Wow. This is dark, but really moving. I like the changes from past to present to future tenses, it gives it a really interesting feel and sucks you in. That's clever. And I really like the stream of Arthur's thoughs that then stop dead at the moments of realisation.
I particularly like where Arthur punches Caradoc, how you didn't actually write the punch just suddenly Arthur notices his hand throbs and Caradoc's nose is bleeding. That really adds to the emotion, the subconscious instinct for Arthur to hurt the person that hurt Merlin.
Great story, great depth, great writing.

Whew, I loved this

I'm shaking so hard right now, this was so painful and yet the end left me with something akin to hope. I don't quite know what to say about this, other than you have created something moving and powerful that I really really love. You're an amazing writer and I look forward to reading more of your stories.

Wow. This was, well, beautiful to say the least. Your writing is absolutely amazing. I can't get enough of it, as I've been saying, but this may top it all. I just can't get over how perfectly you manage to capture the characters, and how incredible all of your plots are.

In short, I love everything about this.

Write more I want to see how they would be if merlin found someone to be with or he couldn't let anyone tochh him

So tragic and moving.

I think you did a really great job dude! I could really feel the mood and the chaotic thought patterns as well (if that doesn't make any sense, please blame my lack of sleep). Awesome job! :D

A. Arthur was perfect. Merlin was perfect. This story was perfect. Arthur said exactly what he needed to say and I loved it.

I really liked how Merlin handled himself in this. Pretending to be okay because Arthur needs his support structure, it's really different from what I usually read in this kind of fic. Cause it's usually Merlin pretends to be okay when he's not because he needs to physically protect Arthur, and while that's true in this fic, I really liked how he felt he emotionally needed to protect Arthur instead. Really enjoyed it!

This made me cry a lot

This was pretty awesome. You write beautifully.

That was really amazing! I love this so much, Poor Merlin! That was so good, I love Arthur’s reaction to it all, especially when he finally shut up that asshole who hurt Merlin! And the talk he had with Merlin couldn’t have been more perfect, that was really well written! This just took my breath away, such a good fic, I just adored it when Arthur’s mind kept repeating then same thing, ‘He hurt Merlin’, that was beautiful! :’D

Interesting

I think you did a great job on this. Merlin really is a master at hiding his pain and it’s good to see Arthur realise how much Merlin really does sacrifice just so Arthur can continue to have a rock. Merlin shoulders so much and really has no one besides Gaius to lean on, so I hope Arthur can start being a little more giving in their friendship. I love the writing style, you managed to make it very introspective on Arthur’s part without making it boring to read and still portraying the action. If you ever decide to follow up I’d love to see this story from Merlin’s perspective, or more of the aftermath (his conversation with Gaius must be heartbreaking) and I’m a big fan of stories that realistically deal with recovery from trauma. Merlin’s total denial here isn’t just about Arthur, but also about him not wanting to face what happened to him and it would be interesting to read his acceptance of his trauma and see how his friends help him through it.
Regardless, this was great. Well done!

wow. just wow. your use of third person omniscient is amazing! also the use of language and style is better than ive seen other creative writing university students do! amazing!
-someone currently studying a bachelors degree in creative writing and english literature