larluce

[larluce]

Ooooh, I love this!

Well, first I would justify WHY Merlin got pregnant. I know mpreg generally doesn't care about logic, but I personally prefer it when fics don't use the excuse "Merlin has magic" as the only explanation for being able to bare children.

So in my mind, the story would go like this: Arthur discovers Merlin's magic and they’ve been distanced from one another since then. Merlin still serves Arthur, but there's no banter between them anymore. For once Merlin acts like the perfect servant, just does as he's told and speaks when asked. And Arthur hates it.

Arthur is still hurting for the lies and the betrayal, but he also misses Merlin deeply. Arthur is so distraught, he ends up getting drunk in a tavern like he never did before and Merlin is the one who has to get him out of there. Due to this they have a heart to heart conversation. There are yells, there are tears and finally forgiveness. Their relationship begins to heal from then, slowly but surely.

Is in the process of healing when that night happens. They made it a rutine to speak alone at night in Arthur's chambers to talk things through, the good and the bad of the things Merlin has done. They always had a bit of wine to endure heavy conversations, but that night they drink a bit too much, so it happens. First a kiss, then 2 kisses, and then suddenly, their clothes are gone and they are making love. The next day, when they wake up naked next to each other in Arthur's bed, they decide to act like nothing happened.

What they didn't know, is that that night was a special one, when the planets aligned with the full moon. The druids from more than one comunnity were doing a ritual, praying to the goddess of fertility and to Emrys, the god of magic itself, that magic may be reborn in Camelot again and flourish.

And that’s how Merlin ended up pregnant with Arthur's baby.

So yes, when Merlin first tells Arthur, he doesn't react well due to that talk he had with his father about what happened to his mother, distrusting Merlin again, but also because they hadn't completely restore their relationship by that point.

Merlin is hurt that Arthur thinks he planned this, that Merlin tricked him into getting him pregnant. He doesn’t even know how it happened! But no matter what he says, Arthur doesn’t believe him.

Merlin thought they were making progress, but it seems he was wrong. His word, his loyalty to Arthur, everything he's done meant nothing to his prince after all. And this knowlegde destroys him.

So Merlin decides to do something drastic: abort. He prepares himself the potion to do it and with tears in his eyes he drinks it.

When Arthur goes to Gaius's chambers to look for Merlin after realising how cruel he had been for accussing Merlin of something so horrible, he finds the worst image he could have seen: Merlin lying on the floor, unconcious and with a growing stain of blood between his legs. Arthur loses it, picks Merlin up and calls for help, desperate. Gaius, fortunately, arrives in time and treats Merlin the best he can and stables him. When Gaius figures out what Merlin tried to do and tells Arthur, the prince can't feel more guilty and devasted.

Arthur: (tears rolling down his eyes, holding Merlin's hand while he lies still unconcious on bed) The baby... Is the baby...?

Gaius: Merlin may have wanted to abort, but his magic didn't. It protected the baby, so it's still alive, but...

Arthur: What?

Gaius: Now his pregnancy is more delicate than ever. Merlin will have to stay in bed and do minimal effort during all his pregnancy and...(his voice breaks) he might not survive childbirth.

Arthur: (breaks down crying)

Merlin: (opens his eyes weakly) Arthur.

Arthur: Merlin! (Leans and holds his hand more tightly)

Merlin: (smiles weakly) It’s okay, Arthur. I got rid of it. You won't have to worry about it anymore.

Arthur: (cries harder)

Arthur apologises over and over again and of course Merlin forgives him, because is Merlin, but the damage is done that's something Arthur will never forgive himself.

Time passes. Arthur visits Merlin everyday during his pregnancy and takes care of him. As Merlin's belly grows, so does his hapiness, but also his fear. He loves this baby with all his being already and the idea of being a father, but the possibility of losing Merlin during childbirth is terrifying. He can't lose Merlin. Is this how his father felt when his mother was pregnant with him?

Is when he compares himself to his father that Arthur realises he loves Merlin. He's been in love with his manservant this whole time. Arthur never felt more stupid.

Then. I don't know. I guess Uther would find out at some point and try to kill Merlin and "that evil creature" he has on his belly. And chaos would ensue.

I saw this meme and the first thing that came to my mind was that I need a fanfic based on this meme. Not just an casual Mpreg merthur story but one were Uther has an actual serious talk about dangers of magic with Arthur and as a example he tells the story of how he's mother got pregnant and died because of magic. He's warns Arthur so that he won't make a similar mistake of trusting magic just like in the meme AND then few weeks later he discovers that he got his manservant pregnant because of one time fucking they did when drunk and went to pretending they were just friends. Imagine the consequences omg.

Like Artur feeling betrayed by Merlin, realising he disappointed his father, Merlin being scared for his life, being accused of tricking Arthur and getting pregnant because of his evil sorcerer plan, hiding it from everyone, not knowing that he could actually get pregnant in the first place he is horrified.

I think it would be interesting if Arthur knew that Merlin has magic before it, fully trusting that he is a goodhearted person, keeping his secret safe. Then he has that talk with Uther and after that Merlin tell him about the pregnancy and Arthur's mind goes back to this talk. He 'realises' that he had been tricked by a sorcerer and Merlin beags him, swears this was an accident.

The potential for heavy angst is immaculate...

[larluce]

Merlin arrives with a baby in Camelot AU

(co-writing with @roxineedstosleep)

BASED ON THIS PROMPT >> PREVIOUS PART >> NEXT PART

Chapter 3: Valiant (Part 1)

In Gaius's chambers. Merlin, who has barely slept, drags himself out of bed with dark circles under his eyes, hastily putting on his clothes. His day is just beginning, but he's already exhausted.

Gaius: (Almost at the same pace as Merlin, dressing more slowly and then putting more wood on the fire) Did you get any sleep last night?

Merlin: (Yawning) No. (points to the baby in the crib). Someone thought it was a good idea to have colic and roll a bottle across the table.

Baby: (sleeping peacefully) 😴

Merlin walks over to the table to see his list of things to do for the day. His to-do list is quite long, and the castle bells haven't even rung to welcome the day yet.

Gaius: (Looking up from his book) You can barely stand, my boy.

Merlin: (Yawning, as he prepares the bottle of milk) Uh-huh. But the prince can't seem to dress himself, and my roommate is sick. Do you think you could give her-

Gaius: (Sighs and takes the bottle) I'll do my best to look after her today; colic is common at this age. Go before Arthur gets impatient.

Time skip. At the Training Grounds. Arthur is already waiting with his arms crossed when Merlin arrives with his training gear, having already dressed him.

Arthur: (mockingly) Have you always been this slow?

Merlin: (mimicking his tone) Have you always been this helpless?

Arthur: (seriously) You can't talk to me like that.

Merlin: I'm sorry. (exaggeratedly polite tone) Have you always been helpless, my lord? (gives a small bow)

Arthur: (A smile almost forms on his face at the joke, but it soon returns to his angry expression and he throws a training pad at Merlin's head) Let's begin.

And Arthur uses him as a training dummy all morning.

Despite being overworked, Merlin gets some help from other servants who know how difficult Arthur is to deal with.

Time skip. In the laundry room.

George: (while helping Merlin wash Arthur's clothes) He wants you to quit.

Merlin: (confused) Uh?

George: The prince. He's hoping you'll either get fed up and quit, or make a mistake bad enough to get you sacked. He does the same with all his personal manservants. Although you're the first he's ever been so hard on.

Merlin: (laughs) I don't think he's forgiven me for humiliating him in front of his men. (mockingly) Or should I say his daddy's men?

George: (curious) So why aren't you doing it?

Merlin: What?

George: Quit.

Merlin: (thinking) I'm not going to give him the satisfaction. And I need to buy things for my baby. (shrugging) I just came to visit Gaius. I never planned to stay. But it doesn't hurt to have some money.

Merlin doesn't mention the baby to any of the servants. He never does. But something about the sympathetic look George gives him in response makes him suspect they might already know. And he confirms it when he asks Gwen for help with Arthur's armor.

Time skip. At Gwen's house.

Merlin: (dressed in Arthur's armor)

Gwen: (after showing Merlin how to put on the armor) I guess you know what to do with the helmet?

Merlin: (tired, but smiles at him) Yeah, yeah, that was the only bit I'd figured out.

Gwen: (laughs)

Merlin: (puts on the helmet) How come you're so much better at this than me?

Gwen: I'm the blacksmith's daughter. I know pretty much everything there is to know about armour, which is actually kind of sad.

Merlin: (impressed) No, it's brilliant! I would love for my girl— (cuts himself off, eyes widening in panic) I mean, if I had a girl, I would love for her to be interested in my interests. Yeah… (takes off his helmet and avoids Gwen's gaze) I'd better get changed now.

Gwen: (helps Merlin out of the armor and says tentatively) And how is Gaius's little patient?

Merlin: (feigning ignorance) Uh?

Gwen: The one I saw yesterday when we met. The baby.

Merlin: Oh, she is. Uhmm… (decides to repeat the lie Gaius told him to say) She's actually the daughter of a patient. Gaius and I are temporarily looking after her while her mother recovers.

Gwen: (not sounding very convinced) I see… (finishes removing Merlin's armor)

Merlin: (realizes) Wait, have you told anyone about her?

Gwen: …

Merlin: Gwen! 😠

Gwen: In my defense, I didn't know you were going to become the prince's manservant.

Merlin: (pacing) That's why everyone's been looking at me strangely. I'm sure you put them in the idea that she's my daughter! 😡

Gwen: (tries to calm him down) Merlin-

Merlin: (screams) She isn't! I wish she was, but she isn't. And even if she was, what do you all care? Huh? Why can't you just mind your own damn business?! 😤

Gwen: …

Gwen: Just out of curiosity, how much sleep did you get today?

Merlin: (sighs) 2 hours. Maybe. (feeling bad) Sorry, I shouldn't have yelled at you.

Gwen: It's okay. (places the disassembled armor in Merlin's arms) We servants may be gossips, but we never give each other away. We know how to keep a secret when it matters, and we protect each other. I just want you to know that.

Merlin: (smiles, grateful) I'll keep that in mind. (leaves)

Time skip. At the training grounds.

Merlin: (struggles to get the vambrace on Arthur's lower arm)

Arthur: (grumpily) You know the tournament starts today?

Merlin: Yes, sire. (Fixes the buckle on the gorget and tries to make conversation) Are you nervous?

Arthur: I don't get nervous.

Merlin: Really? I thought everyone got nervous-

Arthur: (shouting) Will you shut up?!

Merlin: (gets angry, but says nothing, grabs Arthur's cloak, ties it up, and silently hands him his helmet)

Arthur: Aren't you forgetting something?

Merlin: …

Arthur: Merlin! 😡

Merlin: (innocently) You told me to shut up, I'm just obeying your order, sire.

Arthur: My sword! 😤

Merlin: Right away. (goes to the swords and grabs one, but then puts it back and grabs another, and so on)

Arthur: (impatiently) What are you doing?!

Merlin: Choosing your sword, my lord.

Arthur: Just give me that one.

Merlin: (proceeds to draw his sword veeery slowly)

Arthur: (snatches the sword from Merlin and points it at him, threateningly) Don't think I don't know what you're doing.

Merlin: I have no idea what you're talking about.

Arthur: (enraged) I swear-

Merlin: You'd better hurry or you'll be late for your tournament, my lord.

Arthur: (fuming, but holds it together and walks quickly away)

Merlin: (smirks)

Time skip. At the tournament.

Both Arthur and Valiant win their respective matches. Not that Merlin could know, he was too busy catching up on sleep. He managed to get at least an hour of sleep before His Royal Highness nudged Merlin awake with his foot to make Merlin remove his armor.

Valiant: (Exits the arena, stops near Arthur, and bows) May I offer my congratulations on your victories today?

Arthur: (Frowns suspiciously, but nods) Likewise.

Valiant: I hope to see you at the reception this evening. (Leaves with his servant)

Merlin: (Still half asleep, half awake) Creep. It sounded like he was asking you out.

Arthur: (Shocked) Merlin!

Merlin: (Blinks) Oh, sorry. Did I say that out loud?

Arthur: (Sighs) By tomorrow you need to repair my shield, wash my tunic, clean my boots, sharpen my sword, and polish my chainmail.

Merlin: (Incredulous) Are you kidding? There's no way I can-

Arthur: First thing in the morning. (Leaves)

Merlin is left alone, noting how all the extra tasks within his duties for the next day seem to grow to exaggerated levels.

Time skip, in Gaius's Tower.

Merlin enters his room, his arms and legs feeling cramped from everything he's done since Arthur let him leave. Too tired, he casts a simple magic-blocking spell. His eyes glow gold, and as that happens, the baby teddy bear stops floating through the air and lands on the floor with some herbs and flowers.

Gaius: (enters) Good to see you all in one piece (with a caring tone) Tiring day?

Merlin: (with a tic in his eye) Tiring would be an understatement 🙃.

Gaius: I'd say it's always like this, but it's all because of the upcoming celebration.

Merlin: (bitterly) So the prince is such an idiot about the upcoming celebrations? (conjures) Daeft thaet (his eyes flash and the mess the baby's magic caused sorts itself out)

Gaius: (smacks him)

Merlin: Ow!

Gaius: What did I tell you about using magic like that? 😠

Merlin: If I could feel my arms, I would! 😠 I only have enough strength for this. (picks up his baby) How's the sweetest girl in the world? 😊 I hope you were good to Uncle Gaius!

Baby: 🥺 Boooo

Merlin: Oh! 😥 Is it because your teddy bear doesn't dance anymore? I'm so sorry, baby, but you can't do that kind of magic in here. (sniffs the diaper) Uh, looks like you're due for a change. (his eyes glow and a cloth diaper flies to him)

Gaius: If you want her not to use her magic lightly, you should set an example 😒. Especially because tomorrow-

Merlin: (ignores Gaiud while changing the baby's diaper) That's it, baby! 🤗 (picks her up again) Who pooped more solid poop today? You did, you did.

Baby: (happy babbling) 😄

Gaius: (sighs) Merlin, tomorrow-

Merlin: (still cuddling the baby) I know, tomorrow you'll be a good girl too, right, baby? Of course you will-

Gaius: (raises his voice) Merlin, tomorrow I won't be able to have the baby here!

Merlin: (turns to Gaius like a possessed doll) What? 🙂

Gaius: What I'm telling you, tomorrow there will be many injured. And all of them not only come to the medical tents after competing, but they also have to stay here if necessary.

Merlin: But that's terrible! 😣 Where will I and the baby rest? There's barely any room here! …. How am I going to hide the baby?! 😰

Baby: ☹️

Gaius: (seeing the baby getting nervous) Merlin-

Merlin: The servants already know about her, now the other knights will too-

Baby: 🥺

Gaius: Merlin-

Merlin: And they'll throw me out! And we won't be able to stay here-

Baby: 😢

Gaius: MERLIN!

Merlin: (shuts up)

Baby: (burst out crying and a couple of vials break) 😭

Gaius: Don't worry, I already have a plan. We'll take turns looking after the baby, and if anyone asks, we'll say she's the daughter of one of my patients from the citadel, like always. No one will suspect.

Merlin: 🫠 You could've started with that.

Gaius: And you could need some sleep.

Time skip. The next day at the armory.

Merlin: (enters with the baby in a baby sling, muttering) Taking care of a baby with uncontrolled magic while I have to attend to an arrogant prince of a sorcerer-hunting kingdom in a place full of sharp and pointed weapons. Nothing can go wrong with that idea, right? (yawns) I'm so sleepy.

Baby: (looks around curiously)

A hiss is heard.

Merlin: (turns to the sound) Hello? Is anyone there? (Shrugs and bends down to pick up Arthur's armor)

Baby: (close to Valiant's shield, makes graby hands to the drawing of snakes, delighted with the animals) 😃

In reaction to the baby's involuntary magic, the snakes emerge from the shield, hissing loudly.

Merlin: (frightened, screams and instinctively backs away, falling on his back and protecting the baby with his body) Ahhh! What the fuck! 😨 (When he looks back at the shield, the snakes are gone)

Valiant: (who entered a moment ago, draws his sword to threaten Merlin, believing himself exposed)

Merlin: (blinks, confused, and rubs his eyes) I really need to sleep. I'm starting to see things. (gets up)

Valiant: (lets out a sigh of relief and puts his sword away)

Baby: (scared, not by the snakes or the fall, but by Valiant's presence, bursts into tears) 🥺😭.

Merlin: (concerned, takes her out of the sling and rocks her) Oh, sorry, baby. Did I scare you? I'm sorry.

Valiant: You shouldn't be with a baby in here.

Merlin: (puts the baby back in the sling and gathers Arthur's armor, too tired and worried about the still-crying baby to worry about Valiant) Tell that to that idiot I have for master. (Yawns and leaves)

Valiant: …

Time skip. Merlin, still trying to calm the baby's crying, bumps into George in a corridor.

Merlin: (exalted, very quickly) She's the daughter of one of Gaius's patients!

George: (laughs softly) I didn't ask. But yes, I know, you've told everyone. Where are you going?

Merlin: I have to get Arthur ready for-

George: What?! 😨 You're going to attend to him with the baby?! Do you want him to kill you?

Merlin: (whines, stressed) I have no choice. Gaius is busy, and I have no one else to take care of her.

Baby: (cries louder) 😭 (the baby's magic flutters ornaments around)

Merlin: (panicked) No, no, no! Baby, please stop crying, please. (Almost on the verge of tears too)

George: (Pitying him) Let me take care of her. (Takes the baby)

Merlin: (Panics even more, afraid that George will notice the baby's magic, about to throw away Arthur's armor to take her back) No, wait!

George: (Recites a lullaby while rocking the baby; which means he doesn't sing, just says the lyrics in a monotone) Lullay, my liking, my dear son, my sweeting. Lullay, my dear heart, my own dear darling. Lullay, lullay, lullay. 😐

Baby: (Falls asleep as soon as George settles her in his arms) 😴. (And the decorations stop waving)

Merlin: …

Merlin: How did you do that?! 😱

George: (shrugs) I don't know, but I have five little brothers, and my mom always gave them to me when they cried a lot as babies, and when I talked to them, they fell asleep. I guess my voice calmed them.

Merlin: (thinking) I think it actually bored them… (says, very relieved) Thanks a lot, George! Keep her asleep and only wake her up to give her milk, okay? Gaius can tell you where he keeps the milk and when to give it to her. (starts to walk away briskly)

George: (calls out) After the fight, there's a shooting match. The prince almost never attends those, so you can rest.

Merlin: Thanks! (finishes leaving)

Time skip. In Arthur's chambers.

Merlin: (enters)

Arthur: You're late. 😒

Merlin: (tired voice) I know. (abruptly places the armor on the table)

Arthur: (scolding) Be careful with that!

Merlin: It's steel, it won't break. (lifts the chain mail) Raise your arms.

Arthur: You can't talk to me- 😠

Merlin: Your Royal Highness, please do me the honor of raising your arms. 🙄

Arthur: Better. (Raises his arms)

Merlin: (puts Arthur on his armor) Your helmet. (places the helmet on Arthur's arm)

Arthur: (looks at Merlin's work) At least you didn't forget anything this time. Let's go. (leaves)

Merlin: (follows, shuffling)

Time skip. After the match.

Merlin: (asleep in some hidden corner) 😴

Arthur: (finds him) There you are! Lazing around as usual 😡 (kicks him)

Merlin: (more asleep than awake, mutters) Yes, yes, I'll go give the baby some milk.

Arthur: What are you talking about? Get up! (kicks him again)

Merlin: (opens his eyes) Uhm… What happened?

Arthur: Asleep again? I need you to get me my bow and arrow, now!

Merlin: (confused, still stretching) What for?

Arthur: What do you mean, what for? To participate in the shooting competition!

Merlin: B-but… I thought you never-

Arthur: That's the rub. A good servant doesn't think, he obeys. What are you waiting for? Go! (kicks him again)

Merlin: Ow! Alright, alright I'm coming. (gets up reluctantly, thinking) He had to have urge to brag about his aim today of all days. 😓

And it turned out that the boastful prince not only wanted to participate in the shooting competition, but in all the day's activities. And Arthur, to not lose sight of his servant again, doesn't let Merlin leave his side. Merlin's eyelids are heavy, and his thighs are cramping from standing for too long. He's too tired.

Time skip. At the evening reception. All the competing knights (uninjured) are chatting happily.

Merlin: (with dark circles under his red eyes) Anything else you'd like, sire?

Arthur: (now out of his armor, cool as a cucumber) No, I don't think so. I'm already a bit tired. I think I'll have some rest.

Merlin: (his eye ticing) Really? You? Tired, sire?

Arthur: Yes, you may leave.

Merlin: (forces a polite smile) Thank you, my lord. (turns away)

Arthur: Oh, Merlin. I want-

Merlin: (turns to him and explodes, yelling) WHAT?! WHAT ELSE DOES YOUR GREATEST HIGHNESS WANT ME TO DO?! 😡 To undress you and tuck you in for bed?! To feed you in the mouth? To wipe your ass?! 😤

Knights around: (gasp) 😨😨😨😨😨😨

Arthur: (surprised Pikachu face) Uh… 😦

Merlin: For all the gods! Are you really so useless that you can't do anything by yourself? Can't you take care of yourself at all? Don't you have hands? I swear I've seen one-year-old babies and crippled men more self-sufficient than you! Merlin clean this, Merlin fetch that, Merlin hop on one foot and then do a somersault in the air! Leave me alone! I'm exhausted! I want to sleep! 😡(leaves, stomping)

Knights around: …

Arthur: …

Morgana: (holding back a laugh) I like him.

Time skip. In Gaius's Tower.

Merlin: (enters)

Gaius: (carrying the baby) Merlin! How could you leave the baby with- 😠

Merlin: (sharply) Not now. (smiles softly at the baby and kisses her forehead) Good night, baby. (goes to his room)

Gaius: Merlin! 😡

And Merlin falls dead onto his bed, not thinking about the consequences of his outburst… and which he would probably face the next day.

BASED ON THIS PROMPT >> PREVIOUS PART >> NEXT PART

...

UHHH! Merlin really messed up, didn't he? What do you think will happen to him?

Tagging @chaosofbelievers , @blackgigglypuff , @stressed-but-chill , @nocheaseforyougoodsir , @thedragonlies , @evedaser , @lolazoel , @sammythetoaster , @caraspud , @g00pygunkyguy , @bertoliosis35-blog , @purpuraffe , @lordemryspendragon , @herstarlight , @justaz , @myalchemicalgnomace , @haunted-glassesgurl , @exmintha , @dumbdemjin , @a-line-drawn , @itsjustmeandmyanxiety , @beebsnas , @rem-the-moth , @tmarauder101 , @whitemaskcd , @robynnemrys , @genyxie , @trubel43 , @andrealux21

[larluce]

The song that was playing in Arthur's head when he was doing the ritual to travel back in time to save Merlin:

[larluce]

Part 2 of my angst Merthur AU where Merlin has the short-term memory of the girl of 50 First dates. For more context read part 1 HERE

Credits to @mine087 and @warypumpkin whose comments/ideas left on the first part I used for this part.

Most days Arthur can fool Merlin. By the time he lifted the ban on magic, he had well-crafted routine. Merlin would wake up asking for Gaius and the druids, who now worked as physicians in the castle, would tell him Gaius went to the suburbs to treat an illness and would be back tomorrow. And when a very upset and confused Merlin claimed Gaius had been kidnapped, they would tell Merlin he must have really hit his head hard because Agravaine's conspiracy with Morgana to kidnap Gaius happened months ago. Then Merlin would get out of his room and discover a Camelot that welcomed magic again and that would distract him enough. Then, in a stroll around the citadel, Arthur would relate him what supossedly happened in the battle where they saved Gaius and finally defeated Morgana.

Merlin: (nervous) So you know? About my... (not able to say it)

Arthur: (casually) Your magic? Yes. You used it to save me and I catched you for once. (sighs) I didn't react well.

Merlin: (laughs a bit) I bet. But I guess you came around. You lifted the ban! It’s exactly how I imagined it! Thank you! You don't know how happy this makes me.

Arthur: (murmurs, with a sweetbitter feeling) You say that every time...

Merlin: What?

Arthur: I said you said that the first time too.

Merlin: (frustrated) I wish I could remember. How Camelot became what it is now.

Arthur: (forces a smile) You heard the druids. It's just a temporary amnesia. You'll remember by tomorrow.

But there were also the bad days. Where Merlin cannot be convinced that easily and finds out the truth by his own means. He would scream and shout in dispare and rage, Arthur always being the reciever of it. Yelling at him for lying to him, for making his life a set up, blaming him for Gaius' dead, his condition, everything. And then...

Merlin: (hurtful) I killed your father!

Arthur: (sighs, swallowing the pain of going through this again) I know. You were Dragoon. You told me that before.

Merlin: And I freed the Great Dragon! I poisoned Morgana!

Arthur: (yells) I KNOW! (Tears well up in his eyes) I know everything. You want me to hate you, to get me to execute you or stop caring for you and it won't work!

Merlin: This was my plan all along. Pose as your friend, manipulate you so you would lift the ban-

Arthur: Stop.

Merlin: (yells furious) And take away everyone you love just as you did with me!

Arthur: (his voice breaks) We are even then.

Merlin: (screams and his magic gets lose, breaking the windows and causing an earthquake)

Arthur: (doesn't even flinch, he's just sad)

Merlin: (drops to the floor and breaks down crying)

Arthur: (hugs him, rubbing his back) I'm sorry. I'm so sorry.

Merlin: I lied about your mother. She was real.

Arthur: (his hand stops rubbing Merlin's back, frozen and eyes wide)

Merlin: (gives a dry chuckle) I guess that one was new.

Arthur: (cries silently, but doesn't let go of Merlin)

One particular night-over year since the accident-someone does something different when Merlin has one of his "bad days".

Gwen: (enters Merlin's room) You are being unfair.

Merlin: (in disbelieve) I'm unfair? I'm the one whose whole life is a fucking theater play!

Gwen: I'm not saying that what Arthur does is okay. Gwaine and I tried to talk him out of it multiple times. But at least he's not doing this to intentionally hurt you. On the contrary, he wants to spare you the pain. While the only thing you do is guilt him and then say hurtful things to him everytime you find out.

Merlin: (resentful) Oh, poor, poor Arthur who doesn't want to deal with the consecuences of his actions!

Gwen: He's been dealing with the consecuences of his actions for over a year!

Merlin: (stunned)... It's been a year?

Gwen: (nods, sadly) I know for you Gaius' dead is recent and it's hard to see beyond your own grieve. But Arthur's been grieving too. He lost his last remaining family in that rockfall... and also a friend.

Merlin: ...

Gwen: (sighs and spots Merlin's parchment, the one Merlin wrote for himself and hided in his magic book and has random entries from the days Merlin found out the truth) Hide that well or they will take it when they search. (leaves)

After a moment of quiet reflection in his room, Merlin resolves to seek out Arthur. But when he arrives, Arthur’s chambers are empty. Deciding to wait, Merlin glances around, curious if anything has changed in the past year. Yet Arthur was careful enough to keep it as how it was a year ago.

Then, something catches his eye—a book on Arthur’s desk, unfamiliar and out of place. Merlin picks it up, flips it open, and recognizes Arthur’s handwriting.

Another dawn. Another day of lies.

Today Merlin moved through the day as if nothing were wrong. He approached me smiling again, asking if Gaius had returned from his trip yet. I told him no, not yet. Not until tomorrow.

I never thought I could despise a word as much as I hate "Tomorrow."

A shudder runs through Merlin. How many times has Arthur said it? How many times has he promised a tomorrow that would never come?

He nodded and joked about Gaius’s terrible sense of time. I laughed. It tasted like ash.

He teased me, rolled his eyes at council meetings, even scolded me for not wearing a thicker cloak in the cold. For a few hours, I could pretend. Pretend that Gaius was just away. Pretend that Merlin was still himself. Pretend that I hadn’t failed them both so utterly.

Pretend Merlin doesn’t loathe me.

Merlin turns the page, his fingers brushing over the smudged ink—tears, perhaps, or the shaky hand of a man pushed to his limits.

Gods, this is worse than battle. Worse than betrayal. Every morning, I resurrect a dead man for him. Every night, I bury Gaius anew.

And another page.

Is this how Morgana felt?

She, too, lived in a world of half-truths, of secrets festering until they poisoned her. I failed to see her pain until it curdled into hatred. Now I watch Merlin’s face fracture every time he dicovers the truth.

Perhaps this is my penance. For Morgana. For Merlin. For not listening to them when it matter.

And another page.

Merlin, I was a fool. You warned me time and again and I dismissed you. I called you an idiot, a coward, when all along, you were the wisest of us all. How many times did you save me, only for me to repay you with scorn? I thought I was being a king—strong, unshaken—but I was only proud. And now, when I think of the secrets you must have carried alone, the burdens you bore in silence… I should have listened. I should have trusted you. I'm sorry.

The journal trembles in his grip. Arthur’s pain is raw, unfiltered. Not the king, not the warrior. Just a man drowning in regret. For Morgana. For Gaius. For him. For everything.

I'm ruined.

Merlin looks at me, and I want to live in that gaze forever. He touches my arm to steady me, and my skin burns. He speaks, and I hang on every word like a drowning man gasping for air.

Gods help me, I love him.

And it is the cruelest twist of fate that he will never know.

How could he? When every morning, he wakes up not remembering the day before? When every night, I am forced to lie to him again? When the truth of my feelings would only burden him further.

I could tell him. Just once, just to see how it feels to say it aloud. But what then? Tomorrow, he would wake up, and it would be gone. And I would be left with the hollow echo of a confession he cannot keep.

No. This is my penance, too. To love him silently. To carry this alone.

So I will love him in silence. And I will let him go every day. And that will have to be enough.

The journal slips from Merlin’s fingers, landing on Arthur’s desk. The weight of Arthur’s words pressed against his chest, the last confession carving deeper into his heart.

A year. An entire year of Arthur carrying this alone. A year of Arthur waking each morning to carve open his own wounds, just to spare Merlin the pain of knowing. The grieve.

And what has he done? Screamed. Blamed. Twisted the knife deeper every chance he got. Responded Arthur's relentless love with nothing but anger in return.

The door creaks open. And Merlin doesn't need to turn to know who it is.

Arthur: (face pale in panic, but eyes and voice exhausted) You weren’t supposed to see that.

Merlin: (turns, eyes with unshed tears) Gwen said it's been over a year since... (not able to say it)

Arthur: Since the rock fall, yes. One year and two months to be exact.

Merlin: And you lied to me. (the first tears fall) Every single day.

Arthur: ... Yes (braces himself, as if expecting a blow, and explosion)

Merlin: Why?

Arthur: (confused, not used to Merlin not exploding) Why what?

Merlin: Why do you do it? The lies, the pretending. Isn't keeping up this charade tiring? Futile? Boring even.

Arthur: ...

Merlin: Be honest with me for once, please.

Arthur: (thinking) Because I love you. (says, smiling sadly) Because for a few hours, you get to be happy. (his voice cracks) And I get to pretend I didn’t take everything from you.

Merlin: It wasn't your fault.

Arthur: (Stunned) What?

Merlin: It wasn't your fault. Gwen is right I've been unfair. I was just mad and hurt and I took it out on you. I'm sorry.

Arthur: (tears well up in his eyes) You don't have to say that just because you feel sorry for me.

Merlin: No! (approaches and takes Arthur by the shoulders, desperate) Arthur, I need you to believe me because tomorrow I'll forget and I won't know everything you've done and how cruel I've been. (cries) I won't remember that you love me.

Arthur: (open his eyes wide, terrafied, tries to deny it) Merlin-

Merlin: I love you too! That's why it hurt so much when you trusted Agravaine over me. But of course you would. He was your family. You would never blame me for trusting my mother over you.

Arthur: It's not the same. You've known Hunith your whole life.

Merlin: Alright, then my father. If my father had appeared out of nowhere, trying to bond with me, would you blame me for trusting him over you?

Arthur: (a flash of pain in his eyes) You did meet him. For a day.

Merlin: (surprised) I told you about my father? (a realisation) Tell me it was during a good day.

Arthur: ...

Merlin: (brings his hand to his face) Gods, I hate myself so much.

Arthur: You were grieving.

Merlin: You were grieving too! And don't change the subject. I just told you I love you!

Arthur: ...

Merlin: (hands holding Arthur's face) Say something.

Arthur: (exhaled, ragged) What's the point? (voice breaking) Tomorrow, you won't remember this. You’ll wake up and I'll have to lie to you all over again. And you’ll hate me for it.

Merlin: Then don't let me forget.

Arthur: (confused) What?

Merlin: (releases him, turns to the desk, grabs a sheet of parchment and Arthur's quill and says as he writes) I write to myself. On the bad days. Notes about the truth. Hiding them does no good if I don’t look for them. (thrust the parchment at Arthur) Read it to me. Tomorrow. And every day after.

Arthur: (takes the note)

The note reads: Arthur loves you. You love him. Gaius is gone. It’s not your fault. It's not his either. Stop hurting him.

Arthur: (doubtful) You think it'll work?

Merlin: I don’t know. But it's better than... this. (gestures between them, referring to the distance, the lies, their broken bond)

Arthur: (still doubtful)

Merlin: (pleads) Please, it's just one day. If it doesn't work, you can go back to your charade.

Arthur: (incredulous) Are you actually allowing it?

Merlin: I know it hasn't seem like it, but I don't like hurting you. If I didn't have this condition I would cool off and apologise by the next day of my outburst. Had I known I've been doing this for so long... (holds back the tears) But if the only way to stop myself from hurting you is staying ignorant of what happened then I'll allow it.

Arthur: You're the one who's been hurting me? (A disbelieving laugh) Merlin, I've been hurting you every day!

Merlin: We've been hurting each other, alright. (holds Arthur's hand) I don't want us to hurt anymore.

Arthur: (shaky breath) Merlin...

Merlin: Can we talk? Properly talk? We still have a few hours.

Arthur: (nods)

And they talk. The good and the bad about the thing they've done before and after the accident. Somehow they end up lying in bed, side by side.

Merlin: (curled against him) I love you.

Arthur: (so happy and so sad at the same time) I love you too. More than I can explain.

Merlin: Will you tell me you love me? Even if I don’t remember? Even if I yell?

Arthur: (promises) I will.

Merlin: Kiss me.

Arthur: (taken aback, unsure) I don't think it's right to-

Merlin: I don't care if it's right or not. (lifts his head, eyes pleading) If this is the only day I remember, then let it mean something. Please.

Arthur: (kisses him)

Shortly after, Merlin falls asleep in Arthur's arms.

That's all I got for now (again)

Tagging @andrealux21 , @keitorin3 , @keepsecretsjusttokeepu , @escespace , @sugar-coated-prat-dragon , @herstarlight

[larluce]

Hey do you have a master list for your time travel fic cause I keep losing my spot and then have to clock next part for the next 5 mins.

Well I do have a # where I link all the parts and related posts of the AU in my pinned masterlist, but I guess is still tedious to check every post there. So I'll make an exclusive masterlist for my merthur time travel AU here now:

¡¡Official masterlist of Arthur and Merlin travel back in time without knowing the other is from the future too AU!!

SERIES 1: PART 1 , PART 2 , PART 3 , PART 4 , PART 5 , PART 6 , PART 7 , PART 8 , PART 9 , PART 10 , PART 11 , PART 12 , PART 13 , PART 14 , PART 15 , PART 16 , PART 17 , PART 18 , PART 19 , PART 20 , PART 21 , PART 22 , PART 23 , PART 24 , PART 25 , PART 26 , PART 27 , PART 28 , PART 29 , PART 30

TRAILER SERIES 1 (made by @ramblings-of-a-chaotic-neutral )

SERIES 2: PART 1 , PART 2 , PART 3 , PART 4 , PART 5 , PART 6 , PART 7 , PART 8

TRAILER SERIES 2

[larluce]

Arthur in my Merthur Fic "Protecting the Dragonlord’s son" :

Arthur: I don't have actual feelings for Merlin. I'm just pretending Merlin is my lover to protect him. This is just to keep him safe.

Also Arthur:

[larluce]

@ramblings-of-a-chaotic-neutral is secretly one of BBC Merlin’s original creators and their prompts are actually discarded ideas for the show!

@rubinaitoart @evadne01 @roxineedstosleep @theroundbartable

New REBLOG Game

Just fucking lie about the previous poster

[larluce]

Arthur and Merlin travel back in time without knowing the other is from the future too AU (SERIES 2)

FIRST PART (SERIES 1) >> PREVIOUS PART >> NEXT PART

In Gaius' Tower. Gaius is tending to Gwaine, while Merlin patches up Arthur. Percival and Lancelot sit nearby, keeping an eye on Gwaine and Arthur in case they’re needed.

Arthur: (winces in pain)

Merlin: (still annoyed but concerned) Are you hurt anywhere else?

Gwaine: (chuckles weakly)

Arthur: (blushes and glares at Gwaine) No.

Gwaine: (voice hoarse but amused) Come on, princess. Just tell him where else you’re hurt.

Arthur: Nowhere.

Gaius: Is it your leg, Sire? Or perhaps your foot? You were limping earlier.

Merlin: No, I checked. His legs and feet are fine.

Arthur: I’m fine.

Merlin: Arthur, this is serious. We can't afford to miss any injuries. Where else are you hurt?

Arthur: It’s not an injury.

Gwaine: (grinning) Yeah, I might’ve left him… incapacitated to father children.

Arthur: Shut up! 😠

Merlin: (horrified) Wait… you hit him there?! 😨 (glances at Arthur’s crotch, scandalized) That’s low, even for you. Why would you do that? 😠

Gwaine: I was on the ground, and he was coming at me. It was self-defense!

Arthur: I wasn't going to beat you; I was trying to help you up! 😡

Gwaine: (sarcastic) Right. Forgive me if I don't believe that from the man who nearly choked me to death! 😡 (coughs, his throat still sore from the strain)

Merlin: Enough! Gwaine, Arthur wouldn't beat someone who’s already down. You shouldn’t have kicked him there.

Arthur: (smirking at Gwaine) Ha!

Merlin: (turning to Arthur) And YOU shouldn't have lost your temper like that! 😠 I get it was a low blow, but you could've killed him!

Arthur: (thinking) That was the idea. (says) You're right. It got out of hand.

Gwaine: (rubbing his neck) A bit too much I would say. 😑

Merlin: Why were you two even fighting? Gwaine, you promised me you wouldn't fight him!

Gwaine: I didn't want to! I was minding my own business, and he came at me like a rabid dog and went all “Fight me, fight me!” and then he threw the first punch. What was I supposed to do? Not hit back?

Merlin: (turning to Arthur) You started it? Why?

Before Arthur can answer, a guard enters.

Guard: The king requests the presence of the prince and… (glances at Gwaine) this gentleman immediately.

Arthur and Gwaine: (exchange uneasy looks)

Merlin: (sarcastic) What a surprise! The king wants to see you. I wonder why? (sighs, turning to Arthur) So much for staying on Uther's good side.

Arthur: (guilty) Merlin—

Merlin: No. Go face the consequences of your actions. We’ll talk later. (leaves)

Gwaine: (smirking) Looks like someone's not getting lucky tonight. 😏

Arthur: Shut up.

Gwaine: I mean, it’s not like you could anyway, after—

Arthur: I said shut up! 😡

Arthur and Gwaine: (stand and follow the guard out)

Lancelot: (watching Arthur leave, concerned, then approaches Gaius, speaking quietly) Gaius, can I ask you something?

Gaius: Of course.

Lancelot: The marks on Gwaine's neck… Do they look like they were made by someone who didn’t intend to kill?

Gaius: (frowning) What are you implying?

Lancelot: (shaking his head) Nothing. I should get back to the stables. (leaves)

Percival: (who overheard the conversation, hesitates for a moment before following Lancelot out)

In the halls. Percival catches up to Lancelot as he walks, falling into step beside him.

Percival: Hey! (walks beside Lancelot) What you asked back there… Do you think the prince really wanted to kill him?

Lancelot: (pauses, considering his words) I wasn't born here, but I consider Arthur my prince, not because of his title, but because he's earned my respect. He's training me to be a knight, even though I'm a peasant. He wants to give others like me the same chance. He's even planning to protect vulnerable communities once he's king. So no, I don't believe he's a bad person. But…

Percival: But?

Lancelot: When I first came to Camelot, Arthur had me arrested because he found me holding Merlin.

Percival: (raising an eyebrow) Was it… a friendly hug, or…?

Lancelot: It wasn't a hug at all. Merlin had fainted from a paralyzing poison, and I was carrying him to get help.

Percival: (shocked) You were helping him, and Arthur had you arrested?! 😨

Lancelot: (nodding) And after days in the dungeons, he had his knights use me as a practice dummy for weeks. I never showed Merlin any romantic interest, but Arthur didn’t care. All he saw was me holding Merlin, and that was enough.

Percival: But… he trusts you with Merlin now. He even lets you carry him.

Lancelot: (sighs) Yes, but that trust only came after he learned about my feelings for Gwen and I started courting her. What I'm trying to say is… When it comes to Merlin, Arthur can be…

Percival: An absolute maniac? A crazy tyrant? A beast of a man—

Lancelot: Unreasonable. And that could be dangerous for anyone he sees as a threat. And Gwaine… well, he's made his interest in Merlin pretty clear.

Percival: (defensive) He's not going to steal Merlin from Arthur!

Lancelot: (shaking his head) I don't think it matters. Arthur’s jealousy doesn't need logic.

Percival: (concerned) So what do you suggest?

Lancelot: To keep Gwaine safe from Arthur, you mean?

Percival: Yes. What do we do?

Lancelot: (pausing) There's only one thing.

Percival: What?

Lancelot: (sighs deeply) As soon as you get your reward, leave Camelot. And don’t come back. (walks away, leaving Percival standing alone in the hall)

Meanwhile, in the throne room.

Arthur and Gwaine: (talking over each other, their voices rising in a chaotic jumble of protests and justifications)

Uther: (yells) Silence!

Arthur and Gwaine: (immediately fall silent, though their glares at each other remain fierce)

Uther: (rubbing his temples, his voice dripping with disdain) I didn’t understand a word of that, but from what I’ve been told, I can only assume my son's servant is at the center of this disgrace. Am I correct?

Gwaine: I didn’t know Merlin was his lover when I met him!

Arthur: That’s a lie! You wanted to steal him from me! 😠

Gwaine: No, I wanted to save "Lady Merelyn" after you discarded her. There’s a difference! 😠

Uther: (thinking, confused) What does that lady has to do with anything?

Arthur: You flirted with HIM! 😡

Gwaine: And he rejected me. Get over it, princess!

Arthur: Stop calling me that! 😡

Uther: ENOUGH! (to Gwaine) How dare you speak to a prince of Camelot in such a manner. You forget your place, commoner.

Gwaine: (defiantly) Nobility is defined by what you do, not by who you are. And this man (points at Arthur) is anything but noble. He’s an arrogant thug! 😡

Arthur: I’ll have your tongue for that! 😡

Uther: I said ENOUGH! (stands, his voice thunderous) If you hadn’t saved my ward, I’d have you flogged and hanged for your insolence. (pauses, his glare icy) But since you did, I’ll spare your life...for now.

Gwaine: (sighs in relief)

Uther: However, you will spend the rest of the day in the stocks, and tonight, you will muck out the stables. And if I hear so much as a whisper of complaint from you, I’ll have you thrown in the dungeons. Do I make myself clear?

Gwaine: (gritting his teeth) Yes, your majesty.

Uther: You are dismissed.

Gwaine: (bows stiffly and leaves, shooting Arthur one last glare as he goes)

Arthur: (sighs) Father—

Uther: (sternly) Do not speak. Not a single word. (steps down from the throne, his presence towering and menacing) A prince, my son and heir, reduced to brawling in the streets like a common thug. Over a servant, no less. Have you no sense of shame? No sense of duty?

Arthur: (jaw tightening) It wasn’t just about Merlin. He disrespected me. He—

Uther: (slamming his hand on the arm of the throne) I said do not speak! You are The Prince of Camelot, Arthur. Not some drunken fool in a tavern. Your actions reflect on this kingdom, on me, and on the legacy you are supposed to uphold. And what do you do? You lowered yourself by fighting in the streets over a servant!

Arthur: He dared to court my lover, knowing full well we were together! I couldn’t let such insolence go unanswered.

Uther: (his voice dripping with contempt) First, having a servant—and a man—as a lover is not something you should proclaim proudly. (steps closer, his eyes blazing) Second, you are not some lovesick boy, Arthur. You are a prince. And princes do not debase themselves by chasing after commoners or brawling with peasants. If you cannot control your impulses, then you are unfit to rule. (pauses, his voice low and dangerous) Love, if that is what this is, is a weakness. And weakness has no place on the throne.

Arthur: (thinking) Says the man who nearly annihilated an entire community for his own lost love (says, feigning remorse) I acted rashly. I see that now. I’ll accept any punishment you see fit.

Uther: (narrowing his eyes) Punishment? You think punishment will fix this? You think a night in the dungeons will undo the damage you’ve done to your reputation, to this kingdom? (steps closer, his voice a whisper) No, Arthur. The only punishment you need is the knowledge that you have failed. Failed me, failed Camelot, and failed yourself. You are disgrace to the Pendragon name.

Arthur: (looks down, his jaw clenched, thinking) His words shouldn't have an effect on me. I'm not a young boy anymore... Then why do they keep getting to me?

Uther: (turning away, his voice cold) Get out of my sight. And if I hear of this kind of behavior again, I will not be so lenient.

Arthur: (bows and leaves the throne room, his fists clenched at his sides, thinking) Well, at least there was no actual punishment this time.

But Arthur should have known better. He should have known that his father saying "The only punishment you need" didn't mean "The only punishment you'll get". And he learns as soon as he enters his chambers.

In Arthur’s chambers.

Arthur: (enters, his expression a mix of guilt and determination) Merlin, I know you’re mad, but let me—(cuts himself off as he spots a strange figure in his chambers, dressed in a long, ragged tunic and a hooded cape. He immediately unsheathes his sword) State your business!

The figure turns around and pulls back the hood, revealing Merlin’s annoyed face.

Arthur: (lowering his sword, confused) Merlin? (chuckles) What are you doing dressed like that?

Merlin: (deadpan) This is my new uniform.

Arthur: (frowning) Is this part of some new pretend show, or—

Merlin: No. This is my new official uniform, decreed by the king himself.

Arthur: ...

Arthur: (bursts into laughter) What?

Merlin: (flatly) He sent these through Gaius with a letter. (pulls a parchment of his pocket) And I quote: “Due to recent events, these are your new everyday clothes. From now on, you must cover every part of your indecent and lascivious body so as not to provoke lust in other men and cause the degradation of my heir.”

Arthur: (keeps laughing) You're joking.

Merlin: (stares, unblinking)

Arthur: (his smiles fades) You are not.

Merlin: (thrusts the letter at him)

Arthur: (reads the letter, his amusement dissolving into horror)

Merlin: (crosses his arms, glaring at Arthur)

Arthur: (swallows hard) I’ll talk to him.

Merlin: No. I think you’ve done enough.

Arthur: (pleading) Merlin—

Merlin: (his voice rising) Do you know what they're saying now? That the reason you fought Gwaine is because I cheated on you with him—as revenge for you cheating on me! And now, nobles and servants alike think I’m the most infamous whore! Because, of course, the prince can bed whoever he likes, but gods forbid I do it!

Arthur: We never cheated on each other!

Merlin: (shouts, furious) That's not the point! You are the one who picked a fight in the street like a jealous brute, but I'm the one they blame! I’m the one they scorn! And I—(gestures angrily at his ragged clothes)—am the one dressed like a ragged beggar monk! 😡

Arthur: (reaches for Merlin's hand) Merlin, I never meant—

Merlin: (jerking away) Save it! I don't want your apologies! I want to understand. (his fury wavers, worry and fear creeping in) What's gotten into you? You’ve always been a prat, but never this reckless! Sometimes I think… (hesitates)

Arthur: Sometimes you think what?

Merlin: That maybe you are enchanted.

Arthur: (stunned) You think I'm enchanted?

Merlin: I don't know! You've been acting different since we got together—even before that! Think back. Did you eat or drink something out of the ordinary? Find an odd amulet? Find something strange under your pillow? Anything?

Arthur: (snorts)

Merlin: I'm serious! 😠

Arthur: I can't take you seriously when you’re being ridiculous. Why would a sorcerer enchant me to love you? Unless you're the one enchanting me.

Merlin: Maybe it's a plot to ruin Camelot!

Arthur: By making its prince fall for his manservant? (raises an eyebrow)

Merlin: Yes! To tarnish your name and.. and drive a wedge between you and your father!

Arthur: Now you're spinning fairy tales.

Merlin: Well, what do you want me to think?! You've been so unreasonable and volatile lately! Acting without the composure that normally characterizes you. You are not like that. My Arthur is better than this!

Arthur: (bitterly) Sorry to disappoint you, but I'm human. I can't be noble and composed every second. I feel things—rage, jealousy—especially when it comes to you! (steps closer, voice dropping) Maybe the reason I never lost control before is because I never cared this much. I never thought I'd love someone like this. But I do. (grabs Merlin's hands) Loving you isn't a spell. It's you. If anything, then I've been enchanted by you.

Merlin: (thinking, anger flickering and his insecurities dispersing) He did nearly kill Lancelot over Gwen in my another life. Maybe this is just who he is.

Arthur: (soft, wounded) It hurts that you still doubt my feelingS for you.

Merlin: (pulling away, furious again) Don’t turn this around! Love doesn't excuse you acting like a wild animal, attacking anyone who breathes near me!

Arthur: Gwaine didn't just breathe. He flirted with you right in front of me!

Merlin: He was joking!

Arthur: He was not!

Merlin: Well, if he was what? I ended it! He hasn’t tried since!

Arthur: That's what he wants you to believe!

Merlin: Arthur-

Arthur: (seething) That fucking bastard tried to snatch you away from me! I can't let anyone get away with that! I had to make it clear to him that you are mine!

Merlin: (yells, exploiding) He knows I'm yours! The entire kingdom knows I'm yours! Even the damn dogs know I’m yours! (tears welling up in his eyes, chokes out) What I wanted is for them to know YOU ARE MINE TOO!

Arthur:...

Merlin: (wipes his tears, calmer but hollow) But I guess that was too much to ask.

Arthur: (reaching) Merlin...

Merlin: (steps back) I'm moving to my old chambers.

Arthur: (panic flashing) What—?

Merlin: (says before Arthur can jump to conclusions) Just for two days. I'm NOT leaving you. (reassures vehemently the last words) But if I stay now, I’ll say things I’ll regret. And I... I need space.

Arthur: (internally spiraling) He’s leaving me! I'm losing him again—

Merlin: (dry) Consider it my well-deserved time off. (turns to leave)

Arthur: (lurches forward) Wait—

Merlin: (walks out)

Arthur: (stands frozen in the room, thinking) NO! (shouts) MERLIN! (and bolts after him)

Time skip. In the middle of The Main Square.

Merlin: (storms towards Gaius' tower, shoulders tense)

Arthur: (catches up to him, screaming behind) Merlin! (catches his wrist) Please, listen to me!

Merlin: (whirls around, furious) What part of "I need space" is too difficult for your royal—

Arthur: (suddenly kneels before Merlin, clinging to Merlin's hand)

Merlin: ...

A hush falls over the square.

Merlin: (horrified whisper) Arthur?

Arthur: (tears tracking down his face) I'm sorry. I'll never hurt you again. Never.

People around: (erupt in whispers)

Merlin: (bending close, hissing) What are you doing? Have you lost your mind? Get up!

Arthur: (voice breaking) You're everything to me. There is no one else. Please forgive me!

Merlin: (yanks at his arm, but Arthur's grip is iron) Making scenes like this is what got us in trouble in the first place! Stop!

Arthur: (clutches tighter) Don't leave me!

People around: (gasp as one)

Merlin: (exasperated but softening) I told you I'm not—

Arthur: (presses Merlin's hand to his chest) Feel that? I'm yours. I've only ever been yours.

The crowd's murmurs swell to a roar. Merlin looks from Arthur to the gathering people, torn between fury and reluctant affection.

Merlin knows how bad this looks. The prince of Camelot kneeling before a servant, asking his forgiveness, is outrageous enough. But doing it when said servant is his lover and supposeddly cheated on him is more than outrageous is humilliating. Arthur is just making matters worse!

And yet... Arthur is kneeling before him in the dirt, holding his hand, and he's telling everyone that he only belongs to him, just as Merlin only belongs to Arthur. Merlin's traitorous heart pounds in time with Arthur's beneath his fingers. His prince's eyes are wide and wet and terrified. Not of the scandal, but of losing him. Merlin's resolve cracks like thin ice.

Merlin: (reprimanding, but his voice wavers) You idiot. (hauls Arthur up by their joined hands, then presses their foreheads together, his own eyes glistening) My jealous, bullheaded, ridiculous clotpole of a prince.

Arthur: (pulls him closer, voice thick) Yes. Yours. Don’t leave me.

Merlin: (sweetly) I won’t. (hugs him tightly, but then whispers in his ear, quiet and fierce) But you’re agreeing to my conditions later.

Arthur: (whispers back, a ghost of a smirk) Expected nothing less.

People around: (a mix of claps, boos, hisses, fainting sounds, shrieks and obscene comments and gestures)

Merlin: (pulling back just enough to glare, though his thumb brushes Arthur’s cheek) And you're never living this down.

Arthur: (breathless, grinning like a man who's won a war) Worth it.

Somewhere in the castle, a goblet shatters. The kingdom will never forget this day.

Time skip. In the stables. Arthur stands stiffly, arms crossed, while Gwaine leans against a stall, brushing straw from his tunic with exaggerated annoyance. Merlin and Percival watch them both, arms folded, looking thoroughly unimpressed.

Arthur: (through clenched teeth) … I apologize. For punching you. (pause) And nearly choking you.

Gwaine: That's the least sincere apology I've ever heard. 😒 And I once accepted one from a bandit who shot me.

Merlin: (warning tone) Gwaine.

Gwaine: (sighs dramatically) Fine, I'll accept it. (mocks) That must've physically pained you to say.

Percival: (gives Gwaine a firm look)

Gwaine: (rolling his eyes) Right, right. (to Arthur) And I apologize for… kicking you in the balls. (grins) And flirting with Merlin. (pause, mischievous) And Lady Merelyn. (to Merlin, innocently) Do you still have that dress?

Arthur: (his knuckles whiten around his sword belt)

Percival: (cuffs Gwaine upside the head)

Gwaine: Ow! It was just a question!

Arthur: (manages to force a smile) Yes, Sir Gwaine. Merlin keeps that dress… (low, possessive) for my eyes only.

Merlin: (blushing, hisses) Arthur!

Gwaine: (brows shooting up) Did you just call me 'Sir'?

Arthur: (feigning nonchalance) Yes, I must admit you fight remarkably well for a commoner. Almost as if… (pauses meaningfully) you'd had knight's training. Almost as if you were… nobility.

Gwaine: (his smirk vanishes)

Merlin: (thinking) Wait… Arthur knows?! 😨

Gwaine: (carefully neutral) I'd hardly consider being compared to nobility a compliment. But I… appreciate the intent.

Merlin: (shaking his head slightly, thinking) Must've imagined it. (says) Alright! (claps sharply) Handshake. Now.

Arthur and Gwaine: (with identical expressions of suffering, proceed to do the most awkward handshake in Camelot's history)

Merlin: That was pathetic. But it'll do. (turns to leave) I expect civility. Gaius needs me.

Arthur: (his expression softens as Merlin passes, but then hardens into glacial warning when he turns back to Gwaine before leaving)

Gwaine: (urgent to Percival) You saw that?

Percival: Clear as day.

Gwaine: (pacing) How could he know about my father? Did he have me investigated?

Percival: (grim) This proves what Lancelot warned us. We need to leave.

Gwaine: (stops pacing abruptly, sounding almost defeated)... I can't.

Percival: (studying him) Are you still infatuated with Merlin-

Gwaine: It's not that! (pauses) Remember when we met? That… (gestures Percival and himself) pull between us?

Percival: (nodding slowly) Like we'd known each other before. But we hadn't.

Gwaine: It's the same with Merlin. Stronger even. Like a rope around my ribs, yanking me toward him. (frustrated gesture) I don't understand it, but I can't leave him. Especially not with that hotheaded brute as his lover! I don't know why, but I have this urge to be there for him, to protect him when he needs it, to...

Percival: To what?

Gwaine: (barely audible, with a grief that he doesn't feel entirely his own, but it's there) To not... fail him.

Percival: (studies Gwaine's face for a long moment before sighing deeply) We'll stay if that gives you peace. (puts a firm grip on Gwaine's shoulder) But Merlin is no damsel needing rescue. Whatever ghost of guilt has taken root in you (shakes him slightly) you must tear it out. Or it will destroy you.

FIRST PART (SERIES 1) >> PREVIOUS PART >> NEXT PART

...

Merlin in his new uniform XD:

On a more serious note, as I said before, I'm not going to sugarcoat how toxic Arthur is becoming. This Arthur—mostly due to all the PTSD he endured during those ten years with Merlin as a tree—is not only jealous but also very possessive and even manipulative. Let’s not even talk about his murderous psychokiller side occasionally showing through.

What do you think is going to happen next? Let me know in the comments ;)

Tagging @aceauthorcatqueen , @fallenxjas , @smileytrinity , @lucifertookmyshoe @an-entity-i-think , @thecornerofbelu , @griffonskies , @odinjm , @cinnabon-sweetroll-tiramisu , @thelady-mary , @bennedict , @nightninjaboy , @st8-of-grace , @starrieisdelusional , @error-username-not-available , @dogberryrowan , @jamieweasley13 , @tansyuduri , @tercais , @robynnemrys , @evadne01 , @serasvictoria02 , @hairdryerducks , @curiously-lazy , @harriettesthings , @andrealux16 , @wacko-weirdo , @greatdonutenemy , @yougottobekittenme , @anxiousosaurus , @kinkforwings , @someweirdassnamee , @impracticalantlers , @miyriu , @hobipabo , @whitemaskcd , @bogslob , @braziiis , @rubinaitoart , @thebigoblin , @toomanyfanficsbruh , @farmboyprince , @nonsensefunsense , @slightly-psycho-multifan , @jxmimac , @anarchelsworld , @beepbeep-yeah , @faithiikins , @the-moons-undying-light , @atlasflower , @chaosofbelievers , @lolazoel , @escespace , @fandomabibliophobia , @genyxie , @cute1penny

[larluce]

Just started "Saving the Dragonlord's Son" and (ノ-_-)ノ~┻━┻ time needs to stop so I can be immersed with it

Awww thank you! 😊 I won't be long in updating this time.

Actually I'm planning to do a schedule. Just let me organize myself better.

[larluce]

“You can't…” A red-faced Merlin cuts off his thoughts before they can go any further. “You can't just grab people like that!”

Arthur blinks a few times, confused.

“Is this because I touched your face?”

“NO!” Merlin curls into a ball, though he still looks at him very angry. “You haven't stopped touching me since I arrived!”

“Yes, I've always touched you,” Arthur states matter-of-factly. “What's the problem?”

“You're doing it differently!”

It's not until it occurs to him that the red on Merlin's face isn't due to anger but to an entirely different emotion that the prince's frown melts into understanding. Oh... he thinks, and almost feels the urge to laugh. He's embarrassed .

"Is this... is this because you like me?" A sly grin spreads across his face.

Indeed, Merlin turns impossibly redder.

“No! Of course not!”

“Look, I understand that my touch might… excite you, but—”

“Fuck off!” His servant throws a pillow at his head, but that doesn’t stop the prince from laughing in his face. “That has nothing to do with it.”

“By the gods, Merlin!” the prince laughs. “Are you actually shy around me?”

Arthur never thought he’d live to see this day. Merlin, his bold, cheeky, ever-defiant Merlin, was being… shy?

His servant throws another pillow at him, though this time the prince is able to dodge it. “This has nothing to do with my feelings, you big, arrogant, royal ass!”

“Of course it does, look at you.” Arthur gestures at Merlin’s hunched form, still pressed against the headboard. “You didn’t react like this before. It’s obvious it’s because you like me now.”

“No, it's not like that because I liked you before!”

The words tumble out before Merlin can stop them, and he immediately regrets it. His face burns hotter than ever, and he wishes he could bite his own tongue. Why did he say that? He doesn’t need to give Arthur more ammunition to tease him!

Arthur isn't mocking, however. Instead, his eyes are wide open, as if he's equally or more astonished than Merlin by the accidental revelation.

“Since when?” Arthur asks, his tone surprisingly serious.

NEW CHAPTER!! :D (finally)

[larluce]

How Merlin and Arthur's mind will sound when they finally find out they are both from the future:

[larluce]

Merlin as Arthur's familiar/Arthur's shapeshifter falcon AU

FIRST PART >> PREVIOUS PART >> NEXT PART

After finding no trace of the chicks still, Uther, at the request of his ward and fearing Arthur's reaction himself, makes an announcement to his people that prince's bird pets are lost and whoever finds them and brings them back-preferably before the prince comes back-will be rewarded.

The next day comes, the prince will arrive at any moment and there's no news yet.

Uther, Morgana and Gwen waiting anxiously in the throne room for Arthur and his scort.

Guardian: (on Morgana's shoulder) Are my siblings dead auntie Morgana? 🥺

Morgana: (whispers) No! Of course not, sweetie. Don't say that. (Thinking) especially not infront of Arthur.

Gwen: (whispers to Morgana) You don't have to take the blame for me.

Morgana: (shakes her head) I was in charge. It was my responsibility.

Gwen: They will be so so mad.

Morgana: I know, and I can handle it. It will be alright.

Arthur: (enters with Merlin in his bird form on his shoulder)

Uther: (a strained smile) Arthur! (approaches him) How did everything turned out in your quest?

Arthur: (very formal) Father. (Bows) Everything turned out alright, we found the cause of the riots and took care of it quickly.

Guardian: (crying) Mama! Papa! 😭

Arthur: (his face and voice light up) My baby! 🤗 (walks to him quickly and holds him in his hands) I missed you so much! (Kisses his head)

Merlin: (perches on Arthur's wrist and rubs his head with Guardian's)

Arthur: (looks around) Where are the others? Are they playing hide and seek?

Morgana, Gwen and Uther: (sweat)

Guardian: (cries more loudly) WAAA! 😭

Arthur: Awww. They must've really missed us a lot. I feel bad for ever leaving. (Pets Guardian fondly and turns to Morgana) So? Where are my other babies? I want to squish them and never let go! 😄

Morgana: Yeah... about that...😅

Servant x: (enters discreetly and whispers something to Uther's ear)

Morgana: They are not here.

Arthur: Well, clearly, I can't see them. Are they in your chambers? (Frowns) You left them alone in your chambers? You did close the door, right?

Morgana: (her eyes starting to water) Arthur, your chicks-

Uther: Are more than fine! Stop worrying so much, son. (Puts an arm around Arthur's shoulders)

Arthur: (looks at his father strangely at his sudden show of affection)

Morgana: (Thinking) What is he doing?

Uther: Now, I need a detailed inform of that quest of yours.

Arthur: Oh, but I wanted to greet my chicks first-

Uther: You greeted one, the rest can wait for a bit more.

Arthur: (sighs, resigned) Alright.

Uther: (To Morgana) This will be a rather boring conversation so you may leave, Morgana.

Morgana: (still confused) Uhm... sure.

Arthur: (gives Guardian to Morgana)

Guardian: No! Papa, don't leave again! 😭

Arthur: I'll be back with you in a sec, baby, don't worry. (To Merlin) Stay with him so he doesn't get more upset.

Merlin: (nods and flies to Morgana's shoulder).

Morgana and Gwen: (leave the room)

In the hall outside the throne room.

Merlin: (still in his bird form) Alright. What is going on? 😑

Morgana: (nervous) Wha-what do you mean?

Merlin: Guardian would never leave his siblings alone. I would believe it from Blizzard, Brave, Rain, even from Wary, but not Guardian. So? What's happening?

Guardian: Mama, I'm sorry! 😭

Merlin: Why is my son apologising? 😠

Morgana: I was trying to tell you inside. The chicks-

Servant x: My lady, (bows) the chicks were found.

Morgana: (more than happy) They were?! 😃

Servant x: These gentlemen brought them.

Lancelot, Percival and Elyan: (enter, carrying each one a chick) My lady (bow)

Morgana: Oh, thank the gods!

Merlin: YOU LOST MY CHICKS! 😡

Morgana: Uh...😅

Wary, Blizzard and Brave: Mama! 😭😭😭

Merlin: (flies around them, worried) My chicks! Are you alright?

Lancelot, Percival and Elyan: (step back a little, afraid of Merlin)

Gwen: Elyan! (runs to him and hugs him) What are you doing here?

Elyan: Well, I-

Gwen: Oh, it doesn't matter. You found one of them! Thank you, thank you, thank you! You are the best brother ever! (Kisses his forehead, then grabs Brave from Elyan and finally grabs Wary and Blizzard from the others) I can't thank you all enough!

Merlin: (perches on Gwen's wrist to fuss over his chicks)

Lancelot: We came as soon as we heard. We knew they were important because of the crest in their neckerchiefs. Who would've thought they were the prince's pets!

Elyan: THEY ARE PRINCE'S PETS! 😨

Gwen: Yes, isn't that why you brought it?

Elyan: Eh...

Elyan's flashback.

In the main square. Elyan walking around with Brave in his hands.

Elyan: (To himself) Let's see. Where is that nobels buy their hunting birds?

Brave: I don't want to be sold! I want Mama and Papa! 😭

Elyan: (spots a knight and goes to him) Excuse me, Sire. Do you know where-

Knight x: Oh, you found one too.

Elyan: The bird? Yeah, I found it in the Lower Town. Do you know where-

Knight: Perfect! Come with me. (Goes in the direction of the castle)

Elyan: (follows him, thinking) I don't recall the knights of Camelot being this servile. How nice!

End of Elyan's flashback.

Elyan: Yeah, that's definitely why I brought it. 😅

Brave: Lies! He wanted to sell me! 😠

Merlin: He what?! 😤 (goes and pecks Elyan)

Elyan: Ow!

Gwen: And the neckerchief?

Elyan: I... don't know... It must've fell.

Brave: No, he threw it away! 😠 My neckerchief! 😭

Merlin: (pecks Elyan again)

Elyan: Ow! Can someone control this bird?!

Gwen: Merlin, stop it! What's wrong with you?

Morgana: (Also angry at Elyan but doesn't give him away, cause she doesn't want to ruin Gwen's reunion with her brother) Gwen, give me the chicks and scort these gentlemen to the guest room. The king will receive them in a moment. Make sure they are well attended.

Gwen: Yes, my lady (gives the chicks to Morgana, bows and leaves with Lancelot, Percival and Elyan).

Merlin: (yells furious in bird at Morgana, flying at the height of her head) YOU LOST MY CHICKS AND ALMOST GOT ONE OF THEM SOLD! 😡

Morgana: I know. I'm so sorry. But look! (Points the chicks with her head, Brave and Guardian on her shoulders and Wary and Blizzard on her arms) All of them were found and are safe now.

Merlin: Oh, really? (Perches on her head) Count them Morgana.

Morgana: One, two, three, four, fi- (realises, scared and counts again) One, two, three, four... 😰

Merlin: Four! Do I have four chicks, Morgana? 😠

Morgana: No 😔

Merlin: NO! 😡 I HAVE FIVE! (Pulls her hair with his claws) WHERE'S MY FIFTH CHICK?! 😤

Morgana: Ow, ow, ow!

Wary: Actually I'm the fifth chick, Rain hatched second.

Guardian: Not the time, Wary. Mama is angry.

Morgana: (fighting with Merlin) Ow! The king made an announcement! Everyone in Camelot knows the chicks-Ow!-must be found! They already brought four, they'll surely bring Rain in no time!-Ow!-Stop, please! 😫

Merlin: (calms down and stops) For your sake, that better be the case. The only reason I'm not cursing you to be a frog forever, is because I know Arthur will be pissed at you enough for the both of us once he finds out.

Morgana: (sighs, resigned) At least we have 4 out of 5 now.

Merlin: Oh, no. That's the worst part.

Morgana: (confused) What do you mean?

Merlin: You know how parents always say they don't have a favourite kid? That they love them all equally? Well, that's a lie.

Chicks: What?! ☹️☹️☹️☹️

Merlin: Don't even complain. I'm angry at you too. 😠 (To Morgana) If you had found Rain and not the others, Arthur would've been furious, yes, but his fury would still be somewhat bearable. You would've got an angry but still reasonable Arthur if you had found just Rain and Wary and not the others. What is INTOLERABLE is that you found everyone but Rain! Arthur will not only be furious, he will go INSANE!

Morgana: Rain is his favourite. I got it.

Blizzard: Good to know. 🙄

Wary: Wait... Does it mean I'm Papa's second favourite! 😃

Brave: You are happy about that?

Wary: It's better than third favourite.

Guardian: Who is your favourite, Mama?

Merlin: That's not important. Now, we'll go to Auntie Morgana's room to fix you up and I will give you all a great lecture about not leaving the nest and wonder outside alone! 😠

Chicks: (hang their heads) Yes, Mama. 😔😔😔😔

Time skip. In Morgana's chambers. Merlin scolding his chicks on the bed, while Morgana waits for Arthur anxiously.

Merlin: So? Whose idea was this?

All chicks: (forming a line infront of Merlin, hanging their head) ...

Merlin: I don't want to ask twice.

Guardian: (takes a few steps forward) It was me. I wanted to explore the outside and convinced them to go.

Merlin: Guardian, I know you want to protect your siblings, but taking the blame for them won't help them.

Guardian: It really was me!

Merlin: No, it wasn't. It wasn't Wary either, he would never even think of going outside of the room, which leave me... (His gaze stops on Brave and Blizzard) You two.

Brave and Blizzard: (shout in bird at the same time) It was Rain!

Merlin: Sure, blame the one who is not present and can't defend herself. That's low. And Rain antics are more related to stealing shiny things.

Guardian: (worried) Is Rain going to come back Mama?

Merlin: (pauses, not wanting to upset his chicks, but not wanting to give them false hopes either) There's a chance she-

Arthur: (enters) Here I am! 🤗

Chicks: (very happy, moving their wings) Papa! 😄😄😄😄 (walk to the border of the bed)

Arthur: (extends his arms and they jump to his arms) I missed you all so much, my babies! (puts them closer and then frowns and looks around) Where's Rain?

Morgana: (with an apprehensive expression and a careful tone) Arthur, Rain is not here.

Wary: Yes, she hasn't been rescue yet, Papa.

Arthur: Is she playing the princess' rescue again?

Morgana: No, I meant she is not here as in not here in the castle.

Arthur: ...

Arthur: What?

Morgana: I accidentally... left the door open.

Silence.

Arthur: (a hard expression on his and a dangerous calm tone) Morgana... Where is Rain?

Morgana: (tearing) We don't know! We've been searching everywhere. We managed to find four-

Arthur: FOUR?! You lost all five of them?!

Morgana: I'm so sorry.

Arthur: (turns to Merlin, still dangerously calm) Merlin, take the chicks to our chambers, please.

Merlin: (takes his human form infront of Arthur and extends his arms) Come here, my chicks. Arthur and auntie Morgana need to talk alone.

Chicks: (jump to Merlin's arms)

Merlin: (though he's still mad, gives Morgana a compassionate look before leaving)

Arthur: (explodes, yelling) I left for three days. THREE DAYS, MORGANA! I took care of them for WEEKS! And you managed to lose one of my babies-correction- ALL OF MY BABIES in less than THREE DAYS! And my daughter still remains lost! How could you, Morgana? HOW COULD YOU? Rain is a chick of less than 4 weeks old! A small defenseless living being! She’s not some toy you can misplace and just shrug off!

Morgana: I know, I know! I messed up. But everyone in Camelot is looking for her now. The king even put a reward for-

Arthur: Oh, so my father knows! And instead of informing me inmediatly, you decided to lie to me to my face!

Morgana: (crying) I’m sorry!

Arthur: A sorry won't bring me my daughter back. Do you even realize what could happen to her out there? She's so small someone could step on her by accident! She is a meal for cats and dogs! She could die of starvation or dehydration! She could be anywhere—hurt, scared, or worse! And it’s YOUR FAULT! (points st her with an accusing finger) You were supposed to watch her! I trusted you AND YOU LOST HER!

Morgana: (cries more)

Arthur: (hurtful) I trusted you and you let me down. You let HER down. But it's my fault too. I should have known better than to trust my chicks with you. You are so irresponsible you can't do a single thing right. I won't make that mistake again.

Morgana: (crying) Arthur, please!

Arthur: I can't believe I even consider you my sister.

Morgana: (struck down hurt by his words)

Uther: (entering the room) That's enough, Arthur. You are being too hard on her.

Arthur: Oh, that's rich coming from you.

Uther: I beg your pardon?

Arthur: You always send her to the dungeons when she speaks out of turn, but sure, me telling her her truths when she royally messed up is too much bear.

Uther: This is not the same, she made a little mistake-

Arthur: A LITTLE? She lost my chicks!

Uther: And most of them were found. Is not like they are all gone, but you are making a fuss over an animal like a child!

Arthur: Rain is not just an animal to me. She's like a daughter, MY daughter! (tears welling up in his eyes) But of course you wouldn't understand. You don't have a daughter!

Uther: (shouts) I DO!

Arthur: (confused) ... what?

Morgana: (just as confused) What?

Uther: (realises his slip up) I do have a son, I mean. So I understand the feeling but you can't honestly compare-

Arthur: (laughs)

Uther: What's so funny?

Arthur: You didn't have a son, your Majesty. (stresses the last word) You had a heir to the throne.

Uther: (his face darkening) Watch your tongue, Arthur. I am still your king and your father. You will not speak to me this way.

Arthur: You just proved it.

Uther: What?

Arthur: That you are my king before you are my father.

Uther: ...

Arthur: (turns to Morgana) I'm going to look for my daughter now, and they better haven't touched a single feather on her, because if anything remotely bad happens to her, I will never forgive you. (leaves)

Uther: Arthur! (pauses, incresingly furious due to his son not listening to him for the first time) This is outragious! Getting all worked up over some pets! I should've never allowed him to keep those animals. I'll have him thrown in the dungeons at once!

Morgana: Don't you dare! Arthur has every right to be upset, it's you who is being insensitive.

Uther: Insensitive? You dare speak to me of insensitivity after your carelessness caused this mess?

Morgana: (standing her ground, though her voice trembles) I made a mistake. I admit that. One for which I will never forgive myself. But Arthur’s pain is real, and you’re dismissing it as if it means nothing. Those chicks—especially Rain—mean the world to him. Can’t you see that?

Uther: Oh, I can clearly see it now! I have the prince of Camelot being all sentimental over some birds.

Morgana: At least he knows how to feel something other than anger and control. How many times have you told him that you love him? That you care for him?

Uther: How did this conversation turn to me? We are talking about Arthur's irrationality and disproportionate reaction!

Morgana: It has everything to do with it! Do you know why Arthur gives 'those birds' as you call them so much love?

Uther: Because I wrongly let him get attached to them.

Morgana: No, he's just giving them the love you never gave him.

Uther: ...

Morgana: (sighs) I'll go see if there are any news of Rain. (leaves)

Meanwhile in some hostel in Camelot.

Gwaine: (sleeping on a bed) 😴

Rain: (on top of his chest, pecks him)

Gwaine: Ow! What the-

Rain: (keeps pecking him, furious) Wake up you lazy human! 😡 I'm hungry! 😫

Gwaine: (still half sleep) Ow! It's not the first time a lady has woken me up violently, but usually it's slaps, not-ow!-pecks?... wait a minute... (sits up suddenly very awake and Rain ends up on his lap) What the... What is a bird doing in my room?! 😨

Rain: You brought me here you crazy human! 😡

Gwaine: (hungover, brings a hand to his head) Ugh... How much did I drink yesterday?

Rain: FEED ME! 😤 (pecks him again)

Gwaine: Ow! Get off! 😠 (pushes her aside so she's on the bed instead of his lap)

Rain: You... you pushed me 🥺.

Gwaine: Why are you looking at me like that?

Rain: (burst out chirp crying) WAAAA! 😭

Gwaine: No, no, no! I'm sorry! Did I hurt you? Stop chirping, please! Ugh, This is not helping my hungover.

Old woman: (enters with a plate) Room service. (spots Rain, but she's shortsighted) Is that a rooster?

Rain: I'm not a rooster! 😠 (chirps louder) HELP! This human male has me captured! 😭

Gwaine: (looks at Rain) I'm not sure what it is.

Old woman: Well, better shut it up or I'll make a meal with it.

Rain: (shuts up, scared)

Old woman: (giggles) I think that worked. (leaves the plate and leaves)

Rain: (trembling) She is a human predator! 😰

Gwaine: (takes the plate, which contains chicken, grain and water, and puts it on his lap) Yikes, this thing is half raw. (looks the grain) Oh, birds eat grain, don't they? (to Rain) You can eat this.

Rain: FOOD! 🤤 (goes to the chicken and starts eating, not caring that it's not her favourite bird or that she has to tear it herself or that it's half cooked cause she is so SO hungry)

Gwaine: A bird eating a bird?! 😧 Isn't that cannibalism? Oh, well. Leave something for me, will you? I'm hungry too- (about to grab a bit of chicken)

Rain: (chirps threatenly) MINE! 😡

Gwaine: Alright, alright! Have all the chicken. (grabs the grain and sighs) I guess I'll eat this.

FIRST PART >> PREVIOUS PART >> NEXT PART

...

NEW POLL! :D

Tagging @dsabian , @theplatanitosqueal , @stressed-but-chill , @gregre369 , @chaosofbelievers , @thelordofabsolutelynothing , @another-tblr-fangirl , @aceauthorcatqueen , @smileytrinity , @tiny-and-witchy , @wako-weirdo , @a-very-tired-ravenclaw , @schiwalkers-ineffability , @natsu2501malo , @dearfuturelyn , @thedollopheadofcamelot , @yougottobekittenme , @your-local-asylum-escapee , @theroundbartable , @alo-ween , @orliththedragon , @dumbdemjin , @dangerhumming , @fandomabibliophobia

[larluce]

I’m probably going to open up commissions soon!

I don’t really have a good portfolio to show what I can do, so I’m working on that right now. Which means, I’m fully open for requests! Just with a few rules:

Anything I draw will be used as an example. Please keep that in mind if you choose to request art of an OC.

The final result will not be consistent for all requests—it might just be a simple head sketch, or it could be fully rendered.

You can request literally anything. Background art? Some cute flowers? Fanart? Your D&D character? Ship art? Something silly? Horror? Anything. My one hard no is anything with nudity/NSFW.

I will choose which requests to draw at my discretion, but I think that’s fairly standard.

[larluce]

Alexa play my camelot romance.

I SWEAR I DREW THIS IRONICALLY dont take it seriously😭

[larluce]

Merlin as Arthur's familiar/Arthur's shapeshifter falcon AU

FIRST PART >> PREVIOUS PART >> NEXT PART

(Sorry for leaving this AU abandoned for too long. Here's the next part of the Merthur chicks adventures :D)

For the first time Arthur was right. It was indeed a not dangerous quest. Dress in peasants clothes, the Prince and his knights could easily find out the reason behind the riots. It turns out the landlord of the village was rather mediocre at his job. He prefered to expend the money in luxuries rather than look after his people's needs. He wouldn't even let his the farmers harvest and order them to plant flowers instead because they looked "more beautiful". Arthur couldn't understand how someone could be so insensitive... until he met the man.

The man was thin, rather femenine, not just because of his extravagant clothes, shoes with highheels and excesive make up, but due to his gestures and way of speaking. A rather mannered man.

Arthur and Merlin (in his human form) talking with the landlord at his house.

Landlord: I just want everything to look as pretty as me! 😍

Arthur: ... right. But people are starving, you can't just forbid them from- (some larks fly around Arthur an peck him, cutting him off) Ow! Get off! (waves his hands to make them go away)

Landlord: No! Don't hurt my daughters!

Arthur: (blinks) Your... daughters?

Landlord: (extends his arms and all the larks, that had beautiful ribbons around their necks, perch on them) This one is Sophia, this one is Catherine, this one is Emily, Adeline, Rosemary, Francesca, Berenice and Caroline. Say hi to your highness, my girls.🥰

Larks: (chirp)

Arthur: (thinking) Oh, gods. Do I really look this crazy when I talk to my chicks?

Merlin: (looking at the larks with hungry eyes) Larks 🤤😋 (extends a hand and walks towards the larks)

Larks: (fly away in fear)

Arthur: Merlin, no.

Merlin: But- 🥺

Arthur: I'll get you all the larks you want when we are at home.

Later Arthur met the leader of the riots, that turned out to be the landlord's sister. In contrast of her brother, she dressed like a farmer man and keeped her hair short. In fact, it took Arthur a while to realise she was in fact a woman.

Landlord's sister: My brother is not a bad person, but... his mind is... a bit damage, I guess. Since he was a kid it was obvious he wasn't like other boys and my father was too embarrased of him... so he locked him up in a tower most of his life. He wouldn't even let me see him. His only company in that tower were the larks the visited him so he started adopting them. (smiles sadly) But he was his only son, so when he died, my brother inherited these lands.

Arthur: So this is revenge?

Landlord's sister: Oh, no! He just doesn't have an idea of how to manage money and has other priorities.

Merlin: Then the solution is simple. We have to give him a job he's actually good at and leave someone capable in charge of these lands so people are happy.

Knight 1: That's not possible. The lands can only be given from father to son. But of course as a peasant you are unaware of that.

Merlin: (gives him a bad look)

Arthur: (to the knights) May I have a moment alone with the lady?

Kinghts: Yes Sire. (bow and leave)

Arthur: You can stay Marlon.

Merlin: I wasn't going to leave.

Arthur: (smiles at him and then turns to Landlord's sister) How long have you been in secrecy, my lady?

Landlord's sister: About 5 years, my lord. Some people even believe I'm dead. It was not my intend to take this identity for so long, but nobody would have listened to a woman, much less let one lead them in the riots.

Arthur: You did quite a great job. Making people steal supplies from travelling carts and divide them equally among the people rather than attack your brother directly.

Landlord's sister: I don't want to hurt my brother, but I don't want my people to suffer either.

Arthur: You think you could handle landlordship, my lady?

Landlord's sister: That would be the dream. But I'm very aware of my rights, your highness. I cannot inherit my father's lands.

Arthur: Maybe not you, but... your son could.

Landlord's sister: (confused) But I don't have a son.

Arthur: Yes you have one. When you were way you met a lord and married him, but he was very old so he died shortly after. A shame really, because he never got to know his son, which you gave birth to 4 years ago. Too young to be in charge of the land, so... he may need guidance.

Landlord's sister: (understanding the plan) I see... And where is this son of mine?

Arthur: Your maid is caring for him, of course. In a very unrelated question, did you know there are some orphaned kids around the village?

Indeed. The problem was solved relatively quickly. But...

Merlin: Let's stay one more night. We were supposed to get back tomorrow anyway.

Arthur: But our chicks-

Merlin: Are more than fine. (wraps his arms around Arthur's neck) I want to expend some time alone with you. We barely have some. Don't get me wrong, I love my chicks and I miss them to, but-

Arthur: (smiles softly) I know... We basically became parents before we became mates.

Merlin: So? (face inches from Arthur's) What do you say?

Arthur: Alright (kisses him)

After all what's the worst that could happen if they stayed one more night?

Meanwhile, at the castle. Morgana and Gwen and other servants searching for the chicks anxiously around the castle, very worried and scared, calling out loud.

Morgana: GUARDIAN!

Gwen: RAIN!

Morgana: BLIZZARD!

Gwen: BRAVE!

Morgana: WARY!

Gwen: (very guilty) This is all my fault.

Morgana: No, it's my fault. I left the door open. Remember?

Gwen: But-

Morgana: (warnly) Remember?

Gwen: (sighs) Yes, my lady.

They both know it was Gwen who left the door open, but Morgana won't let her admit that. A mistake like that could get her sacked and Morgana knows Arthur would be furious if he were to find out. Morgana doesn't want Gwen to recieve Arthur's wrath, much less gone.

They searched everywhere. The only trail they could find was some feathers at the stairs, but soon the feathers ended, just shortly after encountering a dead rat on the floor which isn't very encouraging. They even went to the cook, fearing maybe they were cooked by accident, though even that was highly improbable with the chicks having the royal simbol in their neckerchiefs and the prince forbidding the cooking of merlins all together. The gravity of the situation is such, the King orders all the castle service to look for the birds, but it's like they banished into thin air.

Morgana and Gwen are almost about to give up and drown theirselfs in despair when Leon appears with a merlin chick on his hands.

Leon: You were looking for this little one, my lady? (extends his hands holding the chick)

Guardian: Auntie Morgana! 🥺😭

Morgana: (almost crying, takes Guardian in her hands) Yes! Thank you, thank you, thank you! (gives Guardian a lot of kisses) Oh, my baby, where were you? Are you alright? (checks him, worried)

Guardian: No! I lost my siblings! I'm the worst big brother there is! 😭

Morgana: Shh, it's okay. We'll find them

Gwen: Thank you so much, Leon. Where did you find him?

Leon: The training fields.

Morgana: THE TRAINING FIELDS?! 😨 (To guardian) How did you end up there?!

Guardian: We were trying to ride horses-

Morgana: YOU WHAT?! 😨

Gwen: (To Leon, who is looking at Morgana like she went insane) As you can see we are pretty desperate. You didn't happen to see the other 4 merlins, right?

Leon: (shakes his head) I would've brought them if I did. But I stopped the training as soon as I spotted this one and order the knights to bring them here inmediatly if they were to encounter them. They must be looking for them as we speak.

Morgana: Thank you again Leon. Let us known as soon as there are any news. You are dismissed.

Leon: My lady (bows and leaves).

Morgana: (to Guardian, serious) You are going to explain to me now what happened. Why did you leave my chambers without my permission?

Guardian: (confused) We had your permission. I asked you permission before going.

Morgana: What? When? 😨

Guardian: I woke you up and told you "Can we go to a short expedition to the outside" and you said "yeah, yeah, sure. Take care" and you fell asleep again.

Morgana: (facepalms herself) I thought I dreamt that... (sighs) So you went to the outside. Then what?

Guardian: I was leading the expedition. It was all under control, but then Blizzard found the up of a montain-

Morgana: The up of a montain?

Guardian: And then...(decides to omit Blizzard and Brave's fight to not get them in more trouble) we all fell down the montain by accident. We survived! but then this big predator appeared out of nowhere and attacked us so we fought it! (makes fighting moves with his claws and beak) Until HA! we killed it! (moves his wings in victory)

Gwen: What is he saying?

Morgana: (very confused) He says they fell down a montain and fought a big predator and killed it.

Gwen: I think he means the stairs and the rat.

Morgana: Oh! that makes more sense. (to Guardian) What else happened?

Guardian: Well, climbing the montain to get back seemed dangerous so I decided we should look around for someone that could help us. A knight!

Guardian's flashback

The chicks walking through the castle.

Rain: I'm tired! 😩

Brave: And hungry. 😞

Blizzard: I told you we should've eaten the predator.

Rain: Gross. We don't know where it has been.

Blizzard: But is was our prey, we had the right!

Wary: (still traumatized, keeps crying) It was alive and then it wasn't! 😭

Guardian: (comforting) Don't cry, Wary. Look at the bright side. It will serve you as experience when you hunt your own food!

Wary: (confused) What do you mean? How will killing a living thing help me hunt?

Guardian: ...

Rain: Wary, you do know the preys Mama hunt for us were alive before they are brought to us, right?

Wary: W-WHAT?! 😨

Brave: Yes, Mama kills those birds for us to eat. That's what hunting means.

Wary: (cries in bird) WAAAA! 😭

Blizzard: It seems that he didn't know.

Wary: I'll never eat prey ever again! 😭

Guardian: (spots possible predators in the distance) Behind me. Now!

All chicks minus Guardian: (go quickly behind Guardian)

Guardian: (lifts his wings protectively to cover them) What are those?

A few meters from them, three cats are sleeping peacefully.

Brave: (peeking out from behind Guardian, scared) They are bigger than the other predator! 😨

Blizzard: (peeking out,scared too, but tries to hide it) We... we are more. We still might live!

Rain: I want Papa! 😭

Wary: I want Mama! 😭

Guardian: We don't need to fight anything if you don't wake them so shut up!

Blizzard: Wait! I think I know what they are. (peeks out more and then gets out from behind Guardian) Four legs, big straight back... Of course! They are not predators, they are horses! 😄

All chicks minus Blizzard: Horses? 🤨🤨🤨🤨

Blizzard: Like the ones in Papa's books. They are the animals knigths use to transport themselfs for their quests.

Brave: You are right! 😃 (comes out from behind Guardian too) They are identical.

Guardian: (looks the 'horses' doubtful) I'm still not convinced those are horses. But if that's true, then knights must be near. We can wait for them here or look around-

Blizzard: (complains) That could take hours! (pauses, a mischievous expression on his face) But... if we ride the horses we can get around the castle faster. 😃

Brave: (lifting a wing) To the horses! 😄 (walks with Blizzard to the 'horses')

Guardian: (gets in their way) No! Are you insane?! We don't know how to ride horses!

Rain: It's true, we could fall.

Wary: And horses are scary. 😰

Guardian: Exactly, it's too dangerous.

Blizzard: Come on, Guardian. Our claws hurt from walking and we are dying of hunger. 🥺

Brave: I want to eat prey! 😭

Wary: I don't want to eat prey but I don't want to die! 😭

Rain: I just want to go back! 😭

Guardian: (looking at the 'horses' anxiously) Shh! Be quiet!

All chicks minus Guardian: 😭😭😭😭

Guardian: Fine! We'll ride the horses, but we have to do this quietly and carefully, so shut up!

All chicks minus Guardian: (stay quiet)

Guardian: Good. Now, there are three horses. Brave and Rain will take one, me and Wary will take another and Blizzard will take the last one.

Brave: Why does Blizzard get to have his own horse? 😠

Guardian: Because I don't trust Blizzard with you and I can't count on him to look after Rain or Wary.

Blizzard: Thanks?

Guardian: Also we are... uhm... (turns to Wary) What's the word when a number can't be divided in equal parts?

Wary: Odd number.

Guardian: Yes! We are odd number, so there's really no choice. Now, step behind your horse, careful not wake them.

Chicks: (put behind their repective 'horse')

Guardian: We don't have those ropes to get ahold of them, so, at my signal, we jump to their backs and clench our claws to their fur and don't let go. Got it?

All chicks minus Guardian: Got it.

Guardian: At 3. 1... 2...

Wary: Wait, won't that hurt the hor-

Guardian: 3!

Chicks: (jump to the horses' backs and their claws en up deep in the horses' furs)

Cats: (high-pitched meow and start moving around in distress, jumping and running, so as to get rid of the birds in their backs)

Chicks: (Squeak) WAAAA!! 😱😱😱😱😱

Back to the present.

Morgana: (holding Guardian in her hands) YOU DID WHAT?! 😨

Gwen: At least now we know what happened to Audrey's cats.

Morgana: (to herself) Arthur and Merlin are so going to kill me 😓. (to Guardian) What happened next?

Guardian: The horses run to different places and we got separated 🥺. I swear Wary was behind me, but I think he fell because then he wasn't with me anymore! 😭

Guardian's flashback.

Guardian walking in the middle of the training field after he fell from his 'horse'.

Guardian: (calling out loud) WARY! RAIN! BLIZZARD! BRAVE!

Silence.

Guardian: (about to break down crying, but composes himself) No, there's no time to cry, I have to find them. Think... Oh, I know! I'll fly to look for them from the sky! (lifts his wings) I'm almost 4 weeks old. I can do it! (takes impulse and moves his wings but falls) Come on! (takes impulse again and jumps, moving his wings) I did it! I'm almost in the sky! (moves his wings faster)

Leon: (just lifted Guardian from the ground in his hands) Wow! don't be scared.

Guardian: (turns around and looks at Leon) A knight! 😃 Please, mister knight 🥺. I lost my siblings, you have to find them!

Leon: (notices Guardian's neckerchief) You are one of the prince's falcons! 😨 What are you doing here? I have to get you back to the castle inmediatly!

Guardian: No! You have to find my siblings first! 😭 Please, mister knight!

Leon: (runs to the castle)

Back to the present.

Guardian: And the stupid knight didn't listen to me. (pouts in bird)

Morgana: Gwen, tell the servants to look out for the cats too. The chicks might be near.

Gwen: Yes, my lady. (bows and leaves quickly)

Morgana: (holds Guardian closer to her face, comforting) Don't worry, we'll find them soon enough.

Meanwhile, somewhere else.

Blizzard: (walking around, exhausted) Oh, I'm so hungry and tired 😞😩. (spots a bird in the distance) Is that prey? 😃 (as he approaches) Wait, no. That's my brother! 😨

Wary: (lying on his back without moving)

Blizzard: WARY! (runs to him) Wake up, you egg-head! (pecks him) This isn't time to pretend to be dead! 😠 (pecks him harder)

Wary: (wakes up) Ow! That hurt 🥺.

Blizzard: (gives a chirp of relief) Oh, thank my feathers, you are actually alive! (pecks him again) Stand up! 😠

Wary: (stands up) Riding the horses was a bad idea. I'm sorry.

Blizzard: (confused) Why are you apologising? It wasn't your fault.

Wary: I know. It was yours, because it was your idea and it failed. So I feel sorry for you.

Blizzard: ...

Wary: What?

Blizzard: You know? If Brave had told me that, I would've plucked all his feathers. But since it's you I can't.

Wary: I'm grateful. But why?

Blizzard: Because he would've said it with the intention of offending me or hurting me.

Wary: Oh, I didn't mean to offend you or hurt you! I was just stating a fact and saying sorry sincerely.

Blizzard: (chuckles in bird) You are a weirdo, Wary. I don't know why Mama didn't push you out of the nest.

Wary: (hangs his head, sad) ☹️

Blizzard: But I'm glad Mama didn't.

Wary: 😃

Blizzard: Now, stay close to me. Guardian will kill me if something happens to you. (walks away)

Wary: (follows him close behind)

Nearby, Lancelot and Percival get out together of the knights' field.

Lancelot: I'm sorry. I didn't know they weren't accepting commoners.

Percival: It's alright. We can still try in Gwynedd.

Lancelot: (spots Blizzard and Wary) Look! (approaches to grab them)

Blizzard: Predator! (prepares to attack)

Wary: (pretends to be dead again)

Blizzard: Stop doing that! 😠

Lancelot: (picks up Wary)

Blizzard: NOOO! Let go of my little brother! 😡 (Pecks Lancelot's boots furiously)

Percival: (picks up Blizzard, inmovalizing him) Wow! This one is agressive!

Lancelot: (puts an ear in Wary's chest) It's still breathing. (chuckles a bit as he pulls away Wary from his face, amused) I think it's just pretending to be dead. How cute.

Wary: (opens his eyes) Damn, he cought me ☹️. I need to learn not to breath.

Lancelot: (notices the neckerchief) They must belong to someone important. Their collar's have the Camelot crest.

Percival: Who uses scarfs as collars? Anyways, they are clearly trained hunting birds. They should know how to get back to their home.

Lancelot: I don't think they can fly yet. They would've flown away from us if they could. And look at their feathers, they are still molting. They must be chicks still.

Blizzard: I big chick mind you! 😡 (pecks Percival's hands) Let go of me, you gigant!

Percival: Ow! Stop that!

Lancelot: We should look after them until we find their owner.

Percival: Good idea! Maybe they'll give us a reward!

Lancelot: Aaand because is the right thing to do.

Percival: Yeah, sure, that too. Ow, ow! Seriously, stop that! 😠

Blizzard: NEVER! 😡 (pecks again)

Percival: Ow!

Lancelot: Maybe it's hungry. We don't know how long they've been lost. Lets find them something to eat.

Blizzard: (stops pecking) Food? 😧 Prey! 🤤

Wary: NOOO! 😭 I don't want to eat prey!

Blizzard: Shut up, Wary! 😠 Yes, give us prey! 🥺

Lancelot and Percival: (leave with Blizzard and Wary)

Meanwhile, somewhere else.

Brave: (walking, calling out) Rain! RAIN! WHERE ARE YOU?! (to himself) Stupid horses...

Elyan: (to himself, as if he were rehearsing some lines) Father, Gwen. Guess what? I'm back!...No, that's to pretentious ...(pauses) Hi, father. Hi, Gwen. I know I've been gone for years and I'm really, really sorry. I shouldn't-

Brave: (Chirps loudly) RAIN! Come on, I'm supposed to look after you!

Elyan: (spots him) Aww, what are you doing there? (approaches)

Brave: (lifting his wings, threatingly) Stay back! 😠 I'm a fierce predator!

Elyan: (grabs him)

Brave: Let go of me or I'll kill you! 😡

Elyan: Wait... you are a hunting bird!

Brave: Yes, and if you don't release me inmediatly I'll hunt you down! 😡

Elyan: This is perfect! I can sell you for a good amount of money! 😃

Brave: ... What? 😧

Elyan: What a better apology gift! Father and Gwen will be so happy!

Brave: What do you mean selling? 😨 I'm not an object! 😡

Elyan: (notices brave's neckerchief) Oh, better take that off. You could choke. (takes off Brave's neckerchief and throws it away)

Brave: MY NECKERCHIEF! 🥺😭

Elyan: (leaves with Brave)

Meanwhile. Somewhere else.

Rain: (walking around, calling out) Brave? BRAVE! Guardian? Blizzard? Wary?... Anybody? (burst out crying) 🥺😭

Gwaine: (gets out of a tavern and stumbles until he falls to the ground)

Rain: (in front of his head, Chirp screaming, scared) AAAH! Did he just die?! 😨 (smells) Yikes.. he must be dead. He stinks!

Gwaine: (lifts his head suddenly)

Rain: AHHH! He is alive! 😨

Gwaine: Oh... what am I seeing? (hics) That's the most beautiful creature I've ever seen!

Rain: (blushes in bird) How bold of you! 😳 I'm the prince's daughther, you lowly peasant! 😠

Gwaine: (notices Rain's neckerchief) What's that on your neck, beautiful? (takes Rain's neckerchief off)

Rain: Ew, Ew, don't touch me with your filthy hands!

Gwaine: Oh, it's just fabric. (puts it back on Rain's neck)

Rain: You dumb human! You put it backwards!

Gwaine: (sits down) Oh, well. I think there's still a few taverns to visit. (grabs Rain)

Rain: What are you doing?! 😨 Let go of me! 😡 HELP! HELP! I'VE BEEN-what's the word? captured, yeah- I'VE BEEN CAPTURED! 😫

Gwaine: (stands up, Rain in hands) Hey, Caleb! (hics) Meet my new friend! (enters another tavern)

FIRST PART >> PREVIOUS PART >> NEXT PART

...

What do you think will happened to our merthur babies? Find out in the next part of "Merlin: I literally just left for two days..."

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[larluce]

Comission made by @trickytrick (Again, thank you so much!!🤧)

Based on this part of my Merthur Time Travel AU

This is also a gift for @ramblings-of-a-chaotic-neutral for making this beautiful trailer of the same AU for me. (I know it's a bit late, but I hope like it as much as I liked it)

[larluce]

Another angst merthur AU that occured to me recently.

So remember the 50 First Dates movie? where a girl has short-term memory due to an accident and forgets the boy when she falls asleep, so he resolves to win her over again each new day.

Well, what if Merlin had this condition?

It would be during "The Secret Sharer" chapter when Merlin goes with Gwaine to look for Gaius after Arthur didn't listen to him about Agravaine. In this AU Merlin doesn't get there in time, Gaius dies and, in his rage and sorrow, his magic lashes out and destroys the cave they were in, killing Morgana and Agravaine in the process. Gwaine gets out there in time but Merlin ends up under the rubble, so Gwaine, after trying to dig Merlin out in vain, goes to the citadel to get help.

Arthur and the rest of the knights arrive there as fast as they can and dig for hours. Gwaine doesn't tell Arthur about Merlin's magic, he just says they found Agravaine conspiring with Morgana, that Agravaine killed Gaius and, suddenly, the cave collapsed. Arthur digs more desperatly, filled with guilt and not wanting to accept Merlin is dead. Time passes and they find Morgana's and Agravaine's corpses, but not Merlin's. The knights try to tell his king there's no way Merlin could've survived this, that he's gone, but Arthur won't listen and keeps searching.

Finally, when the sun is about to rise, they find Merlin unconcious, severely injured, but alive, just barely. They take Merlin back to the citadel, but, since they have physician no more, they turn to the druids for medical attention for Merlin. To the surprise of the king, they are more than willing to help his servant.

When Merlin wakes up, the last thing he remembers is his fight with Arthur about Gaius being the traitor and then nothing. Arthur doesn't want Merlin to relive the pain of lossing Gaius, but he must tell him, so he breaks the bad news to his friend. The image of Merlin going from denial to let out a heart-rending cry and finally shouting at him in anger for letting this happen, will forever hunt him. So when Merlin yells at him to leave, he obbeys. The least he could do is spare Merlin from the presence of the person that has failed him.

Some time later. At night. In Merlin's room.

Arthur: (enters, hesitant, walking on eggshells) Hey... Gwaine said you wanted to speak to me.

Merlin: (sitting on his bed, not even looking at him, face neutral and dead inside) ...

Arthur: (heartbroken at seing him like this) I'm so sorry. This is my fault and I will never forgive myself-

Merlin: (deadpans) I'm a sorcerer.

Arthur: ...

Arthur: What?

Merlin: I'm a sorcerer. I have magic.

Arthur: Very funny.

Merlin: (turns to him, serious) Do you see me laughing?

Arthur: (getting nervous) Yo-you can't be a sorcerer. I would know.

Merlin: Just as you knew Gaius was the traitor and Agravaine your so trusted ally.

Arthur: (hurt, because that was a low blow) That's not fair. I know you are grieving but-

Merlin: So you are not going to believe me again then.

Arthur: If you are really a sorcerer. Why tell me this now?

Merlin: (tears forming in his eyes) Because I don't care anymore. About what you'll think of me or what you'll do, or about the fucking destiny, or fate. It's all bullshit.

Arthur: Merlin...

Merlin: (wipes his tears quickly) It doesn't matter if you believe it or not. I just confessed I'm a sorcerer to the king of the kingdom the condems such practice. Do with that information what you must.

Arthur doesn't say anything else, just gets out of the room very conflicted. He talks about what Merlin told him to his knights and, when he sees Gwaine's reaction, he knows Merlin wasn't lying. Arthur feels betrayed, of course, that Merlin has lied to him all this time, but then Gwaine, ultimate Merlin defender, reproaches him "Can you blame him?". And Arthur knows it's true. The one time Merlin has trusted him with something, he has failed him.

And Arthur realises, that's how Merlin wanted him to feel, because that's how he made Merlin feel. He is paying him with the same coin.

Or maybe he is testing him. Seeing what Arthur will do.

Arthur just knows that he can't execute Merlin, he won't, especially after almost lossing him along with Gaius due to his own blindness. So he waits till next morning to tell Merlin that. That he is forgiven and will not be executed, that he's willing to gain his trust, work hard to amend for his mistakes.

The next morning comes, but when Arthur enters the room...

Merlin: (all scared) Arthur! Wha-what happened? Why am I all bandage? Did you find Gaius?

Arthur: (confused) You know what happened. I told you yesterday.

Merlin: What are you talking about? The last thing I remember is that... (gets a bit sad) Is that we fought... (shakes his head) It doesn't matter. I just want to know if you found Gaius.

Arthur:(thinking, eyes wide in horror) Oh, no.

They call the druids again to check on Merlin and they give Arthur and his knights the sad news.

Druid: It seems his mind resets to the moment of your argument everytime he falls asleep. It could be a result of his head concussion, but we fear there's magic into it too.

Arthur: What do you mean there's magic?

Druid: There's a bit of magic encapsulating his brain. It could be some spell Morgana managed to cast on him before the fall or even something instinctual Emrys did to protect himself from the grieve.

Arthur: (hopefully) So you can undo it. Right?

Druid: (shakes his head, sadly) Brain magic is very difficult to cast and even more difficult to uncast. We could try, but that could also lead to a more severe brain damage too. It's too risky. I'm sorry.

Everyone is devasted. Most of all Arthur. He'll have go through watching Merlin suffer his father figure's death and recieve his resentment and hate for it EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. Arthur knows he deserves this, but not Merlin. It's just too cruel to have his friend grieve Gaius in a loop and never recover for it.

So Arthur resolves to save Merlin the pain.

Arthur: There was an attack. That's why you are injured.

Merlin: Attack?

Arthur: Morgana. You were right, my uncle was the traitor, not Gaius. I should have believed you.

Merlin: (with fear) Where... where is he?

Arthur: (pauses) Morgana died in the attack, but Agravaine escaped taking Gaius hostage. Don't worry, I have several search parties looking for them.

Merlin: (processes the news in silence for a moment and then tries to stand up) I have to go-

Arthur: (stops him, putting a hand on his shoulder) No, Merlin. You need to recover.

Merlin: But, I have to-

Arthur: I'll take care of this. Without Morgana Agravaine is not that much of a danger and he wouldn't dare harming Gaius knowing that he's the only thing that can guarantee his safety.

Merlin: (still looking doubtful)

Arthur: I'll tell you what. If today we have no news still, you can come with me in the next search party first thing in the morning.

Merlin: (hopeful smile) Really?

Arthur: (painfully smiles back) Yeah.

Merlin: (smiles more brightly) Thank you, Arthur.

Arthur: (tears roll down his eyes, not being able to contain them) No, Merlin. You shouldn't thank me. I... (thinking) I'm the reason you are like this, I'm the reason Gaius is dead. (says) This wouldn't have happened if I had listened to you. You are... hurt and it's my fault.

Merlin: (holds his hand) And you realised your mistake and apologised. You are looking for Gaius now and that's more than enough for me.

Arthur: (his heart breaking more)...

Merlin: (frowns his brow in concern) Now tell me about Morgana. I know it mustn't have been easy for you.

And that's the Merlin he has missed. The one that still cares for him, the one that still view him as a friend.

So Arthur keeps doing this everyday. Sometimes he makes up a new story to justify Gaius' absent. The knights play along, not wanting Merlin to suffer. It's painful, but also bittersweet. At least like this, Merlin can be happy in his ignorance. They can lift the burdens of his shoulders even if it means playing a theater play every single day.

That's all I got now. What do you think?

THERE'S A PART 2 NOW -> HERE