#arthur you royal prat

[caffeind-coffin]

merlin trips over Arthur's foot trying to stand him up and out of bed to get him ready and arthur immediately stops pretending to be tired (because he was already up before sunrise and wanted to see what Merlin does in the morning before he wakes him) and rushes to grab merlin by the back of his coat and yanks him into his arms in a tight enough grip to keep them both steady and then it's just intense prolonged eye contact because both of them are too dumb and the first word that either of them will say is definitely some type of made-up synonym of the phrase "you idiot"

[dollopheadsandclotpoles]

The scene where Merlin says goodbye to Arthur makes me insane, but also Merlin talking about how Arthur shouldn't get a bootlicker servant, and Arthur being like "If this is you trying to leave your job..." and Merlin going "No, I'm happy to be your servant... till the day I DIE" and then giving him THIS look kills me

[icharchivist]

god Merlin 1x04 is still peak. Merlin drinking poison instead of Arthur to save his life. Arthur disobeying his father to look for a cure no matter what. Merlin spending his whole suffering, dying, mumbling Arthur's name in his sleep begging for him to come back lest he falls into a trap. Arthur refusing to give up. Merlin casting magic to save Arthur and lead him away from the cure to save him instead. Arthur refusing to listen and endangering himself for the cure still. Arthur smuggling and hiding the cure, begging his father to give Merlin the cure even if Arthur had to be locked away for months as long as saving Merlin was possible. Arthur still smuggling the cure back to Merlin at all cost. episode 1x04 my beloved.

[drlettuce]

What if the only reason Arthur won't Knight Merlin is because he's afraid to lose him? like he loves him so much that he can't imagine a life without him Merlin is the one who believes in him supports him who treats him as his own person him like his just Arthur not Arthur the prince or Arthur the mighty king to Merlin he's just Arthur his friend his cabbage head of a best friend Merlin is the man who help Arthur built the man he see everyday in the mirror he made him see him self as Arthur the great king of Camelot not Arthur the son of Uther the tyrant king of Camelot Merlin is the person who stayed beside him and help him built the person he is today

[emrys-merlin]

Merlin is the FATHER of savagery:

“Look, I’ve told you you’re an ass. I just didn’t realize you were a royal one.”

"How long have you been training to be a prat, my lord"

Arthur: “We’re supposed to be hunting. It requires speed, strength, and an agile mind!” Merlin: "So you're able to get by on two of the three then?"

Uther: “If this were a time of war, I’d have you flogged.” Merlin: “But since it’s not we’ll let it go just this once?”

"One day you'll transform into a beautiful prince. But magic's outlawed in Camelot so that'll probably never happen."                                      

Merlin: "She likes you?" Gaius: nods head Merlin:"Oh, that is disgusting." "Imagine...imagine if she kissed you! UGH"

Arthur: "Take some advice from someone who knows about women-” Merlin: “If such a person existed maybe I would”

Arthur: "You have the mind of a child" Merlin: "Yet I'm still more intelligent than you" 

"I take it you haven't come all this way JUST TO SMASH MY FAVORITE POT"

Leon: "Whats the job, exactly?" Merlin: "To kill Arthur" Leon: "Driving you mad isn't he?" Merlin: "Not for much longer!"

Gaius: “Sometimes two heads are better than one.” Merlin: “Yes but not when one of them is yours.” 

"PERCIVAL, that is a sword, it DOES hurt"

"Will it be hot? Will it be cold? Will it be wet? Will it be dry?" 

Merlin: "I wouldn't do that if I were you because if you do that....you'll never learn of my plan." Arthur: "... What plan?" Merlin: "EXACTLY! That's why you can't run me through!"

"Don't think too hard, I wouldn't want you to hurt yourself"

"Are you threatening me with a SPOON?"

Morgana: "You’re just my imagination" Merlin: "That’s right. I’m not really here. Just pretend i’m not really here!"

"The belt is one hole shy of perfection!"

"Do you want us to help you?.... Or do you want to do this alOoOone" 

......

...

No other character will be as iconic as Merlin :)

[pigfacedbitch]

It's A Trap!

summary : Prince Arthur uses reader to lure Merlin out whenever he is hiding from him.

word count : 0.5k

type : imagines

pairing/s involved : Merlin x Reader (?)

warning/s : none. just Merlin pining over reader and Arthur being an ass.

here is my masterlist!

Note : I thought of this when I watched the clip where Arthur is looking for Merlin and he was hiding behind the door. 😂 It was a one shot before and I heavily edited it too.

There is no denying that Prince's Arthur's manservant is in love with (Y/N), a noble lady from one of the most prestigious houses in Camelot.

Everyone, even Arthur himself, knows it. And that's saying something. 🫢😂

From the way Merlin would stare at you with heart in his eyes, how he would follow you everywhere like a dog, or his ears pick up whenever he hears your name.

Gaius almost wants to take a leaf out of Van Gogh's book and tear off his own ears because Merlin wouldn't shut up about you. He also writes about you in his letters for Hunith.

Now, does Arthur take advantage of it? Of course, he does. Like,"Do you know Lady (Y/N) would be there?" or "If you fetch flowers for Gwen, you could also get some for your lady love."

The epitome of the statement, however, is making you his trap. Confused? I'll explain further later.

"Merlin?! Where are you?!"

It's very common for the palace staff to hear the prince of Camelot blaringly calling out to his manservant. Although some people catch Merlin scurrying away from him or has an idea of his whereabouts, no one bothers to tell Arthur anything.

After all, it's completely understandable and why many servants can empathize. As admirable and honorable the prince is, he can be a handful at times.

That's where you come in.

Whenever Arthur has given up searching for Merlin, he would search for you instead.

He often finds you in the gardens with the other noble ladies, helping some servants with menial tasks, or having tea with Morgana and Gwen. Uther enjoys your company too, making the usual stoic ruler laugh and gossip.

"May I excuse Lady (Y/N)? I need her assistance with something."

"Is it Merlin again?"

"...Yes."

You would go to Gaius' chambers, the kitchens, servant's quarters, or anywhere Merlin could've gone to. Then, you would tell anyone that you're looking for him to speak about personal matters and you'll be waiting for him with a place of your choice.

Arthur would wait with you, but he's hiding where Merlin can't see him.

Why do you continue helping the royal prat? It's because you find it funny.

You're also curious, thinking how long will it take Merlin to stop seeking you out because most of the time it's just one of Arthur's traps.

The prince's knights bet on it. Gwaine and Leon are winning— saying how Merlin will never learn.

It's true, he doesn't. I guess love does make you an idiot.

Merlin always approaches you with a beaming grin on his face and blushed cheeks, acting like a lovesick school boy.

"My lady, you were looking for me?"

"Well you see..."

Arthur would wait for Merlin to get closer before grabbing the manservant in his clutches.

"Here you are, you idiot!"

Sometimes Merlin would free himself and run, sometimes he doesn't and Arthur would drag him away while warning him of possible punishments.

But he never misses the chance to look back and give you the most charming smile anyone has ever graced you with.

"Merlin really loves you, doesn't he?" You hear Gwen beside you, linking your arm with hers. Nervous and worried, you reply—

"Yes. I just hope that I get to tell Merlin that I share his affections. But Arthur is always with him."

[queerofthedagger]

hey. hey king arthur, his royal pratness, his dollopheaded highness, you know what would be REALLY funny timing on your part?

[the-once-and-future-love]

27. Good Merlin Fics I've Read Recently (7/12/23)

A Glimpse Into The Future by fahrenheitlove A Night To Remember by Clea2011 a prince is never late (unless you're merlin) by lydiasgrace (Ancient) Greek To Me by BeautifulFiction Arthur's Bane by nishiki Arthur, Sincerely by MerlinLikeTheBird Be My Mistake by justiceformerthur Bwnyfacys by Jockles [gen] The Cat’s Pajamas by MerlinLikeTheBird Dandelions in Spring by elusive_eventuality Destiny by diner_drama Determination by diner_drama Distance Traveled by Mcguffan Don't Try To Pin This on Me by whumpling (LiGi) (gen) Dragon's Legacy by Zaharya

Magical Sleeper by Noel803 Meteorology (five ways to defuse a prince) by Fahye Ninety-Nine Percent Complete by this_is_kelly One Fool Thing by Of_Ivy_and_Gold Our Shared Wardrobe by InkThroughHerVeins Rainbow is the Colour (the Red Thread Remix) by Clea2011 So Near, So Far, So In-Between by Mirayla, Mischel tantivy by iz_the_original that I'm better off on my own by TukeIHNW The past and pending by glim The King and the Land Are One by PeaceHeather The Royal Prat and the Cave of Destiny by who_la_hoop The Scroll and the Sword by Elizabeth This isn't funny! by orphan_account Though Love Like Light Can Flee by horsecrazy through storm and hellfire by prattery time, mystical time by andiwriteordie Watching You Like I'm in Love by General_Jellyfish, remaymber when you let your fingers linger by Imagined Who Are You? by whumpling (LiGi) [gen] Woad Blue by MerlinLikeTheBird The Wisdom Of The Ages by tehfanglyfish You Have To Let Me Go by whumpling (LiGi) [gen] Your Eyes Glow by Eldritch_Ambrosi

[cynthia39100]

Merlin rewatch -- S1E13: Le Morte d'Arthur

goodbye scene

Merlin’s little face when Arthur said " I owe it (my life) all to Gaius." ...

I think Merlin was a bit sad that Arthur still didn’t know what he did and was about to do for him. Unlike at the beginning of the season when he just wanted recognition, here he regretted more that he wouldn't have the chance to show Arthur all of himself.

" I sometimes wonder if you know who I am." " I know who you are. You’re a prat. And a royal one"

Love love love their soft smiles after Merlin's words. Not the prickly (and playful) rivalry in ep1 anymore. They were two friends remembering old times. They were both so comfortable in this familiar back and force that Arthur could put down his pretence and show his fondness.

" I’m happy to be your servant till the day I die." " Sometimes I think I know you, Merlin. Other times..."

The most beautiful line in the episode. Merlin changed so much from the child in the first few episodes who complained about being a servant and not being recognized. Arthur's expression of utter confusion was beautiful as well.

" just... don't be a prat"

I love that Arthur didn’t have his typical defensive reaction to Merlin's final words, not even a dumbfounded pause like the previous “you’re a prat” comment. He didn't say anything, his face didn’t change a bit. Merlin got all teary eyes and Arthur could only squint his eyes trying to work out what happened.

Arthur's consistent confusion was so important for this entire scene. There was always a part of Merlin that Arthur didn't know, that Merlin concealed from him, no matter how close they had become. Merlin knew Arthur explicitly but never the other way around. Arthur couldn't even know that Merlin was saying goodbye. And isn't that the saddest thing?

<- Prev [other episodes]

[earlgreyinpajamas]

Any more love spell or fake dating fic recs for merthur? :)

love spell

Kiss Me Now (Kiss Me Forever) by pendragonally (@pendragon-ally)

When is a love spell not a love spell? When it’s just Arthur trying (and failing) to express his feelings— not that Merlin knows this, of course. Figuring it out leads to more than one revelation.

~~~

technically not a love spell fic, but also,, like merlin i was also firmly on the oh yeah he's enchanted camp dhfadjlhk so im counting it

2. Book Of Love by messandahalf (@messandahalf10)

Arthur has just lifted the ban on magic, and despite having Merlin around to answer his questions, he decides to try to do some research on his own. Books on magic are scarce in the castle, so he digs around in the library alone one night. What he ends up reading has some… interesting consequences.

~~~

love spell makes arthur obsess over his true love. hmmm wonder who that is

3. Call It True Love by orphan_account

Arthur falls under the effects of a love potion. Merlin has a headache.

~~~

adfhjkhfd poor lancelot

fake relationship

I Want Love, I Want Us, I Want Peace by InkThroughHerVeins (@ink-through-her-veins)

The Queens of Albion throw a ball every year for noble families to introduce their eligible sons and daughters. Except Camelot doesn’t officially have a queen. So, Arthur makes Merlin help with the planning.

Written for Merthur Week 2022. Each chapter uses one day’s prompts.

~~~

merlin being queen before even being queen!!!

2. For You, For Me by Camelots_Daffodil (@camelots-daffodil)

Merlin and Arthur are taken captive by a slaver with slightly deranged tendencies, and in order to save Merlin's life, Arthur claims that he is his consort. Their captor decides he wants to test the strength of Arthur's love for his supposed consort.

Written for Merlin Bingo 2022: Misunderstandings

~~~

fake relationship for a cause!!

3. Charting Stars On A Stained Glass Ceiling by mornmeril (@mornmeril)

Merlin leads a relatively content life - or as content as is possible under the rule of a magic-hating King. When the arrogant son of said magic-hating King starts becoming a regular at his coffee shop, Merlin is a little puzzled. When said Prince prat then proceeds to ingest a love potion on Merlin's watch that results in him having to move into the Royal Palace as Prince Arthur's (fake) boyfriend, Merlin wonders which deity he has angered. Things only get more complicated from there.

“Welcome to The Drip and Grind, what can I get for you?" “The same thing I always have,” Prince Arthur says, sounding vaguely disdainful and unbearably posh. “One would think you’d remember my order by now." Merlin scowls. He remembers His Haughtiness’ order perfectly well, but sees no reason to inflate an already unbearably large ego. “You’re not my only customer,” Merlin keeps his voice coolly polite; barely. “You realise that’s not the proper way to address me?” And is that a smirk at the corner of the stupid prat’s, stupidly gorgeous mouth? “Apologies, your High-and-Mightiness. Now do you think you can tell me your order or must I divine it from my crystal ball?”

~~~

excellent, spectacular, life changing, loml

[pyjamacryptid]

The Sun Room by pyjamacryptid

Rating: Teen and Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Fandom: Merlin (TV) Relationship(s): Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin) Words: 3, 104 Chapter(s): 1/1 (complete) Additional Tags: Canon Compliant, Post-Season/Series 05, Post-Season/Series Finale, Post-Canon, Pre-Slash, Pre-Relationship, Alternate Universe - Farm/Ranch, Fluff, Domestic Fluff, Arthur Pendragon Returns (Merlin), Modern Era, Merlin and Arthur being Merlin and Arthur, Minor Angst, (so minor), Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, the T rating is just for Arthur indulging in a little swearing, Pining Summary:

Mushed into the pillow, the mound had the audacity to mumble, “Five more minutes.” Merlin stilled, gaped in outrage, then threw his arms wide. He resembled a very flustered pelican. “You— Five more minutes?! You woke up from a–a fifteen hundred year nap four months ago and you want to sleep in for another five - more - minutes?” “Mnhmm….” Lips smacked lazily. “Too early.” Merlin’s eyebrows jumped up his forehead and he leapt into his next words with a scoff, “Oh, I’ll show you ‘early’.” The mound went very, very still and then rocketed up like a jack-in-the-box. “Don’t you dare,” said Arthur, sheets puddled in his lap. --- After the royal prat made his grand re-entrance, Merlin took Arthur away to a little stone farmhouse (that he had purchased a century or two earlier) in order to better help him adjust to the present day where the cacophony of modern life would be less overwhelming. However, the place is old and needs its upkeep, so Merlin goes to wake His Majesty up for a day of gardening. Not that any gardening is accomplished.

Thanks to @courtjestermerlin for beta'ing!

[none-ofthisnonsense]

Merlin liveblog (partly for @thisisjustmefangirling )

Season 1 Episode 1:

I’m halfway through the first episode, and so far HOW IS MERLIN SO LUCKY ALL THE TIME. (Also, why has everyone been in Doctor Who?!)

I’m coming into this with some background - I think I watched the first 5 episodes a few years ago? But I don’t really remember them well. Apart from being shot in the heart by Katie McGrath’s beautiful outfits. And also, being on tumblr, I have some mutuals who are fans of it, or I’ve seen gifsets when scrolling through some blogs. And I also do know basic Arthuriana, so I can guess in what position some characters are meant to end up. I’ve got a little background knowledge but not that much. Onto the liveblog!

Merlin you’re behaving like a dramatic teen. Which I guess you are, I don’t really know how old you are.

“Look, I’ve told you you’re an ass, I just didn’t realise you were a royal one.” BEST BOY MERLIN but also he can definitely hurt you and holds power maybe don’t challenge your social superiors too much Merlin mmk?

Merlin. Don’t challenge him. You won’t win.

Yeah tbh if I were Arthur I’d probably laugh too.

Merlin he’s been training his whole life and has power and has weapons and has armour WHAT MAKES YOU THINK YOU CAN WIN YOU AREN’T ALLOWED MAGIC

“Wow. And how long have you been training to be a prat?” See Merlin gets the best lines but that’s dangerous for him.

Slight discrepancy: how does Arthur know Merlin’s name?

Yeah if I were Gaius I’d have that reaction too. Merlin has NO self-preservation instinct.

I like the music. (Also apparently this was filmed at Pierrefonds, so that’s cool!)

YEAH “OH GOD” WHAT DID YOU THINK MERLIN??? That you’d win??!

(Let’s just pause for a moment and appreciate all those historical inaccuracies. They’re painful but also there are so many it almost warms my heart. They’ve COMMITTED to being historically inaccurate. Though I suppose this is fantasy anyway.)

I like both leads’ actors.

And of course he sees Gaius and loses.

“He may be an idiot, but he’s a brave one.” Merlin summarised in one sentence. This boy is DUMB.

“There’s something about you, Merlin. I can’t quite put my finger on it.” See I’m starting to get why this was explained to me as Destiel before Destiel.

“How could you be so foolish?” We are all, at heart, Gaius.

See Merlin’s problem is he wants to be special. Not to be that person but you’re a servant in the (fantasy) Middle Ages you were always going to be a nobody. Being special is very 2000s not so much 1300s.

Aaaand he’s a dramatic emo boy.

Gaius we love you. You’re so kind and honestly the most relatable character. Gaius is great I love him.

OUCH that looks like it hurts.

Oh fantasy medieval painkillers! That’s cool.

It’s not that I don’t like Eve Myles but I specifically chose Merlin to avoid seeing her and John Barrowman all the time. So. I’ve been seeing her pretty much nonstop for a few weeks. I was sort of hoping to catch a break.

Uther is realistic. (As much as a fantasy character from the fictional Middle Ages playing a mythological king from a fictional kingdom can be realistic, but he is!) Both as a father and as a king. I don’t necessarily agree with him, but he’s definitely the most fleshed out character so far.

That voice is creepy and after watching Torchwood CoE it reminds me of the 456.

Merlin come on. Really?

The camera work on this series is………interesting.

Y a un couvre-feu ou quoi? Pourquoi y a personne dans la cour?

Merlin you’re having too much fun with those dice.

Ohhhh is this the dragon Gaius told him about?

OKAY YEAH IT IS DEFINITELY I didn’t expect us to see the dragon so quickly.

So he has a destiny. Great. We already knew that. But I guess this is establishing characters.

Merlin not understanding is me. Yeah I’m confused too don’t worry.

“If anyone wants to kill him, they can go ahead, in fact I’ll lend them a hand.” At least Merlin is coherent, and funny. If extremely dumb and foolish.

“No. No. There must be another Arthur, because this one’s an idiot.” BAHAHA OKAY THAT’S FUNNY

Oh we get the theme music again when Merlin is asking all his questions.

Yeah again Gaius I get you. Also that’s the bedroom of a teenage boy what did you expect, did you want it to be clean? Gaius you’re aiming too high. I have a 15-year-old brother the most I can wish for is for him to open the window once in a while.

One thing I do like is how well-lit the castle is. It’s nice for once.

Oh please tell me he isn’t getting a crush on Morgana. Noooooo please why does every character always have a crush in these shows can my aroace heart be soothed for a while instead of crushed at every occasion

Merlin is a teenage boy with hormones okay. Check.

Okay Merlin just squeaking to imitate Gwen is funny.

Gwen where are you though?

And she arrives! Gwen and Gaius are easily the most relatable people.

I loooove candle lighting.

OHHHHH I FORGOT ABOUT THE REFLECTION THING NOOOO WHY IS SHE DYING

Oh so Merlin and Arthur have spotted each other- nope that’s just Katie McGrath in an incredible dress that won’t be invented for centuries but since when is accuracy the point of this show. The inaccuracies make it better

Isn’t she your cousin or something Arthur?

Gwen is so sweet! But also. The foreshadowing is starting. “Not that I’d want to marry Arthur.” WELL YOUR NAME IS GUINEVERE. SO I GUESS YOU’RE HEADING THERE ANYWAY GWEN I really hope he improves.

“No, I like much more ordinary men like you.” Gwen is realistic! She doesn’t have ideas above her social station! Finally a character who has some knowledge of where they stand! But also no Gwen please don’t fall in love with Merlin that’s just a bad idea

Gwen deserves better than this world. She’s so sweet and nice and frankly dealing with stuff she isn’t paid for enough. #GiveGwenARaise

Oh phew thank god it’s established she doesn’t like him I don’t think I could have borne it.

Merlin is very much a self-centred emo teenager while Gwen is reasonable and sweet and dealing with so much bullshit I promise Gwen you deserve so much better than dealing with him.

Guys believing the female characters for once would have made a nice change. I guess not, huh?

I love Uther’s voice.

I almost expected her to start singing Memory from Cats but no it makes sense that she’s singing something else actually

I’m 95% sure Eve Myles is dubbed here but also medieval music had lyrics.

OH IT’S A SPELL

The darkening as the spell takes effect is well-done and a touch I wouldn’t have imagined. But also what in the Sleeping Beauty

Merlin I thought you said you’d help anyone trying to kill Arthur? Apparently not, huh?

Those cobwebs look sticky.

How has Merlin not gotten caught yet?!

So he saved Arthur’s life huh. Quite a different reaction to twenty minutes ago. Is this character growth? Or is it him realising how bad it would be if A died? (Or am I just having fun interpreting his joke too literally)

“You shall be Prince Arthur’s manservant.” BAHAHA I LOVE UTHER

the absolute DESPAIR on M and A’s faces

Gaius is having fun.

Oooh a magic book! This’ll be interesting!

Aaand the episode ends.

[gaslightgatekeepgirlbosscombat]

Group H, Round 1, Poll 3:

Propaganda under the cut

Merlin

Gaslight: lol he’s such a gaslighter. The number of times he uses magic and then openly denies obvious things just to mess with Arthur is hilarious. Like when he’s magically stealing food off his plate and insisting Arthur ate it, and Arthur has no choice but to assume he must have eaten it, though it’s absolutely driving him mad 😂 (we love him tho) Gatekeep: I mean he knows a bunch of people’s destinies and just doesn’t tell them their destinies. I mean there’s a line between Gatekeeping and Lying To Not Get Head Chopped Off but he does a lot of both! Girlboss: this sassy little man is literally girlboss definition, especially in his first scenes with Arthur (“look, I already said you were an ass, I just didn’t realize you were a ROYAL one” or “sorry, how long have you been training to be a prat….MY LORD.” As you can tell he gaslights gatekeeps and girlbosses so hard so like. You should vote for him. :)

Odysseus

literally the EPITOME of these. ive read the odyssey and i will tell u it is literally just him making up a new elaborate fake identity for like every single person he meets. even his own father and wife 😭😭 just for funsies or what idek. he literally does not tell anyone anything gatekeeping any and every gifts + knowledge the gods are given. im not joking his story is basically 90% this malewife just gaslighting people and gatekeeping stuff the gods tell him AND FINALLY FOR THE GIRLBOSS he sees the guys whove been essentially harassing his wife for like 10 years and just??? shoots all of them with arrows?? and he does it in STYLE too he comes as a beggar then the suitors r all trying to use odysseus's bow (they cant) and hes like oh i may just be a beggar but. let me try. and then uses it and instantly shoots someone in the head GIRLBOSS

[star-rie]

when your servant is a little shite

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

Then Merlin looks at Gaius, who’s sitting there, eyeing him as if he knows what Merlin is going to do.

‘Merlin, no’

‘Merlin yes’

or

Merlin tests the limits of Arthur’s patience.

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

alternatively, ao3 link

original prompt

PART 1, PART 2 (you're here), PART 3, PART 4, PART 5, PART 6

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

While Merlin watches Arthur eat breakfast that morning, his stomach growls weakly. Merlin didn’t get the chance to eat that morning, heading straight to Arthur’s chambers to do his servant duties.

Merlin watches in interest at the ham that Arthur is biting. He can grab it later in the kitchen once Arthur finishes. Arthur is usually a fast eater, wanting to move the day as quickly as possible, there’s so much to do as a king after all.

Trying to distract himself, his mind drifted to the conversation that happened with Sir Ludenberg and that other noble the other day. What were they talking about again? Oh right.

Truthfully, Merlin wasn’t ashamed that he got criticized and is probably one of the topics of Camelot Royal Court’s gossip circle. Instead, he was thinking about the conversation that happened about Arthur not sacking him despite his poor work performance.

Merlin thinks it’s weird too. Arthur said it’s because he can’t find a servant as witty as him, but Merlin thinks it’s because Arthur is too much of a fool and a prat that other servants can’t stand him except for Merlin.

Merlin watches as Arthur licks a sauce with his spoon, his face wary, then floods with delight. See, he just proved his point. He didn’t even know what type of saucing that was!

Then Merlin got curious: if spending many nights at the tavern and very poor work performances aren’t enough to get him sacked, what will get him sacked?

Merlin thought of the time that Arthur had a servant other than Merlin, which was never. Except for that one time with George, oh George, Merlin had lots of fun with him last night, especially the part with the toads. But Arthur sort-of sacked him because he’s too boring, which Merlin can’t do.

Merlin wonders. What can he do?

His eye catches Arthur's other ham on the side of his plate, stomach protesting.

Wait.

Merlin smiles deviously as he dives into his plate, grabbing a piece of his ham and eating it.

"Mm,” he said, smiling in delight.

“Merlin, what on earth are you doing?” Arthur asks, looking very confused.

"Eating,” he swallows. “Sire,” he grabs another piece from his plate.

Arthur watches Merlin eat like a barbarian for a while before he leans on his chair and crosses his arm, looking very confused at Merlin’s behavior. Merlin didn’t say anything, in fact, he started to pull a chair for himself. Even taking Arthur’s plate from him.

"Mm.” Merlin nods at Arthur.

Arthur waits for an explanation while Merlin continues to eat. When Merlin looks like he won’t stop any time soon, Arthur moves to touch his hand on Merlin’s forehead. Merlin stopped eating at the contact.

“Merlin, were you at the tavern?” He asks, concerned

“What? No, no,” he said, drinking Arthur’s goblet. He puts them back on Arthur’s side of the table, the plate now half empty.

Well, Merlin expected to get kicked out by now, and he’s surprised that Arthur is actually concerned for him. “I’m just hungry, sire,”

“You’re hungry?” Arthur repeats

"Yup,” Merlin said, popping another ham into his mouth. He should add another excuse, just to piss him off. "Also, I am testing your food for poison.”

Arthur blinks. “Merlin, if the food had poison, I would already be dead.”

“No you’re not because I’m testing it” he said, drinking Arthur’s goblet

"Wow, I’m full,” he burps. "Sorry.”

Merlin thinks Arthur is too confused to kick him out, so he uses this opportunity to get out before Arthur can beat him up. “I’ll get you another batch,” he declares, leaving to go to the kitchen.

But what Merlin didn’t expect was that when Arthur finished breakfast, he told Merlin to bring two sets of cutlery the next day.

[spacecadet-ticklesinspace]

Trying Out Tickles

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Huh?"

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

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

"Oi!"

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

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

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

"Idiot."

"Clotpole!"

"Moron!"

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

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

"What is wrong with you?"

"Y-your finger hit a bruise."

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

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

Arthur reached forward and poked Merlin's ribs again.

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

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

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

"Any ideas about what?"

"N-nothing!"

"What's gotten into you Merlin?"

"Nothing!"

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

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

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

Finally, a light clicked on. It was tickling.

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

Guess that's about to change.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Arthur!"

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

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

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

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

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

Merlin raised an eyebrow at the change.

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

"What are you doing?"

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

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

"Don't do what Merlin?"

Merlin's mouth clamped his mouth shut.

"What Merlin?"

A head shake was his only response.

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

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

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

"Ah! Noho!"

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

"No! Ah! Clohotpohole!"

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

"Jerk!"

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

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

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

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

Why hadn't he done this sooner?

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

"IHI DOHONT KNOHOW!"

"Well why don't we see?"

"WHAT!"

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

"AH!"

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

"NO!"

The next rib was squeezed. "Three."

"ARTHUR!"

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

"No yohou dOHONT!"

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

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

The younger man squeaked as he curled into a ball.

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

"Shut uhup!"

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

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

"Oo, that's more like it."

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

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

"Lehet's nohot!"

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

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

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

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

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

"Ticklish idiot."

"Thihich headed Prahat!"

Arthur squeezed his knee. "Try that again?"

"AH! Yohou're royal prahatness!"

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

Merlin muttered, "Clean it yourself."

Arthur raised one eyebrow.

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

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

[i-never-even-wanted-to-be-here]

I could never be Merlin. None of us could be Merlin. Imagine your best friend kills your first love and you just have to silently forgive him for it without ever bringing that up. Merlin just wanted an excuse to flee from this terrible destiny of having to stick with the royal prat family that kills his kind, and then he finds this girl that's just like him so he takes the opportunity to run away with her. But no, the universe, the old religion, the gods, magic itself or whatever tf is just like, sike! and makes Arthur unknowingly kill Merlin's gf so that Merlin can't get away.

I'd have become so frustrated with all the already pent up resentment I might've actually turned evil at that. I could've killed Arthur myself then. I would've gone on a rampage.

This experience alone made sure of Merlin never having a relationship ever again because he was certain he'd get his significant other murdered or otherwise in severe danger. So he falls for Arthur instead cause he's stuck with him anyway. He gives up saving magic or preserving himself because protecting Arthur is more important than the other part of the prophecy. It's almost like Stockholm syndrome?

I think we don't talk enough about how insane that is. We love saying that Merthur is destiny because that's romantic and also what the show specifically told us. But it seems more like a horror story about the universe hating Merlin so much it controls his life to the point of him losing even the one thing that was promised to him after already having sacrificed everything he had, including himself.

This is a kids show, guys. But the more I read into it the more terrifying it gets.