I was listening to Jonathan Coulton's "You Ruined Everything" when I realized "This is totally Gaius". Which shows just how obsessed I am.
Disclaimer: I don't own Merlin.
You Ruined Everything
Well, Gaius, the old man thought to himself, as he sat on the cold dungeon floor, you can't pretend that you didn't know that this would happen.
Merlin was inspecting the ceiling for a way to get out. He insisted that he needed to stay in the castle in order not to get caught, but Gaius knew that he was simply trying out his new levitation spell.
"I'll go and get Morgana or Arthur," Merlin said. "Hopefully they can get you out and talk some sense into Uther."
Merlin trusted Arthur, Gaius could tell that much. He only prayed that his trust wasn't misplaced in the bull-headed boy, so much like his father at that age.
"I'm not sure that he'll appreciate you breaking out of his cell," Gaius said. Merlin shrugged.
Merlin had been, almost imperceptibly, wrecking utter havoc on Gaius's life from the moment that he walked through the door.
Gaius had once been a good – possibly great – physician. He'd been a respected figure at court, despite his humble background. He'd even been the confidante of the king. And now? Tomorrow he was due to be executed for harboring a magician.
He hadn't asked for Merlin. He'd barely even agreed to take him in. And from the first day he'd known Merlin, Gaius had been sure that he was special. And special meant dangerous.
Merlin began to work loose the stones of the ceiling. Gaius moved out of the way. He shook his head.
He'd ruined Gaius's life, that was for sure. But, then again, he hadn't had much of a life before.
Gaius had spent his youth in the library, barely knowing the touch of any living person. By the time he'd realized that he'd wasted his youth, he was too old to do anything about it. He'd made friends in the town, but he'd lost just as many in the fires that purged Camelot of magic. Gaius had no impact. He lost as many lives as he saved. Every good deed he'd done had been negated by his terrible betrayal, so long ago.
"Don't worry," Merlin said, more to himself that to Gaius. "I'll get us out of here."
Gaius couldn't help but smile. His pig-headed determination... He was a young man now. And Gaius had done that.
Merlin was Gaius's new chance. Gaius had hoped that his guidance, his care, had shaped Merlin in some way. Merlin would impact the world in a way that Gaius never could. And maybe, just maybe, the world would be a better place for it.
What more could you ask for a life that that?
"I know," Gaius said. "I know you will."
Merlin may have ruined his life. But Gaius wouldn't have it any other way.