was my father!

"I don't remember the sequence of events but I was slapped, then my head felt awful, and as I tried to stand up, he pushed me over and I fell awkwardly." He held up his cast to emphasise the point. "He then said some really shitty things about Merlin and me as he kept kicking me."

Arthur took a breath before continuing, "For once in my life, I was really frightened. Heaven's knows, he's done enough to me over the years but I could do nothing to defend myself." His eyes filled with tears as he said, "I was on the floor. I couldn't see him but I knew he was still in the room as I could hear him doing something with my computer.

"I haven't yet told anyone else but he threatened to kill Merlin saying that that would bring me to my senses. I felt completely at a loss, I was lying on the floor unable to get up and he was the winner. God, Gawaine, the number of times I have stood up to him and only words have been exchanged but for that one moment I felt I was ten again and he was so strong and I was a weakling. I felt physically sick..."

He surprised himself that he had even talked about his emotions. He realised that he was no longer the capable strong man he had been He needed someone to care as he was now too weak to cope with it alone. Arthur knew he wanted to share one more thing, insignificant as things go, but he said quietly so that Gawaine almost missed it, "Gawaine, I was so frightened that I wet myself…" Gawaine's arms went around him and he held him, they were kids again, sharing their deepest fears…and humiliations.

"…and I don't remember what happened next but suddenly there were loud voices and hands were lifting me up to put me on the bed and my arm was killing me."

Gawaine was in shock, he had so hoped that all the physical beatings that Arthur had received over the years had finally stopped. He felt his hate for Uther growing to a boiling point. Then he felt Arthur's hand on his as he made him promise never to tell Merlin what Uther had said. Gawaine agreed to keeping the secret but he added, "Arthur, you know that you will have to tell someone about what he said. I think it's too important to keep it between ourselves."

"Not right now!"

"All right, not today but soon before it's too late…"

Arthur looked at Gawaine frightened to realise that he was serious. He also thought that Merlin was in real danger.

Merlin, who would never hurt a fly, who captured spiders to release them outside, who saw only the good in people; Merlin, the best thing that had ever happened to him, was certainly no match for his father. That had already been proven.

He decided that after discussing it with Dr. Mooney, he would notify the police of Uther's not so idle threat.

-0-0-

They talked quietly together, Arthur telling him of having contacted Nigel Brooks. "I gave him all the information I could about Merlin's dismissal and now it will just take time to sort through things. I know Merlin will never agree to work there again but I would like to see him get a settlement for wrongful dismissal. Nigel also knows about that first attack and threats on Merlin so that should be worth something."

"But Merlin hasn't agreed to following through with the injury complaint, has he?"

"Not yet, but I intend to persuade him. Everything is well documented and all he has to do is agree and the wheels will be put in motion. How was work today?"

"Same as usual. Didn't hear anything worth talking about although I did see Mrs. Pritchard talking to Lord Allenby and she certainly wasn't looking too happy as they walked into her office. Why do you think your father came back here when he was told in no uncertain terms he was not welcome?"

"I gather from what I've heard that he was in the General Offices trying to get information from the Registrar and he later made reference to that fact that he was a friend of the Chairman who happens to be the one and same Lord Allenby. It seems he was pretty upset…"

"Not as upset as he'll be if I run into him!" said Gawaine quietly.

"Please, Gawaine, let it be settled in court. I don't intend to take this lying down…" He smiled wistfully as he added, "Well, maybe sitting down for the time being. I intend to go back to work and show him that nothing he says or does will chase me away from the company. It's my inheritance and I intend to be involved with it."

"All right, I'll mind my manners. However, I promise you that when you come back, you'll have a group of us that you can count on. The others will stand by you. Anyway, no need to worry about work right now, everything is in hand and running smoothly, a good contract just came in from the group in the Czech Republic and that hotel group in the Azures has joined us as well. Just think, you will have plenty of places to go on business and take Merlin along to enjoy yourselves. I can highly recommend Prague."

Merlin stirred at that moment, stretching and rubbing his eyes saying, "Umm! Arthur, was I asleep for long?"

Checking his arm with the cast for his watch, he said, "Oops!" He then checked the time on his Ipad, before turning to him saying, "Just over an hour and a half." Turning back to Gawaine he added, "Merlin is tired and a little worse for wear as he stayed over!"

Gawaine laughed as Merlin said quickly, "Arthur, that's giving the wrong impression."

"Well, he had to sleep on the couch in my room, guess it wasn't that comfortable!"

"Gawaine, it wasn't only the couch but every time he moved, I had to raise my head to see that he was all right, then I would just begin to doze and Graham would come in to check on him. A very eventful night! Anyway, tonight I will have to pacify Spot as although she has lots of dry food available, I'm sure that she missed my company!"

"And what about me?" Arthur said in a plaintive voice.

"Maybe, Gawaine would like to stay over but I know that Graham will be here as he went home to sleep but said that he would be back."

"Guess it will have to be Graham as I'm used to him and he's very capable in manoeuvring me around. Did you know that he's married? His wife works with children. I'm keeping him on once I go home, at least just for a little while. I should be mobile by then but better to be on the safe side."

Merlin said, "I'd feel safer if you had a squadron of personal protection agents with you 24-7…"

"Ah yes, but that might prove a little difficult as three's a crowd and Graham is, you must agree, at least discreet."

Gawaine nudged Merlin in the arm and said, "Your life is being mapped out for you as we speak."

Merlin laughed and looked at Arthur. As true as that might be, it was nice that someone thought enough about him that they had plans for his future.

-0-0-

Spot was all over him when he arrived home. She was quite vocal showing that she really hadn't appreciated having to spend the previous night all alone. There was still plenty of water in her bowl and lots of dry food. Once he'd served her some wet cat food, she was more forgiving.

First he had a shower and then went about getting supper. As he ate, he phoned his mother brining her up to date on the latest with Arthur's father and was a little shocked when his mother said, "Merlin, look after yourself, I worry about that man!"

"He's not my favourite character either. However, we'll just have to trust that the hospital security is more on their toes, but he's obviously determined."

"Well, tell Arthur to look after himself and don't do anything foolhardy yourself. Let security do its job."

"I promise and you look after yourself as well. Love you, Mum!"

He curled up on the sofa to watch the late news. Spot decided to join him hoping for treats but all she got were kind words and a cuddle. He knew he was really tired so putting his dishes in the sink for tomorrow, he went into his room and got into bed determined to have a good night sleep.

But he didn't, as his mind wouldn't slow down. He made a list of things he had to do, he needed to talk to the police about his complaint and he needed to keep Arthur's spirits up. He really needed to have a private conversation with Gawaine and he was glad that Graham would be continuing to be with Arthur even after he got home.

-0-0-

Dr. Mooney came in to see Arthur around eleven o'clock. He'd already had his shower and done some exercises while reclining on the bed. His side still ached a little but he felt on the whole more positive than yesterday. One of the doctor's had checked his face and said that it was coming along nicely. Around his eye felt tender but the doctor had assured him that that was just the bruising.

"I know you have had a hard time of it recently. However, you are progressing well with your therapy and the muscles are building and getting stronger every day. But…you have had a few setbacks emotionally? Would you like to talk about it?"

Arthur wanted to laugh, but he guessed that what he had gone through recently compared to his accident was minor even if emotional.

"Why don't you start by telling me what you remember of your father's unfortunate visit?"

Arthur gave a run down of the events and was frequently prompted by the doctor saying, "…and how did you feel by that remark?"

Finally Arthur told the doctor of his father's unkind remarks about Merlin and his friendship.

"And how did that make you feel?"

"Well, if I hadn't been sprawled on the floor unable to get up I would have had a few choice words for him but by the time he'd finished kicking me, I just wanted everything to stop and for him to go away."

"Have you and your father had problems before this?"

Arthur explained that growing up had been rather difficult and that he had only really felt safe at school or at his best friend's place during the holidays. "Everyone thought he was a wonderful father as he showered me with gifts, but that was usually following an incident when I had been hurt. Any member of the staff who tried to interfere was summarily dismissed. I can remember pleading with our housekeeper not to get involved as she was kind to me and I didn't want her to be fired as well."

The doctor continued to ask questions while Arthur answered. He felt better getting it all off his chest but he still clung to his father's last words about Merlin.

Doctor Mooney went to leave saying that he felt only admiration for the way Arthur had managed and warned him against keeping everything bottled up. "You must talk to your friends about how they feel. I certainly know that Merlin would do anything within his power to help you." He glanced back at Arthur and immediately knew that there was something he wanted to say.

He closed the door and returned to sitting beside the bed. Sitting down, he glanced at the notes which he had received from Graham when Arthur had first spoken about the attack. He finally looked up saying, "Keeping something to yourself which you should openly admit only makes the matter worse. What is it, Arthur?"