Modern AU: Uther & Arthur text messages
Arthur: father, how was your day? It's the first month since I moved out and I wanted to check in.
Uther: everything is fine. I have a meeting.
Arthur: oh okay. Didn't mean to bother you.
*marked read*
...
Arthur: Hey :) I thought it would be good to come home this weekend. Tell you a bit about my new job. Would that be fine?
Uther: 👍
...
Arthur: just reminding you that I will be home this saturday!
Uther: yes. You will have to sleep on the couch. Morgana took your bed when she moved out.
Arthur: ah yes, I know. She asked me and I got a new one for my new apartment anyway. It's okay. I won't stay long.
Uther: you should leave after breakfast. The cleaning lady comes at 10.
Arthur: ok
*Marked read.*
----
Merlin: what kind of conversations are these?
Arthur: it's not that bad! He's my father and he does care. He's just not good with texts... And phones, and talking. But he does care about me. And he accepts me for who I am and everything.
Merlin: yeah, but he's not very interested in who you are now, is he?
Arthur: he's my dad. His job is to love me, not to know me. And besides, he does know me. And he's came around to it, eventually.
Merlin: ... Arthur-
Arthur: he's not the best dad, I know. And he has his firm and he's busy, but he does try!
Merlin: When was the last time he hugged you?
Arthur: ...
Merlin: birthday presents?
Arthur: that's not fair. We generally don't do presents at home. And he doesn't like hugs and I can respect that. I haven't gotten him any for his Birthday either. And you know how bad I am at giving gifts myself.
Merlin: Arthur-
Arthur: And he does support me! Maybe not emotionally, but he's making sure I have everything I need, and don't end up homeless and I can get back home whenever -
Merlin: and he makes you feel guilty for all of it. He tells you you're a good for nothing!
Arthur: He doesn't say that-
Merlin: I see how he looks at you when you make a single mistake. How he wanted you to become a lawyer and when you finally did, he asks why you're not a doctor instead. He doesn't trust your instincts or your decisions, he doesn't even visit you! You're always the one visiting him!
Arthur: it's a long ride!
Merlin: YOU do the ride!
Arthur: yes, because I'm his son!
Merlin: you don't owe him anything!
Arthur: he's paying half the rent for me!!!
Merlin: ...
Arthur: ... I know it's difficult for you to understand-
Merlin: no, no, Arthur, I do. I just realized how chained you are.