this comic was about my experience as an autistic person trying to do tasks that would usually be second nature for an allistic person but I'm glad people are relating and resonating with it :}
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Morgana takes Merlin instead of Gwen to the Dark Tower AU
Part 1 , Part 2 , Part 3 , Part 4 , Part 5 , Part 6 , Part 7 , Part 8 , Part 9 , Part 10 , Part 11 , Part 12 , Part 13 , Part 14, Part 15 , Part 16 , Part 17 , Part 18 , Part 19 (You're here) , 20 (FINAL PART/FOR REAL THIS TIME, I SWEAR)
Gwen and Elyan's new residence.
For Merlin, recovering naturality with Gwen hasn't been an easy road. Overcoming the awkwardness between them, his own guilt, has been a slow, careful process. But they both make an effort, refusing to lose their friendship. As they eat at Gwen's new home, Merlin can't say they are back as they used to be. But they are getting there.
However, today Merlin didn't just come to pass the time.
Gwen: What?
Merlin: Morgana told me herself. The bracelet Shade Lancelot gave you made you cheat. I'm sorry I'm only telling you now. The memory just came to me two nights ago.
Being able to clear Lancelot's name had been a big relief. Arthur had been glad when Merlin told him, thankful that the noblest of his knights and a great friend had never really betrayed him. The knights had felt similarly, though they were also ashamed they hadn't realized for themselves. But for Gwen, that knowledge hadn't changed much. Lancelot not being Lancelot didn't erase her mistake. It just made her a fool who fell for Morgana's trap. And Merlin could see that.
This piece of information, however, does change things.
Merlin expects Gwen to be instantly relieved. Happy, even. But she remains silent, thoughtful.
Merlin: Gwen?
Gwen: Is that exactly what Morgana told you? That if it weren't for the bracelet, I wouldn't have fallen for Lancelot again?
Merlin: (a flicker of hesitation) Yes.
Gwen: I want complete honesty Merlin. What exactly did the bracelet do?
Merlin: (carefully) She said… it awakened what was already there.
Gwen: You mean my feelings.
Merlin: Yes. But the choice to act on them wasn't yours! The enchantment pushed you past your own will.
Gwen: So… like you when you drank at the tavern that day.
Merlin: (stiffens) That's—That's hardly the same!
Gwen: How? Your feelings for Arthur were already there, weren't they? And the alcohol made you act on them. Just as the bracelet did with my feelings for Lancelot.
Merlin: (opens his mouth and closes it)
Gwen: (a sad smile) You wanted to lift a burden. And you have. Knowing it wasn't entirely my choice… that helps. More than you know. (A pause) But I won't pretend I was completely innocent. Something did stir in me when I saw Lancelot was back. Way before he gave me the bracelet.
Merlin: Gwen…
Gwen: Have you told anyone else?
Merlin: (shakes his head) I thought you deserved to know first.
Gwen: Good. Don't tell anyone else.
Merlin: (startled) What? But—
Gwen: There's no need to open an old wound over this. I know now I wasn't the fool I thought I was. For me, that's enough. (squeezes his hand and smiles sincerely) Thank you.
Merlin: (smiles) You're remarkable, you know that?
Gwen: (laughs) Oh, I know.
A knock at the door. A maidservant enters, followed by Gwaine and Percival.
Maidservant: Forgive me, my lady. These gentlemen came to retrieve… The king’s manservant.
Gwaine: (sweeping in with a dramatic bow) Your favourite escort has arrived.
Merlin: (instantly flushes to his ears and covers his face) Ugh. He has to stop doing this. What part of 'discreet' does he not understand?
Percival: Mate, you were kidnapped, then you had an attack in the market. These measures are understandable.
Merlin: (drops his hands, indignant) I'm not weak. I'm the most powerful sorcerer—
Gwaine: To ever walk the earth, yeah, yeah. You can tell us all about it while we walk.
Merlin: (sighs, and turns to Gwen) See you soon.
Gwen: I'll hold you to that.
Gwaine throws an arm around Merlin's shoulders, ignoring the glare he receives, and steers him toward the door, Percival following. Gwen watches them go, a genuine smile warming her face.
Time skip. Outside The Summer fortress.
The king has been cracking his skull trying to prepare his first date with Merlin. It's proven quite difficult, because it's Merlin who normally helps him with these things. Merlin organized his dates with Gwen, suggested romantic gestures, made everything run smoothly. Now Arthur is on his own.
He thought of a hunting trip, but Merlin hates hunting. He thought of a picnic, but he already did that with Gwen, and Merlin knew it. That might not go over well. After much agonizing thinking, he finally settled on this.
Arthur and Merlin arrive on horseback, Gwaine and Percival trailing behind. The fortress rises before them, elegant and secluded. They dismount.
Merlin: (squinting up at it) Is this a fortress?
Arthur: A summer fortress, yes. (A bit nervous) Do you like it?
Merlin: (confused, thinking) Since when does Arthur ask my opinion about a rock structure? (Says) It looks… nice?
Arthur: (visibly relieved) Good. Great.
Merlin: (frowns, worry creeping in) Is there a problem? Has something happened in the area? Is that why you were so rushed to come?
Arthur: No, not at all. I just… wanted to be here. With you.
Merlin: Why?
Arthur: (a beat) Merlin. A summer fortress is usually used by the king to take a rest from court. Or to hold… small private meetings.
Merlin: (stares at him blankly)
Arthur: You know. Because it's secluded. And… private.
Merlin: (still staring) You… need to discuss something very privately?
Gwaine: (to Percival in a loud whisper) Is he serious?
Percival: (equally loud whisper) Shh.
Arthur: (pinches the bridge of his nose) Merlin. I brought you to a secluded fortress. Just the two of us. With no court, no responsibilities. (Looks at Merlin meaningfully) For an extended period of time.
Merlin: (keeps staring, still not getting it) … Right.
Gwaine: (unable to contain himself) Mate. He wants to spend time alone with you. (Gestures wildly between them) Just the two of you. Alone. It's a date!
Merlin: (eyes go wide) WHAT?!
Percival: Yeah. Very romantic, right?
Merlin: (wheels on Arthur, scandalized) Why didn't you tell me we were having our first date?!
Arthur: (taken aback) I thought it would be a nice surprise?
Merlin: Surprise?! (Gestures at himself, at his plain servant's clothes) You gave me no time to prepare! I could have dressed better! This is our first date, goddammit!
Arthur: (stares at him for a moment, then a slow grin spreads across his face) You're worried about your clothes?
Merlin: (flustered) Of course I'm worried about my clothes! This is important! I may not have luxury clothes like you, but I definitely have better garments than this (Jabs a finger at his tunic) and I would have worn them if I'd known—I'm not a girl!!
Arthur: (holds up his hands, still grinning) I didn't say anything!
Merlin: But you thought it! And don't you dare laugh. I'm actually angry!
Arthur: (warmly, placing a hand on Merlin's shoulder) You look handsome in anything you wear.
Merlin: (swats the hand away) Don't. Don't you dare apply your prince charming voice on me. It won't work.
Arthur: (delighted) I have a prince charming voice?
Merlin: (splutters) It’s not—it's just—Ugh! (grabs his pack from his horse and storms toward the fortress entrance)
Gwaine: Uh… I believe your date is not starting well.
Arthur: It will pass.
Percival: (doubtful) I don't know, Sire. He seemed genuinely upset.
Arthur: What are you two still doing here anyway? Go make guard!
Gwaine: (saluting lazily) Guarding the village, got it. (Nudges his horse) Come on, Perce. Let's leave His Royal Romanticness to his date.
Percival: (already turning his horse) Good luck, Sire. (Thinking) You'll need it.
Inside The Summer Fortress
Arthur enters. Merlin is hunched over his backpack, rifling through its contents with increasing frustration.
Arthur: (approaching) What are you doing?
Merlin: (not looking up) Looking for something decent to wear. Which I obviously don't have, because someone didn't mention we were going on our first date.
Arthur: You're still upset about that?
Merlin: (finally looks up, exasperated) So you get to make a good impression, but I don't? I look like I've been traveling for hours!
Arthur: We did travel for hours.
Merlin: That's not the point!
Arthur: (steps closer, wrapping his arms around Merlin from behind, pressing a kiss to his neck) Merlin. You are perfect just the way you are—
Merlin: (pulls away, stepping out of the embrace) No. I'm not in the mood.
Arthur: (thinking) Alright. He's really upset. (Says carefully) I can lend you some of my clothes. If you want.
Merlin: (pauses) You brought extra clothes?
Arthur: Yes.
Merlin: (lifts an eyebrow) Why?
Arthur: Well, this is a special occasion. I wanted to be… prepared.
Merlin: (stares at him, his eyebrow climbing higher)
Arthur: Okay. I see the problem now.
Merlin: (crosses his arms) Don't say.
Arthur: (takes a step closer) I'm sorry. I was so focused on making this perfect for you that I didn't think about how it would feel to be surprised. You're right. You deserved to prepare too.
Merlin: (some of the tension leaves his shoulders and murmurs) I wanted to look nice for you.
Arthur: You do look nice. (Holds up a hand before Merlin can argue) But I understand that's not the point. (Moves to his own pack, pulling out a folded tunic) Here. You can put this on.
The young warlock takes it, running his fingers over the fine fabric. It's soft, deep blue, with subtle silver embroidery at the collar. He's never worn something so rich before and suddenly it feels… inadequate.
Merlin: No. (Tries to hand it back) It's yours. I can't.
Arthur: (pushes it back toward him) Yes, you can. Now go change.
Merlin: Really. I was making a fuss out of nothing—
Arthur: It wasn't nothing—
Merlin: We're not even the same size—
Arthur: Merlin, I was an idiot and I screwed up. So let me fix it. Okay? Go change.
Merlin: (smiles) Only because you admitted you are an idiot so fervently. (Takes the clothes)
Merlin disappears into another room. Arthur sits on a couch, listening to the rustle of fabric, a warmth spreading through his chest.
When Merlin emerges, Arthur's breath catches. The tunic doesn’t quite fit, a bit loose on Merlin, but somehow it looks better than it ever did on Arthur. The color brings out Merlin’s eyes, and without the travel dust and worn fabric, Merlin looks… radiant. But there's something else. Something about Merlin wearing his clothes that sends a very different kind of heat through Arthur's veins.
Merlin: (uncomfortable, looking down at himself) It's big on me.
Arthur: …
Merlin: (looks up) Arthur?
Arthur: (snaps out of his daze, feeling heat creep up his neck) I—I'll go change too.
Merlin: Oh, okay. Let me get your—
Arthur: NO! (Composes himself) I mean… you're not my servant now. You're my date. I can manage on my own. (Grabs his pack and rushes out)
Merlin: (stares after him with a confused frown)
Time skip.
Merlin and Arthur sit at a beautifully set table. Food and drinks are artfully arranged. Everything is perfect. Merlin can see that Arthur really made an effort. The flowers, the meal. All clearly designed to impress, to romance, to show.
He should be happy.
But he can't enjoy it. Because he can't stop thinking about how loose the clothes are on him.
It's ridiculous, and he knows it. He's being petty and ungrateful and stupid. But there was a time when this tunic would have fit him perfectly. Before the tower. Before days without food, without water. Days in which he lost the muscle it took him years to build.
He's not exactly skinny now. He's regained some of what he lost, thanks to Gaius's careful feeding and weeks of rest. But it's still less than he used to have. And every time he looks down at the gaping fabric at his shoulders, at the way it hangs instead of fits, he remembers. He remembers the cold. The hunger. The way his body started eating itself just to keep him alive.
And it's frustrating. Because he's never been one to care about his looks. He's tripped through Camelot in oversized neckerchiefs and patched trousers for years without a second thought. But now he can't stop thinking about how ridiculous he must look.
Arthur is talking—about the food, about the fortress, about something—but Merlin's attention keeps drifting back to that one, terrible thought.
Arthur: (sets down his fork) Merlin? You've barely touched your drink.
Merlin: (startles) What? (Looks down at his full glass, then takes a hurried sip) Oh. It's good.
Arthur: (concerned) What is it? Is the food not good? I can have something else prepared—
Merlin: No, no, the food is wonderful. Everything is wonderful. (Forces a smile) Really. You did an amazing job.
Arthur: Then what's wrong?
Merlin: Nothing is wrong.
Arthur: Is this because of the clothes?
Merlin: (wincing) No.
Arthur: I thought we were past that.
Merlin: We are.
Arthur: Well, clearly not, because you're still upset.
Merlin: (voice rising) I'm not upset!
Arthur: You may have been good at lying before, but now you're terrible at it.
Merlin: Will you please just let it go?!
Arthur: (raises his voice too) No! You hiding things from me, and me doing nothing when I noticed something was wrong is what caused a bridge between us before.
Merlin: I just want to enjoy our date!
Arthur: Me too! But we won't be able to if you don't tell me what's wrong.
Merlin: Oh, you want to know what's wrong?
Arthur: Yes!
Merlin: What's wrong is that today, of all days, I wanted to feel like me. (His voice shakes) The me I was before Morgana fucked me up. With my own clothes, that actually fit. That made me look like myself. (Gestures at the tunic) And instead, I'm wearing your clothes looking like a child playing dress-up!
Arthur: …
Merlin: (his anger deflates, leaving only shame) I'm sorry. (Looks down) I know I'm being ungrateful and rude. I'm ruining everything, and you worked so hard for this. (His voice breaks) I'm sorry.
Arthur: (quickly rounds the table) No. Hey. (Cups Merlin's face) It's alright. If it's really that important to you, I'll have your clothes brought.
Merlin: (looking up, hopeful) Really?
Arthur: (smiles warmly) Really. (Leans in, pressing a chaste kiss to Merlin's lips) But just for the record, you don't look like a child. (His voice drops, eyes darkening slightly) Actually, the last thing I think when I see you in my clothes is that you look like a child.
Merlin: (hits Arthur's arm)
Arthur: (laughs softly, catching Merlin's hand and pressing a kiss to his knuckles) And you are not ruining anything. We have at least two more weeks to enjoy ourselves here.
Merlin: I'm sorry—
Arthur: Don't. (Presses another kiss to Merlin's forehead) I'll send someone for your clothes. Okay? I'll be right back. (Leaves)
Time skip. Outside the Summer Fortress.
Gwaine: You want me to do what?!
Arthur: Bring Merlin's best clothes from his room.
Gwaine: (gesturing wildly) That's a day's ride from here!
Arthur: Well, you'd better get going, then.
Gwaine: Why not Percival?
Arthur: Because he has the size of two people, and I like him more. (Claps Gwaine on the shoulder) So go. Now.
Gwaine: (offended) You like him more?!
Arthur: (already walking away) I'll expect you back by tomorrow morning. (Goes back inside)
Time skip. The Summer Fortress’ Gardens. Sunset.
After the failed dinner, Arthur decides to opt for something simpler. A relaxed stroll in the gardens seems safe. An open space, fresh air. Nothing that can trigger bad memories of Merlin's ordeal like he stupidly did moments before.
He's aware he's been hard on himself. There was no way he could have known something as mundane as clothes would send Merlin spiraling. But…
"I hate you! You've brought nothing but disgrace and suffering into my life!"
The enchanted Merlin's words still echo sometimes. Arthur doesn't want to be the cause of pain to his beloved. Not ever again.
But what was supposed to be a relaxing stroll has turned into an impromptu herbology lesson. Because apparently, the garden is full of unique plants, and Merlin has decided this is the perfect moment to collect a botanical library.
Merlin: (delighted, crouching by a cluster of purple flowers) Foxglove! (Starts carefully picking them)
Arthur: You're making it very hard not to call you a girl right now.
Merlin: (Matter-of-factly) For your information, if used correctly, this plant is good for the heart.
Arthur: And if used incorrectly?
Merlin: It kills you.
Arthur: …
Merlin: (spotting something else, gasps) You have to be kidding me. Dwale? (Scrambles toward another patch) Who on earth made this garden?
Arthur: (thinking) He has no right looking this cute while collecting plants. (Says) What's this one's properties?
Merlin: (examining the plant) Mostly sedative. You know, pain relief, muscle relaxation—
Arthur: (reaches out, curious, about to pluck a dark berry)
Merlin: (slaps his hand)
Arthur: Ow!
Merlin: And they can be poisonous too.
Arthur: (rubs his hand, then laughs) Are you sure you don't just want to poison me?
Merlin: (his face falls)
Arthur: (realizing, horrified) Fuck. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that. I—
Merlin: No, it's okay. (Sets down the herbs, turning to face Arthur fully) Actually… I've been thinking about all those times I tried to kill you. And I've made my peace with it.
Arthur: (surprised) Really?
Merlin: Yes. Because I realized something. Even enchanted, I was never able to go through with it. Not really. I deliberately made a poison that kills slowly. That gave Gaius time to counteract it. Every time I tried to shoot you with an arrow, I failed. When you were climbing for your life on that mountain, I pulled Mordred away from the edge instead of pushing him, which would've been more effective. It’s like I was subconsciously sabotaging myself. And the one time I was close—when I almost cut your throat—(His voice catches, but he pushes on) I stopped. I came back, even if just for an instant. And that gave you time to knock me out.
Arthur: Merlin…
Merlin: (his eyes glistening) So no. I don't want to poison you. I never did. Not even when I thought I did.
Arthur crosses the distance between them in one step and pulls Merlin into a fierce embrace. Merlin melts into it, his face buried in Arthur's shoulder, his body finally relaxing after holding that weight for so long.
Arthur: Have I told you how much I love you?
Merlin: Multiple times.
Arthur: (pulls back just enough to meet his eyes, a soft, wondering smile) And yet you manage to beat me at love declarations without saying the words.
Merlin: (laughs softly) It's a gift.
Arthur: No, I can't let you win. So… (Pulls away and takes out a small book from his pocket) I brought this.
Merlin: (reads the title) A book of poetry?
Arthur: Yes. I'll recite you some.
Merlin: You said poetry was for love-struck girls.
Arthur: It's also for love-struck boys. Very manly boys.
Merlin: (lifts an eyebrow, skeptical)
Arthur: (a little desperate) I'm trying to be romantic here, Merlin. Humor me.
Merlin rolls his eyes, but he sinks onto the grass, settling in with anticipation. Arthur sits beside him, opens the book, and clears his throat with exaggerated importance.
Arthur: (reading) "My lady fair, with golden hair, whose gentle smile outshines the dawn—" (Stops abruptly) Eh… This one's about a girl.
Merlin: Sharp as always, my lord.
Arthur: Shut up. (Flips the page) "Her eyes are wells of summer light, her hair a river in the night—" (Scowls) Still a she. (Flips another page) "No jewel nor rose could ever compare to she whose beauty—" Goddamnit. (Flips again, faster now)
Merlin: (chuckles) Arthur. Poems are normally for knights to give to ladies. I doubt you're going to find one dedicated to a man.
Arthur: (flipping frantically) Wait— (Stops, a smile spreading) I've got one. (Reads, slower now, with more care) "I love thee not for what you seem, nor for the shape that others see. But for the quiet, constant flame that burns unseen, yet steadies me."
Merlin: (in awe) That was… actually beautiful.
Arthur: (sighs, closing the book) And yet it doesn't begin to explain how I feel. (Sets the book aside)
Merlin: (holds his hand) Use your words, then. I don't need elegant poetry or whatever you nobles do to court ladies. (Squeezes Arthur's hand) I just want you.
Arthur: (looks at him for a long moment, gathering himself) That's it. (Swallows) You never cared about my crown. About me being prince or king. (His thumb traces circles on Merlin's knuckles) You are one of the few people who actually sees me. Not as a title. Not as a symbol. Not as something to be used or feared or impressed. Just… as a man. Just… Arthur.
Merlin: (softly) Because that's who you are.
Arthur: And I would rather be that man—just that man—with you… than be a king without you. (A small, wondering laugh) I'd be happy as a farmer, Merlin. By your side. Just… with you.
Merlin: (chuckles softly) Yeah, right. You'd last a week before you started organizing the village militia.
Arthur: (grins) Maybe. But I'd still have you. (His voice softens) Because I am more myself when you are near. (A pause) And at the same time, I want to be that person you see when you look at me. The one you believe in. The one you put all your hope in. I want to be deserving of your love, your faith, because whoever is blessed with such things from you… (lifts their joined hands, pressing them to his chest, over his heart) Has already gained the world. You are my world.
Merlin: (stares at him, eyes shining) Arthur…
Arthur: (a shaky smile) I told you I'd beat you.
Merlin: (laughs) You idiot.
He pulls Arthur into a kiss, warm and fierce. When they finally break apart, foreheads resting together, they are both smiling, breathless.
Merlin: (dazed) Wow…
Arthur: (just as dazed) I feel like I'm… floating.
Merlin: Yeah… wait. (Looks down, eyes widening) We are!
They are, in fact, a few inches above the ground, just before gravity remembers them and they drop back down with a soft thud and a simultaneous yelp.
Arthur: (scrambling upright, looking around wildly) What the hell was that?! Is this garden cursed?
Merlin: (still on the ground, face red) Eh… No. (Sits up slowly, avoiding Arthur's eyes) I… I did it.
Arthur: (confused, turning to face him fully) Why? Did you mean to?
Merlin: (sheepish, tugging at a blade of grass) Well… it wasn't conscious. It's just…
Arthur: (sits back down beside him) What?
Merlin: My magic tends to act on its own when my feelings are… strong. (Risks a glance up, then quickly looks away again) It hasn't happened since I was a child. I learned to control it. But…
Arthur: But?
Merlin: I guess I was… too happy?
Arthur: …
Merlin: (sighs) Yeah, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to startle you—
Arthur: (laughs)
Merlin: What are you—? Don't laugh!
Arthur: (keeps laughing)
Merlin: It's not funny!
Arthur: (waving a hand, trying to catch his breath) No, no. You misunderstand me. I'm not laughing at you.
Merlin: It seems like you are.
Arthur: (grins) No, I just didn't know my kisses were so good they literally made you float.
Merlin: Oh, don't go growing a big head!
Arthur: (smug) You could say our kisses are magical.
Merlin: (grabs a handful of grass and throws it at his face)
Arthur: (sputters, then grins) Oh, it's on. (Scoops up his own handful and throws it back)
What follows is a brief, ridiculous grass fight—laughter, scrambling, grass in hair and down shirts—until they both collapse back onto the ground, breathless and grinning.
They lay there in comfortable silence, side by side, shoulders touching. At some point, Merlin reaches out and levitates the purple foxglove flowers he'd picked earlier toward him. He begins to weave them together, fingers working with surprising delicacy.
Arthur: (watching him, fond) What girly thing are you doing now?
Merlin: (not looking up, a small smile playing on his lips) You're not the only one who wants to do romantic gestures.
Arthur: (surprised, warmth spreading through his chest) That's… for me?
Merlin: (nods, continuing his craft)
Arthur: Using the flowers from my garden?
Merlin: (glancing up) You mean like you reciting poems from other people?
Arthur: (snorts) Fair enough. (Watches more closely) That's not how you make a bouquet, though.
Merlin: (rolls his eyes) It's not a bouquet.
Arthur: (squints) A… hoop?
Merlin: (finishes the last twist) No. (Sits up) There. Get up.
Arthur: (sits up, curious)
Merlin: (reaches out and places the woven circlet on Arthur's head) It's a crown!
Arthur: (his hand comes up to touch it, his face flushing deeply, then stammers) You are… such a girl.
Merlin: If you don't like it, give it back.(Reaches out for it)
Arthur: (pulls back, one hand protecting the crown) No. It's mine now.
And between more laughter and teasing, the last light of sunset fades into twilight, and the first stars begin to appear.
Time skip. The Summer Fortress’ Royal Chambers. Night.
Arthur and Merlin enter. The room is beautifully arranged with soft lighting, fresh flowers, and a large bed with luxurious linens.
Merlin: (taking it in) Wow.
Arthur: (nervous) Do you like it?
Merlin: It's lovely.
Arthur: (smiles, relieved)
Merlin: (glancing around) Is this my room or your room?
Arthur: (blushes, rubbing the back of his neck) Uh… I didn't prepare another room. I was hoping we could…
Merlin: …Oh. (Eyes widen) OH!
Arthur: But I can sleep on the sofa if you—
Merlin: No, no! Don't be absurd. We've done this before.
Arthur: (blushes more deeply) It is true.
Merlin: More than once, in fact.
Arthur: (frowns, confused) No, just once.
Merlin: Arthur, we've done it several times.
Arthur: I think I would remember that.
Merlin: (offended) You've forgotten already of all the times we snuck into each other's beds at night?
Arthur: …
Arthur: Oh. You're talking about sleeping.
Merlin: (blinking) Yes. What did you think I was talking about?
Arthur: (too quickly, face now crimson) Exactly that. Of course. Sleeping. What else would I be talking about? (Coughs and grabs a pillow, avoiding Merlin’s eyes) I'll take this side.
Merlin just nods. He's not innocent. He knows exactly what Arthur meant. And honestly, he should have guessed—given the secluded romantic location—that Arthur brought him here with expectations. He'd mock Arthur for his clumsy attempt at covering, if it weren't for the fact that he himself is a wreck of nervousness and anticipation.
The first time they were intimate—if you could call it that—Merlin wasn't in his right mind. The circumstances were desperate, born of fear and the need to feel real. It was meaningful, yes, but it wasn't… this. A quiet night in a soft bed, both of them fully present and choosing each other.
He wants this time to be perfect. Special. He wants to be good for Arthur. The problem is he doesn't exactly have… experience.
Okay, he didn't stay a virgin by choice, just to be clear. It's just that between serving Arthur, deflecting magical threats, handling Gaius's chores, and saving the kingdom on a weekly basis, there was never time for that. It definitely wasn't for lack of desire. He might have been hopelessly in love with Arthur for years, but that didn't mean he didn't have eyes to appreciate other people.
There was that one time he started something with one of Gwen's maidservants. It never progressed past flirting, and by the time it was close to developing into something more, she ran away, because apparently she turned out to be a spy. Gwaine once suggested he just go to a brothel, but Merlin's not a casual sex person. He needs to bond with someone first, not love necessarily, but to have a genuine sentimental connection.
So yeah. This would be his first actual time. And it's exciting as much as it is terrifying.
Already in his undergarments, the young warlock sits on the edge of the bed, suddenly acutely aware of every movement he makes. Arthur is on the other side, pretending to fluff a pillow with great concentration.
Merlin: (thinking, as he watches Arthur get comfortable) I should probably make a move… Yes! I'm not a shy person. I can take initiative. (Says) Arthur.
Arthur: (turns) Yes?
Merlin: … Goodnight. (Covers himself with the blanket, thinking) Coward.
Arthur: (sighs and blows out the last candle)
They lie in the dark, each close to the edge of their respective sides, backs turned. An uncomfortable silence settles, both dealing with a warmth that has nothing to do with the weather.
Merlin: Why are you lying so far away from me?
Arthur: You're the one who moved away.
Merlin: No, I just like this spot.
Arthur: Well, I like this spot too.
Merlin: Fine!
Arthur: Fine!
Silence.
Arthur: (yanks the blanket)
Merlin: (yelps) You're taking all the cover!
Arthur: The cover is huge!
Merlin: And somehow you manage to take all of it!
Arthur: Maybe if you weren't literally on the edge—
Merlin: You're the one on the edge! (Shuffles to the center of the bed) See? I'm not remotely close to the edge.
Arthur: (shuffles too) Me neither.
Merlin: You just moved!
Arthur: You did too!
Merlin: No, you're the one putting distance between us!
Arthur: I was respecting your distance!
Merlin: I don't want any distance!
Silence.
Merlin's heart hammers. He can feel the warmth of Arthur's body now, their chests almost touching, the heat of him bleeding through the thin fabric of their shirts. Then, slowly, a hand snakes under his shirt and places itself flat against his waist. Arthur's lips are a breath away from Merlin's. So close that Merlin can feel the shape of each word before he speaks.
Arthur: (low, barely a whisper) What do you want, Merlin?
Merlin: (voice small, but steady) I want… I want you to stop pretending you don't know what I want.
For a heartbeat, nothing moves. Then they both close the distance between them and kiss. It is not careful. It is the collision of two people who have been holding themselves back for too long, and now they can’t even remember why they were holding themselves back in the first place.
Merlin's hands find Arthur's shoulders, then his hair, then the warm skin of his back. Arthur's hand on his waist slides around to the small of his back, pulling him closer and closer, until there is no space left between them. When they finally break apart, gasping, foreheads pressed together, they are trembling.
Arthur: (voice rough, thumb tracing circles on Merlin's hip) Are you sure?
Merlin: (nods quickly) I’ve waited so long for this.
It is all the confirmation Arthur needs. He kisses Merlin again, slower, deeper. The only sounds are soft breaths and the rustle of sheets. Then Arthur grows bolder. He rolls Merlin onto his back and settles over him, his hands more exploring, his kisses more impatient. Merlin is not left behind. He arches up into him without thinking and musters the courage to slip his hand between Arthur's skin and his breeches, making Arthur let out a low groan that turns Merlin on more, if possible.
They practically yank each other's shirts away. The fabric lands somewhere on the floor, forgotten. He can barely make out Arthur’s shape in the dark. Merlin wishes he could see him.
Suddenly little soft golden floating lights appear in the room, drifting up from nowhere like tiny suspended stars.
Arthur: (grins) Merlin?
Merlin: (flushes furiously) Do not say a word.
Arthur: I wasn't going to. (Pulls Merlin down into another kiss) I was just going to enjoy the view.
Arthur's hand moves down Merlin's side, grasps his breeches, and pulls them down with one hand. Merlin swallows, but soon does the same, with the same ritual slowness. They stare for a moment, just admiring. There is no fabric keeping them apart now.
Arthur: You are beautiful.
Merlin: You are… not so bad.
Arthur: (chuckles, but then his expression turns serious) I… I need something. (Reaches over to the bedside table and picks up a little glass bottle. He holds it up, suddenly shy) This is for—
Merlin: (quickly) I know what it is for.
Arthur: (eyes wide, surprised with a flicker of jealousy) You've done this before?!
Merlin: No! But I'm not innocent. As Gaius's apprentice, sometimes we had to tend to patients in the brothels in the lower town. And not all prostitutes are women, you know. And they… talk. (Thinking) And I did my own research as well, but I'm not going to tell you that.
Arthur: (relief softening his features, then a slow smile spreads across his face) So… you haven't…
Merlin: (groans, covering his face) Oh, for Gods' sake. No, I haven't.
Arthur: (chuckles softly and pulls Merlin’s hands away from his face) It's okay. Neither have I. With men I mean.
Merlin: Yeah, I figured that part out.
Arthur: So… (kisses him) We are learning together.
Arthur pours a small amount of oil into his palm, warming it between his hands. The golden lights cast soft shadows on the walls, illuminating the flush on their skin. When Arthur touches him there, a single finger pressing carefully inward, Merlin's body tenses, his breath catching in his throat. His hands fly to Arthur's shoulders, gripping tight.
Arthur: (worried, though his eyes are almost dark with desire) Are you alright?
Merlin: (nods frantically, voice breathless) I'm fine. Just… (Meets Arthur's gaze, his own eyes pleading) Kiss me.
Arthur obeys. He leans down and captures Merlin's mouth with his own. Merlin melts into the kiss, his body gradually relaxing. As Arthur deepens the kiss, his finger moves again. Then a second one joins, perhaps too abruptly. Merlin gasps against his mouth, a sound caught between surprise, pain, and something else entirely.
Arthur: (pulls back, guilt flashing across his face) I'm sorry—I didn't mean to—
Arthur tries to stretch him slowly and gently. But between the messy clash of lips and the unsteadiness of his own nerves, his fingers aren't precisely steady. Then, as he crooks them just so, Merlin screams.
Arthur: (fear cutting through the haze) Did I hurt you? (Starts to pull back)
Merlin: (grabs his wrist, holding him in place) No. Don't you dare. (His eyes are wild, desperate, wanting) Do it again.
Arthur stares at him for a heartbeat—at the flush on his chest, the glisten of sweat on his collarbone, the need in his eyes—and something in him unravels. Arthur curls his fingers again, watching Merlin's face. This time, Merlin doesn't scream. He moans and his hips buck forward of their own accord. Arthur’s length hardens at the sight.
Arthur: (voice thick) Like that?
Merlin: (barely able to speak) Yes. Gods, yes.
The golden lights burn brighter. Arthur can only take it as a good sign, and somehow, knowing he is provoking this—this unleashed magic reaction—only increases his arousal. He could come just from this, Merlin writhing and moaning for him with nothing but the movement of his fingers.
That cannot happen, though. It would be rather embarrassing. He withdraws his fingers slowly and reaches for the oil again. However, Merlin stops him, grabbing the bottle, looking at him intently.
Merlin: Can I?
Arthur: (stares for a moment, then nods, swallowing hard)
Merlin pours oil into his palm, just as Arthur did. Then he reaches down and wraps his fingers around Arthur's length, stroking slowly, experimentally. Arthur's breath hitches, his forehead pressing against Merlin's.
Arthur: (voice ragged) Merlin…
Merlin: (watches his face intently) Like this?
Arthur: (nods frantically, unable to form words)
Merlin leans in and kisses him while his hand works. Arthur groans into his mouth, his hips bucking forward of their own accord. The pressure builds, the heat coiling low in his belly.
Arthur: (pulling back, gasping) If you keep going, I'm not going to last.
Merlin: (his eyes glint with mischief and he strokes him faster)
Arthur: Merlin! (grabs Merlin's wrists and pushes him down onto the mattress, pinning him) You little shit.
Merlin: (chuckles)
Arthur: (looks him up and down with want) I want to be inside you. So bad.
Merlin: (turned on, open his legs wide) What are you waiting for?
Arthur positions himself between Merlin's legs. He pauses, looking down at the man beneath him—his beloved, his Merlin. Then he presses forward, slowly.
Merlin gasps, mouth wide open. The golden lights flicker wildly. Arthur moans loudly—the pressure around him is delicious—but even in his ecstasy, he worries. Merlin's face is contorted, and the lights won't stop flickering.
Arthur: (strained, barely holding himself still) Merlin—
Merlin: If you stop or ask if I'm alright one more time, Arthur, I'm going to kill you. I swear.
So Arthur continues, pressing deeper, inch by agonizing inch, watching Merlin's face the whole time. When he is fully seated inside him, when they are finally, finally joined, they both let out a sound—half gasp, half cry. Merlin's nails scratch down Arthur's back as Arthur drops his weight, face buried in the crook of Merlin's neck.
When Arthur lifts his head again, Merlin's eyes are filled with tears. The lights are not just flickering now, but throwing random, disorganized sparks.
Arthur: (labored breathing, fighting every instinct to move) I really think… I should ask now.
Merlin: (some tears fall, voice watery) I might… need a moment.
Arthur: (kisses his cheeks gently, cleaning the tears with his lips) Does it hurt that much?
Merlin: (shakes his head) No. I mean… a little. But it's not just that. It's everything. So many feelings at once, and I… (His voice breaks) I'm so happy. (A tear slips down his cheek) I love you.
Arthur: (kisses the tear away, then Merlin's lips, soft and reverent) I love you too. (Takes a deep breath, forcing his hips to stay still, though every nerve in his body is screaming) Tell me when you are ready.
They stay like that for a moment. Merlin's breathing slowly evens out and the lights settle into a soft, steady glow.
Merlin: (quietly) Okay.
Arthur: (needing confirmation) Okay?
Merlin: (nods, wrapping his legs around Arthur's waist) Move.
Arthur does. He lowers his head, bending down to kiss Merlin tenderly, and then he withdraws and thrusts inside again with a small, slow movement. Merlin's head falls back against the pillow, mouth open, eyes fluttering shut, and his thighs squeeze Arthur's hips tighter.
Arthur: (voice low) Look at me.
Merlin opens his eyes, and Arthur enters him again. Merlin cries, both in pain and pleasure. Soon the movement of Arthur's body against his turns more rhythmic. Merlin moans, the pain suppressed now by the wonderful, burning sensation of Arthur filling him, stretching him, hitting him right on that spot. Arthur grips Merlin's body and presses his lips to his skin as if he couldn't get enough, groaning at the feeling of Merlin's walls closing tighter around him. The lights pulse with each of Arthur's thrusts, brightening and dimming like a shared breath.
Arthur: (voice wrecked) You feel… (Can't finish the sentence)
Merlin: (hands gripping Arthur's shoulders, then his back, then anything he can reach) Arthur.
When Merlin says his name like that—moaning, almost breathless—the pace quickens. The room fills with the sound of skin on skin, of moans only muffled occasionally by kisses and whispered names. Merlin meets him thrust for thrust, his body finally adapting to the rhythm. The lights burn brighter.
Then Merlin cries out, his back arching off the bed, and the lights shatter into a thousand tiny stars that rain down on them.
Arthur: (thrusting deeper, faster, chasing his own release) Merlin—I'm—
Merlin: (clutching him, nails biting into his shoulders) Inside. Please.
The sounds coming from Arthur's throat grow louder until, finally, he buries himself one last time, moaning and trembling on top of Merlin. Merlin holds him through it until Arthur collapses on him, boneless and breathless.
The stars fade slowly, one by one, until only a soft golden glow remains.
Arthur: That was…
Merlin: (smiling) Yeah.
Arthur: (lifts his head, looking down at Merlin) Are you alright?
Merlin: (laughs weakly) I'm more than alright. (Kisses Arthur softly) I'm yours.
Arthur's throat tightens. He kisses Merlin tenderly and then carefully pulls out, settling beside him and pulling him close.
Arthur: (against his hair) And I'm yours.
They lie there tangled together, as the last of the golden lights flickers and fades.
Time skip. The next day. Morning.
Arthur opens his eyes to the beautiful sight of Merlin in his arms.
Morning light filters through the curtains, catching the edges of Merlin's dark hair and the soft curve of his cheek. He's still asleep, his breathing slow and even, his face relaxed in a way Arthur has rarely seen since the Tower. No tension. No worry. No nightmares. Just peace.
Arthur watches him for a long moment, not daring to move, afraid he might wake him. Or worse, that this might be a dream. But Merlin's weight is solid against his chest, his skin warm beneath Arthur's palm, and Arthur can feel his heartbeat, slow and steady.
Last night happened. Merlin is really here with him.
He thinks of all the mornings he woke up alone in his chambers, greeted only by the formal, quiet servant of the day. Then, during the desperation of the search, by glimpses of a Merlin who despised him. He never lost hope, never gave up the idea of getting his Merlin back. But he never let himself imagine this. Never let himself hope for this. Not only having Merlin by his side again, but having him in his bed after making love, so utterly and completely his.
And yet here he is. Here they are. And Arthur has never felt so blessed in his life.
Arthur lifts his free hand, fingers brushing a strand of hair from Merlin's forehead. Merlin stirs slightly, a soft murmur escaping his lips, but doesn't wake. Arthur smiles.
Arthur: (whispers) Hi.
Merlin shifts again, and this time his eyes flutter open, first hazy, then focusing, then widening as he takes in Arthur's face.
Merlin: (voice thick with sleep, a slow smile spreading) Hi.
Arthur: Rise and shine, lazy daisy.
Merlin: (chuckles softly) My words.
Arthur: And they fit you perfectly. (Kisses Merlin's forehead)
Merlin: (makes a move to get up and winces, his hand going to his lower back)
Arthur: (grin widening) Sore?
Merlin: (groans) Shut up. It's your fault. (Shifts, trying to find a comfortable position) Ugh. Is it always like this?
Arthur: (recalling his limited experience with Gwen) The first time, yeah. And the second… and maybe also the third.
Merlin: (throwing an arm over his eyes) Forget it. I'm not letting you touch me again, you brute.
Arthur: (leans closer, voice low and amused) I didn't hear you complaining last night. In fact, if I remember correctly, you were the one asking me not to stop—
Merlin: (face burning) Shut up!
Arthur: (chuckles and presses another kiss to his temple) Don't move. I'll take care of you.
He kisses Merlin again before swinging his legs out of bed. Merlin sinks back into the pillows, watching him through half-closed eyes as Arthur crosses to the trunk where Arthur left their things.
Arthur rummages for a cloth. His fingers brush fabric, then something cold and metallic. He frowns, pulling it out.
The padded chains. The ones he made for Merlin. The ones that bound his wrists during the journey to the Cauldron.
Arthur: (staring at them) What…? (Holds them up)
These shouldn't be here. They should be at the bottom of that sacred lake, or lost somewhere in the mountain pass.
Arthur: (calling over his shoulder, confused) Merlin?
Merlin: (from the bed, drowsy) Hm?
Arthur: Do you know how this got here?
A beat of silence. Arthur turns. Merlin's face has gone crimson from his cheeks to his ears to his neck.
Merlin: Um…
Arthur: (walking back to the bed, chains dangling from his hand) I could have sworn we left these behind at the Cauldron.
Merlin: (looks anywhere but at Arthur) Yeah, but I… (Mumbles) picked them up and put them in my pack.
Arthur: (stops beside the bed) …
Merlin: I can explain.
Arthur: (sits on the edge of the bed, leaving the chains next to him) I'm listening.
Merlin: They… give me comfort.
Arthur: (blinks) The chains I used to restrain you when you were enchanted give you comfort?
Merlin: I know, I know. It sounds crazy but… (finally looks at Arthur) You had them made for me.
Arthur: (stares at him) You're joking.
Merlin: I'm really not. (Reaches out, fingers brushing the padded lining) I mean, they're padded and everything. You took the time to measure them and line them with leather so they wouldn't chafe.
Arthur: Yes, to literally chain you and lock you up! That's not exactly romantic.
Merlin: (a small, vulnerable smile) I know, but… even when you were locking me up, you were still thinking about my wellbeing. So… I don't know. It felt special. In a way.
Arthur: …
Merlin: (looks down) Yeah, yeah, it's weird.
Arthur: (reaches out, tilting Merlin's chin up gently) It's not weird. Just… curious. (His thumb brushes Merlin's cheek) I thought these things would bother you once you were back to yourself—remind you of things you'd rather forget. I'm glad it isn't the case. (Leans closer, voice softening, his hands dropping to rest on Merlin's wrists) At the time, I really didn't want to hurt you. You were already suffering enough. I tried to keep you safe and as comfortable as possible—
Merlin: You did. You really did.
Arthur: (smiles, grateful and relieved) Good to know that. (Glances at the chains, then back at Merlin) That said, if this is special to you, there's no problem with you keeping it. (His expression turns mischievous and leans in) In fact… we could even use it for other things.
Merlin: (looking at him, genuinely lost) Oh, well. I suppose it would be useful for immobilizing a murderer. Or for leading criminals to the dungeons without risk of escape. (Frowns) But you can use any other chains for that. (Grabs the padded chains possessively) These are mine.
Arthur: (bursts out laughing)
Merlin: (offended) What? I simply don't see the point of using my handcuffs to restrain criminals!
Arthur: (wipes away a tear) Sure, we could do that. (Grins) Although I was thinking more about chaining my adorable, innocent servant to the bed.
Merlin: (eyes go wide. Mouth opens. No sound comes out)
Arthur: (chuckles) I'm joking! (A pause) … But if you want to, I'm not joking.
Merlin: (grabs a pillow and throws it at him)
Arthur: (catches the pillow, laughing)
The king tosses the chains back into the trunk and returns with a cloth and a cup of water, and takes care of his beloved as promised.
Later, they have breakfast in bed—talking, laughing, stealing bites from each other's plates—as the morning stretches warm and golden around them. Nothing could take them from their little bubble of happiness.
Until the door slams open.
Gwaine: (bursts in, breathless) Sire! There you— (Stops dead, taking in the scene before him: Arthur in nothing but his breeches and Merlin wrapped in the king's shirt) … are.
Arthur: (snaps, face flushing with fury) Don't you know how to knock?!
Merlin: (adjusts Arthur's shirt on him, face burning)
Gwaine: (a grin spreading despite his urgency) Oh, you really don't waste time.
Arthur: (warns) Gwaine.
Gwaine: Right. I brought—
Arthur: Merlin's clothes.
Gwaine: Uh. No, but—
Arthur: (incredulous, gesturing wildly) You have to be kidding me. That's the very reason I sent you!
Gwaine: Yes, but then I was informed—
Arthur: (rises from the bed) I don't care what matters of state you learned. I asked for two weeks off for a reason. I gave you one task—
Gwaine: (rises his voice) Mordred is missing!
Arthur: (freezes) … What?
Gwaine: He disappeared while on patrol. Three days ago. No one knew until yesterday because his unit was ambushed. Three knights wounded, one dead. (Swallows) And witnesses claim to have seen him be taken by—
Merlin: (face drained of all color, voice hollow, eyes too knowing) Morgana.
And just like that, their little bubble bursts.
...
Sorry for the delay! As you can probably tell, the Merthur date ended up being much longer than I expected. So much so that I had to push the rest of what I’d planned into a next part.
The final part (this time for real!) will focus on Morgana’s fate.
My favorite brand of people are musicians who hear Rush Fucking E, which isn't technically meant to be played by a human at all, and immediately picking up their instrument and going 'bet'.
Hey I'm new to the Danny Phantom fandom and I need some good fics. Got any good recommends?
First off, welcome to the fandom! And hon, I /got/ you.
Flu Shot: https://archiveofourown.org/works/20513513/chapters/48684473 (Sorry it’s not letting me put in links properly?? Anyway.) Unashamed self-advertisement, basically Danny finds out there is a more civilized part of the ghost zone and things go crazy from there.
How to Summon Eldritch Entities with Strawberry Jam by In_The_Ghost_Mode: https://archiveofourown.org/works/14146716 Summary; Listen, Danny didn’t ask for a summoning circle, alright? And if he’s going to get called at any time and place, he might as well wear whatever he wants, including arriving in his human form in his favorite PJs. Got it? Good.
Beyond Beasts by CatalystOfTheSoul: https://archiveofourown.org/works/8388307/chapters/19217140 Summary: Danny’s abilities are getting less reliable by the minute, Tucker can barely keep up with damage control, and it doesn’t help that Dash decided to tag along. There’s something fishy about this vacation, and it’s not the lake. The forest is playing tricks, water is appearing in places it shouldn’t, and there’s a vacancy expected at Algernon’s Summer Camp for Boys. (Dear reader, this is by-all-means intended as a ghost story for ghosts. Proceed with caution.) How You've
Changed by: thatgirl_youknowtheone: https://archiveofourown.org/works/11440641 Summary: Danny wasn’t a ghost, at least, not a ghost pretending to be their child. He was… he was still their child. He was just, wrong.
Shots Fired by RedHeadsRock1010: https://archiveofourown.org/works/16015694 Summary: School shooter meet Danny Fenton. Vlad Masters does not get paid enough to deal with this. (On a personal note this obviously has a school shooting but it has gallows humor so it’s not, straight-up traumatic but heads up and proceed with caution)
It’s Like Time Stops by anthrop: https://archiveofourown.org/works/1569932 Summary: Danny though, Danny was as average as anybody. He was nice (if a bit snarky), clever (if a bit naive), and once puberty stopped stretching him like a rubber band he might even be handsome one day. But then, not even halfway through his first semester at Casper High, Danny Fenton changed.
Silvertongue by proximally: https://archiveofourown.org/works/4044955 Summary: According to his friends and family, Danny is a terrible liar. Truth is, he’s lying about that.
Bloodsucker by: S.N. Rainsworth: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/7225350/1/Bloodsucker Summary: A few misconceptions causes the student population of Casper High to take a guess at the mystery that is Danny Fenton.
Phantom of Truth by: HaiJu: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/7476808/1/Phantom-of-Truth Summary: Locked away in a secret government lab with Phantom as her subject, nothing stands between Maddie and the truth… except, perhaps, herself. (Personal note, this is a phandom favorite, and while I should have had read it, I, in fact, did not)
Shadow of a Doubt by: HaiJu: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/9683169/1/Shadow-of-a-Doubt Summary: The truth was supposed to save Danny. Fix things. The lab, the experiments, the lies, those were all in the past. Weren’t they? Sequel to Phantom of Truth.
What Little Girls Are Made Of by: HaiJu: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/11592126/1/What-Little-Girls-Are-Made-Of Summary: Phantom and his younger double save Amity Park from a monstrous ghost, nearly destroying themselves in the process. The Fentons have always hunted ghosts; now it’s time to save one.
Green Jacket, Red Sleeves by: LunarMothim: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/9117967/1/Green-Jacket-Red-Sleeves Summary: Two secrets: Danny’s mysterious injury and Phantom’s bizarre ectosignature. In her quest to find the answers to both, Maddie finds out more than she could ever have anticipated. Revelation fic, no PP
Running Blind by: Dejah Thoris of Mars: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/3049214/1/Running-Blind Summary: Crossover with CSI. Something supernatural is killing people in Las Vegas… and it all seems to lead back to a fifteenyearold runaway named Danny Fenton.
A Different Sort of House Call by: Hornswaggler: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/6481092/2/A-Different-Sort-of-House-Call Summary: House’s new case is a little tougher to diagnose, primarily because the patient should be, quite literally, already dead. A continuation of AnneriaWings’ Lab Rat
Everything Was White by: lexosaurus: https://archiveofourown.org/works/16467191/chapters/38565494 Summary: After being accidentally revealed to the public and taken away by the government, Danny deals with the aftermath of his time with the GiW.
You Should Be Dead by: SaphireDragon11: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/9375525/1/You-Should-Be-Dead Summary: Dash and Kwan are horrified to discover they’ve accidentally killed their classmate, but perhaps even more so when he shows up at school the next day. With his secret on the line, Danny soon discovers Dash and Kwan are the least of his worries. A
Snapping Sound by: Represent: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/11535920/1/A-Snapping-Sound Summary: COMPLETE — “You’re new Sam, so you don’t know. This will be the only warning you get. Don’t trust your eyes or you’ll be tricked. Nobody in Amity is who they seem. Nobody.” (personal note, another clasic of the phandom)
Dead Man’s Blood by anthrop: https://archiveofourown.org/works/991204 Summary: “Pfah! What good’re cops in a town like this?” The old man waves dismissively. “Nah, Phantom’ll take care of things, same as he always does.” Dean pauses in fishing out his wallet. “Phantom? Who’s Phantom?”
we are all walking each other home by anthrop: https://archiveofourown.org/works/16007549 Summary: Danny’s eyes flare. “What?” “Nothing,” Tucker says quickly, because he has a healthy sense of self-preservation and respect for the stupid amount of super strength and speed Danny’s got in ghost mode. “It’s just weird to see Phantom look so casual,” Sam drawls, because her favorite thing in the world is to push a guy’s buttons when he’s already down, apparently.
when the sun burns out by: anthrop: https://archiveofourown.org/works/5594869 Summary: “Storm?” Vlad scoffs. “This is no mere storm bearing down on us. He has opened a door, and He’s stepping through it now. He will reach down from beyond the stars to pluck you and I out of our weak meat with neither fuss nor flair. Don’t you see it, Daniel? We’re finally going to die.”
feel the outside turning in By: anthrop: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/12292512/1/feel-the-outside-turning-in Summary: You remember falling out of the portal, and the dizzying twist in perception as you watched yourself fall. You watched the awful jitter of your body’s limbs, writhing like a dying insect, your white jumpsuit burnt black and smoking. You watched Sam and Tucker stagger away, the flashing lights carving terror deep into their faces. (personal note, It’s actually still Danny’s perspective but 2nd person is used)
Ghost speak; the Teacher By: @phantomrose96 http://phantomrose96.tumblr.com/post/45888938801/ghost-speak-the-teacher Summary: Danny slips into ghost speak and Lancer, Like the good teacher he is, tries to translate
From Ashes to Ashes by: @phantomrose96 http://phantomrose96.tumblr.com/post/74683295739/from-the-ashes Summary: Danny becomes less and less himself in the worst way possible From Ashes to
Ashes (Part 2) by: @phantomrose96 http://phantomrose96.tumblr.com/post/92381491182/from-the-ashes-part-2 Summary: It’s Part 2 I aint gonna spoil it
A Ghost Story By: Cordria: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/11590571/1/A-Ghost-Story Summary: Maddie finds a strange toy airplane in a field, and it leads her to learning some very interesting things about her family. A spooky oneshot to celebrate the dead.
Masks By: Cordria https://www.fanfiction.net/s/3831182/1/Masks Summary: Sometimes, people hide who they truly are behind masks. This is a short story about the day that Lancer decides enough is enough when it comes to Daniel Fenton. Sequel is ‘Plunge’.
Plunge By: Cordria https://www.fanfiction.net/s/4759041/1/Plunge Summary: Sequel to ‘Masks’. Now that Lancer has learned the truth and has let Danny out of his office, Danny needs to face the next hurdle: his parents.
Pits By: Cordria https://www.fanfiction.net/s/3283823/1/Pits Summary: Danny has been captured and thrown into the Pits by Walker to fight for his life. Listen in as he tells his dark, twisted tale of surviving despite the odds. Warning: dark and depressing. Sequel is ‘Final Exam’.
Final Exam By: Cordria https://www.fanfiction.net/s/3240983/1/Final-Exam Summary:When Danny has to write a paper for Lancer detailing one of his most traumatic experiences, this is his creation. Caution: extremely depressing and dark. Sequel to ‘Pits’. (Personal note, this was in 1st perspective? I had no memories if that but when I came into the phantom and read this + Pits I sobbed my self to sleep. Cordia has a Tumblr too? Anyway her stuff is off the shits)
Some blogs that could interest you are: @d-o-t-s @anonymousapparition @ghostrift @lexosaurus @danthectoman @ectoplasmbender @diddly-darn-ghost @danphanwritingprompts @cordria
Anyway absolutely NONE of my links are working, so you miiight have to copy and paste and the layout might be wonky cuz it’s acting WEIRD But!!! I hope this helps! Happy reading, and thanks for dropping an ask!
Hi, everyone! Here's a new part of the stats: communities we create around the DP phandom.
Communities in this case considers:
Spaces created to socialize around a topic (often as members of clubs, servers, communities, groups, etc.)
Hashtags used to socialize a topic (#danny phantom / #dannyphantom being the most common parent hashtag across platforms for everything ranging from canon material, fanon content, OCs, AUs, crossovers, events, etc...).
Events and projects where people participate around specific activities, usually with a specific deadline.
About Phandom Events:
Did you know 2025 had posting dates for more than 36 projects and events? This includes 5 collaborative efforts (3 zines, 2 tarot decks, 1 RePhanimated project), 59 stories with art for @invisobang (more to come with the @dpxdcbigbang posting soon), or the 1.2 million words posted on @phicphight alone.
If you want to find all the events that took place this year, you can check @lexosaurus DP Events Calendar here [link] or check the past prompts for other events curated by @roundaboutnow here [link].
For DPxDC Crossovers, there's also @dpxdc-events for Danny Phantom and DC Crossover events, or @haunting-heroes-creative-games for creative games such as "Who Wrote That" (which already has 282 fics tagged on Ao3, mostly for DPxDC).
About Groups & Spaces:
Last but not least, most communities and responses counted here come from English-speaking communities. But, did you know there are Arabic Telegram groups with up to 2.3k members to share Danny Phantom content? Or that there are fanfic sites in Russian or Japanese with hundreds of Danny Phantom fics (+670 and +490 respectively)? Or that there's a large Spanish-speaking community on Facebook with up to 17k phans?
This shows that the size of our phandom continues to grow and expand in new communities beyond what we share here. From starting in Fanfiction.net, DeviantArt, or LiveJournal in the earlier years, to moving to Archive Of Our Own, Tumblr, and Discord more recently.
Have any Danny Phantom event or community you want to plug here? Feel free to add them in replies 💚
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Main Platforms to Engage With Phandom
Tumblr (98% Dashboard / 15% Communities) | #danny phantom 123k followers | The Ghost Zone Community (4.8K members)
AO3 93% | +27k works
Discord (31% Server / 20% Chat) | Largest DP Server +1K members | +20 DP Servers
FanFiction.Net 20% | +29K works
X 4%
Bsky 4%
YouTube 18% | Theme song has 23M views
TikTok 12% | #dannyphantom +118.1k posts
Instagram 7% | #dannyphantom 204k posts
Reddit 6% | r/dannyphantom 31k members
Pinterest 12%
dA 6% | 105.2k deviations | Groups: dannyphantom fan club 21 years ago 2.3K Members
Facebook <1% | Danny Phantom group 36k members | Danny Phantom Eternamente 17k members (Spanish)
Participation in Phandom Events:
Prompt Based: 7% Always/usually, 35% At least once, 38% Interested, 17% Not for me, 2%Unfamiliar, 1% No reply
Co-Creative / Bangs: 7% Always/usually, 20% At least once, 34% Interested, 27% Not for me, 7% Unfamiliar, 6% No reply
Trades / Exchanges: 5% Always/usually, 18% At least once, 32% Interested, 32% Not for me, 8% Unfamiliar, 5% No reply
Zines / Prints: 1% Always/usually, 10% At least once, 37% Interested, 37% Not for me, 7% Unfamiliar, 7% No reply
Creative Games: 1% Always/usually, 5% At least once, 25% Interested, 35% Not for me, 25% Unfamiliar, 9% No reply
Anniversary Activities: 25% Always/usually, 33% At least once, 23% Interested, 15% Not for me, 4% Unfamiliar, 0% No reply
Other Collabs: 1% Always/usually, 4% At least once, 37% Interested, 37% Not for me, 10% Unfamiliar, 11% No reply
Other Events: 1% Always/usually, 12% At least once, 35% Interested, 20% Not for me, 13%Unfamiliar, 17% No reply
I think the solution to kids on the Internet is to have specific, kid friendly spaces on the Internet. Kids wouldn't come across "adult content" on YouTube if barbie dot com still had flash games and this is a hill I will die on.
Oh! Then I know the EXACT person you should be mad at! Michael O'Rielly! He's the one that gutted the Children's Programming Rules, which covered internet as well as television.
#so the death of the Saturday morning cartoon is THIS motherfuckers fault?????
Indeed it is! The FCC controls how much of broadcasting has to cater to children and that includes how educational that programming has to be, and exactly how much and in what way you are allowed to advertise to kids. That's why for the entire 90s and up to the early 00s, kids shows had shorter commercial breaks, and ads that talked about a website had to say "ask your parents before going online", and those websites had to be non-commercial--i.e. they could not be shops, and could not have any way you could spend money or were encouraged to spend money. That's why Barbie.com was flash games, and O'Rielly LIFTING that ban is why Barbie.com now takes you directly to a storefront instead.
If you're mad about Saturday Morning Cartoons, dark patterns in ads targeted at children, online protections for kids, or wondering why educational children's shows aren't as much of a thing as they used to be, get mad at the FCC and the person in charge of it who is gutting the Children's Brodcasting Rules (sometimes called the Kid Vid Rules), because those rules control all of that!
While O'Rielly is responsible for gutting the rules in 2019, he was replaced in 2020 by Nathan Simington as head of the FCC, and Simington resigned in June of this year. The post remains vacant as of the time of this writing (August 31, 2025).
And a side note: Things like KOSA and SCREEN and all those other censorship bills that use "think of the children" are not going to protect children at all; if you want to protect kids online, there is already a way to do that it's called the Kid Vid Rules and the FCC is the one that can update and change them to keep up with the times! It doesn't need a congress vote, it already got voted on in 1990!
Heyyy woo! I’m finally ready to share this online~ This has just been my experience being Ace. I’m selling these at cons and will have them at MSP Spring Con (at the MN state fair grounds, yo!)
But I’ve also been trying out gumroad too - so you can get a pdf of it off there too if you want~
i think taylor swift wishes she was bisexual because she knows it would make her slightly more money. whereas sabrina carpenter wishes she was bisexual so she could have sex with someone who looks exactly like herself. and ariana grande wishes she was bisexual because she did too many designer drugs on the set of wicked and now she has kin memories of being glinda for real
a buncha shit @havehimexpelled - Tumblr Blog | Tumgag
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