Some days I really wish I could just rip my womb out. XD (I have cramps again, argh!)
Anywho... here's the next chapter to my fic. I still have a bit left to type out, but I should be able to finish it soon-ish.
Heaven on Wheels
Chapter Three
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin, background Lance/Gwen, other past relationships mentioned
Rating: PG-13 (NC-17 over-all)
Warnings/Contents: Modern AU, slight angst, touch of fluff; a very romantic-like atmosphere, mostly in Arthur's POV but there are times when the POV will change.
Summary: This one caught his eye; not because the man was in a wheelchair, not because he could see just why he was in said chair (legs cut off at the knees) or even his slight frame… it was his eyes, his ears, his cheekbones, and his endearing smile.
Notes: see chapter one
Disclaimer: I don't own these characters; honest!
Part 1 ~**~
After realizing Merlin wasn't there for his break, he rang him up to see what was the matter. He tried not to panic as he punched in Merlin's number and put his mobile to his ear, bouncing lightly on the balls of his feet.
When Merlin answered, sounding as if he were fighting off a yawn, Arthur's worry decreased but then changed into a different sort of worry.
"All right?" he asked.
"Yeah, 'm fine; just a little sleepy, that's all," came Merlin's voice.
"Not coming over for our usual chat and coffee during break?"
"Oh!" Merlin sounded genuinely sorry. "I completely lost track of the time! There's this big story that I just have to finish that's due in print at five o'clock today…"
"That's all right," said Arthur quickly to dispel his boyfriend's panic. "I was just worried that something happened to you, or that… you know, you didn't wish to see me again after-"
"Oh, Arthur," Merlin sighed fondly. "Rest assured that I don't regret what we'd done even for a moment. I truly cherish our first night together."
"That's a relief," sighed Arthur. "Well, I wish you luck with your article, then. Is there a chance that we can get together after work?"
"Hmm," Merlin pretended to think. "I suppose I could squeeze you into my schedule, but I'll have to talk to my people first."
Arthur was shocked into silence for a moment. "Er, wait; you have your own people?"
"I'm kidding!" Merlin laughed. "Actually, I'm going to see my sister after work. She insisted," he added apologetically and then sighed. "She's kind of hard to say no to."
"Does she bully you? Because if she does-"
"Nothing like that," said Merlin. "She's just… very assertive, and has a much more dominate personality than I do. There have been plenty of times she's had to chase away a few losers that were stalking me. So, yeah, her heart's in the right spot."
"Great," Arthur deadpanned. "Can't wait to meet her."
Merlin was silent for a few seconds, and then slowly he said, "You really mean that? I mean, do you think that's wise, to meet her so soon?"
"Why not? We've already had sex, yeah? It's not like she can't tell me not to touch you, 'cause technically I already have. Plus, wild horses couldn't drag me away from you."
"Apparently not, but my sister might."
"Don't worry, love. I don't scare easily."
**
Arthur hated lying (unless he absolutely had to), especially to those he loved. He also hated it when he realized he had lied without meaning to.
Morgana Faye Emerson was a much scarier woman than he had guessed. She was pale-skinned like Merlin, and had dark hair, also like Merlin, except hers was long and perfectly kept. She nearly had the same eye colour as Merlin, but they flashed dark grey the moment she set her sights on Arthur. The dress suit she wore screamed money (as did her shoes), but he had a feeling it wasn't family inherited. Merlin and his mum weren't rich, but neither were they poor. Morgana must have a well-paid career to afford such clothes; either that or she abused her credit card. When she sat down across from him at the coffee shop's table, he cringed at the sight of her long, blood red fingernails, imagining them embedding into his skin or taking one of his eyes out.
"Merlin," she greeted her brother sweetly, taking Arthur by surprise, and then leaned over toward him to peck his cheek. "Good to see you, little brother. No bruises then?"
"Hello, Morgana," said Merlin, kissing her cheek back. "I'm just fine, thanks for asking."
She ruffled his hair affectionately, smiling, eyes joyful to see her little brother, and then she suddenly cut over to Arthur with a look that was the exact opposite. Arthur tried not to be too intimidated by it.
"So, this is Arthur," she said.
"Yes, this is me," said Arthur. "I'm fine too, thanks for asking."
Her glare hardened. "I don't care if you're lying in a ditch with your guts hanging open. You harm even one freckle on Merlin's body and I will put you in traction."
"Morgana!" Merlin gasped, but she ignored it.
Arthur forced himself to smile. "I swear I would never hurt Merlin. I feel just as protective of him as you do."
"I highly doubt that." She curled her manicured, and very sharp, nails around her espresso, as if in warning. "If you get any kind of ideas in that blond head of yours, I'll make sure you regret it."
"What do you think I'd do to him?" Arthur said, exasperated. "Torture him? I do care about him very, very much, and coming from me that's a guarantee because I don't just give my heart out willy-nilly."
"Not even for a blonde tart named Sophia?"
Arthur's jaw dropped. "How'd you know about her?"
"Oh, please, it's no secret." She gave a secret smile.
Then he saw Gwen wave at him guiltily from the counter, an apologetic grin on her face and he understood.
"Gwen told you?" he nearly shrieked.
"Did she not say anything about me all the time you two have worked together? Gwen and I have known each other since secondary school."
He felt a little betrayed but he couldn't stay too angry at Gwen for not telling him she'd known Morgana, even during the time he'd been talking about meeting her after his shift was over. But when he saw the crestfallen look on Merlin's face he forced himself to calm down and not let Morgana rile him too much.
"Look, it doesn't matter. I'm not the one that screwed her over; Sophia's the one that scr-cheated on me. And I have never done that to anyone, nor will I ever! So don't even presume you know me just by looking at me, or who I had gone out with in the past, because then you'll be wrong more than not."
Morgana sipped her espresso calmly, nodding as if that were the reaction she'd been expecting. "Just see that you treat my little brother like a king or your head will be on the chopping block; both of them."
"Both?" Arthur choked.
"Yes," Morgana said easily, her stare growing a bit more evil, if that were possible. "Big Arthur and Little Arthur. I even have a mini guillotine sitting on my desk at work. I test it out on raw sausages."
Arthur cringed, crossing his legs reflectively at just the thought of having the junior Pendragon beheaded.
"Oh, Morgana!" Merlin laughed nervously, his face an attractive pink. "Don't tease Arthur like that; he'll think you're serious!"
Morgana leered. "Who says I'm teasing?"
"Morgana!" Merlin gasped.
**
Finally after the she-demon known as Morgana left, mussing up Merlin's hair in an affectionate manner, Merlin explained to Arthur why she was so protective, or at least tried to.
"Ever since the accident she's been more protective of me. She's even been more interested in whom I date since this one time…" Merlin went slightly pink, eyes troubled. "Well, there was a bad incident with this one guy. Anyway, those are the main reasons she's the way she is with me, I think. She had always been doting on me, even when we were little and she enjoyed picking on me." Merlin had a faraway look in his eyes, as he remembered. "She used to tug on my ears a lot. Not just to tease, but to get my attention, or show affection. When she later realized it really bothered me she decided to ruffle my hair instead."
Arthur pursed his lips together thoughtfully. He'd often thought about tugging one of those ridiculous ears of Merlin's, with affection of course, but now he was glad he hadn't. The last thing he'd ever want to do was hurt Merlin's feelings.
"What are you thinking?" Merlin asked, which shook him out of his reverie.
Arthur gave Merlin a reassuring smile. "Just… thinking about your ears."
Said ears went pink as Merlin ducked his head, and almost reflexively brought a hand up to pull at a lobe. Arthur's own hand twitched as he fought off the need to do it himself.
Then, Arthur's mouth ran away with him (it was hard for him to not tell the truth sometimes): "I've thought about giving them a good tug myself. I don't know what it is about them…" he smiled at the sight of Merlin's face beaming redder. "I'd be doing it out of affection, of course."
Merlin nodded, gaze still down. "Of course."
And before he knew what he was doing, Arthur reached over to gently pull at the other ear lobe, the one that Merlin wasn't tugging on. Merlin's face went even more fiery red, and for a second Arthur thought he'd crossed the line.
But then Merlin's voice, almost above a whisper, cracked: "Stop it."
"Wow, your ear's rather warm."
Merlin slapped his hand away, face still cherry red. It was a beautiful sight. Well, it was to Arthur anyway.
**
Time flew by faster than Arthur wished. They'd been dating seriously for almost five months now, and things still felt somewhat new. But they've also been busy with work and other responsibilities (Arthur with Uni, Merlin writing on his novel), so nothing much with each other's families, even to visit on Christmas Day. Things still felt too new to them (mostly Merlin), and Arthur didn't want to rush things or push him when he wasn't ready. They had exchanged gifts, though; small ones, but still cherished nonetheless (Merlin did love his rainbows). So they hadn't done much concerning their families, until one day when Arthur received a call from his father.
Arthur's father, Uther Quincy Pendragon, was a serious businessman. He always wanted the best for his son, no matter what Arthur wished to strive for. Although it was apparent he wanted Arthur to follow in his footsteps, he knew that his son also had plenty of his mother in him, so he let Arthur figure out for himself what he really wanted to do with his life. But at the same time he made sure Arthur wouldn't ruin himself in a career that went nowhere. When Arthur showed his love for sports, like football and boxing, Uther was as supportive as he could be; he even helped Arthur get whatever he needed in order to achieve his dream.
Then Arthur showed a love for computers one day when he turned sixteen and it had become a race to see which Arthur excelled the best at. It was a close tie, to say the least. Arthur still played sports, other than running a mile almost every other day. But then his love of technology rose on that fateful day, which Uther had knighted as 'Arthur's First Computer Day', and suddenly Arthur's career choice shifted. Uther didn't care overly too much because either profession was good, he just hoped it didn't stop Arthur from being active.
"Father, how nice to hear from you," said Arthur into his mobile while he made himself a coffee at work.
"I would've rang you sooner, Arthur, but things have been hectic. How goes Uni?"
"Not bad," said Arthur. "Been getting next to perfect grades."
"Good to know. Still doing sports?"
"Of course. I've been jogging lots and working out in the gym whenever I can."
"Excellent. I had hoped your love of computers wouldn't change that. And have you met any potential marriage partner?"
It was a subject that Arthur always hated talking about, but he knew his father wouldn't let it drop. Although Uther knew Arthur dabbled into same-sex relationships, he had the notion that Arthur preferred women over men, like he did. So he was expecting at least a couple grandchildren in the near future.
Arthur's long pause was worrying, so he repeated the question as if Arthur hadn't heard him.
"Er, well," Arthur cleared his throat. "About-about that…"
"You found someone?" Uther's voice was near elation. Well, as near as it could get for him.
"In a manner of speaking," said Arthur slowly. He knew his father wished for grandchildren, but he'd been too afraid to tell him that he mostly preferred men to women.
"What's that supposed to mean, Arthur?" Uther said.
"Uh, you might not be happy about my choice in partner."
Uther understood what his son wasn't saying. "Partner. You mean another man."
Arthur cleared his throat again, a nervous habit he had picked up from somewhere. "…Yes," he finally said. "But I'm serious about him," Arthur explained confidently before his father could start any kind of rant. "He is, easily, the greatest thing that's ever happened to me. He's smart, inventive, sweet, and has such a big heart."
"…And how long have you been seeing him?"
"Nearly five months," said Arthur.
"Only five months and you're already besotted?"
"I'm very serious about him, father," Arthur's voice strengthened.
"And does he have a name?" Arthur could tell his father was holding in some of his irritation for his sake. He knew Uther wanted him happy above everything else, so he used that to plow on instead of worrying he had disappointed him.
"Merlin Emerson."
There was a short pause.
"His name is… Merlin?" Uther sounded almost amused, if Arthur didn't know any better.
"Yeah."
"Out of all the names in the world, you end up with someone named after a popular wizard."
It was rather ironic, seeing how Arthur had been named after a popular British king.
"It is rather… odd," Arthur nearly laughed.
"Yes, well… I guess I'll have to meet him."
Another pause. Arthur forced his voice to work. "Oh… okay. When would be the most convenient for you, father?"
"This Friday evening is fine. We'll have dinner together."
Arthur was still a bit stunned, but he found the ability to answer back. "Okay, Friday then. What time?"
"The time we usually have dinner, Arthur."
"Right; six o'clock."
"And don't be late."
**
To say Arthur was nervous was an understatement; he was petrified. During work the next day he nearly dropped five coffees while making them, got three orders wrong (which hadn't happened since he first started working there), and ran into Gwen twice while rushing orders.
Finally, Gwen was annoyed enough to ask him what was wrong. He was reluctant to say at first, not sure if she'd be any help, but he gave in and told her. She'd only hound him otherwise.
"Oh, Arthur," she sighed after his explanation. "I'm sure your father will like him. Surely he doesn't have anything against the disabled?"
"As far as I know he doesn't, but that doesn't mean he won't judge my choice in life partner by that alone."
"You should give him more credit than that. He's not totally heartless, is he? If he was, then there is no way your mother would have liked him, from what I've heard about her personality."
Arthur had to give her that. At times his father could act like a posh, snobbish pillock but he was really a good guy beneath it all (which his mother no doubt had sensed). If he wasn't, then Arthur wouldn't be studying technology at Uni but something in politics (which he detested).
"It'll be fine, Arthur," Gwen said, patting his arm. "As long as he isn't too disappointed about you not reproducing."
Arthur sighed into his hands.
**
When Merlin arrived like he usually did during Arthur's break, Arthur having made their usual coffees, he told Merlin about his father's dinner invitation. He wished he told Merlin before he handed him his drink because Merlin was so shocked to hear the news he spat a mouthful of coffee out onto his face. Merlin was immediately apologetic as Arthur wiped his face with a napkin, but he reassured Merlin he wasn't angry.
"Not the first time you gave me a facial, love," he told his boyfriend.
"Arthur!" Merlin still got embarrassed whenever Arthur mentioned any of their sex life outside the bedroom, or indeed outside their flats.
Arthur grinned. "Sorry, couldn't resist saying it. Anyway, you'll be fine. I'm sure my father will like you, as long as you're respectful and your normal, sweet self."
Merlin squirmed slightly, gaze in his lap. "I've never had much experience with fathers. I never knew mine, and my mother never re-married. Nor do I know any of my uncles. I mostly grew up around my older sister and my cousins Morgause and Nimueh, and of course my Mum."
Arthur held his hand, wanting to kiss it but didn't. "I'm positive you'll be fine then. If your charms worked on me, I'm sure they'll work well enough on my father. We're both Pendragons after all."
Merlin smiled, but Arthur wasn't so sure Merlin believed him. And since Merlin was forthcoming about his family life, Arthur decided he would be too. After all, they had been dating for at least five months now. Most of that time had been a handful of dates, a few tumbles beneath the sheets at each other's places, and working, but they'd grown close enough that they should be able to do the whole family meet and greet-and to speak about them.
"My mother died when I was very young, so I was mostly raised by a nursemaid. After a while, my father tried his best to be there for me, but there were plenty of times we fought more than got along, mostly during my teenage years, and I guess it was pretty draining for him because he backed off more and let an uncle or aunt take care of me."
Merlin tightened his hold on Arthur's hand, but he was sure he wasn't the one that needed the comfort.
"You should meet my Mum then," Merlin said. "I'm sure she'd love to meet you. She's a very sweet lady and rarely gets angry."
"I would love to meet your mother, Merlin. But first," he sighed, "you get to meet my father."
"Oh joy of joys," Merlin quipped and then smiled to show there were no hard feelings. Arthur found he couldn't stop smiling too. Merlin's beautiful smile and bright blue eyes were so warming.
**
Arthur realized a little too late that there was no ramp for Merlin to use in order to get into his father's house. Of course, the only solution was for the butler to carry Merlin's wheelchair (it folded up) and Arthur to carry Merlin.
The entire time he did, Merlin's cheeks were flushed red, but he was smiling and his arms around his neck were tight. He carried Merlin over the threshold like it was their wedding night, and Merlin was most likely thinking it too because he ducked his head into Arthur's neck. Arthur must be blushing as well because his face felt hot.
His father was standing at the top of the staircase looking down at them when they entered. Arthur couldn't tell what his father was thinking at the sight he and Merlin made, but he wasn't smiling. That either meant he was secretly disappointed, irritated, angry, or thinking how to approach this new discovery of Arthur's.
Before Arthur could say anything - his mouth opening instinctually to apologize or something - the butler, Geoffrey, unfolded Merlin's chair and set it down on the well-polished parlor floor. Arthur automatically bent to put Merlin back in it, both still red in the cheeks.
Uther, meanwhile, descended the stairs. When he reached the last two steps, he stood there and stared at his son as if he hadn't permission to look at Merlin yet.
"Arthur," he greeted.
"Father," answered Arthur. "Thank you for inviting us to dinner."
It was then that Uther looked at Merlin. He seemed to be having an inward struggle, but then stepped down from the stairs completely to shake Merlin's hand.
"You must be Merlin," he said.
"Yes, sir," said Merlin, smile warm and easy.
"My son has told me about you, although I'm sure we will get better acquainted over dinner. You're welcome to stay the night if you have no other prior engagements tomorrow."
"Thank you, sir," said Merlin. "I'd love to."
"Excellent. Seeing how you're my son's partner you may stay with him in his room."
Merlin turned pink, and it only highlighted his attractive features. "I'd like that."
Arthur glanced up the long staircase. Unless he was mistaken, his old room was still upstairs which meant he'd get to carry Merlin the entire way. This was in no way a bad thing, of course. He'd get both exercise and Merlin in his arms. So really, it was a win-win.
They took to the dining room. His father had the normal, family-sized table this time instead of the long, hundred-seater for the days he held balls and things. Merlin was parked across from Uther, while Arthur sat on his right, feeling very much like the mediator.
As they ate the appetizers (salad and soup), Uther asked Merlin questions, some of which Arthur had already asked him: Where did he work? What are his life goals? ("To be an author or screenplay writer.") Where'd he go to school? How old was he? Who were his parents? ("Hunith and Balinor Emerson…") Did he have any hobbies? How exactly did he meet Arthur? And so on.
"The main course is ready, Mr. Pendragon," said the cook.
"Excellent. Bring it in." When the cook left, Uther turned to Merlin and said, "I do hope you like mutton, Merlin."
"Uh…" said Merlin, "Will there be vegetables?"
"Of course. Why?"
Merlin fidgeted. "Er, well…"
"I forgot to tell you, father," Arthur said, "I was just so shocked by your invitation it slipped my mind."
Uther eyed him pecularily. "Yes?"
"Er, well-"
"I'm vegetarian," Merlin finished, finding the courage to speak up so that Arthur wouldn't feel so obligated to explain. "I'm sorry, sir. I should have said something sooner."
"No, I should have," said Arthur. "It was my fault for not telling you over the phone, father…"
Uther held up a hand to silence him before he started to babble like a guilty child. "It's quite all right, no need to go on like that. I'll just have the cook make a substitute."
Merlin sagged in relief. "Thank you, Mr Pendragon."
The rest of the meal passed by smoothly enough, and it was soon near bedtime. Uther bid them good night, called on the butler to take care of Merlin's wheelchair, and then left. Arthur lifted Merlin easily into his arms again, Merlin blushing, and began to climb the stairs behind Geoffery.
"Just so you know," said Merlin, his chin resting on Arthur's shoulder, "I'm not having sex in your father's house."
"That's a relief, because his bedroom is right next to mine." At Merlin's confused look and gesture down where his father had disappeared, Arthur explained: "He likes to unwind by himself in his study and relax before going to bed. He says it helps him sleep a lot easier."
"Ah, I see."
**
Although they didn't have sex when they got into bed, they did hold each other close. Merlin's wheelchair was kept on Merlin's side of the bed for emergencies, along with his other much needed things on the nightstand beside the lamp. Arthur's arms were strong and Merlin felt so protected and loved that he hadn't had any troubles falling asleep.
Then he woke up in the middle of the night having to pee like a race horse.
It was lucky for Merlin that there was a bathroom upstairs as well as down (two in fact). Carefully, he slid off the bed and straight into his wheelchair. He'd had plenty of practice doing so, so it didn't take long and he quietly rolled out the door, wheels quieted by the carpet. Arthur hadn't stirred, still dead to the world.
The minute Merlin turned the knob on the bathroom door, the door to Uther's room opened. Merlin stared, feeling as if he had been caught doing something naughty, and flushed. Uther gave him a friendly nod.
"All right, Merlin?" he asked.
"Yes, sir. Just need to… um-" what was the more posh and polite term for 'take a piss'?
"Don't need Arthur's assistance, then?"
Merlin smiled, understanding that Uther was only concerned and wasn't trying to be condensending. Or maybe it was a little of both.
"Nope, I'm good," Merlin assured him. "I sit down while… er, yeah, I'm good."
Uther nodded, looking relieved. "Very well. But if you ever need help of any kind don't be afraid to ask. My staff is at your beck and call while you're staying here."
Merlin's smile became more genuine. "Thank you, sir! That's very kind of you."
Uther looked somewhat embarrassed. "Yes, well… my son seems very enamored with you, and happy-happier than I've seen him before-and you're a most charming young man-"
Merlin ducked his head, shy. "Sir-"
"I'd hate for anything terrible to befall you. It would upset Arthur greatly and I wish…" here Uther paused as if he'd said too much. But then he plowed on, finishing with: "I do not want to shatter his happiness."
Merlin beamed, and it filled Uther with the need to see this young man stay happy as well. "Thank you, sir. I do believe we're extremely happy together. And I think maybe you should tell Arthur how you feel."
Uther nodded. "I most certainly will. Good night, Merlin."
"Good night, sir." Merlin inclined his head slightly back, smiling, and then entered the big, lovely Pendragon bathroom.
Part 4