fic: Yours
Title: Yours
Author: Alcetis
Word Count: 5730
Summary: For the Kinkme_merlin prompt: Arthur/Merlin, Modern AU. The boys have been writing to each other ever since their respective classes participated in a pen pal project when they were in primary school. Perhaps, now all grown up, they finally get the chance to meet?
Letters
September 5th, 2005
Dear Merlin,
What kind of name is that? Merlin... Are you serious or did you just make that up? Do you think you're a wizard or something? Morgana, my sister, thinks she's a witch, but she's absolutely bonkers.
I hope you don't expect anything from this bollocks project. I'm only doing this because my teacher, Mr. Drake, says that I'll fail otherwise, and I'm nearly certain that my father would kick me out of the house if I so much as broke straight A's. But the assignment said that I just had to write the letters, not that I had to like them.
Anyways, you can write back but I can't promise I'll read it.
Not-very-sincerely,
Arthur.
September 8th, 2005
Dear Prat,
No, I did not make that name up, my mother gave it to me. And you're not exactly one to talk, "Arthur". Are you just trying to make fun of me? You're not very clever.
I was looking forward to this project, to be honest. But I've got myself stuck with a complete and utter clot. I don't know who you think you are, but you're a hell of a lot less special than you've been led to believe.
I hope that you drop out of school.
Cheerfully,
Merlin
September 10th, 2005
Dear Idiot,
Shut up. You don't know what you're talking about. My name is Arthur, and that's a fine name, a lot better than Merlin!
And I won't ever drop out of school. One day I'm going to be quite a successful CEO. Anyways, I'll bet you're just some low life at a boring public school.
Happily,
Arthur.
September 13th, 2005
Dear Arse,
I thought you weren't going to read my letter?
Pointedly,
Merlin.
September 15th, 2005
Dear Stupid,
I had some extra time in class. I thought that I could use a laugh.
Tediously,
Arthur.
September 17th, 2005
Dear Thickhead,
So, Mr. Extra time in class, what do you do for fun? And what kind of dream is CEO?
Curiously,
Merlin.
September 19th, 2005
Dear Pansy,
It's a realistic one. It's what my father wants me to do. Why, what do you want to be?
Ideally,
Arthur.
September 21st, 2005
Dear Uncreative Dolt,
I want to be an author. I'll bet that you don't read, though, you hardly seem the type.
Tolerably,
Merlin
September 24th, 2005
Dear Trivial Child,
I read plenty. Way to be judgmental. What sort of author? And do you know how many go unpublished? Kind of a big dream, isn't it?
Reliantly,
Arthur
September 27th, 2005
Dear Pompous Preteen,
I've always loved by Children's books. When I was little I was obsessed with books like Peter Pan and, I mean, you can't really blame me but my namesake has always been a fascinating thing. I've been obsessed with legends of Merlin since I was old enough to read. Maybe I could write a different version of my own some day.
And you're pessimistic, aren't you? At least it's not a boring idea like a CEO!
Importantly,
Merlin
September 30th, 2005
Dear Delusional,
What about King Arthur? A much more interesting bloke if you ask me. What did Merlin do except cast a couple of spells?
I'm realistic. And being in business will be plenty interesting. I'll have a lot of money and a big office.
When I was little I wanted to be a doctor. But my father says that business will further our family's gains.
Purposely,
Arthur
***
June 15th, 2006
Dear Dork,
I guess our project is over now, huh?
We don't have to write anymore.
Finally,
Arthur
June 17th, 2006
Dear Jerkface,
We don't have to, no. But I just got that CD I was going to send you a copy of. And if we fall out of touch I won't get a chance to.
Gracefully,
Merlin
June 19th, 2006
Dear Music Pirate,
I guess so... I haven't been able to find it anywhere, so I really would like some. And it would be convenient to keep the company of someone who is allowed illegal software. My father won't let it in the house.
Are you nervous about starting High School? It'll be good to be done primary school. It's all so boring here. I can't wait for the freedom.
Patiently,
Arthur
***
September 10th, 2006
Dear Brickbrain,
Today Morgana brought over her friend Gwen. Morgana was as painful as usual, but Gwen seemed nice. They giggled together, however Gwen was rather kind to me. And she's much prettier than Morgana, even though when they were arguing about it Gwen didn't seem to think so.
She invited me along with them but I thought that an evening with Morgana would be borderline intolerable. Also, she was glaring at me. I figured that I couldn't risk her witchy ways.
How's school going? Met new people yet? I joined the footie team. I'd imagine that you'd join something lame like band or the Unicorn Appreciation Club. Tell me all about it.
Impeccably,
Arthur
September 13th, 2006
Dear Numbskull,
Gwen sounds nice, I wish I could meet her.
And no! Don't risk Morgana's witchy ways! We'll have to come up with some magic to counter her terrifying spells! :O
School is going well. I met a guy named Lance. Saved me from a couple of seniors. Him, this boy Mordred, and a girl named Freya invited me to eat lunch with them some time. Maybe High School isn't going to be so bad. Will is here too, of course. So that's always good.
And yes, as a matter of fact, I did join band. But I'm a drummer! Also, I'm pretty sure you'd be hard-pressed to find a Unicorn Appreciation Club, thank-you very much. Last time I ever tell you my childhood dreams.
What classes are you taking this semester? I've got Math, P.E., English and History.
Fantastically,
Merlin.
September 16th, 2006
Dear Mudbrains,
Ah, your semester sounds alright. I've got Math, Science, English and Geography. I'm going to miss out on P.E. for the first couple of months. It's horrid.
That's great! The guys from the footie team are really nice. Owain and Leon invited me to a party this weekend. They told me to bring beer. I don't know how to get any beer... I've never consumed such low brow alcohol before.
Impossibly,
Arthur
P.S. This is the next morning. Never. Drink. Beer.
***
January 1st, 2007
Dear Brainless Jock,
Happy New Year! I have resolved to finish all of my science homework, even when everything written on the page is impossible to understand. If you can do it then it can't be that hard.
How was your night? I went to a party at Will's. I didn't know anyone there except Lance, so we spent the entire night together, haha. He has the most fantastic taste in movies.
We almost missed the countdown because we got so caught up in it. I even drank a little bit of champagne. Will kept saying that we were classy. He was a little bit drunk.
Expectantly,
Merlin
January 3rd, 2007
Dear Naive Bumpkin,
Yes, classy indeed, drinking stolen champagne in Will's basement. Oh, I know you couldn't possibly have bought it. Whose parents' cupboard did you take it from?
Lance sounds like a charmer.
New Year's Eve at my house is a family affair. I entertained old ladies while wearing a tux and drinking champagne that probably costs more than your house. It was frightfully dull.
Classy is overrated.
And good luck with the science homework. Send it to me if you need help.
Irrevocably,
Arthur
***
June 30th, 2007
Dear Loser,
I passed! I passed! I passed! I passed!
I just want to keep saying it and saying it!
Alright, so it might have been a close call. But science really isn't my thing. Professor Gaius said that he'd give me some extra credit so I could boost my grade.
I passed!
Excitedly,
Merlin
July 2nd, 2007
Dear Inconsiderate Dolt,
You could've asked how my finals went! :P
Just so you know, I soared through them all, no problem.
Gloatingly,
Arthur
July 5th, 2007
Dear Braggart,
Hey, no need to rain on my parade! I was in celebration mode!
Disappointedly,
Merlin
July 7th, 2007
Dear Future Hobo,
I don't think that barely passing is a cause for celebration.
Honestly,
Arthur
July 10th, 2007
Dear Dream Crusher,
Hey! A's in everything else, thanks! Just because we can't all be wonderboys...
Annoyed,
Merlin
July 13th, 2007
Dear Underachiever,
We've made it through our first year!
What are you doing for the holidays? I think my father is flying us somewhere tropical. I don't know yet. Somewhere with beautiful girls in bikinis and people who wait on you hand and foot.
Oh right! You're working all Summer! That's too bad. :D
Successfully,
Arthur
P.S. Wonderboy, eh?
***
July 15th, 2007
Dear Lowerclassman,
Having fun in England? Mexico is lovely this time of year.
Warmly,
Arthur
July 17th, 2007
Dear Upperclass Exploiter of the Workers,
I hate you. I hope you die of excessive sunburn.
Coldly,
Merlin
P.S. How is quality time with just your father and Morgana for company? And isn't Mexico almost too hot to bear in the summer?
July 20th, 2007
Dear Penniless Pauper,
Shut up. You don't know what you're talking about.
Blissfully,
Arthur
***
September 10th, 2007
Dear Plebeian,
Philosophy is a fantastic class! I feel like this is going to open up all sorts of new name-calling opportunites.
Other than that it's boring beyond belief. Can't Kant just take a hike?
I know, I know, I'm hilarious. Owain's got himself a girlfriend and they're absolutely disgusting. I think that the halls should be a PG-13 place to be. All she does is whine and cling to him in this desperate way. And he dotes on her all of the time. It must cost him a fortune to take her all the places he does. I don't understand at all.
This one time they left in the middle of class together and no one saw them again until third period. He tells me there's more than one use for a car. I almost pummeled him for giving me nightmares.
This girl, Vivian, asked me to go to this dance with her. I don't know yet. She was very... persuasive. But I don't know if there's anyone else who would be better to go with...
Questioningly,
Arthur
September 12th, 2007
Dear Clueless,
Just ask Gwen you twat. I know you're jealous.
Obviously,
Merlin
September 19th, 2007
Dear Brat,
The fact that you haven't sent me a letter in a week is very disturbing. I'm going to take that to mean that Gwen said no?
Apologetically,
Merlin
September 23rd, 2007
Dear Sulker,
Seriously, Arthur. It's been a week and a half. Answer me back.
Beggingly,
Merlin
September 24th, 2007
Dear Your Kingship,
Arthur, you can't ignore me forever. If Gwen said no, I'm sure she'll come around eventually.
Pleadingly,
Merlin
September 26th, 2007
Dear Hapless Dumbass,
Yeah, she said that it couldn't work because I was Morgana's brother. I went with Vivian. Now she won't leave me alone.
I blame you entirely.
Heart brokenly,
Arthur
September 29th, 2007
Dear Lovesick Dummy,
All is not lost. Dump Vivian. Move on.
Intelligently,
Merlin
September 30th, 2007
Dear Captain Obvious,
I kind of maybe told her that it was true love so that she'd make out with me on the dance floor and possibly make Gwen jealous.
She salivated like a dog.
Now if I say anything it'll break her heart.
Disgustedly,
Arthur
October 3rd, 2007
Dear Brainless Moron,
Arthur, this is a new low.
You're going to have to tell her sometime, mate. Just get it over with.
Wisely,
Merlin
October 7th, 2007
Dear Confucius,
I'm never taking your advice again. She tried to tear my eyes out.
Painfully,
Arthur
***
July 3rd, 2007
Dearrr Arthur,
your my best friend com and vist me! wed have sooooooooooooooooo much fun!!!!!! the extra os and exclamion marks meens i really meen it really!!!!!!! it'sss for emphasis!
Love,
Merlin
July 4th, 2007
Dear Prat,
Oh My God. I am so sorry for the letter that you are going to get ahead of this. Let's just say that I've discovered the evils of peach schnapps.
Oh God. I don't even remember what I wrote! I just left it on the table and my mother sent it. Please tell me it wasn't too bad!
I blame Will. It was his idea.
Abashedly,
Merlin
July 7th, 2007
Dear Drunken Idiot,
It's not too bad. I may keep it for blackmail in the future. But I've seen worse.
Details of your night, please. I want to hear about what other deliciously embarrassing things you did.
And you WOULD get drunk on peach schnapps. Tell Will I said to watch out for you.
Laughingly,
Arthur
***
February 2nd, 2008
Dear Future Arts Major,
Flunk out of Chemistry yet? I proofread that assignment you sent me and it's bloody awful! I don't know how you made it to the eleventh grade. I'm sending it back with several corrections. Your mental deficiency amazes me time and time again.
Yesterday Gwen and I went out for dinner.
I think that I might be made captain of the Football team next year. And I'm thinking of running for Student Council President. Leon says that I'm the best bet for Captain. I'm the top scorer and we're already using some of my strategies.
Owain says he hopes to god I don't get it. It's not my fault that he's a giant wimp who can't take a good work out.
Owain and his girlfriend broke up. He's been sulking and drinking too much. She apparently cheated on him with some guy from a band. Leon and I have been trying to cheer him up. Gawain even got him a blind date. It's useless.
Disapprovingly,
Arthur
February 5th, 2008
Dear Elitist,
You WHAT? You went out for Dinner and you thought that you could slip it in the middle of a letter and not elaborate? Instead you give me details about Owain's life of all people?
Shocked,
Merlin
P.S. I don't see how "Future Arts Major" is an insult.
February 9th, 2008
Dear Dirty Hippy,
We're not girls Merlin. Do you want to know my outfit? Whether she opened the door for me? Don't be silly. It was nice. We're going out again in a week.
Impressively,
Arthur
P.S. I know you don't. It adds to the brilliance of it.
February 13th, 2008
Dear Unromantic Jerk,
We can still talk about stuff! Did you kiss? It was just nice? That's it?
Did Morgana use her witchy ways against you?
Frustratedly,
Merlin
February 16th, 2008
Dear Overromantic Sap,
Yes, we kissed. And it was very nice. Great, actually.
Do you really need details? I took her out someplace kind of high class. She might have been a tad overwhelmed. They have the best seafood risotto and lobster pasta. It was good.
And no witchy powers from Morgana. I think that she actually approves. The witch has a heart!
And you're one to talk about talking! I never hear you mention girls. Any prospective girlfriends for you?
Inherently,
Arthur
February 21st, 2008
Dear Easily Offended Hormonal Woman,
Merlin? What did I say? It's been five days and no letter. Is something wrong?
Concerned,
Arthur
February 25th, 2008
Dear Insensitive Clod,
No it's nothing... It's just...
Arthur, I'm not exactly into girls.
Hesitantly,
Merlin
February 28th, 2008
Dear Disgusting Homo,
Just kidding. So then are you shagging Lance? I swear, he's all you talk about. Or Will? What about Will?
Impartially,
Arthur
March 2nd, 2008
Dear Awful Person,
You nearly gave me a heart attack! I would have died and it would have been your fault. How would you have liked that on your conscious?
I am not shagging Lance and I am not shagging Will. Will is the only one who knows.
Though I think that Freya suspects. There was that one time she tried to kiss me...
Relieved,
Merlin
March 5th, 2008
Dear Drama Queen,
You wouldn't have died you giant girl.
What about that time that Mordred tried to kiss you?
Though those circumstances were very unique.
Thoughtfully,
Arthur
March 7th, 2008
Dear Cruel, Cruel Man,
I was trying to block that from my mind, thanks.
I'm glad you don't mind.
Seriously,
Merlin
March 10th, 2008
Dear Paranoid Creep,
Whatever. You're still Merlin, yeah? That's all that matters, right?
Plus, we're in this crazy liberal world now. I hear that females can even vote!
Even-more-seriously,
Arthur
***
July 3rd, 2008
Dear Obnoxious Avoider,
Where have you been? It's been ages since you've written.
Worriedly,
Arthur.
July 4th, 2008
Dear Heartless Fag,
Merlin, is everything alright? I haven't heard from you in what must be months!
Confused,
Arthur
P.S. I just checked the calendar. A week and a half is close to months.
July 5th, 2008
Dear Cruel Tease,
Where are you, Merlin? Don't answer me soon and I'm sending the police to your house in search of a body.
Saddened,
Arthur.
July 7th, 2008
Will died. Car crash.
-Merlin
July 9th, 2008
Dear Merlin,
Shit.
God, I'm so sorry. If I was there...
I don't even know what to say. I hope that you're alright.
Sincerely,
Arthur
July 11th, 2008
Dear Arse,
It's fine. Just...
I... God... It's just- he can't be gone, really, can he?
Don't answer that.
Fuck, Arthur, I don't even know what to do with myself.
Godohgodohgod.
He was drunk. The stupid fucker was drunk. And I couldn't get the goddamn keys out of his hands. He said he was fine. He promised he was fine. He promised! And I... I didn't stop him. He pushed me. I couldn't stop him.
Goddamit, Arthur, I don't even know what to do.
I had to give a eulogy. I had to stand up there and talk about what an amazing person he was when I knew he was gone. When I knew I as good as aided and abetted his murder.
Lance and Freya are coming over in a bit, we're going to have our own personal memorial.
I wish you were here. Will would have hated you. He always hated rich types.
Merlin
July 13th, 2008
Dear Merlin,
It's not your fault. Don't even think that it's your fault. There was nothing you could have done. He pushed you away.
It was an accident. An unfortunate one.
I wish I was there too.
It's not worth ruining your life over.
Arthur
July 15th, 2008
Dear Arthur,
I know. I don't know. It's all so confusing.
I'll mail you back in a little while. I just need to figure some stuff out.
Merlin
***
September 2nd, 2008
Dear High School Senior!!
This is it! This is our year!
Am I ever going to get into Colleges?
What if I fail!? What if I don't get into ANYWHERE!? What if I end up flipping burgers or pumping gas!?
Oh god. This is it. This is our year.
Meep,
Merlin
September 6th, 2008
Dear Over-reactor,
It'll be fine, you spaz.
My schedule this year is better than ever! Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Calculus...
Not to mention that I'm Captain of the Football team and President of the Students' Council.
Sometimes it's great to be me. Cower, insignificant beings!
Superiorily,
Arthur
September 9th, 2008
Dear Slave to the System,
I don't think that "Superiorily" is a word.
No worries! Easy enough for you to say, straight-A's and Daddy's money.
The entire school feels different! I think I feel taller. Maybe I am taller!
Lance went on and on about responsibility and how we need to use this year to direct our lives to do good. Mostly I just want to see a couple concerts and pass. Not even pass with flying colours. If I make it out alive I will be perfectly content.
Band is different too. We're at the top, so we get to help choose some of the musical numbers. It's our last year so it has to be the best. God, I heard a recording of what I sounded like back in grade nine and it's almost painfully awful.
How's Gwen? Is Morgana still up to her witchy ways?
Questioningly,
Merlin
September 12th, 2008
Dear Smart Ass,
Yeah, and ever word you use is in the dictionary.
And hey, Daddy's money is only there if I average in the 90s. Which is a reasonable request, I think. Father is rather insistent about me staying at the top of my class.
Gwen and I broke up. She went on Holidays in the Summer to visit her grandmother and fell in love with some other guy.
Morgana is always up to her witchy ways. I swear she's gotten worse. You know that she's not actually my sister right? Just my step sister. Well, she met up with some old family, her sister, named Morgause. Morgause isn't too fond of my father.
I don't know whether to be frightened when they're together or just amused. Morgana on her own was hard enough to deal with.
Importantly,
Arthur
September 15th, 2008
Dear Lunatic,
You and Gwen broke up? I'm sorry! God, that's a bit bitchy of her, isn't it? You must be furious, and rightfully so.
I hope that she and her new boyfriend find misery at every turn. I hope that Morgana misdirects a spell and turns them both into frogs. I hope that the new guy's favourite appendage falls off and then they both die in a ditch.
Cruelly,
Merlin
P.S. You still have me!
September 19th, 2008
Dear Psychopath,
It's not so bad, really.
I'm not heartbroken.
There might be someone else anyways.
We won football today, 6-0. I scored three of the goals. I think there was a scout there. Father doesn't approve of football scholarships, though. He wants me to get by on my grades. I've been researching a variety of Business programs, you know, to carry on the family company. A couple of them look difficult to get into, but my guidance counselor says that I'm going to be fine.
Yesterday Owain and Gawaine got piss drunk and puked over the backseat of my car. I'm going to have to get it cleaned before father finds out. I didn't even want to go out in the first place, I have a test on Wednesday, but they insisted.
They're both fighting over some girl. It's pathetic, really. They would have gotten into a fist fight if either of them could stand up straight. Gawaine burst into tears at some point.
How's your gang?
Regretfully,
Arthur
September 21st, 2008
Dear Playboy,
Moving on already? What's her name? Is she pretty? Is she smart?
I guess so... It was still jerktastic. If you're hurting you can talk about it, you know. I know that when you blather on about absolute nonsense you're avoiding the topic.
I'm going with Lance to a concert this weekend. We barely got tickets. I've been wanting to see this band for years.
You know them, they were on that last CD I burned you. Third track I think. Real soft, a lot of fantastic guitar, great harmonies on the vocals.
Maybe I should give up on my author dream and become a rock star.
Smarter-than-youly,
Merlin
September 23rd, 2008
Dear Giant Tart,
I got drunk yesterday and slept with some girl named Sophia.
It was awful.
You finally asked Lance out? How'd that go? Is he as pompous as you make him sound?
Ashamedly,
Arthur
P.S. Rock star. Right. Always with the realism, Merlin.
September 26th, 2008
Dear Manwhore,
Is Sophia the girl you were talking about? Do you like her? Do you love her?
And if not: So much for getting over Gwen.
And I did not ask Lance out. We're FRIENDS. He's straight as an arrow. It's bloody tragic. Also, I suspect that he has a secret girlfriend. He was texting all night.
The concert was fantastic. And Lance is NOT pompous. Not any more than you are, anyways. You two would get along, he's a star at football.
Bluntly,
Merlin
P.S. You better have cabbed to wherever you were going.
September 30th, 2008
Dear Hopeless Girl,
Sophia is alright, I guess. We're going out again. Or for the first time.
She's really pretty. Blond and thin. That's good, right?
I was not trying to get over Gwen. It was something else entirely. Namely the fact that I ingested my height in beer.
And fine, Lance is not pompous, defensive much?
Benevolently,
Arthur
P.S. Of course I did, Merlin.
October 3rd, 2008
Dear Alcoholic,
Really. And what caused you to ingest your height in beer? Arthur, don't be stupid about these things. I know that you don't like to talk about Gwen but this is ridiculous.
Oh shut it. I got over my crush on Lance ages ago and you know it.
Buoyantly,
Merlin
***
January 18th, 2009
Dear Future Freshman,
I got in everywhere! EVERYWHERE!
Camelot, Mercia and Ierne!
I'm going to be a scholar! The world is at my fingertips!
Where are you going?
Brilliantly,
Merlin
January 21st, 2009
Dear Genius,
Of course I got in everywhere.
Astolat, Camelot and Orkney.
What did you get in for? Where are you going?
Cunningly,
Arthur
January 25th, 2009
Dear Jerkface,
English.
We should send them at the same time. How about the twenty-ninth? That way we'll both see at the same time.
Dauntlessly,
Merlin
January 29th, 2009
Dear Merlina,
You're such a girl.
I got into Business and Biomed.
I'm going to Camelot. For Business I guess.
Apprehensively,
Arthur
January 29th, 2009
Dear Future University Student,
Camelot!
Diabolically,
Merlin
February 3rd, 2009
Dear Future Corporate Slouch,
Really!?
Go into Biomed. Be a doctor. You'd be a good doctor.
Arthur, we're going to be going to the same school!
Tell me now, are you secretly an old pedophile?
Drolly,
Merlin
February 7th, 2009
Dear Future Useless Degree Holder,
Yes. In your primary school class your teacher set you up to send letters to an old pedophile. Don't be a moron.
My father would kill me if I went into biomed.
And so we are. Huh.
Maybe you can help me get rid of Sophia?
Desperately,
Arthur
February 11th, 2009
Dear Spineless Wimp,
Have you tried telling her to go away? I hear that helps.
Where do you get all these clingy girlfriends from? Surely she's not following you to University?
And just ask him. He's your father. I'm sure that he'll love you either way.
Enjoyably,
Merlin
February 15th, 2009
Dear Neanderthal,
She might have threatened to.
My father and I don't exactly talk. Ever.
We don't all have heart-to-hearts with our parents on a daily basis to discuss our feelings.
Coherently,
Arthur
February 19th, 2009
Dear Emotional Zombie,
Just tell her no.
And give it a try. Sometimes there's ice cream afterward.
Firmly,
Merlin
February 22nd, 2009
Dear Incompetent Fool,
Morgana read my mail and now she thinks I should too.
I think that we should start writing in code. Some of her claims were preposterous.
I told Sophia no. She's still coming to Camelot.
Grimly,
Arthur
***
March 1st, 2009
Dear Ignoramus,
I accepted Camelot's offer for Biomed. My father said it was alright. Actually, I believe he said that he couldn't stop me.
It's just months away.
Stunned,
Arthur
***
May 12th, 2009
Dear Asshole Extraordinaire,
If you really asked Sophia to prom the first thing I'm going to do when I see you is punch you in the face.
Warningly,
Merlin
May 15th, 2009
Dear Psychic,
How did you know? And I can't exactly go alone now, can I?
Desperately,
Arthur
May 19th, 2009
Dear Heavy Sleeper,
Morgana might have contacted me. And I'm going in a group.
Objectively,
Merlin
May 21st, 2009
Dear Traitor,
Damn her witchy ways.
And so what if I'm going with Sophia? It's not like it means anything. It's just prom.
I don't even like her. And I think she's in it for my money...
I can't go alone and it will give me something to do all night.
And seriously, Morgana?
Betrayed,
Arthur
May 24th, 2009
Dear Closet Case,
She has some interesting theories about you, you know.
You can so go alone! It's really no biggy. And all night Arthur? Aren't you going to dance for a little while?
Persuasively,
Merlin
May 27th, 2009
Dear Flaming Fag,
I'm not a closet case.
And I'm no longer speaking to you.
Silently,
Arthur
May 31st, 2009
Dear Failed Mime,
Then why'd you send me a letter?
Pardonably,
Merlin
***
June 30th, 2009
Dear High School Graduate,
It has occurred to me that my silence may have been a little immature. In a dashing and adult sort of way.
But we're now free!
Poignantly,
Arthur
July 3rd, 2009
Dear Spoiled Brat,
We are indeed!
Two months until University.
I don't know whether to be scared or excited.
Unsuredly,
Merlin
***
September 1st, 2009
Dear Merlin,
We're meeting tomorrow. University Center. 4:00.
Huh.
Sincerely,
Arthur
"Arthur?"
Merlin, for this must be Merlin, stepped forwards hesitantly. A slight flush graced his cheekbones and he smiled big and wide.
"Merlin?" Arthur asked, not meaning to sound quite so breathless.
Merlin nodded, gazing open-mouthed up at him as if in awe.
"You would wear that ridiculous jacket," Arthur said, the words leaving his mouth before he could fully register what they were.
But Merlin just laughed, throwing his head back. His Adam's apple bobbed up and down that lithe neck.
"If I had any doubt that this was you.." Merlin said, "but your prattiness is a sure indicator."
"Hey, it's not my fault that I have a shred of fashion sense!"
Merlin just shook his head and stepped forward, closer, so that Arthur could tell that the boy was taller than he was. Which was, frankly, embarrassing.
Merlin's long fingers reached forward and pinched Arthur's zipper between his long fingers.
"It's weird that you're real. Good weird, though, not bad weird," Merlin said, playing with the jacket.
"What are you-"
"I mean, I was starting to doubt your perfectly flawless record. I thought that it might be too good to be true."
Merlin was... well, Merlin was quite pretty. His mouth quirked upwards slyly, and he wore tight fitting jeans and a pea coat. Arthur's gut had been wrenching all day in anticipation, but it was nothing compared to now.
It was so strange. He felt his heart beating fast and was certain that Merlin could hear it. His skin vibrated with proximity. Merlin was solid flesh, right in front of him, not crumpled paper with ink and food stains. Not messy handwriting. Not haphazard insults and pages upon pages of tedious detail that Arthur would devour like a mystery novel, ripping the envelope open as soon as he grabbed it from the mailbox.
Merlin, his Merlin. Dark hair and a smile that could swallow all of Albion. Shaking hands and blue eyes.
Arthur, who usually prided himself on not experiencing these things, briefly forgot how exactly one was meant to breathe.
"You look... disappointed," Merlin said, fear in his voice.
"To be disappointed one would have to have expectations," Arthur said, attempting a smile, "don't be an idiot, I'm nothing of the sort."
He had pictured Merlin a million times in a thousand different ways. But all of those images were wiped from his mind and replaced with this.
Their bodies were an inch apart, and he could feel the weight of Merlin's hand against his chest.
Merlin glanced up at him through his lashes and in an instant Arthur realized what exactly he was asking.
Arthur had been in love with Merlin for well over a year. Since before Gwen had done something that should have broken his heart. Since before Morgana tried to tell him it as if he didn't know.
But it hadn't been an active sort of love, it had just been a fact that he recognized, an unconscious thing that he couldn't help but also couldn't do anything about. It had been more of an idea, like Merlin himself, more like something he contained within him.
He hadn't thought that meeting would change anything. Not with silly Merlin, who talked about his feelings and asked for a unicorn for Christmas every year until he turned ten. He never considered that once Merlin became solid his fantasies could too.
But here Merlin was, real, standing too close and holding his breath.
The place was crowded, people moving in and out, but Arthur didn't care. He leaned in, slowly, and pressed his lips softly to Merlin's.
It was slow and lingering, but almost chaste. Merlin wrapped his arms around Arthur's waist, pulling himself closer, and Arthur smiled as they broke away.
"So what dorm are you in?" Merlin asked.
"Uhm... Pendragon dorm. I have a single. My father sort of owns it..."
"You're Arthur Pendragon!?"
"Yes?"
"How did I miss that in our years of communication!?" Merlin asked.
"I don't really like to advertise it," Arthur said with a shrug.
"So that means that 'Father' is Uther Pendragon!? I'd be terrified of him too!"
"Shut up Merlin," Arthur said, and kissed him again.
This time they broke apart gasping.
"You know what? I think that we can make use of this single room thing..." Merlin said wickedly.
Suddenly Arthur did not know how he managed to live without that smile for eighteen years.
"Dear Arthur," Merlin said, and Arthur looked at him curiously.
"I think I'm in love with you. Yours, Merlin."
"Dear Merlin, you're such a girl. Yours, Arthur."
Merlin kissed him, this time clumsy and with a lot of tongue.
This was definitely better than letters.
Author: Alcetis
Word Count: 5730
Summary: For the Kinkme_merlin prompt: Arthur/Merlin, Modern AU. The boys have been writing to each other ever since their respective classes participated in a pen pal project when they were in primary school. Perhaps, now all grown up, they finally get the chance to meet?
Letters
September 5th, 2005
Dear Merlin,
What kind of name is that? Merlin... Are you serious or did you just make that up? Do you think you're a wizard or something? Morgana, my sister, thinks she's a witch, but she's absolutely bonkers.
I hope you don't expect anything from this bollocks project. I'm only doing this because my teacher, Mr. Drake, says that I'll fail otherwise, and I'm nearly certain that my father would kick me out of the house if I so much as broke straight A's. But the assignment said that I just had to write the letters, not that I had to like them.
Anyways, you can write back but I can't promise I'll read it.
Not-very-sincerely,
Arthur.
September 8th, 2005
Dear Prat,
No, I did not make that name up, my mother gave it to me. And you're not exactly one to talk, "Arthur". Are you just trying to make fun of me? You're not very clever.
I was looking forward to this project, to be honest. But I've got myself stuck with a complete and utter clot. I don't know who you think you are, but you're a hell of a lot less special than you've been led to believe.
I hope that you drop out of school.
Cheerfully,
Merlin
September 10th, 2005
Dear Idiot,
Shut up. You don't know what you're talking about. My name is Arthur, and that's a fine name, a lot better than Merlin!
And I won't ever drop out of school. One day I'm going to be quite a successful CEO. Anyways, I'll bet you're just some low life at a boring public school.
Happily,
Arthur.
September 13th, 2005
Dear Arse,
I thought you weren't going to read my letter?
Pointedly,
Merlin.
September 15th, 2005
Dear Stupid,
I had some extra time in class. I thought that I could use a laugh.
Tediously,
Arthur.
September 17th, 2005
Dear Thickhead,
So, Mr. Extra time in class, what do you do for fun? And what kind of dream is CEO?
Curiously,
Merlin.
September 19th, 2005
Dear Pansy,
It's a realistic one. It's what my father wants me to do. Why, what do you want to be?
Ideally,
Arthur.
September 21st, 2005
Dear Uncreative Dolt,
I want to be an author. I'll bet that you don't read, though, you hardly seem the type.
Tolerably,
Merlin
September 24th, 2005
Dear Trivial Child,
I read plenty. Way to be judgmental. What sort of author? And do you know how many go unpublished? Kind of a big dream, isn't it?
Reliantly,
Arthur
September 27th, 2005
Dear Pompous Preteen,
I've always loved by Children's books. When I was little I was obsessed with books like Peter Pan and, I mean, you can't really blame me but my namesake has always been a fascinating thing. I've been obsessed with legends of Merlin since I was old enough to read. Maybe I could write a different version of my own some day.
And you're pessimistic, aren't you? At least it's not a boring idea like a CEO!
Importantly,
Merlin
September 30th, 2005
Dear Delusional,
What about King Arthur? A much more interesting bloke if you ask me. What did Merlin do except cast a couple of spells?
I'm realistic. And being in business will be plenty interesting. I'll have a lot of money and a big office.
When I was little I wanted to be a doctor. But my father says that business will further our family's gains.
Purposely,
Arthur
***
June 15th, 2006
Dear Dork,
I guess our project is over now, huh?
We don't have to write anymore.
Finally,
Arthur
June 17th, 2006
Dear Jerkface,
We don't have to, no. But I just got that CD I was going to send you a copy of. And if we fall out of touch I won't get a chance to.
Gracefully,
Merlin
June 19th, 2006
Dear Music Pirate,
I guess so... I haven't been able to find it anywhere, so I really would like some. And it would be convenient to keep the company of someone who is allowed illegal software. My father won't let it in the house.
Are you nervous about starting High School? It'll be good to be done primary school. It's all so boring here. I can't wait for the freedom.
Patiently,
Arthur
***
September 10th, 2006
Dear Brickbrain,
Today Morgana brought over her friend Gwen. Morgana was as painful as usual, but Gwen seemed nice. They giggled together, however Gwen was rather kind to me. And she's much prettier than Morgana, even though when they were arguing about it Gwen didn't seem to think so.
She invited me along with them but I thought that an evening with Morgana would be borderline intolerable. Also, she was glaring at me. I figured that I couldn't risk her witchy ways.
How's school going? Met new people yet? I joined the footie team. I'd imagine that you'd join something lame like band or the Unicorn Appreciation Club. Tell me all about it.
Impeccably,
Arthur
September 13th, 2006
Dear Numbskull,
Gwen sounds nice, I wish I could meet her.
And no! Don't risk Morgana's witchy ways! We'll have to come up with some magic to counter her terrifying spells! :O
School is going well. I met a guy named Lance. Saved me from a couple of seniors. Him, this boy Mordred, and a girl named Freya invited me to eat lunch with them some time. Maybe High School isn't going to be so bad. Will is here too, of course. So that's always good.
And yes, as a matter of fact, I did join band. But I'm a drummer! Also, I'm pretty sure you'd be hard-pressed to find a Unicorn Appreciation Club, thank-you very much. Last time I ever tell you my childhood dreams.
What classes are you taking this semester? I've got Math, P.E., English and History.
Fantastically,
Merlin.
September 16th, 2006
Dear Mudbrains,
Ah, your semester sounds alright. I've got Math, Science, English and Geography. I'm going to miss out on P.E. for the first couple of months. It's horrid.
That's great! The guys from the footie team are really nice. Owain and Leon invited me to a party this weekend. They told me to bring beer. I don't know how to get any beer... I've never consumed such low brow alcohol before.
Impossibly,
Arthur
P.S. This is the next morning. Never. Drink. Beer.
***
January 1st, 2007
Dear Brainless Jock,
Happy New Year! I have resolved to finish all of my science homework, even when everything written on the page is impossible to understand. If you can do it then it can't be that hard.
How was your night? I went to a party at Will's. I didn't know anyone there except Lance, so we spent the entire night together, haha. He has the most fantastic taste in movies.
We almost missed the countdown because we got so caught up in it. I even drank a little bit of champagne. Will kept saying that we were classy. He was a little bit drunk.
Expectantly,
Merlin
January 3rd, 2007
Dear Naive Bumpkin,
Yes, classy indeed, drinking stolen champagne in Will's basement. Oh, I know you couldn't possibly have bought it. Whose parents' cupboard did you take it from?
Lance sounds like a charmer.
New Year's Eve at my house is a family affair. I entertained old ladies while wearing a tux and drinking champagne that probably costs more than your house. It was frightfully dull.
Classy is overrated.
And good luck with the science homework. Send it to me if you need help.
Irrevocably,
Arthur
***
June 30th, 2007
Dear Loser,
I passed! I passed! I passed! I passed!
I just want to keep saying it and saying it!
Alright, so it might have been a close call. But science really isn't my thing. Professor Gaius said that he'd give me some extra credit so I could boost my grade.
I passed!
Excitedly,
Merlin
July 2nd, 2007
Dear Inconsiderate Dolt,
You could've asked how my finals went! :P
Just so you know, I soared through them all, no problem.
Gloatingly,
Arthur
July 5th, 2007
Dear Braggart,
Hey, no need to rain on my parade! I was in celebration mode!
Disappointedly,
Merlin
July 7th, 2007
Dear Future Hobo,
I don't think that barely passing is a cause for celebration.
Honestly,
Arthur
July 10th, 2007
Dear Dream Crusher,
Hey! A's in everything else, thanks! Just because we can't all be wonderboys...
Annoyed,
Merlin
July 13th, 2007
Dear Underachiever,
We've made it through our first year!
What are you doing for the holidays? I think my father is flying us somewhere tropical. I don't know yet. Somewhere with beautiful girls in bikinis and people who wait on you hand and foot.
Oh right! You're working all Summer! That's too bad. :D
Successfully,
Arthur
P.S. Wonderboy, eh?
***
July 15th, 2007
Dear Lowerclassman,
Having fun in England? Mexico is lovely this time of year.
Warmly,
Arthur
July 17th, 2007
Dear Upperclass Exploiter of the Workers,
I hate you. I hope you die of excessive sunburn.
Coldly,
Merlin
P.S. How is quality time with just your father and Morgana for company? And isn't Mexico almost too hot to bear in the summer?
July 20th, 2007
Dear Penniless Pauper,
Shut up. You don't know what you're talking about.
Blissfully,
Arthur
***
September 10th, 2007
Dear Plebeian,
Philosophy is a fantastic class! I feel like this is going to open up all sorts of new name-calling opportunites.
Other than that it's boring beyond belief. Can't Kant just take a hike?
I know, I know, I'm hilarious. Owain's got himself a girlfriend and they're absolutely disgusting. I think that the halls should be a PG-13 place to be. All she does is whine and cling to him in this desperate way. And he dotes on her all of the time. It must cost him a fortune to take her all the places he does. I don't understand at all.
This one time they left in the middle of class together and no one saw them again until third period. He tells me there's more than one use for a car. I almost pummeled him for giving me nightmares.
This girl, Vivian, asked me to go to this dance with her. I don't know yet. She was very... persuasive. But I don't know if there's anyone else who would be better to go with...
Questioningly,
Arthur
September 12th, 2007
Dear Clueless,
Just ask Gwen you twat. I know you're jealous.
Obviously,
Merlin
September 19th, 2007
Dear Brat,
The fact that you haven't sent me a letter in a week is very disturbing. I'm going to take that to mean that Gwen said no?
Apologetically,
Merlin
September 23rd, 2007
Dear Sulker,
Seriously, Arthur. It's been a week and a half. Answer me back.
Beggingly,
Merlin
September 24th, 2007
Dear Your Kingship,
Arthur, you can't ignore me forever. If Gwen said no, I'm sure she'll come around eventually.
Pleadingly,
Merlin
September 26th, 2007
Dear Hapless Dumbass,
Yeah, she said that it couldn't work because I was Morgana's brother. I went with Vivian. Now she won't leave me alone.
I blame you entirely.
Heart brokenly,
Arthur
September 29th, 2007
Dear Lovesick Dummy,
All is not lost. Dump Vivian. Move on.
Intelligently,
Merlin
September 30th, 2007
Dear Captain Obvious,
I kind of maybe told her that it was true love so that she'd make out with me on the dance floor and possibly make Gwen jealous.
She salivated like a dog.
Now if I say anything it'll break her heart.
Disgustedly,
Arthur
October 3rd, 2007
Dear Brainless Moron,
Arthur, this is a new low.
You're going to have to tell her sometime, mate. Just get it over with.
Wisely,
Merlin
October 7th, 2007
Dear Confucius,
I'm never taking your advice again. She tried to tear my eyes out.
Painfully,
Arthur
***
July 3rd, 2007
Dearrr Arthur,
your my best friend com and vist me! wed have sooooooooooooooooo much fun!!!!!! the extra os and exclamion marks meens i really meen it really!!!!!!! it'sss for emphasis!
Love,
Merlin
July 4th, 2007
Dear Prat,
Oh My God. I am so sorry for the letter that you are going to get ahead of this. Let's just say that I've discovered the evils of peach schnapps.
Oh God. I don't even remember what I wrote! I just left it on the table and my mother sent it. Please tell me it wasn't too bad!
I blame Will. It was his idea.
Abashedly,
Merlin
July 7th, 2007
Dear Drunken Idiot,
It's not too bad. I may keep it for blackmail in the future. But I've seen worse.
Details of your night, please. I want to hear about what other deliciously embarrassing things you did.
And you WOULD get drunk on peach schnapps. Tell Will I said to watch out for you.
Laughingly,
Arthur
***
February 2nd, 2008
Dear Future Arts Major,
Flunk out of Chemistry yet? I proofread that assignment you sent me and it's bloody awful! I don't know how you made it to the eleventh grade. I'm sending it back with several corrections. Your mental deficiency amazes me time and time again.
Yesterday Gwen and I went out for dinner.
I think that I might be made captain of the Football team next year. And I'm thinking of running for Student Council President. Leon says that I'm the best bet for Captain. I'm the top scorer and we're already using some of my strategies.
Owain says he hopes to god I don't get it. It's not my fault that he's a giant wimp who can't take a good work out.
Owain and his girlfriend broke up. He's been sulking and drinking too much. She apparently cheated on him with some guy from a band. Leon and I have been trying to cheer him up. Gawain even got him a blind date. It's useless.
Disapprovingly,
Arthur
February 5th, 2008
Dear Elitist,
You WHAT? You went out for Dinner and you thought that you could slip it in the middle of a letter and not elaborate? Instead you give me details about Owain's life of all people?
Shocked,
Merlin
P.S. I don't see how "Future Arts Major" is an insult.
February 9th, 2008
Dear Dirty Hippy,
We're not girls Merlin. Do you want to know my outfit? Whether she opened the door for me? Don't be silly. It was nice. We're going out again in a week.
Impressively,
Arthur
P.S. I know you don't. It adds to the brilliance of it.
February 13th, 2008
Dear Unromantic Jerk,
We can still talk about stuff! Did you kiss? It was just nice? That's it?
Did Morgana use her witchy ways against you?
Frustratedly,
Merlin
February 16th, 2008
Dear Overromantic Sap,
Yes, we kissed. And it was very nice. Great, actually.
Do you really need details? I took her out someplace kind of high class. She might have been a tad overwhelmed. They have the best seafood risotto and lobster pasta. It was good.
And no witchy powers from Morgana. I think that she actually approves. The witch has a heart!
And you're one to talk about talking! I never hear you mention girls. Any prospective girlfriends for you?
Inherently,
Arthur
February 21st, 2008
Dear Easily Offended Hormonal Woman,
Merlin? What did I say? It's been five days and no letter. Is something wrong?
Concerned,
Arthur
February 25th, 2008
Dear Insensitive Clod,
No it's nothing... It's just...
Arthur, I'm not exactly into girls.
Hesitantly,
Merlin
February 28th, 2008
Dear Disgusting Homo,
Just kidding. So then are you shagging Lance? I swear, he's all you talk about. Or Will? What about Will?
Impartially,
Arthur
March 2nd, 2008
Dear Awful Person,
You nearly gave me a heart attack! I would have died and it would have been your fault. How would you have liked that on your conscious?
I am not shagging Lance and I am not shagging Will. Will is the only one who knows.
Though I think that Freya suspects. There was that one time she tried to kiss me...
Relieved,
Merlin
March 5th, 2008
Dear Drama Queen,
You wouldn't have died you giant girl.
What about that time that Mordred tried to kiss you?
Though those circumstances were very unique.
Thoughtfully,
Arthur
March 7th, 2008
Dear Cruel, Cruel Man,
I was trying to block that from my mind, thanks.
I'm glad you don't mind.
Seriously,
Merlin
March 10th, 2008
Dear Paranoid Creep,
Whatever. You're still Merlin, yeah? That's all that matters, right?
Plus, we're in this crazy liberal world now. I hear that females can even vote!
Even-more-seriously,
Arthur
***
July 3rd, 2008
Dear Obnoxious Avoider,
Where have you been? It's been ages since you've written.
Worriedly,
Arthur.
July 4th, 2008
Dear Heartless Fag,
Merlin, is everything alright? I haven't heard from you in what must be months!
Confused,
Arthur
P.S. I just checked the calendar. A week and a half is close to months.
July 5th, 2008
Dear Cruel Tease,
Where are you, Merlin? Don't answer me soon and I'm sending the police to your house in search of a body.
Saddened,
Arthur.
July 7th, 2008
Will died. Car crash.
-Merlin
July 9th, 2008
Dear Merlin,
Shit.
God, I'm so sorry. If I was there...
I don't even know what to say. I hope that you're alright.
Sincerely,
Arthur
July 11th, 2008
Dear Arse,
It's fine. Just...
I... God... It's just- he can't be gone, really, can he?
Don't answer that.
Fuck, Arthur, I don't even know what to do with myself.
Godohgodohgod.
He was drunk. The stupid fucker was drunk. And I couldn't get the goddamn keys out of his hands. He said he was fine. He promised he was fine. He promised! And I... I didn't stop him. He pushed me. I couldn't stop him.
Goddamit, Arthur, I don't even know what to do.
I had to give a eulogy. I had to stand up there and talk about what an amazing person he was when I knew he was gone. When I knew I as good as aided and abetted his murder.
Lance and Freya are coming over in a bit, we're going to have our own personal memorial.
I wish you were here. Will would have hated you. He always hated rich types.
Merlin
July 13th, 2008
Dear Merlin,
It's not your fault. Don't even think that it's your fault. There was nothing you could have done. He pushed you away.
It was an accident. An unfortunate one.
I wish I was there too.
It's not worth ruining your life over.
Arthur
July 15th, 2008
Dear Arthur,
I know. I don't know. It's all so confusing.
I'll mail you back in a little while. I just need to figure some stuff out.
Merlin
***
September 2nd, 2008
Dear High School Senior!!
This is it! This is our year!
Am I ever going to get into Colleges?
What if I fail!? What if I don't get into ANYWHERE!? What if I end up flipping burgers or pumping gas!?
Oh god. This is it. This is our year.
Meep,
Merlin
September 6th, 2008
Dear Over-reactor,
It'll be fine, you spaz.
My schedule this year is better than ever! Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Calculus...
Not to mention that I'm Captain of the Football team and President of the Students' Council.
Sometimes it's great to be me. Cower, insignificant beings!
Superiorily,
Arthur
September 9th, 2008
Dear Slave to the System,
I don't think that "Superiorily" is a word.
No worries! Easy enough for you to say, straight-A's and Daddy's money.
The entire school feels different! I think I feel taller. Maybe I am taller!
Lance went on and on about responsibility and how we need to use this year to direct our lives to do good. Mostly I just want to see a couple concerts and pass. Not even pass with flying colours. If I make it out alive I will be perfectly content.
Band is different too. We're at the top, so we get to help choose some of the musical numbers. It's our last year so it has to be the best. God, I heard a recording of what I sounded like back in grade nine and it's almost painfully awful.
How's Gwen? Is Morgana still up to her witchy ways?
Questioningly,
Merlin
September 12th, 2008
Dear Smart Ass,
Yeah, and ever word you use is in the dictionary.
And hey, Daddy's money is only there if I average in the 90s. Which is a reasonable request, I think. Father is rather insistent about me staying at the top of my class.
Gwen and I broke up. She went on Holidays in the Summer to visit her grandmother and fell in love with some other guy.
Morgana is always up to her witchy ways. I swear she's gotten worse. You know that she's not actually my sister right? Just my step sister. Well, she met up with some old family, her sister, named Morgause. Morgause isn't too fond of my father.
I don't know whether to be frightened when they're together or just amused. Morgana on her own was hard enough to deal with.
Importantly,
Arthur
September 15th, 2008
Dear Lunatic,
You and Gwen broke up? I'm sorry! God, that's a bit bitchy of her, isn't it? You must be furious, and rightfully so.
I hope that she and her new boyfriend find misery at every turn. I hope that Morgana misdirects a spell and turns them both into frogs. I hope that the new guy's favourite appendage falls off and then they both die in a ditch.
Cruelly,
Merlin
P.S. You still have me!
September 19th, 2008
Dear Psychopath,
It's not so bad, really.
I'm not heartbroken.
There might be someone else anyways.
We won football today, 6-0. I scored three of the goals. I think there was a scout there. Father doesn't approve of football scholarships, though. He wants me to get by on my grades. I've been researching a variety of Business programs, you know, to carry on the family company. A couple of them look difficult to get into, but my guidance counselor says that I'm going to be fine.
Yesterday Owain and Gawaine got piss drunk and puked over the backseat of my car. I'm going to have to get it cleaned before father finds out. I didn't even want to go out in the first place, I have a test on Wednesday, but they insisted.
They're both fighting over some girl. It's pathetic, really. They would have gotten into a fist fight if either of them could stand up straight. Gawaine burst into tears at some point.
How's your gang?
Regretfully,
Arthur
September 21st, 2008
Dear Playboy,
Moving on already? What's her name? Is she pretty? Is she smart?
I guess so... It was still jerktastic. If you're hurting you can talk about it, you know. I know that when you blather on about absolute nonsense you're avoiding the topic.
I'm going with Lance to a concert this weekend. We barely got tickets. I've been wanting to see this band for years.
You know them, they were on that last CD I burned you. Third track I think. Real soft, a lot of fantastic guitar, great harmonies on the vocals.
Maybe I should give up on my author dream and become a rock star.
Smarter-than-youly,
Merlin
September 23rd, 2008
Dear Giant Tart,
I got drunk yesterday and slept with some girl named Sophia.
It was awful.
You finally asked Lance out? How'd that go? Is he as pompous as you make him sound?
Ashamedly,
Arthur
P.S. Rock star. Right. Always with the realism, Merlin.
September 26th, 2008
Dear Manwhore,
Is Sophia the girl you were talking about? Do you like her? Do you love her?
And if not: So much for getting over Gwen.
And I did not ask Lance out. We're FRIENDS. He's straight as an arrow. It's bloody tragic. Also, I suspect that he has a secret girlfriend. He was texting all night.
The concert was fantastic. And Lance is NOT pompous. Not any more than you are, anyways. You two would get along, he's a star at football.
Bluntly,
Merlin
P.S. You better have cabbed to wherever you were going.
September 30th, 2008
Dear Hopeless Girl,
Sophia is alright, I guess. We're going out again. Or for the first time.
She's really pretty. Blond and thin. That's good, right?
I was not trying to get over Gwen. It was something else entirely. Namely the fact that I ingested my height in beer.
And fine, Lance is not pompous, defensive much?
Benevolently,
Arthur
P.S. Of course I did, Merlin.
October 3rd, 2008
Dear Alcoholic,
Really. And what caused you to ingest your height in beer? Arthur, don't be stupid about these things. I know that you don't like to talk about Gwen but this is ridiculous.
Oh shut it. I got over my crush on Lance ages ago and you know it.
Buoyantly,
Merlin
***
January 18th, 2009
Dear Future Freshman,
I got in everywhere! EVERYWHERE!
Camelot, Mercia and Ierne!
I'm going to be a scholar! The world is at my fingertips!
Where are you going?
Brilliantly,
Merlin
January 21st, 2009
Dear Genius,
Of course I got in everywhere.
Astolat, Camelot and Orkney.
What did you get in for? Where are you going?
Cunningly,
Arthur
January 25th, 2009
Dear Jerkface,
English.
We should send them at the same time. How about the twenty-ninth? That way we'll both see at the same time.
Dauntlessly,
Merlin
January 29th, 2009
Dear Merlina,
You're such a girl.
I got into Business and Biomed.
I'm going to Camelot. For Business I guess.
Apprehensively,
Arthur
January 29th, 2009
Dear Future University Student,
Camelot!
Diabolically,
Merlin
February 3rd, 2009
Dear Future Corporate Slouch,
Really!?
Go into Biomed. Be a doctor. You'd be a good doctor.
Arthur, we're going to be going to the same school!
Tell me now, are you secretly an old pedophile?
Drolly,
Merlin
February 7th, 2009
Dear Future Useless Degree Holder,
Yes. In your primary school class your teacher set you up to send letters to an old pedophile. Don't be a moron.
My father would kill me if I went into biomed.
And so we are. Huh.
Maybe you can help me get rid of Sophia?
Desperately,
Arthur
February 11th, 2009
Dear Spineless Wimp,
Have you tried telling her to go away? I hear that helps.
Where do you get all these clingy girlfriends from? Surely she's not following you to University?
And just ask him. He's your father. I'm sure that he'll love you either way.
Enjoyably,
Merlin
February 15th, 2009
Dear Neanderthal,
She might have threatened to.
My father and I don't exactly talk. Ever.
We don't all have heart-to-hearts with our parents on a daily basis to discuss our feelings.
Coherently,
Arthur
February 19th, 2009
Dear Emotional Zombie,
Just tell her no.
And give it a try. Sometimes there's ice cream afterward.
Firmly,
Merlin
February 22nd, 2009
Dear Incompetent Fool,
Morgana read my mail and now she thinks I should too.
I think that we should start writing in code. Some of her claims were preposterous.
I told Sophia no. She's still coming to Camelot.
Grimly,
Arthur
***
March 1st, 2009
Dear Ignoramus,
I accepted Camelot's offer for Biomed. My father said it was alright. Actually, I believe he said that he couldn't stop me.
It's just months away.
Stunned,
Arthur
***
May 12th, 2009
Dear Asshole Extraordinaire,
If you really asked Sophia to prom the first thing I'm going to do when I see you is punch you in the face.
Warningly,
Merlin
May 15th, 2009
Dear Psychic,
How did you know? And I can't exactly go alone now, can I?
Desperately,
Arthur
May 19th, 2009
Dear Heavy Sleeper,
Morgana might have contacted me. And I'm going in a group.
Objectively,
Merlin
May 21st, 2009
Dear Traitor,
Damn her witchy ways.
And so what if I'm going with Sophia? It's not like it means anything. It's just prom.
I don't even like her. And I think she's in it for my money...
I can't go alone and it will give me something to do all night.
And seriously, Morgana?
Betrayed,
Arthur
May 24th, 2009
Dear Closet Case,
She has some interesting theories about you, you know.
You can so go alone! It's really no biggy. And all night Arthur? Aren't you going to dance for a little while?
Persuasively,
Merlin
May 27th, 2009
Dear Flaming Fag,
I'm not a closet case.
And I'm no longer speaking to you.
Silently,
Arthur
May 31st, 2009
Dear Failed Mime,
Then why'd you send me a letter?
Pardonably,
Merlin
***
June 30th, 2009
Dear High School Graduate,
It has occurred to me that my silence may have been a little immature. In a dashing and adult sort of way.
But we're now free!
Poignantly,
Arthur
July 3rd, 2009
Dear Spoiled Brat,
We are indeed!
Two months until University.
I don't know whether to be scared or excited.
Unsuredly,
Merlin
***
September 1st, 2009
Dear Merlin,
We're meeting tomorrow. University Center. 4:00.
Huh.
Sincerely,
Arthur
"Arthur?"
Merlin, for this must be Merlin, stepped forwards hesitantly. A slight flush graced his cheekbones and he smiled big and wide.
"Merlin?" Arthur asked, not meaning to sound quite so breathless.
Merlin nodded, gazing open-mouthed up at him as if in awe.
"You would wear that ridiculous jacket," Arthur said, the words leaving his mouth before he could fully register what they were.
But Merlin just laughed, throwing his head back. His Adam's apple bobbed up and down that lithe neck.
"If I had any doubt that this was you.." Merlin said, "but your prattiness is a sure indicator."
"Hey, it's not my fault that I have a shred of fashion sense!"
Merlin just shook his head and stepped forward, closer, so that Arthur could tell that the boy was taller than he was. Which was, frankly, embarrassing.
Merlin's long fingers reached forward and pinched Arthur's zipper between his long fingers.
"It's weird that you're real. Good weird, though, not bad weird," Merlin said, playing with the jacket.
"What are you-"
"I mean, I was starting to doubt your perfectly flawless record. I thought that it might be too good to be true."
Merlin was... well, Merlin was quite pretty. His mouth quirked upwards slyly, and he wore tight fitting jeans and a pea coat. Arthur's gut had been wrenching all day in anticipation, but it was nothing compared to now.
It was so strange. He felt his heart beating fast and was certain that Merlin could hear it. His skin vibrated with proximity. Merlin was solid flesh, right in front of him, not crumpled paper with ink and food stains. Not messy handwriting. Not haphazard insults and pages upon pages of tedious detail that Arthur would devour like a mystery novel, ripping the envelope open as soon as he grabbed it from the mailbox.
Merlin, his Merlin. Dark hair and a smile that could swallow all of Albion. Shaking hands and blue eyes.
Arthur, who usually prided himself on not experiencing these things, briefly forgot how exactly one was meant to breathe.
"You look... disappointed," Merlin said, fear in his voice.
"To be disappointed one would have to have expectations," Arthur said, attempting a smile, "don't be an idiot, I'm nothing of the sort."
He had pictured Merlin a million times in a thousand different ways. But all of those images were wiped from his mind and replaced with this.
Their bodies were an inch apart, and he could feel the weight of Merlin's hand against his chest.
Merlin glanced up at him through his lashes and in an instant Arthur realized what exactly he was asking.
Arthur had been in love with Merlin for well over a year. Since before Gwen had done something that should have broken his heart. Since before Morgana tried to tell him it as if he didn't know.
But it hadn't been an active sort of love, it had just been a fact that he recognized, an unconscious thing that he couldn't help but also couldn't do anything about. It had been more of an idea, like Merlin himself, more like something he contained within him.
He hadn't thought that meeting would change anything. Not with silly Merlin, who talked about his feelings and asked for a unicorn for Christmas every year until he turned ten. He never considered that once Merlin became solid his fantasies could too.
But here Merlin was, real, standing too close and holding his breath.
The place was crowded, people moving in and out, but Arthur didn't care. He leaned in, slowly, and pressed his lips softly to Merlin's.
It was slow and lingering, but almost chaste. Merlin wrapped his arms around Arthur's waist, pulling himself closer, and Arthur smiled as they broke away.
"So what dorm are you in?" Merlin asked.
"Uhm... Pendragon dorm. I have a single. My father sort of owns it..."
"You're Arthur Pendragon!?"
"Yes?"
"How did I miss that in our years of communication!?" Merlin asked.
"I don't really like to advertise it," Arthur said with a shrug.
"So that means that 'Father' is Uther Pendragon!? I'd be terrified of him too!"
"Shut up Merlin," Arthur said, and kissed him again.
This time they broke apart gasping.
"You know what? I think that we can make use of this single room thing..." Merlin said wickedly.
Suddenly Arthur did not know how he managed to live without that smile for eighteen years.
"Dear Arthur," Merlin said, and Arthur looked at him curiously.
"I think I'm in love with you. Yours, Merlin."
"Dear Merlin, you're such a girl. Yours, Arthur."
Merlin kissed him, this time clumsy and with a lot of tongue.
This was definitely better than letters.