A smile is the most beautiful attire that anyone can wear.
-Unknown
To say Gwaine was surprised, would be a major understatement.
He was astounded. And, if he were being honest with himself, just a little bit jealous.
The object of his surprise and -slight- jealousy was currently sitting on a stool, sipping from a jug of mead, completely oblivious to the aggravation he was causing his drinking companion. Gwaine sighed, taking a chug from his drink before woefully turning back to Merlin.
It just wasn't fair.
Why was it that skinny, outspoken Merlin, was somehow the most sought-after man in Camelot?
At first, Gwaine hadn't noticed, what with him being banished within a week of his arrival and all... But upon returning to Camelot, he had found that apparently, Merlin was one of the most discussed people in the entire city.
Gangly, clumsy Merlin.
Gwaine was about ready to rip his hair out.
Silently, he watched Merlin from his corner of the bar, trying to decipher what exactly it was about Merlin that seemed to attract so many women.
The worst part about the situation, as far as Gwaine could see, was that Merlin was the most oblivious person on the planet. Gwaine had been forced to sit by and watch as multiple women practically threw themselves at him, only to be smiled at kindly, all attempts at flirtation completely ignored. So now, Gwaine was on a recon mission. He had to find out what it was about Merlin that made him so popular with the ladies.
Five minutes later, Gwaine had absolutely nothing.
Merlin wasn't acting any differently then he did around the knights. He still had that tall thin frame, that messy black hair, and those bright blue eyes. He still waved his hands about wildly when he talked, and kept almost falling off the bench anytime he got to a particularly dramatic part of the story he was telling to a now growing crowd of people. In other words, he was just being Merlin.
It didn't make any sense.
After five more minutes of careful observation, Gwaine finally had a theory.
It was the smile.
Anytime Merlin gave even the barest glimpse of anything resembling his usual grin, the entire group practically swooned.
Deciding that he was going to need more time to test his theory, Gwaine leaned back in his chair and watched in amusement as Merlin sat in the middle of an increasingly large number of girls.
This was going to be fun.
A week later saw Gwaine with a confirmed theory, a significant headache, and an angry Merlin chasing him through the castle corridors whilst shouting profanities.
Arthur laughing in the background.