#gwen gave him the first flower

[karistiltskin]

make it valentine’s day but merlin has to run morning errands around town. somehow every person he runs into gives him a singular flower and by the time he gets back to the castle and into arthur’s chambers, his hands are full with an entire bouquet.

[keitorin3]

Short: Leon (The Long Suffering)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Arthur: It was difficult to find good help nowadays.

Leon: Right...

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

Leon: He what?! 😨

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

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

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

Leon: !? ⁉️❕❔

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

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

Arthur: So you think he liked it?

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

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

Arthur: *Breaks into Leon's room*

Leon: *Jumps in fright* ⁉️

Arthur: I can't believe him!

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

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

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

Leon: Really, then what did you do? 😑

Arthur: Ha, had the guy cleaning the stables.

Leon: 🤦🏼‍♂️

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

Leon: Sire?

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

Leon: Yes Sire, it is indeed.

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

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

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

Leon: *Thinking* Oh boy...

[LATER]

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

Arthur: *Walks in* Merlin~! 🥰💐🌈

Merlin: 🌩️🔪😠

Leon: *Makes a break for it*

Leon: *Walks by Morgana's room*

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

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

Morgana: *Angry* 😠

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

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

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

Gwen: *Giggles*

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

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

Merlin: 🤨❔❔ What do you mean?

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

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

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

Uther: Where is my son and ward?! 😠

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

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

1. You'll blame Merlin and send him away

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

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

Uther: Those brats!

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

[LATER]

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

Leon: Ah, is that so?

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

Leon: 😓

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

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

Leon: 😬 Oof, what did you do?

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

Leon: ... That would do it.

Arthur: What do I do Leon!

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

Arthur: Alright!

[LATER]

Arthur: Merlin's not avoiding me anymore. 😊

Leon: Great to hear, what happened?

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

Leon: ... What?! 😱

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

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

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

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

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

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

[LATER]

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

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

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

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

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

Merlin: *Sneezes*

Gaius: You alright my boy?

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

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

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

[theoceansluvr]

Multi-Character x Nerd! Reader

warning; none except my endless yapping !! author's notes; *comically loud gulp* it's finals season so i decided to drop this before grinding my grades and whatnot😿 gave all the characters different random interests of mine sooo yay !

PERCY JACKSON- Flowers

i like to think percy is pretty neutral about flowers; not his favorite, but doesn't hate them

but when you stepped into the picture ? ALLLLL of that changed !

probably has a flower language book sitting on his bedside table just because of you to be totally fair

because of you, he buys really specific colors (or asks the Demeter cabin to grow him some) of flowers for you because of their meanings

for example, he ABSOLUTELY got you yellow tulips when he asked you out :3c

as much as he's a blue guy, he knows what they stand for (hopeless love) and thought it'd be sweet

sometimes you name a flower he knows NOTHING about like what on earth is an azalea ??

listens to you carefully regardless since he finds it cute how often you ramble about why orchids are associated with royalty

received flowers for the first time from you and he's kept them ever since, claims it's because he keeps forgetting to get rid of them but he's just a sap like that

very supportive of your interests and WILL stay up for hours to hear you talk !

ANNABETH CHASE- Astronomy

at first she thought you were talking about astrology and wasn't all that interested, but then she saw the massive amount of books you had on the stars and understood

dare i say she takes you on stargazing dates where you just point out all the constellations and all the stars we'll never see

has watched about 8 space documentaries in one week, and still isn't tired of it

also ! when ever she's drafting up home designs, she ALWAYS puts a room with a glass ceiling or balcony so you can put your telescope there

she swears it's just for the visuals but she not very good at hiding it(i love you sappy annabeth chase <9)

bought you one of those little star projectors when you guys moved into New Rome !

you guys also made paper lanterns of all the planets + pluto and hung them up on the ceiling since you rarely get to go out much one you go to college

speaking of pluto.. you guys didn't speak for three days over an argument over the basis of it being a planet or not. annabeth refuses to say it is because scientifically it's not, but you say it is because "emotionally it's a planet to me !" (real conversation i've had btw)

takes you to the planetarium whenever you guys have the spare time mainly just to see to get all animated over all the facts you've probably already told her

she absolutely adores you no matter how many times she's heard about all the dwarf planets..

CONNOR STOLL- Comics

deep in my heart he's a flash or spiderman nerd, so it's perfect !

safe to say, if you like anyone else, you guys might dispute who the best superhero is every other day- lovingly of course !

dates probably consist of walking around comic books shops and talking about your favs or reading them in your cabin

swapping off comics whenever you finish one so you can talk about them

has absolutely stolen merch for you on numerous occasions because he can he let the love of his life go without that batman mug ?

definitely makes up insane theories about what happens whenever his favorite character dies..

"no, no, no, he's gonna come back in the next one, trust me !" "con.. he literally blew up." "SO DID JASON TODD BUT HERE WE ARE"

dare i say y'all have matching spider man and gwen or batman and catwoman keychains ?

you probably got him really into young justice on accident because you mentioned him reminding you of wally west(PLS TELL ME SOMEONE SEES THE VISION-)

honestly, you guys are just nerd for nerd but he won't admit to it as easily

LEO VALDEZ- Sharks

scratch what i said about connor being nerd for nerd, you and leo are THE nerd for nerd couple !!

made you a wind up shark toy as a gift because he was bored, and it was basically a marriage proposal to you

has definitely fallen asleep to you talking about sharks before ! not out of boredom, just because he likes your voice

moving on ! y'all know those cardboard sharks people were making ? well, he made you a metal version of your favorite shark !

takes you to aquariums whenever he can, which is rare, but he thrives off of hearing you get excited.. like a kid in a candy store

he also has a crazy supply of gummy sharks in the bunker now for whenever you come over

he has also made you shark shaped string lights because why would he ever let you buy anything ?!

let's you cover his well, everything with shark stickers ! workbench ? sure ! festus ? might protests, but if festus like it, alright !

you told him he'd be a hammerhead shark, and he now has a keychain of one on his belt loop at all times

he rambles to you about mechanics, so in turn you talk about sharks; it's a win-win situation :3c

YAYYYYY PSOTING AGAIN AND IT'S ABOUT MY INTERESTS !!!! this was actually in the drafts for a minute and WAS supposed to drop saturday but i got impatient- love y'all and uhh see you after finals !

[spiderfunkz]

hi! i’d love to know abt your fav headcanon(s) for tasm!peter and maybe a little oneshot of said headcanon(s)?

peter parker falls in love HARDDDDD!! i love him and his nerdy ass like aaaaghhhhhh. he's so cutesy and skrunkly i just wanna throw a rock at him 💕

peter parker is the type of person to go head over heels when he likes someone!! the type of person to steal a glance every time you're not looking. the type of person to secretly hope he'd get partnered up with you during class. the type of person to practice in front of the mirror before finally talking to you.

he's the type of person to notice every little thing about you. the pins on your bag of your favorite artists? he can name five songs. your favorite flowers? he walks past the flower shop every morning, hoping to buy you some one day. the way you always have that one mood ring on your finger, he finds it adorable.

he goes so flustered whenever you catch him glancing at you. his face turns all red and he starts giggling actually, your probably the reason he skips to school everyday, hands in pockets, twirling around in pure joy and excitement.

he'll brag to his friends on how he talked to you when in reality it was him saying happy birthday and you replying with a thank you along with a smile that surely gave him a cavity.

to summarize it up. peter parker doesn't just like someone. he loves them. pure admiration, adoration, infatuation, smitten. you're the light in his heart, the butterfly in a field of wildflowers, the red tulip in a field of white tulips.

peter has liked you for a while now.

it was a long day of classes, he could've just skipped but aunt may found out he was doing that too much and got pretty mad. besides, it's just one more class. a class he never really had to try in. should be easy right?

yes, but no.

you just switched classes to biology. sitting in the only empty chair, just two chairs away from peter. he saw you, and that's when he knew.

you were never late, unlike peter. every time he comes in you're already there, smiling awkwardly at the situation as mrs. moore lectured him. but what's the point? peter wasn't listening, he was too busy figuring out what emotion was on your mood ring, and spoiler alert! it was love.

it took him a lot of convincing and reassurance from gwen, but he finally got the courage to talk to you. not about how the weather is, or the same old "did you do the _ assignment yet?". he was going to ask you out on a totally friends-only, platonic date ( that goes so well it will end up with you and him holding hands! ).

"hi!" peter smiled, his hand playing with his hair. "hey, peter." he seemed nervous, you were too.

"um, so, i was wondering if you.. would.." he looked everywhere but your eyes, "..that if we could, maybe, um.. hangout? together? if you want to. obviously, you don't have to but um-"

"no yeah, i would love to peter!" you smiled. was it hot? it felt hot, your face felt hot, does peter notice? he probably does.

peter's heart was racing through a field, it was winning first place. "okay, good- great! i could um. pick you up? i'll text you. you have my number right? i could just um- you know..." he played with the hem of his jacket.

you nodded, "yeah i do." — "okay, we could meetup somewhere.. maybe the park? is that boring? the cinema? anything you'd like, i'm fine with anything you know. or we could just.. hang.."

you smile, "sure."

"really?"

"yeah definitely, either one. or we could do all of them, i've got nothing to do." — "okay, that's super! super- cool.. super cool. i'll text you, is that okay?"

you nodded, "of course."

"okay, i um- i'll go now. i should go now. i'll see you? later?" peter asks.

"yeah okay!" you wave happily as he walks backwards towards the exit, nearly bumping into 2, no, 3 now, students.

"text me!" you yell out.

peter nodded eagerly.

he walks out, knowing gwen is not gonna hear the end of this.

[worthyprnce]

gwaine had many hidden talents.

we all know about his amazing skills with swordfighting. a skill he learnt from watching knights and squires play and fight, from picking up fights even being too young to do that and during his many years traveling alone. he had to know how to defend himself and, most importantly for him in the begging of his life, his mother and sister as well. but that's not all he knew.

growing up without his father to teach him the arts of sword fight, he learnt a lot from his mother and older sister instead. at seven he got tired of his clothes tearing up all the time, so he asked his mother to teach him how to sew. even after becoming a knight, gwaine took a few minutes to mend his own clothes whenever he could. he needed this time alone. at nine, his sister taught him about the language of flowers and how to dance. he did it for them. he used to steal flowers from luxurious gardens around to gift his mother and sister, and he always took them to dance, using any excuses to do it. he just loved it, and he loved to see them happy, not worrying about money or grieving for once.

at eleven he already knew how to steal food from the market without getting caught. and he was an excellent bargainer too. he was known by some as the child who stole valuable objects from distracted rich people and sold them at a lower price afterwords. robin hood style. it didn't take him too long to learn how to make his own dagger. courtesy of the local blacksmith who took pity on him and his family.

but most of his little secret talents he learned along his travels, wandering alone after leaving home at an early age. he learned to play the lute, to play cards, to steal by cheating playing cards, how to get easy money, how to impress a girl, how to impress a boy, how to whistle, to cook — although he was not actually good at it, just very practical. he knew french, a little latin, how to orient himself by the stars, how to bandage a wound by himself and what to do if it became infected, body anatomy (for medical and first aid reasons only. mostly), cut his own hair, trim his own beard, how to read maps, how to identify poisonous mushrooms, how to cut wood for fire, to swim, and many other little things.

but the hidden talent he was most proud of, was his drawing skills.

when he was around twenty, he once saw an elderly man struggling with a few home repairs he had, and decided to help him. as a return, the old man let him stay in his home for a few days. gwaine soon found out the man loved to draw. he had plenty of sketchbooks filled with many different portraits and landscapes, gwaine was in awe. seeing gwaine's genuine interest, the old man taught some basic and quick drawing principles, and gave gwaine a sketchbook and a pencil as a gift for all the help and company.

during his long years alone walking aimlessly around, gwaine used his sketches to immortalise every place he passed, every interesting person he met along the way, passions that made his heart beat differently, animals he helped save, taverns that served a good ale.

by the time he met merlin, his sketchbook pages were full of sketches of camelot, gaius' chambers, bottles of potions with funny names, little details inside the castle most people wouldn't even notice. but gwaine did.

he found himself making sketches of gwen with flowers in her hair, of arthur with the worst expression possible, of gaius with his usual worried face. but merlin was the main focus of his new drawings. every page had a sketch of merlin, doesn't matter how big or small.

and when gwaine was no longer in camelot, he realized his mind had never left merlin's room. he went back into drawing landscapes and taverns, but no other person were interesting enough. not when he once had merlin.

the pages of his sketchbook were getting boring and lifeless, not what they used to be before. but it seemed like they would come back to life whenever gwaine and merlin were together again. he had many sketches of merlin with white lillies around him, merlin's eyes shining as bright as they did the night gwaine confessed he was doing it all for him, wyverns, an old and dirty trident he had no idea what it actually was for but he liked the shape of it. even arthur made a comeback to his sketchbook.

when he was made prisoner by jarl, he lost all of his sketchbooks. everything inside his bag was stolen and discarded, and since gwaine's escape was rushed, he had no opportunity to try and find it. he lost it all, all the memories of his travels, the beautiful places he saw, the people he met, his early adventures with merlin. all lost. he had only his memory now.

after he became a knight he was reluctant to go back to his old hobby. still bitter about losing it all suddenly. but after getting to know his new friends better, and after he started to see merlin everyday, he couldn't resist.

he used every moment he had alone to draw. he loved drawing lancelot's hair. he had his fun giving leon extra curls. elyan, percival, and even lesser known knights and guards owned gwaine's sketchbook pages.

but his muse was always merlin. drawing merlin was like muscle memory for him. he would be lying if he said he never lost himself in his own thoughts while admiring merlin's features and carving them into his memory so he could draw him later.

his drawings were directly affected by his mood, so it was easy to know when he was angry or upset. but there was only one emotion showing whenever he drew merlin, and it was love. pure, powerful and unconditional love. sometimes a brokenhearted love. sometimes a melancholic love. and there were even the times he felt a certain kind of guilty love, a mixture of insecurity and uncertainty. but it was always love. and it was always merlin.

the first sketch he made after getting back to draw was a memory very dear to him of the first day he met merlin. he was smiling, looking at gwaine with hopes he would stay, begging him with his eyes and words for gwaine to stay in camelot with him. for him. whatever his reason was, he wanted gwaine close, and gwaine remembered those eyes and words very clearly.

his last sketch was also one he made of merlin. he was smiling as he held gwaine's hand. just before he was the one leaving gwaine this time. and even though gwaine had his eyes blurred by tears, he made his best to register merlin in his pages one more time, one last time, forever.

[mandoriana]

HEADCANON ARTHUR PENDRAGON

Arthur likes goats. (No reason, he just likes their personality)

He had a goat when he was 6, he was his best friend, but Uther forced him to kill his goat and eat.

Arthur could never play with the other children, only the ones Uther allowed, but his father didn't have time for him, so Arthur never went out to play.

Although everyone thinks that Arthur is not the smartest between him and Morgana, in fact, he has read all the books in the library and has mastery of many complex areas (mathematics, history, literature, philosophy, politics, etc.)

Arthur believes that studies are very important and always takes them very seriously.

Arthur likes affection in his hair and always lets Merlin comb them. (He's like a pompous cat who loves to be brushed)

Arthur is very unsure about everything he does because his father always made him doubt himself.

He's afraid to get closer to people because he's afraid of suffering.

Merlin is the only person Arthur allows to approach during sleep.

Arthur likes to draw, but he doesn't let anyone know because his father called him a "girl" for it. He has a notebook full of drawings by Merlin, Gwen and Morgana, there are drawings by other knights, but most of the drawings are by Merlin.

Arthur is afraid of spiders.

His favorite color is blue, but he always wears red to honor his kingdom.

Despite loving Gwen, he could never love her as he loved Merlin.

She always envied Morgana's relationship with Uther because Uther always loved her more than he loved Arthur.

His favorite flowers are the purple lilies, Merlin once spent days searching the forest because he wanted to present Arthur with them.

Arthur gave Ygraine's symbol to Merlin knowing what it meant (marriage request), but didn't mind explaining what it meant for fear of Merlin denying her gift.

Arthur admires the way Merlin is good to people.

He took potions/medicines for depression after the bloody events at the Druid camp.

Sometimes he hide under the bed or in the closet to have some moments of peace from all your responsibilities.

He hasn't cried since he was 5.

His father disciplined him with flogging, a way to "make him stronger."

Arthur has a high tolerance for pain.

Sometimes, when Merlin saves Arthur from love's incantations or potions, when Arthur wakes up he feels sick and needs to take a bath, the feeling of being touched against will always terrifies Arthur.

Arthur loves rain and snow.

Arthur hates "rabbit food" (green and vegetable), but when Merlin feeds him he always eats it.

He shares food only with Merlin.

It's jealous for fear that Merlin will find someone better than him.

Leon was his first youthful passion.

He's not afraid of magic, he's afraid of people and what they can do with so much power.

He has fought a small army of 20 men and won alone.

His nickname on the battlefield is Mad Titan or Bloody Beast. (Arthur hates these nicknames)

[whydon-twego]

Morgana probably hates him. Or she hates his own plants, he doesn't know which statement is more correct.

"Morgana, do you remember what happened to the cactus you gave me for my birthday?"

Morgana simply shrugs her shoulders.

"I trust that being my plants and with a promise to kill you if they are not all nice and alive when I get back, they will be in good hands."

"You really have no one else to ask?"

Morgana snorts at that point.

"The only person I can trust is Gwen and as you well know Gwen will be leaving with me. It's only two weeks, I trust you'll be able to keep my orchids from dying in such a short time."

Arthur is not at all convinced and, barely five days into Gwen and his sister's honeymoon, he hates himself for always being so damn right.

His sister is going to kill him. *** Gwen, sweet little Gwen who, despite being on her honeymoon, answers him immediately, passes him a YouTube channel about plants and nature in general.

Arthur, looking at the half-wilted orchid in the window, doesn't know if it will be enough, but he has to at least try. *** Merlin (that's the name the guy uses on his channel MerlinLikeTheWizard) has quite a following on YouTube and has a lot of videos, even a few minutes long, explaining how to solve tricky situations.

The orchid with some difficulty recovers, Morgana's roses no longer seem to be on the brink of extinction and Arthur owes his life to a stranger on the internet.

A stranger with sparkling blue eyes, a disarming smile and huge ears.

Arthur may have a small and insignificant crush on him. ***

The plants have returned to Morgana and Gwen's house safe and sound (Arthur hugged Gwen a little harder than necessary, thanking her for saving his life) and Arthur is thinking if perhaps, now that he has a little more practice with plants, he can fulfil his dream of having a little corner of paradise on his over-empty balcony. He has always liked flowers, his mother had always liked flowers, but Arthur has always had the ability to kill every poor plant that has crossed his doorstep.

Maybe now is the right time. ***

"Merlin!"

Arthur didn't want to shout it in the middle of the street, he didn't want to shout it in the face of the stranger who is now looking at him with an alarmed face because -God!- they don't know each other and Arthur looks like a bloody stalker. But when was he ever going to meet his celebrity crush by pure chance in the middle of the streets of London?

Merlin looks at him a little confused but raises a hand in greeting and Arthur takes courage and gets a little closer to him. What do you say to someone you obsessively follow for advice and because their laughter brightens your day?

"You have the biggest ears in the world"

Morgana is terribly right, he must have some kind of mental affliction, there is no other explanation.

Merlin wrinkles his eyebrows and opens his mouth to reply but Arthur stops him by talking over him.

"That wasn't what I meant at all. I- sorry, no, I just wanted to- Thank you for saving my life."

At that, Merlin raises his eyebrows and Arthur finds himself thinking about how expressive the human face can be without having to say anything.

"Yeah, I mean, that's..." Arthur covers his face with his hands for a moment and thinks about what a mess he's making "I swear I don't usually suck this bad at first impressions" Arthur sighs "I kept my sister's plants and you should know that I have the ability to make a cactus die within 48 hours, so I was desperate because my sister threatened me with death about her precious orchid and his wife sent me the link to your channel and, I mean, I'm still alive so thanks"

Merlin spends a few seconds staring at him and Arthur feels incredibly stupid, then Merlin bursts out laughing and Arthur thinks he has an even better laugh heard live.

And what else could Arthur say now? He's at a loss for words and his throat is suddenly dry and would it be too weird to ask for an autograph or a photo together? Is this something people do with YouTubers? He honestly doesn't even have the courage to ask.

Merlin is smiling now, looking at him, and Arthur is stumbling over what to say. God, this is humiliating. We'd better end this quickly.

"Well, yeah, that's it… so thank you."

He turns to put as much distance as possible between himself and that embarrassing figure he will never tell anyone about, but a voice stops him.

"I think you owe me a coffee."

Arthur turns towards that voice he has come to know behind a microphone but which has a much stronger accent in person. He turns and watches Merlin look at him.

"What?"

"I saved your life you said. The least you could do to repay me would be to buy me a coffee."

Arthur looks at him for a few seconds and can't believe his ears.

"Sure!" he says quickly, extending a hand "I'm Arthur by the way"

"Nice to meet you Arthur, I suppose you already know my name"

Arthur looks at him sceptically.

"You mean to tell me that your name is really Merlin? Really?"

Merlin smiles and turns to point at the first Costa they find on the road.

"Like the Wizard" *** Merlin watches Arthur talk about how he has succeeded in creating a small corner of the garden on his balcony, how his eyes light up genuinely happy that he has succeeded in something he thought impossible, observes how he gesticulates animatedly and how he responds in a decidedly snobbish manner when something doesn't suit him.

Merlin watches Arthur and there is something about him that makes him say without a second thought "I'll come and have a look at your garden and we could work on it together"

Merlin observes how Arthur looks at him gratefully and how the coffee they were to have together becomes lunch and how Arthur manages to respond to his sarcasm with more sarcasm.

Merlin will have to buy Gaius dinner for convincing him to open that YouTube channel, months and months ago.

[silent-raven13]

You were everything, Sunflower!

Warning: Angst!

Hobie walks down the hallway seeing nurses passing by him, his heavy boots thud against the tile floor. His accessories would jingle or clink whenever he took a step. Hearing the sounds of beeps, the smell of medicine, chemicals and old office tickled his nose. One hand dangled in his leather pocket while the other hand carries a bouquet of Sunflowers.

The closer he got to his distention, the more anxious he felt. His heart pounding against his chest, he suck in his lip piercing playing it- a bad habit of his when he's nervous. He heard his friends' voices talking, "Miles, you have to try it. It's so good." Gwen's being first.

"Yeah, I would love to." Miles' voice rings Hobie's ear.

"Yeah, they got so many flavors!" Pavtri happily said, "Next time we'll go!" His laughter dies down.

Miles softly said, "Yeah..."

When Hobie enters the room, he found his Sunflower on sitting up on the hospital bed. It's been two years since Miles been in and out of the hospital, he gotten extremely ill. Turns out he had develop an unknown cancer that is greatly affecting his whole body. He went through chemo, tries many treatments- none were working. In the end, Miles refuse to take it all and rather live the life he wanted.

Now, the cancer has taking its toll. One mission, Miles passed out from the lost on energy, taking him to med-bay in HQ. Miguel had worked on finding a cure. The treatment with Miguel's new drug were working for a bit until the cancer came twice as strong. Miles was dying and he knows it. They all know their friend is slowly leaving them.

Day by day they saw him losing weight, so much weight. His once golden brown skinned turning dull, skinny limbs and hollow cheeks. Bags under his eyes grew from the lack of sleep. Weak and fragile to the point he needs help to be taken to the bathroom.

Peter and May would come by to cheer him up. It didn't stop Peter from crying in another room watching his student, his son withering away. Miguel worked long harsh hours to do whatever he can to help Miles' to get better, failing at this one last chance.

Miles refused anymore treatments, now ready for death. He's planning to go home to spend his last time with his family. Hobie saw how Rio and Jeff put on a brave face for their son, and it's the worst sight to see. They couldn't do nothing to save their son.

Parents who love and protect their child with their lives, are unable to save their son. Rio develop a habit of taking pills from time to time with a glass of wine. Jeff working long hours, drinking more often. They were on thin ice with many cracks, soon they will fall. The destruction of child lost is so close.

Hobie saw how Gwen and Pavtri were sadly looking down at Miles. They were there from the beginning trying to do anything to keep the illness off their minds. It's ignorant bliss, but it works. Until they saw Miles coughing up blood, and refusing to eat anything. His thin fragile body ready to shut down. It's the worst.

Miles's lit up the same way Hobie's did. When they saw each other, it felt like they can live a life of peace. "Hey Hobie." Miles finally said even with his head shaved having a beanie on to hide it, his fragile thin bones and chapped lips- He's still the most beautiful man in Hobie ever seen. Just breathless.

"Hey, Sunflower. I got you something." Hobie holds a bouquet of flower out.

Miles' eyes lit up with joy, "They're beautiful." He reaches his hand out to hold them. The bouquet of Sunflower felt heavy but he slowly hugs them, then sniffs them. "Mmm, they smell so fresh."

"Hey, man. Nice seeing you." Pavtri gave the punker a side hug.

Gwen weakly smile at him, "Yeah. Good to see you." Then she saw Miles then saw Hobie giving her a look. Right. "Hey, Miles. How about I get a vase to put them in."

"Yeah! They would look nice on the drawer over there." Miles nodded handing them to Gwen.

Gwen took Pavtri's hand, "Come on, Pav. let's go find a vase."

Pavtri saw Hobie nodding at him. "Okay! Um will be back Miles."

"Okay." Miles chuckles then he coughs a couple of times with his weak thing hand over his mouth, "Sorry."

"Nah it's all good." Gwen softly said before the two left leaving the punker and artist all alone.

Hobie stood with both hands in his pocket as he saw the eighteen year old, looking at him. "Oi, Sunflower, lookin' good with that shabby beanie?" He ruffles the beanie making Miles giggles.

"Thanks, would you be surprised that Pav made it for me." He fixes his beanie, it's a bright colors beanie similar to Pav's Spider-man design.

"Nah, I couldn't tell." Hobie pulls up a seat to relax and get comfortable, having to joke.

"Hahaha, yeah. it's so not Pav's colors." Miles teased back. "So, how was band practice?"

There wasn't a day Hobie missed to be with Miles, every single day he comes by even if Miles is sleeping or having one of his moments. Hobie will forever be there. No matter what.

"Yeah it was alright. Had to steal new guitar strings for this lass, right here." Hobie shows off his guitar having new strings.

Miles nodded, "Aye, pretty sweet. I like the gold colors."

"Yeah, it was the expensive kind." Hobie let Miles hold his guitar. "Feel them. it got a nice crisp to it."

"Hehe, crisp?" Miles's dainty thing finger tips slowly pull one string giving a beautiful note. "Ahh, I get it."

"Right. Right!" Hobie chuckles.

Miles coughs again, "Oh, sorry man." He coughs harshly this time grabbing a napkin to cough up the blood.

Hobie quickly took the guitar away, he handed Miles some glass of water, "Easy. Easy." He saw the napkin with splotches of blood, it made him sick to his stomach.

Miles noticed the way Hobie looked at it so he quickly hide it. He sips a bit of his water with a straw, "Mm, I'm good. It's been happening a lot lately." His sunken eyes exhaustedly on Hobie, "Ohh is it fine if I just lay a bit. I'm pretty tired from that."

"Have you eaten?"

"I don't hungry much."

"You should try to eat." Hobie softly said.

"I ate Jello." Miles turns to him having to admire the punker. "So?"

"So?" Hobie gave a warm smile.

"So, have you met anyone? You lookin' good. Smelling good, too."

"Nah, I'm always like this, Sunflower." Hobie never some anyone to be with in a serious sense, not since he first laid eyes on him. He only care about his appearance to catch Miles' eyes on him, to see those doe eyes admiring him.

"You're right." Miles snickers, "But you should try. Didn't you use to go out with someone?" Miles always find Hobie so cool, so well experienced. Everything Hobie did always amazed him.

Shame the two never told their feelings for each other. Miles knew at one point he has to tell him before it's too late. He worries to be rejected but it should be okay. Hobie had always be there for him.

"Nah," Hobie shook his head, "I met a friend but she was only a friend." There was a point when Hobie was in depression, he and Miles fought about the treatment. When he heard about his Sunflower stopping the treatment, it sent him in a fits of anger. He went to the club to get drunk and sleep with someone, but his heart aches- He cries to Gwen and Pav about his fear of losing Miles.

At least, Gwen knock some sense into him. She had to tell him that if he doesn't be there for Miles, then he will regret for the rest of his life. Which is true, because that's the day he saw Miles' broken down.

Miles' crying into his hands, "I hate feeling like this! I can't do it again, Miguel! I need to feel good. I hate the fucking drugs. It's making me feel like shit!"

"Miles, por favor. At least, wait for till I create another treatment. I swear, I'm so close. This is only one error, but I promise I will fix this. I will find the cure!" Miguel placed one hand on Miles' small back, his voice calm yet afraid of giving up. He knows he can find the cure if he had more time.

"No. I can't! I'm tired, Miguel. i'm so tired. I hate how everyone is giving these looks- My mom and dad aren't talking to each other. I'm being a burden! Even I had to argue with my friends about my decision! I'm tired, I'm so exhausted. I can't do this anymore. It's better this way. I know, I'm dying. There's no hiding that. Please, let me have this."

Miguel sighs in defeat, "Alright. Fine. But I promise you, I will find it. At least hold out." He left feeling upset with himself. Miguel couldn't save another child, leaving him in a deep depression. He was determined to find a cure for Miles. Was it for forgiveness from their past? Perhaps, but he couldn't see this Spider-man go out like that.

As for Miles, he weeps in tears. His trembling hands hugging himself being alone in the room. Hobie watched from the door. Hearing his Sunflower crying to himself, broke him. He didn't want to leave him all alone, he couldn't.

When Miles weeps himself, he felt a heavy jacket around him, "Huh?"

"I'm sorry, Sunflower. I'm selfish to think about you getting better instead of thinking what you want." Hobie weeps with him, his hand caress Miles' cheek wiping off the tears from his eyes. "Don't cry no more, luv. Please. I'm here." The two hug in silence they stayed like that the next day.

They were talking for a bit. Mostly Hobie about his day, while Miles listens. Lately he normally listens being so tired. "You know, I've been wanting to tell you something for a while, luv." Hobie clears his throat. He finally has the strength to tell him. The courage had came up to him, he wants to be Miles' partner, even if it's a short while.

Why he never confessed to his Sunflower? He doesn't know- Maybe the fear of rejection or the fear of finally having him! To be with him and love him to only see him buried. Hobie knows he's not good with abandonment, but he knows he will regret it if he doesn't confessed.

So with a deep breath he continues, "You know, we been friends for a while." He clears his throat.

"You need water, man?" Miles force himself to sit up being concerned, "Here, drink some of mine."

"Thanks, luv. I'm fine. Don't fret too much over me. Just rest. Here, tuck yer'self in." Hobie went to over to let Miles lay back down with a quilt by Miss Morales give for her son to keep warm. "Look, luv. I've... I've-" Miles caress his cheek, "Shh, Hobie. Shh." He used the last bit of energy to kiss Hobie's lips.

Hobie froze feeling chapped lips being so gentle, so cold like he kissed a ghost. It took a moment for him to realized, Miles pulled away from him looking at him being worried. "Hobie? I'm so-" Hobie quickly kisses Miles again and again. He carefully leans over to deepen the kiss. They both felt like they were on air, their love showing. When they pull away, Miles let out a boyish giggle, "You like me." He sang at his punker.

"What can I say? I'm enchanted by your beauty, luv." Hobie lowly said.

"I'm always been this beautiful." Miles jokes, "lay with me."

Hobie slowly got on the bed letting Miles have more space on the bed, "You are." He smiles at him.

"How long you were you into me?" Miles finally asked.

"For the longest, Sunflower." The punker rest his arm on Miles' thin waist, "You don't know how long I've been wanting to kiss you."

"Me too." Miles' eyes lit for the moment then a tear shedding down his cheek, "We could've been together already if..."Hobie quickly wipe his tears off his face, "Shh. Shhh, luv. We're here."

"But what if," Miles weeps, "You hate me or you leave when..." His hand holds onto Hobie's hand, the one touching his cheek, "When I get too sick? Or you'll hate seeing me-" Hobie hushes him, "No, I promise to you I never leave by your side, Sunflower. I love you! I love more than anything in these bloody multi-worlds." His eyes watered, "No matter what. You are my soulmate."

Miles' lips quiver feeling so touched yet upset, "I don't want to leave you." His hand grips on to his punker's large rough hands feeling the callous on the finger tips. "I just got you and- I don't want to die." He finally broken down.

"Shh, Shh. I'm here. I know, luv. I know." Hobie pulls him into his chest, his nose buried into Miles' beanie. It smells like a mix of spices and Miles' citrus scent. A tear drips from Hobie's eyes, "I know."

"I'm just so tired, Hobie. So fucking tired. I hate feeling this way." Miles cries, "I can't do it anymore but I don't want to leave you, Gwen, Pav... Peter and May- MY mami and dad! Everyone- Fuck, even I'll miss Miguel."

"Shh, luv. I know. I know. I don't want you to go, but it's okay too." Hobie whispers, "I see how exhausted you are. It'll be selfish of me to want you to be here in this fucking terrible room with the these machines."

Miles sniffs finally staring at Hobie, "And it's not fair that we couldn't be together longer."

"I know, luv. I know." Hobie kisses Miles, "Let's be together as much as possible. No more wasting the time we have left."

Miles pulls away calming down, his arms wrapping around his Hobie's body. "You were a wonderful experience, Hobie Brown." He finally said in a calm tone, his eyes on his punker already making his final moments.

"You were everything, Sunflower." Hobie sniffs, as he leans over to kiss him again. He left Miles rest in his arms, having the saddest worries- his heart aches knowing this will be one of their final moments to talk about it.

"I love you." Miles rested his head onto Hobie's chest feeling relieved, knowing he had everything he ever wanted in his arms. His eyes closed softly feeling his energy slipping away.

"I love you, too, Sunflower." Hobie softly said.

Just like that Miles let out his final breath feeling so cold, his face looked so angelic. Hobie weeps into his lifeless body, never wanting to let him go. He cries so much that day, a sorrowful cry like never before. His beautiful Sunflower can finally rest in peace.

[daydreaming-en-pointe]

A very Spidey Christmas - Hobie

Pairing: Hobie Brown x GN!Reader (1610!Miles, Gwen, 42!Miles, Margo, and Pavitr are here too)

Word count: 992

Warnings: One cuss word, usage of nicknames (peng, dove, my love) Hobie calls Miles ‘Peter Pan’ (not a warning per se but I just thought ppl might now understand it bc it might be a lil obscure or smth idk) slightly ooc Gwen, mild ghostflower/gwiles and some (subtle) prowlerbyte stuff <3

A/N: Can you tell I put the most effort into this 💔

VEE I USED YOUR GUIDE 😁 very helpful 10/10 would recommend so everyone go give it a read!

The sun was slowly sinking on the horizon, lighting up the frozen patterns inside the icicles hanging on the branches of trees as you finished determinedly constructing your snowman. Or rather, snow-building.

You had been hard at work for almost an hour now, and with the first traces of the evening starting to graze the darkening sky you stepped back to admire your handiwork, then decided to go over to everyone one by one to see their creations.

You had made an elaborately-designed snow-igloo, complete with miniature city built from snow surrounding it. You had painstakingly replicated the Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, and the Empire State Building out of small sticks and carefully-placed blankets of snow.

Your pride and joy of your entire display, however, was the diverse cast of tiny snow-people that sat on the ceiling dome of the igloo in various candid poses.

Snow-Hobie was distinguished by giant boots and a leather vest, the spikes on his mask and shoulders - made from twigs that were meticulously selected - sticking out at random angles as he played his little guitar for his audience. Which was, of course, namely the snow version of you - sitting cross-legged in front of him, every bit as supportive of him as you were in real life.

Ballet slippers and a hood set Gwen apart from the others as she danced en-pointe on the edge of the igloo, the perfect muse for an artist’s sketches. You had managed to replicate Miles’ hairstyle to a tee on his snow doppelgänger as he sat with his sketchbook in front of him, drawing Gwen as she posed for him.

Snow-Pavitr hung off one of the lower levels of the igloo’s walls, a thin web connecting him to the ceiling as his hair - and the fabric of his dhoti pants - all flopped to one side. Snow-Margo with her Afro puffs and the tiny version of the other Miles with his Prowler suit and braids were engaged in a conversation on the other side of the igloo dome, random parts of machinery scattered around them as they compared notes on everything they knew about technology and tinkering.

You wandered over to where Miles was working away at his snow sculpture, looking over his shoulder at the sharp edges and added flair of various leaves, stems and flowers which made his unique art style all the more recognizable even off the paper.

“What’re you making, Miles?”

“Oh, hi, Y/N! I’m actually trying to build Gwen… I’m not sure if it’s coming out well though.” He sat back and rubbed the back of his neck as he critically examined his creation. You took in the petals forming her hood, the leaves wrapped over each other to form her chucks, and the stems woven together to imitate a web shooting out from her wrist. “Well, I think it’s really cool.”

“Wait, really? Miles, that’s so sweet! I’m trying to make you too!” Gwen, who was sitting only a few feet away, gave him a warm smile and Miles just about lit up brighter than a Christmas tree. You chuckled under your breath at his reaction.

“I made a dog!” Pavitr piped up, proudly gesturing to his snow-dog. “His name’s Gulab Jamun!”

He was unfortunately sitting right in one of the sun’s last dying rays, so the dog’s face looked a little bit like a melted candle, but everything else had turned out pretty well.

“Pavi, I think now might not be the best time,” Margo murmured with a soft laugh, crouching to look at his sculpture. “It’s a good dog though.”

“They’re so in love it makes me sick,” Miles remarked, standing and looking at Gwen and Miles skeptically with his arms crossed. Margo lifted her head to glare up at him and he raised his palms in mock surrender. Though the small, fond smile that tugged at his lips as he looked at the purple spidergirl didn’t quite escape your watchful gaze.

“Don’t worry about ‘im, Peter Pan! ‘E’s just taking the mick,” Hobie called out reassuringly to Miles, who was now frowning slightly at the version of himself from another universe. “Lay off him, bruv! Man’s trying his best, innit?”

You joined Hobie a few metres away from everyone, where he appeared to be taking a break. “‘Ey, dove!” He called, his eyes lighting up with a grin when he saw you. You went to sit next to him and he wrapped a long arm around you. “‘Ow’s it goin’?”

“It’s good! I just about finished.” You turned to angle your gaze down at his… sculpture? Was that the right word for it? Maybe the term abstract art piece fit better? “Hobie, love, what’s yours supposed to be?”

“Oh, it’s a me’aphor for capi’alism.”

“Did it… fall apart?” You asked carefully, not wanting to come off as rude but also trying your best to understand what was in front of you.

“What d’you mean, peng ting? I actually patterned up and made it as thought-provokin’ as I could,” He sounded so genuinely puzzled by your questions that you decided to stop beating around the bush.

“Okay, I’ll bite. Hobie, that’s a pile of snow throwing up a middle finger.” You leaned forward slightly to see his masterpiece - a deliberately messy pile of snow flipping the world off, complete with a Norman Osborne figurine drowning in the snow in the centre, it’s eyes scratched out in Sharpie with bold X’s. “And is that… an Osborne action figure? Is this supposed to be something about him drowning in money he doesn’t deserve or even need? And the snow is supposed to symbolize the money saying, ‘fuck the world’?”

“See, now ya got it!” Hobie said proudly, not at all offended by your confusion and slight skepticism. “Now let’s go inside, shall we? My fingers are startin’ to freeze.”

“Your fingers are always freezing. Honestly, you’re somehow always so cold it’s a wonder that you’re not perpetually an ice cube.”

“All I’m ‘earin’ is that you think ‘m cool.”

@vhstown @l0starl @tatumis-a @deritosmi @hobiebrownismygod @therealloopylupin2099

[earlgreyinpajamas]

Do you have any comfort fics? Like, fics where you’re having a bad day and rereading them makes you feel better?

merthur

1. match made in (heaven) by radioactivesunflower

“You are a client. This is my job. I’m not here to be your best friend. I am here to make the best match for you so you can find love. If you are not going to take this seriously, just leave. I have plenty of people who want my services.”

By this time, he had finished his little rant. Arthur’s smile was downright wicked as he leaned forward in his seat, holding eye contact with Merlin. “I was just going to do one meeting to please Morgana and piss off after, but you know what?” Merlin didn’t want to know what, as it sounded very bad for him.

“You intrigue me, Merlin. Let’s see you work your magic! Find me my true love, wizard boy.”

aka the one where merlin is a matchmaker and a big fat lair arthur likes to spend most of his time annoying merlin a love story between a matchmaker and client that share a past only one knows about

~~~

a newer fic but it gave me fuzzies when i finished so it has been promoted to comfort fic

2. The Proposition by fifty_fifty

Hit by another scandal and with the reputation of the monarchy hanging on by a thread, Prince Arthur finds himself in desperate need of an image rehabilitation.

When the press assumes his blossoming friendship with his maths tutor Merlin is more of a romance, his father proposes a proposition: ask Merlin to continue portraying a wholesome relationship for a few months to regain the prince’s reputation, and receive his university costs paid off in full in return.

With his image restored and a new beau lined up, Arthur is left with a difficult decision; bend to his fathers will, or defy him.

In the end, it’s not such a tough choice. Love always wins.

~~~

just them being in love + the ending also gave me toothaches therefore a comfort fic

3. With Flowers in Your Hair, With Courage in My Heart by Mischel (@magicalmischel) 

Merlin's magic has always been connected to his emotions, but when it starts reacting to his love for Arthur and flowers start appearing every time he looks or thinks about him, instead of a confession he chooses to pretend he has a magical cold. Arthur doesn't like it when Merlin avoids him though. And neither does Gaius. Or Morgana. Or Gwen. Or even the bloody dragon, it seems.

Sooner or later, they'll have to talk. And Merlin can only hope that Arthur won't mind the mountain of flowers they're swimming in because really, it's his fault for being so damn good-looking.

Written for the flower mini-challenge on the Merlin Fic Book Club server on Discord.

+ ART

~~~

and this is angst free and full on fluff for a really bad day

00q

Spies That Are Ridiculous by Celyan

James has plans for his Quartermaster.

~~~

they're in love. that's the plot

2. Third Valentine’s the Charm by Castillon02 (@castillon02)

The first time, Bond was in Rio from 3 to 16 February, and between him and 003 in Kiev, Q didn’t even think about Valentine’s Day until he was browsing the half-priced chocolate at his local Waitrose.

~~~

they're such dorks i want to keep them in my pocket forever

3. Casting On by storm_of_sharp_things

Bond and Q are delicately knitting a relationship together but Bond is far too free with gift-giving for Q’s taste.

~~~

asdhfjkjfhl bond

[dreamin-gacha]

Random Queer Headcanons

Xavier is a sad middle aged gay man

Aoi is a lesbian but has never been on a date ever in her life because when ever she tries to ask out a girl, it fails.

Nova is gay but didn’t realize he was until he was in the military.

Cyko is a bisexual but that’s like canon I’m pretty sure.

Magy is a lesbian and has a slightly good taste in women.

Ellyn is sapphic and has a terrible taste in women and this is evident because she’s dating Magy.

Phantom is like 100s of years old, so he doesn’t believe in gender and goes by any pronouns as well as dresses how ever they please.

Queen Karma is aroace. She only cares about money, alcohol and her kids (Yuma and Yumi)

Inferno is gay. Like a flaming homosexual (literally)

Gwen is a lesbian and likes to pick pretty flowers for all her friends.

Robin is gay being too self obsessed to truthfully get into a relationship. So much to where when he gained a crush on a man for the first time, he cried because “why does this random man I met have the audacity to take up spade in my mind. That’s for me, myself, and I”

Cupid is pansexual and also asexual.

Hermit is bisexual and gave his pet turtles little bi pride flags to put on their shells.

Jester is a trans woman and silly and she deserves so much better than the design they gave her.

Reed is gay and has one of the worst taste in men anyone has ever seen. Shishi cries because of how bad her son’s taste in men is.

She’s a lesbian by the way with worst taste than him.

DJ Vinyl is a trans man cause I said so

[sugar-coated-prat-dragon]

Title: Arthur was in the dungeon for hours, before Gwen arrived to retrieve the flower for the antidote🥀

Episode: "The Poisoned Chalice" questions #3

Questions by @tansyuduri

Tagging: @miyriu

Books used for reference: Potions and Poison, The Poisoned Chalice, Sword and Sorcery and Merlin Complete Guide

Question: Uther: “Gaius says? That’s exactly what makes it so!”

Is Uther’s attitude meant to imply that he doesn’t trust the psychian’s opinion because of the hand he played in suggesting using the old religion to give Uther a son?

If so, why would Uther forgive him? The only thing I can think is if Gaius talked about how magic had tricked him and gave Uther something else to blame?

My answer: Actually, the books makes it clear that Gaius warned Uther that no good would come of using witchcraft at Arthur's birth and Uther acknowledges that. He decided to go through with it regardless.

In the aftermath, the pact of silence on their parts about the details of the magical pact. only brought the king and the physician closer together, because of their shared secret.

I think the reason for Uther’s harsh words in the episode are simply because only nobles have worth in the kings eyes and while Gaius is generally well-regarded, despite his lower rank… Uther often shows little faith in him.

“Uther shows little faith in his physician - although he later apologizes for the betrayal” (Source: Merlin complete Guide)

Book description:

- BEFORE THE PURGE: Once Gaius was a sorcerer and a friend to sorcerers - as Uther is aware. It was due to his magical knowledge that Gaius was chosen to negotiate with the sorceress Nimueh to arrange an heir for Uther.

This pact not only brought the king and the physician together, the shared secret bound them to each other for ever.

NOBILITY: To Uther, only nobles have any worth.

Those of lesser rank may become well regarded - Gaius, for example - but their fortune is entirely dependent on the king's whims.

Uther shows little faith in his physician, accepting the word of the stranger Edwin Muirden that Gaius is incompetent - although he later apologizes for the betrayal.

- 'I should have listened to you. You said that no good would come of using witchcraft at Arthur's birth.'

Gaius was in no mood to argue with the king over things long since past. 'You wanted an heir, he said. 'You thought it was the only way.'

Both physician and king fell silent, thinking of that terrible time.

Question: Gwen: “HE'S STOPPED BREATHING”

Oh look our first hint Merlin is immortal. I find his brand of immortality intersting. HE CAN DIE.. then he just comes back after a bit?

My answer: It’s funny because when I first watched this episode, I legitimately didn’t even consider that Merlin had died and come back. I thought Gaius had simply been mistaken.

It wasn’t until after reading the books that it became crystal clear that Merlin had died not only in this episode, but both times he was hit by the Sidhe staff blasts. (S1:E7 and S1:E12)

Both books back it clear that not only did Gaius literally bend down and try to listen for a heartbeat. He tried his hardest to detect the faintest sound of a heartbeat or hint of movement, only to hear nothing and recognize that his charge was dead.

Book description:

The doctor put his ear to Merlin's chest, listening for a heartbeat, trying to detect the faintest sound or hint of movement.

There was nothing, and Gaius suddenly felt like an old, old man. 'His heart has stopped.'

'He's dead?' Gwen's voice was dull with shock.

- An age passed, it seemed, and Gaius worried that it was altogether too silent. Merlin's head rested far too still on the pillow.

There were no croaking gasps. Nothing.

'His heart has stopped.. He let his words tail off as he stood back, not wanting Gwen to hear the telltale cracks in his voice.

- Gaius retreated another step from the bed. He had no answers to give her. He couldn't tell her the truth, not when he wanted to believe the lie himself.

But destiny amounted to nothing; he couldn't argue with the evidence of his own eyes. He had failed the boy. Merlin was dead.

Thought: Merlin’s death after being given the poison remedy was rather quick?

My answer: Merlin lasted much longer against the flowers poison then was shown on screen.

The book mentions that Arthur had returned hours before Gwen was able to grab food in a desperate attempt to see him and sneak down to the dungeon’s masquerading as the servant who would bring him food.

Gwen also felt guilty about the time she spent taking detours in the corridors in order to evade the guards as she was chased.

Merlin held out for hours after Arthur returned with the antidote (Uther kept his son in that cell for.. Far too long) and after he’d already drained a lot of energy summoning his magic to protect the prince from a great distance.

That’s really incredible if you think about it.

He held out as long as he could before dying.

Good thing he’s immortal.

Book description:

News of Arthur's return had reached them some hours ago, as Gwen - on one of her errands - had overheard the guards talking.

- Arthur had no real idea of how much time he had waited, but he was starting to count the paces as he moved around in his cell. And that meant it had been too long already.

Far too long.

- 'It's my fault,' she concluded mournfully. 'If I'd got here sooner.' She relived her flight through the corridors.

All those stupid detours as she'd sought to evade the guards. 'If I'd been quicker..'

- Finally Merlin fell quiet. His head sank back onto the pillow and he lay still. His breathing, though, was ragged and far too rapid.

Gaius watched as the light in the centre of the blue ball faded. And then the sphere itself disappeared, leaving Merlin's upturned palm lying empty on the sheet.

Whatever the globe's specific purpose, it seemed its job was done.

The boy was spent, overcome with exhaustion. His complexion was paler, the grey around his eyes deeper than ever. The fight, as Gaius had feared, had taken a severe toll.

Just as the light had faded, so Merlin was fading now.

Gaius' hopes were fast following suit.

[bibiwrld]

ON HIS NERVES🩹| Miguel O’Hara

★ Miguel O’Hara x Black spider woman oc

★ Content: Teasing, flirting

—Synopsis: Alice Bernard, also known as Spider-Lily, was recruited by Jessica Drew 3 months ago. She was one of her kind. She was easygoing, kind and knew how to get on Miguel’s nerves.

–one.

ALICE’S POV

“Alice!” Ben Reilly called out dramatically against a wall.

I laughed and waved at him. “Hi Ben!”

“Oi! Alice!” Hobie waved from a table surrounded by Gwen, Miles and Pavitr.

They all waved at me.

“Hey guys!” I waved back and continued walking.

I am Spider-Lily. Named after the flower the radioactive spider that bit me, ingested.

It happened during a family vacation, while I explored the meadow. The spider escaped the unknown lab, finding its way to the meadow of various flowers, drinking the nectar of the red spider lily flower.

I was so stupid for crouching down to the flower, putting my finger out for the spider to crawl on it, but then again, I wouldn’t be who I am today.

My suit was full skin tight spandex. It was dark green, with red fingers and feet. Yellow webbing designs on my mask, arms legs and chest, with a matching yellow spider on my chest. My mask had red swirly designs and tiny yellow dots around the eyes, similar to the spider lily flower.

My abilities consisted of releasing poisonous pollen, shooting natural red webs with green tips from my wrists, that grow like vines and releases poison venom on command. I can grow the spider lily flower straight from the palm of hands, it’s a little party trick of mine. And like the flower, I bring death upon others— that’s if I felt like it.

It’s not like I haven’t killed before.

I was recruited by Jessica Drew 3 months ago, while defeating Doc Ock. She saw my potential. After joining this spider society, my life has been nothing but amazing adventures.

Then there was Miguel O’Hara, the boss. When I first came to HQ, I was blinded by his beauty, then there was that scary, gloomy and mean demeanor. After arguing with Jess for 15 minutes, he threw a watch at me and dryly said “Welcome to the club.”

A true asshole.

I’ve proved myself to him, but I went against protocol a few times, making me his second least favorite spider person, Miles being number one.

He is so fine, I’d jump at any opportunity to let him fuck me— keep it professional Alice!

My spidey senses went off and MayDay fell into my arms from the ceiling.

She giggled and looked at me. She was the cutest little thing. I cuddled her in my arms.

“MayDay!” I heard Peter B call.

I look at her. “How do you manage to always slip away from your Dad?”

She only clapped and smiled in response.

“She’s over here!”

Peter B hurried over. “Oh thank you, Alice. Your mom would kill me if anything happened to you Mayday.”

I handed her over to him and he placed her securely in the baby carrier on his chest. “It’s no problem.” I looked at Mayday and patted her head. “And you stay out of trouble.”

Peter B ruffled her hair. “Oh she will.”

I waved goodbye to them and continued walking, greeting all the other spider persons. They were all so sweet.

Walking backwards and waving, my spidey senses went off. I quickly turned around, but it was too late, bumping into what felt like a solid wall.

I backed up, rubbing my head. “My fault.”

His back muscles tensed before turning around to me. His tall stature was so intimidating, but so hot.

He glared daggers at me.

“Alice.” He looked me up and down.

“Miggy!” I greeted sweetly.

“Don’t call me that.”

“But you love it.” I twirled around him, he followed my every move.

“No, I don’t.” He replied.

Lyla appeared by his shoulder. “Alice! Hiii!”

“Lyla!” I waved. “Doesn’t Miguel love the nickname I gave him?”

“Yes he does.”

“Lyla!”

I enjoyed teasing him. I guess you could say I get on his nerves.

He pinched the bridge of his nose. “No I don’t.”

“Aren’t I your favorite?” I laughed.

“No.” He stepped closer to me.

I stared up at him, a smile hiding underneath my mask.

“Yes she i—”

“Be quiet, Lyla!” He waved away the AI, but she reappeared again, laughing.

“Awwww, you care about me.” I gushed, hands on my cheeks. “You should let me take you out sometime pretty boy.” I winked.

He tensed up and walked away with no response.

“He’d totally love that.” Lyla whispered to me.

“Lyla!” He shouted.

She giggled before disappearing.

Next part: –two.

[worthyprnce]

every time I think about this I try to comfort myself with the thought that merlin, a magical being, magic itself, wouldn't struggle with this and he would be able to remember it all.

but have you ever caught yourself thinking about merlin, after all those years without arthur, without lancelot, gwaine, his friends and family, and after everyone that he loved and cared about is no longer here, trying to remember their faces and realising he no longer remembers them correctly?

a few decades after everyone is gone, when he first realised his memories were failing him, he tried desperately to draw. he often hurt his fingers and wrists for drawing for too long and holding the pencil with too much force and desperation. but it never turned out to be like he still remembered them, and merlin was never good with art.

he tried paying different artists, but he never got the results he needed. there was always something missing, something wrong. it was never enough, so he just gave up.

he kept on telling stories, repeating them over and over again, even to himself whe he was alone with no one else to hear, as his last attempt to not forget them completely and also keep their memories alive in the imagination of others, not to be the only one cursed with this burden.

but every time he tries to remember their faces or voices any further, he gets frustrated with his lack of memory.

trying so hard to hear arthur's voice, only to find out it has been consumed by his mind and now he can't remember what he sounded like. he had this accent but... what did it sound like? he doesn't remember.

gwen was always smelling like this flower.... what was it again? roses? lavender? no, that was his mother.

his mother... merlin can't feel the ghost of her soft and comforting touches anymore.

he can't remember lancelot's smile or leon's face shape. he is not sure anymore about the exact colour of gwaine's eyes... light brown? green? hazel? he used to love the way they shined. what was it that made elyan look so much like his sister again? they had the same eyes, right? or was it their mouth shape? wait, what colour were percival's hair? blond maybe. maybe not, but he can't see it as clearly as before.

what about gaius? the old man was like a father for him and now he can't even remember his voice, his face, his habits. he is starting to forget so much of what he'd learnt from the old physician too. he no longer needs most of it, anyway.

all his friends and family. their faces like a blurred reflection in agitated water. their voices lost somewhere, carried by the wind away from him.

[bunnyramen]

Tw/Death/Talk of Self Sacrifice

Despite all he’d done, fighting himself, fighting the spot, jumping from dimension to dimension, they still couldn’t save his dad in time.

The kicker was that an hour before him, Rio had come in contact with a patient that had a venom symbiote. While police were shooting to kill the alien that was destroying the hospital, a bullet ricocheted and hit his mother.

It severed an artery in her arm, and she bled out before anyone could get to her.

When he came back, he was met with family members and police telling him the news.

He was never ok with losing his Dad and he never will be ok with it. But losing his mom on the same day, it was too much for him.

So, as Miles watched both of his parents lowered into the earth, no tears could come out.

Flowers upon flowers were laid on both of their graves by Rio’s side of the family, candles, and favors peppered the recently laid dirt.

Everybody was waiting for the other shoe to drop as they watched Miles watch his parents be laid to rest.

Miguel couldn’t say anything to him, and if Miles could think, he’d tell him to never show his face to him ever again.

He doesn’t know why he bothered to show up.

His friends set their versions of objects on their graves, which Miles half appreciated.

Peter B brought a Puerto Rican flag for Rio and a pair of sunglasses for Jefferson.

Peni laid out a mechanical piece shaped like a heart.

Spider Noir had a bouquet of gray roses while SpiderHam brought goofy gag glasses.

(His universe didn’t have much that wasn’t hilarious since people don’t die traditionally)

Hobie, who had worn different color shoelaces out of respect for Miles, put down a candle with one of his lucky guitar strings wrapped around.

Pav brought a small statue that sat between their graves.

Gwen gave them one of her favorite drumsticks and a picture of Miles she had taken.

Margo couldn’t bring anything since she wasn’t there, but she did give him a side hug.

Ganke bowed twice to his mother and father, and once to him.

People tried talking to him, sobbing family and friends from all over the city and even further comforting him, his comrades trying to give their best condolences, but he really couldn’t care less about all that right now.

He tore off the tie he had hastily knotted and failed at doing so because he couldn’t quite remember the way Dad showed him because he was.. numb.

His fingers were numb as threw his tie on the ground.

His head was numb to thoughts that weren’t his parents.

Maybe a glitch will come and undo all this as if it had never happened.

But the multiverse was fixed for the most part.

The probability of things like that happening...

..Zero to none.

He wanted to scream.

What hurt most than being an orphan in just one hour, was that he never got the chance to say he loved them one last time.

He touches his freckled cheeks, the ones his mother gave him, as he breathed a heavy sigh through the lips he got from his father.

Miles plopped down between their two graves, being careful of the stuff people had laid down.

“I never got to tell you guys the biggest secret of them all.” He whispered, “I’m Spider-Man.”

At first, something bubbled in his gut. A warm feeling of.. laughter.

It started as a scoff that led to a chuckle, then a full-bodied laugh came over as he fell backward in tears.

“The biggest fucking thing I was worried about was you abandoning me because of that, and I guess it came true!” Hot globs of anguish flowed down his cheeks, as his laugh grew manic and loud.

He didn’t stop until someone stood over him.

“Miles, you’re hysterical. You need to take a deep breath.” Miguel reached a hand out to try and pick him up, but Miles grabbed his wrist.

With all his Spider-Man strength, he squeezed it and as he looked up into the eyes devoid of much emotion, he had a single thought as his mouth abruptly clamped shut to end his howls.

“It should’ve been you.” He didn’t dare voice it even if at that moment, he wish it would happen just for a second.

He didn’t voice that very real expression of anger, but he did say something a little less harsh.

“I’m allowed to be whatever the fuck I want to be right now.” He lets go of Miguel’s wrist, letting his hand fall limp on the grass.

He didn’t even feel like laughing anymore, just laying there lax, his eyes taking in the oddly clear blue day. If he thought hard enough, this is what it would feel like to be dead.

But there’s no light in a deadman’s eyes, only darkness.

So he closed his own.

He briefly wondered what his Uncle saw right before he died.

If anyone tried to save his mom as she felt her organs shut down from the lack of blood.

What his dad thought about right before that fatal shot to the head.

After a few moments, someone picked him up as they sat on the grass near his body, putting his head in their lap.

He could smell who it was before he opened his eyes, Tía Daniela always smelled like fresh-cut roses.

It didn’t help that she looked so similar to her big sister, just a little more soft and huggable. Even with that, he could still see his mom.

“Let it out, mi amol.” She put a warm hand on his chest, his heart thudding against his sternum, trying to get out from whatever he was keeping in.

He took a sharp, stuttering breath as he sobbed loudly into her skirt, gripping the fabric between his sticky hands. She cradled him against her as if shielding him away from everything.

He didn’t care if all of Brooklyn heard him, he didn’t give a single, solitary shit.

He hoped he was loud enough to wake the dead.

Miles cried until his chest felt it would cave in, something sitting heavy in his chest that wouldn’t get up no matter how much he begged.

“I want.. I want them back. I’d give up my own life just for that to be.”

Daniela cupped his cheek with one manicured hand, “Don’t you dare say that, boy. You know your parents would say the same if you took their place.”

Even in the face of her grief, losing one of her big sisters, here she was comforting Miles.

She appreciated her so much, more than he could voice at the moment.

“We’re gonna take care of you, I promise you that. You’re one of our babies.” She smiled down at him with tears in her eyes, “Oh, I wish I could take this pain away from you.”

Somewhere in between her saying that, and some other family members coming over, he must’ve fallen asleep.

That must’ve been what happened or else he wouldn’t have woken up.. wherever he is.

He’s sure as hell not home or with family, no matter how cozy the bed feels or how comforting the decor is, he doesn’t know where he’s been taken.

His wrists were empty of his webs.

And he wasn’t wearing the suit from the funeral.

Shit.

Hearing voices downstairs, he decided to start there. Miles turned on his invisible, planning to get the jump on whoever it was that kidnapped him.

Who the hell kidnaps a kid at their parent's funeral anyways?

They’ve gotta be sick.

His shoeless feet allowed him to walk on the wall of the stairs, stepping over what looked like family photos.

The voices became clearer as he was in clear view of the living room next to the stairs.

“Don’t you think someone should’ve stayed with him so he doesn’t freak out?”

That was Hobie’s voice.

“Why would he freak out?”

Miguel. (He was still feeling conflicted about talking to him.)

“Oh I don’t know, imagine waking up in a house you’ve never been in, undressed by unknown people plus finding that his webs are stolen.”

“I should go check on him.”

Tía Daniela is here too? But.. that would mean...

He stood on the stairs, looking over the railing, everyone sitting on homey-looking couches. He looked back at the photos he stepped over, they were mostly of Mayday.

Must be Peter and MJ’s house.

Speaking of which, the little girl seemingly looked up at him and pointed. Everybody brought their gaze to where she was giggling and staring, and Miles decided there was no point in hiding.

He uncloaked himself, everybody gained that same pitied look people gave him when his Uncle Aaron had passed.

Except for Hobie, but he didn’t mind. He just had a natural resting bitch face.

“Miles, hey buddy..” Peter was beckoning him to come down with a few swings of his hand.

“Are you feeling hungry?” Mj asked as she made a space on the couch between Daniela and herself for him.

Miles shook his head, “How’d I even get here? What did you tell my Tía?”

“I carried you here through a portal.” Daniela explained, “Peter told me.. everything. He trusted me with such a secret and I’m very grateful. I’m able to better understand what’s going on, even if I don’t quite get what it means to be Spider-Man or ‘canon events’.”

“We brought you here because bringing you to your actual apartment would’ve been too much. Were we wrong about that?” Peni asked, Miles nodded wordlessly.

“Sorry that your folks answered the last roll call, kid. “ Spider-Noir’s wording for their death nearly made him chuckle.

Miles shrugged, not having a clue what to say.

“I know you must not know what to do now, man.” Ganke adjusted his glasses, “My parents would be happy to have you as their kid.”

Miles half smiled, “Thanks, dude.”

“You could come live with one of us. You know any of your family members would be more than happy to take you, Papi.” Daniela wrapped an arm around his shoulder, kissing his forehead.

He was filled with gratitude that everyone was opening their homes up to him, however.. he wished so badly that he could go home to his parents.

Make his dad stand still for a sketch or help Mami with cooking.

But that wasn’t possible now, not in this lifetime at least.

“Actually, and smack me if this crazy-“ Peter felt a tiny smack from Mayday, who he playfully pouted at, “-you could always stay here with us. This is just a suggestion. You’d be able to still go to school, and of course, visit family and friends in Brooklyn anytime. I know you’re in a tough position, and I’d never ask you to make a choice now but-“

“I’ll have to think about it. I’m still pretty.. tired and it just feels.. so strange.”

“Of course, Miles. You got all the time in the world.” Daniela hugged him close.

—-

I only wrote this much but I’m conflicted on who he should stay with. Any ideas?

[unreadpoppy]

The Runaway Bride

Raphael x OC (Gwendolyn Gray)

Summary: After accepting Raphael's proposal, it is finally time for the wedding. But what will happen when Gwendolyn starts to doubt herself?

This is the part two/continuation of Betrayer, so go read that first.

A/N: these two are definetly a couple i would come back to in the future, if anyone were interested. Anyways, have fun reading it!

I'm tagging @fiendish-appreciation because you liked the first part and showed interest in this so idk i thought i should tag you. Anyways, to the fic.

Read on AO3

If there was one thing Gwendolyn had dreamed of since she was a child, it was of having a big wedding ceremony. Like the ones she read about in books or the fairy tales her mother used to tell her before bed.

She used to fantasize about where she wanted it to happen, who would be present, and she’d even draw what she wanted the dress to look like.

Of course, things didn’t exactly turn out as a young Gwendolyn had once imagined. For one, she didn’t imagine her wedding would take place in the Hells. Or that hundreds of thousands of fiends would be in attendance. And she’d never believe that the groom would be the archdevil supreme himself.

But most importantly, when Gwendolyn imagined herself getting married, she’d always believed her mother would be there, to walk her down the isle and help guide her through the day.

She also thought her friends would be there. But Gwen guessed that that’s what killing your companions get. The ones she hadn’t betrayed, who weren’t there when the fight happened, had also left her. The only one who remained had been Scratch.

Since the moment she had woken up, on the day of the wedding, Gwendolyn had felt lonely.

After she had eaten breakfast alone, since according to tradition, the couple wasn’t supposed to see each other yet, the servants had drawn her a bath and helped her wash herself. Then they dressed her, fixed her hair and were now finalizing putting makeup on her.

Scratch was laying at her feet, and every moment she got, she would pet him. At some point, when the servant attending her had left momentarily, she whispered to him. “Oh Scratch… I feel so alone. I wish Mother was here.”

As Gwen looked at herself in the mirror, she felt a sudden sadness. She was supposed to be surrounded by friends and family, she was supposed to be laughing and having fun. Instead, she was feeling lonelier than she had in years.

Not only that, but Gwen had another fear, one she hadn’t told Raphael about. While he was still at least half devil, she was mortal. Although she had spent some time in the Hells alongside him, understanding how ruling worked, she still feared that his, soon to be hers, subjects would reject her.

“You look beautiful, mistress.” One of the servants spoke, taking her out of her own head. Gwen turned to look at her, a young elven woman, and nodded her head in thanks. “Something wrong, mistress? You seem kind of sad.”

Gwen shook her head. “It’s…nothing. Just wedding jitters.” She gave the servant a tight smile. The elf didn’t seem convinced but decided to drop the topic. She walked over to her mistress, veil in hand.

Before the item could be placed on Gwen’s head, the tiefling raised a hand. “Wait. I have to go to relieve myself first.” She stood up from her chair, and various servants went after her, to hold her dress, but Gwen said “I’ll go alone.” She gathered her skirts and hurriedly left the room, Scratch following her.

As soon as she got out, Gwen looked around the hallway, and seeing nobody there, she opened up a portal. Before she walked into it, she turned to the dog. “Scratch, be a good boy and stay here. I’m just gonna go get some air and I’ll be back.” And then, she left.

…

Raphael’s day had gone as he had planned.

Everything was in order - the flowers, the music, the decoration - the guests had arrived on time and he looked great, having ordered a tailored garment for the occasion, shaved his beard and trimmed his hair.

Now, it was only a matter of time until the ceremony began. He waited in his room, sipping on wine. Everything was peaceful until Korilla burst into the room.

“We cannot find her.” The warlock said. Raphael raised an eyebrow and she explained. “I went to the mistress’ room, to bring her to the aisle, and when I got there, all her servants were saying she had gone missing.”

Raphael stood up, furious. “What? How come she left and nobody saw it?” Was his precious partner, the one who had betrayed her friends for him, running away? That couldn’t be. “Gather everyone. I want every corner of the Hells turned over until we find my runaway bride. In the meantime, go tell Mol to entertain the guests.” Korilla nodded and left to go after the others.

Raphael smashed the glass of wine he was holding. After everything they had gone through, she would dare leave him now, embarrassing him in front of his subjects?

No. He would not allow it. The wedding would happen, had she wanted to or not.

… Half an hour had passed, and he had no sight of where Gwendolyn could be. She had left no trace, whatsoever, and she was not to be found in any of the rooms she would normally be - the library, her room, the dining room or even the hellish gardens.

Raphael began to panic. How could a mortal such as she evade him in his own realm? He was so deep in thought, he hadn’t noticed Scratch’s presence until the dog licked his hand. He jumped back in surprise.

“Not now, Scratch.” He tried to shoo the dog away. Raphael had never liked dogs, but for Gwendolyn, he made an exception, considering how attached she was to him. He sighed and looked at the creature. “It seems that your owner has run away.”

At that, Scratch’s ears picked up and he wagged his tail. Then, he began to howl, almost as if he was trying to tell Raphael something. “What is it, boy? Would you happen to know where Gwendolyn is?” Scratch howled again and Raphael got an idea.

“Korilla, come quick.” He summoned the warlock. “I know where she is.”

…

Tahlia Gray had been buried in the gardens outside her home. To mark where she was, Gwendolyn had planted a couple of seeds of forget me nots, and although she hadn’t been there in years - as she was serving in the Hells as Raphael’s consort - the flowers had survived and were now in bloom.

Gwendolyn sat on the bench outside her home, the one that faced the flowers. Tears streamed down her face, as she spoke to herself. “I always thought this would be the happiest day of my life.” She sobbed. “Instead, I’m feeling more lonely than I ever could.” She walked towards the forget me nots and plucked one from the ground. “I wish you were here today, mama.”

Gwen stood there, clutching the delicate flower to her chest, when suddenly, a familiar voice spoke from behind her. “So this is where you’ve run off to.”

“Raphael.” She gasped as she turned around to face him, and immediately lowered her head.

“Gwendolyn.” He spoke, voice full of anger. “Are you trying to run away? To turn your back on me? You should know by now how foolish that is.” Raphael walked closer to her. “I will always come back to find you.”

“I…I didn’t mean to run away.” She said, quietly.

“Then what are you doing here?”

“I…” She turned her back to him. She didn’t want to admit to him how lonely and scared she was. “We’re not supposed to see each other yet. Mother always said it would bring bad luck.”

Raphael was about to reply when he heard her sob. At the mention of her mother, he began to piece together what could be happening.

“Gwen… tell me what is on your head.” He said in a softer voice. When she didn’t reply, he placed a hand on her shoulder, getting closer to her. “Please.”

That made the dam break. “I just feel so alone.” She turned around and looked up at him. Through her tear filled eyes, she could see how his gaze had softened. “This was supposed to be the happiest day of my life but everyone is dead. My mom is not here, she won’t get to walk me down the aisle or see me in a wedding dress.” Gwen stopped to sniffle.

“Tav, my friends and companions, they are gone and it’s all my fault. I don’t deserve to be here, getting married and becoming a wife to the Archdevil Supreme after all I’ve done

She took a deep breath. “And I’m so scared that I’m letting you, and all the other fiends down. Tav would have been a much better leader and consort than I ever will.They should be the ones having a happy life, not I!” Gwen put both of her hands in her face and cried.

Raphael’s eyes were furrowed. Although Gwen had expressed some guilt over what she had done years ago, but now he had realized the hole was much deeper. He wrapped his arms around her in a hug, allowing her to cry on his vest.

He caressed her head as he spoke. “Tav was an ungrateful, scheming, lying bastard who got what they deserve. They could have never reached your status. You have gotten where you are because you took destiny into your own hands and made your own path, that lead you to me.”

Raphael took her chin in his fingers and raised her head towards him. “Look at me. Tradition be damned. I would have not chosen you if you hadn’t proven yourself worthy every step of the way. I would not have come here, in the middle of nowhere to come and get my bride, if I didn’t think you were to be the one to rule besides me.” He looked at the flowers and then back at her.

“And even if your mother isn’t here today, you know how much she had loved you. You gave her the best years of her life.” Gwen nodded. “I’ll make this promise to you. As long as I live, you will never be alone.” Raphael finished his speech, grabbing both of her hands and kissing them, while looking at her mismatched eyes.

“Thank you.” Gwen finally said. “I’m sorry. I should have talked about this long before, and now I’ve ruined-”

He interrupted her. “You have ruined nothing, my dear.”

“But, you´re planning?” She looked at his vest.

He shook his head. “This day is as much about you as it is about me. Even if I’d prefer everything to be in order, exceptions can be made, especially if it is for you.”

“And your clothes…I messed them up, as I imagine my makeup is as well.”

“I am the King, my dear. I can magic those away.” He kissed her on the cheek. “Now, let us go. Your subjects wait for you.” Raphael offered his arm.

“Wait.” She turned around and grabbed a few more forget me nots. “This way mother will be with me.” Gwen smiled and took his arm, allowing themselves to return.

…

After cleaning themselves up, the ceremony proceeded with no more troubles.

Gwendolyn walked down the aisle alone with a bouquet of white roses, magnolias and forget me nots in hand. Her dress was grand and white, with golden embroidery. Raphael had protested due to the color, but they had come to an agreement - he could plan everything else as long as she chose how the dress would look like. A sheer white veil covered her face and Mol, who was now a young adult, was placed behind her, holding the train of the dress.

Once they reached the end, where Raphael was placed, Gwendolyn gave Mol the bouquet, and turned her attention towards him. He was quick to lift her veil up. Due to having no better person, Korilla had been chosen to officiate.

“Do you take this woman, Gwendolyn Gray, daughter of Tahlia Gray, the Hero of Baldur’s Gate, to be your wife?” Korilla said.

“I do.” Raphael answered with a smirk on his face, placing the ring on her finger.

“And do you take this man, Raphael, son of Mephistopheles, Archdevil Supreme, Lord of the Nine Hells, to be your husband.”

“I do.” Gwen smiled as she put the ring on his finger.

“Than I, Korilla Hearthflame, with the powers invested in me by Raphael, pronounce you husband and wife.”

Before the costumery kiss happened. Korilla had produced a cushion with a delicate tiara that much resembled the Crown of Karsus that Raphael wore.

He took the tiara in his hands. “Kneel.” He commanded and Gwen did so.

“With this, I make you not only my wife, but my consort, my partner, the one who will rule besides me, the one true Queen of the Nine Hells.” His voice boomed across the room. “Are you prepared to bear the burden of the crown?”

“Yes, my King.” She said. Then, she felt the tiara be placed on her head, and Raphael’s fingers lifted her face.

“Then rise, my Queen.” He offered his other hand and she grabbed it.

Once she stood up, Raphael pulled Gwendolyn close and kissed her on the mouth. With one hand on the back of her head and the other on her back, he dipped her as they kissed, which made her gasp, as the room erupted into cheers.

Later on, the newlyweds were sat beside a grand table, as guests appeared before them to grant their wishes and present them gifts.

Gwen looked around the room, how happy everyone seemed as they ate and danced. She looked her wedding ring, still not believing it had happened. And finally, she looked at Raphael, her husband.

She placed a hand on his wrist. “I want to thank you. For everything you’ve done for me.”

He put his glass down and smiled towards her. “It is I who should thank you. I would not be here today if it wasn't for your efforts.”

Gwendolyn smiled. “I love you.”

“And I you.” He replied, reaching forwards and kissing her delicately.

THE END