Just a quick musing on what Arthur might have thought when he first met Gwaine, because we all know Gwaine is unconventional and Arthur is easily confused.
And of course, typical disclaimers and blah blah blah apply.
First Impressions
When he swaggered up, practically oozing cockiness, to involve himself in someone elses fight, Arthur thought the man a fool, honestly. Then, as people and objects started to fly, he caught a few glimpses of the other man fighting and had to admit he could obviously hold his own. Still, he wasn't prepared to see the fool of a fighter throw himself in front of the blade meant for himself.
The man was a fool, the man was a fighter, and the man was a hero. Then Merlin told him the man's name: Gwaine.
He was mildly impressed by Gwaine, until he got the tavern bill. A drunk fool who could fight and save a life, but a drunk fool none the less. The man seemed to like to be a conflicted personality. Merlin seemed to like him, which made Arthur roll his eyes.
Of course, just when he was about to forgive Gwaine, he was called to the throne room. Gwaine had been involved in an attack on two knights. Two knights, and neither was able to get the upper hand. Arthur's head hurt trying to reconcile the differences in this man. But no matter how confusing, Gwaine stood up for him and stood up for Merlin. And Gwaine spoke out against Uther, spoke of true nobility, and his words resonated within.
So Arthur spoke, defending the man, not entirely because he owed him. Because he realized Gwaine, in some ways, was so like Merlin. A foolish hero who would defend his friends, no matter the cost.
Yet again, he proved it, entering the melee to help Arthur against those who wished him dead. And for his trouble, for his noble act, he was still banished, something he took in stride, as though it were no big deal.
Arthur couldn't help but feel as though another good man was departing Camelot for nothing more than doing what he felt right. A foolish, yet noble hearted man.
Of course, Merlin thought he should be a knight, which was a ridiculous thought. But then, Merlin had though the same of Lancelot, and he hadn't exactly been wrong...