Fic recs: Merlin N-Z
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previous update: April 12th, 2009
last update: November 10th 2009
updates marked *)
Recs alphabetically by author.
Fic recs: Merlin N-Z
nightanddaze
*) 'Doubled Over with the hunger of lions' (23,445 words, Arthur/Merlin, NC-17)
I absolutely adore this fic and there are several reasons for that. It deals with the complex situation where it's 'a spell makes them do it' and they do want each other, but they are also very aware that something is forcing them. Merlin's magic is almost palpable, the way he's struggling with it, getting better at it with more knowledge, practice and understanding, and his loneliness when he can't share what he knows with Arthur and not even everything with Gaius. I love the dragon who is actually an interesting character in this fic. The sex is so freaking hot, the increasing intimacy between Merlin and Arthur is lovely and it all made my heart ache for Merlin who thinks he may have to sacrifice this all.
*) 'Perpetual astonishment' (576 words, Uther, Arthur/Merlin, PG)
Uther accidentally witnesses an intimate moment between Arthur and Merlin. Such a short fic and so much is being said.
oconel
*) 'L'espoir fair vivre' (reposted over here) (Arthur/Merlin)
Written for a kinkme_merlin prompt. Hurt/comfort. Merlin is badly hurt in battle and Arthur tends to him.
oxoniensis
'Even medieval times had a top shelf' (1,100 words, Arthur/Merlin, NC-17)
*flails* This has top!Merlin! And happy banter, and laughter, and both being sort of new to this, being curious, experimenting. I'm in love with this fic.
'Four Times Merlin Cock-Blocked Arthur, and One Time He Didn't' (3,700 words, Arthur/Merlin, R)
This fic made me grin at least as broadly as Merlin does regularly. Which is pretty damn broad. Oh, and guess which time he didn't cock-block Arthur... Yep.
'Buggre Alle This' (12,500 words, Arthur/Merlin, PG-13 for the main story, NC-17 for the coda)
Merlin and Arthur switch bodies through a spell thrown by Nimueh. This way they find out a lot about the other and incidentally also about themselves. Funny, with some thinky thoughts. And I'm very happy about the coda because by the end I could use some of that. As did they for that matter.
paperclipbitch
'Next time I will remember this and I will say no' (21,300 words, Arthur/Merlin, NC-17)
This has already been recced all over the place, and rightly so. Arthur talks a very reluctant Merlin into switching places with him when they visit a neighbouring kingdom because he got bored discouraging potential marriage candidates himself.
This fic deals in a very satisfying way with their differences in rank and personality. By switching roles they learn a lot about each other, and themselves.
Also, it has a bonus completely believable top!Merlin and bottom!Arthur.
phantomjam
'Liminal' (400 words, Arthur/Merlin, PG-13)
A wonderful little ficlet which smooths away the difference in rank and station between Arthur and Merlin.
'Ownership' (1,600 words, Arthur/Merlin, R)
I'm not usually a fan of claiming, but in this case it works on a very satisfying level. There's a certain intimacy about sharing a secret, which I can see here.
'Wounded in the line of duty' (3,300 words, Arthur/Merlin, NC-17)
I have such a thing for fics in which Arthur and Merlin like to tease each other with the whole master/servant thing, but clearly behave as equals, in their banter, in their fondness, in bed.
Arthur returns from battle, after having been away for several months. Arthur is bruised and tired, Merlin has been anxiously waiting and both have been longing for each other.
Written for the kink meme for a bruise prompt, but it got too long for that. Yay!
'Setting down the lines' (2,600 words, Arthur/Merlin, PG-13)
An established relation fic, a moment set somewhere in the future. Arthur and Merlin, older, less flexible, more experienced and scarred, but with the same banter and laughter, and more fondness than ever. It has a description of Merlin as seen through Arthur's eyes that took my breath away.
*) 'Playing on the edge of forever' (2,200 words, Arthur/Merlin preslash, PG)
Lovely imagery of Camelot in the snow, with a snowballfight and a delightful Uther. Just a happy and playful fic.
rageprufrock
'Three castles' (4,600 words, Merlin/Arthur, PG-13)
Hilarious and cracky and utterly enjoyable. Reading the comments I seem to be the only person who thought it had a bit of a bite to it, so I'm probably reading something she didn't put there. That's my personal interpretation then, and I enjoyed that too, intended or not.
'August' by rageprufrock (10,000 words, Arthur/Merlin, R)
(if the link doesn't work, you can try this one)
Arthur insists on coming along with Merlin who wants to visit his mom back in Ealdor. I adore this Arthur, who is so serious about his task as a prince now and a future king. Who wants to be a good friend. Who wants to see Merlin happy and his people safe. And it's easy to forgive him his teasing of Merlin, his being a prat every now and then, when he's so clearly fond of Merlin's mom and gets all flustered when she hints at what she thinks she sees growing between the prince and her son.
With bonus laughter with mutual pushing and shoving during their first time having sex, because man, I'm a such sucker for that.
Untitled start of a possible WIP with some more here (3,900 words so far, AU, Mpreg, Lancelot/Merlin past, Arthur/Merlin pre-slash, R, WIP)
This fic reads like watching West Wing; fast paced, characters that are immediately interesting and quick witted dialog. I sure hope she'll write more in this universe!
'Drastically Redefining Protocol' (46,000 words, AU, Arthur/Merlin, NC-17)
An AU set in the present, where Arthur is the crownprince who meets junior doctor Merlin in the hospital closet. The guys are adorable beyond words. And later it gets hot, hot, hot!! And damn funny. And utterly sweet.
Then reality kicks in with press releases and paparazzi and a not amused dad who happens to be a king. The press releases are hilarious, and then she manages to throw in some moments that are actually moving too. And the ending is in good old fairy-tale fashion. Also, read the tag 'Honeymoon' she's written.
If you want to see the trailer before starting, zoetrope made one which you can check out over here (both streaming and downloadable), and it just hits the tone of the fic perfectly. Hectic, happy, adorable and sweetly moving.
'Honeymoon' (1,800 words, AU, Arthur/Merlin, NC-17)
A tag in the 'Drastically redefining protocol' universe that expands in detail what happened right after the final events in that series. The details being really dirty and thoroughly satisfying sex.
Two fics that fit into the 'Drastically Redefining Protocol' universe:
* 'Keepsake' (4,300 words, Arthur/Merlin, NC-17)
This is a holiday that's referred to in 'Honeymoon' and it's pretty much a lot of sizzlingly hot sex on a boat.
* 'Throw-in' (2,300 words, Arthur/Merlin, R)
This fits after 'Honeymoon'. Merlin watches Arthur play polo, Arthur makes a show of it, a fantastically lecherous blowjob ensues.
*) 'Services rendered' (5,500 words, modern day AU, Arthur/Merlin, NC-17)
There's a reason why I'm not linking to her dreamwidth account; I don't want you to see any comments just yet. I'm not going to spoil you. Just read it. Trust me.
rageprufrock and zoetrope
*) 'But no unicorns or wizards' (1,250 words, Arthur/Merlin, NC-17)
A slave fic and I really didn't expect to be sweetly amused and sigh happily quite so much.
Funny and tender. Somehow they make it work.
rainchild
'One whiff of a barmaid's apron' (1,400 words, Arthur/Merlin, PG-13)
She had me snickering and snorting quite a few times there. I love the twists and turns in this fic and the way Arthur, much to his confusion, loses grip of the conversation.
An episode tag to 'Le Morte d'Arthur' (250 words, Arthur/Merlin-ish, G)
Oh... *clutches heart* Bittersweet, with Arthur wanting to know, and Merlin wanting to tell, and neither being able to do so.
'Special day' (500 words, Arthur/Morgana, Arthur/Merlin, PG-13)
A twist on the Arthur-saga. Intense and moving. A moment between Morgana and Merlin, in which each wishes for what the other has, but without resenting the other for it.
Arthur's Wikipedia page (Arthur/Merlin, G)
Merlin found Arthur's Wikipedia page, and made some 'adjustments'. Naturally Arthur took revenge and visited Merlin's Wikipedia page.
rane_ab
*) Untitled ficlet (first one) (Arthur/Merlin, AU, warning for character death, 750 words, NC-17)
Don't let the warning keep you from reading; it's a circle of life thing. Written for a interpretive dance challenge this fic interprets dance in a very creative way. Merlin is a mute but in no way lets that restrict him from making Arthur perfectly clear what his opinion is about any given thing. This story made me want to whoop with joy.
*) Untitled ficlet (second one) (Arthur/Merlin/Morgana, Arthur/Lancelot/Merlin, Arthur/Merlin, Arthur/Gwen/Lancelot/Merlin, 750 words, NC-17)
A perfect build from one pairing/moresome to another, with Arthur/Merlin at the heart of it.
ras_fic / ras_elased
'Accidental seduction' (9,000 words, Arthur/Merlin, NC-17)
Arthur is a real ass who thinks he's so funny pulling a prank on Merlin. But when it turns out the joke is on him he's a good sport about it and boy howdy, the ensuing sex is steaming hot!
'Five Secrets Merlin Knows About Arthur' (3,400 words, Arthur/Merlin, NC-17)
This fic has a clever (and smug) Merlin, the guys challenging each other back and forth, Merlin topping Arthur-- *has several moments* -- and Merlin being supportive when Arthur deserves it. There's faith, trust, loyalty and love. And we leave hoping this will be enough because of the thing that Arthur doesn't know about Merlin...
*) 'Something fragile' (Arthur/Merlin, modern day AU, 8,000 words, NC-17)
It starts really nice with Arthur being dragged to a male strip club by his friends to mend a broken heart and ending up with waiter/stripper Merlin giving him a lap-dance. And then the story goes into full hot mode with both getting into it more than they'd planned and things moving from there.
rurounihime
*) 'It took far too long to get him back' (2,100 words, Arthur/Merlin, warning for mentions of non-con and torture, R)
Arthur dealing with the aftermath of having been captured and tortured and Merlin dealing with failing to rescue Arthur sooner. They're both so vulnerable and fragile, and the way they reach out to each other, the love and tenderness between them, is very moving.
*) 'A persistent curiosity, or why Merlin is so bloody fascinating' (10,200 words, Arthur/Merlin, NC-17)
Arthur wants something from Merlin. Something that he's never desired before. But he's afraid to ask. Afraid of what it says about him. Afraid of how Merlin would see him. Merlin though is patient and persistent, prodding and poking one moment, taking a step back the next. I love how Arthur is like a nervous horse, and Merlin tames him. And they both get something out of it that they didn't expect. The warmth and growing trust between them is lovely.
scribblemoose
*) 'Preposterous charms' (Arthur/Merlin, 3,247 words, R)
A hilarious fic in which first Arthur and then Merlin find themselves tricked by a magical creature and make the most of a bad situation. Hot and sort of with bondage I guess. Also I love it when Merlin is utterly unimpressed with Arthur's threads.
seperis
'Pendragon' (1,000 words, Arthur/Merlin preslash, PG)
It's the second fic on this page. I especially love the contrast between Arthur and Morgana. Morgana and Gwen already have a strong bond and Morgana is aware of just how much Merlin means to Arthur. While Arthur observes Morgana and Gwen with wonder and is confused about what he's feeling for Merlin.
*) 'Truth is a whisper' (25,200 words, Arthur/Merlin, Merlin/OCs, NC-17)
In which rumours are less harmless than they seem. Merlin is fiercely loyal to (and secretly in love with) Arthur. Arthur is very private and that's why it takes Merlin so long to figure out that what's being said about Arthur doesn't even come close to the truth. I love this experienced and passionate Merlin, this Arthur trying not to despair in his loneliness. I love Merlin's determined seduction and the way Arthur gives in, first reluctant but ever more confident. This is a long and plotty fic, with sex that's warm, sensual and thorough.
shinetheway
'Wild magic' (1,000 words, Merlin/Magic, R)
Merlin uses his magic and his imagination to pleasure himself. A sensual ficlet inspired by newkidfan's art 'Want'.
*) 'Stripped' (2,300 words, Arthur/Merlin, NC-17)
This is a sequel to 'Wild Magic' in which Merlin uses his magic and his imagination to pleasure himself. In this sequel the author had me worried for a moment, but it turned out that Arthur does know what he's doing and that's just what Merlin needs to let go. Very intense and I love the way the magic is used here. And there's biting of the kind that makes me squirm.
'An unnecessary freezing of water' (8,000 words, Arthur/Merlin, NC-17)
It's a whole genre in Merlin fanfiction; 'Merlin is forced to reveal his magic to save Arthur'. It works beautifully in this fic and I especially love Arthur's character development. I also love that Merlin has trouble dealing with the actual trauma they've been through and the tender way in which Arthur comforts and helps Merlin took my breath away.
'Loss, And The Finding' (4,400 words, Arthur/Merlin, NC-17)
Warnings for graphic violence and implied rape of OFCs. This is a sequel to 'Pendragon' by seperis.
Arthur's fears concerning Merlin's safety come true and it's clear that anyone who hurts Merlin will have to deal with a furious Arthur. An experience that seals their bond.
'A dagger of the mind' (2,000 words, Arthur/Merlin, NC-17)
I really can't keep maintaining convincingly that I'm mostly committed to Merlin when people keep writing fics like this. It describes through different events during Arthur's life from a young age up how he came to be who he is. His commitment, his loyalty, his sense of responsibility and his compassion, but also his fear to lose it all.
*) 'In Time Of Trial' (Arthur/Merlin, 36.807 words, NC-17)
A nobleman tries to get to the throne of Camelot by putting Uther up against Arthur to the point where Arthur has to flee for his life with the help of Merlin. I had some trouble wrapping my head around Uther being so easily convinced but I loved the growing bond and trust between Arthur and Merlin, the way the whole story unfolds, the adventure of it, Arthur's desire to solve this with the least violence possible, the slow reveal of Merlin's magic and the acceptance of it and of course the romance between Arthur and Merlin.
*) 'Ten weeks' (6,750 words, Arthur/Merlin, NC-17)
This is a very worthy sequel to seperis's 'Truth is a whisper'. The first 10 weeks after the first time, from Arthur's point of view. I love how he's come out of it all stronger but also milder.
silver_scrawls
*) 'In vino... something or other' (Arthur/Merlin, 275 words, PG)
Merlin is the most adorable drunk ever and Arthur is so sweetly not taking advantage while plotting all the ways in which he will be able to tease Merlin mercilessly with what he just learned.
skellerbvvt
*) 'An issue of proper protocol (country boys are shameless) (7,900 words, mild bondage, Arthur/Merlin, NC-17)
In which Arthur and Merlin have lots and lots of sex, Arthur obsesses over his fantasies of various ways in which he'd love to tie up Merlin and have his merry way with him although he doesn't dare act on it but Merlin figures it out anyway.
slanted_edges
'Of Swords and Pricks' (1,000 words, Arthur/Merlin, R)
Do check out her amazing art while you scroll down for the fic. Written for the Merlin Kink Meme. Watching Merlin through Arthur's eyes, as Merlin cleans his sword. Unexpectedly sensual.
slodwick
*) 'Aw, nuts' (800 words, Gen, Arthur and Merlin, PG)
One of the cutest little crack fics I've ever read. Oh, do read it!
solvent90
'allegiances' (1,080 words, Gwen/Morgana, Gwen/Merlin, Arthur/Merlin, Arthur/Gwen, R)
A tender fic about the deep and warm affection among them all. About how their bonds came to be, each in their own time and according to their personalities. Absolutely lovely and, I can't help repeating, warm.
sparky77
'The incident with the thingy or Arthur's adventures in spying' (2,800 words, AU, Arthur/Merlin, R)
In which Arthur is a spy and Merlin is his handler. Hilarious and snappy.
spiny
'Fruition (or the education of Arthur)' (7,000 words, Arthur/Merlin, NC-17)
I love how perfectly imperfect this is, and how Merlin step by step brings out the best in Arthur. And the sex is delicious.
srin
Her fics are delicious and nutritious; not too sweet, with a healthy dash of humor, some very moving moments that had me blink away tears, some thinky thoughts and sexy scenes ranging from butterflies-in-stomach cute to sizzling hot.
'Underdeveloped instinct' (3,400 words, Arthur/Merlin, PG)
In which Arthur gets very upset about the way in which Merlin is way too careless in risking his life for him, it takes them both a while to figure out why this is making him so angry and then they proceed to get drunk and comfortable with each other.
'On swefnum, incuthra eorthan' (1,300 words, Gwen/Morgana, PG)
Morgana's visions are confusing, disturbing, often upsetting and it never ends well for her and hardly ever for Gwen, no matter what happens to the others. Some of the visions and her ponderings on what's real and what is not made me snicker. Others were a punch in the gut and made me wish desperately for a more deserving ending than it usually goes in the Arthurian legends for these two women.
'The future, and what’s in between' (4,300 words, Arthur/Merlin, PG-13)
An unexpected encounter makes it that Merlin starts fearing the future so much that he doesn't know what to do with himself anymore. Arthur talks him into seeing the bright side again and figures out a way to make Merlin unwind.
'Knowing and nobility' (6,800 words, Arthur/Merlin, PG-13)
Her characterizations of Arthur and Merlin both are exactly the way I love them most, with Arthur so aware of his responsibilities and Merlin so devoted to the man but unimpressed by his station. And it's got giggles and moaning in bed, which (as some of you may have noticed *shifty eyes*) is one of my favorite things ever.
'Force of nature' (3,600 words, Arthur/Merlin, NC-17)
Merlin’s a magical creature who goes into heat, and subsequently has a great deal of sex with Arthur. Well, that pretty much sums it up. I want to add though that I love that she manages to make it all consensual. Also, it's freaking hot *writhes*
'Mcgyffen' (5,400 words, Arthur/Merlin, PG)
This was the fic that made me search for more by the same author: Cracktastic, moving, fun and sweet. It's got it all.
*) 'Just one of those things' Written for the Arthur/Merlin hug meme: Sleepy cuddles.
Three prompt ficlets In order of appearance:
*) 1. (Arthur/Merlin, 1,000 words, PG-13)
Arthur is cute when he's jealous.
*) 2. (Arthur/Lancelot, 1,100 words, NC-17)
Arthur and Lancelot sparring leads to heated sexing.
*) 3. (Arthur/Gwen/Merlin, 1,600 words, PG-13)
Merlin passes on messages between Gwen and Arthur. The messages get ever more intimate. God they are adorable!
*) 'One, two, three, four' (Arthur/Merlin, 2,500 words, PG)
Arthur’s been contriving flimsy excuses to get his hands on Merlin practically since they met. Now he's decided that Merlin needs dancing lessons so his manservant won't make a fool of himself on the dance floor during the midwinter ball. A silly fic that slowly turns sweet and tender.
*) 'Cross-purposes' (Arthur/Merlin, 1,000 words, PG) A fix-it fic for Merlin episode 2x1. Just what I needed.
*) 'Two facts' (3,350 words, Arthur/Merlin, PG)
In which Arthur discovers that Merlin is a kind soul and oh yeah, also a sorcerer, and Merlin finds out that Arthur cares about him too much to care about that.
*) 'All in the timing' (Arthur/Merlin, 5,700 words, modern day AU, NC-17)
I don't want to say too much about this fic, just that it hit a couple of my kinks (some of which are a bit embarrassing actually) so very hard. Ok, I have a kink for age-difference, adolescents exploring their sexuality and losing their virginity with someone patient who really cares for them. Also the combination of one being very seductive and the other trying very hard to 'do the right thing' and resist does something very interesting for me. I really gasped my way through this fic in utter delight of getting so exactly what I didn't even ask for, because I wasn't the one who came up with the prompt.
*) 'Sure thing' (9,700 words, modern day AU, Arthur/Merlin, Gwen/Morgana, NC-17)
A delicious and satisfying sequel to 'All in the timing'.
*) 'A singular kind of guy' (3,800 words, modern day AU, timing verse, Arthur/Merlin, NC-17)
This is basically the first two parts in the timing verse writing from Arthur's POV. God I love this verse and I love seeing Arthur's point of view in the events. Technically this fic can be read without having read the other parts, although a lot will fly by those who'll try to do so and why the hell would anyone even want to skip the other two parts?!
*) 'Ancient history' (5,400 words, timing verse, modern day AU, Arthur/Merlin now, discussion of past Arthur/Gwen/Merlin/Morgana/Lancelot and assorted combinations therein, PG-13)
Written in the timing verse; snippets from their earlier incarnations. How they meet or just miss each other, how they become friends, lovers of siblings in different times and places.
*) 'Mere mortals' (11,300 words, timing verse, modern day AU, Arthur/Merlin, Gwen/Morgana, NC-17)
The latest installment in the timing verse. I love how this Arthur is young and energetic and playful, but also can be earnest and determined. The bond between Arthur, Merlin, Gwen and Morgana. The love between Arthur and Merlin that builds up and grows stronger over years of reincarnation, but manages to stay fresh and delightful here and now.
*) 'Dress rehearsal (almost as good as the real thing)' (3,300 words, Arthur/Merlin, NC-17)
Just when Arthur is about to confess his attraction to Merlin, Merlin happily admits to have something going on with someone else. And then Arthur offers Merlin, who is inexperienced and a bit nervous about it, to help him practice.
Arthur moved me to no end in his efford to enjoy what he's sure is this one time he'll have with Merlin, and Merlin is so sweet in how he figures out what's going on and what this means for him.
*) 'A question of power' (11,000 words, Arthur/Merlin, NC-17)
A sorcerer casts a spell on Arthur which makes him believe Merlin is his master and Arthur's his slave and very much willing to be this in every way possible. Merlin's struggle to do the right thing is so sweetly moving as is Arthur's trouble dealing with what had happened and what this says about him. Cram-packed with passion, lust, mischievousness, laughter, sensuality, kissing, joy and ultimately respect and love.
*) 'Case Study in the Emotional Development of the Maladjusted Male (Future) Monarch' (1,350 words, Arthur/Merlin, PG)
So what if it's schmoopy and sappy; the anticipation gave me butterflies in my stomach and it had my toes curl in delight from just a kiss.
stakeaclaim
*) 'The knights have a thousand eyes' (Arthur/Merlin, 75,000 words, R)
This fic starts like a quietly babbling brook. Through a lot of little things, some serious, some humorous, we learn a lot about Merlin, Arthur and his knights. It's the kind of story that's fun to read but also easy to lay down for a while and pick up later to read on. And then near the end of chapter 8 things kick into gear in breathtaking fashion and it's then you realize just how much you've started to care about all these characters and there's no way you're going to stop reading from there!!
svilleficrecs
'Arthur and the widow' (3,200 words, Arthur/OFC, Arthur/Merlin preslash, NC-17)
This fic has an (initially involuntary) voyeuristic Merlin, a surprisingly exhibitionistic Arthur and a very well written OFC with whom Arthur has a one night deal which is satisfying for both.
There's a heartbreaking twist in this story, which made me look at Arthur with different and more compassionate eyes.
'Those deep places' (3,500 words, Arthur/Merlin, NC-17)
Arthur and Merlin tentatively try to figure out where they stand, who they are, what they can tell, what they can ask. There's angst, a whole lot of passion and mindblowing sex. But most of all there's mutual respect and so much tenderness it made my heart swell.
syllic
*) 'Easy there' by syllic (Arthur/Merlin, modern day AU, completed series, 49,500 words, NC-17)
Set in the present, Merlin and Arthur are members of the same elite rowing team of the Oxford University Rowing Club. This is written as a cliché-fic, so; initially they rub each other the wrong way, but soon enough there's plenty attraction between romantic day-dreamer with-a-secret Merlin and prat with-a-golden-heart Arthur. With lovely parts for Gwen, Morgana, Lancelot and Merlin's mom. The final chapter is up now, so you can read the whole story in one go!
Includes handy info about the world of rowing, which is well worth reading too.
'Three tasks' (31,000 words, Arthur/Merlin, NC-17)
I love how this story develops. It's hilarious first, and then somewhere along the line I went from laughing out loud to smiling. It turns so sweetly warm, with Arthur having these serious moments and Merlin observing him. I'm usually all about Merlin, but here I was rooting for Arthur something fierce, while also wanting all the best for Merlin. Which is exactly what they got.
*) 'In want of a wife' (Arthur/Merlin, 43,300 words, NC-17)
A deliciously long story in which Arthur tries to make the most of the year before his planned wedding and Merlin basically does the same. Each of course thinks that this is what it is, this is all they can get, this is all the other wants. So much longing. Made me sigh a lot and the end is completely satisfying.
takadainmate
'The history of two conversations (on paper)' (11,000 words, Arthur/Merlin, R)
Merlin writes notes in the margins of his book of magic. When Arthur discovers his secret he's first angry but then gets in the habit of leaving his own notes. A funny fic, with some serious thoughts written between the lines.
the_moonmoth
'Night and Light and the Half Light' (13,000 words, mostly Gen, can be read as Arthur/Merlin pre-slash, PG)
An episode tag to 1x13 'Le morte d'Arthur' in which we see what happens at Camelot during Merlin's absence and the aftermath of the events. A carefully build story with also much attention for the characters of Gwen, Morgana and Hunith. I love the way Arthur gradually comes to realize what has been going on, who and what Merlin is, what Merlin means to him. This is a thoughtful and passionate Arthur, who is ever more aware of the people around him, who consciously takes his responsibilities.
A very satisfying story which puts the emphasis on the growing bond between Arthur and Merlin and how it's not just Merlin taking care of Arthur, but also the other way around.
thehoyden
'Misrule' (4,300 words, Arthur/Merlin, NC-17)
It's difficult to maintain the idea that I don't have a crossdressing kink, when this is the second fic in a short while that contains it. Merlin seems to have that effect on me...
This is a hilarious fic, with Arthur trying to stay chivalrous as Merlin is getting increasingly drunk, and getting steaming hot when a sober Merlin thoroughly seduces Arthur.
'Anniversary' (1,900 words, Arthur/Merlin, PG)
Arthur is trying to be casual about going out of his way to get a the perfect birthday present for Merlin. It involves eating plums which made my mouth water and both boys are so adorable it made me melt.
'Damsel in distress' (4,300 words, Arthur/Merlin, R)
Merlin is assuming wrongly and Arthur comes to the rescue where no help is needed. And there's a very laconic dragon. Together they figure things out. Made me smile and sigh 'oh boys...'
thisissirius
'And I am alive' (Arthur/Merlin, Gwen/Morgana, R, Band!AU)
This isn't just a fic, it's a... I don't know what to call it, but it reads as a mockumentary that tells the history of the band 'Slash the Dragon' complete with (downloadable) songs, reviews, rumours, paparazzi, cd-sleeves and whatnot. It's awesome, I love it :D
'The strength of condoms' (500 words, AU, Arthur/Merlin, R)
Short, AU and giggleworthy.
twobees
'Moment of weakness' (2,200 words, Arthur/Merlin, NC-17)
Arthur is an indignant drunk, Merlin is annoyed and still they're having enthusiastic and playful sex.
valderys
'The Lantern-bearer' (1,700 words, Arthur/Merlin, PG)
The latest 'Merlin' episode 'The Gates of Avalon' left me feeling somewhat unsatisfied on Merlin's behalf, but this fic made it all better.
It's the kind of fic I love in the same way I love Merlin; the warmth, compassion, a dash of mischief, common sense and determined optimism that make every possible imperfection look perfectly fitting.
vensre
*) 'Dawning' (Arthur/Merlin, 1,350 words, R)
Whenever Arthur and Merlin sleep near each other, they end up in each others arms somewhere during the night. A warm and sweet fic in which Merlin pretty much goes with the flow and Arthur needs ever less excuses to just do what feels good.
*) 'We have got to stop meeting this way' (Arthur/Merlin, 600 words, PG)
A lovely little fic that uses the way they always look at each other that's plain for everybody but them to see how they really feel. Made me grin so much my cheeks hurt :D
*) Untitled Written for the Arthur/Merlin hug meme: Merlin being his bouncy, puppy-dog happy self while Arthur indulges grumblingly
*) 'Secret art' (431 words, Arthur/Merlin, G)
A quiet, companionable moment between Arthur and Merlin. It made me smile with their spot on voices and the little twist at the end.
zarah5
*) 'Miles from nowhere' (Arthur/Merlin, 1,900 words, PG-13)
This fic takes episode 2x6 in a different direction; what if Merlin had really left? Where would he go? What would happen? When and how would Arthur and Merlin meet again? It's a short fic, but a whole lot is being told.