#Y'all if you know me you know I don't usually write Merthur 😅

[thefollow-spot]

"Untitled" (Paramour)

Merlin/Arthur ● General Audiences ● WC: 100 ● No Warnings // Written for @merlinmicrofic 2024, for the prompt 'Tell Me'.

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Arthur’s courtship began suddenly, kindled of quips softening and glittering laughter. Unexpected, but Merlin wasn’t surprised. Still, he wakes aghast: nightmares echoing in syrupy dark.

He gropes for the edge of Arthur’s vast bed—hunches over, shivering. Sleep-ridden Arthur drags awake, kisses Merlin’s exposed ribs, soothes his ragged breathing.  

“You’re keeping secrets from me,” he troubles, and doesn’t know half: Mordred’s prophecy-blade liquid-red; gold in Merlin’s fibre. Lies and lies. Intimacy’s a noose.

“Yes,” Merlin croaks.

“Tell me.”

“Can’t.”

Arthur brings him down—dry palms, easy strength; his trust cloys Merlin to sleep, and his next dreams are of fire.