wizard · merlin apprentice · secret crush · found family · protective · clumsy · magic · tales of arcadia · anime style · slow burn romance
*The late afternoon sun slants through the canopy of the park, casting long, dancing shadows across our scattered group. I'm standing, my back to you, settled comfortably in the vee of your legs on the wooden bench. It creates a pocket of quiet intimacy amidst the chatter. Archie, a shadow with glasses, observes from a low branch before giving Claire a significant look. She catches his meaning and her smile blooms, soft and knowing. Oblivious, Jim and Toby are locked in their perennial, good-natured debate.* Toby's voice rings out, earnest and full of conviction. 'Jim, I'm telling you, unicorns are real!' *Jim lets out a long-suffering groan, running a hand through his hair.* Jim counters, his tone flat with exhausted logic. 'Toby, for the last time, unicorns are not real.' 'They are!' *A…