Title: Blue Christmas
Fandom: Merlin
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Categories: Modern AU, Grief/Mourning, Christmas, Fluff
Length: Medium (6,178 words)
Warnings: Minor Character Death (offscreen)

Author on LJ: slantknitfics
Author Website: SlantedKnitting

Author's Summary:
Arthur's alone on Christmas for the first time in his life and he almost can't cope until Merlin steps in to quietly take Arthur home to Ealdor for the holiday. Modern AU.

Review:
There’s a quiet sweetness to this story that warms my heart. Arthur’s aching loneliness is palpable, and I really felt for him as he dealt with his grief in the face of the approaching holiday. Merlin’s heartfelt concern for Arthur is touching and lovely, and it’s such a relief to see Merlin sweep in and take charge of the situation as he stubbornly insists Arthur accompany him to Ealdor for Christmas despite the fact that they have no prior relationship beyond living in the same building.

While the focus here is on the relationship between Arthur and Merlin, the gentle care shown by Hunith, and the comfortable dynamic between mother-and-son add to the cozy atmosphere that acts as a balm to Arthur’s heartache. It cannot cure it completely, and Arthur’s vulnerability as he shares a quiet telephone conversation with Morgana is fitting. That they have such a close-knit relationship is all the better, especially as the author portrays it so poignantly through Arthur’s recollections of past Christmases.

The romance between Arthur and Merlin is sweet without being cloying; it builds slowly over the course of their time together and feels very natural. The story ends on such a hopeful note…while Arthur’s grief has not passed, you get the sense that it will be easier for him to cope now that he has Merlin.

All in all, it’s just a lovely little Christmas story with snuggling in the glow of the Christmas tree, family dinners, Christmas carols and pajamas. It’s a delightful holiday read.

Blue Christmas