#bbcmerlinsecretsanta2015

Sorry it’s late. I got distracted doing “research” aka rewatching large portions of Merlin. It is also not really a fic... IDK what this is.

It was kind of awkward in the first few weeks. They had all stood in a circle and pledged to follow Arthur. That bonded them together in the first battle. They were forced together to save Arthur and to save Camelot. 

As soon as they regained control of the castle, Arthur ordered for a round table to be built and had given them each a seat. 

Adjusting to life in the castle was strange. The new rooms given to Lancelot, Percival, Elyan, and Gwaine were small, cramped, and close-quartered. All four were in a row and the walls, though made of stone, did nothing to block the sounds from the other rooms.

“These are your rooms,” Announced Arthur as he turned around to face his new knights, “They are small but you won’t be spending much time here anyway. I’ll let you check it out and I’ll send Merlin to fetch you later. If you have any, erm, stuff you can put it in there,” Arthur glanced at the empty hands of the knights uncomfortably, “Yes, I’ll… go.” The knights arrived with nothing but Gwaine took it in his stride, “Well, it has got to be better than Merlin’s bed,” and strode confidently into the first of the rooms. The door rattled as it flew open and Gwaine promptly tripped on the low lying bed right behind it. The others looked on, unsure whether they should laugh or help him. Gwaine however quickly hopped back up, muttered a quiet “Ta-da” before closing the door.

Over the next few days they were all careful to be very quiet within their own rooms so as not to disturb the others, though there was always the occasional curse as Elyan stubbed his toe, or Percival’s head hit the ceiling. 

Training was tedious and grueling. The knights spent more than ten hours a day together training, eating, and more training.

Gwaine didn’t stay awkward for long though. Three days in he was already making jokes (mostly at Arthur’s expense). These jokes earned smiles from Lancelot and big, loud laughs from Percival. Leon would laugh too, but covered it up with mock stern glares. Elyan was more shy but always glanced up. 

They began going on patrols together two weeks later. Afterwards, Gwaine and Percival would go out for drinks, bonding over their love of food. Percival would always invite Lancelot, who didn’t always come, but when he did would always ask if Elyan wanted to come as well. 

When they drank together, Elyan become louder and bolder, though not always because of the alcohol. Leon came occasionally as well. At first he came rarely, playing the aloof commander, but soon adopted a “what the hell” attitude and came almost every time.

Gwaine also extended a permanent invitation to Merlin (“I hear you frequent the taverns”), however after Merlin’s first trip he politely declined to go again saying it was too rowdy, opting to spend time with them during the day rather than the night.

By the end of the first month, Gwaine and Percival were nabbing food from the kitchen lady, who was, incidentally, the first of the household staff to learn their names. Though their names (Gwaine in particular) were quickly spread in notoriety around the castle.

Arthur invited them on their first special mission. It was very exciting. In their first battle together against the undead, they had each saved each others lives multiple times, but then it was responded to with an acknowledging nod. It was very different after they became friends.

Percival saved Gwaine’s life from an overlarge hog (“Ironically,” as he teased later). Gwaine responded with, “Thanks, mate.” Which may seem common, but this time it came with a newfound respect (He also bought them all drinks that night, so Percival was gratified). 

Elyan rescued Gwaine as well, who is just generally not paying attention and in need of saving. That was the blossoming moment of their friendship. Gwaine began inviting Elyan to everything and specifically directing the conversation toward him when he was silent. “What do you think, Elyan?” “That sounds like a shit plan. Elyan, you look like you’re thinking. What are you cooking up in there?”

Leon was the first to call them a squad. Gwaine took quite a fancy to the name, and used the term excessively. “Here comes my squad.” He didn’t think Arthur really noticed until Arthur replied, “Actually I think it’s my squad.” And then Lancelot chimed in, “More like Merlin’s squad.” Merlin laughed but Arthur was appalled, “Merlin?!” Thus began the great squad debate (results: inconclusive).

Rating: General Audiences Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply

Relationships: Gwen/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin/Morgana (Merlin) Characters: Gwen (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Percival (Merlin)

Words: 1600, Chapters: 1/1

Summary: Arthur and Gwen go on a skiing trip with their friends, but manage to get lost in the woods. Fluff ensues.

This was written for the BBC Merlin Secret Santa 2015 @bbcmerlinsecretsanta, and is a gift for @ajsrandom! :3

I would like to thank @polestardean for the proofreading.