My Friend, My Love ~ Merwaine Oneshots

A Magical Revelation

Synopsis: A certain servants magic is revealed in an extended conversion in 3x08, Eye of the Phoenix
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"That sounded like three pheasants."

"At least."

Gwaine stroked the fire, contemplating how to bring up a specific subject. "In all seriousness, mate, Arthur will be fine. He has you for backup." Merlin blushed and ducked his head from the compliment. "I'm not that amazing, but thank you for your confidence." He said graciously.

Gwaine side eyed his friend, "Your magic is."

Merlin froze and tried to control his breathing. He knew?? When? How? "I-I don't have magic." Merlin denied instinctually.

"I wonder what a person like you is doing in Camelot of all places, serving a Pendragon of all people." Gwaine continued, not sparing a glance at his panicking friend.

Merlin gulped, "Gwaine, I don't have magic. I mean me? I-I'm the most scrawny and clumsiest person to walk the Earth. Why would I have magic nonetheless use it?" He protested. Merlin hoped Gwaine would buy his logic.

Gwaine finally turned to Merlin and gave him a gentle smile, "Merlin, I saw you using magic in the tavern when we first met. Plates and benches don't just fly."How do you know you weren't drunk?" Merlin accused.

"Okay, let's say I was, but the little man on the bridge called you "Magic."" Gwaine said patiently. He sympathized with his friend, a secret like this was no doubt instilled to be hidden. No one liked when their secrets were revealed.

Merlin opened and closed his mouth like a fish, trying to figure out something to shoot down Gwaine's claims. Then he sighed in defeat. He guessed it wasn't so bad for Gwaine to know. He trusted him enough.

"I have magic." Merlin conceded, looking at his hands. He didn't want to see the hatred in Gwaine's eyes. "Don't look so troubled, my friend. Your secret's safe with me." Merlin shot his head up, "You won't tell Arthur?" He asked in disbelief.

Gwaine gave him an affronted look, "Such little faith, who do you take me for? I'm not about to sell out my best friend to the man who could potentially get him killed. Besides, you've kept my nobility a secret, which I'm thankful for. Why wouldn't I do the same?"

Merlin shifted in guilt from the passion of Gwaine's speech, "You're right, I'm sorry. I'm just used to guarding my magic so carefully. Ever since I was little, my mother was teaching me how to hide my gifts."

"You've had magic since you were a child?" Gwaine asked sadly. He couldn't imagine how hard his friend must've had it growing up.
Merlin nodded slowly, "My mother said my eyes glowed gold the first time I opened them," he revealed.

Gwaine was taken aback, born? He didn't think it was possible to be born with magic, but he believed his friend's words.

"This all happened in Camelot? Why in God's name would you take such a risk staying there?" Gwaine asked worriedly. Merlin smiled at him humorously, "I wasn't born in Camelot, I was born in Cenred's land's in a little village called Ealdor."

His smile turned bittersweet, "As to why I stay, well... there's a prophecy that tells of a King that will unite the lands and bring magic back. My destiny is to help this king, Arthur, is that king or will be."

"Emrys," Gwaine mumbled. Merlin's eyes widened, "You know about that?" He questioned. Gwaine knew the name of the legend from tavern stories he's heard over the years. He remembered how it was said Emrys was the most powerful sorcerer to ever walk the Earth.

"You're Emrys!?" Gwaine exclaimed. There was no way his friend could be a mythical figure unless....

"Prove it!" He stated. Merlin hesitated but directed his gaze to the fire. Gwaine watched mesmerized as his friends eyes glowed glow and looked at the fire before him to see it had taken the shape of a flying dragon.

It all made sense now. The magic, the dwarf on the bridge, following Arthur on a death sentence of a quest nobody in their right mind would do. From the moment they met, Gwaine knew there was something different about his friend. Now he knew.

"You're not afraid?"

Gwaine snapped out of his thoughts, hearing his friend's fear laced question. Oh, Merlin. He grabbed his friends and shook him. "Afraid? Mate, that was incredible. You're incredible!" He shouted joyfully.

Merlin laughed, and all the tension left him. His insecurities washed away. "That means so much to hear you say that, It's nice to be myself, especially around those I care for."

"You won't ever have to hide yourself from me, ya hear?" Merlin's eyes watered, but he kept the tears from falling. The feeling of acceptance was indescribable.

Gwaine huffed as Merlin barreled into him for a hug but didn't hesitate to wrap his arms around his lanky friend. "Thanks, Gwaine," he heard Merlin mumble in his shoulder.

"Always mate, always."