⭐️ again, there will be lgbtq+ content-- if you don't like, don't read!

• camelot's sweethearts by mariana_oconnor

ridiculously sweet and cute. love, in a time of hollywood blockbusters. there is an arthur action figure, and LOTS of pining. it's great!

• the lie in which you linger by flowersheep

retelling of series four, but instead of arthur courting gwen, it's him ATTEMPTING to court merin. its a very easy, and lovely read, if you're in the mood for just some, dorky, in-love arthur, an canon divergence. also, GWEN IS FUCKING AWESOME in this.

• emrys ascending by tricksterity

this fic is the perfect mix of canon characters and original ones! the author does a really spectacular jon with the characterization and story, in a way that ties it into goblet of fire, without it seeming too similar to the book. absolutely brilliant. must-read.

• love, merlin by powerschlumpfi

i'm just a sucker for romantic comedy aus, i guess. this one is a pretty straightforward au, but i think the author has done a really good job of making merlin and arthur's voice shine through fun fact: i met one of my best friends because we were both musing on having a love, rosie merlin au.

• diplomatic immunity by archaeologist_d

fair warning: this fic is an angst fest. in the best way! and au where merlin ends up going with nimueh, after his magic is revealed. and the long years that followed. this fic will cut you into ribbons, and make you just want to simultaneously hug and thwack arthur upside the head, even if you know where he's coming from.

• assumptions by wrtrs_blck

this fic is almost crack. but not quite. merlin is a pining loser, arthur is emotionally constipated, and unable to deal with his emotions. and there is a great aunt agatha, and questionable fashion choices.

• weighty and troublesome things by skitz_phenom

this fic will make you ache for what could've been, and the futures that could've been for all our favorite characters. spectacularly done, and the ENDING. was just. ugh.

• enough to feel your breath on mine by seravia

merlin and arthur are transported to the modern era, where they find themselves in a reversal of fortunes. pining, fluff and a magic reveal ensues. and maybe, just maybe- they get their happily ever after.

• love potion no. 9, or: a midsummer night's dream in camelot by rubberbutton

there is an accidental love potion, a duel between siblings, and awkwardness & hilarity ensue. need i say more?