Magic Reveal - Tumblr Posts

Merlin au where nobody (not even lancelot) finds out about merlin having magic bc merlin is actually really good at using his inside voice and also because he isn't so so so anxious about being *revealed*.

Why is he not anxious you ask?

Because he isn't scared, he's embarrassed.

Merlin goes through like a decade of secrecy and eventually he like finally awkwardly tells Arthur before the final battle cause you know he can help and stuff and Arthur is just completely flabbergasted before becoming upset and distraught,

"why didn't you tell me? You don't trust me?"

And Merlin has to stand there awkwardly and be like, "I'm sorry I literally just didn't know how to bring it up. Like at the beginning I was like well... I just didn't know you that well right? And then I like tried to bring it up in conversation but I got interrupted a few times... which like... embarrassing, and then you were all like, 'urgh magic is evil', and then it just felt awkward bringing it up you know? And then it had been a few years and I was woah I can't say anything NOW cause like it's been too long? I missed my chance and ugh this is so embarrassing!"

And he's like blushing and rubbing the back of his neck and Arthur just stands there with growing disbelief and resignation (and ofc some fondness) as he realizes for the millionth time that merlin is a fucking idiot.

Magic reveal prompt:

Wherein Yada Yada they're in the forest and Merlin saves their lives and his magic is revealed and you know he's kind of stressed and about to cry and Arthur is obv pissed as hell and like yelling at him and shit but then one of the knights (gwaine probably) is like "Hey! Leave merlin alone! There's nothing wrong with him having magic! And-"

Only to be cut off by Merlin whose now pissed as hell, "Shut up!! It's not ABOUT the magic! I know he doesn't give a shit about the magic! Who fucking cares about the goddamn magic?!"

And all the knights are confused cause they don't GET it!! Cause even pissed Arthur very clearly agrees with what merlin just said cause its not about the magic it's about how Arthur thinks merlin doesn't trust him and merlin just needs a few moments to calm down so he can explain it was never about trust but about a million other things (the dragon and gaius' words of over-caution and his whole life hiding and making Arthur choose between him and the laws and his guilt for hiding it for this long as is and for the choices he's made in name of Arthur's safety and-) and it's never been about the magic and they both know that!

Magic reveal in a terrible situation except whenever it's over and Merlin saved Arthur and the knights hes so tired and upset and angry and overwhelmed and he just sort of turns to denial and

"No." Merlin shakes his head slowly and then more sure.

Everyone looks at him appalled but before Arthur can even open his mouth, he's interrupted by tiny nervous giggles from Merlin rocking back and forth in front of them before stopping abruptly and looking up determinedly.

"No. You all-" he points at the knights (who only flinch a little thank you), "-are you going to pretend you never saw that and then- then!" Merlin says a little hysterically pointing at Arthur now who can't help but take a step back and the look in his eyes.

"You! Are going to wait and then when the time is RIGHT just like I PLANNED I will tell you I have magic! And it will be the perfect moment! And it'll be when I'm ready and I'll tell you everything and it'll be SAFE and and- and you'll be upset but you'll understand and this is just-" Merlin screams a little to himself making everyone's eyes widen.

Merlin looks down with his eyes closed and takes a long breath.

He looks up at them looking like he's about to cry before saying desperately in a small voice, "You guys didn't see anything, right?"

Silence greets him before Gwaine cuts in, in a much less boisterous voice than usual, "I didn't see anything." Looking at the knights beside him, he elbows Elyan in the ribs causing a grunt.

Wincing at the pain, "I don't know what you're talking about." Elyan looks at the others with a very obvious look of 'your turn'.

Percival shrugs solemnly, "I was blinded by the sun."

Leon looks hesitantly over to Arthur before straightening his shoulders, "It must have been a trick of the light."

Merlin's shoulders relax a little as he nods to himself before everyone looks to Arthur.

Arthur looks at his knights and then back to his trembling manservant before looking to the ground and then to the sky.

"We were simply lucky as we always are."

Merlin breaths and everyone ignores the tears falling down his cheek as he turns around.

Sequel to "I Have A Secret"

When the magical creature finally dropped, everything paused for the tiniest of moments.

Well, paused for Merlin who had a small moment to breath in relief that he stopped the creature right before it was about to swipe Arthur with a fatal blow.

Sir Kay, on the other hand, who saw the incriminating golden eyes like everyone else in the small group, didn't pause at all, turned his body towards Merlin already preparing to swipe his sword.

"No!" Gwaine yells from too far away.

Ducking quickly, barely missing the sharp edge, Merlin doesn't even stutter before running to Arthur and then hiding behind him while breathing heavily as he stands back to back with the prince while curling his hands into the cloth of the blonde's breeches.

Arthur finally blinks and seems to unfreeze from where he'd stood since he'd almost been killed by the beast and then saved by his apparently magical manservant.

"Huh."

He surveys the situation.

Merlin has magic and is currently hiding behind him. Sir Leon is looking at them unsure, Sir Gwaine looks like he's ready to kill Sir Kay and also maybe him or Merlin by the way he keeps looking at them.

Feeling the trembling warmth pressed against his back, he very calmly lifts his sword.

"Gentleman. What seems to be the problem?"

He pointedly keeps his sword up in a way that can be used in any direction, but Sir Kay gives him an appalled look anyways, but Leon stares at him for a moment before nodding to himself and putting his sword down.

Sir Gwaine on the other hand, looks at Merlin in frantic worry, looking like he wants to start inching forward.

Arthur feels like Gwaine is probably safe but he doesn't know for sure, so he gives Gwaine a Look anyway which... obviously gives him a scathing glare back.

"Your Highness," Sir Kay looks at him with worry and Merlin (still behind him) with anger, "He's a sorcerer."

Everyone seems to hold their breath in front of him, but Arthur just looks at them for a few more seconds in blankness.

Did they think he just... didn't notice? He squints his eyes.

Looking side to side, Arthur just deadpans, "I mean... yeah. I thought that was pretty obvious with the golden eyes and yelling a spell two seconds ago."

Merlin snorts behind him. The hands still entwined with his breeches seem to loosen as Arthur feels the back against his own start breathing easier.

Arthur's lips try to trick upward, but he tries to keep them down.

Gwaine, still quite clearly running on adrenaline, looks back and forth between them before landing on Merlin, "Merls, are you sure you want to be standing there, right now?"

They both look at him with tilted heads.

Merlin hesitantly replies, "Um... yes?"

His hands squeeze for just a moment, making Arthur frown at Gwaine.

Gwaine, just squints his eyes, before pressing forward, "And you're not scared? You're okay?"

Blinking owlishly, "Uh. I mean. I was scared that Arthur was going to die? And I guess I was scared of Sir Kay for a second. But... I'm doing pretty good..." There's a small pause, "...How are you?"

Sir Leon lets out an uncharacteristic snort before covering his mouth as he tries to hold back a laugh to himself.

Gwaine sputters, "I meant scared of the Princess!"

They, again, both look at him in confusion, "Arthur? Why would I be scared of Arthur?"

Sir Kay and Gwaine both seem to bluster in the same way (for opposite reasons?)

"Cause he's the prince!"

"He's just Arthur."

Arthur makes an offended face, "I'm not JUST anything, Merlin!"

Merlin finally lets go so he can watch him as he smirks, "Oh yeah? What do you want to be instead of Arthur then? I guess if we count a few minutes ago, you can be a damsel in distress instead~"

Arthur looks back at him with a sputter, "You can't talk to me like that! I'll put you in the stocks!"

Merlin just smiles at him mischievously, "Oh of course, Sire. My apologies, Sire. Just maybe you should double check your next stew for vermin instead of bird."

"If you put rats in my stew one more time, I'll make you eat it."

"-oh, going on a diet, Sire? I've been telling you you need it..."

Arthur huffs to himself, putting one hand on his hip while pointing his sword to Merlin with his other, dramatically.

The others skip a breath.

Merlin just rolls his eyes with a bored look like it's happened a million times. (It has)

"I'm going to have the kitchens poison your next meal!"

"Not if I do yours first!"

"At least then I'll have a break from all your prattling!"

Merlin gasps in mock offense as he takes a staggering step back, "How dare you! What about the children?"

Arthur snorts so loud, he drops his sword as he covers his mouth wheezing as Merlin raises his arm in victory and grins like he won something.

"Who are the children?"

Sir Kay interrupts with a disbelieving huff, "Sire. Sorcerer. Against the law."

Arthur looks at him like he's stupid, even though he's the one who looks a little stupid still bent over trying to catch his breath, "It's just Merlin."

Gwaine and Leon share a laugh between themselves, now completely calm, used to the bickering.

"And besides, it's really on me. I didn't ask," Arthur shrugs like this makes complete sense to everyone. He goes to pick his sword back up, as Merlin nods and steps behind him to look over his shoulder with his hands entwined behind him.

Arthur pretends he doesn't miss the warmth, but the breath on his neck is a close second.

"Didn't ask what, Sire?" Leon asks curiously, as he and Gwaine seem to lean forward, even as Sir Kay stays stock still like he's rebooting.

Arthur looked up at him a little startled, "Oh. Merlin told me he had a secret ages ago. I just didn't ask, cause he didn't want me to."

"Wait wait wait- he told you he had a secret?" Gwaine guffaws.

Merlin steps forward to lean his chin on Arthur's shoulder as he wraps his arms around Arthur's waist, "Of course! I try to tell Arthur everything. He's my best friend!"

Arthur pretends he isn't blushing, as he hums noncommittally.

The other three trade glances.

Arthur just nods to himself, even as his free hand absentmindedly holds onto one of Merlin's wrists around his wait.

The other three raise their eyebrows.

"Anyways. Obviously, there will be no speaking of this to my Father." He looks up stern and serious for the first time in this entire conversation.

Leon and Gwaine nod happily, while Sir Kay takes a moment, before nodding reluctantly and murmuring to himself, "I'm repressing this as we speak."

Leon looks at Kay with interest, while Gwaine just watches in amusement as Arthur's blush comes crashing back when he visibly realizes he's been gently caressing Merlin's wrist unconsciously.

Merlin just looks at Gwaine's smirk over Arthur's shoulder, before squeezing Arthur's waist once and letting go to start walking beside him, vehemently trying to hide his own blush now, too.

Both of them start continuing their walk back to the citadel, looking away from each other, even as their arms brush against each other with how close they walk.

The other three follows them casually.

Sir Kay blinks, before turning to Leon with a whisper, "Did I miss something? What happened with the beast?"

Leon just looks at him unable to hide how impressed he is with the skill of Repression, making Sir Kay even more confused, belatedly answering the question, "...Prince Arthur killed the beast, of course."

Sir Kay just blinks, "Of course."

merthur fic recs: oblivious!merlin pt 6

1. Matters of the Heart by a_written_dream (@a-written-dream)        

 “You must find the person Arthur truly loves,” the Dragon says, and this time it’s Merlin who wants to laugh.

 “Arthur doesn’t love anyone, not since Gwen,” he says, certain of it.

 The air rumbles with the Dragon’s laughter. “It seems you do not know your prince quite as well as you thought, young warlock.”

-

A 2x10 Sweet Dreams rewrite. After the ordeal with Hengist, Gwen and Arthur decide they are better suited as friends. Arthur still gets enchanted to fall in love with Lady Vivian, Merlin still tries to save his royal ass, and True Loves’ Kiss is still the cure. But if Gwen isn’t Arthur’s true love, then who could it possibly be?

~~~

hmmm it’s really a mystery who arthur’s OTHER HALF is

2. Your Eyes Glow by Drifting_Stream    

Arthur’s been acting strangely ever since he’d learned about Merlin’s magic, which he found completely understandable. But asking Merlin to use magic in front of him, when it so obviously made the king uncomfortable? Obviously, Arthur was disgusted by his magic, by him. That had to be it. Right?

~~~

damn it’s like obliviousness is contagious. first arthur doesn’t notice merlin doing magic right in front of him, and now merlin doesn’t noticed [redacted]

3. Next to You (It’s the Rule) by LunaMyLove    

Arthur and Merlin have a special relationship. They always have, even when they were prince and servant. While many question it when first noticing, eventually it becomes an understanding in Camelot—and even among some other countries—that where there is Arthur, there is Merlin. And, where there is Merlin, there is Arthur.

Or

Arthur and Merlin’s relationship as witnessed and explained by others.

Also, or

Five times someone realizes that Merlin is the Queen, one time Merlin realizes it himself, and one time he owns it.

~~~

this is probably one of my all time fav fics. the humour is on point

Arthur takes a large bite of eggs and then asks, as though it were any usual conversation, “Do you have magic?”

When Merlin confessed to practicing magic, Arthur thought he meant magic.

Not, you know, MAGIC.

In Camelot, it was a perfectly typical day. Typical, because Merlin hadn’t done any of his chores. Typical, because he had vanished between serving Arthur breakfast and going to the stables. Typical, because of course he disappeared when Arthur needed him most.

OR When a sorceress casts a sleeping spell on Merlin, Arthur discovers much more than how to wake him up.

I love how Gwaine would've probably been more responsible with Merlin's magic.

Like yeah he would've wanted to see the craziest shit but like. In a safe place where no one could see

Meanwhile Lancelot's like hey. Hey Merlin. Do unnecessary magic in this crowded corridor. Go on. Do it. It'll be awesome.

Gwaine's inherent chaos is slightly moderated when it comes to Protecc Merlin. Lancelot's is not.

They're a terrible influence on each other and I love them

I love love love magic reveal fics that have Merlin completely ready to be killed by Arthur

Like he’d still be terrified of course and it’s not like he necessarily wants to die either, but the alternatively is a) Uther kills him b) a guard or knight kills him or c) Arthur banishes him, and Merlin would rather die by Arthur’s sword than be any one else’s, and also he would rather die than leave Arthur’s side

Just???? Idk, magic reveal fics that involve Merlin on his knees, completely surrendered to Arthur’s will, because he trusts him and he trusts whatever decision Arthur makes, whatever that may be. Merlin’s complete trust in Arthur, not to save him, but to let him die on his own terms

Edit: I am writing this fic! Very slowly because I’m at the end of the semester and need to get through uni first, but watch this space in this next two months! :)

My new favorite Merlin AU is that Merlin finally confesses to Arthur about his magic, but Merlin is too flustered to think straight and there’s some miscommunication.

What Merlin says: I have magic 😔

What Merlin thinks he said: I am a powerful sorcerer and I use my magic every day to protect you and all of Camelot. We are two sides of the same coin, our destinies forever intertwined. Spare me and I will help you become the once and future king.

What Arthur hears: I know a few cantrips. Please don’t kill me.

So Arthur eventually comes to terms with Merlin knowing some magic and things kinda go back to normal except Merlin starts using minor spells in front of Arthur to speed up chores.

But then while Arthur is working to legalize magic (because of course he would) and make reparations to magic users, he asks Merlin to accompany him to a meeting with the Druids. Arthur asks the Druids to nominate a court sorcerer and they just look at him confused like

Druids: why not ask the great sorcerer Emrys?

Arthur: ok where do I find him?

Druids: points to Merlin sitting 1 foot away

Arthur: why did you hide this vital information from me!?

Merlin: … I did tell you, didn’t I? Whoops

Bonus

Arthur: Gwen! Knights! Merlin is the most powerful sorcerer to ever live! Can you believe it?

Everyone … yeah. We saw him shooting Lightning while riding a dragon just last week.

Arthur:🫨…😐

Y’all, I’m sorry, but there just were not enough reveals for BBC Merlin.

Like yeah Lancelot, Arthur, and Morgana get to learn about Merlin’s magic, but that’s it. Sure Morgana understands that Merlin is this super great powerful wizard, and we can head cannon that Lancelot gets told about everything. But honestly! We have NO reveals for Gwaine, Leon, Percival, Elyan, and GWEN! We get no “hey here are all the things I’ve done to save Camelot” (Pulls out alphabetized list). No “by the way I’m also a dragon lord!”. No hilarious moment when Arthur, Gwen, and all the knights learn that Merlin is basically the druid king! No one gets to learn about Freya!! And all the god damn trauma that Merlin has had to go through basically alone! 

Like damn it BBC Merlin! I need all of Merlin’s friends to learn all the things about him so they can get closer and bond and truly understand how much of a badass Merlin is!!