HC Bingo - March Challenge
This is the March challenge from hc_bingo
You have to rec 15 fics on the 3 themes that you're given. My themes are:
skeletons in the closet
nervous breakdown
undeserved reputation
Prompt: Undeserved reputation
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/1136045
Title: Arthur’s Scandal
Author: Digthewriter
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Rating: M
Word Count: 4330
Summary: Arthur's been caught in a scandal, and he needs to establish a prominent relationship with someone who will help him with his image.
Why I’m Reccing This: Well, I liked this one so much I did a remix of it back in the day. It has my favourite fake relationship trope, but as the title suggests Arthur needs to repair his image. In fact there is an excellent twist to all this which Merlin discovers later on. Very enjoyable fic.
Prompt: Undeserved reputation
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/10582059
Title: Unexpected Memory in the case of death
Author: derryere
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Rating: E
Word Count: 74987
Summary: Tony O does not befriend losers. Tony O is not gay, not crazy, he is not particularly nice and he is most definitely not royalty. Destiny disagrees.
Why I’m Reccing This: I’ve done five recs for each prompt. This is the only one where the undeserved reputation is Merlin, all the rest are poor Arthur. Anyway, in this one Merlin’s character has the nickname ‘Heineken’ due to something he’s supposed to have done with a beer bottle. I *think* it turned out to be undeserved anyway. This is an old fandom classic - unusual in that Arthur and Merlin have been reincarnated with different names, not something you often see in fic although of course it’s probably a more realistic way to go. It was one of the first Merlin fanfics I read, ages ago now. I think it’s a good measure of a fic if the story sticks with you.
Prompt: Nervous breakdown
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/563953
Title: To fall and rise again
Author: kriadydragon
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing: None
Rating: G
Word Count: 2841
Summary: Funny how it's always the little things that undo us.
Why I’m Reccing This: This one shows Merlin struggling to cope with his destiny and all it entails during canon times. I particularly like the way that everyone is there for him, Arthur, Gaius, the knights, all appreciative and supportive.
Prompt: Nervous breakdown
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/6126080
Title: Grief
Author: Polomonkey
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Rating: G
Word Count: 2267
Summary: Arthur has a breakdown after his friend Leon dies.
Why I’m Reccing This: Because it’s the best description of how it feels to have a breakdown that I’ve ever read. That’s it really. Heartbreaking. And you really feel for Uther in this one too, trying his best to deal with his son’s breakdown.
Prompt: Nervous breakdown
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/1399588/chapters/2934145
Title: How Deep the rabbit hole goes
Author: Detochkina
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Rating: E
Word Count: 69267
Summary: After the untimely death of his father, Arthur Pendragon's left in charge of the family company and he is a mess in every sense of the word. When his sister Morgana offers him a harmless herbal remedy to help him deal with his stress, she unwittingly starts a downward spiral in Arthur’s world - just as Arthur’s love life seems to look up after meeting Merlin, a pyrotech hired for Morgana’s party.
Dreams turn to confusion, confusion to paranoia, until Arthur is forced to pick up the broken pieces of his reality and try to fit them back together - but that's not an easy task when everyone, including Arthur himself, doubts his sanity.
Why I’m Reccing This: Oh goodness, this one. What a ride! Love the way you’re not quite sure what’s happening with Arthur, who is being treated for mental health issues - is he drunk? Is he stoned? Is he being set up? Is Morgana good or bad? Is Merlin just a figment of Arthur’s imagination? Lovely artwork as well.
Prompt: Nervous breakdown
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/11428671
Title: Between the lines of fear and blame
Author: Michaelssword
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Rating: T
Word Count: 3095
Summary: The first lesson you learn is that in an OR, everything is under your control... to an extent. Your skill can only go so far, and when you step inside, things don't always turn out the way you were expecting.
And sometimes, when you are least prepared, the very worst can happen.
(Or alternately, Merlin loses a patient on his table, and tries to deal with the consequences)
Why I’m Reccing This: I have recced this one before but not for this prompt. It’s a very good fic (Tee’s work is always worth a read), heartbreakingly sad. The patient that Merlin loses is Will and he finds that he just can’t cope. Arthur supports him.
Prompt: Nervous breakdown
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/2814248
Title: New Beginnings
Author: Clea2011
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Rating: T
Word Count: 1173
Summary: Today was the day that he had to do it, had to go out and face the world. He had an appointment to keep.
Why I’m Reccing This: Oh I hate doing self-recs. But it fits the prompt, okay? Everything got too much for Arthur. Morgana persuades him to try therapy.
Prompt: Undeserved reputation
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/1055542
Title: Acts of Man
Author: Wreck
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Rating: T
Word Count: 5165
Summary: On the morning of their Annual pre-Christmas Dinner, Merlin is shocked to find out that Gwen thinks his boyfriend, Arthur, isn't good enough. But after a glimpse into Merlin's quirky flat, Gwen realizes that she might not have the whole story.
Why I’m Reccing This: This is a lovely piece of holiday fluff. Merlin’s friends aren’t impressed with Arthur, getting completely the wrong idea about him. Gwen goes to talk to Merlin, and then sees how things really are.
Prompt: Undeserved reputation
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/12054900
Title: Clumsy only goes so far
Author: Dragonstorm
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing: None
Rating: Gen
Word Count: 2771
Summary: The other servants see how Merlin's constantly injured.
They jump to the natural conclusion.
Why I’m Reccing This: Love this. It’s written from George’s point of view - Merlin is injured and George has to stand in, working for a king whom all the servants believe is harming Merlin. Arthur’s realisation is more horrified at what is happening to Merlin than the unjust assumptions against his own character.
Prompt: Undeserved reputation
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/5862799/chapters/13513474
Title: Hive Mind
Author: Polomonkey
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Rating: T
Word Count: 5517
Summary: Arthur's the most hated person in school, and a Geography field trip only gives his classmates a chance to stick the knife in. At least until he ends up sharing a tent with Merlin...
Why I’m Reccing This: Because there are BEES! No, because I am a terrible person and love to see poor Arthur suffer. He is still at school (A levels so around 18) in this one, suffering because of what his father has done. I really do try to stick to one rec per writer each year but it doesn’t always work so this time there are two from Polo. (Do heed the warning tags though.)
Prompt: Skeletons in the closet
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/1053889
Title: Over You
Author: Thursday Next
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Rating: M
Word Count: 5854
Summary: Merlin sees Arthur at a party for the first time since their break-up two months ago. He has every intention of pretending his heart isn’t broken -- especially since none of their friends even know they were ever together. But when he has to contend with Arthur unexpectedly bringing a date, Gwaine deciding to be his fake boyfriend, and a good deal of sniping, it soon becomes apparent that Merlin’s not as over Arthur as he tries to pretend.
Why I’m Reccing This: Breakup/makeup, the fake relationships, neither of them being as secret as they thought, modern au, Gwaine being the best friend possible - what’s not to love? Plenty of UST and a satisfying ending.
Prompt: Skeletons in the closet
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/2024493
Title: Ain’t Nothing but a heartache
Author: Argentsleeper
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Rating: T
Word Count: 8493
Summary: Merlin and Arthur have been secretly dating for months when Arthur hits his head ice skating. Now the past two years are forgotten, including their relationship.
Why I’m Reccing This: Honestly, it’s as if I love the secret dating trope or something! Merlin has to keep secret from Arthur the fact that they’ve been dating (a relationship that started by Arthur shoving Merlin into an actual closet and snogging him) for months. A lovely romantic ride, both of them being self-sacrificial for the sake of the other. Gorgeous fic. Aggy was a lovely writer, much missed.
Prompt: Skeletons in the closet
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/5163125/chapters/11891219
Title: In Lieu of Cake
Author: Malu_3
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Rating: T
Word Count: 10617
Summary: A kidnapping changes things between His Royal Highness Prince Arthur of Camelot and Merlin Wyllt, his irreverent valet.
Why I’m Reccing This: Ah Malu, always a treat to read. Lots of hurt/comfort in this one, Merlin is captured and experimented on because of his magic. The skeleton in the closet being Merlin’s magic of course. Modern AU, Merlin can’t expect help from Arthur because Arthur and his family are anti-magic. But of course, Arthur is better than that… Fab fic.
Prompt: Skeletons in the closet
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/701942
Title: Mango
Author: Rotrude
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Rating: M
Word Count: 13667
Summary: Written for this prompt: Secret relationship: they've been together for years without telling anyone, and something gives them away. Mordred, the new quantitative modelling researcher at Albion Ratings, develops a crush on Merlin. So he starts nosing around to find out whether Merlin's free to date.
Why I’m Reccing This: Rotrude’s fics are always good, and this one is no exception. I know my recs here are heavy on the secret relationship trope, but it’s a favourite of mine so I make no apologies. This one is written mostly from Mordred’s point of view, gradually revealing the truth of the situation. A very well-written fic, there are little hints as to the true situation all through the fic. Very enjoyable read.
Prompt: Skeletons in the closet
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/6111254
Title: Love Letters Straight from the heart
Author: Camelittle
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Rating: T
Word Count: 7091
Summary: After seven (mostly) blissful years, their relationship is finished, and Merlin tells himself he's over the clotpoll. But then he finds a box of Arthur's old love letters, stashed at the back of the cupboard. When the box is finally opened, secrets spill out. Secrets that maybe should have been aired a long time ago.
Why I’m Reccing This: Well, these secrets are literally in a cupboard! This is a lovely bittersweet tale of a breakup and then… well, let me tell you, I like a happy ending and I love this fic! (Cam is a fab writer and if you haven’t already discovered that for yourself then it is time for you to dive into her impressive body of work!)
And here's the banner I won:
You have to rec 15 fics on the 3 themes that you're given. My themes are:
skeletons in the closet
nervous breakdown
undeserved reputation
Prompt: Undeserved reputation
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/1136045
Title: Arthur’s Scandal
Author: Digthewriter
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Rating: M
Word Count: 4330
Summary: Arthur's been caught in a scandal, and he needs to establish a prominent relationship with someone who will help him with his image.
Why I’m Reccing This: Well, I liked this one so much I did a remix of it back in the day. It has my favourite fake relationship trope, but as the title suggests Arthur needs to repair his image. In fact there is an excellent twist to all this which Merlin discovers later on. Very enjoyable fic.
Prompt: Undeserved reputation
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/10582059
Title: Unexpected Memory in the case of death
Author: derryere
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Rating: E
Word Count: 74987
Summary: Tony O does not befriend losers. Tony O is not gay, not crazy, he is not particularly nice and he is most definitely not royalty. Destiny disagrees.
Why I’m Reccing This: I’ve done five recs for each prompt. This is the only one where the undeserved reputation is Merlin, all the rest are poor Arthur. Anyway, in this one Merlin’s character has the nickname ‘Heineken’ due to something he’s supposed to have done with a beer bottle. I *think* it turned out to be undeserved anyway. This is an old fandom classic - unusual in that Arthur and Merlin have been reincarnated with different names, not something you often see in fic although of course it’s probably a more realistic way to go. It was one of the first Merlin fanfics I read, ages ago now. I think it’s a good measure of a fic if the story sticks with you.
Prompt: Nervous breakdown
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/563953
Title: To fall and rise again
Author: kriadydragon
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing: None
Rating: G
Word Count: 2841
Summary: Funny how it's always the little things that undo us.
Why I’m Reccing This: This one shows Merlin struggling to cope with his destiny and all it entails during canon times. I particularly like the way that everyone is there for him, Arthur, Gaius, the knights, all appreciative and supportive.
Prompt: Nervous breakdown
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/6126080
Title: Grief
Author: Polomonkey
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Rating: G
Word Count: 2267
Summary: Arthur has a breakdown after his friend Leon dies.
Why I’m Reccing This: Because it’s the best description of how it feels to have a breakdown that I’ve ever read. That’s it really. Heartbreaking. And you really feel for Uther in this one too, trying his best to deal with his son’s breakdown.
Prompt: Nervous breakdown
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/1399588/chapters/2934145
Title: How Deep the rabbit hole goes
Author: Detochkina
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Rating: E
Word Count: 69267
Summary: After the untimely death of his father, Arthur Pendragon's left in charge of the family company and he is a mess in every sense of the word. When his sister Morgana offers him a harmless herbal remedy to help him deal with his stress, she unwittingly starts a downward spiral in Arthur’s world - just as Arthur’s love life seems to look up after meeting Merlin, a pyrotech hired for Morgana’s party.
Dreams turn to confusion, confusion to paranoia, until Arthur is forced to pick up the broken pieces of his reality and try to fit them back together - but that's not an easy task when everyone, including Arthur himself, doubts his sanity.
Why I’m Reccing This: Oh goodness, this one. What a ride! Love the way you’re not quite sure what’s happening with Arthur, who is being treated for mental health issues - is he drunk? Is he stoned? Is he being set up? Is Morgana good or bad? Is Merlin just a figment of Arthur’s imagination? Lovely artwork as well.
Prompt: Nervous breakdown
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/11428671
Title: Between the lines of fear and blame
Author: Michaelssword
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Rating: T
Word Count: 3095
Summary: The first lesson you learn is that in an OR, everything is under your control... to an extent. Your skill can only go so far, and when you step inside, things don't always turn out the way you were expecting.
And sometimes, when you are least prepared, the very worst can happen.
(Or alternately, Merlin loses a patient on his table, and tries to deal with the consequences)
Why I’m Reccing This: I have recced this one before but not for this prompt. It’s a very good fic (Tee’s work is always worth a read), heartbreakingly sad. The patient that Merlin loses is Will and he finds that he just can’t cope. Arthur supports him.
Prompt: Nervous breakdown
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/2814248
Title: New Beginnings
Author: Clea2011
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Rating: T
Word Count: 1173
Summary: Today was the day that he had to do it, had to go out and face the world. He had an appointment to keep.
Why I’m Reccing This: Oh I hate doing self-recs. But it fits the prompt, okay? Everything got too much for Arthur. Morgana persuades him to try therapy.
Prompt: Undeserved reputation
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/1055542
Title: Acts of Man
Author: Wreck
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Rating: T
Word Count: 5165
Summary: On the morning of their Annual pre-Christmas Dinner, Merlin is shocked to find out that Gwen thinks his boyfriend, Arthur, isn't good enough. But after a glimpse into Merlin's quirky flat, Gwen realizes that she might not have the whole story.
Why I’m Reccing This: This is a lovely piece of holiday fluff. Merlin’s friends aren’t impressed with Arthur, getting completely the wrong idea about him. Gwen goes to talk to Merlin, and then sees how things really are.
Prompt: Undeserved reputation
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/12054900
Title: Clumsy only goes so far
Author: Dragonstorm
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing: None
Rating: Gen
Word Count: 2771
Summary: The other servants see how Merlin's constantly injured.
They jump to the natural conclusion.
Why I’m Reccing This: Love this. It’s written from George’s point of view - Merlin is injured and George has to stand in, working for a king whom all the servants believe is harming Merlin. Arthur’s realisation is more horrified at what is happening to Merlin than the unjust assumptions against his own character.
Prompt: Undeserved reputation
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/5862799/chapters/13513474
Title: Hive Mind
Author: Polomonkey
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Rating: T
Word Count: 5517
Summary: Arthur's the most hated person in school, and a Geography field trip only gives his classmates a chance to stick the knife in. At least until he ends up sharing a tent with Merlin...
Why I’m Reccing This: Because there are BEES! No, because I am a terrible person and love to see poor Arthur suffer. He is still at school (A levels so around 18) in this one, suffering because of what his father has done. I really do try to stick to one rec per writer each year but it doesn’t always work so this time there are two from Polo. (Do heed the warning tags though.)
Prompt: Skeletons in the closet
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/1053889
Title: Over You
Author: Thursday Next
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Rating: M
Word Count: 5854
Summary: Merlin sees Arthur at a party for the first time since their break-up two months ago. He has every intention of pretending his heart isn’t broken -- especially since none of their friends even know they were ever together. But when he has to contend with Arthur unexpectedly bringing a date, Gwaine deciding to be his fake boyfriend, and a good deal of sniping, it soon becomes apparent that Merlin’s not as over Arthur as he tries to pretend.
Why I’m Reccing This: Breakup/makeup, the fake relationships, neither of them being as secret as they thought, modern au, Gwaine being the best friend possible - what’s not to love? Plenty of UST and a satisfying ending.
Prompt: Skeletons in the closet
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/2024493
Title: Ain’t Nothing but a heartache
Author: Argentsleeper
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Rating: T
Word Count: 8493
Summary: Merlin and Arthur have been secretly dating for months when Arthur hits his head ice skating. Now the past two years are forgotten, including their relationship.
Why I’m Reccing This: Honestly, it’s as if I love the secret dating trope or something! Merlin has to keep secret from Arthur the fact that they’ve been dating (a relationship that started by Arthur shoving Merlin into an actual closet and snogging him) for months. A lovely romantic ride, both of them being self-sacrificial for the sake of the other. Gorgeous fic. Aggy was a lovely writer, much missed.
Prompt: Skeletons in the closet
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/5163125/chapters/11891219
Title: In Lieu of Cake
Author: Malu_3
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Rating: T
Word Count: 10617
Summary: A kidnapping changes things between His Royal Highness Prince Arthur of Camelot and Merlin Wyllt, his irreverent valet.
Why I’m Reccing This: Ah Malu, always a treat to read. Lots of hurt/comfort in this one, Merlin is captured and experimented on because of his magic. The skeleton in the closet being Merlin’s magic of course. Modern AU, Merlin can’t expect help from Arthur because Arthur and his family are anti-magic. But of course, Arthur is better than that… Fab fic.
Prompt: Skeletons in the closet
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/701942
Title: Mango
Author: Rotrude
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Rating: M
Word Count: 13667
Summary: Written for this prompt: Secret relationship: they've been together for years without telling anyone, and something gives them away. Mordred, the new quantitative modelling researcher at Albion Ratings, develops a crush on Merlin. So he starts nosing around to find out whether Merlin's free to date.
Why I’m Reccing This: Rotrude’s fics are always good, and this one is no exception. I know my recs here are heavy on the secret relationship trope, but it’s a favourite of mine so I make no apologies. This one is written mostly from Mordred’s point of view, gradually revealing the truth of the situation. A very well-written fic, there are little hints as to the true situation all through the fic. Very enjoyable read.
Prompt: Skeletons in the closet
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/6111254
Title: Love Letters Straight from the heart
Author: Camelittle
Fandom: Merlin
Medium: Fic
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Rating: T
Word Count: 7091
Summary: After seven (mostly) blissful years, their relationship is finished, and Merlin tells himself he's over the clotpoll. But then he finds a box of Arthur's old love letters, stashed at the back of the cupboard. When the box is finally opened, secrets spill out. Secrets that maybe should have been aired a long time ago.
Why I’m Reccing This: Well, these secrets are literally in a cupboard! This is a lovely bittersweet tale of a breakup and then… well, let me tell you, I like a happy ending and I love this fic! (Cam is a fab writer and if you haven’t already discovered that for yourself then it is time for you to dive into her impressive body of work!)
And here's the banner I won: