#merlin prompt challenge

[kinkalot]

Bonus Challenge #2 - Kink Link

The second of our Kinkalot 2023 Bonus Challenges - this challenge is open to EVERYONE.

Welcome to Week 2, Kinkalotians! If you’ve always wanted to participate in the infamous Kink Link but couldn’t because you weren’t signed up, well, this is your chance. That’s right, it’s time for our old fan favourite from @pornalot, but with a fresh, new Kinkalot twist! And this year everyone who wants to can join in and link your kinks! Rather than assigning you a prompt ourselves, this time we’re going to let you build your own, like a porntastic game of mad libs. Your entry for this week must incorporate a toy from Column A, an act from Column B, and an Alternate Universe from Column C. That’s TOY + ACT + AU = PROMPT. Sounds simple? Just wait until you get started… For the kinks you need to link and an explanation of the challenge, head on over to this post. REMINDER: This challenge is open to EVERYONE. You don’t need to be a participant of the fest to join in. So if this challenge has turned your head, why not come along and share your entry over on our LJ Post / Over in our Bonus Challenge channel on our Discord server (18+ only)!

[justaz]

just imagining the knights who have grown used to treating merlin like arthur’s consort, letting him get away with all these things, and introducing new knights to the unspoken rules - merlin may not be the consort in title but you better treat him like he is - and carrying that into arthur’s reign as king only for one (1) feast to go horribly, horribly wrong and the knights of the round table are trying to put out these all these fires and calm all these lords and ladies feelings and trying to talk arthur down from waging war and trying to get merlin to talk to the king dammit i don’t care that you’re upset, arthur is drafting up a literal declaration of war please slap talk some sense into him all the while drafting up new rules that HEY actually let’s treat merlin like the queen instead

[adebaran-ff]

🎉 I officially joined them @merlinbingo and I’m working on the prompt “The Library”! 🎉 It’s turning into pure crack, ridiculous banter, and fandom nonsense — here’s a little work-in-progress snippet:

The pages of the magical book keep flipping rapidly, until they slam to a stop on another story: “Gwen/Morgana: The Queens of Camelot.” And, perfectly timed, Gwen herself opens the door to the library, watching the two men’s backs as they lean over the book: “…excuse me, what are you reading?” And that voice is enough to make both Merlin and Arthur jump, spinning around toward her: “NOTHING!!” But then Merlin, under his breath and with a smirk: “…but I might read it later.”

Draft 2 of... we'll see!

[…] And here’s the next page the story lands on: “Merlin/Every Knight: Behind Closed Doors.” Arthur sighs, rolling his eyes toward the ceiling: “Merlin, exactly how many people have you seduced?” Merlin, now as red as the Pendragon crest: “ME?! I DIDN’T DO ANYTHING! THE BOOK MAKES THINGS UP!” Gaius, quietly clearing his throat: “…Merlin, the book draws from the hidden desires of the common folk outside the Library.” Merlin: “…ah.” Arthur’s gaze slowly slides over to Merlin, eyes narrowing dangerously: “…has Gwen ever looked at you strangely?” Merlin: “…Arthur, NO.”

So yeah, stay tuned — this is turning into an absolute mess! Can’t wait to share the full piece with you — expect crack, meta humor, and utter chaos. 😏✨ What do you think?

[twistedshipper]

{Silhouette | read on ao3, 587 words, not rated}

Though it has been months since Morgana fled Camelot in the wake of her failed attempt to usurp the throne from their father, Arthur, wrecked from the grief of her betrayal, believes he sees her sometimes, if only in the ghost of a memory or a dream.

[merlinmicrofic]

January '24 Prompts

Hello lovely people, it's time for the first round of prompts! From today until February 14th, you have time to write for one (or several!) of the following prompts:

Awake | "Your turn." | Masquerade

For info on how this works, please check this post.

When posting to tumblr, please name ship/characters/gen relationship, the prompt(s) you're filling, and, if needed, rating + warnings (so, for example: "Fill for @merlinmicrofic prompt 'Masquerade', Morgana/Gwen, Explicit, MCD") at the top of your post!

Prompts can be interpreted loosely, although if you pick the dialogue prompt, the line should make an appearance!

Remember, your fic has to be 500 words or shorter! For an additional challenge, make it an exact drabble (100 words to the point!) When you post to tumblr, we'll check wordcounts with wordcount.com

Places/ways you can post: only to tumblr, to our AO3 collection, or to both. Whichever way you choose, do make sure to make a tumblr post of some kind and tag this blog directly, so that we can reblog it, and log it for the masterlist!

If you have any more questions that aren't answered by the posts linked in our pinned post, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Most importantly, have fun! We can't see what everyone comes up with <3

[jessisnotnormal]

January: "May I Have This Dance?"

A/N: Bit late I know, but better late than never, eh? Inspired by the Year of the OTP prompts, but I don't have an up-and-running ao3 (yet) so they'll be here exclusively for now.

--

The Great Hall was aglow with firelight; candles of white and green and red dotted the banquet tables, candelabras stood dripping a steady trickle of wax, and in the large hearth at the head of the hall the Yule log burned bright and hot, crackling as it spat out a flurry of embers.

            It was always a difficult task, Merlin knew, to keep a hall of this size warm enough to be comfortably inhabited in the depths of winter, but for tonight at least its occupants were able to forget the chill of the lazily falling snow that veiled the world just beyond the stained glass of the windows. Instead, they filled their bellies with hot food, warmed their blood with rich wine, and swirled and spiralled around the room in one elaborate dance after another, until their faces glowed almost as brightly as the candles that illuminated them.

            Not Merlin, of course. No, Uther’s annual Yule celebration was always reserved for only the most noble-blooded members of the court—of which Merlin most definitely was not—and so he had been left to soak up the warmth and the joy second-hand from his usual position behind Arthur’s chair, a pitcher of wine held almost half-forgotten in his hands.

            But this did not dampen his spirits any, his face still lighting with a bright and goofy grin as he watched the dancers spin and prance across the floor, mesmerised by the way their bodies moved with the music so naturally, as though it were a part of them. It almost seemed a kind of magic, the way they moved—the way they were compelled to move, all in time and sequence as one body by little more than some expert fingers on the strings of a lute or fiddle.

            His gaze travelled upwards to the balcony then, where he knew the musicians had been stationed out of sight overlooking the hall. Of course, the noble guests could not be expected to ruin their night by having to acknowledge the existence of the castle staff, Merlin thought with a repressed snort—save, of course, for the ones like him who were clearly more like furniture—but oddly he thought that the facelessness granted to the musicians only made them seem more mysterious—almost alluring, even.

            Or perhaps that was only really the case for one of them, he considered. A specific one, a particular one, whose fingers he could hear plucking the strings of the lute he’d loaned to them with an energy and a precision that made his chest swell with pride.

            Jada was up there, he knew. He hadn’t had the chance to see her yet tonight, but there was no way that Uther’s Royal Bard would be able to miss a night like this. He wondered what she was wearing—the blue dress that brought out the steel in her eyes? Or perhaps the red skirt had seemed more festive? Either way, he could picture her so clearly in his mind’s eye grinning as she stomped along to the rhythm, her face flushed with mirth and energy as she and the other musicians goaded each other on into more and more elaborate flourishes; or swaying to the more gentle melodies; or laughing as she took a break to swig her own mead.

            Even if it was only in his imagination, he thought she was probably having a much better time up there than he was, standing mostly in the same spot all night as he had been.

            He would sneak away, he decided—sneak away and join her, even if just for a moment. If he timed it right, he could see Arthur never even noticing that he was gone until he hit the bottom of his cup and had reason to turn around again.

            So he waited patiently, biding his time until Arthur drained the last of his wine and held his goblet out again, barely pausing in his merry conversation with his father and Morgana. Merlin stepped forward dutifully, making sure to fill the cup as much as he reasonably could in order to provide himself with as much time before the next refill as possible. Then, stepping back and setting the pitcher down on the low table behind them, he gave a mischievous waggle of his eyebrows to Gwen stationed behind Morgana.

            “Got to attend to a call of nature,” he lied in a low murmur. “Be right back.”

            The sideways look of amusement she gave him suggested she didn’t quite believe him���perhaps the eyebrow waggle had been a little too mischievous—but she said nothing, merely adjusting her posture as though she had decided to take their job seriously enough for the both of them. But the curve at the corner of her mouth betrayed her, and Merlin couldn’t help but mirror it on his own face as he passed her by and ducked out of the hall into the corridor.

            It wasn’t a particularly long walk up to the balcony—simply one corridor along the length of the hall, and then a left into the spiralling stairwell that led up to one area of the battlements, but instead taking the door about halfway up that exited directly out onto the balcony itself—and then he was stepping out into what felt like a secret pocket of warmth and joy and music. They’d lit a few candles to see by, though most of the light was emanating from the hall below, and it cast an almost golden glow into the space that gave Merlin an instant pang of nostalgia for winter evenings by the fire with his mother in Ealdor.

            The tune they were playing was focussed mostly on the fiddler at that moment—Oriel, he thought he remembered Jada calling them at some point—but it only took Merlin’s gaze a moment to skirt past them and land on Jada further back in the shadows. All five musicians had turned their heads towards him at the sound of the door opening, but at the brief recognition and his obvious contentment to wait for the song to end, all but Jada had turned their attentions back almost immediately to the music.

            Jada herself gave him a bright smile in greeting that melted into a curious look as he lingered, but she too had little choice but to wait until the end of the piece before she could sate that curiosity. When at last her fingers stilled, she leant in to murmur something to the flute player beside her—Sam? Merlin thought—as she handed her lute to him, then began to manoeuvre her way between the fiddler and the drummer and around the lyrist until she had reached Merlin at the door.

            “Aren’t you supposed to be working?” she teased by way of greeting, her eyes fond with amusement.

            “Arthur won’t miss me for a moment or two,” Merlin answered with a matching smile. “What about you? Can I borrow you for a moment?”

            “Borrow me?” she echoed with a quirk of her brows, before looking back over her shoulder. “Sam, am I all right to dip out for a song or two?”

            The flautist, who had now begun to pick just as comfortably at the lute strings for the next song, tilted his head a moment in consideration. “A song or two,” he agreed. “But don’t make me come and find you.”

            “I promise she’ll be back soon,” Merlin assured. “I won’t keep her for too long.”

            “See that you don’t,” Sam replied, but there was no real malice in his tone, only the sternness of a man who knew he’d be the one answering to the crown if any of his employees were to be found skirting their duties.

            “Thanks, Sam,” Jada called back as she darted after Merlin into the stairwell, then began following him down the stairs. “So, what exactly have you come to steal me away for this time?” she asked as they went. “I hope it’s not another undead sorcerer trying to bring the castle down on our heads.”

            “No,” Merlin said with a laugh, “Nothing like that. I just thought it seemed unfair that the nobles get all the fun. It is Yuletide, after all.”

            They’d reached the bottom now, and as they stepped out into the corridor Merlin had turned and lifted a hand to interlace with hers. “I know we can’t hear the music as well out here, but at least we have some privacy, for the moment.”

            “Nothing like the privacy of an open corridor,” Jada joked, though the fingers of her other hand interlaced with his too, now, and when the teasing faded from her eyes a second later, there was nothing left to hide the intense warmth that she looked at him with. Merlin decided that he didn’t need any of the wine to warm his blood. “What did you have in mind?” she all but hummed.

            He gave a tender smile, brushing his thumbs over her knuckles once before releasing her and stepping back. “We can’t be long,” he said. “I don’t want someone to miss us, or for you to get in trouble.”

            “I notice there was no mention of yourself in that second part,” she murmured with amusement.

            Merlin gave a lopsided shrug and crooked grin. “You’ve seen how I live.” Sobering again, he took another step back, gesturing with his head to draw her with him until they were a comfortable distance away from the door. Then, he stepped slightly away from her, making a big show of straightening up like the nobles he’d been watching all night, before crossing an arm over his chest and giving an elaborate bow.

            “My Lady Jada,” he said with great pomp and affect, “May I have this dance?”

            She was grinning when he looked back up, shaking her head fondly like she couldn’t quite remember why she deigned to put up with him, but after another second or two cleared her throat and adjusted her own posture, settling into character as she dipped into a curtsey. “Why, my dear Lord Merlin, I would be delighted.”

            He tried his best not to snort as he giggled, but when it slipped out regardless, he swore he saw Jada’s grin widen in response. They stepped in closer, setting their right hands together and beginning to circle in time with the muffled music they could hear through the stone walls. “You really are ridiculously adorable, you know,” Jada stated.

            Merlin rolled his eyes to distract from the heat rising in his face, though made no effort to hide his grin. “Still not ‘dashing’ or ‘ridiculously handsome’, I see.”

            “Hm,” Jada mused, tilting her head as she studied him appraisingly. “Perhaps it’s more ‘ridiculous and adorable.’”

            That earned her another eyeroll as they switched directions, left hands brushing together now. “You know, someday I’ll find someone who truly appreciates me and my incredible looks,” he joked.

            “Is this you finally deciding to leave Arthur?” she exclaimed with mock surprise. “Oh, I’m so glad! Can I be there when you tell him?”

            Somehow, this eyeroll was even bigger than the last, and Merlin worried he’d get stuck like that if he didn’t cut it out soon enough. “You know I can’t,” he answered, a little more soberly.

            Jada’s mirth had dimmed a little too, though her eyes remained warm and focussed on him as they stepped back and forth away from one another, then in close again. “I don’t want to go over all that again right now,” she said after a moment.

            Merlin conceded, giving an apologetic little smile. Though she’d been the one to bring it up, he could admit that he’d let some of his annoyance from past discussions slip through in his tone.

            “You know I just want you to be happy, right?” she asked, sincerity entering her gaze now as they began to circle again. “And if being here is what you want, then I’ll be here with you.”

            Twisting her hand, she managed to reach around to take hold of his, stepping in close enough to brush a kiss across the back of it. “I just want you to know that you have other options, if ever you decide to take one.”

            She must have seen Merlin opening his mouth to protest, as she stopped their circling then to step even closer, cupping his face in her hands and stilling his lips with both thumbs. “And if you still feel like you have no other options, then I want you to know that I’m with you, regardless. Hell or high water, Merlin. I’m yours.”

            He felt himself melt, felt the familiar warm ache in his chest swell, and chose to brush all his other thoughts aside in favour of bending his head enough to brush a kiss to her mouth. Jada pulled his face closer to steal a second, and the press of her body against his caused a dizzying heat to explode across his face.

            “I love you,” she whispered, pulling back just enough to say the words.

            “I love you,” Merlin murmured in return, letting his eyes close and his forehead rest against hers for a moment. It didn’t need to be more complicated than that. Not tonight, at least. Not until something else made it so—whether destiny or time or the universe itself. He would enjoy what they had now, while they had it, and any future complications would be just that: for the future.

            Jada drew in a breath. “Shall I show you how we dance at parties like this where I’m from?”

            He opened his eyes now, lifting his head and searching her face. “Is it so different?”

            “A little,” she murmured, sliding her hands down his arms until she could guide his to the small of her back. “It’s a little more… personal, I suppose. More intimate. Though I’ll admit it does take significantly less skill and rhythm,” she added with the huff of a laugh.

            Looping her hands now around the back of his neck, she pulled his forehead back to hers and began to sway them slightly from side to side. Merlin followed her movements, unable to break his gaze away from hers or focus on anything really beyond the soft lines of her face, or the warmth radiating from her body into his.

            “Is this it?” he asked, his voice rough in its lowness.

            He felt the soft huff of her laugh across his face this time. “I told you it didn’t exactly take a lot of skill.”

            “N-no, no. It’s… nice.” He swallowed, wondering how he could possibly break free from the enchantment she seemed to have bound him in, and then wondering if he even wanted to. “Though I certainly can’t imagine doing it in a room full of other people.”

            Her hand had slipped around to cup his jaw again, guiding him close enough to bump her nose against his, and he swore he could feel the rumble of her laugh reverberate through his own chest. “We’re a lot less concerned about propriety than in this age.”

            “Seems like,” Merlin responded, mostly because it seemed like it was his turn to say something, but then her lips on his wiped away any other thought or word he might have uttered. He heard himself sigh into her, felt his body warm as he pulled hers closer, and tasted the sweet honey of the mead she’d been drinking on his tongue as he melted into her kiss.

            He could have stayed there forever, could have easily been persuaded to abandon his post as Arthur’s cupbearer, would have followed her into whatever empty chamber or darkened broom closet she might have desired, but just then a sudden cheer broke out on the other side of the wall that startled the two of them back to their senses.

            Jada gave a breathless little laugh as she looked back to him, wiping a thumb across his bottom lip. “We should get back,” she whispered regretfully.

            Merlin couldn’t help his disappointed hum. “Probably.”

            That made her smile wider, a wonderful little sparkle in her eyes that Merlin wanted to keep there all the time. “We’ll have plenty of time to see one another after the feast is over.”

            “I’ll make sure Arthur drinks enough that he immediately passes out when we get back.”

            A laugh burst from her, almost spraying him before she slapped a hand over her mouth and took a small step back. “You’re wicked,” she remarked despite her equally devilish grin.

            Giving a shrug, Merlin joked, “That’s what he gets for being so difficult every other night.”

            Jada only shook her head disapprovingly, trying to fight her amused smile.

            “Go on, then, head back,” he bid, taking her face in his hands now and pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. “I’ll see you later.”

            “See you later, Merlin,” she murmured, warmth and love in her eyes, and as he turned to head back to his post, Merlin couldn’t resist flashing her one last smile over his shoulder as he went.

[themerlinlibrary]

August Writing Challenge

This August, TML is hosting a little daily prompt challenge in which the idea is for participants to write a fic a day! For questions, you can visit the fest-channel directly on the Discord, where Elena (who is the primary host for this challenge) is happy to help you out!

This challenge encourages stories about all Merlin characters, ships, ratings, and genres.

We follow DLDR, SALS, and YKINMKATO. Tags are your best friend. Please read and use tags accordingly.

This is a free-stress challenge. Don’t force yourself into writing or drawing. It is only for fun!

Writers

Write a fic (500-1000 words) using the prompt of the day! You are NOT required to participate for all 31 days. Write a couple, a bunch, or all 31 prompts. Skip some, switch them up, or combine multiple prompts at once.

Don’t like today’s prompt? Use one of our 5 alternate prompts.

Artists

Draw a sketch, a complete art, whatever you feel like. Same as for authors, you are not required to participate for all 31 days. Write a couple, a bunch, or all 31 prompts. Skip some, switch them up, or combine multiple prompts at once.

Posting

For posting fanworks, there is an AO3 collection here

For reblogs tag this tumblr @themerlinlibrary so we can share your posts

We can’t wait to see what you create!

–––

[cynthia39100]

@themerlinlibrary August Writing Challenge

Prompt 3: Royalty

Merlin & Arthur

Arthur x Gwen (They break up at the beginning.)

AO3 link

(A little Modern Royalty AU fic. I had little knowledge and imagination of royalty so bear with me... and I swear I'm not purposefully using Gwen and Arthur's broken relationship as an opening every time. )

--------------------------------------

Arthur should have seen this coming. 

He was in his bedroom in Windsor, holding a sobbing Gwen. She was saying how she loved him and how hard she’d tried and that she couldn’t do it anymore. 

“ I’m not royalty, Arthur. I thought I could learn to become one, but I will never be. You deserved a better wife who can support you through all odds. People… ” She trailed off, but Arthur knew what she didn’t say. People deserved a proper queen. They always did. Arthur was born to serve the people after all. 

Arthur comforted her with random words while feeling hollow and unreal. Everything was like a scene in the movie. He was just an observer. 

His whole life was like it, wasn’t it? There were always rules, traditions and scripts to follow. Every word, every action was properly designed and calculated by a group of “writers”. Because there is always someone watching. Because it’s his duty to be the perfect Prince people expected. 

It’s better now, of course. Rules became more flexible, and some old traditions no longer applied. He could date a peasant girl and even consider marrying her, as long as she adapted to the culture and duties of a royal family. 

He didn’t realise that was the most difficult part. 

Whenever Gwen stood by him, He felt that he finally had a little freedom and control in his life. Gwen must have felt the contrary. Arthur could only offer her wealth and title, neither was what Gwen needed in life. 

And so he let go of Gwen, told her it was alright, and sent for staff outside the room to escort her out. Arthur didn’t bother to chase out Merlin who silently sneaked in. He just lay on his bed, determined not to react to any of Merlin’s comforting words. Surprisingly, Merlin didn’t do his usual cheering or rambling to distract him, only standing beside the door like a security guard. 

Arthur supposed Merlin still knew when to leave him alone. Or he for once just didn’t know what to say. 

“ Don’t stand there like an idiot. Don’t you have more productive things to do? Writing my break-up announcement for one.” Arthur finally spoke up, couldn’t tolerate the silence. 

“ I already asked George to do it.” 

Another silent moment passed. Merlin was still standing beside the door, and Arthur was still lying on the bed. 

“ Am I wrong not to listen to Father and marry Elena?” 

“ It’s 21 century. Even the prince is allowed to choose his partner.” 

“ Gwen backed off. I’ve refused all the legitimate noblewomen in the country. What if I can’t find another one? What about the succession?” 

“ I’m sure Morgana will be happy to succeed. Actually, it should be Mordred. Have you met him recently? He has grown quite a lot.” 

“ And I’m just going to become this lonely old king?”

“ Well… on the bright side, you still got me.”  

Arthur finally surged up from the bed, looked at Merlin incredulously. 

“ Is that supposed to cheer me up?” 

“ Thought it might.” Merlin shrugged unapologetically while showing his iconic goofy smile. 

“ You really are an idiot,” Arthur said exasperatedly, but he turned to cover the smile he couldn’t quite suppress. 

Merlin seemed to sense the smile anyway. His voice became lighter and more cheerful. 

“ Since Your Highness feels better now, your father wants to meet you whenever you are ready. Do you want me to notify His Majesty?” 

Arthur sighed and got off the bed. He didn’t want to face his father, but the sooner it was done, the better. 

Merlin opened the door and was about to leave, but Arthur called him back. 

“ Aren’t you coming with me?” 

Merlin winced. “ The King is horrifying.” 

“ And you’re going to leave me alone? Right after you swore to serve me forever?”

“ I did not!” 

“ Yes, you did. Anyway, It’s your prince’s order.” 

Merlin mumbled some inaudible insults under his breath, and Arthur smiled again. It seemed that whether he could find a new love or not, he would always have his best friend hanging around. It made the future just a little less horrifying.

[poisonedfate]

54 with pretty much anyone you like and Morgana romantic or not

okay. so. here's the thing. i struggled with this one a little bit, wasn't quite sure where i wanted to go with it and somehow landed on inner turmoil rather than conflict/exchange? there's still a sort of conversation happening, but i guess it's more my interpretation of morgana's thoughts, feelings. sorry if it's not what you wanted, though i still hope you'll like it,

54. “I don’t hate you. I could never hate you. That’s the problem.” (merlin and morgana/no explicit romance)

send me prompts!

The two of them had gone back and forth for a while, never quite mentioning anything out loud, though it was clear that Merlin knew what was becoming of her, as much as Morgana knew - at least partly - what was becoming of him. It was bound to come to a breaking point, so it wasn't really a surprise when Merlin followed her as she snuck through the castle, as she left, as she headed for the woods. Once they were far enough Morgana stopped, waiting only a moment before speaking: "What do you want, Merlin?" she kept her tone steady, quiet.

Merlin approached slowly, though she could not call it hesitation - caution, perhaps. "Just wanted to make sure you don't do anything stupid." She closed her eyes, something of a storm behind her eyelids with its dark clouds, furious thunder, and waves crashing against the shore. Morgana was never quite sure what to hope for - that her anger would take over completely, making her blind to those she could never deem evil on her own accord, or that the blood-red sharpness in her head would let up just a bit, allowing her the reminder of love, of what she once thought was most important, permitting her to seek out those dear to her again, hoping to make them understand. The thoughts of it never seemed to last long enough to reach a conclusion, however. Something in her would build until there was almost a tangible voice, awful close to her own, telling her that she should not be hoping for utter misery or senseless weakness. There was no use dwelling on it, and yet: "I don't expect you to understand, but I am asking you not to stand in my way," she said, careful not to let it sound like a plead. "Morgana-," "No. No, I don't want to hear it. I cannot let this continue, Merlin, I can't, why won't you see that?" she stepped closer to him, skin tingling. "And you think this is the way to do it? Do you honestly think fighting fire with fire will make things better? Like your hate isn't going to burn the same as-," Merlin stopped himself, though it was clear what he was insinuating, Morgana's eyes growing wider. It wasn't anything she hadn't considered before - her anger, the way it reminded her of flames, bright and hot and quick to spread once they started. As much as Morgana understood why it had to be this way, why her anger was so important, the idea of comparing it to fire made her sick - so she tried to think of it as water instead - a flood, a wave, drowning, pulling. And yet. "It is not the same," she snarled. There was something almost sad about the way Merlin looked at her. "Yeah? Then why do you carry such hatred for people you used to love? People who have not had a hand in the things Uther has done." Morgana could only stare back at him. "I don’t hate you. I could never hate you. That’s the problem.” Merlin did not seem to have a response to that. She wished she could ask him if he knew what she meant. If he could understand the two sides, if he could honestly tell her which one was better. Merlin was always someone who knew more than was assumed of him, she had come to learn that. Maybe if the situation had been different. Maybe if she could bear to be honest for a little while longer, she could ask - is it better to live with the hurt or to not feel anything at all?

[kinkalot]

Bonus Challenge #1 - Bare Basics

The first of our Kinkalot 2023 Bonus Challenges - this challenge is open to EVERYONE.

Our bonus challenge for Week 1 is all about the bare necessities.

For writers, that means dialogue only! Your challenge is to get us hot and bothered without the use of dialogue tags, description or action of any kind (and yes, text format is welcome for this challenge!).

For artists, we want to see EITHER line art OR monochrome creations. It doesn’t have to be black and white, so long as you pick one colour and stick with it. The choice is yours in this week’s bonus challenge!

Just remember; for this challenge less is more!

REMINDER: This challenge is open to EVERYONE. You don’t need to be a participant of the fest to join in. So if this challenge has turned your head, why not come along and share your entry over on our LJ Post / Over in our Bonus Challenge channel on our Discord server (18+ only)!

[justaz]

king arthur getting swamped with work and burying himself in his responsibilities until his exhaustion creeps up on him and falls asleep at his desk. merlin comes in to find him slumped in his chair, arms crossed over his papers, and light snores coming from his mouth. he carefully, gently, and tenderly rubs arthur’s back and hair, softly calling his name, until he sorta wakes from his slumber though he is still half asleep. merlin pulls him to his feet and guides him into bed, tugging off his belt and boots before tucking him in - arthur already out like a light.

merlin then sits at his desk and works through some of the issues arthur had been dealing with, he’s stood behind arthur at practically every council meeting so he has a good idea of how to deal with things. then people start coming to the door and knocking, requesting the king’s attention. merlin ensures arthur is still asleep before cracking open the door and slipping outside. he claims that arthur is extremely busy and cannot be bothered and tells them to run any issues that require arthur’s attention thru him

then its messenger after messenger coming up to merlin with problems that need attention and merlin is striding thru the castle dealing with one after another. he carries some of the parchments from arthur’s chambers around to deal with those as well in the moments where he doesn’t have fifteen people complaining to him. after a few hours, arthur wakes up comfy in bed, staring into the blazing hearth, and a good chunk of his work has been dealt with and he feels refreshed and relaxed

[writingsoftarnishedsilver]

okay not that he needs it but what a ego boost it would be if sebastian stumbled upon mc and ominis talking about the guy she likes and she just like he's so out of my league listing positive traits (cue sebastian getting very jealous) Only for ominis to be like just tell sebastian then I don't have to hear you wine about it all the timee

Eavesdropping | Sebastian Sallow x Reader

Thank you for the request Anon! I hope you love it!!! :")

Words: ~4,600

Tags: Love Confessions, Reader Insert, Female MC, No Y/N, No Hogwarts House

The stone door of the Undercroft groaned softly as Sebastian pushed it open, stepping carefully inside. He exhaled softly, his shoulders relaxing for the first time all day. He had snuck out after curfew, hoping to release some pent-up frustration with a few dueling spells.

He was halfway down the stairs when he froze. Voices—two of them—floated up from below.

Sebastian frowned, his grip tightening on the banister. He recognized them instantly. You and Ominis.

What were you doing here so late? He edged closer, careful to stay out of sight.

“I just don’t see the point,” your voice echoed softly. “It’s not like anything’s ever going to happen.”

Sebastian froze mid-step, his grip tightening on the banister. His brow furrowed. What wasn’t going to happen?

“It won’t if you keep dragging your feet,” Ominis replied, his tone dry as ever.

“It’s not that simple,” you shot back warily.

Sebastian tilted his head, curiosity sparking to life alongside a strange, uneasy feeling in his chest. You sounded frustrated—almost pained. What could possibly have you so worked up?

“It is that simple. You’ve been in love with him for years,” Ominis said, his tone cutting. “Merlin, I’ve lost track of how many times we’ve had this conversation. Either do something about it, or stop talking about it.”

Sebastian’s heart stopped. In love? You’d never mentioned anyone. Not once.

“There's nothing I can do, Ominis,” you said, exasperated. “He doesn’t see me like that.”

Sebastian’s stomach twisted painfully. Who was this mysterious he? Why hadn’t you told him about this before? You usually told him everything.

“And how would you know?” Ominis challenged.

“Because I know him,” you replied firmly. “We’re best friends!”

Sebastian’s chest tightened, a painful mix of jealousy and confusion swirling inside him. Best friends? You were his best friend. Who could possibly come before him in your life?

“Right,” Ominis said sarcastically. “Because you’re so unremarkable.”

“Ominis,” you groaned, “I’m serious.”

“So am I,” he shot back. “Half the school is in love with you, and you’re acting like you’re some invisible wallflower.”

Sebastian’s jaw tightened. Ominis wasn’t wrong. People were drawn to you—how could they not be? But you’d never seemed to notice, much less care. And now you were sitting here, pouring your heart out about someone who clearly wasn’t him.

You sighed, the sound heavy with frustration and tinged with a hint of defeat. “It doesn’t matter what the rest of the school thinks when he’s completely out of my league, Ominis. With his stupidly handsome face and that ridiculous smile that makes it impossible to think straight…” You trailed off, shaking your head. “Merlin, he’s just… he’s everything. Funny, clever, brave, loyal—he could have anyone he wanted.”

For a moment, it felt like the ground had been ripped out from under Sebastian’s feet. How could you possibly think that? How could you believe, even for a second, that you weren’t good enough for whoever this bloke was? And the worst part—the part that made his chest ache—was that he couldn’t step in. He couldn’t tell you how wrong you were because he wasn’t supposed to be listening this in the first place.

“And?” Ominis prompted.

“And what?” you asked, your voice quieter now.

“You’re always going on about how wonderful he is, which, I’ll admit, I struggle to agree with,” Ominis said with a dry chuckle. “But you never actually tell me how he makes you feel. Isn’t that the important part? Does it matter how... how handsome and funny he is if he doesn't make you feel something special?”

You hesitated, your voice soft and uncertain when you finally spoke. “He… I don’t know. He makes me feel safe, Ominis. Like no matter what’s going on, as long as he’s there, I’ll be okay. And he makes me feel seen. Really seen. Like I don’t have to be the ‘hero of Hogwarts’ or ‘the girl with ancient magic.’ I don’t have to be anything except… me. He knows me in a way nobody else does. And when I’m with him, it’s like—for once—I don’t have to prove anything.”

Sebastian’s chest tightened again, but this time it wasn’t just jealousy—it was something deeper, more painful. Because that’s how he felt about you. You were his safe place, the one person who saw him as more than the brash, reckless troublemaker everyone else thought he was.

And now… now he was realizing that someone else held that place for you.

Ominis huffed a laugh, breaking the silence that followed your confession. “You know, it’s almost tragic.”

You glanced at him, confused. “What’s tragic?”

“That it’s him you’ve fallen for,” Ominis said, his voice laced with dry amusement. “Of all the people in Hogwarts—all the people who would gladly worship the ground you walk on—you’ve managed to lose your head over the most chaotic, reckless, insufferable person I know.”

Your jaw dropped, and a laugh bubbled out of you despite your embarrassment. “Ominis!”

“I’m serious,” he said, smirking. “You could have anyone. Anyone. And yet you’ve decided to pine after someone who probably doesn’t even realize you feel this way because he’s too busy rushing headlong into whatever absurd plan pops into his head.”

You groaned again, shaking your head. “You don’t have to rub it in.”

“Well, I do,” he replied, grinning. “Because clearly, he’s too thick to notice, and you’re too stubborn to tell him. I’m the one stuck in the middle of this ridiculous mess, forced to play mediator while you both dance around each other like idiots.”

Sebastian felt like his chest was going to collapse. The way Ominis spoke so casually about this guy—teasing, almost affectionate—was like a knife twisting deeper into his gut. Whoever you were in love with wasn’t just close to you. They were close to Ominis, too.

Who the hell is it?

Sebastian's mind raced through the possibilities, his thoughts a chaotic mess of jealousy and dread. It had to be someone you spent a lot of time with, someone you trusted enough to feel safe around, someone who was close enough to Ominis that he could make jokes about their recklessness.

And then it clicked.

Garreth Weasley.

Sebastian’s stomach dropped. Of course it was Garreth. It made perfect sense.

Garreth was charming, clever, and funny. He had that easygoing, confident smile that always seemed to draw people in. He was loyal, too—always ready to back up his friends, even if it meant landing himself in trouble. And he had that playful, carefree energy that made everyone want to be around him.

Sebastian felt sick.

Of course she loves Garreth. Why wouldn’t she?

He thought back to all the times he’d seen the two of you together—laughing in the Great Hall, chatting during potions class, exchanging those little looks that he’d tried to tell himself didn’t mean anything.

But they did mean something, didn’t they?

And then there was Ominis. Ominis liked Garreth well enough, didn’t he? He put up with Garreth’s antics, even joined in on the occasional joke. If you were in love with Garreth, it explained why Ominis was teasing you so mercilessly.

It all fit together too perfectly.

Sebastian gritted his teeth. He wanted to hate Garreth—wanted to hate him for being everything Sebastian wasn’t, for being the kind of person you could fall for so easily.

But he couldn’t hate Garreth. Not really. It wasn’t Garreth’s fault that he was so damn likable. It wasn’t Garreth’s fault that Sebastian had been too much of a coward to tell you how he felt.

He pressed his back against the cold stone wall, closing his eyes and letting out a slow, shaky breath.

I’ve lost her, he thought bitterly. I never even had her, and I’ve already lost her.

“It’s not like I have a choice, Ominis,” you continued on, your voice quieter now, tinged with frustration and something far more raw. “If I could stop loving him, don’t you think I would have by now? Believe me, I’ve tried,” you continued, your voice breaking slightly. “I’ve tried everything. I’ve told myself it’s just a stupid crush, that it doesn’t matter, but it does. And no matter what I do, I can’t… I can’t make it go away.”

“Then why don’t you tell him?” Ominis asked, his tone softer now, almost coaxing. “What are you so afraid of?”

You groaned, the sound laden with frustration. “Because it doesn’t matter! He doesn’t like me back, Ominis. I’d destroy our friendship for nothing!”

Sebastian’s heart clenched painfully, the bitter sting of your self-doubt twisting something deep inside him. How could you think so little of yourself? How could you not see what he saw when he looked at you?

Ominis let out an exasperated sigh. “I don’t think he deserves you,” he muttered. “Merlin knows he’s well aware he doesn’t deserve you. But you can’t decide his feelings for him. That’s not how it works.”

You scoffed. “Your point?”

“I’m just saying,” Ominis replied, his tone exasperated, “that you’re doing both of you a disservice. It’s… it’s getting to the point where something has to give. Either you tell him how you feel, or—”

“Or what?” you interrupted, glaring at him.

“Or I will,” Ominis said firmly, his expression unyielding.

You gasped. “You wouldn’t.”

“I would,” Ominis said, his smirk returning. “I’m tired of watching you both suffer in silence. Merlin knows Sebastian’s too dense to work it out on his own. Maybe hearing it outright will knock some sense into him.”

Sebastian’s heart stopped.

It’s me.

The thought hit Sebastian like a stunning spell, freezing him in place as the pieces of the conversation finally fell into place. Every word, every hint, every exasperated sigh from Ominis—it all pointed to the same answer, one that he’d been too blind, too self-critical, to see.

You were talking about him.

You were in love with him.

His breath hitched, and his grip on the banister tightened as his heart pounded so loudly he was certain you and Ominis would hear it. The jealousy, the doubt, the sharp ache in his chest—all of it melted away, replaced by a dizzying mix of disbelief, relief, and something far brighter: hope. Because you loved him.

“I mean it,” Ominis was saying now, his tone both firm and teasing. “If you won’t tell him, I will. Frankly, I’m tired of sitting through these endless heart-to-hearts when the solution is so obvious.”

You groaned, your frustration evident. “Ominis, I swear—”

“Do it, or I’ll make it the most public confession Hogwarts has ever seen,” Ominis threatened, though the smirk on his face made it clear he was only half-serious.

Sebastian couldn’t stay silent any longer. His feet moved before his mind caught up, carrying him down the remaining steps until he was standing in the open, his gaze fixed on you.

“Ominis won’t have to say a word,” he said, his voice steady despite the storm of emotions churning inside him.

You and Ominis both turned toward him, your expression contorting into shock while Ominis grinned.

“Sebastian,” you breathed, your eyes wide.

Ominis crossed his arms, looking entirely too smug. “Ah, there you are."

Sebastian ignored him, his focus entirely on you. “Is it true?” he asked, his voice softer now, almost hesitant. “Everything you just said… is it true?”

Your mouth opened, but no words came out at first. Your gaze flickered to Ominis, as if silently cursing him, before returning to Sebastian. “How much did you hear?”

“Enough,” he admitted, taking a step closer.

You flushed, your hands twisting nervously at your sides. “Sebastian, I—”

“Just tell me,” he interrupted gently, his eyes searching yours. “Please.”

You hesitated for a moment, your breath hitching, before finally nodding. “Yes."

For a moment, Sebastian couldn’t speak. He just stood there, staring at you, his heart so full he thought it might burst. And then, without thinking, he reached for your hands, his grip firm but gentle.

“You’re in love with me?”

Your cheeks burned, but you held his gaze, your voice trembling as you said, “I am."

“I love you, too,” he said simply, the words spilling from his lips like they’d been waiting years to be spoken. “I’ve loved you for as long as I can remember."

Tears welled in your eyes as you stared at him, your expression a mix of disbelief and overwhelming relief. “You… you do?”

He smiled, his thumb brushing lightly over the back of your hand. “I do. More than anything.”

Ominis cleared his throat loudly, breaking the moment. “Well, now that that’s settled, perhaps you two can finally stop making my life so unbearably dramatic.”

Sebastian shot him a look, but there was no real anger behind it. For once, he was too happy, too relieved to care about Ominis’ meddling.

For a moment, neither of you moved, the weight of everything left unsaid finally lifted. And then, with a soft, almost hesitant smile, Sebastian tilted his head and closed the remaining distance, his lips meeting yours in a kiss that was as gentle as it was certain.

When the kiss broke, Sebastian rested his forehead against yours, his smile soft but unshakably certain. “You’re stuck with me now,” he murmured, his voice low and full of promise. And as you laughed, the sound light and filled with a joy you hadn’t felt in years, you knew there was nowhere else you’d rather be.

[gyrhs]

For four consecutive years I joined to the @merlin-fic-server Tournament of Champions, and my honor is intact because I finished the challenge, and did a 10 frames story in less than 24 hours. The prompts this year were varied but I choose FIX-IT OR MAKE IT WORSE MODE, the chapter that I used is The Darkest Hour, and the comic is a continuation of my previous one, The Rabbit Curse, and I hope to add more pages to print it. Thank you to the mods, the group 1 that suffered with me, and my betas @feuxx and @waitinginamountain

PREVIOUS ENTRIES: 2023 | 2022 | 2021

[iamgonnagetyouback]

ivyyyyyyyy i think a frostbite with barty and "tell me three reasons why I should put up with you." "well, for starters, I'm cute." would be super adorable in your style <333 congrats again mwah

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ⠀────۶ৎ cute

synopsis: ever since you met barty, he’s been a dramatic menace. you’ve learned to deal with it, but when you ask for three reasons you should put up with him, he’s determined to prove he’s worth the tolerating—starting with the fact that he’s cute content warnings: excessive dramatics (courtesy of barty), fluff, and one (1) very smug boy who takes being called cute way too seriously prompt ➺"tell me three reasons why i should put up with you." "well, for starters, i'm cute." author's note: thank you for celebrating with me, love!! <3 hope you like it ♡

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ ㅤㅤㅤ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ᡣ𐭩 words.ᐟ 1,112

You sigh, looking over at Barty with an eyebrow raised, fighting the urge to roll your eyes as he leans lazily against the wall, his hands stuffed in his pockets. You’re not sure what he’s done this time to drive you up the wall, but he’s certainly acting like he hasn’t just spent the last twenty minutes making it his life’s mission to be a menace.

“Tell me three reasons why I should even put up with you,” you say, arms crossed and giving him an unimpressed look.

Barty’s eyes spark mischievously, clearly ready to meet your challenge with enthusiasm. He straightens up, putting on a look of mock-seriousness as he dramatically flips an imaginary lock of hair over his shoulder, like he's about to deliver a line from a play.

“Welllllll,” he begins, drawing out the word as if he’s really contemplating it, “for starters, I’m cute.” He flashes you a grin that’s as smug as it is endearing, the corners of his mouth curving up like he’s already won.

You can’t help it—you scoff, rolling your eyes at him as you cross your arms tighter. “Yeah, sure, you’re cute.”

To your surprise, Barty’s face lights up in a way that’s so genuine it makes you falter for just a second. His eyes glint with excitement, and he practically beams at you, looking like a kid who’s just been handed a massive candy bar. “Oh! So you do think I’m cute!” he practically shouts, clearly reveling in the supposed compliment.

You can’t believe how easily he’s fallen for that, and a smirk tugs at your lips. You’re not going to let him have his little victory so easily. “If by ‘cute,’ you mean overly obnoxious, a bane to my existence, an insufferable little gremlin with no respect for personal space, then yes. You’re adorable,” you say, layering each word with as much sarcasm as you can muster.

Barty gasps, clutching his chest dramatically like he’s just been mortally wounded. “How could you?!” His voice cracks as he stumbles backward, casting you a wounded look as if you’ve stabbed him with betrayal itself. He clutches an invisible wound on his chest, stumbling back to collapse onto the couch like a tragic hero in the final act of his life. “Obnoxious? A gremlin? A bane to your existence?! How could you say such hurtful things? I thought we had something special!”

By now, you’re laughing despite yourself, trying to cover your mouth as a few giggles slip out. Barty peeks from under his hand, clearly pleased to have gotten a reaction out of you, his face breaking into a victorious grin as he sees your shoulders shaking with laughter.

“See?” he says, dropping the act entirely and flashing you that ever-smug grin. “That’s reason two: I make you laugh, and you know you love it.” He wiggles his eyebrows for emphasis, looking at you with such exaggerated confidence that it’s impossible not to laugh harder.

“Oh, Merlin,” you mutter, trying to compose yourself even as he gazes at you with the utmost satisfaction. “I don’t know if I ‘love’ it, but you sure do keep things interesting.”

Barty pretends to be offended, once again clutching his chest like he’s barely holding himself together. “Only ‘interesting’? Treasure, please, don’t shortchange me,” he says, rolling his eyes in mock despair. “I’m magnificent. I’m a vision. A one-of-a-kind gem in your otherwise humdrum life. Who else brings the kind of sparkle, the absolute pizzazz, that I do?”

You try to keep a straight face as you reply, “Pizzazz? The only ‘pizzazz’ you bring is when you manage to knock over three things in a row and try to play it off like it was intentional.”

He gasps again, this time managing to look somehow even more insulted. “You think I’m clumsy?” he asks, eyes wide with faux horror. “No, no, my love, that’s just me leaving a mark on the world, showing my… my undeniably charming presence.”

“Oh, is that what you’re calling it now?” you reply, trying to fight back a grin. “And here I thought it was just you being a klutz.”

Barty sniffs, lifting his chin with a dignified air. “Well, I don’t expect you to understand the intricacies of my charm, Treasure. It’s a rare gift, one that mere mortals such as yourself might struggle to comprehend.”

“Rare gift?” you echo, chuckling as he leans into his own grandeur. “If anything, it’s a rare torture.”

He laughs, clearly enjoying every second of your banter. “Oh, admit it,” he says, leaning forward, “you’d be absolutely miserable without me. Who else would provide you with endless entertainment, constant compliments, and the kind of delightful companionship that I do?”

You raise an eyebrow at him, trying to look as unimpressed as possible. “Endless entertainment, maybe. As for companionship… I think I could find quieter, less ego-inflated options.”

He gasps yet again, stumbling back into the couch as if he’s been struck. “Quieter? Quieter? How could you even suggest such a thing? The silence would be deafening, and you’d be haunted by the memory of my delightful voice, echoing in the void.”

“Haunted by your voice? That sounds more like a nightmare than a fond memory,” you say with a grin, unable to keep up the unimpressed act much longer.

Barty pauses, noticing the way you’re smiling at him, and his expression softens for a moment, a genuine glimmer of happiness slipping through his playful mask. “Alright, reason three,” he says, his voice lower and a little gentler. “I make you smile, and I know that’s worth something.”

You try to stifle your reaction, but the warmth in his voice catches you off guard, and you find yourself unable to hide your smile.

“You think that counts as a real reason?” you ask, half-jokingly, even though you’re fully aware that it’s a perfectly good reason.

“Of course it does,” he says, leaning in closer with a look of triumph. “So, tell me, have I convinced you?”

You give him a long look, trying to keep your face serious but failing as a smirk creeps in. “Fine. Maybe you’re not entirely unbearable,” you admit.

He grins, looking as overjoyed as if you’d just handed him the world. “I’ll take it!” he says with a flourish, sweeping you into a dramatic bow. “It is a privilege and a pleasure to be tolerated by you.”

Laughing, you give him a playful shove. “Don’t let it go to your head.”

“Oh, it’s far too late for that, Treasure.” He winks, flashing you that smug grin again, and you know, despite the constant teasing, you wouldn’t have it any other way.

© iamgonnagetyouback ���.˚ please do not copy, translate, or repost any of my work.

[cynthia39100]

@themerlinlibrary August Writing Challenge

Prompt 18: " He is my friend" " So was I"

Morgana & Merlin

A Servant of Two Masters rewrite

AO3

-----------------------------------

“ You must kill Arthur Pendragon,” Morgana hissed and pressed the Fomorroh head upon Merlin’s neck.

Chained in Morgana’s hovel and about to be planted with an evil snake head, Merlin decided that enough was enough. His eyes shone and the chain was blasted into pieces. The force pushed Morgana away and she cried out in surprise. Merlin turned to her, his eyes cold.

Morgana was too stunned to move at first. Her face went from disbelief to betrayal, and finally fury. She shouted out spells, but Merlin deflected the flying weapons and fireballs without uttering a word. A hint of fear crept onto Morgana’s face, but she quickly gathered her composure.

“ All these years you have kept this big secret. And you called me a traitor!” Morgana sneered.

“ I never betray Camelot.”

“ But you betray your kin! You kept me in the dark when I was afraid of my own power. You poisoned me, and you killed my sister. I would have already brought magic back to Camelot were it not for you!”

Merlin didn’t let his guilt and sorrow show. He didn’t remember how many nights he had woken up from the nightmares. He wondered several times if he could have prevented Morgana from turning evil. If he told Morgana what he was, or talked to her more before poisoning her. Maybe Morgana would still turn evil, and Merlin would be in worse situation. He would never know.

“ I’m sorry I had to leave you in Morgause’s hand. I didn’t know what she taught you, but hurting innocent people is not the way to bring magic back. ” Merlin said.

“ They are not innocent. They refused to accept the rightful ruler of Camelot.”

Merlin laughed incredulously. “ You are not the rightful ruler. It is always Arthur, and he is a far better king than you ever could be.”

“ Even if he would chop your head off if he learned your little secret?”

Merlin flinched, and Morgana smiled with satisfaction. But Merlin took a deep breath and lift his jaw with determination.

“ It doesn’t matter. Arthur will be a great king, and I won’t let any harm come to him.”

Morgana’s face fell in disdain. “ Why are you so loyal to Arthur?” she asked.

“ He is my friend.”

“ So was I!” Morgana spitted out venomously.

Merlin looked at her sadly. He could still remember vividly the sight of her when they first met. She had been beautiful and elegant and had taken his breath away. Merlin had been drawn to her even more after that for her fierce compassion and bravery. He had felt honoured to be called her friend.

“ So were you,” Merlin agreed, “ but not anymore. You’ve made your choice, and I’ve made mine.”

Merlin’s eyes shone one last time. A sword pierced through Morgana’s chest from the back. Her face froze in shock, reminding Merlin of the last time he tried to kill her. Merlin blinked his tears away. He didn’t have the right.

He prayed that in the next life, the two of them could be friends again.

[my-castles-crumbling]

bar - @jegulus-microfic - word count: 645 - NSFW (detailed descriptions of sexual dancing but not actual sex) - sorry for flooding your inbox today, @jegulus-microfic, I really like this prompt!

"Make Regulus blush."

That had been James's dare from Dorcas.

But Regulus was a fortress. He didn't react to anything. James had been trying for months. He'd flirted, complimented, annoyed, and instigated.

The only reason he hadn't given up was because of Marlene. 'Cas says that Reg likes you back. You just have to break through his....er...walls.'

So he continued to try. But Regulus continued to reject him. He had a plan tonight, though.

Sirius had snuck off with Remus so he wasn't about to get reprimanded for resorting to desperate measures. Which he was going to do. Because these were definitely desperate times. Meaning, James was desperate for Regulus.

So he stood from his spot in their circle of friends and moved in front of Regulus. "Any rules?" he asked lightly, looking at Regulus.

"No," Dorcas answered, while Regulus wrinkled his nose and said, "No touching."

"Alright," James nodded, conjuring a chair and gesturing for Regulus to sit.

The other boy sat gingerly, looking up at him with a bored expression that said 'do your worst.'

Then, waving his wand, James made music begin.

Of course, he was not a trained professional. He'd never given a lap dance in his life, actually. But he had a feeling that didn't matter. Because as soon as the music began, a suggestive bass line filling the room, Regulus looked nervous.

"Sure this is okay?" James asked and he stepped closer.

"No touching," Regulus repeated, quieter, now.

"Sure."

Instead, James slowly circled the chair, before coming around to the front again. Grinning slightly, he straddled Regulus, never allowing their legs to touch, gripping the bar of the back of the chair behind Regulus's head for balance, before slowly guiding himself down and in.

It was difficult. James thanked Merlin for his Quidditch training, as his thighs burned from the position. But, leaning closer and allowing his face and chest to move just centimeters way from Regulus, thrusting his hips with the music, he realized it was worth it. Because it was working.

The air was becoming hot and Regulus's breath was hitching. James felt the tension rolling off of both of them in waves.

Wolf whistles sounded from around them as Regulus began to squirm, accidentally causing their legs to brush.

"I can stop, love," James murmured into his ear, knowing he couldn't do much else without actually touching Regulus.

But Regulus met his eyes and tilted his chin up slightly before spreading his own knees just a little, making their legs touch again. "Go on," he muttered. "I won't blush even if you touch me."

Grinning at the challenge, James sat fully in his lap, now, earning screams from the circle, but focusing on Regulus's face. He looked like he was concentrating, his lip between his teeth and his eyes staring across the room. "Distracted?" James asked quietly, slowly allowing his weight to pull their bodies together deliciously.

"No," Regulus grunted, still staring off.

James ran his hands up Regulus's chest and thrust just slightly, earning a shiver from the other boy. "And now, love?"

"No."

Someone in the circle whistled again and everyone was chattering and giggling.

He bit at the earlobe in front of him before mouthing down Regulus's neck. The smallest moan was detectible only through vibration, and James smiled into the pale skin in front of him. "Blushing now?"

"N-no."

But James knew he was lying. Because it was clear from the hardness poking into his inner thigh that Regulus was very distracted. So he whispered again, "Your cock seems to disagree."

Regulus let out a louder groan this time, throwing his head back a bit, and James looked triumphantly at his skin, a beautiful blush forming there. "We'll pick this up later, love," he murmured into Regulus's ear, kissing his neck lightly before standing up and facing Dorcas.

"I win."