That Would Be Enough (Merlin)

[Arthur]

So far this return to Tintagel had not gone as badly as he thought it might. He had expected a lot more blood, perhaps a few tears, and he hadn’t fallen in love or changed gender in the past hour so he was counting all of this as a win. The conversation with Gaston had been difficult, it was always going to be, the one with Dimtiri and Anya…well…there were still a few things to sort out, that was for sure, but in his mind, neither thing was unfixable. He had in recent years made a career out of fixing things, he was good at it.

Looking around the overgrown school he thought perhaps that was what he could do here, even if they did get the portals up and running, perhaps he could divide his time a little, a day or two here, the rest back in his kingdom. Someone should oversee the rebuilding of this place, not just the school but the town as well. Oh there was plenty of people to do that here, he was sure Merlin would be amongst them but he wouldn’t be him if he didn’t try to stick his nose in a bit as well. He would let Merlin and some of the others fix the school, maybe he could work on bringing the people back to Trenale, the people that lived and worked there, where had they gone? Someone should find them, encourage them back. It was all very well having these students and teachers, but without the people…well…how were they all going to stay caffeinated.

As with all his ideas he immediately thought of his husband first. It was one of two people he usually thought of, his husband or his wife. A strange sentence but he had got used to it over the years. Whenever he had an idea he always wanted to run it by one of them first, occasionally both, but this one he would run by Merlin. He would need to find Gwen eventually though, on account of he had heard that Tristian was with her and he was desperate to see his son again. The fear that had gone through him when he thought he had lost him, he never wanted to feel that again.

When searching for Merlin he knew the best place to start would be the school, and once in the school he figured the next best place would be the library and had headed straight there without another thought. As he grew closer he heard a familiar voice, echoing down the hall from the open door into the library.

‘…I just think a lot of people look very sad, and when I’m sad I like hugs, because hugs make everything better. They are even more good than tea, but don’t tell mummy. So I have decided that I am now in charge of hugs.’

Grinning, Arthur quickened his pace to the library, he opened the door and stepped into the large room.

“DADDY!” shouted Tristian, jumping down from the table and rushing towards him, barrelling into his legs and hugging him.

He grinned and ruffled his sons hair, “hello trouble.”

He looked up at Merlin and said, “how did I know you would be here? Are your precious books safe?”

[Merlin Emrys]

Merlin was listening to Tristian with interest, Merlin always listened to Tristian with interest, partly because he thought it was encouraging for a young child to know that his ideas were being taken seriously, and partly because the young prince came out with some of the most adorable things he'd ever heard. Currently he was explaining why he was in charge of hugs, a fact that Gwen had informed him of when she dropped Tristian off with him earlier (because it was very important to keep abreast of these title changes, it wouldn't do to have the prince announced wrongly at the next social event), and Merlin couldn't fault his logic. He was about to say as much when the door opened and Tristian moved at roughly his top speed - meaning even if he hadn't announced the visitor in an excited yell, Merlin would know exactly who it was.

"They're all perfectly safe," Merlin nodded, he knew Arthur was teasing, but he answered anyway, pushing himself to his feet and heading over to his husband to give him a kiss "It was almost like the vines were protecting them. This place has been apparently abandoned for so long, but even where things have overgrown it looks as though very little permanent damage has been done, it's fascinating actually, I-" he stopped himself, knowing that Arthur probably didn't care about his magical theories or plans for figuring out the exact nature of everything that had happened here since they were sent home.

"Did you want something love?"

[Arthur]

Merlin knew Arthur so well; he had already tuned out when he started to go on about the vines and the books and in any case he had been distracted by Tristian who was now trying to climb up him. Arthur grinned and lifting him up, put him on his shoulders. Thankfully Tristian shared the same small litheness (some would say scrawny) frame that Arthur used to have when he was younger, so putting him up there wasn’t much of a problem. However he could feel the days approaching when Tristian wouldn’t be able to do that anymore…or even…want to do that anymore. Arthur did not like to think about those days, in fact, he rather hoped there was never going to be a day like that.

“Why would you assume I want something?” said Arthur and Tristian shifted his weight on his shoulders so that he could be comfortable, “perhaps I just wanted to come and see you.”

He smiled and leaned in kissing Merlin’s cheek. Tristian made a ‘blerch’ noise and patted his father’s head to try and get him to stop. Tristian was still in the stage where kissing was gross, hugs were fine, hugs were brilliant, but kissing was sloppy and messy, especially when Adults did it, and mummy did a lot of kissing.

“But since you are here I have something I want to run by,” he said with a grin before turning serious, “the people of Trenale, the other people that used to live here, not the ones like us that came from further away but the people who actually made their home here. I thought I might go look for them, see what worlds they were thrown into, encourage them to come back now that we are cleaning things up. After all, it’s all very well having all of us and other new people coming back, but this used to a home for many people, not just a school or vacation…we should find them…tell them, their town is safe again…you know…once we make it that way.”

[Merlin Emrys]

"You're so busy and important these days I always assume you need me for something," Merlin teased, glancing up at Tristian and sticking his tongue out in return for the 'blerch' before deliberately ducking his head and kissing Arthur again.

He listened with interest to Arthur's idea, nodding along. He wasn't surprised to find himself agreeing with it, Arthur had actually turned out to be a very good king, and he often had ideas like that, things that would benefit the people. It seemed that, for a man who sometimes made terrible decisions in his personal life, he was very, very good at making decisions for the lives of a lot of other people.

"That sounds like a wonderful idea," Merlin agreed "Once we have things cleared up I think it'll be really good to let the people know the town is safe again, and if they've only been away a few years like we have, their homes are here, they'll want to come back to them..."

[Arthur]

He supposed he was a lot busier these days, well that’s what happens when you are running a county, however he always hoped that he made time for Merlin. He certainly made sure he made time for Tristian, even if it meant having him sit in on council meetings, may as well start him now, soon enough they would have to start forcing him to go.

He was getting too big too quickly.

“I don’t always want something,” he said with a slight pout, “sometimes I do just want to see you.”

He was glad when Merlin thought it was a good idea and could help but look pleased. What was it about this lanky, now bearded man that had him questioning himself? It was unseemly for a king and yet somehow this big eared idiot managed. Even after all this time together. “Excellent,” he said, “I’m going to arrange a task force to help clean up the city then, although it does appear to be doing it itself in a strange sort of way. This place, honestly, I think it runs on magic. And then once you have the portals sorted we can go home.”

[Merlin Emrys]

"I know you do," Merlin said, his expression softening and one hand seeking out Arthur's to give him a reassuring squeeze "despite my teasing you know I'm always glad to see you. Prat."

"You're probably not far wrong," Merlin nodded "A taskforce is a good idea to help things move along and make people feel productive and useful, but it does seem to be sorting itself out at a remarkable rate, maybe it's just something about people actually being here, or the decision to keep the school going or... well I don't know exactly what's causing it, that's why I was here actually, I was hoping to find some books on Tintagel history that might shed some light on what's going on, see if anything like this has ever happened before..."

There had to be something magical about this place, or some kind of creator or something, surely, who had even founded the school? Where had it come from? How had this little world come to be? The answers had to be somewhere...

[Arthur]

“Idiot,” said Arthur fondly.

This earned him another tap on the head from Tristian, showing his displeasure at Arthur using such a word to describe ‘his Merlin’. However he quickly followed it up with hugging his head so he figured it clearly wasn’t a serious admonishment.

“You and you’re books,” he said shaking his head, “well if you find anything of importance let me know. And by importance I mean anything life threatening.”

Tristian was getting fidgety to he reached up and put him back down on the ground, as soon as his feet touched the ground he was off exploring through the stacks of books again. Arthur smiled and sat down on one of the nearby seats, “I went to the frat house, cleaned up a few things, I was thinking that maybe we could stay there until we can figure out a way back home. Plenty of room for you, me, Tristian, Gwen and Gaston…Lance too, if he really wants.”

[Merlin Emrys]

Merlin stifled a chuckle at Tristian's reproving tap, not wanting to tease the boy for being so adorably protective of him, even if he knew that when Arthur called him an idiot it was... well, the same way he called Arthur a prat, simply a term of endearment between them. It might sound strange to anybody else, but that was their problem.

"Of course, you know I will," he agreed, moving to sit beside Arthur, pulling his chair close so he could lean up against the other man, it was rare that they had moments like this, when they didn't need to be careful of anybody else seeing them, when it didn't matter who would walk through the library doors - not that they were the most careful back in Camelot, but still, it wasn't quite as relaxing.

"That's a good idea, it's familiar territory and we may as well stay somewhere, if we really are getting this place back up and running it'll be odd to stay in the dorms with the students." he pulled a face "We'll need to be careful if both Gaston and Lance want to stay there though."

[Arthur]

“Don’t touch anything that looks old Tristian,” called out Arthur as he ran off amongst the stacks of books, “or that says ‘magic’ on it…or is sparkly!”

There was a much put upon sigh from behind one of the stacks and a thump as something was dropped to the ground, “ooookaaaay.”

“Honestly that boy was a magpie in a previous life,” said Arthur fondly.

When Merlin sat down he instinctively reached out for his hand, holding it in his. It was a gesture he was so used to now, one he had to stop himself from doing whenever they were in public back in Camelot, but here…here there were no such problems.

“What even is going on there?” said Arthur contemplatively, “I mean he’s been at her side for bloody years now and I’m fairly certain they aren’t sleeping together. Of course, now that Gaston’s back in the picture that’ll just make things even more complicated…jokes on both of them I suppose, there’s only one guy of importance in Gwen’s life now.”

[Merlin Emrys]

"You'd be surprised how few magic books actually say the word magic on them," Merlin teased "But honestly, he should be fine, most of the more dangerous items are on higher-" the thump made him stop and he sighed slightly, shaking his head fondly. Trust Tristian to have found the one thing out there to disprove him. Still, at least he would do what his father told him. He just laughed at Arthur's comment about the magpie thing, it was true, Tristian was awfully fond of sparkles. He blamed Gwen's influence, and definitely would not admit it was anything to do with his magic in the slightest.

"I haven't got the faintest idea," Merlin admitted with a rueful chuckle "I'm sure Gwen will fill me in on all the details the next time we catch up, but as for the current state of affairs... I'm not completely sure what it is. Still, you know Gwen, she likes to have her options open, perhaps she's just glad to have another choice back on the cards, however much other people might dislike it." he pulled a face. He had never been Gaston's biggest fan, but then the feeling seemed entirely mutual.

[Arthur]

Arthur looked over at Merlin and smiled fondly, “he’s not all bad you know. I know the two of you have never really got along…I mean…me and him haven’t really got along either I suppose, but despite his many…many flaws, I truly believe there is a good man underneath. You’re not the only one he relentlessly teases just so you know, but I know you and I know you can give back as good as you get. However when things get tough, I know Gaston will have our backs.”

He leaned and kissed Merlin’s cheek, “but if he gets really annoying you let me know and I’ll sort him out.”

Leaning back on his chair again he watched as Tristian reappeared from behind the stacks carrying a bright purple book with gold lettering on the front. It looked like it had a lot of pictures in it. “What have you got there?” asked Arthur.

“A book,” said Tristian and held it up just in case Arthur couldn’t see.

“Yes I can see that, what’s it about?” he enquired with a grin.

“Fairies,” said Tristian innocently.

“That sounds an awfully close to magic…” said Arthur raising an eyebrow, “Merlin? What do you think, are fairies acceptable reading?”

[Merlin Emrys]

"I know he's a good friend to you... or... a friend, anyway, and I know Gwen sees something in him, but I'm afraid I've just never encountered it," Merlin shrugged "Still, I trust you and I trust Gwen and if you say we can depend on him when we need to, I'm happy with that."

He laughed at the offer though, shaking his head slightly "If he gets really annoying I'll turn him into a frog."

Merlin put on a pretend thoughtful face at Arthur's question, dragging out his decision as long as possible just to make Tristian do his adorable puppy eyes.
"I don't know... fairies are quite magical..." he leaned forward to peer at the book as if trying to figure out exactly what it was about. In truth he'd read the book himself already (along with half the library), and though there were things in there that would probably make Tristian feel he was reading something forbidden, nothing was actually that bad - at least, in his eyes anyway.

"It looks acceptable..." he said slowly "But daddy gets the final say." he looked up at Arthur with a wink.

[Arthur]

“HA! A frog! I get it, cause he’s French,” said Arthur with a grin, “can you do it anyway? Because that would be great to see.”

As Merlin leaned in to look at the book Tristian peered up at him with the aforementioned puppy dog eyes and said, “Pleeeeeeeeease Merlin.”

He wasn’t completely satisfied with Merlin’s answer however Merlin had knocked the question back to Daddy and Daddy very rarely said no. Arthur pretended to think about it for a moment and then said, “Ok then, if Merlin thinks its ok then go ahead.”

Tristian grinned and sat down in front of them flicking the pages of the book.

Arthur looked back at Merlin and said, “So…truth time…are you happy to be back?”

[Merlin Emrys]

Merlin laughed, shaking his head slightly "No using magic just to mess with people, remember? It's not a good example to set for Tristian..." even though he had done it once or twice, had even done it to Arthur in the past, he tried not to now that he was a grown up.

He spared a fond smile for Tristian as the boy sat down and began reading, he was so glad Tristian was such an avid reader, he was going to pick up the best bits of all of them at this rate, and Merlin couldn't be prouder of him - he might not be Merlin's son, but he was still family.

"Yes and no," Merlin answered honestly, looking back up at Arthur "It's nice to be back in a place where you and I can be together, nice to take a little break from running the country, nice to see old friends again... okay, I'm pretty happy to be back," he laughed "but I know we have responsibilities and things to do back in Camelot, and that's our home... it's good to be back but it feels like a holiday, if that makes sense?"

[Arthur]

“I think it’s an excellent example,” said Arthur looking down at his son as he flicked through the pages, “I only hope that one day Tristian will be able to find a pet wizard of his very own to make life easier.”

Speaking of making life easier…

He listened as Merlin spoke about his thoughts on being back in Tintagel and smiled, just a little sadly. Arthur wished there was more he could do to make things better for the wizard back in Camelot, but they had learned very early on that Camelot was definitely not ready for that, not yet in any case. Which was…disheartening, and one of the reasons that he too was glad to be back in Tintagel where no such restrictions were in place. However…as Merlin said, he had a duty to Camelot, a responsibility, this was just a break from their usual routine, but eventually they would have to go home.

…but not forever…

“I want to see this place up and running again, get it back to its old self,” said Arthur looking around the library, noting what might need to be fixed or restored, “but then…I think I will be heading back. You can stay a little longer if you like, but I don’t want to leave the helm for too long…”

Glancing at Merlin he started to nonchalantly say, “However I was thinking of arranging a house for us here, so we can come back and visit, you know, take a break every now and then…and then maybe…in the future…we can come back here…you know…when Tristian’s ready.”