Title: Ouroboros
Summary: I had a 'Merlin has a little brother/goes back in time and meets himself' plot bunny that has been gnawing away at me and would not let me rest until I did this. (Begged other people to write it, it did not happen.) This is nothing like what I originally hoped to write and it turned out quite a lot more angsty than I thought it would.
I made a graphic first (Which can be found here: .) and this thing came quickly after. I wrote this really quickly this afternoon, and I haven't decided yet if I am entirely happy with it, so I may end up picking at it some more. It was supposed to a drabble. It's not very drabble-y at all really because apparently my brain does not cope well with being limited to only 100 words since I wrote 416.
Rating: PG at most.
Warnings: AU. No spoilers. Mentions of boy love between Arthur and Merlin, but not even remotely detailed.
(notes about my wip fic "Where Echoes Meet" at the end - for anyone following that one.)
~ O ~
He only met his big brother once while sitting in the doorway of his home.
Hello. I'm Merlin. I'm... I'm your brother.
The man's voice broke and wetness formed around his piercing blue eyes. They were the same as the boy's own; it must be true.
They tentatively shook hands, smiling, and the little one felt a rush of power seep into his very bones. He knew this man was a hero; this man who would stay for only a few minutes, but already the boy idolized him and vowed to take his name. Don't call me that, I'm Merlin now. He would soon declare while wrapping a red rag loosely about his neck. Ealdor would be amused by his childish demand but would abide by his wishes none the less, and in time no one would ever remember his given name. But first, Little Merlin begged his brother to stay and called loudly to their mother; so many questions on his lips and a happiness bubbling up inside him.
He had turned his back for just a second but his brother was gone again, too soon. Disappeared into thin air, or so the legend says.
Merlin's heart ached for a long time but his magic grew and eventually it pulled his body into the shape of a man and when the time came, he left the tiny village, too. He traveled to Camelot; finding love and friendship in the form of a handsome prince, Arthur. Together they proved to be an unstoppable force in the fight against evil, until, one day, a spell went wrong and Merlin was thrown through a storm of magic and blinding light. He found himself staring into the eyes of his younger self; familiar bright blue orbs shining back at him. He held out his hand to the boy and tried to explain that he couldn't stay.
Oh God. he couldn't stay
He had to go.
Take care of Mum. You'll both be fine... And you will understand one day.
The boy protested and turned away to call their mother while Merlin quickly whispered the words that would take him back to his prince. The magic tore his clothes and his heart, and left him gasping in a heap at Arthur's feet.
I promise.
The pair lay awake for a long time that night, wrapped up in each other's warmth, while Merlin told Arthur all about the time he met his little brother sitting in the doorway of his home.
~ O ~
Authors note re: Where Echoes Meet.
I really appreciate all the lovely reviews that have been left for the story ad I just want to say that yes it most definitely will be finished. Real life has been hell since my last update and I haven't had the time or energy to work on it. I'm working on it now, though, albeit slowly. Please be patient for just a little longer.
