Kay Taylor Rea (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
kaytaylorrea) wrote2016-03-14 02:51 pm
kaytaylorrea) wrote2016-03-14 02:51 pm
Fic Rec Monday: Two Sides of the Same Coin
This week's Fic Rec Monday is all about Merlin. To be precise, it's all about the Merlin/Arthur Pendragon from the Beeb's Merlin. I'm not really sure how a show that was originally intended to be a goofy origin story playing to the ten-and-under crowd turned into a fandom juggernaut of feels and angst, but I'll certainly not complain. Here are 45 of my favorite Merlin/Arthur fics:
8x12x8 by skellerbvvt
Morgana/Gwen, Merlin/Arthur Pendragon, Hunith, Uther Pendragon, Arthur Pendragon, Merlin, Morgana, Lancelot,
Child Abuse, Psychological Trauma, Hurt/Comfort, Romance, Angst, Dark
Summary: When Arthur was small his Majesty locked him away because Arthur is a monster. Now Merlin wants to let Arthur out to prove that he is not.
Accept No Substitutes by lamardeuse
Summary: It was extraordinary, Merlin reflected as he pounded down the corridor toward the Great Hall, how often the destiny the Great Dragon constantly spoke of entailed saving Arthur from beautiful women.
All Its Splendid Glory by Loz
Arthur Pendragon, Merlin, Humor, First Time, Love Spell/Potion
Summary: In the two years and five months Merlin has known him, Arthur has been enchanted to love people he ordinarily wouldn’t nine times. Merlin simply never expects Arthur to be enchanted to love him.
All Things Are Ours by cassie_black
Arthur Pendragon, Merlin, Gwen, Lancelot, Morgana
Summary: Wherein Arthur gets a new job, Morgana speaks Welsh, and Gwen introduces Merlin to the finer points of Facebook stalking!
And the world thought I had it all, but I was waiting for you by KleineElfe92
Future Fic, Reincarnation
Summary: He meets Arthur for the second time on a cold, rainy day in March.
Ashes, Embers, Flames by unpossible
Merlin/Arthur Pendragon, Guinevere/Lancelot du Lac, Morgana, Mordred, Gaius, Uther Pendragon, Will, Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Friends to Lovers, Magic
Summary: Merlin sees him across a crowded living room and promptly spills his beer down the back of the couch and over some hapless stranger’s neck.
August by rageprufrock
Summary: Merlin looked uncertainly to Arthur. “Have you ever made bread?” he asked.
“How hard could it be?” Arthur said.
A Change of Pace by kianspo
Merlin/Arthur Pendragon, Merlin, Arthur Pendragon, Morgana, Gwaine, Freya, Lancelot du Lac, Gwen, Elena, Uther Pendragon, Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Harlequin, Romance, Schmoop, Drama, Merlin is a dear, Arthur is emotionally stunted, First Time
Summary: The one in which Arthur works in finances and his suits are various (two) shades of grey, Merlin works in advertisement and has no boundaries whatsoever, Morgana drinks rum, Mithian stages a coup, Agravaine is aggravating, and Elena's house is amazing. Also, Andy Warhol is mentioned in vain, and Arthur and Merlin fall in love in Victorian era style.
Cold Spell by mornmeril
Arthur Pendragon, Merlin, Gaius, Jealous!Arthur, First Time, Romance, Christmas
Summary: Gaius takes on a new apprentice. Arthur’s not amused.
The Crown of the Summer Court by astolat
Merlin, Arthur Pendragon, Morgana, Uther Pendragon
Summary: "The king sent me to get you," Merlin said, with a tone that implied strongly that he wasn't rolling his eyes where Arthur could see, but just wait until his back was turned. "He said you're to get changed into formal clothes and meet him in the Great Hall, there's a delegation coming from the Summer Court."
Do Not Go Gentle by kianspo
Merlin, Arthur Pendragon, Lancelot, Gwaine, Gwen, Gaius, Percival, Leon, Killgharrah, REincarnation, Future Fic, Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Post-Canon
Summary: Sometime around the end of the eighteenth century, he starts using his name again.
Post-finale future fic, reincarnation.
Drastically Redefining Protocol by rageprufrock
Alternate Universe - Modern Setting
Summary: In which Prince Arthur meets Merlin and all hell promptly breaks loose.
Dying to Return by StormDancer
Merlin/Arthur Pendragon, Gwen/Arthur Pendragon, Gwen/Lancelot, Merlin, Arthur, Morgana, Gwaine, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Gwaine's cloak is expressive, Arthur is a big ball of angst, BAMF Merlin, Future Fic
Summary: When they try to hang him, he floats.
*
They put him on the pyre at dawn.
He doesn’t burn. (Diverges from canon after Series 3)
Every Story is a Love Story by lady_ragnell
Merlin, Arthur Pendragon, Freya, Morgana, Mithian, Elena, Gwen, Gwaine, Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, romance novels
Summary: Camelot Publishing publishes romance novels, and when Arthur founds a new imprint of gay romance and invites his best friend and pet writer Merlin to write for it, it's a bit too easy to miss the fact that apparently he's living in one.
Faded Epitaphs by patria_mori
Arthur Pendragon, Merlin, Morgana, Gwaine, Alternate Universe - Future
Summary: Immortality was never something Arthur Pendragon had wanted. Merlin didn't give him that choice. As the rest of the world reincarnates, blissfully oblivious, Arthur continues, waiting for the one man who never came back.
Favorite by astolat
Summary: Arthur was tipped back against the wall, his mouth open for breath and staring at the small arrow-slit window over Merlin's head, trying to work out how it could possibly be that good with Merlin, of all people.
Flood or Those Times in the Potato Store Room by enjambament
Arthur Pendragon, Merlin, Morgana, Gwen, UST
Summary: After Arthur accosts Merlin in the potato storage room, it’s easier for a few days. They can’t help catching each other’s eyes across the hall and pausing, trapped by their own want, but Merlin is more conscious of how close he stands when he serves Arthur at dinner, and Arthur at least stops telling him to go groom his horse like what he actually means to say is please, if you would take off all your clothes.
For Your Information by reni_days
Uther Pendragon, Merlin, Arthur Pendragon, Crack, Modern AU
Summary: Merlin sighs. "After your...announcement," he explains, "your father decided he needed a bit more information. Which is apparently where I come in. I'm sort of like his gay tutor, it's hard to explain."
Fostered by rageprufrock
Summary: Obviously, it was not just any sort of egg.
Fractured Fairytale by fuzzytomato
Merlin/Arthur Pendragon, Elena/Gwaine, Gwen/Lancelot, Alternate Universe - Fantasy
Summary: Arthur does not believe in magic. At all. Which is bad for him since he’s been sucked into a parallel universe where he keeps running into people he knows who don’t know him. Even worse, his guide is a hapless kind of sorcerer, they’ve received dodgy directions from his morally dubious half-sister, and some leathery winged beast keeps going on about some kind of quest and destiny. Arthur will be lucky to get out of his current predicament alive much less be able to get back to his own life.
From Where I Stand You're In My Sky by paperclipbitch
Merlin/Arthur Pendragon, Merlin/Will, Merlin, Arthur Pendragon, Morgana, Uther Pendragon, Will, Mordred, Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Superheroes/Superpowers, loosely inspired by Watchmen, Angst, evil!Uther, gratuitous superman references
Summary: AU. Arthur looks away from the terrified, accusing dark eyes of the man on the newspaper, and turns his attention to his breakfast.
Fundamental Imperfection by Starlingthefool
Arthur Pendragon, Morgana, Merlin, Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Authors, Literary References & Allusions, Nerdery, arguments are the best foreplay, snobbery
Summary: In which an argument about Dickens leads to a Twitter scandal, broken bones, midnight conversations, and transatlantic longing.
(Or, an AU with Arthur and Merlin as moderately famous authors.)
The Future Soon by lady_ragnell
Arthur Pendragon, Merlin, Morgana, Uther Pendragon, Taliesin, Gwen, Lancelot, Elyan, Elena, Freya, Leon, Gwaine, Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Screw Destiny
Summary: Arthur sees a vision of himself and Merlin married and happy, but they can barely stand each other. They both start doing everything they can to avoid it happening.
Gadarene by unpossible
Merlin/Arthur Pendragon, Merlin, Arthur Pendragon, Agravaine, Gaius, Kanen, Leon, Hunith, Great Dragon, Balinor,Slavery, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Magic Revealed
Summary: “You’re the Prince?” Merlin says, eyeing him. He hesitates, then adds, defiant, “The Mad Prince of Camelot.”
Arthur doesn’t move. There’s quiet for a long time, then he says it. “I am.”
“You don’t seem mad,” he says.
The smile wells up from somewhere deep, and very sad. “Well, Merlin,” he says, “give me time.”
Hidden Light by Destina
Arthur Pendragon, Merlin, Gwaine, Leon, Elyan, Percival, Canon Era, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence
Summary: During a winter hunting trip, Merlin finds he still has much to learn about Arthur.
If You'll Be My Star, I'll Be Your Sky by waldorph
Character Study, Angst
Summary: There is nothing Merlin won't do for Arthur.
Let Us Dare by kianspo
Balinor/Hunith, Merlin, Arthur Pendragon, Morgana, Lancelot, Gwaine, Nimueh, Balinor, Ygraine Pendragon, Alternate Universe - Canon, Action/Adventure, First Time, Romance
Summary: Uther dies instead of Ygraine when Arthur is born. Balinor helps Ygraine secure her position as regent, magic isn’t banned, and Merlin and Arthur grow up side by side. Camelot is different but not cloudless, destiny is still a troublesome thing, and Arthur is still charmingly oblivious when it comes to things that matter most in life.
The Long Shadow by Destina
Merlin, Arthur Pendragon, Gaius, Percival, Gwen
Summmary: What's the point of being the most powerful sorcerer who ever walked the earth, if you can't tinker with destiny now and then? Spoilers for all of season five; goes AU just before the end of 5.13.
Love me, and mend
Summary: The thought had occurred to him once: if Merlin had been born a noble, they might have been friends. But lately he had come to know better.
Not Quite Hogwarts by eledhwenlin
Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, College/University, Professors
Summary: When Merlin blows up his office (entirely by accident), he has to move into Arthur's office. Arthur is not amused. Oh, and then there's a new tenure position announced. It all ends a bit differently than Arthur imagined.
Onfindan by astolat
Summary: Arthur didn't speak to him for a week after he found out.
Paint the World Orange and Blue by ingberry
Merlin, Arthur Pendragon, Elena, Freya, Alator, Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Fluff, Banter, Artists
Summary: Armed with pen, paper and mugs of tea, Merlin created a relatively successful series of graphic novels. Armed with determination, sarcasm and more tea, he signs a deal with Pendragon Pictures to turn his first novel into a film. Merlin's relationship with Arthur Pendragon starts with TWO (2) slammed doors and ONE (1) severely bruised ego, but that's not at all how it ends.
Past Imperfect by thehoyden
Summary: "You're being annoying, so no, I'd have to say this seems perfectly normal."
Seven Magpies by syllic
Arthur Pendragon, Merlin, Morgana, Gwen, Unith
Summary: Arthur opened his eyes a minute later to the sight of seven magpies streaking across the top of the clearing, their shapes dark against the white clouds and the muted grey of the sky. He tried to remember what it was that seven magpies meant—he'd had a nurse who had sung the rhyme to him as a child—but couldn't.
Arthur wakes up somewhere he doesn't recognise, but where he clearly belongs.
Skipping Beats, Blushing Cheeks by Thursday_Next
Arthur Pendragon, Merlin, Gwaine, Leon, Morgana, Percival, Fluff, Christmas
Summary: Merlin works at the old, rundown bookshop that Arthur bikes past daily on his way to work. Normally Arthur doesn’t spare a second glance at it, but when a winter storm rolls in unexpectedly, he ducks inside and meets Merlin.
So Are They All, All Honorable Men by seperis
Arthur Pendragon, Merlin, Morgana, Gwen
Summary: Considering Arthur's future wife will be chosen less for compatibility than for her political value, Merlin may be the only marriage he'll have that won't end in bloodshed or a great deal of fortifying wine.
Spartacus and the Open Taxi Door by fuzzytomato
Summary: Merlin works in a coffee shop, is a literature student, lives with Will, flirts with Gwaine, is friends with Gwen and has a stunningly normal life. Until Arthur walks in and changes everything.
Stars Above, Stones Below by Destina
Merlin, Arthur Pendragon, Gaius, Gwaine, Gwen, Percival, Elyan, Agravaine, Leon, Mithian, Happy Ending, Canon-Era, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Magic Revealed
Summary: After the disastrous end of his betrothal to Gwen and the regret of his offer to Princess Mithian, Arthur swears off finding a wife until he's ready to wed. When Merlin offers himself to Arthur as bedmate, Arthur suggests they hand-fast in secret for a single year of mutual pleasure without obligation. As their year together unfolds, and secrets and betrayals unravel around them, Arthur and Merlin learn there is no such thing as uncomplicated pleasure. Everything they thought they knew can change in the span of a single year.
A Study in Natural Philosophy by Mad_Maudlin
Arthur Pendragon, Merlin, Uther Pendragon, Gaius, Morgana, Gwen, Daemon, Episode Re-Write, Series 1, Horses, Owls, Animals
Summary: It wasn't all that unusual for people to hide their daemons; Merlin, however, seems to be taking it a little far.
Summer Country by seperis
Arthur Pendragon/Merlin, Morgana/Gwen
Summary: He's always known Arthur would break his heart, one way or another. Set during the first season.
Three Tasks by syllic
Summary: Arthur is the Royal Arbiter for Suitable Suitors' Disputes. He (and his trusty companion, the golden-dragon-tasselled hat) alone can determine who is fit to woo royal servants and other assorted courtiers in Uther's court. (In light of the preceding sentence, the following may not appear to be a truthful statement, but: not as cracky as that makes it sound. Really.)
Tiercel by waldorph
Merlin, Arthur Pendragon, Gaius, Gwaine, Lancelot, Uther Pendragon, Gwen, Elyan, Hunith, Magic Revealed, First Time
Summary: Arthur is constantly at war.
to the world that never let you be by ImperialMint
Merlin/Arthur Pendragon
Summary: When Arthur notices the scars on Merlin, he sets off to find out why a servant of all people has such marks and discovers that Merlin might not be all that he seems.
Truth Is a Whisper by seperis
Merlin, Arthur Pendragon, Gaius, Uther Pendragon, Morgana, Gwen
Summary: Words can also be mightier than the sword.
When Morning Comes by Starlingthefool
Arthur Pendragon, Merlin, Gwen, Gwaine, Gaius, Elyan, Alternate Universe - Alien Invasion, Apocalypse, Modern Setting
Summary: If life were fair, anyone who managed to survive the apocalypse would be given a fuzzy blanket, some tea, and a nice bed to hide under and weep.
Life is not fair, obviously, and there's no actual end to the end of the world. Instead, there's grief and pain and mud and death, there are minor miracles, and there's the love that gets you out of bed in the morning, despite everything. Life goes on.
8x12x8 by skellerbvvt
Morgana/Gwen, Merlin/Arthur Pendragon, Hunith, Uther Pendragon, Arthur Pendragon, Merlin, Morgana, Lancelot,
Child Abuse, Psychological Trauma, Hurt/Comfort, Romance, Angst, Dark
Summary: When Arthur was small his Majesty locked him away because Arthur is a monster. Now Merlin wants to let Arthur out to prove that he is not.
Accept No Substitutes by lamardeuse
Summary: It was extraordinary, Merlin reflected as he pounded down the corridor toward the Great Hall, how often the destiny the Great Dragon constantly spoke of entailed saving Arthur from beautiful women.
All Its Splendid Glory by Loz
Arthur Pendragon, Merlin, Humor, First Time, Love Spell/Potion
Summary: In the two years and five months Merlin has known him, Arthur has been enchanted to love people he ordinarily wouldn’t nine times. Merlin simply never expects Arthur to be enchanted to love him.
All Things Are Ours by cassie_black
Arthur Pendragon, Merlin, Gwen, Lancelot, Morgana
Summary: Wherein Arthur gets a new job, Morgana speaks Welsh, and Gwen introduces Merlin to the finer points of Facebook stalking!
And the world thought I had it all, but I was waiting for you by KleineElfe92
Future Fic, Reincarnation
Summary: He meets Arthur for the second time on a cold, rainy day in March.
Ashes, Embers, Flames by unpossible
Merlin/Arthur Pendragon, Guinevere/Lancelot du Lac, Morgana, Mordred, Gaius, Uther Pendragon, Will, Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Friends to Lovers, Magic
Summary: Merlin sees him across a crowded living room and promptly spills his beer down the back of the couch and over some hapless stranger’s neck.
August by rageprufrock
Summary: Merlin looked uncertainly to Arthur. “Have you ever made bread?” he asked.
“How hard could it be?” Arthur said.
A Change of Pace by kianspo
Merlin/Arthur Pendragon, Merlin, Arthur Pendragon, Morgana, Gwaine, Freya, Lancelot du Lac, Gwen, Elena, Uther Pendragon, Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Harlequin, Romance, Schmoop, Drama, Merlin is a dear, Arthur is emotionally stunted, First Time
Summary: The one in which Arthur works in finances and his suits are various (two) shades of grey, Merlin works in advertisement and has no boundaries whatsoever, Morgana drinks rum, Mithian stages a coup, Agravaine is aggravating, and Elena's house is amazing. Also, Andy Warhol is mentioned in vain, and Arthur and Merlin fall in love in Victorian era style.
Cold Spell by mornmeril
Arthur Pendragon, Merlin, Gaius, Jealous!Arthur, First Time, Romance, Christmas
Summary: Gaius takes on a new apprentice. Arthur’s not amused.
The Crown of the Summer Court by astolat
Merlin, Arthur Pendragon, Morgana, Uther Pendragon
Summary: "The king sent me to get you," Merlin said, with a tone that implied strongly that he wasn't rolling his eyes where Arthur could see, but just wait until his back was turned. "He said you're to get changed into formal clothes and meet him in the Great Hall, there's a delegation coming from the Summer Court."
Do Not Go Gentle by kianspo
Merlin, Arthur Pendragon, Lancelot, Gwaine, Gwen, Gaius, Percival, Leon, Killgharrah, REincarnation, Future Fic, Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Post-Canon
Summary: Sometime around the end of the eighteenth century, he starts using his name again.
Post-finale future fic, reincarnation.
Drastically Redefining Protocol by rageprufrock
Alternate Universe - Modern Setting
Summary: In which Prince Arthur meets Merlin and all hell promptly breaks loose.
Dying to Return by StormDancer
Merlin/Arthur Pendragon, Gwen/Arthur Pendragon, Gwen/Lancelot, Merlin, Arthur, Morgana, Gwaine, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Gwaine's cloak is expressive, Arthur is a big ball of angst, BAMF Merlin, Future Fic
Summary: When they try to hang him, he floats.
*
They put him on the pyre at dawn.
He doesn’t burn. (Diverges from canon after Series 3)
Every Story is a Love Story by lady_ragnell
Merlin, Arthur Pendragon, Freya, Morgana, Mithian, Elena, Gwen, Gwaine, Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, romance novels
Summary: Camelot Publishing publishes romance novels, and when Arthur founds a new imprint of gay romance and invites his best friend and pet writer Merlin to write for it, it's a bit too easy to miss the fact that apparently he's living in one.
Faded Epitaphs by patria_mori
Arthur Pendragon, Merlin, Morgana, Gwaine, Alternate Universe - Future
Summary: Immortality was never something Arthur Pendragon had wanted. Merlin didn't give him that choice. As the rest of the world reincarnates, blissfully oblivious, Arthur continues, waiting for the one man who never came back.
Favorite by astolat
Summary: Arthur was tipped back against the wall, his mouth open for breath and staring at the small arrow-slit window over Merlin's head, trying to work out how it could possibly be that good with Merlin, of all people.
Flood or Those Times in the Potato Store Room by enjambament
Arthur Pendragon, Merlin, Morgana, Gwen, UST
Summary: After Arthur accosts Merlin in the potato storage room, it’s easier for a few days. They can’t help catching each other’s eyes across the hall and pausing, trapped by their own want, but Merlin is more conscious of how close he stands when he serves Arthur at dinner, and Arthur at least stops telling him to go groom his horse like what he actually means to say is please, if you would take off all your clothes.
For Your Information by reni_days
Uther Pendragon, Merlin, Arthur Pendragon, Crack, Modern AU
Summary: Merlin sighs. "After your...announcement," he explains, "your father decided he needed a bit more information. Which is apparently where I come in. I'm sort of like his gay tutor, it's hard to explain."
Fostered by rageprufrock
Summary: Obviously, it was not just any sort of egg.
Fractured Fairytale by fuzzytomato
Merlin/Arthur Pendragon, Elena/Gwaine, Gwen/Lancelot, Alternate Universe - Fantasy
Summary: Arthur does not believe in magic. At all. Which is bad for him since he’s been sucked into a parallel universe where he keeps running into people he knows who don’t know him. Even worse, his guide is a hapless kind of sorcerer, they’ve received dodgy directions from his morally dubious half-sister, and some leathery winged beast keeps going on about some kind of quest and destiny. Arthur will be lucky to get out of his current predicament alive much less be able to get back to his own life.
From Where I Stand You're In My Sky by paperclipbitch
Merlin/Arthur Pendragon, Merlin/Will, Merlin, Arthur Pendragon, Morgana, Uther Pendragon, Will, Mordred, Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Superheroes/Superpowers, loosely inspired by Watchmen, Angst, evil!Uther, gratuitous superman references
Summary: AU. Arthur looks away from the terrified, accusing dark eyes of the man on the newspaper, and turns his attention to his breakfast.
Fundamental Imperfection by Starlingthefool
Arthur Pendragon, Morgana, Merlin, Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Authors, Literary References & Allusions, Nerdery, arguments are the best foreplay, snobbery
Summary: In which an argument about Dickens leads to a Twitter scandal, broken bones, midnight conversations, and transatlantic longing.
(Or, an AU with Arthur and Merlin as moderately famous authors.)
The Future Soon by lady_ragnell
Arthur Pendragon, Merlin, Morgana, Uther Pendragon, Taliesin, Gwen, Lancelot, Elyan, Elena, Freya, Leon, Gwaine, Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Screw Destiny
Summary: Arthur sees a vision of himself and Merlin married and happy, but they can barely stand each other. They both start doing everything they can to avoid it happening.
Gadarene by unpossible
Merlin/Arthur Pendragon, Merlin, Arthur Pendragon, Agravaine, Gaius, Kanen, Leon, Hunith, Great Dragon, Balinor,Slavery, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Magic Revealed
Summary: “You’re the Prince?” Merlin says, eyeing him. He hesitates, then adds, defiant, “The Mad Prince of Camelot.”
Arthur doesn’t move. There’s quiet for a long time, then he says it. “I am.”
“You don’t seem mad,” he says.
The smile wells up from somewhere deep, and very sad. “Well, Merlin,” he says, “give me time.”
Hidden Light by Destina
Arthur Pendragon, Merlin, Gwaine, Leon, Elyan, Percival, Canon Era, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence
Summary: During a winter hunting trip, Merlin finds he still has much to learn about Arthur.
If You'll Be My Star, I'll Be Your Sky by waldorph
Character Study, Angst
Summary: There is nothing Merlin won't do for Arthur.
Let Us Dare by kianspo
Balinor/Hunith, Merlin, Arthur Pendragon, Morgana, Lancelot, Gwaine, Nimueh, Balinor, Ygraine Pendragon, Alternate Universe - Canon, Action/Adventure, First Time, Romance
Summary: Uther dies instead of Ygraine when Arthur is born. Balinor helps Ygraine secure her position as regent, magic isn’t banned, and Merlin and Arthur grow up side by side. Camelot is different but not cloudless, destiny is still a troublesome thing, and Arthur is still charmingly oblivious when it comes to things that matter most in life.
The Long Shadow by Destina
Merlin, Arthur Pendragon, Gaius, Percival, Gwen
Summmary: What's the point of being the most powerful sorcerer who ever walked the earth, if you can't tinker with destiny now and then? Spoilers for all of season five; goes AU just before the end of 5.13.
Love me, and mend
Summary: The thought had occurred to him once: if Merlin had been born a noble, they might have been friends. But lately he had come to know better.
Not Quite Hogwarts by eledhwenlin
Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, College/University, Professors
Summary: When Merlin blows up his office (entirely by accident), he has to move into Arthur's office. Arthur is not amused. Oh, and then there's a new tenure position announced. It all ends a bit differently than Arthur imagined.
Onfindan by astolat
Summary: Arthur didn't speak to him for a week after he found out.
Paint the World Orange and Blue by ingberry
Merlin, Arthur Pendragon, Elena, Freya, Alator, Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Fluff, Banter, Artists
Summary: Armed with pen, paper and mugs of tea, Merlin created a relatively successful series of graphic novels. Armed with determination, sarcasm and more tea, he signs a deal with Pendragon Pictures to turn his first novel into a film. Merlin's relationship with Arthur Pendragon starts with TWO (2) slammed doors and ONE (1) severely bruised ego, but that's not at all how it ends.
Past Imperfect by thehoyden
Summary: "You're being annoying, so no, I'd have to say this seems perfectly normal."
Seven Magpies by syllic
Arthur Pendragon, Merlin, Morgana, Gwen, Unith
Summary: Arthur opened his eyes a minute later to the sight of seven magpies streaking across the top of the clearing, their shapes dark against the white clouds and the muted grey of the sky. He tried to remember what it was that seven magpies meant—he'd had a nurse who had sung the rhyme to him as a child—but couldn't.
Arthur wakes up somewhere he doesn't recognise, but where he clearly belongs.
Skipping Beats, Blushing Cheeks by Thursday_Next
Arthur Pendragon, Merlin, Gwaine, Leon, Morgana, Percival, Fluff, Christmas
Summary: Merlin works at the old, rundown bookshop that Arthur bikes past daily on his way to work. Normally Arthur doesn’t spare a second glance at it, but when a winter storm rolls in unexpectedly, he ducks inside and meets Merlin.
So Are They All, All Honorable Men by seperis
Arthur Pendragon, Merlin, Morgana, Gwen
Summary: Considering Arthur's future wife will be chosen less for compatibility than for her political value, Merlin may be the only marriage he'll have that won't end in bloodshed or a great deal of fortifying wine.
Spartacus and the Open Taxi Door by fuzzytomato
Summary: Merlin works in a coffee shop, is a literature student, lives with Will, flirts with Gwaine, is friends with Gwen and has a stunningly normal life. Until Arthur walks in and changes everything.
Stars Above, Stones Below by Destina
Merlin, Arthur Pendragon, Gaius, Gwaine, Gwen, Percival, Elyan, Agravaine, Leon, Mithian, Happy Ending, Canon-Era, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Magic Revealed
Summary: After the disastrous end of his betrothal to Gwen and the regret of his offer to Princess Mithian, Arthur swears off finding a wife until he's ready to wed. When Merlin offers himself to Arthur as bedmate, Arthur suggests they hand-fast in secret for a single year of mutual pleasure without obligation. As their year together unfolds, and secrets and betrayals unravel around them, Arthur and Merlin learn there is no such thing as uncomplicated pleasure. Everything they thought they knew can change in the span of a single year.
A Study in Natural Philosophy by Mad_Maudlin
Arthur Pendragon, Merlin, Uther Pendragon, Gaius, Morgana, Gwen, Daemon, Episode Re-Write, Series 1, Horses, Owls, Animals
Summary: It wasn't all that unusual for people to hide their daemons; Merlin, however, seems to be taking it a little far.
Summer Country by seperis
Arthur Pendragon/Merlin, Morgana/Gwen
Summary: He's always known Arthur would break his heart, one way or another. Set during the first season.
Three Tasks by syllic
Summary: Arthur is the Royal Arbiter for Suitable Suitors' Disputes. He (and his trusty companion, the golden-dragon-tasselled hat) alone can determine who is fit to woo royal servants and other assorted courtiers in Uther's court. (In light of the preceding sentence, the following may not appear to be a truthful statement, but: not as cracky as that makes it sound. Really.)
Tiercel by waldorph
Merlin, Arthur Pendragon, Gaius, Gwaine, Lancelot, Uther Pendragon, Gwen, Elyan, Hunith, Magic Revealed, First Time
Summary: Arthur is constantly at war.
to the world that never let you be by ImperialMint
Merlin/Arthur Pendragon
Summary: When Arthur notices the scars on Merlin, he sets off to find out why a servant of all people has such marks and discovers that Merlin might not be all that he seems.
Truth Is a Whisper by seperis
Merlin, Arthur Pendragon, Gaius, Uther Pendragon, Morgana, Gwen
Summary: Words can also be mightier than the sword.
When Morning Comes by Starlingthefool
Arthur Pendragon, Merlin, Gwen, Gwaine, Gaius, Elyan, Alternate Universe - Alien Invasion, Apocalypse, Modern Setting
Summary: If life were fair, anyone who managed to survive the apocalypse would be given a fuzzy blanket, some tea, and a nice bed to hide under and weep.
Life is not fair, obviously, and there's no actual end to the end of the world. Instead, there's grief and pain and mud and death, there are minor miracles, and there's the love that gets you out of bed in the morning, despite everything. Life goes on.