Real Bradley and Colin - my favorite RPF fics - My Merlin Recs 10
So, summerpornathon has started and WOW - now I won't have life, because ALL THE PORN TO BE WRITTEN AND ALL THE PORN TO BE READ!
With slight delay though I'm bringing you my recs - this week is for my favorite RPF fics - EXPECT BROLIN FEELS.
As usual, I'm using my comments under the fics as recs - sorry authors!
Before I dive into Brolin - one more rec for the last week's coffeeshop fluff:
the reason that i laugh and breathe by glim
Arthur/Merlin | Words: 8309 | Mature | Modern AU
Summary: Wherein Arthur falls in love with his best friend. (His best friend with benefits.)
Why I rec: This is just a perfect heartwarming story! I loved it, I loved how it was written and how it showed Arthur slowly growing to acknowledge the feeling that was always there. I loved how sweet they were, how domestic and friendly and just lovely! HUGE KUDOS!!!
Thank you mrs_leary for giving me this rec! <3
And now BEST OF BROLIN:
I spent last week rereading ALL junkshop_disco 's Brolin stories, and while I should probably finish this rec-list with them, as they are MERLIN CLASSICS, I will start with it, because they also started my whole Merlin journey for me. I've forgotten who said it once on Twitter that they'll just sit there and read junkshop-disco writing about growing grass and be happy. But yes, I can relate to the feeling.
Maybe The Seaside Is The Place by junkshop-disco
Bradley/Colin | Words: 25000 | light NC17 | RPF | written for merlinbb_rpf
Summary: Colin’s unbreakable rule about not doing anything romantic with his co-stars leads to a heart broken into pieces around his Merlin boots. Years later, an unexpected reunion with Bradley gives him another chance -- assuming he can make room in his schedule between jobs and existential crises for love, that is.
Why I rec: This will always be the most important Bradley/Colin story for me. Firstly, because it made me "join" Merlin fandom, it was my first Merlin and I will be forever grateful for the existence of this magnificent fic that drew me to the whole world of awesomeness and for tuesdaymidnight telling me about it. But what's more valid here is how amazing and gorgeous this painful read is. I love how it hurts, how stubborn Colin is, how lost, how he always runs and denies himself what his heart needs.
I can very much relate to this drifting Colin, who can't remember huge chunks of his life as it passes--when he looks back and doesn't know if he's been happy or not, or just living and pushing with his career and things he was about to do, always looking forward, without noticing himself really. I love how deep in Colin's bones Bradley has settled. How he sees Bradley everywhere, how he wishes he didn't. And, as usual, I love the patient, gentle Bradley junkshop-disco always depicts, way deeper and more layered than people ever give him credit for. I think this is very him.
It's incredible how in a way junkshop-disco anticipated them--how Colin is jumping from one job to another, always doing his projects, always brilliant and talented. And how Bradley has somewhat backed out from acting.
I love junkshop-disco's style of writing, of showing the whole story through little things and situations, and amazing real life dialogues. HER WORDS ARE GOLDEN, honestly, so much talent!
The Colour Of Cartoon Sunshine by junkshop-disco
Bradley/Colin | Words: 35000 | light NC17 | RPF | written for merlinbb_rpf
Summary: As filming for the second series draws to a close, Colin thinks his biggest problem is evading one of Bradley’s goodbye hugs. It isn’t. It’s that he’s about to do something that’s fourteen different kinds of stupid: fall in love.
Why I rec: WOW this writing. I love how junkshop-disco creates worlds by means of little conversations, cut dialogues, interrupted thoughts and how all this builds characters and settings that feel as real as possible. Even more I love how junkshop-disco writes something that on the surface looks like an easy, cheerful scene and there's that beast of emotions underneath.
I loved how the boys were described here. Back then. But somehow they still, even after years and years or growing up, feel very much like this. Bradley being all sweet and "typical" but actually not, because there are depths to him sometimes surprising us, and even Colin. And Colin - always and forever running away and hiding.
And then, there's the: "Somewhere on the wall of a castle in France, their names are etched in stone and joined together with an and." And yes. I won't ever believe that this is not a real thing that exists. They must have done that. All my <3
If you don't feel lured enough then read ANY of little ones by junkshop-disco - they are all sweet and heartwarming and just perfectly beautiful. And then jump into this heartbreaking angst depicted above.
Or just laugh at this:
‘There once was a young man named Bradley,
When we kissed it was ever so gladly,
One day in my bed, end up giving him head,
Now he’s telling his friends that he’s had me.’
I've already rec'ed my favorite stories by mrs_leary here but let me give you another one of hers, because it's just soooooo good.
The Black Lace Mantilla by mrs_leary (julie)Bradley/Colin | Words: 7924 | Explicit | RPF
Summary: Bradley stumbles upon some unexpectedly interesting pornographic photos on the sex is not the enemy tumblr blog. Then he realises why the model seems so familiar. When he finally raises the topic with Colin, Colin's response surprises him…
Why I rec: This story is a DELIGHT. It's everything a fangirl may wish for - Bradley finding our naked pictures of Colin on Tumblr? YES, please. Naked, beautiful, arty pictures. With lace. What's most important here though it's that this is a slow burn - we get to "see" the pictures described and viewed by Bradley, we get to see Colin unraveling, the situation developing slowly, in a very erotic and just a little bit hurty way. This little piece was so emotionally loaded I held my breath while reading it for the first time. It was beautiful, hot, sweet, poetic. I could almost see the photos of Colin, the lightning, the "mood" they were all in. HOT! GAH!
set me free by hopeisathreat
Bradley/Colin | Words: 15294 | Explicit | RPF
Summary: January, 2013: Colin has just won an award, but it feels as if he’s lost the most important thing along the way. “You have to leave me,” he’s said to Bradley three times, and this night, it’s the fourth. But somehow he hasn’t anticipated Bradley James being Bradley James. (+13.5k; post-NTAs)
Why I rec: This was the first story by hopeisathreat that I've read and BOY DID I FELL IN LOVE WITH HER WORDS. I love her Colin, who is all tangled up, paranoid, feeling unworthy, needing Bradley to ground him.
The writing is so beautiful, and yes, hot too, so much, but mostly beautiful in the way hopeisathreat depicts the boys and their emotions. Gush, the boys do match each other in here so much. I love the little things, the focus of the descriptions, the feelings behind it all and the beautiful angst that it's hidden underneath. SO SO SO MUCH POETRY HERE. Poetry and porn interwoven in the best of ways!
Gentle Breath of Yours My Sails by Magnolia822
Bradley/Colin | Words: 3728 | Explicit | RPF
Summary: Once upon a time it was Bradley/Colin, but things have changed. Or have they? When Bradley surprises Colin at opening night of The Tempest he can't look away.
Why I rec: "Bradley wants to just feel Colin breathe" Magnolia wrote on Twitter back them (I quote from memory), and this was the exact moment I fell in love with it.
This story is one of the best gifts I have received. Ever. First of all, it's beautiful. Secondly, it made me cry. Thirdly, it's just perfect. It is so perceptive it's stunning. I loved seeing the Tempest through Bradley's eyes like this. I loved how Bradley took care of Colin - so sick back then.
I kept marking the things that made me gasp and there are so many I did a list -- it you want to see what I gasped about just go, read the story and then my comment underneath it.
Also - you may be very interested in a perfectly porny and HOT story by Magnolia822 >>> A SoHo Story where "Colin Morgan meets a young actor on the set of Mojo who reminds him of a certain someone. Bradley James isn't pleased."
***
I'll end this with a RPF story that surprised me, because I never thought I'd be able to read this pairing, and yet - I did and LOVED it:
All My Life by mrs_leary (julie)
Colin Morgan/Richard Wilson | Words: 1739 | Mature | RPF
Summary: Colin indulges Richard on his birthday. One thing finally leads to another.
Why I rec: As it was said in comments underneath the story it's incredible how something that might have been potentially uncomfortable (as, well, older-people sex is always taboo in our culture, especially when it's with a younger person), has been turned into something poetic, gentle, mature and truly beautiful.
I loved how the script of the play and real life were intertwined here and how well it matched not only the situation but Colin's and Richard's characters as well. I can totally imagine Colin like this, wanting exactly THIS and not being afraid to ask for it. Beautiful.
***
PHEW - that's it for today. I will be back with MORE Brolin of course. I always feel like I've forgotten something very important, a fic I really wanted to mention, but as we say in Polish "co się odwlecze to nie uciecze" - there will be time to rec all the gems! ;)
With slight delay though I'm bringing you my recs - this week is for my favorite RPF fics - EXPECT BROLIN FEELS.
As usual, I'm using my comments under the fics as recs - sorry authors!
Before I dive into Brolin - one more rec for the last week's coffeeshop fluff:
the reason that i laugh and breathe by glim
Arthur/Merlin | Words: 8309 | Mature | Modern AU
Summary: Wherein Arthur falls in love with his best friend. (His best friend with benefits.)
Why I rec: This is just a perfect heartwarming story! I loved it, I loved how it was written and how it showed Arthur slowly growing to acknowledge the feeling that was always there. I loved how sweet they were, how domestic and friendly and just lovely! HUGE KUDOS!!!
Thank you mrs_leary for giving me this rec! <3
And now BEST OF BROLIN:
I spent last week rereading ALL junkshop_disco 's Brolin stories, and while I should probably finish this rec-list with them, as they are MERLIN CLASSICS, I will start with it, because they also started my whole Merlin journey for me. I've forgotten who said it once on Twitter that they'll just sit there and read junkshop-disco writing about growing grass and be happy. But yes, I can relate to the feeling.
Maybe The Seaside Is The Place by junkshop-disco
Bradley/Colin | Words: 25000 | light NC17 | RPF | written for merlinbb_rpf
Summary: Colin’s unbreakable rule about not doing anything romantic with his co-stars leads to a heart broken into pieces around his Merlin boots. Years later, an unexpected reunion with Bradley gives him another chance -- assuming he can make room in his schedule between jobs and existential crises for love, that is.
Why I rec: This will always be the most important Bradley/Colin story for me. Firstly, because it made me "join" Merlin fandom, it was my first Merlin and I will be forever grateful for the existence of this magnificent fic that drew me to the whole world of awesomeness and for tuesdaymidnight telling me about it. But what's more valid here is how amazing and gorgeous this painful read is. I love how it hurts, how stubborn Colin is, how lost, how he always runs and denies himself what his heart needs.
I can very much relate to this drifting Colin, who can't remember huge chunks of his life as it passes--when he looks back and doesn't know if he's been happy or not, or just living and pushing with his career and things he was about to do, always looking forward, without noticing himself really. I love how deep in Colin's bones Bradley has settled. How he sees Bradley everywhere, how he wishes he didn't. And, as usual, I love the patient, gentle Bradley junkshop-disco always depicts, way deeper and more layered than people ever give him credit for. I think this is very him.
It's incredible how in a way junkshop-disco anticipated them--how Colin is jumping from one job to another, always doing his projects, always brilliant and talented. And how Bradley has somewhat backed out from acting.
I love junkshop-disco's style of writing, of showing the whole story through little things and situations, and amazing real life dialogues. HER WORDS ARE GOLDEN, honestly, so much talent!
The Colour Of Cartoon Sunshine by junkshop-disco
Bradley/Colin | Words: 35000 | light NC17 | RPF | written for merlinbb_rpf
Summary: As filming for the second series draws to a close, Colin thinks his biggest problem is evading one of Bradley’s goodbye hugs. It isn’t. It’s that he’s about to do something that’s fourteen different kinds of stupid: fall in love.
Why I rec: WOW this writing. I love how junkshop-disco creates worlds by means of little conversations, cut dialogues, interrupted thoughts and how all this builds characters and settings that feel as real as possible. Even more I love how junkshop-disco writes something that on the surface looks like an easy, cheerful scene and there's that beast of emotions underneath.
I loved how the boys were described here. Back then. But somehow they still, even after years and years or growing up, feel very much like this. Bradley being all sweet and "typical" but actually not, because there are depths to him sometimes surprising us, and even Colin. And Colin - always and forever running away and hiding.
And then, there's the: "Somewhere on the wall of a castle in France, their names are etched in stone and joined together with an and." And yes. I won't ever believe that this is not a real thing that exists. They must have done that. All my <3
If you don't feel lured enough then read ANY of little ones by junkshop-disco - they are all sweet and heartwarming and just perfectly beautiful. And then jump into this heartbreaking angst depicted above.
Or just laugh at this:
‘There once was a young man named Bradley,
When we kissed it was ever so gladly,
One day in my bed, end up giving him head,
Now he’s telling his friends that he’s had me.’
I've already rec'ed my favorite stories by mrs_leary here but let me give you another one of hers, because it's just soooooo good.
The Black Lace Mantilla by mrs_leary (julie)Bradley/Colin | Words: 7924 | Explicit | RPF
Summary: Bradley stumbles upon some unexpectedly interesting pornographic photos on the sex is not the enemy tumblr blog. Then he realises why the model seems so familiar. When he finally raises the topic with Colin, Colin's response surprises him…
Why I rec: This story is a DELIGHT. It's everything a fangirl may wish for - Bradley finding our naked pictures of Colin on Tumblr? YES, please. Naked, beautiful, arty pictures. With lace. What's most important here though it's that this is a slow burn - we get to "see" the pictures described and viewed by Bradley, we get to see Colin unraveling, the situation developing slowly, in a very erotic and just a little bit hurty way. This little piece was so emotionally loaded I held my breath while reading it for the first time. It was beautiful, hot, sweet, poetic. I could almost see the photos of Colin, the lightning, the "mood" they were all in. HOT! GAH!
set me free by hopeisathreat
Bradley/Colin | Words: 15294 | Explicit | RPF
Summary: January, 2013: Colin has just won an award, but it feels as if he’s lost the most important thing along the way. “You have to leave me,” he’s said to Bradley three times, and this night, it’s the fourth. But somehow he hasn’t anticipated Bradley James being Bradley James. (+13.5k; post-NTAs)
Why I rec: This was the first story by hopeisathreat that I've read and BOY DID I FELL IN LOVE WITH HER WORDS. I love her Colin, who is all tangled up, paranoid, feeling unworthy, needing Bradley to ground him.
The writing is so beautiful, and yes, hot too, so much, but mostly beautiful in the way hopeisathreat depicts the boys and their emotions. Gush, the boys do match each other in here so much. I love the little things, the focus of the descriptions, the feelings behind it all and the beautiful angst that it's hidden underneath. SO SO SO MUCH POETRY HERE. Poetry and porn interwoven in the best of ways!
Gentle Breath of Yours My Sails by Magnolia822
Bradley/Colin | Words: 3728 | Explicit | RPF
Summary: Once upon a time it was Bradley/Colin, but things have changed. Or have they? When Bradley surprises Colin at opening night of The Tempest he can't look away.
Why I rec: "Bradley wants to just feel Colin breathe" Magnolia wrote on Twitter back them (I quote from memory), and this was the exact moment I fell in love with it.
This story is one of the best gifts I have received. Ever. First of all, it's beautiful. Secondly, it made me cry. Thirdly, it's just perfect. It is so perceptive it's stunning. I loved seeing the Tempest through Bradley's eyes like this. I loved how Bradley took care of Colin - so sick back then.
I kept marking the things that made me gasp and there are so many I did a list -- it you want to see what I gasped about just go, read the story and then my comment underneath it.
Also - you may be very interested in a perfectly porny and HOT story by Magnolia822 >>> A SoHo Story where "Colin Morgan meets a young actor on the set of Mojo who reminds him of a certain someone. Bradley James isn't pleased."
***
I'll end this with a RPF story that surprised me, because I never thought I'd be able to read this pairing, and yet - I did and LOVED it:
All My Life by mrs_leary (julie)
Colin Morgan/Richard Wilson | Words: 1739 | Mature | RPF
Summary: Colin indulges Richard on his birthday. One thing finally leads to another.
Why I rec: As it was said in comments underneath the story it's incredible how something that might have been potentially uncomfortable (as, well, older-people sex is always taboo in our culture, especially when it's with a younger person), has been turned into something poetic, gentle, mature and truly beautiful.
I loved how the script of the play and real life were intertwined here and how well it matched not only the situation but Colin's and Richard's characters as well. I can totally imagine Colin like this, wanting exactly THIS and not being afraid to ask for it. Beautiful.
***
PHEW - that's it for today. I will be back with MORE Brolin of course. I always feel like I've forgotten something very important, a fic I really wanted to mention, but as we say in Polish "co się odwlecze to nie uciecze" - there will be time to rec all the gems! ;)