Bradley James - Instagram - Photoshoot José Palma.

Sleep is overrated -

MERTHUR (Escort) AU - Dating Mr. Right For All The Wrong Reasons

Chapter 13 now on AO3 (almost the whole chapter is NSFW) https://archiveofourown.org/.../52122565/chapters/162448282

Sneak Peek:

The silence stretched, heavy with the day’s unspoken residue… Agravaine’s threat, the court order looming like a guillotine, the photo that had cracked their armor. Merlin felt it settle back in, a cold weight against the heat still pulsing in his veins. Arthur’s hand tightened on his shoulder, fingers pressing into the muscle, and Merlin met his gaze. Those blue eyes were softer now, stripped of their steely look, raw with something unguarded. Trust, maybe, or need.

It hit Merlin hard, a quiet ache blooming in his chest, sharper than the lust had been.

“You okay?” Merlin murmured, voice low, thumb brushing Arthur’s wrist where the pulse still fluttered.

Arthur exhaled, a shaky laugh ghosting past his lips.

“After that? Barely.” He paused, the grin fading, and his hand slid to Merlin’s neck, thumb tracing the damp hairline.

“It’s… a lot. Monday. Agravaine. I don’t doubt who I am, but he’s got a way of making me feel like I have to prove I'm worth it."

Merlin shifted closer, the sheets rustling, their legs tangling. “You don’t have to prove shit to him. You’re Uther’s son—anyone with eyes can see it. He’s just a vulture circling a throne he’ll never have.”

His fingers tightened on Arthur’s chest, grounding them both.

“We’ll bury him. Together.”

Arthur’s smile was small, tired, but genuine, his breath warm against Merlin’s forehead.

Happy 40th Birthday Bradley James! October 11th 2023.

Photos via Katherine McNamara (kat.mcnamara)

For anyone who missed Bradley's live the other day with his pal Matthew Mellalieu, here is a link to watch it and a transcription. Lots in there about upcoming projects (a book! a film! a script!), karaoke songs, Moo Deng, and Bradley's drama school days (and failed dates). Favorite quote:

Matthew: You're always on top. We know this. 

Bradley: *Raises eyebrows* Hey, easy!