Merlin couldn't believe how arrogant Arthur Pendragon was, after all he had approached Merlin; he also had as much to gain as Merlin did from their arrangement. Well aright not quite as much, Merlin after all was doing this to save his mother's life, where as the prat was only doing it to keep his company! But perhaps it came from being wealthy after all Merlin didn't think the prat had ever had to struggle for anything. But Merlin wasn't going to just lie down and die, oh no, he would go through with this but there was no way he would be treated like a second class citizen. He would wait for his chance; once his mother was better he would make Arthur Pendragon regret the way he had spoken to him. He would stay with him for five years but they would be as difficult for Arthur Pendragon as they would be for him!
Merlin calmed down a bit when two days later a large deposit was made into his bank account and Merlin could go to the hospital to pay for the next round of treatment for his mother. Hunith of course wanted to know where he had got the money from.
"I won a few of thousand on a lottery mum. Someone must be looking after us. I can pay for the next couple of treatments now." Merlin hated lying to his mother but he had no choice.
"Merlin you shouldn't be wasting your life this way! I wish you would go back to your studies" Hunith told her son, she was getting weaker all the time and felt that there was no way they would be able to complete her treatment. Her son had given up so much and it would all be for nothing.
"I can do that when your better Mum, after all you've looked after me all this time, now it's my turn. Just concentrate on keeping strong." Merlin told her, in his heart he wouldn't begrudge her anything, even if he had to stay with Pendragon for ten years.
After visiting time was over Merlin went home to change before going to do his evening shift at the club. How he hated it, he had thought working in a gay bar would give him the opportunity to make friends, but instead all he got was pawed every night by drunks and bears who thought he was easy meat. Even his workmates were mostly dismissive, either calling him a twink and degrading him or seeing him as a rival but it paid more than his day job as a courier. That work was better, but he had until now needed both of them. As he walked in the club and changed into his work clothes he hoped it wouldn't be long before he could hand in his notice.
Merlin was busy as always, he had already had his ass pinched twice and when he was grabbed round the waist he nearly dropped his tray of drinks, spilling one, that was all he needed the cost would come out of this wages. He turned round and glared at the perpetrator and was about to give him a mouthful when he realised who it was, it was Ebor, the brother of the owner. "Sorry Sir, but I have an order to deliver." He said politely
"Deliver it then" the man growled. Merlin made sure to go back round the other way to avoid then man. But he knew he would be in trouble if he wasn't careful. He had heard all about that particular bear from the other bar staff. He wasn't going to put himself in that sort of situation. Two of the present bar staff had been forced to blow the man in order to keep their jobs, and one had been made to go even further to keep his job. At least now if Ebor tried anything he could hand in his notice. Merlin managed to avoid Ebor until just before his shift ended when he found himself cornered by the man in the corridor leading from the staff toilets.
"So there you are I've been looking for you" the man growled at Merlin as he grabbed him once again. "I think you owe me something. Look at my jeans." He pointed to the mark where the drink had spilled.
"That was your fault, you grabbed me." Merlin said trying to get away, but Ebor grabbed Merlin harder and started to pull him towards the toilets. Merlin struggled and then decided he had no choice he wasn't about to become another victim. He wriggled round until his back was facing the bear then he brought his elbow back as hard as he could into the man's groin.
"Ummph" can the grunt from behind him as the grip loosened slightly, just enough for Merlin to wriggle out of Ebor's grasp, Merlin may be slender but he was stronger than he looked. Merlin ran up the corridor he could hear footsteps getting closer all the time. He had just reached the main bar area when he was grabbed once more. But Merlin was now in the crowds and so he started to shout for help, Ebor put his hand over Merlin's mouth and started to drag him backwards. So much fuss was being made that the security were forced to intervene.
Then the owner came forward."OK you two to my office now!"
"No way!" Merlin said "I'm not going anywhere with him"
"You come with me or your fired." Came the reply.
"Then I quit" Merlin said and walked toward the door.
"Oi you're in your uniform!"
"Keep my wages for today that will more than cover it." Merlin retorted. Once he was outside he looked around and jumped into a taxi that had just dropped of a punter. He couldn't really afford the cab, but at the same time didn't want to risk being on the streets if Ebor followed him. Once Merlin got back home he had a shower and let tried to force himself to relax. He had several bruises on his arms and waist from the struggle. But at least otherwise he was in one piece, and with the money in for his mother's treatment he didn't need to look for another job straight away. He wondered what he would have done had he still need the money. Would he have let Ebor assault him? He wasn't sure and that frightened him.
The next day Merlin had a text from Arthur asking for a meeting, he replied saying he was free that evening and arranged to meet Arthur at his hotel once more at seven o'clock. Work that day was difficult he was sore and hadn't slept well. He nearly got knocked of his bike twice by cars as he made deliveries and was please when five o'clock came. One of his deliveries had been to Pendragon's New York office and he wondered if he might see Arthur, but he only had to drop the package off to the main desk and leave.
When he arrived at the hotel later Arthur was waiting once more and they went up to his suite. "Not working tonight?" Arthur asked him.
"No" Merlin wasn't going to go into detail.
"I have had some money deposited into your account, I assume you know that." Arthur asked.
"Yes thank you, Mum is starting her next treatment soon." Arthur noticed the worry on Merlin's face and was pleased he was able to help. It was the one good thing about this whole thing; at least his money was going to a good cause.
"Now we need to arrange to start meeting. Can you get tomorrow evening off?" Arthur asked him.
"Why?"
"One of my …colleagues is coming over from London and I want to set up a first meeting with him present. So we need to plan something." Arthur told him. "It's important that this is done properly." He paused "we need to plan how to do this so it is believable."
"No problem you tell me where you'll be and I'll be there." Merlin said.
"The trouble is I doubt that you visit the same places as I do." Arthur said in a condescending tone.
"You snob! No I don't suppose I do, but I can be passing, or are the pavements near those places closed off to us plebs? Anyway why do we need to meet for the first time in front of someone, why can't we have already met." Merlin asked.
"I thought it would be more believable if we met in front of someone else." Arthur said.
"Well that won't work will it; I have already met Elyan at the club. You will have to be consistent." Merlin said rolling his eyes.
Arthur looked at Merlin "Right then in that case you can come to a dinner I have been invited to as my plus one. That will be in two days time." Arthur said. "We will need to get you a decent suit before then. If you come here straight after work tomorrow we can go and get you one."
"So you are assuming I can drop everything and just go out whenever you say!" Merlin snapped.
"Yes I do and you can give up that job you have at the club, after all you don't need the money for your mother now."
Merlin looked at Arthur "Then it's just as well I finished last night them isn't it."
"That didn't take you long, looking forward to being a kept man are you." Arthur said "I thought I would have to try and court you one day a week."
"For your information I didn't leave because of your money, I got attacked by a client and left mid shift, I won't get my weeks money now." Merlin blushed at the memory.
Arthur immediately looked contrite "Where you hurt?"
"Only a few bruises, I hit him in the bollocks and managed to get into the crowd, it was the boss's brother he's known for forcing staff to blow him." Merlin said "it wasn't nice but at least I could leave, without your money I might have had no choice, Mum comes first." He said honestly.
"I hope you don't feel that way about our deal?" Arthur asked.
"We are both benefiting, Mum gets her treatment and you get your company so no." Merlin admitted.
Arthur looked thoughtful "I hadn't looked at it quite like that. I suppose we do both benefit, I had looked on it that you were getting the most out of it. Put your way it's like any other business deal."
They parted on better terms than they had met, both deciding that perhaps it wouldn't be so bad.
As soon as Merlin finished work he went home and had a quick shower before heading to the hotel. This time they went straight down town to a far better cloths shop that Merlin was used to. "I would have got you something better but I suppose we need to keep within the story. You may have had this suit since your Harvard days, but a handmade on or an Armani would be stretching it." Arthur said as he picked out a suit from Brookes Brothers.
Merlin looked at the price "You have to be joking I was a scholarship student I couldn't afford this!"
"Well I have no intention of you having anything less" Arthur insisted. "Go and try it on"
With great reluctance Merlin tried the suit on and with the help of the shop was soon fitted out with a suit that fitted. His slender form and long legs has caused a bit of a problem but they soon found the right fit. Arthur then added a couple of shirts and ties and a pair of shoes before he was happy. They left the shop and Merlin went back to his flat and carefully hung up his new clothes. The next evening Merlin has a shower and got dressed happy that his flat mate was out again. He liked Gilli but didn't feel like explaining too much to the man. They hadn't hit it off to start with but had gradually become friends of sorts, joined as they were in a constant fight to make ends meet.
Once ready he caught the subway to the hotel where he was meeting Arthur. The blond had offered to pick him up, but Merlin wanted to avoid the neighbours seeing Arthur's car about too much. Once at the hotel he waited for Arthur to come to the foyer. Merlin felt better sitting waiting, the new clothes made him less self conscious. As Arthur came towards him Merlin couldn't help but look in appreciation. Arthur always looked good but the suit he was wearing defiantly set the blond of to the best. As did his red shirt. Merlin stood up and noticed Arthur look him up and down.
"You scrub up well" he commented.
"You don't look bad yourself." Merlin grinned determined to enjoy the evening. Arthur gave a small grin back.
"Come on the taxi is waiting" Arthur said as he walked with Merlin to the door. He opened the door for Merlin and placing a hand at the base of Merlin's spin walked towards the taxi. When they arrived at their destination Merlin looked out with surprise.
"Oh shit!" he murmured under his breath as he saw they had arrived at one of the best New York restaurants.
"No swearing please Merlin, just take my lead ok" Arthur said smugly.
As Merlin got out of the taxi Arthur immediately went on the charm offensive. If it had been a real date Merlin would have been swept of his feet. But he knew it was all show.
As they entered the maitre d welcomed them and showed then to a table where six others were already sat. Arthur had his hand gently resting around Merlin's back. Arthur wasn't best pleased he hadn't expected to see six people waiting for them.
"Hello Arthur good to see you" the youngest man at the table said.
"Likewise Ethan" Arthur smiled he then looked at Merlin before turning back to the table "May I introduce Merlin Emrys, Merlin this is Ethan and Helen Mora, Geoffrey and Finna Monmouth and my Uncle Agravaine De Bois and his wife Morgause." Arthur looked at Agravaine "I wasn't expecting to see you tonight"
The Maitre d pulled out a chair for both Merlin and Arthur as they joined the others and then poured out a glass of wine.
"I decided to pop across the pond to catch up with some business and when Geoffrey said he was dining tonight I decided to join you." Agravaine looked at Merlin "I don't believe we've met before"
"No I haven't known Arthur for long." Merlin said looking at Arthur for support, realising this was the Uncle who had most to gain if Arthur lost his company.
"I met Merlin a couple of weeks ago, although I have known his great uncle for years." Arthur said "You know Gaius Wilson I believe" Merlin manage to hide his surprise, he hadn't realised Arthur knew his great uncle.
"Oh yes, a friend of your fathers I believe" Agravaine said looking surprised. "I didn't realise he had relatives in New York. What is it you do Merlin?"
"Until recently I was a medical student at Harvard, but I have taken a break in my studies to look after my mother." Merlin answered truthfully, hoping that that was ok with Arthur.
"Merlin has taken temporary work at the moment Uncle, he works for a courier company but I'm sure he will be back at his studies soon. I know Harvard is keeping a place for him. Now shall we order and continue this later?" It was clear that Arthur wasn't happy at his Uncles cross questioning of Merlin.
"Indeed Agravaine let the poor boy settle before you interrogate him" Helen commented.
"How's life treating you Arthur?" Ethan asked as they placed there orders.
"Very good at the moment, Ethan." Arthur turned to Merlin "Shall I order for us both love, I've eaten here before and I can recommend the food."
"Yes please I'm a bit out of my depth" Merlin said honestly thankful he wouldn't make an idiot of himself.
Finna Monmouth spoke up "These places are very nice but they take a bit of getting used to" she smiled "When I first went out with Geoffrey I was terrified when he took me to places like this."
"My dear that was forty years ago." Geoffrey said "Now she orders for me"
During the course of the meal Merlin learns that Geoffrey was a friend of Uther's and in charge of the New York office, despite living in America for 40 years he had managed to keep his English accent. His wife was American and a native New Yorker. Ethan and Mora were American, Ethan was Geoffrey's right hand man and about the same age as Arthur. Merlin also took an instant dislike to both Agravaine and his wife Morgause. It seemed Arthur hadn't even realised that his Uncle was in America. Agravaine continued to cross question Merlin whenever he had the opportunity and made the young man nervous.
"So Arthur is Merlin your 'boyfriend'?" he asked his voice full of cynicism. "I thought you were unattached."
"As I said I've known Merlin for a couple of weeks, as to him being my boyfriend, we've not put a label on it yet, it's all so new." Arthur looked at Merlin and gave a brilliant smile that Merlin almost wished was true. "But I hope so yes."
"Agravaine I think you're embarrassing Merlin" Geoffrey pointed out "This is a social occasion keep you cross questioning to a more appropriate time."
"You're right of course, just taking an interest in my Nephew." Agravaine gave Geoffrey a false smile. "I was surprised that's all, Merlin is so much younger"
"I'm not that young Sir" Merlin said "and I could look at you and your wife and say the same thing but it obviously suits you." Arthur smirked when he heard Merlin's remarks.
Morgause laughed "Well said" turning to her husband "I think Merlin can hold his own dear, he might be good for Arthur after all."
The conversation changed after that and became more general. Merlin found he was enjoying himself as long as he ignored Arthur's uncle. He also found Arthur to be a very attentive 'date' who would make anyone feel special. Merlin was careful to have only a couple of wines as he knew he was a light weight, Arthur however seemed to have no such concerns. After the meal they all parted company, and as they all left the restaurant Arthur made a point of kissing Merlin. Merlin found himself responding in a way he hadn't expected and blushed as Arthur drew away from him. At that moment the taxi arrived and they got in and drove off. Leaving a scowling Agravaine behind.
"Sorry Merlin I didn't know my Uncle would be there" Arthur told the raven haired man.
"I had to meet his sometime, why didn't you tell me you knew Gaius?"
"I thought you would realise, Gaius was a good friend of my father in the past, although he often disagreed with him. I only mentioned it to make you seem a more respectable date." As Arthur saw Merlin's facial expression he realised that hadn't been the best thing to say "I mean to Agravaine not me"
"I was right you are a patronising self important prat." Merlin said "Drop me off at the next subway driver"
"Don't be an idiot you will go home in this taxi" Arthur told him "Don't be so touchy." Taking a deep breath he continued "Look Merlin tonight went better than I thought it would, and as you said you had to meet the man sometime. Let's not end with an argument."
"All right but don't make me feel like dirt under your feet ok, and I understand why you kissed me but warn me next time."
"Merlin, if we are courting then you will have to get used to me kissing you and holding you spontaneously, it sort of goes with the job. Don't worry in private I will leave you alone. Anyway you seemed to enjoy it at the time" he smirked.
"I was trying to play my part" Merlin replied.
"OK if that's what you want to believe." The taxi pulled up "Your home Merlin, I will phone you tomorrow evening. Goodnight"
Merlin got out and walked up to his flat, he was annoyed with his response to Arthur's kiss, he tried to tell himself it was because he hadn't dated for months he certainly couldn't blame it on the drink. He knew he was attracted to Arthur's looks and hoped it wouldn't become a problem for him.
It was six o'clock the next day as Merlin was leaving work when he was surprised to find Agravaine De Bois waiting for him. "Merlin, just the man I was waiting for"
"How did you know where I work?" Merlin demanded.
"I had you investigated" Agravaine smirked "Does Arthur know you're a delivery boy?"
"Yes I have no secrets from him"
"Does he also know you worked in a bar and got dismissed for fratinising with the clientele?"
"Yes, he knew I worked in a bar, that's where we first met. And I left I didn't get sacked and for your information I was attacked by the owners brother." Merlin said. "Anything else you what to know."
"Does he know about your mother? Are you expecting money from Arthur? Is that why you're going out with him"
"Look I don't care what you think, and you can leave my mother out of this." Merlin went to walk away, but the other man grabbed his wrist.
"My nephew is obviously infatuated with you, give him up and I'll pay for your mothers treatment. If you don't I'll have her treatment stopped and you'll lose this job as well." Agravaine threatened.
"You can't do that I'm paying for her treatment!" Merlin said shocked.
"Oh I can, you see I know the hospital administrator and he owe me a favour, anyway will my nephew still want you if you're jobless and homeless? After all it's not a long standing relationship is it?" the older man smirked. "He soon tires of his playthings"
"If that's so then why are you trying to get rid of me? No I think I'll take my chances thank you, I've managed to keep up the payments for mum so far." Merlin went to pull away once more but the other man was stronger.
"I'll give you twenty four hours to think about it, think about your mother, any delay in her treatment might after all be fatal. Oh and don't be stupid enough to mention this to Arthur will you? I also know your Uncle he's an old man. A fall could kill him." Agravaine twisted Merlin's wrist round his back and pushed him up against the wall. "I'm not a man to cross." Giving Merlin a final shove he turned to walk away.
Merlin held his wrist and looked at Agravaine as he walked away, the man scared him and he wasn't sure just what the man could do, but he didn't think he was bluffing. Merlin started to walk he didn't know what to do, he had already taken money from Arthur and made a promise, but at the same time he couldn't risk both his mother and uncle, his life had suddenly become so complicated.