That's...a genuine apology, isn't it? Wow! Wow, alright then, looks like this is really happening, Merlin can't not tell Hanna if he's going to apologize like that, huh? With another heavy sigh, Merlin double checks the door one last time before looking up at Hanna with the most pathetic eyes.]
I- listen. It's alright. I only got testy because you aren't......entirely wrong. [Oooooohhhkay, he can do this. Maybe. A part of him feels like he can back out quickly and just yell sike, but then he'll just have to keep living with constantly guessing if Hanna believed that or not. Perhaps if he gave himself the reassurance...] What I'm about to say, I'm begging you to PLEASE keep between us. Lord knows Maya looks for any opportunity to push me off my pedestal, she would ABSOLUTELY tear me apart if she knew....
...but...I may have just gotten over a particularly nasty curse before arriving here. So I'm a little.........sensitive.
[Oh, well that's got his attention. He sits up straighter, scooting forward a bit so he can speak low and keep this hush-hush, as requested.]
A curse that turned you into a dwarf?? That makes way more sense than some girl living with a bunch of little old men! Like, that's a way more compelling story--
[Not...the reaction he was expecting and Merlin can feel his face flush at Hanna's sudden excitement in his misery. Of course, this only means his face gets even greener instead of a typical blush, which in turn only makes him feel worse because IT'S ALWAYS GREEN, AIN'T IT?!]
Wha- It is NOT compelling, it was humiliating!!
[Merlin hisses much like a cat would when presented the entire face of a horse.]
I'll have you know I was like that for over a year! We all were! We were so ashamed, we had to go live out in the woods. ...Which, speaking as both a human and a nymph, was actually quite pleasant. BUT STILL!! We had missing posters, Hanna!! It was a whole thing!!
[...well shit, guess it's time for even more confessions. Merlin chuckles awkwardly, the kind of chuckle that drips with guilt.]
Ah, no, actually... This was the, um, faerie...princess...?
[He isn't about to bring up his earlier faerie freak out and something tells him he doesn't have to. All the pieces, here they are. Hanna's been good about solving everything so far.]
Funny story, I may have mistook her as a witch, so...you were close!
...You don't say? If only I got some sort of retribution for my horrible actions. Some sort of cruel punishment to teach me a valuable life lesson. A curse, if you will.
If you think that's a lot, try living it. Being all...short...and chubby......and green...
[Merlin wiggles his fingers aggressively before flopping down backwards on Hanna's bed, blowing the leaves that make up his hair from his face when they eventually flop over his eyes in return. He still feels just a tad nervous over spilling something so personal, but...the sense of control he has knowing it's only Hanna sort of makes this all...relieving? If anyone HAS to know, he'd like it to be his friend.]
I guess I just thought if I'm going to be stuck in a hellish nightmare world, that I could at least cherish the fact that no one would ever have to know, but no. Of course my life and the lives of everyone I care about are universally written down, inaccurate as they are. ...Just not inaccurate enough. I suppose I could've kept keeping it all to myself, I just didn't want you believing I'm some sort of dwarf merely parading around as a prince.
You are, by far, one of the few things I actually like quite a lot about this world. I'd hate for you to think of me that way.
[He fidgets with the hem of his shirt during Merlin's mini monologue, the weight of his actions beginning to settle a little more heavily on his shoulders than it had before... and he even apologized already! He's a man with secrets, he can respect someone wanting to keep something like to themselves
It's that last part that almost crushes him. He went and upset someone who actually likes him! Ugh, he's such a dick. But he's not going to wallow in this one man pity party! He's gonna make up for it, dammit, and fix it. He can't let Merlin regret this!]
Oh, no, man! I never thought you were pretending to be a prince or anything. That part's pretty obvious! You've got, like, a super princely demeanor and all that. Confidence, talent, smarts, the magic and looks to back it all up? Like who wouldn't think you were actually a prince? [Pfft.]
And, listen... I won't tell anybody else what I know. And like, if someone comes to the same conclusion I did, they probably just know the weird variation of your story, and it wasn't me that told'em. I'll pinky swear right here, right now, that my zips are lipped. Scout's honor.
Why Hanna, I never realized you thought so highly of me~
[He'll have to hand it to him, Hanna certainly knows how to butter a prince up. Yeah, Merlin supposes he IS all those things, isn't he? The familiar green plant-blush returns in his cheeks as he shoots a raised pinky Hanna's way. Very well, he'll hold him up to this.]
So you understand why none of this is ever allowed to reach Maya's ears, right?
[Because he will absolutely die, that's why.]
She's the only other one who has any way of figuring it out. At least now I know what parts of my life can clue anyone in, so I'll simply......keep them to myself. No one needs to know how many people I've lived with...or Snow's name...or anything about me, really.
[omg someone is actually engaging in the pinky promise with him?? And not asking if he's twelve? This is such an important step in a friendship: sincerely sharing secrets and promising to keep them! True bestie territory.
Hanna grins wide, hooking his little finger with Merlin's and giving it a shake. If he were a dog, his tail would be out of control.]
A thousand percent. Your secret is so safe with me.
[If he weren't so hush-hush himself, he'd probably be a bit more hesitant to hide things from Maya. But... this isn't his story to tell, and he wouldn't want anybody else spilling his beans, so... it's fine.]
Yeah, that's uh. Probably a good idea. [Especially the "sleeping with six other grown men" thing--]
Man, it's gotta be hard to be that famous, huh. [Snickering a bit. He's only teasing a little bit, but it's true! Merlin's kind of a famous guy.]
[What do you mean no one else sleeps with six other grown men???
Anyone who denies the importance of a pinky promise is the real twelve year old as far as he's concerned. His finger hooks against Hanna's tightly as he seals their gentleman's agreement and suddenly it's like a weight's been lifted off his shoulders. He trusts Hanna, he's a pretty secretive guy himself, so...it should be...fine!!
Once he releases from the pinky promise, Merlin sighs again, but this time much more fondly. Still lying across Hanna's bed, he spreads his flowered arms and smiles as he thinks about his former life.]
Quite the opposite, actually. I rather like being famous. [Of course he knows Hanna is referring more to these weird multiversal stories he's in and NOT his F7 days, but still.] I know it comes off as egotistical, but I'll always be a creature who craves attention. And when everyone knows you AND adores you? Why, it's like being surrounded by friends everywhere you go.
...I wish it was the same here. Instead everyone treats me like some sort of weirdo if they aren't being downright hostile. So...I really must thank you for being the kindest person here.
[Wow, Hanna super can't relate, but it's nice to know that someone he likes is so well-loved by the people in his own universe. The way Merlin lights up when he talks about his life back home is so genuine that it warms the kelpie to his once-empty core. Sure, it would be easy to think this guy's just full of himself, but like Hanna said earlier, he's got everything he needs to back up his claims! You can't expect a prince to not act like a prince, okay--]
I dunno what everybody else's problem is, but it's messed up that you think you have to thank me just for being nice to you... Not that you're messed up or anything, but-- just. Wow.
[He flops down in the open space next to Merlin, dangling his legs off the edge of the bed and folding his hands over his belly.]
I know it's a hell of a culture shock just to show up here, but I can't imagine showing up as royalty to a place that doesn't even know your kingdom exists... That's gotta hurt. But... I think you'll be able to make more friends real easy! We just gotta maybe not do it on the internet. When people don't have faces to tie to the things they say, they're more likely to be extra shitty. But when people can actually see you in person and see what a cool and fun guy you are, they'll think twice about being a jerk to you!
[That's certainly a... hopeful perspective on the situation, Hanna. Now let's just hope it works out!]
[Ah, now that they're both dangling their legs off the bed and lying next to each other, it really does feel like how he used to hang out with his friends back home. Just bros being bros, on the same bed. He laughs at first as Hanna goes on, turning his head towards the kelpie and smirking as Hanna pretty much says everything he wants to hear. Everyone else DOES have a problem, don't they? It's not Merlin who is wrong, he's just an innocent guy trying to learn and make connections. How could he be messed up when THEY'RE the ones attacking HIM?
But as Hanna goes on, Merlin's smirk weakens and his glowing golden eyes...soften. The way Hanna talks about him in such a positive manner brings a strangely familiar, comforting feeling that...rattles him almost.
But not in a bad way...
No, this reassurance that he's fun and worthy of friendship hits waaaay too close to how Snow used to talk to him, constantly reassuring him that he was great whenever he talked down on himself. The way Hanna confidently lifts him up instead of just patronizing him or his feelings, it's...exactly what he needs to hear.
So he nods.]
Yeah, yeah you're right. No, you're absolutely right. You won't believe how many of my friendships here started with some sort of fiasco, only for them to warm up to me and my incredible charm.
[Alright...he can still tone the ego down a little.]
I just...neeeeed to accept that I won't automatically be adored no matter what I do. I'm just grateful you were able to see me for who I really am immediately and didn't, like...hassle me or anything. Even while you were terrifying me with monster vibes, you were still oddly supportive.
[If Merlin were less self-aware, Hanna might have been put off by this incredible charm a while ago, but since he's more than sure that it's legit, he can't even be mad that he is incredibly charming.]
I'ma be honest-- [He turns his head to face the nymph, looking serious despite the somewhat mischievous twinkle in his eye.] I think they're just jealous. Now-- don't say that to anybody, duh, but it would explain why they're so quick to jump on you. They only wish they could be a charming, princely wizard. ...Wizardly prince?
Anyway-- I like that you're you. I-- I really appreciate how you're 100% Merlin and you're not afraid to be exactly who you are. A lotta people... don't really like themselves! So of course they're gonna be intimidated when they meet someone like you.
[Hanna doesn't quite like himself all the time either, but at least he recognizes it.]
Which, y'know, was why I was throwing around those vibes! You're kinda like Maya, Unapologetically You, which was why I thought maybe you'd be a mermaid. Buuut I guess I got carried away, cos... you're really funny when you get all puffed up and stuff. It's cute! Super cute, but like... not worth getting you upset like before, y'know? So... I'll tone down the teasing. Promise.
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momijizukamori
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That's...a genuine apology, isn't it? Wow! Wow, alright then, looks like this is really happening, Merlin can't not tell Hanna if he's going to apologize like that, huh? With another heavy sigh, Merlin double checks the door one last time before looking up at Hanna with the most pathetic eyes.]
I- listen. It's alright. I only got testy because you aren't......entirely wrong. [Oooooohhhkay, he can do this. Maybe. A part of him feels like he can back out quickly and just yell sike, but then he'll just have to keep living with constantly guessing if Hanna believed that or not. Perhaps if he gave himself the reassurance...] What I'm about to say, I'm begging you to PLEASE keep between us. Lord knows Maya looks for any opportunity to push me off my pedestal, she would ABSOLUTELY tear me apart if she knew....
...but...I may have just gotten over a particularly nasty curse before arriving here. So I'm a little.........sensitive.
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[Oh, well that's got his attention. He sits up straighter, scooting forward a bit so he can speak low and keep this hush-hush, as requested.]
A curse that turned you into a dwarf?? That makes way more sense than some girl living with a bunch of little old men! Like, that's a way more compelling story--
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Wha- It is NOT compelling, it was humiliating!!
[Merlin hisses much like a cat would when presented the entire face of a horse.]
I'll have you know I was like that for over a year! We all were! We were so ashamed, we had to go live out in the woods. ...Which, speaking as both a human and a nymph, was actually quite pleasant. BUT STILL!! We had missing posters, Hanna!! It was a whole thing!!
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I'm real sorry that happened to you guys... it must have been really hard.
[But he can't stop himself from digging for a little more information, as always.]
...Was it the witch that did it to you?
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Ah, no, actually... This was the, um, faerie...princess...?
[He isn't about to bring up his earlier faerie freak out and something tells him he doesn't have to. All the pieces, here they are. Hanna's been good about solving everything so far.]
Funny story, I may have mistook her as a witch, so...you were close!
Aaaaaaand I attacked her.
........a lot.
1/2
2/2
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Look, I'm sorry-- it's a lot to take in, okay!
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[Merlin wiggles his fingers aggressively before flopping down backwards on Hanna's bed, blowing the leaves that make up his hair from his face when they eventually flop over his eyes in return. He still feels just a tad nervous over spilling something so personal, but...the sense of control he has knowing it's only Hanna sort of makes this all...relieving? If anyone HAS to know, he'd like it to be his friend.]
I guess I just thought if I'm going to be stuck in a hellish nightmare world, that I could at least cherish the fact that no one would ever have to know, but no. Of course my life and the lives of everyone I care about are universally written down, inaccurate as they are. ...Just not inaccurate enough. I suppose I could've kept keeping it all to myself, I just didn't want you believing I'm some sort of dwarf merely parading around as a prince.
You are, by far, one of the few things I actually like quite a lot about this world. I'd hate for you to think of me that way.
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It's that last part that almost crushes him. He went and upset someone who actually likes him! Ugh, he's such a dick. But he's not going to wallow in this one man pity party! He's gonna make up for it, dammit, and fix it. He can't let Merlin regret this!]
Oh, no, man! I never thought you were pretending to be a prince or anything. That part's pretty obvious! You've got, like, a super princely demeanor and all that. Confidence, talent, smarts, the magic and looks to back it all up? Like who wouldn't think you were actually a prince? [Pfft.]
And, listen... I won't tell anybody else what I know. And like, if someone comes to the same conclusion I did, they probably just know the weird variation of your story, and it wasn't me that told'em. I'll pinky swear right here, right now, that my zips are lipped. Scout's honor.
[But was he ever a scout? Who knows.]
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[He'll have to hand it to him, Hanna certainly knows how to butter a prince up. Yeah, Merlin supposes he IS all those things, isn't he? The familiar green plant-blush returns in his cheeks as he shoots a raised pinky Hanna's way. Very well, he'll hold him up to this.]
So you understand why none of this is ever allowed to reach Maya's ears, right?
[Because he will absolutely die, that's why.]
She's the only other one who has any way of figuring it out. At least now I know what parts of my life can clue anyone in, so I'll simply......keep them to myself. No one needs to know how many people I've lived with...or Snow's name...or anything about me, really.
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Hanna grins wide, hooking his little finger with Merlin's and giving it a shake. If he were a dog, his tail would be out of control.]
A thousand percent. Your secret is so safe with me.
[If he weren't so hush-hush himself, he'd probably be a bit more hesitant to hide things from Maya. But... this isn't his story to tell, and he wouldn't want anybody else spilling his beans, so... it's fine.]
Yeah, that's uh. Probably a good idea. [Especially the "sleeping with six other grown men" thing--]
Man, it's gotta be hard to be that famous, huh. [Snickering a bit. He's only teasing a little bit, but it's true! Merlin's kind of a famous guy.]
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What do you mean no one else sleeps with six other grown men???Anyone who denies the importance of a pinky promise is the real twelve year old as far as he's concerned. His finger hooks against Hanna's tightly as he seals their gentleman's agreement and suddenly it's like a weight's been lifted off his shoulders. He trusts Hanna, he's a pretty secretive guy himself, so...it should be...fine!!
Once he releases from the pinky promise, Merlin sighs again, but this time much more fondly. Still lying across Hanna's bed, he spreads his flowered arms and smiles as he thinks about his former life.]
Quite the opposite, actually. I rather like being famous. [Of course he knows Hanna is referring more to these weird multiversal stories he's in and NOT his F7 days, but still.] I know it comes off as egotistical, but I'll always be a creature who craves attention. And when everyone knows you AND adores you? Why, it's like being surrounded by friends everywhere you go.
...I wish it was the same here. Instead everyone treats me like some sort of weirdo if they aren't being downright hostile. So...I really must thank you for being the kindest person here.
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I dunno what everybody else's problem is, but it's messed up that you think you have to thank me just for being nice to you... Not that you're messed up or anything, but-- just. Wow.
[He flops down in the open space next to Merlin, dangling his legs off the edge of the bed and folding his hands over his belly.]
I know it's a hell of a culture shock just to show up here, but I can't imagine showing up as royalty to a place that doesn't even know your kingdom exists... That's gotta hurt. But... I think you'll be able to make more friends real easy! We just gotta maybe not do it on the internet. When people don't have faces to tie to the things they say, they're more likely to be extra shitty. But when people can actually see you in person and see what a cool and fun guy you are, they'll think twice about being a jerk to you!
[That's certainly a... hopeful perspective on the situation, Hanna. Now let's just hope it works out!]
We just gotta get you out there!
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But as Hanna goes on, Merlin's smirk weakens and his glowing golden eyes...soften. The way Hanna talks about him in such a positive manner brings a strangely familiar, comforting feeling that...rattles him almost.
But not in a bad way...
No, this reassurance that he's fun and worthy of friendship hits waaaay too close to how Snow used to talk to him, constantly reassuring him that he was great whenever he talked down on himself. The way Hanna confidently lifts him up instead of just patronizing him or his feelings, it's...exactly what he needs to hear.
So he nods.]
Yeah, yeah you're right. No, you're absolutely right. You won't believe how many of my friendships here started with some sort of fiasco, only for them to warm up to me and my incredible charm.
[Alright...he can still tone the ego down a little.]
I just...neeeeed to accept that I won't automatically be adored no matter what I do. I'm just grateful you were able to see me for who I really am immediately and didn't, like...hassle me or anything. Even while you were terrifying me with monster vibes, you were still oddly supportive.
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I'ma be honest-- [He turns his head to face the nymph, looking serious despite the somewhat mischievous twinkle in his eye.] I think they're just jealous. Now-- don't say that to anybody, duh, but it would explain why they're so quick to jump on you. They only wish they could be a charming, princely wizard. ...Wizardly prince?
Anyway-- I like that you're you. I-- I really appreciate how you're 100% Merlin and you're not afraid to be exactly who you are. A lotta people... don't really like themselves! So of course they're gonna be intimidated when they meet someone like you.
[Hanna doesn't quite like himself all the time either, but at least he recognizes it.]
Which, y'know, was why I was throwing around those vibes! You're kinda like Maya, Unapologetically You, which was why I thought maybe you'd be a mermaid. Buuut I guess I got carried away, cos... you're really funny when you get all puffed up and stuff. It's cute! Super cute, but like... not worth getting you upset like before, y'know? So... I'll tone down the teasing. Promise.