Merlin fanfic recs (Merlin/Arthur)

**Last updated October 2015. This list needs to be revised and augmented; many sumaries or ocmments are still missing. Update tentatively planned for late spring/summer 2017*

Most stories are first time, magic!reveal and long, because that's what I like best :). These are only my very, very favorite and you can consider them all highly recced; otherwise they wouldn't even make the list. Lol :).

Fics sorted into Canon Era, Reincarnation and Modern Era. The latter also includes pretty much all of the AUs, as Modern Era is an AU of the show in itself.

"NEW!" means added to the list since last major update, not necessarily a recent fic.



CANON ERA


NEW! To Be a King by clotploesonly. Gen, 128 K. While on a mission with Arthur and the knights, Merlin learns that he is the last rightful heir to the throne of the neighbouring magical kingdom of Carthis. Can he reconcile this new destiny with his sworn one of protecting Arthur? Court politics, magic reveal, plus BAMF and kingly Merlin! His process to learning to be king and winning over his people, as well as Arthur's forgiveness and acceptance process were both beautifully and realistically done. The relationship between Merlin and Arthur was fantastic, thrilling and moving enough that I did not even regret that it wasn't slash.And God did they show that when working together,there's nothing they can't do!

NEW! The Coming of Spring by ingberry. Explicit, 9.7K.

NEW! The Hands of Fate by f0rcrying0utl0ud. Explicit, 8K. AO3 member-locked.

NEW! On Tethered Wings by Thuri. (A is dragon). Teen, 42 K.

NEW! Peach Plum Pear by sweetestdrain. Mature, 13.7 K.

NEW! Between the Dusk and the Dawn by ZairaA. Explicit, 56 K.

Despoiled by astolat. Explicit, 11K. After a thoughtless lie to get out of being arrested for despoiling Morgana, which quickly goes around the castle, Merlin glumly reflects that he'll never get laid again. That is, until the king pretty much orders him to get caught having sex - with Arthur. All for the good of Camelot, of course. Like all of astolat's stories, this one is uproariously funny in its writing and full of unlikely plot twists, starting with the whole premise of Uther's plan. Yet it works because of the powerful and tangible UST between Merlin in Arthur, underlaid with gravitas because of the genuine feelings you can feel on both men's part. Overall, a light, fluffy and hilarious romp, with very hot sex and just the right amount of tenderness.

Finding Home by riventhorn. Explicit, 8K. When Gaius retires, Merlin is kicked out of his room by his successor and seeks refuge in the stables rather than confess to Arthur what happened. But Arthur quickly realizes something is wrong with his manservant. Love, love how protective and caring Arthur acted when he found the truth and the solution he found, as well as the domesticity and intimacy that quickly estabilshes itself with the two men's cohabitation. Great characterization of a tentative, then contented Merlin as well and just top-notch writing. A favorite.

Immortal and Imperishable by prettysailorsoldier. Explicit, 154 K. When Nimueh sent Merlin to Camelot to pave the way to eventually overthrow the Pendragon dynasty and make way for the Once and Future King they are hoping to find, he was convinced he was doing the right thing. But the crown prince was nothing like he expected, and as he developed respect, friendship and more for Arthur, Merlin started questioning everything he'd ever believed in.

So are they all, all honourable men by seperis. Explicit, 18 K. While Merlin and Arthur are not speaking to each other, a wannabe knight challenges the 'disobedient' Merlin to a duel.

Awash with love by burkesl17. PG, 6 K. A sorceress curses Arthur to only ever marry for true love. Uther therefore announces a vast period of celebrations to find Arthur his true love and future wife. But Arthur is strangely uninvolved in the proceedings...

Trouble of the magical kind by Tossukka. Teen, 14.5 K. Arthur knows his father is all for love matches, but he also knows how Uther feels about servants and sorcerers. Therefore, it would be very illogical of him to fall in love with Merlin, which is good because he isn't. Is he?

À l'Aube d'Albion par ilem-a. A rare fanfic in French! Gen-het but epic and pretty great. Cette histoire est la première d'une série de 9, cycle épique de plus d'un million de mots s'étendant de l'époque canon à nos jours. La partie Canon Era, constituée d'À l'aube d'Albion et de 6 autres récits (environ 376 000 mots au total) débute après l'épisode 4.13 et forme une saison 5 de remplacement. L'intrigue est riche et variée, approfondit et développe les relations entre les personnages, et nous offre ce que tous les fans de la série attendaient: la légalisation de la magie par Arthur et une vue de l'âge d'or d'Albion. Et même si Camlann rôde à l'horizon, les enjeux dépassent de loin l'époque, et tout ce beau monde se retrouvera un jour... (voir Renaissance dans la section Réincarnation). L'écriture est fluide et puissante, et le français est grammaticalement impeccable avec un vocabulaire somptueux. J'ai envie de cueillir tous ces beaux mots comme un bouquet pour les admirer à loisir. 

* Sweeter Dreams by tierfal. 35K. Sequel to episode Sweet Dreams where Arthur and Merlin sceretely travel to Olaf's kingdom to try and cure Vivian from the enchantment. Loved to see the repercussions of an episode dealt with for once; the feel of this was pretty similar to an actual episode - just with a higher rating (and more attention to detail) :-D. Plot sometimes a little over-the-top but still believable and well developed,  nice and strong supporting OCs , lots of hilarious ambiguous situations for Merlin & Arthur, and just really fun and sweet story all around. A keeper.

Until Morning Light by Myashke. Mature, 10.3K. On the midwinter night where the whole kingdom holds vigil, it is Merlin that Arthur asks to spend this time with. Magic already revealed but first time and with sharing a bed! trope! Cosy, lovely, tender and erotic.

* Merlin's Night Off by Cori Lannam, 20K. Every year at Beltane, the prince and knights gangbang a servant. This year it's Merlin's turn. Explicit like woah and hot as fuck. I really felt an emotional connection between Merlin and each of the knights he has sex with - but that of course, the most touching and final one is with Arthur. 

* Coming of Age by destiny-fic. Explicit, Where Merlin learns too late that a prince's coming-of-age celebration is a three-day orgy - involving men only.

* Dreams for wings and wanderers by Etharei (aka Camelot with more dragons). Fantastic fic where dragons still exist, but are enslaved for possible use as mounts for a faction of Camelot's army. Merlin is fascinated by them and secretly sneaks into the coven. His knowledge will prove very useful when Arthur names two of his new knights as handlers. Beautful depiction of the dragons, the bond they share with their handlers, and Merlin's kinship with them. This is a crossover with another fandom (Temeraire by Naomi Novik), but I didn't know anything of it and it didn't impair my enjoyment of the fic in any way.

Occupy Camelot by stagarden. 2013 Paperlegends. King Arthur has to deal with a group of Druid protestors occupying his castle's courtyard. Somewhat anachronistic, but its a very fun transposition of the Occupy phenomenon in a medieval setting, with all the daily logistics issues it implies, and nice building of the relationship between the king and the Druid leader (Merlin, obviously) from one meeting to another.

* Dying to return by StormDancer. 20K. An old sorcerer is captured in Camelot and proves frustratingly recalcitrant to every execution attempt. King Arthur can't help being intrigued.

* Ivy and Amaranth by Thursday_Next. 42K. Post season 4 with some alterations. After Morgana gets chased from Camelot, Merlin finds a pair of magical bracelets in her belongings and gets towed by Arthur when he sets out on a quest to destroy them. OK I might not be objective about this fic because I betaed it and made art for it but it's a damn good story. Quest! UST! Angst! Arthur being a prat! Falling out and making up! (some making out, too). Disgruntled crossdressing Merlin! Intimate nights drinking wine in front of the fireplace! Meeting with druids! I just don't know how to describe it without being spoilery but so many good moments in this fic. Plus, great writing and excellent character voices.

Why we fight by pallosomnium. Epic AU. Slave Merlin from the former magical kingdom of Camarthen is sold to Prince Arthur of Camelot - the kingdom responsible for the fall of his.

* To you I pledge by Beren. Merlin is condemned to death for using magic to save Arthur, but Arthur and Gaius manage to sway Uther into simply restraining him for a while and giving him a chance to explain himself. Excellent story with the most detailed, layered and optimistic portrayal of Uther's reaction. He was actually three-dimensional here. Very nice development and strenghtening of the bond between Merlin andArthur at the same time.

* Pavlov Penis by derryere. Merlin loses his bed to bed bugs and since Arthur is away, he uses his. Except the bed spoils him for any other. Awesome and hilarious and hot.

The Promise Within by MK_Yujji. 49 K, T. After being kidnapped and attacked, Arthur develops magical abilities.

* The Patter of Tiny Feet on Cold Stone Floors by TheAvalonian. 79 K. Because Gwen cannot conceive, Merlin creates a magical ritual with her and Arthur channeling the true love between them to create a child. It works and Gwen does get pregnant - but the emotions at work are more complex than any of them is willing to admit, and the results are... unexpected.

* Leashed by Riventhorn. 13 K. In a Camelot where the most powerful sorcerers are bound in service to the nobles rather than killed, Merlin becomes young prince Arthur's leashed warlock. Great concept beautifully executed.

* In dreams by TheAvalonian. 6 K. Merlin finale fix-it. Arthur is dead, except Merlin starts meeting him every night in his dreams. Gorgeous and a balm for my weary soul after 5.13.

* With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine by inktomi. 2.5 K. Non-slash. After getting utterly fed up of sorcerer of the week #788 and spectacularly defenestrating him with magic, Merlin pats a gaping Arthur's head and tells him he'll wait in the dungeons until Arthur decides what to do with him. Crackish and sassy and hilarious with Merlin being absolute BAMF. Never gets old. To re-read every time you need a laugh.

* Fools of us all by adelagia. Court sorcerer Merlin inadvertently splashed a love potion all over himself, causing everyone at court to be panting after him. Except, for some reason, Arthur. Fluff of the best variety.

True Love's Curse by rotrude. 21 K. Where Arthur sets out on a heroic mission to save a sleeping princess with his kiss.

The common touch by lamardeuse. 8 K. Merlin brings Arthur with him to a village festival, dressed as peasants.

Revelation by lamardeuse. 5 K. OK I can't remember right now but I know it was awesome.

Burn and be renewed by xaritomene, aka Merlinella. 26 K

*The Crown of Summer court by astolat. Somewhat AU. Despite his ban on magic Uther couldn't afford to cut ties with the neighbouring Sidhe kingdom. Still, nobody understands why the Sidhe picked Camelot to host their contest to elect the next Sidhe monach. Until they announce the identity of a heretefore unknown pretender to the crown: Merlin...

* It's only a flesh wound by misswinterhill. 3 K. Could be gen, pre-slash or even established relationship, take your pick :). Merlin slices his hand open polishing Arthur's sword, and Arthur goes all protective and worried. Pure fluff and Hurt/Comfort, with lots of the latter to make up for the former. Very tender, and I love the feeling of equality between Arthur and Merlin: he doesn't treat him as a servant, but as a beloved friend, and isn't afraid of showing how much he cares. Just... aww.

* Favorite by astolat. Explicit, 13 K. After several dozen rounds of (spectacular) sex, offering Merlin part of the kingdom during orgasm and realizing his manservant has utterly ruined him for any woman, Arthur comes to a glum realization: he has to make Merlin his official favorite. Uproariously funny, impossibly endearing and so hot (but above all, uproariously funny). The comedic writing is amazing, and I adore how the flimsiest pretext becomes an excuse for sex marathons, and the relish with which Arthur threatens Merlin with all sort of horrible things. Like, say, velvet clothes and jewelry and titles. Muah!!

This dark road will lead us where we want to be by accordingtomel. 90 K. When Merlin's magic is revealed saving Arthur's life, Arthur tricks his manservant into binding their souls to save him from execution. Beautifully developed story that shows well the two men's growing closeness, or rather their growing awareness of the closeness that was always there. Ending not quite as polished and detailed as I'd have expected, but doesn't detract from overall enjoyment.

* For the weary and sequel Simple math by lady_ragnell. 9.5 K in total. The first is an H/C pre-slash where Merlin runs himself ragged doing three jobs at once for the newly crowned Arthur, until he simply collapses; the second has them taking care of each other after Arthur sents Gwen away five years later and brings them from friends to lovers. Both are beautifully written, full of domestic ease, obvious mutual affection, and show a wonderful level of complete trust in Merlin on Arthur's part I desperately hope we'll get to see in the series.

* In want of a wife by Syllic. 43 K. Arthur is engaged and decides to use his last year of liberty to act a little more freely than he could afford to until now. Over the seasons, a bemused Merlin tries to understand and support his prince as his behaviour changse in a dozen of tiny ways, culminating with the one major shift in their own relationship, one change that Merlin hopelessly wishes would not end come August... My first Merlin fic and boy did I get and outstandng one! Fabulous writing, excellent portrayal and psychological analysis of Merlin who worries over Arthur's behaviour, and comes to wrong conclusions before getting to truly understand Arthur, very believable. It doesn't get much better than this. Loved Arthur's attitude to Morgana too.

In Time of Trial by Shine. 37 K. Mislead by a malicious baron, Uther accuses Arthur of treason. Saved in extremis by Merlin, the young prince must fight to regain his rightful place - and save the people of Camelot from Uther's growing madness. Sweeping historical epic with great action, adventure,, political power play and the triumph of loyalty and love! Wonderfully written Arthur, the torn wronged hero forced to go against his father for the good of his people as much as his own birthright, and I loved his reaction to Merlin's dramatic reveal. Excellent Merlin and Uther as well.

Truth is a whisper by seperis. 25 K. Malicious rumors start circulating about Arthur's, ahem, "aptitudes", which might force him to accept a match with a woman he despises. Merlin loyally and impulsively tries to help - by claiming the prince has been very satisfactorily bedding HIM. Funny story with a nice bit of court politics, fabulous writing, and an interesting approach by making Merlin incredibly promiscuous, and the one to eventually seduce Arthur. Contains Merlin/Others. Nice little sequel by Shine: Ten weeks.

Crossroads of disbelief by thoughtreflex. 55 K, pre-slash. Camelot is agog when it learns that an usurper had taken their prince's place. But which of the two men is truly the usurper? Merlin alone sees the truth. Beautiful and angsty hurt-comfort story, with really intelligent plot.

* Three Tasks by syllic. 30 K. To avoid bloodthirsty Court fights in the name of love, Camelot has created a ritual for suitors to demonstrate their worth in a series of tasks - with the King or his heir as Royal Arbiter. Arthur always loved that part of his duty... until the day he is faced with four people all vying for Merlin's affection. Lovely, lovely fun story with oblivious jealous Arthur trying to pretend he only wants to find the best candidate to make Merlin happy, but can't help trying to prove he's better than them all on the sly. Adorable.

* Gadarene by umpossible. 77 K. To everyone, Arthur is "the mad prince of Camelot". His new "slave" Merlin is one of the few to know there is much more to Arthur than appearances indicate. Fabulous story, love Arthur as the tragic hero and Merlin's fierce, passionate loyalty.

* Stars above, Stones below by Destina. 47 K. After Gwen's betrayal Arthur finds solace with Merlin and handfasts with him for a year.

* Light of Arthur by venivincere. 64 K. With Camelot mysteriously stuck in an everlasting winter, Uther sends Arthur (with Merlin) and a small group of knights north to find and eliminate the source of the threatening darkness. Reads like an odyssey, focussed on the heroes' journey and the dangers (and allies) they meet on the road. I love how the travellling, illness and battles fought together slowly brought Merlin and Arthur closer, and all the little magical things Merlin kept doing to help when no one was looking :).

From the Ashes by RandomSlasher (trilliah). 42 K. A heartbroken Arthur sets out for Ealdor to return Merlin's ashes to his mother, after Merlin was burnt at the stake for saving his his life with magic. Absolutely heartbreaking beginning, very emotional story with vivid descriptions. I cried buckets during Merlin's thoughts while on the pyre, and again at the terrible anguish when Arthur woke up and realized Merlin had been executed while he was sleeping.

The New Hat by LadyDrace. 4K. Arthur has every intention of making Merlin pay for hiding this secret from him for so long, and it all starts with the new hat. Actually a serious story, in spite of my crack-y summary, and really, really nice.

At our best when it's from the hips by derryere. 12 K. Merlin goes to a brothel to get rid of his virginity and runs into Arthur.

Privileges of rank by seperis. 8K.

A Warlock's Worth by ella_bane. 12 K. When a visiting prince sets his sights on Merlin, Arthur is not amused. A story of love, loyalty, and secrets too-long kept. (author's summary)

* More lovely and more temperate by saucery. Genderswap. Arthur is getting the hang of this being-turned-into-a-woman thing. Frankly, it's quite amusing to see the knights slobbering all over the table staring at his heaving bosom. Now if only his traitorous (and slightly inebriated) female body would stop reacting to his gangly manservant that way. I keep re-reading this story again and again without tiring. It flows so fluidely and has a slightly dazed feel to it that perfectly reflects Arthur's inebriated state of mind. The female!Arthur thing was done really well; although his body had been turned female by magic, his voice felt totally OUR Arthur. And Merlin's progression from exasperation to despair to arousal thanks to saucy, obnoxious and irresistible Arthur, was a delight.



REINCARNATION


*NEW! Arthur revient époque actuelle pendant festival près de l'auberge du vieux Merlin

devient ami fillette 8 ans

Mr. Spooky by derenai. Teen, 51K.

Lights go out, here I go again by HalfFizzbin. Explicit, 4.5 K. Holed out in Merlin's flat, a bored reincarned Arthur rifles through Merlin's things and finds a vibrating device which purpose he cannot figure out. He is highly intrigued.

* Renaissance par ilem-a. French. WIP. Mix het & slash - parce que Merlin et Arthur découvrent qu'au 20e siècle, les possibilités de relations sont infinies, et que faire pousser des arbres, bah c'est bon pour l'environnement après tout :-p. Suite contemporaine du cycle entamé avec À l'Aube d'Albion, toujours en cours, faite de 2 histoires totalisant quelque 850 000 mots. À l'école secondaire, Arthur rencontre Merlin, avec qui il ressent une connexion immédiate et inexplicable, et s'en désigne le protecteur. Après quelques légers heurts, leur relation évolue rapidement en amitié intense et profonde qui provoque bien des haussements de sourcils et soupçons sur sa nature réelle. Navigant ensemble les eaux troubles de l'adolescence, ils redécouvriront graduellement leur vie passée et retrouveront leurs amis, pour accomplir leur destinée: ramener en ce monde la magie qui a disparu.



MODERN DAY (including all AUs)

NEW! How we swallow the sun by pepperlandgirl4. Explicit, 11.7 K, Age difference. When Merlin is invited to his best friend Will's place over Christmas, his attraction to his friend's new stepdad is deep and immediate -  and, as he learns in a moment of vulnerability, very mututal. But Arthur is 46 and married, and Merlin only 16. Can there ever be something real between them - and can Arthur allow it to be? Massive age difference, yet it worked for me because I believed in that burning bright, irrepressible desire between the two men that trumps pretty much all my moral principles - and because any Merlin and Arthur are just meant to be! It also helps the complexity of feelings and guilt on Arthur's part, and his valiant resistance the first time around avoided the worst ethical issues. As for the second time... I admit the really really hot sex and yearning totally overwhelmed my moral principles :-p 

NEW! Coffee and cigarettes by MissFaber. Mature, 50K, WIP on hold since 2013 but author promised me she would finish it so I'm holding on hope!

NEW! Not quite Hogwarts by eledhwenlin. Explicit, 23K.

NEW! Tributes by TheAvalonian. Mature, 87K. Hunger Games AU.

The One Where Arthur Sells Tongue Cuz Being Rich is Hard Life by derryere. Teen, 5.4K

Isn't It Lovely How Artists Can Capture Us? by lady_ragnell. Teen, 10.7K.

* The one with all the caning by frantic. Explicit, 5.4K. Age difference.

* Guard and Keep You by youfeelallthat. Explicit, 7.4 K. Merlin always enjoyed the company of Arthur, the mentally challenged custodian the rest of his office so often dismissed. When he finds the scared man-child shivering alone at the bus stop one late stormy night, kind-hearted Merlin takes him home with him. By far the best story I've read on the "simpleton Arthur trope", it reminded me a lot of Colleen McCullough's beautiful novel Tim, which sensitively addressed the topic of romantic and sexual relationship for mentally challenged people, especially with "normal" people. This fic portrays simple!Arthur beautifully and with obvious love, a man at once childlike and pure and authentic, and so brave and earnest it made my chest hurt. The way Merlin treated Arthur like a full person and truly SAW all that he had to offer, his genuine and deep affection and his sense of responsibility, made me love him all the more. A tender and moving story on a delicate topic.

Catch Me A Catch by giselleslash. Explicit, 32K. Fluffy with just a dash of angst, irresistible Elena like a ray of sunshine, and insanely hot instant attraction between Merlin and Arthur.

Exhibit by dolce_piccante. Mature, 104 K. Painter Merlin and potter Arthur meet in their first year at Maryland Institute of Art where they immediately clash, and proceed to mostly hate each other for their whole schooling. Except for when, sometimes, they don't... Fabulous description of an art student's life and social life at Uni - although mine never was as wild, that's for sure -, never boring or repetitive (it was actually really interesting). Loved the descriptions of their art, and even though there's a lot of Merlin/others and Arthur/others, but the Merlin/Arthur was always there in the background when others just passed... and the moments where hate made place for almost-friendship (or occasional making out) were all the sweeter! Some orgy scenes.

Meeting the minister series by magog_83. 3 stories, 21 K total so far. HP crossover. When Arthur became the youngest British PM since William Pitt the Younger, he didn't expect his first and biggest revelation in office to be about the existence of magic (via an encounter with winking paintings and a hark desk corner, and untidy-haired men stepping out of his fireplace). Luckily, Merlin, the Minster for Magic, is VERY eager to help him come to terms with these facts, complete with handbooks in green Comic Sans and "diplomatic meetings". Completely hilarious. Merlin is so completely unsubtle and clumsy and blushing and adorable in his eagerness, and Arthur is desperately trying to retain his sanity while his world is turned upside down - but he's still kind of oddly charmed by Merlin nonetheless. The subsequent meetings get more and more outrageous.

* Living in hearts left behind by giselleslash. 36K, explicit. Arthur returns to England after several years abroad when he learns of his brother's death. He doesn't expect to find salvation in Merlin, his brother's ex-boyfriend. Angsty and intense in the best possible way, full of emotion and how happiness can come out of shared grief, if you dare to seize it. IMO this is Giselle's best story and her most mature.

* We'll be a dream by sarageek16 (2013 Paperlegends). Merlin and Arthur became best friends in a park at 5 years old and their bond endures throughout the years, even through the most stunning revelation about Arthur's true parentage...

* A modern manservant by mamalaz. 113K. One of the best of 2013's Paperlegends crop. Inspired by Ugly Betty (with added magic). Uther decides to hire an assistant his son will NOT sleep with, for once, and so Merlin becomes Arthur's long-suffering PA. Cheeky, surreal, impossibly cute and downright hilarious, complete with fanmail-sending druids and cupcakes at Merlin's effigy. Excellent writing with great dialog and loads of imagination! Makes me want to Watch the Ugly Betty series.

Camelot's Sweeathearts by mariana_oconnor. 63 K.

* Stop watching by Footloose. 52 K, Explicit. Arthur is a running coach at Camelot high and knows he's in trouble when he meets Merlin, a new transfer student with Olympics potential. Awesome characterization, the running stuff felt very realistic and detailed without being overwhelming, and you will stop caring about the age difference thing ebcause the emotions at play are so strong and genuine.

* A Binding Contract by eldee. AU.  In a world where people's magic is bound for control, Uther purchases Merlin's services as a companion for his son Arthur. The world-building is astonishing of realism and detail, and I absolutely loved how the characters were portrayed.

Coffeeshop Muffins by skellerbvvt. Where Merlin and Arthur's are the world's most nauseatingly cute and perfect couple, except they're not dating.

Gamut by Nahara. Explicit, 13K. Somewhat dystopian AU. Army captain Arthur Pendragon goes to a high school for a recruitment speech and has to fight his instant attraction for Merlin, a student who's the strongest magical user of his generation.

Britain Boys by Nyxelestia. Arthur, heir prince of England and Merlin, son of PM Hunith Emrys, never got on. Until they get kidnapped by magic users terrorists.

* Until you do (I'll bring you tea and honey) by TheAvalonian. 10 K. Merlin and Arthur may have struck an incommonly close friendship uncommonly quickly, but that doesn't mean anything, so if their friends wants to believe they're together, Arthur and Merlin are going to have a good laugh at their expense. Or: 'The one where Arthur and Merlin are totally in love and everybody knows it, except themselves.' Perfect and adorable and fluffy, and I just want to roll around in it and curl up in its little cocoon of pure happiness. (also doesn't hurt that it hits every single one of my buttons - gay-for-you , friends to lovers and pretend boyfriends). I re-read this fic on an absurdly frequent basis.

Sort of a tourniquet by Thursday_Next. 6 K. Arthur wins a plastic ring in a fair and jokingly gives it to Merlin. Merlins knows he didn't mean anything by it, but out of hopeless love starts wearing it in secret. Absolutely epic pining and awww.

* The practice boyfriend by giselleslash. 24 K, explicit. Merlin has decided to confess his finally feelings to his best friend Lancelot when Lancelot returns from abroad. In the meantime, he should try to acquire some experience in love. The sexy and commitment-allergic Arthur appears like a perfect practice boyfriend. *Of course* you can easily guess how things are going to turn out - and that's the fun of it. You want to smirk and tell then "you REALLY think this is just practice? Riiiiiiiiiight." Arthur and Merlin just click, like each other right from the start, and it's a beautiful thing to see the slowly growing feelings between tem - alongwith the obvious heartbreak each feels thinking the other still believes it to be "just practice". Love how Merlin immediately sees more to Arthur than other people bother to, and Arthur showing his real self to Merlin.

Game, set, match by ingberry. Arthur is a prattish (of course) wounded tennis player and Merlin is his newbie physical therapist.

Loaded March series by Footloose. Military AU. Nearly 800 K in total for 12 parts so far! Captain Arthur Pendragon's team Excalibur is known as the best of the British Army. When some new guy named Merlin is assigned as radioman to their tightly-knit group, Arthur makes sure not to cut him any slack. Epic, epic series and completely addictive.

* Intended by new_kate. 17 K. New math teacher Merlin Emrys is pursued by a very, very determined teenage student. A guilty pleasure. Feels like complete crack in the beginning, then turns more and more tender and moving as both characters grow up and discover themselves through the years. You've just got to love this shameless, sometimes creepy, but steadfast and impossibly adorable Arthur, and the long-suffering teacher who tries to help him get over his crush, until he realizes HE's the one succombing. Flirts with inappropriate territory but doesn't cross the line.

Vicarious matchmaking by rotrude. 45 K. Arthur tries to matchmake for his gay and unlucky-in-love best friend Merlin.

Missed Connections (Glory holeleluiah) by tourdefierce. 51 K. Merlin gets addicted to a stranger he meets at a glory hole.

Time Forward by kianspo. 23K. Merlin, Arthur and Gwen all become best friends in uni. But the two who get married might not be the ones who were truly in love. Angsty and very intense, an amazing rollercoaster of emotions. A favorite author of mine.

Drastically redefining protocol by rageprufrock. 46 K. Fantastic modern-day royal AU!

Burning for burning by frantic. 14 K. Merlin is devastated when he catches his boyfriend David cheating on him. His best mate Arthur convinces him to get back at the asshole, by letting David find Merlin cheating on him in return.

* The Student Prince by FayJay. 145 K. Merlin arrives to St. Andrews University and finds himself saddled with Prince Arthur of Wales, subject of many a teenage fantasy and unsufferable prat, as his roommate. Best school AU I've read in this fandom (and if it also happens to be a modern-day royal AU, hehe, all the better!). Like a grown-up version of Hogwarts, but cooler and even more anchored in today's world and politics. Keeps very true to the spirit of the characters, from Arthur and Merlin's first encounter to Merlin being Arthur's secret magic bodyguard, and you'll love all the little nods to the series! Amazingly detailed and developed and dowright excellent overall, but I especially loved the resolution, which was really realistic and well done.



RPF (Bradley/Colin)

NEW! Of pants, pranks and incidental courtships by xenakis. 5 K.

It's a little bit funny (This feeling inside) by accordingtomel. 48 K. Bradley never thought much about all the gay jokes about Arthur and Merlin and his chemistry with Colin - until an editing mistake in an episode forces him to re-evaluate everything. Blissfully long and developed, and oh, I loved the whole "conspiracy" thing, Bradley's slow unraveling of it all, and the way it suddenly confronted him to his feelings! And the domesticity of Colin's stay at Brad's place. Total slasher's dream *wicked grin*.

A questionable quest by lamardeuse. 11 K. Colin gets roped by Bradley in his country-wise quest for Onion bhaji crisps.

Imagine me and you, I do by mrs_leary (julie). 14 K. When at the last minute the friend Bradly was supposed to go to Australia with can't come, he decides to bring Colin instead. It is soon clear that the "friend" had been hoping for a more-than-friendly trip and in the intimacy of their double bed, things start to shift for Colin and Bradley... Love the sharing-a-bed trope, and the way the boys don't shy away from their developing feelings! Plus, I'm a travel whore, and I'm sure Australian fans will get a kick out of this too.