Synopsis: Gwaine's thoughts and feelings on Sir Lancelot. Post S3, Pre S4

Gwaine was not a fan of Lancelot.

It wasn't because of his good looks or amazing skill with a sword. In actuality Lancelot was a very nice guy, Gwaine would've thought him a nobleman had he not known the opposite.

No, he was not a fan of the knight in question because of Merlin. Or to be more specific how Merlin acted around him. Gwaine was an easy-going man, but when someone was hogging his best friend you bet he was going to get pissed.

He'd seek out Merlin to hang out (maybe convince him to get drunk), boom! Lancelot was with him. He'd turn to joke with Merlin on his break during training, bang! Lancelot was already making him laugh. Gwaine couldn't explain it but there was something unique about Lancelot and Merlin's friendship. They were always huddled together talking in whispers. It was like Merlin only allowed Lancelot to see his full self, which pained Gwaine.

He's never had a true friend like Merlin before. It was petty, but Gwaine hated sharing.

But let's get one thing straight, He. Was. Not. Jealous. Just because he felt sick every time Lancelot made Merlin laugh, or wanted to challenge Lancelot to a duel when the knight even touched Merlin, did not mean he was jealous.

To clear his head and emotions, Gwaine often relaxed in the nearby meadow. Today was one of those days. After seeing Merlin and Lancelot together at training earlier in the day, he felt he was about to burst.

Suddenly, Gwaine heard a twig snap in the distance and tensed up. Slowly, he reached for his sword. The footsteps were coming closer and quicker. Gwaine stood up and raised his sword for the coming intruder. A certain dark-haired manservant stepped out from the trees and recoiled immediately. "Whoa, Gwaine, it's me!" Merlin shouted, raising his hands. Gwaine sighed in relief and sheathed his sword "Oh Merlin, shouldn't you know not to sneak up on armed people". Merlin gave a sheepish smile, "Sorry."

Gwaine rolled his eyes fondly and sat back down on the soft grass. Merlin joined him moments later. "How'd you find me?" Gwaine asked. Merlin shrugged, "I've seen you coming out to the meadow a couple times in the past. But I won't lie, I did check the tavern first," he admitted. Gwaine's eyes widened, Merlin looked for him? But his bitterness got the best of him, "Why don't you go spend time with Sir Perfectalot hm? It's not like you're not with him every second of the day." He instantly regretted his tone seeing Merlin's hurt expression but was too ashamed to apologize.

"Gwaine...is everything okay?" Merlin questioned, eyeing his friend with concern. When Gwaine didn't answer Merlin continued, "Did I do something to offend you? Please, I'll make amends, I swear," he begged. Now didn't Gwaine just feel like the worst person in that moment. Merlin didn't deserve his scorn, not after being such a good friend. It was Gwaine's own frivolous mindset that was to blame. Here was Merlin, actively seeking him out and here he was pushing him away. "You didn't do anything mate, I'm the problem," he confessed.

Merlin put a hand on his shoulder, "Can you tell me what's going on, you don't have to of course," he assured. Gwaine looked away, not wanting to make contact as he explained. "It's just hard I guess, adjusting to this new life and not always getting to be as carefree like in the past. But I've come to realize we both live very busy lives. I thought...I don't know, I'd get to spend more time with you. Seeing you with Lancelot all the time...I felt left out."

Merlin tried to contain his laughter but failed. Gwaine raised an eyebrow as he watched his best friend break down laughing. "Thanks Merlin, I feel so much better," Gwaine said drily. Merlin took a few breaths to calm himself, "Sorry it's just amusing." "I fail to see anything I just said remotely funny."

"You're jealous of Lancelot," Merlin flat out stated. Gwaine's face heated up, "Am not!" He denied. "Are too, and the whole idea is ridiculous. Gwaine you're one of my closest friends just as much as Lancelot," Merlin confessed.

"Really?" Gwaine asked skeptically. Merlin rolled his eyes exasperatedly, "Yes. Let me ask you this, who was it that I searched every tavern for in need of help in saving a certain prat?" Gwaine fought back a grin, "Me," he answered quietly. "And who was the person I told about my father? For your information not a single other person knows besides Gaius," Merlin added.

Gwaine bit down a triumphant cheer at the privilege. Finally, something Lancelot didn't know!

Merlin's tone became softer, "And let's not forget that during a certain conversation about pheasants I specifically told you I'd do anything for you." Being reminded of all these instances made Gwaine feel like a clotpole, as Merlin would put it.

"And that last point will forever stand," Merlin finished. "That means a lot coming from you mate, thank you," Gwaine told him sincerely. "I do have to apologize for neglecting you though, that was never my intention. I'll try to be a better friend," Merlin promised. A promise Gwaine knew he'd fulfill.

Gwaine pulled Merlin to his chest and ruffled his hair, ignoring Merlin's protests. When Merlin eventually yanked himself free he gave Gwaine a fake glare. They sat glaring at each other before cracking into laughter.

"How about we go play a prank on the princess eh mate?"

"You had me at prank my friend."

So what if Gwaine got insecure at times, it didn't matter, Merlin would always be there to set things straight.