Distressed by the impossible workload Uther has given his son, Merlin accidentally summons a second Arthur, an act that goes against every law of magic he knows.
Second Arthur is adamant that he cannot be for the long term. However, addressing the unknown magic situation is fraught with potential danger, and Merlin knows he cannot be the one to “unmake” Arthur.
Soon, Merlin finds himself dividing his time between serving two royal prats, one of whom now knows about his magic and shows himself to return Merlin’s romantic feelings.
As If things were not complicated enough, however, everything is not as it seems.
Merlin’s fate, and that of both Arthurs, hangs in the balance.
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“You’re the same as he is. You have his memories… his abilities…” Merlin stammered.
Making the second Arthur go away would be killing an Arthur, and he couldn’t. Merlin could never do that. Even if there were no side effects to worry about, Merlin would not be able to destroy this new Arthur. Not now. Not knowing he was the same as the original.
“If you are gotten rid of, there might be side effects.”
Arthur scowled. “I order you to find a way to do so, Merlin. You don’t get to back out of it because there might be some backlash.”
Merlin fell to his knees. “I can’t...”
“You know, I always thought you were brave…” Arthur’s voice was scathing. “I suppose I was wrong about that, too.”
Merlin looked up at Arthur, his eyes wide. “I can’t… You’re Arthur, I can’t hurt you… I can’t kill you. Gods, I can’t… I can’t… “
Arthur knelt down beside him. “There can’t be two of me, Merlin! I know you’re scared of what might happen if you destroy me, but there cannot be two of me.”
“I can’t!” Merlin’s voice broke. He grabbed Arthur by the shoulders. “You don’t understand. I could never EVER hurt you.”
Realizing he was holding onto the other man like a lifeline, Merlin made himself let go.
Arthur Two stared at him. Something shifted in his expression. “You were telling the truth… that you use it for me, weren’t you? You’re being honest. I wish you had told me, Merlin. I’m upset. But I can’t… I can’t believe you’re evil.”
Merlin could feel tears forming and streaming down his face. Arthur didn’t hate him for having magic? Arthur didn’t want to kill him?
“You’re accepting… that I have magic?” he stammered in disbelief.
Arthur Two seemed to consider for a long moment. “I suppose I am. You can’t be evil. l — You’re not evil. I had hoped…”
Merlin threw his arms around Arthur two before he could stop himself. “Thank you,” he gasped. “Thank you.”
Arthur froze, and Merlin realized what he was doing. He let go of Arthur and pushed himself back. Arthur was red in the face, staring at him.
“Sorry,” Merlin apologized. “Sorry.”
“It's alright,” Arthur stammered, probably in shock and just indulging him. “Just… just warn me next time,” Arthur’s tone evened out, and as if to make up for his sudden indulgence, he continued, “And stop crying. You’re acting like a girl.”
Merlin wiped his face and gave Arthur Two a look. “Oh, excuse me. So sorry. I started to cry when I learned you would accept the part of me I’ve been keeping hidden for years and having nightmares about you burning me for. Silly me for not being an emotionally repressed cabbagehead like you!"
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Written by @tansyuduri
Art by @schweetheart
Betas: Calamity_Talvi, Rawks, Schweet_heart
Created for @bbcmerlin-reversebang 2024-2025.
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➡️ Read it on AO3 HERE ⬅️
