so are they all, all honourable men by Jenn (NC-17)

[laceymcbain.livejournal.com]

Fandom: MERLIN
Pairing: Merlin/Arthur
Length: ~ 18,000 (in two parts)
Author on LJ: seperis
Author Website: Indulgence at Illuminated Text
Why this must be read: The first and last reason could be summed up as "because it's Jenn." She's a strong writer in many fandoms, and her take on the Merlin boys is no exception. However, this is also what I consider to be the ultimate Protective!Arthur hurt/comfort fic. When Merlin is injured in an altercation with a knight-in-training, Arthur has to train Merlin to fight for his honour, or find some other way to get him out of the situation before he gets himself killed. There's a wonderful plot, minor characters who are present in well-rounded appearances, and some of the absolute best angry/dangerous/protective Arthur I've ever seen. Ever wonder what Arthur would do if Merlin's life was truly threatened? How far he'd go? Who he'd be willing to hurt to protect him? This is that story. (With the bonus of hot, desperate, "I don't want you to die and I will find a way to save you" sex.)



"Do not speak to me or I will flog you myself," Arthur lies between clenched teeth, slowing for the stairs, taking all of Merlin's weight than he can. Broken ribs can pierce lungs, and God knows Uther's men aren't gentle. "Unless you feel you are about to die and rob me of the privilege of ending your sorry excuse for a life."

Merlin doesn't answer. It's probably the smartest thing he's done all day.

Gwen's waiting at the door of Gaius' room, hands twisting together. Jerking his head at her, Arthur pushes open the door, feeling Merlin sag just as they get inside. Catching him, Arthur waits as Gwen hurriedly clears Gaius' table and lifts Merlin onto it. When Merlin tries to sit up, Arthur carefully places a hand on his chest and shoves, with the greatest care, until Merlin's prone again.

"Gwen," Arthur says, holding Merlin's angry, pain-glazed gaze. "Please watch for Gaius and inform me when he arrives."

"Yes, sire."

When the door closes, Arthur spreads his hand carefully, feeling the shift of bone beneath with a hard swallow. "If you move again, I'll use rope," he says roughly. Merlin's eyes open, pain-glazed and vaguely surprised. "I might anyway."

Pulling back, Arthur glances at the closed door. Excellent. "What happened?"

Merlin hesitates, then takes a shallow breath. No blood, not yet. "It is as he said."

"You're lying."

Merlin eyes flicker away. "I lost my temper pandering to another overblown--"

"Very nice. I'd almost believe it if you'd stutter a bit. How long have you been thinking up that excuse?" Merlin sets his lips in a flat line. "Tell me what happened." Silence. "Merlin. I'm ordering you--"

"I was angry," Merlin says, voice so flat that Arthur doesn't believe a thing he says. "He was demanding and I refused. And when he said--when he didn't stop, I was irritated, so I hit him."

Arthur leaps on the stuttered space. "Said. What did he say?"

"It doesn't matter."

If he didn't look so incredibly pathetic, Arthur would beat him himself. "Merlin--"

Merlin turns his face away. "I've forgotten."




Read the story and feedback the author: so are they all, all honourable men