I think the problem with writing an Arthur returns fics for me is figuring out how to make Arthur useful. Cause like… Merlin doesn’t and hasn’t relied on him for emotional support, without the fear of revealing himself, Merlin is quite the badass who is far more capable at dealing with issues than Arthur ever would be, there is no money for him to give out, no power that he has, no morals to offer, he wouldn’t even be a king. So like… what is the point of bringing him back? If anything I see Gwen, Lancelot, Gwaine, or even Morgana being a better character to break Merlin from a vicious cycle than Arthur ever could. And for solving an actual problem, they are far more fit to aid Merlin than Arthur was shown to be.
Idk maybe I’ll figure it out one day but for now I have no idea how to write a return fic that feels like Arthur should be there.
