brunettepetTitle: The Email Order Bridegroom, Outtake
Rating: PG
Pairing/s: Arthur/Merlin
Character/s: Arthur, Merlin
Summary: This drabble references the Orlando Pulse nightclub shootings
Warnings: Violence, Death, Mourning
Word Count: 100
Prompt: 215, Handle With Care
Author's Note: The frothy fluff is on hold this week.
Arthur and Merlin watch in stunned silence as faces of the dead scroll across the television screen. Happy selfies of the young men and women in goofy poses juxtaposed against the horrific events make the news even more tragic.
Merlin doesn’t realize he’s crying until Arthur gathers him against his chest, rubbing his back, whispering in his ear “I’ve got you, Merlin. I’ve got you” over and over and over again.
Arthur’s reaching to mute the broadcast when his cell phone starts playing Hail to the Chief.
“Hi, dad,” he answers softly. He holds Merlin tighter.
“I love you, too.”