I just want to go on record and say that gwainevere hug in 3’13 is sooo important to me. The reunion hug that came after days of not knowing whether Gwen had escaped the citadel, and right before another surprise attack. I’m willing to read into it and say that Gwen and Gwaine are blissfully aware of their chemistry and are very content to keep it that way.
Gwen gives Arthur the lovingly bracing hug of an established relationship, nose-in-hair and nails scraping over his breastplate etc etc. Then she walks over to Merlin and, guessing by the way they shuffle in the background, he gets the firm handshake of a confidant-in-arms. Maybe even a fistbump. And then all of a sudden we hear Elyan’s voice cresting over the hill, shouting in alarm about the incoming enemy, but the camera pans over kiss-cam style to see a Gwen and Gwaine very closely entwined in the background. Her hands slung comfortably around his neck and a big grin on his face.
I don’t doubt Gwaine is overdoing it a little, just to piss off an Arthur who can’t do anything about it, but I also don’t think they’re overselling that intimacy, not even a little bit. From that kiss on the cheek she gave him as farewell weeks ago and all the easy banter they shared, I fear they must be the nearest definition of bosom friends who’re choosing not to set off the Hottest Coupling Ever. Two of the most charismatic and charming individuals in the greater Camelot area with chemistry like dry wood loves to spark, and yet they will not be acting on it whatsoever. Due of a predetermined clause between them, and because their hearts are engaged with other people, but which, and it really goes without saying, makes the concept of Them even hotter. Everyone knows it, Arthur and co. are always painfully aware of it, yet gwainevere will continue to entwine arms around each other perfectly platonically, if a touch too sweet, because their love transcends the tenuity of any LI bombshell pairing.
Enemy soldiers came just then so Arthur’s brain wouldn’t melt from The Concept of themmm
