Amped
Fandom: Merlin
Author: gwyllion
Warnings: abusive relationship (Merlin/Mordred); graphic description of violence
Rating: explicit
Words: 57.495
The Knights are about to embark on their Round Table Tour. All is not well with the band. Lead vocalist Arthur and lead guitarist Gwaine are feuding again. The head roadie has quit, leaving them in the lurch just before their first show. Enter Merlin, Gwaine's former friend, to handle the logistics. Merlin harbors a dark secret as the victim of domestic violence. Hijinks ensue, with a blend of angst and humor, and of course Arthur and Merlin discover they were destined to be together.
I think: I love the story and it's beautiful written. Yes, Merlin and Mordred are in a relationship in the beginning, and Mordred is physically and mentally abusing Merlin. Nothing is glamourized and the "then why does he stay" is well described. It's all really heartbreaking and you just want to crawl inside, wrap Merlin in a blanket and rip Mordreds throat out (with your teeth). And Arthur is so sweet and understanding and helping and urgh. He doesn't lock Merlin away, but helps him to get stronger, to figure out what he wants and stand up for himself. And along the way Arthur learns he can do the same. But it's not all serious and dark and angsty, I mean it has these parts, but come on - Gwaine is in the band! They're a ridiculous bunch of people being silly and trying to have fun. It's a amazing story, maybe a bit heavy some times but amazing nevertheless.