Chapter Text
Arthur had been back two weeks. So far Merlin had taught him how to use a microwave, the kettle ( he favoured green tea, why Merlin did not know) and basic skills on the TV remote.
Arthur was not a very good student. In fairness Merlin supposed it had been 1500 years and people had gotten rather clever.
“Do you want to learn to drive?” Merlin asked. They were driving to visit a park they’d been frequenting because Arthur was sick staring at the walls while Merlin worked.
Bowie was playing. Merlin had slowly been introducing Arthur to the good music. The music that made him think of Arthur. Most of it was sappy love songs but Arthur didn’t need to know how Merlin had sobbed into his pillow when Perri’s a thousand years first came out.
“You want me to control your car?” Arthur’s voice got high pitched the way it always did when he was nervous.
“It’s not that hard I promise” Merlin chuckled.
“ I can barely stand to sit in one! Plus you heard the man in your TV people die in these Merlin!”
Merlin winced, he didn’t want Arthur to see the news. He didn’t want Arthur to know how fucked up the world is. His damn hero complex would convince him to march into danger and- Merlin stopped that thought. He’d make sure Arthur lived long this time, no matter what.
“That’s just cuz so many people drive, the figures go up.” He tried to keep his voice smooth and reassuring.
“Why can’t I just get a horse?” Arthur huffed. Merlin chuckled “the world’s not really made for them anymore I’m afraid.”
“ I don’t get why people felt the need to change every bloody thing. Life was fine before.” Arthur was pouting and Merlin felt that terrible fond feeling in his stomach.
“I won’t force you.” Merlin said trying to make sure he wasn’t pushing too much.
“ like you could make me do anything Merlin.”
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Arthur had that pensive look on his face. The one that reminded Merlin of the great king he once knew when he was making an impossible decision.
He knew Arthur was thinking of Camelot. Arthur had loved his city and now it was gone, so were his people.
Arthur had lost his home and his purpose. Merlin knew he felt useless. He’d taught him a bit about gardening figuring it would be more familiar than anything else Merlin could offer, but still destiny was not being clear why Arthur was back and Arthur was going crazy with nothing to do.
There was a group of people gathered in a circle a few meters from them. They were some sort of sports club he guessed. About a third of the members were wearing red with what he assumed was the clubs crest.
Merlin hadn’t been paying them much attention since he doubted they were a threat, but then he heard the familiar music of a sword hitting a sword.
Arthur’s head shot up. He looked stupidly cute with his eyes wide with curiosity. “ people still hold tournaments?” He whispered.
Merlin assumed that it must be a fencing club. He doubted Arthur would be interested when he saw the swords, they were modern versions of the heavy beautiful blades used by the knights he knew. They were much thinner and he was pretty sure the technique had to be different.
Looking over Merlin could see three different matches. He never cared for tournaments (unless of course Arthur was battling Merlin never missed an opportunity to see his king in his element.) but even he knew sword fighting had developed and that Arthur would likely struggle to remember he wasn’t trying to kill his opponents.
But seeing Arthur’s face full of joy at seeing something that was finally somewhat familiar, he knew they should try.
“ do you want to go over?” He said trying to sound casual.
Arthur snapped out of his daze and cleared his throat. “ Wha- no I doubt they just let people join.” He mumbled straightened his posture “Plus it’s different.”
“ Arthur it’s a club! That’s wha they do, teach people! I know you’re not used to not being the best at something but believe me you’ll get over it. Come on” Merlin said.
Merlin grabbed Arthur’s forearm and dragged him towards the group. He was aiming for a lady who looked not busy but important.
“Merlin stop!” He wasn’t really trying to break free, Merlin suspected the protests were for the stubborn image Arthur tried to uphold.
“If they’re rude we can just run away, don’t worry your highness I’ll keep you safe.”
“Merlin-“ Arthur spluttered face taking on that lovely red hue that Merlin had forgotten before Arthur had come back.
The woman looked up when they got close she had kind brown eyes and freckles.
“Eh hello!” He said awkwardly while wearing the most awkward smile he ever had.
She smiled “hello, are you looking to energiser with the club?” She asked.
“ yes! Exactly, but we were wondering if you use long swords at all?”
She looked confused at them before enquiring “You mean like HEMA?”
At their blank faces she clarified “Historical European martial arts?”
Merlin’s face lit up “ yes exactly! Arthur here” he gestured at Arthur a bit too widely.“grew up messing around with long swords and he learned some stuff from family members but he’s never been formally trained you know. Anyway he could join?” Merlin said lying quickly on the spot.
“ oh of course, although you will have to learn the proper steps and traditional movements” she said directing it at Arthur this time.
“And HEMA isn’t very popular but we have five members currently learning the style. One started last month so you won’t feel too alone”
Arthur’s eyes were wide and he stammered through a few minutes of conversation with the woman whose name they learned was Eve.
Arthur’s cheeks were rosey from the cold and he was talking passionately to another human being other than Merlin for the first time since his return.
Merlin was elated.
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