#or for the second - merlin then leon then merlin then leon/arthur

[weirdnotal]

I've decided to add

The knights: whew drunk Leon sure is a funny liar :)

Merlin: liar??? He wasn't ly-

Arthur storming into a very hungover Leon's quarters: leON YOU LITTLE BASTARD WE MADE A DEAL THAT THIS WOULD NEVER-

Leon just abt sobbing: you're so loud please mercy im sorry just shhhhh

Arthur: okay but seriously you promised to never tell anyone that story ever again so pls don't

The knights:

Leon: im sorry 😞 they handing me bears and I was so stressed you n merlin were arguing earlier an-

The knights: Uther- wait he wasn't lying or making anything up????

Leon: no??? who would joke or lie abt that it's basically treason????????

Gwaine: y'all're telling me Uther done f*cked a troll

The rest of the knights: 👀

Arthur: :/

Merlin: ;-;

Leon: :((((

The knights: 😨

The knights aren't allowed to get leon drunk drunk anymore cause he giggly explained to the whole tavern how he once overheard Uther and that troll getting busy with it whilst walking the halls

They have never evacuated from the tavern faster

[ice-mint]

A little rant about ghost Uther and his last conversation with Arthur (and why I think the latter fucked up big time as a King)

I think Utter was right, politically speaking (he is still human trash), about being disappointed in Arthur. He was a genocidal maniac but he was smart enough to remain on top for more than twenty years and Arthur absolutely demolished all he had worked for in less than five.

1) Arthur allowed low borns into the rank of knights and welcomed them into his round table, most of his inner circle is actually almost entirely composed of low borns, aside from Leon. That means that most likely those spots that would have gone to the sons or heirs of nobles are taken, and it also widens the disconnect between him and the majority of the people who basically fund him via taxes.

The big problem?

Those lords have most likely personal armies, or money enough to hire mercenaries. Those heirs also have not sworn any fealty to Arthur as they would once have done as knights. So, if they decide to rebel because they are discontented, they want power, land etc... They aren't beholden by friendship, loyalty nor honour. Moreover, Arthur now can't use their sons/brothers/ family members that before would have been part of the Knights of Camelot, as hostages to cut the rebellion down.

He would also suffer economically because the low borns can't pay neither their horse, armour, or weapons, which the noblemen can do. So he will have to supply that initially, which is not ideal.

2) Arthur marries Gwen. Which yeah, she is great emotionally and as council for him. But after Arthur dies she is put in a very dangerous position. She is low born, she has no connection to most of the lords that she is supposed to rule, she may count the Knights of Camelot as her personal army but they have been greatly diminished after the battle of Camlann, and she has no other Kingdom or powerful family to appeal to and ask for help if things go wrong.

The problem?

Arthur didn't leave an heir, so either every lord in Camelot complies and lets a lowborn woman rule them, or they make a power grab crowning someone else. Camelot is extremely weak after Camlann so it would be easy to go the second route and take it from her, be it one of Camelot's lords or a bordering Kingdom. Thus the possibility of a siegue/armed conflict that ends in her death is extremely high.

3) Magic. Although Arthur lowers the general hostility to magic, he seems unable to put a safe control of it in place.

What does that mean?

As we have seen magic users can be very powerful, so if you want to retain power you have two options, which are both employed by Uther during his rule:

A) You have the most powerful magic users at your disposal, they are loyal to you and actively work on your best interests. Meaning, the other magic users may show opposition but you, having the most powerful of the bunch, can successfully win against them. You also can persecute evil magic users and reverse, in whichever way possible, their curses/spells, because again, you have the best in your team. As well as kill any magical creature that thinks eating your subjects is a good idea, since you have your team to make you magical weapons to defeat them or order them into submission.

B) Eradicate every magic user or creature so no one can oppose or trump your power. Eliminating the possibility of opposition and possibility of any evil magic user permanently. (at least at first, which isn't sustainable long term as long as you don't eradicate every single person who can pass down magic. Uther has survived without Merlin and with every magic user and creature hating his guts for around eighteen years so the method must have worked short/medium term.)

Arthur does neither, so he leaves the door open for chaos (which no, having Merlin work behind his back doesn't count because it doesn't offer the population the safety of knowing the evil curses will be reversed by someone nor a strong deterrent for people not to try their evil stunts. Also Merlin can only be in one place at a time which 99% of the time is besides Arthur which means two magical problems can't be dealt with simultaneously)

To me it seems like Arthur makes these decisions in good faith but doesn't even consider the long term effects of them, nor the stability of the Kingdom in the event of his death. He doesn't seem fully committed to choices that would make a big part of the population or the nobles mad at him but would ensure a legacy, and that makes him weak as a King.

In conclusion, morally Arthur is way better than Uther and he has brought great advancements to their society. Realistically those advancements harm him politically and won't hold after he is gone, because it doesn't benefit those who can fill the power vacuum he leaves. He is the end of the Pendragon dynasty, leaving chaos, uncertainty in his lands and a very weak military force that would struggle to protect his wife and the crown from those who seek to fill that power vacuum.

[onceandfuturelesbian]

“Needless to say, Leon thoroughly bewildered.” is my favourite fanfic sentence i’ve read tonight

yes it’s probably just a mistake by the author but i feel like it really suits the chaos and unhinged homoeroticism that he was forced to witness

‘supervising two gay idiots’ was NOT a part of the job description when he signed up

[littlegaybean1]

I have now watched two of what I consider to be 'the big three' of 2000s queerbait shows.

AND GODDAMN, I KNEW IT WASN'T GOING TO HAPPEN BUT THAT LAST EPISODE HAD ME BAITED.

(spoilers for Merlin S5)

TELL ME WHY THEY MADE THE MOST ROMANTICALLY CHARGED INTERACTIONS OF THE EPISODE NOT BE BETWEEN ARTHUR AND GWEN (WHO ARE LITERALLY MARRIED) BUT INSTEAD BETWEEN ARTHUR AND MERLIN.

TELL ME WHY ARTHUR DID NOT MENTION HIS WIFE ONCE WHILE SAYING HIS FUCKING LAST WORDS??? HELLO???

Also just everything about this:

HELLO??? COULD YOU HAVE MADE THAT GAYER IF YOU TRIED???

BRO. MY HEART CANNOT TAKE THIS TYPE OF STRESS.

ACTUALLY SCREW THIS. I'VE COME TO THE DECISION THAT ACTUALLY EVERYTHING IS FINE. HERE'S WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENED.

Nobody died. Nobody was mortally wounded. Everybody is FINE. Lancelot is ALIVE. Elyan is PERFECTLY WELL. Gwaine is THE PINNACLE OF HEALTH. Gwen and Arthur ruled Camelot happily but they weren't actually a couple in the traditional sense because I think Gwen had better chemistry with Lancelot and Arthur and Merlin could not have been any queerer if they had fully on screen made out whilst waving rainbow flags. Shh, this is my fantasy and I can do what I like.

Sir Leon actually had a wife that entire time that he just never mentioned because I say so. They just ran into each other one day while he was on patrol or something and he was like "MY WIFE! GUYS THIS IS MY WIFE :D" while the other knights just stared at him like wtf. Gwaine took the piss out of him for months.

Gwaine and Percival sorted out whatever fruity thing they had going on. Like I'm sorry, was The Diamond Of The Day Part 2 not the gayest episode of television ever??? I don't think they got married because I don't think Gwaine would be a wedding person.

Elyan never got his water skin back 😔

He remained depressed about it for years to come.

AND THAT'S IT. THAT'S WHAT HAPPENED. TRUST ME GUYS I'M A REPUTABLE SOURCE.

[nerdyerror]

Chapter 1

Chpt. 2

   “How could you be so stupid? I will revoke the challenge,” Uther rages, pacing behind Arthur. Arthur seethes slightly, two of his men have died to the mysterious knight, “No.” He turns away from his father, he would cave if forced to look in his eyes.”The Knights’ code must be upheld. That’s what you told me.”

“This is different,” Uther insists, he lays his hand on his son’s shoulder turning Arthur to face him, “You are the Crown Prince. Someone will fight for you.” Arthur pales, he can’t lose another knight, “You want me to prove myself. I cannot do that by being a coward.” Uther opens his mouth to speak, but the door creaks open before he can, Leon pokes his head in.

“Ah, my apologies, Sire, I was not aware you were having a private conversation,” Leon says, backing out and going to close the door. “No, Sir Leon, this is perfect timing,” Uther says, beckoning him in. Leon nods.

“You’ve returned from patrol early?” Uther says; it is more a formality than actual interest. Leon holds out a pile of papers, “Yes, I came to deliver my report.” 

“Yes, yes,” Uther says, “I have another assignment for you.” Leon hesitates, his brow furrowed slightly, his eyes glance between the prince and king, “What is it, my lord?” 

“Arthur has foolishly challenged a foreign knight to a duel. One he is not prepared to face. Leon, you are one of my most skilled knights, would you take his place?” Arthur stares for a moment, it’s true Leon is perhaps the greatest knight of Camelot, skilled, and dedicated. They cannot afford to let this knight kill him, it would be a greater loss to Camelot than Arthur’s own death, at least in Arthur’s opinion. Leon only blinks for a moment, “Who is this opponent?” Arthur’s stomach drops, Leon is accepting or preparing to accept. 

Arthur suddenly wishes to leave the room, but he feels rooted to the floor. He doesn’t listen to Uther’s next words, nor Leon’s response. How can he? Leon is Arthur’s cousin, more than that, his friend. And Leon has always been there, steady and sure as the sunrise, the knight that Arthur admires most, (sometimes even more than his father- but that is a private thought he would not admit,) someone who is loyal and kind and gentle. Leon has always treated Arthur well, allowed him to win duels when he should not have, offered advice, and taught him to wield a blade well. The thought that steady sure Leon could quite possibly die in only a day’s time was- (world ending-) impossible. 

Leon observes his soon-to-be opponent with careful dread, he knows the armor well, he knows the crest upon the shield, he knows what Uther dares not to admit. Tristan DuBois, Leon’s father, dead for nearly twenty years. How he was here was unimportant; no, what was important was that he was unlikely to lose, to be capable of being felled. Leon could not face his father, or whatever was left, a wraith, he suspected. It is amusing perhaps, in that sick twisted way, that Uther has knowingly faced Leon against the remains of his father. Remains that Uther had caused. There was an ache in his chest, an ache he knew all too well. He turned his head, he must prepare, and rest was likely the best thing he could do. 

As Leon walks to his room, his thoughts return to the oppressive feeling in his chest. He knows what it is, hate. Hate is the only word for it, a soft dull thing, like the fading embers of a fire, or an old wound, the cause is distant but the pain is alive and well- after all embers still burn and old wounds can kill. Leon has long since lost the energy for righteous fury; it died with his brother, a decade ago. He sighs stopping, right in front of the heavy wooden door to his room, he has kept this room for a decade, his feet know the way. He allows his hands to trace the lines of the wood, before opening it and going to sit on his bed. 

He looks around, his room is as bare and plain as always. The other knights thought him modest or spartan. Too busy with his duties to decorate his room or to befriend. A more cynical man would realize that Leon’s room was as unadorned as Leon was, a purposeful act. He had done it out of fear, never shown who he was, never shown himself in his rooms, or made close friends of the knights. He regrets it now, with the promise of death awaiting him. Which is funny because he had never feared death. It was the one thing Leon did not fear. He shuts his eyes. 

His old desk only holds the various papers he must work on, a quill, and an even older inkwell. His bed has only the plain sheets provided. All of him is in his closet. There is a knapsack tucked away, next to it an ancient family heirloom sheathed and never to be used. The knapsack contains his knick-knacks, the things that identify him as Leon. A small Lion figurine his father had carved for him when he was a newborn, a necklace that had belonged to his mother and then his sister, and a portrait of his family when they were all together. The heirloom- the sword, had been passed down in his mother’s family for generations. It was a work of art and a magical artifact. The sword, by its proper name the Glas Sword, had been burnished in a dragon’s breath. He could not use it for it would reveal his magic. He opens his eyes, standing he opens the closet door, and reaches for the knapsack, pulling out the small rolled canvas. Unfurling it, he looked upon the portrait. 

He traces the figures with his eyes. Starting from the left, Uncle Balinor, his mother’s brother, his hand is on his sister’s shoulder, who sits in a chair in front of him. Mother sits in an elegant chair, her right hand in her lap, her left on the armrest. Father is to the right of Uncle Balinor, one hand covers his wife’s. Uncle and Mother both have a mischievous glint in their eyes. Sitting next to Mother are her parents, Caractos and Adhan. Grandfather Caractos holds an infant, Eleanor, Leon’s sister, her eyes are open and a tuft of blonde hair is visible from underneath her swaddle. Leon is next to them, sitting atop his grandmother’s lap. She has a hand on his shoulder, he was about two and a half at the time, but when he looks at this picture he swears he can remember the feel of her hand. Then to the right of his grandmother is his paternal grandfather, Amlawdd, hands folded in the center of his lap. Behind Grandfather Amlawdd, are his two younger children. Uncle Agravaine, he is much younger than Leon has ever remembered him to be, still stuck with peach fuzz rather than stubble, though he already must’ve been into his late twenties, and Aunt Ygraine, she is smiling, in Leon’s memory she is always smiling, her hands are sat on the corner of her father’s chair, though she looks at the painter. His elder brothers sit on the ground, Patrick is beside Mother, directly below Uncle Balinor, and Andre sits before Grandfather Amlawdd. Uther was not in this portrait, he had not accompanied his wife to the DuBois estate, Leon did not know the reason, nor did he care. 

He doesn’t look at this picture often, he tells himself it is a fruitless thing to live in the past. Most of the people in this portrait are dead now. His paternal grandfather was the first to die, it was when he was a child, and Leon’s memory of him is foggy at best. He supposes that he was technically a child when all of them died, assuming his Uncle Balinor is still alive, though he didn’t feel like a child for most of them. He stopped being a child after his Aunt’s death because that’s when everything changed. Then his mother died, she was already ill when this was painted, she had struggled with Eleanor, and her health had slowly declined. Leon was four when his mother died, but he remembers her with awful clarity. When his Aunt died, Leon was seven, she had only held her son for a moment, naming him Arthur, and then she was gone. Leon had been close with his aunt; she had spent much of her time with her nephews and niece after her sister-in-law had died. He remembers seeing his father cry. A month later Uther announces his plan to start the purge. Father rides to Camelot, Leon slips away from his siblings and follows him. Leon doesn’t see the duel, doesn’t see the fight that preceded it, no he only saw the end of the duel, only saw the sword plunged into his father’s belly. There are ten days before the purge starts in full force. It starts with the murder of the dragonlords, it starts with the death of his grandparents because his grandfather was a dragonlord and his wife had insisted on following him. Leon is eight when his sister dies, she is six years old. And she dies because she wasn’t willing to stand by and watch as Patrick was dying. She had used healing magic, and been discovered. It is a long time till the next death. Andre died protecting Leon, using magic. He had jumped in front of an arrow intended for Leon and was only able to do so using magic to slow time. He was seventeen then, just knighted, on his first patrol as a knight.

He puts down the portrait, he looks at the sword, a blade like this could destroy the Wraith, but the Wraith is of his father and he can’t. Besides the blade is spelled to wield a dragon-knight’s magic, Leon’s magic. He is tired, he should rest.

Merlin has to find a solution before Leon faces the wraith. And he thinks he has, but where convincing Gwen to give him a sword was easy enough, convincing the dragon will be far more difficult. He sneaks down the long staircase, and into the dragon's cavern. He is waiting.

“Merlin!”

“Do you know why I’m here?” He called. “It may surprise you, Merlin, but my knowledge of your life is not universal,” the dragon sassed. “It’s to do with Leon, his life’s in danger, he will die. Unless I can make a weapon that will kill the dead.”

“Leon, hmm?” the dragon said, “So what do you come to ask of me?” Merlin drew the sword, the sound echoing in the cavern. 

“Will you burnish it? To save my friend.” 

“The dead do not return without reason, who has he come for?” 

“Uther,” Merlin said. He knew this would make the dragon less likely to help him, but the dragon would know if he lied.

“Then let him take his vengeance, the wraith will die without my aid.”

“But it’s Leon who’s going to fight him, you have to save him,” he pleaded. 

“And why, young warlock, should I aid him?” the Dragon spoke, he wasn’t really asking, Merlin could tell. Merlin scrunches his face, frustrated, “Leon is the best of the knights, he’s one of the people that makes Arthur less of a prat, if he dies, then Arthur would be changed. Arthur looks up to him, cares about him.” ‘So do I,’ remains silent. The dragon weighs his head, and shockingly, “You make a good point, but if I burnish this sword for the young knight, he must not keep it. It is not his destiny.”

“I’ll give it to Arthur,” Merlin agrees quickly, too desperate to save his friend than to question why Leon too has a destiny. 

With the sword burnished, he runs to the physician's quarters needing to formulate a plan about how exactly to get Leon to fight with the sword. He is shocked to find Leon already sitting there. “Leon! I need to talk to you!” Merlin exclaimed, he doesn’t think as he says his next words, “This sword can kill the wraith, you have to use it!” Leon’s eyes widen almost imperceptibly, then his expression is smoothed over before he gently smiles, “Merlin, thank you.” Leon stands, the knight’s hand comes to the servant’s shoulder, “But I cannot use that sword.” 

“What! But-” Merlin says, cutting himself off when Leon raises his hand, “I wanted to talk to you before it’s too late.” 

“Leon, don’t talk like that,” Merlin frowns. “Just listen to me, please, my friend,” Leon says. Leon goes back to his seat, gesturing for Merlin to sit next to him. There is a pause as Leon seems to think; as if he’s about to broach a difficult topic. 

“I know,” he says, “About your magic.” Merlin is shocked but Leon’s eyes are gentle and comforting, he allows Merlin to process the information, before continuing, “I’ve known since we met,” he sighs, “That’s not all. I have magic too. Nowhere near as powerful as yours but that’s how I know. I’ve known. And it’s not just shown me things like that. You’re my cousin. My uncle’s son.” 

“You know who my father is?” Merlin says, barely processing what Leon just said, it seems impossible, “Who was he? I mean what was he like?” Leon smiles, “His name was Balinor Glastos, he was a dragon-lord, and he was a lot like you.” 

“What’s a dragon-lord?” Merlin asks. Leon begins to explain, “A dragon-lord is the human term for what we are. ‘Man-faced dragons’ is what we call ourselves. We are dragons with human bodies, there’s actually not much more to it. And if you’re the child of a dragon-lord you’re a dragon-lord or a dragon-knight, and vice versa.” Merlin has a million questions, one that Leon had already answered, but he had to stay on track, “I have a ton of questions, but more importantly why won’t you take this sword?” Leon looks away, “I can’t destroy the wraith, even with that sword, I wouldn’t be able to do it.” Merlin wants to protest, Leon is one of the best knights he knows, he could totally beat the wraith, but Leon talks again before Merlin can begin. 

“The wraith is my father. I can’t kill him, even if he’s already dead,” Leon turns his head back looking Merlin in the eyes, “I’m sorry.” Merlin doesn’t know exactly what Leon is apologizing for but, “It’s okay.” 

Leon spends the rest of the night telling Merlin all about his father. And what it means to be a dragon-lord. 

“Then Uncle Balinor set Gorlois’ socks on fire, and he…”

“...Well I’m a dragon-knight, not a dragon-lord, the magic I have is more related to the physical aspects of a dragon’s magic, rather than the intellectual like yours.” 

Leon patiently answered Merlin’s questions, they laughed at old stories and pretended like Leon was not to face his death tomorrow. It was wonderful. But tomorrow came anyway.

Leon put on his armor for the last time. He sheathed the sword, put on his helmet, and stepped out to face his father’s wraith. There is a large audience but the crowd was silent as Leon walked forward. It felt as if all of Camelot was holding its breath. He faced the Black Knight, and the two drew their swords. 

The wraith immediately went in on the offensive, hacking his sword at Leon. Leon parried easily, trying to pretend like this wasn’t the walking corpse of his father. Leon refused to attack, it would waste his energy, it takes five minutes for the cycle of attack and parry to end. The Wraith lands a particularly hard blow knocking Leon to the ground, his sword skips along the arena grounds and the Wraith discards its shield. He scrambles working on pure instinct as he hides behind his shield. He manages to dodge a blow and use his shield to deflect the next. The wraith lands a foot on Leon’s shield, locking its position into place, the wraith raises his sword above his head and- “LEON!” Someone shouts it sounds like Arthur, but Arthur hadn’t been in the stands. The Black Knight is frozen in place. “Leon,” it whispers, its voice a hair louder than a breath. The wraith moves his sword to one hand and uses the other to pull Leon’s helmet off. Leon has lost his grip on his shield, shocked and confused. The wraith hisses, throwing its sword to the side, and then it repeats, in his father’s voice, “Leon.” 

His father moves backward before reaching out and enveloping Leon in his arms, 

“My Son.” 

Leon’s eyes began to water. His father removes his own helmet, looking the exact same as the day he died, “Oh my baby boy, my darling son, my little light! Look at you! Look how you’ve grown!” There are tears streaming down Leon’s cheeks and there are tears on his father’s as well. And then Gaius is there, and so is Merlin, and Arthur, and Gwen, and Morgana. And it’s alright, and Leon is half sure he’s dead, but- 

“Let’s get you two to my quarters,” Gaius interrupted his thoughts, “Make sure you’re alright.” 

[sneakyboymerlin]

Actual monarchists in the Gwaine tag. Scary

[groundbreakingdot872]

sorry. but the idea of old man merlin puttering around in his kitchen in the early morning, fussing over the seating and chair logistics at his (round) kitchen table, and then getting frustrated with himself at coming up short- and having the bitter realization that he’ll always come up short, by a whole table actually, kills me.

[merthurao3recs]

Second Choice

Author: chibifanwriter

Rating: Teen and Up Audiences

Word Count: 7,111

Details: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon, Leon/Morgana (Merlin), Guinevere/Lancelot du Lac, Guinevere/Arthur Pendragon, Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon, Morgana (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Lancelot du Lac, Gwen, Will (Merlin), Freya, Angst, Fluff (maybe?), Blatant Disregard For Any Arthurian Legends, Modern Day, Reincarnation, Alternate Universe - Modern Setting.

Summary: It is always Gwen whom Arthur chooses first. It doesn’t matter if she’s taken, married, engaged, widowed or single. It is always Gwen whom Arthur chooses first.

And it is Merlin whom Arthur turns to when that relationship goes, as it inevitably does, rotten.

Or

Merlin gets sick of seeing Gwen and Arthur together and runs away. Then comes back.

[ladyofthelake]

[timelessdragonlord]

- Uther after Merlin drinks poison for Arthur and Arthur immediately runs around risking his life to find a cure for his supposedly idiot manservant

wow these bitches are really fucking gay

[incorrect-camelot]

merlin and arthur: (flirting)

leon: can i have twenty fucking seconds of peace please

not even incorrect its literally just this gif

[aventuras-de-andre]

my headcanon for gwaine finding out about merlin’s magic is that it happens at the same time as for the rest of the knights. like there’s some Catastrophic Event that forces merlin to reveal he has powers and all of the knights are there for it. gwaine included.

the thing about gwaine, however, is that he is the first to notice merlin’s eyes glowing and therefore has 0.1 seconds more than everyone else to process this information. and when he does process what this means and the danger merlin is now in, he doubles down. no ‘oh arthur but he meant no harm :((!!’ no. gwaine uses those extra 0.1 seconds to feel betrayal and outrage and re-direct all of it at arthur.

arthur is like ‘i don’t believe it’ and gwaine is like well tough😤😤 yeah my friend is a sorcerer and so WHAT. no, and so WHAT? is that a CRIME? (‘yes, it is, gwaine’ ‘mind your business leon’) stop staring at him like that. who CARES if he is a mastermind here to end your kingdom?? (‘i’m not’ ‘oh ok cool’) i have considered doing the same myself a few times?? you gonna burn me? stab me right here and now?? come at me, COME AT ME

arthur is not even looking at him, he is having the world’s most intense silent conversation with merlin. by the time arthur decides that okay, we need to have a talk, possibly one of the hardest talks of his life, gwaine has thrown a gauntlet at arthur 3 times (he keeps picking it up and throwing it again)

[ramblings-of-a-chaotic-neutral]

Since my last modern au idea was a hit, here's another one!

In this au, old man Merlin's still waiting on Arthur by the shore of Avalon, even in the 21st century. He's mostly isolated, but occasionally ventures out into the nearby town to buy groceries and chat with some of the locals.

It's on one of these trips that he hears something he wasn't expecting to: apparently the BBC is making a show about him and Arthur, and the first season has been pretty popular.

Intrigued by this, Merlin does some digging (and watches the first season of the show), and he finds out that the BBC are casting for some minor characters to add for the second season. And, seeing as how Arthur probably isn't waking up any time soon, Merlin decides to brush off his old shapeshifting skills and audition for the show, figuring that he'd get a good laugh out of it at the very least.

Sure enough, the casting directors loved his audition, and he was added into the show as a minor character with a few guest appearances throughout the season. And his name?

Leon.

(And Merlin then convinced that directors to not kill off his character under any circumstances, just for the fun of it.)

[koffeinkaos]

I am just a girl of course i love hurt/comfort

I want Merlin to be kidnapped. Everybody and their grandmother tries to look for Merlin, at first it was the knights and Arthur but the more time passes the more people volunteer to help. Arthur is a wreck he cries three times a day and talks with noone except to bark orders and listen to search reports. When he's not actively out looking for Merlin but has to do the bare minimum of his job to keep Camelot somewhat functioning he is always in front of the window looking down in the courtyard, hoping Merlin would just appear.

This goes on for three weeks and by the end of that everyone is convinced Merlin is dead. Leon tried to tell Arthur, all his closest friends did, but the king refuses to listen. He flees from these conversations and hides on the battlements, once more on the lookout. But his thoughts slowly crawl in the same direction as he loses hope. Just when the first wave of grief hit him he catches sight of a brown jacket just like the one Merlin had.

Leon down in the courtyard had seen it too and couldn't believe his eyes as Merlin limped towards the steps. Immediately he gave the order to inform the king but before the man could turn around Arthur ran past them and towards his servant and he hugs the shit out of that man and half carries him to Gaius.

Gaius declares that he needs rest but is okay otherwise and Arthur asks if Merlin could rest in his chambers so he could keep an eye on him and the physician agrees. Arthur hurries them back to his rooms, Merlin is struggling to keep up and is insulting his king as usual. But when they reach the door Arthur shoves him in and his lips are on Merlins before the door is even closed. After a second of confusion they both relax into the kiss and Arthur starts to cry as he realizes that Merlin is safe in his arms and that he almost missed the chance to ever confess his feelings or to see that smile directed at him again.

And then they have the most satisfying gay sex in the history of satisfying gay sex ever

I will write this one day but if you have found a gem like this on ao3 i am begging you to let me know

[keitorin3]

Short: Leon (The Long Suffering)

Arthur: I'm gonna mess with this goofy eared kid.

Leon: *Internally thinking* Why do I feel like Arthur just met his match??

Arthur: He's absolutely terrible, the worst Manservant I've ever seen!

Leon: I'm sure with time he will improve, Sire. It's only been the first week.

Arthur: I've already sacked him, but then changed my mind and re-hired him back.

Leon: Ah... I see... Why?

Arthur:... *Internally thinking* Because I liked the way he looked at me when I won.

Arthur: It was difficult to find good help nowadays.

Leon: Right...

Arthur: Can you believe it, Merlin went and accused himself of being a sorcerer! In front of my father during the council meeting!

Leon: He what?! 😨

Arthur: I know! All because a girl gave him a flower. That idiot. I don't know where his head is at.

Leon: Hold on a second sire, he really said that in front of the King and didn't get executed?? 😧

Arthur: *Waves it off* Yeah, I had to explain that it was cause he had a crush on Gwen. *Mutters to himself* Maybe I should get him some flowers? 🤔

Leon: !? ⁉️❕❔

Arthur: My idiot Manservant got sick and I got him flowers so he'd feel better. 💐

Leon: Arthur, he drank poison for you and you went off to find the antidote. 😑

Arthur: So you think he liked it?

Leon: ... *Takes a deep breath* I'm sure he did Sire.

Arthur: 😁 See! I take care of my servants~

Arthur: *Breaks into Leon's room*

Leon: *Jumps in fright* ⁉️

Arthur: I can't believe him!

Leon: What is it? Is there an attack Sire? Something happened with the King?

Arthur: No! It's that insolent brat Merlin. He came back with some guy, singing him praises and wants me to make him a knight?!😤

Leon: *Thinking* Is this really worth barging into my chambers? 😮‍💨

Leon: Really, then what did you do? 😑

Arthur: Ha, had the guy cleaning the stables.

Leon: 🤦🏼‍♂️

Leon: *Watches as Arthur sits with goofy smile and practically hearts in his eyes*

Leon: Sire?

Arthur: Isn't it the loveliest day to go out for a picnic? 🥰

Leon: Yes Sire, it is indeed.

Arthur: *Nods* I had Merlin pack a picnic for me and the lady Sofia. Where gonna go later today.

Leon: *Confused and concerned* But don't you have a meeting with the King today?

Arthur: *Waves it off* It's fine, I have Merlin to cover for me!

Leon: *Thinking* Oh boy...

[LATER]

Merlin: *Coming back from the stocks* I'm gonna kill that cabbagehead! 😠💢

Arthur: *Walks in* Merlin~! 🥰💐🌈

Merlin: 🌩️🔪😠

Leon: *Makes a break for it*

Leon: *Walks by Morgana's room*

Morgana: Please Arthur he just a boy and he's sick! 🥺

Arthur: I'm sorry Morgana, but my father is looking for him and if he were to find out you harboured a druid, you'll not only get into trouble but so would Gwen and Merlin.

Morgana: *Angry* 😠

Merlin: *Steps in* Please Arthur, we can't let the King kill him. 🥺

Arthur: ... *Turns away* I saw nothing, heard nothing. I've got to look for the Druid boy because clearly he isn't here. *Leaves room without noticing Leon*

Morgana: Tsk, of course he'd listen to Merlin.

Gwen: *Giggles*

Merlin: Arthur has a good heart. Of course he'd help. *The face of loyalty and innocence*

Morgana: 😏 He followed his heart alright. I'll remember next time to have you around to convince him for some things.

Merlin: 🤨❔❔ What do you mean?

Leon: *Overhears and follows his princes lead and continues like nothing happened*

Leon: *Witnessed Merlin doing Sorcery, trying to burn the Black Knight and fails*

Leon: ... I saw nothing. Just tired eyes. Yup, nothing here. *Mutters* Not like Arthur would believe it, or even care.

Uther: Where is my son and ward?! 😠

Leon: They've decided on a friendly hunting trip, they'll be gone for several days.

Leon: *Internally* They went after Merlin to his home village to fight bandits alone. And I'm not gonna say anything because

1. You'll blame Merlin and send him away

2. Merlin's a sorcerer who you'll kill if you knew

3. If any of the above happens Arthur might likely kill you and that'll be a worse headache then his pinning.

Uther: Those brats!

Leon: *Thinking* I couldn't agree more.

[LATER]

Arthur: If I ever retire from royalty, I think I'd like to live as a farmer.

Leon: Ah, is that so?

Arthur: Yup. Of course, Merlin would be there to do the work.

Leon: 😓

Arthur: But I'll get him Cows and chickens, maybe even a horse. He has a soft spot for animals.

Arthur: Merlin's mad at me. He started talking politely to me Leon! Politely. As in using my titles instead of insults. Even avoids looking at me in the eyes. 😟

Leon: 😬 Oof, what did you do?

Arthur: He's angry at me after killing the Unicorn. 😟

Leon: ... That would do it.

Arthur: What do I do Leon!

Leon: Try giving him some space for now and maybe flowers, you've said Merlin likes those.

Arthur: Alright!

[LATER]

Arthur: Merlin's not avoiding me anymore. 😊

Leon: Great to hear, what happened?

Arthur: We faced off the sorcerer of the Unicorns and I drank fake poison before Merlin could.

Leon: ... What?! 😱

Arthur: It's fine. Merlin's still mad about that but now he insults me about my intellect being the size of a peanut. ☺️🌈✨

Leon: I'm almost inclined to agree with him Sire.

Leon: *Spots Merlin and follows him to the Isles*

Nimueh: For a life to be saved, another life must be forfeited.

Merlin: He's my friend. I'd gladly give my life for him.

Leon: *Thinking* God these two are cut by the same cloth. I'm gonna go fully grey by 30.

[LATER]

Arthur: 🥰 Merlin said the most weirdest thing. He said he'd serve me for the rest of his life. That he was happy to be with me. ❤️🥰

Leon: *Bore witness to Merlins power and dedication to his loved ones*

Leon: He cares for you Sire. Would hardly leave your side if he didn't need to help Gaius make your cure.

Arthur: ☺️ Don't tell Merlin this, but I think Merlin's my best friend.

Leon: *Internally swears on his honor as a knight to support Merlin however he could and potentially get his prince to be less of an idiot. Hopefully*

Merlin: *Sneezes*

Gaius: You alright my boy?

Merlin: *Sniffs and shurgs* I'm alright.

Gaius: Hmm, some say that when you sneezing abruptly, it's because someone is talking about you at the moment.

Merlin: Ugh, probably Arthur talking about all the chores he has in stored for me. 😮‍💨

[saladscream]

Alas, the best things do come to an end eventually, and they’d been riding side by side all morning, mostly in companionable silence, when disaster struck under the form of Arthur believing himself to be subtly clever. “So, Merlin…” he began in a teasing tone that made the back of Merlin’s neck prickle in warning. “How about you tell me of that mystery man of yours?” “That mystery man of mine…” Merlin echoed flatly. “Yes. The one who tickles your fancy. Don’t think you can pull the wool over my eyes,” the prince admonished with all the self-confidence of the deluded prat. “Come on, you can tell me.” Merlin glanced his way and pursed his lips, gauging how far he could take the charade. “Oh well,” he said. “You know him better than I do.” “How so?” “Because he only dwells in your imagination.” Arthur made a rude disparaging noise, then went on, “I don’t know why you’re being so secretive, Merlin. You know you can’t keep a secret for long. You’re a natural blabbermouth.” “A blabbermouth?” Merlin said as he ducked a low branch. “Still better than being a dollophead.” “Now see? That’s obfuscation. And it’s not working.” “Damn, now you’re waving around the big words.” To which Arthur only gave Merlin a side look and a smirk. “He’s a knight,” the prick announced with perverse relish. Merlin frowned, a bit nonplussed. “What makes you think that?” “Oh I just know,” Arthur said smugly. “A fine knight with blonde hair, blue-eyes, impeccable manners, big calloused hands…” Merlin’s heart wedged itself just a tiny bit sideways in his throat. “He sounds good, when do I meet him?” he asked without so much as a tremor in his voice. “Well, he could’ve been travelling with you right this instant had you not been so damn difficult.” And then everything began to slot horribly into place. “What the… You tried to set me up with one of your bloody knights?!” Merlin blurted out in disbelief. “And you think I’m besotted with Leon? Or Erwan? What is wrong with you?!” “They’re the finest knights in Camelot!” And Arthur had the gall to blush and look offended by his finding fault with his choice. “And they’re both blonde,” he added with a supreme pout. “What the hell does that have to do with ANYTHING?!” The cry of utter outrage scared away the birds in the surrounding trees. “You like blondes.” “Less and less by the second!” And thank goodness, at least Arthur had the intelligence to seem insulted by that. “God…” Merlin shook his head. Just when he thought the man couldn’t be anymore of an idiot, he just had to outdo himself. “Seriously. Erwan?” “The man worships the ground you walk on,” Arthur argued the most naturally in the world. “And he’s the most adorable killing machine I’ve ever met.” “Oh because that’s obviously what makes me go weak at knees. An adorable killing machine.” Merlin rolled his eyes loudly, then cleared his throat a little when something in his chest gave a guilty wobble. “Well, go on then, educate me if you will. What makes you go weak at the knees?” the cabbagehead scowled. “That’s personal.” “I’m beginning to think you have no idea yourself.” “And I’m beginning to think a lifetime of strict abstinence is looking more and more like a desirable option if it saves me from the horrors of a matchmaking prince.”

This excerpt was brought to you by The Arduous Taming of a Difficult Prat to celebrate the 3k-hit milestone. I know it's ridiculous and terribly vain on my part, but it makes me happy. 🥳😘❤️

(btw, this excerpt is taken from 2/3 into the fic: you'll have a loooong slow burn of a slog to go through before the boys are actually this forthcoming... 😅)