#bbc merlin fluff

[bitsandbobsofwriting]

any fluffy fic recs? i'm really anxious and need it :(

(My Masterlist)

FIRST OFF!!! UPDATE!!! Just as I started to get inspiration and motivation to write again, my laptop broke. It was old and I should've seen it coming, but I didn't, and lost a bunch of work, and had to spend a ton of money on a new one. HOWEVER I now HAVE that new laptop and it's touchscreen with a 360 degree hinge and I love it and I'm BACK babeeeey!!!

Second off!! Sorry it took me so long to reply anon, for the reasons above, but let's get going on those fluffy recs!!

Here's a couple that I've written:

A Slight Embarrassing Exposure🧡(Around 2k. Arthur walks in on a previously kept secret, and is rather pleased about it. Lots of teasing occurs, but it’s all very soft and loving. Implied but no explicit sexual content. Merleon :D) 

Old Friends🧡💙(Morgana and Elyan already know)(Around 4.2k. When Arthur, (good) Morgana, Merlin, and Gwen head back to rescue Gwen’s brother, they all discover a little more about Merlin’s past. Arthur is a little horrified, Gwen is annoyed and then uncomfortable and then fond, and Morgana thinks the whole thing is rather funny. Fluffy Merlyan Reunion :D)

The Never Ending Peace💙(Around 2.4k. The Gang gathers to celebrate one year since magic was legalised. This is nothing but softness and fluff, Merlin sings really well. Merleon and Arwen😄)

Visiting the Druids💙(around 5k. Arthur sees Merlin in Emrys-Mode for the first time, and immediately falls in love. Happy Merthur Ending :))

And here's a few of my Rec List:

5 times Merlin helped Leon through a nightmare (+1 time Leon helped Merlin through his own) OK so I absolutely ADORE this, it's one of my all time favourite BBC Merlin fics, and it's about the growing friendship between Leon and Merlin. There are no romantic ships at the forefront of this, but it's just written really beautifully and I really really Love it (around 9k)

Into the Stars MERTHUR!! Arthur is pining and very stupid, so when he finds out that Merlin loves the stars, he spends HOURS teaching himself about them, so he has something to talk to Merlin about, instead of just.... telling him how he feels. I love this, it's so cute (almost 5k)

A Dragon’s Treasure MERTHUR!!! Super cute. Becoming Dragon Lord has some physical AND mental side-effects, Merlin sorta loves it, sorta hates it. I LOVE this one and it’s just really funny and sweet and cool (around 5k)

Knit up your cloak about you MERLIN/LEON!! It's a favourite rare-pair of mine. All from Arthur's perspective. He is struggling as a new King, and wants to bring his two closest friends and advisors together, because he thinks the three of them could do astounding things if they just start to understand each other properly. He finds he doesn't actually have to put that much work in as he watches their relationship develop. It's just really well written and I love it (around 6.7k)

The Court Sorcerer's New Clothes MERTHUR!! Merlin likes to embroider to de-stress and Arthur discovers this. It's just really sweet🥺 (around 2.1k)

Over, Under, Around Through the Heart MERWAINE!! Braiding hair is a courting ritual in Ealdor. Gwaine has no idea about that when Merlin starts braiding his hair constantly, and frankly, Merlin wants it to stay that way so he can indulge in his little harmless fantasy. Except of course Gwaine figures it out. It's so cute and well written I'm in love with this (almost 5k)

You Love Me background Merwaine, but mostly focused on Elyan and Gwaine's friendship. ADHD Gwaine struggles with low self esteem and Elyan has a few things to say about that. I love it, it's so soft and sweet and wonderful (around 1.2k)

Blackberries, Griffins and a Kiss For You MERCALOT!! Mostly from Gwaine’s point of view. A few of the knights are away and Lance is missing Merlin. Gwaine tries to figure out what the inside joke involving Griffins is, but ultimately leaves them to it and is happy for his besties. It’s so cute. It’s so sweet. Lots of fluff, no dramatics, just cuteness (around 2.5k)

A Father's Wisdom MERTHUR!!! VERY ooc Uther, in which The King can tell immediately that Merlin is Balinor’s son, but assigns him to Arthur anyway. He finds out about their secret relationship and is awkwardly, endearingly supportive, despite being a little befuddled. Look, I hate Uther just as much as the next BBCM fan... but this is amazing. (around 2.1k)

For Now and Always MERWAINE!! Gwaine panics when Merlin is momentarily lost. Merlin makes a joke about marriage, and Gwaine suddenly finds himself completely unafraid of committing himself to someone for the long-term, so proposes on the spot. Straight up fluff. So sweet. So wholesome (around 1k)

Friendship Merlin and Leon friendship. Merlin is struggling to recover after the Lamia, but Arthur forces him and Leon to take a four day trip into the woods so Merlin can teach Leon about herbs and healing. Leon forces a conversation because Merlin is acting odd and it’s just very🥺(around 3.2k)

And for the ULTIMATE FLUFF (Also part of my normal Rec List but I thought it deserved special recognition in the Fluff department):

tell me what it’s like to conquer, tell me what it’s like to burn MERTHUR!! Slow-burn, what if Merlin and Arthur actually had run away together? They get on horses and ride as fast as they can for as long as they can. There’s only so long you can live with the other half of your soul before you fall in love. DOMESTICE BLISS!! THIS IS ONE OF MY FAVOURITE THINGS EVER!!! (around 2.8k)

I hope this is enough for you anon!! These aren't all the fluffy ones on my Rec List by a LONG shot, but last time I checked I think there were over a hundred fics on there so😅. If you need more, take a browse, or ask me for specific recs :D

[make-me-imagine]

Gentle Confession

Prompt: "I've never met anyone that has made me feel this way." Requested By: Anonymous. (Mystery Prompt Challenge; Pink 18)

Pairing: Sir Percival x Gn!Reader

Plot: With some encouragement from the other Knights (and only a bit of teasing) Percival finally gets the courage to tell you how he feels.

Warnings: None!

Words: 1k

-

No matter how many times he tried to distract his mind, Percival's eyes always seemed to wander back to you. He watched as you smiled and laughed with Merlin as you gathered fire wood. He felt his gut clench in both jealousy and envy for Merlin being able to so easily make you smile and laugh.

Whenever Percival made you smile, or laugh, he felt as though he had won a prize. He would often think back on those moments with pride and triumph, and would wait with baited breath when he could experience it again.

As a small projectile hit Percival in the face, he looked over in surprise and annoyance. Seeing the rest of the Knights staring at him with amused grins, he let out an annoyed sigh. "What?"

"Why do you just sit around and stare at Y/n all the time and never do something? I'm getting tired of seeing those pining doe eyes." Gwaine said with a teasing tone.

Percival rolled his eyes, as Elyan spoke up. "He's got a point Percival, go say something."

"Why haven't you?" Arthur asked.

Percival opened his mouth to speak, but paused, unsure of how to explain himself. Sighing, he threw a stick he had been toying with into the fire. He knew he would most likely be met with relentless teasing, but he allowed himself to admit something "I don't know. I just- I've never met anyone that has made me feel this way."

The other knights shared a few glances before they all leaned in a bit and talked a bit softer.

"If that's true then you seriously need to do something Percival." Elyan said.

"You know Y/n stares at you too right? Nearly as much as you stare at them." Leon added.

Percival looked at him with a furrowed brown, unsure if he should listen. Looking between the other knights they all nodded in agreement.

"If you're all screwing with me I'll-"

"We're not!" Leon said while raising his hands. "As much as I enjoy teasing as much as these guys, I'm not lying, not about this."

"Now go do something about this before I have to suffer another night of watching you pine like a little- Ow!" Gwaine was interrupted as Arthur stomped on his foot.

Meeting Percival's eyes, Arthur gave an encouraging nod of his head towards you. Percival looked over, seeing that you were heading off deeper into the woods, as Merlin started to come back.

Letting out a sigh he stood. "Alright."

As he walked off, he could hear whispering from the others as he got further away. If Leon was telling the truth, and you had some kind of interest in him, then the teasing from them would be worth it. But then again, if it wasn't true, and you showed no interest...

Percival halted in his step at the thought, uncertainty rising in his chest. He spotted you nearby as you began to pick up some wood, but dropped some that had been in your arms as you knelt down. Taking in a deep breath, he walked towards you.

"Want me to carry those?" Percival asked as he approached you.

Looking up at Percival as he stopped beside you, you smiled up at him. Standing, you handed him the bunch of wood in your arms, noticing how it looked like so little when he held it. "Thank you Percival."

Continuing to pick up wood, you noticed as Percival seemed to watch you. You felt your heart beat pick up pace, as your ears began to burn. Anytime you saw him looking at you, you felt as though you would shrivel up. He made you nervous. You had been attracted to the gentle giant since you first met. He was kind, protective, honorable, funny, strong, you could go on.

Sparing another glance at him, you noticed he was staring at the ground, seemingly deep in thought. "Is everything alright?" You asked softly.

Percival's eyes shot up as you spoke. "Oh, uhm, yes, I'm fine, I just..."

You looked at him patiently. "Yes?"

He adjusted his stance nervously before he looked back towards the camp. Looking back at you he took a step closer as he looked down at you. "I just...I don't know how to do this." A soft laugh came from him as he shook his head.

You felt your face growing hot as you began to realize what he was trying to do. Or what you hoped he was trying to do.

"Look Y/n, I just- I really like you, and I'm not good with words, never really have been, but I just want you to know that."

You bit the inside of your lip as you repressed a grin. "You want me to know that you like me?"

He nodded his head a bit, obviously growing nervous.

"Well, then, you should know, I like you too Percival."

You saw the second it took Percival to full register what you said as a soft smile crossed his face. "You do?"

You smiled and nodded "Yes."

His smile grew as he looked back towards the camp again briefly. "I wish we were really alone, but I just couldn't keep hiding hit anymore."

"I'm glad you told me Percival. I was starting to wonder if I would ever know for sure."

"When we get back to Camelot, can we, have dinner together? So we can actually talk about this, more so I mean."

You nodded. "Yes, I would love to."

He nodded "Great. Alright."

Turning to walk back to the camp, you stopped suddenly. Percival looked over at you with mild concern. Turning towards him, and using your free hand, you gently grabbed the collar of his armor and pulled him lower as you leaned up to press a soft kiss to his cheek.

You saw the mild shock register across Percival's face. Smiling bashfully, you quickly began to walk back to the camp, leaving a stunned and blushing Percival behind.

The rest of your journey would be be preoccupied with secret and knowing glances between you as you waited impatiently to return to Camelot.

xx End xx

General Taglist: @criminaly-supernatural, @caswinchester2000, @imaginesfire, @rexit-mo, @onuen BBC Merlin Taglist: @flourishandblotts-inc

[that-nerd-who-writes-fanfiction]

Arthur: I want to wake up to you every day for the rest of our lives.

Merlin: I wake up at sunrise.

Arthur: …

Arthur: I want to see you at a reasonable time every morning for the rest of our lives.

Merlin: I could always laze in bed till you wake up.

Arthur, knowing that will more than likely mean waking up to Merlin playing with his hair every morning: Perfect. Yes. Do that.

[blip-blip-blop]

modern arthur loves stealing merlin's clothes <3

(hc: merlin owns an obscene amount of wizard/magic merchandise because leon finds it hilarious and gifts merlin everything he can find)

[mirayladraws]

Sorry do disappear I had lots of commissions and schoolwork but I’m here with some Merthur for you! 😌✨

[whydon-twego]

Arthur is used to the court, he is used to standing at a certain distance from his interlocutor, he is used to etiquette and protocols, to speaking in a certain tone of voice, to never lowering his eyes showing weakness and, as a result, he is used to servile people, to people who never respond to him in kind and to making do when something goes wrong and he would only need a hand on his shoulder because he would not dare ask for anything more.

Merlin is none of these things.

Merlin invades his personal space, responds to him in kind, hugs him when something goes wrong and reassures him with kind but firm words.

Arthur does not know why he expected Hunith to be something different, after all, Merlin must have taken after someone in the family.

Hunith, when Merlin decides to visit her and take Arthur with him because "you have to get to know my mother better!", bows on the first day and calls him sire.

On the second day, she already has him help in the kitchens and teaches him how to prepare a meal from scratch, not commenting on the fact that he doesn't even know how to mix a bit of flour and water and, indeed, resting a hand on his shoulder congratulating him when -Arthur knows- he has done the bare minimum.

On the third day, she hugs him.

Arthur holds her so tightly that he is sure he will hurt her, but he has never been hugged like this, not even by Merlin, and Arthur absolutely will not cry.

That night, lying on the bed on the floor with Merlin, Arthur hugs him and thanks him.

Merlin laughs and tells him he now expects a meal prepared from scratch from him.

[kairennart]

three mimir

for @merlinrarepairfest

[ink-through-her-veins]

When Arthur gets sick he gets quiet. He goes about his routine, even if it means he sweats out a fever during a council meeting and nearly collapses during training. He’s done this since he was a child and his father never believed he was sick.

“You’re fine Arthur.” “Suck it up, Arthur.” “If your that sick go see Gaius.”

Secretly he always wanted someone to mop his brow and stroke his head while he sips on tea and broth, but he will die before he admits it.

Merlin had always been nursed by his mother. He knows her secret recipes to sneak gross herbs that make him feel better into chicken stew with enough salt that it tastes like warmth and love. He has a favorite book with stories of old myths that he can nearly recite from memory but only when reads when he falls ill.

So, when Gaius tells Merlin that Arthur looks sick and needs to be escorted to his quarters and forced to rest, Merlin grabs his mother’s book. He gets tea and stew from the kitchens and all but forces a sweaty pale Arthur into bed. Then he pulls a chair next to the bed, tea and stew sitting on the nightstand within Arthur’s reach and begins to read aloud.

Arthur’s confused, but he’s tired and Merlin’s voice is soothing. He drinks his tea, eats his stew and closes his eyes.

When Merlin runs a cool cloth over his forehead, he knows what it feels like to be cared for. When he awakens to Merlin slumped in the chair, asleep but still keeping watch his heart flutters.

“Merlin,” he whispers softly, nudging Merlin to waken him. “Go to bed. I’m fine.”

And Merlin, sleep deprived or half asleep still, Arthur can’t tell, puts a hand to Arthur’s forehead. He’s still sweaty but not burning up. Merlin mops his brow and climbs into Arthur’s bed like he belongs there. Arthur’s always wanted to be cuddled and he can blame it all on a fever and Merlin. When Merlin falls asleep, Arthur lays on his chest and lets Merlin instinctively wrap him in his arms.

A week later, Merlin falls ill with the same cold and he loudly whines and complains until Arthur grabs the book of myths and all but pushes Merlin into his bed.

[nimrism]

post-revival merthur where morgana is alive and their biggest shipper

*playing twister*

morgana: okay, arthur, right hand red

arthur: *ends up on top of merlin*

merlin: wait— morgana, you're doing this on purpose, aren't you?

morgana: i stopped spinning about 10 turns ago i'm surprised you didn't notice sooner

[earlgreyinpajamas]

merthur fic recs masterlist

last updated: 8 Jan 2024

authors

vintagelilacs

aus and fusions

arranged marriage au, pt 2, pt 3

college/university au

different first meeting au

hanahaki au, pt 2, pt 3

high school au, pt 2

hogwarts au

modern au, pt 2

modern with magic au, pt 2

modern royalty au, pt 2, pt 3, pt 4, pt 5, pt 6, pt 7, pt 8

pride and prejudice au

regency au

social media au, pt 2

soulmate au, pt 2, pt 3, pt 4, pt 5, pt 6, pt 7, pt 8, pt 9, pt 10

s2e10 fix it

wing fic

arthur

actor!arthur, pt 2, pt 3, pt 4, pt 5

bond girl!arthur

detective!arthur

himbo!arthur

jealous!arthur, pt 2, pt 3, pt 4, pt 5, pt 6, pt 7, pt 8

pining!arthur, pt 2, pt 3, pt 4, pt 5, pt 6, pt 7, pt 8, pt 9

pregnant!arthur

protective!arthur, pt 2, pt 3, pt 4, pt 5, pt 6

oblivious!arthur, pt 2, pt 3

spy!arthur

virgin!arthur

merlin

assistant!merlin

bamf!merlin

consort!merlin, pt 2, pt 3

detective!merlin

druid leader!merlin

enchanted!merlin

exhausted!merlin, pt 2

flustered!merlin

hurt!merlin, pt 2, pt 3, pt 4

irish!merlin

jealous!merlin

knight!merlin

oblivious!merlin, pt 2, pt 3, pt 4, pt 5, pt 6

pining!merlin, pt 2, pt 3, pt 4, pt 5

royal!merlin, pt 2

selkie!merlin

spy!merlin

virgin!merlin

other tropes and categories

00q fusion

5 + 1 things, pt 2, pt 3

accidental marriage

amnesia

angst with a happy ending

arthur courts merlin

arthur finds out about balinor

arthur finds out about freya

arthur knows about merlin’s magic

arthur loves merlin’s magic eyes

arthur’s donkey ears

arthur returns, pt 2

balinor lives

bathing

bed sharing, pt 2

bedside vigils

bets

comfort fics

coming out

crack, pt 2, pt 3, pt 4

dragon dads

drunkenness

enemies to lovers

fake/pretend relationship, pt 2, pt 3, pt 4, pt 5

fandom iconic fics

fav aus

fav fics

figure skating

flowers, pt 2

fluff

forced proximity, pt 2

fuck or die

getting back together

getting together, pt 2, pt 3

getting together with the help of technology

hurt comfort

hurt no comfort, pt 2

hypothermia

kid fics, pt 2

kinktober

love spells and potions, pt 2, pt 3, pt 4

lovers to enemies

magical exhaustion

magic reveal, pt 2, pt 3, pt 4, pt 5, pt 6, pt 7, pt 8, pt 9, pt 10

married/engaged merthur

meddling knights, pt 2, pt 3

merlin dies

merlin goes insane to get arthur back

merlin knows about arthur’s pining

merlin leaves camelot

merlin sleeping in weird places

merlin teaches arthur about sex/kissing

morgana and merlin friendship

not actually unrequited love

ot4

outsider pov

parties

protective!knights

remixes

role reversal

royal balls

scar reveal

secret relationship, pt 2

theatre/drama

time travel

truth potion

underappreciated fics

weddings

wedding stopping

wound cleaning

[crystaiskiess]

love and laughter 💕💕

[snarkyship]

⭐ Magical Girl 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."

[dandelionpixels]

merlin hcs

ask: Do you have any headcannons of Merlin growing his hair out all curly and everyone in the castle collectively loose their minds

- If you want a mental image, I’ve got you. Take this and this and this and enjoy. :3

- Like the grandpa he is, Gaius teases Merlin for it every morning. He ruffles his hair, mumbles something about being thankful while you have it, and sends him out the door with a tsk.

- It only takes a day or two for it go from subtle waves to quite noticeable, especially when Gaius makes him a shampoo better fit for the curly aspect. It wasn’t really an intentional choice on Merlin’s end, just happenstance from being busy and letting it do what it wants. This also meant he was starting to get slight stubble around his jaw, born from laziness about shaving.

- This switch also happened to fall on a rare weekend where Merlin didn’t really see anyone. Arthur was gone for business and Merlin took the weekend off.

- Gwen says something about it first, crossing him in the halls and stopping him to gently ruffle his hair and go, “Well aren’t you handsome, why have you been hiding this?” to which Merlin blushes (not used to compliments) and waves it off. Gwen continues down the hall, but calls back over her shoulder, “Make sure to ask the knights what they think!”

- Merlin also passes a couple ladies from town who, in no uncertain fashion, stare for long enough that even he notices.

- When he wakes Arthur up by yanking the curtains open and throwing an orange in his direction, Arthur doesn’t notice. Too blinded by sleep and sun and stress. It’s not until after he’s changed and emerges from behind the divider that his gaze flickers to Merlin and he pauses.

- Merlin makes a face, “What? Don’t be thinking about throwing something at me.” Arthur looks away, but doesn’t move, “Nothing, you changed your hair.” Having genuinely forgotten, Merlin pauses, “Oh- I suppose I did. Is that….a problem?” Arthur rolls his eyes, “Why would that be a problem Merlin? I doubt anything can worsen your servant skills any more than their current-,” He’s cut off by Merlin throwing his shoes full speed at him.

- When they run into the knights in the armory, Merlin keeps remembering Gwen’s comment about what they would think. He decides not to say anything, but it doesn’t matter because the second they go outside and the sunlight hits them, Gwaine clocks him immediately.

- “Woah, hold up! You did something, fess up!” Merlin groans but smiles despite himself, “C’mon, don’t do this-,” Percival cuts him, “He’s right though! You’re all rugged now.” He lowered his voice when he said rugged and Merlin and Arthur both make a grossed-out expression. As Elyan opens his mouth to agree, Merlin surrenders, “I grew out my hair a little bit, it got wavy, can we move on now?”

- Gwaine wolf-whistles and the knights burst into laughter. Arthur rolls his eyes and gestures with his sword, “Can we get back to training?” Lancelot grins, “What, are you upset we think Merlin looks nice?” Arthur shoots him a very pointed glare and gestures everyone out into the field.

- Later that evening, Morgana comes to visit Arthur while Merlin’s getting dinner set up. She goes to wave a quick hello but pauses upon seeing him, “Merlin! Your hair looks lovely.” He grins bashfully, “Thanks.” Arthur groans, “Doesn’t anyone in this castle have anything better to do than pay attention to Merlin’s hair?” Morgana shrugs, “Do you not like it?” Arthur stiffens slightly, “I didn’t say- I just don’t care about it.” Gesturing vaguely around, Morgana continues, “It’s not a crime to think he looks nice Arthur, everyone in this castle thinks he looks nice. You’d be crazy not too.”

[eldritch-ambrosia]

you kiss me and it stops time

❀✿❀✿❀✿❀✿

Merlin is frozen.

He’s stiff and warm and his hands are spread in the air and he thinks he’ll be stuck like this forever. Arthur’s lips are soft, though, and his hands are gentle against Merlin’s cheeks so there really were worse places to be stuck.

Arthur doesn’t seem to think so, leaning back before Merlin can gather his thoughts–and lips– to respond, still cradling his face. He goes to pull away but Merlin finds it in himself to reach out, grasping at Arthur’s wrists to keep him close.

The prince swallows, his lips parted and beautiful, searching Merlin’s face with his crystal clear eyes.

“Merlin… I’m…” He pauses, his brow crinkling. “Do you hear that?”

For a moment, he thinks Arthur can hear his heartbeat, echoing through his ears and through the stables. He can’t hear anything but the rapid beating in his chest and the heavy breaths that pass between them, the world silent around them.

Silent.

Merlin blinks, Arthur stepping back toward the door to the stables, leaning his head out. The servant follows, still holding onto one of his wrists, and gazes out to the castle grounds.

The sun shines brightly overhead across all of Camelot and, at a glance, seems completely ordinary. However, the knights across the field are stopped completely in their long strides, one of the riding horses’ head is turned, its mane circling its muzzle suspended in the air, and one of the servants’ hands are outstretched, a pot of water spilling over but not flowing in the slightest.

Camelot is frozen, trapped in time.

His heart drops, nails digging into Arthur’s wrist, the aura of magic surrounding them familiar. An extension of his own magic, gripping his chest, and a sickly feeling settles in his stomach.

“What…?” Arthur mutters, reaching for his blade, placing a hand on the hilt. “Who could’ve done this?”

His tone is accusatory and asked to the air, not expecting a response and Merlin’s eyes burn from tears. Squeezing them shut tight as he reaches out with his magic, with his very being, he begs anything that could hear to make it all okay. To make time move again and take them both back to that moment Arthur approached him in the stables.

He’s not ready.

❀✿❀✿❀✿❀✿

(psst you can read the rest of this on ao3 by clicking the link at the top!)

[mirayladraws]

As late as usual but Merry Christmas EVERYONE!!!