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#touch-starved arthur pendragon
changeofpace · 4 days
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absolutely adore your art!! and the way you draw characters, may i humbly request a merthur hug
@myoonmii thank you :) hugs for you! and a closeup under the cut.
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whamber · 1 year
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Arthur, through tears and shaking like a chihuahua: "This better not awaken anything in me"
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nothankyoudear · 1 year
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Ever since Merlin was a small child, Hunith had always bombarded him with loving touches. She carried him whenever she could, and when he grew too big to be carried, she left him with warm hugs and soft touches on his cheeks. She wiped his tears when he cried, and intertwined their fingers on cold nights as they slept.
Arthur, on the other hand, could not remember the last time he was touched by his father in any way other than a firm clasp on the shoulder. All his life, he's known nothing but side glances and firm remarks. No one was there to wipe his tears away when he cried, and certainly no one was there to hold him on cold nights as he slept.
He was the prince of Camelot, after all, and everyone knew that princes cannot be soft.
Which was why, the first time that Merlin went in for a hug, Arthur immediately flinched back.
They stood in silence for a few moments before Arthur left, unable to stand the tension in the air. Not thinking much about it, he had rendered it just another one of those awkward little moments with Merlin that would soon dissipate from his memory.
Oh, how wrong he was.
Arthur found himself unable to move on from it. He spent that night turning in his bed, wondering what it would've been like if he accepted Merlin's hug - The warmth and comfort that he had only ever seen given to others. He fell asleep wondering what it would feel like to be embraced by another.
Merlin doesn't do it again, at least not for a while. It was understandable, especially after Arthur reacted so drastically at his first attempt at closeness, but Arthur still couldn't help but spend another few sleepless nights regretting his reaction.
Because he was the prince of Camelot, and if Merlin - irresponsible, reckless, sarcastic Merlin - wasn't willing to touch him, then no one was.
So when the second time came - when Merlin, most likely without thinking ("when does he ever think?"), went in for a hug, Arthur hugged back.
He wrapped Merlin in his arms, and oh, it was bliss. The warmth and the comfort and the closeness that he had heard so much about were all real. He couldn't help but tighten his arms around the other boy's thin body and lean in, rendered helpless by a sense of aching intimacy.
Questions immediately appeared in Arthur's mind: How had he survived up until then without touches like these? If Merlin had never been assigned as his manservant, would he have gone his whole life without experiencing this? And now that he's finally experienced this, how could he go without it for the rest of his life?
The thought pained Arthur, so he squeezed even harder.
They didn't talk about it afterwards, but Arthur knew that Merlin knew. Arthur had exposed the softness underneath his hard exterior, and now Merlin knew.
And lord, was it great.
Their previously rare touches turned more and more common. Soon, putting on Armour turned into lingering touches on Arthur's body, and training sessions turned into Merlin haphazardly wiping the sweat from Arthur's forehead as he leaned into the cooling touch on his skin.
Sometimes, if Arthur was feeling brave, he’d even initiate some of these touches.
He’d hook his finger with Merlin’s as they walked to the stables, running his thumb against whatever skin he could reach. He’d warm Merlin’s seemingly forever cold hands by gently pulling them into his own bigger ones. He’d walk up silently behind Merlin as he’s softly humming a song while polishing Arthur’s armour, and wrap his arms around his waist, burying his head into the crook of Merlin’s shoulder.
It was like Arthur's mind was trying to reclaim all touches lost to the years. He craved skin - Merlin's skin - on his. He craved the way Merlin's fingers ran over his muscles. He craved these moments of intimacy where he wasn't Arthur Pendragon, the prince of Camelot, and he was just Arthur.
And somehow Merlin knew of this insatiable craving of his, because he was always giving and giving and giving. Arthur never openly asked for the tender touches and the soft trails of fingertips against his stomach, but Merlin - lovely, gorgeous, beautiful Merlin - was always there to give.
The love in Merlin was overflowing, and Arthur was there to catch every last drop of it.
And as Arthur was still human (despite how hard he tried), there were times when he wept.
Arthur cried the same way he cried when he was a child - with his shoulder shaking, his eyes shut, and his hands trembling. He also used to sob with his mouth open and with his grief audible like any other child, but that had long been scolded and beaten out of him.
However, despite the habits that he brought into adulthood, the nights when he cried were no longer like the lonely nights that he suffered through as a child - There was no ache in his chest as tears ran down his cheeks. No biting the collar of his shirt as he attempted to stay quiet. No harsh words to keep him silent.
There were, in their place, gentle caresses to his forehead as Merlin smoothed back his hair, murmuring words of comfort under his breath. A warm shoulder to lean on as he cried quietly. Thumbs that wiped under his lashes and nimble fingers that caressed his cheeks.
A voice that cooed and replied, “I'm here, darling” when Arthur whispered, “Merlin, Merlin, Merlin” through his tears. Lips that pressed against his as another sob seeped out. Arms that wrapped around Arthur, and gentle hands that ran themselves comfortingly over the expanse of his back until they both fell asleep.
And what a joy it was, to have someone who wiped his tears away when he cried, and someone to hold him on cold nights as he slept. To be touched and held and loved.
What a joy Merlin was.
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camelots-daffodil · 1 year
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deathdefyinggarlic · 6 months
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not be a slut on main, but do you ever thing about how so uncommon it is for merlin and arthur to have their skin actually touch? theres always gloves or armor or smth in the way.
arthurs so covered up and merlin wears such loose clothing, arthurs scared of affection and merlin revels in it
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junemo10 · 10 months
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Hiii! How about merthur and 13 for the ask game??
Hi!! Thank you so much for the Ask, I hope you are well! This got a little long, but the thoughts kept flowing and I got too excited about it, so I hope you enjoy my spin on the prompt! 💖
Sending you love ❤️💕❤️💕❤️
Ask Game: Write a Kiss…
13. discreetly
Arthur was never raised with the utmost affection. Anyone who had ever met his father could probably guess this. He grew up without affectionate touch, just the strong grip of his father forcing his every thought in the path of his future kingdom and the duties he would fulfill.
Arthur never really thought about it, how much affection a simple touch could hold, how much he desired to know what it felt like to have what most considered a natural way to communicate. Not to be earned through merit and trials, but to be gifted through trust and love.
It truly wasn’t until the worlds most unprofessional manservant was assigned to him that he even began to wonder. From the moment they met, they shared a touch that sent a tingle up Arthur’s arm. Albeit, brief and confrontational, Arthur couldn’t stop thinking about the feeling he had, thinking of the pretty looking man with funny looking ears sticking out the sides of his head.
Once Arthur happened to find himself unwillingly adopting the man into his service, the feeling only increased further. It was clear the man had never been a manservant before. Merlin’s hands were unpracticed and clumsy as he would help the prince into his armor, or tie his tunic, or brush his hair into place. Every slight touch that Merlin’s hands touched Arthur’s skin was a jolt, a shock and a strange curiosity. It wasn’t the practiced precision of the maids Arthur was used to, the slow distanced adjustments and objective necessity. Merlin’s way was always, different.
Though Arthur would never admit it, he didn’t dislike the way Merlin preferred to do things. Merlin’s touch was gentle, it was kind, it was caring- in a way that didn’t say “I’m helping the king-to-be” but almost saying “you are cared for”. Merlin always made him feel cared for, even when he could be the grumpiest, most annoying, Prince in all the lands. Merlin would take a gentle hand, smooth out the wrinkles in Arthur’s shirt, brush a few hairs out of place and put Arthur in place with his words about what a “right prat” he was being. But his comforting touch, never changed. As if Arthur was always worthy of it, no matter what.
As time changed, Merlin got better at his duties. No more was the clumsy grasping hands, or the crash of armor against the ground. Merlin’s hands had become decisive, practiced, and, dare Arthur say it, professional. It was like Arthur was a puzzle that Merlin had mastered again and again, until it was something he could do in his sleep.
Yet, even in the monotony of the task, Merlin found ways to ingrain those caring touches into the work. A swipe of the thumb along his wrist, a brush of his knuckle against his neck, a steadying hand on his back, fingers grazing his forehead as he pushed his hair into place.
Arthur watched Merlin closely with a curious eye, and tried to discern whether he was doing it on purpose. A few times, he would catch Merlin’s eyes, like when he was standing in front of him or when their eyes met in the mirror, and Merlin would blush and look away as if caught in the act. The act in question, Arthur wasn’t quite sure.
That is until all was revealed in an explosive fashion, which happened to be Merlin’s style. The magic reveal, the love confessions, the fear, the shame, the love. Then everything clicked into place and made sense. All the slight touches, they were affection. They were Merlin’s way of showing affection.
Merlin taught Arthur about affection, about how he deserved to be loved, about how a simple unknowing touch could say “I’m worried about you” or “I’m here for you” or “I love you”. Because while in the privacy of Arthur’s chambers they could say and do as they pleased, it was like they were in their own little world.
The world beyond, however, they couldn’t risk it. At least not until Arthur was king. For the sake of keeping Merlin safe, even though to Merlin it was to keep Arthur safe. No one could know that Merlin had magic, or that he had Arthur’s heart.
At first Arthur was anxious, worried if it showed on his face, or in the interactions he and Merlin had. It became clear, though, that they were able to continue their normal habits without anyone being the wiser, as they had always been a peculiarly close pair. A shove to the shoulder, a nudge of a leg, a tap on an arm, a ruffling of hair.
Arthur became more aware of how much more it represented now. Slowly, as they got more comfortable, they got bolder with it too, sneakier. Almost like a game with how affectionate they could be.
This sudden change, also included something they had never done before: kissing.
In the privacy of Arthur’s -their- chambers, they could explore each other with a freeing lack of worry. But outside of the chambers, they had to be more cautious. Arthur never wanted to risk it, for merely attempting to sneak a kiss was too much for Arthur. However, Merlin felt more daring at times, no matter how much Arthur scolded him for it.
It started when Arthur had a bad hunt, out with the knights in the woods. There was no sense of privacy amongst their bedrolls, or sitting near the fire. But when Merlin bent down to hand Arthur his stew, Arthur felt the familiar weight of a kiss pressed to his hair. Fleeting, gone quickly, but comforting nonetheless. Arthur froze, glancing around at the knights, but if anyone had seen it, they made no indication. Arthur raised his eyebrows at Merlin, trying to look stern but he was sure the grateful look in his eyes gave him away by the grin Merlin sported.
From then on it only increased. A kiss to the wrist as Merlin worked Arthur’s glove onto his hand, a peck to the neck as he adjusted Arthur’s armor, lips brushing his hair as he refilled his cup, a quick smooch to a bruise as Merlin tends to an injury on the training field, a touch of lips to his finger when Arthur scolded Merlin in front of the knights and stick it out in front of his face.
Arthur would never get enough of his idiotic warlock, no matter how many heart attacks Merlin would give him.
“One day, I promise you, we won’t have to hide or worry about how much affection we show each other,” Arthur vowed as he laid into their bed and pulled Merlin into his arms. Merlin yawning as he was gently guided, pliant in his tiredness from the day, melted into Arthur’s touch and molded into his side.
“I know, Arthur. I can’t wait for that day,” Merlin smiled brightly, cupping Arthur’s face in his hand. He raised his eyebrow comically, a teasing smirk on his face. “And until then, discreet is my middle name,” finishing off with a wink.
Arthur couldn’t help the cackle that escaped his chest, pulling Merlin’s arm until he was practically laying on top of Arthur.
“My sneaky little warlock, I love you so.” And without any further thought, he pressed his lips to his lover’s, feeling all the love in affection he could ever ask for.
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💖 thank you for reading! Please send me an ask for the ask game: Write a Kiss
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sauraunderscore · 1 year
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I think that Merlin was aware from the beginning of how Arthur was an abandoned child. That Arthur's egocentric persona was mostly a facade made of hurt and rejected feelings. That's why he stayed.
Merlin is the kind of friend we (abandon children) need to have in our lives, because they're the kind of non imposing person that still sends magic loving vibrations that feel like touch, that are like those feelings we longed to feel. We need them around so badly, but we still reject them because that's how we've been taught to love. 
And that's exactly what Arthur does to Merlin, and only because Merlin loves him and understands him, Merlin never leaves.
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bisaster-energy · 10 months
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Arthur dying "just hold me" when's the last time he was held. as a baby he must've been held but did his father ever hold him. Did his mother get to hold him before she died. Did he let any bed partners hold him from behind. He's dying and it's just him the woods and Merlin. No one else to witness. He's dying and all he asks for is to be held by the man he trusts most despite all the lies. He wants to feel that before he goes
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i-swear-to-merlin · 1 year
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starkskypines · 1 year
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when you need someone to love you
it’s been over a year but i am back with a merlin fic! i love this show sm and these silly boys even more. 
>>>
read on ao3
>>>
The winter chill seeps into the castle grounds, into the walls, floor, ceilings, turning every stone into a freezing touchpoint. Arthur finds himself wearing two pairs of socks to bed and he hates wearing socks to bed, but it’s just that cold.
It’s like this every winter season. The castle keeps itself cooled off well enough in the summer months, but when winter comes around, there are not enough fires that could be lit to warm the castle. Though Arthur seems to be the only person in the castle with that complaint. Everyone else seems to find enough fires to warm them.
Arthur only finds that his clothes forever smell like smoke because of how often his room’s fire is lit. The windows have to open to let the smoke out, but it only lets the chill back in. It’s an endless process with no end in sight. Much like how Arthur finds the process of ruling all alone.
He’s not normally alone. Usually, he has his knights and Merlin and Gwen at his side. But this week Merlin and Gwen went to visit Merlin’s mother in the country, and the knights have all gone off to visit someone or another. Arthur can’t honestly remember a time since his father died when everyone has left him.
It makes sense then that while everyone is away, the coldest storm blows in and the nobles cancel the only meeting of the day. Normally Arthur would have no issue with this, hence why he doesn’t push for them to meet anyway as is within his power as King. But today is not a normal day.
Today, Arthur woke from a nightmare where Merlin burns at the stake. It’s been a recurring nightmare ever since Arthur found out about Merlin’s magic. And it doesn’t seem to matter that he repealed the ban on magic, that he appointed Merlin as the Court Sorcerer, the dream still happens.
After speaking with the nobles’ messenger sent to inform the king about the decision to postpone the meeting, Arthur finds himself back in his chambers, curling up with his arms wrapped around his knees in front of the fire he had George light. He pulls a soft blanket off the edge of the nearby chair and wraps it around his shoulders and stares into the fire. He has kingly duties to attend to–this moment of weakness would never be allowed by his father–but Arthur is just so tired and the cold doesn’t help matters.
Arthur remembers when he was younger, he used to love the snow and the chilly days spent in the fluffy precipitation. He’s not sure when that changed. He’s not sure when he went from wearing a simple tunic around the inner castle to a full elegant robe. He’s not sure when the layers became necessary even in the summer months. He’s not sure when the chill settled deep in his bones and only the warmth of a relaxing night with his few friends shakes the chill loose. But it always returns in the morning without fail.
The door to his rooms opens without a knock, and Arthur turns to look over his shoulder at who dares enter the King’s chambers without asking. Arthur’s brow furrows when he sees who it is.
“Gwaine? I thought you weren’t due back until tomorrow.” Arthur pushes himself to his feet, letting the blanket fall to the floor and ignoring the way Gwaine’s eyes track the movement.
“Cold afternoon, Arthur?”
Arthur shrugs because he can’t explain the way his body hungers for warmth to the point of desperation.
read on ao3
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remuscariad · 7 days
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In honor of us TRENDINGG, here are five fics 💯 worth your time:
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1. My breath are run by your compass by @regulusrules [20k+] [post-camlann fix-it]
This fic has torn and mended my heart at the same time; it’s what we deserve, what you deserve — the Golden Age after Camlann with a stab (in the heart, pun intended). But golden it is, I promise.
Need I say that this author is the same mastermind behind my heart is readily yours?
2. The Phantom of Arthur Pendragon by @clockwrkpendrxgon [15k+] [dark!arthur]
This fic is going to make on you on the edge of your seat 24\7, GUARANTEED. A mind-blowing plot twist and a new, sinister side of Arthur post-camlann. But we fix him, don’t worry, and it ends happily, I swear. Enjoy the ride!
3. hold me closer by summertimeroses [1k+] [touch-starved]
When I tell you I’m a complete sucker for touch-starved fics, especially when it’s Arthur, I mean it 100%. Short, sweet and so heartfelt. Our love needs to be held more, doesn’t he?
4. Sanctuary by LittleGreenGirlxx [3k+][domestic fluff]
Fluff. That’s it— fluff for our weary hearts. Winding down merthur fics will always be a top need for this fandom. We know enough pain. Complete idiots in love and soft Arthur POV.
5. and love, I find, has no considered end by @schweetheart [690] [sharing a bed]
I will never get tired of these two sharing a bed, especially when it’s winter. The softness. The warmth. It is moments like these that make us swoon over them over and over again.
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regulusrules · 19 days
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Tags for BBC Merlin Fics
Since this post of general tags seems valuable, here is a specific one for my fellow Merlin readers and writers!
Can you guys believe that there are only 34K fics in our fandom that are tagged? When we have 62K+ fics!! There are so many hidden gems out there that honest to god changed my LIFE and deserve all the recognition in the world
So here is a guide for what are the most used/searchable tags in our fandom!
For Canon Era Fics
Merlin's Magic Revealed - Magic Reveal - Arthur knows about Merlin's magic - Arthur finds out about Merlin's magic - Episode Tag (for example: s01e04: The Poisoned Chalice) ((all episodes have a tag, and it's important to mark which setting are we in from the start)) - Merlin is Emrys - Merlin Needs a Hug - Protective Knights - Merlin dies - Everyone knows about Merlin's magic - Arthur-centric - Merlin-centric - Golden Age - Magic Ban Lifted - Merthur - Post-Camlann - (character's name) Lives - Arthur has magic - Merlin's Scars Revealed
For Reincarnation / Modern Fics
Arthur Pendragon Returns - Modern Setting - Modern Era - Alternate Universe - No Magic / Historical / War / University / High School / Reincarnation / Office / Authors / Royalty / Fantasy / Soulmates / Spies - Doctor Merlin - Businessman Arthur - Professor Merlin - Artist Merlin - CEO Arthur - Teacher Merlin - Actor Arthur - Musician Merlin - Lawyer Arthur - Writer Merlin
For Characters
(trait is followed by character's name. eg: Hurt Arthur)
Merlin: Hurt - BAMF - Immortal - Protective - Court Sorcerer - POV - Dragonlord - Pining - Oblivious - Powerful - Dark - Prince - Sick - Consort - Kidnapped - Caring - Top/Bottom - Royal - Tired - Sassy - Competent - King - Angry - Sad - Parent - Soft - Worried
Arthur Pendragon: Protective - King - POV - Pining - Prince - Caring - Hurt - Jealous - Soft - Worried - Oblivious - Confused - BAMF - Dark - Guilty - Smitten - Possessive - Angry - Top/Bottom - Parent - Insecure - Touch-Starved - Smart
Gwen: Awesome - Queen - POV - BAMF - Caring - Hurt - Protective
Morgana: Good - Evil - Redeemed - BAMF - Protective - POV - Awesome - Dark - Queen
Mordred: Good - Evil - Hurt - Protective - Kid
Gwaine: Protective - Hurt - POV - Pining - Awesome - Worried - Caring
Lancelot: Protective - Hurt - Supportive - Lives
Leon: Immortal - Long-Suffering - Protective
Elyan: Protective - Hurt - POV - Lives
Percival: Protective - Hurt
And remember to tag ANY triggering topic you will be writing about!
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merlinfic · 1 year
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Hiya! This is a question for mod-Danielle, if that's okay! Since y'all are hanging up your capes, I just wanted to know what your top 10 Merlin fics are?
Hi anon! Oh boy, it’s hard to narrow down but here’s what I got for you!
My number one that I always go back to is Nine Weddings and a Funeral! It’s a Modern AU that makes me laugh every time and it’s just so good and i love it!!!!! if you haven’t read this one do not pass go, go read this fic!!
The rest in no particular order:
Drawn To Any Good (Or, The Education of Lord Arthur Pendragon) (Historical AU, *incredible, brilliant, show-stopping,* etc.)
The World I Built for You (Canon, the angst!!!!!!)
The Wrong Trouser-Leg of Time (Modern AU, Time Travel, y’all already know; if you haven’t read this stop everything and go read it. you’re gonna get destroyed but you’ll be happy about it)
World Enough and Time (Modern AU, the pining, the angst it’s all *chef’s kiss*)
In Love With My Radio (Modern AU, another classic fic that’s funny and sweet!!)
All the Dead Are Here (Modern AU, it’s spooky/horror and not something I would often read but this one is incredible!!)
Linger On Your Pale Blue Eyes (Canon, touch-starved!Arthur...i’m fine...i’m totally fine...)
The Unintentional Wooing Skills of Arthur Pendragon (Modern AU, i love an awkward Arthur and this fic just hits all the right things)
Sail Thou Forth (The Untold Want Remix) (Historical AU, [screams] this fic is life changing)
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nothankyoudear · 1 year
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headcanon that arthur LOVES his hair being played with but since he's a prince nobody ever does it
like the last time he's had his hair touched was probably by some maid when he was a toddler
so the first time merlin puts his fingers in arthur's hair while they kiss arthur EXPLODES into flames
merlin's hand would be just pulling on the hair on the back of arthur's neck or something and arthur's knees would legit go weak
merlin realizes and starts playing with arthur's hair every night until he falls asleep and everytime arthur looks at merlin like he hung the stars
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arthur pendragon is for my fellow lonely bitches, for people that make too many short lived friendships, who don’t know how to let people in, who don’t realize how much we love someone until we’re losing them- and it only teaches us to not love anyone again. arthur pendragon is for my “we should hangout some time!” (read three days ago, no response) people, because you know it’s only from obligation. arthur is for my introverted bestie of an extrovert people, my tag along friends who never get picked first. arthur pendragon is for my fellow so lonely it physically hurts, so touch starved touching someone’s arm feels like a death sentence of wanting. arthur is for my “we’re friends, i guess” because the words “i love you and i want you around” feel far to bare and open and you could never say it. arthur is for my fellow trust issues commitment issues girlies who don’t even really know where they came from. arthur is for all the people who shout “just ask them out they clearly like you!” at our friends but would die before we even presume a seat at a table with the friends they’ve known for three months
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hunn1e-bunn1e · 8 months
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Seven 🍺 Deadly 🍺 Sins
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Seven Deadly Sins
👙Meliodas
...
🦊Ban
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🧚‍♂️Harlequin 'King'
Touch Starved Reader (hc) ⚧ 💞
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🧠Gowther (Doll)
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☀️Escanor
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Holy Knights
🗡Dreyfus
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🛡Griamore
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🐐Hendrickson
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⚡Gilthunder
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⛰Howzer
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🪖Helbram (Love Helm)
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🪞Golgius of the Weird Fangs
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🎭Slader
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Camelot
👑Arthur Pendragon
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Ten Commandments
☕Zeldris
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💤Estarossa
Oh Dear 📷
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🦅Monspeet
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🌺Drole
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🌈Gloxinia
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👨‍🦽Gowther (Demon)
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Goddess Clan
⚜Ludociel
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🔆Mael
...
🐇.•°•.🐇.•°•.🐇.•°•.🐇.•°•.🐇.•°•.🐇.•°•.🐇.•°•.🐇.•
Back to the Masterlist Hub?
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