Just a short one this time...
Planes, Trains and Automobiles 2
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Once the members of the Round Table got over their initial shock and fear of 'wagons' that could move on their own (which Merlin had to admit did look very strange when he pictured it through their eyes), automobiles captivated Arthur and the knights, and even Gwen and Gaius were just as quick to beg for rides in the convertible once Merlin had magically repaired it.
And, of course, the leap from wanting to ride to wanting to drive was a short one.
Merlin did his best not to groan - he knew he'd eventually have to teach them all to drive, even if biting his own fingers off seemed like a better prospect. Elyan, who was fascinated by the mechanics, and Gwaine, who - despite not understanding twenty words of the language, the cultural references or even the basic societal dynamics - had somehow gleaned from adverts that automotive prowess would allow him to woo over women more effectively, were especially determined to learn and hounded him day and night. Gwaine even stepped up his efforts at learning to read once he was informed there was a written portion to test. He was diligent enough, but he struggled until Merlin bought him a stack of books - the sort of books which were most suitable to being carried home furtively in plain brown-paper bags.
Gwaine's eyebrow shot up nearly to Gaius levels at his first glance through; but a wild grin split his face barely a second or two later. "Merlin, you secret reprobate! I don't know what to say!"
"Don't mention it," the warlock told him. "Really. Never, ever talk about it again, in fact."
"Whatever you want, mate," Gwaine laughed.
"Fine. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go wash my hands for forty minutes and then spend the rest of the evening drinking in an effort to sterilize my brain."
However, despite the Round Table's studious new efforts, there were still the occasional misunderstandings. One day Merlin was about to set out to drive into the village to do the marketing when he caught the knights laying their palms on various spots of the convertible.
"Merlin," Gwaine asked, "Your carriage doesn't feel very warm to us. How "hot" does it have to get before it starts enchanting maidens?"
Merlin stared at them.
They stared at him.
He couldn't help it - suddenly Merlin started laughing so hard he fell against the car and then slid to the floor of the garage, helpless tears streaming down his cheeks. "Hot… hot doesn't… refer to temperature…" he breathlessly tried to explain, but he just couldn't get the words out.
Needless to say, the knights were all very put out and didn't talk to him for the entire rest of the day.