for @merleonmicrofics | prompt : « trapped » | ~650 words
Lancelot has only just put the key in the door when he is assaulted by Gwaine's voice. He's in the storage cupboard, by the sounds of it, and Lancelot can only assume that he's got himself into some kind of mess in there. In all fairness, it's not a particularly tidy storage cupboard (there was no hope for it, really, as half of it is occupied with Merlin's many possessions that he doesn't need anymore, but is too sentimental to throw out).
"Lance!" comes Gwaine's voice again, "a little help here!"
Lancelot deposits his bag in the hallway, and walks unhurriedly to the end of the corridor, where he can just make out Gwaine's muscled figure poking out from behind the door. "Ah, there you are!" Gwaine says, audibly relieved. "I thought I'd be trapped holding these boxes for hours!"
For someone who does not actually live in the apartment, Gwaine sure seems to spend a lot of time there, and Lancelot is worried to ask how long Gwaine has already spent stuck in the little cupboard. He edges his way round the door to assess the situation. Gwaine has clearly tried to take one of the boxes on the top shelf out without removing the ones resting on top of it, leading to some sort of avalanche of packaging that he has just about managed to wrangle under control. Gwaine is supporting one box in each hand, and is holding a third against the edge of the top shelf with his chin. He looks quite comical, really, pressed up against the shelves like that, his arms stretched in opposite directions, his classic cheesy grin plastered across his face, and Lancelot suppresses a chuckle. He doesn't want to relieve Gwaine from his predicament too quickly, though. He’d rather enjoy the view first.
"How on earth did you end up like that?" Lancelot asks, leaning against the door with his elbow.
"Well, I was trying to get out Twister–" starts Gwaine, prompting a laugh from Lancelot. Merlin's had that Twister game for years, but Lancelot has never seen him use it once. The only reason he still holds on to it is that it was a gift from Freya, when he was younger, although a good half of the top shelf in the storage cupboard is taken up with Merlin's ‘gifts from Freya’.
"What's wrong with Twister?" Gwaine asks defensively, which only makes Lancelot chuckle more.
"I'm sure it's a great game," he says. "But Merlin's had that for ages and never touched it. I've not even played it before."
"What do you mean, you've never played Twister?" Gwaine's eyes widen in incredulity. In fact, he is so astonished by this rather simple admission that the box he was propping up with his chin slips down and falls to the floor with a soft thud. Lancelot steps across to check nothing's broken – and nothing is, the box is full of fabric bunting that looks to be made by Hunith for Merlin. Lancelot wonders if there is anything of his at all in this cupboard.
Free of this final cardboard burden, Gwaine is at last able to push the remaining two boxes together, and place them on the floor.
"I grew up in France," Lancelot offers up as a reason, mainly because Gwaine is gullible enough to believe that Twister doesn't exist in France.
"That settles it," Gwaine announces, stepping out of the confines of the cupboard and into the corridor. "We're playing Twister tonight."
"Was that not your plan anyway?" Lancelot asks, picking up the boxes forgotten by Gwaine and re-instating them in their rightful positions on the top shelf.
"Well, I do love getting tangled up with you and Merlin," Gwaine says, promptly legging down the corridor with the Twister box before Lancelot can scold him. It is an undeniable fact, after all.
I'm sorry but vaccines are so fucking cool. You're telling me that I just need to drop by my doctor, feel a pinprick, maaaybe feel a bit off for a day and then I have statistically significant, incredible chances of either completely avoiding getting a certain illness or at the very least have a pretty string guarantee my body will kick its ass swiftly??? Fucking magic potion.
“This is a tapestry I made myself! I just finished it!”
“…. this is…. big.”
“Eighty feet long, ten high, in forty panels! It was originally going to be sixty feet, but then the Thomas Malory Arthuriana got big and I had to put more stuff in.”
“… Malory published in the fifteenth century.”
“Do you have any idea how long it takes one person to embroider eight thousand square feet of tapestry?”
“You’ve had a lot of free time in the last eight hundred years, haven’t you?”
my favourite bizarre arthurian facts to drop on unsuspecting people:
lancelot was very literally raised in a lake
gawain has a talking fox sidekick who shows him how to cross the river of the dead
morgan le fay’s best frenemy/gf is an ancient greek oracle who slept with alexander the great
gawain has to investigate his own murder not once but THREE times because people just will not stop faking his death
arthur has a pet parrot
one time mordred ate a dead body
gawain said he wanted to be turned into a maiden to be able to love lancelot as a maiden could. he was very high on painkillers at the time
lancelot’s birth name is galahad and his son’s name is galahad and his ex-boyfriend’s name is galehaut and his grandfather’s name is lancelot and his uncle’s name is bors and his cousin’s name is also bors.
there are upwards of ten characters named yvain
gawain was kidnapped by pirates as a child. this explains a lot about him i think
look i know its a basic one but the absolute shock that ppl go through when i say lancelot was raised in a lake? like IN a lake? classic. timeless. theres a reason i listed it first and it bears repeating. the man is aquatic
For @merlinbingo Arthur Does Something Unexpectdly Nice S3 + @polymerlinmicrofic Freedom
Please enjoy this (unedited) completely self indulgent Merlin Birthday Fic for my bday haha!
Merlin was the happiest they'd ever been in their life.
Magic was free and thriving in Camelot.
It was living, breathing and flowing through the land as it was meant to. He could feel it everyday when he woke up the ever present thrum of magic all around her, and honestly she didn't know how he'd ever lived without it.
But that wasn't the only thing that had changed, no because Merlin got to be loved by the people who he'd held in his heart protectively for so long.
If someone would have told him five years ago, that Arthur, Gwen, and Lancelot all returned that love for them, he probably would've laughed in their face and called them a fool.
Yet here he lay in Arthur's bed snuggled up with Gwen, and Lancelot on the morning of his 23rd birthday.
He felt Gwen begin to stir as Merlin thought about all that had gone right for them, and soon felt a warm pair of lips on hers as Gwen passionately kissed her.
"Happy Birthday Cariad!" cheered Gwen, leaning back and smiling at him.
"Happy Birthday Merls," Lancelot whispered kissing their neck softly Merlin blushed so surrounded by love he didn't know what to do with himself!
"Are you ready for your day of surprises?" asked Gwen with a mischievous look on her face as she climbed onto Merlin's lap.
"I can't wait, mainly because I really really want to know what on earth you all have been doing for this last week," they moaned and their lovers laughed as the door to their chambers swung open.
"Well well well look who's up, the birthday Warlock!" teased the familiar voice of their king, and Merlin looked over to see Arthur carrying a tray of food, and not just any food all of her favourites.
"All this for me?" Merlin smiled happily and Arthur placed the tray down on the bed but not before placing a kiss on Merlin's forehead.
"Oh my love this is only the beginning," he said with a smile.
"Now you enjoy your breakfast in bed, and then we'll get you off to your next surprise," stated Arthur and Merlin smiled.
Merlin ate her portion of breakfast, as his lovers ate, and enjoyed each other's company and soon began to get ready themselves.
Soon he felt his beloved Gwen pulling her up from the bed with a grin.
"Birthday surprise number two this one is mine," said Gwen pulling him over to the closet.
Opening the wardrobe there was a new beautiful blue and gold gown laid out in front of it with a small new red neckerchief on the front.
"OH Gwen! You made this for me?" he said with excitement placing her hands over the beautiful fabric looking at it with glee.
"I did! Oh I'm so glad you love it now come here and let me get you into it, and then it's off to Lance's surprise!" she said with a smile.
After a few moments of getting dressed in his new gown with the help of Gwen she stepped out and twirled around in the outfit.
"What a beautiful person you are my love," said Lancelot sweeping them up into his arms, Merlin let out a chuckle.
"Oh hush you flatterer," Merlin sighed, and Lancelot placed her down, but not before Arthur and Gwen joined in on the snuggle.
"Oh but you are Merlin, and true vision of beauty," Gwen whispers tenderly in her ear and Merlin's blush deepened.
"Too often you do not see yourself the way we see you, but today is your day, the day we celebrate the wonder that is our beloved Merlin," said Arthur pulling his hand up to lay a kiss upon it.
"All you have to do is come with us look your gorgeous self, and let us spoil you," Lancelot stated with a grin, and Merlin blushed once more.
"How did I get so lucky?" they asked and Gwen replied, "I do believe it should be us asking that question, now come along Lancelot needs to bestow his gift."
So out Merlin was led through the palace to the stables where his beloved mare Llamari awaited her.
Quickly Merlin and her lovers mounted their respective steeds, and began their horse ride Merlin following Lancelot as he led the way.
Soon enough he realized where they were headed as they approached the familiar trail to the now permanent Druid Camp.
"Why are we here?" they asked hoping to get an answer but Lancelot just grinned and said, "You'll see."
They sighed rolling their eyes but continued waving to druids as she entered the camp, leaving their horses tied on the outskirts.
"We have the book you requested Sir Lancelot," said the elder warmly.
"Wonderful, if I may have that now, and I shall show it to Merlin, thank you again for your help with acquiring this," Lancelot said, taking a large tomb from the druid elder.
"A history of Dragonlord's and their kin, Oh Lancelot! How did you find this? I thought they were all gone, I can't believe you got me this, thank you!"
"I'm so happy you love it, it took some time but with the help of Elder Brynhild, I managed to get it for you," Lancelot said with a wide smile on his handsome face.
Merlin threw their arms around Lancelot and kissed him.
"This has been the greatest birthday I've ever had, thank you all for your love, and gifts, and just being you," Merlin said to her lovers.
"Oh it's not over yet, after we have lunch with the Druids, we need to get back to the castle for the last part of your day," stated Arthur and Merlin smiled, it didn't get much better then this.
After eating a lovely lunch and enjoying a brief musical serenade by the Druids, they had returned to the castle together,
"We just need to make a quick stop by the treasury before we head to our last stop!" Arthur said linking Merlin's arm and leading him up the treasury steps.
"What else could you all possibly have planned? And why haven't I seen everyone yet?" She asked impatiently.
"You'll just have to wait and see cariad," Gwen said with a smile, as Arthur went in by himself to the treasury, and Merlin sighed wanting to know but reluctantly resigning themself to waiting somewhat patiently.
"Alright almost ready, but first," Arthur said with a grin as he returned carrying a small satchel and a blindfold.
"Really we're really doing this? You do know I could just use magic to see through it," he snickered but Arthur just laughed in response.
"Yes but we know you won't ruin the surprise we worked so hard on now will you?" teased Lancelot as Arthur placed the blindfold around her eyes.
"No, alright I wouldn't, just make sure I don't fall or trip you know I'm clumsy when I can see," Merlin threatened but not a moment later they felt someone sweep them off their feet into a princess carry.
"OH goodness you lot are really taking the cake with your shenanigans today," Merlin laughed.
"Oh you love it," Said Lancelot who turns out was the person holding her.
After a little bit more walking, Merlin was placed down and the blindfold was taken off to reveal, all his friends, family, and the people he cared for standing in a beautifully decorated courtroom with presents and food everywhere.
"Happy Birthday Merlin!" the court yelled with fervor, and Merlin lit up with joy tears pooling in his eyes.
"Good surprise?" Gwen asked with a side hug.
"The best!" she replied tearfully.
So Merlin walked around thanking, and seeing people, opening gifts and enjoying the food, a little while later his mother came over to see her.
"Happy birthday my darling child, I am so proud of the person you have become," their mother said warmly wrapping him in her arms.
"Oh Mama, I'm so happy, I don't think I've ever been so happy in my life," he said his eyes tearing up and his mother smiled kissing her gently on the head.
"And I couldn't be happier for you," she said with a smile, "well that may be a slight lie for I think I shall be even happier in a moment now turn around."
Merlin looked at her confused, but followed their mother's words and turned around to see his partners standing in front of him holding a beautiful, ornate, golden, circlet, with sapphires encrusted within the golden leaves.
But that wasn't all, because Gwen also held a beautiful matching ring.
"Oh gods, were doing this tonight? But I haven't the other rings, that we- oh my Avalon," she cried tears welling in his eyes.
He knew that eventually this would come, they'd discussed it and separately from each that the ring belonged too had chosen a ring to celebrate their love for their eventual marriage but here and now he felt overwhelmed with love and pure elation.
"Merlin, our dearest, most wonderful Merlin, we love you with all that we are," Lancelot said with a warm smile.
"You mean the world to us and we do not wish to spend another moment apart we love you and each other, and we wish to solidify that with this vow," Arthur stated with all the pride of a king.
"Merlin, one of my oldest friends and most beloved dear, will you do us the honour of joining us in divine union and marrying us?" Gwen asked tears welling in her soft warm brown eyes.
"Yes, gods above, yes nothing would make me happier!" they yelped with joy rushing forward to their beloveds.
The court erupted in cheers of joy, and congratulations, as Arthur and Lance placed the circlet on his head, and Gwen slid the ring onto her finger.
Taking a moment to allow his loves to wrap her in their arms, Merlin smiled ever so contently, because he was home, and they were free.
for the @merthurmicrofic prompt flowers | 601 words
The dead flowers were tossed into the bin with a plunk.
The roses Merlin had put in the vase a week ago had dulled from their vibrant red to a deep maroon, the rich scent having morphed into a rotting stench.
He spilled the water into the sink, rising the vase out and filling it with fresh water. He pulled off the rubber band from the new bouquet, letting the plastic spread onto the counter as he fished out the flower food, ripping the small packet open to sprinkle in.
That week's choice was lilies. The florist had gave him an apologetic smile like she always did. He'd been going to her for the last year, and she never questioned his weekly ritual.
It was like she knew what they were for.
Merlin swallowed thickly, placing the lilies into the vase, stirring the water with the bundle before letting go and allowing them fall into place naturally.
He leaned in, taking a small sniff, before pulling away, carefully grabbing the vase as he walked towards his bedroom.
The apartment was bare.
It was the fifth one in the last decade, under a new name, new identity.
He had lost track of every one he's ever made.
Moving never got easier, though, and each residence never became home.
It merely became another lie that he buried his real self under.
But one thing was consistent — a routine that he made sure would always remain.
There was a table in his bedroom. Books were neatly arranged in the shelves between the legs.
Perhaps it was wrong to just call them books. Technically, they were all Arthurian Legends. Various editions and translations.
The king he served, the first life he lived, all written down and deemed just a tale.
Some days Merlin wanted to scream at the world and say it was all real, but the time of magic had long since passed — even if he didn't want to believe it.
He placed the vase on the table, in the same spot it always rested, and grabbed the small matchbook.
It was best for him to not think during this time, trying to merely go through the motions.
There was a telltale hiss and small tendril of smoke in the air as he lit a match, carefully guiding it towards the candle wick and waiting until it caught.
Merlin shook the match, putting out the flame, then let the smoldering wood drop onto the designated tray to toss out later.
The candle was unscented. He tried, once, to get something different but the second the smell of sage, moss, pine, and a million other things filled the air, it made want to toss it to the ground.
At last, he looked up at the shelf in front of him.
It was a miracle, really, that Arthur's cape had stood the test of time. But Merlin had gotten better with his magic, and was able to preserve it like it was newly crafted.
It took a lot of effort keeping it safe. Many had set their eyes on it and tried to steal it, but Merlin never let them.
It was his.
He never wore it. That was a line Merlin had never been able to cross. It felt like taking a role that wasn't his.
He lifted it off the shelf, holding it close to his chest.
Arthur's scent had long since wore off, but Merlin closed his eyes and took a whiff anyways, pretending otherwise.
"I miss you," Merlin muttered.
Next week, the routine would repeat, with new flowers, and the same grief.
The kindest thing that literature does is remind you that your little peculiar feelings have always existed. Someone, in some century, felt equally bewildered by love, bored by society, tired of pretending, and hungry for meaning.
no one is talking about ‘oh there wasn’t anything on this island when they established widow’s bay! :)’ and then ‘well there were the teeth’ why aren’t we talking about the teeth
apparently the director of the no fucking til marriage movie is like "it's not the sex purge movie, that's not what it's about" but my guy I'm sorry you made the sex purge movie. that's what you did. like describe it however you want but conceptually the film is about a nation wide sex fest on the one day a year fucking is permitted by the state, that's a sex purge. the film can be about a wholesome romance happening during the sex purge but it is definitely the sex purge.
Wait ok so vanity fair just came out with an article describing the rules of the sex purge & apparently it's enforced bc the us government literally chipped its citizens like dogs with biomoniters that glow green when you're allowed to fuck. what in the conservative vanilla hell 😂😂😂
also apparently queer people in this universe just said "no thanks" when it came to this ban which is kind of based actually:
