#but not before calling him a clotpole

[thatgaywizardoverthere]

Arthur’s gay ass looking at Merlin, an absolutly feral 3 seconds away from claiming this sparkle boy like op told him to

hello have a sparkle boy

[justaz]

somehow some time magic goes wrong and young arthurs from different points in time are pulled into king arthur era. everyone kinda has this back and forth of who is going to watch the literal 8 month old. gwen and lancelot are pretty good at taking care of him, so is percival but he doesnt seem comfortable with it so no one forces him. elyan tried to hold him but baby!arthur started wailing after three seconds. leon is sorta good but he has like no idea how babies work or what they need so when baby!arthur found his sword and almost lobbed his own head off, leon was forbidden from taking care of the child. gaius is too old and busy researching how to reverse the issue. who the HELL would trust gwaine with a child? arthur has this Odd aversion to the child but no one pushes him on it. ofc merlin, magic incarnate, has this like aura or energy that draws all these innocent woodland creatures to him so obviously little arthur is also drawn to him. in fact, merlin seems to be the person he likes the most. and merlins a natural w kids apparently so hes often the one that baby!arthur is handed off to.

he complains about it at first but when baby!arthur breaks into a fit of giggles after merlin calls adult!arthur a clotpole, he has merlin wrapped around his little finger. merlin stops complaining but does let arthur know that the one thing he Will Not Do is change his diaper. arthur laughs and walks away. merlin talks to baby!arthur like they’ve been friends for years (bc they have). arthur points out that baby!arthur cant understand him and merlin retorts that its like how it normally is. merlin gets to perform magic in front of baby!arthur and he LOVES it

my point to this was merlin dotting on little versions of arthur is a way that no one ever really did for him growing up and adult!arthur seeing it and healing little pieces of his inner child as he watches merlin play games with baby!arthur and make sure he’s taken care of. it especially hits him when gaius finally finds a way to send baby!arthur back and while everyone seems torn between upset they have to say bye, they’re also relieved to get the baby back where hes supposed to be,, merlin is like choking back fat tears. everyone backs off to give them privacy and merlin just kisses baby!arthur’s forehead and whispers some encouraging and heartachingly sincere words that have adult!arthur choking back tears.

then BOOM the spell also backfires and while yes baby!arthur got back to where hes supposed to be, now theres toddler!arthur. he has this gravitational pull to gaius (can recognize him) and merlin (magic soulmates ofc he has an innate trust in the man). merlin is happy to have his little friend back and gaius goes back to the drawing board. now they have this little 2-3 year old toddling after them and blabbering something that sounds like english if you’re patient enough

(merlin makes another comment about how little arthur has changed over the years)

the cycle repeats, merlin and toddler!arthur get attached and adult!arthur watches and heals a bit more of his inner child. gaius finds another cure that falls through the same way and now they have child!arthur. he has a bit more of uther’s influence in him but hes still a child. he gets hurt and tries to fight back tears but merlin sees he’s in pain and tells him it’s okay to be hurt, to feel pain, to cry. child!arthur says in that stutter cry children do when they’re fighting back tears that his father says boys shouldn’t cry. merlin wipes a tear that slips down child!arthur’s face and whispers about how he cries and lets himself feel his sadness before picking himself back up and dusting himself off before getting back to it, that it doesn’t make him weak but stronger. adult!arthur hears this and this may not be the beginning of his deconstruction but it makes a tremendous amount of progress in him rewiring his brain away from his father’s toxic ways of thinking.

idk if they’d get a teen!arthur since gaius probably would’ve learned his lesson by then but if they did, we’d get to watch Merlin vs Arthur Showdown 2.0 as merlin humbles the young prince and i think that’d be funny. especially for gwaine since he didn’t get to see it happen the first time.

[itzy-bitsy-spidey]

Merlin's assistant

Pt.2. Introductions

Merlin BBC X fem!reader

"This, my dear assistant, is king Arthur Pendragon of Camelot" Merlin introduced, and the sheer joy that showed in his smile managed to drown any posible witty remark Arthur had thought of making.

"HOLD ON A SECOND" on the other hand the loudness from the girl kind of made him wish she was once again arranging bottles in silence.

"He is Arthur Pendragon, as in the Arthur Pendragon I've heard so much about these last few years?" The smile in her face could barely contain all of her exciment, if the way she was flapping her hands up and down was any type of sign. A little bit more emotion and she would surely be jumping up and down in front of him.

Merlin eyes softened at the sight of the girl and his smile went from excited to fond rather quilckly for Arthur's liking. He had just then remembered the way she had called his friend a few moments ago.

Love.

Now, Arthur might not had been the brightest one in the room, even if he would never admit it, but if something was not up between those two then he had never been dead.

So lost he had been in his own thoughts he had missed what Merlin had to say about him. But whatever it was it certaninly reassured who he was, because she looked ready to explode.

"Oh, you have to tell me about Camelot, I've asked Merlin before but with his memory we honestly never get anywhere and all he can tell me is about how you would always get in trouble, or be cursed, or how your father would be cursed, or the kingdom, or..." somehow, the girl had managed to get all of that out of her sistem in just one breath before Merlin cut her off.

"Alright, that's enough kiddo, why don't you better go look for some clothes for our guest?"

"I'm literally your age, you old man!" She complained to the warlock but nevertheless got up anf started walking away.

"No you're not, and if you were, that would make you an old man!" Merlin quiped right back at her, raising his voice so he could be heard.

"Age doesn't change gender you dumbass!" at that point the girl's voice was just that, a voice, because she had completely dissapeared from sight. Two seconds passed in silence before she finished her statement "But apparently it does make you lose braincells!"

Merlin shot a nasty look at the door she had left through, but decided against continuing fighting, and instead chose to put his attention on the very confused king.

"Sooo, who was that exactly?" Finally asked Arthur after a while of sitting in silence.

In response Merlin grabbed a chair and sat in front of his friend, his eyes flashed golden for a second and tea started preparing itself while the warlock answered the question.

"She's my assistant, helps me with things around here and in exchange she lives here where it's peaceful" he explained at the same time a cup filled with chamomile tea landed gracefully in front of Arthur.

"Your assistant? You? Have an assistant?" The tone of the king's voice sounded almost mocking, but Merlin raised both his eyebrows at him and continued.

"I don't see what you find so funny you clotpole, I was tecnically your assistant back in the day".

Something about hearing Merlin speak about them as if they had happened a long time ago hurted deep inside Arthur's chest. His heart twisted into a knot when he realized that for Merlin, for his best friend, it had truly been long ago.

Truth to be told, the blonde king had woken up that day in the lake and had just felt as if no time had gone by, as if he had just slept for a few minutes, a few hours at most.

But it hadn't been like that for Merlin, if he had understood it right it had been hundred of years of loneliness for the magic boy, hundred of years of waiting, never really knowing if he would come back.

Suddenly the idea of the girl being around Merlin didn't sit so bad with him anymore, at least he wasn't completely alone, he hoped there had been other friends for Merlin before her too, people that could have helped him carry the load that waiting for his friend might have been.

[ink-through-her-veins]

Arthur stared at Merlin’s back. His back hunched as he limped forward between Lancelot and Percival. Arthur’s heart clenched with each step Merlin struggled to take. Each hobbled step took him further away, where Arthur couldn’t follow.

“Wait,” Arthur called, rushing forward to wrap his arms around Merlin tighter than he ever had before even as Merlin winced. “When I get back we’ll talk,” Arthur whispered into Merlin’s ear, “so you’d better be alive.”

“You too.”

And three days later, sore and dirty, Arthur sat beside Merlin’s bed. Merlin smiled wide. Arthur grinned shaking his head to prevent Merlin from brushing the dirty clumps of hair from his eyes.

“Are we going to talk?” Merlin cheekily asked.

Arthur bit his lip to stop from grinning more. Nothing came close to returning to Merlin. Arthur opened his mouth, those exact words on his tongue. He couldn’t get them out.

“Oh, just tell me you love me, clotpole.”

Merlin smirked. Arthur leant forward to softly press his lips to Merlin’s.

“I love you, idiot.”

[spacecadet-ticklesinspace]

Trying Out Tickles

Summary: When Merlin chooses to sass him, Arthur decides to test some interesting information he learned about his manservant.

(Merry Christmas @cantsaythetword ! ❤️ :) I was your squealing Santa this year! ❤️ :) I loved the TV show the first time I saw it and instantly knew Merlin had to be ticklish ❤️ :) I hope you have a Happy Holiday however you celebrate, and a great New Year ❤️ :))

"Merlin, you idiot! You'll dent it!"

The dark haired boy cringed as he pulled himself up from the floor. "It's armor Arthur."

"Still. A future king shouldn't appear before his people with dented armor."

"Stop having battles and you'll have nothing to worry about your royal pratness."

As Merlin picked up the dropped armor pieces, Arthur scowled. "I'd advise you not to speak to me like that."

"Yeah well when have I ever listened to your advice."

While Merlin muttered insults and picked up the pieces, a small smile pulled at the corner of the future king's mouth. He knew Merlin never meant any harm. He just did it to get under Arthur's skin. Then, as Merlin gathered the last of the pieces, Arthur took a step toward him. "I want to be able to see myself in the reflection before practice tomorrow."

"Thought you didn't want to dent it?"

"Huh?"

"One look at your face and the whole piece will bend."

Arthur reached to smack the back of Merlin's head. However, the younger boy managed to duck and gave Arthur a playful bump with his hip.

"Oi!"

Merlin smirked. "What about those reflexes your majesty?"

"You know, you're getting on my nerves."

The younger boy dodged another attack from Arthur. "Just have that affect on people."

"Idiot."

"Clotpole!"

"Moron!"

As the last insult left his mouth, Arthur reached forward to poke the younger boy's chest. However, at the sight of Arthur's hand moving, Merlin had reactively turned. So instead of poking his chest, Arthur's finger poked his ribs.

A surprised squeak left Merlin's mouth as he jumped away.

"What is wrong with you?"

"Y-your finger hit a bruise."

Arthur tried to cover up his concern with sarcasm. "Don't be such a girl Merlin."

The younger boy glared at the future king of Camelot. "Then don't be such a dunce!"

Arthur reached forward and poked Merlin's ribs again.

And once again, Merlin squeaked and jumped, but he couldn't quite hide the nervous giggles that followed. "Aharthur!"

Arthur's brow furrowed as he studied the thinner boy. The response did not equal a bruise on the ribs. "Are you sure it's a bruise?"

Merlin immediately backed away. "Yes, and don't gehet any ideheas!"

"Any ideas about what?"

"N-nothing!"

"What's gotten into you Merlin?"

"Nothing!"

Arthur watched with a slight twinge in his heart as the younger man scurried away. How had he gone from cocky to cowering in the blink of an eye? Had he really been that injured? Had someone done something to his ribs? Had Arthur done something? He had seemed fine all day today.

For another moment, the future king mulled over the clues. A memory from an interaction he had accidentally seen between Merlin and his mother Hunith had caused a similar response. He had completely forgotten about it until now. And, if memory served correct, Hunith had used a certain technique that had her son squealing and squirming as he apologized.

What was it she had called it? Something with a T? Arthur thought to himself.

Finally, a light clicked on. It was tickling.

Growing up in the castle, Arthur had never really been tickled before. He had occasionally been tazered on the side or ribs by Morgana, and he had a few memories from his younger days of Gaius spidering some fingers under his chin or behind his ears to distract him from things. However, he had never been properly tickled before and he for sure had never tickled anyone else.

Guess that's about to change.

With a smirk on his face, Arthur followed Merlin. The stables were quiet at this hour and Merlin had been rude to him. So it seemed like the perfect opportunity for Arthur to practice.

Inside the small room, the younger man was busy distracting himself by cleaning the armor pieces he had brought with him. With a grin, Arthur quietly locked the door before stepping closer to his manservant.

Once he was close, he clapped Merlin's shoulders. "Merlin!"

The younger man jumped, sending the pieces clattering to the floor once again. Merlin immediately punched Arthur's arm. "Do you normally annoy people this much or am I just the exception?"

"What has gotten into you Merlin?" The future king firmly grabbed his manservant's wrist. "You've dropped my armor twice, talked to me in a manner not fit to address a future king, and now you're attacking me?"

Merlin growled and tried to free his wrist from the hold. It didn't hurt, but he didn't like the fact that Arthur clearly had more strength than him.

As if to prove that thought, Arthur gently tugged Merlin toward him before quickly turning him around. Two arms then held him in place as he tried to squirm away.

"Arthur!"

"Maybe it's time someone taught you a lesson."

"Go for it! I'm used to the stocks."

"Who said I was putting you in the stocks?"

"What then?" Merlin stiffened. "Are you going to hit me instead?"

"Of course not. That's reserved for people who have done something horrid." The future king lowered them both to the floor. "Not for sassy manservants who are rude to their king."

Merlin raised an eyebrow at the change.

"Just to make sure you don't hurt yourself."

"What are you doing?"

"Something new." Arthur wrapped him in a hug and placed his hands around Merlin's thin sides. "Hunith gave me the idea."

Something about the situation clicked, making the younger man's eyes widen. "Dohon't you dare!"

"Don't do what Merlin?"

Merlin's mouth clamped his mouth shut.

"What Merlin?"

A head shake was his only response.

Arthur tried to bite back a smile as his manservant's squirming picked up again. "I can't stop if you don't tell me what it is I need to stop."

A squeak slipped out when Arthur's hands lightly squeezed. "Arthur!"

"Again, what's wrong Merlin?" The future king squeezed again with a little more force. "Ticklish?"

"Ah! Noho!"

Arthur couldn't hold back the grin on his face as he added in more and more squeezes.

"No! Ah! Clohotpohole!"

"You insulting me does not make me want to stop."

"Jerk!"

The future king's hands slowly squeezed upwards. "What was that?"

Merlin's laughter suddenly broke out when Arthur's hands made contact with his ribs. It didn't help that his thinner frame made it easier to grab and squeeze.

However, for all his squirming and insulting, Merlin never told Arthur to stop, nor did he try to pull away. He stayed squirming in the same place in Arthur's arms.

The future king smirked as he latched on to the spaces between Merlin's ribs. He was going slow and cautiously so he wouldn't hurt his manservant. But it was fun to make him laugh and squirm like a girl.

Why hadn't he done this sooner?

Suddenly a random idea popped in to his mind. "Merlin? How many ribs does the human body have?"

"IHI DOHONT KNOHOW!"

"Well why don't we see?"

"WHAT!"

After placing his hands on Merlin's bottom most ribs, Arthur squeezed. "One."

"AH!"

Then his hands moved to the next two. "Two."

"NO!"

The next rib was squeezed. "Three."

"ARTHUR!"

"Quiet Merlin. Now look what you've done. I've lost count and have to start all over again."

"No yohou dOHONT!"

Over and over went Arthur's hands, turning Merlin into a cackling, snorting mess.

"Ugh, I'm bored now." The future kings hands dug into Merlin's stomach. "What's hiding down here?"

The younger man squeaked as he curled into a ball.

"Ah, so it's a curling spot I see."

"Shut uhup!"

"Interesting, but not very entertaining." Arthur experimentally squeezed Merlin's hip. "What about here?"

Merlin jumped! His laughter shot up in volume and he let out a wheeze.

"Oo, that's more like it."

The younger man shoved Arthur's chest and tried to worm away but he was quickly pulled back.

"Let's see if we can find another one."

"Lehet's nohot!"

"Come now Merlin." This time Arthur's hand wormed its way into the younger man's armpit. "Didn't Hunith teach you to share?"

While not as ticklish as his hips, Merlin's armpits still produced a ton of laughter and squirms. Arthur would be lying if he said he wasn't enjoying this atleast a little bit. Merlin looked absolutely adorable and his contagious smile brought one to the future king's face too.

He decided to try one more thing before releasing the breathless younger man. Arthur leaned forward and pressed his lips against Merlin's neck before blowing hard. In response, Merlin squealed and kicked his legs just as he had for Hunith.

Once he was through, Arthur held Merlin close a little longer. "Now, if you get sassy again, I'll be forced to use same technique again."

The younger man kicked the future king's leg. "Dohont you dahare!"

"Ticklish idiot."

"Thihich headed Prahat!"

Arthur squeezed his knee. "Try that again?"

"AH! Yohou're royal prahatness!"

"That's more like it." The future king teased before playfully shoving him away. "Now come on, my armor still needs cleaning."

Merlin muttered, "Clean it yourself."

Arthur raised one eyebrow.

Merlin scurried to his feet and re-prepped the armor pieces for cleaning.

Arthur chuckled before heading out of the room. He trusted Merlin's work, but if he pushed the future king again, he may just have to use Hunith's tickle tactics all over again.

[yourneighbourhoodtraumatisedkids]

You've done favorite music and fanfics... what's your favorite fan arts???

Okay, it seems like it’s favourite fanart this time! Not everyone could make it, but five people could, so we’re trying our best here!

*Clotpole and Hairdo Guy fixing the camera while Dark Raven goes through the script.*

Dark Raven: It says that it’s Claire this time on the list.

Clotpole: Yeah, I can’t deal with Toby anymore. He’s being an ass.

Hairdo Guy: *cracks knuckles* Need me to go talk to him?

Clotpole: Not unless you want a murderous time traveller on your heels. I can possibly get away with it, but don’t for even one second do you think you can get away with it, bitch.

Hairdo Guy: *flings hair* Who are you calling bitch here, darling?

Dark Raven: Hairdo, love you and all, but… no. Just no. 

Hairdo Guy: Fine. Get the first person on here so we can get shit over and done with.

Clotpole: *clears throat* CLAIRE, YOU’RE UP!

*Claire enters the room, grinning as she sits down on the first chair set up in a semicircle.*

Dark Raven: Hey, C-Bomb. If you don’t mind me asking, what is… your favourite fanart?

Claire: This one https://www.tumblr.com/inecole/649990950312181760/best-girl-some-more-of-my-weird-sense-of?source=share by @inecole. I really just like their type of style when drawing me, and typically, I’ve always been drawn to that sort of style.

Dark Raven: *glances at Clotpole* Yeah, no, we’re always going to be starting with her in the future, Boss.

Clotpole: Yeah, I’m going to have to agree with you there. NEXT!

*Douxie walks into the room, and sits down next to Claire*

Douxie: Ladies, my dear sir.

Clotpole: Okay, Douxie, none of the posh nonsense until after we get to cut the shooting.  Tell us, favourite fanart?

Douxie: Has to be this one: https://www.tumblr.com/honeyxmonkey/726948737517322240/more-of-him-douxies-hair-getting-long-in-the?source=share by @honeyxmonkey. I want my long hair back sometimes, and this piece of fanart certainly proves how much I need it.

Claire: *giggles* You’d look good with long hair.

Hairdo Guy: But my hair will always look better.

Dark Raven: Dude, we get it- your hair is amazing, it floats, and it likes whipping my boyfriend in the face. Speaking of which… where is Dollophead?

Clotpole: *blushes* Nowhere.

Dark Raven: I’m guessing it’s a secret, right?

Clotpole: You guessed it, sister!

Dark Raven: Well, as long as Lance and him don’t break into a museum again, I say we’re safe.

Clotpole: That wasn’t Dollophead, that was Lance, KK and Hairdo Guy.

Dark Raven: He was on video call with them. I was there.

Douxie: Wait, Hairdo Guy, Lance and KK broke into a museum?!?!

Claire: I mean, so did Jim and Toby. Nothing new to me.

Clotpole: Guys, I spent effort writing this script and we’re going off track already. And we need to get this posted by Tuesday at the latest we can! So let’s hurry up, okay?! NEXT!

*Mary walks in and sits down, before swinging her legs into Douxie’s lap*

Mary: I am so done with this room- I swear it doesn’t do our asks any justice.

Hairdo Guy: *shrugs* None can do, m’lady. You’re just going to have to do with it. Anyway, favourite fanart?

Mary: You’re not Chat Noir, so don’t call me, m’lady. Anyway, my favourite fan art has to be… https://www.tumblr.com/avirxy/701584713464283136/the-chaos-that-would-unfold-if-theyd-all-been?source=share by @avirxy. Way too good. I honestly just fell in love with this meme draw.

Clotpole: Avirxy and Honey have really been getting our attention lately, but then again, they’re both way too good at what they do. Oi, Dark Raven, did you see that one ask I sent Avirxy of a possessed Jimgana from her angsty art meme?

Dark Raven: Oh yeah… that one you sent me- I remember that one. There’s like a world of wonder to explore with a possessed Jim, but there’s even more to explore when it’s Jim and Morgana as a romantic pairing-

Claire: NO WAY!

Clotpole: Okay, moving on! Dark Raven, please for the love of god don’t say that again- it’s Jlaire forever and Ajim at the maximum for my wondering ass to bear as a multishipper-

Hairdo Guy: And then there’s Jeves-

Clotpole: That’s our secret, you idiot-

Douxie: I can’t believe I’m saying this but FOR THE LOVE OF MASTER MERLIN, NEXT!

*Toby enters, wearing sunglasses*

Toby: Hello, beautiful world!

Clotpole: Did someone give him tequila?

Hairdo Guy: Is that really your first reaction to Toby wearing sunglasses?!?!?!

Clotpole: Shut up, man. Anyway, Toby, what is your favourite piece of fanart?

Toby: *sits down* This awesome piece: https://www.tumblr.com/jae-in-a-trenchcoat/730304134181470208/this-tag-absolutely-took-me-out?source=share by @jae-in-a-trenchcoat. Love your work, Jae! It was super random when I found it, but the look on Douxie’s face was so worth it.

Douxie: What do you mean?

Toby: Not now, dude. I’ll show you later.

Clotpole: *rolls eyes* Someone definitely gave him tequila- or something spiked with it. Anyway, final person, YOU CAN COME OUT NOW!

*Jim walks into the room, smiling*

Jim: Hey, guys!

*Jim sits down, and leans back into chair*

Dark Raven: What’s got you so cheery?

Jim: Nothing really. What’s the question today?

Clotpole: Favourite fanart?

Jim: Anything Percy Jackson.

Hairdo Guy: *facepalms*

Clotpole: Dude, we know you’re obsessed with Percy Jackson. We mean anything in the TOA side of things.

Jim: Wait… Trials of Apollo?

Clotpole: NO JIM, WE MEAN TALES OF ARCADIA, GODDAMMIT!

Dark Raven: Jim, just say it, dude. We’re going off script, and Clotpole needs a nap.

Jim: Then… anything by @bluheaven-adw. Love all her art.

Clotpole: *nods* Okay, I’m out of here. Claire, create me a shadow portal back to my house.

*Claire creates a shadow portal and Clotpole jumps into it, before it closes. Everyone looks at the camera.*

Mary: If you have any questions, hit that ask button, I guess.

Douxie: And give us a follow for more content!

*Claire hides her head in her hands*

Claire: Dios mio, we sound like a Youtube channel at this point.

*Jim turns to look at his girlfriend with a raised eyebrow*

Jim: We’re worse than that. We’re a Tumblr account with no sense of self preservation.

Toby: That’s just you, Jimbo. I say we get Discord and Twitter.

Everyone else apart from Douxie and Hairdo Guy: NO TOBY!

Douxie: I say we give at least Discord a shot.

Hairdo Guy: I’m up for anything, honestly.

*Suddenly, the lights switch off, and electricity crackles. Dark Raven sighs*

Mary: I think that was Clotpole saying no.

*Electricity crackles again.*

Jim: And that was her threatening us with a fate worse than death if we do any sketchy shit.

Dark Raven: And that's why we don't talk about Twitter out of all the things you could, Toby.

*camera cuts to black*

[teefscrubz]

NEW MERTHUR AU ALERT !!!

Sure, for a couple hundred years of immortality, Merlin was able to occupy himself with a variety of hobbies, people and experiences, but nowadays (as in, the past few thousand years) he's just been so....well, bored.

Having a good year or two is nothing but a blip when spanned across thousands of years of depression and loneliness, after all.

But recently, Merlin has found a new past time—Something he never before considered, not really finding much interest in such a boisterous activity, and yet here he is, a professional in the field.

Illegal street racing.

Here Merlin was, glorious wind in his hair, earphones blasting music as he swerved a corner, his sleek red car (proudly named 'Excalibur', because who was Merlin if not a creature of habit?) smoothly sailing the roads with ease, leant back comfortably in his seat with the windows down. Sure, the air was cold, but it felt so damn good on his face. It always did.

It reminded him of riding horses back in Camelot. The open road; Merlin missed being able to venture as far as he wanted across wooded land. Not that Arthur ever let him, of course.

Merlin is brought back to the race at hand when he crosses the finish line, twisting the wheel and letting Excalibur skid to a stop. He climbs out, preparing to bow as per usual; he expects to be greeted by the usual roar of applause—Merlin insists he never uses magic to win a race, but the recognition does feel damn good. Even if racing was starting to lose the adrenaline filled fun for him by now.

Except the crowds aren't cheering for him. Instead, he turns to see a car already waiting for him; impossible, Merlin ALWAYS wins, after all. He's had too much practice.

But there is a flash of blonde hair climbing out of the battered old black car, a tattered thing that surely couldn't have won against him and yet somehow escaped even his attention. Merlin's eyes follow as the blonde man rises to his full height, turning with a bright grin and waving to the cheering crowds, only for his smile to fade when his gaze lands on Merlin.

Merlin feels winded, a ludicrous laugh of surprise tearing from his chest.

"Emrys," The blonde man smirks, making his way forwards to offer a hand, "I'm a big fan. Honoured to have beaten you today—The name's Arthur Pendragon. The crowds call me the King."

"You clotpole." Merlin chuckles, ignoring Arthur's hand out of disbelief. "You absolute prat. You're back."

"It appears so. Err—Back from where?"

Gods, he's just as stupidly handsome as he was the day they fought at Camlann. Finally, Arthur has risen. Finally, Merlin smiles.

[megafandombandgeekgirl]

Merlin- The Bird

So I got to thinking (as one often does when writing fanfic)

And this GREAT thought happened.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Merlin- a small dark falcon

One day an evil sorcerer is out to destroy Camelot again- but this time via turning its inhabitants into animals. Merlin, oh great sorcerer that he is, is trying to stop all of this madness but HE gets hit with one of the spells. Since he himself is magic, it doesn’t work out exactly like the evildoer planned…

Every time someone calls Merlin’s name, he turns into a Merlin (see definition above). So Merlin has figured this out but no one else knows and Gaius walks into his chambers and OF COURSE when he sees Merlin, he HAS to say, “Merlin, what are you doing here?”

And Merlin, before he can even curse at his luck, turns into a bird.

Gaius is both alarmed and amused and responds to this unfortunate event by asking, “Merlin, what is going on here?”

And Merlin turns back into himself. Flustered and annoyed, but a person once more.

Before Gaius can say his name again, Merlin explains everything. And so they set off doing what they can to fix it.

But even in this situation, he has to be there for Arthur so he’s going on his normal duties for the day, praying that he doesn’t see one of the knights or Arthur or Gwen but of course he sees ALL of them and every single one of them says his name at least once.

The first is Elyan and Percival, who are hanging around the great hall when they greet him before he can stop them. They can only stare confusion (and mild humor) as Merlin squawks and flutters down the hall. He’s still flying and just passes Arthur (who’s been looking for him) when Arthur yells Merlin’s name.

And so the warlock drops onto the ground again.

But of course the fun for the poor sorcerer doesn’t end there.

No, Leon discovers him next and this time Merlin is ready and stops Leon before he can say anything. But Leon, being curiously concerned, asks, “Merlin, are you feeling well?”

And when the small falcon caws in his face and flies away, he shakes his head and adds it to the list of things he’s just going to pretend didn’t happen.

When Merlin turns human again, he stays that way for a bit longer and decides that hiding is the best idea. Until Gwaine finds him. And figures out the whole “Merlin switch-a-roo” trick. And he just loves it. He can’t stop laughing and changing Merlin into a bird and asking him to go poop on Arthur’s clotpole head (who, by the way, is now nearing Gwaine after hearing all this talk and is annoyed that Merlin is with Gwaine and not him like he should be).

When Arthur is told what is going on and Merlin is finally human again, he only glares at them both, saying, “No. Nope. Don’t even say it. I do not exist. I’m leaving. Don’t stop me. And DON’T say that word because I swear I WILL shit all over you.”

And as Merlin hurriedly waddles away with a few stray feathers poking out, Arthur and Gwaine take one look at each other and burst out laughing.

[merlinisnotover]

"You said you'd never leave"

Whumptober Day 10

Arthur woke on a shore that was somehow both familiar and completely foreign. The air smelled — off. Something burning, perhaps? 

He pushed his wet hair back from his forehead and made to stand and determine what had happened since he died — or, well, he thought he’d died — in Merlin’s arms. 

Merlin! Where was Merlin?!

He scrambled to his feet and looked frantically. The woods surrounding the lake were different than he remembers them and he couldn’t see a sign of Merlin or their camp from the night before. 

“Merlin?” He called, startling a rabbit from the brush. 

After a moment without an answer, he began to walk, looking for the trail that had originally brought them to the lake. It seemed hardly more trodden than a footpath, how had Merlin brought the horses down this? 

Too soon, he emerged from the woods and looked around at a bizarre sight. There were buildings along a road but they were like no building nor road he had ever seen; the buildings were remarkably square and uniform, with sturdy walls and wood with glass in every window, and the road was paved with a stone he had never encountered, flat and black and uniform in every direction. 

What was this sorcery?!

“Merlin?” He called again, reaching for a sword that was not there.

“Arthur?” 

Arthur spun around, and there he was: Merlin.

He, too, looked different. His hair was longer and his clothing was strange. The bag that had been in his hand fell to the ground and spilt onto the grass. 

“Is it really you?”

Arthur ran to him, unashamed of the joy he felt at seeing Merlin again, something in this world that made sense at last. He enveloped Merlin in a hug. 

“What happened?” he asked into the hug when Merlin refused to release his hold.

“You died.”

“But I’m back?”

Merlin nodded into Arthur’s tunic where Arthur could feel tears soaking the fabric. 

“Merlin, I’m back. I promise.”

“You said you’d never leave,” Merlin mumbled. “But you died!”

Arthur squeezed him tighter, shushing him as he shook and sobbed. 

The tears seemed endless and Arthur felt his heart break over and over again as he held Merlin. 

“Merlin,” he asked when the sobs quieted. “How long have I been gone?”

“Too long,” Merlin said. He pulled back and looked at Arthur with red eyes. Trying to smile, he added, “You kept me waiting nearly fifteen hundred years, you utter clotpole!” 

The smile looked painful and Arthur felt tears jump to his eyes. “I didn’t want to leave. I promise.”

“I know,” Merlin said softly.

“And I won’t ever again.”

“You can’t promise that,” Merlin retorted, leaning away. 

Arthur’s hands reached out on instinct, cupping the back of Merlin’s head and resting his forehead on Merlin’s. “Never. Never again.”

“Okay,” Merlin said, melting in Arthur’s touch. “Okay.”

[a-small-batch-of-dragons]

Will You Breathe With Me?

Hi I really love your work <3 would you be open to writing an ADHD!Merlin h/c fic? – anon

Read on Ao3

Warnings: executive dysfunction

Pairings: merthur, can be platonic or romantic you decide

Word Count: 1870

    Arthur walks into his chambers and sees Merlin sitting silently on the edge of the bed, staring off into nothing. He walks over, waiting for the loud thump of his boots to alert him to his presence, but he doesn't move. Even waving his hand in front of his face does nothing. Glancing around, he picks up a pillow from the bed and whacks Merlin across the face.

"Ow!"

"There you are, I was wondering what it would take to get you talking."

Merlin glares at him, rubbing the end of his nose. "That hurt, you prat."

"Well, you should've moved out of the way."

"How was I supposed to know you were going to hit me?"

"I didn't hit you that hard, and it's a pillow, you'll be fine." Merlin just glares harder. "Besides, you're the one sitting about, not doing anything."

Merlin mumbles something under his breath, hunching his shoulders. Arthur sighs.

"You know I can't hear you when you're doing that."

"I'm trying."

"Trying what?"

"To get up and do things."

Arthur snorts. "Well, you're not trying very hard, by the looks of it."

"What would you know?"

Now, Arthur would snap back at him, call him an idiot or a clotpole or something else equally devastating, but there's a cold sharpness to Merlin's tone that's never there unless Merlin's really upset. He pauses, tossing the pillow back down.

"Do you…want help?"

"What?"

"Doing things," Arthur offers clumsily, "do you want help?"

Merlin looks up at him like he's grown two heads. "Who are you and what have you done with Prince Arthur?"

"Shut up." He shoves Merlin's shoulder—gently!—and sits on the bed next to him.

His eyes travel over Merlin's form, looking for a wound or injury he didn't know about—Merlin has this awful habit of pretending he's not hurt and then letting them all worry about him far too late, he's just being thorough and making sure there isn't going to be any blood on his sheets, that's all—but he doesn't see anything. Not that he would necessarily be able to see anything, what with how much of a twig Merlin is, but even a twig shows some sign of padding if he's been bandaged. And he can't tell if Merlin's breathing funnily or anything, so he's probably not physically injured.

Did Arthur say something to him? Did he take one of the taunts to heart, or did he prod some sore spot he didn't know about? He'd thought he'd figured all of them out, the parts he wasn't supposed to poke at, the lines he wasn't meant to cross, but perhaps this is another one, one he didn't know about. Or has someone else said something? Merlin seems to be in this unique place where he'll gladly snap and bite back at Arthur but if one of the other knights or lords do something, he'll just grit his teeth and take it. Annoying at first, for Arthur was the prince and deserved the highest form of respect other than the king, and annoying now because Merlin doesn't deserve some of what those people throw at him and he won't even defend himself from it.

Not that Arthur minds the chance of getting to utterly humiliate them on the training grounds, though.

He's jolted back from his thoughts when Merlin sighs, a bone-weary and aching thing that tugs at some soft part of Arthur's chest. He glances up to see a forlorn expression on Merlin's face.

"I just…can't."

"Can't what?"

"I've been trying to get up and do things for the past hour. I just can't."

"Why not?"

"I don't know," Merlin bites out with such frustration that Arthur instantly gives in.

"Alright, alright, that's fine. You don't know." He shifts, propping his weight on one hand behind him so he can face Merlin properly. "Is—er, has this happened before?"

"Yes."

"What…what made it stop last time?"

Merlin shrugs. "It just went away. Or I forced myself to do things anyway."

"Could you…do that this time?"

"Already tried. Have been trying. It just isn't working. I must've…" He trails off and another one of those terribly old expressions flickers across his face. "I must be too tired."

The familiar jibe about laziness springs to the tip of Arthur's tongue but he swallows it down. If this happens all the time, or with enough frequency that Merlin seems more irritated by its presence than worried, then he's starting to wonder if Merlin really is lazy at all.

"Sorry."

It's so quiet Arthur almost doesn't hear it. "What?"

"I'm sorry," Merlin says again, sounding so genuine and so upset about it that Arthur's reaching out before he realizes it, stopping himself just in time, "I know…I know you want the chores done."

"It's alright."

"Really?"

Arthur glances around his chambers. Sure, they're not pristine, but they're at the very least passable and a damn sight near cleaner than the way some of the squire's rooms are kept. No one other than him and Merlin are going to be in here, after all, and those few that do come in aren't likely to be in any position to scold him for the state of his room.

"Yeah, Merlin, it's alright. If you can't do it, you can't do it."

Merlin's gaze slides to him suspiciously. "Why're you being so…nice about this?"

Arthur shrugs, feigning a casualness as he leans back to lie down. "It's not like this place is a pigsty. And you…you're a dramatic sod when you want to be but I can tell you're not lying."

"I'm not."

"I just said that."

He watches carefully as Merlin takes a deep breath, his shoulders slumping. Arthur lifts a hand to rest against his back, offer some comfort, but he clenches his fist and sets it purposefully back down on the bed.

"What's it like?"

"Huh?"

"Whatever's happening to you right now, what's it like?"

Merlin pauses for a moment, searching for the right words, before he sighs and lies back too. Arthur turns to look at him. "It's like—it's like something is buzzing right under my skin, telling me I have all these things I need to do. Like holding the reins too tightly on a horse that just wants to run."

"Could you…let the reins go?"

Merlin shakes his head. "I'm not holding them."

A small smile comes to Arthur's face. "You calling yourself a horse, then?"

He chuckles as Merlin swats halfheartedly at him. "No, you prat, it's like—it's like—"

"Take your time."

"Thanks." Merlin takes a deep breath. "It's like…it's like I'm in one of those tanks Gaius has. The big glass ones. I'm inside and everything I have to do is banging on the outside, yelling at me to do it. And I just…I can't. I'm just sitting there, on the ground, alone inside the glass."

Arthur falls silent, staring up at the ceiling. The picture Merlin paints renders itself vividly in his mind's eye; Merlin, alone, looking as helpless and forlorn as he does now, in the center of a massive glass cage with countless people screaming at him, banging on the glass as he stares unseeing into the distance.

It's…not a pleasant image.

"I'm sorry," he murmurs, "that sounds…awful."

"Trying to do something is like pulling teeth. Every part of me is telling me how much I need to do it, but my body just won't respond. Even getting up."

"I'm sorry."

"'S not your fault."

"I'm the one giving you all the chores."

A small huff of a laugh, but it makes Arthur's chest feel lighter all the same. "It's hard with non-chores too, like getting up for a drink, even eating."

"Does Gaius know about it?"

"Yeah."

"Does he…help?"

Merlin sighs. "Not really. He knows what it's called and everything, can tell me exactly what's happening from one of those massive books he has, but he can't help. Not really."

"What's the point of a physician if they can't help when something's wrong with you?"

"You can ask him that."

They lie there in silence for a little longer. A horse trots by outside; they can hear the hoofbeats and the creak of the wagon wheels. Someone laughs. A bird calls. The well creaks as the bucket is drawn up.

"This helps," Merlin mumbles, "just…lying here with you."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah."

"Well. That's good." He turns to look at him again. "I do have a very comfortable bed."

Merlin chuckles. "Yes, you do."

"This your way of confessing to all those naps I know you take during the day when you think I'm not here?"

"…you know about those?"

"Oh, yes, Merlin, I know about them. You're lucky today was the first time I hit you with a pillow." At Merlin's obvious discomfort, he relents, shifting around on his very comfortable bed. "It's alright. I know you're tired. And you always remake the bed afterwards."

"If you keep being this nice to me, I really am going to start getting worried."

"Merlin."

It's worth it for the second laugh he gets, bringing a smile to his own face.

"If you had a broken leg," he says instead, "I wouldn't be making you do anything either."

"That's a lie and you know it."

"Alright, I'd be making sure you rested and got help from the other servants to do your chores, but I wouldn't just pretend that your leg wasn't broken and that nothing was wrong. It's the same for this. You're—something is wrong, Merlin, I'm not so much of a tosser that I'm just going to ignore that."

Merlin turns to look at him, fringe falling into his face. Arthur has to clench his hands by his side to stop himself from reaching to brush it out of the way.

"Thanks."

"'Course."

"Will you—er, having someone else—I mean—"

Arthur waits as Merlin screws his eyes shut, clearly wrestling with his words, before opening his mouth again.

"Having you here is helping," he mumbles, the tips of his ears flushing a bright red, "so…if you want to stay, I'd…that'd be nice."

"Sure, Merlin. I'll stay."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah."

Merlin's grin is making Arthur's chest do all sorts of weird things and he's not sure how he feels about it.

"So," Merlin says, shifting a little, "how was the Council meeting?"

Arthur just groans.

"That good, hm?"

"You have no idea."

"We're not going anywhere for a while," he says, "you can tell me."

Arthur hums. That does sound nice. Getting some time to vent while lying around, not doing anything…Merlin's right here, they don't have to go anywhere, no one's going to come and bother them…

Before he loses his courage, he reaches out and carefully takes Merlin's hand in his.

After a moment, Merlin's fingers wrap around his and squeeze.

Arthur smiles up at the ceiling.

"So, it started with my father demanding we increase patrol for the third time this season—"

"Oh, I'm sure they loved that."

"Right? So he keeps on about it for about ten minutes before Leon tells him he's full of it—"

"Wait, Leon what?"

[biggestqiblifan]

BBC Merlin

Ok, so Bluey may have some competition for the spot of my favorite show.

But here's this.

I've said a dozen times before about how certain things in books have destroyed me, ripped my soul apart, etc.

I don't even know how many times my soul/heart has died only to respawn to die again.

But, those were just similes and little describing things. My soul didn't die, obviously, I still came back, again and again.

But the same CANNOT be said for Merlin.

I love this show, so much that my heart will bleed from it.

It is basically a bipolar between Merlin about to pull pants on the king in the middle of a meeting, calling Arthur a cabbage-head, dollop-head, clotpole, prat, basically annoying and roasting him 24/7, being amazing, hilarious, sarcastic while saving Arthur's ass a million times over.

But the other side is the soul-ripping scenes like when Arthur dies.

Merlin began the series, walking alone, with nothing. Frightened and hiding his true self in fear of prosecution. The destiny and fate, the hopes of the world lying a heavy burden on his shoulders with no-one by his side, no-one to help.

Merlin finished the series by walking alone, having lost everything.

The fate of the world off his shoulders, but with no-one to enjoy freedom and happiness with.

[whitegoldtower]

Playing as Solemnar for the first time in a while, with some extra character spice 💅

His full name, Altmer style:

Solemnar ‘Len Alya Calanon Nimwen ‘Ata Rhovanion Morohtar Elarinya ‘cal Galadhremmin

His vallaslin is Elgar’nan’s - father of vengeance.

He begun as a Thalmor battlemage helping the Imperial Legion win the war, but after convincing Jarl Balgruuf to accept help from the Legion, he was assigned Lydia as his housecarl.

Being a Thalmor, he wasn’t best pleased with having a Nord following him around, but during their battle for Whiterun, the prospect of losing her drove him to leap from the ramparts into the midst of a scuffle for the sole purpose of dragging her to safety in order to heal her. She’d grown on him during their travels, and this leads to some mixed feelings on both parts.

Lydia, in the sense of “He’s a heartless monster, why would he save me?” And Solemnar; “… I just risked my life to save a Nord. A human. What is wrong with me?”

Tensions rise between them in good and bad ways the further along in the war they go. Sometimes their silence is an argument waiting to happen, sometimes it’s because they’re making one another ‘unseasonably warm’.

Nonetheless, their banter is top notch.

“Ah yes, Windhelm. The city one can smell before they see it. What do I mean? Take a whiff, darling. Shit, cum, and that Nordic piss you call ale.”

“I’m not getting into a single bed with you! I’ll take the chaise.”

“Lydia, I insist. As if I would invite you to lay beside me were it not for the good of my own heart; I wouldn’t dream of doing anything unsavoury with the likes of you.”

“Lucky me. You’re a Justiciar. Unsavoury is your profession.”

“Alas, I am sworn to carry your burdens.”

“And I am sworn to tolerate your knuckle-dragging Nordic behaviour, unfortunately.”

“Why can’t you people make bigger beds?”

“It’s not our fault your ‘superior breeding’ gave you stupidly long legs because you’re a knife-eared clotpole.”

“Excuse me?”

“Oh, my apologies. I meant; It’s not our fault your superior breeding gave you stupidly long legs because you’re a knife-eared clotpole, my Thane.”

“I’ve punished people for saying less.”

“Honoured.”

Also Sol and Hadvar bonded over their soldier PTSD and he “reluctantly” snuggled with Lydia in the Pale Camp for warmth. He’s slowly realising that Nords are people too.

And perhaps he’s figuring out a little more about how he feels towards Lydia. Suddenly the distance they put between each other when sharing a bed is beginning to get smaller, and they’re starting to get a little handsy.

He’s given her a gold necklace with red butterflies on it for ‘safekeeping’ and ‘compensation if he gets killed’, but we all know he’s lying through his teeth.

[mysticsublimeperson]

So,

Merlin works as a housekeeper in a luxury hotel in central London.

And has a son, Aithusa that is 7 years old (or something)

He is best friends with Gwen who's been working a bit longer than him in that hotel.

Arthur is a politic, and I HAVE NO IDEA HOW POLITICS WORKS IN THE UK (nor in my country but that another issue) He is running for something and has to stay in a hotel for the campaign, cause is easier to have the interview there. also a known womanizer

His second in command is Agravaine, and he also has his security personnel aka the knights.

Merlin is not bad at his job, but it's not what he wants to be, and it's trying to get his degree to be a nurse.

And he and his son have lived on the edge of poverty all of their life so this is the stablest job he has had and wants to keep it.

I don't know any neighborhood in UK, so im going to say that they live in the lower town.

Ok, so Merlin has his routine. He wakes up, does his son's breakfast, takes him to school, then takes the tube, and goes to work. At work he has his friends, he is friendly and kind so he has no problem with that, most of his coworkers are women, and he is technically a male maid, as butlers are higher ranking, and then is the steward and then management, I think, I want everybody to understand that im bullshiting my way on this.

On the days his schedule does not match, he brings Aithusa to the hotel to hang out while he is working.

On one of the rooms he is assigned is staying a insufferable woman, Sophia, and she is just the worse person ever, and on day she brings a man with her that leaves a really expensive suit behind and Gwen dares Merlin to live a little and try it on, he does after some pestering. When he is dressed he hears Aithusa distressed calling for him. He comes out like a rocket, and sees Arthur grabbing his son.

They fight like EP1 you know what I mean, like:

"What are you doing with my son?"

"So this is your son? Was it you that made him ask all those questions?"

"I don't know what are you talking about, but if you don't release him now, you are going to have a big problem my friend"

"Do I know you?" He releases the boy that runs towards his father. Before Merlin can answer he keeps on going "No, No I don't, yet you call me friend, you are going to tell me for what press do you work or do we need to do this the hard way"

"Look, you absolute bloody clotpole, I don't work for any press" he shouted shocking Arthur "And you are right, I could never be friends with someone who can be such an arse"

"You can't talk to me that way"

"Who are you? The sodding queen? Get lost" He turned back with Aithusa and went back to the room.

He vents to Gwen, who kindly informs him that, that was Arthur Pendragon, so Merlin thinks he is basically doomed.

Aithusa had been asking him hard questions about politics like "Why did you lie last time?" and Agravaine had gotten under Arthur's skin and basically convinced him that the kid must have been a tiny spy.

After the fight Leon does some damage control, and shows Arthur that he did really escalate the situation more than necessary, and also that that man could sue him easily and ruin his campaign.

Merlin is ranting loudly so he could hear that the situation appeared to be real, and he had screw up.

Merlin meanwhile finishes the room while dressed too, because he had forgotten in his fury, and Gwen is taking care of Aithusa, distracting him.

Arthur knocks on the door, and Merlin answers a bit thrown off, because the owner of the room is not waiting for anybody, and sees Arthur.

Arthur apologizes reluctantly, and Merlin point it out, and they start to banter, but it's a bit more friendly. Merlin assures him that they are not going to sue, so he can relax, still Arthur insist on compensating, because he finds this man interesting and doesn't want to stop that interaction, and then Gwen actually acts and makes him go.

They go with Aithusa to an ice cream shop, and Aithusa keeps on asking questions, Arthus sees how Merlin answers each of them as best as he can, without judgment. Merlin explains how Aithusa is really shy and has social anxiety, usually triggered in class when he is asked a question and he doesn't properly know how to respond.

So Arthur gives Aithusa some tips for stage fright, that he has before his speeches. And that wins him some points.

They spend a lovely time, but Merlin does need to keep workin so they excuse themself and leave Arthur and go back to the hotel.

Merlin takes the suit off and leaves them in the closet. and puts on his uniform, goes off on Gwen meddling and leaves her feeling like she did overstep a bit, when she realizes that Merlin could be fired for this.

Gwen still defends her posture, and expects details on the date. Merlin said that it had not been a date, but it had been rather nice.

At some point he helps Gaius, a senior butler after an injury on the work and covers for him.

they are offering a promotion a work and Merlin doesn't know if take it or leave the door to keep studying open, because if he take it, he knows he won't be able to study for his exams correctly.

Meanwhile Arthur reinspects his sexuality, like in a slow process, first, he couldn't quite believe he had so much fun, then he could nor stop thinking and comparing the parenting styles. His father had never been so soft edged with him, and had never put himself on a position where he didn't have all the cards. Then he could not stop thinking about his ideologies, his ideas, they were so interesting he was curious.

Next morning Agravaine is fuming. The papers caught the whole thing and they are on first page, some trying to identify the man as a benefactor, or a new weapon of the campaign, but one trying to frame it as a date.

That one does two things, sends Agravaine in a, certainly homophobic, rage induced spiral, and makes Arthur realize that maybe he hadn't been able to stop thinking about it because he too wishes it had been a date. He reads that article carefully.

And then he send a message to the room for a dinner, determined to find out whatever he is feeling.

He still doesn't know what to do when he finds out, he has never been attracted to a man, but well, it didn't feel like a big revelation just yet.

Merlin is asked to help serve that dinner.

When Arthur opened the door and a blond girl entered the room gushing about how happy she was he remembered her and flirting insatiably. Yeah not good.

The dinner was served perfectly, even with the lame attempts of hiding on Merlin's part. Who is rather proud when hearing the conversation between Arthur and his security team about the outing the other day and how fun it had been, because he too had enjoyed it.

Gaius is in the kitchen with Merlin, trying to get him to accept the promotion, and offering his help, when Arthur barges in. Merlins hides his face.

"A man" Arhtur says frustrated "The person Im looking for is a man"

"She was the only one in that room sir" Gaius explains.

"A man, my height, black hair, blue eyes and has a son named Aithusa, find him" orders frustrated before leaving the kitchen.

Gaius turns slowly and sees merlin slouched on the counter "Is there something you would like to tell me?"

Gaius promises to help him, only if he takes the test for the promotion, swearing Merlin could do everything he put his mind to.

So he presents an application.

That day when he is leaving with Aithusa, Arthur intercepts them near a close by restaurant he had been eating at.

"Where have you been? I have been looking for you?"

"I... To tell the truth I've never stayed in the hotel..."

"Oh... are you with that woman then?"

"Not in a million years"

"We were just waiting, he can only leave after five, that is the work schedule" Aithusa answered, and it was the truth, but it made it seem like he was some kind of solicitor, or secretary or something.

"Yes, you see, I'm a.."

"So you work for her"

"Yes" Aithusa grabbed his hand and he could only frown, what was he doing.

"Not related, not his mother...?

"Oh god no!" Merlin shouted terrified with that disgusting image.

"Then do you think you could come with me to the very important gala?"

"Yes he can"

"I don't think so" he threw a look to his son finally understanding what he had been doing "I have to work, and I don't know I f I can find a replacement"

"Just think about it yeah? I think your ideas about the lower town would be really appropriate there, here. This is my number call me if you reach a decision"

"I will, thank you"

Merlin was genuinely touched that he thought his ideas were valid in a place like that. But it was impossible he could go, and he had to study for his promotion test.

Merlin gave Aithusa an earful for lying to Arthur on purpose, and he responded that Arthur himself had explained that lies that helped others feel at ease with the change that was happening, where necessary.

Merlin cursed Arthur very badly.

And Gaius who offered to cover his shift, and Gwen who put the entire hotel staff into a cinderella mission. The boutique lended him a really nice suit, and the hair salon did something weird to his hair, and put on a face mask while on manicure. His hands were rough and hard from working but they cleaned up nicely.

Under threat that if he got the suit dirty Aithusa would be an orphan again, Merlin left, on a taxi, that had been a bit too much.

He arrives, and Arthur is way too happy.

"You do clean up well"

"Even the broken clock, gets it right twice a day" Merlin mutters, making Arthur laugh.

Arthur actually introduces hi to a couple of very interesting people, and gets him talking about some important stuff and introduces him to his security team too, before the are interrupted by Sophia trying to flirt with Arthur. He can't deny her in public so he dances, and Merlin comes to the realization that he does want that very badly,

He likes Arthur, but even if the signals he's been picking up are correct, and Arthur does like him, and is willing to openly BE with him, AND his son, with already sees like too much. This was all a lie, Merlin wasn't someone important and he had lied, he hadn't told the truth and had kept Arthur in the dark, that made him no better than Sophia. And, if that wasn't enough, if he kept with this, he most certainly be fired.

He turns and leaves, texting Arthur that he will be going, and thank you for everything.

To be continued...

I suddenly desperately need a Maid in Manhattan Merthur AU

Please someone, tell me I'm not the only one PLEASE

[onceandfuturewarlqck]

leon wonders when merlin had started to become friend, family, more than servant, more than arthur's, but his (theirs, gwaine's smiles said, was screamed by gwen's hugs, lancelot's quiet hushes. theirs.)

leon had grown up with morgana and arthur, and being a few years older than them he had taken on the role as the older brother.

it had been easy.

it was leon morgana arthur, never separated, holding each other's hands and backs.

thick as thieves, always together, and leon took the role of protecting arthur, and then he became a knight and he swore an oath to uther but mostly to the prince.

he looked at his friend brother prince king and he swore.

because leon would protect arthur no matter what.

and life goes on, in a way, and people grow, like they're supposed to do, and things change, and leon's days are filled with patrols and trainings and aching limbs and orders to follow.

it leavea him aching.

then.

then this boy comes in, all limbs and no muscles and even less brain cause he has to be at the very least a fool to pick a fight with arthur, of all people.

and leon watches, because he is a knight, no matter that the prince is being an asshole and a bully.

(which he wasn't as a kid. he was sweet and nice and shy and kind, and leon would always remember the way he used to shake when there were thunders, hiding himself under the covers; he would never forget the soft smiles he would give him, the time he had cried because morgana had fallen down and scraped his knees, the concentrated look when he wanted to comfort her but didnt know how to actually do it. arthur had been a sweet child, but he also was uther's son, and he wanted to make him proud.)

(and then the raid happened and arthur spiraled and closed himself and not even leon can reach for him anymore.

you're too far away, he wants to cry.

he offers his arm, but arthur turns around everytime.)

(leon nowdays wonders if arthur the kid is forever dead, sacrificed to arthur the son. it shouldn't sadden him, but it does. he thinks, leon morgana arthur, but now it's leon, and morgana, and arthur, with all those empty spaces, all looking at different walls.)

the gangly boy is lost and gone within the day.

until he saves arthur's life and becomes his manservant, that's it, and now leon has to spend all the time watching as this boy, merlin, keeps threatening the prince, calling him a prat, insulting him?

leon thinks he hit the head and he is in some other alternative universe because there is no way that this servant can act like that, without any sense of proprierty, almost friendly, with the crown prince without facing some punishment.

but arthur doesn't send him away. he talks back, jokes with him, and something slowly begins to melt in his prince. something blooms into spring again, weak and tentative, but it's there.

(and maybe leon is jealous, because when was the last time that he and arthur had joked like that? they used to run across the castle, hiding from maids. morgana would convince arthur to pull pranks, and arthur would drag leon along, and the three of them would laugh and play all day.

they used to spend nights huddled together, talking about everything, dreaming about the future. arthur would talk about slaying monsters and being a hero, and morgana would roll her eyes and say that leon was way more hero-like. leon would blush and say that he would defend them both from evil. he would later trip on the sheets and arthur would laugh at him while helping him up, before softly asking him if he was alright, corcern painting his eyes, and morgana would call him "my knight" with a cheeky smile, but they were happy.)

(now they talk less and leon calls arthur "sire" and "my prince" and all these titles, and he has forgotten how arthur's name tastes like in his mouth. and here he is, merlin, a servant, calling arthur a prat, a clotpole,  a dollophead, calling him arthur.)

leon doesn't know how to deal with merlin.

then merlin follows arthur into danger.

and again.

and again.

merlin is dead set onto going with arthur everywhere. merlin drinks poison for arthur. merlin jumps in front of bandits for arthur. merlin will do everything for arthur.

and once, leon tells him he shouldnt do this, he is just a servant, it is not his job to protect the prince.

and merlin gives him this long weird look and he purses his lips and leon doesnt know how to interpret all this, and says, you're right, its not a servant's job, and leaves it at it.

and he goes with them to the next quest anyway, which confuses leon even more.

it's not until one day merlin pushes leon out of a bandit's way, almost getting skewered by a blade, that he finally understands.

arthur fusses over merlin, pretending not to care, but his eyes lingers too much, and his hands are shaky, and merlin laughs at him and calls him a mother hen, which makes the prince pout. then the prince looks at leon and asks him if he is okay, and the concern is still there, it has never aged away, and leon is breathless and can only nod, and stare at merlin.

merlin stares back.

merlin was right, it's not a servant's job to risk their own life like this.

but merlin is not just a servant. he is their friend.

and leon thanks him, and merlin just shrugs him off, but there's a blush on his cheeks. then arthur calls for merlin, the moment broken and so many unsaid words piling in leon's mouth. merlin goes to aid the prince, leaving with an apologetic smile. he watches them as they joke around together and he watches as arthur's touch seems to hover on merlin's shoulder.

and leon understands.

(he thinks about how he has really failed. not as a knight, but as a friend. because leon had sworn to protect arthur but he had forgotten that, sometimes, what one needs protection from are not sorcerers or bandits or gigantic beasts. sometimes people need protection from themselves. and sometimes you don't protect someone with a sword, sometimes you do that with a kind word, a pulled prank or a gentle hand.)

merlin is always at arthur's side, at their side. and leon swears a second oath, one night, when the younger boy is lying too still on the ground, pained gasps rattling out of his lips as the fever rises together with infection.

arthur is asleep, next to him, he hasn't left merlin, and there is a furrow on his forehead he wishes to smother.

(arthur, sweet loving arthur, with scratches on his hands, and dirt on his cheeks, always full of love and nowhere to place it. looking for a father to give it, for someone to treasure it.

arthur and his bleeding heart.

merlin had stumbled his way in, with all his stubborness and loud loyalty and blinding affection, and without knowing it, arthur had placed that same heart in merlin's caring hands.

and merlin will die before any harm comes to it.)

(he does a good job at that, leon muses. merlin is too good for them all.)

you protect us all, he thinks, taking in the shaky figure, the flimsy blanket hiding the scar covered chest, but those scars are burnt on leon's mind and he doesn't need to see them to know they are there.

because merlin was never supposed to have scars.

friendship, a voice sighs in his mind.

you protect us all, but who protects you?

and leon kneels, in the middle of the night, between trees and sleeping knights, with merlin's shudders and the rustling of the wind, he kneels for the second time in his life, and he swears.

"to merlin of ealdor," he promises.

to merlin of camelot.

servant friend and brother.

[waltwhitmansbeard]

my fair lady: chapter eighteen

previous chapters! inspired (yes, still!) by @romeoandjulietyouwish's medieval au

Having had no easy time falling asleep, Keyleth doesn't wake until late in the day, when the sun is close to its apex in the sky. When she does wake, it is to the distant sounds of activity from somewhere outside her chambers. She sits up, rubbing at her eyes. "What is the commotion?"

She's startled to see Vax, dressed and armored with dagger in hand, just beside the door. He looks at her and places one finger over his lips. He then gently creaks the door open, where they're greeted by the suddenly audible sounds of a very familiar voice.

"Stop squirming, you churlish clotpole. You'll tell the sovereign what you know."

Keyleth sighs in relief as Vax stows his dagger with a roll of his eyes. Master Gilmore. She slides out of bed quickly and wraps herself in her dressing gown. She hurries past Vax into the hall, where she darts as fast as she dares to her father's chambers. With Vax hot on her heels, she comes into view of the bustle just as Master Gilmore, elaborately dressed and looking both annoyed and quite pleased with himself, shoves a scrawny, tow-headed boy a few years Keyleth's junior past her father's guards into the sovereign's rooms. "Master Gilmore!"

The man in question looks up and immediately grins his signature self-satisfied smirk. "Well there she is! Come quickly, we have a war to end!" He starts to turn into the room, but then stops to say sultrily, "And a very good day to you, Vax'ildan."

Vax, now standing just beside Keyleth, laughs despite himself. "Good day, Master Gilmore."

"Please, don't call me master here, we're in polite company." Then he's gone, and Keyleth, honestly grateful for Gilmore's particular brand of levity, follows him in, where several of her father's advisors, including Percy and Pike, who did not return to Zephrah with the others, have joined the sovereign to speak with whomever Gilmore has just unceremoniously tossed before them.

The young man is huddled on the ground, eyes darting between everyone surrounding him nervously. He's disheveled, but when her father barks at him, "Stand up, boy," he does so, straightening his clothes best he can.

"Master Gilmore, who is this?" her father asks.

Gilmore dips low into a bow. "Your Majesty, this is Tadhg, and who Tadhg is matters far less than who he works for." The sovereign frowns in confusion. "You are familiar with Gaben Finefirn, I presume?"

"Of course. A conjurer who did excellent work for us during the war. We'd never have taken as much of the Dreemoth Ravine as we did without his assistance."

"And charged you a pretty penny for it, did he not?"

One of the gathered advisors snorts. "I'd say so."

Gilmore, always a fan of a good presentation, throws out his hands dramatically. "Well, as it would turn out, our friend Gaben was dipping into both nations' coffers, as it were. Seems a conjurer-for-hire will conjure for, well, whomever hires. And during the course of this war, he turned himself from a novice battle mage into a crucial chess piece for both sides of the conflict, and in the process amassed a fortune the likes of which a once-pauper could only imagine."

The sovereign straightens, his face drawn. "Is that so?"

Gilmore floats over to where Keyleth stands by the entrance and wraps an arm around her shoulders. "Now before we proceed, I do need to give credit where credit is due. All we are about to learn here today was only uncovered due to the princess's ingenuity and quick-thinking."

Keyleth's face burns hot. "No—I didn't—"

"Without her instruction, I never would have thought to dig into Mister Finefirn, though—" He turns to speak directly to Keyleth. "—once I received your letter, dear, I knew exactly where to start looking. A brilliant young thing, you are."

Keyleth would like nothing more than for a hole to open up directly beneath her feet. All of her father's advisors are looking at her now with curious expressions, and Percy is grinning from ear to ear. Before she can collect her thoughts enough to say anything, Gilmore is gone again, striding forward to clap a strong, intimidating hand onto the shoulder of Tadhg, who flinches. "You see, Your Majesty, your daughter requested I begin investigating those mercenary-types we hired on during the war to aid us in our cause, as she had a sneaking suspicion that whoever brutally slaughtered those innocent revelers at the peace celebration did so with the intention of continuing to profit off of our hostilities with Draconia.

"But I didn't need to investigate too hard, because I had heard a rumor, a scrap of gossip, really, that Gaben's new palatial estate in Emon was really something to behold. Which I did find curious when I first heard it, because as much as we paid him for his efforts, could he really afford such a place with just what he's earned in two years of war? Perhaps—if he was earning from both sides."

Gilmore squeezes Tadhg's shoulder tightly. "Go on then, boy. Why don't you fill the sovereign in on your master's scheme?"

Shaking, Tadhg gives a tiny, apprehensive bow of his head, before squeaking out, "M-my lord, I—Master Finefirn is my employer, and h-he asked me to make payments to the commander of a mercenary group out of Emon. I delivered the f-funds and the instructions, but I swear to you, the p-plan was not my own!"

The look on her father's face is ominously dark, but he says nothing. Gilmore squeezes the shoulder again. "Explain the plan, boy."

The tremble of Tadhg's limbs is violent now. "I-I heard my master explain that he needed the war to continue, th-that he could not keep up his lifestyle during a time of p-p-peace. If the peace treaty were not signed, he could continue to sup-support both the Ashari and D-Draconian war efforts."

"Why were our people targeted?" her father booms, his voice a thunderclap in the night. "Nearly three times as many Ashari died as Draconians!"

Tadhg shrinks down to almost half his size. "Y-Your Majesty, my m-master believed that if the death were equal on all sides, the attack would seem r-r-random. The scales needed to be unbalanced, and he b-believed that the Ashari Nation would be the more difficult nation to c-convince to go back to war."

Keyleth's heart sinks to the floor. All that death, the screaming and the blood, and all for one man in a foreign land to make more money. She wants to vomit, but more than that, she wants to be holding Vax's hand. She wants his voice in her ear, saying the exact thing she needs to hear to keep her upright.

"Why attempt to kidnap the princess?" Percy asks, stepping forward. "What would taking her have accomplished?"

Tadhg gives a small shrug. "I b-believe he thought that the final n-nail in the coffin of peace. If the heir to the Ashari throne were taken, the s-s-sovereign would have to go to war."

"Where is your master now?" her father asks, his voice dangerously calm.

"I do not know, Your Majesty. When Master Gilmore arrived in Emon, he fled through arcane means. He left me b-behind."

There is a long, tense silence in the room as her father regards Tadhg with an inscrutable expression. Finally, he looks to Pike and says, "Take this boy and question him further. Employ your method of demanding the truth. If there is any more to be learned, we shall learn it as quickly as possible. Then the Draconians shall be informed of how we were played."

Pike bows, and then gestures for Grog to help her escort Tadhg, who now resembles a pile of wet towels, from the room. The boy lets out a terrified squeak when he's lifted by the scruff and carried out in one of the goliath's massive hands. When they are gone, the sovereign says quietly, "Daughter, please come here."

Now very much wishing she had taken the time to properly dress before rushing here, Keyleth obeys, taking a few wobbly steps toward her father, keeping her dressing gown tightly closed. She dips her head in a bow. "Father, I—"

A finger lifts her chin up, and she is staring into his face. "You remind me so much of your mother."

The tears come so suddenly that Keyleth imagines them magically conjured. "I—"

"She, too, loved nothing more than undercutting my authority at every turn, and she shared your frustrating habit of being right to do so every time."

Keyleth quickly brushes the tears away with a small laugh. "I promise, Father, I did not intend to...undermine you. I merely thought..."

"You did what any good sovereign would do: you acted. That action very likely staved off a resumption of hostilities in a long and costly war. The Ashari Nation and Draconia both owe you our gratitude."

All around him, his advisors give her a polite bow, and despite her flustered embarrassment, she finds herself standing a bit taller. "Father, I would never have come to the conclusion I did without the wise counsel of both Lord Percival and Vax'ildan. They have been great aids to me, both in these past few days and well before. Lady Pike as well, she has also given me some...much needed advice. I am lucky to be surrounded by such sage individuals, whom I trust with both my life and my nation's future."

"Good. Every sovereign needs those people. You cannot lead your nation without them." He leans down and presses a kiss to her forehead. "I am so proud of you, Keyleth of the Ashari Nation."

.

Things move quickly from there. Pike finishes her secondary interrogation of Tadhg, who reveals a few more specifics of Gaben Finefirn's plot but nothing quite as dramatic as Gilmore's original reveal. The Draconians are brought in to hear the tale as well, and a meeting is set for the following morning between Keyleth's father and King Kruvanis to discuss finally signing the peace accords and ending the war once and for all.

When news of this meeting reaches Keyleth, she tells Vax to get word to Prince Tiberius as quickly as possible that now is the time to strike. He departs at once, leaving Keyleth under Derrig's watch. When he does, Keyleth then returns to her father's chambers to request an audience with him alone. He acquiesces, sending his advisors elsewhere and his guards outside. Then, for a rare moment, Keyleth is truly alone with her father.

"What do you wish to discuss, daughter?" He stands at his writing desk, a copy of the original peace treaty in his hands, having just been reviewing it with his advisors.

"That, actually," she says, gesturing toward the parchment he holds. "The peace treaty."

"Ah." He places it on the desk, which he leans back against. "We have not spoken of this since your arrival here in Syngorn."

"Well, things got a little busy," she jokes. Then she sighs. "Do you remember just earlier today, when you claimed in front of everyone to love how much I undermine you?"

His eyes narrow. "I don't recall claiming that I loved it, no."

"Well, I hope you can learn to." She pulls from her pocket a thick scroll, which Percy had delivered to her just an hour before. "I would like you to read this over, please."

Curious, her father walks over, taking the scroll from her. He unravels it and begins to read. After a minute of agonizing silence, his eyes widening the entire time, he sighs, "Oh Keyleth, what have you done?"

"This treaty was negotiated between myself and Prince Tiberius of Draconia," she replies, tone defensive and chin high. "We worked together to rewrite the terms of the peace—"

"When did you meet with the prince?" he exclaims loudly, staring at her in shock and horror.

"—to better suit both of our nations' interests," she presses on. "This deal is far better than the one in which you sell me off like a prize milking cow and not the crown princess of a nation."

"Keyleth!"

"Our imports and exports have been more evenly balanced, Draconia receives the diplomatic support they've been lacking for generations, and both nations will be better positioned to become serious players on the global stage. This—" She points to the scroll in his hands. "—is the Ashari Nation I wish to lead someday."

"Keyleth, a legion of trained diplomats, each of whom has more life experience than you and the Draconian prince combined, carefully worked out the details of this accord over weeks of arbitration. You believed you could do better in one conversation with some third son who has never listened to someone else speak once in his life?"

Gritting her teeth, Keyleth argues, "I did do better, Father. Will you please just read it?"

She can tell he doesn't even want to entertain the notion, but he has little reason to argue with merely reading the thing. He throws himself into the desk chair with a huff and begins to read. Too nervous to watch him, Keyleth goes over to a window and looks outside at the Syngornian cityscape. It really is a beautiful place, with magnificent, magical architecture the likes of which she never could have imagined. Despite the terror and heartbreak she's faced in these halls, she can't help loving a city so clearly devoted to beauty and wonder.

It takes her father nearly half an hour to go over the treaty. As he reads, he makes a few thoughtful noises, but Keyleth can't decipher if they're pleased or annoyed. When he's finished, he carefully rolls up the scrolls, tips his head back against the chair, and closes his eyes. Keyleth's knee bounces anxiously. She knows better than to interrupt his thoughts, but she is desperate to know if he approves.

Finally, after what to Keyleth feels like days, her father lifts his head. "Well I'll be damned."

Keyleth folds in on herself with a sigh. "Truly?"

"You did this? Just you and Prince Tiberius?" She nods. "Perhaps the adage about too many cooks in the kitchen is true, after all. This is exquisite, Keyleth. There are terms in here I wouldn't even think to ask for."

"I do listen, you know. I know what our people need."

"Come here." Keyleth walks over to her father, who takes her hand and squeezes it. "I obviously cannot promise that this will earn King Kruvanis's approval, and I do want to discuss it with my advisors, but it has earned mine, at the very least for the clear care and effort you put into it." He tips his head to the side. "When did you get this done, anyway?"

Keyleth bends down to kiss the top of her father's head. "Let's not worry about that just now."

"Keyleth..."

"Talk to your advisors, please. Prince Tiberius should be giving this treaty to his father now. Hopefully tomorrow, we will finally no longer be at war."

When Keyleth leaves her father's chambers, Vax is waiting outside with the other guards. She meets his eyes, and he nods once to confirm the delivery of her message. He follows her back to her chambers, where, once they are inside, he asks hesitantly, "How did he take it?"

"Wonderfully," Keyleth gushes. "I mean, he wasn't thrilled it happened behind his back, but he supports our revised treaty."

"That's incredible, Keyleth." He closes his eyes. "I mean, Your Highness."

"Thank you, Vax'ildan." She twists her hands nervously in front of her. "I'm sorry that things became so...hectic today. I know you had plans to speak with my father."

He gives a small smile. "I believe what we learned today is worth the delay."

They stand in her rooms, the distance between them aching and awkward, for a long beat, until Keyleth can't take it anymore. She excuses herself to her desk, where she sits and pretends to have anything of importance to write, when in reality, all she needs is to not be looking at him. She begins to scribble out a fake letter, the scratch of the nib against the parchment comforting as she tries to focus on the bright future ahead for her and her nation, and not the past her people need her to leave behind.

[insane-ohwhyfandoms]

hey fyre my dearly beloved pspspsps (I call this revenge)

you’re in a car with a beautiful boy and you're trying not to tell him that you love him.

fading like a supernova

It’s a beautiful day. A gentle sun shines overhead, wispy white clouds drifting through a whimsical blue sky. The vibrant countryside, rolling expanses of verdant fields and hills, passes by. “Arthur!” His name, a curse, a plea, all hot anger and tight fear. From such infuriating lips, which usually drip nothing but sass and sarcasm. Lips so quick to smile at complete strangers but scowl at him. “Hey, you absolute clotpole, don’t you dare close your fucking eyes!” Eyes. His are expressive, gentling at the smallest of life’s beauties, a butterfly, a child laughing, and so quick to change, dark, chilling, piercing. They see into Arthur, seeking a man he could never be—could never have been. A man he wished he could have been. “Fuck, just hold on!” It’s so unlike Merlin to be worried. Maybe he does care about him after all. Arthur’s lips twist without him consciously realizing it, pulling back into a smile so unfamiliar to him, its usual edge blunted by a dangerous fondness. Words bubble up in his throat and Arthur opens his mouth—only to quickly press his lips back together as dull iron bursts across his tongue and spills down his chin. No. He’s been selfish all his life. If he truly, truly… “Hey, Merlin?” he calls over, as his eyelids weigh heavier and heavier, darkness tainting the world with a bleak gray. His head is so heavy, but somehow he manages to turn his head for one last glimpse of the most beautiful part of the day, of the whole world. Tousled black hair, slim fingers gripping the steering wheel sheet-white from the tightness, forearms of corded muscle from rolled-up sleeves, and eyes staring frantically at the road, swerving as he navigates around other cars. Truly breathtaking. I love you, he thinks. “Thank you,” he murmurs instead, more selfish than ever. “Arthur, shut up! Just stay with me! Please!” Arthur would love to stay with Merlin forever… but he’s never listened to Merlin before, has he? It’s a beautiful day, and he’d hate… to ruin it… by starting… now…….