sanbartolome
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Merlin's job as PR junior on the royal account isn't as glamorous as people believe: Most nights, he's saving Arthur, Duke of York and black sheep of the family, from possibly committing monarchy-shattering shenanigans. When tragedy hits and Arthur is now second in line to the throne, the public doesn't react too favourably to the new Prince of Wales.
A solution has to be found and Merlin's contribution is key to the problem: Roped into posing as Arthur's fake boyfriend, he's supposed to make Arthur's popularity levels rise with his steadfast and relatable presence and elevate him from scandalous rake to romantic figure...
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Bookmarked by sanbartolome
07 Mar 2026
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Cupboard Confessions (The Lesser of Two Evils) by EachPeachPearPlum for fancyh
Fandoms: Merlin (TV)
19 Jan 2019
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“I can explain?” Merlin says, and since Arthur doesn't immediately interrupt him he figures he might as well carry on. “I'm being blackmailed, and the first thing you need to know is that it's really not my fault.”
Arthur huffs, low and almost inaudible; Merlin’s going to continue being optimistic and call it a laugh. “Oh, really?” he asks. “Tell me, Merlin, how exactly is this not your fault?”
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Bookmarked by sanbartolome
04 Mar 2026
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In which Arthur’s cousin is a flirt, Arthur is ruffled, and Merlin remains unbothered.
If he dreams of Merlin that night, a shadow stroked across the bartop, with a dark faceless figure draped alongside him, licking whispers into his ear, dribbling alcohol into his open mouth, onto his tongue, down his throat—
—well, then that’s got nothing to do with anything at all.
Bookmarked by sanbartolome
04 Mar 2026
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“Get out of my sight, and don’t come back until you can prove to me why I should allow you to remain in my service.”
Merlin stares at Arthur, confused. His tone was ominous, and it certainly sounded like a threat, but Merlin can’t quite work out what part is supposed to have him shaking in his boots. He’s halfway back to Gauis’ chambers when it dawns on him: Arthur actually thinks this stupid, degrading job is something he would be willing to fight for - as though Merlin’s life wouldn’t be complete without the honor of scrubbing the sheets Arthur manages to soil on a disturbingly regular basis.
In which it takes Merlin a bit longer to warm up to Arthur than it does in canon, but he gets there in the end.
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Bookmarked by sanbartolome
28 Feb 2026
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I thought it would be really funny if, instead of finding out about Merlin's magic and having one episode to react, Arthur instead spent a whole season being an absolute prat about the whole thing. Here are some things I've imagined from this scenario, set in that magical period between Season 3 and 4 when the knights of the round table were running around being chaotic dumbasses and stealing chickens.
"Merlin," yelped Arthur, outraged and relieved in equal measure. "What on earth are you- Is this what you meant by powerful, ancient magic? You can make your eyes go sparkly and then fix people's clothing?"
Merlin stopped short and rubbed the back of his own neck awkwardly. "Among other things, yes."
"And you've been moping around all day about this?"
"You didn't believe me! I was baring my soul to you and you were so arrogant that you just-"
"You told me that you'd saved my life a hundred times with the mystical power of your warlock skills," said Arthur, wiggling his fingers as though casting a spell. "Not that you were hiding the ability to dress me more efficiently."
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Bookmarked by sanbartolome
27 Feb 2026