Written for our special challenge: "The Hearts of Camelot"

Featured Character: Gwaine
Rating/Warnings: K+
Word Count: 389
Summary: Set during Episode 3x04.


Gwaine didn't have to stay in Camelot, nor was it necessary for him to risk his own neck to protect a man he wasn't sure he even liked. Respected, yes... he certainly thought more of Arthur after the way he'd stood up to his father, the king, when every other noble Gwaine had ever met would have turned a blind eye where a commoner was concerned.

Arthur had insisted on treating him fairly, regardless of the humble origins he'd wrongly assumed, and for that, Gwaine was certainly willing to judge him less harshly than others of his kind.

But was he fond of the man? Not particularly, he admitted to himself, recalling Arthur's rather extreme reaction to the bill he'd rung up at the tavern. The Pendragons must have more gold than they knew what to do with; surely the cost of a few drinks and a little something to snack on wouldn't be any hardship for them?

Gwaine conveniently chose to ignore the fact that he'd provided those refreshments to the entire crowd of drunken revelers.

No, his reluctant gratitude toward Arthur definitely wasn't what made his decision to stay such an easy one. That had to be credited to Merlin, who had shown him kindness, understanding, and true friendship throughout the short time they'd known each other. Merlin, who asked for nothing, yet gave so much in return.

Concern for Merlin was why Gwaine had obediently polished boots for nine hours straight, for if he hadn't realized his innocent friend would have been stuck with the work either way, he would've gladly told the arrogant prince exactly what he could do with the army's bloody footwear.

And if he didn't know Merlin would be devastated (for some inexplicable reason) if anything bad happened to Arthur, he'd certainly have been a little more hesitant to risk his life in the melee. Hell, he probably would have gone ahead and done it anyway, but the threat of death, either by execution or a blade to the gut, would've been met with a lot less enthusiasm.

Merlin wasn't the only factor as to why Gwaine decided to stay in Camelot, but his respect and growing affection for his unassuming new friend was the reason he did so with a smile on his face.