Work Text:
From: [email protected]
Subject: Weekly payment
Dear Merlin,
Thank you for your message. I am deeply sorry about your mother’s state. It is deeply unsettling to hear she is getting worse. I have been hoping for a better recovery. Unfortunately, hoping is the only thing we can do at the moment. I believe in your mother’s strength and yours as well. Just do not overwork yourself, even if you do not think it is necessary, it is crucial for you to get some rest. I am aware of the fact that you can not take as much free time as would be satisfactory, which is why I am sending you some money aside. I know you do not like it when I take such measures, but I also know you deserve it more than anyone else.
Take care,
Uther Pendragon.
From: [email protected]
Subject: Re: Weekly payment
Hi Uther,
Thanks for your reassurance, I really needed to hear it. Everything seems to be falling on my head and seeing that I’ve not gone completely insane is really…helpful. Still, I need you to stop sending me money that isn’t meant for my mom. I thought we’d been over this. I’m not your “saviour complex” project, so please respect it, and I won’t take advantage of your generosity. I’m doing just fine without it. I appreciate it, but my mom is the one who needs the money, not me. She’s still the same, I visit her as much as I can, hoping my presence will make her feel better…so far it’s not working. I’m scared. Sometimes she isn’t reacting to anything I say, she isn’t responding…she just stares, and I can’t help but think…it doesn’t matter, what I think. As you said, there’s nothing we can do but keep hoping.
Merlin.
From: [email protected]
Subject: Weekly payment
Dear Merlin,
I understand the difficulties of dealing with the sickness of a loved one. You have heard about my wife. It was the most difficult period of my life, not only for me but also for my son. I am not proud of the way I have handled things and treated people around me who have only been trying to help. Fear does many damages to your self-esteem, puts corrupting thoughts in your mind. Despite this, you must be in the knowledge that fear over your mother is completely normal and understandable. What I am trying to say is that your thoughts matter. You are still very young, Merlin, and you should not be dealing with this all by yourself. I am happy to help financially, of course, however, have you not considered seeing a therapist? It should be rather useful, there is no shame in getting help. I am thinking of you and your mother, hoping she will get better soon. This week I have sent you only what is necessary for her recovery, maybe it will make you less cross with me.
Sincerely,
Uther Pendragon.
From: [email protected]
Subject: Re: Weekly payment
Dear Uther,
I can assure you that you’re more helpful, useful or whatever you call that word in that neat business language of yours than any therapist ever could. I’m still a minor, with a sick mother and no other family left. Do you know what they would do if they found out I’ve been living alone all by myself for two years? They would lock me up somewhere and I can’t…they can’t do that to me. Besides, therapists are really pricey, I’d rather pass. Still thanks for your concern, I’m trying to take care of myself. I don’t want to talk about my mother anymore, can you tell me what you’ve been up to lately? I need some more spicy stories, please.
Thanks again for helping my mom, but I hope you know how grateful I am for that.
Merlin.
From: [email protected]
Subject: Weekly payment
Dear Merlin,
Even though I have been suspecting your resistance towards visiting a therapist, I am still a little disappointed. You know money is no problem on my side, I still can not comprehend why you are refusing it with such aversion. You are probably the only person who would have not taken my money and fled away. It is very noble of you, I hope you realise that.
Enough of my concern, if I am correct, you have been asking for some “spicy stories” as you call it in your young generation slang? By now I have deciphered the secret meaning of that question. You are asking about my son, are you not?
Arthur has been…how to put it nicely, going around the office and…well, I am convinced he has slept with every single person on the office floor. I am afraid he is going to move to the other departments which would be an absolute horror since it is mainly old men and women otherwise.
Considering Arthur has changed very little since “coming out” to me as a bisexual man, I am more leaning towards your advice. Maybe you were right, maybe sexuality does not define your personality. It is still hard to come to an agreement with the morality of the situation and my undeniable desire for an heir. However, there are other ways to obtain a baby. Maybe someone in the office would be willing to surrogate for a little compensation in the form of promotion.
If you are interested, there is also the “spicy story” of how I found Arthur and his personal assistant doing something very inappropriate on my sofa. I hope you are not. I am scared for life.
Say hello to your mother,
Uther Pendragon.
From: [email protected]
Subject: Re: Weekly payment
Hello Uther,
Thank you for your email. It’s brought a very much needed break from the stress I’ve been suffering from for the past few weeks. Arthur sounds like a funny guy. How old is he again? And really? His personal assistant? That’s very low, I don’t know if I should laugh, feel sorry for him or you! Poor sofa, I hope you threw it away. Also, I’m glad you’re starting to accept Arthur’s sexuality, I’m sure it’s really important to him, that’s if you’ve told him. It’s also really important to share your feelings with your actual family, you know? Not just some random guy from a random village in Ireland. My mom smiled at me today, held my hand for at least ten minutes, and listened to me rambling about school and work. I think she’s better, she looks better. I’m hoping she’ll feel better in no time. I know I’m saying this every time but she wouldn’t be here without you and I won’t ever forget it. Thank you.
Merlin.
PS: I don’t want to know the details, don’t describe it. That’s an order. It’s disgusting.
From: [email protected]
Subject: Weekly payment
Dear Merlin,
I am very glad to hear the news. I have had very high hopes and it is relieving to know it was not in vain. And do not worry, I will not tell you the details. I have been trying to forget about it since then, and I do not need any reminders. Arthur is twenty-one, he is attending university and helping me in the company. When he is not sleeping around, he is quite skilful, but do not tell him that, his head is already big enough.
I apologize for not writing more. This week is very busy and I need to get everything done as soon as possible.
Sincerely,
Uther Pendragon.
From: [email protected]
Subject: Weekly Payment
Merlin, are you okay? You have not responded to my previous email and I am starting to worry. This has never happened before, and I do not know what is the matter. Please answer me by the end of the week, or I will have to take more serious interventions. If anything would go amiss, you can contact me on this number.
Sincerely,
Uther Pendragon.
From: [email protected]
Subject: Re: Weekly Payment
The doctors are giving her two weeks, Uther. She has two weeks! I thought she was getting better! She even spoke to me, asked if I have any friends and I told her all about you, and she was so surprised but really glad, and I thought you could meet each other after she would come back home. She could thank you personally, and…she just seemed so happy. Maybe it was all an act, maybe she just wanted me to remember her the way she was before the illness. It was cruel, she only gave me false hope, and what do I have now? Absolutely nothing. If she’s gone…then what’s going to be with me? How can I live here without her? I love her so much, Uther, she can’t…she can’t leave. She can’t leave me here all alone. I’m sorry for not responding, I don’t know what happened. The whole week was such a blur for me. I don’t even know what I was doing. I’m so sorry. At least you don’t have to spend money on me anymore. That’s at least something. Thanks for everything you’ve done for me, maybe we’ll meet again sometime. You are the only one who didn’t give up on me. I won’t ever forget that.
Merlin.
From: [email protected]
Subject: Re: Re: Weekly Payment
Dear Merlin,
I am so so sorry.
This should not have happened, I do not know what to say. It is devastating. I wish there was something more I could do. Children should not be losing their mothers, it is against every single belief I hold. This is not fair. You deserve so much more, Merlin. I wish you would know that.
Do not ever think you are alone. I am still here, I will not leave you alone even if it should kill me. You are a part of my family too, do you get it? I care about you as I care about my own son. All these years were not just plain talking. I have been looking over you, checking if your life was manageable. I will continue whether you like it or not.
If something happens, call me. You have my number. Use it. I am serious.
Sincerely,
Uther Pendragon.
incoming call
*UNKNOWN NUMBER*
“Hello?”
“She’s dead, Uther. She died. She left me. She left me, Uther. She’s gone. I can’t do it. Please, don’t make me do it.”
“Merlin? Is that you?”
“She’s dead, Uther. She died.”
“Merlin, hey, calm down, okay?”
“How am I supposed to calm down when she died?!”
“I know, I know it’s hard, but you have to breathe, okay? You’re going to become sick like this.”
“I don’t care. I want my mom back. She died. She died. What am I going to do? They are going to throw me out. I have no one. They all died. Fuck, they all died.”
“I’m coming to get you, okay?”
“What?”
“I’m coming to get you. I’m sorry for what happened but I won’t let you think you are alone. Wait for me at your house, okay? Don’t let anyone else in.”
“Wait, no. You can’t do this. My mom just died! You can’t take me away from her!”
“You are right. Your mother died. She’s not here. I’m not taking her away from you. I’m taking you with me, somewhere safe.”
“I don’t want to be alone.”
“You won’t be. Wait for me, okay? I’ll be there as soon as I can.”
“Please hurry.”
“I promise, Merlin. I am so sorry.”
From: [email protected]
Subject: Urgent Request
Dear Arthur,
I have encountered some sudden difficulties in my private life which force me to leave immediately. As you are undoubtedly aware, we are supposed to meet our newest client, LeFay Enterprises, today. Believe me, I would have done this any other way, unfortunately, this matter is rather exigent. You are my one and only son, and I count on your professionalism. This being said, I am putting you in charge of today’s session. You are the only person I trust to handle this appropriately. I am sorry for letting you know on such short notice, but as I have already mentioned, this matter is important.
I know you will not let me down.
Sincerely,
Uther Pendragon.
From: [email protected]
Subject: Re: Urgent Request
Have you gone completely insane? What the hell is happening? What private life? Are you telling me you have a life that doesn’t concern your work? I don’t believe this for a second. Is this some kind of test? Because it is not appreciated at all. I can’t lead this session on my own! I’m twenty-one years old for Christ sake! I’ve been here for one year! And not even full time! I’m expecting a promotion after this. Big fat money, father.
Sincerely,
Arthur.
From: [email protected]
Subject: Re: Re: Move
Dear Mithian,
Everything went according to plan. Thank you for your quick response and brilliant performance as my personal assistant. It is greatly appreciated and will be rewarded. There is however one last thing I need you to do. Come to my flat and clean the spare room. No one is to find out about this.
This, of course, goes beyond your work salary, I am aware. That is why I am giving you one more week of paid holiday.
Sincerely,
Uther Pendragon.
From: [email protected]
Subject: Re: Re: Urgent Request
The meeting went well, hope you’re proud. I would never forgive myself if you were disappointed in me. (That was sarcasm, I don’t really care.) LeFay Enterprises were a bit surprised you weren’t there (I was too but what’s new), but they still liked me enough to agree to further negotiations.
Now tell me what was so important you bailed on us. Please tell me it wasn’t some gold-digger like the last time. I’m not sure I’m strong enough to handle it again.
Expect a call.
Kind Regards,
Arthur.
From: [email protected]
Subject: emergency, TOP SECRET
I think your dad is shagging someone, but you didn’t hear it from me.
incoming call *ARTHUR*
“Spill the beans, old man. Who are you shagging?”
“Excuse me?”
“Don’t try to lie to me. The only time you are this crazy is when you are getting some. Don’t even try to deny it! I still have the photo of you and Katrina on that sofa!”
“I do not have any intricate relationship with anyone, Arthur. The fact you think of me so lowly offends me.”
“Then what is it? Why did you bail on all of us just a few hours before one of the most important meetings in the history of this firm?”
“Don’t be ridiculous, we can manage easily without the LeFay Enterprises. Co-operating with them is only supposed to help us with evading their strengths and weakening them from inside.”
“I don’t believe they would be happy to hear that, father.”
“Then don’t tell them.”
“You’re unbelievable. You know what? I don’t care, I’ll find my answer on my own.”
From: [email protected]
Subject: ????
Who are you?
From: [email protected]
Subject: Re: ????
????
From: [email protected]
Subject: Re: Re: ????
Look “memrys”,
My previous email might have been a bit misleading so I’ll try again. Who the hell are you? Why are you talking to my father and why is he sending you money?
From: [email protected]
Subject: Re: Re: Re: ????
Look “apendragon”,
I believe that’s none of your business.
From: [email protected]
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: ????
If you are his sugar baby, just admit it. I won’t judge. It wouldn’t be for the first time, well…he never had a sugar baby before, but there were plenty of gold-diggers through the decade.
From: [email protected]
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: ????
I’m not his sugar anything.
From: [email protected]
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: ????
Sure, whatever you say.
PS: Did he really discuss my sexuality with you? I knew he was suspiciously cool about it. Thanks for that, I guess?
From: [email protected]
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: ????
I’m not.
PS: I don’t think it’s fair when a parent disapproves of their child’s sexuality since it’s something you can’t control. So don’t thank me, you would do the same thing.
From: [email protected]
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: ????
Maybe. Still thanks.
PS: How’s your mom?
From: [email protected]
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: ????
If you think you are being funny, you are a bigger git than I thought you were.
From: [email protected]
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: ????
What are you talking about?
From: [email protected]
Subject: New Intern
Dear Gaius,
It has come to my attention that you are lacking interns. The son of one of my friends has recently moved to London and is keen on finding a job. Considering I owe this friend a favour, I have offered my services and am asking you, Gaius, to take him under your watch. You must be aware of the delicate situation this boy is going through. If there will be any issues with his performance or behaviour, call me.
I believe in your professional work and fairly earned experience that you will not let me down. It is important to provide this boy with a safe working space.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Uther Pendragon.
From: [email protected]
Subject: Your father
Dear Arthur,
Is your father feeling quite alright?
Gaius
From: [email protected]
Subject: Apology
Sorry. I didn’t know. I’m really really sorry.
Arthur
From: [email protected]
Subject: my father has a sugar baby
And he thinks I made fun of his dead mom. Please help?
From: [email protected]
Subject: Re: my father has a sugar baby
That’s wild, man. Good luck
From: [email protected]
Subject: Scheduled Meeting Annulment
Dear Mr Pendragon,
Mr Freeman has suddenly fallen ill and will not be attending the scheduled meeting that should have taken place today at two o’clock.
Thank you for understanding,
Merlin Emrys
From: [email protected]
Subject: Re: Scheduled Meeting Annulment
Merlin? You’re working for Gaius? Since when?
From: [email protected]
Subject: Re: Re: Scheduled Meeting Annulment
Mr Pendragon, this is a business email. I find it very unprofessional to use it for other purposes. Some ignorant idiot could read all your correspondence while snooping around like a big dollophead and invade all your privacy.
It happened to me, do not make the same mistake I did.
Sincerely,
Merlin Emrys
From: [email protected]
Subject: Happy now?
Will you let me apologize? I feel like an idiot.
From: [email protected]
Subject: Re: Happy now?
Very.
That’s maybe because you are an idiot.
From: [email protected]
Subject: Re: Re: Happy now?
Look, you know my mom had died when I was little. I know how it feels, I would never make fun of something like this. I swear.
Please, let me apologize.
From: [email protected]
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Happy now?
Yeah, I know. I’m sorry.
How did you get over it?
Merlin
From: [email protected]
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Happy now?
I don’t think you can get over it. It’s your mom, you’re always going to be miserable because of it. But it gets easier, I swear.
And I also got drunk, that helped a lot.
Arthur
From: [email protected]
Subject: Merlin
Don’t freak out. I found out about Merlin. I’m cool with it, really. I’m even slightly impressed, you are less heartless than I thought. However, I noticed Merlin doesn’t feel much welcome in the firm, do you think you could move him closer to my office? I think he would really appreciate it.
Thanks, Arthur.
From: [email protected]
Subject: Re: Merlin
Dear Arthur,
I am glad you approve of my relationship with Merlin, but I can not move him closer to your office. I will not let you seduce him like all the others. Merlin is staying far away from you.
Sincerely, Uther Pendragon.
From: [email protected]
Subject: your hair looks like a nest
Am I delusional or are you purposefully using the bathrooms on my floor so you can walk past my office?
Arthur
From: [email protected]
Subject: Re: your hair looks like a nest
I’m not answering that.
Merlin
PS: it does not
From: [email protected]
Subject: Happy Birthday
Dear Merlin,
This past month has overcome my every expectation. When I took you with me to London I was a bit worried you would not feel at home here. However, seeing you adjust to all the changes and obstacles fills me with pride. I have known you for three years now, and I can easily say that I do not regret a single thing. You have become a fine man, and I can only hope for your bright future. We have accomplished so much together, and I am sorry for leaving on a business trip on your birthday, but I am positive we will celebrate it another time.
I am happy to share my life with you.
All the best and happy 18th birthday,
Uther Pendragon.
From: [email protected]
Subject: i can’t believe you forgot
Your father may be the biggest sap I’ve ever met but he at least didn’t forget about my birthday. Thanks a lot, you prat.
Merlin
From: [email protected]
Subject: i didn’t forget, moron
meet me @ this location in an hour
The Rising Sun, Nemeth street 513, Camelot
Bcc: [email protected]
From: [email protected]
Subject: Really?
That is the second time you have dishonoured my sofa. I am ashamed of you, Arthur.
And Merlin, I am never leaving on a business trip ever again.
Uther Pendragon.
PS: I expect at least one heir.
[Attachment: Merlin and Arthur sleeping tangled together on Uther’s sofa.]