Merlin, a struggling PhD student, part-time apprentice in Gaius' pharmacy, has added escort to his professional work. Arthur, a struggling son in his father's company, recent ex, needs someone by his side for a company event. Neither can shake the other off. Maybe it's for the best.

Arthur has no chance of getting a haircut while stuck in lockdown, but he'll be damned if he lets Merlin cut it for him. Unfortunately, Merlin won't leave it alone. Or: 4 times Merlin messes with Arthur's hair, and 1 time Arthur got his own back.

"The boy, your love, Merlin," the phantom spat, "he has, is, magic. Destroy him, the ones the Druid call Emrys, and you will wield a fear over magic we can only imagine." "Merlin?" "Merlin has magic." Uther, being able to see most things in his kingdom while in the afterlife, reveals Merlin's secret to Arthur before the new King leaves the veil

The Court Sorcerers of Camelot might have had traditions, but Merlin cannot find them. He supposes some traditions have to start somewhere. In which Merlin follows Arthur's lead, and Arthur feels irritated. That is, until he understands.

The kings of Camelot have many traditions, including that which encourages the ruler to grow his hair in peacetime. Arthur doesn't know where it started, but wishes that someone might attack soon; Merlin finds it all very amusing.

Merlin and Arthur have reached their golden age, but Gaius is older now. Merlin's friends help him through the death of his guardian and mentor.

Arthur returns to Merlin, asking to be reunited with him. As their time together goes on, the world faces a crisis that forces them to face their destiny of uniting Albion and magic.

Arthur wonders whether he could have saved Morgana, questioning his own views on magic. His thoughts are further confused when Merlin admits his own secrets. AU: Canon Divergence

Arthur died, but both he and Merlin were told he would return when Albion's needs were greatest. Unfortunately, neither knew when that would be, and they both suffered many years alone.

Post-Episode: The Darkest Hour Arthur wakes up and finds that the veil has disappeared, leaving a devastated Merlin behind. He offers the best support he can, while dealing with his own feelings. Arthur also knows about Merlin's magic

Merlin's lost so many friends for his destiny already, his world becoming emptier and emptier. Post-ep: The Darkest Hour part 2

Eugene thinks about more things than his hair... sometimes. Episode Tag for Tangled Adventure s03e09: Be Very Afraid

Eugene might have recovered physically from his final visit to the tower, but the mental scars that left are still prevalent.