✦ || I can't forgive what you've done
✦ || I don't trust you
✦ || I've seen you around, haven't I?
✦ || I'd like to know you better
✦ || I think we get on quite well
✦ || I know I can count on you
✦ || You're one of the greatest friends I could have
✦ || We're not blood-related, but you're like family to me
✦ || I trust you with my life and would do anything to protect you
✦ || There's a little something called "love"... (Romantic interest, acknowledged or otherwise)
⚖ || Indicates a sense of obligation or duty
☂ || Housemate of New Camelot you can stand under my umbrella ella ella ay ay ay ♫



CANON RELATIONSHIPS

Arthur Pendragon BBC's Merlin ✦✦✦ ⚖ ☂
"By all accounts, the things I've done and the things I've cost you - I do not deserve the loyalty you give me."
"More important than anything else in this world," as Merlin himself says, and it's an accurate description of Merlin's feelings toward Arthur. While their relationship started off rocky, Arthur has become Merlin's closest friend over the years. At first, the future of Albion and their supposedly shared destiny was what kept Merlin at Arthur's side through the rough patches. Now, he stays because he's seen the Once and Future king that Arthur will become and, more importantly, because he's seen the good man that Arthur is right now, despite all of his greatest flaws and insecurities. Also because Arthur is a good medieval husband. Merlin's faith in Arthur, while strong before, is essentially unshakeable now that they've worked through the barriers that kept their friendship from growing before. Since Arthur's arrived in Asgard, he's proven that he can look past the servant image and see Merlin for who he really is. Arthur's gradual acceptance of Merlin's magic, and his willingness to understand Merlin's past is more than anything Merlin could have asked for. Though Arthur's brief return home put their friendship on rocky grounds again, nothing has changed as far as Merlin knows. He still loves his king, still holds Arthur's trust and friendship very close to his heart, and still would lay down his life for Arthur without hesitation. There are nearly no secrets between them in Asgard, and now that Arthur has ascended to his rightful place on the throne, Merlin has pledged himself to Arthur officially. pratentious

Gaius BBC's Merlin ✦✦
"Alright alright, what did you break this time?"
It goes without saying that without Gaius, Merlin would not have become the person he is now. When he first showed up on Gaius' doorstep, he was young and lost, and it was Gaius who gave him direction. If Gaius hadn't taken Merlin in, Merlin would have had a much more difficult time learning to use magic for good and not giving in to his frustration. The physician's quarters is Merlin's safe haven in Camelot, and his home. His relationship with Gaius is a little different in Asgard. After being on his own for so long, Merlin's learned to make the difficult decisions on his own, though he still values Gaius' advice. He hopes with all his heart that the things he's done in Asgard are enough to make his old mentor proud. medicus

Guinevere BBC's Merlin ✦✦✦ ☂
"Of course not. I'm never too busy for the two of you."
As Merlin's first friend in Camelot, Gwen has all of Merlin's greatest affection. In his confusing, early days in the citadel, Gwen was the one who helped ground him and learn his way around. Without her friendship, those days would have been much lonelier, less bearable, and he could not be more grateful. Something else he's grateful for is the kindness that she holds onto even through anger. Just as he's told Morgana in Asgard, Merlin knows Gwen's influence helped him make the right choices in the past. Hurting someone out of revenge is never the right path to take; Gwen taught him this, and the Morgana back in Camelot confirmed it years later. sentimentality ► departed

Lancelot BBC's Merlin ✦✦✦☂
"We will live to see this through. All of us."
Sir Lancelot, the most noble of them all, as Kilgharrah would eventually say. This is a fairly accurate description of his friend, as far as Merlin is concerned. Not only did the man leave Camelot because he couldn't cause a rift between Arthur and Uther, he's also kept Merlin's magic a secret all these years. As such, Lancelot is the first friend who truly accepted Merlin, magic and all, and he holds a very special place in Merlin's heart for that. Lancelot's a little earlier in the timeline than most of them, but Merlin doesn't love him any less for that. In a way, he's glad Lancelot hasn't had to suffer all that time wandering the lands alone before receiving the title he deserves--though it took ages to convince him. The knight is one of Merlin's anchors in Asgard, especially when things get rough, and Merlin knows he can rely on him through thick and thin. He's come to love Lancelot as a brother during their time in the city and that Lancelot has the same regard for him means a lot. sworntovalor

Mithian BBC's Merlin ✦✦
"Please, you needn't use that title here."
Merlin hasn't met her in his timeline yet, though he's learned that she and Arthur were supposed to be wed at some point. Just like with the Princess Elena, Merlin's grown fond of Mithian since their first meeting. She's sensible, kind, and very easy to get along with. Merlin respects her efforts to forgo her title, and is pleased that she actually seems to take his opinion into consideration. Mithian is one courtier Merlin wouldn't mind getting to know better with time. burping

Mordred BBC's Merlin ✦✦☂
"You speak to me like an enemy Emrys, when we are the same."
Helping Mordred escape Camelot is one of the choices Merlin will always look back on and wonder about. He was just a child then, so Merlin doesn't regret helping, but at the same time...his feeling of unease has only increased since then. The last time Merlin had seen Mordred, he'd been willing to believe Kilgharrah's words; Mordred had been helping the rebel, and Merlin was certain Mordred would eventually fill the role as Arthur's executioner at the time. Now, he's not so sure. What had been a complicated situation in Camelot has only gotten more complicated with Mordred's arrival in Asgard. Though Merlin knows the Mordred in Arturia's world was responsible for her death, the change Morgana has undergone has made him doubt the prophecies to some extent. With everything changing around them, Merlin wonders if Mordred's supposed fate can be averted as well. The affectionate, easy relationships the druid's been building with the Camelot folk, as well as Merlin's own promise to Regina, have convinced Merlin to give Mordred the benefit of the doubt for now and get to know him better. childofthewickedday

Morgana Pendragon BBC's Merlin ✦✦✦✦☂
"If given a choice, I would suffer them for the rest of my days if it would mean Arthur is safe."
The gap between his and her timelines is the source of Merlin's conflicted feelings toward Morgana. The Morgana he had last seen in Camelot was a bitter woman that had been consumed by her fears and loneliness. The Morgana he sees everyday in Asgard is the strong-willed, kind-hearted woman he'd admired and counted as one of his closest friends before everything changed back home. When they first arrived in Asgard together, Merlin doubted her sincerity, but ever since she asked him to end her life if she ever turned out like the Morgan of Arturia's world, he's learned to trust and confide in her again. Merlin's come to see this as a second chance, and hopes to make up for all the times he wasn't there for her when she needed a friend. Since he developed feelings for her, Merlin's come clean to her about a number of secrets he'd kept before. And now that they're in a relationship (although a shaky one), Merlin's even more determined to keep Morgana from losing herself to her darker side and following her other self's footsteps. veneficus

William BBC's Merlin ✦✦
"I was fine when you went to Camelot, wasn't I? I'll be fine."
Back when things were much simpler, Will was the only kind of friend Merlin could really ask for: someone who accepted his magic and looked out for him. Then, Camelot had changed Merlin and his new priorities had put a block in their friendship. That didn't mean Merlin didn't care about Will any longer--he did, and Will's death had hit him hard. He had lost a friend and brother that day. Like with Freya and Morgana, Merlin's viewing Will's presence in Asgard as a second chance. There's just a lot of guilt on his end, since Will had taken the blame for his magic as he died. Between the guilt and the number of years that have passed since Will's death, the two aren't as close as they once were, but Merlin isn't going to let anything get in the way of rekindling their friendship. ealdorsprince

Uther Pendragon BBC's Merlin ✦✦✦⚖
"This reeks of magic and I, King of Camelot, have sworn to not stand for it."
If there has been anyone in Camelot who's consistently earned Merlin's ire, it's definitely Uther Pendragon. Not only is he a hypocrite when it comes to the use of magic--executing people for the very same things he's done himself--his unwillingness to change has deeply hurt the people Merlin cares most about. While Uther's arrival in Asgard created a lot of problems for the people from Camelot, things have taken a surprising turn since then. Merlin thinks Uther makes a terrible king, but he doesn't hate him in the strictest sense of the word, not as he did in his first year at Camelot. It doesn't excuse anything Uther's done, but he's shown he truly cares about Arthur and Morgana (even if he goes about it the wrong way), and Merlin sees a man who has been completely blinded by grief and loss. He and Uther are far from on cordial terms, but Uther's grudging attempts to learn about magic in the recent weeks have changed Merlin's opinion of him. The change of heart is frankly more than he ever expected from the king, and he can respect this Uther for that much, even if he has no illusions the man will change in Camelot. For the most part, Merlin protects and helps him out of consideration for Arthur. foodshortage

CROSS-CANON RELATIONSHIPS

Arthur Kirkland (Albion) Axis Powers: Hetalia ✦✦✦⚖
"You're certain the name Colin Morgan means nothing to you, then."
It's Albion. A living, breathing personification of the kingdom he and Arthur are supposed to unite in the future. While the concept was a little hard to believe at first, Merlin's definitely warmed up to it, especially when other Nations like Albion have turned up. Albion's affinity for magic opened the door to their friendship, and since then Merlin's been taking archery lessons from him when they aren't simply getting to know each other. Though the two of them are on excellent terms, any chance of Merlin being awestruck by Albion flew out the window as soon as Merlin began seeing the similarities between the Nation and a certain prince who shares his name. At first, it was disconcerting to see how alike the two of them are, but Merlin actually finds it comforting now. He sees it as a kind of confirmation of Arthur's destiny as the Once and Future King. unionjackass ► departed

Arturia "Saber" Pendragon Fate/Zero ✦✦⚖
"After Uther's death the people needed someone to lead them, and only a man would do."
It's Arthur!...as a woman. Once Merlin was able to wrap his brain around that, he could see how this might be true. Even with the discrepancies between the two Camelots, Merlin can see that Arturia shares his Arthur's intense loyalty to the people of her kingdom, and that's enough to convince Merlin to give her the benefit of the doubt. While he's still not entirely sure what to make of her, he knows Arturia has been a good companion to Morgana, and that her story is what rekindled his own friendship with Morgana. Arturia seems pretty level-headed and reliable when she isn't teaming up with Arthur to hassle Merlin, so Merlin thinks she's a good presence to have around The Citadel. fated_blade ► departed

Bobby Singer Supernatural ✦✦✦
"It's a different set of rules, but all we gotta do is learn and break 'em."
Head honcho of Team Free Will, from Merlin's observations. Sam, Dean, and Cas are some of the most stubborn people Merlin has ever met, but somehow Bobby manages to keep them in line. Merlin can see why that's the case, when Bobby's shown himself to be nothing but sharp-witted, resourceful, and reliable. He can be a bit gruff with affection sometimes, but it's easy to tell when he cares about something. Naturally, Merlin met Bobby through Sam and Cas, and they've become tentative friends over the past few months. Ever since Merlin decided Cas and Bobby had been right about the gods, Bobby's been giving Merlin self-defense lessons in case he needs to make up for his lack of magic in Asgard. Even though Bobby takes good care of his Team, he forgets to do the same for himself sometimes, so Merlin's learned to look out for him and the others when he can. damnidjits ► departed

Castiel Supernatural ✦✦✦
"But regardless, my power is worth the risk to test and use. I need to make certain I have control over it."
He's a real guardian angel. Even without his angel powers, Castiel is probably the only person in Asgard who could consistently inspire a particular mix of awe and boyish enthusiasm in Merlin. This trend has only gotten worse after Castiel was cursed to have a pair of physical wings for a little while. Those might not have been Cas' real wings, and they couldn't let him actually fly, but they were an impressive sight (and nice to touch) nonetheless. Considering how withdrawn and suspicious Castiel can be of anyone outside of Team Free Will, their friendship has grown quite a lot since they met in the castle courtyard. Of the entire Team, Cas is the worst at taking care of himself, and brings out Merlin's mother hen tendencies the most. Though Cas still has a lot of bad habits to unlearn, Merlin's both touched and happy that Cas considers him trustworthy enough to approach for help. For one, Merlin knows he can rely on him for almost anything, and Cas is one of the first people Merlin would go to for advice. Living right next door to each other has only given Merlin more reason to get to know the angel better, and he never regrets that Cas was one of the first people he met in Asgard. ofthursday

Conan/Shinichi Kudo Detective Conan ✦✦✦
"So many people are scared and worried, that I'd like them to know there's something they can do!"
You don't meet many children like Conan, even back in Camelot, where children are expected to contribute at an early age. Not only is Conan extremely resourceful, he's always concerned about everyone's safety during the attacks on the city. Age aside, Merlin could not think of a better person to run his ideas by, because he knows Conan will be frank and forthcoming with his own contributions. At first, Merlin came to see Conan as a little brother of sorts. Then, the continued exposure to Conan's insightful, thoughtful side made Merlin wonder if there was more to the boy than meets the eye. Eventually, he had his suspicions about Conan's identity--and their friendship has only grown stronger after Conan finally confirmed it. Now that Merlin knows who Shinichi really is, and has even had the chance to see him in his real age, he's gradually coming to see Shinichi on more equal ground. He's reliable, level-headed, and grumpy at times, but he's essentially become Merlin's brother and go-to person when he needs a second opinion. holmes_fanatic

Draco Malfoy Harry Potter ✦✦
"Different worlds or not, I'd be interested in hearing about the magic practices of your world."
Though Draco was slightly pessimistic about his abilities when he first arrived--and who wouldn't be?--Merlin's managed to convince him that all the powers given to them can be useful in some way. They clicked pretty well once they'd realised they both had magic in their worlds. Since Draco's just as curious about Merlin's brand of magic as Merlin is about Draco's, Merlin has a feeling they'll be seeing a lot of each other often. Though Draco isn't the only Traveler to recognise Merlin's name and connect it to stories from their world, Draco's reaction has hit Merlin the hardest so far. Talking to Draco has given Merlin the unpleasant reminder that he can only do so much with the situation back in Camelot, and that things haven't quite worked out the way they're supposed to yet. Perhaps it's because of the camaraderie they've built around magic, but Merlin's afraid he isn't quite living up to the image that people like Draco have of him, even if it is another world's version of him. That fear doesn't stop him from approaching Draco about magic, especially now that they've fought dragons together. wasthemaster

Loki (God of Asgard) Asgard Eventide ✦✦
"Freedom from responsibility has its value too. You could say we might resent each other."
Any attempt at getting answers from the gods before had been fruitless, so it was a bit of a surprise when Loki actually put the filters up and responded to him. Now that Loki's taken the time to explain some of the family dynamics, it makes him more...human in Merlin's eyes. The gods might act like they know what they're doing, but Loki at least has some emotions that Merlin might be able to relate to. It's made Merlin curious about the rest of the story (especially since the gods aren't matching exactly with the ones described in the library books), and he doesn't dislike Loki as much as he used to. If the Asgardian god ever wanted a willing ear, Merlin would probably be one of the first to offer. Still, Merlin knows it's best to keep up his guard when it comes to them. asgardstricks

Lucifer Supernatural ✦✦✦⚖
"Michael and I were close to each other. The good son and the most beloved. Two sides of the same coin."
There probably aren't enough words in the world to describe how conflicted Merlin feels over Lucifer. On the one hand, his closest friends are warning him away, and that's on top of the stories he's already heard about the Devil. On the other hand, the Lucifer he's faced with is nothing like what Merlin expected, and he's intrigued. It's difficult not to be when Lucifer speaks of love and family, when the others speak of death. And that coin analogy he made...it's probably too late for Merlin to raise his walls back up completely. Personal feelings aside, Merlin knows Cas and the others wouldn't lie to him about the damage Lucifer's done to them before. It's a dangerous game he's playing, but if making a deal with Lucifer will keep his friends safe, then Merlin's willing to risk it. Agreeing to meet with Lucifer regularly has nothing to do with wanting to hear more of his side of the story...does it? anguis ► departed

Mary Campbell Supernatural ✦✦✦☂
"Most girls my age can't fight at all, but I'm not most girls. Dad always said it was in our blood."
Even after all this time, Merlin still can't quite believe Mary is Sam and Dean's mother. That alone would have put her on his list of people to look after, but learning more about her has only strengthened his desire to help her. The deal that she made to save her boyfriend reminds Merlin uncomfortably of the deal he'd made with Nimueh ages ago, and that gave their relationship a little push into friendship territory. Now that Mary's been living with the Camelot-folk for months, she's become a part of their family. Merlin's pretty sure the transition into the world of modern appliances would have gone horribly if they didn't have Mary to help them. From Mary's cooking, her sense of humour, and even the instructive post it notes left all over the house, Mary's integrated herself into their lives. Merlin's just glad he's had a chance to get to know her and that she's there to look after them. minifridge

Mako "Nakama" Nakarai Bokurano ✦✦✦
"No second chance is going to be perfect, so I should fight the injustice where I can, but also enjoy all the beautiful things here."
Nakama is yet another friend who's been with Merlin since the gods first started bringing people to Asgard. Sometimes even he can't believe the transformation Nakama's undergone since that first month; the serious, mistrustful girl he'd known from before has been replaced by someone who's more confident of herself and wants to change for other people. While he gets the feeling she's always been kind at heart, Asgard's helped her open up, and Merlin couldn't be happier for her. Though it took a while, Nakama's finally gotten past Merlin's teasing and confided in him. Merlin understands now, why Nakama had reacted to things the way she did, and he's determined to help her learn what a real, playful friendship is supposed to be like. It'll probably take some time for Nakama to forget the bullying from before, but Merlin thinks she's incredibly brave for wanting to leap over this hurdle at all. He has faith that she'll make it through, and become an even stronger person than before. Sometime in the recent months, while feeling each other out and practicing their abilities together, Merlin's come to see Nakama as a little sister. whatagoodgirl ► departed

Roxas Kingdom Hearts ✦✦✦
"Not even being able to move around in this world is even worse isn't it?"
Merlin isn't too surprised Roxas picked things up in the city so quickly, given his enthusiasm and spirit. It also seems Roxas' friendliness and willingness to ask for help guarantee he has an abundance of Travelers willing to lend a hand if he needs it. That is, if he can allow himself to ask for help. Merlin isn't too happy that his normally cheerful friend has something--or several things--weighing on his mind lately. All he can hope is that Roxas will talk to him or someone else if things get too much to bear. Friendliness aside, Merlin respects the cautious, respectful way Roxas goes about using his power. After seeing magic users back home manipulate attraction and love so often, it's kind of refreshing to stumble on someone like Roxas. Merlin wouldn't mind getting to know him better, especially since Roxas has been training with Arthur again. In a way, Merlin's happy Arthur's taken a liking to Roxas in an almost brotherly way--if only Arthur would learn to clean up his own messes when he plies Roxas with ice cream. faints

Sam Winchester Supernatural ✦✦✦
"'Do this or die' isn't giving me any kind of incentive to trust a word out of their mouths."
If Merlin ever needs information on something, Sam would probably be the first person he'd go to. He's been level-headed and knowledgeable since day one, and Merlin couldn't think of anyone more reliable. A huge part of him is glad that he met Sam in the courtyard; without Sam's experience, it would have taken Merlin much longer to orient himself, especially with Morgana's presence. Though Merlin tried to pry into Sam and his friends' life a few times, Merlin's taken to simply waiting for them to tell him when they want to. There's a lot more to their world that Merlin doesn't completely understand, but the pieces to the puzzle that they drop occasionally have made Merlin wonder just how bad it was for them back home. Sam's slightly better than the rest of Team Free Will when it comes to healthy habits, but the man's tendency to goad powerful beings is one that makes Merlin nervous for his safety. Now that Lucifer's out of the city, Merlin hopes that Sam and the others will have some much needed peace. smartwinchester

Sora Naegino Kaleido Star ✦✦
"I don't think I can agree with someone who would do something like that to anyone."
Bright and cheerful are two words Merlin would pick to describe Sora. She's a kind soul, a good friend, and a great person to have around for the Teacher's Council. Though it seems like Sora can be easily flustered at times, Merlin's found that she can be determined when it comes to helping other people. While Sora has the best intentions at heart, she sometimes jumps to conclusions that get her in trouble (mostly with Arthur). Merlin just wants her to understand that things were extremely complicated in Camelot, even if he wishes they weren't. Still, he knows she cares for them, and that's good enough for him. dreamsonwings