(Just Like) Starting Over ~ DYlogger and Emrys MK
Author: Emrys MK
Artist: DYlogger
Pairings/Characters: Arthur/Merlin, Past Merlin/Will, Hunith, Morgana, Sophia, Gwen, Mordred, Percival, Agravaine, George, Gwaine, Leon, Freya, Gaius, Finna
Rating: Mature
Word Count: 33,000
Warnings: None of the AO3 Warnings apply, but there is a past character death and a fair amount of angst. There is a dream sequence in which a death scene is described, but I warn for it before the chapter in question so it can be skipped.
Author’s Notes: Thanks so much to DYlogger for doing the amazing art pieces/chapter headers for this story (I did the text messages). One of the reasons I adore doing ACBB is because of the writer/artist interaction. I have so enjoyed our Discord chats, and I absolutely love the headers DY did: they illustrate the chapters perfectly.
My immense gratitude to Ando, who read much of the story as I was in the midst of writing the final scenes. I had questions that Ando helped me figure out. Then there is Plane Jane, who beta'd every single word of this story once I finished. Her suggestions and gentle pointers that I use certain words far too often were greatly appreciated. This story is much tighter because of PJ. Thank you, dear! You are a true gem <3
Artist’s Notes: Thank you to MK for writing a fic that was so wonderful to make art for! I had a blast picking out snippets to turn into chapter headers. MK was a blast to work with: supportive, involved with pitching ideas, and super patient with me. It's so nice to see a partnered project come together. :)
Further thanks to Matt for the art beta and for being a rockstar. B)
Summary: Merlin Emrys mourns the death of his partner. He’s lonely and wants to have someone in his life, yet he isn’t quite ready to move on from his once-in-a-lifetime love.
Arthur Pendragon mourns the death of his recently-deceased father and struggles with the relatively recent realisation that he prefers men to women.
A memorable meeting at The Rising Sun could very well be a precursor to great things for these two lost souls. Unfortunately, someone known to both Arthur and Merlin doesn’t want them together.
Link to Fic and Art
Link to Art