aurora primavera

[Fic] RPF Big Bang: Expressive Silence (Colin/Bradley) - Author's Notes

2009-10-27T05:50:40Z

[Fic] RPF Big Bang: Expressive Silence (Colin/Bradley) - Master Post

It's done and finished and I am so thankful for this. *head desk* If you want to read my ramblings feel free to do so under the cut. ♥

** Please note: THERE BE SPOILERS AHEAD **

FINISHED!!!!!!! \o/

I signed up on a whim for the rpf_big_bang months ago because I felt that there are not enough AU fics featuring Colin & Bradley. And well, then stuff happened.

The idea was born and I wrote bits and pieces. Then for 2 months or so, the story just sat there because I was doing my CELTA course and had no time. Then when I got back home, my hard drive was no longer available. Talk about a freak out! THEN - I couldn't get anything to work. And what I did write? I wasn't happy with it.

The story fluctuated from just over 16,000 words to over 30,000. In the end I ended up editing out a lot (and I mean A LOT) of things that I felt weren't necessary to the fic - at least not at the moment. And I'm happy, oh so very happy, with the end result.

I don't know where I got the idea for Colin to be mute, but I just did. I knew it would be due to a tragic past, but - I didn't know what exactly until I wrote that last bit. And well, same with Bradley.

The story takes place in North East Florida, mainly in St. Augustine. The pub mentioned is real and is only 20 minutes away from where I used to live. Katie's pink house is also real, as is the school, the old church Colin lives in and well EVERYTHING. The original characters are based off people I know/knew.

I set the story in St. Auggie because I love that small city to pieces. I went to high school there *cough*theschoolmentioned*cough* and got to know the city really well during those four years. It's a really beautiful place to live and I wanted to try and share that with everyone through Bradley's eyes.

As to why I edited the fic so much in the end. I ended up repeating a lot of things and it got really hard describing how Colin communicated. The scenes I took out were mainly non-supportive in regards to Colin & Bradley's relationship and held a lot of prose. I am not a friend of prose. Too much and I want to stab myself. I don't even know why I wrote so much. BUT, thanks to some advice from my lovely artist, I realised that my choice to edit those bits out was a good one.

I do plan on re-visiting this verse. I fell in love with Colin & Bradley, and most especially with Katie. I plan on maybe doing some time stamps and a possible sequel - especially because I want to resolve the issue between Katie and Angel. We'll see. Hope you enjoy!

THANKS to my number one cheerleader and encourager while I wrote this. shiny_starlight threatened me with her mighty poking stick and made sure I was keeping on top of things during the whole process. I kept bugging her with questions of "Is this how they say this over there in your country?" when I wasn't sure Bradley sounded British enough - All of which she answered patiently. I really couldn't have done this without you bb. So so so so so so MUCH ♥

THANKS and so much ♥ to my beautiful artist awakencordy. You bb are awesome. I keep staring at the art that you made for my story and I can't believe it's for my story. It really does fit the soft, tranquil mood of it and it goes perfectly with it. Having the art was a huge encouragement for me because I knew I couldn't let you down. Thank you so very much! *squishes tight*

THANKS to my two lovely cheerleaders issahime and sillyshy - especially as they were there for me during the last legs of the journey. Sending you ladies random IMs helped me get it done and kept me going. ♥

THANKS to my F-List. I posted whiny OMGWHATAMIDOING? & OMGPANIC posts and y'all answered accordingly. I can't express how much it meant to me through out. Thank you all!!!! ♥

And last, but not least, THANKS to the lovely mods over at rpf_big_bang for setting this up in the first place and being so patient with me. ♥

Also, I plan on putting together a soundtrack using some of the songs I listened to whenever I was writing this. I just have to set it all up and narrow it down from some 70-odd songs to around 15 or so. Heh. So keep an eye out. ♥

[Fic] RPF Big Bang: Expressive Silence (Colin/Bradley) - Master Post

2009-10-27T05:16:29Z

Title: Expressive Silence
Author: auroraprimavera
Rating: NC-17
Pairing(s): Colin Morgan/Bradley James, Katie McGrath, Angel Coulby, Richard Wilson, Tony Head, Santiago Cabrerra, OMCs, OFCs | Mentions of Katie/Angel, Katie/OMC, Katie/OFC, Angel/OMC, Santiago/OFC
Summary: Leaving London was a means to an end, a way to start over. What Bradley didn't expect was to find true love under the Florida sun. Could it really be this easy?
Word Count: 21,179
Warning(s): M/M, F/F, M/F, character that is mute, slight angst, teacher!Colin, teacher!soccercoach!Bradley, lots of schmoop between boys
Beta(s): shiny_starlight & issahime & sillyshy *Any and all remaining mistakes are mine*

Art Post: Make sure to check out the beautiful art the lovely awakencordy made for me here

Disclaimer: This is a work of fanfiction – none of this ever happened. No copyright infringement is intended. No profit is made from this work. Please observe your local laws with regards to the age-limit and content of this work.

[ Part I ] [ Part II ] [ Part III ]
[ Author's Notes ]

[Fic] RPF Big Bang: Expressive Silence (Colin/Bradley) - Part 1/3

2009-10-27T05:11:39Z

When he finally steps outside and into the bright Florida sunshine, he's severely disappointed. He had been expecting warmth and heat and comfort, not this. This stifling thick air that sticks to his skin and drags into his lungs. The air is almost visceral, like if he wanted to he could hold out his hand and grab a chunk full of it. Even blinking is hard, the humidity weighing down his eyelashes and making his eyelids droop. It takes him a few moments to compose himself and finally he manages to breathe deeply and the air makes it all the way into his body a few times.

Okay, good, he can breathe. Check. Now for the car...

He looks around and finally spots the small booth where he was told to pick up the keys for his rental. He hadn't asked for anything specific, just something that ran and was good for Florida weather. Apparently this was taken to mean that he wants a Jeep. An old one. A very old one. Good God, what has he gotten himself into?

Twenty minutes later he's fumbling with the GPS and the various maps that had been provided by the overly cheerful attendant. Right. After cursing the lack of proper directions for the GPS and entering his destined address ten times over he gets it. A thick and very fake British accent comes on and tells him to take a right and then a left.

He ignores the pang in his chest at the little hint of home. Enough time for that later.

He pulls onto the expressway and listens to the robotic directions from the GPS navigator. As he comes up to a bridge - Dames Point Bridge reads the green road sign - he moves the Jeep to the outermost lane and as carefully as he can, glances around him. His first thought is on how flat it all is. Not a hill in sight. From what he can see the only high points seem to be a few more bridges to the right that can just barely be made out in the distance.

And it looks hot. He'd felt the humidity outside of the airport, had felt the heat pushing down on him. But looking out at the terrain around him he's surprised that it actually looks hot. There are waves of heat rising from every surface and the sun is bright, reflecting off the swirls and waves of the river in glittering snatches of white.

It's the beginning of July, so he figures that he only has about another month or so of hot weather to put up with. That wouldn't be too bad, he can handle that.

The bridge ends and he finds himself surrounded by overpasses and exit ramps that seem to lead to nowhere. Glancing at the GPS he sees that his exit isn't coming up for another few miles. But as he drives he takes stock of the city.

It seems nice enough, an odd mixture of modern buildings and houses with older constructions coming up here and there, large patches of greenery hugging the land. The road he's on, State Road 9A according to the GPS, is relatively straight and almost new. It's unerring to see all the flatness and bright green grass ahead of him, with the edges of forest here and there. He passes a university and what seems to be a sprawling shopping centre. That catches his attention and he makes a mental note to come back and explore at a later date.

After a few short miles the GPS speaks up, "Exit on right - U.S. Route 1 take a left, head Southbound - 2 miles."

Right, he sees a shimmering sign, green again, hanging over the road ahead and quickly changes lanes, better to be prepared. He just hopes everything else is this easy to navigate in the city. His exit comes up and he takes it, quickly lowering his speed as the ramp turns with a sharp curve. After taking the required left as the GPS instructed, he is told that he has another 21 miles before he has to worry about going anywhere. He settles in as best he can and cranks up the air in the Jeep. Even with the cool air blowing softly on his face he can still feel the heat seeping in through the gaps of the Jeep's canvas top and he can feel sweat starting to trickle down his back.

The road he's on is flat, as is everything else and surrounded by woods. It doesn't seem all that different from home, except for one thing that he knows will take getting used to. Alongside the tall skinny pines that made up most of the woods, there are palm trees. Palm trees.

Right.

He passes the twenty or so minutes it takes him to reach the next part of his drive by flipping through the radio stations and trying to settle on one. There isn't much of a selection and after a bit of internal debate he settles on one that's playing some of the more popular hits of the time. Good enough for now.

After about fifteen minutes he enters a more populated area and upon seeing another of the green road signs, he realises that he's finally in St. Augustine. The GPS starts talking and after a tricky maneuver he makes it onto the right road, San Marco Avenue.

As he drives he sees an odd collection of buildings. There aren't any that go higher than three stories and the majority of them look to be at least fifty years old. This would be an interesting place to explore as well.

He passes a large campus and after driving down a bit more finally sees the name of the school: Florida School for the Deaf and Blind. It seems like a nice place at least, he'll have to ask about getting a chance to check out the facilities before the school year starts and seeing if they have any openings of any sort. With that thought he makes a mental note to check out what other schools there were in the area.

The GPS starts talking again and he comes to a stop at a light, waiting to turn. It's odd, driving on the other side of the road. He hadn't really noticed it at first, but now with so many other cars on the road and while waiting, he really feels the difference. Something else he'll just have to get used to then.

The light changes and the road he finds himself on is surrounded by large trees, many of which hang over above the street. He can feel the temperature drop instantly because of the shade and adjusts the air accordingly. As a passes a house that looked like an honest-to-god castle, he can't help but snort. Interesting seems to be an understatement for this place.

The trees clear and he finds himself driving across a sparse, sandy area surrounded by marsh. Once again he has to fix the air as the temperature in the car goes back up. As he admires the area around him he sees another bridge sprawled across the water up ahead, sticking out and looking like it doesn't fit in with its surroundings. The bridge only seems to get bigger the closer he gets and soon enough he's driving over it.

He admires the view in front of him, the ocean spread out and never ending. A few hours ago he had been flying over those same waters and he finds himself glancing to the north-east, imagining that if he stares hard enough he could maybe make out his home. But then again, that's something he would be better off not thinking about. He pushes that thought away and focuses back on getting to his destination.

The bridge finally ends at a small conjunction and he makes a right turn at the light, following the GPS as it spews out directions at him. It's confusing, to say the least. The houses are all similar in some way and not all the streets open up to the main one. Finally, though, the GPS announces that he's reached his destination. He pulls into the driveway behind an old truck and cuts the engine.

In front of him is a three story, slightly pink looking house. The first floor seems to hold the garage, nothing else, with the rest of the house situated on stilts. He doesn't want to think about why it would be necessary to have a house raised high above ground.

The front of the house has two long porches stretching across, one for each floor, and they are filled with plants, chairs, a couple of hammocks and other random things. He finds himself smiling and thinks that the house fits his friend's personality perfectly.

He gets out and stretches his legs tiredly, the drive hadn't helped any after the long, back to back, plane trips and he's glad to be on solid ground that doesn't move. As he stretches the kinks out of his back he hears a door open and close and an excited squeal.

"You made it!!" An instant later he sees the most beautiful thing he's set eyes upon in a long while. "I was afraid you'd get lost."

"GPS navigation, it's brilliant." They stare at each other for a few moments before his face breaks out into a wide smile. "Well, Katie, are you going to say hello to your best friend or not?"

She laughs and runs to him, her long hair flowing freely behind her. He stoops a bit as she launches herself at him and catches her slight frame easily in his arms. She clings to him and giggles into his neck. It's good to not only see her, but hold her again, too much time has passed.

"If you ever disappear for years again, I will never forgive you. You hear that, Bradley James?"

He pulls away and smiles at her. "Yeah, yeah." An instant later he has to swallow the lump in his throat and he ducks towards her again, this time hiding his face in her hair. "God, it's so good to see you again."

"Good to see you, too." Katie pets his hair for a moment before placing a kiss on his cheek. "Welcome home, sweetheart."

When he steps out on the porch, Bradley can feel hot wind blowing in from the water. He glances down at his watch and sees that it's only two o'clock. He'll have to wait another hour or two before heading down to the beach. His back starts itching then, reminding him of his peeling skin. As he stretches his arm to an uncomfortable angle he remembers Katie's insistence that he always wear sunscreen and her laughter later on when he had turned up red as a tomato.

He can't reach the spot that's itching so he resorts to leaning against the door jam and trying to find the right position so the hard wood will scratch his skin. Bradley had thought that he would be okay, considering he's the one that always tanned on family vacations. Problem is he had forgotten to factor in that Florida was much closer to the equator than the cooler beaches of Devon.

Florida.

A year or so ago he wouldn't have imagined himself here of all places. Not just Florida, but in America. It's not that he has anything against the country - just...it isn't home. And he's feeling it more and more every day.

Katie has been fantastic, right from the start, just as he'd expected her to be. She hasn't brought up the events that had led him here and has left him on his own to do as he pleases.

He puts his hands on the railing and leans out a bit, taking in the salty sea air.

Sooner or later he will go out and find his own place. For now he's more than happy to take advantage of his best friend's generosity.

A group of sea gulls sweep by, flying low and heading out towards the beach where he can hear kids laughing and yelling, more than likely throwing bread up in the air for the wretched birds. Bradley hates to admit it, but he likes it here. The small beach neighbourhood where Katie has settled down in is nice and tranquil. The only noise they have to contend with is the boat traffic on the inlet and even then it's just barely noticeable.

Bradley knows that if he lets himself, he could very well adapt to living here.

He's debating with himself about what to do until he can head down to the water when the sound of crunching gravel and an ancient engine catch his attention. He leans out a little further and turns his head to the left, smiling as he sees Katie's old truck heading towards the house. She must have seen him because a moment later the horn is blaring and her petite hand is waving at him. With a roll of his eyes he turns to head inside and then downstairs, Katie will want help with the groceries.

When Bradley reaches Katie she beams at him, mouth stretched into a wide happy smile. "Hello, Bradley!" She gets out of the truck and reaches back in, pulling the groceries towards her.

"Um, hello to you too," she frowns at his tone, a little pout pursing her lips. "Why all the sunshine and rainbows?"

"Really, Bradley, must I have a reason for being happy?" At his pointed look she smirks and turns to the house, arms laden with green canvas grocery bags. "Fine, since you insist. We're going to a little get together this evening and you're finally going to meet all my friends."

"Is that so?" He pulls out some of the bags and frowns down at them, the white Publix logo shining in the early afternoon light. "What makes you think that I'm actually going?"

Soft thumps answer him as he hears Katie setting the bags down on the kitchen counter. "You don't have a choice in the matter. You're going and that's final."

He sighs and places his bags next to hers. "Katie, look I know that you - "

"You know nothing. This isn't me trying to integrate you or have you turn over a new leaf or anything stupid like that. This is me saying that you are going to meet my friends, nothing more. Now, go grab the rest of the groceries before the sun melts them to my seats."

He leaves without another word, turning what Katie said over in his head. It's not that he doesn't want to meet new people. It's more the fact that he isn't ready. But...maybe Katie has a point. It is the least he could do, after all, considering that these were the people that had supported her when he had practically abandoned her all those years ago.

Bradley gathers the rest of the groceries and kicks the truck door shut behind him, grinning at the squeaking protest from the rusted metal. He'll give it a go tonight, see how it goes. And maybe if he plays his cards right he can start getting his life back in order.

When Katie had told him that they would be going to a pub, Bradley had thought they would be going to a bar that vaguely resembled an English pub. He hadn't expected them to pull up to a small house that looks as if it had been pulled out from the middle of an old English village. He also hadn't expected the old double-decker parked right outside, bright red and shining, dark green ivy crawling up along one side and tying it to the house.

At his noise of surprise Katie laughs, deftly pulling her old truck into an empty space in the small lot. "I knew you didn't believe me."

"How was I supposed to know that there would be a bloody pub in Florida?"

"You weren't to know, I just love seeing that look of utter surprise on your face. It's adorable."

Bradley sticks his tongue out and laughs as Katie scrunches her nose up in what he had learnt at the age of 6 to be her way of saying boys are stupid and gross. The though only makes him laugh harder as he gets out of the truck and slammed the door behind him. Katie rolls her eyes and smiles indulgently at him. As they walk to the entrance, Katie loops her arm through his and squeezes his hand gently.

"They'll love you, nothing to worry about."

"I'm not," he pulls them to a stop right in front of the door at her incredulous look, "really, I'm not. Despite everything that happened - "

"Okay, Bradley, okay. Let's go in, eh?"

He pulls the door open and leads her in. As soon as they step past the threshold Bradley is hit with a strong sense of home and he has to stop himself from running right back outside. No, he isn't worried about meeting new people; he's worried about drowning in memories that are better left forgotten.

It's amazing to see antique Victorian tables, wooden pews and chairs with velvet cushions - everything he'd find in the pub he used to frequent with his old football mates. A random collection of mugs, mirrors, flags and posters cover just about every inch with barely enough room for the pale walls to peek through. Behind the bar Beefeater dolls and figurines are lined up against the wall and off to one corner there is a dart board set up, a small group of older men gathered around and throwing darts. As they make their way towards the bar, Bradley can hear snippets of conversation and some of the voices have the unmistakable lilt of an English accent. Even the menu is familiar and as he looks through it he realises that maybe having such a strong reminder of what he left behind isn't all that bad.

Once they settle into a small booth next to the bar, Katie waves to someone behind Bradley. Before he can turn around a young woman comes up, bright smile in place. Bradley watches Katie talk to her, trying to be subtle as he takes in every detail he can.

She's beautiful in an understated way. Her skin is dark and reminds him of soft caramel, wayward curls of hair frame her face where they fell out of the loose bun she wears. What draws Bradley's attention the most, though, are her eyes. They're bright, chocolate coloured, and seem to take everything around her in at once.

As he watches, Katie seems to light up, her already beautiful face glowing as she talks to her friend. Bradley can feel his hackles rising, noticing the way the other woman pulls slightly away from Katie, angling her body more towards the pub than their table. Something in him tells him that there could trouble coming from her in the future, if there hasn't been any already.

Katie turns to him, the glint in her eyes bright and happy. "Bradley, I want you to meet Angel. She's the one that helped me out when I first got here a few years ago."

Bradley holds his hand out and is somewhat pleased by the gentle, yet strong, grip that meets his. "Nice, to meet you Angel."

"It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Bradley. We've heard so much about you and about how great a guy you are. So much, in fact, that we were starting to doubt that you actually existed!" Her voice is light, her accent just barely noticeable under the soft twang of the South.

Bradley smiles and shakes his head. "Not all that great, I assure you. But for Katie's sake, I try. And until now I never had the opportunity to come visit. The right door opened and," he gestures wide, "here I am."

"Great! Now, let me get Tony and see if we can't get you some beer." With that Angel swept away, leaving behind a faint hint of flowers.

When Bradley turns back to Katie she's staring at the empty space before her with a clearly besotted look. He clears his throat several times to no avail and finally has to snap his fingers in front of her face to get her attention.

Katie flushes as she focuses back on him. "What?"

"You," he twirls his hand in the air to indicate what he had just seen, "and her. What's going on?"

"Nothing," her eyes turn to look out into the pub, her gaze sightless. "It's nothing and it will never be anything."

"Is that so?"

Katie's smile is sad, wistful. "She's married Bradley. Two kids, dog, perfect house with a literal white picket fence. So yeah, not ever."

"I see."

"Bradley -"

"I'm just saying, Katie. I mean, it's not like that's stopped you before."

Something dark flashes across her face, marring her features for the few seconds it's there. "I know that, but that doesn't mean I'll do it again. Just - It's nothing, please? I don't - I don't want to talk about it."

Bradley reaches out and gently takes one of Katie's hands in his. "Look, I don't mean anything by it. I'm not judging you, at all. I'm certainly the last person that should do that," she gives him a wry smile and squeezes his hand, "I just want you to be careful. Okay? I remember how you were the last time and I'd hate to see you like that again."

She doesn't reply, just squeezes his hand one more time and pulls away. They fell into an easy silence, watching as the pub slowly fills with the early evening crowd. Bradley didn't notice it, but at some point two pints were set down in front of him and when he takes in the Black and Tan, he gets hit with another wave of nostalgia.
Before he can dwell on anything two older men come up to their booth, both smiling free and happy. One of them is well beyond his prime, face lined with all the experiences of life. The other man is younger, but the lines at the corners of his eyes and mouth give away his age. They ask Katie a quiet question and gesture to something or someone behind them.

"That shouldn't be a problem, actually." Katie's voice is slightly hesitant, "I take it Santiago's not available?"

"No, he had to go home to his wife. Her pregnancy is being rather hard on her and he wants to make sure she's comfortable."

Katie glances at Bradley for a moment and then turns back to the two men. Her smile is tight when she speaks, "Send him over when he gets in then. It's been a while since I last spoke to him anyways."

The men nod and turn away, pausing here and there to greet people. Bradley raises his eyebrow at Katie and grins when she sighs in response to his unasked question.

"Tony and Richard, they own the pub, bought it out a couple of years ago. I think they're cousins or brothers or something. They live in a pair of houses somewhere behind the pub in the woods with their wives." She leans back against the booth and takes a sip of her Black and Tan. "They're nice, easygoing, if not a bit odd. But," she shrugs, "not bad people."

"Alright," he can live with that condensed story, even if he has a feeling there's more to it.

They once again fall into an easy, comfortable, silence. Bradley has a feeling that whatever's going to happen, for once, won't be anything bad. At least he hopes it won't be; it'd be a nice reprieve from everything he's had to put up with the last few years.

He finds himself thinking about earlier, when Richard and Tony had been talking to Katie. Bradley realises that they hadn't acknowledged him at all. Considering that it's obvious someone is sitting with Katie, he thinks it odd.

"Hey, Katie?" She gives him a distracted hum, her eyes watching the other patrons. "Why didn't you introduce me to Richard and Tony?"

Katie turns to him and shrugs. "They wouldn't have talked to you, it's just something they do. And they won't talk to you until they've," she swallows loudly and blinks, Bradley can immediately tell she's hiding something, "um, gotten to know you."

"Really?"

"Yeah. You know, it took Richard six months before he warmed up to me to at least say hello every time I came in. I don't know why, but, like I said," she shrugs again, "It's just something they do."

Bradley grunts in reply and leans back, resting his head against the bench he's sitting in. Katie's friends seem, well, weird, and he isn't quite sure what to think about that. Yeah, they seem to care about her, and he couldn't ask for anything more, they're just...weird.

Just as he's debating whether or not he wants to try the Pub's famous Shepherd's Pie, a small commotion at the door grabs his attention. Two men are at the front door, one yelling and the other looking taken aback. As the yeller is really getting into it, leaning in towards the other man, Angel and Tony come rushing out from behind the bar. They reach the two men and pull them apart. Tony takes the yeller outside and through one of the windows, Bradley can see him talking to the other man. At one point the man blanches before nodding and turning away and Tony comes in and heads back towards the bar.

As he turns back to Katie, Angel is heading towards them with the other man.

He's young - probably around Bradley's age - tall, with dark hair and bright blue eyes. He's grinning at Angel and moving his hands in an odd way, gesturing like crazy. Angel smiles at him and gestures to where Bradley and Katie are seated. As soon as the young man's eyes find Katie his entire face lights up. He immediately picks up his pace and practically runs to her, stopping just short of crashing into the booth table. His hands take on a frantic quality and his gestures become wild as Katie starts laughing at him. She grins at him and responds in kind, her smile easy and her delicate hand flowing easily in the odd movements.

It hits Bradley, suddenly, that they're using sign language.

Angel comes up beside Bradley and smiles down at him. "It's beautiful watching them isn't it? Colin and Katie both have such a grace when it comes to sign language, especially considering that Katie learnt it only about four of five years ago."

"Yeah." Bradley can't say anything else as he stares at his friend and Colin. They really are graceful, hands flying and forming words, arms stretching and bending. It's fascinating and he finds his own hands itching to move along and join them.

"Katie, I have to head back, just keep Colin company until I can give him a ride home. Is that okay?" Katie nods and smiles at her friend, the besotted look sliding back into place. "Colin, I'll be ready to go in about two hours. Just hang out, I'll bring you dinner."

Bradley's surprised to see Colin nod in response to Angel, even though he hadn't been looking at her. He's sitting there staring at him, most likely closely resembling a gaping fish, when Colin turns just slightly and sees him. He frowns, eyes raking over Bradley in an assessing manner before he turns back to Katie, left hand gesturing at Bradley harshly.

If Bradley didn't know any better, he'd say that Colin was jealous.

With a shake of her head, Katie gestures for Colin to sit next her. She points at Bradley and says, "That's Bradley, my best friend. Remember, I told you about him?"

Colin, who has been staring at Bradley the whole time, narrows his eyes and taps a long finger against his chin. Then he grins and makes a new gesture - both hands slightly fisted in front of his chest and palm facing in, index finger crooked to resemble a hook, his right hand above the other and moving in towards his body - a little slower than his others and jabs his elbow at Katie, a soft laugh escaping.

Katie laughs as well, nudging Colin lightly with her own elbow. "Yes, Colin, that is Bradley. I told you he was coming, didn't I?"

Colin makes a few more gestures, fast and sharp, his movement from earlier somewhere in there.

"Hm, I suppose so. But, why would I be kidding you?" Katie watches Colin as he says something else, his eyes still on Bradley. "Ah, I see. No, everything I said is true."

As Colin settles further into his seat, it suddenly hits Bradley what was so strange about their exchange. The entire time Colin has been looking at Bradley while Katie's been talking. He blinks a few times and quickly glances at Colin's ears and seeing no hearing aid he frowns.

"Isn't he deaf?" He waved towards Colin and is surprised to have his hand slapped down on to the table with a harsh thump. Tearing his eyes away from Katie he finds Colin glaring at him, eyebrows furrowed.

After a few moments of staring Colin brings his right hand up. His index finger is straight, pointed up, and his others fingers are fisted together. Colin lightly taps his chin with the side of his finger and then taps a spot just in front of his ear. He then points at himself and brings his index and middle fingers together, tapping them with his thumb twice. Then he brings his index finger up to the front of his chin and makes a rolling gesture away from his mouth and towards Bradley, nodding as he does so. With a wry smile he slaps at Bradley's hand again and sits still, staring at Bradley with an intensity that makes him want to squirm.

Bradley blinks a few times before turning to Katie. At seeing the confusion on his face she laughs loudly and shakes her head. "Oh you two," she taps Colin on the hand and gestures at Bradley. "Colin, he doesn't know, no need to be so harsh. And Bradley, Colin just told you that he isn't deaf, and that he can hear."

Colin shrugs as Bradley blushes and a delighted grin comes to his mouth. He taps Bradley's hand again and brings his finger up in the universal 'shush' gesture before spreading his hands out flat in front of his chest, right above the left, and makes a short, sweeping gesture down and separating his hands only a little bit more. His grin widens by the end and he's staring at Bradley, challenging him.

Katie's short bark of laughter catches Bradley's attention. She waves a hand at him and in between gasps for hair manages to struggle out a translation.

Cat got your tongue?

With a roll of his eyes Bradley shakes his head and meets Colin's stare head on. "No, I just wasn't sure how to apologise for being rude."

Colin blinks and his grin softens into a smile. He shrugs, gestures and points at Katie for the translation. Sorry - I find it hard to meet new people.

Bradley smiles, "Yeah, well that makes two of us."

A few days later Bradley finds himself driving up to the pub. There's no real reason for it, other than he can't sit still at the house and the beach has lost some of its appeal at the moment. Because, in all honesty, there are some places that sand just isn't supposed to end up in.

When he pulls up the lot is mostly empty, two other cars out front and another three off to the side in the employee parking lot. He finds himself holding his breath as he makes his way towards the pub; the humidity still gets to him, the thick air making it uncomfortable for him to breath. Once inside he takes a big gulp of the cool, stale air of the pub.

He stands at the entrance for a few moments before he makes his way to a back corner where a small table with two chairs is set against the wall. Bradley sits down and slumps a little in the sit, crossing his arms and watching the pub from the corner of his eye.

A few minutes later Angel comes up to him. "Hello again Bradley."

"Angel."

She laughs and sits down across from him. "Any particular reason you've joined us on this fine summer day?"

His lips twitch a little and he shakes his head. "Needed to get away from all the," he shrugs, "Florida-ness that I'm currently surrounded by."

Angel laughs and waggles a finger at him. "You, mister, are going to find that all that Florida-ness is actually pretty great."

"If you say so, Angel."

"I do say so, Bradley."

"We'll see."

"That we will." They stare at each other for barely a few seconds before Angel dissolves into helpless giggles. "You want anything to drink, Bradley?"

"Anything that tastes of home, please."

"That we have plenty of. I'll have it back to you in a bit." With that Angel stands up and makes her way to the bar, stopping along the way to take a few other orders.

Bradley slides a little in his chair, leaning against the wall and letting his temple rest against the cool bit of exposed plaster. He can feel his body temperature dropping a few degrees immediately and it settles him a bit.

He's no stranger to heat, especially with the hot summers that occasionally hit England, but the constant heaviness that weighs down every day and the hours and hours of daylight are getting to him. He had stayed up the night before to watch the sunset and had been surprised when the sun didn't actually start setting until almost nine o'clock at night. Hopefully Angel's right and he'll get used to it.

His eyes slip close and he starts listing the schools he'd looked up earlier in the week. There are a few that caught his attention and he makes a mental note to ask Katie if he can borrow her computer to work on his CV.

A soft thump pulls him out of his thoughts and when he opens his eyes he sees that his beer has indeed been placed in front of him. And also, that the seat in front of him is now occupied by Colin. Bradley immediately straightens up, wrapping his fingers around the sweating glass and taking a long, grateful sip.

"Hello, Colin."

Colin nods at him, drinking from his own glass. They stare at each other and then Bradley has to look away.

Well, then. Awkward doesn't even begin to cover it. How the bloody hell is he supposed to talk to a man that doesn't speak?

"So, Colin. All good?"

Colin smirks at him and raises his right hand, palm flat and fingers spread out, hand wiggling from side to side. Bradley immediately recognises it as the universal gesture for so-so.

Bradley leans back into his chair, one arm crossed against his chest. Great. Just bloody great.

Why had he come here again?

When Katie drags him to the pub for the fifth time in two weeks, Bradley is finally able to admit to himself that there's no avoiding going there when he doesn't want to. Since his first awkward evening spent making stilted small talk with Colin, Bradley's only been back once on his own. Every other time Katie has dragged him along, determined that he make friends with hers.

Once inside they head to the booth Katie always sits at and Bradley finds himself missing the quiet corner table he's claimed as his own. They're not there long before Colin joins them, sitting across from Bradley and gesturing wildly. From the little translating Katie remembers to do Bradley learns that Colin's telling them about his day and how his summer school students have decided to quit early and don't want to do any more homework.

Bradley himself doesn't speak much, mostly just watches Colin and tries to connect his gestures to the words Katie's telling him. After only a few days he's already learned the signs for student, school, teach, art, home and beach. He hasn't told anyone but he's been practising at home, clumsily making his way through what he remembers and adjusting his own gestures after seeing Colin do them again.

He's not really thinking about why he's doing it, though.

Katie makes a slightly surprised noise and pushes Colin out of the booth. "I'm going to see if they need any help. It's pretty busy in here." Once she's out she pushes Colin right back down into the booth and walks off.

It's only then that Bradley registers the noise level in the pub and realises that the crowd has more than tripled since they came in. Before he has a chance to think on it he stands up and gestures to the small table in the back, thankfully still empty.

"Hey Cols," the nickname slips easily from his mouth and he doesn’t really register what he’s said, "you want to join me? I think it'd be best if we gave our spot up for a group that actually needed it."

Colin narrows his eyes a little before nodding, getting back up and following Bradley to the table. They settle down and Bradley fidgets as the awkwardness he feels whenever he's alone with Colin spreads across their corner. He's about to suggest heading to the bar instead when Colin taps the table with two fingers and points at Bradley's hand.

"What?"

Colin points again and then points to his own hand, which he's raised to be just at eye level. His fingers move, folding over as if to make a fist; except his fingertips are flat against the palm of his hand and his thumb is raised straight up at the side.

"Um, okay. Again, what?"

Colin huffs out an annoyed breath and crosses his arms, a slight pout on his lips.

"Colin, no offense, but I have no idea what you want."

A small smile takes over the pout and Colin reaches over, taking Bradley's right hand in both of his. Quickly his fingers are manipulated into the same shape Colin had made. Okay, so Colin wants him to sign. The problem is he has no idea what he's signing.

"Okay, I get it. But...what am I saying?"

Colin's laugh puffs out of him softly and he shakes his head at Bradley. Once again Bradley's fingers are manipulated and he forms another sign, this time all his fingers are straight up and his thumb is crossed over his palm. Before he has time to really register it, Colin's moving his fingers again, and then his fingers are curled over his thumb. They don't exactly meet and, well, Bradley still has no idea what he's signing.

At his raised eyebrow Colin rolls his eyes and pulls his right hand away, making the same sign. He then points to himself, points to Bradley's hand and makes the sign again. Suddenly it makes sense.

"C!" Bradley laughs and can't help but grin. "You're teaching me the alphabet!"

Colin nods, his own smile spreading out into a grin. Again Colin moves his fingers until Bradley's making the first sign. Colin then signs 'C' at him and holds up three fingers. Then he points at Bradley's hand and holds up one finger.

"A, the first letter of the alphabet. C is the third. Got it. So then that means that," Bradley pulls his hand away and signs the second letter Colin showed him, "this is B. Right?"

Colin's grin is absolutely wide, his eyes sparkling as he nods. He gives Bradley a thumbs up before taking his hand again and moving his fingers to form a new sign.

"D?" Colin nods again and then his fingers are being moved again. "E."

They're both grinning by now and Bradley can't help scooting forward in his chair so that he's leaning over the table more, closer to Colin. This he can definitely get used to.

"Hey, Bradley. Bradley. Bradley." Fingers snap in front of his face and the sound manages to pull him out of his thoughts. He turns his head and sees Katie, her green eyes dark in the low light of the pub. "I have been trying to get your attention for the past ten minutes. What's going on?"

Bradley shrugs, not really paying attention to her. His eyes drift back to where he's been staring for the past half hour. There's something strange about the way that Colin and Richard are interacting and he can't quite...

"Bradley, I swear to God. Bradley!" A loud smack makes him jump and he turns back to Katie and meets her eyes. They're darker now and she looks angry. "What is so important that you aren't paying any attention to me." When he opens his mouth she jabs a finger in the air, right in front of his face and all but hisses at him, "And you better tell me the truth and none of this shrugging crap."

With a frown he flicks his eyes back towards Colin and Richard, still trying to pinpoint what it is that's bothering him. "I'm not sure, it's just..." He darts a glance at Katie and juts his chin out towards the two men. "Something's off about the way they're talking."

Katie frowns and turns in her seat. "Oh, you mean Colin and Richard?"

"Yeah."

"Nothing's wrong, they're just talking." She turns back around and shrugs.

"No, it's just -" He stops talking as he finally realises what's off. At that moment Colin leans forward towards Richard and Richard tilts his head to the side, offering Colin his ear. After a moment Richard nods and replies, half speaking and half signing. "Is - Is Colin talking to him?"

Katie rolls her eyes and turns around again, watching for a bit longer than she had before. Colin does it again and Richard pats him on the arm before speaking to him. "Ah, I see."

"What do you mean?"

"Bradley," Katie turns back around and instead of the expected irritation, she just looks weary and kind of sad, "I just...I don't think I should be the one to tell you this."

He straightens up in his seat and glowers at her. "Oh, is that so? Well then who's going to tell me. Colin? Oh wait," he snaps his fingers and points at her, "you'd have to be there to interpret. Richard? Maybe, but then the man barely even acknowledges that I exist. And let's not forget about Angel, who shuts up tighter than a clam when I ask her anything about Colin."

"Bradley..."

"Don't you dare 'Bradley' me Katie. I have known you you're entire life, and you mine. You can't just mention it and not say anything."

"I know, but it's not really my place to tell!"

"Well just great, who else is going to? You're the only friend I have here! And I'm hoping Colin's becoming my friend, but things are a bit hard when I can hardly even communicate with him."

"That still doesn't mean I should be the one to tell you."

"Fine, whatever Katie. Just, forget it." Bradley stands up, his chair scraping harshly against the floor. He pulls out his wallet and throws a few bills down to cover half their tab. "I'll see you back at the house."

He turns away, ignores Katie's calls and makes his way to the front of the pub, intent on leaving. His plans are thwarted however when a now familiar hand lands on his shoulder, gently pulling him to a stop right in front of the door. Bradley closes his eyes tightly before opening them again and turning around.

Colin is frowning, a soft flush on his cheeks and his lips are pulled into a thin line. Bradley's learned enough by now to know that he's upset. Colin points at him and then signs 'OK' before looking at him expectantly.

"I - Yes. No. No, I'm not." He feels his shoulders slump and he glances away, not sure what to say or even how he would say it if he did. "Just, don't worry Colin."

A tap on his shoulder has him looking up again and Colin's holding up a pad of paper, unfamiliar handwriting scrawled across on the sheet.

Do you want to talk?
Bradley's surprised, to say the least, and he just stares at Colin dumbfounded for a few seconds before he's able to find his voice. "Colin?"

Colin gives him a small smile before pulling the pad back to himself and writing on it, his pen scratching across the surface quickly. A moment later he holds it back up for Bradley to read.

Thought this might be easier until you understand when I sign.

Oh. For some reason this makes Bradley blush. "Yeah, yeah. That - That could work."

Colin's answering grin is blinding and makes Bradley's heart skip a beat or so.

Huh. Interesting.

"Hey, Cols? What do you say we get out of here, yeah?"

Colin nods, his grin slipping into a sly smirk before he quickly jots down something on the pad and then holds it out to Bradley.

Yes.

"Cheeky."

I try.

Bradley's laugh echoes through the trees as they head out towards the rental Jeep, Colin scribbling lewd drawings and jokes full of dark humour on his pad.

They're seated on an old picnic table in a small park by the library, the carousal glittering in front of them as it turns. There's just enough light for Bradley to make out what Colin's writing to him on the pad. Without a watch, Bradley estimates that they've been there about an hour or so. Not that he minds. The more time he spends with Colin the less awkward and wary he feels.

Not to mention the way his heart seems to skip a few beats here and there.

Since the pad of paper came into play a few nights ago, communicating with Colin has got easier. An added bonus is that Colin's now using it to teach him new signs, first writing the word or phrase down and manipulating Bradley's fingers, hands and arms into the proper positions.

For the benefit and safety of those around him, Bradley's mostly sticking to finger spelling everything. For now.

But mostly, he just talks to Colin and lets Colin sign at him and write to him. It works for them and they don't have to worry about Bradley most likely not understanding something.

A nudge at his elbow has him looking down, Colin's new message scrawled across the paper.

Are you ever going to ask me?

Bradley looks up at him, "Ask you what?"

Colin rolls his eyes and takes back the pad, scribbling a new message on it.

Your argument with Katie. Tell me about and ask me.

That's another thing Bradley's had to get used to. Colin's written sentences are usually short and truncated, structured similarly to how he would say something in sign language. "Forget it, it's nothing Colin."

This time Colin doesn't write back, he slams the pen he's using down and stabs a finger in Bradley's direction. When he signs his movements are short and jerky. Liar. Tell me.

Bradley breathes in and closes his eyes, letting his head drop down to the table. "I just - I don't know Colin. I don't know what I'm doing and I really don't know what this is."

A touch on his shoulder his him glancing up at Colin. His face is soft with understanding and his eyes have a light that Bradley's afraid to acknowledge. He urges Bradley to straighten up and takes the pen back up. He scribbles out a message, taking longer than usual.

I don't know either, to both. Now tell me and ask. Please. I won't be mad. Promise. We're friends, friends share.

Bradley smiles when he reads the note and nods. "Yeah, we are."

Colin raises an eyebrow, gesturing for Bradley to go on.

"The argument was nothing and we already made up. Basically I wanted to know something about you and Katie wouldn't tell me, saying it wasn't her place." He holds up a hand to forestall any arguments Colin may have and pulls the pen away from him. "No, Colin, let me finish." He waits for Colin to nod before continuing. "I realised later that she was right and I had no right to demand things from her that I could instead just ask you. And I apologised to her for it."

With a sharp nod Colin takes the pen back and writes another note.

Good. Don't fight with her. No need. Now ask me.

As he meets Colin's eyes, Bradley finds it unusually hard to come up with the right words. "Um - The thing is. You see - I don't - Do you?"

Colin snorts at him and makes a familiar gesture, one he's learned to understand perfectly after Colin used it during their first meeting. Cat got your tongue?

"Shut up." Bradley gives Colin a small smile. "I just. I saw you talking to Richard at the pub that night. When Katie and I argued. And, well. I noticed there was something off and that's when I realised that you were actually talking to him."

It's barely noticeable, but Colin's face shifts a bit and closes off, his earlier eagerness no longer there. And that right there was what Bradley had wanted to avoid when he'd asked Katie.

"You know what, Colin? Never mind. Obviously it's some deep dark secret I'm not meant to know. Whatever. Guess we're not -"

He's cut off when Colin slaps his hand down hard on the table, the force of it making the pen jump slightly. Colin motions for Bradley to wait before once again scribbling a note out. Except this time it's much longer and the words jerkier, angrier as the they flow from the pen onto the paper.

Bradley stares at Colin, his heart beating fast and his hands frozen from blood loss. He wanted to know, wants to know, but not at the cost of losing his budding friendship with Colin.

When he's finished Colin practically throws the pad of paper at him and turns away so his back is facing Bradley. He wants to say something, anything, but instead looks down and reads.

He knows my story. He raised me - basically. I don't feel comfortable talking to anyone but him and Santiago, my therapist. I will not tell you why. And I only speak to him when I can't figure out what to say in sign language. Sorry if you were feeling left out, Bradley, but I am NOT going to 'talk' to you. I don't need to deal with your fits of whatever on top of everything else. There. HAPPY?

His eyes are blinking down at the paper, blood slowly seeping back into his fingers. In the few minutes it'd taken Colin to write the note Bradley had imagined all sorts of things. And this, this? Well, it's nothing compared to what he had thought up. He smiles and gets up, walking around the table until he's in front of Colin.

Colin turns his head, stubborn and angry. But even then, Bradley can read the hurt and frustration in his body language. "Colin, look at me, please." He crouches down in front of his friend and gently touches him on the knee. "Hey, Cols, come on."

With a deep sigh Colin looks at him, eyes closed off and wary. When Bradley doesn't say anything and only looks at him, Colin flushes and raises an eyebrow.

"Colin, I wasn't feeling left out. I was just curious. What you explained is a good enough reason, you don't have to tell me anything else. Yeah? I'm fine with it. I just," his hand is still on Colin's knee and he gives it a slight squeeze, "I want to get to know you better."

Lips twitching, Colin nods and rests his hand on top of Bradley's. Okay.

It's still grey out when Bradley steps out of the house and heads down to the beach. It's the coolest it's felt since he arrived, the early morning breeze making the temperature drop by quite a few degrees. When he gets to the jetty, Bradley climbs the large boulders, carefully making his way out as far as he can.

He loves coming out here to watch the sun rise over the horizon, painting the ocean water pink and red. The sky is just starting to lighten when Bradley reaches his preferred spot on the jetty and he sits down, leaning against one of the huge rocks. The ocean spray cools his skin, helping to tone down the heat he can already feel seeping in along with the rising sun.

He finds his mind wondering towards Colin and how easily they’re fitting together. It had been a bit rough at first, but now that he’s learning sign language and learning about Colin’s sense of humour, it’s not bad at all.

It takes less than half an hour for the sun to creep up above the horizon, summer yellow spreading across the landscape and warning Bradley about the sweltering heat to come later on. He glances down at his watch and realises that it's not even seven in the morning. To his right, a little further into the inlet he can hear motors starting as early risers take advantage of the gentle morning waters.

When he spots several surfers paddling out Bradley decides to head back to the house. He can already taste the orange juice he's suddenly craving and debates with himself on if he wants toast or biscuits, his favourite food discovery so far. Scrambled eggs are also called for, he thinks, and decides to just settle on making whatever he finds. It's not like the food will go to waste - there is always someone coming in to the house that he knows will be more than happy to eat it.

The sand is warm under his feet when he jumps off the last boulder, still dry as the water is at low tide. He glances back out at the water and squints as the bright morning light digs into his eyes. Just as he's turning around a large, wet thing runs into him and knocks him down, sand quickly finding its way into his clothes and sticking to his skin.
Bradley tries to get up, but can't. There's a tongue and paws and wet fur surrounding him, making it impossible for him to either pull or push away. It isn't until a loud whistle and a man's voice sounds that the dog - it'd taken him a little longer than normal to figure out what it was - stops trying to maul him and sits down. When he sits up he finds himself face to snout with a large, golden head and big, brown eyes.

A moment later the owner of the voice joins them, slowing down from a run, to a jog and eventually to a slow walk as he nears Bradley and the dog. When he gets a good look at the owner, Bradley has to stifle a laugh. In front of him is the typical, stereotypical surfer. Not that he's bad looking though, with dark blue eyes, sun bleached hair and golden brown skin that seems to run for miles. As the man crouches next to his dog Bradley catches the silver glint of a ring on his left hand and he holds back a sigh.

He's not even going to think about doing that again.

"Man, I'm sorry. She's usually much better behaved than this." The man's voice is smooth, vocals soft and drawn out. Definitely from the South.

"That's alright, she just surprised me is all." Bradley stands up and brushes the sand from his hands and arms, he'll deal with the rest once he's in the house.

"Still, she knows better than to run off and attack random people like that." He gives his dog a few rough pats and stands up from his crouch. He's about Bradley's height and his eyes are lighter than Bradley had first thought. "I'm Brian, by the way."

Bradley smiles at him and extends his hand, pleased when Brian takes it in a firm grip. "Bradley, pleasure."

"An English boy, huh? What're you doin' round these here parts?" Brian's accent is exaggerated and it makes Bradley laugh.

"Yeah, English born and bred. I'm looking to move here, staying with my friend Katie for the moment." He points vaguely in the direction of Katie's pink house.

"Awesome," Brian turns his body slightly in the direction he came from and gestures with the hand not holding onto his dog's collar. "Hey, you doing anything today? A bunch of my buddies and our families are having a picnic later on the beach."

Bradley raises an eyebrow. "A picnic on the beach?"

Brian laughs. "Nothing fancy, just some good old fashioned ribs, beer or soda, chips and dip. What do you say, you up to joining us?"

He meets Brian's eyes and then glances up towards the house. "I still have to eat breakfast, but, later?"

"Sure man. We're right over there. Just follow the sounds of kids shrieking and you'll get us."

"Great." They shake hands again and Bradley allows himself a momentary bit of weakness as he watches the muscles play on Brian's back as he walks away.

He takes note of the group that Brian joins and turns to head back to the house. Breakfast, maybe a nap and then he'll go join the picnic.

It's late in the day and the picnic that Brian had invited him out to has turned to a full day spent out on the beach, surrounded by kids who were fascinated with his accent. Bradley's had fun and he likes to think that he's made friends with some of the group, especially Brian and his wife, Melanie.

They have two children, BJ and Karen. They're like any typical 6 and 4 year old, running around with crazy amounts of energy and not at all afraid to get sand all over themselves. The oldest children belong to Bob and Carla, another couple and they've spent the majority of the afternoon talking to Bradley and laughing at how he pronounces things.

Jackie, Rachel, Tommy and Claire are laughing hysterically, literally doubled over as they repeat some of the words Bradley's just said to them. As they laugh, he finds himself marveling at how different perfectly identical quadruplets can be. When he tries to calm them down they laugh even more because apparently the way he says 'down' is too funny for words.

With a laugh of his own he declares them a lost cause and walks away, determined to join the adults in conversation. He finds a spot in the sand next to some of Brian's friends and settles down, gratefully accepting the cold can of beer handed to him.

"So, Bradley, what're ya thinkin' of doin' now that you're here? Anythin’ special?"

Bradley blinks at the man next to him while he deciphers what Ryan's just said. His accent is thick and his words tend to run together more than anything. He smiles when he's able to translate it in his head and answers. "I'm hoping to get back into teaching. My last job took me away from it and I miss it."

"You teach, man? Awesome."

Bradley laughs. "Yeah, I do."

"What do you teach?" Brian settles down next to them, his Golden Retriever Sasha plopping down exhausted in front of him.

"English literature mostly. But I worked some with lower level students early on and so can pretty much teach anything related to English."

"Ever teach teenagers?"

"Yeah, about five years actually. Why?"

"The school I work at is looking for a new English teacher for the Juniors and Seniors. Dr. Reese retired, finally, and we haven't been able to find anyone we think is suitable enough. You okay for work in the US?"

Bradley can only gape. "I - Uh, yeah. I made sure to get all that taken care of before heading over. Have my masters and everything. Thinking of possibly taking up the PhD program they have at UF."

Brian grins at him. "Been looking into it already?"

"Got to keep my options open, so yeah."

"No man, that's great. And UF is a great place. It's my Alma Mater, so I would know."

Next to him Ryan lets out a loud yell and and gets up, running around yelling in a rather insane manner before plopping back down and spraying both Brian and Bradley with sand. "Go Gators! Yeah, man. Totally have to do your doctorate shit there. Best place."

Bradley leans away from Ryan and gives Brian a skeptical look. "Right."

Brian laughs and shakes his head. "Ignore him. His family's full of die hards for the Gators. He gets like this, especially after he's had a few drinks, with any mention of the school."

"Good to know."

"But, seriously, Bradley. I can talk to Father Kelly and see if I can set you up an interview."

"Father Kelly?"

"Oh," Brian's voice and face take on a slightly defensive, apologetic quality. "It's a private school, Catholic. Would that be a problem?"

Bradley shakes his head. "No, not at all. And if don't have a problem, I'd appreciate it. I could give you a copy of my CV?"

"CV?"

"Wait, um, my resume?"

"Sure. Actually, I'll give you my e-mail and you can send me a copy."

"Great. Thanks.”

Bradley heaves out a sigh after shutting off the car, letting the cloistering heat creep in a little before he opens the door and the ocean breeze pushes in, cooling him slightly. He goes into the house and immediately heads to the fridge to get something to drink. As he's chugging down his second glass of cold water he hears the rumbling of Katie's old truck and pours her a glass as well.

She comes in and when she spots the glass groans in delight, drinking it all down in just a few gulps, some of the water escaping the glass and dribbling down her throat. Bradley laughs at her and pours another glass when she holds the glass out, demanding more.

"So," Katie sets her glass down, empty once again, "how did it go?"

"How did what go?"

"Bradley! Your interview. Tell me!"

"Well, I may have myself a job as the new English teacher for the Juniors and Seniors at St. Joseph's Academy. But you know, all in all it was a pretty regular interview."

Katie blinks at him for a moment before her eyes widen and she shrieks. She jumps at him and hugs him tight. "I knew it! Bradley, that's awesome!"

"Thanks."

"We have to celebrate! We'll have to call everyone and get them to the pub! Bradley this is awesome!"

She's chattering away, running to and from her room as she makes calls and texts. Bradley goes up to his room to change into something less stifling and more comfortable. As he's setting his shoes back in the closet Katie knocks on the door frame. She looks great, her light summer dress bringing out the green of her eyes,

"Hey, I haven't been able to get hold of either Colin or Richard, so they won't be there. That okay?"

Bradley shuts the door to the closet and slipps his feet into his flip-flops. "Why wouldn't it be?"

Katie hesitates a moment before sighing and leaning against the frame. "Well, I know that you and Colin are," she waves a hand, "whatever. I'm sure you want to tell him."

"I already did."

"You did?"

He grins and pulls his cell phone out of his pocket. "As soon as I was able to, I texted him."

"Is that so?"

"Yes."

"I see."

"Shut up."

"I didn't say anything."

"You didn't have to."

The front office of the school is small, but comfortable, an obviously relatively new addition. John Hueback, the vice-principle, joins him, shakes his hand, and gestures out. "Why don't I show you which room will be yours? Then you can meet everyone when we head over to the faculty meeting."

"Sure, sounds great."

It's early, so the air isn't quite as thick but the humidity is already weighing down as they make their way past the gymnasium and towards the school proper. Bradley likes it, the little he's seen of it and he can tell he's going to enjoy teaching here.

"Do you think you'll be able to get a completely new syllabus set up for your classes? Or do you think you'll want to continue with Dr. Reese's?"

"I may stick with hers, changing a few things here and there. But I'll try to make it mine as much as possible."

"Sounds good." They reach a beige door and John pulls out a set of keys. "These are your copy, they unlock both this door and that one there," he nods at an identical door a littler further down."

"Two doors?"

"It's the way the school was designed, don't ask me." John's voice is light with humour and Bradley smiles. The door opens and when they step in Bradley's surprised at the rather spacious classroom.

"Wow. I thought - It's big."

"Yeah, the classrooms are actually pretty good. You're lucky that the room Dr. Reese vacated wasn't a portable. Those are a bit more cramped."

"A portable?"

"One of the trailer classroom, you'll see. Well, what do you think?"

Bradley looks around and takes in what will essentially be his office for the next school year. It's obviously seen better days but the layout is simple and there's plenty of room to set things up how he prefers. He can't help it as his smile grows and turns to John, who smiles back at him.

"I love it. Really. I can't wait to get started. I don't think I've ever had a classroom as easy to work as this one."

"Good to hear, now, here are your keys," John drops the key ring with the two keys into his hand. "You can come back later after the meeting and at anytime you want during the following weeks. For now, we have to get going."

"Sure thing."

They walk out and Bradley quickly locks the door before following John over to the library, it's only a few feet away from his room and he's once again thankful for the small school. When they walk in there are already people milling about and he spots Brian right away. John claps him on the back before heading to the computer lab off to the side, where he falls into conversation with Father Kelly.

Brian heads over to him, his hand extended out for a handshake. "Bradley, great to see you man. What do you think?"

"It's great, really."

"Great, great. Oh hey, let me introduce you." Brian turns and points to the lady sitting at the desk behind the library counter. "Nancy," she looks up and smiles at him, "I'd like you to meet Bradley."

"Oh! Bradley, hello," Nancy stands up and takes his hand. "It's wonderful to meet you. I'm Nancy Thomas, media specialist and Drama Teacher. Anything our dear Mr. Tate has told you is a lie."

"Nancy, why would I ever lie about you? Wonderful lady that you are?"

She laughs and makes a shushing gesture at Brian. "Now, James is it? Bradley James?" At his nod she hums and bends down slightly rummage at her desk. "Ah, there we are," she comes up and hands him a small plastic card. "That's your library card. You can check books out, just like the students, except you have no due date. Don't lose that."

"Of course, thank you."

"Wonderful!"

At that moment both Father Kelly and John come back into the library and motion for everyone to take a sit.

Three hours later Bradley finds himself loaded down with papers and books and the additional position as the SJA Boys Soccer Coach.

|Part II|

[Fic] RPF Big Bang: Expressive Silence (Colin/Bradley) - Part 2/3

2009-10-27T05:10:22Z

It's Wednesday and Bradley can feel a slight panic attack coming on because school starts in just under a week. He's worked with teenagers before but it's been years and he's starting to doubt himself. Because of this Bradley feels completely justified in his need to drown in a few pints at the pub. He walks in and automatically heads towards his usual table.

When he's a few feet away, though, he realises it's occupied by Colin and another man. Bradley looks back and forth between them and feels something hard settling low in his stomach. They're leaning close together and the smile on Colin's face is wide, happy and free in a way Bradley's never seen. The man Colin is sitting with is handsome. Handsome from the tall, dark, and really ridiculously good looking variety.

Bradley hears himself make a small noise that catches both their attentions and Colin turns to him, his look of happy surprise quickly sliding into concern.

Without a word Bradley turns around and walks out of the pub, heading straight for his car. As he's fitting the key into the lock, he's turned around and pushed against the door. Colin's right there, frowning and patting Bradley down, as if to check for injuries.

Not that Colin would find any, not physical at least.

"Colin, stop. Just - Stop."

Colin pulls back and makes a questioning gesture.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt your date. Go back. I'll - I'll talk to you later."

The snort from Colin is unexpected as is the wry twist to his lips. He pulls a pen out from his jeans pocket and takes Bradley's hand in his. The tip of the pen tickles and Colin has to trail the pen over again a few times so the ink will actually stay on his hand. When he's done, Colin lets go and gives Bradley a pointed look.

When he glances down and reads what Colin wrote, Bradley feels himself blush.

Not boyfriend. Therapist.

"Um, oh. Okay."

Colin gives him a small smile and pulls him by the hand, the ink melting into their skin from the outside heat and their sweat. When they get back inside he's pulled over to where the other man - Santiago, his memory reminds him - is still sitting. Colin pushes Bradley down into the vacant chair before pulling another one up.

With quick gestures he points to Bradley, he can recognise the letters that make up his name, and then going into a quick flurry of motion that Bradley has no chance of interpreting.

At one point Santiago laughs and Bradley finds himself drawn in to the sound. Santiago looks at him and smiles, extending his hand in greeting. "Bradley, nice to meet you finally. Colin here," he cuts over a quick look at him, "has been talking non-stop about you since you came into town."

When Bradley looks over at him, Colin is blushing, a sheepish smile on his face. "Is that so?"

Colin shrugs and signs. Maybe.

He can't help the grin that takes over his mouth and he takes Santiago's hand in his. "Well it's good to meet you as well. Even if I've only heard mention of you once before."

"That's Colin for you, dark and mysterious."

They both laugh at Colin's look of outrage. I hate you both.

"No you don't, Cols." Bradley pats him on the hand and rolls his eyes at the little huff Colin gives. "So tell me, Santiago. You must know all about Colin's deep dark secrets. I must know," he leans forward and slants a sly look towards Colin, "where the hell did either of you get those cheekbones?"

There's a moment of silence and then Santiago's laughing, his hand slapping down on the table. Colin looks torn between amusement and embarrassment. And just like that they settle in, conversation flowing freely between the three of them.

Bradley drops into the chair at his usual table with a grunt, dropping his bag onto the floor by his feet. He can feel every muscle in his body protesting as he relaxes, stretching is legs out under the table and sliding down until he's just barely seated. Tipping his head back he allows the sounds and smells of the pub to flow over him as he mentally runs over the plays in his head. He's glad that he had been able to convince the school to start football - soccer - training so early. Some of those kids are truly terrible.

A soft thump pulls him out of his thoughts and when he blinks his eyes open he finds Colin smiling down at him, eyes lit up in amusement. Bradley makes an effort to sit up a little straighter, hand automatically reaching for the pint that he knows will be in front of him.

Kids getting better of you?

With a snort Bradley shakes his head. "No, it's not that."

Well then?

"Just a lot of work, is all. But, you should have seen them. Some of them can barely walk in a straight line, let alone run while trying to keep a ball in front of them. It's really sort of pathetic."

Colin laughs softly and shakes his head as he takes a sip of his own pint. His hands fly up again, moving in a way that has become all too familiar with Bradley. There are words he still doesn't understand and most times, Colin signs extra slowly for him. But, overall, he's finding it easier and easier to communicate with his friend.

Good thing you decided to start early.

"Don't I know it. Hopefully, by the time football, soccer, season comes around we'll have a decent enough team. I'm really looking forward to working those kids. And we have these two exchange students, German, and one of them is just bloody amazing out on the field. I'm thinking he's going to be our star player, or at least one of them."

German soccer player? Cliché.

Bradley laughs and points at Colin with only mild reprove. "Shut up. Don't try to cut down my joy at possibly having a good season before it's even here!"

Colin laughs again, loud and bright, one hand smacking against the table lightly. Bradley loves seeing him like this, lit up and open. He still can't believe that he's friends with this man, but he's glad that he is. They fall into an easy silence that is all too common for them. He doesn't mind it one bit though, it's comfortable and more than he could ever expect.

After a while Colin gets up and makes a be right back gesture. Bradley waves him off and slides back down in his chair, letting the somewhat uncomfortable position stretch his back. He turns his head slightly and sees that Colin is at the bar, gesturing at Richard and Angel in an overly enthusiastic fashion. When he gets up and moves over to join them there isn't a second's hesitation and he doesn't feel the need to consult Colin for permission.

The fact alone is almost enough to make him pause. Then he brushes the thought aside and keeps moving, sliding easily onto the bar stool next to Colin and nudging him in the leg with his knee.

Colin may not be deaf, but he appreciates it when he's told someone has moved in close to him. Bradley had found that out that hard way and had ended up with a lap full of lager and chips.

At the movement Colin's left hand briefly touches Bradley's arm in recognition before he resumes talking with Richard. The simple gestures warms Bradley, sending a pleasant shiver through him.

Angel's moved away from them and is heading towards Bradley with a small bowl of raisins and a fresh pint. She sets both in front of him and turns away to tend to a new customer at the other end of the bar. He laughs at the face Colin is making, looking at his bowl of raisins as if it held only God knew what. Bradley shrugs and digs in, popping a couple of raisins between sips of his beer, relishing the sweet bitterness that explodes across his tongue.

He's glad that it's Friday and that it's a three day weekend. Only a month in on the job and he's exhausted beyond all reason. It had been a chore to get up this morning, his body pleading with him to take a break and get some rest. Tonight he doesn't have to worry about getting papers graded or quizzes prepared. Bradley plans on just hanging out for a few hours, relaxing until Katie gets there and then going home to crash.

When he's halfway through his bowl, Colin nudges him and he looks up. Colin's hand are moving in front of him, his long fingers careful and sure as he signs to Bradley. It takes him a moment to understand what he's being asked, the signs Colin used mostly unfamiliar for their lack of use around him.

"You want to go to a movie with me?"

Colin nods, his grin spreading across his face. Up at Jax Beach, Showing of 'Jaws' and I want to go.

Bradley wants to say yes. He does. But something stops him. He watches Colin for a moment, trying to read him carefully and see if what Colin feels in regards to this outing is anything more than just two friends spending time together.

"Um, like a date?"

The blush that spreads across Colin's cheeks is more than answer enough, even if Colin is shaking his head no. No, Bradley, his name finger spelled so quickly, not a date. Two friends, nothing more.

He smiles and is somewhat gratified to see Colin's blush deepening. He opens his mouth to answer and decides against it. Instead he brings his hand up and clumsily finger spells his answer, Yes.

The laugh that startles out of Colin is delighted and warm, making any possible embarrassment worth it. He reaches out to Bradley and takes his still outstretched hand in his, long fingers cool and soft against Bradley's skin. Colin curls his fingers around Bradley's and pushes his hand into a fist shape. Once he's satisfied he gently moves Bradley's hand up and down with one hand. His other hand then spells out 'yes' and points to Bradley's moving hand.

Bradley gets it after a few seconds and gently pulls his hand out of Colin's hold, trying to forget the tingle of Colin's fingers. He moves his hand on his own and grins when Colin actually claps in a delighted fashion.

They leave the pub and get into Bradley's car, an older version of the Jeep he'd first rented a couple months back. He pulls out of the lot and heads North towards Jacksonville. Colin immediately reaches for the radio and fiddles with it a bit before he manages to get the old contraption going and set to his favourite radio station. He settles back with a pleased hum and closes his eyes, his fingers tapping out the rhythm to the jazz coming through the speakers.

Bradley glances at him once and settles in for the drive. The drive to Jax Beach isn't too far, more monotonous than anything else, just as everything else is in Northeast Florida.

They reach Nocatee before long and as soon as he spots the Gate station on the corner he pulls in early. When the Jeep stops and he turns off the engine Colin starts a little and opens his eyes wide. Recognising where they are he glances at Bradley with a questioning look.

"Need to fill up," he opens the door and pulls himself out of the car, he pauses before turning and sticking his head back in, "I'm also going in to grab some water, you want anything?"

Colin nods, his right hand forming a 'W' and tapping lightly against his mouth and then dropping, palm flat, to rub a circle over his heart. Water, please.

Bradley, nods, leans back out and shuts the door behind him. He glances at his watch and calculates that although they'll be just on time for the start of the movie, they won't have such a great spot to watch it from.

Bradley's earlier assumption is proven right after they finally find a space to park the Jeep a few blocks down from the amphitheatre. Once they've got out of the car and paid the attendant, a spotty fifteen-year old boy, they head down towards the large crowd of people gathering next to the Holiday Inn.

"We're not going to get a good spot, you know. It's late."

Colin laughs and takes hold of his arm, pulling him in a slightly different direction. They make their way towards the small park where the theatre is and head to the back, behind the crowd of blankets and lawn chairs. There is a low wall right next to the Holiday Inn and once they reach it Colin hops up and settles in. When Bradley joins him he can see why Colin chose to sit there.

They're a bit further back than everyone else, but the shadow from the building blocks out the warm evening sun. The wall also places them above the crowd, giving them an unobstructed view of the large screen hanging down from the amphitheatre ceiling.

Bradley leans back against the wall behind them, the concrete still warm from the day's heat. Colin settles in next to him, his shoulder gently pressing against Bradley's, and it suddenly feels like a date.

When Colin laughs at the gigantic shark on the screen and at the crowd's reactions, Bradley finds that he doesn't mind it at all.

It's late in the afternoon, the ocean breeze gentle and warm, blowing sand across their feet and carrying the smell of the sea over them. Bradley is struggling to stay awake as he waits for Colin to reply to his latest question. They've spent the entire day swimming and generally being lazy, only going up to the house once around lunch time to stay out of the prickly noon sun and take naps on Katie's hammocks.

They're trying to take advantage of all the heat that's left of the late summer weather. The nights have begun to cool slightly and fall is making its presence known by bringing in more clouds and making the days grey and gloomy. Despite the cooler weather, Bradley gets a great delight in being able to go for a swim in the middle of September.

A nudge on his arms forces him awake and he looks down at Colin. The pad of paper is thrust into his hand and he reads it, eyes widening at the long response from Colin.

"You're Irish?"

Colin flips over onto his back so he's looking up at Bradley, eyes squinting against the sun. He nods and gestures at the paper.

"Yeah, I know, just. Irish? Really? Huh, that explains a lot then."

Colin's lips twist and he pushes at Bradley's knee ineffectually, huffing out a soft laugh. He takes the pad and scribbles a quick note before handing it back.

I like your eyes. They're pretty. Remind me of water.

Bradley doesn't even know what to say to that. Instead he leans down over Colin, his right leg dropping so he can get closer. Their eyes lock and Bradley can't look away, staring into Colin's blue eyes. A poke in the ribs pulls him away from, his thoughts and he grins at Colin.

"You're eyes remind me of the sky."

Something flashes across Colin's face too quickly for Bradley to catch and he takes the pad again, scribbling another note.

Katie's eyes are like the sea. Light when calm and dark when angry/hurt. Beautiful.

"They are, I'll give you that. Sometimes it's the only way I know to read how she's feeling, her eyes."

Very effective.

Bradley hums in agreement and drops his hand onto Colin's chest, fingers tapping gently against the sun warmed skin. Colin's skin is light, only slightly coloured from exposure to the sun. Soft freckles line his shoulders and Bradley moves his hand, tracing invisible patterns through the light spots.

Colin doesn't say anything. He just closes his eyes and settles further into the sand. One of his hands reaches up and closes around Bradley's wrist, not stopping his movement, long fingers cool despite the heat of the day.

They stay like that, the rest of the afternoon, only pulling away from each other at the first fat drop of rain. By the time the make it to the house, they're dripping wet with sand clumped on their feet and legs.

When they walk into the kitchen Katie is seated at the small bar, eating Ben & Jerry's ice cream straight from the container. She looks tired and small, her shoulders slumped down in a defeated fashion. Colin and Bradley look at each other and without Bradley having to say anything Colin nods and heads upstairs, giving Bradley and Katie space.

"Hey, you." He sits down next to her and wraps an arm around her, mindless of the fact that he's dripping wet and covered in muddy sand. Katie doesn't seem to notice either. "Want to tell me what's wrong?"

Katie leans into his touch and shakes her head. "No, it's just. Had another wakeup call today and realised I need to get over it."

"I'm sorry?" She looks up at him and that's when he sees her eyes are red and puffy from crying. "Oh, hey. Hey. What is it?"

She swallows hard and shakes her head, looking off to the side. "Just. Ran into Angel when I was at Target earlier. She was with her husband and kids. I - It hurt, you know. Especially when she made it a point to mention the fact of who they are over and over again. It sucks." She drops her head, pressing her forehead against his shoulder.

"Katie, I'm not sure I understand, but - Well, you knew she was married. Right?"

"Yeah, just. Not the first two times."

"What?" There's a feeling of unease growing and although he needs to know what's going on with his best friend, he almost doesn't want to hear it. "Katie," he takes her face in his hands and tilts her face up, "tell me."

Katie's face scrunches up and she starts crying again, tear tracking silently down her face. "We've been friends for years. She's the closest thing to a best friend I've had since, well, since then. You know?"

He ignores the knot of guilt that settles in his stomach and nods for her to continue, pushing her hair away from her face.

"And I fell for her. Stupid, really. I should have known it was too good to be true. And, she never told me. She - She's supposed to be my friend and she never told me that she was married!" Her hands grab at Bradley's biceps, short nails digging into his skin. "And then. Then, I told her. How I felt. And she still didn't tell me. And I kissed her. And she kissed back."

"Oh, Katie."

She pulls away and stands up, running an agitated hand through her hair, mussing it up even more. "We fooled around a couple times. God, I could spend hours just snogging her and I would be so happy. And just. Then I wanted to really - Well, you know. And she. That's when she told me she was married. But, that she was willing to do," her hand waved aimlessly in the air, as if trying to encompass all that Angel had meant, "and I told her no. I couldn't. And she stopped. She's still my friend, but. Not. Not, like before."

Bradley stands up and pulls her to him, hugging her tight. "I know, I know. It'll be okay. It will."

"God, I hope so. I just. I couldn't do that again. I couldn't be that woman, the one that broke up a happy family. Not again. Not again."

"Shh, you're not. Okay? That's not you? Not anymore. That's not us."

Katie sags against him and clings tighter. "I just. I never see them and it was so easy to pretend. And today it just, it really hit close to home. And I realised that I'm being pathetic, pining for something I'll never have."

"You'll have something even better one day. You will."

Another tight squeeze and she pulls backs, patting him softly on the chest. "Thanks, Bradley. I guess I needed that."

He leans down and gives her a kiss on the cheek. "I did too, I suppose. I'm your best friend and you need to come to me with this stuff, okay?"

She looks away and steps back further. "I know, it's just. Five years, Bradley. I - I kind of forgot what it's like coming to you for stuff."

"I'm sorry," he steps forward and pulls her close in another tight hug, "I am so sorry. I should never. I'm so sorry." He has to swallow down the lump in his throat and blink back the sudden tears prickling his eyes. "Never again, I swear."

She must pick up on the rough tone of his voice because she hugs him back just as fiercely. "I forgive you. I forgave you the moment you walked out the door of my old flat."

"God, Katie..."

They cling to each other for long moments and it isn't until he hears the front door close softly that he remembers Colin had been in the house. A piece of paper sitting next to Katie's abandoned ice cream catches his attention.

Going home. You need to spend time with Katie. Meet me at the pub tomorrow, after 4. - Colin

"Everything okay?"

"Yes, surprisingly enough." He looks back at Katie and can't help but smile back at her wobbly grin and her scrunched up nose. "What do you say we stay in and watch some old movies. What's that one you like? The dancing one? With that one old guy?"

Her laugh is bright and soft, even if the playful punch she lands on his arm isn't. "As if you could ever hide the fact that you think Patrick Swayze is hot in that movie. Please."

"Oh, well, not my fault it's true."

It's a long way up. A long, long way and half way through he has to stop and lean his shoulder against the wall. He lets the heat from the stone soak into his skin and warm him, chasing away the early fall chill. Ahead, Colin stops and turns around, easy smile on his face. He laughs softly, barely any sound coming from him and gestures at Bradley.

He knows Colin well enough by now to understand what he's saying. Come on, hurry up.

"Hold on, it's just..." A few deep breaths later he's walking up the few steps to Colin and smiles. "Alright then Irish, lead the way."

Colin grins at him and his hands quickly speak before he turns around. Lazy.

With an eye roll he follows. It seems to take longer to make it the rest of the way up and by the time they reach the small door that leads to the outer landing his legs feel more like jelly than muscle. When he steps outside and moves out from behind Colin's tall frame his breath is taken away.

Laid out in front of them are miles and miles of green and dark blue that slowly blend into the ocean. Every once in a while there's an interruption of a road, a house, a tall building. But mostly it's just green. And not the kind of green that he sees back home either. This green is dry and strong and seems to reflect the bright sunlight almost in defiance. The most amazing thing about it though is how flat it all is. The flat land seems to stretch forever, not a bump or distortion in sight. Water from the inlet sparkles in the afternoon sun, marking the difference between land and ocean.

He turns to see Colin smiling softly, his eyes bright and happy. Bradley smiles back and lets his clumsy hands speak for him, lets his fingers tell Colin what he thinks of all this. When he finishes stumbling through the little bit of signing that he's learned Colin laughs, a deep throaty, loud laugh that Bradley's never heard from him before. It seeps into him and makes him vibrate in its intensity, makes his heart jump a little.

Finally Colin calms down and wipes at a tear leaking from the corner of his eye. He leans forward in a way that has Bradley's lungs expanding and contracting a little too quickly to properly draw in air. The soft fringe of Colin's hair tickles his temple and then soft lips brush just barely against his ear.

"Beautiful."

His voice is soft and low, thick Irish accent curling around that one word alone. Bradley repeats it in his mind, memorising the sound of it, feeling it out on his tongue.

When Colin pulls back he stays close. His cheeks are slightly flushed and he looks at Bradley from the corner of his eye. It's a slanting look that has heat dripping down low in Bradley's belly and he can do nothing more than laugh. He nudges Colin's shoulder with his and they both stay there, pressed up against each other. Bradley can't think of a better place to be then right here, right now with Colin.

He blinks and turns back out to look at the small town sprawled out beyond wilderness. "Beautiful."

It's the middle of October and he's in Brian's classroom, one of the portables, having lunch. Brian's in the middle of telling Bradley a story about how a group of his students had basically stalked him when he first started a few years back, even going so far as to spend a couple hours in his classroom flirting with him and writing not so cryptic messages on his white board. Bradley's laughing and trying not to inhale his food through his nose. It's the funniest thing he's heard in a while and he can't blame the girls for trying.

His cell phone vibrates in his pocket and he holds up a finger as he flips it open. He has a new text message and seeing Colin's name on the small screen makes him grin.

Dinner at my place. 7pm. Send directions later.

"Something good?"

Startled Bradley looks up and meets Brian's amused eyes. "Um, yeah. I have a date tonight."

Brian arches an eyebrow and smiles, his features softening and making him look younger. "Is that so? Tell me," he leans forward in his chair, "is the lucky guy Colin?"

"What?" And his voice definitely does not squeak. Not at all. Maybe it will come true if Bradley keeps repeating the fact in his head. He coughs and tries to will down the blush that's pushing its way up his neck. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"Bradley, please." Brian rolls his eyes and settles his forearms across his desk. "I've known you for a few months now and there are only two people you ever talk about. Katie and Colin. I know for a fact that Katie is like a sister to you, so that leaves one other person. Unless you've met someone else?"

He's aware that he's gaping like a fish, his jaw working and his voice lost somewhere in his throat. When Brian just arches an eyebrow at him he slumps down in his chair. "You don't mind that I'm, you know?"

"Well maybe if I knew what 'you know' was, then I could tell you."

Bradley forces himself to meet his friend's eyes. "Gay. You don't care that I'm gay?"

Brian gives him a soft smile. "Why would I?"

"Well. I mean. The school? And, Catholic?"

"Oh man, are you the most inarticulate English teacher ever. No, Bradley, I don't care. If you want to keep it to yourself, that's fine, it's none of my business. But," he leans forward some more, "you ever need to talk, I'm here. Just be careful is all I can say. Especially here."

"I know, I am. I will be. Always. I've never -" He cuts himself off and looks away, biting his lip. He can't very well say that he's never let a relationship get in the way of his professionalism, not when it would be a lie.

"It's fine Bradley. You don't need to explain yourself. Now, I have to finish telling you about the time that Audrey and Victoria decided that they needed to bet against the Gators."

Bradley sat back up and listened to Brian tell his story, something inside unraveling at knowing that his friend had no problem with his preference in partner.

He finds Colin's house with relative ease, the street one he's seen out of the corner of his eye whenever he's heading for home. The trees on either side are huge, roots pushing through the street and thick branches arching overhead to meet those of the trees across the street. The houses here are old, slightly Victorian in design and Bradley finds it no surprise that the understated white clapboard with two small bay windows is Colin's.

He pulls into the driveway and gets out of his Jeep, heart pounding and hands sweating. They've grown closer the last few weeks and Bradley can't help but anticipate every meeting - every date - they have. He doesn't really know where this thing that they have is going, but he's more than happy to wait and find out.

A small tabby meets him at the door, eyeing him with proper feline disdain. He murmurs a greeting to her and presses the doorbell.

The door behind the screen opens and Colin grins upon seeing him. He opens the screen door and gestures for Bradley to come in.

"She yours?"

Colin looks down at the cat that's followed them inside, her tail swishing in the air as she walks alongside him. With a grin he nods, his hand coming up and he spells her name out.

M-A-L-E-F-I-C-E-N-T

"Maleficent? You name your cat Maleficent?"

What? Sleeping Beauty, I like it.

"You are such a geek."

Not ashamed.

Bradley laughs and holds his arms out, palms up. "Alright then, Irish. Where's my food?"

Colin rolls his eyes and waves a hand in the air. Tour first.

"I suppose." For the first time since stepping in Bradley realises that he's in a large open room that's divided by the furniture and nothing else. "Wow, nice."

He follows Colin and takes not of the simple furnishings, a comfortable looking sofa in one corner facing the wall and the large flat screen on the wall. A dining room table just behind it, big enough to seat ten. Between the table and the sofa there are two large, tall bookcases covered in books, some of the shelves sagging from the weight.

But what really draws his attention is what is obviously Colin's workspace, taking up the entire left side of the large. Canvases are scattered on the floor and there are a few easels set up with paintings in various stages of progress on them. There are shelves that line an entire wall, floor to ceiling, and are covered with tubes of paint, jars full of various things, brushes and countless other tools.

One painting in particular pulls him in and he can't help but gape at it. He'd known that Colin was an artist and taught art at the Deaf & Blind school, but this? This is amazing.

The canvas is mostly dark, a midnight blue that pulls in all the light and reflecting it back in the bright pints, stars, dotting it. In the centre is the lighthouse, the one Colin showed him a few weeks back. He feels as if he's looking up at it and almost squints against the non existent moonlight shining behind the top of the lighthouse.

"Colin, this..." He turns around and finds Colin gazing back at him, a small smile flitting across his lips and something warm in his eyes. "Beautiful."

Colin's eyes widen and his smile grows into a full blown grin. Thank you.

"This is amazing. And your place, I wouldn't have thought that they had places like this here."

Colin's eyes are mischievous. Used to be a church. Bought it a few years back, great view of the inlet.

"Church?"

The altar now my kitchen. He points up to the back of the room, the kitchen is raised above everything else by a few steps and that's when Bradley sees the large rosette window high on the wall.

"Oh my God. You're serious."

Makes me feel naughty. Colin waggles his eyebrows and startles Bradley into laughing.

"You're insane, is what you are." When Colin just shrugs he heads towards the kitchen. "Food, now. I'm hungry."

Bradley's just settling in to watch the James Bond marathon showing on the telly when a knock sounds at the door. He gets up and pads over, bare feet slapping against the old wood floor. When he opens the door Colin is standing there, windbreaker wrapped tight around him and hair dripping from the rain coming down.

"Hey," Bradley steps back and gestures him in, "what are you doing here?"

Colin walks in and peels off his jacket, turning to Bradley as he drops it onto the floor. Katie's out. Wanted to keep you company.

"Oh. Thanks."

For some reason having Colin in front of him feels awkward and strange. Bradley huffs and runs a hand through his hair. He turns to the kitchen and pulls down a glass. When he goes to open the fridge Colin is right there, eyes intent and cheeks slightly flushed.

"What are you doing?"

In the small space still between their bodies Colin brings his hands up and finger spells slowly.

K - I - S - S - S - Y - O - U

And then he's kissing Bradley, lips soft but demanding on his. It takes Bradley a moment to understand what's happening and then suddenly he's there. Bradley reaches up a hand and curls it around Colin's neck, pulling him closer. His other hand rests on Colin's hip, fingers digging into the hard flesh there.

He's backed up against the counter and the only thing he can think of doing is arching up against Colin. One of Colin's hands slides down his back and moves the front, fingers digging into the waistband of his jeans and nudging at the button.

"God, yes. Please."

Smiling against his mouth Colin pops the button and lowers the zipper. Without bothering to push the thick material aside he reaches his hand inside Bradley's boxers and wraps his fingers around Bradley's cock. They're cold, as always, and make him hiss.

Bradley has to pull away and catch some air, his hands now at Colin's biceps holding on as if that were the only thing keeping him up. When Colin starts pumping his fist up and down slowly, slightly hindered by the jeans, Bradley groans and pushes his hips up, wanting more.

"Off, we need these off."

He pushes his own jeans and boxers down before reaching over and doing the same to Colin. When he finally has his own hand on Colin, hard hot flesh in his grip Bradley lets himself sag into Colin's arms.

They're movements are quick and frantic, mouths seeking each other out and biting where ever exposed skin is met. The only thing that Bradley can do is close his eyes and feel, the distant thought that he'll have to borrow Katie's make up to cover any marks if they're still there on Monday nothing more than a fleeting suggestion.

Colin puts his hand on Bradley's thigh and hitches his leg up. He automatically wraps it around Colin, high as he can and the added leverage gives him just that bit more he needed. Feeling Colin's hand scraping against his, the occasional caress of Colin's cock touching his and he's done.

It's over too quickly and he's still shivering when he feels Colin coming in his hand.

They lean into each other, breathing harshly and still kissing open mouthed and dirty. When he feels he's able to move, Bradley wraps an arm around Colin's neck and drops his leg. Pulling back he meets Colin's eyes and the corner of his lips twitch only slightly.

"We need to take that to the bedroom."

The way Colin's eyes darken even more is answer enough.

They're sitting at Katie's booth, drinking Black & Tans and passing a big basket of chips smothered in ketchup and vinegar back and forth. Santiago is telling them a funny story about trying to teach his father-in-law how to speak Spanish, his imitation of the man making them all gasp out in laughter.

"His accent can not be that bad!"

"It is! Katie, I swear to you. I thought the man was talking alien to me!"

Bradley's about to ask about what else Santiago's tried to teach him when Richard steps up to their table. He smiles at them and asks how they're enjoying their snack.

Katie rolls her eyes and says in a syrupy sweet voice, "Richard, it's all just splendid, darling! Whatever would I do with this scrumptious grub you have so kindly provided us with?" She bats her eyes at him, lips pursed into an exaggerated pout.

Next to Bradley Colin dissolves into helpless giggles, slumping against him and muffling the sounds into Bradley's shoulder.

"You, my dear, are too cheeky for your own good." Richard grins and pulls out a small notebook, flipping it open and hoisting a pen over it. "What can I get you good people for dinner?" Before anyone can say anything though he turns to Bradley and raises an eyebrow. "Bradley, what would you like? The Shepherd's Pie? I believe that's your favourite?"

Bradley blinks at him before nodding. He can't form words, more than a little startled to have been addressed directly by Richard. It's the first time Richard's even looked at him, let alone spoken to him and Bradley's not sure what it means.

The others place their orders and then burst into renewed laughter at Bradley's wide eyed look.

He turns to Colin. "What just happened?"

He likes you.

"Oh. Well then." His smile grows as his friends clap and cheer, tapping their pints against the table and hollering for more.

|Part III|

[Fic] RPF Big Bang: Expressive Silence (Colin/Bradley) - Part 3/3

2009-10-27T05:07:31Z

When he gets to Colin's house the door is slightly ajar and Maleficent is sitting on the small porch, licking her paws contentedly.

"Hey there girl, what are you doing out here? Thought Colin didn't let you out when it got cold." Bradley reaches down and picks the cat up, letting her curl up in his arms. She starts purring and butting her head against his chest, her front paws kneading at his arm. "Let's get you inside."

Just as he gets to the door he hears voices, raised, coming from inside. Something about one of them makes him pause and he realises with a start that the voice he's hearing is Colin's.

"You don't get it Richard. None of you do!" His voice is thick and rough from disuse, his accent as strong as if he were still in Ireland. "It's not that easy."

"Colin, you have to face reality one way or another. I've coddled you your whole life and look what it has done to you."

"That's not it!"

"You've already spoken to him, haven't you?"

"One word. I said one word. Nothing more."

A sigh and then the sound of someone moving.

"Colin," Richard lowers his voice, "it is still more than the nothing you have said to all your other partners. What is so hard about taking the next step?"

"I can't. I physically can't. So many times I have opened my mouth and I just can't."

"You're not letting yourself. Would there be a reason for it?"

Bradley holds his breath, just as eager for the answer as Richard.

No response comes and then a soft growl of frustration and the sound of a chair scraping across the hardwood floors.

"Colin."

"It's pathetic. This thing. And I just. I don't know."

"Pathetic?"

"Yes! Have you seen us? Have you seen him? I mean, he tries so hard and half the time we're silent because even with all he's learned it's still so hard."

Maleficent lets out a soft mewl of protest as Bradley clutches her tighter. Pathetic? Is that what Colin really thinks of him?

"Then why spend time with him?"

"I don't know! I've no bloody clue what I'm doing. Or why I'm seeing him. For fun? Amusement? Something else?"

The next few words are muffled, all the blood rushing through Bradley's head and leaving a roaring echo in his ears. There must be a misunderstanding. There has to be. He steps forward and pushes the door open, stepping inside just as Richard finishes speaking.

"...because if not, do you care for him?"

"Care for him? Yes, no. No. I don't know. I'm not sure. I'm telling you, I don't know. I don't even know if there's a point to any of it. I can't give all of myself because I don't know if it's worth it."

It's like in the movies and the absurdity of the whole thing almost makes him laugh. He's frozen a step away from the door, Maleficent no longer in his arms. Richard's eyes are wide with alarm, his mouth open on a soundless word.

Just as the air starts coming back into his lungs and his heart has returned from its descent to his feet, Colin turns around.

When their eyes meet Bradley has to swallow at the naked emotion in the Colin's. He knew Colin wasn't opening up the whole way, but to really see how much had been hidden...

"Is that - Do you..." He has to cough, has to clear his throat a few times before attempting to speak again. "That's how you feel then?"

Colin blinks at him and then his eyes widen, something flashing through them before they're closed off again. Shaking his head Colin starts signing, arms frantic and his movements the most graceless Bradley has ever seen them.

He can see what Colin is trying to tell him. Can understand the words. He's just not taking it in.

"Stop."

Colin actually stutters to a halt, his hands staying in mid-air and only halfway through the words not what you...

"You can say all that about me, yell it out for anyone to hear. But you can't actually talk to me?"

Colin opens his mouth and closes it, shaking his head again and dropping his hands.

Bradley has to blink back tears, swallowing past the emotion welling up in him. "I thought. I thought you were different. I thought that what we have -" He holds up a hand when Colin takes a step forward, something like desperation in his eyes. "I suppose I thought wrong."

"Bradley, you don't understand."

He turns to Richard and shakes his head at the older man. "No Richard, no excuse for what he said. I heard it." He turns back to Colin and gives him a weak smile. "Ironic that the first time I ever hear you speak it's to hear you say that. I'm sorry for wasting your time."

Colin does move forward only stopping because of the hand Bradley puts on his chest. They're eye to eye and Bradley's never been more grateful that they're basically the same height.

"It's over Colin. I've been someone's 'amusement' before - not again." He turns around as Colin starts signing again, not paying attention to whatever words he's saying. Bradley pauses at the door and looks to the side, not daring turn and look back. "Don't come looking for me. You won't be seeing me again."

With that he walks out and goes to his Jeep. Mind blank as he starts up the car and pulls out of the drive way. He'll let himself dwell on it once he gets home. After a few drinks. And after sleeping the night away.

He resolutely does not think about how the second pillow on his bed is going to smell like Colin.

"Bradley, are you in here?" Katie shuts the door and sets the keys down on the counter.

It's funny how loud those actions can actually be. Bradley looks down at his bottle and thinks that maybe he should be more attention to this when he's not drunk. Or drinking. Or is it drank?

"Bradley?"

"'m in 'ere!" He turns his head on the cushion that's holding his neck up and grins at Katie's startled expression. "Katie! Katie, Katie, Katie my lady."

"Are you drunk?"

"Drunk! Knew it. And no, 'm not. Just sittin' 'ere sipping some schtuff."

"Oh my God, Bradley. You're drunk." Katie sits down next to him and pushes his head upright from where it's lolled onto his shoulder.

"I am? Sure? Oohhh, I am!"

"What in the world happened? I mean, I know you fought with Colin and -"

"Not fight! Not fightin'. 'tis mean, fightin'. Jus' not talkin' to 'im no more."

Katie rolls her eyes and tries to take his bottle away. "Basically the same thing. Bradley, let go."

"No! You not takin' 'im away."

"Taking who away?"

"The Cap'n 'o course! Me 'n me buddy 'ere are havin' a grand old time. He's lovely. Very much. You can't take 'im away."

With a sigh Katie lets go of the bottle and sits crossed legged on the sofa, facing Bradley. "Will you tell me what's going on?"

"You're pretty. So, so pretty. Marry me. We can 'ave pretty eyed babies. Like the sea. But not mad. Mad babies can't have pretty eyes." He blinks at her and grins, trying to focus on the Katie in front of him and ignoring the other two or three that are in the background.

"Bradley, I'm not going to marry you."

"Why not? 'm good marriage material!"

"You're gay."

"And? So're you!"

"Exactly."

"Huh. Meh, we could make it work. It'd be good, yeah? Katie, my lady! Marry me!"

Katie shakes her head at him and lowers the arm he'd raised on his last proclamation. "No, Bradley, I won't. Now tell me why you aren't talking to Colin."

"He's mean Katie."

"What?"

Bradley leans forward, tears suddenly filling his eyes. He had been trying to forget why he had started drinking in the first place and now... "He hurt me. I never wan' to see 'im again."

"You can't, God, Bradley. Why not? Why not just talk to him?"

"Because I love him. Loved? Still love? Will love." He lowers his head to her shoulder and wraps an arm around her. "You're so soft. 'm so glad you love me. Marry me, please? He only wants me for fun. Amusement. Heard 'im say it. You love me. He doesn't."

"Oh, Bradley." Her hand cards through his hair and he murmurs in appreciation to her soft touch. "You need to talk to him. He's a wreck, hasn't spoken in days, not even in sign language."

"No. He'll hurt me. I love 'im too much." He buries his face into her neck and manages to speak through the tears clogging his throat. "Take the hurt away. 'm tired of hurtin'. Katie, it hurts."

"I know, baby. I know."

She lets him cry, holding him through it as he mumbles through his story. The last thing he registers as she pulls the bottle away and settles him down on the sofa, are her soft words and a kiss on his forehead.

When he wakes up his head feels like it's being squeezed into the bottle of Captain Morgan sitting on the coffee table in front of him and he has to blink a few times to actually make sure his eyes are still able to work properly. The last time he had got drunk had been at a friend's wedding. And even then it had been nowhere as last night apparently was. The bottle is mostly empty, only an inch or so of the rich amber liquid still sitting at the bottom.

What the hell had he been thinking?

He pushes himself up and ignores the sudden pounding in his skulls and the way the late morning sun pierces into his eyes.

A soft noise catches his attention and he turns his head slowly to see Katie leaning with her back against the bar, arms crossed and her eyes dark with concern.

"Time is it?"

Her lips purse slightly before she sighs. "Quarter past ten. I called in for you and said you came down with something."

"Okay."

"You need to -"

"No, I don't."

"Bradley, you really -"

"No, Katie. I don't." He stands up and staggers only slightly. "Nothing to do."

The next few days pass in a bit of a blur for Bradley. He's just barely aware of what he's saying to his students and half the time he doesn't remember the drive to and from the school. The soccer team keeps giving him concerned looks and he lets most of the practices be run by the assistant coach.

It isn't until he's sitting in his classroom early in the morning almost a week later that anyone says anything to him.

The door opens and Brian walks in, shutting the door behind him. He doesn't say anything until he's seated across from Bradley.

"You're either going to pull your head out of whatever hole you have it stuck in or you're might as well resign before you get fired. One of the two. I say go with the first choice. Less chance of ruining what you've built up for yourself here."

Bradley blinks at him. "What?"

"Bradley, I don't know what's going on with you, but you need to get your shit together."

"What?"

With a sigh Brian leans closer. "Whatever happened. Find a way to fix it. You have been completely out of it this past week and it's not looking good. Even the students are starting to talk about it. And you know how these kids get when they get a good bit of gossip. Fix it."

Bradley closes his eyes and nods. "You're right. I just - This weekend."

"Good. Now, lets make a quick run to Starbucks. We need some good strong coffee for the morning. Picture day and all that."

"Oh God, I'd forgotten."

"Knew you would. Come on."

In the end he doesn't get the rest of the week to get himself together like he'd been hoping. Thursday night he's sitting against the lighthouse, looking up at the clear night sky when he hears a car drive up and someone get out. He doesn't have to look to know that it's Colin and he curses himself for telling Katie where he was going.

"If you're here, you're going to talk to me and you're going to tell me what the fuck is going on."

Colin drops down in front of him and nods, swallowing like he's gearing up for only God knows what.

"Bradley, I'm sorry."

Those three words and Bradley's ready to throw everything aside and pull Colin close to him, but he can't. He needs to hear more. But that doesn't mean he's not willing to give a little. "I am too," at Colin's surprised look he shakes his head, "I should have listened to you instead of running out."

"Yeah, you should have." His voice is even rougher than the last time Bradley had heard it and he's surprised to notice that it's because Colin's obviously been crying. His eyes are red, bags under them making him look years older. "But that doesn't mean that I should have said what I said. Not only do I wish you'd never heard that, but I wish I hadn't said it."

"Why did you?"

Colin forgets himself for a moment and signs. Don't know.

"Colin."

He blinks before looking sheepishly at his hands. "Sorry, habit."

"Just, why?"

"I was afraid. I still am. But, Bradley, I'm more afraid of the possibility of losing you than anything else."

"Why couldn't you talk to me?"

"I don't - I've only ever talked to Richard and Santiago. Even then, barely a couple words here and there to Santiago. Richard's the only one that I actually speak with. Seeing as how he's basically raised me."

Bradley gives in and reaches out, taking one of Colin's hands in his. "Can you tell me?"

Colin's fingers move instead of him speaking.

W - H - A - T

"It's second nature to you, isn't it? Signing?"

"Yeah."

He catches Colin's eyes and doesn't look away. "Why?"

Colin gives him a wry smile and shakes his head. "It's not that exciting really."

"I still want to know." He can feel the hand he's holding twitching and knows that Colin wants to fall back into signing. "Just talk to me this once, that's all I ask. Please."

"Fifteen years ago. It started then." Colin looks away and squeezes Bradley's fingers. "We were traveling home from a family friend's house. It was July. And my da was driving and he didn't, he didn't see it. The train."

"Oh..."

"It was dark and the fucking train didn't have any lights on, how was my da supposed to know? It wasn't until we felt the rumbling of it in the car that we realised."

Colin falls quiet, his breathing irregular and Bradley hates himself but he has to do it. "What - What happened?"

"I'm not sure. I woke up and was face up in the grass, throat burning and I couldn't scream. No matter how much I wanted to because of the pain, I couldn't. I could hear my da yelling though, looking for my mam, sister, and me. I never answered, I couldn't. I passed out again and when I came to again I was in the hospital."

Bradley scoots closer, holding Colin's hand tight in his. "Your family?"

"Mam and my sister, they died. Instantly. My da - he was never the same. He's still in Ireland, at a hospital."

"And you?"

"And me. Well, here I am." Colin waved his free hand in the air. "Here I am."

"Cols, tell me."

"It took me two years to get my voice working again, by that time I just didn't want to speak. Everyone gave in and let me get away with signing. Except Richard. He wouldn't even look at me when I signed."

"Richard? In Ireland?"

"Yeah. He's like a grandfather to me. And Tony like a father, especially after my da."

"I see. How did you end up here?"

"Tony had wanted to move here to be close to his daughter. Richard wanted to take me away from the memories that wouldn't let me sleep. So they took the chance on the pub and that was that."

"Why couldn't you talk to me?"

Colin snorted. "Other than my being stupid?"

"Yeah."

"I was scared. The only other time I opened up in a relationship I was hurt. And I just - I wanted to preserve what we had."

"You could have at least told me."

At that Colin laughed humourlessly. "Like you've told me why you're here?"

Bradley sighed and looked away. "Okay, that's only fair."

"You are going to tell me, right?"

"I was stupid and I let my best friend push me away."

"I'm sorry?"

Bradley looked back at him and shrugged. "I was involved with a man for a few years. I was stupidly in love with him. So much so that I ignored the wedding band that he always slipped off his ring finger when he joined me in bed."

"Oh, Bradley."

Hearing his name in Colin's voice made him smile, despite their conversation topic. "Katie tried to make me see reason but I didn't, refused to. She made me choose between her and him and, I chose him. It wasn't until the abuse started that I realised that she had been right all along."

"Abuse?"

"Nothing physical. Prick knew he couldn't really take me. But he used my insecurities and fears against me. Took me five years to realise that psychological abuse is just as powerful as physical."

"What," Colin's voice was soft, not quite as rough, but dryer sounding, "made you realise?"

"I got fired from my job and thrown out of my flat."

"I see."

"My parents weren't talking to me and so I turned to the one person that I'd always been able to count on."

"I'm glad you did."

"So am I, Colin."

They fall into a contemplative silence and Bradley turns their words over in his head. After a few minutes he leans forward and looks into Colin's eyes. Seeing that they're no longer closed off, but open to him, he smiles.

Colin shifts uneasily and fidgets, his fingers once again twitching in Bradley's hand. "What?"

Bradley smiles and darts in and gives Colin a quick kiss. "I love you."

It takes him a few moments but then Colin blinks and his smile breaks out, wide and happy. Scrunching his nose up he holds his free hand up and forms a new sign that Bradley has seen before – pinky, forefinger and thumb extended, the rest of his fingers curled in - and then his hand moves again and he holds up two fingers. I love you, too.

|The End|

Fic: Colin & Bradley's LJs (Colin Morgan/Bradley James - RPS) - [2/?]

2009-10-09T19:29:43Z

Title: Colin & Bradley's LJs: Part II
Author: auroraprimavera
Rating: PG-13 (for mild language)
Pairing(s): Colin Morgan/Bradley James
Summary: Bradley gives in to the allure of fandom.
Word Count: HAHAHA - What?
Warning(s): Complete and utter crack. OMG. Oh and I'll go ahead and apologize for the really bad writing later on, you'll see. *meep*
Beta: Seriously?
Author's Notes: Continuation of Part I. It would be best to read that before this - otherwise the crackiness may not make as much ~~non~~sense as it should. And I'm sorry it took so long to get this in, real life and computer issues and stuff - BUT IT'S FINISHED \o/

Includes cameo's by the following: (in order of appearance) solanyxe, kick_flaw, leandergasped, gealach_ros, sezso, shiny_starlight, auroraprimavera, sillyshy, kelene

Disclaimer: This is a work of fanfiction – none of this ever happened. No copyright infringement is intended. No profit is made from this work. Please observe your local laws with regards to the age-limit and content of this work.

In Addition: Any works, posts, etc. mentioned are the properties of those that originally posted them. No infrigement is meant & works will always be cited/linked/credited/etc. If you have any problem with this - please say so and the issue will be rectified at once.

posted by blueeyedprince:

April 27, 2009 08:09
IT'S TOO EARLY TO BE UP

It's another early morning. Have been up since way too early. It
was cold and foggy and did I mention COLD? Yeah. COLD. Why
we had to be up at the ass crack of dawn, I have no idea. I'll
blame it on Irish. It was his fault to be honest. Had to mention
how lovely the fog was around dawn and BAM! next thing we
know, we're up at that time.

Sometimes I really hate my job. *pouts*

COMMENTS:

irishwizard: Oh it wasn't that bad. Stop sulking.

blueeyedprince: It was. I was up before the sun. NOT COOL.

irishwizard: Oh please. And it's not my fault!

blueeyedprince: Yes it is! You had to open your big fat mouth.

irishwizard: Whatever, it's not like I did it on purpose.

blueeyedprince: Knowning you, you DID.

posted by irishwizard:

May 03, 2009 12:31
RARE DAY OFF

We've been given a day off and I don't know what to do with
myself. I was planning on just staying in and doing nothing
but Prince barged in here 20 mins ago demanding we go out.
Sometimes I don't know why I put up with him, really. He has
too much energy, it can't be healthy. So, seems we're going
out somewhere with some other co-workers. *sigh*

posted by blueeyedprince:

May 07, 2009 19:02
REALLY??

As interesting as I find everyone. I sometimes wonder about
you all. Some of the things I've read and seen on here - its
scary to be honest. I mean...REALLY??

COMMENTS:

solanyxe: Oh dear. What did you see?

kick_flaw: WHAT? WHAT???

leandergasped: WAS IT MY BOOOOBS???

gealach_ros: What did you see Prince? AND leandergasped I SO VERY MUCH MISSED YOUR BOOBS!!!

blueeyedprince: OK - Those need to be put away. PLEASE.

irishwizard: What now?

gealach_ros: TELL US!!!

leandergasped: BUT I DON'T WANT TO PUT THEM AWAY! *POUTS*

sezso: Ok, now I'm all like WHAT?? What is it? What'd you see?

blueeyedprince: Please put them away. *shudders*

irishwizard: Are you trying to be cryptic and mysterious? It doesn't suit you, you know.

blueeyedprince: No, I'm not. Just saying, in general. SCARY.

kick_flaw: Can't have been that bad. WHAT?

shiny_starlight: You know that the less you tell us the more we will bug you? WHAT?

blueeyedprince: Nothing just. You all can be scary at times.

gealach_ros: Your point?

leandergasped: I don't get it! WHAT?

auroraprimavera: Srsly, dude. What the hell? WHAT IS IT?

irishwizard: I think he's just making this up. He wants attention. Apparently not enough people paid him mind today.

sezso: HAHAHA REALLY?

shiny_starlight: Is that so? Huh.

blueeyedprince: NOT TRUE. I'm just saying. In general. Fangirls are scary.

shiny_starlight: You do know you're one of us, right?

blueeyedprince: WHAT?!?!?!?!?

auroraprimavera: She's got a point you know. You are SO one of us.

irishwizard: *laughs*

blueeyedprince: NO I'M NOT. I'm a guy!

gealach_ros: Doesn't matter - FANGIRL.

kick_flaw: LOL!!! YOU ARE SO ONE OF US.

leandergasped: You'll NEVER get away from us now!! *EVIL LAUGH*

blueeyedprince: NO NO NO NO NO

auroraprimavera: Your epic denial is just that. IT'S THE TRUTH.

solanyxe: It can be that bad, to be one of us?

sezso: YOUR SUCH A BABY. RLY.

irishwizard: I think he's secretly enjoying this.

blueeyedprince: I AM NOT!

kick_flaw: DENIAL!! DENIAL!!

auroraprimavera: EPIC denial at that!!

solanyxe: LOL!

blueeyedprince: This is wrong on so many levels.

irishwizard: You love it.

kick_flaw: You do!

gealach_ros: We know he does - no denying it - no matter how EPIC his "denial" gets.

kick_flaw: GOOD POINT GEALACH!

blueeyedprince: You're all crazy!

shiny_starlight: Yes, we've firmly established that before. Anything else?

blueeyedprince: *headdesk*

auroraprimavera: AWWW POOR BABY!

irishwizard: HAHAHA!! He just came in here sulking!! You really got to him!

kick_flaw: AWESOME!!

gealach_ros: LOL!!

auroraprimavera: Now THAT'S EPIC.

They never really talked about it. Most of the time they would stay in their respective rooms and do their own thing while online. Only occasionally would Bradley barge into his room, surprise surprise, and go into a fit over something someone had said. His favourite so far though, had been when Bradley had been called a fangirl. He still giggled over the look on his face as his friend had spluttered and raged over how much of a fangirl he wasn't.

It was late on a Friday and they'd all just got back from going out. Colin was slightly buzzed and just wanted to check his email quickly before going to bed. He would never admit it, but he had become slighly addicted to checking for replies and comments and the occasional message. They were all strangers, people he'd never meet - they were fans even - but he felt a strange connection to them.

Just as he was finally settling into bed Bradley once again came into his room. Supressing a sigh, Colin looked up and was startled at the look on Bradley's face. He look scared and furious - possibly terrified as well.

"What is it now?" He had no doubt someone had said or done something online that had set Bradley off again.

"THIS."

Bradley's computer was slammed down on his lap, his own laptop just narrowly missing losing its screen. Without another word Bradley pointed to the screen with a trembling finger. Colin leaned in and his eyes widened. Oh.

Title: As Her Highness Commands
Artist: lizardspots
Pairing: Girl!Arthur/Merlin
Rating: NC-17
Medium: Open Canvas, 4.5 hours.
Notes: For the prompt - girl!Arthur but Arthur doesn't get turned into one, he IS one. Princess!Arthur ftw :D.

....then they have hot genderswitched AU sex....

Colin blushed and looked back at Bradley. His face was set and hard lines seemed to have etched themselves into his skin. "It's not that bad. I mean, a bit -"

"NOT THAT BAD? NOT that BAD?" Oh dear. Bradley was emphasising and capitalising in his head. This was going to get ugly fast. "They think of Arthur as a...a...A BLOODY GIRL!! A GIRL Colin!! What - Why? I mean...WHY?"

He shrugged. "I'm not sure. It's just for fun really. I mean - they don't think of you as a girl. Just - Arthur - your character."

"A GIRL! I AM NOT A GIRL!! These people are insane! A GIRL!!"

Colin tuned him out and turned to the laptop infront of him. He had to find something that would get Bradley off this tangent. But...

Oh. He knew what. He pushed aside Bradley's computer and pulled up a new tab in his browser. He clicked thorugh his bookmarks, he knew he had saved the link a while back but if he coud only - There! The page opened up and he grinned. He couldn't help it. This picture always gave him butterflies. Even long before he and Bradley had first kissed.

"What? What are you smiling at? What's so funny? Find more pictures of me being a girl??" Bradley was looming over him, a scowl on his face.

"No! No - It's just. Look at this." He made to turn the computer around so Bradley could see the screen but Bradley hissed as if being stung and pulled back a few steps.

"No."

"Bradley, come on. It's nothin-"

"Morgan, I said no."

Colin sighed and took a deep breath. He had to get through Bradley somehow. "I promise you I will leave you alone and you can rage all you want. Just, look at this, please?"

Bradley stared at him for a moment before nodding stiffly and stepping closer. He reached for the laptop gingerly and crouched down by the bed. The glow of the screen softened his features and Colin smiled as he saw when Bradley actually got the picture.

Artist: trolleys
Subject: Merlin/Arthur
Rating: G
Notes: Another modern!AU. Arthur thinks he's slick.

"They...they could be us."

"Yeah, they could."

Colin was still watching Bradley's face when he felt a hand take hold of his. He looked down surprised and grinned. When he looked back up Bradley was looking at him with soft smile.

"Oh, ok. They're - They're not that bad."

"No, not at all."

Colin wasn't worried, not exactly. But he was starting to feel a bit anxious. For the past few days Bradley had been hunched over over his laptop typing away. Colin knew he hadn't been posting anything or commenting, everyone was remarking on his absence, but what he was actually doing - Colin had no idea.

Bradley had actually knocked before coming into his room earlier and then settled on the bed to type. Colin was enjoying the silence, enjoying the warmth that came from having Bradley pressed up against his side. They hadn't done more than share a few kisses and some fumbling fondling, but...it was nice.

"I'm done."

"Excuse me?"

A wide, beaming smile was turned on him. "I'm finished!"

He smiled back in return. "With what?"

"My fic!" There was something in his ear, he was sure of it. There was no way that - "Want to read it? I'm going to post it right now!" Oh good GOD. He wasn't kidding.

"Are - Are you sure? I mean...really?"

"Yeah! Here, let me edit it real quick and I'll post and you can comment!" Bradley's enthusiasm was slightly contagious and to be honest Colin didn't want to say anything to take that away. He was just happy. A few minutes passed in silence and then Bradley announced that he was done. With only the tiniest amount of dread, Colin clicked his way to Bradley's LJ and read his latest post.

When he was finished he stared at the screen for a bit, wide eyed. It wasn't the best reading he'd done, that was for sure, but...it was sweet and sentimental. In a very Bradley-esque kind of way. He quickly replied and then shut his laptop. Colin turned to Bradley and pushed the other computer aside, pulling his friend towards him.

Comments, friends, replies and journals were forgotten as they heatedly reacquanted themselves.

posted by blueeyedprince:

May 12, 2009 17:43
MY FIRST EVER FIC!!!

I'm really nervous about posting this, so be nice please. I dedicate
this fic to irishwizard. <3

Title: Forever and ALWAYS
Author: blueeyedprince
Rating: PG-13
Pairing(s): Bradley/Colin
Summary: Bradley confesses his love for his best friend Colin.
Author's Notes: My first go at this. Be kind please. :D :D :D :D :D
Disclaimer: Hasn't happened!! HOW I WISH!!!!

They were sitting in Colin's trailer watching a movie. It was not the first time they did this, but they were having fun. Bradley was nervous. More nervous than he had ever been in his life. Even more nervous than when he had auditioned for his first job. It was late and they were waiting for afternoon filming to finish so they could go back to the hotel. For once Arthur and Merlin were not needed all day.

Bradley turned to Colin and smiled ever so gently. He was so nervous. Sweat was trickling down his back and his hands were slightly shaking. That's how nervous he was. But he was ready. It was time to finally say everything he had been holding back inside for so very very long. He licked his lips and stared at the man in front of him. His best friend in every sense of the word. The only other person to ever get him as Bradley. No one knows him this well, this closely.

"Colin?"

The other man looks up and smiled at him. How he loved that smile so very very much. "Yeah?"

"I want to tell you something. Something very important to me. Something so very very important the I am very very nervous. Please listen to me and don't say anything until I am finished and just let me talk and don't try to interupt please?"

Colin blinked at him with a frown on his pretty forehead. "Ok."

Bradley swallowed the huge lump in his throat. Oh he was so nervous. He was almost shaking with it! He took Colin's hands in his and closed his blue eyes as he spoke making sure to keep his voice soft and even and not go high pitched as it tended to do when he was nervous. Because he was afraid of that happening because he was so very very nervous.

"Colin you are my very best friend in the whole wide entire world. You are a very wonderful person and I am so happy that you are my friend." Colin smiled at him again and gave a sharp nod for Bradley to continue. "I want you to know that no matter what happens ever that you will always be my friend. Colin - I - I love you."

A few moments of silence and then he felt long graceful delicate beautiful fingers on his face. "I love you too Bradley."

His heart jumped up and down and up and down so fast and he let out the air he had been holding in his lungs that he hadn't even noticed he had been holding. They leaned in together and shared a very so soft and delicate warm kiss. It was perfect.

THE END!!!

COMMENTS:

irishwizard: I ♥ it and I ♥ you.

blueeyedprince: I ♥ you 2 :D

sezso: Awww, you two!

shiny_starlight: It was agood first attempt. It was structurally and gramatically sound, which a lot of people still dont get when they've been writing fic for ages. It's just a little sappy and ooc.

blueeyedprince: What do you mean OOC?

shiny_starlight: *pets* You are adorable and so new to this. OOC means Out Of Character. Bradley's, well, he's not really the type to do that is he?

blueeyedprince: WHAT DO YOU MEAN OUT OF CHARACTER? HE WOULD TOTALLY DO THAT!!!

shiny_starlight: *raises eyebrow* I'm assuming here that you've seen the extras and the outtakes and the featurettes that were on the DVD's and are on youtube? Does Bradley really strike you as the type of person who would be so... well, nervous? Cos according to this, he was very, very, very nervous

blueeyedprince: He could be!

irishwizard: He's just hurt that his story isn't an instant hit w/ praises and flowers and stuff.

blueeyedprince: I don't want flowers!

auroraprimavera: Sure you don't. *rolls eyes* And anyways, it's a cute story - just, like she said, a bit OOC on Bradley's end.

leandergasped: Ditto to what's being said. But it's okay, it's only your first story.

sezso: I like it, very cute. Just a tad OOC.

blueeyedprince: IT IS NOT OOC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

gealach_ros: It is. Bradley wouldn't act like that.

blueeyedprince: How do you know?

gealach_ros: Because.

blueeyedprince: No, HOW DO YOU KNOW?

auroraprimavera: Like shiny_starlight said, the video diaries. Unless you have some super secret special inside scoop on Bradley's brain or something, TOTALLY OOC.

sillyshy: Plz to be making Bradley more IC, yes? Other than that, cute story.

kelene: AHAHAHA COLIN IS SO CUTE ♥, THOUGH YOUR BRADLEY'S KINDA OFF. DID YOU EVER SEE THE VIDEO DIARIES?

blueeyedprince: OMFG CAN WE STOP TALKING ABOUT THE VIDEO DIARIES????

irishwizard: They do have a point you know.

blueeyedprince: NO NO NO NO NO

auroraprimavera: Someone's a bit upset.

shiny_starlight: Oh dear...

irishwizard: Don't worry, he'll get over it.

blueeyedprince: WILL NOT

irishwizard: The yelling, stop it.

blueeyedprince: NO

irishwizard: Okay, enough. We'll be back later, he's being a bit of a prat now.

gealach_ros: We only meant to help you out, don't worry! *hugs*

sillyshy: Hope you aren't too upset, but yeah, sorry?

auroraprimavera: Meh, Irish is taking care of it. Nothing to worry about.

sezso: *hugs*

blueeyedprince: I HATE YOU ALL

irishwizard: He doesn't...we'll be back. Prince, NOW.

blueeyedprince: *pouts* Fine.

|TBC|

comment!partay extraordinaire!

2009-10-02T16:30:10Z

So this is like LONG LONG LONG OVERDUE - Therefore, this weekend:

comment!partay extroidinaire!
(click banner)

NO SPOILERS FOR EPISODE 3 PLEASE!!!!

IT STARTS LEIK NAO YO!!! COMMENT COMMENT COMMENT!!!!

Yes - I'm lazy and just copied everything from the last comment!partay - but WHATEVER.

What happens at these comment!partays, says you?

ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING CAN AND WILL HAPPEN

No exceptions!!!

Want to post a prompt for a mini!fic? Go ahead.

Want to gush about Colin's lovely ears? OMG PLZ o_O

Want to discuss the beauty that is Bradley? Oh yes, don't mind if you do.

Want to write a crazy whacked out epic comment!fic of doom with your friend and involve every hot character in all your favourite fandoms? Why, yes, I've done that. Now it's YOUR turn.

Are there rules???

Only one: COMMENT AS OFTEN AS POSSIBLE \o/

*throws confetti*

Further pimping equipment can be found here
PIMP THIS LIKE THERE IS NO TOMORROW YO!!! SHARE THE COMMENT!PARTAY LOOOOOOOOOVE!!!

** All graphics were made by the very lovely issahime - Go snog her!

Society Shames Me - Truly, Truly SHAMES Me

2009-10-01T14:17:36Z

Thanks elandrialore for bringing this to my attention. It'll all be under the cut just in case, because it could be a trigger for some. Also - this will be a public post - feel free to link to it and make others aware.

Petition for Roman Polanski

Seriously? I mean SERIOUSLY?!?!?!?!?

When does it become okay for a child rapist to be set free?

So what he's famous and has won Oscars?

So what he has made some amazing films in the past?

So what he was arrested in a neutral country on his way to receive an award?

So what that others are saying this only opens up the door to arresting others who are political refugees?

As John Campea said: He drugged, sodomized and raped a 13 YEAR OLD GIRL.

How is any of that okay? Or forgivable? Or even merely acceptable in any way, shape, or form?

Is it because it happened 30-some years ago? Because he's rich and has power that others don't have? Because it seems like the majority of Hollywood is defending him because it would compromise his fucking freedom???

I am ashamed that this is being brought to question at all. The fucker RAPED A GIRL, CONFESSED TO THE CRIME and then FLED THE COUNTRY and has been living a luxurious life in France.

This has nothing to do with the relations between France and the United Sates of America. This has nothing to do with assisting other artists who are actual political refugees.

This is a man who drugged, sodomized and raped a 13 YEAR OLD GIRL.

I am an artist, I understand wanting to stand up and defend other artist - no matter what their preferred medium is.

ART DOES NOT COME BEFORE CRIME

ART DOES NOT COME BEFORE JUSTICE

ART DOES NOT COME BEFORE THE INNOCENCE OF A YOUNG CHILD

I want to do something rash and bold and attention grabbing. I want those who support this man to sit up and take notice of what they are actually defending. I want them to really understand what publicly giving this man their hand in friendship is really doing. I want them to fucking UNDERSTAND what kind of message they are sending out to society, to the world, to the children who watch their films and admire their work, to the victims of crimes such as this.

I need to pick a day - but I want to turn my back to Hollywood. An entire day. Heck, an entire week. A month - longer, whatever. I wish I could do more. But I'll do what I can.

What about you?

We need to make them see and understand that this is NOT acceptable AT ALL.

Links:

Le cinéma soutient Roman Polanski / Petition for Roman Polanski
Roman Polanski - Great Filmmaker/Child Rapist
The List (artist who do not support him)

Art Does Not Excuse Rape: Polanski Must Face Justice - The Petition

Fic: Proving His Worth (Jared/Jensen, Arthur/Merlin)

2009-09-29T15:33:40Z

Title: Proving His Worth [Part 1/?]
Author: auroraprimavera
Rating: PG [This part]
Fandom: Merlin/SPN RPS crossover
Pairing(s): Jared/Jensen, Arthur/Merlin
Summary: The title of Knight of Camelot is not one easily given.
Word Count: 1,583
Warning(s): -
Beta: shiny_starlight - You rock my twin! ♥
Author's Notes: I blame this all on elandrialore and sillyshy - The idea sprang from this lovely manip by elandrialore & this comment by sillyshy: this really makes me crave a J2 knight!AU. Damn it - And well, here you are. Just - yeah. More to come soon.

Disclaimer: This is a work of fanfiction – none of this ever happened. No copyright infringement is intended. No profit is made from this work. Please observe your local laws with regards to the age-limit and content of this work.

Jared grunted as he let the heavy metal fall with a thud to the ground. His back was killing him and he was sure that he'd pulled something in his arm, the pain making him wince. He looked around his small house and sighed, wishing once again that he had a great enough fortune so that he could afford a squire to assist him. Then again, thanks to Mercia, his family had lost everything.

He was lucky that King Uther was understanding and had at least gifted them with some small form of accommodation. And at least Jared himself had his own house, tiny as it was.

A soft knock on his door caught his attention and he glanced quickly around his one room home before answering. He hated when others visited and his house was less than tidy.

When he opened the door and saw who was standing there, an involuntary smile came out. Sir Ackles smiled back at him and raised an eyebrow, clearly waiting to be let inside.

Right, inside.

Jared stepped back and gestured inside, "Come in, Sir Ackles."

"Thank you."

After Jared closed the door, there was a short moment of awkwardness in which neither of them knew what to say or how to act. Then Sir Ackles grinned, bright and sunny, and put his dirt stained helmet on the table.

"Please, I insist that you call me Jensen when we are in the privacy of our homes. Otherwise, we just sound too formal."

Jared swallowed and managed a nod. "All right, Jensen. And please, call me Jared."

Jensen's eyes shone with mirth and he nodded, "Jared."

For a moment they stood staring at one another before Jared pulled himself together. "What may I help you with, Sir...um...Jensen?"

A small laugh and Jensen seated himself at the table, adjusting the armour he was still wearing so he could sit comfortably on the bench. "I have a favour to ask, if you please. I - I noticed your footwork earlier and couldn't help but notice how light on your feet you are. Despite your size."

Jared blushed and scrubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. He knew that all the knights talked about him and his abnormal height, about how much taller than everyone he was. It seemed fitting that the captain of the guard was here to chastise him for something. "I see."

"Jared, it is not what you think. I merely wished to ask if you wouldn't mind training me and the men under my immediate care. They are far too heavy footed for guards of the palace."

"Train... you? And. Your men?"

"Yes, if you don't mind, that is."

"I -" Jared sat down and stared at Jensen with wide eyes. "Well, I - what about the Prince? Surely Prince Arthur would object to my training his men and -"

Jensen held a hand up and silenced him with a raised eyebrow. Jared couldn't help but think that maybe Jensen had learnt the trick from the old court physician, Gaius. "I have already spoken to Prince Arthur about it and he agrees with me. He, too, is quite impressed with you."

Jared blushed again, harder. To have the Prince recognise him? That was humbling, to say the least. And with that revelation, he knew he could never say no. He nodded and grinned at the small smile Jensen sent his way. "All right, I will train you and your men."

Jensen stood up and gathered his helmet, the smile growing on his face. "Wonderful. I shall set up an area on the training grounds. The sooner we start, the better. See you tomorrow, Sir Padalecki."

And then he was gone, leaving Jared blinking stupidly at his shut front door. Well. This would be interesting, to say the least.

The next morning one of Sir Ackles' squires called on him early and led him to the corner of the training grounds where he would be training the Castle's elite Royal Guard. Jared shook his head and focused on the task at hand. This could either end very well for him and his family, or it could send him down into absolute failure.

It did, however, help that Sir Ackles was there to keep his men in order. Jared hated the looks he received from the other men. He'd never felt fully comfortable as a knight of Camelot, but it was the only thing keeping his family fed and safe.

He was able to keep some authority over his fellow knights for most of the day. Mostly they smirked at him and sent withering, patronising looks his way. So what if he was younger and less experienced than most of them. Just because they were the Royal Guard didn't mean...well - okay, it did.

At the end of the day, he had new bruises blossoming over his chest and back, his arm still stinging from the harsh training Prince Arthur had put them through the day before. Jared was in the armoury, putting away the training swords and shields when a loud taunting voice called out to him from outside.

Sir Seymour. There was no one Jared disliked more than that man and now he was going to have to deal with him alone. Great, just what he needed.

He turned and met the other knight's hard stare. "Sir Seymour, how may I help you?"

"It seems that you have gained favour with Prince Arthur and with Sir Ackles."

Jared fought hard to keep his blush down, "So it does."

"Tell me, Sir Padalecki, whatever did you do to gain it?" Sir Seymour was smirking and looking altogether too gloating.

Jared suddenly felt an odd rush of fear and distrust. "What do you mean?"

The other knight advanced on him, cornering him against the decorative shields lining the armoury walls. "You know perfectly well what I mean. You are nothing but leftovers from Mercia, worthless to even be considered a knight of Camelot and yet - here you are. Training us."

A sound at the door had Jared looking away from Sir Seymour's cold brown eyes. What he saw made his blood chill and his heart beat loudly. The rest of the Royal Guard was standing at the door, cold looks making the temperature inside the overly warm armoury fall a few degrees.

"So, we think, considering how suddenly you gained your new position, that you should gift us as well. We are still, as a matter of fact, your superiors. No matter what illusions of grandeur you may have."

Jared swallowed and pushed further into the wall. He knew he could easily take down Sir Seymour and possibly Sir Geldrid. But he, alone, against the other twenty men would be disastrous. He closed his eyes and tried to think of something else, anything else, as the men made their way to him. Just as he felt a hard hand take hold of his shoulder a loud clatter had him opening his eyes and looking towards the door once again.

Merlin.

Thank the gods. Merlin, Arthur's stupidly loyal manservant was glaring at the knights, his blue eyes narrowed and hard. Jared had had little interaction with the other man, but, from what he'd heard, he was something else all together.

"What is the meaning of this?"

The knights laughed and Sir Seymour released his painful hold of Jared's shoulder. "Why, Merlin, do go on. Nothing but knightly business going on here. Nothing you'd understand, I'm sure."

Merlin smirked and rolled his eyes. "Oh really? Maybe I wouldn't understand, but Prince Arthur would."

"As if he'd believe a word of anything you could say to him. You are nothing more than a servant."

"That may be true," the new voice caused the men to jump and look around them guiltily, "but considering that whatever he would say is undoubtedly true, I don't see why I wouldn't." Prince Arthur stepped out from behind Merlin and glared at the men gathered in the armoury. "Leave at once, I shall deal with you lot later."

The men shuffled out, Sir Seymour shrinking back from Arthur's cold look. Once the last of them had disappeared from the door Jared felt himself melting back into the wall. He turned to look at the Prince and smiled at him, "Thank you, Sire. You didn't have -"

"Of course I did. You are under my care as much as those men are." He turned to Merlin quickly before looking back to Jared, "Merlin, take him to my chambers and have a decent meal brought up for him. Also, fetch Sir Ackles; he needs to be informed of this. Have dinner sent up for the three of us. After that, have a message sent to all the Royal Guard that they have additional training starting tomorrow before dawn."

Merlin grinned and nodded, his head bowed slightly. "As you wish, Sire."

The Prince rolled his eyes, his mouth tugging into an obviously involuntary smile. "Cease the dramatics, Merlin. Now hurry along." Arthur cast one last look at Jared before sweeping out, his read cloak swinging around his legs.

Merlin turned to him and smiled, wider and brighter. "It seems you really have gained the Prince's favour."

Jared closed his eyes. "You heard that?"

"We both did. You are lucky that Arthur is actually quite accommodating. Now, let's get on. Wouldn't do to have the Prince being all angry at us for being late to dinner, now would it?"

|TBC|

Fic: A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes (unrequited Gwen/Arthur, Merlin/Arthur)

2009-09-09T07:02:09Z

Title: A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes
Author: auroraprimavera
Rating: PG
Pairing(s): unrequited Gwen/Arthur, Merlin/Arthur
Summary: And that's when you realise that dreams really don't come true.
Word Count: 2,306
Warning(s): 2nd Person PoV - slight angst
Beta: issahime - Thanks bb! ♥
Author's Notes: Written for the thefuturequeen's Gwen Battle Summer 2009.
Prompt: C-40 | Morgana and Arthur trade servants for a week.

Disclaimer: This is a work of fanfiction – none of this ever happened. No copyright infringement is intended. No profit is made from this work. Please observe your local laws with regards to the age-limit and content of this work.

It started as a joke. Or, was it a bet? It's hard to remember. But what is clear is that not everyone involved is comfortable with the new arrangement. Even you; especially you.

A small bundle is settled under your arm and you take a last glance around the small room you live in, just off Morgana's chambers. You still have your house, of course, but find it easier to just stay in the castle nowadays. Assuring you have what you'll need for the next week, you let yourself out and head down towards Arthur's chambers.

It's not that you have anything against Arthur. Definitely not. It's just...

Well.

He's Arthur.

The Prince.

And well...you've never been quite comfortable around him. Even now that he's softened a bit around the edges, Merlin's influence clear in every movement he makes. He still...

You shake your head. This is ridiculous, you think, It's only for a week. After that, you'll be back at Morgana's side, where you belong.

As you near the side room that's been assigned to you, you find Merlin making his way cheerfully down the hall. His smile is wide and happy, a small bundle under his arm as well. When he passes you, his grin widens and leans down close to you. As he speaks, you valiantly ignore the flutter of butterflies and smile back at him.

"Remember, Gwen. It's just Arthur, no need to treat him like a Prince or anything."

For a moment, you're sure Merlin meant it to be a real whisper, advice from one servant to another. But when Arthur bellows out an 'I heard that, Merlin!' from his rooms, voice light with laughter, you know it was done on purpose.

Merlin shakes his head and laughs as well. With a wink, he sets off, whistling as he makes his way up to Morgana's side of the castle.

The first day is as awkward as it could possibly be.

Arthur is tense and quiet, only speaking when he needs something. He ignores you mostly, leaving you to your chores as he goes about his duties. The thing is...

The thing is, you are bored out of your mind.

With Morgana there is always something needing to be done. Always.

And it's not like you can fill Arthur's rooms with cheery little clumps of wildflowers. Even if they smell clean and fresh, you're not sure Arthur would appreciate them much.

Still.

Only a day in and you're ready to crawl your way out the window and back to Morgana's. You haven't seen Merlin all day and you won't see him again until the week is out. It was part of the deal, bet, joke...whatever.

Arthur's chambers are clean. Spotless, really, if you were one to brag. And you aren't.

So now, it's just before night fall, the sky darkening slowly as the summer sun sets late in the horizon. And you're sitting here, bored.

All the armour has been sent to the armoury. Any clothes that needed mending have been mended. (Surprisingly, there wasn't much to be done in that department.) Bed clothes have been changed, wood for the fire restocked, floor swept, table scrubbed and anything else you can think of.

Now all you're doing is sitting here, at Arthur's table and waiting for him to come back so that you may fetch him his dinner.

The second day and the boredom has got to the point where it's beyond ridiculous. What does Merlin do all day anyway?

When you ask Arthur that night he blinks at you, spoon for his soup halfway to his mouth, and then breaks out into a rumbling laugh. You stare at him, surprised. Never has the Prince acted like this with you, so open.

As he settles down, his laugh tapering out into soft gusts of breath, he shakes his head. "Oh, Guinevere, really?"

You blink. "Sire?"

"Merlin has plenty to do, believe you me. But half the jobs I give him, are in no way fit for a lady to partake. I've shuffled most of his duties onto other servants and a few Merlin is still doing. It was part of the deal Morgana and I made. You're only taking care of the little things, which, I appreciate your way of doing."

A blush is spreading across your cheeks and flowing down your neck, staining your already dark skin. You realise that you're staring at him as he raises his eyebrow. When you start to stammer out an apology he laughs softly and waves your words away.

"Gwen, don't worry. You're doing a perfectly good job, much better than Merlin, that's for sure. If it weren't for the possibility of Morgana throwing a fit of some sort, I'd stick to this arrangement." He pauses for a moment and blinks once, a sudden look of realisation coming to his face. "Then again, Merlin is good at some things. Wouldn't like to get rid of him, after all."

The last words are spoken softly, almost as if he hadn't meant to say them out loud. When he looks back at you, there's a new look in his eyes. You can't quite decipher it, but it makes you stammer and blush.

When he dismisses you from his rooms you flee as quickly as possible. The butterflies in your stomach have taken flight and are jostling like crazy as you try your best to ignore them.

The first time you finally understand what the look in his eyes means you drop the load of dirty clothes in your arms. It's late in the afternoon on the third day and you're trying to get as much done as possible before Arthur returns from a trip out to a nearby village.

But you know, you know.

Your head spins in circles as you try to figure out exactly what this all means.

Especially the one thought that has your heart beating in a staccato rhythm that makes it hard to breathe.

Could he?

When you make your way back into Arthur's chambers around midday you're surprised to find him there, sitting in his chair with a faraway look in his eyes.

He turns to you when you clear your throat softly and he smiles. "Gwen!"

"Sire."

A blink and he grins again, wider. "Come, sit," he points at a chair across from his and pushes it out with his foot, "I don't quite know you at all and well, seeing as you're skulking about my rooms, I'd thought that we should remedy that."

Oh.

You make your way to the chair and sit down gingerly at the edge of the seat. Arthur automatically sits up and leans forward, elbows resting on the table.

"Tell me, Gwen, are you happy?"

"Sire?" It seems as if you can't say anything more than that.

"Here, in Camelot. Are you happy?"

Blinking is all you seem capable of. "Well, yes, of course."

"Oh, come on Guinevere, don't be so modest. Tell me the truth." His hand makes a motion, indicating that you should speak more.

"Sire, I really am happy. Here. In Camelot. I - I have no want of anything. And I am treated kindly. Really. I well, yes. Happy. I am, happy."

Blushing, again.

His grin is bright and he settles back in his chair. "See, that wasn't so hard. It's funny, Merlin is the kind of person who you can't get to shut up. Ever. There was this one time..."

When he speaks, he speaks with his eyes. They light up and dim according to what he's saying. You've never seen this side of him before and it makes the butterflies go wild, spinning and spinning with each word he says.

As the hours go by, you wonder if he should be anywhere else. And you think, briefly, that maybe you should remind him of his duties. But when he laughs and gestures wildly, eyes lighting up, you forget about duties and propriety. Story after story you tell each other, an almost silent vow to see who can get the other to laugh the most.

By the time he finally looks away from you and out the window, you realise that the whole afternoon has been spent talking. Talking.

With a sigh Arthur gets up and points to you. "You, Guinevere, are a bad influence. Worse than Merlin! I've spent my entire afternoon doing nothing more than gossiping." Before you can stammer out an apology he shakes his head, his hand settling down on yours gently. "Don't worry, it's quite alright. I needed the time off. Merlin's always making sure I do this at least once a week. Just...nothing. I like it. Thank you."

And he's gone, whirling out of his chambers and leaving you gaping.

After that, the next four days rush by so quickly you believe it all to have been no more than a dream.

It isn't until you're packing your small bundle of possessions that you realise, yes, you really did spend the past week learning a new side to your Prince.

The thought makes you unbelievably, inexplicably, happy.

When you leave the small side room, Arthur is there in the hall waiting for you. He smiles brightly and holds out his arm, crooked at the elbow. "My lady, I believe it is time to escort you back to the Lady Morgana's rooms."

You giggle and blush, the butterflies once again setting off and leaving you breathless with something you dare not name.

If this week has taught you anything, it's that dreams can become possibilities.

Now all you have to do is make this possibility come true.

Arthur is in a good mood, his tone teasing as he leads you up to Morgana's chambers. Your hand is warm, burning up where it's resting in the crook of his elbow. You can't help the besotted smile that takes over your mouth and blush every time he looks at you.

Maybe, just maybe.

When you reach the door that leads to the main room of Morgana's chambers, Arthur straightens up and knocks on the door, three quick raps of his knuckles on wood.

Morgana answers the door and when Arthur sees this he arches an eyebrow. "Merlin shirking his duties again, is he?"

"Not at all, Arthur. He's just getting his things."

Arthur nods and steps in, leading you into the room. Morgana raises an eyebrow at this, but thankfully, doesn't comment. Once inside he gently pulls your hand away and drops it without really seeming to notice what he's doing. The door to your small room opens and Merlin comes out smiling widely.

You're about to greet him, ask him how his week went, when you notice Arthur's reaction to seeing Merlin again in over a week.

His bright smile gets brighter, somehow, and his eyes light up with pure joy and affection. He moves over and loops an arm around Merlin's neck and laughs when his manservant scoffs and pretends to push him away. Immediately they set to talking, Merlin's smile growing softer and warmer as they make their way out of the room. They barely glance back, Merlin only just calling out a goodbye before the door shuts behind them.

It isn't until Morgan touches your arm that you notice you're blinking back tears. She sees the look on your face and her own, stoic expression melts away. "Oh, Gwen, you didn't."

You shrug, not quite knowing what to do, say.

And that's when you realise that dreams really don't come true.

You manage to forget about that week for two years. Pushing it into the back of your mind anytime the memories dare to make themselves known. This becomes much easier when Lancelot comes back to Camelot, shining like a true knight of the kingdom.

But then you overhear Merlin and Arthur talking. Their voices are soft, muted, as they make their way down to Arthur's chambers from Uther's wing.

The King is dying.

You know what this means. Arthur will soon take over as king and you can't help but feel the rush of pride at this thought. Under his rule you know that Camelot will prosper and will grow to be a true paradise for all.

It's Merlin's quiet question that catches your attention and you halt, pushing yourself into a dark alcove and holding your breath when they stop in front of you.

"Arthur, think about it, at least. Who else could you trust in that role?"

"I trust no one, Merlin, you know this."

"But her you can trust! Arthur, she's the perfect choice. Why are you being such a prat about it all?"

There's a sigh and a rustling of fabric. You dare peek out and blush as you see how close they're standing together, Arthur's fingers trailing down Merlin's cheek.

"You know why."

"Arthur, don't."

"I know, Merlin, I know. I just wish..."

"Do this, for me. Please, Arthur. I trust you to no one else."

Arthur blinks and looks away, down at the floor. "You're sure?"

"Yes, I am. Morgana told me. She - She saw this. She knows it can be a good thing."

"And us? What becomes of us?"

"Oh, Arthur. Us? Whatever you want. Always, you know that."

Arthur smiles, a soft, private smile that you've never seen before. "Alright then, Merlin, you've convinced me."

Later on, as you settle into your small bed at home, when the knock comes at the door you jump slightly. And when you open the door and find the three people in the world who mean the most to you standing at your door, you know.

When Arthur kneels in front of you and tells you his plan, his proposal you don't hesitate.

You may not get what you want, but you'll take what you can.

|Fin|

Fan Art: Morgana Wallpaper & Icons

2009-08-21T03:38:02Z

As I've mentioned earlier, I'm majorly crushing on Katie right now. *blush* So I decided to try my hand at some graphics with her in them. I ended up with this wallpaper and wanted to share. I also made a few simple icons to go along with it.

I didn't add any text, because as much as I wanted to, I couldn't get it to work. If anyone wants a version with text, just tell me what you want and where and I'll add it for you. This goes for both the icons & wallpaper. And if you want a different icon, let me know as well. Also if you would like the wallpaper in a different size - just keep in mind that the largest I can do is 1600x1200.

It comes in these sizes:
1600x1200 | 1280x1024 | 1280x800 | 1152x800 | 1024x800

And the icons:

001

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004

005

Created with angelamaria's Icon Table Generator @ Bauble

Enjoy! If you use, please credit! AND NO HOTLINKING PLZ.

comment!partay extroidinaire!

2009-05-15T20:35:45Z

ETA: THE COMMENT!PARTAY EXTROIDINAIRE IS OFFICIALLY UNDERWAY!!! \o/

comment!partay extroidinaire!
(click banner)

The comment!partay officially starts at midnight US Eastern time tonight and ends at midnight US Eastern time on Sunday night. This means TWO FULL DAYS of crazy fun commenting like WOWZERZ!!! \o/

What happens at these comment!partays, says you?

ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING CAN AND WILL HAPPEN

No exceptions!!!

Want to post a prompt for a mini!fic? Go ahead.

Want to gush about Colin's lovely ears? OMG PLZ o_O

Want to discuss the beauty that is Bradley? Oh yes, don't mind if you do.

Want to write a crazy whacked out epic comment!fic of doom with your friend and involve every hot character in all your favourite fandoms? Why, yes, I've done that. Now it's YOUR turn.

Are there rules???

Only one: COMMENT AS OFTEN AS POSSIBLE \o/

See you all here @ midnight!!! *throws confetti*

** If you REALLY REALLY REALLY feel the need, you can start commenting even if the partay doesn't officially start until midnight - I know I will! \o/ **

Further pimping equipment:

WEEKENDCOMMENT!PARTY
comment!partay extroidinaire!

** All graphics were made by the very lovely issahime - Go snog her!

** Also, I KNOW that 'extroidinaire' is spelled wrong - ok? Even I am bright enough to figure that one out. It was so totally done on purpose. Really. IT WAS. *looks shifty*

Fan Art: Colin Morgan as a Vampire (photo manip & icons)

2009-05-14T02:22:55Z

Ok so because I love mrs_leary and her fics, I caved in and did my first manip in over 6 years. It's not much, but you wouldn't believe the troulbe I went through. Photoshop obviously disagreed with me on the fact that Colin makes a very pretty vampire. *sigh*

Under the cut you will find a manip & 9(18) icons (2 versions: w/ border & w/o)

Also be sure to read mrs_leary's wonderful story: Bradley the Vampire Slayer

Ok, to start off, this is the original picture that I used. (Thanks to my lovely shiny_starlight who sent me such a high quality image!)

** click on the image for the larger version **

Right, and then we have the manipulation in all it's toothy glory.

** click on the image for the larger version **

And because I honestly could not help myself - A bit more editing and Colin is all shiny and has BLUE BLUE BLUE eyes.

** click on the image for the larger version **

And here are the icons. :D

001

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005

006

007

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009

010

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Created with angelamaria's Icon Table Generator @ Bauble

Please credit and enjoy - And don't hotlink the pics!

Fic: Raise me to your lips (Merlin/Arthur)

2009-05-12T04:04:15Z

Title: Raise me to your lips
Author: auroraprimavera
Rating: NC-17
Pairing(s): Merlin/Arthur
Summary: He doesn't know what he wants.
Word Count: 2,702
Warning(s): Dirty, kinky porn & a somewhat obedient Arthur.
Beta: HAHAHA - Really? I promise I'll find someone to beta my pr0nz one day. Really. *looks shifty*
Author's Notes: Written as comment!porn on toodelicious's journal at the comment!porn partay that was being hosted here. The original prompt posted was: Arthur asking Merlin to blindfold him and then fuck him, so he has to put his trust in Merlin and relax. And my muse immediately jumped for glee and said "We're making a series out of our darlin Dom!Merlin!!" *head desk*

What could be considered part one can be found here: I'm going to make you see stars, Arthur Pendragon.

OMG SOMEONE STOP ME!!! *FLAILS* THE PR0NZ IT CALLS TO ME!!!

The title comes from Massive Attack's 'Inertia Creeps' which was on repeat the ENTIRE time I wrote this.

Disclaimer: This is a work of fanfiction – none of this ever happened. No copyright infringement is intended. No profit is made from this work. Please observe your local laws with regards to the age-limit and content of this work.

Arthur still isn't sure how it happened, let alone what happened. But happen it does. Several times.

He hasn't figured out quite yet what will trigger it, but whatever it is, it works wonders. So far it's happened after a feast, a tournament, a hunt, training and even once, out of the blue. Right now he's hoping it happens soon. Because an angry, non-responsive Merlin is not something he knows how to deal with.

"Merlin, you have to stop that. There's no reason for you to be behaving like such a girl!"

Still no response. Arthur is at his wit's end. This has been going on for three days now and it's all just a bit too much. He sits down on the edge of his bed and sticks a foot out for Merlin to remove his boot. His manservant doesn't say a word, just drops gracelessly to his knees and starts tugging at the leather straps. In no time his boots are removed, his jacket discarded and his shirt is gone.

Arthur blinks down at himself and then looks back up at Merlin, who is holding Arthur's night shirt in his hands. He stands up and waits. And waits. And then, waits some more.

"Merlin, I know you're completely incompetent half the time, but do you think you can manage to dress me for bed sometime this year?"

A hand shoves him and he falls back onto the bed. Then his breeches are being pulled off and Merlin is straddling his lap, still fully clothed. And oh gods it's happening and the rough material of Merlin's breeches is going to drive him insane.

"I believe you need to learn when to leave well enough alone, Sire." Merlin pulls Arthur's hands above his head and pins them down at the wrist. Merlin's weight is centered on two places now, his wrists and his hips. And Merlin is doing that thing where his hips roll over Arthur's and fuck it feels wonderful.

"I don't know what you're talking about, Merlin." Arthur attempts to sound somewhat coherent and not at all breathless. Which he isn't, really.

"You know perfectly well." A tongue licks down his throat leaving a cooling trail on his skin that causes Arthur to shiver. "Next time, you need to stay out of affairs that don't concern you, my prince."

"Of course it concerns me!" Arthur's sure the argument would be a good one - if he could argue at all. But right now Merlin is sucking and licking at his nipple and teeth are scraping against it and Arthur can only arch into the touch, begging for more.

"Look at you, your highness. All moaning and begging. You really are a slut when it comes to the bedroom, aren't you, Arthur?" The question is punctuated by a particularly harsh bite to his nipple. Arthur cries out and really can't decide if he should pull away or push in for more. "Such a wanton creature you are. How I would love for the people of Camelot to see you like this, stripped bare and desperate."

Arthur tries to respond. Really, he does. Because there is no reason why his manservant should be talking to him like this, treating him like anything less than a prince. But then Merlin is letting go of his wrists and his hands are trailing down Arthur's body and his mouth is getting so much closer and oh gods he needs to feel that warm, wet heat more than anything...

"My, what a greedy boy you are. But none of that today, Arthur. Today you're going to tell me what you want and I'll decide if you deserve it or not. You have been particularly pratty as of late, after all."

"Merlin..." He doesn't know what he wants. Well he does, but he can't get the thoughts to form into words that could make up a coherent sentence. Merlin's hands are tracing his skin lightly and all together ignoring his aching cock and wet kisses are being placed all over and it's not near fucking enough. "I want....oh gods...Merlin I want - "

A laugh rumbles through Merlin, soft and deep and full of affection. "What, my prince, tell me." He's sucking at Arthur's neck now, licking and biting and marking him.

"I want you to - I need you to....Merlin - Fuck me. Gods, fuck me - Please."

Merlin sucks kisses up to his ear and breathes against it, the warm rush of air making Arthur moan. "Is that all? Nothing else?" A hand trails down his torso and across his inner thigh, nails scraping against the sensitive skin. "Are you sure you don't want more, my prince?"

Arthur tries to pull his legs apart and somehow push Merlin's hand closer to where he needs it now damn it. When he is stopped by Merlin putting his hand on his hip and holding him still all Arthur can do is whine in protest. He wants something, anything, he just needs to be touched. He writhes under Merlin, seeking contact, not even thinking to move his arms from their position - hands clinging to the sheets above his head.

"Tell me, Arthur, tell me what you really want."

The world coalesces into one small segment of time. To this, to now, to Merlin rubbing against his thigh, his erection pressing against Arthur's skin through rough wool. Arthur bends his knee slightly and smiles at the stilted moan Merlin loosens. He closes his eyes and takes in every sensation he can - touch, smell, sound, taste - it gathers low in his stomach and glides down to his groin. With another whine he pushes against Merlin's hand, still on his hip, and decides that he finally knows what he wants.

"Merlin, I want you to - I need you to blindfold me. Cover my eyes. Fuck me, but cover my eyes. Please." And just the thought alone makes him groan with an even greater need.

Merlin places gentle kisses on his closed eyelids and Arthur can hear the smug smile in his voice. "Good, my prince, I knew you'd tell me. Stay still now." When Merlin pulls away the cool air of Arthur's chambers rushes in and leaves him shaky and shivery. He knows better than to not obey, he's not pushed Merlin that far yet, he's not sure if he wants to - but that's a thought for another day.

As he waits, his eyes are still closed and he feels the ebbs of the air around them. He can tell Merlin is by his wardrobe due to the soft rustling coming from that direction, the slight shift in the air as he turns back to Arthur. The room is cool, temperature barely changed by the late afternoon sun he can feel streaming in through the windows. He can smell sweat, both his and Merlin's, and the unmistakable scent of anticipation, of need and desire.

The bed dips and he rolls slightly towards Merlin, body lax and warm as he waits for more. Merlin laughs gently and pushes him by the shoulder, setting him straight again. Neither of them speak, content to just share touches and strokes for the time being. A silk cloth is placed over his eyes - and he's not going to think about what it is right now - and his head is pulled up to allow a knot at the back. It's tight and when he opens his eyes, eyelashes scraping against the material, everything is black.

For a panic filled second he believes he's truly lost his sight. Then reason creeps in and he knows it's just the blindfold not letting light in, the material thick enough that all he sees is nothing. With his eyes open the sensations grow around him, dipping and swaying and taking his breath away. Arthur feels Merlin reach for his hands and another cloth is tied around his wrists. He groans at that, feels arousal spiking through his body and making him tremble with it.

Movement around him and the bed dips again - this time Merlin's got off. More fabric rustling and then Merlin's back and gods he's naked and Arthur hisses at the contact as Merlin straddles him again. Skin on skin, sweat mingling and staining them both. When nothing happens Arthur starts to regret his choice and makes a disgruntled noise, which is quickly quieted by Merlin's mouth on his.

Merlin claims him through the kiss alone. His tongue roughly pushing its way into Arthur's mouth and marking every dark corner inside. Teeth scrape and pull at his teeth. First slow then fast and hungry and then back to slow. Arthur is dizzy from it and can only try to give back as good as he can, his body thrumming with tension and need and Merlin.

Moments, eternities, pass before Merlin pulls away. More kisses are trailed down his neck, across his chest and finally oh gods fucking finally he feels Merlin's breath close to where he needs it. He shifts his hips slightly, straining to get the wet heat he so desperately needs.

"I told you, Arthur, none of that today." Arthur groans deep within himself when Merlin places one of those sinful wet kisses on the head of his cock and then blows air across it. He can't help but gasp and buck up, feet scrabbling for purchase, legs straining with need to keep himself up.

"Merlin please..." He can't take much more of this and the blindfold is too much. Hands still tied, he pulls them down and attempts to push at the silk, breathing becoming harsh as panic starts to fill him - quickly replacing the desire that had just been coursing through him. "Take it off, Merlin! Take it off!" He can't breathe and this is too much and he can't he can't he can't...

"Arthur, shh, calm down." Merlin's long fingers gently pull his bound hands away from his face and a kiss is placed on the back of each. "What is it, tell me?" His voice is soft and gentle but still dominating and that is enough to settle some of the panic in Arthur's gut.

"I can't do this. Merlin, take it off, please." His voice is pleading and just short of pathetic but Arthur doesn't care. Merlin's the only one to ever see him like this, to see him, so he's not at all afraid to really break down.

"Oh baby, shh." Merlin pulls up and lies next to Arthur, body curling slightly around him and encasing him in warmth. A hand cups his jaw and a thumb rubs gently across his bottom lip, soothing him further. "You trust me, don't you?"

"I -" And that's the thing, isn't it? He does trust Merlin, with his life. But also with this. He trusts him above all else, above anyone else. He smiles and tilts his head into the hand burning on his skin. "I do. More than anything or anyone."

"You ready to go on then?" Arthur relaxes into the warm tones of Merlin's voice and lets out a whispered 'yes.'

Merlin works him over gently, thoroughly, and in short order he's hard, panting against the desire once again racing through him. He doesn't remember how, but he's been moved into a new position, legs spread out and knees pushed up to his chest. A pillow is folded under his hips and Merlin's fingers are doing delicious, torturous things to his body.

A slick finger dips into him, quickly pushing past the tight ring of muscle and making him gasp out. Every time Merlin does this it reminds him of that first time and the pleasure builds and builds even more. Before long Arthur is pushing back onto Merlin's fingers three now and moaning begging for more.

They've only done this once before, Merlin for - all he takes charge - is careful and doesn't do anything Arthur isn't ready for. It fills him up with warmth and something else when he thinks of that. And it helps the pleasure build some more, his body shaking with it all. His legs are trembling with the effort of keeping their position and he can barely control the sounds he makes, each one slipping out unbidden.

And that something in him is sparking his body to life and making him pant and whine and beg for more more more now damn it all, Merlin.

After a few more torturous strokes Merlin pulls away and a sob breaks through Arthur's lips at the loss, his hips still undulating and seeking out more of those fingers. But then, then Merlin is lining up with him and Arthur keens as he pushes in with one swift slide. Oh gods it's so much and with the blindfold the sensation is tripled, doubled to the point that Arthur can hardly breathe, his back arching and legs wrapping around Merlin's waist pulling in him further, closer.

Merlin doesn't wait. He starts pumping in and out with long hard strokes, pushing down on the back of Arthur's thighs, folding him almost in half - opening him up even more.

He's crying, he can feel the tears dripping past the blindfold and trickle down his temple to get lost with the sweat in his hair, and all he can do is ask for more, Merlin, please - oh gods, more more, please I need more, oh gods, yes Merlin, please.

Arthur's close, his cock hasn't even been touched and he's fucking close, so hard, so ready to come that he begs for more and pushes back against Merlin, desperate. But he knows to wait, as much as it hurts, as much as he cries for release, he waits - waits for Merlin to let him go and give him what he seeks.

The furious thrusting grows stilted and then Merlin is coming in him, hot and wet and gods it feels amazing and he cries out wanting the same for himself. Merlin goes still and leans over him, placing a soft kiss at the corner of his mouth, licking at the sweat gathered above his lip.

"Look at you," Arthur can hear the leering, lecherous, tone of Merlin's voice and he shifts - moaning when he feels Merlin still inside of him. "You're all red and sweaty and hard and so fucking needy. Arthur, gods have mercy, what you do to me."

A hand closes at the base of his cock and he screams, the stimulation enough to push him over but the pressure not letting him. He sobs out words of pleading, the pleasure turning into that dull ache of pain he only ever feels with Merlin. Merlin pulls out and Arthur wants to cry at the unfairness of it all. He's ready to yell and insult and demand when that warm, wet, sinful heat that is Merlin's mouth closes over his aching cock.

"Merlin!"

A powerful suck and Merlin's hand releases its hold and Arthur's screaming, incoherent rumbles and noises and even with the blindfold his eyes shut tight and he sees those fucking stars again and can't move, can't think, can't breathe.

He comes back to the world to Merlin's soothing touch and gentle kisses, fingers running through Arthur's hair and gently massaging his scalp. His hands are free and he's been pulled under the covers and pulled up against Merlin, his head on Merlin's shoulder. Arthur can’t think of any other place he'd rather be, body weak and numb, warm from Merlin pressed up under him.

Arthur pulls his head back a bit and smiles up at Merlin, happy and himself. "I'm sorry, you know. You were right, it was none of my concern."

Merlin smiles back with a wide grin that never fails to set Arthur's heart fluttering. "I know Arthur. Just needed to make sure we got that through your thick skull."

If he'd had the energy, he would have fought against that. Instead he just lays his head back on Merlin's shoulder and curls tighter around him, relishing in the proprietary way Merlin's arm wraps around his back. Really, nowhere else he would rather be.

|End|

And because I'm sure inquiring minds want to know, YES there will be more. I have been prompted and will be writing the next bit soon. A hint: chair!porn & boots. Blame issahime for that.

Rec: (partial) Vid - Would You Cry For Me?

2009-05-11T13:26:41Z

Ok, so I'm sure that you may have seen this, but just in case. YOU GUYS OMG!!! *flails*

The video was originally posted here at merlinxarthur - But with a bit of investigating, I found the author here on YouTube. I'm crossing my fingers and hoping there's MORE SOON!! GAH.

And because I absolutely fell IN LOVE WITH THE SONG from the snippet we get of it, I had to go look for it. Here are the lyrics & OMG. o_O

Would You Cry For Me by Smash

I wanna be the one to hold you in my arms
All through the night,
Every night.
But every touch I feel the burning of desire
I’m lost in you,
Inside of you.

For all the love that you bring
The way you colour everything
Stop the voices whispering

CHORUS:
Would you cry for me?
Would you lie for me?
Would you sacrifice your love for me?
Would you fall apart?
Would you tear me from your heart?
Would you sacrifice your love for me?

In the darkness I’ll protect you
From the shadows of the night,
Be the light.
Through the storm I will shelter you
From all the falling rain,
Be the flame.

For all the happiness you bring
The way you colour everything
Makes my heart wanna sing.

Would you cry for me?
Would you lie for me?
Would you sacrifice your love for me?
Would you fall apart?
Would you tear me from your heart?
Would you sacrifice your love for me?

For all the love that you bring
The way you colour everything
Makes my heart wanna sing.

CHORUS: 2 times

And because I really couldn't help myself - I Googled, I searched, I downloaded a rather disturbing fanvid and opened up Soundbooth and fought with the program but NOW:

You can download the song here: Would You Cry For Me by Smash \o/

Dude, I'm so hoping this is finished QUICKLY because OMG. *flails some moar*

* This entry will remain Public to help share the ♥ *

ETA: If you have ANY problems with the song file, please let me know.

Fic: I'm going to make you see stars, Arthur Pendragon. (Merlin/Arthur)

2009-05-09T20:42:09Z

Title: I'm going to make you see stars, Arthur Pendragon.
Author: auroraprimavera
Rating: NC-17
Pairing(s): Merlin/Arthur
Summary: This is nothing but porn, no summary is needed.
Word Count: 2,690
Warning(s): Dirty, kinky porn & a somewhat obedient Arthur.
Beta: HAHAHA - Anyone I could ask to beta is already dead from reading it once. Oops.
Author's Notes: Started as comment!porn on i_claudia's journal when gealach_ros pleaded help with one of her ~~kinks~~ fantasies. The convo went something like this:

gealach_ros - BB, i_claudia and I need your help with this *FLAIL*
auroraprimavera - HAHAHAH OMG
auroraprimavera- *pause*
auroraprimavera- *starts writing*
gealach_ros - *FLAILS*

Oh and a huge thank you to all my ~~enablers~~ friends (gealach_ros, i_claudia, sequanne, issahime) for their support in writing this here dirty wank!porn. I dedicate this to you all. \o/ Enjoy!

Disclaimer: This is a work of fanfiction – none of this ever happened. No copyright infringement is intended. No profit is made from this work. Please observe your local laws with regards to the age-limit and content of this work.

He doesn't quite know how it started. One moment he and Merlin were arguing and the next Merlin is pushing him down into his chair, a dark look on his face. They're still staring at each other, with Merlin hovering over him in a rather predatory manner.

"Merlin, you need to get it into the addled brain of yours that you cannot treat me like this. I'm the Crown Prince and you are my manservant. Did you happen to forget that yet again?"

There is no reply only Merlin leaning down and putting his lips too close to his ear. And for the record, he does not shiver. Not at all. "I happen to think that you are nothing but a royal prat, my Lord."

Arthur has to swallow before he feels himself able to speak. "You need to learn your place, Merlin." Also for the record, his voice does not shake at all. None whatsoever.

Soft huffs of air sweep across his ear as Merlin chuckles. "I believe, Sire, that it is time for you to learn your place."

He frowns and opens his mouth to say - well he doesn't know what he was going to say, but he was going to say something - only now he can't because...because...Oh holy hell Merlin's tongue is warm on his skin.

"Tell me, your highness, what do you like?"

Some noise makes it out of his throat but he doesn't know what it was supposed to be because Merlin is licking and sucking his ear and that should not feel as wonderful as it does. So the best that Arthur can do at the moment is grab onto the arms of his chair and moan in appreciation.

Just when he's really starting to enjoy the sensations running across his skin Merlin pulls back and away, far far away. Arthur huffs out an annoyed breath and unconsciously reaches out to pull Merlin back in. But his hand is batted away and Merlin is even further away.

"Merlin..."

"Like I said, it's time for you to learn your place."

He feels his eyes widen as Merlin's hands reach down to undo the laces on his own breeches. Once he's done he reaches a hand inside and lets out a very needy moan. After a few moments he pulls his cock out and gives it a few leisurely strokes. Arthur can feel his hips moving in rhythm with Merlin's. For some reason he can't fathom he wants to be the one touching Merlin like that.

Merlin opens his eyes and locks Arthur down with his gaze. When he speaks his voice is low and husky. "Strip."

It takes a few moments for the word to make it through Arthur's foggy brain but when it does he glares at the other man. "Excuse me?"

Merlin smirks and steps closer, still stroking himself. "Strip."

It's completely against his nature. Yet he finds himself obeying. Arthur stands up and pulls off his shirt and as he's unlacing his breeches, he kicks off his boots. When he's free of his clothes he turns to Merlin and finds him standing too close. The heat radiating from his body inexplicably makes Arthur shiver.

Merlin pushes him down on to his chair once again and moves to stand between Arthur's legs, his own legs spreading out and opening Arthur up further.

He can't help the groan that escapes and has to clutch at the arms of his chair again, desperate for a way to ground himself.

"Look at you, sire, so needy. I bet you're the kind that begs loudly for what you want, aren't you?" Merlin leans closer, his free hand resting on the back of the chair, close to Arthur's head. "I can imagine the breathy little moans that you make when you're close. Tell me, Arthur, how long does it take you until you turn into such a needy, wanton creature?"

Not long at all, apparently. That's what he wants to say, really. He even opens his mouth to do so. But all that comes out is a low whine, accompanied by his bucking hips.

"You haven't even been touched yet and look at you. Red and flushed and begging. What would the people say, to know that their crown prince is such a slut?"

A hand trails down his chest and Arthur can't figure out if he'd rather cry out or suck in air. His body decides to do both and he writhes under the fingers tracing patterns on his skin. He can hear the soft swish of skin as Merlin strokes himself and the thought makes him harder, his own cock twitching. Arthur wants to reach down and stroke himself, or maybe reach out and touch Merlin. He's not sure, but he needs to touch.

The hand stops just above his hip, fingers trailing dangerously close but still too far out of reach. Merlin's breath is warm on his cheek when he speaks. "I want to see you come undone, my prince. I want to see you writhe and moan and beg. I want to see you flushed with desire. I want to see you touch yourself."

His eyes snap up to Merlin's and he can't breathe. Merlin's blue eyes are dark with desire, pupils blown wide. Merlin leans back a bit and, eyes still locked, guides one of Arthur's hands off the arm of the chair. He lets it go and stands straight up. The action brings Merlin's cock close to Arthur's mouth and all he wants to do at the moment is take the flushed head of it into his mouth and suck.

It's when Merlin pushes him back that he realizes he's moving forward. "Naughty prince. I didn't say you could, did I?"

"Please..."

Merlin's smile is pleased and he darts down to place a quick kiss at the corner of Arthur's mouth. "Soon, but first...touch yourself. Arthur, show me what makes you pant." And he's straightening back up, hand still caressing his own cock in long, slow strokes.

Arthur swallows and moves the hand Merlin had indicated towards his cock. Right before he reaches it he glances up at Merlin and receives a nod in return. When his hand closes around himself his eyes flutter to a close and his head snaps back hard against the back of the chair.

Oh gods, it feels so good. He doesn't do much, just stroke slowly up and down, fingers twitching with the need to do more.

"That's it. Tighter, Arthur. I want to see you fuck your hand."

He can feel Merlin step closer again and his legs brush against Arthur's, sending shivers of pleasure along every nerve. Obediently he tightens his grip and arches up into his hand, new sounds slipping from his lips. For a few moments all Arthur can hear is their hands moving swiftly across skin. The pleasure is starting to build up and he groans, pushing further into his hand.

"Stop."

It's nothing short of a command and Arthur lets out a whine as his body automatically listens. He opens his eyes to see Merlin stepping away and towards Arthur's discarded clothes. When he comes back, Arthur sees one of the laces from his breeches dangling from Merlin's hand. Before he can ask what it's for Merlin drops to his knees before Arthur and quickly ties the lace at the base of his cock.

Arthur screams and bucks his hips, body shuddering from the sudden sensation. It's not too tight, but tight enough to cause a dull pleasurable ache to course through his body. His breathing is harsh and when he opens his eyes - when had they closed? - Merlin is staring up at him with a hungry look on his face. Still watching Arthur, he leans forward and places a wet kiss on the head of Arthur's cock. Arthur cries out again and has to hold himself still so as not to push into the wet heat that Merlin's kiss holds at bay.

Merlin stands back up, his hand reaching for his own cock - which is red and dark with arousal, and fuck Arthur finds that to be the hottest thing ever - and starts his slow, careful stroking. He blinks slowly and moans, head falling back.

"Arthur, touch yourself. I want to see you shake with the need to come."

Again his body obeys without question and when his hand comes into contact with his cock he groans loudly. Without needing to be told his grip is tight and he pushes up into it, his other hand still clenched on the arm rest.

It's just this side of painful, but the pleasure surmounts it and swirls around his body. Arthur hasn't had anything like this before. Not this heady rush of want, the need to do just as he's told, the rush he gets in watching Merlin fucking his own hand. Somewhere along the way his thought processes have fled and all he can think is of need and Merlin and touch and so many other things.

"I love watching you like this Arthur. So obedient and willing to do what I say. I want you like this always. I'll have to figure out a way to keep you hard and ready for me, for whenever I want. So I can push you against any wall and take you quick and hard."

Oh gods - The mere idea of Merlin doing that, in a corridor where anyone could see them...

"You're not going to come until I tell you." Merlin leans close again and places open mouthed kisses along Arthur's neck. "When you finally get your release it's going to be so much that you'll think you've died. I'm going to make you see stars, Arthur Pendragon."

He doesn't know how to respond to that. Not like he would be able to, with the way air is barely reaching his lungs and his mouth seems to be stuck in a permanent 'O' of sorts. Merlin's heat is distracting and he wants to pull it in closer and wrap himself around it, take it all in at once. The slight brush of fabric - because damn it Merlin's still clothed - against his legs is driving him wild. He wraps his legs around the back of Merlin's knees, shocking the other man and almost making him fall forward.

Merlin lets out a laugh and leans back, letting Arthur's legs hold him in place. "Demanding aren't we? What else would I expect from a pratty prince?"

Arthur looks up at him and sees how glassy his eyes are, sees the strain he's taking in holding himself back. He reaches out his other hand and wraps it around Merlin's cock, grip tight with just the right amount of pressure. This time Merlin does fall forward, and with a sharp cry. He manages to catch himself on the arms of the chair and leans his forehead hard against Arthur's shoulder. Merlin's hips are pumping in time with Arthur's strokes and he's fucking Arthur's hand, soft cries of pleasure coming from him.

"Oh gods...Arthur..." Merlin starts kissing him again, sucking on his skin and licking wherever he can reach. "I can only hope...that...when I finally...fuck you...that you're this tight. Fuck. Arthur..."

With a last gasping whine Merlin comes, bucking wildly against Arthur's hand and shuddering his release through the gentle strokes Arthur is giving him.

After a few moments he pulls back and steps out of Arthur's reach. He looks seriously debauched. His shirt is askew and his breeches are painted with small splatters of come, his lips are swollen red and a faint flush is creeping up his throat.

Arthur leans his head back and lets out a pleading noise, his hand still moving back and forth along his swollen cock. "Merlin...please...please..."

Merlin smiles, that same hungry leering smile, and falls down to his knees once again. He wraps his hands around Arthur's hips and pulls him forward until he's just barely seated on the edge of the chair. One hand then reaches down and gently cups Arthur's balls, making him cry out again. His other hand trails up to Arthur's mouth and two fingers push in. "Suck."

And Arthur does, with a fervor that shows how desperate he is. He wraps his tongue around both fingers, sliding them in and out of his mouth, teeth scraping gently against them. Merlin drops his head against Arthur's thigh and moans, hand tightening around Arthur's balls. And fuck there's only so much a man can take. He pushes Merlin's fingers out and sucks in some much needed air. "Merlin please..."

He doesn't get a response. And it isn't until he feels two wet fingers running down behind his balls that he realizes Merlin's intention. He gasps out a moan and opens his legs wider, pushing his hips up to give Merlin more room. His hand is still holding his cock, but not doing much else, fingers flexing with the desire to stroke. But, he can't. It hurts too much and all he wants is release and fuck...

Merlin pushes a finger in, slowly teasing him and opening him up. Arthur has to close his eyes again, head tipped back and pushing against the chair. He loses track of time as Merlin's fingers fuck him slowly, the second one eventually joining the first. He's lost in a haze of pleasure, the ache numbing him and making him lose all sense of the world around him. He comes back when a brush of fingers against something sparks his slack body to life.

"Merlin!" Arthur pushes against Merlin's fingers, his hand tightening around his cock. He needs to come now and so help him if Merlin doesn't...Oh fuck...Whatever it is that Merlin's touching inside of him, it's making Arthur shake harder than ever. "Gods, please...please..." Arthur's crying now, ready to do anything if Merlin just gives him this.

Soft kisses are being pressed on his thigh, that sinful mouth moving closer and closer...

"Arthur, look at me." Merlin's voice is rough, needy, and Arthur opens his eyes to look down at Merlin. Fuck, what a picture he makes. "Arthur, I want to see you...I want to see you come...touch yourself. Please."

His hand obeys and starts moving against his cock in harsh strokes, his entire body quaking with the need for release now, damn it. Merlin's breath is ghosting across his cock, making it twitch under his hands. Arthur looks into Merlin's eyes, still wide and dark, and swallows hard. This is so much more than anything ever and...suddenly the lace is gone and the pressure holding his release back is gone and Merlin is licking his lips, tongue darting out to touch Arthur's cock and...

He screams loudly, too loudly perhaps, and his entire body locks up from the pleasure. It feels like it lasts forever, what with Merlin licking him gently and Merlin's fingers brushing against the something in him - and fuck there are fucking stars bursting behind his eyes and it's too much. Arthur finally calms down with a whimpering sigh, body sagging back against the chair. He feels completely boneless, undone, and all he can do is give Merlin a wobbling smile.

Merlin smiles at him, a happy grin that sets Arthur's blood flowing again, and leans up. He catches Arthur's lips with his and finally finally they are kissing and Arthur had no idea that he wanted to kiss Merlin so bad or that kissing Merlin would be so great. He doesn't let Merlin pull away for a while, holding him locked in place with a hand at his neck. Finally he lets go and smiles again at the gleam in Merlin's eyes.

The smile he's being given turns decidedly wicked as Merlin leans in again, this time to whisper against his ear. "I don't think I ever told you that you could come, my prince. Someone needs to be taught a lesson."

A hand wanders down and caresses his still sensitive cock and Arthur lets out a whimper. It's going to be a long night indeed.

|END|

I may or may not be inclined to write more of this in the future. Depending on how horny my muse gets. *g*

Icons: Bradley James & His Pout

2009-05-07T19:16:02Z

I promised gealach_ros an icon of Bradley's adorable pout, so here it is. There are 8 icons, virtually all the same. The difference is the font and the text (pout vs. pouts). Take what you want and please credit. :D

Btw - Is it just me or did the file sizes allowed change??

001

002

003

004

005

006

007

008

Created with angelamaria's Icon Table Generator @ Bauble

Fic: Merlin has Addergies (Merlin/Arthur)

2009-04-30T21:57:27Z

Title: Merlin has Addergies
Author: auroraprimavera
Rating: PG
Pairing(s): Merlin/Arthur (or: Merlin/Ardur)
Summary: Arthur wants to know why Merlin is sneezing so much.
Word Count: 1,671
Warning(s): Scmoopy crack :D
Beta: sezso & shiny_starlight (Because they are awesome and encourage me and I love them!)
Author's Notes: Started as comment!fic & was written for sequanne because she was having a bad day. Hope your day is better, love! She gave me the prompt "flowers" & well because Colin's allergic to like a bazillion things I figure Merlin is as well. Also - thanks to gealach_ros for laughing whenever I gave her a new snippet. You rock BB!

Disclaimer: This is a work of fanfiction – none of this ever happened. No copyright infringement is intended. No profit is made from this work. Please observe your local laws with regards to the age-limit and content of this work.

There was a loud sneeze followed by a few coughs just outside his door. Arthur frowned, if anyone was getting sick he didn't want them near him. Just as he thought that the door to his chambers opened and a sneeze preceded the person walking in.

"Merlin, if you're going to be sneezing like that, get out."

"Thorry, I cad't help it."

Arthur watched his manservant as he started making his way about, cleaning up Arthur's mess. Merlin's eyes were red and swollen, his nose a soft pink and his cheeks a little puffy.

"Are you sick? Because if you are you need to stay away."

Merlin shook his quickly and sneezed again. "No, not thick, addergies."

Ah. "What are addergies?"

"No, no. addergies."

"That's what I said."

"No, I mean..." Merlin sighed, "My node ith thuffy. I cad't...Devermid."

With a sigh Arthur waved for him to continue and ignored the sneezes as best he could.

-----

It wasn't until well after luncheon that Arthur had had enough. Merlin's coughing and sneezing had got progressively worse, becoming a horrible distraction.

"Merlin! Enough!"

Merlin froze and looked at him with wide eyes. "Thorry?"

Arthur huffed and pulled his sword out of Merlin's hands and pointed to the door. "Get out of here and go to Gaius. See if there's anything he can do about your addergies." When Merlin tried to protest he waved him on, "Go now before I lose what little patience I have for you. Go!"

Merlin scrambled up from his position on the floor and ran out of his chambers, sneezing the entire way.

-----

The next day when Merlin came back he was still sneezing and Arthur had to contain a groan of annoyance.

"Merlin, what did I say about the sneezing?"

"Thorry, Gaiuth cad't do a'thin' 'bout dem."

"What?"

"I thaid, Gaiuth cad't - "

"Nevermind, Merlin. I can barely understand what you prattle on about half the time - let alone now. Just...shine something or another."

Merlin nodded and settled in a corner of Arthur's chambers, placing armour around him like a defensive wall. Arthur ignored him and finished getting ready before heading out. He would leave Merlin there and avoid him as much as possible.

-----

When Arthur returned to his chambers late that afternoon Merlin was still tucked away in his corner, Arthur’s armour – shined and polished – spread out around him. Merlin himself was curled with his knees up, arms wrapped around them, his head at an awkward angle. His breathing was deep and slightly ragged, an occasional sniffle finding its way out.

Arthur couldn’t explain it but the sight of his manservant sleeping like that warmed his heart. He stepped over to Merlin and with as much care as possible picked him up and carried him over to Arthur’s bed. As soon as Merlin felt the bed beneath him he curled up into a tight ball, small smile gracing his lips.

It was nice having Merlin quiet, and not sneezing, so Arthur let him sleep. He set about in gathering his armour and laying it out on the table, admiring the clean shine. Arthur wasn’t sure how it happened, but Merlin always managed to make it look like new.

He had a meeting with his father in a few minutes and headed to the door. Before leaving he glanced back at Merlin and smiled.

-----

Merlin’s addergies continued for the next few days, worse some days than others. After a few short arguments where he didn’t understand what Merlin was saying and where Merlin grew frustrated with Arthur, he let it go. If there was nothing to be done, then so be it.

-----

It was a warm day and Arthur headed to Gaius’ chamber, intent on finding his manservant and dragging him out for a hunt. As he reached the physician’s door he heard the older man talking loudly, arguing. He approached carefully and eased the wood door open slightly.

"You have to tell him sooner or later Merlin."

"I cad’t Gaiuth – how do I edplaid dat my addergies are from a magical flowder?"

"Just tell him the magic is what gives you allergies. It’s true, either way."

"But dormal people dod’t get addergies from magical flowders!"

"Merlin, you have to –"

"NO! I cad’t tell him Gaith! You uderstad why."

"Yes, I do. I just think – Well never mind that. Come on, you have to drink this to help you a bit."

"Dat doedn’t help any. Maketh me theepy."

"But it keeps you from causing things to fly in the air whenever you sneeze. Come on Merlin."

A grumble and then Arthur heard what he presumed was Merlin drinking whatever elixir Gaius had given him. He stepped back and stared at the door, his heart pounding in his chest. There was no way that what he’d heard was…well…no. He must have misheard.

He walked away with a heaviness he couldn’t explain. That had to be it, he must have misheard. Nothing else. Otherwise…Merlin obviously didn’t trust him enough.

-----

Arthur didn’t see Merlin for about two days, as he avoided him as much as possible. He got up early and escaped, leaving a pile of things to be done in the middle of his room. It wasn’t that he was mad Merlin had kept his secret from him, more like…hurt. Which truth be told, wasn’t something he was all too ready to admit to.

He wanted Merlin to tell him but he wasn’t sure how to go about getting him to do so.

It was when he saw Gaius walking across the courtyard late on the second day that he got an idea.

-----

He was sitting in his chair, as casually as possible, when Merlin came in the next day. Blue eyes widened at actually seeing him in the room and then widened even more at seeing the flower that was covering every available surface of Arthur’s chambers.

"Ardur?"

"Hello, Merlin. How are you this fine day?"

"Umm…odkay?"

"Splendid. Well, carry on and do whatever it is that you do. You know, manservant-y stuff." He fluttered his hand in the general direction of his chambers and turned back to the parchments laid out on the table before him.

Merlin spluttered for a bit, staring at Arthur with a hurt and wide eyed look. When Arthur continued to ignore him he huffed and shut the door, moving around the chambers and clearing what he could, avoiding the flowers as much as possible.

He started sneezing a few minutes later, coughs and sniffles following shortly after. Arthur wanted to wait for Merlin to say something and the plan would have worked perfectly if not for what happened next.

When Merlin gave a particularly loud sneeze the parchment in Arthur’s hands rose up and started flapping about like birds.

Arthur was startled but not all that surprised. He leaned back and sighed, looking towards Merlin and waiting for him to see what he had done. It took a few moments but then Merlin looked up from where he was trying to settle down on the floor without touching any flowers. He cocked his head to the side, as if trying to figure out what Arthur was doing.

Then he heard the fluttering of the parchment and looked up. Arthur knew the instant that Merlin recognized what he had done. His eyes widened once again and his skin lost what little color it held. Merlin looked back at Arthur and fear shone in his eyes.

"Well, Merlin, are you going to explain this to me or am I going to have to guess everything?"

"I cad edplaid!"

"Really? Like you’ve avoided explaining anything to me for almost a week now?"

"Um…"

"Well?"

"I’m thorry. I wadted to tell you, I did. But I could’t. I cad’t let me come bethweed your fader and you. Uderstad dat pleath."

Arthur pretended to understand everything Merlin had just said and sighed. They were silent for a few minutes and then Merlin sneezed again. This time the blue neckerchief he was wearing started flapping around his face. He immediately started flailing his long arms trying to hold it down, but it seemed to have gained a life of its own.

After a few moments of loud, uncontrolled laughter Arthur took pity on his manservant and got up to rescue him from the suddenly dangerous neckerchief. He untied it from Merlin’s neck and let it fly away to join the parchment still swooping around his room.

"I’m thorry Ardur, I really am. I wadted to tell you. I’m tho thorry."

Merlin’s eyes were bright and wet with tears and Arthur couldn’t say anything to that. "What can we do to stop these allergies?"

"Um," Merlin’s face turned a bright tomato red.

"What?"

"I hath to…I hath to kith de perthon I love."

"That’s all? Really?"

Merlin nodded and mumbled a soft, "yeth, really," his face still bright red.

"Well alright then. Let’s go find Gwen." Arthur stood up to head to the door but a hand clamped around his wrist. He looked down to see Merlin staring at him with, once again, wide eyes. He was going to have to do something about that, they made him feel especially weak in the knees.

"Nod Gwed!"

"Oh," he scrunched up his nose, "Morgana then?"

"No!"

"Well then, Merlin, who?"

"Um…"

"You’re going to have to tell me sooner or later, come on then. On with it."

Merlin heaved a great sigh and got up. Before Arthur could say anything else Merlin leaned in and kissed him gently on the lips. It lasted only a moment before Arthur pulled back. He stared at Merlin for a moment and only saw genuine affection and trepidation.

"All right then." He leaned into Merlin and kissed him, deeper and longer this time. When they separated again Merlin had his arms wound around Arthur’s neck, fingers idly playing with the short hairs there. "Feel better?"

Merlin smiled wide and happy, "yes, much better, thank you."

|End|

OMG I NEED MOAR SLEEEEP

2009-04-24T17:53:00Z

HAHAHAA!!! SO last night much fun was had in the comment section of my last RPS fic. It was...interesting...to say the least.

A lot of people were promised a nice lovely post with all the relevant comments posted together so that it could be read with ease. And I was all up for doing that. I really was.

But now I can't.

It seems someone beat me to it.

ENJOY.

DOES THIS COUNT AS RPS???? o_O *IS CONFUZZLED*

Fic: Colin & Bradley's LJs (Colin Morgan/Bradley James - RPS) - [1/?]

2009-04-24T02:25:19Z

Title: Colin & Bradley's LJs: Part I
Author: auroraprimavera
Rating: PG-13 (for mild language)
Pairing(s): Colin Morgan/Bradley James
Summary: Shit. He knew he should have f-locked his account.
Word Count: HAHAHA - What?
Warning(s): Complete and utter crack.
Beta: Seriously?
Author's Notes: Started as comment!RPS & was then written for sequanne because her happy day wasn't happy enough. I promised to post it to be read in full. Includes cameo's by the following: shiny_starlight, gealach_ros, auroraprimavera, sequanne

Disclaimer: This is a work of fanfiction – none of this ever happened. No copyright infringement is intended. No profit is made from this work. Please observe your local laws with regards to the age-limit and content of this work.

In Addition: Any works, posts, etc. mentioned are the properties of those that originally posted them. No infrigement is meant & works will always be cited/linked/credited/etc. If you have any problem with this - please say so and the issue will be rectified at once.

"Morgan, what are you doing?"

Colin looked up at Bradley and shrugged, quickly swallowing the bite of sandwich he'd just taken. "Nothing, just replying to some stuff."

"Oh. You going to be done soon?"

Colin looked at his inbox and sighed ruefully, 53 new comments. "I'm not sure. It may be a while. Why?"

Bradley pouted and leaned against the edge of the desk, looking down at Colin. "I wanted to do something. I'm bored. Entertain me."

Colin glanced up at him. "You're such a child, Bradley."

"What are you replying to anyway?"

"Comments."

"What?"

"Comments. Conversations," he shrugged again, "just stuff."

"Like?"

"Well..." Colin thought it over for a quick second than gave in. "Like this for example. She happens to think that your hair is rather flouncy and her friend agrees, although she also adds that it is rather shiny as well. I happen to disagree and told them so. It's gone downhill from there."

"..."

"Oh and then this one - same girl, she's a bit odd really - here she says something about your aviators. Seems like it's some sort of kink. Did you know that?"

"..."

A few minutes passed as he replied to several more comments before Colin realized that Bradley hadn't said anything. He looked up at his friend and saw the odd look he was being given. "What?"

"Are you...are you arguing with - You're arguing with fans?"

"Well, who else is going to disabuse them of the notion that you are some sort of fallen god or angel or something equally horrifying?"

The strangled sound that Bradley made was more than enough of an answer.

-----

Colin was curled up in bed with his laptop when Bradley burst into his room. He had beer and dvds in hand and looked vaguely terrifying. Terrifying in the way that made Colin roll his eyes and wish there was such a thing as an anti Bradley James shield - or something.

"Morgan! We're going to watch Buffy!"

"No, we're not."

"Don't be silly, of course we are."

Colin glanced at Bradley and rolled his eyes again. "You're delusional Bradley. No."

The wide grin on Bradley's face faltered a bit and Colin gamely ignored the flutter of guilt in his chest. He turned back to his screen and smiled as he saw the new message in his account.

"What are you doing?"

He was pushed roughly as Bradley invaded his personal space. He should have been used to this by now.

"Replying."

"Oh."

"Hm."

"The fans again?"

"Yes."

A few moments of silence and then, "What are they saying?"

"What?"

A hand fluttered in his face and fingers made a waving gesture at the emails. "Them."

"What about them?"

"Morgan."

"Yes, Bradley?"

Bradley tugged on his arm and he almost toppled from the suddeness of it. He pulled away and righted his laptop.

"Tell me."

"Tell you what?"

An arm wound around his shoulders and pulled him in flush against Bradley and his laptop was pulled to sit on both their legs.

"Tell me what the fans are saying."

Colin sighed and turned the laptop back towards himself. "Well..."

He wasn't sure where to start...maybe a few comments? Or...no, the RPS fics would be too much for first exposure. It had taken him a while to get used to it. And Bradley, while tough acting was well...Bradley. So...first...

"Ok, here, read this." He quickly clicked through some email conversations and clicked on a thread that took him to the post labeled: Bradley & Colin - how tall are they?

The laptop was twisted back around and Bradley leaned forward, withdrawing his arm. As he read his face went through a myriad of contortions that had Colin stiffling some rather unmanly giggles.

"I'm taller than Santiago!!"

"You're the same Bradley."

"No, I'm taller. It's his damn cheekbones." A finger poked Colin in the cheek. "You two with your cheekbones make me look short."

Before he could say anything Bradley had pushed the laptop away and was pulling Colin up. When they were standing by the bed Bradley eyed him up and down with an oddly intense scrutiny that was usually reserved for strawberries.

"Huh, you are taller than me."

Colin grinned. "Took you long enough."

"Whatever, Morgan."

In the next instant he was manhandled back onto the bed. "All right, what's next?"

"Well..."

The next step would be to slowly introduce Bradley to well...to them. He sent a silent whisper of apology to his friend gealach_ros and hoped that she never found out about Bradley reading her posts. At least he wasn't letting Bradley read the comments.

"There's this one, it's well...about you. Again." He maneuvered the mouse and brought up the post titled: Oh Bradley, why cry thou? [picspam]

Bradley took the laptop again and frowned in concentration. Colin most decidedly did not think how cute he looked like that. Not at all.

"Huh. I hadn't realized that," Bradley scrolled down a bit more and then paused, eyes widening. When his mouth opened and closed soundlessly Colin knew he had reached his personal favorite part of the post. "I was NOT holding your hand!"

"Hm."

"I wasn't! You were there! You know this!"

"They don't."

"But..."

"Just speculation Bradley."

"..."

"Next then?" Colin reached out to take the laptop only to have it pulled away. Bradley was staring at the pictures of himself with another, deeper, frown.

"Would you have let me?"

"..." This time it was Colin that was left speechless.

"If I had wanted to, would you have let me hold your hand?"

"I..." Bradley glanced at him but his look didn't betray anything. "Sure?"

With narrowed eyes and a tight nod Bradley handed him the laptop. "Next."

Colin took the laptop without a word and searched for something to lift Bradley's mood from where it had gone to. He scrolled down in his bookmarks (and he was not going to think about how the majority of them had to do with Bradley) and found one that he knew would ammuse his friend.

He clicked on the link that led to the post titled Picspam: The Ring of James and handed the laptop back to his friend.

"My ring?"

"Your ring."

"Really?"

"Yes."

"Huh."

Bradley narrowed his eyes and scrolled slowly through the post. He stopped for a moment, glanced at Colin and then continued. He scrolled up a bit and then back down. Then he paused and leaned back, a soft huff escaping him.

"I see."

"It's almost endearing really, the level of scrutiny they have us under."

Bradley turned to him. "They do this about you too?"

"Well, yeah."

"But...my ring?"

"Well, they wonder."

Bradley pursed his lips. "And, they think we're...boyfriends?"

Colin did not blush. He didn't. "They like to think so."

"Interesting." With that Bradley got up and left, leaving Colin to think he had just missed something quite crucial.

-----

A few days go by and after a while Colin brushes it aside, thinking that Bradley had just been, well...Bradley.

It's late when he'd been checking his email, smiling when he saw some of the comments left on his last post. He had been bitching about his "cute co-worker" and how annoying and insufferable he was. His friends were really great and knew just how to make him feel better.

Even if more than a few of them commented that it seemed like he was more than a little in love with said co-worker.

They don't know what they were talking about.

Just as he was about to shut fown for the night a new message popped up on his account.

Huh. He clicked on the name and was taken to a brand new account - one that had actually been set up that very night. No matter what, he was still wary on who he friended, just in case. He was getting ready to ignore the email when another message came up.

Ok...well...against his better judgement he clicked the message and it opened up.

blueeyedprince: So, you think I'm cute?

What? Colin clicked the Reply link and asked what he was thinking.

Two seconds later another message popped up.

blueeyedprince: You think I'm cute.

irishwizard: I don't know what you're talking about. I don't even know who you are. Weirdo.

blueeyedprince: YOU DO!! Don't deny it. I've been reading on about how you moon over me like some lovesick girl.

Shit. He knew he should have f-locked his account.

Wait...what?

irishwizard: What do you mean?

blueeyedprince: You really are dense.

irishwizard: No I'm not.

No reply came and he was about to forget about it when a new email message came in. A reply to his last post. A comment from blueeyedprince.

He clicked on the message and most certainly did not shriek when he realized exactly who he had been talking too.

-----

Nothing happened after that. At least, nothing he noticed at first. Then one night, after another long day of shooting and pointedly ignoring Bradley and his Intense Stares, he realized he had relaxed too soon.

He had made another post about his so called co-worker - only this time he had called Bradley a "blond headed demon from the darkest corners of Hades" - and had garnered quite a few amused responses. He was trying to think of a suitable reply to one when another notice popped into his inbox.

blueeyedprince: Secretly, you love me.

irishwizard: No. I don't.

blueeyedprince: But you think I'm cute.

irishwizard: It was said in a moment of clear weak mindedness. Doesn't mean anything.

blueeyedprince: *pouts*

irishwizard: Not going to work.

shiny_starlight: BITCHFIGHT!!

irishwizard: DON'T ENCOURAGE HIM!!

auroraprimavera: THEN YOU ADMIT TO IT!!

irishwizard: What? No I don't!!

shiny_starlight: Yes, you DO.

blueeyedprince: See, they agree with me.

gealach_ros: Awwww, but it's so true. You DO love him. We can tell. *nods*

irishwizard: You're all crazy.

blueeyedprince: And you're crazy about ME

irishwizard: *headdesk*

auroraprimavera: HAHAHA. You so love him.

blueeyedprince: I'm glad at least some people agree with me.

sequanne: You two are so cute!!

irishwizard: WE ARE NOT!

blueeyedprince: We are.

auroraprimavera: You really have blue eyes Prince?

blueeyedprince: I do.

auroraprimavera: Nice. And him?

blueeyedprince: Same.

auroraprimavera: See. DESTINY, dude, FUCKING DESTINY.

irishwizard: OH GOD.

gealach_ros: DESTINY!!! OMG SO TRUE!!!

sequanne: \o/ YAY!! DESTINY FTW!!

shiny_starlight: LOL!! Aurora...you and DESTINY.

blueeyedprince: Nice. I like you.

auroraprimavera: Ditto Prince. Friends?

blueeyedprince: Yeah.

gealach_ros: OH! Me too!

sequanne Same here, friends?

shiny_starlight: Hah, more stalking, awesome.

blueeyedprince: You have great friend Irish.

irishwizard: OH GOD.

-----

Bradley barged into his room without knocking, of course, and slammed his own laptop down next to Colin's. “What is the meaning of this?!?”

“Um?”

“This.” Bradley pointed rather, well pointedly, at his screen. “What the bloody fuck is that?”

Colin frowned and leaned in, reading what was on the screen.

Colin leaning in, and Bradley carefully not moving away, carefully not flinching away at the last moment. Those lips on his own, kinda unsure for a long moment – but then Bradley moved his a little, experimentally, and the kiss became sweet for an instant, then hot, and then clever – Colin’s mouth moving cleverly on his, as if he’d thought about this for a while and figured out what he wanted to do. Which was flattering, and deserved thinking about, but later.

Bradley grabbed the man’s shoulders, and hauled him closer still – Colin’s hands settled on Bradley’s chest and stomach, clutching for balance – and the kiss became passionate, intense, with no hint of cleverness at all, just raw and wonderful. That sword of clarity resounding within Bradley…

Finally Colin pulled away, just far enough away so he could sit up again. He was looking at Bradley’s mouth, and then that blue gaze lifted to meet Bradley’s eyes. Intrigued. Absolutely intrigued. ‘Wow,’ said Colin.
snippet from: Enigma by mrs_leary

“Oh, that?” What was he supposed to say?

“You knew about this Morgan!!”

“I did.”

“And?”

“What?”

“What are you going to do about it?”

“…”

“Morgan!”

“Noting. It’s just…it’s harmless.”

“They’re…” Bradley huffed and waved his hands about. “You know!”

“I see. Does – Does that bother you?”

Bradley didn’t answer, just stared at Colin long and hard. Finally with a final huff he took his laptop back up and slammed back out of the room.

-----

posted by irishwizard:

March 22, 2010 19:30
MY CO-WORKER IS AN ARSE AND I HATE HIM

I am NOT in love with him. He's an arse. He's a bully.
I don't care if he has pretty blue eyes or flouncy hair.
He's an arse.

COMMENTS:

blueeyedprince: You love me. And should I be worried that your icon is well...a girl?

irishwizard: I hate you.

blueeyedprince: No you don't.

auroraprimavera: Aww, Irish, you're using one of my fave icons!

blueeyedprince: Tell me, should I be worried his icon is a bloody GIRL?

auroraprimavera: Hmm, I suppose not.

blueeyedprince: You sure?

shiny_starlight: Nah, he'll be fine. He's just "expressing" himself.

blueeyedprince: I suppose.

gealach_ros: Prince, have you snogged him yet??

sequanne: SNOG HIM.

blueeyedprince: Excuse me?

auroraprimavera: Well, obviously you're supposed to snog. You're in love and it's fucking DESTINY and shit. SNOG HIM.

shiny_starlight: What she said.

irishwizard: You are not my friends anymore. I disown you all.

sequanne: Don't be like that! We're just trying to help you in your love life.

blueeyedprince: You think I should?

gealach_ros: YES!!

shiny_starlight: Why else would we suggest it?

irishwizard: Because you're all sadistic bitches that like to torture me?

sequanne: Get on with it!

auroraprimavera: Well then?

blueeyedprince: BRB.

sequanne: REALLY??

irishwizard: ALDSKJOUFJODSFJLSDKJFKDSHF

shiny_starlight: HAH, sweet. About time.

gealach_ros: I know!! Hey, did I mention that HOT NEW PIC OF BRADLEY??? *MELTS*

auroraprimavera: Looks like we've lost Irish.

sequanne: Good for him.

auroraprimavera: At least one of us is getting some. And yes, that new pic? HOTNESS.

|END| (Or is it?)

[Part II]

Fic: I'll Love You (Colin Morgan/Bradley James - RPS)

2009-04-22T05:17:34Z

Title: I'll Love You
Author: auroraprimavera
Rating: PG-13 (for language & slight m/m action)
Pairing(s): Colin Morgan/Bradley James - hint of Angel Coulby/Katie McGrath
Summary: Bonfire singing sheds light on many things for Colin Morgan.
Word Count: 5,150 words
Warning(s): SCHMOOPYFLUFFYSCHMOOP liek you would NOT BELIEVE, srlsy - overuse of the words 'and' & 'suddenly' & even the 'F' word (YES OMG I KNOW) - an over angsty Bradley James - an overly confused Colin Morgan - a somewhat evil Angel Coulby - did I mention the utter complete sappy FLUFFITYFLUFFYFLUFF?? YEAH THAT (well, I happen to think it's that, but anywho) - attempts at banter - excessive use of italics - guitar!hate - oh and teh angst, because yeah, have to have it - oh and teh American English (I fail at trying to pretend to know British English >_<)
Beta: staraflur saved me because I FAIL at sentence structure - any lingering mistakes are MINE.
Author's Notes: Written for bradleycolin's RPS Challenge #1 using the prompt: If you're joking that's cruel, but if you're being sarcastic that's even worse.

Disclaimer: This is a work of fanfiction – none of this ever happened. No copyright infringement is intended. No profit is made from this work. Please observe your local laws with regards to the age-limit and content of this work

MOAR Author's Notes:

Ok, so this is late. Like OMG WHY DID YOU WAIT SO LONG TO POST THIS late. Forgive me, I beg of thee! It took me forever to figure out my handwriting (see below) and then it just wasn't working and then I was all liek OMG and then yeah...

I wrote this while completely ~~drunk~~ slightly buzzed, late at night, sitting in a hammock out in the middle of the mountains and jungle and only the iPod and howler monkeys to keep me company, SRSLY. It was meant to be cracky fun and turned into this utter schmoopiness love fest.

The song used in the story is Love and Some Verses by Iron & Wine. You can download it here via media fire. When I heard this song, I knew I had to use it for my story. It's sung in a soft low tone that I can definitely imagine Bradley singing. It's also what I happen to think of as one of the most romantic songs ever, especially because of the guitar.

I dedicate this fic to two people: mrs_leary & coffeejunkii

mrs_leary has been an utter doll and a great friend - she encouraged me to get this started and was the one who inspired me to write Colin/Bradley RPF/RPS. Thank you!! I'm still loving you, so!

coffeejunkii is the single inspiration for this fic as we were chatting over the following picture of Bradley James & she said: "but i love the idea of bradley playing the guitar and singing to/for colin!! that should totally be a fic." So here you are love!!!

ISN'T IT GREAT THAT MY FIRST FORAY INTO MERLIN FIC IS COLIN/BRADLEY RPS??? FUCK HELL YEAH!! IT'S THE ONLY WAY TO GO!!!

HAH - ALSO: Please forgive me for this. As I have mentioned before Merlin Fandom has eated my brain and so has Merlin RPF/RPS. SRSLY - YOU HAVE NO IDEA. And this is just a flight of fancy of what I wish would happen because we all know that Colin & Bradley are totally in love and totally meant to be together FOREVER AND EVER. What? Don't look at me that way. IT'S TRUE - YOU KNOW IT.

And this is my first attempt at something like this...so be gentle.

Right...on with the story.

Colin doesn’t understand how or why they end up in the middle of the castle square, late at night, surrounding a roaring fire in haphazard clusters of people. He tries not to think on the fact that they are separated into rather obvious groups: main cast – makeup – costume – extras – lighting crew – camera crew – other groups where he can’t remember their jobs; he’d never noticed there were that many people working on the set at once. Or had they all just shown up for this?

It’s another odd ritual that someone in charge has come up with. Something about needing to bond with everyone, as if spending hour upon hour together wasn’t already enough.

But Colin isn’t too worried about that, not anymore at least.

Mostly he’s feeling slightly disconcerted about the rather gleeful smile on Angel’s face. The one that’s been growing steadily since the six of them had settled down. She has no right to smile like that. At least not while around him. It’s, honestly, very scary.

So he looks away from her and is disturbed to see a similar expression on Katie’s face. And Tony’s. And, damn it, even Richard’s.

They are conspiring against him. He knows they are and as he catches sight of Bradley’s serene face he has the odd feeling that his friend is just as oblivious as he.

This is what happens when bonfire bonding rituals are started.

“Bradley?” Angel’s voice is too soft and sweet and not at all innocent.

“Hm?”

“I wanted to ask you a small favor, if you don’t mind.”

Bradley looks up from whatever far off world he’s been staring into for the past forty minutes or so and smiles, “What is it?”

“Well, I’ve been wondering something for a while now.”

“And?”

How he remains so blind to Angel’s attempts at doing whatever it is that she’s doing, Colin doesn’t understand. There’s something just very wrong about the wicked glint in her eye.

“I heard you know how to play the guitar.”

Bradley’s soft, open face immediately locks up – and isn’t it odd how Colin can completely pick that up in the tiny space in time in which it happens – but he doesn’t look away from her. There’s a hard edge to his mouth Colin’s only ever seen when he’s played Arthur. A really angry Arthur.

Angel should be scared, which of course means she isn’t. He has the sudden feeling that he’s missing something. Something so big, so monumental, he should know about it. But he doesn’t.

“Wherever did you hear that, Angel?” There, the warning tone only heard when Arthur is really, really angry.

“Oh you know, here and there,” she smiles and the look in her eyes only grows. She glances to the side and her smile grows impossibly wider.

When Colin pulls his eyes away, just long enough mind, from what he is starting to think of as the ‘Angel and Bradley stare down of DOOM,’ he sees Katie’s equally wide grin. They’re in on it together, that much he can tell. And he doesn’t have to look over at Tony and Richard to know they’re wearing the same overly pleased expression.

Colin’s never felt so out of his depth before. It’s not right that they obviously know something he doesn’t.

“You seem so sure of the fact, Angel. Mind telling me why this sudden interest in my possible musical talents?”

Angel’s smile grows even wider and shit, Colin’s really starting to worry about the steely tone in Bradley’s voice. It’s surpassed really, outrageously, horribly angry Arthur and gone into really angry you-are-all-going-to-die sorcerer murdering Uther.

“Funny thing really, life’s little coincidences.” She says the word as if it were something to really truly cherish. She leans back in a rather satisfied manner and continues, obviously ignoring the tic that’s started up on Bradley’s jaw. “I just happened to walk by your room one day and just happened to hear some guitar music floating out. And,” she is either really brave or really stupid, Colin suddenly thinks, “I just happen to know it wasn’t the telly or a CD or anything.”

Bradley’s gaze doesn’t waver from her face as he swallows, looking for all the world like this is really the most horrid thing to happen to him well, ever. Colin is just confused. He doesn’t understand, not at all.

“Nice to know I have no privacy, whatsoever.”

“Oh Bradley,” Katie’s voice is gentle and so coddling that Colin feels betrayed to hear her soft lilting accent. “It’s not that bad really. Not when you think about it.”

“I happen to think it is.”

They laugh softly and Tony joins them, the traitor. And why won’t they share what this monumentally huge prank is all about with him?

“We all know you had to play the guitar for that one role ages ago. And we all know that you kept at it afterwards, practicing day and night whenever you have a chance.”

This time it’s Colin who’s staring at Katie like she’s something crawled out from a horror movie. She blinks at him and then her eyes widen almost comically when he finds his voice, “We do?”

“Well, the majority of us at least.” And why is Angel still sounding so damn smug?

Bradley’s face has lost what little control he’s been holding and he’s glowering at Angel in a way that truly makes Colin wish he had Merlin’s power. Just in case.

“Besides Colin’s complete and utter obliviousness,” Bradley’s face twitches in a horrible way when Angel says this. “I know that you can play the guitar. And I know that you are absolutely really wonderful at playing a particular song.”

“No.”

Colin feels like he’s drowning in something thick and heavy and hot. Is it possible to drown in firelight?

“Bradley – ”

“I said no, Angel.”

She blinks at him, as if suddenly surprised at the quietly murderous emphasis on her name, and grins even more. Colin’s half worried her face is going to split itself in two. She reaches behind her pulls out a guitar from under a blanket, placing it gently on her lap.

He looks back at Bradley and is surprised, yet not, at the fact that his face has drained of all color and his eyes are hard and very, very angry. Bradley this angry is scary. Scarier than Angel’s increasingly growing, and worrying, shit eating grin.

“Angel, I told you no.”

She ignores him and gets up. After her boldness it’s almost, but not, funny to see her slight hesitation before she makes her way to Bradley. Gently, almost reverently, she places the guitar in his hands and whispers something to him. Bradley jerks back with a hiss and his loose grip on the guitar tightens dangerously.

“If you're joking that's cruel, but if you're being sarcastic that's even worse,” he says in the same quiet voice.

Angel stares down at him and smiles, much softer and suddenly very caring, “I would never joke about that, about this, Bradley.”

They stare at each other for a long while and Colin is beginning to suspect that the DOOM part of his earlier prognosis is about to come true when Bradley gives a sharp nod. Angel grins in that horribly evil way again and makes her way back to her spot on the ground.

The silence stretches and stretches until Colin starts to think that drowning in firelight is, in fact, very possible. Surprisingly it’s Richard’s soft voice that breaks the thickening tension.

“Young Bradley, it would please us all to hear you play a tune for us.”

Bradley grinding his teeth is a truly horrible thing, almost as horrible as the look of utter betrayal on his face as he stares at the older man. “Do you want me to sing for you as well?”

Colin is getting tired of the feeling in his stomach and something tightens in his throat in a strange, unfamiliar way at the thought of Bradley singing. Tony seems to have picked up on Colin’s wayward thought process. “You sing?”

“Yes, I do.”

Again that horrid silence, but this time it’s thicker and heavier and Colin really doesn’t want to die by fucking firelight. Not tragic and heroic enough.

“Oh,” and for the first time since this whole uncomfortable affair has started Angel sounds surprised. “Really?”

Bradley just looks at her in that angry way of his and she dips her head in acknowledgment. Richard’s eyebrows are doing a funny and very Gaius like dance on his forehead. Tony and Katie are looking at everything and everyone but Bradley.

What is wrong with them?

And suddenly Colin finds his voice for the second time that night. “Will you sing for us then?”

It shouldn’t feel as if the world has just shifted, but fuck, it totally does. Everyone’s eyes are suddenly glued on him and for the first time since they’ve sat down Bradley’s looking at him. Actually looking at him.

The knot in his throat tightens and thickens and his heart is jumping about oddly in his chest.

“You want me to sing?” Bradley’s voice is not quite as strong as before and suddenly not at all angry. It sounds almost apprehensive. And Bradley is – it’s a good thing Tony’s suddenly picked up some kind of mind reading ability, because Colin’s brain has just short circuited.

“Bradley, are you blushing?”

He is in fact. A soft beautiful stain spreading across his cheeks. When Tony speaks up it grows and deepens and Colin really, really should not find it as fascinating and everything else that he’s suddenly thinking.

Bradley darts a quick glance at Tony before looking back at Colin – when did his eyes get to be so blue? Even in the firelight they seem to glow bright blue. They stare at each other for endless minutes, silence once again stretching out between their small cluster. Except this time it seems to exist only between him and Bradley and it’s oddly intimate.

How can silence be this intimate?

Blue, blue, eyes blink at him and Bradley’s earlier question is repeated. “You want me to sing?”

He can’t find his voice – damn elusive piece of shite that it is – so he nods, a jerky movement that has him shivering. After a longer bout of staring Bradley looks away and down at the guitar cradled tightly in his arms. Colin shouldn’t feel as bereft as he suddenly does but he wants the blue back.

“Alright.”

The other four people in their group snap to attention and stare at Bradley with undisguised shock and gleeful smiles.

Colin finds himself incapable of looking away from Bradley’s hands on the guitar. They seem to shine against the dark wood, oddly elegant as they move into position.

How someone can become this envious of an instrument Colin doesn’t know, but he is. In a dark and scary way that has him digging his nails into his palms. He can’t help but think that the way Bradley is cradling the guitar, fingers soft and gentle on the wood, is not at all right.

His fingers shouldn’t be there.

“You have to promise,” Bradley’s voice is soft and still oddly unsure, muffled from the way he’s still staring down at the instrument in his hands. “All of you have to promise to keep quiet until I’m finished.”

Colin nods quickly, wanting to get this over with so Bradley will let go of the fucking guitar.

“I mean it, not a word, not a sound.”

A chorus of assent and agreement flows from the other four and Bradley takes a deep breath.

The fingers in his right hand gently strum at the strings in front of the, hole – whatever it’s called – and a tune of sorts starts to float away from him. His left hand twists at the neck of the guitar, fingers bending and pressing expertly.

As fascinated as he is, staring at those suddenly nimble fingers, Colin can’t help but want to pry them off and hold them in his hand – protect them.

Then music starts to fill the air, a soft sound that has him pulling his jealousy away from suddenly intriguing fingers, up Bradley’s arm, across his shoulder, up his neck and to his jaw line. From there he traces the lines that make up his friend’s face. A quiet concentration has settled on it, as if all the anger from before has been pushed away and brushed aside. Bradley’s eyes are shut, eyelashes dark in the firelight and his mouth is no longer tight and hurt and angry, just quiet and serene.

It’s a really pretty tune, one that Colin thinks he may have heard before, but then…maybe not. It repeats for a while, over and over, as if Bradley’s trying to gather up his courage.

Colin finds himself unable to look away. He wants to ingrain this into his memory, keep it filed away in a back cabinet labeled absolute complete beauty and locked away from the rest of the world. It’s moments like these, when Bradley is so not Bradley that a small part of him sees the king that Merlin hopes Arthur will one day become.

And suddenly Bradley takes a deep breath and looks up at Colin, their eyes locking. Blue, so fucking blue, that he knows he will never get enough of them – and he wants more, so much more. They stare at each other as the music changes slightly, continues forever more, and Bradley moves his lips and starts singing.

“Love is that dress that you made, long enough to hide your knees.
Love to say this to your face, I’ll love you only.”

Oh.

OH.

Fuck.

“For your days and excitement, what will you keep for to wear?
Someday drawing you different, may I be weaved in your hair?”

It all becomes very clear and Colin finds that dying by firelight is a much more agreeable option. Because this, this, is too fucking much.

Bradley closes his eyes and starts humming along with the music, his fingers moving and the strings vibrating and Colin really fucking hates the guitar right now.

But he can’t look away. So he watches as those fingers bend and unbend, strum and slide, as they pull such beautiful sounds from that truly horrible instrument. He wants to rip it out of Bradley’s hands and throw it in the fire.

He wants to feel those gentle fingers on his skin. Somehow he knows that they will be hot and searing and too fucking much. But he wants them more than anything else.

And almost three years worth of lingering touches, too long stares, and gentle fond smiles make so much sense he wants to cry. He feels every single one of them all at once. The tightness in his throat grows and he keeps staring at Bradley, willing him to open his eyes again.

Blue, he wants that blue back.

And suddenly it is.

Bradley’s eyes are deep and full of too much everything but Colin can’t look away.

“Love and some verses you hear, say what you can say.
Love to say this in your ear, I’ll love you that way.”

His heart needs to start working again soon before he dies, or something.

“From your changing contentments, what will you choose for to share?
Someday drawing you different, may I be weaved in your hair?”

The song continues and Bradley’s staring into his eyes and Colin can’t look away.

And just like that it’s over and the silence is heavy and thick and the firelight is back and Colin welcomes its drowning embrace with a shaky breath.

They stare at each other and there’s a question in Bradley’s eyes that Colin doesn’t understand but he wants to. He really, really wants to. Words trip along his tongue and die before he can let them out. And when the everything in Bradley’s eyes dims and he looks away Colin knows he’s waited too long.

Bradley is suddenly all motion as he gets up and strides over to Angel. He shoves the guitar down to her in a violent thrust before hissing out, “I hope you’re fucking happy, you bitch.”

Then he turns around and walks away from their small circle of firelight and disappears into the suddenly too dark night.

Something seizes Colin’s heart at that and he lets out a slightly needy whimper. He wants Bradley back, safe in their group, safe and near him. He wants…he doesn’t know what he wants. All he can think of is how fucked up this all is and how it’s all Angel’s fault and how much he fucking hates guitars.

“Oh dear, that could have gone better.”

Colin’s slightly hysterical laugh is the only reply Richard’s quiet comment receives. He keeps laughing and then he’s laughing so hard he’s crying and he can’t stop.

“I suppose there could have been a better way to go about it.”

His fingers itch to wrap themselves around Angel’s throat and throttle her but he can’t bring himself to move. All he can do is stare at the spot Bradley has vacated and wish him back with all the will in his soul.

Fucking lot of good it does him, playing an idiot with magical powers. Maybe if he stares long enough and wants it enough he will suddenly manifest said powers and Bradley would be back and everything would be okay in the world.

Tony leans forwards, Colin doesn’t see him, but he does hear him when he starts speaking. He just doesn’t really listen. Words garble together in his mind and though the tears have finally stopped he can’t help but want them back.

How could he have been so blind? It was so obvious.

“Tony, don’t, leave him alone,” Katie’s voice is soft and gentle and his mind thinks friend as he looks up at her, completely forgetting her earlier betrayal. She smiles at him and with a delicate touch to his elbow pulls him to his feet. “Go find him. You need him as much as he needs you. Go.”

He’s stepping away from her and from the firelight when her soft grip pulls him back a bit. Before he can ask anything a thick bundle is pushed into his arms and he’s turned around and prodded to start moving again. He does and he walks out of the circle of heat and wishes he were drowning in it again. It’s cold.

Colin doesn’t know where he’s going but his feet guide him and when he’s half way up some tower or another struggling for air, he curses Bradley and his need to escape to unhealthy high places. He finally makes it to the top and stops at the wooden door. It’s ajar and he can see the cool moonlight filtering onto the ancient stone floor.

He pushes the door open and cringes when the hinges squeal in protest. But he forgets about all that when he sees Bradley.

His friend – how he hopes they still are that – is sitting in the middle of the tower staring out over the landscape. Colin’s eternally grateful that he’s chosen to stay away from the edge and the deceptively low walls. He doesn’t miss the way Bradley hunches over even more, head lowering after a few moments of silence.

“Angel…go away…I don’t…just…please.”

Colin hates the broken sound that replaces Bradley’s voice. It’s not right. Not at all. His voice is fit for a king. A fucking king. He should not sound like that. At all. Ever.

He doesn’t say anything just moves closer until he’s behind Bradley, staring down at his golden hair which is glowing under the silver light of the moon and stars. He keeps quiet as he drops to his knees and quickly unfurls the blanket in his hands. With a gentleness he’s never known himself capable of he wraps the soft material around Bradley’s shoulders, ignoring the murmur and jump of surprise in the other man.

Without thinking, he can’t – not at this point, not that much at least – he wraps an arm around Bradley and presses close against his back. His hand stops just above Bradley’s heart and he can feel the tripping staccato of it as it beats wildly underneath his palm. A hand grips his and the sharp breaths coming from the man beneath him give away the agitation being held back.

His left hand reaches up to adjust the blanket better around Bradley’s shoulders but stops halfway. Colin stars down at the patch of skin visible just under Bradley’s hair, peeking out from the loose collar of the shirt he’s wearing. He watches fascinated as the skin prickles from the cold and tightens when his breath accidently ghosts upon it.

When his hand moves again his fingers land on the pebbled skin and Bradley actually trembles under him. They stay like that for a while, the only movement coming from Colin’s finger as he caresses the skin on Bradley’s exposed shoulder.

Then just as suddenly, it’s not enough.

Without another thought he leans down and his lips replace his finger. He flutters soft kisses where he can, trailing along the paths he’d traced earlier. He’s about to start on Bradley’s neck when the other man moves away.

“Colin…please…” Bradley turns slightly towards him, his hand still clinging to Colin’s. “Don’t do this to me.”

“Do what?”

The twitch he’d seen earlier returns, only stronger this time. “I don’t – I don’t need your pity. Or your curiosity. I just – Don’t joke with me ok?”

“Bradley…”

“Just, don’t.” Bradley pulls away, letting go of his hand and shrugging his arm off. “I’m sorry if what happened earlier – I’m sorry if you feel the need to – ”

“I don’t feel as if I have to do anything!”

“Oh, is that so?”

“Yes!”

Bradley scowls at him and pulls even further away, “And the fact that you're only here because of what happened?”

Colin doesn’t answer because he doesn’t know what to say to that. Instead he moves closer to Bradley and takes his face in his hands. He stares into those blue, blue eyes and loses himself in them. His thumbs caress Bradley’s cheeks gently as he tries to convey what he feels through mere look alone.

“Bradley, I don’t know what to say. I’m not here because I feel an obligation, I’d never do that. I can’t…the words just won’t come out right and there’s so much…”

His voice trails off and he closes his eyes, leaning forward until his forehead touches Bradley’s. He does want to say everything he’s feeling. He wants to tell Bradley how everything he feels has always been there, he just hadn’t known it. He wants to tell him so much, but more than that, he wants to show him.

Colin tilts his head and presses a kiss, soft and chaste, on Bradley’s lips. Then on his cheek, forehead, eyebrow, any part of Bradley he can reach. With each kiss he feels Bradley relax against him.

Arms pull him closer and then he’s straddling Bradley’s lap, lips dancing against golden skin that glows blue in the light of the night. Colin isn’t sure how he had missed this before, but it’s no time for regrets or what ifs – now there is only Bradley.

Bradley and his hands trailing down Colin’s back. Bradley and his wonderful soft, sweet tasting skin. Bradley and his kisses, lips trailing down Colin’s neck. Bradley…he’s drowning in him, from him, and he finds he much prefers this to firelight.

He pulls away and smiles down at his friend. Kisses his lips and is kissed back in return. He knows now that there will never be enough of this. Of feeling like he belongs completely and utterly with one person and no one else. Never will there be enough ways for him to express how wonderful this is. To feel this.

It’s still too much, too fucking much. But he doesn’t care. Because while it is too much, it isn’t enough.

“Colin, oh God, Colin…”

“Shh…” He wraps his arms around Bradley, hand carding through his hair and just holds him as the other man trembles against him, under him, around him.

“I’ve waited so long. You have no fucking idea how long.” When Bradley pulls back he lets him and they stare at each other until Bradley’s lips quirk. “You really are an idiot, aren’t you.”

Colin can’t help but grin, “And you really are a prat.”

“But I’m your prat,” he looks a bit unsure.

“You are. Always have been, always will be.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah.”

Bradley’s answering grin is a relief and he kisses the corner of his mouth. They don’t do much else but kiss and run hands across each other, under shirts, through hair. It feels right this way, this slow relearning of each other.

They end up laying on the blanket, legs entwined and arms around each other. Bradley is half laying on top of Colin, his head settled against Colin’s shoulder and neck. They should go back downstairs and head towards the hotel. They should at least get out of the cold night air.

Colin kisses the top of Bradley’s hair and smiles. “Bradley?”

“Yeah?”

“I’ll love you only.”

Bradley starts and jerks up with wide eyes. “What?”

“I’ll love you that way.”

Colin grins as a soft blush spreads against Bradley’s cheeks, darkening his skin. “God, you’re never going to let me live that down.”

“No,” he pulls Bradley back down and quickly kisses him, “but only because it was the perfect way.”

“Morgan, you romantic you.”

“Not as much of a romantic as you are. Where have you been hiding that part of yourself?”

“Nowhere, always been there.”

“Oh?”

“Yeah, I just don’t let all pasty Irish boys see that side of me.”

“So you’re saying you know other pasty Irish boys?”

“Possibly.”

“Should I be jealous?”

“Would you be?”

“Possibly.”

“Good to know.”

Bradley settles back down and returns his head to Colin’s shoulder. They really, really should head out of the cold. But being like this, just the two of them more than makes up for the chill in the air.

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The next day they’re sitting in the great hall, lunch spread out like a picnic between them. It’s someone’s idea of another great “bonding” ritual. Except this time it’s a “Let’s all sit around on cold stone floors to eat and go through our scripts” bonding ritual. Whoever keeps coming up with these things needs to rethink what would help them bond.

Although if he’s honest with himself, Colin didn’t mind last night. At least not at the end anyway.

He was worried at first, when he’d got up that morning, tangled with Bradley on Colin’s bed. How was everyone going to act? React?

When they’d walked, hand in hand, to the set no one had said anything. They also hadn’t said anything when Bradley had placed a lingering kiss on Colin’s temple. They still hadn’t said anything when Colin waited nervously for Bradley to finish his latest stunt, fluttering around him like a mother hen when he hurt himself and placing a soothing kiss on his hurt shoulder.

And they still hadn’t said anything as Bradley gathered their lunches for them and Colin commandeered the most comfortable patch of stone floor that he could find.

He knows that they were being talked about, that much was obvious. Sometimes there is a too long stare or squinted eyes as if trying to see the truth. Mostly though, there is a smile of relief and a thumbs up aimed their way.

Now, he’s wrapped around Bradley as well as he can be without actually being in his lap, Colin is as happy as he can get.

Angel has a large, triumphant grin on her face and Katie is pink with joy. Even Richard and Anthony seem happy, leaning against the wall opposite and munching quietly on their sandwiches. They are discussing the newest script and no one seems inclined to end their now two hour lunch any time soon.

Colin isn’t paying much attention, to be honest. He is leaning heavily against Bradley, right arm slung low across the other man’s waist and head buried against Bradley’s warm neck. One of his legs is draped casually across Bradley’s, who has a hand resting on Colin’s knee. Their lunch sitting forgotten on the floor next to him.

When they had first settled down Angel had yelled at them to get a room. Bradley had just looked at her and said “You’re just jealous, Angel” to which she had blushed and looked away.

If this is true happiness, Colin wants to keep it for always. Bottled up and filed away with all his favorite memories of Bradley.

He curls in closer to the warm body next to his, almost purring in contentment when Bradley squeezes his knee and splays his large hand across his thigh. He can happily stay here forever, listening to his friends and cast mates talking. Listening to Bradley’s voice and laughter vibrating through them both.

Eventually they are forced to get up and return to their individual scenes. As Bradley pulls Colin up from the floor, Angel walks by teasing them and generally being a girl about it all. When she reaches the door Bradley calls out to her, almost casually. Too casually in fact.

“Yes?” She looks wary, knowing that Bradley will eventually get revenge over the previous night.

“Just a small favor to ask, is all.”

“What is it Bradley?”

“You know, just wondering is all.”

“Bradley!”

“Oh well you know,” he grins widely at her and his eyes betray his innocence, “I just wanted to know when you were going to tell Katie how you felt about her.”

Everyone freezes and turns to the two women in question. Angel’s dark skin has darkened further with the flush that is playing across her face and Katie is smiling happily and somewhat dazedly. Then Angel runs off, obviously flustered, with Richard and Anthony following.

Katie smiles at Bradley, her cheeks pinker than before, breaths out a soft thank you and leaves.

“Was that necessary?”

“Morgan, I have not even begun to pay her back.”

“Well, it wasn’t so bad was it? I mean, it worked.”

“It may have, but she was cruel and evil and she will pay.”

“Bradley, please just try to be somewhat decent about it.”

“Whoever said I was decent?”

Colin laughs and pulls him in, wrapping his arms tightly around Bradley. “I was kind of hoping you’d be so.”

“Morgan, just you wait. I’ll show you how indecent I can be.”

Bradley seals his mouth over Colin’s, tongue giving hint to the promise behind his words. Oh yes, Colin can very much deal with Bradley being indecent.

|END|

** Will be F-Locked within the next two weeks or so **

Fan Art: Merlin/Arthur Icons

2009-04-20T22:51:36Z

I have accomplished nothing today other than eight icons. Merlin/Arthur of course.

Preview:

Take what you want & please credit. :D

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Created with angelamaria's Icon Table Generator @ Bauble

Merlin/Arthur Rec List

2009-04-01T15:39:20Z

HAHA, OK. First, sorry F-List for the horrible spammage. REALLY SORRY.

OK SO IDEK why I'm doing this, but here it is. "Teh Ultimatez Merlin/Arthur Rec List" (or Teh List for short) - DUN DUN DUN!

My goal with this is to keep track of all the awesomeness that this fandom has to offer. BECAUSE OMG ALL THE SHINY. AND ALL THE PRETTY. For now all I have are several fics that I've bookmarked/read/memmed since I first dove head first into MERLIN FANDOM. So Clickity click click on the cut for the list and MORE OF MY INSANITY.

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Sorted Alphabetically by Story Title

A - C

D - G

H - M

N - S

T - Z

Sorted Alphabetically by Author

0 - C
D - G
H - M
N - S
T - Z

Sorted by Length

Ficlets - (up to 2,500 words)
Short - (between 2,500 and 5,000 words)
Medium - (between 5,000 and 10,000 words)
Long - (between 10,000 and 50,000 words)
Long-er - (between 50,000 and 100,000 words)
Epic - (over 100,000 words) * ok, someone HAS to write one like this!! *

Sorted by AU's

Modern Day
Camelot
Girl!Arthur
Girl!Merlin

Miscellaenous

Bottom!Arthur
Bottom!Merlin

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OMG LOOK WHAT I HAVE PLANNED!!!!!!!!!

Eventually I will add links to videos, art, and RPF/RPS (BECAUSE YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO READ IT). I told you, SHINY. SHINY LIKE YOU WOULDN'T BELIEVE. Here's a brief description of - or a key/legend thingiemabob - to help you when perusing through Teh List.

** Type of stories - Well ANYTHING SHINY AND PRETTY AND MERTHUR/MARTHUR. To be more precise: any category, genre, rating, etc. will be put on Teh List

** Summaries/Notes/Warnings - For now I have included just the summaries as given by the authors in ITALICS under each story. Once I have the list a bit more settled down, I'll go through and add additional notes, warnings, etc.

** Sorted - I have five main categories to sort the stories by.
- Alphabetically by TITLE
- Alphabetically by AUTHOR
- LENGTH of Fic
- AU
- Miscellaneous

** The stories will be listed as follows:
Story Title/Link | Other Parts (alternate links)
by LJ Username
Rating | WIP/Complete | Word Count
Summary

AAAAAND that's about it for now. CRAZINESS, ABSOLUTE CRAZINESS I tell you. MERLIN FANDOM FTW. - Hah, ok. Now I have to go out and go job hunting...WOOOOOOOOOoooo.

Please feel free to comment here and give suggestions on stories/videos/art/rpf/etc. &/or categories, etc. :D

Merlin/Arthur Rec List: Titles (A - C)

2009-04-01T15:33:34Z

M/A Rec List

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Sorted Alphabetically by Story Title

[A - C] | [D - G] | [H - M] | [N - S] | [T - Z]

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A Feeling We Don't Know Yet
by ladyflowdi
PG-13 | Complete | 2,873 words
The first time they end up in bed together, Arthur is crawling towards death with his fingers raked into the ground.

All is well in Arthur's arms
by oxoniensis
G | Complete | 370 words

all I wanted was a white knight (I got a prince instead)
by cf33
PG-13 | IN RE-WRITE | 6,000 words

All the Laughter From Before
by waldorph
R | Complete | 5,651 words
"It's pretty, but very distressing. And lo, all is sunshine and daisies... and death, but what can you do?"

An Acceptable Sacrifice
by eos_rose (Angelike Riddle)
Teen | Complete | 780 words
There are some sacrifices Arthur's not willing to make

And None But We Can Be Such Kings
by janne_d
R | Complete | 8,693 words
Merlin really was the court idiot. Was this what the Dragon had meant by halves of a whole?

Balance of the World
by burkesl17
NC-17 | Complete | 3,007 words
A belated episode tag for the last episode of series one. Arthur finds the letter Gaius wrote Merlin.

Beltane (or here on LJ)
by astolat
PG | Complete | 11,71 words
There is a story that is not told in Ealdor anymore, not for many years now, a story about Beltane Eve.

Sequels:
Coming of Age
PG | Complete | 6,358 words
"I have called you to give you a warning," the dragon said. "A red moon rises over Camelot this night. The Wild Hunt will ride."
That Shall Achieve The Sword
PG | Complete | 5,772 words
Arthur had just started to get really irritated, as opposed to the low-grade and permanent Merlin-is-late-again irritation that somehow managed to be endearing -- and how exactly Merlin had managed that, Arthur would really have liked to know, mostly so he could work out how to use it on Uther.

Big, purple—thing—and, God, he was practically showing off with it.
by derryere
PG-13 | Complete | 2,467 words
Totally random neckporn.

Continuations:
here - here - here by cherrybina | PG-13 | 1,009 words
Part 1 & Part 2 by longleggedgit | PG-13 | 964 words

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Merlin/Arthur Rec List: Titles (D-G)

2009-04-01T15:33:10Z

Sequels:
Honeymoon
NC-17 | Complete | 1,818 words
The original plan had been, in fact, to honeymoon in Spain.
Throw-In
NC-17 | Complete | 2,290 words
"The throw-in begins play at the start of the game, after each goal, and after the ball goes out of bounds."

Dyslexic History
by eos_rose (Angelike Riddle)
Older Teens 16+ | Complete | 1,060 words
The Once and Future King has returned. And he's more than a little amused at the way his legend has been written.

Everything the Same
by cplberen
PG-13 | Complete | 1,139 words
A prince is always on duty, always unflappable. Always.

Fealty
by demon_faith
PG-13 | Complete | 22,682 words
A faithful and good servant is a real godsend; but truly 't is a rare bird in the land - Martin Luther
Sequel: A King's Ransom | PG-13 | WIP

Five Times Merlin was the Worst Manservant Ever (and One Time He Wasn't)
by kerryblaze
PG13 | Complete | 2,961 words
Merlin proves time and time again that he's not cut out to be Arthur's manservant.

Four Times Merlin and Arthur Didn't Fool Anyone and One Time They Did
by x_merlin
PG | Complete | 1,419 words

Freedom Hangs Like Heaven
by derryere
NC-17 | Complete | 9,415 words
It's happened five times and they don't talk about it.

Fruition (or The Education of Arthur)
by spiny
NC-17 | Complete | 7,053 words
It was really all Sir Wynston's fault.

Give Me Miles and Mountains, and I'll Ask for the Sea
by hackthis
PG-13 | Complete | 3,854 words

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