recs for kitty_fic

[marguerite_26]

for kitty_fic, who asked for recs. Not sure if I got everything you were looking for, and maybe there are somethings you didn't ask for. but I did my best to throw together fics of all shapes and sizes that I adored. I figured I'd post in case anyone else was interested in this eclectic list. Lots of kinks, so mind the warnings.


(just ignore the dates)
Kink Recs:
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.

Sept 2, 2010 -The Lure Would Prove Too Much by minor_hue [NC-17] (4k)
Summary: In which Arthur fucks Merlin for a hazing ritual (and then there is talk about wallpaper).

This is such a filthy fic and absolutely delicious. I think the most important thing that this fic managed is for Merlin to never look like a ‘victim of a prank.’ He is without question willing to have Arthur fuck him in front of a bunch of straight frat boys. He’s actually egging Arthur on as much as the audience. It’s also the kind of fic you want to read again immediately after finishing. JFSDJFD!!!

Aug 16, 2010 - Breathe In, Breathe Out (I Love The Way You Move) by leashy_bebes [NC17] (2k)
Summary/Warnings: Originally written for the prompt of 'Arthur makes Merlin wear a corset laced too tight for him to breathe properly while he fucks him up against a wall', so breathplay, forced feminisation and a smidgen of dub con (stop looking at me like that). Also, historical accuracy? wtf is that?

Breath play, crossdressing, powerplay... ZOMG one of the hottest things I've ever read. fabulous kink!fic

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.

Aug 16, 2010 - Externality by zarathuse [NC-17] (10k)
Summary: Because, really, why wouldn’t the slash dragon’s fire create a slash sword?

Ok, now this is a bulletproof kink of mine. When Faynia pointed me here saying Arthur felt it when Merlin polished his sword, I RAN to this fic. Because, yeah. Never is that not hot. But this charming fic is actually much more that that one scene and I enjoyed every bit of it.

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 17, 2010 - Clysterfuck by bitter_crimson [NC-17] (5k)
Summary: "Okay, so then the syringe must go--" And suddenly there was silence from behind Arthur, and he was almost tempted to turn around to make sure Merlin was still there, when he heard Merlin say in a much fainter voice: "Oh."

ENEMAS!!! Just so we’re clear. What can I say? If you’re tempted to see how anyone could possibly make enemas in any way sexy, then give it a try. The author does an amazing job with this kink. Full-on in character, well written and hot.also... so wrong. Lol.

Long fic Recs: (for lack of a better designation)
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.

Oct 22, 2010 - Steam by new_kate [NC-17] (40k)
Summary:It's been centuries since King Arthur united Albion and lifted the ban on magic. Ruled by Pendragon dynasty, the kingdom had prospered till a feud between the magicians and King Uther the Second drove the country to the brink of collapse. Now it's up to Prince Arthur and his Knights of the Engine to harness steam power to replace the magic Albion had lost, and it's up to Merlin to protect Arthur while he fulfills his destiny.

The premise of this fic is absolute GENIUS. It's not a Steampunk AU. It's a Merlin canon future!fic, and a tale of history repeating itself. Merlin and Arthur lived their lives and created their united Albion and years later, generations later, Camelot is almost decimated when King Uther (the second) chases all Magicians from Camelot and bans magic. The kingdom had become so dependent on magic that they no longer knew how to till their own soil and harvest their own grain. Desperate, they turn to engineering to fulfill the tasks they once relied on magic for. Enter the dawn of steam powered machinary: where the greatest power in the land is no longer the best swordsman, but the cleverest engineer. A young prince Arthur wants nothing more than to bring property to his kingdom, as his legendary namesake did so many years before. An amazing premise and the author delivers on all counts: plot, world building and spot-on characterisation. One of the most fascinating tales I've ever read.

Romantic Fics:

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.

Oct 22, 2010 - These Aren’t My Toys (I Just Play With Them) by misswinterhill [PG] (17k)
Summary: Toys have only a few duties in life — to love their child, to look after each other, and to play along, no matter what happens. Merlin is the newest Camelot Collectable in Johnny’s collection, and in between navigating the hoover, an invading army and the Thing under the bed, he falls in love with the other half of his limited edition run.

Not sure if this goes under canon or modern AU? I might put it under both because I love it so much. This is a brilliant fic based on the Merlin figurines being in a Toy Story like world in which they are played with by a young boy with a wonderful imagination. You don't need to be a fan of the movies to enjoy this fic, but if you are? You will be floored by it. The author captures the feel of Toy Story PERFECTLY, the 'duty' of a toy to be there for their child, the secret world that exists when the child leaves the room. Add to all that the fantastic in character toy!Arthur and toy!Merlin who are a set! They are only complete when together! because they are a set! something like destiny. *happy sigh*

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.

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.

Canon recs: (Canon fics for people who haven't watched much of the show)

Aug 16, 2010 - At Our Best When It's From the Hips by derryere [NC-17] (13k)
Summary: Merlin goes to a brothel to get rid of that virginity thing and runs into Arthur. From there on, it's all madness.

This is so fabulous, with a young Merlin (by which I mean 'feels' young) trying to figure out if he's gay and angsting about it like only Merlin knows how. Not nearly as cracky as the summary implies. Actually, not cracky at all. Hot and tender and emo.

Aug 16, 2010 - Coming Of Age by destiny_fic [NC-17] (18 k)
Summary: "An orgy. The celebrations for Arthur's 21st birthday were a three-day orgy." So yeah, lots of sex...though I'll be honest, and the orgy part is pretty limited, it's mostly just Merlin/Arthur. This is ridiculously sappy porn. I am a sap, I'll admit it...but that'll be pretty easy to see once you've read through this.

I think the author does a great job in the summary of preparing the reader for what's ahead. There is porn and nudity and lots of it. But also a really beautiful love story that makes the porn that much more enjoyable. This isn't a 'and the fairies made everyone shag' fic. There are real emotions and confusion and um, lots and lots of hot, hot sex.

Aug 16, 2010 - In Want of a Wife by syllic [NC-17] (40k +)
Summary: 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.

This fic takes place in the year of Arthur's Betrothal to OFC, and all the strange things that happen therein. A beautiful, romantic look at Merlin's and Arthur's reaction to this year of 'freedom' with the shadow of the inevitable wedding hanging over their heads.

May 1, 2012 - Stranded by fluffssnowflake [R] (5.6k)
Summary: When Merlin and Arthur find themselves in a tight spot, they get help from an unexpected source.

Well... i pretty much love everything about this fic and would have loved to read a 100k of it, but I think the author did an excellent job of making it work perfectly in 5k (I just need to keep re-reading it, is all). The premise is that an older Arthur from the future comes back to help out when he's needed, and not only does he eradicate the evil beasties, but he gives younger!Merlin hope and a glimpse of the future that is more precious that anything Excalibur can do.

Aug 16, 2010 - Truth is a Whisper by seperis [NC-17] ( 25k-ish)
Summary: Words can also be mightier than the sword.

Possibly one of my favourite fics so far in this wild ride of reading Merlin classics. Great storytelling, well put together and hot, hot sex. Oh, and a really interesting Merlin here, sexy and confident without being overly done.

Comments

[alby-mangroves.livejournal.com]

I've just this moment finished reading Bank Holiday, the last outtake chapter of Drastically Redefining Protocol, and I want to cry. God, how did she do this? The story of their lives. Just. God. I don't even know what to say except I could read that for the rest of my life.

[marguerite-26.livejournal.com]

yeah... there will always be a spot in my heart for that fic. One of the first non-canon fics I read and the idea of a modern day Merlin and Arthur, with Arthur as a member of the royal family, experiencing modern issues such as press. So awesome.

Now I want to re-read it!

[alby-mangroves.livejournal.com]

THE FIVE SECRETS CHAPTER KILLED ME. Now I want to read it again, too!

[marguerite-26.livejournal.com]

:((

I didn't like the five secrets... I think I needed to fic to end on the HEA and just... not know anything else.

[alby-mangroves.livejournal.com]

Right?? It just killed me, their errors of jusgment, the bad stuff was awful. I was so grateful that she finished with something so amazing as the Bank Holiday one, because I would have been maudlin over it for weeks.

[marguerite-26.livejournal.com]

yeah. I was sort of...

D:

D:

so I tried to block the 5 secrets out.

actually, that's part of why I haven't re-read it since then.

[hardticket.livejournal.com]

I don't even have words when I try to describe DRP. I might have to go reread it again.

[marguerite-26.livejournal.com]

yup. that's my plan for tonight, I think.

I re-read Truth is a Whisper the other night. God, that was a great fic too. :D

more recs

[(Anonymous)]

Great list, but no Astolat? Allow me to remedy that.

Favorite (Canon)
http://archiveofourown.org/works/40569?view_adult=true
Summary: 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 Beltane Cycle (Canon AU) Start with Beltane and follow the links to subsequent fics.
http://archiveofourown.org/works/2491
Summary: There is a story that is not told in Ealdor anymore, not for many years now, a story about Beltane Eve.

Re: more recs

[marguerite-26.livejournal.com]

sorry, anon. LJ called this spam and screened it.

Agreed! I love Astolat's stuff, though I left them out because they didn't really fit the specific criteria she asked me for. But they are def. two classics.

[kitty_fic]

OMG! Thank you sooo very much for this! You are amazing! I really appreciate you taking the time to do this for me! These boys, they are killing me! <3