brunettepetTitle: The Email Order Bridegroom, Outtake
Rating: PG
Pairing/s: Arthur/Merlin
Character/s: Arthur, Merlin
Summary: Arthur has a plan to stay in the United States. That plan is Merlin.
Warnings: Grief
Word Count: 236
Prompt: 217 Song Prompt #5 Classic Rock
Author's Notes: I had a hard time incorporating this prompt so here's a short scene rather than a real chapter. The classic rock songs are Space Oddity, Starman and Changes
"What's your favorite of his songs?" Merlin asks.
“I get goosebumps every time I listen to Space Oddity. Starman, too. Bowie wrote so many great songs, there's no way I can choose just one,” Arthur answers.
Merlin nods. “You’re right but as soon as I asked my brain went right to Changes. It was playing on a loop in my head the entire plane ride here. Mum listened to Bowie all the time. I found all his incarnations fascinating and his other worldliness helped me believe it was okay to be different. He celebrated in it and it’s no wonder he and his music speak to so many people.”
“Dad has all of his earlier albums on vinyl. He was the soundtrack to my childhood,” Arthur says. “I called when I heard he’d died and dad was in tears.”
“Mum, too. It’s been six months and we still can’t believe he’s gone,” Merlin says. “I always hoped I’d get a chance to see him live.”
Arthur puts an arm around Merlin’s shoulders, giving him a squeeze. “Asking who your favorite songwriter is shouldn’t make us so sad.”
“His loss is sad. Blackstar was a wonderful, unexpected surprise and then he was gone,” Merlin says with a sigh.
“Let’s call dad and see if we can go over and listen to records,” Arthur suggests. “He’s got some great stories of seeing Bowie in concert. He went in full on Aladin Sane makeup,” Arthur says with a smile. “There’s even photographic evidence available.”
Merlin’s eyes light up. “That sounds great. Tell him we’ll bring beer and pizza.”
Arthur’s already hit Dad on speed dial.