marguerite_26 | Modern AU Arthur/Merlin Recs [A-J]

The date preceding each rec is the date the fic was added to this rec list. The date in bold denotes newly added fics. Last updated May 1, 2012. Rec lists are updated once every few months based on the journal recs found under my Merlin Recs tag

Arthur/Merlin Canon and Canon AU Recs
A-J | K-R | S-Z

Arthur/Merlin Modern and Historical AU Recs
A-J | K-R | S-Z

Modern AU Arthur/Merlin Recs [A-J]
March 19, 2011 - 40 Days and 40 Fights by

dayari [PG-13] (~26k)
Summary: High school AU. In which Arthur is (a) the best captain that the volleyball team has seen in ages, (b) too handsome for his own good, and also (c) decidedly not gay; although Merlin agrees with the first two, he's willing to bet that (c) is open for discussion.

Mind the warnings: elements of bullying, violence. This was an interesting high school fic. I enjoyed how angry, confused and very unselfaware poor Arthur is. Each character felt very realistic to me.

Jul 23, 2011 - A Binding Contract by

eldee [NC-17] (99k)
Warnings: sex trade work; authority figures (control over magic); some violence; mentions of minor character death; attempted suicide
Summary: In a society where people with magic are considered to be dangerous, are labelled as freaks, and have their powers cut off from them, Merlin does whatever he can to survive the hard life he’s faced with. When he’s in desperate need of money, Merlin’s landlord Aredian arranges and offers a magically binding contract in which Merlin is to become a ‘companion’ to Uther Pendragon’s son, Arthur. And when Merlin feels compelled to accept it, he never would have imagined that one man could change his life so completely.

The author does a great job of immersing the reader into this Modern AU, with the existence of magic acknowledged but not accepted. People with magic are 'clipped' and they become easy targets for those that would abuse them. Merlin, clipped since he was 8, gets caught in a web of manipulation and human trafficking. While Merlin's situation is heartbreaking it never overwhelmed me with angst. A wonderful, long, plotty read with some great sex (all consensual).

Aug 16, 2010 - A Kiss Is Not A Contract (But It's Very Nice) by

tootsmcgonagall [PG-13] (10k)
Summary: Merlin Emrys is the newest addition to the Camelot team, a qualified Archivist employed as General Dogsbody to the pompous blond prat of a Deputy County Archivist.

Non-magic AU, in a crazy setting of Archivist. Office politics! Office romance! Lovely UST and humour in a very unusual setting.

Jul 23, 2011 - A Knight To Remember by

ladyvader [NC-17] (6k)
Summary: Merlin attends Gwen's hen night, and finds that the strippers are even more than he could hope for.

This fic is a bit crack-o-licious but it also somehow pulls on real emotions, so while the funny is outrageously funny, it also made me tear up and my chest ached and beyond that panty-melting hot. Really fun fic.

March 19, 2011 - A New Low by

rosemaryandrue [R] (15k)
Summary: Written for this prompt at kinkme_merlin, which asked for diabetic!Merlin stuck in a lift with Arthur. It grew from there.

I’ve seen this recced several times now and I read it and had to add my praise to the pile. The author does a brilliant job of keeping in Merlin’s POV while he struggles with the frustrations of being a diabetic who doesn’t want every single thing he puts in his mouth (and when) dictated by the disease. Arthur is brilliant, very in character, taking a sudden feeling of responsibility towards Merlin and trying to micro-manage because that’s the only way he knows how to deal with what he’s feeling.

Aug 16, 2010 - Accidental Memory In The Case Of Death by

derryere [NC-17] (75k!!!)
Summary: Tony O does not befriend losers. Tony O is not gay, not crazy, he is not particularly nice and he is most definitely not royalty. Destiny disagrees.

In which Arthur and Merlin are college students. This fic is far less cracky than the summary or the first scene implies (I stopped reading it twice because I thought… not my thing… but started it again because it was recc'd so highly) The premise is a Reincarnation!fic. It's funny, and poignant and heartbreaking at times. And Lord, there is a lot of hot sex. The boys are both pretty much sulky, broody college students that seem to hate their lives and each other and are suddenly inundated with memories that are not their own. Their characterization are a little far from canon for my tastes, Arthur is not exactly 'princely' nor Merlin 'heroic' in any sense. But the TRAGIC LOVE STORY of it all worked for me, and I'm a sucker for a second chance.

Feb 10, 2011- A Lever and a Place to Stand by

lassiter [R] (12k)
Summary: Modern day AU. When a peaceful march for the equal rights of magicians ends badly, Merlin is forced to hide out in the apartment of law student Arthur Pendragon.

This is an older magical Modern AU that I've seen on many rec lists but somehow never read. As a bit of a fluke, I happened to print it to read right before lola's Architecture and Authority. I love the two fics read together because, well, I'm like that. I adore seeing two fics with a similar premise be explored (even though unintentionally) by different authors. This is a gorgeous fic set in the aftermath of a peaceful protest that ended with many sorcerers shot dead. Merlin is forced into hiding and Arthur takes him in. I love Merlin's frustration at being 'trapped' when he just wants to grieve and wants to get back to his work on magi rights. Arthur in the meantime has been working on a thesis about magi rights, but suddenly he needs to face the reality of all he is writing about. Fascinating fic.

Nov 30, 2010 -All Things Are Ours by

cassie_black12 [PG-13] (25k)
Summary: Wherein Arthur gets a new job, Morgana speaks Welsh, and Gwen introduces Merlin to the finer points of Facebook stalking!

A lovely non-magical modern AU. Arthur is social inept, determined to prove himself to his father at all cost, Merlin is a goofy yet capable advisor to Arthur, Morgana is a snarky, snappy S1!Morgana (*clings to her*), and Gwen is a sweet, dorky friend. All great ingredients for in modern AU that makes me feel like I know these people. Really fun read.

Jan 08, 2011- An Unorthodox Action by

agenttrojie [R] (8k)
Summary: Lieutenant Arthur Pendragon of the RAF's Airship Division is cooling his heels in Troy, when a cross-dresser claiming to be a spy for His Majesty's Government in Albion warns him that he needs to get out out of the city in a hurry.

A wonderfully unique future/steampunk AU. Great characterisation and excellent world building for just 7k. If you are looking for a very different setting for this cast of characters, check this one out.

Feb 10, 2011- Architecture and Authority and Welcome the Tide by

lolafeist [R] (~7k combined)
Summary: Arthur Pendragon takes a shortcut on his way home from work and interrupts a hate crime against a sorcerer.

This is a fascinating magical Modern AU, with Uther as Mayor enforcing 'registration' and ' magic neutralising bands' on all sorcerers. Merlin becomes the victim of a hate crime. When Arthur stumbles upon a beaten Merlin, suddenly the people his father has been oppressing have a face. A wonderful complex story in very few words. I would love to see more of this universe.

Oct 22, 2010 - Arcane Asylum by

new_kate [NC-17] (125k)
Summary: Modern AU. For the last twenty two years Uther Pendragon had been waging war on magic. Now his son Arthur has been framed for a magical crime and sent to the prison for magic users. Arthur is instantly targeted by the inmates, but mysterious top dog Merlin takes him under his wing. They form a bond, and Merlin decides to help Arthur clear his name.

This is Magical Modern AU with some pretty hefty warnings: non-con, dub-con, violence, deaths of minor characters. It's set in a prison and goes to some pretty dark places but I was never overwhelmed by the desolation of it all. Arthur is 'stuck' in a prison his father created, filled with magic users that his father put in there. They would all love a piece of Arthur's pretty arse but Merlin stands in their way. And oh… Merlin's such a BAMF. Still very much IC, but he's come into his power and everyone knows it. The real question is what should he do with it? What is for? All the moral questions that fit with the Merlin we know and love. This plot has many delicious villains and so many shades of grey for each of them. It's a wonderful journey for both Arthur and Merlin to find hope and life in the small world of the prison and in the society outside the prison walls that is full of fear and hate. A wonderfully done complex plot that the author manages to see through to a believable end.

August 17, 2010 - Arthur and the Real Boy by

franticsga [NC-17] (16k)
Summary: For the kinkme_merlin prompt: Merlin is an indie geek who works at a used books, cd and record store. (And by indie geek anon would like the whole stereotype. Listens to weird rock bands, read obscure books, big black framed glasses.)

A fic that will just warm your heart -- a sweet coming together of opposites, a nice slow progression of their relationship. A fun journey on the bumpy road to love.

Jan 08, 2011- Arthur's Christmas Carol by

clevermonikerr [NC-17] (15k)
Summary: It's Christmas Eve, and a ghost shows Arthur what his life could have been like had he made different choices.

Originally I assumed this fic was a true ‘Christmas Carol’ with the three ghosts and great details of what a shitty life Arthur has lead which sounded very depressing, but instead it was more of a “The Family Man” type of story with a few great twists. I really enjoyed it.

May 17, 2011 - Arthur's Great Paper Chase by

cyus [G] (9k)
Summary: When Arthur receives the first strange envelope, he's mildly curious. That's only the beginning.

This is a really fun and original fic. It’s a story of a bored and lonely Arthur taking a chance on a little bit of adventure and gathering a gaggle of followers into what soon becomes a quest across London to follow the trail of paper clues left by a mysterious stranger. I loved Arthur’s scepticism slowing turning into hope with the help of his charming motley crew and his very affectionate dog.

Nov 30, 2011- As They Do In Rome by

giselleslash Merlin/Arthur [R] (17.7k)
Summary: Arthur's a sheltered prince who just wants to experience a normal day, Merlin is a reporter after an undercover story so, naturally, they fall in love.

I adore Roman Holiday – it’s one of my favourite movies and somewhere along the line I even prompted for a Merlin version of the movie. So when this popped up I was all over. And the author did not disappoint. Arthur is absolutely charming in his innocence and Merlin is conflicted and unsure about the easy money he could get by taking advantage. It’s true to the spirit of the movie, but very little of it is a re-telling. Absolute fabulous read.

Nov 30, 2011- Beat Your Heart In Time With Mine by

peasnbeanstalks Merlin/Arthur [R] (40k)

This is a non-magical, steampunk AU. The writing is gorgeous, the world building is everything I could want from a steampunk fic. I loved the mystery of the town, it was eery and disturbing in a Doctor Who episode kind of way - like everything is normal and yet you ~know~ there is something off about the town. Also Merlin and his obsessions with fiddling with things, clocks and gears and trains and how everything works - the whole characterisation worked for me. As did Arthur, who was brave and cocky and there was a lot going on beneath the surface but Merlin's POV only gave us small glimpses of it. Wonderful crafted fic.

May 1, 2012 - Being with You by

ella_bane [ NC-17] (12k)
Summary: Modern AU. Merlin is gay. Arthur isn't. When they meet, their mutual attraction can't be denied. But then it is. Sexy times and angsty times ensue. And it all happens in less than a day.

This fic had me with the first scene. Arthur and Merlin snogging like mad in the loo, and Arthur suddenly remembers he’s straight and the whole thing comes crashing down around him and his sexuality crisis. They are both brilliant characters here: Arthur’s scared and confused and Merlin adamant that he won’t be an experiment or ‘join’ Arthur in the closet. Yet their attraction to each other is palpable and impossible for either of them to ignore. I love that the author pulled this off, making both characters very sympathetic, which isn’t easy in this sort of fic.

May 1, 2012 - Blackbird (singing in the dead of night) by

40_miles [NC-17] (16k)
Summary: A story about two men in London. One of them is tetchy. The other is quite hopeless. They're magic.

I found this a fascinating fic. It’s a magical modern AU and Merlin’s connection to/control of the weather was really interesting. This author is new to Merlin and I enjoyed the fresh pov.

May 1, 2012 - Bound to Serve by

piscaria [NC-17] (12k)
Summary: When he accidentally reveals himself to be a Dragonlord, Merlin is drafted into the service of Camelot’s Royal Dragon Force.

This is a fascinating AU. It’s modern day warfare with dragons! Merlin as a pacifist and Arthur as a war general was a lovely match. I felt it set up a really compelling AU.

Jul 23, 2011 - Burning for Burning by

frantic_allonsy [NC-17] (14k) Merlin/Arthur
Summary: Merlin finds out that his boyfriend is cheating on him. So he goes to his best friend Arthur for some advice on how to confront the cheating boyfriend...

This is a KMM WIP that just got completed and reposted. Very hot sex and really ouchy angst. Arthur suggests Merlin ‘use’ him to make his cheating boyfriend jealous, only it backfires, leaving them both raw with a lot of issues to work through.

May 1, 2012 - But It's a Good Refrain by

lady_ragnell [PG] (23k)
Summary: Arthur doesn't care much about the popular radio program Dragon's Lonely Hearts until his ex-girlfriend calls in to slag him off and get advice. When he calls in and has an on-air argument with the host, it starts off more than he expected, including meddling friends, overinvolved fans, and maybe love.

This is fic a joy to read. Lots of fun watching Merlin and Arthur not know each other at all and yet get tangled in each others lives. The radio 'fansites' and over-invested interest in a celebrity's love life was also a fun bit of meta without being OTT.

Nov 30, 2010 -Camelot by

dreamdustmama [NC-17] (11k)
Summary: When Merlin and Will are assigned to do the Birds of Prey show at Camelot Renaissance Faire, neither of them are very happy about it. And then Will gets to dress as a pirate and discovers steak-on-a-stick. Merlin just meets Arthur (and maybe does some magic, too).

A lovely read. Possibly a bit fluffy for my usual tastes but the steamy sex and Merlin’s love of his bird of prey made up for any lack of conflict. ♥ and how could I not love reading this with The Falcon sitting on my mantel.

Aug 16, 2010 - Camelot’s Sweethearts by

mariana_oconnor [R] (63k)
Summary: Arthur is a film star, Merlin is his personal assistant who might, possibly be head over heels in love with him. However, Arthur’s more interested in his ex, Morgana, and then the mysterious Sophia to notice… Oh, and Will is awesome.

A fabulous modern AU set in the Hollywood scene – which could get old, but doesn't. Not when you are talking 63k of well plotted, well characterized fic. It is easy to get lost in the story and forget that it's a trope. Both Arthur and Merlin are fabulous in this. Merlin's has been Arthur's PA for going on 3 yrs, and is quite good at it (while still being Merlin). A very long fic that I just could not put down for minute (yes, one of those I read while washing dishes).

May 1, 2012 - Can't Buy Me Love by

shes_gone [NC-17] (20k)
Summary: In which it's 1964, Camelot is an advertising agency with a budget problem, Merlin is a copywriter who loves to twist, and Arthur is a junior partner who loves to shout. More or less.

One of the best things about Historical AU’s is the ability to lose yourself in the setting and feel that moment in time. This fic does this with the politics of a large corporation in the mid-1960s. Merlin writes the copy for ads, and Arthur is fighting with his father’s old ways of doing business and the new customers demands for more modern approaches. The fic is filled with questionable morals, infidelity, ‘working your way through’ all the office secretaries as if it’s acceptable (expected) social behaviour. But Merlin stands in the place of the reader, seeing the ways of the ‘office boys’ for what they are. And yet that is just one aspect of this fic, there’s the controversy of tobacco advertising, the ‘magic’ of Merlin’s copy, and of course the incredible UST between Merlin and Arthur. Great read, all around.

Oct 22, 2010 - Castle by

kick_flaw [NC-17] (16k)
Summary: Merlin knows that getting off fastest when he’s got some BDSM porno playing loud on the computer doesn’t mean he’d really like to be that bloke, gagged and bent over and bound. Right?
With unbelievably gorgeous art by

yue_ix

non-magical Modern AU – formal BDSM. Now formal BDSM is not always my thing but FUCK. This fic! Merlin is just bloody fabulous. He’s awkward and nervous and not really comfortable in his own skin, yet full of attitude and self confidence in that crazy way that is very Merlin. He knows he gets off on watching a bit of kinky shit but who doesn’t? *cough* But actually playing, yeah – he’s not into pain because it, well... hurts, right? Right. Except the minute sees play in front of him and truly imagines himself as a participant rather than the voyeur, his world gets turned upside down. The author is absolutely brilliant in making this so believable. I understand this Merlin so well. And God, ARTHUR. I think the most brilliant think about Arthur as a Dom is that I trust him immediately. I know that he’d be strong and controlled and a perfectionist and throw himself into the role in the same way he ‘plays’ at being the perfect warrior, the perfect Prince. This story left me wanting more, wanting EVERYTHING that these two characters in this setting could offer. Not because the story wasn’t complete. But I ache to let it go. I want to see the next time. I want to see them grow together and mess-up and fix things and become what I KNOW they will eventually become. Dear author, please to be writing MOAR!!! This baby will be living in my nightstand for a very long time.

May 17, 2011 - Castle Extra: The Audition - Part I and Part II by

kick_flaw [NC-17] (~3k)
Summary: There have been problems since Merlin came around. Castle future!fic.

I don’t even know where to begin. First, if you haven’t read Castle then, well, you should [warnings: formal BDSM ]. If you have read Castle then these two fics are must reads. The first has fairly minor warnings (considering the original) and the second part has fisting. Holy fuck – so damn hot. Professional Dom!Arthur is just... IDEK – there are no words to explain how hot I find kick_flaw’s Arthur. And Merlin’s POV as the sub is so exquisitely detailed that you float along with him, understand why giving himself over to Arthur is such a need. And the way Arthur worships him for it. Fuck. I love this series. SERIES – did you hear that kick_flaw? PLEASE DON’T STOP.

Nov 30, 2011- Castle Verse: Safe by

kick_flaw Arthur/Merlin [NC-17, D/s , knifeplay, bloodplay] (2.3k)
Summary: Castle!verse future outtake. The first time Merlin saw Arthur, he was using knives. Now, Arthur gets to use those knives on him.

Another fantastic outtake from the Castle!verse which is one of my all time favourite fics ever. This one has the ‘featured kinks’ of knifeplay and bloodplay. Neither of those kinks are my bulletproof kink, but I was thrilled to see them explored with these two characters, especially – and the result is spectacular. The dynamic of this couple and how they play together hits everything I love about BDSM, the control of the Dom, the sub ‘learning’ to give himself over... the implicit, unwavering trust. Yeah. Fabulous stuff.

Nov 30, 2011- Champagne from a paper cup (is never quite the same) by

anna_zee [NC-17] (38k) Arthur/Merlin
Summary: Modern AU with magic. Arthur is a professional footballer on the verge of making history. Merlin is a medical student with special powers who's just been hired to work for Arthur's club. You know the rest.

Fantastic fic. So much fun. I love football star!Arthur so much, and I've always wanted to read a Merlin as football team medic fic and this is just... everything... absolutely everything I wanted. A bit of magic and massages and prat!Arthur being a prat and yet not able to keep his eyes off Merlin. I devoured it in record time because I just couldn't put it down. Brilliant stuff.

Nov 30, 2011- Check and Mate by

i_claudia Arthur/Merlin [NC-17] (7k)
Summary: [Mine, as author has none] This is a story of Lord Pendragon meeting Captain Merlin Emrys and finding a kindred spirit and shared secret that would cost each of them their lives should anyone find out.

This was recced somewhere a few days ago and I thought WHY HAVE I NOT READ THIS? Clearly it’s because I’m crazy, because it’s absolutely wonderful and just the sort of Historical AU that hits all my buttons. The characterisation is spot on, both for the setting and for the characters themselves. I love this world where appearances are everything, and any sort of deviancy might get you hanged – and how sometimes the risk is worth it. This is a series. The other two are Farewell and Adieu (To You, Spanish Ladies) and Adrift. Together they make up epic romance of forbidden love. i could totally write summaries for Harlequin, yeah?

Nov 30, 2011- Come Crashing Down by

lolafeist Merlin/Arthur [NC-17, dub-con] (3k)
Summary: Merlin gives Arthur a sample of one of his contraband potions. Then they get it on. Like you do.

A short little PWP that is very hot. It is very dubious in the consent, given Arthur is flying high but yeah… too hot for me (or Merlin) to care about such things apparently. The glory of fantasy.

Nov 30, 2010 -Coming of Age by

sebastiansais [NC-17] (19k)
Summary: Arthur decides he wants to be better.

Magical Modern AU. Wonderfully done, full of angst and misunderstandings. Arthur is a prat and really quite clueless how badly he treats people. Merlin loves him despite all that and Arthur is clueless about that too. Then he figures out the first part and not the second – and goes on a character journey to become a better man. This fic also has wonderful world building with a modern world that acknowledges magic and 'accepts' it in varying degrees. There is complicated fight for magical-people's rights -- which Arthur attempts to champion, but struggles to find the correct way to manage that while respecting a community that he is not a part of.

May 17, 2011 - Could It Be Magic by

planejane [NC-17] (12k)
Summary: It’s early 1994, and age of consent for gay men is lowered from twenty-one to eighteen, which frees nineteen-year-old Merlin to pursue the Lesbian and Gay Society (LGSoc) golden boy, Arthur Pendragon. From the very beginning the attraction is mutual, but what they both discover as they fall head over heels, is that an even bigger freedom comes from knowing you’re truly loved, for everything you are.

A uni AU, with Arthur heavily involved in LGSoc and Merlin a fellow student living a much more controlled, focused lifestyle. I enjoyed their tumble into love and then figure out the bumps along the way as they got to know each other better.

Oct 22, 2010 - Crash Into Me by

dreamdustmama [NC-17] (27k)
Summary: At the end of their first year of university Arthur decides to take Merlin on a road trip, and holds on to the hope that before it's over they'll be more than just friends. Morgana decides she and Gwen are going to come along, and Merlin and Gwen decide they're both insane. Along the (admittedly short) road to true love there are roller coasters, flat tires, chocolate, sheep, pillow fights, food fights, keychains, and memories that will last a lifetime.

Non-magical Modern AU – This is a sweet, sweet friendship turned more tale. The OT4 are perfectly charming, with Arthur wanting to seduce his BFF and Morgana wanting to seduce her BFF and Merlin and Gwen, respectively, are both clueless as to the real purpose of the road trip. It’s silly and fun and so very sweet. Great friends-on-a-road-trip fic.

Aug 16, 2010 - Defenders of the Realm by

lamardeuse [NC-17] (58k)
Summary: Modern AU. Arthur and Morgana are Metropolitan police officers drawn into a strange case involving robbery of ancient artifacts. Merlin is a graduate student at Imperial College studying the healing plants of Ancient Britain under Gaius – or at least that's what he tells everyone. Soon they, along with Gwen, Lancelot and Uther, will be facing a battle for the future of the country. Can they defend the realm from those who would seek to destroy it?

So is 58k short if I rec it beside much longer fics? This is a great modern AU. The plot is really interesting. It's fun to see the cast of characters meet up and bond figure out all the mysteries. An excellent medieval battle in modern times.

Nov 30, 2011- Destiny That Darkly Hides Us by

nympha_alba Merlin/Arthur [NC-17, warnings] (40k)
Summary: Historical AU with magic. It's 1913, the practice of homosexuality is unlawful, so is the practice of magic. When Arthur Pendragon and Merlin Emrys meet as Cambridge undergrads, they are both hungry for a real and true connection without secrets. For a short time they believe they may have found it. But war breaks out and separates them, and it seems unlikely that they will meet again. After all, what are the odds?

I'm not big on war fics, or war films or really anything to do with war. I'm such a wuss when it comes to the grit and pain of war. So, while this is a historical AU in which WWI happens and affects the characters dramatically, I think it would be selling this story short by calling it a war fic. I would consider it more a journey of Arthur and Merlin's relationship through the many obstacles of school and the class system and politics and, of course, the war that all occur in the early 1900's. That said, the war scenes are incredibly powerful, depicted with respect and realism, yet fleeting enough that I wasn't drowning in the angst of it. There is a lot of wonderful things going on in this fic and in the end, I was left very satisfied on all counts, particularly beauty of the love story. And the writing is nothing short of stunning.

Feb 10, 2011- Dirty Epic by

planejane [NC-17] (18k)
Summary: Modern AU, Merlin is Arthur’s booty call. In the end, it turned out that was only the beginning, and what ensued was a story of the power of true love. It never gets old, although this story does make mention, many times, of antiques.

This totally lives up to the title. It’s both very dirty and very epic. I love the complexity of the relationship here. Arthur’s wants everything from Merlin, but Merlin’s guarding his heart because Arthur isn’t will to give him everything in return. Wonderfully messy relationship with burning hot sex, heart achy romance and a lovely, satisfying conclusion.

May 1, 2012 - Dirty Stories by Oliver Merlin/Arthur, Arthur/Uther(fantasy) [NC-17](1.4k)
Summary: Arthur tells his best friend dirty stories at night.

Filthy, filthy, filthy. Underage, incest (but the incest is only Arthur fantasizing about his father. So.) Loved it. A simple little PWP I stumble on, but damn Arthur making up stories about his father just to turn on Merlin was just hot. The story hits that first sexual exploration kink very nicely.

Aug 16, 2010 - Drastically Redefining Protocol by

rageprufrock [NC-17] (50k?)
Summary: In which Prince Arthur meets Merlin and all hell breaks lose.

Arthur is the Prince of Wales, Merlin is studying to be a doctor. OH MY GOD! This reads like an RPS because, seriously, I could picture this all happening in my head with real people and not characters and in the here and now and I totally wanted to see coverage of it on TV. A full fledged, EPIC romance in every sense. This gave me hours and hours entertainment.

May 17, 2011 - DRP Wedding by

rageprufrock

Clearly a must read for anyone who has read and loved Drastically Redefining Protocol. Fabulous.

Jan 08, 2011- Driving Lessons by

hermette [NC-17] (7k)
Summary: It's bad enough that Arthur is going to have to get a stupid fucking stats tutor because he spends all of his lectures staring at the back of Merlin's neck and wondering what sort of noises he'd make if Arthur scraped his teeth against all that pale skin. But now, now he's supposed to tolerate Merlin showing up at his door early in the morning with snowflakes clinging to his eyelashes? Now he's supposed to spend four hours alone in a car with him, and fuck all, there is no way Arthur comes out of this without making some manner of arse out of himself.

Fabulous feel-good fic. Funny and silly and romantic with plenty of Christmas cheer and boys crushing on boys. The kind of fic you want to find in your stocking on Christmas morning.

Feb 10, 2011- Drugstore Flowers by

lady_ragnell [PG] (5k)
Summary: Merlin starts to receive lovely gifts (and less-lovely flowers) from a secret admirer.

I read this with hearts in eyes the whole time. Funny and romantic and cute as hell. Also bonus points for awesome Buffy references. Like all of this author’s fics, a sweet, fun read.

Aug 16, 2010 - Easy There by

syllic [NC-17] (50k)
Summary: Arthur is an Oxford Blue. Merlin is an Oxford cox. Lancelot is Merlin's romantic-dalliance-loving friend. Morgana is horribly clever; Gwen is cleverly waiting for Lancelot to grow up. Merlin and Arthur rub each other the wrong way, at first, but it soon becomes clear that Arthur is a university-class rower with a world-class heart (yes, I typed that). Clichés ensue.

Otherwise known as: The Rowing AU. Loved this world. Loved the rowing and all the details of training and connecting and working together. I loved the little group of friends and how they all 'fit' together. Lancelot was a bit of a fanon!Blaise which I thought was really amusing. But mostly I loved Merlin, awkward and insecure and hiding his secrets.

Feb 10, 2011- Echoes of Yesterday by

dreamdustmama [NC-17] (40k)
Summary: Three years ago Arthur Pendragon was part of a group that resisted the government's ban on magic and the automatic death penalty for anyone who practiced it. Now, he is alone and in desperate need of the very last person he wants to see - Merlin.

This is a magical modern AU. A fantastic action/adventure on-the-run from the corrupt Government type of story. Arthur is so BAMF with his gun and magical motorbike. Merlin is equally BAMF being a freedom-fighter for his people. Behind this amazingly intense world building is a brilliantly written break-up fic, with all the delish hurty bits and misunderstandings and unspoken words. Fantastic plot, engaging universe and well thought out characters.

May 1, 2012 - Every Story is a Love Story by

lady_ragnell [NC-17] HERE on A03
Summary: [prompt] Camelot Publishing, lead by Arthur, specialises in romance (think Mills and Boon). After market research indicates that the readership wants gay historical romance, Arthur commissions a new series. Morgana insists that they need Merlin, their bestselling writer, on board. At first, Merlin does not want to. The reason for Merlin's initial refusal becomes more obvious with each new novel. All of his couples are versions of him and Arthur, as he is secretly in love with Arthur and can't help himself.

This fic is beautifully written, well paced, and an absolute joy to read. Arthur is so immersed in the ‘trade and marketability’ of romance, he’s oblivious to the epic love story he’s currently living. The angst in this is very light and the UST sizzles. Also both Merlin and Arthur are crazy adorable in the way they dance around each other. Not to mention I absolutely LOVE reading about Merlin as an erotic author and Arthur editing his sex scenes.

Aug 16, 2010 - Fame and Fortune by

melusinahp [NC-17] (25+)
Summary: AU set in Los Angeles, California during the 1990's. Arthur is a movie star. Merlin is a waiter. The word "prat" is used.

This fic is made of happiness. The characterization is so damn spot on. From the first scene Merlin is so. Damn. Merlin. I mean, rescuing a fair maiden from unjust treatment and cheekily making Arthur and his friends look like TOTAL PRATS in the process? It's like canon, only LA style. And then a Personal Assistant to a movie star is the PERFECT equivalent to a manservant. I was just waiting for Arthur to tell him to go muck out his stables. Their interactions are wonderful and hilarious and Arthur is as infuriating and endearing as in the show, which is really hard to pull off, imo. Fabulous fic.

Nov 30, 2011- Fractured Fairytale by

fuzzytomato02 Arthur/Merlin [R] (47k)
Summary: Arthur does not believe in magic. At all. Which is bad for him since he’s been sucked into a parallel universe where he keeps running into people he knows who don’t know him. Even worse, his guide is a hapless kind of sorcerer, they’ve received dodgy directions from his morally dubious half-sister, and some leathery winged beast keeps going on about some kind of quest and destiny. Arthur will be lucky to get out of his current predicament alive much less be able to get back to his own life.
Beautiful Art This Way by

teaandtimecake

This is a fantastic adventure. While it is a fairytale, it is not sickly-sweet. It has a modern AU Arthur who lost a bit of himself when his mother died and never seemed to find it again. Then while reading a book, he falls asleep and finds himself in the Camelot canon world – as Camelot would be if there was no Arthur in it. The 'modern' Arthur makes his way through this new world meeting his friends and seeing them all in a new light, finally understanding them (and himself in the process). The Merlin and Arthur dynamic is perfectly delightful and the plot and gang of characters very well done. Excellent read. And gorgeous art.

Nov 30, 2011- French Kiss, or Why Merlin Is the Worst Thief Ever by

dracosoftie Arthur/Merlin [R] (30k)
Summary: When Arthur’s fiancé, Val, leaves him for someone else, Arthur is forced to confront his fears and fly across the ocean to win him back. Nothing goes to plan, though, including meeting thief Merlin Emrys.

This is a sweet re-telling of French Kiss. I was a bit nervous because Merlin as a thief doesn’t work for me without reason, but I like the twists that the author gave to the original, both incorporating magic and 'justifying' Merlin's thievery. It followed the movie pretty closely, which means a few pretend boyfriend moments. WIN!

Feb 10, 2011- from sea to shore by

b_b_banana [PG]

Art and fic are both stunning and leave me wanting to dream of this universe tonight when my head hits the pillow. MERMERLIN FTW!

Aug 16, 2010 - From Where I Stand You’re In My Sky by

paperclipbitch [NC-17] (17k)
Summary: AU. Arthur looks away from the terrified, accusing dark eyes of the man on the newspaper, and turns his attention to his breakfast

Comic book Hero!AU. Uther is Mayor of a town that has banned all Superheroes. Arthur is raised to hate superheroes, Morgana is frustrated with the prejudice of the house she lives in and chain smokes, Merlin is their new kitchen staff with a big secret. Not a fan of comic book heroes or the Heroes TV show, but this is fun little adventure that makes me fall in love with spandex and masks. :D

May 1, 2012 - Fundamental Imperfection by

starlingthefool [NC-17] (12k)
Summary: In which an argument about Dickens leads to a Twitter scandal, broken bones, midnight conversations, and transatlantic longing. (Or, an AU with Arthur and Merlin as moderately famous authors.)

You might've been seeing recs for this all over your flist. Well there's a reason for that. This fic is charming. I was utterly seduced within the first two paragraph. God, Arthur as a snobby successful author who insults Merlin very publicly without realising a) that Merlin is also a very successful author and b) that the convention is filled with Merlin's fans. LOLOLOLOL. Great read by an author I want to kidnap and force to write Merlin fics all the time.

Jan 08, 2011- Generous is the universe by

sebastiansais [R] (6k)
Summary: Merlin comes across a familiar face on Christmas Eve. Modern AU.

This is quite an interesting and unique fic. I’ll admit to wondering what the hell was going on a moment or two, but I’ve read this author before and trusted that they were going somewhere with it all. It’s a modern AU with Merlin walking through a park on Christmas eve, bitter at life and pissed off at his mum and doing everything he can to avoid going home, which includes bumping into Arthur. Rather a lot. A lot is left up to the reader to determine but the concept is quite romantic.

March 19, 2011 -Fucking Tradition by

hermette Arthur/Girl!Merlin [Nc-17] (2k)
Summary: It’s a regency AU with girl!Merlin and literal bodice ripping, okay? It doesn’t get to have a summary.

*thud* so fucking hot. IDEK but this hit my buttons so hard. Maybe because I watched P&P last night? Anyway, I'll be in my bunk...

Nov 30, 2010 -Gibraltar May Tumble by

shes_gone [NC-17] (25k)
Summary: Merlin's life in London is a bit of a mess: his career trapped somewhere between student and professional, his love life trapped in a relationship gone sour, and most days he feels physically trapped in the tiny, shared flat he can't afford to move out of—until an unexpected opportunity sends him packing for the coast. There, he meets someone who might be in a even worse fix than he is: Arthur, a Victorian-era sea captain who's trapped, a bit literally, between life and death, and who refuses to leave the house he died in over a hundred years ago.

Magical Modern AU, Reincarnation fic. This is a bit of fabulous story telling. Arthur, the ghost of a Victorian-era sea captain, trying to get young magical pharmacist Merlin out of his cottage is hilarious. The two snark and snit and goad each other until they manage to become friends and the UST thickens. But that’s really just scratching the surface of this fic. While it starts out as a clever, original Modern AU it graduated to a stunning lovestory full of angst and desire and hope. And it ended with me cemented in my belief of M/A Destiny and the unshakeable epicness of my OTP.

Jan 08, 2011- Going Once, Going Twice by

ayane_tsurugi[PG-13] (3k)
Summary: No, it is NOT like Grey's Anatomy. Except that it totally is. And what have I told you about ordering those awful American telly programmes? (Or, the lives and loves of the employees of Camelot, Inc. as told by a concerned very, very amused onlooker.)

Total crack – which is not my usual preference, but I found this fic very entertaining. The narrator was ridiculous and amusing and the it’s a cute little modern au full of silliness.

Oct 22, 2010 - Heartbeats by

tourdefierce [NC-17] (5k)
Summary: Being a medical student is hard. Puns totally intended.

I have such a thing for well done kink!fic and the author just NAILED this one. Great emotion, fantastic intensity and the author made the kink HOT LIKE BURNING. And the kink itself is so mild, nothing worth warning over but I want to know why this kink isn’t a staple in every fandom. It’s brilliant and this fic is so ingrained in my head (after reading three times now) that I squirm in delight at just the thought of it.

May 1, 2012 - Hopes Profound by

alba17 [pg] (3k)
Summary: On the eve of World War 1, two men from different walks of life meet under unusual circumstances.

This fic has a fun adventure and adrenaline high in the beginning and yet twists by the end to be a poignant ‘moment in time on the eve of war’ fic. Lovely read.

Jan 08, 2011- How We Swallow the Sun by

pepperlandgirl4 [Nc-17] (12k)
Summary: Merlin was just sixteen when he met his best mate's new stepdad, Arthur Pendragon.

Note the warnings. Non-magical modern AU. This is a delish age disparity fic, with Merlin meeting Will’s new stepfather over Christmas and the result is sizzling UST and splash of h/c and just... UNF! Arthur trying to restrain himself because this is wrong,wrong,wrong and he is married pushes all my buttons.

Nov 30, 2011- Hunger For You by

tourdefierce Arthur/Merlin [NC-17, WARNINGS] (5k)
Summary: This is a story about boys who love each other, who also love their dicks and what comes out of them. (I wanted to say ‘lovejuice’ but I refrained. Aren’t you glad?)>

Come play is pretty much a vanilla kink these days, but this fic takes it to a whole new level. Mind the warnings – this fic isn't for everyone, but while I don't always enjoy come play taken to an extreme, I really loved this and the relationship between Arthur and Merlin? Brilliant. Beneath the kink, this fic was really about them as a couple.

March 19, 2011 -Hypothetically, Yours by anon @

hs_merlin [R] (7k)
Summary: Arthur and Merlin are best friends, and neither of them is a member of the Magic Club. All is as it should be, until it isn't.

The author did a wonderful job of Arthur’s POV in this fic. I love his curiosity about this ‘elusive Magic Club’ and his desire to keep that curiosity secret. I think it plays well with a side of Arthur that we don’t see much of in canon, but definitely could be there (I want it there!) where Arthur is attracted to magic as much as he fears it, but hasn’t quite figured out how to be honest with anyone about that. Also Merlin is basically sex on stick. UNF!

Oct 22, 2010 - I Keep Going Over the World We Knew (Over and Over) by

mellacita [R] (54k)
Summary: When Merlin Emrys is sent on a 'round-the-world assignment, he begins remembering a life of magic, dragons, and kings. To make matters worse, a strange woman starts stalking him along the way. And that's before he even meets Arthur Pendragon, whose answer to climate change is going to save the world. Because apparently just saving Britain won’t be enough this time around.

I almost didn't read this fic. The warnings of modern-era reincarnation and immortality; flashbacks to happy and tragic canon-era events including Arthur's fall at Camlann; are things that make me really uncomfortable. But enough people who I share fic tastes with adored it, and I quite like this author's writing so I gave it a chance. It was a wonderful tale. The reincarnation is woven in beautifully to the plot and the characterisation. I could see the camelot!Merlin in modern day!Merlin and feel the bleed of the two personalities merging. I loved Merlin's 'round the world adventure and all his struggles with researching something that was private and sacred and asking people to share with an outsider. I loved Arthur who was still a prat and an arse but a noble one still (and very good at what he does - which to me is very important in modern AUs). An excellent story with an excellent cast of characters both new and old.

Nov 30, 2011- I Will Follow by

winterstorrm Arthur/Merlin [NC-17] (3k)
Summary: When Arthur meets Merlin, his new priority in life is to keep him safe.

This is a wonderful glimpse at a Magical Modern AU with Merlin and Arthur on the run from the government. It’s quick and a lot is left implied, but I love the hints of backstory that we see and it leaves lots to think about. Would love to see a prequel AND a sequel to this fic.

May 1, 2012 - In-Flight Entertainment by

magnolia822 Arthur/Merlin, Gwaine [NC-17] (3k)
Inspiring Kink: Role play
Summary: On a transatlantic flight, Gwaine has the good fortune to be seated next to two good-looking blokes. They're perfect strangers. Or are they?

Ahahaha... this is a fun, fun fic. And a clever idea.

Jul 23, 2011 - In the Dust and the Shadows by

lolafeist [NC-17] (~34k)
Arthur/Merlin, Uther/Merlin. [Read others at main post]
Warnings: non-con, dub-con, genre typical violence, prostitution, character death (not Arthur or Merlin). [Read additional warnings at main post]
Summary: When Sheriff Arthur Pendragon returns to his home town of Camelot, he finds himself inexplicably drawn to a young man who works at the Avalon Inn and Saloon. What is Merlin hiding, and what does it have to do with his father?

This is a Western, a true, gritty Western with everything that the genre holds dear. It leaves you raw and chaffed, and at times breathless. Mind the warnings – there were some hard bits, but I found myself skimming the non-con (as I must) while still being able to thoroughly enjoy everything this fic had to offer. Brilliant writing -- the language, the entire feel of this fic was spot-on for the genre and the plot was interesting and perfectly executed.
Spoilery warning: *** The main 'non-con' is Uther/Merlin but the header for this fic implies there is no M/A non-con, but there a moment with clearly non-consensual touching that would have likely gone further if drunk!Arthur hadn't been stopped. ***

Feb 10, 2011- In Which Moral Bankruptcy is Catching by

leashy_bebes [R] (3k) Arthur/Merlin, Gwaine
Summary: Written for the prompt: "Gwaine and Merlin are best friends. They've been playing a constant game of Truth and Dare for three terms now. So when Gwaine finds out that Merlin has a crush on Arthur it's only natural that he dares Merlin to wank in Arthur's bed. It's inevitable really that Arthur is going to walk in on him (or them - it's your choice)" at the Merlin Wankfest

Merlin becoming morally bankrupt under Gwaine’s influence needs to become the new black. I want an entire fest of Gwaine and Merlin daring each other to be more and more outrageous and the ensuing hilarity of it. Please? This fic would actually be horribly creepy and wrong if not for the fact that Merlin fully acknowledges just how creepy and wrong it all is in the most hilarious panicky way. It’s a total sexy riot.

Aug 16, 2010 - Ink and Dragons by

anevivi [NC-17] (7k)

TattooArtist!Merlin/wants a tattoo!Arthur. It could have been written on a cocktail napkin and I would have loved it. *snickers* but it was a great, fun story and that made it even better.

Aug 16, 2010 - Inside Outright by

franticsga [NC-17] (7k)
Summary: Arthur would probably have forgotten about him, looked away and maybe had one more drink before heading home because he rather desperately wanted to be curled up in bed with his cat, Sasha, watching Lost and drinking hot chocolate (absolutely no one knew of this ritual except, of course, Sasha, who had promised never to tell). But suddenly the guy opened his eyes and looked directly at Arthur, and something in Arthur felt total, final recognition. Whatever was in this skinny, awkward kid's eyes was exactly what was inside Arthur-- a deep-seated, unending loneliness, the knowledge that there could never be anybody who understood or wanted him.

This has incredibly sexy first scene that just stuck in my head as much as it eventually sticks in Arthur’s. Dirty loo sex, FTW!

Nov 30, 2010 -IT'S A PENDRAGON DAY, SO YOU KNOW GOOD SHIT IS GONNA GO DOWN by

sebastiansais [R] (30k)
Summary: In the corner, nearby the wall against which most of the furniture in the room had been pushed, a blond guy is exaggeratedly thrusting his pelvis against the wriggling ass of a brown-haired boy half bent over in his exertions... Jesus fucking christ. Arthur fucking Pendragon. In which a party inexplicably lasts over 20,000 words. So, a lot of sitting around and talking. Modern AU set in the US.

This fic is very... different. From alba17 rec at 12steps2camelot: Told from an OC POV, it really involves you in its little AU world of college-age kids at a home town party during the summer where they meet up with high school friends and acquaintances and all that entails. The OC is an acquaintance of Arthur's from high school and he learns that Arthur's life has developed in unexpected ways since then. Even if you don't like outsider POV or OC's, give it a chance. I’m not a fan of outsider POVs and if it hadn’t been highly recced, I’m not sure I would have given it a chance. But while the beginning has a significant absence of characters that I give a shit about, they do appear and are not just ‘observed’ but actually become part of the story which kept be hooked. It’s a very original fic – never read anything quite like it before and it made for a interesting read. even if I had traumatic small town highschool party flashbacks throughout most of it.

Sept 2, 2010 -Journey into the Interior by Amber [NC-17] (10k)
Summary: Merlin works in Camelot Massage Parlour, London. This is where Arthur finds him. | 'Arthur' chokes and flushes, as though they're not standing in an erotic massage parlour, as though 'Arthur' doesn't have a copy of Penthouse held loosely in one hand. "I'm hardly trying to pick you up, Merlin." He chuckles a little bitterly. "Look, d'you really not know who I am?"

A lovely reincarnation fic. Merlin is so lost and disillusioned, the price of immortality and the defence mechanism to keep his sanity after so many lives lived waiting for Arthur’s return. Unfortunately when Arthur does final come to him, Merlin must find himself again.

Jan 08, 2011- Just Dance by

okydoky [NC-17] (5k)
Summary: Merlin’s Masters dissertation isn’t going so well and to numb his frustration at being assigned a new tutor, he needs a night out. And then he meets Arthur.

A delish age-disparity non-magical modern AU.This is a club fic with older!Arthur and student!Merlin. The sex is scorching.

Arthur/Merlin Canon and Canon AU Recs
A-J | K-R | S-Z

Arthur/Merlin Modern and Historical AU Recs
A-J | K-R | S-Z

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From:

cassie-black12.livejournal.com

Ahh, Modern-AU's - my favourite kind of M/A fic ♥

And there's a couple on here I haven't read!! YAY!

From:

you might be groped

Modern AU Arthur/Merlin Recs [A-J]

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