I Simply NEED This Fic

Gwaine: Merls, what's your body count?

Merlin: .........I don't know?

Arthur: what do you mean you don't know? You just going around sleeping with people?

Merlin: oh, that body count

Arthur: you killed people!?

Merlin: no comment

I fully believe Arthur says Merlin’s name in his sleep regularly. Not everyday, but too often for it to be platonic. Am I supposed to believe that the two times he does it on screen are the only times it has happened?? No.

Fanfiction is becoming people’s primary form of entertainment right now because most media right now is so cheap, bland, recycled, and sponsored by people who love money more than the source material. Fanfiction is written for free by people who genuinely love what they’re writing about. That’s why it’s better. That’s why it’s more satisfying. Fanfiction is a home-cooked meal made for yourself and for your friends. Media today is junky fast food spoiled by too much grease and the knowledge that the people producing it are being criminally mistreated and underpaid. 

I just listened to this for the first time and my life will never be the same again- IT’S INCREDIBLE

If you are newish to the Merlin fandom and haven’t yet listened to it, let me HIGHLY recommend the audio performance of the Student Prince performed by the author. I am not exaggerating when I say it is one of the best audiobook performances, professional or otherwise, I have ever heard. You can tell the author has training as an actor and, since it’s her work, she is able to fully embody the emotions of every character and scene.

I listen to it every Christmas and you should too.

https://audiofic.jinjurly.com/student-prince

My new headcannon is that before Merlin became Arthurs man servant he used to brush his own hair, dress himself, and wash himself in the bath. But Merlin, not knowing any better, assumed that was his job, so he did those things. Then you have Arthur who, as a prince, everyone holds themselves apart from him. Then along comes Merlin giving him the contact that he craves. Arthur refuses to tell him otherwise, because he doesn't want to lose the intimacy of Merlins touch so freely given.

Merlin discovers these tasks aren't part of his duties after a casual conversation with Gwen shortly after arriving, but does not say a word.

After they are in a relationship, and another servant has taken his place so that he can attend to his court sourcerer duties, Merlin continues to brush Arthurs hair, and tie his tunics. Sometimes saving Arthur doesn't involve a sword or magic.

sometimes i open a private browser and leave extra kudos as a guest because the fic is JUST THAT GOOD

Me: *reading a fic*

Me: that was awesome. Need to leave some kudos

Ao3: u left here kudos already

Me: are you sure?

Ao3: yes I am

Me: I just try again

Ao3: I tell you u left already

Me; ok ok don't scream at me.

Me: I will come back in few months and try again

Ao3: nothing will change!

arthur becoming king and showering merlin in gifts to the point where it looks like hes a nobleman. camelot going yup thats the kings consort, i think we’re two months away from a royal wedding. visiting nobles/royals who have no idea about “merlin and arthur” treating merlin like a nobleman until he corrects them. visiting nobles/royals who DO know about “merlin and arthur” not being surprised in the slightest. merlin getting away with everything and blatantly stealing from the kings plate during a feast and they’re all just like “yeah alright” idk just merlin being spoiled by his bf who isn’t his bf but who desperately wants to be

The way Arthur says: “You can’t address me like that!” to Merlin in the pilot. The suppressed laughter, the delighted surprise at his audacity, the hint of fondness already there.

You can tell that apart from the possible exception of Morgana, no one has spoken to him so freely in his life. 

Bradley James!!! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

the little sorcerer that was flirting with the prince in the first episode was so gay he got sent to jail

These are the tiny moments I love. It’s the way Arthur’s eyes don’t leave Merlin after he looks away. Not only do they not leave him, but you can literally see his eyes flick around Merlin’s face.

It’s a moment just for Arthur. To observe and appreciate his friend up close. He even does a little gulp as he’s taking in his side profile, his cheekbones, his chin. His Merlin.

Arthur loves Merlin. He was destined to.