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There’s something about Merlin. And no, it’s not the magic.
There’s something about Merlin, and Gwaine isn’t sure what it is, but it pulls him, intrigues him. It has something to do with Arthur, maybe. Theoretically, of course, it should all be about Arther, being a knight, being willing to stay here.
But it’s not about Arthur at all really, it’s about Merlin, and the way Merlin is, the way he trusts but doesn’t.
Here’s the thing about Merlin, Gwaine’s figured out. Merlin is absolutely certain that Arthur will have him killed at the drop of a hat. Merlin stays anyway.
That fascinates Gwaine. He doesn’t understand it, and he wants to.
So maybe Gwaine stays to have Merlin’s back. Because Merlin would die for Arthur, and Merlin is so sure that Arthur would kill him if he knew his secrets. Because nobles are assholes, and Arthur’s no exception, and admittedly neither is Gwaine, but someone should be here for Merlin first, and Arthur only incidentally.
So maybe it’s that Merlin needs someone. Or maybe it’s that Gwaine looks at Merlin, and the way he’s terrified, and the way he stays, and he’s fascinated. And maybe Gwaine is here because he wants to try out a little of that not-trust for himself.