Agravaine and Morgause were freed on bail but were not allowed to leave the country and had to hand over their passports. Not only that but they were prevented from going anywhere near the hospital or the company. Investigations were continuing and they knew they were in danger of being arrested again at anytime.
After a week of Merlin getting used to sitting out in a chair Arthur managed to get permission to take Merlin out for a walk around the hospital grounds in a wheelchair. They hadn't told him so he was surprised when Arthur turned up with a wheelchair and a nurse to help transfer Merlin. Once Merlin was in the chair Arthur fussed covering his legs with a blanket and getting the other man in a coat. It was a sunny November day and looked gorgeous out but Merlin hadn't been outside for nearly six weeks. He thoroughly enjoyed the fresh air and had an even bigger surprise when they got back. Arthur had arranged for a small table to be taken to the room and it was laid up for a meal, complete with candles.
Arthur looked at Merlin "We can't light the candles unfortunately as it would set of the alarms but just pretend. I've arranged for food to be brought in from a local restaurant, this is our first date of your new memory." He smiled at Merlin's reaction.
Merlin was shocked but pleased by the effort Arthur had clearly put in for him. Once Merlin was transferred to a chair and the meal arrived the two sat and ate a lovely meal and talked and just relaxed and enjoyed themselves. They were interrupted briefly when the nurse came in with Merlin's medication but otherwise had a few hours alone. When they finished eating Arthur leant across and took Merlin's good hand in his and raised it to his lips and kissed Merlin's knuckles one by one.
"I have had a wonderful time and I hope we can soon do this for real."
Merlin looked up at Arthur through his long eyelashes he was slowly getting used to Arthur's romantic streak but still couldn't believe that the gorgeous man opposite him was really his husband. "I hope so to, thank you I've really enjoyed today." He looked at Arthur before continuing then asked almost shyly "Can I kiss you?"
Arthur stood up immediately and moved the table away so he could crouch in front of Merlin and putting his hands on Merlin's shoulders he moved closer to Merlin. Merlin lifted up his arms being careful not to hit Arthur with his plaster and using his good hand brought Arthurs head closer to his. At was difficult and awkward but their lips were soon touching. Arthur angled his head and as the angle got easier for them both they kissed. Not the chaste kisses they had shared before but more like the passionate kisses they'd shared in public before the incident. Only this time it was for real, they stopped when Merlin came up for air. As he pulled away Arthur wobbled from his position and nearly fell. Arthur laughed "Well that was some kiss it knocked me off my feet"
Merlin grinned and with his eyes twinkling in a way Arthur hadn't seen for a long time he quipped "You won't want anymore then?"
Arthur looked at Merlin his eyes dark from arousal "I wouldn't go as far as to say that, but I think we need you in a better position. I'm going to get you back on your bed." He looked at Merlin who had started to laugh
"Were you propositioning me? Because if you were I don't think it will get you far. I have a leg and arm in plaster."
Arthur grinned "Much as that idea appeals to me I was thinking more of a kiss with you safe rather than perched on a chair!" with that he went and asked a nurse to help him and Merlin was soon led in bed. Once they were alone once more they kissed again, several times before Arthur called a halt.
"I am really enjoying myself but someone will come in soon, and I would like to let my boner settled down or they might not let me have you to myself again." Arthur put on his jacket and tried to cover his obvious arousal. "I'm not sure your doctors would approve" Arthur grinned.
"Their spoil sports then, Thank you Arthur for everything, including being so patient with me." The grin on Merlin's face made everything worthwhile.
"That's OK Merlin as I said your pace, but I think we might be speeding up here don't you?" he paused "You're worth the wait."
Arthur left an hour later taking all the plates and cutlery back to the restaurant in the box they had provided. He promised Merlin they would share their meals every evening. Arthur would either arrange for something to be sent in or he would bring a take away.
Merlin was soon moved again to a general medical ward but still had a single room thanks to Arthur paying for a private bed. He didn't want Merlin moved to a private hospital as he wanted his husband to be near the clinicians that had been looking after him. After a couple more weeks Arthur was approached by the ward sister who informed him that they need to start making plans for Merlin's discharge. It was hoped he would go home a week before Christmas.
So Arthur sat down with Merlin and Hunith to discuss the matter. "I'm hoping you will come home with me of course but I don't know how you feel about it?" Arthur asked Merlin.
"I don't know, I'm sorry but I …. Well I" Merlin was lost for words he didn't want to upset anyone.
"You wouldn't have to share my room yet if you're not ready I have four bedrooms, in fact why don't you come and stay for a while Hunith?"
Hunith looked at Merlin "It's up to you son, but I think Arthur's right you should go home. I can come and stay for a few days to get you settled in, but it is your home"
Merlin looked down at his hands a habit he had when he was unsettled. He looked at his mother "I would like that" then he looked at Arthur "You don't mind?"
"I suggested it Merlin, no I don't mind you've been in hospital a long time even without your memory I would have asked your mum" Arthur looked at Merlin in sympathy "Look I'll make a room up for you, you can move in with me when you're ready. The nurses told me you'll have your plaster off before you come home and be able to mobilise. Also I thought Gaius could come and stay for Christmas." Then Arthur turned to Hunith "It might be an idea for you to come over at the weekend and suss the place out."
"I will thank you" Hunith was pleased with how this was working out, she had no intention of staying long at Arthurs the two men needed to sort out their lives and they would be better doing that on their own.
"I understand that the occupational therapists will bring you back on a home visit before your discharge to make sure you have everything how you need it." Arthur said to Merlin. "I will get anything you need."
"It will be strange going back to something I can't remember ever seeing" Merlin sounded worried.
"That's easily solved I'll get someone to do a virtual tour film and then at least you'll have some idea." Arthur grinned. "I'm also going to bring in some of your clothes ready for when you haven't got those casts on, it will be good to see you in something other than a t shirt and shorts."
Time for Merlin seemed to rush by, he was gradually made to do more and more by way of exercise to strengthen his muscles and then his casts were removed. His leg and arm surprised him by just how thin they were. Then he had his first shower in six weeks that exhausted him. That afternoon his mother insisted he wore some of the clothes Arthur had brought in. Merlin was amazed at the brand names in them and commented on them.
"What did you expect Merlin! Arthur is the head of a multinational company, you married a millionaire. You aren't going to be wearing cheap clothes." Hunith exclaimed.
It wasn't until he heard what his mother had said that he really understood just how his life had changed. He paled and looked horrified "But I'm a nobody"
"You have never been a nobody, Merlin Emrys! Or I should say Pendragon, you are as good as anyone and Arthur loves you."
After work that day Arthur was pleased to see Merlin sat out with a shirt and good pair of slacks on. It made him look so much better, especially as his hair was beginning to grow. It did show up just how much weight he had lost but they would soon sort that out. "I've got something for you love" he said as he kissed Merlin.
He had his lap top with him and started it up "I got a friend of ours to make a film of our home" Arthur set it up so Merlin could watch and stood so he could give a running commentary. "We live in a Penthouse Flat with views across London, this is the main living area" Merlin saw the large room looking like something for a magazine in Black and white with red highlights. "Then the dining room and your favourite room the kitchen, when you were waiting to start your course you took a cookery course and did some great meals in here." The kitchen was large and seemed to have every gadget going. "There are four bed rooms all have their own on suites this is ours" Merlin saw a large room with a king size bed again decorated to the height of good taste, again with red but this time as the primary colour. "And lastly the office"
"It's big" Merlin said shocked "and very tidy!"
"Well I haven't been there much lately and we do have a cleaner a couple of times a week." Arthur explained. "You'll get to see it in reality soon. You haven't had much chance to change anything but if you want you can. Do you like it?"
"Yes but it's so much more than I was expecting, your bedroom is as big as most of the places me and mum have lived in!"
"I'm sure that's an exaggeration Merlin. But yes it's big and the views are terrific. As a penthouse it has two lifts going to it so even in the unlikely event one breaks down there is always another. But I've lived there for five years and it's not happened in all that time."
The only thing it's missing is a garden!" Merlin joked.
"I do have a roof terrace; I didn't think to film that! We have a couple of seats out there and a few pot plants and a hot tub for the summer." Arthur looked smug.
"You're a prat you know that don't you" Merlin said grinning to take the sting out of his words. He wasn't expecting the reaction he got.
Arthur threw back his head and laughed, not a polite laugh but a full belly laugh, once he got his breath back he gasped "Your getting better I haven't heard that in so long."