derryere: Merlin/Arthur Hug Meme ♥!

H (

derryere) wrote,
@ 2009-10-14 02:18:00

Entry tags:

brainwork: not mine, html: not mine, hugsforthesoul, meme, merliiiiiiiiiiin, the love: partly mine

Merlin/Arthur Hug Meme ♥!
Who else needs this like burning? Tuesdays are just extended versions of Mondays and everyone knows it. I NEED A HUG. Merlin needs a hug. Arthur needs a hug more than anyone. And I have a feeling that you, friend, won't say no to a hug as well at the moment.

Totally and completely ganked from ras_elased, who hosted the jshgd brilliant kissing meme a while ago :D And also, just noticed they had a wonderful round of this at last week's fleet party (should really take a look over there if you have time, people. MULTISHIP HUGS THAT'LL WARM YOUR HEART, GAH ♥).

Now,

♥ Merlin/Arthur Hug Meme ♥

Hug meme! Make A and M hug. Is it a spell? Before a battle? A cuddle? The accidental expressing of emotions on escaping death? PUSHED TOGETHER BY MEDDLING KNIGHTS? Stuck in a hole in the ground? Everything works! As long as there are arms and limbs and the crushing of ribs, you're good <3

The rules:
1. Porn = allowed (WHAT WHAT), as long as it's still about the huggin' :)
2. Post your Merlin/Arthur hugs in the comments below.
3. No wank. Only love.
4. GLOMP EVERYONE ♥

Want to share? LO:

(w/o le colour:)

ETA!: we now have a hugs masterlist! ALL CREDIT GOES TO THE VERY KIND thisissirius ♥

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(669 comments) - (Post a new comment)

	hanabi14 2009-10-14 01:48 am UTC (link)
	OH GOD! This fandom is nearly killing me with all the memes! And hugging? BRING IT ON!! So excited! (Reply to this)

First ever full thing in Merlin.

egotists
2009-10-14 02:53 am UTC (link)

It's months that feel like years, time going so slowly it's like breathing in a broken rhythm. Arthur's not sure where the days have gone, hours spent on the fields between home and a land of ruin. Lives left on a battlefield, the war dead and over like the corpses that fell at his feet.

He wonders if he looks different, if the stubble on his chin will hurt when Merlin gets too close. There's a scar or two that weren't there before, dragged across his chest and arms slowly and steady.

Arthur's clean of his blood, tanned skin dark from a cruel sun, but somehow it still feels dirty, like his men remain with him though they're well into the stage of decay.

As expected, Merlin's there. He hasn't aged at all. His eyes are still young, innocent despite the horror that surrounded Camelot. It's a feature Arthur's glad Merlin has preserved. Like everything else about Merlin, it's a rare gem in the world.

Merlin comes alongside the horse, his fingers gripping at the saddle before he helps the Prince... no, king, climb from his war time companion.

Barely a moment is there, between feet meeting ground and bodies twisting to meet. Arthur's got Merlin wrapped so tight inside his arms, holding him against his chest like the precious thing he is.

He can feel a dampness against the base of his neck. Tears. Arthur remembers telling Merlin to be strong, to remember that this is what the future, and now king is supposed to do. Arthur Pendragon was destined to protect Camelot.

"You're smothering me, you prat." Merlin strains to speak.

The smile that comes to Arthur's face is foreign, the first in a long time. He squeezes tighter, pulling Merlin impossibly closer.

"It's good to be home."

I should probably mention I'm best at ignoring commas. LOL sorry guys -hides-

Edited at 2009-10-14 02:55 am UTC

(Reply to this) (Thread)(Expand)

	Re: First ever full thing in Merlin. staraflur 2009-10-14 03:12 am UTC (link)
	<33333 SAM I DON'T ACTUALLY HAVE TIME TO DO THIS. BUT I'LL WRITE A HUG INTO MY SOLSTICE FIC FOR IT? (Reply to this) (Parent)(Thread)(Expand)

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	zephre 2009-10-14 03:28 am UTC (link)
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	egotists 2009-10-14 03:29 am UTC (link)
	:o trestres pretty!!! Lovely job! (Reply to this) (Parent)(Thread)(Expand)

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	searains 2009-10-14 03:51 am UTC (link)
	Here have some sketchy art! I love hugs. (Reply to this) (Thread)(Expand)

	hanabi14 2009-10-14 04:00 am UTC (link)
	OMG! This is beautiful! I could just stare at it and think lovely Merlin/Arthur thoughts all day...life doesn't want that for me though :) Thanks! (Reply to this) (Parent)(Thread)(Expand)

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	ras_elased 2009-10-14 05:02 am UTC (link)
	AAAAAAAHHH DAMMIT NOW I HAVE TO COME UP WITH SOMETHING FOR THIS! Also: I ♥ YOU. LIKE CRAZY, BB. (Reply to this)

Magical Merlz and the Case of the Leorsagrif Curse [pt.1]

ego_chan
2009-10-14 05:04 am UTC (link)

IT IS MIDNIGHT. I AM WRITING FIC. IT IS MIDTERM WEEK. IT IS MIDTERM WEEK.

You wouldn't believe it, but Gaius actually has friends Uther didn't burn at the stake twenty years ago. So, one day, when he's feeling all nostalgic and weepy about it, he turns to Merlin, takes one look at that woobie face, and makes up his mind on the matter.

Gaius: Merlin, I am going to go an visit my old friend, Sir Name-Unimportant. I'll be gone a week. Keep shop and try not to kill anyone who doesn't deserve it while I'm gone.
Merlin: But who will I cry about my secret magic to all week? My nerves can't handle your absence.
Gaius: Your nerves can handle a week.
Merlin: My nerves say fuck you too.
Gaius: Do your nerves want to clean out the leech tank?
Merlin: My nerves are sorry.
Gaius: Very well then.

So, Gaius goes. But then, what do you know? A giant animal with the body of a lion, wings of an eagle, and head of a bear [aka: the dreaded leorsagrif] begins to attack outlying villages. Also, there's a plague. And a war. And a jousting tournament. And someone kidnaps Morgana. Nimueh rises up from the dead, and the Great Dragon breaks free.

On top of all of this, Arthur is mean to Merlin, and Morris has an affair with Sir Leon. It's a sad state of things in our dear Camelot. Unless your name is Morris. Then it's actually pretty sweet.

Uther and Arthur sort of flail about for a bit. Uther says it's magic. Arthur says it's lightening, or bad luck, or a trick of the light. Uther says no, it's magic. So, Arthur turns to Gaius. Except, when he comes roaring into the physician's chambers, all he finds is Merlin, staring longingly into the fire and looking about to cry. When Arthur asks about the queue of plague and leorsagrif victims, Merlin says nothing and points at Gaius's medical books with a hopeless, bewildered shrug. Arthur figures the best thing for Merlin is to get him out of here, so he opens the window and haS Merlin scale down the wall to escape.

Meanwhile, Arthur promises everyone in the queue that Dr. Gaius will be with them shortly.

Once he's got Merlin freed, Arthur enlists Merlin's help in solving the mystery. They hop aboard their noble steeds, Puddles and Scooby-Doo, and ride off into a pretty clearing in Puzzle Wood. There, they find out the leorsagrif is heading to Camelot. Arthur and Merlin ride back to Camelot, warning the people in the streets to run for their lives, but the people don't because they don't understand them because they all speak French. When they do run, it's too late, and Arthur despairs over his failure as a good prince defending his people.

Eventually Merlin saves the day using the darkest magic of all: perusing Gaius's library and commencing to read. Just in time, he's able to inform Arthur that you kill leorsagrifs with a crying baby. This is the easiest thing for Arthur, since he simply needs to think about a baby to have it start crying. So, he thinks about all the little babies in Camelot he needs to save, and then the air is filled with the sound of desperately wailing babies for hours.

(Reply to this) (Thread)

Re: Magical Merlz and the Case of the Leorsagrif Curse [pt.2]

ego_chan
2009-10-14 05:08 am UTC (link)

When the leorsagrif ultimately dies and lifts it's curse, Arthur and Merlin are sitting around the physician chambers [they had to go there for Merlin to read], feeling all happy that they saved the day.

Arthur: You know, this solving Camelot mysteries thing is pretty exciting.
Merlin: Yeah, I guess....
Arthur: So, what do we do now?
Merlin: What?
Arthur: How do we celebrate?
Merlin: Cele...brate?
Arthur: You and Gaius do celebrate when you solve a mystery...don't you?
Merlin: ...About that....
Arthur: You mean you don't do anything?
Merlin: No, no. I mean. We do some things, yeah.
Arthur: Such as?
Merlin: Sometimes he makes a special dinner.
Arthur: I don't do special dinners. What else?
Merlin: There is nothing else.
Arthur: You're joking.
Merlin: I'm really not.
Arthur: You just sit around quietly and think about what good little detectives you are...and that's it? No party? No night out? No rewards? No ladies?
Merlin: Sometimes we talk about our feelings. And about how I'm the son he never had.
Arthur: Big yawn.
Merlin: Then we hug. We usually hug, actually. For everything.
Arthur: You eat...and hug?
Merlin: Yeah.
Arthur: So on a scale from one to lame, would you rate yourself lame, super lame, or lamest thing ever?
Merlin: It's not lame. Shut up.
Arthur: Well I'm not cooking you dinner.
Merlin: You couldn't if you wanted to.
Arthur: And you're not the son I've never had.
Merlin: That would be weird.
Arthur: Actually, you're the son I never want to have.
Merlin: Naturally.
Arthur: And I won't hug you.
Merlin: Who asked?
Arthur: Don't.
Merlin: Won't.
Arthur: Good.

A long, awkward silence follows. Merlin begins tidying up all the books and things he'd taken out, except he's forgotten how Gaius has them organized, so he sort of...timidly slips them in where he thinks they were before...and silently hopes Gaius won't notice right away. We he returns, there's tea on the table.

Arthur: There, I made you tea.
Merlin: Yeah?
Arthur: Tea, Merlin. I've made you tea.
Merlin: Yeah...?
Arthur: It's not dinner, but--
Merlin: OH! I see. You made...tea....
Arthur: Exactly.

Merlin politely sits down and sips the tea, which is bitter and over-steeped. He smiles to be nice, and spits a mouthful back into the cup when Arthur turns around to study some sciencey apparatus Merlin isn't sure Arthur should be touching.

Arthur: You know...you're not the shittiest servant I ever had, I must say.
Merlin: No?
Arthur: Yeah. But you're no Morris.
Merlin: Who's Morris?
Arthur: The best servant ever. He let me throw knives at him.
Merlin: Don't you even think about throwing knives at me.
Arthur: Exactly. He wasn't a total killjoy.
Merlin: I'm not letting you throw knives at me.
Arthur: See? This is why no-one likes you.
Merlin: Because I don't let them throw knives at me?
Arthur: Basically, yeah.
Merlin: And yet I can rest assured I'm not the shittiest servant you've ever had....
Arthur: I don't get it either. Despite your aversion to knife-throwing, you somehow manage not to be totally shitty. It's weird.
Merlin: Thanks...I guess.

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Re: Magical Merlz and the Case of the Leorsagrif Curse [pt.3] -

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Re: Magical Merlz and the Case of the Leorsagrif Curse [pt.2] -

mmang0, 2009-10-14 09:37 am UTC (Expand)

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ego_chan, 2009-10-14 02:46 pm UTC (Expand)

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Morning People

miakun
2009-10-14 05:15 am UTC (link)

(What the hell is wrong with me? Seriously. I apologize for this. It is the most sappy thing I've ever written. Ever.)

Merlin is still in the haze that only can be achieved early in the morning and mostly focused on not burning his eggs, so the last thing he expects is strong arms to wrap around his chest and Arthur to burrow into his neck.

"You didn't have to get up," Merlin says, turning his head just slightly to make sure that it actually is Arthur cutting off his circulation and not some random hugging burglar.

"'m not," Arthur huffs sleepily, tickling Merlin's neck with his breath. "When d'you havta leave?"

"Fifteen minutes," Merlin brings his hands up to rest on the ones around his chest, rubbing his thumbs against the soft hair on Arthur's arms. "I'll be back in a week," Merlin reminds him.

"Should drive you to the airport," Arthur probably tries to say, but muffled into Merlin's neck and with all the eloquence Arthur has before coffee (and especially when the sun hasn't come out yet) it sounds more like, "dd ive port."

It's a little telling of how well Merlin knows him that he could even begin to translate that. "Yes, because I'm sure you wouldn't fall asleep at the wheel or anything."

"'m excellent driver," Arthur noses Merlin's neck and slumps most of his weight against Merlin's shoulders, his arms tightening around Merlin's chest.

"I know, but you're also half dead, darling. Doesn't make a very good driver." Merlin tries to move closer to the stove so he can flip his eggs, but Arthur is doing a very good job at making himself a dead weight. Merlin huffs out an slightly annoyed breath. "What happened to all that posturing yesterday about how we don't have to spend every second together and you'll barely notice I'm gone?"

Arthur grunts into his neck and moves so his chin is resting more fully on Merlin's shoulder. "'m full shit, shut up."

"Now I'm sure you're too tired to drive," Merlin laughs and gets an arm free to take the pan off the stove.

Arthur's hands are loose and pliant when Merlin moves them and he takes the moment to turn so he's facing the Arthur. The poor sod can barely keep his eyes open and Merlin adjusts Arthur so that his arms are on Merlin's shoulders. Then he pulls Arthur in by the small of his back and rests his forehead against Arthur's.

"It's a week, you'll survive."

"You won't," Arthur mumbles, defensive even in his walking coma.

"Ah, now you're waking up," Merlin kisses him, lazily, with no real intention and Arthur kisses back. It's sleepy and sloppy and rather far too chaste, but that's well enough with morning breath. "Go back to bed, Arthur," Merlin breaths and hugs him tighter. "I'll call you when I get to the airport and wake you up and then you can swear at me creatively and it'll be our thing."

"Mm," is all Arthur manages so Merlin has to be the bigger person and march Arthur back to their room and basically throw him onto the bed.

Arthur ends up grunting and flopping over half a pillow. He's sprawled out over the rumbled covers, his shirt rucked up on his stomach. And he's flushed, sleepy, pliant and there's a space right in the crook of his shoulder if Merlin gets rid of the pillow. It's this unintentional ploy that is actually the most tempting.

Merlin sighs and makes himself go back into the kitchen to eat his breakfast. He has a train, then a plane to catch, and then one little tiny week to get through before he can just crawl into bed and let Arthur half flop on him again instead of a pillow. Where they can crawl together and try and block out the morning sun through the window that they never manage to cover before they get rest -- and lazily spread out and stretch, still touching until the alarm goes off and one or both of them have to actually get up (either of which means Merlin gets up and makes coffee before Arthur even attempts to leave the bed).

But he'll be back soon enough and then he'll torture Arthur with every detail of Arthur's clingy co-dependent behavior to hide the fact that Merlin is really tempted to just blow off his trip and crawl back into bed with him.

Of course Merlin's awake enough not to say so.

Edited at 2009-10-14 05:25 am UTC

(Reply to this) (Thread)(Expand)

	Re: Morning People pippopippo 2009-10-14 05:25 am UTC (link)
	SAPPY IS GOOD. ♥ (Reply to this) (Parent)(Thread)(Expand)

Re: Morning People -

miakun, 2009-10-14 04:39 pm UTC (Expand)

Re: Morning People -

mithrel, 2009-10-14 05:43 am UTC (Expand)

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You Will Not Rise Above

mithrel
2009-10-14 05:22 am UTC (link)

Arthur had been acting out of sorts lately. Merlin didn’t know what had got into him, but he was moping about something.

After three days of Arthur staring into space and largely ignoring him, Merlin finally demanded, “What is wrong with you?”

“Nothing’s wrong,” Arthur replied listlessly.

“That’s a lie, and you and I both know it. So what is it?”

“I don’t want to talk about it,” Arthur growled.

Merlin drummed his fingers on the wall, trying to think of a way to get through to him. “Arthur. Please. You’re miserable.”

“It’s stupid,” Arthur muttered.

“Tell me anyway.”

Merlin thought Arthur wasn’t going to answer, but at last he said, “It’s my father.”

“Your father?” Merlin repeated, puzzled.

“It’s just….nothing I do is good enough for him! I’m the heir to the throne and I’m a disappointment!” Arthur slumped in his chair, putting his head in his hands.

Merlin frowned. He’d known Arthur and Uther’s relationship was fraught, but something must have happened to exacerbate it. “So why are you upset now? Specifically, I mean?”

“He told me I don’t have what it takes to be king,” Arthur muttered.

Merlin’s brows rose incredulously, and he moved over to the table. He took hold of Arthur’s arms, pulling him to stand. “Arthur. Listen to me. You’ll be a great king. Better than your father.”

“But how do you know.”

Merlin sighed and put his arms around Arthur. “I know.”

Arthur stiffened. Merlin wondered if he’d ever been hugged before. Certainly Uther wouldn’t hug him, and he didn’t think anyone else would have the courage.

After a long moment, Arthur relaxed against him, resting his head on Merlin’s shoulder. After an even longer moment, his hands came up cautiously to rest on Merlin’s back, not hugging him, just resting there. Merlin tightened his hold.

(Reply to this) (Thread)(Expand)

	Re: You Will Not Rise Above theotherdibbler 2009-10-14 06:46 am UTC (link)
	Awww.... :) (Reply to this) (Parent)(Thread)(Expand)

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for some reason they're all in an emo band, IDEK

la_dissonance
2009-10-14 06:45 am UTC (link)

Arthur had never anticipated just how snuggly they'd all be. Sure, he was friends with Gwen, sort of knew the others, and he'd seen a few of their shows, but nothing could have prepared him for the near-constant level of touching that went on whenever the four of them happened to be together in the same room.

Well, three now. Their drummer had broken her wrist rather atrociously under mysterious circumstances, and Arthur had, in his opinion, given in all too easily to Gwen's request that he fill in for Morgana "just until the end of the tour."

Which, in Arthur's opinion, couldn't come fast enough. Only one show in, only two days on the road, and already he'd had to duck an oncoming pair of arms more times than he could count. Even the most mundane of daily occurrences seemed to be more than enough excuse for enthusiastic group hugs. These people just don't get that a manly shoulder slap could just about always cover everything.

And they were really bad at picking up on cues. Arthur had been trying to project an aura of disinterested machismo, but it really wasn't working. Gwen kept draping her feet across his lap whenever he sat down on the couch, Lance seemed to think they had to bump shoulders whenever they passed each other in the hallway (and not I-am-very-clumsy shoulder bumps, but the gentle, overly intimate oh-hi-guess-who's-my-new-best-friend? ones), and Merlin... Merlin all but crawled into Arthur's bunk with him.

"Hello, boundaries?!" Arthur yelped, slamming shut the book he'd been reading out of surprise and sliding as far away from the intruder as the narrow bunk would allow. Merlin just took this as an invitation to make himself comfortable. "Your feet are fucking freezing," Arthur added.

"Sorry," Merlin said, but didn't remove his feet – or his person – from Arthur's space. He propped himself up on an elbow and gazed soulfully into Arthur's eyes. "You don't like us."

"What?!" It wasn't Arthur's fault he couldn't stop speaking in interrobangs. They were all batshit insane. "I've hardly been here a day."

"Yes, but you keep avoiding us. And me. It's like you don't want to be here." Merlin was actually pouting.

"What do you. I. This is just all a little unexpected." Which is not what Arthur had planned on saying at all.

"Aw, I felt a bit nervous my first time touring too - but you shouldn't worry, Morgana'll be back soon and you've done great so far, our fans are really chill so they probably love you already and'll be sad to see you leave, and if you mess up a bit it's okay, I'll cover you –"

(Reply to this) (Thread)

the end

la_dissonance
2009-10-14 06:46 am UTC (link)

The stream of words was unending. Arthur just gaped. How could someone be so unselfconscious? So completely oblivious to the way his behavior looked to anyone outside his incestuous huggy little band? To crawl into bed with a guy he barely knew, talk his ear off about insecurities and the importance of friends and god only knew what else, all the while looking so stupid with those ridiculous eyelashes and cheekbones and pouty lips...

"Hey," Merlin said, mistaking Arthur's expression entirely. He gave Arthur's shoulder an overly intimate pat. "C'mon, you need a hug. Sometimes I talk too much, and –" he cut himself off and rolled into Arthur's side, long arms insinuating themselves around Arthur and squeezing him tight. His face was sharp, damn it, especially when he dug it into Arthur's chest like that, and his hair was tickling Arthur's nose, which would have been really annoying if it didn't smell really damn good...

And oh hell, it had been a weird couple of days. Arthur gingerly shifted the arm that wasn't trapped under his body, and hugged back.

Merlin made a sort of obscenely happy noise that could only have been described in terms usually reserved for small fluffy animals.

Arthur sort of kissed the top of Merlin's head, and then sort of hoped he hadn't noticed, because he totally hadn't meant to do it. It was just that Merlin was right there, and his hair smelled good. Or something.

Merlin made that small fluffy animal noise again and burrowed closer into Arthur's side. "You kissed me!"

"Didn't," Arthur mumbled.

"It's okay." Merlin yawned. "God, I'm so tired all of a sudden." He yawned again.

Arthur ignored his own yawn, electing to talk through it. "Seriously, all of a sudden?"

"Mm-hm," Merlin said, although chances were low he'd actually been able to make out any real words in Arthur's pronouncement. "'m gonna take a nap now I think. Late show tonight."

Arthur sort of wanted to say Here?! and get Merlin to start acting like a regular person – the kind who didn't climb all over people and fall asleep on them, that kind – but he was kind of sleepy, too, and the air conditioning was set cold enough that the warmth of Merlin plastered against his side felt really fucking good, and he also smelled good – Arthur kept re-noticing that; it was weird – and so all Arthur ended up saying was "Okay, me too."

And then he kind of kissed Merlin's head again, just a little bit, and his already half-asleep brain thought it was probably okay. These people were the last people who'd call someone out on being too snuggly.

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crazyboutremmy
2009-10-14 06:55 am UTC (link)

“I hate you,” seethes Arthur into Merlin’s neckerchief, his forehead pressed hard against the latter’s bony shoulder. “I should have you killed.”

Merlin runs a shaking hand through Arthur’s hair, and pulls him even closer, his nose buried in Arthur’s neck. There’s not one inch between them. So close that Arthur can feel Merlin’s heart pound in tandem to his, the gasping breath through a mixture of their hurried escape and the tight hold that was probably cutting off Merlin’s air supply. But Arthur doesn’t care. He doesn’t care at all, when he doesn’t know what’s going to happen next. And so he clings on tightly.

“If,” Merlin breaths into his ear, voice shaking as badly as his hands, “if I come back, I-”

“When,” Arthur cuts him off, fingers practically engraved in Merlin’s waist “you come back, the chores I will have for you will make you wish that you’d never even thought of showing your face in Camelot again.”

Arthur feels Merlin sob a laugh into his hair, and squeezes his eyes shut. Maybe in a few seconds, minutes or hours Merlin will be gone. Time is of essence as his father’s men draw nearer. Arthur won’t know when he will see Merlin again. But until then, they are two men in the middle of this unfamiliar forest, holding on to each other for as long as they can.

(Reply to this) (Thread)(Expand)

	la_dissonance 2009-10-14 07:10 am UTC (link)
	s;lditkjaweoig AWWWWW. and hearts. (Reply to this) (Parent)

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All Right

gold_macaw
2009-10-14 08:46 am UTC (link)

Arthur kept glancing at the door, his brain barely processing the chatter of the dinner guests.

To his right, Lord – god, he couldn’t even remember the man’s name and they’d only been introduced an hour ago – was gnawing unpleasantly on a chicken bone. To his left, the recently widowed Lady Ada was making eyes at his father.

Arthur’s knee kept bouncing – he felt nervous and furious in equal measure. He considered taking a mouthful of food, but his stomach heaved at the idea. Instead he sipped his wine, almost gagging on it before managing to swallow it down.

The door opened and he half started out of his chair. It was only Gaius. Arthur sighed in disappointment, lowering himself slowly back into his seat.

The old man bowed to the king and passed on a message about a minor disturbance on the far side of the city. Uther nodded and summoned the guard.

Gaius made his way around the table until he was directly behind Arthur. “I thought you might like to know, sire, that Merlin has returned. He’s unharmed, but he was caught in a rainstorm on his way back. I could barely recognise him beneath the layer of mud.”

Arthur, his face tight, muttered: “Where is he?”

“He’s cleaning himself in my rooms,” Gaius replied.

Arthur leapt to his feet. “Excuse me, father,” he said in a rush. “Something needs my attention.” He bowed briefly to the guests and strode off towards the physician’s quarters.

He flung open the door and saw Merlin bent over a bowl of water, cloth in hand, his filthy shirt on the floor. His wet hair was plastered to his forehead, and there was a streak of dirt on his chin. He looked up at Arthur nervously.

Arthur wanted to shout: “What the hell did you think you were doing?” Or: “How dare you go without me!” Or: “You could have been killed!” Or: “Leave the bloody mud!” But the lump in his throat was too large to allow the words out.

Instead, he marched over to Merlin and grabbed his shoulders, pulling him upright. He seized the cloth out of his hand and threw it in the bowl, splashing them both with grey water.

He wanted to shake Merlin until his bones rattled. He wanted to punch him. Or slap him hard. Instead, he threw his arms around him and held tight. His hands could feel slender ribs and shoulder bones protruding through the warm, damp skin. He buried his face in the crook of Merlin’s neck, breathing in the scent of rain and soil.

He felt Merlin’s arms cautiously winding around his waist, pulling him closer. He could feel Merlin’s cheek brushing against his, as one hand gently soothed his back.

Arthur tried to speak, but his mouth was pressed up against Merlin’s throat and he couldn’t do more than groan.

Merlin stretched his hand up to the back of Arthur’s head and stroked his hair. “It’s all right, Arthur. It’s all right.”

And as the relief flooded through Arthur’s body, he realised that it was.

(Reply to this) (Thread)(Expand)

	Re: All Right la_dissonance 2009-10-14 05:34 pm UTC (link)
	Awwww schmoopy grin (Reply to this) (Parent)

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idiot (1/2)

bentley
2009-10-14 10:36 am UTC (link)

WARNING: SPOILERS FOR 2x04, LANCELOT & GUINEVERE.
sort of a coda. this is also my first ever fic for merlin. eee, hugs.

No matter how many times people say it, Merlin’s not wholly an idiot.

He’s reckless, clumsy, not very good with consequences, and enjoys sleeping in when he can, but mostly he’s just a fool for Arthur and that spills out into everything else no matter how he tries to contain it.

They’re in Arthur’s chambers and the fire’s lit and he’s half done with the armour (which always smells of sweat and iron and blood no matter what he does to it, distinctly Arthur, and there’s a place deep inside him still shaking in relief that a handful of berries had been enough.) His Royal Highness had spent the afternoon training his men until one ended up with a dislocated shoulder, then retired to pick listlessly at his dinner and stare into the ether.

His shoulders are bunched, and he’s brooding like a wounded bear, but Merlin can’t leave well enough alone.

“She won’t stay angry forever,” Merlin says, and Arthur’s gaze snaps over to him like he’d forgotten Merlin was there.

“Pardon?” he asks, annoyed or playing deaf. Merlin is relentless.

“I said,” Merlin tries to sound unconcerned. “She won’t stay angry forever.”

“Maybe it’d be better if she did,” Arthur replies, brow furrowing briefly before it turns into a glare. “Not that it’s any of your business.”

Merlin ignores that, putting down the hauberk to move over to Arthur and elbow his shoulder lightly. “She won’t, though.”

It’s like scratching a scab, picking at stitches (two activities Gaius has threatened to cut off his hands for doing incessantly.) Seeing Arthur miserable itches at something unnameable inside of him, but the only way to allay it is to injure himself. Arthur looks up at him, mouth quirked slightly as though to mask hope as scorn. But it’s there in his eyes; has shone through since the jousting tournament though Merlin’s the only one who’s noticed. Merlin always notices Arthur.

“It doesn’t matter,” Arthur says finally, and Merlin hears: because she loves Lancelot, and Morgana, and even you more than she does me; because she’s a servant, and I’m the King’s son.

The echo of that last hangs unspoken in the air between them, and Merlin tries again. “D’you know what doesn’t matter?” He smiles, and something in his face must catch Arthur’s attention. “What anyone else thinks. Your feelings can’t be denied, even if you can’t act on them.”

“You don’t understand,” says Arthur, oblivious to just how well Merlin understands, or pretending it. “I have responsibilities to the crown. To my people. I can’t. My father could have her killed, just to teach me a lesson.”

Would, Merlin thinks, not could, but on this he wisely stays silent. Instead he lets his hand fall on Arthur’s shoulder, feels it relax under his touch, loves the way Arthur leans the slightest bit into it. “One day things will change,” he says, “Because you can change them. Because you will–”

“When my father is dead, and I am King,” says Arthur, voice cracking slightly on the first few words. “But I’m not– That isn’t something I want to be ready for.”

The words strike Merlin unintentionally, quick jabs to soft places. It is Arthur’s destiny to rule Camelot, and Merlin aches for that time to come, fantasizes sometimes that one day he will stand at Arthur’s side as something other than a servant. (An advisor. A friend. Sometimes, when none of it seems worth it, he allows himself to imagine something even closer than that.) For that dream to be truth, Uther must be dead, and while Merlin sometimes viciously wishes the King’s time upon him the thought of what it would do to Arthur catches in his lungs like agony.

(Reply to this) (Thread)

idiot (2/2)

bentley
2009-10-14 10:37 am UTC (link)

“Guess you’ll just have to pine away until then,” Merlin says with false cheer so that Arthur’s eyes narrow and he pokes Merlin hard under the ribs and the tension breaks.

“I am not,” states Arthur flatly, “Pining.”

“Oh really? Because from where I’m standing, you are an absolute forest of pine.”

“I am contemplating my feelings in a dashing and romantic manner.”

“Romantic!” Merlin teases.

“Shut up, Merlin,” says Arthur, and swats at him, gestures to the armor left abandoned. “Don’t you have work to do?”

Merlin says: “Of course, sire,” and the levity bright in his voice is no longer feigned. He picks up the links of chain, lets them pour through his hands like water. Polishing each one is a pain. Maybe, if he just turns his head a little… if he ducks his lips away from Arthur’s line of sight and whispers softly–

“Oh, and Merlin.”

Arthur’s voice nearly scares him out of his skin. Merlin swallows half a spell and prays his face is clean of terror when he turns towards it quizzically. Arthur has a certain look about him, a hesitancy, his throat working while he tries to find the right words. Merlin hopes the Prince isn’t going to thank him. Or worse, apologize.

“You know, of course, that just because you’re my servant, doesn’t mean–”

“Oh please don’t,” Merlin interrupts, pained. “If you start going on about how you think about me all the time, I’m taking you to Gaius.”

Arthur’s eyes widen a little, and he frowns. “What? That’s not– I’m just saying, I don’t mean you. When I– You’re not like everyone else.”

“You have no idea,” Merlin mutters under his breath.

Arthur rolls his eyes and tightens his lips: “You’re an idiot, Merlin,” in the be-more-careful tone he reserves for after death-defying adventures. He pushes back his chair and stands. “Before you stumbled uselessly into my life I didn’t even know servants could have opinions.”

“Maybe you should stop thinking of Gwen and I as exceptions to the rule, then, eh?” Merlin says.

“Or, for that matter,” Arthur continues, walking over to him, “That they could be completely rude and regularly speak far above their station–”

“Oi!”

“–Totally useless at their jobs,–”

Merlin brandishes the chain-mail he’s been cleaning at him pointedly.

“–And I’d still be rather fond of them,” Arthur finishes abruptly, and neither of them really know where to go from there: Arthur because he’s got that awkward, stubborn expression on and because Merlin could swear they already had this conversation back in the forest, with Arthur yelling that his father wouldn’t let him hang around with servants and have a lark unless he was also going to use them as personal footstools. If not in so many words. In fact, maybe it was just Merlin who’d been having that conversation, in which case, bugger.

It takes him a moment to realize he hasn’t stopped grinning. “You’re such a prat,” he says at last, and hugs him.

Arthur’s stiff in his arms for a moment before he capitulates, bringing his arms up and around Merlin, thumping him soundly on the back – very manly, except Merlin doesn’t let go, just buries his head in Arthur’s warm shoulder and waits for everything to be all right again.

“You idiot,” Arthur says softly into Merlin’s hair, breath tickling the curve of his neck. Merlin just smiles, and hugs him, and privately agrees.

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(Anonymous)
2009-10-14 11:10 am UTC (link)

Punctuation, English grammar or writing in general for that matter really aren't my things, but I like hugs?

-o-O-o-

Well. This certainly was awkward.

Sure, Merlin had stepped up to Arthur with his arms already raising to help him out of his chain-mail. And Merlin must have had a sympathetic half-smile on his face, because even though Arthur had won the sword-fight, he'd won it only just, and Uther had only deigned to give his son a slow applaud and a look of distaste.

All the way to his room Arthur had walking with big strides, Merlin hurrying behind him, already trying to come up with one of his eternally cheerful observations, but none of them seemed appropriate because they all boiled down to, 'You won. Ignore the grumpy old fart', and he couldn't very well say that about the king. Not even if it were true.

So Arthur had stomped through the doorway, pulled his armour over his head and thrown it on the ground with a loud clatter. He'd turned around, eyes restless and one hand combing messily through his sweaty hair, until his gaze fixed on Merlin who was stepping up to him, hands raised to shoulder-level.

And now Merlin found himself with his arms full of Arthur, being rather squashed in Arthur's firm grip, while his hands hovered in the air, uncertain what to do with them.

They stood like that for a moment, and just when Merlin started thinking that maybe he was supposed to pat Arthur on the head or at least say something encouraging, Arthur stepped back and announced flatly, 'You weren't going to hug me...'

Merlin blinked. 'Eh, no... I was going to help you with your...'

Arthur managed to look embarrassed and indignant at the same time as he tried for sounding angry, 'Well, this certainly is turning out to be a marvelous day! Seems like I can't get anything right. Why did I even bother getting out of bed this morning?! Would have saved me the trouble of making an ass of myself in front of my father and then, to top it all off, in front of my servant as well!'

It looked like Arthur was settling for a nice and long rant, getting all worked up and flushed in the process.

So what else could Merlin do but grab Arthur by the nape of his neck, pull him in so Arthur's face was pressed firmly but comfortably in the crook of his neck, Merlin's mouth close to his ear so he could whisper warmly, 'You won from a worthy opponent. I thought you were brilliant.'

Arthur just stood there for a moment, rather stiffly, with his arms just hanging from his shoulders, until he relaxed with a sigh and Merlin could feel rather than hear him mumbling, 'Good.'

The end.

(Reply to this) (Thread)(Expand)

	lilladylight 2009-10-14 04:08 pm UTC (link)
	Honest to God this is what I think after almost every bloody tournament/fight/life-threatening situation: Arthur looks like he needs a hug. I'm glad he man'd up and began the hugging becuase the HUGGING IS GOOD!!! And i need to make an icon out of 'You won: Ignore the grumpy old git.' bcuz it is the essense of Uther. xx (Reply to this) (Parent)(Thread)(Expand)

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THE WAY OF THE WARRIOR

stealingpennies
2009-10-14 11:14 am UTC (link)

Hugs. Can do hugs.
**
THE WAY OF THE WARRIOR

“I could kiss it better for you,” offered Merlin between dabs of cold damp cloth on Arthur’s lips. “If you prefer.”

The flinch which greeted his actions indicated that Arthur definintely did not prefer. It was difficult to see his expression obscured as it was by mud and blood and cuts and swelling.

“You really are an idiot, you know,” said Merlin, but his touch was gentler than his tone. “What were thinking having a fight with Valiant? It’s not like you have to do these things to impress me.”

Arthur shuffled uncomfortably. The eye which was still open dropped its gaze. “N’ty imp y,” mumbled Arthur.

“Good. Because you know how I feel about fighting.” Merlin dipped his cloth again into the cloudy water and continued his dabbing. Arthur’s face was nearly clean now although Merlin made a note to steer his boyfriend away from any mirrors for at least a couple of weeks. It wasn’t that Arthur was vain but… At least nothing was broken. “So what was the big deal?”

Arthur shifted again.

“Shit!” said Merlin, dropping his cloth into the water with a splash as the penny fell. “You were fighting over me. Now I know you are an idiot. I told you I wasn’t interested in Valiant. It’s you. How many times do I have to drum it into your thick skull that you’re the only person I’m interested in?”

Arthur’s face contorted into a undescribably mixture of frustration and amusement topped off by a grimace of pain. He rolled his one eye. “Said things.” The words came out slow but clear.

Merlin sighed. He knew Valiant from primary school and even then the other boy had been a bully who knew just what buttons to push to provoke a reaction with the result that the kid being taunted often ended up as the one in trouble as he was pushed too far and lashed out. Merlin hadn’t seen Valiant in years. Not until the boxing club starting using Dragon Sports in the evening after Merlin’s Taekwondo class.

For a moment Merlin allowed himself to think of his black belt and the pleasure of taking Valiant apart bit by painful bit. Then the words of Master Gaius came back: “A coin has two sides and the half must not hate that which makes it whole.” Which, ok, was a steaming heap of BS, but when pressed, Gaius raised an eyebrow and elaborated about the way of the warrior being a peaceful one and the point of being able to defend yourself meant never having to.

This was probably not the right time to mention Gaius to Arthur. Instead Merlin sat down by his side on the bench in the empty gym. The caretaker would be along to lock up soon. He reached under Arthur’s shirt and carefully worked his arms round Arthur’s waist judging by the intakes of breath which bits were and weren’t bruised.

They sat in silence for a few moments before Arthur very, very slowly allowed his weight to rest against Merlin, head dropping down against his neck and shoulder. Merlin shifted slightly so his mouth was resting against Arthur’s ear. He spoke softly, barely more than a whisper, “Thanks.”

(Reply to this) (Thread)(Expand)

	Re: THE WAY OF THE WARRIOR mithrel 2009-10-14 06:40 pm UTC (link)
	♥ Valiant being a bully! And Dragon Sports! And Merlin a black belt! (I can so see that! And the steaming heap of BS! ♥ (Reply to this) (Parent)(Thread)(Expand)

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et_cetera55
2009-10-14 12:04 pm UTC (link)

Once the last knight had filed past him out of the training arena Arthur leant his head back against the wooden boards behind him, shut his eyes and exhaled deeply. He just wanted everything to go away. To go back to a more innocent time, when the sword he played with was wooden and his opponent knight an annoying girl who acted like she was his older sister. This current burden was too great for him to bear.

“Sire,” a familiar voice called out.

Arthur didn’t move except to clench his jaw tighter. Maybe if he ignored Merlin, Merlin would ignore him.

“Arthur,” the voice said, softer but much closer now. “Are you ok?”

Slowly he lowered his head, opened his eyes and tried to hide his surprise that Merlin was standing less than an arms length in front of him. So the sorcerer could move quietly when he chose to. He looked closer: the pity and understanding on Merlin’s face made his resolve to ignore him crumble.

“No. No it’s not alright, Merlin.”

Merlin just waited for him to continue.

“The Mercian ambassador arrived this morning with new demands… oh I’m sorry, they’re not demands… they’re requests.” He didn’t mean to lace his speech with such venomous sarcasm but he was so frustrated. Merlin’s expression didn’t change though and Arthur found himself opening up further,

“I can’t agree to these conditions, Merlin. But if I don’t there will be war,” Arthur ran his hands through his hair. “Merlin I don’t know if I can do this. If I can send these men to a war, knowing some, if not many will die!”

“Arthur, you will do what you have to. If you have to send these men to war…you will. And it will have been the right thing to do.”

The King looked into Merlin’s eyes, trying to find any sign of Merlin not believing his own words. But all he saw there was complete conviction… complete faith.

“Arthur,” Merlin continued quietly, “Trust yourself. Trust your judgement. You are a great king.” A smile crossed the sorcerer’s face, “You’re still a prat though!”

Arthur snorted softly. Trust Merlin to insult him in an effort to cheer him up! He gave the smallest of smiles to his friend. In response Merlin opened his arms wide, tilted his head to one side and raised his eyebrows in question. Arthur stepped into the hug, wrapping his arms gently around Merlin in return. Merlin hugged him tighter and Arthur buried his face into Merlin’s shoulder, inhaling the herbal scent that always clung to the sorcerer.

As they stood there in each other’s embrace Arthur decided that whilst this burden was too great to bear on his own…perhaps he could manage with Merlin at his side.

(Reply to this) (Thread)(Expand)

	jacketpotato 2009-10-14 03:55 pm UTC (link)
	aww, that's very sweet. :) (Reply to this) (Parent)(Thread)(Expand)

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	sallyna_smile 2009-10-14 12:06 pm UTC (link)
	NEED MORE ARTS ______ (Reply to this)

	I COMBINED BRADLEY+MERLIN. i'm sorry D: niekiej 2009-10-14 12:40 pm UTC (link)
	i wanted to do something niiiiiice for you wadj, BUT I FAILED. HAHAHA (Reply to this) (Thread)(Expand)

	Re: I COMBINED BRADLEY+MERLIN. i'm sorry D: rane_ab 2009-10-14 05:44 pm UTC (link)
	AHAHAHAHA. Aww, Merlin's happy smile. :D (Reply to this) (Parent)(Thread)(Expand)

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la_dissonance, 2009-10-14 06:00 pm UTC (Expand)

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	No Harm Done thereshedances 2009-10-14 01:07 pm UTC (link)
	LOL I can't draw to save my life and yet you bring this out of me XD (Obviously, I can't draw heads or hands or legs at all so they will have to manage be without them....) Extra group hug from Arthur and Merlin for the one who figures out the ~~who's hand~~font used! In other words, it's not a coincidence ;) ~~coughbradleycough~~ (Reply to this) (Thread)(Expand)

	Re: No Harm Done ptelefolone 2009-10-14 01:46 pm UTC (link)
	BRADLEY HAND? HAHA I APPROVE. ♥ (Reply to this) (Parent)

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mithrel, 2009-10-14 06:41 pm UTC (Expand)

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zephre, 2009-10-15 03:08 am UTC (Expand)

	sallyna_smile 2009-10-14 02:54 pm UTC (link)
	awwwwwww genious!! (Reply to this)

	DO TACKLEHUGS COUNT ptelefolone 2009-10-14 03:37 pm UTC (link)
	(Reply to this) (Thread)(Expand)

	Re: DO TACKLEHUGS COUNT i_claudia 2009-10-14 04:29 pm UTC (link)
	AHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAH TACKLEHUGS!!! NEW FAVORITE HUG OKAY hahaha look at poor woobie!Merlin's FAAAACE. he is so worried but it's like he can't figure out why, and he's wondering where Arthur went, anyway, he's being very quiet, which is weird for him... OH MERLIN. LITTLE DO YOU KNOW. XDDDDD (Reply to this) (Parent)(Thread)(Expand)

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Just One of Those Things

srin
2009-10-14 04:29 pm UTC (link)

Whenever they sleep beside each other, whether it’s on bedrolls in the woods or in a cot in some inn because Merlin would complain all night if forced to sleep on the floor while Arthur spread himself over a bed big enough for three, whenever they sleep beside each other, Merlin inevitably wakes up with Arthur draped all over him. They never talk about it, and Arthur always peels himself away quickly upon regaining consciousness. It’s kind of nice, if rather weird, and Merlin has come to accept this as one of those things that just happens with Arthur, like weekly assassination attempts and embarrassing haberdashery.

So Merlin’s rather surprised when he wakes before dawn one morning in one of those oversized inn beds to find Arthur curled on his side a good three or four inches away. Merlin, laying on his back, is in no particular rush to move, so he just stays there, eyes closed, slightly bemused by Arthur’s deviation from the usual habit. He’s not even aware that he’s listening to Arthur’s breathing until it changes – until it picks up, a startled in-take of air indicating that Arthur’s awake.

Merlin doesn’t move, and tries to keep his own breathing as even as possible. It’s ridiculously early yet, maybe Arthur will just roll over and go back to sleep, maybe-

Arthur makes a quiet, displeased sound, and Merlin braces himself, expecting to be shoved out of bed or at the very least grumbled at. Instead, he hears Arthur stretch, joints cracking, and yawn, in an exaggerated artificial manner, almost like he’s the one pretending he’s not actually awake yet, and then –

Then the mattress dips as Arthur’s weight shifts towards Merlin, and then an arm flops over Merlin’s middle, and there’s a cold nose and warm breath against Merlin’s shoulder, bare where the neck of his unlaced shirt has slid down. Arthur holds himself very still for a moment, as if checking for a reaction, and when he doesn’t get one he tucks Merlin in a little closer against him, and sighs happily.

Merlin opens his eyes, stares at dishevelled blond hair and a strong arm and what is, unmistakably, Arthur cuddling him. On purpose. He suppresses the urge to laugh, and instead carefully slides his arm out from beneath the sheets and settles it across Arthur’s back. Arthur freezes at the contact, though he doesn’t pull away.

“Merlin?” Arthur whispers tentatively.

“You could’ve just said,” Merlin whispers back.

“Shut up,” Arthur says. Merlin does.

Arthur’s fingers work their way under the hem of Merlin’s shirt, cool against the sleep-warm skin, and the next time they have to share a bed, Arthur doesn’t bother waiting for Merlin to fall asleep before manhandling him into a clumsy embrace.

(Reply to this) (Thread)(Expand)

	Re: Just One of Those Things i_claudia 2009-10-14 04:32 pm UTC (link)
	awwwwww, this is so sweet and adorable! hee I love that Arthur is so careful, checking to make sure the coast is totally clear before he makes a move. pets That boy needs a lesson in How To Show Affection 101, srsly. (Reply to this) (Parent)(Thread)(Expand)

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2.04 SPOILERISH? ISH?

itachitachi
2009-10-14 05:27 pm UTC (link)

OMG SOME SPOILZERZ?? WHOOPS :|

Arthur makes it to the top of the castle walls ages before Merlin, mostly because Merlin is a useless sack of bones with no physical prowess to speak of. Arthur yells this down to Merlin for the first while, until he gets bored of eliciting no response but Merlin's taxed breathing. It's no fun when he doesn't even have Merlin's faces to amuse him.

So he sits. A portion of his mind is on the lookout for guards who might come this way (though for whatever reason, there don't seem to be any), but most of his attention is fixed on the moss he's picking out from between the rocks. There's not really a lot to do.

When a truly extraordinary amount of time has passed, Arthur sighs, rolls his eyes heavenward, and calls, "Haven't died yet, have you Merlin?"

"Nngh," comes Merlin's voice, and it sounds close, but then he yells, "Ah!" and there's the sound of crumbling and rocks clinking as they fall.

"You all right?" Arthur asks, though he isn't worried at all. No.

"Arthur," Merlin calls, high and panicked, "Arthur, there aren't any--Arthur, you've got to--" And he does sound genuinely scared, so Arthur takes pity on him and looks over the wall to see how far away he is.

"...You're two feet from the top," Arthur says scornfully. "You can make it easily from there. Just one more with your foot and you'll be able to pull yourself up."

"There's nowhere to step, Arthur, it broke," Merlin insists. He's clinging to the wall face, shoulders trembling and cheek pressed into the rock. He looks pathetic and miserable, like a squirrel, or a terrified kitten too stupid to climb the rest of the way up or down the tree, and if Arthur keeps rolling his eyes like this he's sure they're going to fall out of his head one day.

He leans down and lowers an arm for Merlin to grab with, and Merlin snags it in a deathgrip. Arthur seizes Merlin's jacket collar with his other hand and just hauls him up--he really is just a sack of bones, it's not hard. And then he means to let go of Merlin.

Except Merlin doesn't let go. Even as he trips over the top edge of the castle wall, climbing over the ramparts, he has Arthur's arm locked in his dirty, scratched grip. The fingers of both his hands catch in Arthur's chainmail, and then Merlin trips again and they both go sprawling to the ground, Merlin heavy on top of Arthur and Arthur's head hard against the ground.

"You are a clumsy idiot," Arthur says, after determining that he does not have a concussion.

"Sorry," Merlin mumbles, but doesn't move, doesn't even roll away. His hands creep around Arthur and he shifts up a little, the top of his head bumping Arthur's chin. It's unnerving.

"You had better not be hugging me," Arthur tells him, trying to squirm away but not particularly wanting to just shove Merlin aside.

Merlin just says, "sorry" again, quieter, and breathes into Arthur's chest. Arthur can't really feel his breath through the armor, but he can feel the pressure of Merlin's chest expanding against his own, shaking and exhausted.

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Re: 2.04 SPOILERISH? ISH?

itachitachi
2009-10-14 05:27 pm UTC (link)

He waits a little, for Merlin to get his breath back, then slings his own arm up around Merlin's back, pats once, and says, "Come on, that's long enough. We've got someone to rescue."

Merlin doesn't move, just squeezes his arms tighter. "She'll be alright."

"Merlin--"

"Really, she will. If you're going to do this, you shouldn't be afraid."

"I'm not--"

"Stop it," Merlin says, and somehow grows even heavier atop him. "If you want it to work, you can't be afraid."

Arthur's silent for just a moment, blinks slowly and thinks about that, then pushes at Merlin. "Fine, but you have to stop interrupting me when I'm speaking. And she's not going to be alright if we keep stalling like you insist on doing, so get off."

Merlin does. He rolls off onto his back and Arthur can finally stand up. When he prods Merlin with his toe, Merlin gives him a particularly wounded puppy-like look.

"Come on, we've got the whole castle to search," Arthur says, and leans down to give Merlin a hand up. Merlin smiles when he sees it, a bright, brilliant thing, and grabs his wrist.

Arthur doesn't really know what makes him do it. It's instinctive, though, the way he pulls Merlin up and then in, and then swings an arm around him in a brisk embrace. There's no tripping this time, just Merlin freezing awkwardly and Arthur holding him in place. Arthur ducks his head a little, smells Merlin's neck (sweat and road dust, not pleasant but not unexpected; Arthur's sure he smells the same), and just as Merlin's starting to relax--just as his hands are coming up to reciprocate--Arthur claps him on the back and pulls away.

Merlin's hands are hovering awkwardly in the air but his face is a bright grin, excited and warm. Arthur can't look at it, so he shuffles away toward the nearest entrance to the castle he sees, and lets Merlin trail behind him.

They've got someone to rescue.

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standing at the edge of the earth; part one

thisissirius
2009-10-14 09:47 pm UTC (link)

SPOILER FOR LANCELOT AND GUINEVERE, PEOPLE. OFF SCREEN BLOODSHED, OKAY PEOPLE. THIS IS PROBABLY RUSHED AND RIDICULOUS BUT I DO NOT CARE.

+

"MERLIN!"

Merlin looked over sharply at the shout, catching Arthur's eyes through the bars.

"Don't just sit there cowering, let's go!"

He nods and reaches for the bars, boosting himself up. Arthur is still squaring off against the Wildren but looks up as Merlin starts to climb - and as the hand closes around his ankle. Merlin looks down, eyes wide and scared and Arthur is torn between staving off the beast (saving Lancelot and Guinevere) and fighting his way to Merlin. The person - Arthur can't see his face through the crowd - yanks on Merlin's ankle and he's pulled down, cracking his chin on the bar. Arthur can hear the grunt and smack from where he is and winces, fist tightening on the sword.

"Arthur, we have to go!"

"Go!" Merlin echoes, hands grabbing and pulling him down and back. "Arthur, just go."

Arthur grits his teeth and feels Lancelot's hands on his back. "I didn't save one to lose another!"

"We have to go," Lancelot repeats, his face angry but steadfast and Arthur knows they have no choice. It grates on every nerve, goes against every instinct to leave Merlin here. It feels like a trade; save Guinevere to lose Merlin and every step is a fist of iron around his heart. He lets Lancelot pull him back because he knows he can't go of his own accord and forces himself to pick out Merlin's face in the crowd, the face of their leader looming over him and he's grinning.

"I'll kill him," Arthur growls, but he's still walking backwards. "I'll kill him."

Lancelot makes a noise and his fingers tighten around Arthur's arm. "I know."

+

Lancelot watches Arthur pace, kicking at the dirt and the trees and anything else he can get his hands on. Guinevere has been watching him too, hands uncomfortable by her sides as though she wants to touch him, comfort him. Lancelot should probably be jealous, should feel it bubbling just under the surface but he doesn't and he doesn't know why. Arthur is in love with Guinevere, that he would travel all this way to rescue her is evidence alone, but Lancelot is sure of Gwen's love for him.

"We have to rescue him," Guinevere says softly, holding Arthur's eye.

"Really?" He said, dryly. "How would you suggest we do that?"

Lancelot stands, ready to defend Gwen but she doesn't need his help. She tilts her head, eyes hard and angry. "You were ready to rescue me alone - you and Merlin! - and you think that with Lancelot, you can achieve less?"

Arthur and Merlin would have stood more of a chance, Lancelot knows. Just because Arthur's knowledge of Merlin's magic is non-existent doesn't mean that Merlin would have been incapable of using it.

+

Their plan is stupid and involves far too many risks but Arthur and Merlin had had no plan beyond finding Guinevere and Arthur knows that Merlin -

He had told Merlin that he cared about Gwen more than anyone but he knew it was a lie the moment it fell from his lips. He remembers looking at Merlin - feeling his heartbeat pounding in his ears and being unable to say except you. Instead he had let things carry, let it fade into nothing and the look on Merlin's face had been catalogued and filed away, like so many others recently. Hurting, always hurting and Arthur doesn't know how to stop himself. It's easier to push Merlin away, to make him think he loves Guinevere unconditionally, the most. It's easier to mock and berate Merlin than to tell him he cares, loves him, needs him.

Arthur is no coward except around Merlin.

"Ready?" Guinevere touches his arm and it takes every ounce of self-control Arthur posesses not to flinch away. She's still Guinevere, he still loves her but she is not Merlin. Merlin would never have touched him, would have talked and mocked and berated until Arthur snapped, broke down and shouted everything he'd been keeping inside.

She is not Merlin and he is only just realising now what that means.

He needs Merlin, wants him in every way and he isn't leaving this place until he has him. Even if he has to carry his lifeless body from the castle, Arthur is getting him back.

Edited at 2009-10-14 09:48 pm UTC

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standing at the edge of the earth; part two

thisissirius
2009-10-14 09:49 pm UTC (link)

+

He kills everyone he comes across.

Arthur has been training for years. Lancelot has been fighting to survive for years. Gwen is a blacksmiths daughters; knows swords almost as well as he does.

The three of them fight with precision and practice and, in Guinevere's case, dirty. Arthur doesn't look at their faces. Doesn't care if they have wives, children, families. He sees Merlin's face in every one of them and he hears Merlin scream as they yell for his blood.

Their bodies fall like rocks and it's a litany of merlin, merlin, merlin.

+

Arthur crashes through the door, sword already lowering in his hand. The dungeon stinks, is nothing like Lancelot and Guinevere explained, but Merlin is there, crouched low on the floor. There's blood on his face and he's whimpering, arms cradled close to his body. Rage, uncontrollable rage, grips Arthur and he strides forwards until he's in Merlin's space.

When he lifts his head, Merlin is looking at Arthur, eyes wide and scared. "I didn't tell them," he says, voice shaking. "I didn't tell them."

His heart is pounding in his ears but Arthur knows they don't have much time. "Can you walk?"

Merlin blinks heavily, but he seems to understand what Arthur is asking of him. He nods slowly, shifting on the ground. His clothes are torn, broken and Arthur helps him up, sliding a hand under his arm. Merlin winces and jerks away, resisting the urge to press against Arthur.

Jaw locked tight, Arthur's skin is alight with fire; angry in ways he never thought he could be. "Let me help you."

Merlin grits his teeth and the blush spreading over his face shouldn't be necessary. He admits slowly that it hurts and the fact that Merlin is ashamed of this, embarrassed only makes Arthur more determined to kill everyone he sees.

"I know," he whispers instead, years of training, of living under his fathers reign and learning when to back down, when to appear deferent, allows him to tear every shake of anger from his tone and leave only reassurance, care. "I'm going to get you out of here."

He touches Merlin's wrist and when Merlin neither flinches nor yelps in pain, he curls his fingers around it. Merlin flickers a smile at him, desperate and needy and reliant and Arthur wants to stop, to throw down his sword, curl around Merlin and protect him from everything. The feeling is so profound that it shakes him to his very core. He looks away then and tugs a little, letting Merlin fall forward and stick close as they make their way to the door. "We aren't stopping until we're out, do you understand?"

He looks back to find Merlin's gaze intent upon his face, as though he is using all of his energy just to keep Arthur in his sight. It scares Arthur a little but he doesn't show it, doesn't even admit it to himself.

"Yes," Merlin says.

+

Arthur keeps his fingers wrapped around Merlin's wrist, grounding them both and feeling the pulse beat steadily against his palm. It's everything he needs, right here, to convince himself Merlin is okay, safe, alive.

"Arthur, Arthur please," Merlin says, feet pounding on the floor. Arthur doesn't know what he's asking but if it's to stop, please stop he knows they can't. If he has to drag Merlin out of here and away he will because there is no way in hell that Hengist is getting his hands on Merlin. Not again, not ever.

They round the corner and suddenly Guinevere and Lancelot are there, bloody and beaten but grinning with the thrill he remembers from every battlet, every fight. It will fade once they are back out in the forest (they'll get there, they have to) but for now they halt, catch sight of Merlin and look relieved.

"You're okay," Guinevere gasps, touching Merlin's cheek with bloodstained fingers. Merlin flinches and Arthur pulls him back protectively. It's an instinctive reaction, one he can't stop even as he sees hurt flicker through Guinevere's eyes.

Merlin presses against Arthur, though, fingers shaking as they curl into the back of his jacket and Arthur makes a promise - a promise to get a list of every injury Merlin suffered and then inflict each and every one on Hengist. He deserves nothing less and Arthur will make his death long and painful.

Edited at 2009-10-14 09:52 pm UTC

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	thisissirius 2009-10-14 10:52 pm UTC (link)
	A MASTERLIST OF EVERYTHING, FYI, CONSTANTLY UPDATED :D (Reply to this) (Thread)

	derryere 2009-10-15 01:48 am UTC (link)
	I AM TACKLEHUGGING YOU DOES (HA, tacklehug broke the html!) Edited at 2009-10-15 01:49 am UTC (Reply to this) (Parent)(Thread)(Expand)

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Asylum, part 1

igwimmy
2009-10-15 12:42 am UTC (link)

Merlin has to stop, just put everything on ice for a minute and take control of his own breath, his own heartbeat. It doesn’t work. He’s standing, still as he can manage, and staring very hard at Arthur because he’s afraid to look away, afraid to scare him off or lose him, afraid he’ll blink out of existence if Merlin makes the wrong move or gesture. All the while, Merlin’s breath is erratic, his heart beats fast as machine gun fire and really, there’s no hope of controlling it. He’s waited three generations for this, the longest he’s ever gone without.

For his part, Arthur is, well, Arthur. He’s young again and beautiful and he just stands there like the never-ending fact that he is. No time or distance or canyon sized personality flaw can dim him as far as Merlin’s concerned. But he’s pale and he’s drawn and he’s fucking wrecked. It’s hardly a surprise considering where he’s ended up.

Arthur says something, low and rough, and Merlin steps closer because he can’t make it out. And, god, it’s so hard to just stop and stand and stare when he wants to grab and hold and touch.

“Merlin?” Arthur’s voice is a little stronger this time but there’s a tremor in it. His eyes are red-rimmed, the dark circles beneath as stark as twin bruises. Merlin wants to run the pad of this thumb along the thin skin there and smooth it all away.

Merlin nods. “You remember, then?”

“Remember.” Arthur’s voice is uncertain, the word almost a question. He blinks rapidly, then his face twists into a barely controlled grimace and a dozen unchecked emotions flicker in quick succession across it. Merlin can read them as if they’re his own -- doubt, fear, and relief among them. Mostly doubt.

“So, then,” Merlin says, aiming for light-hearted and amused, “they all think you’re crazy, huh?” He allows his gaze to stray as he surveys the asylum’s well manicured lawn.

Arthur crosses his arms and raises his hand to his mouth, a familiar gesture. “Are you saying I’m not?”

“No. I mean, yes. I mean, you’re not crazy.” Merlin would blush now if he still could; he rubs a hand along the back of his neck. Arthur’s mouth crooks in a half smile and Merlin’s overactive heart skips a beat.

“Eloquent as ever.” And it’s Arthur, truly Arthur. It’s his stupid low voice, tinged with arrogance, mocking and affectionate.

“Yeah, that’s me,” Merlin says.

“You. Huh.”

“I don’t think you’ll be giving eloquence lessons anytime soon yourself,” Merlin says with a forced laugh.

Arthur smirks, another familiar gesture, and Merlin is overcome with relief. It’s all going to be okay. They’re together and it’s going to be fine. It’s going to be a good life.

It’s all Merlin can do to keep from reaching out, but Arthur’s still skittish and tense so he simply steps closer and waits. Finally, Arthur inches forward as well and they’re standing close, so close, and Merlin can feel the other man’s breath on his face. They can count each other’s eyelashes if they want, bump noses if they so choose. And he could kiss him now but he won’t. So many years, so many lifetimes, and Arthur’s never been so fragile.

A quick movement, almost a stumble, and they’re closer still. Their bodies are touching, not firm against one another but skimming, glancing, barely warming. Arthur places his cheek against Merlin’s, and they’re both trembling. It’s nerves, it’s desire, it’s everything. Arthur reaches out and touches Merlin’s hand, lightly threading their fingers, not grasping, but letting them hang, loosely joined. Merlin presses his cheek more firmly into Arthur’s and they hold themselves together like that for some time.

(cont'd in part 2)

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Asylum, part 2

igwimmy
2009-10-15 12:44 am UTC (link)

Arthur raises his free hand to Merlin’s hip, pressing his fingers lightly into the soft fabric of his trousers. Merlin dips his head, turns his face into the curve of Arthur’s neck and inhales. Still the same. Still Arthur. Arthur shudders and finally (finally, finally) slides an arm around Merlin’s waist, pulls him in, and holds him there. Merlin frees his hand from Arthur’s loose fingers and lifts it to curl around Arthur’s head, slowly stroking his hair before settling it on his nape.

They’ve held each other like this thousands of times, in candlelit rooms and under neon lights, in battlefields and train stations. Suddenly, it’s as if someone has cut a wire and the tension that’s held Arthur is released. Merlin can feel the emotions that storm through Arthur now, not madness but memory, and Arthur, with all the strength and entitlement and all the force that’s so completely and eternally him, is pulling Merlin closer, both arms around him now.

Merlin gasps like a girl in a trashy novel or something and it’s almost embarrassing. Almost. He throws both arms around Arthur’s shoulders and holds tight. He’s short of breath, because this is fucking exciting and because Arthur is holding him just a bit too tightly. Merlin doesn’t give a damn. Arthur could break his ribs and he doubts he’d notice; he just wants to be close, just wants to crawl inside and stay forever.

“Merlin. Oh, god, Merlin.” Arthur’s breath against his neck is hot and moist.

Merlin feels himself lifted off the ground and spun in a low circle, around and around. And it’s the most stupid, most wonderful thing. For one, Arthur’s slightly shorter than him and has to bend back to maneuver him around and for another, well, it’s Arthur and he’s being sort of ridiculous and romantic. Merlin’s head doesn’t stop spinning until some time after Arthur stops and lets him slide back down to his feet. And through it all, they never let go.

Merlin breathes, sort of panting really, into Arthur’s neck. Arthur chuckles and holds him closer still; he nuzzles Merlin’s ear and runs his hands up and down his back.

“So, are you going to break me out of here or what, sorcerer?” Arthur eventually asks.

Merlin pulls back to rest his forehead against Arthur’s. “You are never walking into that building again, Your Highness. I promise you that.”

A flicker of insecurity shadows Arthur’s gaze and he steps back slightly, still holding Merlin in a loose embrace. “It’s been three years,” he says softly. “I’ve been here, in this institution.” He grinds out the last word and drops his gaze before continuing. “Under constant supervision, pumped full of so many drugs...”

He falters and Merlin lifts his hands to place them on either side of Arthur’s face.

“I’m sorry it took me so long to find you,” he says, fighting back the sting of tears.

“It’s not that.” Arthur places a light kiss on Merlin’s wrist. “It’s just, do you think…Am I going to be all right?”

Merlin grins at him then and looks deeply into his eyes, showing Arthur all the faith and love of a thousand years (and none of the fear and loss). He plants a firm kiss on Arthur’s forehead.

“Oh, Arthur,” Merlin says. “You’re going to be the best.”

Edited at 2009-10-15 12:45 am UTC

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