Arthur's First Day on Earth, Merlin liked to call it, was spent discovering all he could about Merlin's house. Arthur found out about TVs and microwaves and after Merlin had gone to work... music.

Merlin's laptop was sat on the desk, open and unlocked so Arthur made his way over. He spent half an hour exploring all the options and found 'files'. In there was music, and a few different playlists like 'Happy playlist' and one titled 'dancing around the kitchen' and then one called... 'Arthur.'

The once and future king clicked on it eagerly and it began to play. He noticed immediately that this was not the music he knew. There were no choirs or lutes or harps or penny-flutes.

The song was called 'Magnetised.'

Cause it's not right.

I'm magnetised.

To somebody that don't feel it.

Love paralysed.

But sure as the world keeps the moon In the sky

She'll keep me hanging on.

Arthur didn't know what this meant.

And then the next was called 'Various storms and saints'

I know you're bleeding but you'll be okay

Hold on to your heart

You'll keep it safe

Hold on to your heart

Don't give it away.

Arthur didn't understand what this was supposed to mean either but he thought it sounded sort of beautiful.

And the next was called 'Love song.'

Now I'm here with you and I

Would like to think that you would stick around

I know that I'd just die to make you proud

The taste

The touch

The way we love

It all comes down to make the sound

Of our

Love song.

Arthur went quiet for a minute, letting the words sink in. Then he closed the laptop and walked back to the living room.

Hours later, Merlin came back from work with a bag Chinese takeout in his hands. He was exhausted; today was a very long shift.

"I'm so sorry I was gone so long." He rushed, apologetically, dumping the bags on the counter. "I meant to come home early to check on you but there was another surgery and I had to go and I figured takeaway food would be the quickest option and-"

"Merlin." Arthur interrupted, starting to smile. "It's fine."

Merlin started to smile too, and took his coat off. Arthur grabbed some plates and cutlery and listened to Merlin explained what Chinese food was.

They settled down and Arthur chose a movie.

An hour in, he noticed Merlin had been getting droopier and droopier. He really had had a long day, and before long, the warlock was sound asleep on Arthur's shoulder. The King smiled and ruffled his hair slightly.

He watched the rest of the movie and then carried Merlin up to his bedroom, resting him gently under the covers. He stood in the doorway for a minute, thinking. And then he pulled back the covers and got in beside Merlin.

Arthur's Second Day On Earth, was spent studying the society of the 21st century. In other words, Merlin took him to tesco.

They spent the whole day shopping actually. They first got the bus, (Arthur gripped Merlin's knee the whole time and stared fixedly out the window) and Merlin took Arthur to buy some clothes.

That was hard work. Arthur was so confused with the fashion of this age.

"We need to get you some smart-ish clothes." Merlin said, handing him a pair of work trousers. "Because you need to get a job soon."

"A job?!" Arthur spluttered. "What for? You're rich."

Merlin whacked him with a coat hanger.

"Not for the money you clotpole. For the experience. A job will be good for you."

Arthur disagreed. "What would I even do?"

Merlin thought. "You could work in a shop maybe? Or maybe you could become a teacher." He suggested, handing Arthur a shirt.

Arthur groaned and took it. Then he tried it on.

They moved from shop to shop. They bought Arthur some socks, some boxers, 3 pairs of blue jeans, 2 work trousers, 3 work shirts, 5 t shirts and some shoes and pyjamas. They had so many bags.

It added up to a lot but Merlin didn't even flinch.

"Isn't this costing you a lot?" Arthur asked as they drove to tesco. Merlin shrugged and parked.

"I've been alive for centuries. I have a lot of money saved up and not a lot of people to spend it on." He was smiling but Arthur noticed a hint of sadness in his voice.

They bought a lot of food as well. Like, a lot.

Merlin had realised he had barely any food at home anymore. He hadn't been eating really, let alone eating healthy things. These past few months had been real tough, for some reason.

Not anymore, Merlin thought. I've got to look after myself now. For Arthur.

So they bought fruit and vegetables. They bought hams and cheeses and milk and yoghurt and biscuits and cake and crisps and frozen meals and ice cream ("which Arthur, you just HAVE to try") and bread and meat.

They drove everything home and spent ages, unpacking all of it.

Then they spent the evening experimenting what foods Arthur liked and what he didn't.

He absolutely hated avocados but he loved pizza and ice cream.

They didn't watch a movie this time. They sat, facing each other, on either end of the sofa. Merlin's hair was loose around his face. He was sat on his legs, with a throw on his lap. He was wearing a red knit sweater and some dark blue jeans and every now and then his eyes would spark gold as he lifted something towards him.

Arthur was sat cross legged opposite him. He was wearing a pair of what Merlin called 'jeans' (weird, but comfortable) and a sweater that Merlin had leant him in the morning. He could've changed into some of his new clothes but he wanted to keep this on a bit longer.

They tried more food and Merlin almost wet himself laughing at Arthur's face when he tried chili heatwave doritos.

It was a good evening.

When they decided to go to bed, Arthur lingered outside Merlin's room.

"Night." He said. Merlin glanced up and they just looked at each other silently.

"If the spare room is too cold," Merlin said quietly, scratching the back of his neck, "You can sleep in here with me."

Arthur felt himself nodding.

"If that's okay?"

"Of course."

They both got under the covers. Merlin didn't have a single nightmare that night.