@sneakyboymerlin / sneakyboymerlin.tumblr.com
MERLIN 3.08 | The Eye of the Phoenix
Since we’re all in agreement now that Gwaine is (sub)textually in L word (lesbians) with Merlin, can we stop no-homo-ing them in every fic 😭 if I have to see “Gwaine did all that because Merlin is like a brother to him” one more time I’m gonna create a zombifying parasite that takes humans as hosts and then also they ship merwaine because of the parasite and there is peace on earth. worm
Third base is me telling you about my father
Hi. Can you please explain to me what "what am I doing in this bed" is supposed to imply. I have been wracking my brain and coming up empty. I want to share in the Merwaine joy, please and thank you 🙏
First off, context:
In 3x04, Gwaine wakes up naked in a stranger’s bed. How do we know he’s fully naked, not just waist-up? Because his stab wound was on his thigh, meaning that his pants would have been removed to properly treat the wound. He may be wearing underwear, but in any case, the positioning of the blanket over his hips and legs is a deliberate attempt to cover nudity.
So, Gwaine wakes up naked in a stranger’s bed. He looks around the room, having never seen it before. He took a hit to the head that knocked him out, plus he was drinking the day prior, so we can infer that he has a headache and other symptoms that he would interpret as a hangover. Most importantly: he has absolutely no memory of the night before.
Gwaine wakes up naked in a stranger’s bed, with a hangover based on Gwaine’s limited knowledge, and with no memory of the night before. Merlin walks in carrying breakfast (a gesture common after a one night stand) and pauses in the doorway when he sees that Gwaine is already awake. He stares in silence for Unspoken Reasons while Gwaine stares back, seeming unsure of himself.
At this point, and taking Gwaine’s lifestyle into account, he has every reason to suspect that they may have had a one night stand. It’s not impossible. It’s even, from his perspective, probable. Again, he wakes up naked, sore, and hungover in a stranger’s bed with no memory of the night before. It’s a classic set-up.
From here, Gwaine asks, “What am I doing in this bed?” This is an oddly specific phrasing. He could have asked, “Where am I?” or “What am I doing here?” but instead he is focused on and draws attention to the bed aspect. Simultaneously, the vagueness of the statement is meant to allow for another answer besides the one that is on his mind, in case his assumption is in fact incorrect. This avoids insult, awkwardness, homophobia, etc.
It’s worth remembering that his line here is written with intent, especially in the episode that introduces and establishes his character. When the censors are in action, a gay one night stand joke has to be subtle and layered in plausible deniability. In other words, if this “family friendly” series was allowed to be more explicit in its meaning, Gwaine may have instead simply said, “Did we- you know…”
which could mean nothing
i don't mean to alarm anyone but i think sir gwaine might be having an illicit love affair with the king's manservant
I wanna hold hands with you, but that's all I wanna do right now
— close-ups under the cut ✨
@ussmcspirk this was a fun Merwaine fic to write. Let me know you're Ao3 username and I'll gift it to you on there. :)
Story:
The forest is calm today. Most days it is when there’s not several knights trapiezing around, sending their hroses galloping through the trees. They made their way as deep into the woods as they could on foot. Animals scurried away, hiding just out of view, but Merlin can still ehar them. They haven’t left altogether.
It’s nice, digging his feet into the soil. No need to run or hide.
“You look happy.” Gwaine notes as he cuts apart the apple pie. Merlin still isn’t sure how he was able to get it out of the kitchens. No doubt the staff will have a whole new series of rules to try and plans on how to stop him. Not that, that will stop Gwaine.
Merlin can’t help but smile. “I am happy.” He admits reaching out to take the plated slice from Gwaine. “It’s not everyday that I get a break from the castle, and enjoy an honest, pleasant day in these woods.” He takes a bite and practically stuffs his cheeks.
“Is it very different from your typical days here?” Gwaine asks, and Merlin loudly laughs.
Between getting chased by knights, running after magic users, chasing off dragons, and the many other strange occurences that have happened to him specifically in these woods, well it’s not very often he gets a simple, calm day. Merlin closes his eyes. He takes in the cool, firm breeze. The sweet tangy taste of apple pie on his tongue.There’s a group of squirrels chasing each other down a little ways off, leaves crunch under their steps as they rustle about.
It’s the smell of sweat, and metal that gives him a reason to open his eyes again. Gwaine is right in front of Merlin’s face. The wind blows strands of his longer hair against Merlin’s face.
“Yes,” Merlin smiles. “very different.”
“Would you like to make it even better?” Gwaine slips his hands on either side of Merlin’s face.
“And how do you plan on doing that?”
Gwaine chuckles. “Like this.”
The kiss is warm. Gwaine gives in as Merlin presses forward, allowing the young warlock to lead. Despite the fact that he had initiated, but Gwaine is always like that. So much talk, and sauveness. The moment his affections are returned he’s giving and steps back.
It’s nice, being allowed to take the lead for once. Especially in a situation that’s not life or death.
When Merlin pulls away he’s all smiles and joy. “Hurry up and eat your pie before the flies get it.”
“They can have it.” Gwaine leans in again.
“Now Gwaine!” Merlin insists as he pushes Gwaine back. “Or I’ll tell the staff how you got into the kitchens this time!”
The knight pulls back, confused. “How did you know about Elyan?”
Merlin smirks. “I didn’t, but now I do.”
“Cheeky little-”
Merlin pushes Gwaine’s face away. “Go on!”
I hope this makes your night and day easier. If anyone else would like to request some drabbles feel free.
