I thought I dropped Merlin a couple of weeks ago.

[osaraba]

But I spent all day today reading rageprufrock's epic Merlin 6-part modern-day!AU series, which starts with Drastically Redefining Protocol. You should read it even if you've never seen Merlin -- and you don't really need to have in order to read this fic. Because JFC. I never thought I'd care much, BUT MERLIN GAGGING FOR ARTHUR'S COCK IS FUCKING HOT WTF?! (And now I'm gagging for more good Merlin fic, dammit.)

So, there have been adorable gifs of behind-the-scenes stuff for Merlin going around everywhere -- I suppose now that the season 3 finale has just passed. It makes me want to try and watch the show again, but I don't know if I can actually bring myself to do it. Does anyone maybe have a list of good episodes to watch for seasons 2 and 3? Or conversely, a list of episodes I can/should skip?

And do you know how annoying it is to love another character named Arthur? *rolls eyes at self*

Also, a book rec for everyone, but especially fredericks! Almost Like Being In Love by Steve Kluger. Not your usual romance, gay or otherwise. But this was probably THE MOST HILARIOUS LOVE STORY I'VE EVER READ -- and I'm not really a huge fan of comedy. But it had me laughing out loud everywhere. What's even better is that the characters are wonderful! Amazingly developed; they're not stereotypes; they have real stories to tell you. Even the secondary characters! Kluger introduces them and you think they're going to be these minor background characters, but somehow they become more and more involved, or just have a stronger voice, and before you know it you've gone and invested in them, too. This is a mainstream published book, which means no sexytiems or anything, which was possibly my only disappointment. But more importantly I give it the highest praise I can give any book: I was absolutely unsure what the ending would be. There were several possibilities, all of them equally plausible, and all almost as equally desirable in my mind.

Travis and Craig's story is ABSOLUTELY worth reading. <3

ETA: Forgot to mention that the format is as unusual as it is interesting; epistolary-style, I suppose you'd say, though it's not solely letters. My one peeve with this book is the usage of interoffice memorandums (in 1998) between two coworkers who are also best friends. I felt the use of email would've been much more appropriate here and it bugged me enough to jar me out of the story every so often.

Comments

[osaraba]

I'd really gotten to the point where I was done with Merlin; not interested in investing any more of my time in the show unless I knew that at some point Merlin confided his secret to Arthur, so I asked that anyone watching should tell me whether that happened. Because as much as I HATE spoilers normally, that was really what was required for me to continue.

So then knowing that Arthur STILL doesn't know about Merlin's magic... I really couldn't find it in me to keep going. Until all this damn behind-the-scenes cuteness. AND THEN PRU'S FIC. DAMMIT.

So I've declared amnesty on spoilers for Merlin (so if anything is particular interesting, feel free to let me know). Because I'm interested but I think in this case I actually need to be enticed back with the knowledge that interesting things occur! Instead of me just waiting around for something that'll never happen. =(

Also, I wonder if I'm alone in not liking Morgana? She's an interesting character and I want to like her, but I haven't been able to from the beginning.

THANK YOU for the recs! Even not-AU is fine, as long as it's a good story, though I probably wouldn't read much gen in this fandom as I'm less interested in the canon itself. (Why does slutty Merlin amuse me SO VERY MUCH?! I don't even like him that much; I'm more an Arthur fangirl.)

ETA: ALSO OMFG THANK YOU FOR THE TEACUP AU - JFC IT IS AWESOMMMMMMME!!!! <3333333!!!! I'M AT THE CLIMAX AND I DON'T WANT IT TO END EVERRRRRRR.... T_T And I need to go find an Arthur icon, like RIGHT NOW. ALSJFLSJDFLJSA;FJAS