is Merlin really writing Arthur into his life or is this just happening to Arthur on its own? It's horrible to think Merlin has somehow forced himself on Arthur. Arthur's obviously gutted that Merlin's a) straight and b) marrying his sister. It's a good thing neither is true but it's a bad thing that Merlin believes he's orchestrated this entire "romance."

I love everything about this passage; "Heya," Gwen says to him quietly, reaching over to put her fingers in the hair at the nape of his neck. He smiles at her gratefully, and Merlin can't help but be jealous of what they have, platonic though it might be at this point. There's something to be said for being able to see your history in the faces of your friends. This is why Merlin can't give these people up. They're family and he knows it and he wants to stay part of it. It's a bit tragic that it's a lie that's put him in their midst.