15 Merlin Fanfic Recs
Here are the fifteen fic recs I did for the March challenge on hurt/comfort bingo. My prompts were hostages, nightmares, and insomnia.
Prompt: Hostages
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/4016752/chapters/9027811
Title: Fool Me Twice
Author: ArgentSleeper
Pairing: Merlin/Arthur
Word Count: 35,446
Summary: After firing his former nanny for stealing, Arthur is in a tight spot. Enter Merlin, whom Morgana loves, Arthur's son Alex loves, and Arthur will never ever love. But when the unthinkable happens, however, Arthur has room for only one thing. Fear.
Why I'm Reccing This: Such a treat of a fic. The whole first part is dedicated to the completely satisfying (and funny and cute) slow build of Arthur and Merlin’s relationship (around the ginormous luggage rack of emotional baggage Arthur’s hauling) and then the second part turns into a tense hostage situation with a ticking clock and more suspense than you can shake a stick at. Dreamy.
Prompt: Nightmares
Link: http://mushroomtale-fanart.tumblr.com/post/87615085806/on-lj-and-ao3-title-no-more-bad-dreams-ii
Title: No More Bad Dreams
Artist: mushroomtale
Pairing: Merlin/Arthur
Summary: Hannibal au for Merlin Horror fest
Why I'm Reccing This: The title of this little chiller has stuck in my head for so long, because it’s so fitting and so sinister. Mushroom is obviously a force of nature and this crossover is characteristically beautiful and horrifying in equal measure *happy shudder*
Prompt: Hostages
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/538928
Title: Love in Moderately Distant Places
Author: Rotrude
Pairing: Merlin/Arthur
Word Count: 69,349
Summary: Arthur flees to Rome and meets the lively Merlin, who is as infuriating as he is intoxicating. And then Merlin has to leave. But Arthur wouldn't be Arthur if he left it at that.
Why I'm Reccing This: The incredibly corny comment I left on this was ‘this fic made me want to fall in love’ But you know what? I stand by my corniness! This fic is so sensual and romantic and emotionally complex, I just love it (the hostage bit is towards the end and provides some great angst).
Prompt: Insomnia
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/1970436
Title: Through the dark. (what makes you beautiful)
Author: pipelliot
Pairing: Morgana/Gwen, Merlin/Arthur
Word Count: 6,617
Summary: If Merlin could have Arthur; if Arthur could love him and want him and make it work despite everything, then why couldn't Morgana have Gwen?
Why I'm Reccing This: A really beautiful character study of Morgana. The writing is exquisite and it’s so lyrical and eloquent. I really love this author, they have the magic touch.
Prompt: Hostages
Link: http://swampmouse.tumblr.com/post/34234102767/merlin-horror
Title: I Will Escape
Artist: swampmouse / disco_mouse
Pairing: Gen
Summary: Emrys’ blood holds power. So do his organs. An enemy of Camelot captures Merlin and they know exactly who he is.
Why I'm Reccing This: I love this artist’s style and this is so whumpy and delicious.
Prompt: Nightmares
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/806288
Title: Nothing, But Everything
Author: Spineless
Pairing: Merlin/Arthur preslash
Word Count: 2,583
Summary: Merlin keeps having nightmares about burning at the stake and--what do you know--burns himself one day while tending to a fire. Thankfully, Arthur is there to comfort him and assure him that everything will be alright.
Why I'm Reccing This: Lovely h/c and so tender. Arthur knows about Merlin’s magic and he is a dear.
Prompt: Hostages
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/167295
Title: Keep Your Secrets
Author: new_kate, wangler
Pairing: Merlin/Arthur
Word Count: 16,394
Summary: Arthur Pendragon is captured by the bandits. While he waits to be ransomed, he slowly gets to know Merlin, the prisoner being held in the next cell.
Why I'm Reccing This: Bit of a fandom classic and for good reason. The relationship between them is so well done and in character, even in the most desperate of situations. It’s got some amazing whump and h/c too, and a killer ending, and generally just fantastically fluent and satisfying writing.
Prompt: Hostages
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/149182
Title: Show and Tell
Author: entanglednow
Pairing: Merlin/Gwaine
Word Count: 1,691
Summary: Merlin has seen far more of the inside of a dungeon than he ever wanted to.
Why I'm Reccing This: So sweet and lovely! A slightly more vulnerable side to Gwaine and it's nice to see Merlin coming to his rescue.
Prompt: Nightmares
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/518729
Title: Of Dreams
Author: Violette_Royale
Pairing: Merlin/Arthur
Word Count: 727
Summary: Arthur suffers from nightmares. Merlin finds excuses to stay with him, so Arthur can get some sleep.
Why I'm Reccing This: Just a sweet little oneshot about Merlin taking care of Arthur. Fluffy and adorable.
Prompt: Hostages
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/315537
Title: Runaway
Author: wangler
Pairing: Merlin/Arthur
Word Count: 4,387
Summary: On the eve of his 18th birthday, Arthur Pendragon runs away from the castle where he’s been held captive his entire life. In the lower town, he meets a stranger with a secret.
Why I'm Reccing This: I read this fic early in my introduction to the Merlin fandom and it's always stayed with me. Merlin being hostage to the cruel whims of Nimueh and Uther could damn near break your heart and Arthur's discovery of the truth is palpably devastating.
Prompt: Hostages
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/2007399
Title: (In)Convenience Store
Artist: texasfandoodler
Pairing: Merlin/Arthur
Summary: Arthur knew his father's decision to have him head up the New York division of Pendragon Pharmaceuticals wasn't a good one, but it's not until he finds himself in a convenience store being held up at gunpoint that he realises quite how bad it is.
Why I'm Reccing This: One of my favourite of Tex's customarily beautiful pieces. I remembered this for hostages because the picture of Merlin being held up at gunpoint with Arthur looking on fearfully is striking and arresting. No wonder we miss her so much.
Prompt: Hostages
Link: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/7224882/1/Picture-Perfect
Title: Picture Perfect
Author: Kiva Taliana
Pairing: Gen (hints of pre-slash Merlin/Arthur)
Word Count: 85,617
Summary: Psychiatrist Arthur Pendragon takes on a new patient, Merlin Emrys, who is the victim of a brutal crime. Arthur's professional and personal life clash as the case in question was investigated by none other than DCS Uther Pendragon.
Why I'm Reccing This: This is a modern au fic that deals with the aftermath of Merlin having been held hostage for five months. It's quite upsetting in a lot of ways but also interestingly and fluidly written.
Prompt: Nightmares
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/2141271
Title: This Sweet Love of Mine
Author: BeneaththeHalo
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin/Gwaine
Word Count: 1,165
Summary: In the dreams, Merlin and Gwaine burn, slain for the crime of witchcraft. In reality, both of them show Arthur they are never going anywhere.
Why I'm Reccing This: This one starts off so angsty but has a sweet little ending. I love Arthur being taken care of by both his lovely boyfriends.
Prompt: Hostages
Link: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/9224456/1/Safe-and-Sound
Title: Safe and Sound
Author: Katerina Riley
Pairing: Gen
Word Count: 5,157
Summary: Everything is supposed to be alright now. The world is full of magic again, Arthur doesn't hate Merlin, and there's a new little member to the Pendragon household. Why can't the world just be good from now on? Instead, Merlin gets kidnapped. Things don't end well. Warning for rape and torture.
Why I'm Reccing This: This is some hardcore whump and won't be for everyone but it's a proper hurt/comfort fic with Arthur showing up to save the day in the end.
Prompt: Nightmares
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/4703492
Title: In Your Arms (I Can Sleep)
Author: Diana_Prallon
Pairing: Gwen/Morgana
Word Count: 525
Summary: Gwen's smell seems to keep the terrors away.
Why I'm Reccing This: Short and lovely fic about Morgana finding peace in bed with Gwen - but watch out for the sting in the tail.
Prompt: Hostages
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/4016752/chapters/9027811
Title: Fool Me Twice
Author: ArgentSleeper
Pairing: Merlin/Arthur
Word Count: 35,446
Summary: After firing his former nanny for stealing, Arthur is in a tight spot. Enter Merlin, whom Morgana loves, Arthur's son Alex loves, and Arthur will never ever love. But when the unthinkable happens, however, Arthur has room for only one thing. Fear.
Why I'm Reccing This: Such a treat of a fic. The whole first part is dedicated to the completely satisfying (and funny and cute) slow build of Arthur and Merlin’s relationship (around the ginormous luggage rack of emotional baggage Arthur’s hauling) and then the second part turns into a tense hostage situation with a ticking clock and more suspense than you can shake a stick at. Dreamy.
Prompt: Nightmares
Link: http://mushroomtale-fanart.tumblr.com/post/87615085806/on-lj-and-ao3-title-no-more-bad-dreams-ii
Title: No More Bad Dreams
Artist: mushroomtale
Pairing: Merlin/Arthur
Summary: Hannibal au for Merlin Horror fest
Why I'm Reccing This: The title of this little chiller has stuck in my head for so long, because it’s so fitting and so sinister. Mushroom is obviously a force of nature and this crossover is characteristically beautiful and horrifying in equal measure *happy shudder*
Prompt: Hostages
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/538928
Title: Love in Moderately Distant Places
Author: Rotrude
Pairing: Merlin/Arthur
Word Count: 69,349
Summary: Arthur flees to Rome and meets the lively Merlin, who is as infuriating as he is intoxicating. And then Merlin has to leave. But Arthur wouldn't be Arthur if he left it at that.
Why I'm Reccing This: The incredibly corny comment I left on this was ‘this fic made me want to fall in love’ But you know what? I stand by my corniness! This fic is so sensual and romantic and emotionally complex, I just love it (the hostage bit is towards the end and provides some great angst).
Prompt: Insomnia
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/1970436
Title: Through the dark. (what makes you beautiful)
Author: pipelliot
Pairing: Morgana/Gwen, Merlin/Arthur
Word Count: 6,617
Summary: If Merlin could have Arthur; if Arthur could love him and want him and make it work despite everything, then why couldn't Morgana have Gwen?
Why I'm Reccing This: A really beautiful character study of Morgana. The writing is exquisite and it’s so lyrical and eloquent. I really love this author, they have the magic touch.
Prompt: Hostages
Link: http://swampmouse.tumblr.com/post/34234102767/merlin-horror
Title: I Will Escape
Artist: swampmouse / disco_mouse
Pairing: Gen
Summary: Emrys’ blood holds power. So do his organs. An enemy of Camelot captures Merlin and they know exactly who he is.
Why I'm Reccing This: I love this artist’s style and this is so whumpy and delicious.
Prompt: Nightmares
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/806288
Title: Nothing, But Everything
Author: Spineless
Pairing: Merlin/Arthur preslash
Word Count: 2,583
Summary: Merlin keeps having nightmares about burning at the stake and--what do you know--burns himself one day while tending to a fire. Thankfully, Arthur is there to comfort him and assure him that everything will be alright.
Why I'm Reccing This: Lovely h/c and so tender. Arthur knows about Merlin’s magic and he is a dear.
Prompt: Hostages
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/167295
Title: Keep Your Secrets
Author: new_kate, wangler
Pairing: Merlin/Arthur
Word Count: 16,394
Summary: Arthur Pendragon is captured by the bandits. While he waits to be ransomed, he slowly gets to know Merlin, the prisoner being held in the next cell.
Why I'm Reccing This: Bit of a fandom classic and for good reason. The relationship between them is so well done and in character, even in the most desperate of situations. It’s got some amazing whump and h/c too, and a killer ending, and generally just fantastically fluent and satisfying writing.
Prompt: Hostages
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/149182
Title: Show and Tell
Author: entanglednow
Pairing: Merlin/Gwaine
Word Count: 1,691
Summary: Merlin has seen far more of the inside of a dungeon than he ever wanted to.
Why I'm Reccing This: So sweet and lovely! A slightly more vulnerable side to Gwaine and it's nice to see Merlin coming to his rescue.
Prompt: Nightmares
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/518729
Title: Of Dreams
Author: Violette_Royale
Pairing: Merlin/Arthur
Word Count: 727
Summary: Arthur suffers from nightmares. Merlin finds excuses to stay with him, so Arthur can get some sleep.
Why I'm Reccing This: Just a sweet little oneshot about Merlin taking care of Arthur. Fluffy and adorable.
Prompt: Hostages
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/315537
Title: Runaway
Author: wangler
Pairing: Merlin/Arthur
Word Count: 4,387
Summary: On the eve of his 18th birthday, Arthur Pendragon runs away from the castle where he’s been held captive his entire life. In the lower town, he meets a stranger with a secret.
Why I'm Reccing This: I read this fic early in my introduction to the Merlin fandom and it's always stayed with me. Merlin being hostage to the cruel whims of Nimueh and Uther could damn near break your heart and Arthur's discovery of the truth is palpably devastating.
Prompt: Hostages
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/2007399
Title: (In)Convenience Store
Artist: texasfandoodler
Pairing: Merlin/Arthur
Summary: Arthur knew his father's decision to have him head up the New York division of Pendragon Pharmaceuticals wasn't a good one, but it's not until he finds himself in a convenience store being held up at gunpoint that he realises quite how bad it is.
Why I'm Reccing This: One of my favourite of Tex's customarily beautiful pieces. I remembered this for hostages because the picture of Merlin being held up at gunpoint with Arthur looking on fearfully is striking and arresting. No wonder we miss her so much.
Prompt: Hostages
Link: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/7224882/1/Picture-Perfect
Title: Picture Perfect
Author: Kiva Taliana
Pairing: Gen (hints of pre-slash Merlin/Arthur)
Word Count: 85,617
Summary: Psychiatrist Arthur Pendragon takes on a new patient, Merlin Emrys, who is the victim of a brutal crime. Arthur's professional and personal life clash as the case in question was investigated by none other than DCS Uther Pendragon.
Why I'm Reccing This: This is a modern au fic that deals with the aftermath of Merlin having been held hostage for five months. It's quite upsetting in a lot of ways but also interestingly and fluidly written.
Prompt: Nightmares
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/2141271
Title: This Sweet Love of Mine
Author: BeneaththeHalo
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin/Gwaine
Word Count: 1,165
Summary: In the dreams, Merlin and Gwaine burn, slain for the crime of witchcraft. In reality, both of them show Arthur they are never going anywhere.
Why I'm Reccing This: This one starts off so angsty but has a sweet little ending. I love Arthur being taken care of by both his lovely boyfriends.
Prompt: Hostages
Link: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/9224456/1/Safe-and-Sound
Title: Safe and Sound
Author: Katerina Riley
Pairing: Gen
Word Count: 5,157
Summary: Everything is supposed to be alright now. The world is full of magic again, Arthur doesn't hate Merlin, and there's a new little member to the Pendragon household. Why can't the world just be good from now on? Instead, Merlin gets kidnapped. Things don't end well. Warning for rape and torture.
Why I'm Reccing This: This is some hardcore whump and won't be for everyone but it's a proper hurt/comfort fic with Arthur showing up to save the day in the end.
Prompt: Nightmares
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/4703492
Title: In Your Arms (I Can Sleep)
Author: Diana_Prallon
Pairing: Gwen/Morgana
Word Count: 525
Summary: Gwen's smell seems to keep the terrors away.
Why I'm Reccing This: Short and lovely fic about Morgana finding peace in bed with Gwen - but watch out for the sting in the tail.