The Once and Future Library

S’s Comments: This might be.... my favorite fic I’ve ever read. Possibly top 10 pieces of literature I’ve ever read. I know. This is especially saying a lot because I typically prefer modern AUs and don’t really read a lot of canon-era. HOWEVER. This fic has single-handedly made me question that decision, as well as who I am, fundamentally as a person. It has turned me inside out, upside down, and rocked me to my core. The prose alone makes me want to weep. And don’t even get me started on the imagery and the symbolism -- like, if you’re a fan of greek mythology and books like The Song of Achilles destroyed you, buckle the fuck up because this retelling is going to take you on the ride of your LIFE. Angst, tenderness, Merlin and Arthur being both BAMFs and himbos, this fic literally has EVERYTHING. I’m going to stop now and go back to staring at the wall like I have been every minute since I finished this masterpiece. Go read the goddamn thing. 

Happy new year all!

S’s Comments: So I’m not exaggerating when I say that this is probably the hottest fic I’ve ever read. I’d like to say its ~40k of smut but that wouldn’t do it justice either. The boys’ nervous yet brave exploration of each other and their relationship is so exposed and utterly heartracing (yes, I know that’s not a word). The “Xbox” excuse and how they realized what their game really was in the intervening years just about undid me. And OHMYGOD THE ART is fucking fantastic, holy shit. In their notes, alby_mangroves thanks the artist Lyns and mentions the tumblr softershadows.tumblr.com both of which I had trouble finding but if anyone knows who this artist is, please send me a link to their work because it deserves allll the kudos. This fic (and art)....jesus, I’ve read it so many times you’d think it wouldn’t be as effective but goddamn it is straight scorching fire every time. Definitely a one for the bookmarks tab. 

S’s Comments: So I feel like if you’re in the Merlin (and specifically merthur) fandom in 2020 there is no way you haven’t read or at the very least heard of this fic, but just in case you’ve been living under a rock for the last 10 years (I kid, I kid) or are new to the fandom/are a new merthur shipper (welcome!! ...to the dark side) allow me to introduce you to the masterpiece that is DRP by @rageprufrock. I don’t know how many times I’ve read this fic/series, but it is a lot of times (I told myself when I was grabbing the stats for this rec that I wouldn’t start reading it again and immediately started reading it again). As you can see from the word count, that’s no small feat--although the main work is about 46k, you’ve got to read all the extras too which brings it up to a monster 71k -- which if you’re like me who reads fic before going to bed, starting anything above 30k at 1am is inadvisable at best. Plus, I’m not one of those people who can put fic down (like I would a normal book) and continue it in the morning (...these are starting to sound more like personal problems, I know)....but anyway since I’ve now spent like 200 words complaining about how much I love this fic (did I mention its modern royalty AU?) instead of actually telling you anything about the fic itself (...a modern with magic modern royalty AU?!)...just go read the goddamn fic.

S’s Comments: Ahh a week in the life of sweet, fluffy, domestic Merthur :) Very sweet, feel-good story, but its not all teeth-rotting fluff -- the elements of real life creep in (i.e. arguments, stress, hurt feelings, make ups, etc) to make it all the more authentic and domestic. Sweet little fic to tuck away for a rainy day. 

S’s Comments: I feel like this is a story we all need to read to remind ourselves that if we step away and don’t answer our emails/work for a few days, the world will not fall apart. Such a pretty little story, so soft. It’s a getting together fic but it feels like an established relationship fic somehow because they already know each other so well it just makes sense to take that next step. I also love fics where Hunith is basically Arthur’s adopted mother and does all the mothery things but also smirks knowingly bc mother intuition radar knows Arthur’s in love with her son. Like I said, soft.

S’s Comments: Ok, so idk how but when this fic started I basically expected it to be 30k of PWP (again, don’t ask how) but it starts off with rent boy!Arthur and a desperate, heartbroken Merlin who just wants one night to feel again. But holyyyy shittt. This is no Pretty Woman bullshit. Arthur’s characterization blew me away in this, you can immediately feel how desperate he is to have Merlin in his life from the get go, even if it means him breaking every single one of his rules. Lance (the pimp) is a bit of an ass, but a protective one and everything predictably goes to hell until its right again. This is a series, the main story is the first part (26k) but the second part is a cute epilogue too. Definitely worth the read and SO much more than a gratuitous PWP.

S’s Comments: What a wonderful story. Reread this for the rec (I have a very long, very old rec list ok) and was pleasantly enraptured all over again! Historical AU with everything you’d want: dragons, magic, and these two idiots head over heels for one another and neither of them showing it. Heartwrenching and gutting at times, but ultimately sweet and soft. Art by regcommathe as well! Would recommend reading while listening to the Merlin Season 2 soundtrack as I did ;)

S’s Comments: Oof, this was painful. What a beautiful story though. I read a lot of soulmate AUs that are typical, feel-good, tropey meet-cutes (which are amazing btw and so fun to read), but reading one once in a while that is absolutely gut-wrenching but in that soft, quiet way is unforgettable. Please check tags/warnings. Even if you’re not into angsty/non-happy endings though, you won’t be disappointed.

S’s Comments: I don’t know how many times I’ve read this fic but every time I read the scene of Merlin debating whether to rush Arthur his important papers and his ensuing panic, I can’t help but relate. And Arthur’s effusive gratitude is so heartwarming and sweet. Silly, silly boys who never let their hearts have what they want, until they do.

S’s Comments: You all know I love a good modern royalty AU. Upon reread, the plot twists surprised me AGAIN (not sure what that says about me, but clearly good writing). The way magic plays a role is really well done and the author’s characterization of Arthur is especially sweet. I also love that we get to see a little more of a the brother/sister relationship between Arthur and Morgana. Warning for initial Merlin/Will pairing, but not endgame (obviously).

S’s Comments: This was so unexpectedly beautiful. When it starts you imaging it going like any other fake relationship/matchmaking fic but the boys’ genuine love for each other is so sweet and real. It is so clear to the reader from the beginning that Arthur loves Merlin and as the fic proceeds, Merlin starts to realize this too and finds that he wants Arthur in return. They’re both goofy and immediately click back into place after being apart for so long, but with palpable tension. Also the Irish culture and legend references are wonderful.

S’s Comments: Wow. Heartbreaking stuff. If you’re in the mood for angst, this is the story for you. Please heed the warnings (Major Character Death). For some reason this reminds me of Bailey and Tibby from Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (probably bc I just watched the movie). I can’t hate Uther for trying to protect his son, but Arthur having to watch Merlin waiting for him to never show is really heartbreaking.

S’s Comments: Omgggg Arthur as a dog is soo cute <3 I just want to hug him forever and ever (this fic is not helping with my current dog obsession). Ok but seriously really sweet story and amazing characterizations of both Merlin and Arthur. A very fluffy read :)

S’s Comments: On the edge of my seat the whole time, even though I’ve probably read it about 100 times by now. I love the writing style, with the changing dates, where you’re not exactly sure what’s happening and are finding out the story in pieces as Merlin and Arthur are. Also Arthur’s characterization is extremely sweet, a touch panicked, infinitely worried and caring, and just a bit embarrassed too. Really beautiful look into a relationship about to begin.

S’s Comments: Wow. Where to start. This fic has so many complex tangled up feelings, its hard for me to even understand how I feel about it. Our boys make some stupid decisions (surprise, surprise) and end up with a LOT of hurt feelings and emotional baggage because of it. Their friends bring them together in the wrong ways and then in all the right ones. But it all works out in the end and somehow they end up right where they started (but, not..quite).

S’s Comments: Hunith’s motherly perspective throughout this is done so well. You feel her love, her worry, her pain, as well as the boys’. This story is simultaneously happy and heartbreaking. It leaves you with this need to know what happens next, while still being relatively confident that everyone will work out--even through much pain. I also love the relationship between Hunith and Arthur, you really see him folding to let her be a mother to him and Hunith taking him as a son as well. Beautifully crafted, be prepared to feel the tug at your heart.