Matters of the Heart by a_written_dream
T | 12,387 | Canon | Summary: “You must find the person Arthur truly loves,” the Dragon says, and this time it’s Merlin who wants to laugh.
“Arthur doesn’t love anyone, not since Gwen,” he says, certain of it.
The air rumbles with the Dragon’s laughter. “It seems you do not know your prince quite as well as you thought, young warlock.”
A 2x10 Sweet Dreams rewrite. After the ordeal with Hengist, Gwen and Arthur decide they are better suited as friends. Arthur still gets enchanted to fall in love with Lady Vivian, Merlin still tries to save his royal ass, and True Loves' Kiss is still the cure. But if Gwen isn't Arthur's true love, then who could it possibly be?
Maybe You Could Be Mine by ingberry
E | 11,345 | Modern AU, High School | WARNINGS: Homophobia | Summary: Merlin is busy with school, work, and a mom who wants him to go to prom. He doesn’t have time for dating any of the rich kids at school, but he hadn’t considered that Arthur Pendragon isn’t quite what he expected. The differences between them threaten to keep them apart, but maybe they can find a way.
Or the Pretty in Pink AU where everyone is queer
Not Some Blushing Prude by vintagelilacs
E | 18,552 | Modern AU | Summary: Arthur gets dared to purchase from a sex shop to prove he isn't some delicate, blushing prude, thank you very much, Morgana.
He finds he’d much rather take the sales associate home with him than any of the vast assortment of vibrators and dildos. Even if Merlin is the most insufferable person he's ever met.
And None But Fools by horsecrazy
E | 42,994 | Modern AU | Summary: “Anyway, I was thinking, I’ve got loads of attractive friends, and not a single one I can actually sleep with. Gwaine: not into blokes. Percival: same problem. Gwen: with Lance. Lance: see Gwen. Morgana: I totally would, but you’d kill me.”
Arthur scowled at him. “What about me?”
“What about you?”
“You didn’t even list me!”
“Of course I didn’t list you, you tit, you’re my best mate; it would be weird.”
“But it wouldn’t be weird for you to sleep with your best mate’s sister, who is a murderous harpy? She’d probably poison you.”
“Yeah, but she’s really hot.” Merlin dropped a tidily rolled pair of socks into the luggage.
“And I’m not?” Arthur demanded.
In which Merlin will not consider Arthur for a friends with benefits scenario, and Arthur is fine with it. Perfectly fine. And in which they go on holiday together, and Merlin changes his mind. It's not an astronomically stupid idea at all.
Thanks to @bloopulse for sending in these recs!