something that gives me hope for us all

Doomed By The Narrative Ships

Came by just to drop this Merthur study I did

Oh it took me too long to get to this ask anon, but here you go. These are all in no particular order, complete, ratings are various, Merthur, read the tags 😁:

My Significant Bother by Leandra (96k) - Modern Royalty AU, no magic

Merlin's job as PR junior on the royal account isn't as glamorous as people believe: Most nights, he's saving Arthur, Duke of York and black sheep of the family, from possibly committing monarchy-shattering shenanigans. When tragedy hits and Arthur is now second in line to the throne, the public doesn't react too favourably to the new Prince of Wales. A solution has to be found and Merlin's contribution is key to the problem: Roped into posing as Arthur's fake boyfriend, he's supposed to make Arthur's popularity levels rise with his steadfast and relatable presence and elevate him from scandalous rake to romantic figure...

Fools of Us All by Adelagia (11k) - Canon Era

Merlin accidentally makes everybody in Camelot fall in love with him. Everybody except Arthur, that is.

All Things Loved and Lovesick by Horsecrazy (90k) - Modern Vet AU, no magic

In which Arthur runs a horse breeding farm, and Merlin is a livestock vet. B's note: Having to choose just one of Horsecrazy's fics is practically a crime, but this one has a special place in my heart I can't deny. That said, all of their Merthur is 10/10 and I particularly love the Modern AUs.

In Want Of A Wife by Syllic (43k) - Canon Era

When Merlin first hears that Arthur has been betrothed, his ribs pull inwards with an odd little hitch, and he only allows himself a second—which he needs in order to coordinate spinning in place without falling on his face—before he’s running to Arthur’s chambers.

Favorite by Astolat (13k) - Canon Era

Arthur was tipped back against the wall, his mouth open for breath and staring at the small arrow-slit window over Merlin's head, trying to work out how it could possibly be that good with Merlin, of all people.

The History of Two Conversations (On Paper) by Takadainmate (11k) - Canon era

Books are defaced. But it's all for a good cause. Really. (Arthur finds merlin's magic book)

Gadarene by Unpossible (76k) - Canon era AU

“You’re the Prince?” Merlin says, eyeing him. He hesitates, then adds, defiant, “The Mad Prince of Camelot.” Arthur doesn’t move. There’s quiet for a long time, then he says it. “I am.” “You don’t seem mad,” he says. The smile wells up from somewhere deep, and very sad. “Well, Merlin,” he says, “give me time.”

Charting Stars on the Stained Glass Ceiling by Mornmeril (80k) - Modern AU WITH magic

Merlin leads a relatively content life - or as content as is possible under the rule of a magic-hating King. When the arrogant son of said magic-hating King starts becoming a regular at his coffee shop, Merlin is a little puzzled. When said Prince prat then proceeds to ingest a love potion on Merlin's watch that results in him having to move into the Royal Palace as Prince Arthur's (fake) boyfriend, Merlin wonders which deity he has angered. Things only get more complicated from there.

We Are All Diamonds by Footloose (130k) -Modern AU with some magic)

As the precocious heir of a diamond magnate and a famous designer, Arthur lived his entire life sheltered, protected, nurtured and spoiled. He always knew that he would have to step out from behind the scenes and into the limelight to run the family business some day, but he never expected that it would happen so soon or that he would encounter resistance from a board of directors who believe that his disability makes him unfit to lead. Merlin has stood on every stage in every city in the world, performing to critical acclaim, but after years of globetrotting, he's well and truly burnt out. He didn't quit -- he ran away from stardom, dropping to obscurity in the blink of an eye, forgotten, just another face in the crowd. He's aimless and without purpose until a friend asks him to fill in on a job. Neither Arthur nor Merlin are looking for salvation. They don't think there's any for them, that things are just too rotten, too far gone. But in the end, Arthur's quiet strength will be a balm to Merlin's broken soul, and it will be in Merlin's steadfast faith that Arthur finds courage. (B's Note: Loaded March by the same author gets a lot of love and is also a fave, but this particular fic is just breathtaking to me. Well worth it!)

Dower The Stars by RurouniHime (40k) - Canon AU. Court sorcerer Merlin and King Arthur.

During a time of great prosperity in Albion, the Druids offer Emrys a precious gift. Arthur is not amused. (aka, "The Great Conjunction is at Hand, Everyone Kiss Merlin!")