Rec (Merlin)
Winter Kiss (16660 words) by 
sky_reid
Summary: Arthur's life seems somehow connected to winter - it starts with his birth, but that's only the first important thing that happens to him while it's snowing outside.
A. k. a. modern setting - lawyer!Arthur's life, which gets much better once learning-to-become-doctor!Merlin becomes part of it.
Thougths:
This story is remarkable for two reasons: the tell-not-show narrative and Arthur. Yes, you heard that right. Despite what I said the other day and what is generally acknowledged, I maintain that tell-not-show (as oposed to show-not-tell) when handled by an author who knows precisely what s/he's doing becomes a style choice and not a flaw. This story, in my view, is an example of when this choice really works.
This story also should be read for Arthur. Merlin's characterization is... interesting, shall we say. :) This Arthur, however, reaches into you, grabs your heart, and squeezes it, and keeps squeezing it throughout the whole story. This look into him is visceral, incredibly intimate, and pulling every string you have.
A very powerful read.
sky_reid
Summary: Arthur's life seems somehow connected to winter - it starts with his birth, but that's only the first important thing that happens to him while it's snowing outside.
A. k. a. modern setting - lawyer!Arthur's life, which gets much better once learning-to-become-doctor!Merlin becomes part of it.
Thougths:
This story is remarkable for two reasons: the tell-not-show narrative and Arthur. Yes, you heard that right. Despite what I said the other day and what is generally acknowledged, I maintain that tell-not-show (as oposed to show-not-tell) when handled by an author who knows precisely what s/he's doing becomes a style choice and not a flaw. This story, in my view, is an example of when this choice really works.
This story also should be read for Arthur. Merlin's characterization is... interesting, shall we say. :) This Arthur, however, reaches into you, grabs your heart, and squeezes it, and keeps squeezing it throughout the whole story. This look into him is visceral, incredibly intimate, and pulling every string you have.
A very powerful read.