Merlin was up early in the morning as was his habit and he was soon on his way to work. Once he got there he was pleased that no one seemed to know he had resigned. For which he was grateful. He was having a good morning, they had a coach load of tourists in and he was demonstrating his skill. At coffee time he decided to go outside and sit by the water to have his drink. The back of the studio backed out onto the sea front. There were several benches out there next to where the pleasure boats come in. Merlin was sitting on one of the benches when he was shoved from behind. Looking round he was greeted by Will's furious face "How the fuck can you afford some fancy London lawyer, is that ponce getting his leg over my man?"

Merlin stood up and faced Will "Your man? How do you work that out after what you're doing?" he demanded "You are trying to make me sell my home!"

"Merl I only did it to make you realise and come back to me, what are you playing at" Will demanded "Well is he shagging you?"

"That is none of your business Will, it stopped being your business when you walked out" not even noticing people listening Merlin continued "And for your information legal help is part of a benefits package our new contracts gives us"

"Some benefits package" Will spat out "Is that for everyone or just if you're letting the boss have his way, god you're a slut I never thought you'd be such an easy lay. I hope it's worth your while. But you do realise that's us finished I don't want second hand goods"

Merlin looked at the man that had been such a big part of his life for so long "Your one to talk! You left me for someone else remember, you are the second hand goods, or however many hands you've had since. What's happened to you Will?" he asked sadly. "I am not with Arthur, I'm not with anyone yet. We are friends and may be more one day but not yet."

Will's face changed "So you are still waiting for me? You haven't…"

"No I haven't but I'm not waiting for you, I'm over you Will. I thought we could at least be friends but we can't you've gone too far. Our relationship was a mistake we should have stayed friends. Go and find happiness somewhere else and don't bother me again" Merlin's voice was sad but no longer bitter. He turned to walk back to work knowing Will wouldn't follow him

Will grabbed Merlin's arm "You don't get to walk away from me" he snarled

"Is this man bothering you Merlin?" Gwaine was stood a few feet away, he has seen Will out of his office window.

Will by now was so mad he was no longer thinking. All his plans had turned to dust. He wanted Merlin back and it was clear they were over. "So this another of your shags, you let the whole group have you?"

Gwaine looked at Will "You are causing a disturbance and also making defamatory remarks I suggest you leave this area and cool down"

Will looked at Merlin "I will win you know that, fancy lawyer or no. It's a pity we could have been good. But you're mine and will never be anyone else's" his hand increased in pressure on Merlin's arm. Merlin tried to pull away. Gwaine seeing what was happening stepped forward but Will was fast and strong. He twisted round and taking Merlin with him went over the harbour wall just as a pleasure boat was coming to moor. The two men disappeared as the boat reached the wall. The men on the boat seeing what was going to happen tried to push the boat away from the concrete wall.

There was scream of pain then nothing, Gwaine ran to the side and as the boat pulled away he jumped into the water, as did a couple of the men from the boat. Onlookers threw lifebelts down whilst others called for the emergency services.

As Gwaine dived in he saw Will caught up on the wall, his body crushed he was clearly dead. He looked around and dived down but came up for breath as one of the onlooker's on the boat pointed Merlin was to one side of the boat. He was treading water and starring at the wall. Clearly in shock. Gwaine swam out and got to Merlin and started too guide him back. The two other men helped get Merlin out of the water and onto the dry land. Some of the onlookers tried to keep the others back but the police were soon on the scene.

Merlin was checked over by one of the ambulance crew as the other checked Will, whose body had been laid on the side. The police were asking questions which Gwaine answered as best he could, then he was allowed to go to Merlin's side. Although Merlin had no obvious injuries he was shocked so was going to be taken to hospital. The brunette insisted on going with him. He asked the police to tell the pottery what had happened and they set off. Once in Casualty Gwaine was asked some questions then asked to stay in the waiting area. He was soon joined by Gwen, Freya and Elena who drove in as soon as they heard. Gwaine had been given hospital scrubs to wear as he was soaking wet, he was sat huddled up in some blankets when the other arrived. It was a bit later when Gwen asked "Shall I inform anyone for you Gwaine? So we can get you some dry clothes"

Gwaine seemed to come to "Shit, can I borrow a phone" He asked

Gwen handed over hers and Gwaine quickly dialled a number. "Arthur it's me sorry for not calling earlier but Merlin is in hospital" The rest could hear Arthur demanding information. Gwen took the phone clearly Gwaine was having difficulties.

"Arthur its Gwen, listen Merlin's alright he's being checked over but it's mainly shock. I don't think Gwaine is much better. Please just listen for a minute, there was an incident earlier. From what we can gather Merlin went outside for his coffee and Will was there. They had a disagreement and it seems Will grabbed Merlin and pushed them both into the water as a boat was mooring."

They could all hear Arthur yell "I'll kill the bastard"

"Arthur LISTEN! You won't have to he was crushed between the wall and the boat and was killed. Somehow Merlin got clear. Gwaine jumped in to save him, he had got there just as it was all kicking off. I'll let you know as soon as we are told anything. I am his next of kin"

Arthur shouted down the phone his frustration clear "Gwen get me a doctor I need to speak to them and is Gwaine alright?"

"They're busy Arthur I promise I will let you know as soon as I know anything. Gwaine is OK he's with us"

Arthur disconnected "Oh dear" Gwen said looking at the others. "He wasn't happy"

Gwaine grinned "Bet you anything he will be here before long"

"It will take him over an hour nearer an hour and a half" Elena said as she tried to hug Gwaine and get him to stop shaking.

"Nah, he'll be here soon" Elena didn't argue it hardly seemed worth it.

About twenty minutes later the doctor came out to talk to them. "We are going to keep Merlin in a bit longer just to be sure but he ok physically, he swallowed a bit of water but nothing major. He is just very shaken I understand the deceased was a friend?"

"No he bloody well wasn't" came a voice coming alone the corridor.

"Arthur, how did you get here?" Gwen asked

Arthur ignored her and looked at the doctor "I want a private room for him and anything he needs charge it all to me. Now can we see him?"

The doctor looked at Arthur "I understand this young lady is the next of kin, who are you?"

"Arthur Pendragon Merlin's Emrys's boyfriend" Arthur said forcefully "Now can I see him"

"I see no reason why not but two at a time."

Arthur walked forward, Gwen looked at Gwaine "Go on you go first you saved him after all"

Arthur looked at Gwaine properly for the first time "Are you ok?" he demanded

"Yeh" Gwaine said "I was to slow to stop the bastard jumping with Merlin"

Arthur put his arm round Gwaine "Come on lets go and see the idiot then we'll get you some clothes."

Merlin was led on a trolley looking pale and wide eyed he took one look at Gwaine and said "You jumped in, you saved me"

"I think that's an overstatement Merlin you were treading water already" Gwaine went one side of the trolley. "Are you OK?"

Merlin looked at his friend "He's dead I saw him" his voice was quiet

"If he wasn't I'd have killed him" Arthur said emphatically "As long as you're safe"

"I didn't want that to happen" Merlin said still clearly shocked

"Look Merlin he tried to take you with him, he's gone now and you are safe" Arthur put his hand on Merlin's arm. "It would have been quick"

Merlin nodded then closed his eyes. The two visitors had no idea what to do or say. Merlin opened his eyes once more and looked at Gwaine "You could have been hurt"

"Nah not me, I was fine Merlin, just got wet that's all. Don't worry about me but

you could have died, now stop worrying" Gwaine smiled at his friend.

Merlin looked down and very indistinctly muttered "Why, he was never like that before, what happened to him when he was away?"

Arthur sat next to Merlin so he was level with him, looking at Merlin and taking his hand he said "Merlin he left you in a nasty manner, he was clearly already changing, if you say he was never like this before. "

Merlin then looked at Arthur as if seeing him for the first time "You're in London"

"Clearly not Merlin, I came when I heard you decided to take a swim. I needed to make sure you were alright. You are coming back to London with me so I can keep an eye on you. No arguing Mum will love looking after you"

Merlin looked at Arthur almost affronted "I can look after myself! M'fine not a child you know. I'm going home and that it"

"Maybe, but you have had a horribly experience and whilst you can look after yourself I for one would be happier if you had someone about for a couple of days" Arthur told the other man.

"For once I agree with the Princess, look Merlin my friend just accept please!" Gwaine looked at Merlin with his best puppy eyes. "Otherwise I will set Elena and Gwen on you, then you will suffer from over indulgence in hugs and cuddles" he paused "speaking of which you have three girls waiting to see you"

Arthur showed no sign of moving anywhere so Gwaine shrugged his shoulders "I'll let Gwen in shall I" Getting no answer he walked out. Finding the three girls he looked at them "One of you can go in, I don't think Arthur plans to leave his side."

Gwen gave a small grin "That's nice, I mean for Merlin" she blushed "I mean, well you know…."

Elena giggled "Gwen you are an idiot why don't you just say about time and good luck to them"

Freya looked from Gwen to Elena then to Gwaine "Do you mean?….do you think?" she stuttered

"That they were made for each other" Gwaine said "We if they aren't nor are Gwen and Lance! Trouble is they are both too stupid to realise it, Hell even Arthur's mum noticed!"

Gwen smiled "I'll go in in a minute, leave them for awhile." Looking at Gwaine she asked "Did Arthur say how he got here so quick?"

"No, but I can guess" he said cryptically, "And if I'm right I suspect he will have some explaining to do somewhere"

At that moment a very official looking man arrived "Is Mr Pendragon with your group?"

Gwaine smirked to himself as Gwen answered "He is, he is seeing our friend, Mr Green is his manager" she pointed at the brunette sitting in his hospital scrubs.

"My name is Mr Odin, Chief Executive of the Hospital, where you aware how Mr Pendragon arrived at the hospital?" He demanded

"Not exactly, we didn't ask" Gwaine said

"He came by helicopter and his pilot used the emergency helipad which is reserved solely for the flying ambulance!"

Gwaine wasn't surprised he had already guessed as much "I'm very sorry, it was an emergency" Gwaine was trying but not succeeding to look serious. "I'm sure his pilot didn't hang about long and they would have asked."

"They did call and ask if we were expecting an emergency, and were told we weren't but that's hardly the point, when is Mr Pendragon now?"

"With his boyfriend Mr Emrys, who was brought in after an emergency on the seafront where a friend died" Gwaine told the CEO "I'm sure he will apologise"

"We will want more than that, what he did was irresponsible and trespass. Now while I have no wish to upset Mr Emrys I would be obliged if one of you could ask Mr Pendragon to come out and speak to me" The man was clearly enraged.

Gwen stood up "I will go and get him, come on Freya let's go and see Merlin"

Entering the cubicle Gwen looked at Arthur and Merlin. Arthur was clearly comforting Merlin who was still very shocked and upset. Gwen touched Arthur's arm "Would you please go out to the others? Someone would like to speak to you"

As Arthur looked up he saw Gwen's expression "Really Arthur a helicopter!"

Arthur gave her a rueful grin. "Ok but I will be back soon" he let go of Merlin's hand "I'll leave you with the girls, I won't be long"

Freya timidly sat down next to Merlin clearly not wanting to get involved as Gwen looked at Arthur "I think you might be" she warned him "Don't worry we will look after Merlin."

Arthur walked out to the others and held out his hand to the CEO "Arthur Pendragon I understand you wanted to talk to me?"

The manager looked at Arthur in a very officious manner clearly in no mood to suffer any excuses for what he saw as unacceptable behaviour. "My name is Mr Odin I am Chief Executive officer of the trust. I understand you arrived in a helicopter and used an emergency helipad without authorisation from the correct source nor were you carrying anyone who needed emergency treatment. You do realise that both yourself and your pilot have endangered our patients?"

Arthur managed to look contrite and unrepentant at the same time, quite how no one was sure. "Mr Oden I can only express by sincere apologise. But I was so worried about Mr Emrys I suffered a momentary lack of judgement. I myself landed there, but as soon as we did my pilot took off again and we did do a thorough check of the area before landing and contact the hospital to make sure you weren't expecting a landing. I know we were on the pad for less than a couple of minutes. The rotors didn't stop nor did the engines. I can only hope you can forgive me in the circumstances. I am of course willing to make a sizable donation to the hospital in recompense and you have my word it will never happen again." He looked at the manager "I made no effort to hide who I was, telling your staff my name and where I was heading."

The manager looked at Arthur. "As you have seen Mr Emrys I would like to continue this conversation in a more private area. I also want the head of our legal department there. But I warn you this is a very serious matter and one that cannot be swept under the carpet with a 'donation'"

Arthur nodded "By all means," he looked at Gwaine "Can you arrange for me to be called if there is any change in Merlin's condition"

An hour later Arthur went to the short stay ward where Merlin had been given a bed. Gwaine by now had been brought in some clothes and was looking much better. He looked at Arthur as he walked into the room. "Not arrested them?" he smiled "That was an idiotic thing to do"

"Not arrested nor will I be, but I have been legally mugged, I have just made a donation to the Air ambulance fund. But I don't mind it's a great cause"

Merlin looked up "What made you do such a silly thing?" he was still looking pale but better than he had been.

"You" Arthur told him

"You can't blame me!" Merlin squawked "I haven't even been done for speeding"

Arthur walked up to Merlin and looked down at him "It was your fault, you managed to get under my skin you infuriating man, I couldn't bear the thought of you being hurt and me not being there to help you."

"Ahh" came the chorus from Gwen, Freya and Elena "How sweet, you need to keep him Merlin" Gwen said.

Merlin blushed which made Arthur grin "You look good when you blush I must make you do that more often." Then he looked serious "How are you feeling?"

"M'fine I want to go home but they won't let me. I was going to sign myself out but this lot ganged up on me. I'd be better at home"

"You are not going home until they say you can! You nearly died you fool, it's clear to me you need taking in hand!" Arthur growled

"Princess before making comments like that let us get out the room first" Gwaine teased "I think Merlin might be too tired anyway"

That made Arthur blush and the girl tittered except for Elena who thumped Gwaine on the arm.

"Less of that" she told him.

Gwaine grinned, unrepentant "Come on you lot lets go and get a drink and something to eat I'm famished. I think these two need to talk"

After the others had left Arthur looked at Merlin "Seriously how are you?"

Merlin looked down at his hands "Very sad and shocked, how could he? Gwaine and the other witnesses said he knew the boat was coming in, he had worked round boats all his life, he knew what he was doing." Merlin took a deep breath "Was it my fault?" he appeared to be asking himself as much as Arthur.

Arthur leaned forward and took Merlin's face in his hands and made the other man look at him "Don't you dare blame yourself! He very clearly had problems that was not your doing. He tried to kill you!" Arthur moved his hands down and grasped Merlin's shoulder gently and drew him close. "He was clearly a very upset man, he knew he'd lost you and couldn't cope. But you have to move on Merlin." Arthur planted a gentle kiss on Merlin's head.

"The doctors think you will be able to go home later as long as you have someone with you, I wasn't joking I want you to come with me"

Merlin pulled away enough to look at Arthur "Thanks but I want to go home."

"In that case I will stay with you, and no arguing, it's that or you stay in hospital" Arthur growled. The more softly he said "Merlin I know now is not the best time to say this, but I'm going to. You are a wonderful man, kind gentle and considerate. You think of others before yourself all the time and fight for what you think is right. Well now you need someone and I'm going to be there for you, not because I am your boss, nor even because I'm your friend but because I want to. You have come to mean a lot to me Merlin, more than you know. I won't push but please let me do this" he looked at Merlin his true meaning clear in his eyes "I have never felt like this about anyone before, but I am pretty certain I want to stay in your life for a long time"

Merlin looked at Arthur uncertainty crossing his face "Ok you can stay but I'm can't promise anything. I'm just so tired"

"I know, just rest. I'll stay here"

Merlin lay down and closed his eyes, exhaustion overcoming his body. As he began to relax into sleep Arthur sat and watched. He didn't think he would ever tire of looking at Merlin. Arthur just wished he had been able to save Merlin from what had happened. He knew Merlin would blame himself, even though it was clearly not his fault. Arthur was surprised at just how much Merlin had come to mean to him. Now all he needed to do was convince the raven haired man to let him into his life. He was just thankful that Merlin hadn't been hurt and that Will was now out of the way. He never thought he would be glad to see another human being dead but he was.

Three hours later Merlin was seen by a doctor and told he could go home. But to see his GP who would arrange any aftercare he might need. It was clear the doctor meant counselling. He was also told that the police wanted to know where he was going as they needed to interview him, and gave him a number to call.

Gwen had gone and collected Merlin some clothes so Merlin got dressed and as Arthur didn't have any transport so ordered a taxi for him and Merlin and the others promised to call. All going back in Gwen's car. It was a silent drive back to the cottage. Merlin didn't want to talk he had too much going through his mind. Once back Arthur made him a cup of tea and tried to take Merlin's mind off of the day's events. Then they made up the spare bed. It was in Merlin's old room and made Arthur smile. There were still signs of Merlin using the room it had clearly not been changed much.

He made Merlin get an early night and take the sleeping tablet's he had been given "You need to rest Merlin"

"Yeh, Look help yourself to whatever, there are plenty of books and things and the kitchen is well stocked, just make yourself at home don't worry about opening cupboards or anything. And thanks coming home means a lot"

Helping Merlin upstairs, as the shock and bruising that had been caused by hitting the water made Merlin feel very weak Arthur was surprised by the master bedroom. It had a wall of mirror as all the wardrobe doors were mirrored and the whole style wasn't what he expected.

Merlin looked at Arthur and apologised "Sorry for the room, Will decorated it and I just never changed it. At first I thought he would come back, then I suppose I just didn't care. It was on my list of things to do. I'd sort of got used to it"

Arthur smiled "No problem, you have all the time in the world" he left Merlin a glass of water and then let the man sleep.

Going downstairs to have a drink before turning in himself he was struck by the difference and wondered how much had changed in the cottage, besides the bedroom since Merlin's mother had died. The place was tidy but Arthur felt nothing much would have changed. There were signs of a woman's touch everywhere. Going to get a book to read his eyes rested on a photo album and although he felt slightly wrong in doing it he pulled it out and started to look at the photos. Underneath each picture in a very tidy script were details saying when and where each photo had been taken. The pull to find out what Merlin's life had been like was too much of a temptation. Thanking the album to the coffee table he started to look through it.

The first pages where Merlin as a baby, his mother had clearly been very proud. Then as he grew up another boy started to creep into the photos more and more. The writing identified him as Will, it was clear they really had been friends all their lives. Occasionally Hunith would make an appearance, she looked as kind and gentle as her son. The album fished when Merlin as ten so Arthur got the next one out. Once more the two boys were nearly always pictured together. Arthur briefly wondered if Merlin would ever be able to look at the photos again or of the memories would be too hard after what had happened. As the boys grew into teenagers it was becoming apparent that they were becoming closer than just friends, the looks they were caught giving each other told their own story. The under on photo that identified Merlin as fifteen his mother had written. "Merlin out and proud and I'm so proud of him" Arthur thought that must have been the time Merlin told her.

It wasn't until Merlin was seventeen that the photos showed the two boys kissing. At the end of the book were a few photos with Merlin and his mum, she was clearly ill at this stage. Then the phots were place in loose and there was no more of the beautiful writing, just the two men. Arthur could see the change in the men and knew that by then their relationship was becoming more distant. He could see the lessening of interest in Will and the grief from Merlin. Arthur put the albums back and made his way upstairs after checking that the doors were locked.

Arthur woke up at six to the sun shining through the thin curtains. They weren't the heavily lined ones he was used to, that blocked out the light. He got up and padded across to the bathroom and relieved himself. He decided to get a drink of water and then go back for a further hour. As he filled a glass up in the kitchen he looked out to see Merlin sat under the apple tree. The idiot was still in his sleeping clothes and didn't even have a jumper or coat on. Arthur grabbed his jacket and putting his shoes on walked down the garden. As he got closer he could see Merlin must have been sat there for some time, his hair was damp from the morning dew.

"Merlin what are you doing you idiot" Arthur asked his voice surprisingly gentle for the words he used. He put his jacket round Merlin's shoulders "Come on indoors you're wet and cold."

Merlin looked up at Arthur, he looked wretched although he showed no sign of tears. "I needed to speak to Mum, do you think I'm crazy"

"What for wanting to be close to your mother? No I don't" Arthur said honestly he had already wondered how he would feel if he lost his parents, especially his mother, and he knew it would change everything for him.

"He said I was, he said I should move on and put her behind me. A week after the funeral I came back and he'd decorated her bedroom and moved us in there. He'd sent most of her things to the charity shop, and wanted me to go through the house and do the rest. I refused. He'd done it with his mums, when she died he was already living with us. He didn't even go back he just got house clearers in. She only lived a couple of streets away. It was if she had never lived." Merlin paused "I know he didn't have a good home life but she was his mother."

"What about his father?" Arthur asked

"He was hardly ever at home. He was in the army but his mum wouldn't travel round with him. Then he died in Iraq. At least he knew his dad. Mine died when I was a baby. I couldn't just remove Mum from my life not like that. She was like his mum to, but he didn't even mourn her, not after the funeral. It was just pick yourself up and move on." Merlin looked up at Arthur "She wanted her ashes scattered here, her parents are, and my dad. I like to be able to talk to her it helps" Merlin gave a small chuckle "Mum used to say that's why we always had such good apples. It was their way of helping us."

Arthur put his arm round Merlin "Come on in, you're shivering. We can talk indoors"

Arthur led the slight man inside "Go and change into something dry and I'll make the tea"

Merlin went off and was soon back in a fresh t shirt and jogging bottoms, Arthur handed Merlin a mug of tea before sitting down. Merlin looked at the mug "Mum hated mugs she always used a china cup, but she got these for us. Will told her it was poncey to use cups"

"I can get you a cup if you like" Arthur told him

"No that's alright, I haven't used one since then" Arthur thought Merlin looked sad.

"Are you going you going to tell me what that was all about?" Arthur asked "Going outside like that"

"I needed to think, it's where I think best. I woke up and the same thoughts kept going round and round in my head." Merlin stopped clearly deep in whatever was troubling him. "Before Mum got ill Will used to talk about going traveling, he wanted to see the world, but I wasn't so keen I liked my life here. But I think he wanted more from life. I think he felt trapped. I suppose in the end that's why he left. He saw his chance and took it. So I suppose in a way it was my fault we broke up. I can only think he came back because he had seen what he needed to." Merlin looked up at Arthur "Was I wrong should I have given it a try? We had known each other so long. If I had he would still be alive instead of crushed to death"

Arthur hissed "Merlin will you stop this, none of this was your fault. If he had wanted to travel he could have done it differently, he couldn't just expect you to welcome him back, not after what he did to you. It seems to me he never thought of anyone else only himself. Even with your mothers things that should have been up to you, and at the very least he should have talked about it. That bedroom isn't you at all. A partnership has to comprise of two people not the desires of one"

"He's dead! I never wanted that" Merlin said "I should have let him have the cottage, nothing is worth that!" the slender man was clearly finding it difficult.

"No it isn't but that was his choice. It wasn't an accident Merlin, he tried to kill you! Look I know the police want to talk to you this morning just to get your account. Then we are going to get you to your GP. You need to talk this through with someone or it will eat you up."

Merlin got up and started to sort out breakfast, more for something to do that because he wanted anything, then the two men showered and dressed. It wasn't long before the police arrived. After talking to Merlin they reassured him that he had nothing to worry about as there had been quite a few independent witnesses. Merlin told them about the claim on his house and how his friend and ex-lover had changed since his return.

Once they had left Merlin sat on the sofa and Arthur joined him. In order to try to comfort the other man Arthur pulled Merlin closer and gradually Merlin relaxed and drifted off to sleep. When he woke it was to find he was led on the sofa with his head on Arthur lap. The blonde was looking down at him fondly. "Hi sleepyhead, I was hoping you were going to wake soon I'm dying for a pee"

Merlin jumped up "I'm sorry, I don't know how that happened"

"It happened because you fell asleep and I wanted you to be comfortable. I've told you Merlin I want to be there for you" Arthur got up and walked up to the stairs and then bathroom leaving a very thoughtful Merlin behind him.

Merlin knew he was attracted to Arthur but wasn't sure what was going on, was Arthur merely being kind? Merlin's self-esteem had taken a pasting and he knew he wasn't good at reading peoples intentions. But at the same time he felt comfortable around the blonde. So when Arthur suggested they go out for lunch Merlin agreed. As they left Arthur said "By the way I have made an appointment for you at your doctors, I hope you don't mind."

"But you don't know my GP"

"No but I found Doctor in your phone book and that seemed a good bet" Arthur smiled "They will see you tomorrow at 9." He noticed the face Merlin pulled "Look if nothing else you should be checked over, the hospital said that"

"Have you always been this bossy?" Merlin asked him

"Yep, goes with the job ask Gwaine, talking of which he is coming over this evening so are the others, they rang when you were in the shower"

Merlin knew it wasn't worth commenting, his friends were a protective bunch and he was surprised they were leaving it that long and guessed he had Arthur to thank for that. Arthur took him to a nice seafood restaurant along the coast then they went for a walk along the cliffs. As they reached the highest point and stopped to look over the sea Arthur put his arm around Merlin's shoulders and was pleased when Merlin didn't shrug it off. Merlin was actually finding it a comfort as well as a distraction.

"You know I have decided to move down this way. It doesn't matter where I'm based now, not with good internet connections and I love the coast. The idea of a city life has lost its appeal. That was one of the reasons I bought the pottery, it gave me a chance to get to know the area. Besides I hope I might have found another reason to stay around. I certain Potter"

Merlin looked round sharply. "Me! But you can do better than me"

"Merlin you know how I feel, I know you do and I have a feeling you aren't opposed to the idea" he paused "Well are you?"

"I don't know" Merlin said truthfully "This thing with Will, well it hasn't been long"

"Merlin! You broke up years ago, in your heart you know you were never going to get back together with him. Please give me a chance we can take it slow, but will you date me"

Merlin looked at the blonde "I don't know if I can, it might seem silly to you but I can't understand what you see in me and I don't want to get hurt again" he admitted.

"Merlin you can't keep yourself alone just because of that, we all take risks in life. I can't promise we will be together for ever but I hope we are, I know what I feel" Arthur paused "I will try to make you happy Merlin"

Arthur pulled the other man round to face him and then he leaned into the other man and kissed him gently "I don't go around kissing people just for fun you know, whatever the reason you might think I have kissed you for, it was because I wanted to, anything else was just an excuse, what's more I think you enjoyed it as much as I did"

Merlin looked Arthur in the eye and clearly saw what he wanted to "I guess I did"

With that Arthur pulled him closer once more and this time the kiss lasted longer and both men were flushed when it stopped. "Now if we are going slow, let walk some more" Arthur said wrapping his arm round Merlin's waist.

It was seven o'clock before the men ended up back at the cottage by which time they had talked and settled into an easy companionship. They had decided not to tell anyone about their increasing closeness for a time. Merlin wanted time to get over all that had happened before his friends had more to talk about.

They spent the evening in pleasant conversation. Just before they left Gwen asked her friend "Are you really alright Merlin?"

"Yes I am, I have spoken to the police and I think I am feeling better about things, I won't forget and I suspect what I saw will never leave me but I am seeing the doctor tomorrow"

"I will come round after work" Gwen told him

"No point Gwen, Merlin is going to stay in London with my mother for a few days, he needs to get away and she will look after him" Arthur said "He will be back on Monday and if he is up to it back to work, but that depends he's not going back unless the doctors says he's ready."

"I will, I need to get back to normal" Merlin injected. "It's bad enough that I can't stay in my own home"

"You heard what the doctor said my mother is home all the time and she will stay with you, you can relax and be away from any triggers" Arthur said reasonably.

"It might be best Merlin, I mean you did live here with …" she realised what she was staying and stopped

"You can say his name Gwen, he was part of my life for too long just to forget and we had some good times. I can't just cut Will out he was my best friend before anything else" Merlin said.

The next morning Merlin went to the doctors and come out with a prescription for sleeping tablets. He threw them in the glove box of Arthur's car. "That's the answer to everything" he said in disgust "He did the same when Mum died" Merlin put the seat belt one and Arthur set of to London they had packed before the appointment. Leon had brought the car down the night before when he and Morgana had come to the Pottery, they would go back in hers.

The spent all day getting to London as Arthur insisted on stopping several times to either visit landmarks or eat. So it was five o'clock before they pulled up outside Uther and Ygraine's London home.

"Cricky you didn't tell me it was this posh" Merlin said looking at the opposing outside.

"Don't worry so Merlin" Arthur said as he got out of the car. Merlin went to the boot to get out his bag but Arthur beat him to it. "I can carry my bag"

"Maybe but I am" Arthur told him. He took Merlin through to the living room to meet his mother. "We're here" he called out

Ygraine smiled "So I see" she kissed her son on the cheek and then held out her hand to Merlin "Hello dear, I hope you had a good journey"

Merlin thanked her for the invitation then Ygraine said "Show Merlin up to his room dear, I will make a coffee, your father won't be too much longer we will dine early tonight so Merlin can rest up if he wants"

Merlin looked uncomfortable "Please don't change things on my account, I'm fine really"

"No problem dear, I have been trying to get my husband to dine earlier it isn't good to eat so late"

Arthur took Merlin upstairs and showed him his room. It was larger than the while of the cottage ground floor and had a on suite. "Thank you" Merlin said "This is …..very nice"

Arthur laughed "Not as cosy as your place but it will do. My room is next door. I shall stay here instead of my place while you're here"

"There no need" Merlin said "I don't want to put you out"

Arthur arms went round his waist "It's no inconvenience, if we are going to get to know one another we need to see each other" he pointed out as he kissed Merlin. "I did think of taking you to my place but I wasn't sure I could control myself if I did" his smile made Merlin catch his breath.

"Look Arthur I.." Merlin started to say

"I know and I will be patient but you can't blame me for trying."

The days passed Arthur working in the day and leaving Merlin with his mother. The two got on really well and it was Ygraine that talked Merlin into letting her son into his heart. By the time had come for Merlin to return to his home and work he was in a better place. He knew he would never forget Will and a part of him would always carry the blame for Will's death. But he gradually let Arthur get a hold on his life. By the time they were ready to move in together Arthur had a contract that would give Merlin total ownership of his cottage no matter what happened in the future. The two men spent the next year doing the cottage up and breathing new life into it without losing the essence that

was Merlin's family home.

The Pottery went from strength to strength with the Studio team remaining the centre of the enterprise. With his life back on course Merlin and the team allowed their creative juices to work and more innovative products filled the shop. The Manager became permanent and was soon making plans to marry Elena. And it looked like Gwen and Lance would also finally get together. Arthur never regretted buying the pottery or moving to the coast. Merlin finally began to believe he wouldn't spend his old age in solitude with only a cat for company.

The end