Chapter Four: When the world comes crumbling down (I've got you to piece it back together again)

[lower_case_d]

 

The coffee was ready when Arthur arrived at the offices the next morning. Morgana sat smiling over a stack of folders, arms crossed, a full mug in front of her. She gave Arthur a nod and waved him over. He sighed.

“I’ve been going over the details for the pub repossession,” she said, sipping gently at her steaming coffee that was a darker black than her hair.

“About that-”

“Arthur, Morgana,” Uther’s voice boomed over Arthur‘s. Morgana rose to greet him. She gave him a brief hug. Arthur could only hang his head, and try not to meet his father’s eyes. “I’ll be assigning Lancelot to this case as well. Our client is insistent that we move it along without any hindrance. I want all hands on deck.”

Arthur’s head snapped up. “Client? Since when do we take on clients?”

“I find it unnecessary to give you any further details on the matter. Morgana can fill you in with the paperwork I’ve provided her.” Uther waved a dismissive hand, “I expect you to follow the timeline and finish this deal as quickly as possible. There’s a lot riding on it. That is all.”

Morgana nodded vigorously, but Arthur found himself unable to respond. His legs felt wobbly for a moment, and his blood went cold at the smile across Morgana’s red stained lips.

“Morgana,” Arthur’s voice shook with a combination of fear and anger. “Is there no other place the client would prefer?”

“I’ve already asked. It doesn’t seem to be the optimum location for a flat complex does it?” Morgana shuffled through the signed paperwork. “But it looks as though the tenants have failed to pay for the past few months,” she pointed to a particular line, “which gives our client the right to purchase the land at a fair price and invest more into the construction.”

Arthur pushed his hand through his hair. “There has to be some other way.”

“There is no other way,” Morgana said sharply. A chill ran up Arthur’s spine, signaling that something wasn’t right with his sister, but he ignored it.

“There must be some other location, it’s not financially sound. Not in the slightest,” Arthur said, but Morgana only shook her head. Lance entered the room just as Arthur was about to counter with a possible alternative.

“Arthur, Morgana,” Lance said once, tipping his head in greeting, “I’m told we are meant to negotiate repossession of The King’s Head.” He gave Arthur a painfully enraged squint of his eyes.

Morgana clearly saw the angry glare. Her eyes darted between the two men who were obviously having an eye fight. She ignored it in favour of prattling on and on about the plan of approach and deadlines. Arthur's stomach dropped when she mentioned something about the pub needing to be bought out by the end of the month at the client’s request, and knew that it wasn't at all possible given Merlin and Gawain's circumstances.

"I was considering going into the pub tonight, meeting the owners, getting the ball rolling," Morgana randomly threw in. Both Lance and Arthur leaned forward in their seats out of reflex to suggest she not do so.

"I think that's a terrible idea. In fact, you should let me deal with the negotiations," Arthur said quickly, before Lancelot could leak any information about Arthur's affections for the place - knowing his father, should he find out that Arthur spent the majority of his free time playing music to perform in front of a crowd of pub goers wouldn't go over well. Not to mention he'd probably pull Arthur off the project, and what good would that end up doing Merlin and Gawain?

"Well, I've already planned my evening out. If I can talk to the owner I may be able to give them a good price for the place. It's only going to be torn down in the long run anyway," Morgana said without much pity. She straightened the stack of papers and stood up to leave. "Should you wish to join me, I'll be there around seven. Now, off to discuss logistics with the client." She gave them both a crooked grin and left.

Lance slumped back in his chair. Arthur couldn't stop himself from pounding his fist against the table in frustration. "Damn it."

"When were you planning on telling me? Or Gawain and Merlin for that matter? How long have you known that your father planned on demolishing the pub?" Lance's voice shook with restrained anger. He'd always been able to contain himself even when Arthur did the most idiotic things.

"A few days," Arthur said, defeated and unable to look Lance in the eyes. "I was about to tell Merlin the other night actually."

Lance sat forward, propping his head up with his hands. "They need to know. At least that way they'll be prepared when Camelot Construction evicts them."

"You're right. I'm a sodding idiot," Arthur hissed, angry with himself and frustrated with his father. "There really is nothing they can do though. Once my father has the highest bidder he won't give up on a property. Something isn’t right, though.” Arthur rubbed at his eyes. “We don’t take on clients. Typically, the company does all of our own acquiring, building, and completion. Camelot doesn’t take on backers. Not to mention the building and what it’s earmarked for doesn’t make sense. It’s not the right location for luxury flats. My father’s going to lose so much money, but he doesn’t want to listen. What should I do?"

The silence that hung over them was answer enough. Even having a tiny sliver of control over the contract didn't provide Arthur any hope.

**********************

The pub was nearly empty. Monday nights were probably the best time to have silent drinking time, and Morgana likely knew that. Arthur found her already seated at the bar, on her blackberry, a coke -possibly mixed with something a bit stronger - in her hand. He made his way over, dragging out the short walk as long as possible without drawing unnecessary attention to himself.

"-of course, I guarantee that we'll have it by the end of the month. Uther won't even need to construct on it." She fell into silence and nodded, "I think it's perfectly plausible." Morgana finally saw Arthur approaching. She raised her finger, "I'll call you back later. For now, Arthur and I will be discussing repossession with the owner. Thank you, you too."

She stabbed at the end call button and took a long sip of her coke. "Apparently the owner, Glen-"

"Gawain," Arthur corrected. Morgana gave him a calculating look.

"Gawain will be out in just a few minutes now. Would you like something to drink?" She was already waving over the petite girl Arthur had seen around the pub on weekends but hadn't quite gotten around to introducing himself to yet.

"I'm alright, thanks," Arthur said, just as the girl sidled up with a grin.

"Arthur! It's rare to see you during the week," she chirped out shyly while batting her eyes. "Great set last Saturday by the way. I didn't have the chance to say so after your drink."

Arthur glanced at Morgana, who seemed entirely unfazed by the comment. He hadn't shared his hobbies with his father or Morgana yet. Probably because she had a tendency to tease him endlessly when it came to things he enjoyed that seemed thoroughly out of character for an openly gay man. And well, his father didn’t care as long as it didn’t interfere with the business.

"Freya," Morgana said gently, "when will Gawain be in? We have important matters to discuss and timing is imperative."

Freya nodded and frowned briefly in thought. "He's off fetching Merlin from his class. He'll be back any minute now."

"Merlin?" Morgana asked, feigning interest. Arthur knew her better than anyone and knew when she was genuine about something. Now was not one of those times.

"Gawain's cousin. He works here on the weekends when his schedule allows for it," Freya responded.

"Ahh," Morgana cooed, "isn't that lovely? A family-run business." She laughed and gave Arthur a shoulder bump.

Arthur's stomach rolled with anger. "Morgana," he hissed, "now's not the time to be joking around."

Morgana sobered. "You're right, we need to be in business mode." She leaned over and, spotting someone, said, "speaking of that. Time to put on your gay charm, you've got a fox coming your way."

Arthur swiveled in his seat. His heart sped up when he caught sight of Gawain, swaggering his way towards them with a disgruntled Merlin behind.

He didn't realize that Morgana was already rushing forward to meet them, hand extended, "I'm Morgana and this is Arthur Pendragon."

Gawain eyed Arthur with amusement. "Yes, we've met. Arthur comes to my pub every so often. What can I do for you?"

"This is your pub?" Morgana asked, feigning surprise. "Goodness, it makes matters all the more difficult. You must be Gawain then?" She sought out Merlin over Gawain's shoulder, "and Merlin."

"In the flesh," Merlin said, shooting a dirty look at Arthur for reasons that Arthur clearly wasn’t privy to.

"I'm here on a rather important business deal regarding the pub through Camelot Developments and Construction," Morgana chattered while collecting her folder from the bar top. "In fact, I have a proposition to make for its repossession. Would you rather do so in private?"

Gawain shook his head, a sly smile stretching across his lips. "I'm not interested in any buy out offers." He went to step around her, but Morgana's thin, pale hand stopped him with a strong grip of his arm.

Her voice was firm, "contrary to my earlier statement, it's not a negotiation."

Gawain's eyes flickered down to her hand and then met her steady gaze with his own challenging expression. "No, I don't think it is. Now, you should leave my establishment before I make you." He looked at Arthur briefly, eyes filled with betrayal, but Arthur was more wounded by Merlin, who's mouth had fallen open, hands fisted in balls at his sides, clearly angry.

Morgana smiled with a hint of malice. "You have no control over this. You can make it easy or hard. It's only a matter of time before we buy you out." Gawain yanked his arm from her grip.

Merlin flicked his wrist, her folder suddenly ripped from her finger tips. Morgana stared after it for a few awkward moments and then, smiling sickly sweet at Merlin bent over to gather the papers.

“I suppose you’ll be going the hard route then,” she said after straightening herself. Without waiting for a response she nodded once at Merlin and then left. Both men glared at her receding back.

"You," Merlin snapped suddenly, pulling Arthur from his racing thoughts. "You knew this was going to happen. You brought her here, your fucking girlfriend. I should have known you were scum from the beginning! Probably bloody cased this place while playing with your stupid band."

Gawain put a hand to his shoulder, "Merlin, go upstairs."

Merlin batted his hand away aggressively. Still, Arthur was surprised when he did exactly as he was told without resistance.

Gawain waited a few beats. Arthur held his breath, guilt gnawing painfully at his stomach. Without a word, Gawain strode around to the bar entrance, pulled out two tumbler glasses and mixed two drinks with vodka and cranberry.

He slid one in front of Arthur and chugged his in one go before slamming down the empty cup. Arthur jumped with surprise and looked up into Gawain's calm face.

"I don't know what to say mate," Gawain growled, voice grating painfully while he mixed another drink. Arthur followed Gawain’s glance towards Freya who was staring openly, but Gawain only gave her a reassuring nod to encourage she keep working.

"What I don't understand," Gawain said, "is why you would allow for this to happen. I thought you were my friend. I thought you enjoyed coming here. Sure I've defaulted on a few payments, but I've done so numerous times before and been able to pull through in the end."

Arthur sipped his drink, the vodka burnt as he swallowed. "It's business."

And god, that was the wrong thing to say. Gawain's face twisted with rage, but his voice was quiet when he spoke. "It's business to destroy my life? Merlin's life?!?"

Arthur saw Gawain's hand shake as he poured himself another vodka shot. "I can't fucking- I thought you liked him."

"Who?" Arthur asked, even though he knew the answer.

"You're a fucking arse," Gawain shouted suddenly. Freya squeaked from the other end of the bar and the room fell silent with lack of buzzing chatter.

"I didn't know this was going to happen," Arthur whispered. He leaned over the counter so his voice could be impossibly quiet. "I do like Merlin. Hopelessly. I swear, I didn't know. I can help, I can pay what you haven't and then my father won't make a deal. He won’t get it at such a competitive price if everything is paid up to date."

Gawain shook his head, the fight draining from him. "I’m not a charity case."

"You're above that?" Arthur bit out. "I'm trying to save this damned pub!"

"You don't think I want to save it?" Gawain shouted again. Freya dropped a bottle of beer with a surprised yelp and immediately started apologizing.

"It's fine Freya. No, actually," Gawain raised his voice, "everyone out! The pub is closed for the rest of the evening."

Customers gave indignant cries of frustration, but scampered their way out. Freya, still cleaning the bottle, shot to her feet and ran out as well. Probably too nervous to be of much more help.

"If you like Merlin you'll find a way to stall your father. At least until I get the mortgage out," Gawain said.

"It's hopeless liking that fool," Arthur responded, "but I am willing to help because I love this place and what it offers. However I can. I don't think I'll be able to do much. They’re pushing this project unlike any other I’ve seen."

"Your sister seems invested," Gawain countered, finishing off his drink and eyeballing Arthur's until Arthur took another sip.

"She wants to win my father's favour. And yes, she is my sister. Not my girlfriend," Arthur said.

"Merlin... don't get me wrong, he's a great guy, but he's had some fucked up shit happen to him. Truthfully, he's probably not being honest with himself if he says you're not attractive." Gawain grinned wickedly. "Hell, if you weren't so in love with him I'd shag you." He snatched Arthur's drink and polished it off.

Arthur watched as his throat worked the liquid down and bit his bottom lip. "How can you talk about that when there's a possibility you'll lose this place?"

"Because I won't," Gawain growled deep from his chest. "There's no bloody way you, your sister, or your father are going to get your grimy hands on it. I will fight for my pub until my last breath."

Arthur nodded, and stood to leave.

"I'm sorry," Arthur said in afterthought. "I don't want you to lose it. This pub seems very special to you. And Merlin."

Gawain nodded and said almost reverently, “it is.”

********************************************

Merlin was more angry than he had ever been in his life. His blood was pounding mercilessly in his head and he couldn't stop himself from lashing out with his magic. It broke three ceramic plates that Gawain displayed before he reined it back under control.

By the time he'd finished cleaning up and found his way to the couch to slouch down, Gawain had joined him in the living room.

"What did that arse want?" Merlin snapped, feeling his anger rise again. His fingers twitched to use his magic.

Gawain rubbed at his forehead. "I've missed a few payments cuz."

"How many?" Merlin asked.

"Four.”

Merlin closed his eyes. "We're going to lose it."

"No, I won't let that happen," Gawain said, voice shaking. "I can't let that happen."

"Maybe it's for the best." Merlin stood up to brew himself a cup of tea. "Uncle Gaius wouldn't have wanted us to carry on this way. He wouldn't want us to struggle. If we sell it to Camelot-"

"You'd give up just like that?" Gawain shouted over him, having turned around on the couch.

Merlin shrugged. "When I get out of school, I can get a job and we can try to purchase another pub."

Gawain stood abruptly, banging the coffee table with his knee and hissing out an ‘ow’ before spinning towards Merlin, one finger raised, "My father kept this bloody pub for you Merlin! You're the reason I carry on with it. He said to never sell it or you'd have nothing to help you understand who you are. That you would always have questions, and that this fucking place would have the answers."

The mug he'd been holding slipped from his hands and cracked loudly on the floor. For a brief moment he stared down at the pieces and then looked up towards Gawain. His cousin's face had gone stony cold, eyes narrowed with anger.

"I'm sorry," Merlin pushed out, "I didn't realize I'm such a fucking hassle!"

"You're... cuz," Gawain said. He stepped around the couch, still clearly angry, but also seemingly pulling himself together, "I... it's hard alright? I want the best for you, but this pub means as much to me as it did to my Father. I can't just let it go."

"Then you're an idiot!" Merlin's voice rose above the clatter of the pieces of the mug as he brushed them magically into the trash. "You've become an alcoholic, you're promiscuous. You lie. It's done nothing but terrible things to you. If we sold it then you'd be able to clean up."

"Maybe I don't want to clean up," Gawain's voice went dangerously low. "Maybe I don't need to clean up, Merlin. Maybe I’m happy."

"Are you fucking blind?" He slammed the rubbish bin to the floor.

Gawain went silent. The lack of words only made Merlin shake at his own reaction.

"I'm taking your car for a spin," Gawain bit out and turned to leave. He didn't even bother to grab his jacket.

"Good, fucking do whatever you want," Merlin shouted after the door had slammed shut. "Deal with the problems the way you always do, by running off to fuck someone!"

His heart pounded after he realized what he'd just said and he immediately regretted it. He'd never yelled at anyone like that before. Especially not Gawain.

The kettle whistled on the stove top.

********************************************

Merlin didn't think anything of it when Gawain didn't come home that evening. It was a common practice of his cousin, and after their fight, he wasn’t expecting to see him again for at least a day or two. He went straight to bed and fell asleep almost the instant his head hit the pillow.

He startled to awareness, something having woken him, but he didn't know what until his mobile rang again. Rolling over, he pushed it against his ear while pressing the on button.

"'ello?"

"Merlin Emrys?" an unfamiliar voice asked.

"This is him," Merlin said, suddenly wide awake.

"I have some unfortunate news. Gawain Emrys has been in an accident and is currently being admitted into the intensive care unit. You were the first person on his contact list. Are you family?" the voice asked, soothing while professional.

"Yes, he's my cousin," Merlin pushed out, he was already standing up and grabbing his keys. "Which hospital?"